375

Yesterday bright and early I made the drive to Clermont, FL for the Central Florida Triathlon Series.  This was race numero uno! I have a history with this race/series.  This race is where I realized that biking is my weakest leg.  And I’m not saying this as a bad thing, but just for purposes of embracing what I need to work on most.  Plus….Clermont is full of hills and as you remember, hills and I just don’t see eye to eye!😉. I don’t train hils because I don’t like hills.

On to the race!

I got to Clermont super early, so I could get my packet and set up in transition.  I was a little bummed because my friend and fellow TriGut (that’s our “team” name, because we TRY to get rid of our guts, but it ain’t really working!) Tracy wasn’t with us.  She broke her collarbone in a bike accident at our last race in Maderia Beach.  She’s so awesome and I really derive strength to do this just being around her! She’s so positive and her vibes and words replay in my mind when I’m racing. I’m missing her and can’t wait until she’s back at it! 

My wave time was 7:36 am.  All of us in the 40+ AG had pink caps😝, but I dealt with it! 

Swim: 400 meters

The swim was in Lake Minneola, which surprisingly, I don’t mind.  I had a good swim this race and I felt good coming out of the water. 

Time – 8:10

T1- 3:06

I decided to not bike (or run for that matter) in socks. I just put on my bike shoes and out I went….

Bike: 10.4 miles

Oh….what can I say about this leg??? Clermont has a lot of hills and the first one was right at the beginning of the race! Really??? Then the course becomes flat as we rode around Lake Minneola. And.then.it.begins! Hills into the neighborhoods, hills around the neighborhood, oh my!  I’m clipped in and I am freaking out because I feel like I can’t get up the hill! But I did. And then another hill comes and I have to walk up a portion because my legs are dying. I’m not the only one and I’m not the only one allowing F bombs drop all over the place! Then the “mamma jamma” hill is there that I have to go down first and then meet its partner on the way up.  Down went well (with prayer) but up??  Not so much. Again, I wanted to walk up, so I try to get out of my clips while peddling up…and I fall! And the same place as last time! 

This is minor in comparison with what Tracy had a few weeks ago!! But,damn, am I pissed!!! I have to conquer this hill becuae she and I will meet again in this series of 4.  Maybe, I will get it right!! #prayforme. I’ll leave with a positive because a) it was a faster bike than the last time I did this course, even with walking and falling and  b) NO FLAT TIRE!!!

Time- 49:20

T2-2:24

Run-5k 

Ok, so the run was faster than my last race but it still sucked!! It was so freaking HOT by time I got to the run, I had some walk breaks. I hated that!! But I found a lady to run with (a fellow F bomber from our bike) and we ran the last 1.5 mile together.  And she helped me with a new phrase that I think shall be my mantra with all of these races from this point out…“I’m not here to COMPETE, I’m here to COMPLETE”. Well..honestly, I am here to compete, but just with myself and no one else! This is MY race! 

Time- 39:01

Total time – 1:42:04

I was a little less than 2 minutes slower than Madeira Beach, so I am bummed! But I have to remember my bike was awesome at that race and this one…. I haven’t figured out a word for it!!😂

Fellow team member, Lori, placed 3rd in her AG! Not worthy of her friendship, either!! 😂😂

Another TriGut member (who just did a HIM in April, btw) Meghann, did a great job and this was her husband’s first triathlon today! He missed the podium by seconds….next time for sure!!

The medals were cute because you DO know it’s really all about the medal and the shirt, right??

I’m going to keep working on it and hopefully be successful. I will remember this is my race and I have nothing to prove to anyone but myself. I want to do well and improve….that is all I want!!  

Triathlon #2 in the books and looking forward to #3 (but not those hills!!).  Thanks Sommer Sports for putting on such a great race!!

Happy Sunday and thanks for reading!!❤️

Erin Go Run

Yesterday was my favorite holiday of the year….St.Patrick’s Day!🍀. I’m quite sure it all stemmed from my first of two trips to Ireland.  I worked for my Dad one summer and one of the perks was a work trip to the Emerald Isle.  Man….that was love at first site!! Erin go Bragh!

I was lucky enough to return about 10 years later with my sister. Man…the stories I can tell! But I gotta keep it clean…😂 

   Mo and I at the Cliff of Moher

So, I proudly wear my green and celebrate being #Blirish (you know…Black and Irish!!!).   

 I was able to get home and run while the sun was still out (Thanks you, Daylight Savings!).  Hubby was in the kitchen cooking some Irish fare.  I was greeted with a liquid libation of Hibernian proportions.  

 Jameson Whiskey Ginger

• Jameson Whiskey
• Splash of Ginger Ale
• 1/2 of fresh squeezed lime

#helloGORGEOUS.  I really was cheating on my usual..Absolut on the rocks with two lime…but for the occasion,it was totally worth it! Sláinte!!

A few sips and out the door I went… 

 ….for a good 2.6 mile run.  It was nice! 

I was greet upon my return with a great meal 

 Shepard’s Pie (with Ground Chicken)

  Corned Beef and Cabbage

I usually make my Guinness Dark Chocolate cupcakes with Bailey’s Cream Cheese frosting…but I couldn’t swing it this year! #damn

All and all, it was a great day!  I got to celebrate my day with a great run! 

How was your St. Patty’s Day?? 

Do you guys get a shirt every year like me? 

 This one is one of my favs! The kids got new shirts but I didn’t find one for myself! This oldie, but goodie served it its place! #fail

You better WORK….

After the GLUTTONOUS Mother’s Day/First Communion weekend eating, it was refreshing to get back to normalcy; Meaning…working out!!! Particularly since the lady at JCPenney called me (in so many or few words) LARGE. It messes with that psychotic part of my brain….old thoughts and food issues start to rear their ugly heads! 👿👹👺#dontLISTEN

I decided the pool was an excellent  start to the Monday workout routine.   The water was perfect and I couldn’t wait to jump in.  My friend, Leslie, is still out of town, sadly, but my other buddy, Sam joined me.  I love swimming, but I’m sad I can only get so much in because of time.  Sam and I are thinking of doing a triathlon together again. I was courting the race in May (30th to be exact), but time got in the way (basketball!) and I wasn’t able to get my bike to the shop for its preseason tune up (and aero bars!!!😄).  June it is, then!!  It’s more realistic AND school is OUT!!  

I added one more 50m to the workout, aiming for the goal of 10 x 50m @ :60.

• 200m warm up freestyle
• 7 x 50m (freestyle) @ :60
• 100m cool down

Total : 650m
Again, it doesn’t look like much, but I’m happy to be out there.  I’m happy that at (almost) 43, I can do a 50m freestyle in 40 seconds. (SN: at my peak.. 27 seconds was my best time).  #illtakeit

I’m hoping the rest of the week will be:  

Tuesday: swim

Wednesday: run

Thursday: rest

Friday: run

Saturday: run or CrossFit

  I’m TRYING…….!

How was your Monday?

What does your workout week look like?

Keeping busy…..

I managed a rain FREE run yesterday! But typical FL weather, it was HOT at 5pm; that made me run slower than I normally do, and THAT made me angry! But…I’ve lapped the folks on the couch, right??😉  

 Happy….to be done!!  

Tuesdays, Julian has basketball practice and my friend, Leandra (and fellow basketball mom) keep busy with some exercise while our boys are too!  

Source: Pinterest. I know you thought I modeled for the picture, but it isnt me!!😉

We modified the the squats only because we did some squats the day before.  AND…the jumping jacks…yeah those were modified because ladies like us that have had children….generally and GENUINELY don’t like to jump for reasons that I WON’T explain!! #depends.  I did 3 rounds in 13:34.  And it was a challenge!  If you are ever out of town and need a workout (and don’t have access to a gym) ALWAYS check Pinterest for ideas. Check out my Pinterest Fitness board here.  

This afternoon I’m back at CF for some more torture! Pray for me…..

What are you doing today???

One more day……

Thursday, I’m happy to see you because your brother FRIDAY comes right behind you!   I didn’t run yesterday because…well…because I didn’t want to! I was tired and I am learning to listen to my body more often. I am also learning to not beat myself up for NOT working out.  It’s just a waste of time to constantly feed yourself with negative ideas. BTW…I’m still working on that about my BODY image and learning to love me! ⚠️ #selfESTEEM #underCONSTRUCTION ⚠️

I was tired this morning but I realized that I haven’t been taking iron tablet like I am supposed to! #badPA.  I restated just this morning.😃

Since the beginning of the year , I have made some dietary changes.  It has taken some time but I am a BREAKFAST lover!!! I found a new cereal last weekend in Orlando… 

Remember THIS??? LOVE this cereal!!

 

When I got home to Publix, I practically sprinted to the cereal aisle.  I was so sad that they didn’t have it!😢. I DID find a substitute that made up for it… 

YUMMMM!!

I have a serving size (3/4 cup) with blueberries and Almond milk.  (Sorry no pictures because it’s usually eaten early,around 4:20 am AND I eat it so fast!!!).  

My lunch was great and really look forward to that salad. I’m still not bored with it yet!   

 

What’s in it, you asked? 

• Mixed greens – baby spinach, kale, and radicchio
• Romaine lettuce 
• 1/2 of a cucumber 
• Sliced black olives 
• 1/2 can of Southwestern corn mix – corn, black beans, onions, and red peppers
• Ken’s Lite Balsalmic Vinagrette (2 tablespoons)
• Fried onions !!!!
  

  Finished product!

   

This is pretty much what I eat every day!!! Those onions fill my “chip” void! “Hi, I’m Angie and I LOVE chips!!!!“. This fills me UP!!!!

Work was a blur….a multitude of sick people! I mean, it IS what I do….! A few other complaints from patients to switch it up…then the day is over. I was really looking forward to my run today. My partner was having a tooth extracted, so understandly, she couldn’t join me! I wanted to try something different while running…. 

 

Instead of MUSIC, I listened to my Audiobook from Audible. I really didn’t think I was going to like it, but I DID!  I like how I really didn’t think so much. I just ran….and listened. It was nice! You should try it……  This book is GREAT. If you don’t like audiobooks, get it the traditional way. It is weird and odd….and I love it! 

Hubby, home from out of town, made one of my favorites for dinner….Picadillo. 

He makes a lighter version with ground chicken (Picadillo de Pollo) instead of ground beef. This is seasoned with Sofrito, minced garlic and the usual suspects of  seasoning.   It is served over white rice and we always top it off with some sliced avocado. It’s so easy to make (says the lady who DOESN’T cook!) and so EASY to eat. It’s my comfort food. Oh…..and my other favorite- 

 TOSTONES (fried plantains) #nuffSAID

I’m a lucky gal because hubs does ALL the cooking! And it is GOOD!!!! 

Glad the day is done.  Here I sit and wait for Friday, planning if I will try to squeeze one more run in!

Questions-

Your thoughts on Kashi cereals?

Who cooks in your house? 

Audiobooks….love them or hate them?

Random Pre-FRIDAY funny- 

 

Here’s to hoping……😉❤️🍷

Please….NOT again!!

I managed to squeeze some runs in this week, and planning one today,too! I noticed my shins are a little tight but I think it’s because I pushed a little harder on my last run. AND…I need new inserts because I’m such a horrible PRONATOR! 😝

The thumbs down was the day the shins felt a little off. Oh well…

I found that running with my “oh so attractive” compression socks help and I plan on using them today. The run went ok….
My shins are DEFINITELY sore but not to the point to claim them shin splints, THANK GOD!

Kinda how I felt after the run today. #vodkaPLEASE

I cut it about 1/2 mile shorter today for fear of the shins. I also need to invest in a foam roller, to break that s**t up! 😉

The Gasparilla 15k is in two weeks and I’m thinking of taking it light next week. Maybe have one or two runs, I haven’t decided yet. The week of the run…I’m going to rest. I’ve not run this distance before and I’m not sure HOW my shins will hold up, so I’m not going in with sore shins. 😁

Anyone else have some shin remedies???

A Post for my Hoodie….

Seems fairly superficial, but I have to tell you about my new hoodie. Right before my last race, I wanted to treat myself to a new “jacket” of some sorts. We’ve had some cooler weather here in Florida, so I wanted to take advantage to have something new! #selfish

I’ve been DROOLING courting THIS Brooks jacket since I saw it on Anne of Fannetastic Food (<——-one of my FAVORITE blogs! I'm gonna meet her one day!! Go check her out!!!). The sad part…it's out of stock at the moment! Boo!!!

I figured my favorite running store, Fitniche would have it and ALL balance would be restored in MY universe!! I didn’t even really search for it because I became side tracked by THIS beauty….

(Source – Nike)
All I can say is…Yep….I take everyone you have!! Thaaaaaaaaa-nks!
I went with the gray. The one I have has a different color trim than online…

I LOVE it!!
The front pocket has a smaller pocket for keys and small items.

But this hoodie not ONLY had me sold at “hoodie”, but had me RUNNING out the door because of……THUMB HOLES!!!!

And BONUS???

Yep…it makes like a mitt, too!!! I can’t STAND how cute and comfortable this is! It is incredibly soft and feels lightweight , and keeps you warm! I picked a “Medium” because I don’t like clingy items, particularly around my problem area…ie GUT!!!

One can’t have TOO many hoodies, can one???

NO….one can not!!

Any running gear that you would like to get YOUR hands on??

Swim..bike…run…DONE!

Saturday was THE day! The Lycra and Lace Triathlon. It was located at Ft. DeSoto Park in Tierra Verde, FL. (Just outside St. Petersburg). I was excited but again nervous because my training was a little “light” this time. But I always remind myself that I am racing MYSELF and no one else!

The weather couldn’t have been any more perfect! Florida seriously needs to be the perfect mix of cool and warm ALL the time!

My friend, Sam participated in the race with me. SN: Ever want to get rid of a friend or someone you don’t like? Ask them to do a triathlon with you!! They will run the other direction and pretend they don’t even KNOW you! 😉

We got to the transition station JUST in the nick of time!! We had to be there by 7:30 am. We cut it SUPER short getting there because we got lost! #oops
I had to still get marked….

…and get my stuff out and organized. Suffice to say my stuff was literally thrown on the ground, my bike was shoved in between two other bikes (sorry!) and off I went! I wasn’t even sure that I had all of my stuff out.

I THINK my bike and stuff is in there SOME WHERE!!
We had to hustle out of the area because the swim start was about a 1/4 of a mile walk. 😁

The course:

Looks pretty easy, right???

The Swim:
440 yards (aka 0.25 miles) started the race off. The water temperature was perfect! It was an open water swim in the bay…not too choppy either! The swim felt good. Nice easy stokes lended to a nice easy pace. No matter that I had a few feet in my face…it was all good! The swim ended fairly close to the transition area. No 1/4 mile walk there!
Sam’s wave time was 8:12 am and mine was 8:20am.

That’s the BEAUTIFUL Tampa Bay behind us. I’m in the yellow cap (age 40-44) and she’s in the green (NOT age 40-44!!!). Another odd color to add to my cap collection!
Time: 6:40

T1:
Considering I had all my stuff thrown “orderly” under my bike, this transition went more smooth than I thought.
Time: 2:14

Bike:
Oh…the bike! The meat of the sandwhich that is a triathlon. My worst leg by far. But…I guess one could get better if one would practice/train just a little more! Off I went…
Leaving the transition went smoothly, I got on my bike and ready to peddle. Something didn’t feel right as I’m peddling. I’m thinking it the asphalt which was kind of off, but I knew smooth road was ahead. I still kept peddling wondering WHY this felt so difficult. I mean I’m no spring chicken and I sure as hell ain’t light as a feather. The views were AMAZING during the ride….

Oh…Look!! The Skyway Bridge…how pretty!! Focus Angie…FOCUS!!

It still feels kinda funny on the bike during the ride. I get to about the 2nd mile marker, as literally EVERYONE in the race has passed me (at least it felt like it), I look back…and there’s my answer….A FLAT TIRE!!
I still have 8 more mile to ride…on a FLAT TIRE!! Ever done THAT before? Let me just tell you…it is very interesting. One wheel is pulling your a** for 10 miles. I was like one of the LAST ladies off the bike and into the transition. I did ALOT of praying during that ride…..

THIS is what I found AFTER the race. I didn’t know/see this when I pumped my tires the night before! #loser
Lesson learned about inspecting the ENTIRE bike more than 24 hours prior to race….

T2:
Considering my legs where super bricks from riding 10 miles on one wheel…again this transition went well.
Bike shoes and helmet OFF (and thrown)…running shoes, race belt, and running hat ON!
Time: 1:12

Run:
The run felt GOOD! I was so happy to have another chance to redeem myself in another leg I was comfortable with. I will say…I make a deal with myself to pass at least ONE person on each leg. I’ll be honest….It felt good to pass a lot of the woman that passed me on the bike. “On your LEFT” INDEED! (that’s what is said when someone is passing you on the bike) 😉
Ol’ brick legs was BACK!! Wasn’t the best run, but it WAS after that horrible bike!
Time: 32:46

Almost there……

Thumbs UP because I’m DONE, ladies!!!

Total Time: 1:39:45

I was pleased with the outcome of the race. I shaved 6 minutes from my last race in Clermont. I have learned a lot about myself and what I need to improve on. I have to have more focused training and obviously become more efficient on my biking. Each race I learn something new and this will help me become a better triathlete (or so I hope!).
This was the first time I have done that was an all women’s race. I was a little apprehensive and intimidated, honestly. And I don’t really have a justifiable reason….
Once there, I found it INCREDIBLY inspiring to be around all types of women competing…the elite, the weekend athlete (folks like me) , the newbies, you name it. Everyone there had the same goal…for fitness and to be the BEST we can be! Everyone there had encouraging words to get you through the race! Everyone showed how AMAZING woman can be when we are together. Thanks!!!

Sam and I at the end! Feeling PROUD and GREAT that we did it (AGAIN) and we survived!! Ready Sam? Because I am ready to tackle another one!!
❤️🏊🚴🏃
Now…on to the SWAG bag and the cool cycling jersey we got!!

Front…..

Back…..

How was your weekend?
Any races?? Do tell….

Do you Duathlon?

Whew….Monday is here and GONE! Seems like the weekend goes faster and faster! I can’t keep up…it’s like the race pace I’m trying to get to…I just can’t KEEP UP!!😉

On Saturday, I competed in a duathlon….

Splash and Dash. It was through Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center in Brandon, FL.

(It’s FIVE minutes from my house!!! Can you believe it??). The money raised at this race goes to their Trident swim program. This program teaches children, with many different disabilities, how to swim. I’ve done this race 3 years in a row. Coincidentally, it’s seems to have been before a triathlon! NOTE: I have one schedule in October! 😁

I got there very early for a 7:30 start time. I had to check in, get marked and get my stuff to the transition area.
I ended up with….

Ok-aaayy!! No pressure here!! #imnumberONE

Finish area

This race featured two runs and a swim:

1st leg: 2 mile run

2nd leg: 1/4 mile swim

The swim was in the pool, basically “snaking” the pool from lane 1 to lane 8. I was tired after the swim, unusually for me. #whoa

3rd leg: 1 mile run

Hi, Don-KAY (in my BEST Shrek voice!). That was a rough finishing run!

I don’t know my time yet (partly because I haven’t checked!)

My participating medal…

It was fun and went to a good cause! PLUS….I can gage where I am with my “training”. 😉😁

PS: I will say even this race left me with an INSATIABLE appetite!! OMG!!

How was your weekend?

Rest day….Like it or Not

Oh Friday…how I LOVE thee!! I’ve been looking for you all week! Not like I have anything super exciting planned but it’s a LONG weekend….LABOR DAY WEEKEND, Baby!!!

Having Monday off (actual Labor Day) means the WORLD to us working folks/parents! One more day to get stuff done and prepare for the week! The weekends go so fast, that by the time you look up…it’s Monday! #damn

I fully intended to meet my girlfriend, Leslie, for a run around the lake after work.

We haven’t seen each other much since she doesn’t come to the gym anymore because of her work schedule AND since the kiddos started school!

I usually take Friday off, but I took full advantage of the idea of:
A. Catching up
B. Getting in an unplanned run
C. Doing something BEFORE I pick up the kids!!

But guess what??? Mother Nature had a different plan. NO, not THAT!!!😉. About an hour before it’s time to leave work….the sky started to become and black…and them it.was.ON!! Rain like NO business came falling out of the sky!! #typicalFLORIDA

It didn’t let up about 1 1/2 hours!! So….NO run!!! #weatherFAIL
I was pissed!!! But I got over it…picked up the kiddos….went home and relaxed!

My plan is to run in the morning, and get myself back on track for possible 10k before the end of the year. I am still in training for my triathlon in October, so this will help!!

So, I thank Mother Nature for the I unscheduled rest day today. I probably needed it more than I would like to admit…..

How was your Friday?
Any plans for Labor Day weekend?

PS….College Football is BACK!! And my Gators are playing tomorrow! Excited isn’t the word….

Got my NEW lawn flag!!
And we are getting ready to….