Triathlon Complete!

Endurance athletes...

I DID IT!!!

I completed my first triathlon this past Sunday in Huntersville, NC. I crossed that finish line a new woman.

Upon completion, I immediately thought back to the months of training, sacrifice, and determination. I am much more stronger and disciplined a person than I ever was. If nothing else, I hope your crossing the finish line culminates to a similar evolution for you. I am so excited for your upcoming marathon and I pass the torch on to you all with encouragement and enthusiasm.

Fellow Endurance Athletes- You are what you eat!

I had a chance this evening to catch up on Torrey's posts and wanted to highlight his June 13th statement below:
"As far as my diet is concerned, I have cut back significantly on red meat, chicken, turkey and pork. Actually for the past 2.5 weeks I have almost gone vegetarian. I know I need to increase my carbs and protein because my energy level is low."
My mostly vegetarian diet was upgraded to a mostly vegan diet over the past few months. Researching and being intrigued by the raw foods diet, I decided to step my game up a notch again about a month ago. The results? OMG!!!!
The energy level increase from eating cooked foods less and live vegetables and fruits more is tremendous. You feel lighter..cleaner....clearer in thought. You feel more intune with your body and thus significantly improve the mind/body connection during rigorous training. Plus, your skin improves!
A typical breakfast for me is a banana and almonds rice milk shake with cinnamon, an apple and usually half a ruby red grapefruit. Lunch might be some fresh spinach, sliced carrots and beets, cucumbers and red cabbage. Nope, no salad dressing (this isn't a salad). Dinner may be tempeh, beans or fish, with raw dark leafy greens and a sliced vine ripened tomato overwhelming the plate. Snacking on raw fruits, nuts and veggies in between meals of course too. A sprouted grain and almond butter sandwich here and there for protein.
My energy levels and mental stamina have increased significantly enough for me to strongly encourage you to add live foods (not including flesh) in abundance to your marathon nutritional plan (if not your nutritional life plan). The more the better, and you WILL feel the difference!
Siana

Week 1: Official Training Begins

This is what I call a "taking it to the next level" week. I have already logged 20 miles out of a 24 mile week. Whoa! I am noticeably drained and tired, mainly do to my diet and not getting enough water. Preparation is no joke!

See you on Saturday. Same place..same time!

Running Mistake: Drinking 32 oz of Water...

...before running 5 miles. I was so focused on trying to get in 120 oz of water, I did not think about how it may impact my run uptown yesterday. I did finish but I was running extremely slow. Anyway, lesson learned.



I bought a new pair of running shoes, Brooks Adrenaline GTS9, on Sunday after my right foot began to feel quirky. I think my Asics are shot, even though I did not log my shoe miles. This is my first pair of Brooks and I noticed a big difference. They seem to offer more stability but are not that comfortable around my ankle. Maybe I need to break them in some more.

Dowd Y Run Team Training

Half-Marathon Training Program begins August 18 With weekly presentations, this program will focus on speed, form and strength - key elements to prepare you for the Dowd Y run on November 7.
Training days: Tuesday & Thursday, 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM, August 18 - November 3 Kick-off Meeting: August 13 @ 6:30 PM, Dowd YMCA 7th Floor Conference Room 2 Pre-registration is required. Register between July 27 - August 28.Program cost: YMCA Members: $80 / YMCA Program Members: $100
For more information, contact Janis Smith at (704) 716-6134 or janis.smith@ymcacharlotte.org

Reminder: Even though this program is for the Dowd Y run on Nov. 7th, I am using it to prepare for the Dec. Thunderroad marathon. The 1/2 marathon training can be modifyed but you need to be able to run 7 0r 8 miles on your long runs by August 18th.

Taking It Up A Notch...7 Miles This Saturday

This is week 8 for me and it is a rest week. Only 13 miles. I am resting for a big run on Saturday at our favorite location. My legs feel great and I've increased my pace and the intensity of my runs. Lifting weights has been my priority. It helps me pyschologically because it gets my mind off running and I don't put as much pressure on myself to achieve my running goals. I am down to 200 lbs; 10 pounds shy of my weight goal.

The Training Game Plan Has Changed

I just received a marathon traning cancellation e-mail from Janis, our marathon trainer, due to a lack of response. I strongly believe that preparation for a marathon is a lot harder than running one. This is a commitment and I pray nothing pops up that will prohibit me. Janis, however, is training individuals to run a half marathon for the Thunderroad. She also said that she can modify the training for individuals who want to run a full marathon.

The kick-off meeting is August 18th and registration begins on Monday, July 27th. You have to register at the membership desk at the Dowd Y. Once you are registered they will forward your info to Janis and she will send you the details. The cost is $75.