Meet A Playah -- Amy Gilbert

Age: 31 (pre-pubescent)
Superhero Name: Sister Mary Mensa.


Stretch Factor: 7 (considering she hasn't reached adolescence, we're not cutting her any slack)
Choice Words: "I'm guessing you're looking for words of motivation instead of curse words??? :o) Hmmm... maybe, "You can do this!"." (Yes, she's as wholesome as she sounds.)
Goal: "This triathlon is motivating me (or will be-- I hope soon!) to get consistent aerobic exercise. No more excuses! I plan to keep up the 'training' after the event to stay healthy and feel my best every day." (Translation: My boobs and ass haven't started sagging yet, but I'm being proactive.)

Amy Gilbert spends the majority of her time as Mom and volunteer for about 20 different things. In another life, however, she was some kind of rocket scientist with a double masters degree in genetics and epidemiology, with an undergrad in health administration, and an associates degree in baking. I.Am.Serious. Shows on Nova about genetics make her shrug her shoulders and say, "oh, that." When PMS-ing she eats brownies and says she's good company -- you can take her word on it. Most recent exercise has been yoga class which produced sore hamstrings but no pulled muscles. Amy is doing this for herself and hopefully it will be an homage to co-sleeping no more! Her biggest challenge will be swimming. Training prep she looks forward to most is brazilian bikini waxes and "Art Museum walks with friends." The first thing she's going to do after crossing the finish line is "Close my eyes and breathe a sigh of relief." [whispering] -- She's a saint. A saint I tell you. "I've known Brenda since the Fall of 2006, when our kids were in preschool together." And she still remains uncompromised.

Meet a Playah -- Mary Josephine Kelly Waldo

Age: 40 (in 6 weeks)
Superhero Name: Yet to be granted. On a casual basis she insists upon being called "Mary Josephine Kelly", but we call her MJ for short.


Stretch Factor: 8 (rediscovering her bad-ass self)
Choice Words: "On a good day, I will most likely revert to a song verse I used for motivation when I played tennis back in the day. On a particularly tough day, I will most likely say something like: What the FRAK was I thinking!!!" (I personally have NEVER heard MJ use the word FRAK.)
Goal: "Bottomline... get my MILF body back!!" (Good thing there's no chance for Waldo #4.)

MJ Waldo spends her time as a wife, mother, friend and RN at Wake Med. I would take a gander that given a choice she would rather be a reviewer of Beer Fests across the USA. She has a proven track record of drinking Elizabeth Griffin under the table. When PMS-ing she eats "Anything that is edible that is not good for you and chocolate." She says she's good company during that time, but I'd watch your back and not take anything she says personally. Most recent exercise has been walking the dog for 45 minutes (sweet Sadie) where the dog came home dehydrated and MJ did laundry. No muscles were pulled, but from what J alludes to, she may be deceivingly flexible. MJ is doing this for herself -- dammit! As of now her biggest challenge will be "Making training a priority. That and J taunting me." and training prep she looks forward to most is "reading the blog" -- that's good cardio. The first thing she's going to do after crossing the finish line is "Sit down and wait for you bitches to finish!" [whispering] -- baaaad-aaass. Crack that beer you'll be carrying in your jog bra, girl. MJ "...met Brenda and Rachel at the same time at TRS preschool room parent meeting." and her life is now complete.

Friends Weigh In

Isn't it funny--when life brings you a triathlon, fate delivers you a triathlete to give advice and encouragement.  I stalked up an old friend on Facebook, and it turns out he has been in all kinds of races in the years since I've seen him, including the Ironman, and his wife even did the Ramblin Rose as her first tri. 

Tommy assures me that, while some of the Ramblers will finish the two mile run in 10 or 11 minutes, many will walk part or ALLof that distance.  AND that I won't be the only one out there with an "older model" bike.  Pride prevented me from asking about the percentage who will be pushing their bikes up the hills, but in general I considered this to be good news. 

His advice was to go slow, enjoy the atmosphere, and have fun.  He also suggested that we check out Jeff Galloway's advice to beginners.  I liked what I read because it seemed to really start from ROCK BOTTOM, and also gave a nod to the "mental" challenges.

After advising to check with a doctor before starting any training program...Jeff Galloway's advice began as follows:

Five Steps to Getting Started

Start by Walking.
Everyone needs to feel comfortable and successful right from the start. Begin by walking for 30 minutes. Keep doing this until it feels easy.

Walk Briskly.
When normal walking becomes easy, walk briskly for 30 minutes and monitor your heart rate every 5-8 minutes. If it seems below the target zone, pick up the pace. Many people will never want or need to go beyond a brisk walk, provided they can maintain their target pulse rate.

Insert a Few "Jogs."
When you are comfortable walking briskly and want to step up the pace, simply insert 3-4 "jogs" of 100 yards or so (about the length of one football field or a city block) into your 30-minute walk. Warm up by walking slowly, build into a brisk walk and then do the short jogs when you feel ready.

Increase the Running as Desired.
Increase the running segments as you feel stronger, always avoiding discomfort. You may eventually fill in the 30 minutes with slow running - or you may keep your walking breaks. You're using the running to push the heart rate above the threshold and the walking to keep from getting uncomfortable.

Step It Up.
Increase the time to 40 minutes three times a week. Work up to 60 minutes for one of these weekly sessions, which will increase the cardiovascular as well as mental benefits. Don't underestimate the effect of rewards. Small regular rewards for specific accomplishments will often spark interest when motivation is down. Promise yourself something - a dinner out, a new pair of shoes, a good book - for finishing each of the five steps above, for when you finally put in your first hour-long session, etc. If you feel "down," find yourself a positive experience or see someone who will bring you up. Look for something good in every run. When you're in shape, you begin to think differently about yourself and your life. It's always hard to shake off the sedentary lifestyle, and the adjustment period - once you do - is difficult. But if you make it through this period, an addiction often occurs which makes the activity self-sustaining. So have faith! Better times are coming. Be patient and enjoy yourself.

Notes from a friend

An old college roommate called me out of the blue and mentioned exercise. (She likes to exercise.) I told her that Rachel was trying to convince me to sign up for RR. Small world, my friend had participated in this race twice before. And after talking with me, she signed up again (long before I did).

Well, this is just a few tidbits of info I learned. And yet, I still registered!

- Yes, you DO bike/run in a wet bathing suit. Apparently, you can bring NOTHING with you into the building with a pool. No jacket. Not even shoes. And it is morning and cold. We line up based on our swim times - so we are at the back of the group.

- Yes, the biking course DOES have HILLS!

- "Did you know that they put your age on the back of your calf with a sharpie? Yes, they put your age on one calf, your bib number on the other and on your upper arm. Nice, huh? This is so when you pass the person in front of you, you can see that you are older but faster than they are!" Ha. I guess we are the person being passed.

- Weather in Oct is unpredictable. The first year she raced, it poured rain the entire time - was freezing and miserable. The next year, it was sunny and nice.

Anyway, she said she would be happy to answer any questions we may have - so let me know. :)

Websites for Swimsuits, Tri clothing

Hey guys,

I just wanted to put my $.02 in regarding where to look for swimsuits and/or other workout wear. I've had good luck and good service with Sierra Trading Post (sierratradingpost.com). Another online store I just recently found is SwimOutlet.com. I have never ordered from them but they have every possible style of Speedo and Tyr among other brands and there's always some on clearance. There's also a plus size section of suits and a section called Triathlon.

Also, I was walking through Sears at Southpoint mall today and noticed that the Lands End section has a lot of their new spring swimsuits out on display.

I'm looking forward to the triathlon and reading more about everybody! Oh yeah, and training, that too.

Margaret

Accept the challenge?

Comment from InFrequently Asked Questions post:

Rachel said...

Brenda, YOUR CHALLENGE, if you choose to accept it (I mean besides swimming 250 yards, biking nine miles, jump starting my heart and running two miles) is to NOT BUY ANYTHING FOR THIS EVENT. There. I put it out there. I'm going to be out there on my borrowed bicycle, Bob's helmet, and my stored-in-the-closet-since-the-80's-swimsuit, and you'll be all pimped out in solar-powered swim trunks that transform into padded cycle shorts...and of course there's your bat-mo-bike. Yes, you can pretend you don't know me while you are working the paddles. Don't forget the jelly!

First of all, I don't know how in the hell she knew I was eyeing those shorts. They are environmentally conscious and they're going to power the defib I'll carrying for her. Jelly...where to carry the jelly -- not to confuse it with K-Y. Add it to #3 on the list.

I think that cycling shorts might be important so that your va-jay-jay isn't screaming at you by the end of the ride. Rachel reminds me that I have to sew them *if* I'm not buying anything for the event. I *do* have some bubble wrap left from packages received during the holidays. Could you imagine the popping sound that would come from pedaling? Then if someone needs first aid on a sprain, tri-nurses MJ or Elizabeth could Macgyver a splint from my shorts and the fried twinkie sticks from our snack between the swim and the ride. Fried Twinkies -- add to list.

InFrequently Asked Questions...

Like...

"Do you (GOD FORBID) run in your bathing suit? That's a deal breaker."

Or...

"[Do] you start off swimming, then you get out of the water and...jump on your bike...still in swim suit? or wet suit? or ...do you change clothes? at some point you have to put on running shoes, unless you swim in those."

While I am inexperienced, I think I can say with complete confidence that we do not swim with running shoes on. But I did run across some info about gear.

Directly from a page on endurancemag.com:

"Basic checklist of essential race day gear: sunscreen, water bottle, goggles, swim cap, swim suit, small towel, bike (mountain or road), helmet, running shoes, socks, running shorts, t-shirt, and dry clothes for after the race.

Optional gear can include any one of the following items: triathlon bike, cycling shoes (clip-in pedals required), triathlon-specific racing attire, sunglasses, elastic shoelaces, sports watch, bib # belt, and a visor/hat."

I have no idea what a bib # belt is. Unless the belt carries bibs that you use to wipe your mouth. One bib when you decide to take a break and eat that ham sandwich tucked away in the waistband of your shorts and the other one when your stomach decides that the sandwich was a bad idea and tosses it. Figuratively speaking.


Rachel and I think that endurancemag.com has fallen short on their list. Some of these can be considered "optional" depending on the "athlete".

1. Ear plugs: if you hate water in your ears. Or train to dog paddle 250 yards. I will pay someone to do it. Please? Triple dog dare ya.
2. Arm floaties: Ditch these while running or riding. They'll cut into you aerodynamics. Or keep them on and you'll probably make the cover of the next year's training manual.
3. Defibrillator: I promised Rachel I'd carry one on my back for her.
4. Bikini wax: although I could have sworn I heard someone (who's living on an island right now) mention a thong, so keep in mind the Brazilian Bikini Wax, where appropriate.
5. Tutu: for modesty when running in the thong, with your fake tan.
6. Jog bra: They didn't mention this. Is it self explanatory or do you really do it all in your swimsuit?

One thing I'll say about swimsuits. In an attempt to swim laps last year -- I think I went once, I discovered that I got wedgies as I swam. Pulling a wedgie out every other stroke definitely takes extra energy. Then I discovered that the water (because I was swimming sooo quickly) was pulling the top of my swimsuit down. Talk about feeling exposed. Maybe it's the age of my swimsuit (pre-Solomon era) compounded by a lack of boobs, but needless to say, I'm not using that one anymore. Rachel recommended that I build up my butt cheeks. Maybe that's a sign how high they used to be...when I was 18.

Some great sources for swimsuits and other gear include Athleta and Title Nine. Title Nine has a very liberal return policy where anything can be returned at any time. Ever. The end. Online the REI Outlet is also a great source for gear and can be cheaper than Target, especially if the planets are aligned and they have your size and a style that doesn't scream stored-in-the-back-of-the-warehouse-since-the-80's. Have your ordered delivered to a store nearby and you don't have to pay for shipping and can make returns directly to the store. They, too, will take anything back at any time. Wear something, find out it's chafing or rubbing (yow) and return it. Swear. Friends that have more alluring decolletages also have used LLBean and Lands' End. You can check your local Dick's Sporting Goods or Target if you're a bricks and mortar kind of gal. If you're there, pick up your floaties and save yourself a trip.

And last but not least...

7. Six pack: beer not abs.

My First Triathlon Anxiety Dream

Well, it's started. I woke up this morning exhausted from wrestling my bicycle through a turnstile, being unable to decipher the directional arrows spray painted graffiti-style on the pavement, and being lapped by Bob's ex-wife. I can tell this is going to be fun!

Since I am in Nevis without running shoes (or bra) or bicycle, I have started swimming. As in, swimming with my head in the water. I HATE the feeling of water going in my ear when I turn my head to breathe, and I have to compulsively check my direction so I don't waste any energy zig-zagging (no painted lines on the ocean floor.) So far, I have not been able to swim the equivalent of 10 lengths. Oh, you want a number? Almost five. I have been wondering if we have to do a freestyle crawl or if I can do the doggy paddle for 10 lengths. Anybody read the fine print on that?

Shopping list: ear plug, goggles, bike, gun.

And, Brenda, it turns out swimming in the ocean does not give me an edge, as I will lose buoyancy going to freshwater. Nice try. I am still working on what my edge is. Will let you know.

Ramblin' Rose here we come!

Alright. Someone recommends a triathlon to one friend who then recommends it to another...and another...and what you have is a handful of ladies training to "compete" (coughing) in their first tri. See, if you say it with confidence, like EVERYONE should know what a TRI is, then you're instantly empowered. Here's a little secret...our goal is to finish. That's all. Just finish. If the Senior Citizen Chapter of the Red Hat Society is cheering us on as they pass us, that is all well and good and we'll take every ounce of cheer and cheer them back, then get up off the ground, get back on our beach cruisers and head toward the finish line.

Rachel has started swimming in the beautiful blue waters off the coast of Nevis. I jumped rope the other night during a 20 second commercial break while Sam was in the bathroom. Didn't want to fast forward that DVR without him. We Have Started Training. You Can Too.

It's October 11, 2009 and as of this moment, right now...this very second...there are 106 spots left. Woohoo! Step outside of your comfort zone, put on your party pants and join us by signing up!