Anaticula: Fish on a Bicycle

[Anaticula]

I'm Anaticula.  This is my second challenge.  My first one can be found here.  Last challenge I decided I wanted to learn how to swim as it was the only form of exercise I have ever enjoyed, and I wasn't very good at it.  I joined a gym with a pool and hired a personal trainer 'R'. R is into triathlons and during my first session he made a comment that  I'd eventually be doing one.  I smiled and laughed to myself thinking that it would never happen, but turned out R was right, and here it is 8 short weeks later and I've signed up for one.  My Triathlon is September 28th.  

 

Now on to this challenge.  As I focused on swimming last challenge I decided that it would be a good idea to focus on one of the other triathlon areas this round, so I'm focusing on bike riding.  Luckily I know the basics already, put feet on pedals and go, where as with the swimming I knew nothing. I still plan to swim every morning (M-F) as it's what I love best.

 

Main Challenge: Tri and Tri Again:  Complete Two Triathlons. I know, I haven't even done my first one yet, and here I am already deciding to do a second.  The first one is the Girl Power Triathlon in New Orleans on September 28th.  It is a 300 meter swim (which I know I can do), a 10 mile bike (which I'm not too sure about), and a 2 mile run (I may be walking by this point).  The second triathlon is Hub City Hustle on October 18th.  I literally just signed up for it. It is 1/3 mile swim, 16.5 mile bike, 3 mile run.  It will be a nice step up from the first.  Enough of a change to make me work for it, but not enough to make me fear I won't be able to complete it. Additionally, the second is an open water swim, which will be interesting as I've never swam in open water before. Grades & Rewards: A = Complete both Triathlons in the regulation time period +2 STA, +1 DEX, trip to the spa; B = complete one Triathlon in regulation time and the other in over time +1 STA +1 Dex, mani/pedi; C = Complete either just one Triathlon, or complete both, but neither in regulation time +1 STA pedi. 

 

Main Quest One: Fish on a Bicycle: Last time I focused on swimming now I want to focus on bike riding.  Each week I will go for a ride at least three times for a total of three hours a week.  If I can only manage to ride for 30 minutes one day due to weather, or something I will attempt to make the time up.  That being said, if I have to ride inside on a machine I will half the time as to me the machines are twice as difficult.  My desire is to do only outside riding though. Grades & Rewards: A = 3 hours of bike ridding each week + 3 STA; B =  2 - 3 hours of bike riding each week + 2 STA; C = 1 min hour of bike riding each week +1 STA.

 

Main Quest Two: Fork in the Road: My second priority this challenge is to control my eating. Last challenge I managed to cut out sodas.  This challenge I am going to watch portion sizes and why I eat. I am going to make sure my food is an actual serving and logged correctly in my food app.   But even more importantly I will not only log my food, but log how I feel while eating it.  I have a tendency to eat when I'm bored. If I make myself stop and think about why I am eating I will learn to put the fork down and pick up something else instead. Grades & Rewards A = Log 90% of meals with serving and emotion +2 WIS, +1 CHA; B = Log 75% of meals with serving and emotion +1 WIS, +1 CHA; C = Log 50% of meals with serving and emotion +1 WIS.

 

Main Quest Three: Calm Before the Storm: Between work, class, training, life, my two insane cats, and my younger brother's friends coming over to visit for 30 minutes and staying for two days,  things can get pretty chaotic and stressful. One of my goals for this challenge is to set aside time each day to just relax.  This can be a meditation (be it 5 minutes or 30), yoga class, some extra swim time in the pool where I don't focus on distance or form, or just a cuddle with the cats session.  The point is to just find some time each day to relax. Grades & Rewards A = relax daily +2 CON, +1 WIS; B = relax 5-6 days a week +1 CON +1 WIS; C = relax 3-4 days a week +1 CON.

 

Life Quest: Grey Skies:  Once again I'm going to try to save $1,000 for a rainy day. I really need to do so as it's important to have an emergency fund.  I've about $600 in there now, so reaching the $1000 shouldn't be too difficult. It's keeping it in there that tends to be the problem for me. Grades & Rewards A = Put $1000 in saving at end of challenge +3 WIS; B = $800 in savings at end of challenge +2 WIS; C = $700 in savings at end of challenge +1 WIS.  Take any money out of savings = lose challenge unless it is a real emergency.

[awesomesue]

Love it!

[Anaticula]

Thanks.

 

Now I've got to figure out my rewards and points for each one.  I think I might assign some real world rewards for myself this round too as maybe having to work for the random stuff I want will help me cut back on splurge spending.

[Shello]

Excellent challenge.  I'm so excited for you on your tri's coming up.

[blkhole24601]

Between you and Ryoko, I'm seriously getting more and more inspired to sign up for and train for a triathlon myself! I guess it's time to start looking for one!

 

Great challenge, and I'll definitely be here following along!

[Anaticula]

Thanks! Right now I'm just hoping I survive my first one to get to make it to the second one! I've not yet told my trainer about my challenge goals for this round, but I suspect when he finds out he's going to have me doing much more bike riding than I ever intended, lol.

[Shukar]

Another triathlete, awesome.

[ElfiKay]

I'm excited to hear how you do on your tris! Go you go, Ana

[Anaticula]

Added my point rewards.  Also, I've given myself some physical rewards for completing my triathlons.  If I complete one triathlon I'm getting a pedicure (my poor feet will need it.) If I complete them both I get another pedicure, but if at least one is within regulation time I get a manicure too.  If I complete them both within regulation time I'm getting a spa day and I'll get a massage, again, my poor feet will probably need it, I'm fairly certain I'll finish them both, I am worried about finishing them on time though. 2 hours isn't much time when you are as slow as I am. Also, I'm getting myself some new shoes tonight as the ones I am currently jogging in are leaving me in pain.  I'm debating about whether I'm supposed to get walking or running shoes though. I'm learning to jog, so I don't think running shoes are what I need, but I'm trying to move faster than a walk...

[Kailer]

Welcome to Scouts!! I am so looking forward to watching you prep for your tri. You'll be great!

[KiwiChick]

Great looking challenge!

Love the spa/nails rewards

 

How much swimming and run training are you going to fit in around the cycling?

[Anaticula]

I love my early morning swims, so until the weather gets cold here, which is usually Novemberish I'll be swimming Monday-Friday from 5am-5:45am.  I'm trying to complete the c25k from walking to jogging, so that will be three workouts of jogging each week.  I'm currently on week two. My week will end up looking really busy, but as R usually assigns me walking and biking in addition to my swimming those will count towards my goal.

[Anaticula]

Last night I bought myself a pair of walking/running shoes. My gym partners with a store that specializes in shoes for athletes, so they give gym members 10% off.  I went there not sure exactly what to expect, and explained to the guy working that I walk mostly but am trying to work my way up to jogging then running. He had me walk around the shop barefoot for a while so he could see how my feet go.  Then he measured my feet and picked a pair for me.  I know that my right foot points outwards when I walk, but I hadn't realized that I evidently do something weird with my ankles too. I forget what the guy called it.  The shoes he picked felt great, and they look nice too, so I purchased them.  They have really thick soles, which is supposed to help with my ankles. It was the easiest shoe shopping experience I've ever had but also the most expensive. I've never paid over $30 for a pair of shoes before.  I spent the rest of the day wearing them around and noticed how much better they felt than my old ones, so clearly the price is worth it. I also bought some new workout clothing.  I used to have only one decent pair of shorts and two shirts, so it's nice that I now have a variety to choose from. Also, as I'm going to Camp Nerd Fitness next week it means I'll have something to wear, . I've decided to bring mostly workout clothing as I figure that's what we'll be doing most of the time. I still have to finish the hat for my Toadette costume, purchase a few other items for it, and put together my rubix cube items. 

 

Training was interesting this morning.  R has us (I train with another lady 'T', we started on the same level, and swim together most mornings) swimming two completely different programs now.  He has T working on water aerobics while he has me swimming laps and doing drills.  I explained to him that he needs to make his texts about the daily lessons clearer as I don't always know what he's asking me to do. He went over them, but I think once he gets next week's lessons up I'll still have to ask him to decipher them.  He forgets I don't yet speak swimmer. When we finished everything else he had me swim my 300 so he could time me.  I managed to do it in roughly 11 minutes today, but I think our pool is shorter than the distance I'll have to do for the race. At any rate he wants me to try for ten during the race. I want to focus more on surviving the race, lol. Seeing as when I signed up for the race I wasn't sure how slow I would be and I put in that it'd take me 30 minutes to complete I think that even if I only do it in 15 I'm still doing way better than I was.

 

This evening when I get home I plan to ride my bike for an hour and a half.  R has me assigned to do it and triathlon training tomorrow, but I have a birthday party to get to and want to get it out of the way.  For Saturday he has me swimming 400 yards, biking 20 miles, and jogging 3 miles. Last weekend I barely managed to survive my 10 mile bike, so that'll be interesting.

 

I need to start logging my food again.  I have forgotten to do so most of this week and although I haven't gained anything I know I'm eating more than I did when I logged it.  Also, I'm nearly at 5 weeks of no soda.

[blkhole24601]

Getting fitted for shoes is the best thing. I think it's pronation that you're thinking of -- overpronating, maybe? I tend to do that a lot myself. But I'm glad you're already seeing the benefits of your new shoes! What kind are they?

[Anaticula]

He said it's something about I turn my ankles out too much? They're at home now, so I don't know the brand right off.  I'll find out when I get home.

[JazzyM]

Love your goals. I really like your goal for two triathalons. 

 

Looking forward to your updates! Best of luck!

[Harihead]

> Also, as I'm going to Camp Nerd Fitness next week

 

I'M GOING TO CAMP NERD FITNESS!!!!

We must look for each other and connect. I look slightly different when I'm not underwater. For my character night, I'll be Sherlock Holmes. 

 

> turned out R was right, and here it is 8 short weeks later and I've signed up for one. 

 

This is so awesome. It's amazing what we can accomplish through will and consistency. Well done!

 

I had never considered a triathlon because I can't run (old ankle injury). But walking... I could walk. Now you've got me thinking.

 

Just a caution about the biking. I've biked a lot, for years, and if you haven't (which I got that impression)-- the hardest thing to do at first is toughen up your sit bones. If you try to go for too long of a time, you'll get too sore. I'd recommend starting at a maximum of 30 minutes per biking session, until you're sure your bones can take it. (If you're already past this phase, just ignore this bit of wisdom).

 

Good luck to you!

HH

[J-man]

Looks great! Nice to see someone else doing some tri workout. I just decided to give it a try my self. But my race is almost a year away, so I have the luxery of starting it slow. :-)

Look forward to follow your preparations and progress!!

You can find my challenge thread here, if interested: http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/53834-j-mans-first-time-scout-challenge-the-try-for-a-tri/#entry1204570

Good luck!!

[Anaticula]

> Also, as I'm going to Camp Nerd Fitness next week

 

I'M GOING TO CAMP NERD FITNESS!!!!

We must look for each other and connect. I look slightly different when I'm not underwater. For my character night, I'll be Sherlock Holmes. 

 

> turned out R was right, and here it is 8 short weeks later and I've signed up for one. 

 

This is so awesome. It's amazing what we can accomplish through will and consistency. Well done!

 

I had never considered a triathlon because I can't run (old ankle injury). But walking... I could walk. Now you've got me thinking.

 

Just a caution about the biking. I've biked a lot, for years, and if you haven't (which I got that impression)-- the hardest thing to do at first is toughen up your sit bones. If you try to go for too long of a time, you'll get too sore. I'd recommend starting at a maximum of 30 minutes per biking session, until you're sure your bones can take it. (If you're already past this phase, just ignore this bit of wisdom).

 

Good luck to you!

HH

 

Thanks for the advice HH.  I am very new to biking. I've only ridden one three times in the past year. If it weren't for the fact that my trainer wants me to go for an hour and a half ride I wouldn't even think of it.  I'm planning to break it down into three trips.  Ride some, then get off and walk for a bit before getting back on. That's what I had to do the other day when he had me down for an hour ride. I'm also considering breaking it into two seperate trips, one tongith after work and the rest tomorrow evening.  I have to get the full hour and a half done though or he'll stick it back on my schedule for next week along with something else!

 

As to the Tri, my goal is to finish, even if it does mean I have to walk the two miles.  I'm hoping to finish within the time limit, but even if I don't I just want to finish. 

 

I can't wait to get to camp. I'm going to be Toadette. I'll keep an eye out for you! 

[Anaticula]

Looks great! Nice to see someone else doing some tri workout. I just decided to give it a try my self. But my race is almost a year away, so I have the luxery of starting it slow. :-)

Look forward to follow your preparations and progress!!

You can find my challenge thread here, if interested: http://rebellion.nerdfitness.com/index.php?/topic/53834-j-mans-first-time-scout-challenge-the-try-for-a-tri/#entry1204570

Good luck!!

 

In a way I kind of wish I had more time, but I know that I have to have goals that can be reached in a short amount of time or I lose interest.  I did however, make sure that both my triathlons are very short ones! I'll be following your posts to see how your training goes!

[starsapart]

You're going to CRUSH IT!

 

All of these triathletes, I'm getting a bit jealous..............

 

Also envious of camp, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

[Anaticula]

Don't worry, I'll be posting lots of photos of camp! I wish everyone I had met on the forums was going to be there, but there is always next year!

[Ryoko]

Awesome goals! I'm so, so excited for you on your upcoming tri's.

 

Your second tri is the weekend after my next tri (I'll be doing my tri on Oct 12). I know you will do great!! I will be rooting for you! 

 

Between you and Ryoko, I'm seriously getting more and more inspired to sign up for and train for a triathlon myself! I guess it's time to start looking for one!

 

Ha, you should! That would be awesome. ^.^

[Harihead]

> Ride some, then get off and walk for a bit before getting back on. 

 

Absolutely. This is where wisdom has to take precedence over trainer's orders. They sometimes forget how difficult it is for someone who doesn't do this regularly to toughen up to the challenge. I don't want soreness to put you off biking; I love it! 

 

Good luck!

[starsapart]

Don't worry, I'll be posting lots of photos of camp! I wish everyone I had met on the forums was going to be there, but there is always next year!

 

I do hope to go next year!  This year, I'd already had plans for that week before I even joined the site, so it was a matter of bad timing!