Hello Readers,
I am sure it is a well known fact that I am a crossword-a-holic and as such, I use the term "ides of march" often in solving puzzles. I have to say that this the first time that I have felt these ides! I am coming back from a rare and vicious affliction called 'writer's block'. Incredibly frustrating and humbling!
If I look back on my training cycles, I am sure I will find myself falling flat in the month of March. We generally start off the new year with great enthusiasm that hopefully carries us through to spring. In our neck of the woods, we get a bit antsy as the final layers of ice, snow and dirt melt and wash away. Just as we think we are going to be out there on our bikes or on the running trails, the ides kick in and we experience spring snow!
What is holding you back? Spring snow? self-doubt? big goals? bigger injuries? no training group? Flat training result? Writer's block?
No matter what it is. . . pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get going! We will be out on our rides soon and before you know it you will be looking at the start line of your first race this season. If you are feeling flat because of the 'ides', be proactive. I took my bike in for a tune-up. I am now anxious to see her again so I can reacquaint myself with my saddle and the open road.
Speaking of the open road, the invitation is still open to those that are interested in a Sunday ride with me and some divas. I am away for the next two weeks but plan on getting out there by mid-April. Let me know if you are interested :)
Sunday 25 March 2012
Wednesday 14 March 2012
Jargon - Part Deux
Happy Wednesday Readers,
Since the last time I shared some 'cool' tri-terms, I have been madly collecting other multi-sport words. As a side note, readers are welcome to send in suggestions for the next round of vocabulary. It has taken me some time to return to this topic because I was waiting to be inspired by a theme so that I can present a cohesive, high-school-english-teacher pleasing essay. Then I realized I am random abstract in my writing style. . . .none of my posts have been logical up to this point so why start now!!!
It is starting to feel like spring this week so the following triathlon jargon may help you as we prepare to go outside for training and racing (ahem - northern hemisphere!).
Sighting - This refers to a technique used in open water swimming and is an important skill if you don't want to swim farther than necessary (never good). Most courses are set up in one of two ways: Out and Back Here you will swim to a buoy, go around and come back. Triangular/Polygonal I made up this term (my inner math nerd coming out). . . .A swim course is set up with buoys forming a triangle or a square (maybe a hexagon). In order to sight properly, you need to look up periodically to make sure you are swimming straight. We become dependant on the black stripe when we swim in a pool so we need to practise two things before race day. The first thing is to actually swim in a lake (go figure!) to get over any apprehension you have. The other important skill is lifting your head during your swim stroke in the easiest and most efficient way. At your next swim session, try it during the warm up. Check out this video from Dave Scott for his tips on open water swimming (Tips for Open Water).
One thing he doesn't mention is how big the buoys are. This was a complete shock to me the first time I did open water. What I learned is not to aim myself directly at the buoy but slightly to the side (depending on whether the turn is left or right).
Wave Start and/or Mass Start - This also refers to open water swimming. Depending on the size of the race, the organizers may use a mass start (everyone together) or a wave start where the competitors are divided into heats. I think it was the moment I first saw a mass start that I decided to do a triathlon. It was incredibly inspiring and terrifying all at once (much like child birth!). If you know that you may freak out during the start, hang back! You don't have to go with the race leaders. You can let the crowd thin out a bit and allow yourself some space to get in. Some races have a 'reticent racer' swim cap so that the guys out on the lake can keep a watchful eye on you. In races with wave start, double check the athlete information package so you know what time you start. This will, obviously, affect your warm-up and the timing of your visit to the port-o-pottie line (actually being serious).
Clipless Pedals - Ok confession time. . . .I honestly did not know what these were until several seasons of racing (I won't say how many as it is just too embarrassing). The main reason I had no idea what they were is because the term does not accurately describe what they are (as a I teacher, this always frustrated me!). In my mind clipless means "no clip". Check the photo. Seems to me that that bit attached to the bracket IS A CLIP! Needless to say, once you get clipped (that's what I like to call them) in pedals, you know you have arrived in the 'real' cycling community. A word of warning. . . . YOU MUST PRACTISE clipping in and out. Your training buddies will thank you and will be happy to ride with you if you are skilled in this area. Find a nice grassy area to clip in and out. I suggest grassy because you will fall and it will make for a gentler landing :)
Wow! I clearly had a lot to say on these topics! I welcome your comments and any personal tips you have on this post or earlier ones.
Cheers :)
Since the last time I shared some 'cool' tri-terms, I have been madly collecting other multi-sport words. As a side note, readers are welcome to send in suggestions for the next round of vocabulary. It has taken me some time to return to this topic because I was waiting to be inspired by a theme so that I can present a cohesive, high-school-english-teacher pleasing essay. Then I realized I am random abstract in my writing style. . . .none of my posts have been logical up to this point so why start now!!!
It is starting to feel like spring this week so the following triathlon jargon may help you as we prepare to go outside for training and racing (ahem - northern hemisphere!).
Sighting - This refers to a technique used in open water swimming and is an important skill if you don't want to swim farther than necessary (never good). Most courses are set up in one of two ways: Out and Back Here you will swim to a buoy, go around and come back. Triangular/Polygonal I made up this term (my inner math nerd coming out). . . .A swim course is set up with buoys forming a triangle or a square (maybe a hexagon). In order to sight properly, you need to look up periodically to make sure you are swimming straight. We become dependant on the black stripe when we swim in a pool so we need to practise two things before race day. The first thing is to actually swim in a lake (go figure!) to get over any apprehension you have. The other important skill is lifting your head during your swim stroke in the easiest and most efficient way. At your next swim session, try it during the warm up. Check out this video from Dave Scott for his tips on open water swimming (Tips for Open Water).
 |
| These guys are 6 feet tall! |
One thing he doesn't mention is how big the buoys are. This was a complete shock to me the first time I did open water. What I learned is not to aim myself directly at the buoy but slightly to the side (depending on whether the turn is left or right).
Wave Start and/or Mass Start - This also refers to open water swimming. Depending on the size of the race, the organizers may use a mass start (everyone together) or a wave start where the competitors are divided into heats. I think it was the moment I first saw a mass start that I decided to do a triathlon. It was incredibly inspiring and terrifying all at once (much like child birth!). If you know that you may freak out during the start, hang back! You don't have to go with the race leaders. You can let the crowd thin out a bit and allow yourself some space to get in. Some races have a 'reticent racer' swim cap so that the guys out on the lake can keep a watchful eye on you. In races with wave start, double check the athlete information package so you know what time you start. This will, obviously, affect your warm-up and the timing of your visit to the port-o-pottie line (actually being serious).
Clipless Pedals - Ok confession time. . . .I honestly did not know what these were until several seasons of racing (I won't say how many as it is just too embarrassing). The main reason I had no idea what they were is because the term does not accurately describe what they are (as a I teacher, this always frustrated me!). In my mind clipless means "no clip". Check the photo. Seems to me that that bit attached to the bracket IS A CLIP! Needless to say, once you get clipped (that's what I like to call them) in pedals, you know you have arrived in the 'real' cycling community. A word of warning. . . . YOU MUST PRACTISE clipping in and out. Your training buddies will thank you and will be happy to ride with you if you are skilled in this area. Find a nice grassy area to clip in and out. I suggest grassy because you will fall and it will make for a gentler landing :)Wow! I clearly had a lot to say on these topics! I welcome your comments and any personal tips you have on this post or earlier ones.
Cheers :)
Monday 12 March 2012
Training Buddy Behaviour
Happy New Week!
Make sure you read all the way to the end of this post so you don't miss an important Diva announcement.
As a mother, I discussed proper behaviour with my kids on a regular basis during their upbringing. If you asked them, I am sure they would say I nagged but I always viewed it as friendly advice. One of my topics was good roommate behaviour. I guess I imagined a day that they would be sharing a space with a college buddy or significant other. We all have secret alone time behaviour that can get us into to trouble (socially) so I thought I was being helpful.
How does this translate into training? In a previous blog titled Training Malaise, I mentioned the benefit of having a training buddy. This can be a great motivator but only if the relationship is mutually beneficially. Are you a good training buddy? Take the following quiz to check YOUR compatibility:
When asked to describe your temperament to a buddy, you would say you are:
A. Totally easy to get along with. . . .up for anything.
B. Absolutely count-on-able. . . in fact, a bit controlling if we miss a workout.
C. Highly competitive and don't really get the camaraderie thing.
D. What's a buddy?
When you have arranged to meet for a workout with your buddy you arrive on time:
A. Most of the time.
B. Some of the time.
C. On time. . .Is that important?
D. Almost never which in theory makes me reliable :)
Your mutual coach puts out a rather difficult set of exercises to do so you say to your training buddy:
A. "We can do this! Let's work together and get it done."
B. "I will buy coffee if we leave right now!"
C. "WTF"
D. See answer C
After a disappointing performance during workout, your buddy leaves dejected and in a huff, you:
A. Text her an uplifting quote. . . .and a smiley emoticon :)
B. Run after her and give her crap for the lousy output.
C. Send her love and acceptance. . . .it might be you next time.
D. Give her space. . . .she will be back and better than before.
Okay, it may not be the most reliable or statistically sound test ever given but the point is clear. Be the buddy you want to have as a buddy. Remember the sisterhood!
The Diva announcement: If you live in the Edmonton area (and I know most of you do), I am starting a Sunday Ride as soon as the weather permits. It will be open to all abilities and ages and will feature a lovely coffee and chat afterwards. Send me your email details (to my email or through the blog) and I will let you know when it starts. Who knows. . . . you might find that awesome training buddy :)
Make sure you read all the way to the end of this post so you don't miss an important Diva announcement.
As a mother, I discussed proper behaviour with my kids on a regular basis during their upbringing. If you asked them, I am sure they would say I nagged but I always viewed it as friendly advice. One of my topics was good roommate behaviour. I guess I imagined a day that they would be sharing a space with a college buddy or significant other. We all have secret alone time behaviour that can get us into to trouble (socially) so I thought I was being helpful.
How does this translate into training? In a previous blog titled Training Malaise, I mentioned the benefit of having a training buddy. This can be a great motivator but only if the relationship is mutually beneficially. Are you a good training buddy? Take the following quiz to check YOUR compatibility:
When asked to describe your temperament to a buddy, you would say you are:
A. Totally easy to get along with. . . .up for anything.
B. Absolutely count-on-able. . . in fact, a bit controlling if we miss a workout.
C. Highly competitive and don't really get the camaraderie thing.
D. What's a buddy?
When you have arranged to meet for a workout with your buddy you arrive on time:
A. Most of the time.
B. Some of the time.
C. On time. . .Is that important?
D. Almost never which in theory makes me reliable :)
Your mutual coach puts out a rather difficult set of exercises to do so you say to your training buddy:
A. "We can do this! Let's work together and get it done."
B. "I will buy coffee if we leave right now!"
C. "WTF"
D. See answer C
After a disappointing performance during workout, your buddy leaves dejected and in a huff, you:
A. Text her an uplifting quote. . . .and a smiley emoticon :)
B. Run after her and give her crap for the lousy output.
C. Send her love and acceptance. . . .it might be you next time.
D. Give her space. . . .she will be back and better than before.
Okay, it may not be the most reliable or statistically sound test ever given but the point is clear. Be the buddy you want to have as a buddy. Remember the sisterhood!
The Diva announcement: If you live in the Edmonton area (and I know most of you do), I am starting a Sunday Ride as soon as the weather permits. It will be open to all abilities and ages and will feature a lovely coffee and chat afterwards. Send me your email details (to my email or through the blog) and I will let you know when it starts. Who knows. . . . you might find that awesome training buddy :)
Wednesday 7 March 2012
International Day of the Sisters
Hello Divas,
Instead of waiting for tomorrow to comment on International Women's Day, I thought I would jump in now.
Just the other day, someone in my swim group asks if I had anything sisters and honestly, my first thought was, "Of course, I have sistahs!!!". I have been blessed with some amazing kick -a#& ladies who I consider my sisters. I actually don't have any sisters in my family of origin but I have spent my life collecting them :)
It probably started back when I joined a soccer team (the first girls' team in my area - EVER). We didn't know the game and neither did our parents but on some level, we wanted to be fit (or maybe, fit in). We felt a connection to each other as we pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable for girls in sport. At the time, our choices were figure skating or baseball. I tried both for about 10 minutes: I quit the former the moment I landed on my butt and left black and blue; I quit the latter when I wasn't allowed to run the entire time (apparently, I like to run). Soccer was it and remained it for 15+ years. I loved the team aspect, the mutual suffering at practise and the bliss when we won. I forged my first group of sistahs and have been hooked ever since.
I recently had supper with two of my former teammates with our partners. We easily fell back into conversation even though we hadn't seen each other for years. We shared the successes of our kids and I was struck by how important sport was in the lives of our children. A powerful legacy!
I suppose this attachment to women in sport started in my neighbourhood and still persists today. Women's ability to remain feminine and still be scary fast is to be admired. We enjoy surprising people! Last night, at yoga, a lady approached me asked if I did triathlon. I answered, "I dabble". She shared that she had always wanted to do one but doesn't run. My suggestion was to find a runner and do one as a team. Her face lit up. Women have the great capacity to encourage, accept and cheerlead others. We need to celebrate our women-ness (probably not a word).
I challenge you to get out there tomorrow. Acknowledge those amazing women around you! Check out the website (International Women's Day) and find an event or get involve in the twitter feed (@womensday).
Cheers!
Instead of waiting for tomorrow to comment on International Women's Day, I thought I would jump in now.
Just the other day, someone in my swim group asks if I had anything sisters and honestly, my first thought was, "Of course, I have sistahs!!!". I have been blessed with some amazing kick -a#& ladies who I consider my sisters. I actually don't have any sisters in my family of origin but I have spent my life collecting them :)
It probably started back when I joined a soccer team (the first girls' team in my area - EVER). We didn't know the game and neither did our parents but on some level, we wanted to be fit (or maybe, fit in). We felt a connection to each other as we pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable for girls in sport. At the time, our choices were figure skating or baseball. I tried both for about 10 minutes: I quit the former the moment I landed on my butt and left black and blue; I quit the latter when I wasn't allowed to run the entire time (apparently, I like to run). Soccer was it and remained it for 15+ years. I loved the team aspect, the mutual suffering at practise and the bliss when we won. I forged my first group of sistahs and have been hooked ever since.
I recently had supper with two of my former teammates with our partners. We easily fell back into conversation even though we hadn't seen each other for years. We shared the successes of our kids and I was struck by how important sport was in the lives of our children. A powerful legacy!
I suppose this attachment to women in sport started in my neighbourhood and still persists today. Women's ability to remain feminine and still be scary fast is to be admired. We enjoy surprising people! Last night, at yoga, a lady approached me asked if I did triathlon. I answered, "I dabble". She shared that she had always wanted to do one but doesn't run. My suggestion was to find a runner and do one as a team. Her face lit up. Women have the great capacity to encourage, accept and cheerlead others. We need to celebrate our women-ness (probably not a word).
I challenge you to get out there tomorrow. Acknowledge those amazing women around you! Check out the website (International Women's Day) and find an event or get involve in the twitter feed (@womensday).
Cheers!
Friday 2 March 2012
The Value of a Coach
Hello Readers,
I sincerely apologize for the long absence (Ok maybe it just felt that way). I guess it took me longer to recover from my last post than originally anticipated. As usual, I gathered my inspiration for this post from a recent trip and a hot shower, of course.
My training usually follows a predictable pattern. I join a few groups with coaches/trainers and often, I over-schedule and find myself wondering why I committed to so much. Sound familiar? It has taken me a long time to find that great balance between structured, coach-driven programs and on-my-own tailor-made for me, hunker-down in my basement training (enough hyphens?). The one common element is 'a coach'. As much as I like to think I know everything about the swim/bike/run part of my life, I continue to benefit from a coach.
Good coaches see potential where we see barriers.
Good coaches know when to push and when to back off.
Good coaches read your mood before you hit the lanes, track or oval.
I have learned something from every coach I ever had. Many years ago, I was at a sports banquet where a coach was being honoured for their work with a particular athlete. Upon receiving his award, he was asked to speak to us. Before embarking on a long diatribe of what made his program produce greatness, the first thing he did impressed me. He asked all the coaches that had ever worked with this particular athlete to stand and be acknowledged. She had had a long history with this club spanning more than 15 years and so slowly, people started standing up. There were at least 5 coaches that had some influence of her development. Very cool!!
Last weekend, I attended a national level swim meet and while working on deck, a swimmer approached me and asked how long she had to remove herself from a particular race. She did not want to swim it. Her coach happen to be beside us and I quoted the rule about scratching and then I left her with her coach. I have no idea what her coach said and maybe he didn't even change her mind but I did see her later, racing. She ended up setting a new record for her school and a new personal best. When I asked her later if she was happy she raced, she looked at me sheepishly and nodded yes.
I would like to think that the coach had some pearls of wisdom.
Sometimes, the mere presence of a coach makes us do things that we didn't think we were capable of. Just as having a buddy to train with so goes the advantage of having a coach to encourage us, provide us with feedback, cajole us, tease us and celebrate with us when goals are reached.
Do you have a great coach story? Share, Share Share. . . .Hope you have a great weekend :)
I sincerely apologize for the long absence (Ok maybe it just felt that way). I guess it took me longer to recover from my last post than originally anticipated. As usual, I gathered my inspiration for this post from a recent trip and a hot shower, of course.
My training usually follows a predictable pattern. I join a few groups with coaches/trainers and often, I over-schedule and find myself wondering why I committed to so much. Sound familiar? It has taken me a long time to find that great balance between structured, coach-driven programs and on-my-own tailor-made for me, hunker-down in my basement training (enough hyphens?). The one common element is 'a coach'. As much as I like to think I know everything about the swim/bike/run part of my life, I continue to benefit from a coach.
Good coaches see potential where we see barriers.
Good coaches know when to push and when to back off.
Good coaches read your mood before you hit the lanes, track or oval.
I have learned something from every coach I ever had. Many years ago, I was at a sports banquet where a coach was being honoured for their work with a particular athlete. Upon receiving his award, he was asked to speak to us. Before embarking on a long diatribe of what made his program produce greatness, the first thing he did impressed me. He asked all the coaches that had ever worked with this particular athlete to stand and be acknowledged. She had had a long history with this club spanning more than 15 years and so slowly, people started standing up. There were at least 5 coaches that had some influence of her development. Very cool!!
Last weekend, I attended a national level swim meet and while working on deck, a swimmer approached me and asked how long she had to remove herself from a particular race. She did not want to swim it. Her coach happen to be beside us and I quoted the rule about scratching and then I left her with her coach. I have no idea what her coach said and maybe he didn't even change her mind but I did see her later, racing. She ended up setting a new record for her school and a new personal best. When I asked her later if she was happy she raced, she looked at me sheepishly and nodded yes.
I would like to think that the coach had some pearls of wisdom.
Sometimes, the mere presence of a coach makes us do things that we didn't think we were capable of. Just as having a buddy to train with so goes the advantage of having a coach to encourage us, provide us with feedback, cajole us, tease us and celebrate with us when goals are reached.
Do you have a great coach story? Share, Share Share. . . .Hope you have a great weekend :)
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