Life After

Only working out 2/3 days a week. Signed up for a Sprint Tri in August and a century ride in Septemeber. I need to get together. LOL

RACE DAY - FINAL PART

My legs were SCREAMING I mean screaming with pain. All I can remember is Teague saying your legs are going to feel like they are on fire for the first 15 minutes. They are just going to be burning. I was like I do not know how I am going to put one foot forward. I heard my girls screaming my name. I waved then started going towards the finish line…that loooooooong 6.2 mile run.
This truly was a sadistic course. I am still trying to figure out how these hills were harder than the bike. As soon and I mean as soon as I start running I had to make a left hand turn and go up a hill. I never have been in so much pain in my life I mean my legs are burning from the bike ride, I am tired and I just want to finish (no let me be honest I just wanted to stop and go to bed LOL). “Keep it Moving! Keep it Moving!” “I am doing this for William” “William I want to make you proud” I hear my mother saying “Keep Your Eye on The Goal not the Gold” I hear my boss saying “All you have to do is finish. Remember why you are doing this.” My first mile had to be 20 minutes and I am think I can’t take this long per mile I need to get back to my 15 minute run/walk pace. There were people saying good job (I was like whatever your ass is done LOL) Anyway, around mile marker 1, a man asked me if I was the last person. I told him I was I didn’t know for sure but I can bet on it. LOL He said that is ok. Then I heard this lady saying you are doing great – I told here this is crazy how, how do people do this, I don’t think I am going to make. She said yes you can. After I guess after 10 minutes of conversation, she said I am going to stay with you until I finish. I was like oh no that is ok. She said know I am doing my run anyway preparing for a run. Now I can tell you this is a pivotal moment (I am tearing up now as I write this). I just happened to bumped into a complete stranger that was willing to finish this run with me. How can I give up now? Was this GOD, My Mother or William talking to me - telling me you can keep going. The next thing you know another Man on a Bike from the Columbia Triathlon Association (CTA) said he will be with me until I finish this race. What? (Now at that point I was thinking the folks at CTA were ready to go home LOL) Why do I have to be the last person? LOL Uggggggggggggggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhh WTF is this hill. “ Yo what is your love affair with these hills?” I ask the Man on the Bike. He just smiled. Then around mile marker 3 (I think) Coach Teague rides up with his bike. “What’s up?” It was good to see a familiar face. Then I decided to ask the lady’s name – Juniper. That is an awesome name. Juniper motivating me to do a 12/13 minute pace, Coach Teague checking on me, and the Man on the Bike making sure everything is fine. Now you have all of that and I still had moments when I wanted to stop. My body was so laughing at me every time I attempted to run. Running and Walking, talking to Coach Teague about some of the people that got pulled out the water or didn’t make it on the bike, Juniper talking about the woman who started the Danskin series….all I can think of is when is shit is going to be over. Well around mile marker 5 I said good bye to Juniper. (Thank you so much. May God Bless You) It was just me and Teague. I can’t even tell you what we talked about in that last mile. I just remember telling him it seems so far away, he was like look over the lake. Coach Teague “You are almost there. You are going to be so proud of yourself. I don’t know how you are feeling now but when you see that finish line you are going to feel great.” At this point I am doing that slow run/walk thing just looking pitiful lol. Then all of sudden I look up and there is the finish line…it was like a burst of energy. I sprinted to that finish line. Everyone cheering – My girls Kim and Tasha (I am so glad they are here. I love them. I needed them here they have been listening to my bitching for 20 years now LOL), Brett is here with family, OMG Mike is here! Mike? He waited for me – how cool. I hear my name Niambi Daniels. I Hi-Five the Announcer, hugged some woman I don’t know, started crying, yelling, screaming, just whatever. (I wish Daddy was here. It’s ok he is alive. And I know he is proud). Ok My Girls, My Teammates are here. Where is Coach Amy? Where is Coach Amy? There you go. Carrie gets a hug too.
Well the rest is history. You walk back to the transition area. Pack up your stuff. Catch the shuttle. Go back to the Hotel. You walk in the Lobby and there’s the rest of the team cheering Jim, Jeremy and Allen (They are what I call “Elite Athletes”. You know what I am talking about). What a great feeling!
I am so grateful for this experience (the bad and good). Team in Training is a great program. One I will remember for the rest of my life. It has been a tough 8 years for me (it’s called life). What I have been learning in my thirties is you got to take the bad with the good. Somehow, you have to recognize your Blessings through all the pain and frustration, through all the failures and obstacles. Why? Because you appreciate those “Finish Line” moments with so much more passion and enthusiasm.
Honey, “Life is like a box of chocolates you never know what you’re going to get.”
So Enjoy The Ride!
Niambi

Race Day - Part 2

I couldn't even run to my bike I was so tired. I just walked to it. Now as I walk up to the transition area I see there are about 10 bikes left. I am like this is not good. I don't know what my swim time is but I know it was long and I have until 11:15am to finish that bike course. I get to my spot #1846. It was a mess...I put on my helmet first. "Always put your helmet on first" I have everything on and then I can't find my sunglasses. Oh Shit where are my glasses? WHERE ARE MY GLASSES? So I picked up my goggles and started to run out the transition area...Then I said "BUMP IT" I threw my bike down and went to get my glasses (LMAO I can't believe I did that - hilarious). I found my glass case and got up the hill onto the road. So let's go back to earlier in the morning before the race. The TNT Team is standing under the tent at the transition area entrance. We’re talking and Coach Amy says "Ok Niambi this is your strategy for the bike" (My brain said Oh Shit this is not good) "You are going to go up the hills and book it on the straight away. No playing around. You have a time limit to finish the course. There's no playing around no taking it easy" (NOTE: remember the statement about the straight away). My brain was right. I said "Ok I understand - I knew it. I need to finish this in 2 hours" Amy said "You can do it" Coach Teague "You can do it" Alright so now you know my strategy. After the first 4 miles I see Jim coming in the opposite direction - "Hey Jim" "Niambi!" (Now brain is says "This is not good. He's coming in and I am just starting. Not good). Then I see Carlos (no comment LOL). I just need to keep it moving. The first 13 miles this girl and I were neck to neck, then I fell back on this one hill. The next thing I knew there was a cop motorcycle following behind me. "Oh Crap this is not good. I can’t get pulled off this course. I need to keep going. I have been on the bike an hour and 15 minutes. I can’t get pulled off this course that will be so embarrassing. “Just keep it moving, keep it moving" My brain says. By the way where the hell is the straight away I need a moment to book it. THERE WAS NEVER A STRAIGHT AWAY, NOT ONE, NOPE NOT ONE STRAIGHT AWAY - After the 10th hill I just gave up looking for the straight away. I can laugh now but it wasn’t funny at the time. Why do I have to be the last person on the road with a cop following behind me – only Niambi (LMAO).
What was really cool about that ride from hell all the people who were on the sidelines cheering me on. It was awesome (I cried a couple of times) when I was going up those hills as people were yelling at me "You are doing a great job" “You are almost up that hill" You can do this you are almost there" That shit helps. I was so ready to give up so many times and the funny thing is the hills were not even as bad as the ones I trained on at home. It was just so damn many. Geez. (where the hell was the straight away?) Anyway when I thought I had 2 more miles to go the next thing I know I am turning into the park. I see Head Coach Chuck walking up the hill on the bike. Now I was so happy that I didn't get pulled off the course. I yelled his name and waved. (Afterwards My brain said "Ain't this some shit he's done and going home LOL")
Note: Coach Chuck is an impressive man - he is an Iron Man and he was in the 55 + age group. I just wanted to put it in perspective for you. It will sink in soon.
I stop my bike. I walk back into the transition area.

RACE DAY - Part 1

3:30 AM is when my day started...I jumped up out of the bed - fixed my oatmeal, fixed my green tea, took a shower, put on all my clothes, checked my bag and went downstairs by 4:30 AM as designated by Carrie. I was trying to be calm so my nerves wouldn't be too shot. Half the group was there, then all the group was there. It was raining like cats and dogs. I mean pouring, just pouring - I was like this is not good. I had to run upstairs to my room twice (I needed tissue and something else, can't remember). I come downstairs and my teammates are gone. "Where did they go?" I asked our coach. They went to catch the shuttle. That's what happens when you are the only chick on the team LOL. So I ran out to the shuttle to catch up with my team.
FYI - There were other TNT Coaches and Mooseman Participants doing the Columbia Tri but registered separately. And they did not look stressed (trust me) lol.
It's dark, raining, and that 1 mile seemed like a long ride. The shuttle didn't even drop us off at the front of the park. We got dropped off the corner of the street across from the park. I was like damn I gotta work out before I even get to the transition area. You walk into the transition area and loud is music playing, 100s of people are setting up (which soon turned into the 2000), a commentator is speaking, Meanwhile you are trying to locate your bike you set up the night before (number 1846, number 1846 I said to myself – I found it!). I was overwhelmed, nervous, confused and excited. I pumped air in my tires, tried to set up my transition area in the rain - left some stuff in the bag. I go back to the entrance of the area where my coach is with other Team in Training. My advisor looks calm as hell. I walked back down to my hair. Next thing I know I need my goggles, swim cap, banana nut bar and I am walking to the Port-A-Potty with Coach Jill (she is so happy and excited).
So after using the Port-A-Potty LOL I walked over to the Lake. The closer I got, the more I heard people's conversations, the more my nerves were getting out of control. By the time I got to the lake I was mortified. And yes "they" noticed. Everyone is giving me great advice and encouraging me but I couldn't hear them. I mean I heard them but I just couldn’t absorb the information. My mentor was trying to get my mind off of things, I could barely eat. I had to wait 2 hours 2 freakin’ hours for my wave. You know the 34 – 39 and Athena group. I watched my teammates go into the water wave by wave. I really lost it when I saw the look of fear in Jeremy’s face. I mean this man is a monster when it comes to this stuff. That look was not good…I saw that and my food started coming up.
Finally, they called the women with the Black Caps. I heard my name. The announcer mentioned that I was the highest fundraiser for the NJ Team-In-Training Columbia Team. I'm thinking "I BETTER FINISH THIS RACE." So I gave myself a talking to. Poor Coach Jill she was so trying to cheer me up - I was too much in shock LOL. Now while waiting in the water I saw these 3 guys on the other side of the lake looking confused - that is not a good sign. Next thing you know I am swimming. 1st half I kept up with the pack. 2nd half - I started seeing orange caps, people hanging on the buoys, blue caps, two guys grabbed my ankles and pulled me back, 10 minutes of swimming and not moving (I swear I wasn't moving lol). Finally – remember what my coaches taught you Slow and Steady, Reach, turn your body, breath under your arm pit - "I CAN NOT be pulled out of this water.” 1st buoy, 2nd buoy, 3rd, 4th coming around that mini island I see the dock....I started booking it. I get out the water, I can barely breath, I could barely walk let alone run, disoriented, dazed – I have to get to my bike.

RACE DAY - Part 1

3:30 AM is when my day started...I jumped up out of the bed - fixed my oatmeal, fixed my green tea, took a shower, put on all my clothes, checked my bag and went downstairs by 4:30 AM as designated by Carrie. I was trying to be calm so my nerves wouldn't be too shot. Half the group was there, then all the group was there. It was raining like cats and dogs. I mean pouring, just pouring - I was like this is not good. I had to run upstairs to my room twice (I needed tissue and something else, can't remember). I come downstairs and my teammates are gone. "Where did they go?" I asked our coach. They went to catch the shuttle. That's what happens when you are the only chick on the team LOL. So I ran out to the shuttle to catch up with my team.
FYI - There were other TNT Coaches and Mooseman Participants doing the Columbia Tri but registered separately. And they did not look stressed (trust me) lol.
It's dark, raining, and that 1 mile seemed like a long ride. The shuttle didn't even drop us off at the front of the park. We got dropped off the corner of the street across from the park. I was like damn I gotta work out before I even get to the transition area. You walk into the transition area and loud is music playing, 100s of people are setting up (which soon turned into the 2000), a commentator is speaking, Meanwhile you are trying to locate your bike you set up the night before (number 1846, number 1846 I said to myself – I found it!). I was overwhelmed, nervous, confused and excited. I pumped air in my tires, tried to set up my transition area in the rain - left some stuff in the bag. I go back to the entrance of the area where my coach is with other Team in Training. My advisor looks calm as hell. I walked back down to my hair. Next thing I know I need my goggles, swim cap, banana nut bar and I am walking to the Port-A-Potty with Coach Jill (she is so happy and excited).
So after using the Port-A-Potty LOL I walked over to the Lake. The closer I got, the more I heard people's conversations, the more my nerves were getting out of control. By the time I got to the lake I was mortified. And yes "they" noticed. Everyone is giving me great advice and encouraging me but I couldn't hear them. I mean I heard them but I just couldn’t absorb the information. My mentor was trying to get my mind off of things, I could barely eat. I had to wait 2 hours 2 freakin’ hours for my wave. You know the 34 – 39 and Athena group. I watched my teammates go into the water wave by wave. I really lost it when I saw the look of fear in Jeremy’s face. I mean this man is a monster when it comes to this stuff. That look was not good…I saw that and my food started coming up.
Finally, they called the women with the Black Caps. I heard my name. The announcer mentioned that I was the highest fundraiser for the NJ Team-In-Training Columbia Team. I'm thinking "I BETTER FINISH THIS RACE." So I gave myself a talking to. Poor Coach Jill she was so trying to cheer me up - I was too much in shock LOL. Now while waiting in the water I saw these 3 guys on the other side of the lake looking confused - that is not a good sign. Next thing you know I am swimming. 1st half I kept up with the pack. 2nd half - I started seeing orange caps, people hanging on the buoys, blue caps, two guys grabbed my ankles and pulled me back, 10 minutes of swimming and not moving (I swear I wasn't moving lol). Finally – remember what my coaches taught you Slow and Steady, Reach, turn your body, breath under your arm pit - "I CAN NOT be pulled out of this water.” 1st buoy, 2nd buoy, 3rd, 4th coming around that mini island I see the dock....I started booking it. I get out the water, I can barely breath, I could barely walk let alone run, disoriented, dazed – I have to get to my bike.

Some Last Minute Thoughts

Even though the Columbia team is small we are strong and even though I am the only chick on the team (as always) it has been real fun. Anyway, my Dad was in a car accident earlier this week and had to be admitted into the hospital (4 broken ribs). So of course my world just went spiraling out of control and I really didn't know if I was going to make it. So this is how cool my coach and mentor are - My coach took my bike to get tuned up before the race and my mentor picked the bike up before we left for the race. And some might think that is small but it is HUGE for me.
Then all my fellow Mooseman Teammates have been giving me so much love and well wishes to the point I feel so bad I won't make it to their event. J, A, ST, SR, M, E, C, C, J, A, J, G, J, S, M, T, L ...(I used the first letters of the names cause I don't know how people feel having their name listed on a blog lol) These people have touched my life. And if I never see them again after this (but I do plan on it) I am all the better for it. They raised the bar for me. They have inspired me...Every once in a while you need that.
So driving down with my Mentor and teammates Jim, Jeremy and Family, and Mike was pretty cool. We had some minor difficulties, someone's car broke down, but we still made it. I know exactly how that person feels I have been there the last two years (shit just happens at the most inopportune time). And yet somehow you pick yourself up and KEEP IT MOVING!! LOL We met up with Allen and Brett later that night.
So there's this lady named Carrie. She is awesome, she is the LLS coordinator and organized the logistics of everything. She is great and she definitely doesn't get enough credit. The reason why she is really cool is because she picked up a birthday cake for and had the Crab Shanty waiter bring it out to surprise me. Now that is cool LOL!

Yesterday was a great birthday not because of the cake and FREE DRINKS (which was really nice cause I can't tell the last time I had a man buy me drink LMAO) but because I experienced something new with some really great people and I would do it all over again.

So as I sit here and try to fight back my tears (I cry for so many reasons). I realize how important it is to never give up because somehow you will make it to the Other Side....with a little help from someone.

Obstacles

Had a family emergency last night on my way to the city. Woke up this morning with with my head spinning. Missed my bike ride this morning. I had 50 thousand things to do today(I am at work now). Somehow between now and tomorrow morning I will need to get my bike ride in. I will figure it out. I hope everything is timed perfectly tomorrow so I can make swim practice or I am screwed. I am not sure how much more I can take, I am really trying to push through these roadblocks. Move them out my way so I can finsih this race on Sunday. I have some serious decisions to make between now and Wednesday.

Open Water Swim Part 2

So last week (Open Water Swim Part 1) I was excited about the open water swim. I just got my goggles and triathlon backpack the other day. I woke up in the morning cooked breakfast, didn't have to worry about packing my bike cause it was already in the car, then went to back my bag. Then I realized I did not know to pack this bag LOL. I was like Oh Crap what do I do - so I googled TYR Triathlon Bag and looked at the pictures and some how figured it out. It is amazing what you can do under pressure. Plus I wanted to practice before the race. Anyway, I got to the beach my teammates were there.
Let me paint the picture for you. It is cold and very windy (I mean windy). We were at Lavellette Beach (near Seaside Heights). After we got organized into our groups - Beginners, Intermediate and Advance, we had to swim out to the area. 30 people swimming to one point, the current is taking you one place the wind is taking you to another Uggh. When I finally got out the water for the first part of the session - I know I had this look of horror on my face because two of my teammates asked if I was ok and then My Coach Jav asked (well at that point I almost started crying cause I was like I don't think I can do it. I couldn't pull this off)
Well, some of us had lunch and I realized that it wasn't just me we all felt a little (something I can't think of the word). Good Lunch - Wharfside in Point Pleasant.

So yesterday. I was running late (I don't know what I had but something made me sick in the morning LOL). No time to pack a bike or tri-bag LOL Oh well...End result I left the Open Water Swim feeling I can do this! I can do this....

10 DAYS!

There are 10 days left until D-Day...I can not tell you how nervous and scared I am. I got it get it together LOL I keep saying it is all good - I am just slower than everyone else LOL
10 days - I am also excited and looking forward to it. Weird right. I mean I am starting to really enjoy this craziness. I already signed up for the Jersey Girl Triathlon on August 8th.
More importantly I have raised a little over $4000 and I know it is going to help someone. I am thinking I am nervous is because I do not want to disappoint William. I mean this is why I am doing this anyway to raise awareness of this pain in the ass disease.
Well I will stop procrastinating now and go to the gym LOL (still at work)

10, 9, 8, 7, 6 ......

Open Water Swim

All I can say there was an extreme look of fear when I got out that water yesterday

Pivotal Point

So last Friday I went by Marty's Reliable Bike Shop in Randolph(two Fridays ago) to pick up some biker shorts. Cause I am tired of looking like the orphan of the group- Oversize sweatpants, borrowing peoples ID bands, etc. etc. Anyway, my Coach (Coach Amy) was working that day and she was glad to see me because she wanted to talk to me. So she asked the question "Do you think you are ready?" and I just started crying, right in the middle of the bike shop. I was trying to do that calm cry so no one will notice but that was the straw that broke the camels back. I feel like I am failing at everything and I am so stressed about this race and getting sick that week did not help. So the coaches were concerned...
Amy and I talked for a while ...so bottom line I can do this I just need some "special" help LOL. So last Sunday I was with Amy and her beau working on hills and last Friday I rode with her for another bike ride. And I can tell you I will never look at a hill the same. OMG I truly did not think I was going to make it but Amy made me a deal if I got up those hills then I can do Columbia - So I made it up those hills with no falls and no walking.
I can not tell you how important it is to have a supportive and motivating coaches to help you reach your goal. I have been so impressed by not only their athletic skills but their leadership abilities are awesome. And even thought I fell like I am failing I am glad they never thought I was a failure.
Yes I Can!

Bike Rides

My First Ride
It was about four weeks ago, I picked up my $1200 bike on Saturday and went on my first 30 mile bike ride on Sunday. It was horrible, I fell 4 times, never have done so many hills in my life. One fall was on hill, and I cried going up 2 of them. I got through and moved on.

My 2nd Ride
So this was recovery week, so I thought until Coach Chuck said it is 40 miles. Huh, Say that again. Well I can tell you I only fell twice, the first fall was at the end of 20 miles in front of a coffee shop (Bike Stop) in front of expert bikers. And it was in slow motion LOL. Oh Well. Then did my final 20 got to my car and once again slow motion but a loud boom. These two women yelled out are you ok, one guy shouted it...Yea Yea Yea. The guy said I know, it is more your ego that hurts. LOL

Well rode with some teammates last friday. It went pretty well and they all were helpful. One of more compettive teammate Jeremy (and a stealth athlete) Really pushed me on the hills which was good for me. He is a great motivator.

So I had special training today with my Coach and her beau for hills. I will discuss that tomorrow.

All I know is have to make it to this race and finish.

Finally!

I GOT MY BIKE!!!!!

What's Today? LOL

Traveling and training do not go together. Plus I am in a new position. I don;t know if I am coming or going. It would be nice to know what day of the week it is. I really want to sit down somewhere...I can hold on to June. I know I can I know I can LOL Ok off to Velocity Performance (in MAHWAH) for strength training. (and no I didn't go running this morning. yea I am going to be suffering this weekend oh this weekend? (yea I had to ask my coach what to do cause I am completely confused lol)
I just wanted to pout for a quick second. LOL

I Finally Made It (to swim practice that is)

I finally made to a Saturday morning swim practice. It took 3 months but I woke up at 4am, packed some clothes, washied some clothes (to pack some more clothes), got dressed (not dressed dressed but swim suit sweat pants dressed) and went to practice. It still takes about 20/30 minutes to warm up but at least I was only behind (lapped) by my teammates by 200 yards. Not bad..it used to be by a 800 yards LMAO...I just kept talking to the coaches LOL. Yes I know I am out of control. My shoulder is killing me. I gotta start physical therapy soon but I am pushing through it and getting a little better. Breathing is getting better, strokes are getting better, slow and steady.
Well it has been a crazy week and I am waiting in the airport for my delayed flight (as always). I think I am going to get something to eat.
Peace Love and Hair Grease！

My Goggles!!

Ok so for some reason I lost all my swimming goggles. Don't know how I did that...I actually had to borrow one of my team mate’s goggles a couple of weeks ago. Anyway, Monday (last Monday) I went to Modell's on my way to practice and bought the 5.99 goggles. Cause I was tired of losing $19 supercool goggles LOL. Anyway, yesterday I went down in the basement to wash clothes and guess what I found on the floor...MY GOGGLES LOL! OOC

It's March?!

On Tuesday I went to the Orthopedic Doctor (Dr. Goldberger) for my shoulder. Dr. Goldberger is an triathlete himself (IRON MAN) and he really knows what he is taking about. He talk to me about the Columbia Course, the most technical run he ever experienced. My stomach flipped of course. In the end, I have an anti-inflammatory, physical therapy and exercises I have to give my coach for swim practice.

It has been a looooooooooooong week and I am exhausted. Our recommittment papers came in this week and I have to turn them in tomorrow at the 7 am swim practice (I have yet to go to). Once they are submitted, there is no turning back. I just wish all could do is just focus on training and fundraising. Now I have to raise another $700 to cover the tri-suit. Between travel with work and some other issue going on it is draining me mentally and physically but I am keeping my eye on the goal and purpose.

I can't believe how fast time flies..it is now March. And it is going to be a hectic 3 months. At least I am starting to enjoy the practices. LOL

This Weekend

It was a good and interesting weekend.

Friday - I went out with a fellow Aggie Alumni to a poetry jam and a little bit of food. She told me I am not in my Zone yet and I need to get in my Zone. That is how I am going to finish my race. I am committed but no in Zone. So it gave me something to think about. Still thinking....

Saturday - my girl was coming into town to see Jay-Z. So even though I didn't get home until 1 am and I was anemic (inside joke for women). I woke up at 7 am to do my brick training and hopefully find my Zone. I did the training. After running errands and my girlfriend got to my house, we went to the store to use my coupon for running shoes. I never felt sneakers like that before. They feel like you are on cloud nine. Well at least I had a 20% coupon because I never spent that much money on sneakers before, either! Well, JayZ is still the man and Slate is a cool hang out spot in the city.

Sunday - We had good intentions to go to Central Park and test out my sneakers. I didn’t get out of bed until 9 am (5 hours of sleep) so it was too late. My girlfriend is an early bird & exercise freak - so of course she was ready. Instead we met up with another friend in Montclair, had breakfast, did a little shopping and then decided to find a trail at South Mountain Reservation to try out my “cloud nine” sneakers. After an hour of driving around trying to find a spot that wasn't covered in snow we went back to our friend’s apartment and went walking/running around Montclair for 1 hour and 25 mins. Painful but we got it done. My body is still recovering. LOL

So all and all this was a good weekend, had fun and still worked out. So I think I am headed in the right direction.

Keep It Moving

Yesterday I didn't make it to swim practice but I recovered today. I did my 1 hour and 15 minute bike ride. Now I am just tired. Well tomorrow will be the 1 hour 25 minute run and Thursday Mahwah!!!!
I just made it past the 50% mark for my fundraising so that is a good sign.
I don't have much today but I wanted to keep up since I had a little time.
Talk to you soon.
Niambi

The past three weeks...

I can't believe it has been 3 weeks since my last post...sorry about that. i have been extremely busy and tired. Working, training and trying to fit everything else in between (it is called LIFE) LOL.

Well, I thought at some point this would get easier but after receiving this weeks training program the joke was on me. I mean I was laughing a good 30 minutes saying "I'm suppose to do this" I did it with the exception of the Saturday swim. Still have been to one yet. 7 am is a struggle.
Last week I crashed...I just worked out 3 days. My body was like enough. Luckily it was a recovery week. I went to a Triathlon Symposium on Saturday and it gave me some motivation. So I am back on track this week. I learned a lot in the symposium like making an appointment with a Orthopedic doctor for my shoulder and making an appointment with a pulmonary doctor (to make sure my asthma does flair up during working out - it's called EID exercise induced asthma). I need to buy some running shoes, which I will be doing this week. Once I get my sneakers I am going to start running outside.

This week was work and training (and hanging out with friends LOL). At this point I am burning approximately 1000 calories a session. I have never done that in my life but it is cool with me. Anything to help me lose weight. LOL Oh and on Monday I tried on the team in training event suits, it goes on under your tri-suit. It was pretty cool and I didn't need a TRIPLE X - I think that was my biggest accomplishment!
Well until tomorrow...

The Other Side - Fundraising and Equipment

Excited because I received several other donations and my first fundraiser is coming up next weekend. I believe I can raise the money I need by March 14th. See not only do you do training every day but you have to raise a certain amount of funds to participate. They keep you focused. LOL

I didn't realize all the equipment I needed. I will get my mountain bike out the repair shop on Saturday. Hopefully I will be able to buy the Cycle Ops Trainer in couple of weeks so I can go to a couple of the cycling practices. I figure if I go a couple of times, I can then do the training at home without traveling all to Mahwah on Tuesdays. I just need to do it soon. My plan is by March I will have funds to buy a road bike.

I just keeping praying and staying focused it will get all done. I am just feeling a little unprepared, trying to balance Life, Work and TNT. It is all part of the challenge and I intend to the enjoy the ride (bad and good)!

Training In Chi-Town

This weekend I went to Chicago for the Oprah Winfrey Show (great experience). Anyway, my advisor hooked me up with the TNT Chicago Team. What a great team, everyone was so nice and interested in what Tri I was doing. I went to the Saturday Spin Class - it was fun but my legs were like wow. The music was great I think that coach might have something on Coach Carlos. LOL Anyway, they had a 10 year Hodgkin's Survivor speak to us, how inspiring. I think that made me train a little harder LOL. Anyway I tried to convince them to do the Mooseman Triathlon next year - I think they would have a lot of fun. They are doing St. Anthony's in St. Petersburg, Florida. Maybe I will go down and bring William's parents.

This was truly an inspirational and eye-opening weekend for me. Another great learning experience.

Coming Along

Yesterday I got off on a tangent. Back to normal now.

Today I did my first "Brick" as they call it. 45 min bike (spin class) and 25 min running (for me walking) for a total of 1:10. I am proud of myself - I got up in the morning went to the gym, went to church and met a girlfriend of mine to plan a fundraiser. This is significant because I am not a morning person and I usually don't get to the gym until 1pm or 3pm (if I went to church).

And no I did not make the 7 am Saturday swim. I know, I know, I know. I will get there. Just getting up 5 am is a killer on Saturday. I mean I woke up at 5 am Saturday, went to the bathroom and then went back to bed LOL. I think I am going to try to find an afternoon swim class somewhere.

Tired, going to bed... until next time

Anxiety - Stop Being Afraid

Well, Thursday I went to Spin Class. That was my first class since last Saturday. The head cold finally subsided but for some reason I feel like I have an ear infection. Anyway, it was a good class and the coach was encouraging. I have been having so much anxiety about this race, I really haven't been able to truly enjoy the practices. And believe or not they are fun but with my body screaming at me and my love affair with CVS Lavender Epsom Salt and being intimidated by all the returning alumni and feeling unprepared (not having all the tools I didn't realize this was an expensive sport at a time when my finances are tight) I have done more stressing.

So I decided to STOP. I will be the little engine that could. I am defeating myself before I put my first foot forward. So everyday I will wake up and say I can do this. I mean it is for a greater purpose. This year will be the five year anniversary of William's death and there has not been much progress in organ donation in the African American community. This is very important to me since Daddy needs a kidney now. Additionally, colon cancer (which my mother died from ) is still very prevalent in our community. That will be my next project - do a 5K run to raise money for colon cancer. So I say to myself if my Mother can do 5 years of chemo and William 1 and half years with strength and resolve...then I can cross that finish line. I do pray and hope to put together a large organ donor/bone marrow drive after this is all said and done. Cancer and Diabetes has changed my life, impacted my life and how I see things (the sky is a different blue). And this is not because I suffered from one of those diseases but those I love dearly have. I watched how their suffering and pain, I saw how a good day can become a bad day in seconds. Even though My Mother and William didn't experience that miracle someone else will by putting all our efforts together.

These are my hopes, these are my dreams that cancer will be a distant memory...ladyfreckles

This Week

Wednesday - Core Flexibility and Strength Training Clinic at the Performance Velocity Center (in Mahwah)


That's a lot in that in the title. Yep it should be. "It's going to be fun! It's going to be fun!" That's what the trainers were saying. Yea Right. It is Saturday and my body still hurts. I have been using a lot of Lavender Epsom Salt. LOL. Wednesday is suppose to be our off day. So this was a special clinic that will now be a regular practice. Anyway, this place is for Athletes to enhance their performance...I'm glad you think I am Athlete.


Don't get me wrong it was a good practice but I am so not prepared or in shape for these exercises. I don't even know what they are called - I never seen half that stuff. Keep in mind I was getting a cold, so I sprinting and trying gasp for air for dear life. LOL

Thursday did not make it to spin...cold is getting worse. Went to bed at 8pm.
Friday landed in ATL got the hotel did the bike.
Saturday short run (plenty of dancing though - should make up for it.-
Today - nothing. Feel like crap. Now that I landed back in NJ Can't hear in my right ear - it is completely plugged. I never felt pain like in my air before. In the 30 years I have been flying I have never experienced this. Swimming should be fun tomorrow.

Until next time....

It Always Something... & all You can do is laugh

Let me first say... I AM EXHAUSTED.
So Monday was my first day back at work. So I call myself being prepared by packing my bag for swim practice on Sunday. Well, after (and this word after is important) after I come back from lunch I realized I did NOT pack my swimsuit. I mean I had my shampoo, dryer, cosmetics, change of clothes, towl, socks, sneaker, I had everything but the freakin' swim suit! UGGGGGGGGGGGGGGH! It was downstairs in the basement hang drying.
I told my admin she was like S*&$. "Go to Target" and I told her I was thinking about that and get a travel size of clothes detergent. She was like can you go during lunch NOPE cause I already went to lunch LOL.
So after work I rushed to Target got a suit (keep in mind I have no money for this kind of crap) and some 97 cent ALL detergent and left for the gym. Got to the gym, walked upstairs to the locker room, and pulled out my suit. I was hoping I got there earlier enough so no one can see what I had to do.... go to the sink with the suit and ALL, turn on the water and start washing the suit, moved to the next sink to rinse the suit, then place it in the bathing suit dryer.
Of course there were two teammates there. One girl said that was pretty impressive, I found a suit at Target and the other girl just started laughing and said "everyone has a funny story." What she doesn't know is I have a LOT of funny stories LOL (just ask my friends).

Went to practice and struggled through that but got through it. Well at least most of it, I just started doing the backstroke. I can't seem to get my breathing rhythm.

So once again I call my self packing my bag early for today's workout. Got to the gym left my socks, left my sports bra.. turned around and went home. I am all congested anyway (sinuses). 2 seconds from my house I get a flat tire....Hopefully I will get it right tomorrow.

Keep It Moving

Well, I didn't go to spinning on Thursday. I know...but it was snowing. So I was going to make up for it on Saturday when I was in DC. A friend of mine teaches a spinning class. It was an 8:30 am class. We didn't make it. So I did the elliptical trainer for 30 minute.
I found out that my WII age is 61 LOL. My girlfriend got a WII Fit for Christmas so we set up our profiles. After talking to a couple of my friends this weekend who are runners and signing up for a half marathon in March (http://www.nationalmarathon.com/) I realize I have to overcome this running issue. They wanted me to sign up...I started laughing.

Today was my running (Walk/Run) day. I just got back from the gym and I did 3 miles in 45 minutes. For me that is an improvement - 3 weeks ago I did 1.5 miles in 30 minutes., last Sunday was 3.5 miles in 1 hour. So slow improvements. What I realize this weekend...
1) I have a hard way to go
2) I need to focus
3) I have to overcome my negative attitude about running
4) I need to attend both swimming lessons
5) I need to get my bike fixed this week
6) I need to sit down with a coach to explain to me all this technical terms
7) BELIEVE I CAN DO THIS! I will not give up!

PS My body hurts!