Kick(off) it into high gear January 28, 2010
Posted by bettyjoan in Mentoring.Tags: Mentoring, TNT is awesome
add a comment
Tuesday night was the Summer 2010 Team In Training Kickoff, which was basically a big pep rally to get folks excited about the upcoming season. We met some of our teammates and mentorees, we paraded down the “runway” in some fly TNT gear, and we heard lots of stories about why people are involved with the organization.
It was kind of funny, actually, to see the two groups that attended the event. On the one hand, you had the staff/coaches/mentors, who were all kinds of hopped up – we were hugging folks we hadn’t seen in a while, we were talking shop (what gear did you buy in the off-season, what events are on your race calendar this year, that sort of thing), and we were super-high-energy, revved up and ready to get started with training and fundraising. On the other hand, you had the participants – some of them were brand new to TNT, some of them were trying a new sport, but all of them were just a bit unsure, a bit hesitant, and a bit nervous.
I was EXACTLY like that last year, when I showed up for the first Group Training Session, or GTS (I had a prior commitment during the Kickoff). I had signed up for a triathlon, sight unseen, because I wanted to meet people and I wanted both a fundraising and a physical challenge. I didn’t know anyone on the team, and I had no athletic skill to fall back on. To say that I was in over my head would be a vast understatement. It would have been very easy to turn around and walk out of that first GTS, and no one would have noticed – and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think about it. But my mentor and I found each other and connected, and she was by my side not only during that first run, but throughout the entire season.
I take my role as a mentor very seriously, but not in the sense that my brow will be furrowed all season. Rather, I think it is my job to be enthusiastic, encouraging, and energetic, so that my love for TNT and the sport of triathlon will be palpable and contageous – and so my mentorees will have no choice but to catch the fever and be as excited about the season as I am! I never would have had success last season without the support of an AMAZING mentor, and I want to do her proud by giving that same gift to a new group of participants.
I can’t wait for this Saturday’s workout, our first one as a team. Ready or not, here we come!!!
New link January 12, 2010
Posted by bettyjoan in Fundraising.Tags: Fundraising
add a comment
In case you haven’t noticed, there’s a new link on the ol’ blog roll. It’s my Team In Training fundraising page!
http://pages.teamintraining.org/ga/watertri10/bthurber
Feel free to check it out, make a donation, and enjoy the hilarious and humiliating training stories that will inevitably appear (though they will likely be cross-posted on this site as well)!
I am a mentor this season, so I have some flexibility and options in terms of fundraising. However, any money I raise is a step toward finding a cure for blood cancers – and we can all agree that CANCER SUCKS.
More to come…I was at the gym at 4:45 this morning, so it’s safe to say that I’m slowly getting back into the groove.
Back in the saddle again January 7, 2010
Posted by bettyjoan in Uncategorized.Tags: Mentoring, TNT is awesome, Uncategorized
4 comments
Well, I attended TNT mentor orientation/training on Tuesday night, and today I registered for Iron Girl Atlanta. It’s official: triathlon season has begun!
It seems crazy to me that it was a whole YEAR ago that I started my Team In Training triathlon journey, and that now I’m getting set to mentor others through the program. I am really looking forward to helping a whole new group of triathletes become addicted to the sport (and to TNT)!
In addition to helping the participants to succeed, I have goals of my own for this tri season. First, I would like to complete four events this season. I’m signed up for Iron Girl, and I’ll definitely do Chattanooga again (since that’s the event for which I’ll be mentoring), but the other two are up in the air. At the moment, I’m thinking Macon Rock & Rollman (which is a 1/2 Iron distance–eek) and Tugaloo, but I’m just not sure I’ll be ready for the former. They DO have a sprint event, too, so that’s something to think about. Any other events I should be considering?
My other goals are not as quantifiable – at least not yet. It is way too early in the season to be setting finishing times for myself, so I’ll wait to ponder that until I have a better sense of where my fitness falls on the spectrum. I know I want to improve my swimming efficiency, and I definitely want to conquer my fear of downhill cycling (that alone should cut my finishing times in half, haha), and I want to learn how to properly pace myself and get nutrition on the bike so that I don’t totally poop out on the run. That’s not too much to ask, is it? Oy…I have my work cut out for me!
It’s going to take a lot of time and effort, but I am really looking forward to another year to training and racing. What do other triathletes have planned?
Zooma Atlanta race report November 10, 2009
Posted by bettyjoan in Races, Running.Tags: Half marathon, Races, Running
add a comment
Way back at the end of the summer, one of my triathlon teammates convinced me to sign up for the Zooma Atlanta half marathon. “Come on!” she said. “It’ll be fun!” she said. “It’ll keep your training on target!” she said. I figured it would be a good idea to have an endurance event on the fall calendar, as it would force me to stay in shape and avoid the off-season slump.
Well…so much for that.
Between my September wedding and some crazy work travel, my training regimen was decidedly unregimented. I ran when I could, but it was usually on a treadmill, and it definitely wasn’t for distances that were acceptable for half marathon preparation. So, as November 8 approached, to say that I felt apprehensive about my commitment would be the understatement of the year. Still, even walking 13.1 miles is quite a feat, so I decided to stick with the event and just do the best I could.
I woke up bright and early on Sunday, and I put on my lucky running skirt, my “Will Run For Wine” wicking shirt, and my badass visor from the Chattanooga tri (it makes me feel like a real athlete, what can I say). A friend picked me up, and we headed to Atlantic Station to start the race. At the start line, I actually ran into a friend from high school who was attempting her first half marathon. We chatted for a bit, and then it was off to the races! I felt pretty good for the first couple of miles, happily bopping along to my workout playlist (this was an iPod-friendly race, which I hadn’t experienced before).
I paused for a bio-break at the first water stop, and I kept right on running when I was finished. For the first 5-6 miles, I was pretty pleased with myself–after all, I was maintaining 11-12 minute miles, and I wasn’t feeling any pain. Maybe I would PR after all!
Not so fast.
As Spring Street turned into Techwood, which turned into Centennial Olympic Park, and as we ran past the CNN Center and the crowds of Falcons fans already tailgating near the Georgia Dome (man, did their grilled meats smell good…), I started to poop out. Specifically, around mile 7, my hip flexors began to THROB, and a stabbing pain occasionally flared up in and around my left knee (already braced). Other than at the water tables, I hadn’t been walking–but the exceptionally hilly course, combined with my lackluster training, meant that my ability to truly run was more and more compromised, and I found myself slowing significantly.
We circled Turner Field, passed the gold-domed state capital, and then stayed on Piedmont Avenue for a while. With every step, my joints cursed me. I tried to play peppy, positive music, but my brain wasn’t buyin’ it. I’ve never been so happy to see the 17th Street bridge and Atlantic Station. As I spotted the finish line, I saw the clock and realized that I could finish in under three hours if I just gritted my teeth and pushed a little harder. It may not have technically been a sprint to the finish, but I used every last bit of energy and gumption that I had and crossed that line at 2:56:16. That was about 13 minutes slower than my ING Half Marathon time, but I felt like the Zooma course had a whole lot more climbing.
Instead of a medal, the Zooma half marathon finishers got a cool silver necklace–it’s a peach with a runner inside, and on the back is the date of the race. I may not have set any records on Sunday, but I earned that piece of jewelry for sure! While I wasn’t a huge fan of the course (it took us through some…unattractive parts of Atlanta, and there was virtually no one out on the roads cheering), I definitely appreciate Zooma for reminding me that I have to get back on the training wagon if I want to do better at these events.
Next up? Who knows…maybe a Christmas 5K? What do y’all have on your racing calendars for the holidays?
In a slump October 7, 2009
Posted by bettyjoan in Uncategorized.Tags: Slump, Uncategorized
4 comments
As you can probably tell by my lack of posts, training hasn’t been at the top of my priority list since the triathlon season wound down (for me, anyway–for some folks it JUST finished). To be fair, I did get married and go out of town for business, and life in general is as busy as ever. But really, the basic, bottom-line truth of the matter is that I am in a slump.
I haven’t been on my bike since July. The pool? Please. I signed up for a half-marathon in November, thinking that it would spur me to work on my running game, but I haven’t done more than 4 miles at a time since my last tri. I am feeling unprepared for my upcoming race, but more than that, I am feeling fat and lazy (though I know I am truly not either of those things) and unworthy of the “triathlete” title.
Have y’all (if there’s anyone still reading) ever found yourselves in a similar situation? Did you find a way out? How?
New tri gear! August 20, 2009
Posted by bettyjoan in Uncategorized.Tags: Gear, Uncategorized
add a comment
When my fiance and I moved from DC to Atlanta in May of 2008, one of the first things we had to do was buy a car. After all, Atlanta is SUPER spread out, and public transportation is a joke (there’s a train system, but it basically just goes north-south and east-west, and you’re SOL if you live anywhere in between). So, I paid cash for my dad’s old Infiniti G20, and we rented an apartment that was strategically located within a short bus ride of Jason’s office. People thought we were crazy for having only one car in Atlanta, and it wasn’t always the easiest thing to deal with, but we made it work and enjoyed the lack of a car payment.
Then, Jason lost his job. The good news is that he pulled himself up by the bootstraps and used the layoff as an opportunity to hang out a shingle and do what he truly loves, which is practicing law. The bad news is that he practices a LOT in Gwinnett County, which is 20-30 miles away from where we live, and he needs the flexibility to go to court and meet with clients on a fairly irregular schedule.
We tried car-pooling for a while, but it usually meant that I’d have to go to work early and leave late, and that we couldn’t run errands and walk our dog and do the other household errands that keep things running smoothly. I would have loved to ride my bike to work, but the weather doesn’t always cooperate, and my road bike doesn’t have any racks or ways to transport work clothes, lunch, purse, shoes, etc. I investigated MARTA options, but it would have taken me 3 buses, a half mile of hoofin’ it, and over an hour and a half to get to my office…which is a mere 6 miles away from our loft. Ridiculous.
So, this week, I bit the bullet and bought a car. I am pleased to introduce you to…the Bett-mobile!!!
It’s a 2006 Ford Escape (certified pre-owned), and it has about 52,000 miles on it. It doesn’t have any crazy bells and whistles, but with the back seats pushed down, it has plenty of room for my bike and other tri gear! Plus, my doggie will definitely enjoy the extra space in the back.
Maybe later I’ll install a trailer hitch in order to add a bike rack, but for now, this is a great solution to a lot of problems. I know it’s a stretch to call it tri gear, but who knows, maybe it will improve my performance because I’ll be able to ride more! 
I have a dream… August 10, 2009
Posted by bettyjoan in Races.Tags: Races, Withdrawal
1 comment so far
Out of nowhere, I had a crazy tri dream last night. Maybe it was spurred by our Team reunion last week (we got together and watched the NBC coverage of the Iron Girl Atlanta event–so cool!), where everyone was talking about which events were next on their respective calendars. Maybe it was prompted by the fact that yesterday, many of my amazing teammates competed in the Acworth Women’s Sprint Triathlon. Maybe it was because I have been stuck in a teensy tiny hotel room since Saturday, due to a non-functioning A/C unit. More than anything, though, I think I was dreaming about triathlons because I MISS TRIATHLONS.
I wanted to sign up for one more event this season, but between my September 5 wedding (woot!), a week-long business trip, and various other life events, I just couldn’t make things work without stressing myself and my husband-to-be more than was reasonable. I registered for the Zooma Half Marathon in November, which at least gives me something to shoot for athletically (I haven’t figured out my precise goal just yet, but I want to shave some considerable time off my ING finish). But I don’t know, it’s just not the same. Wah.
How do other triathletes out there make it through the off-season? Do you supplement with other sports? Hone your skills indoors? Drink heavily and count the days till spring? Let me know in the comments!
Music to tri to July 27, 2009
Posted by bettyjoan in Uncategorized.Tags: Silly, Tri music, Uncategorized
4 comments
To help us cope with our triathlon withdrawal, one of my wonderful teammates made everyone these fabulous CDs, chock full of tri-related music. Songs like R.E.M.’s “Night Swimming” and Cake’s “Going The Distance” are great, but my favorite track is numero uno. Once you read the lyrics, you’ll understand why!
“The Triathlon Song”
Well it’s 5am and I’m ready to go.
A little stretching and a cup of joe.
The stars are fading from the sky.
Got that early morning high.
Lots of miles, lots of sweat
It was worth it, I’m all set
Got my wetsuit on and I’m ready to fly
Damn, my tires are pumped and so am I!
Well, swim, bike, run
Yeah, it’s so much fun!
Here comes the morning sun
But I won’t be first and I won’t be last
But I’m knowing that I’ll have a blast
I’m in the swim: feel that morning chill
I’m on the bike: hammer up that hill
I’m running fast: like I knew I would
And it feels so good!
Well it feels so good!
Barely made it to T1 alive
T2 was quick, just 1:05
My biking muscles are ready to fold
Come on, running legs take hold
I’m sweating buckets everywhere
Two liters low but I don’t care
I’d give my wife, my house, my car
If I could set a new PR!
Well, swim, bike, run
Yeah, it’s so much fun!
I’m not stopping ‘til I’m done
Well, I’ll crawl on in as a last resort
But man, I love this sport!
There’s the finish line I never thought I’d see
I hear the crowd, they’re all cheering me
A final burst, like I knew I could
When it feels so good!
Well, it feels so good!
‘Cause it feels so good
To stop
Chattanooga race report July 15, 2009
Posted by bettyjoan in Races.Tags: Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon, Races
5 comments
It’s official…I am an Olympic-distance triathlete!
The Team arrived in Chattanooga on Saturday afternoon, and everyone was rarin’ to go. We registered, checked out the transition area, and then rested up before our big pasta dinner. During the meal, we heard from our honored hero and her daughter, and it was truly an inspiring evening. We focus so much on the physical training, but there is a bigger reason that we push ourselves so hard–to continue the fight against cancer until we FIND A CURE. I was very proud (and surprised) to be recognized for raising over $500 above and beyond my fundraising minimum. I was also excited to watch many of my teammates earn accolades for finishing multiple events with TNT. After a big plate of food, a lot of laughs, and a few tears, it was time for bed! Of course, there was very little sleep actually happening, but at least we were off our feet for the evening.
At 4 AM, we got up and got moving. After packing our transition bags (which we had painstakingly organized the night before) and taking some team photos, we rode down to the race site and set up our areas. Luckily, I was in the same general vicinity as a few other TNT folks, so we had a good old time lathering up with sunscreen and organizing our mats. Before we knew it, it was time to load the buses that would take us to the swim start!
As we drove along the riverfront, I started to feel a little queasy. 1500 meters may not look like much in the pool (since you’re going one lap at a time), but it is a LOT of river to cover! They let us out at a practice football field right by the dock, and we waited some more. Then, it was time–one by one, we dipped into the water and paddled to the starting line. When the race official said, “209? GO!”, I was off and swimming! I got jostled a few times by people passing me, but overall it was a calm and uneventful swim. My sighting was good, I did freestyle the whole time, and I finished in an astounding (for me) 32:41. I had planned on 45 minutes, so obviously I was very pleased!
After spending 4:26 in transition (rinsing my feet and chugging water, mostly), I hopped on the bike for a 26-mile adventure. A lot of folks had checked out the course in their cars before the race, and the resounding opinion was, “Betty will love it.” Why? Because there were lots of slow, steady climbs, and not too many dramatic downhills! I felt really strong during the ride, and I even passed a few big burly men while going up the hills (they don’t like that, by the way). About 24 of the 26 miles were on the interstate, which was a new and interesting experience, but I stayed relatively calm and even got up to 30 mph at one point. The climbs did take their expected toll on my legs, and I was pretty tired when I got back to transition, but I finished the cycling leg in 1:44:47, which I was really proud of.
It took 2:50 to change my shoes and get out on the run, and I was greeted first thing by my coaches…and a huge hill. The initial half mile or so was pure incline, and THEN there was a flight of stairs to get up to a walking bridge, but then the course flattened out and became a little bit more manageable. It started to rain about a mile into the 10K, which cooled things down nicely. I think I pushed myself a little too hard on the bike, because the first 2 miles of the run were really difficult. But once I saw a bunch of my teammates and realized that I was SO CLOSE to being an Olympic-distance triathlete, I pushed myself to the limit and sprinted to the finish. I completed the run in 1:19:52, bringing my total race time to 3:44:34. My goal was to finish in under four hours, so I beat that by a fairly significant margin. I was all smiles!!!
After the race, I ate myself into a stupor and slept like I’ve never slept before. I’m a bit sore today, mostly in my left lower back, but I think I will fully recover and be ready to hit the gym again by the end of the week. I don’t have any more tris on the schedule as of now (I have that whole wedding thing to worry about, haha), but I know that I will continue with the sport. I already have goals for next year, such as learning how to eat and drink while cycling.
Thanks for reading! Any thoughts on which race to do next?
* For those of you in the southeast area, I would definitely recommend the Chattanooga race. It was well-organized and safe, and the volunteers and staff were all wonderful.
Chattyvegas, here I come! July 10, 2009
Posted by bettyjoan in Races, Swimming.Tags: Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon, Good times, Races, Swimming
1 comment so far
This is it. My “A” race weekend is right around the corner. Not that Iron Girl wasn’t a HUGE accomplishment (and a TON of fun), but this race has always been my holy grail. I mean, come on, an OLYMPIC DISTANCE TRIATHLON. I don’t guess I’ve ever attempted anything even remotely relating to the Olympics. Hell, I barely even WATCH the Olympics (thus earning the nickname “Hanoi Jane” from one of my buddies).
I’ve been a good little triathlete and have been tapering. I went to the beach last week and did two nice, flat, low-mileage (14 and 9, respectively) rides. I ran a few miles on the beach. I tried to get lots of good sleep and curb the alcohol consumption. I did NOT manage to curb my fried shrimp consumption, but what are ya gonna do?
We had our last group swim on Wednesday night, and I got back from vacation early and was able to attend. Thank goodness, as I wouldn’t have wanted to miss this workout–a 300 meter warmup, followed by two-by-two sprint races, followed by relay races (during which we sprinted, sunk down and touched the bottom of the pool, and sprinted some more), followed by the highlight of the evening…
…doggie paddle racing while singing the “Meow Mix” song. No lie. If I can doggie paddle 50 meters while meowing, laughing, and NOT inhaling enough water to clog my lungs, then Chattanooga will be a piece of cake. Ha!
Our coaches still can’t believe the crazy and humiliating things we will do at their request. I hope they realize now that we are putty in their hands, thanks to the time and energy and faith they have put in us all season long. A little meowing in exchange for teaching me to swim, bike, and run? No problem.
Hope everyone has a great weekend–wish me luck!
