Headsweats Review

I had the opportunity to try out this awesome visor from Headsweats this past weekend during my duathlon. I normally would not try out something new during an event, but I had a good feeling about it as soon as I took it out of the box! I received the SUPERVISOR in black and was in love immediately. I can sometimes have a hard time fitting hats on my head. I am wearing braids currently, but still find that my hats are kind of tight. The visor was perfect.

From the site:

**SUPERVISOR
The most popular visor in the triathlon industry and trusted companion of thousands of Ironman® finishers, the SuperVisor is durable, lightweight, and keeps you dry.

Product Details
Classic, straight fit.
COOLMAX® fabric wicks away moisture for optimum comfort and performance.
Super-soft COOLMAX® terry sweatband creates maximum air flow and moisture transfer.
Black undervisor reduces glare.
Elastic back provides custom fit without any adjustments.
Machine washable. **

I know I must have stumbled onto a great product because I saw at least 6 other athletes at my race sporting Headsweats headgear! I did not get any sweat in my eyes and it was a hot and humid morning. I ran a total of 6.5 miles during the race and the visor exceeded my expectations. It cut the glare and soaked up my sweat--exactly what I needed it to do. I also loved the fact that it was not tight or binding on my head; specifically on my temples. I hate that with my hats! It's machine washable which is awesome because after my race it really needed to be freshened up. Head on over to Headsweats and check out their sweet visors as well as their other great performance gear.

I highly recommend the SUPERVISOR from Headsweats.

Me no sleepy....

I should be sleeping not blogging! I can't sleep!! I have to (I mean get to) get up at 4:45 to get ready for my duathlon! I am excited and nervous ( hence why I am here typing!).
It will be fun. I am going to run, bike and run again with a fellow spin instructor at my gym. He is the biker and I ( not lately) am the runner! So, we hope to motivate and push each other to the finish! I hope to get under 2 hours.....last year my time was 2:02:02! I should have played the lottery that day--I bet it was worth at least 2.2 million.

Anyway...today I taught spin and tried to control myself. I had to make up and switch the music. Don't worry--I was prepared, BUT 2 of the spinners that came this morning ( they never come on Friday) were at my Thursday class. I decided to recycle that class for Friday morning. Sooooo I had to change the music and think up a good spin ride in about 9 minutes. I did and it was pretty good. I hope I did not fry my own legs! I included a lot of speed drills and a few heavy climbs and bouts of endurance. It got hot up in that spin room!

I did a 20 minute yoga video later at home--Ahhhh! Ommmmm! Yeahhhh!
OK I better get to bed..starting to feel my eyes droop.

A day of good intentions......

I had great intentions of getting up today to ride 6 miles and run 3. Well......before the alarm went off I awoke to thunder and lightening. I am fine running in the rain; I actually enjoy it. I am not one to ride or bike in a thunderstorm with lightening. I made that mistake once and never again! I rolled over and slept in- I actually slept in until almost 9 am. I could have slept until noon fo sho'! I love sleep. I must have really needed it.
I taught a noon spin today and tried to go easy on myself because of the race this weekend, but 15-20 minutes into class I could not help myself. Maybe I should start playing crappy music so I won't feel like working hard-nah!
That's all for me today. I need to hit up a yoga or at least stretch on my own. These muscles are tight this week. I have spin in the morning and totally toned at noon and then it's off to sign up for Tri Del Sol duathlon! Me scared.....

Friday- A new plan of action

Friday~
Spin in the early morning! Tough intervals today! It was nice to see a few of my running club girlie's there today-hope they come back!

After Spin I did some plyometrics and core work and a bit more stretching.
10 minutes of each was all I could do. Good enough!

So, since the 25k is behind me and my race season is underway it's time to come up with a new training plan. I hopefully have at least 2 Duathlons in my future ( run/bike/run). Both are in July-- 2 weeks in a row. Of course!
Also shorter races and possibly 1 half marathon in mid June. I am not sure about that one yet though! Here is my plan:

Monday:
Run (short and sweet)
Spin (class instruction)
Totally Toned (class instruction)
Tuesday:
Cardio Kick box
Lift
Run
Wednesday:
Spin
pilates or yoga
Totally Toned (class instruction)
Thursday:
3*2*1 class instruction
outdoor bike ( if I feel like it)
Friday:
Spin (class instruction)
plyos/core/stretching
Saturday:
Long run
OR
Power Spin
OR
outdoor bike
Sunday:
OFF
OR
Outdoor bike ride

Seems like a lot now that it's all written out and stuff.
It's all tentative--I will fit in what I can while listening to my body. When it tells me to chill out, I will! Trust me.

Sunday stuff!

If you are planning any races this year here is a training guide to follow:

5k( 3.1 miles) -10k (6.2 miles)= 8 to 10 weeks

Half marathon (13.1 miles) = 12 to 14 weeks

Full marathon (26.2 miles) = 16 to 18 weeks

Of course the number of weeks you need can vary from person to person depending on your current fitness level, how many miles you are currently running and whether or not you are a newbie or veteran. At any rate, ease into your training, recover and enjoy the experience!

Next on my racing agenda:

25k- May 8 ( Goal- under 2 hours. last year I did it in 2:00:39)

10k- May 29 ( PR is I am not sure of a goal yet!

half marathon trail race OR 5k - June 12

10k- June 26

Duathlon- July 11 ( IF I have a bike..haha)

Duathlon- July 17 ( See above!)

That's what I have so far. I hope to remain healthy so I can do all these races and then some!

What are your plans for the upcoming race season?

Mission Monday

Well I think I am finally recovered from my longest run since 2005! What a run it was. I am glad it's over, but must mentally prepare for the 20 miler in 2 weeks! Eeeek!
Of course my competitive thoughts have already crept into my head...I looked up my Chicago Marathon time from 2005. I ran a 3:53:24...That comes to a pace of 8:54. Not too bad considering my first goal was to run a sub 4 mile marathon. Later in the race my goal changed to just stay alive to be able to cross the finish line! I accomplished both goals I guess.
I did not sign up for the marathon just yet. I might have to wait until after the first 20 miler and see how bad my body (KNEES) treat me the day after. Who am I kidding! I will do it even if I break a knee!

Last week I did not meet my goal of riding the road bike twice. I only made it out once for 14 miles. It was a good ride though. I also am 90% sure I will not be doing the duathlon on Sunday. Too much going on and it's too much money! Oh well. There is always next year.

I was feeling kind of tired this week and took more time off then usual. I think my body was telling me to chill out. So I did.
I lifted once last week. I have a goal of 5 pull-ups in a row. I am at 4.75! ha...almost there!

This weeks goals will include:
road bike 1x
lift weights 2x
run at least 2x
track food
drink a gallon of water a day

Mission Monday

My mission is over so I need to decide on my next one. I have a few races lined up but nothing set in stone. I might make the next mission another duathlon in August ( with a working bike) or the marathon. I need to think long and hard about this though. The marathon that is.
I am really liking this biking thing though. I love to tackle things that I am not good at and become competitive at it. By competitive I mean by my own standards!
I might take this week off from riding the bike and hop on some gym equipment and pick up the weights again while I decide what I want to do.

Mission Accomplished!

What a day!

The race is over! YAHOO!! It was awesome. This week is usually the hottest week of the summer. Not this year! It has record lows! Perfect race weather in my opinion. I think it was in the mid 50's to 60's for the race. Perfection!
Ok, on to the day's events.

The first 2 miles was FAST. My pace ended up being around 6:40/mile. Craziness. We started on trails that went uphill ( of course). We ran 1 mile out and then turned around and ran a mile back.

I finished and got my bike gear on . I ended up using my CamelBak hydration backpack ( total geek) because I cannot get the hang of getting the water bottle out of its holster without dropping it ( way geekier), so this would have to do. I was happy to notice that at least 4 other people use this method! I think I might just stick with the hydration pack from now on. It does what I need it to do--it stays put!

The bike was tough. I knew it would be, but I seemed to struggle a lot more than I thought( or seemed necessary)

Is that a hill I see? Is that another one? Oh look, there's a hill. UGH. It was awesomely difficult. I got passed by so many people. It was rather discouraging, but I got over it and plugged and chugged away. Little did I know that I was riding most of the 18 miles on a FLAT and LOOSE tire!! I am so grateful that the thing waited until the end of the bike portion to unlatch from the bike. I wonder how I would have done on a good tire?!?! I guess I will never know. It's over and done with now. I will try not to dwell on it to much....*sigh*
After the bike my legs were pure mush. I had no idea how/if I was going to run 4.5 miles. I ran my bike into the transition station, lifted the bike up to hook it on the rack and off flies my back wheel. The whole thing. It's not even my bike. I was stunned. The owner of the bike was near ( cheering me and his wife on) and told me it was "ok", I also heard him say to someone else

" hahaha, it's her first du!" Glad somebody got a kick out of that mishap!

So the 4.5 mile run begins. I felt as if I was running through sand. Oh, that's probably becuase I was! What a way to start (again) trials and hills -it was like De ja vu. My last 4.5 mile pace was just over 8:00 per mile. I did not expect to do that well on the last run so I am really pleased with that time.

I placed 6th ( out of 12) in my age division with a time of 2:02:02 ( I should play the lottery with those numbers). I was 55/84 overall for the duathlon.

I am very sore already and I need to take a nap.

I can't wait to do this again next year!

Mission is here ( almost)

I have my Mission in the morning!!
Eeeek! The truck is packed with my bike, helmet, shoes and race number!
I hope I did not forget anything.
I still did not perfect my water bottle drinking skills so I might bring my CamelBak along for the ride and strap that sucker on my bike! I will look like a major dork, but I should probably ingest fluid on an 18 mile ride!
I will be getting up at 5am so I can be on the rode no later than 6:05 am..the venue is about 40 minutes away.
The day should be slightly mild ( high of 68* for race day), so that is perfect as long as the rain holds off!
Ok, it's after 10:30pm..I should be in bed sleeping. I need my strength for tomorrow!!

Misson Monday

Last week I was able to get lots of running in. Biking you ask?? Not so much! Oh no!! The Duathlon is 2 weeks away and I am not prepared. I am getting a bit nervous about that...but all I can do is my best. My goal is to complete it and to NOT fall off my bike!
Running wise I actually did my Thursday speed session all by myself. I do a speed session with my running group on Tuesday ( 10 hills this time- ouch) and I can't make it on Thursdays.
So anyway-- Thursday I got up and ran 1.5 mile warm up and did the prescribed workout 12 200 meter sprints. 6 at 45 seconds and 6 at 40 seconds. I did what I was told and a few times I ran faster than necessary. I am shocked that I could get that motivation all by myself and at that hour!
I taught a spin class on Monday and Friday. I really hope that gives me some real bike training for this thing.
Saturday I ran 14 miles with my running club. I have no idea why. That is the marathon training--I have no intentions( key word) of doing a fall marathon. Maybe a half, so this was bit of overkill.
Sunday I did run, bike run ( Brick) workout. I ran 1.5 miles, rode for almost 5 miles and then ran for 1.25 miles. Once again I was SPENT!! This is a far cry from the actual 2 mile, 18 mile, 4.5 mile race in 2 weeks! Crap! I am hoping that my legs ( whole body) was still in shock from the 14 miler the day before. I did not have enough rest in between my training sessions at all.
I have decided to back off on heavy weight training at least until the Duathlon is over. I will stick to lighter weights and maybe only 2 times a week instead of 3. My goal is to get on the bike at least twice this week! Wish me luck!

Mission Monday

I will reserve Monday's for Mission specific blogging ( unless I don't want to!)

Yesterday left me wanting to get on my bike again! But I had to just settle for the spin bike instead. It was an awesome class today. It went over very well. It was an interval type class that had a bit of everything included. Hill, jumps ( which I don't like), runs and a 6 minute endurance section that made the class moan and groan. It also made me moan and groan--lactic acid build-up anyone?!!?!?

I will consider my spin classes training for my duathlon ( Mission) for now on. Yes, there is no wind in my face ( I can start facing the industrial fan to blow directly on me though) and I don't have to fight the elements, but I think that one of the main reasons I did so well on the outdoor bike yesterday is because of my Spin sessions. Good thing too; the race is 26 days away!!!

Let the training begin!

My Duathlon ( I am not sure why I keep capitalizing the word duathlon!) training has officially started!
My friend and I planned to meet this morning to do a brick workout. I have brushed up on my terminology and it means that we were to run, bike and run today-in that order!
Since I have not been on a bike in YEARS I decided to go out and do a few miles on my own before meeting with her so I did not make a complete fool of myself! I am happy to say that I did not fall. Whew. My borrowed bike is the best. It is fully loaded with gear and gadgets galore. It's a shame I have no idea how to use them! I will figure it out I hope. I don't even know when to shift gears, what gear to put the bike in or how to really use the sweet looking aero-bars. Hmmmm. Oh well! That's how I roll I guess.

So anyway. I rode about 2 miles or so by myself and then met up with my friend a few hours later to begin our brick. We did 2 easy miles at about a 9 minute pace and then hopped on our bikes and rode 7 miles. I think I did pretty well. My only mishap was dropping my water bottle because I was afraid to look down to put it back in its holster! I have clip in shoes and an still not used to that.
After the 7 mile bike we did our last run. It felt so weird getting off the bike and immediately running again. My legs felt like Jello! We ran for 7 minutes and called it a day. It was a huge wake up call! So far my goal for this Duathlon is to just have fun and finish it! Oh who am I kidding..I want to do well too.

Mission picked!

I normally do my own thing cardio-wise on Friday, but I subbed a spin class at noon.

It was pretty tough. I taught an interval style class with moments of endurance. The endurance sections were no joke! I was winded on that bike!

Well, I guess my next mission is a Duathlon! I signed up about a week ago. A week ago I had no bike or helmet! I am not the best swimmer so I am very happy that they have the duathlon as an option as well.

I bought my helmet finally! The race will be on July 18th and is a run, bike, run. I am very EXCITED and nervous already. I have not ridden outdoors in at least 5 years; probably more.

The race will be a 2 mile run, 18 mile bike and a 4.5 mile run. I hear the race has some rolling hills thrown in for fun. Eeeek!

Saturday was a long run. I don't really need to get many miles in yet as my next race is only 6.1 miles long, but I decided to run 11.5 today with the group just for the heck of it. It was really humid out this morning at 7am. We had some crazy thunderstorms over night and it left the morning very steamy. I have always liked to run in hot conditions for some strange reason. It took me about 1:45 minutes for today's run.

Oh, I got my bike today!! Well...it's a borrowed one, and now I am afraid it will be better than my future bike!! It's pretty sweet. All decked out with cool gadgets that I have no idea how to use. I plan on taking it for a spin tomorrow. I also will be using clip in shoes for the first time ( outdoors) so this should be interesting. I have been told that I will fall a few times and to learn the ropes before race day.

I have less than 4 weeks to train for this....what have I gotten myself into????