I tri’d…and WON

I did! The whole, darn, THING.

The first of three heats began at 6 am. I started in the second heat at 6:35 am with a 10-minute swim, in which I was able to finish 26 laps (650 yards).

Then, after a 10-minute break, we began our 30-minute cycle, in which I was able to ride 18.8 miles. I set the bike at about a 9 or a 10 for resistance and just pedaled as hard as I could at a pace I thought I could withstand. I couldn’t believe how tired I was after simply swimming for 10 minutes! The fatigue soon wore off and I was able to go at a brisk, even pace the entire time.

Lastly, after another 10-minute break, we headed upstairs to the treadmills and hopped on for 20 minutes, in which I ran 2.8 miles. This was the trickiest part for me, as I wasn’t sure how fast to set the treadmill at the beginning. I asked Andrew for advice and he suggested starting all-out, and backing off later if I got tired. I set the treadmill to 7-minute miles and only got faster from there! Lesson learned: you really can go faster and harder than you think.

When all three heats were finished–approximately 15 people–they announced the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places for men and women…and not only was I the first-place woman, I happened to accomplish the most distance in all three events!

This was the second annual ‘Tri at the Y’ held at the Southtowns YMCA. I didn’t compete last year–must have been out of town–but I definitely think this is something I would do in the future. Speaking of the future…perhaps I should take up triathlons!

Bondi Bands ROCK!

Remember when I wrote this post about how much I LOVE BondiBands?

Well, it’s always been one of my most-read posts (people must Google ‘best sweatbands’ A LOT), and BondiBand must have noticed!

Before we get too far, let’s make sure we’re pronouncing it right: “Bond-EYE Band.” It’s named after a beach in Australia, apparently, and I’d been saying it wrong for the last five years.

A few months ago, they approached me (and others) about becoming ambassadors for the brand! I was super excited, since I truly love the products and absolutely swear by them. In fact, I don’t think I can even remember a workout in recent history in which I didn’t wear one!

As an ambassador, I have my own coupon code (healthypineapple) others can use for a 10% off discount! Visit their website at www.bondiband.com.

Here I am Saturday morning helping teach Fitness in the Parks wearing my ‘One Tough Cookie’ band.

I must have at least six or so of them, all with cute sayings like, ‘I’d rather be Running,’ or ‘Have a good run,’ or ‘Will Run for Ice Cream.’ (For sure!)

I have mostly the sweat-wicking bands, which are absolutely necessary for hot workouts. I can’t believe how much liquid they absorb–you can wring them out when you’re finished!

Be sure to check them out (and use my coupon code!) if you’re in need of new sweatbands, and let me know what you think!

(hopefully) my last snowy run

It’s certainly not very spring-like around here.

It was pretty brisk, but also a nice chance to get one more run out of all my cold-weather gear. In fact, this was the first time I tried out my new blue hooded running top (Nike). Scored it on sale from Dick’s awhile back and then the weather warmed up. (I knew it was too good to be true.) I loved having the hood up for the extra warmth.

And I’m glad I ran, since I saw my physical therapist for the first time afterward and she put the kabosh on running–at least until she could evaluate my gait. This bulging disc is really cramping my style. No pain while running, but I understand anything high-impact probably isn’t beneficial right now.

Did my usual 3-mile route, high-stepping through snow for a decent amount of it, which slowed me way down. Time: approximately 29 minutes. Slow. I didn’t wear my running watch, so I’m not sure of the exact time. I think a Garmin might be on my birthday list this year.

Oh. My. Heavens. My birthday is next month. How is it April already?

Oh, right, it’s because we have SNOW on the ground, and that’s throwing me just a bit off.