Things

In terms of triathlon and training, all is the same. Slow and steady, enjoying my time and working the flexibility in terms of Yoga. - I have some yoga DVDs here: one is Yoga for ATHLETES and I really think its going to do wonders for me this year. It helps to open up the hips.

Prince George is on the agenda this weekend. We are off to see our family and attend a wedding. It has been awhile since our last wedding (weddings are literally 2-3x times a year for us on Erik's side) and I am looking forward to it. I like the dancing but the drinking part I am not a big fan of. Its a social event and mind you, like most social events, alcohol is on the premises. Do not get me wrong, I have had alcohol before and have had a great time. I danced the whole night and talked up a storm! BUT I vow to never have it again really. I just don't think it mixes with being an athlete. And well, I just do not see the point. I do not like how it tastes, makes you feel and it wrecks your body for atleast two days (or atleast I seem to think so). In fact, I really wish I didn't have to have it at my wedding, but I guess that would defeat the purpose of going to an all-inclusive resort. I guess to each is their own. But I do know I won't be one lying on the beach with a margarita in my hand...its just not me.

I am in the works of trying to find protein alternatives, other than the good ol' fashioned meat. I am not a vegetarian to say the least but I do think it may be healthier in terms of the digestive system. I am wanting to try new recipes and alternatives. Soy nuts are my favorite but there has to be something else to supplement the diet. I am on the look-out! I am getting a new dehydrator and blender that I am VERY EXCITED about! I will keep you posted on some new concoctions!

Hidden Roads

Over the weekend I went on two incredible rides. The first was a bit longer than expected but nonetheless, it took me to roads that only saw 1-2 cars and wildlife. I rode with Sara Gross and we encountered a brown bear, wild horses (yes! I know), and well, cows. I have been on the loop before around the observatory here, but gosh, it has been awhile. And now that the leaves are turning colour, everything is so scenic.

Yesterday was the best though. I ran in the morning, took a nice nap and found myself bored in the afternoon. I decided to hop on the bike and go for a spin. I stayed to flat roads and found the best lake shore road in Summerland. It would be a great time-trialing road because of no traffic and the smooth pavement. I think that is the best part about living in a new places: finding new roads and new views. I like to think I am the only one that knows about these secret places I found - but I am sure I am one in thousands that think this.

One thing I have learned since being down here is that when its cloudy outside, that doesn't mean rain! Usually in Prince George, if its cloudy, rain is either coming, past or upon you. In Penticton, there is clouds all around you however, it seems as though you are in this little pocket where no rain will fall. Its awesome. This is really the best place in BC - if not anywhere I have been. Mind you, Solvang California is possibly better...hmmm. I guess it is actually.

The "off season"

Not that this is new to me in any regard, but the "off season" is something that I am continuing to learn to get under my belt. To me, prior to working with Chuckie, the 'off season' was about 3 weeks of doing anything but triathlon stuff and to give yourself a mental and physical break from the daily regime of triathlon training. This is what I have done in the past. After the three weeks, I am gun-ho to return and start on the new plan for the season. This includes swimming hard, not really watching my HR during runs and riding intense indoor bike classes.

This time around, after my broken elbow, I feel like I have had a ton of time in the 'off season' and am now ready to get into the specific training. Lets get back into the hard runs, the high HRs! I guess this is not the case...nor the proper way to train.

SLOW AND STEADY. This time of the year is about working your weaknesses - continually working on your form (and for me, that's swimming for sure). It is not about trying to get fast quick. Chuckie has been trying to tell me this in one way or another for the last month! I think I am slowly understanding this now. Gosh am I or am I not a slow learner?

My reason in writing this is 2-fold: two remind myself that what we are doing and trying to achieve is for the long haul..no one becomes a champion in 1 year! And 2: to maybe give some readers advice that has taken me a long time to understand.

Forbidden Fruit

Forbidden fruit was all around me on my ride yesterday. I was so tempted to pick a few juicy pears, apples and peaches (I think they were peaches!). However, I stayed on the bike because that was just as rewarding as stopping and stuffing my jersey with fruit to eat later.

I road towards Chute Lake along the Naramata Road and gosh, what a BEAUTIFUL place this is. Wineries are everywhere, vineyards, trees, rocky areas, undeveloped areas...you name it. It was a wonderful ride to say the least. My arm felt great the whole time too! This was the first of many 2 hours rides on the bike.

I am swimming with the KISU Masters in the mornings and am learning to really understand the SLOW AND STEADY approach. I have met a ton of great people in Penticton. Everywhere I go, people are so nice! And this includes the swim club. There are some great athletes here and each and everyone of them (that I have met) has literally been so open and friendly.

I have missed going to City Centre Fitness each day. I am planning to continue with the cross-training and core/strength work though, and will start going by the end of the week. I am just getting things organized as to when to fit it all in my day. I have to make up a ton of hours at work for future training sessions in California in 2008. Thus, my time is limited. However, I am planning to get super-organized...and now that I know I will be swimming in the mornings, I have a better idea of when/how to plan!

A few days ago I had my appointment with the surgeon who did such a great job on my arm. Dr. Tatebe was literally AMAZED at my recovery and range of motion! I guess it helps to know a few things as a physiotherapist - mind you, I think any triathlete wanting to get back to training would have pushed things along just as much as I did. I have been working on the range of motion and doing isometric holds since day one. I wanted to be sure to get full extension! Thus far I can get to neutral but have a slight catch of lacking 5 degrees. Once I am able to push it a little I can gain the 5degrees. Again, slow and steady...but being persistent! In this regard, because the recovery is so great and I am using my arm in swimming and riding, Dr. Tatebe is thinking I will have to get the pins and screws out sooner than later because they are going to eventually rupture the skin and/or inflame the bursa daily. I am scheduled for another appointment in 1 month where we will decide when to schedule this surgery. I am hoping I will just have to have a local anesthetic. He is suggesting in 6 weeks or so to have the surgery! Prior to seeing me this week, he was assuming I would keep them in for 9 months.

Random

Turtles. They have them here in Penticton! I saw two on my ride the other day around Skaha! They were large ones as well (about the size of a small dinner plate). I had no idea those type of creatures lived in BC. It was very cool.

It is early morning and I am ready for a fun-filled day. I am looking forward to going back in the water and attempting some swimming...or at least floating and gently moving my arms. Yesterday Erik and I walked the Terry Fox Run. We took Hobbes, and unfortunately, he is not a friendly dog to say the least. He has a mean streak in him and well, for the rest of his life, he is going to have to be a loner in terms of meeting new friends in the community. He just attacks, for no reason. He is the best dog though....that is his only downfall - which is a big one I know.

In two weeks I will be heading home to Prince George. I am a bit excited to see friends and family! Prince George has been such a great community that has supported me as an athlete. There are a number of athletes up there that really are some of the toughest in the sport of triathlon! I know, because I have seen them train - indoors for 8-9months of the year! I am spoiled now. Just yesterday I was in awe at the weather I was riding in, for September! It was 24degrees, overcast. In Prince George, its slim-to-none that you get that type of weather near the end of September. I am sure I will be needing some rain gear, gloves and the works in two weeks in PG.

Yesterday was a good day.

In all accounts, yesterday was a good day. In the morning I joined Teresa at Reflexions-studio Yoga for an AB yoga class. It was awesome! She is a great instructor and I will be joining a few classes with her other instructors next week. Later, I went for a great bike around Skaha lake to OK falls. My elbow is doing great. With all the bumps on the road, it never felt better. There was some mild tightness but in due time, that will go away as well.

And then it was off to attempt swimming for the first time in almost 1 month! I had to venture out to Summerland as our pool doesn't open until tomorrow. Overall it went OK. I actually asked the lifeguard prior to getting in the pool if it was a 50m pool! I don't know what I was thinking. The elbow felt great for freestyle, although my motto was slow and steady! Backstroke was the only time I had some real difficulty because of the supination you need in your forearm.

Today my arm is a bit swollen but not painful. I just had some left-over Salmon (yes! for breakfast!) that we made last-night. I have to say, its one of the best secret recipes ever! We got it from Rose (Erik's mom). I would provide you all the details but I am under oath to never give it away! I must have been starving this morning because I have a very full tummy with salmon, fruit, nuts and a Lara bar. I think I have enough energy for the bike ride and run today for sure! Life is great and gosh, I couldn't ask for a better recovery!

Terry Fox

Terry Fox was an amazing man. When he was 18, he was diagnosed with bone cancer, and was forced to have his right leg amputated. In the hospital, Terry was so overcome with the suffering other Cancer patients were going through, that he vowed to run across Canada to raise funds for Cancer research. After 143 day of running and 3,339miles later, Terry was forced to stop running because of the cancer invading his lungs. He passed away a year before I was born at the age of 22. Since then, every year, you can find running events all across Canada in early September to continue his legacy. To date, 400million dollars has been raised for Cancer research in Terry's name.

As a Canadian I am well versed in the area of Terry Fox and his amazing feat. However, unlike many Canadians, (or maybe most Canadians) I have yet to partake in this event. I think it may be because of his passing prior to when I was born. When I would have started to know anything about it I would have been in elementary school, and at this age, I would have only entered the event with my parents. Unfortunately my parents never entered. However, from the time I was a teenager to the present date- I have/had no excuse.

Members of my family are cancer survivors and I cannot tell you how scary it is to deal. You wait for results, and wait for more results, wish and hope that things are okay. It is tough, very tough, and I cannot imagine losing a close friend/family member. Fortunately, I have been blessed with family who have survived. Not only have I been blessed, but the research that has been done since Terry Fox, I think has given more to my family members than anything else.

The Terry Fox Run is being held this Sunday throughout Canada. I am planning to donate 25dollars (my age) so that I can provide that dollar I should have given every year I was born. I know it doesn't seem like much, however as Terry said, "When I started this run, I said that if we all gave one dollar, we’d have $22 million for cancer research, and I don’t care man, there’s no reason that isn’t possible. No reason!”

I would have to agree. I probably will not join the masses for the actual event because of time constraints and wanting to run on a soft surface. However, the run that I am doing on Sunday will be stride in stride in thinking about Terry Fox and his goal of raising money for Cancer Research. I plan to walk it with Erik.

One more quote to leave you with from Terry Fox: "I don’t feel that this is unfair. That’s the thing about cancer. I’m not the only one, it happens all the time to people. I’m not special. This just intensifies what I did. It gives it more meaning. It’ll inspire more people. I just wish people would realize that anything’s possible if you try; dreams are made possible if you try."

The whole day ahead!

Today I am not working and will be relishing in the time I still have to rest, get organized and enjoy Penticton. I will still cpontinue to do this in the upcoming weeks, but I an going to really take advantage of the time today. I already have a list of items that need to be completed and crossed off as having been done.

Included in this list is signing up for a Yoga class at Re:Flexions studio here in Penticton. I am excited to go and will be going to a weekly class starting next week. I have a ton of yoga CDs, DVD, books and gadgets at home but find it hard sometimes to motivate myself to use them. I am hoping that going to a class weekly will help me see the benefits in doing regular yoga. Eventually then, I will be able to motivate myself at home - and get some great ideas from the class to use!

I am heading home to Prince George in a couple of weeks to attend a family wedding and see my family. I am looking forward to that - except that I am sure the chill in the air is going to hit me hard. I have been in 24+ degree weather for at least a month now and love every minute of it. Why I didn't move earlier is beyond my comprehension!

A real adventure

Yesterday, Erik's mom, partner (Eric), Erik and myself went on a great 2.5 hour hike from our backyard. It was absolutely a true adventure. I have already ventured out a bit in the trails and hills that are situated behind our house, but we decided to take it one step further and created our own trails. We were jumping creeks, climbing rocks, sliding down rocks, jumping more creeks and bush whacking our way through the thick parts of the forest. We were determined to get to Penticton's water reservoir and the more we moved forward, the more we didn't want to back track. We finally made it to the clearing of the reservoir with wet feet and a lot of scrapes. Except for Erik, he managed to get through everything with the only dry feet among us! Hobbes had a blast grabbing sticks, dropping them, hiding in the bushes, swimming in and out of the creek and I am sure, feeling like he was the leader most of the time. When we got home his fur was full of these do-dad's that stick to your clothes (and in his case his coat). He had at least a hundred all over him.

All in all, the hike made me feel like a kid again. We use to do that sort of thing everyday when I was in elementary school with my neighbors. There is nothing better than feeling like you are in the middle of nowhere and enjoying nature. Thus, I am finally really enjoying my 'down-time'. Although, I cannot wait until my new program starts. I am someone who goes crazy without a plan...and well, I am still sane, however, the more time off I get, the more I feel like really doing nothing. Its weird, you get so use to patterns in your life. My pattern lately has been rest and more rest. I am sure it will pay off in 2008 though. I trust Chuckie.

Choose your own Adventure

Erik and I were talking at length yesterday about how to deal with your emotions and life choices. Yesterday was a day that I didn't make many 'wise' choices because I ignored what I was really feeling. Sometimes I just want to shut off my brain and just not have to think...kind of like going into auto pilot. Well, yesterday was a day like that. I kept myself busy enough so that I didn't have to feel the negativity that was creeping up. I should have dealt with it first thing in the morning, however I decided to ignore it. I usually eat quite healthy and maintain a positive outlook on life, but I used the excuses of have this 'down-time' from training to really shut off my brain, slack on nutrition and ignore myself. Don't get me wrong, I believe one needs to have "down time" every now and then so you are refreshed for an upcoming season. However, the way that I went about it - ignoring my true feelings and thoughts, and making bad choices, is not what its all about. Down-time is great...but I think you have to be positive and in the right mind-set. I realize this now...in retrospect.

The reason I am writing this is because Erik had a great analogy to choices and I thought I would share it with you. It has helped me make more sense of things, and well, sometimes some of the easiest things are tough to grasp!

Erik compared my yesterday (and everyday of your life for that matter) to a Choose Your Own Adventure Novel. If you haven't read one of these I would suggest that you try one. As a kid I use to read them a lot and it made you feel like you were the one in power of the characters choices, thoughts and outcomes. And that is exactly how you are in your own life...or at least I seem to think so. Ultimately in every crossroad you come to in your life or daily activities, you have to make a choice. And each choice has a consequence and leads to another choice with more consequences and so on.

Here is an example: you wake up in the morning tired and lazy, and need to decide what you are going to do next. There are ultimately a million choices you could make when you reach this 'cross-road', but lets narrow it down to three:
1. Laze around the house
2. Venture outside for an easy activity - IE. walking Hobbes
3. Kick yourself in the butt and try to attempt a 'real' aerobic activity.

Now, no matter what choice you make there are consequences. And this is where sometimes I do not seem to take the time to look into. (It is the same thing as when I type sometimes to people...I get on a roller coaster and type/think as fast as I can muster and the result is a bundle of words/phrases that utterly do not make any sense. Chuckie can vouch for that one! ) Instead of taking the time and really thinking what will come out of this, I pick a choice based on if I am negative or positive. So lets say I choose #1, as I did yesterday. When I chose this, I was negative. So ultimately, negative consequences were the result. I kept myself busy and got a lot of sponsorship proposal stuff done, however, my mind and body didn't get anything out of it. Thus, I really wasted time in my life and didn't grow as a person. I was negative when I made the decision and ignored my true feelings...(which were fighting with myself because I thought I should be active and knew in the back of my mind that I am just being lazy and wanting to shut my brain off. ). Now if I was in a positive mindset when I made the choice, Choice #1 would be a great choice. This is 'down-time' for me and taking a morning on the computer and at home is a great idea....as long as I am not hiding from what I am truly feeling or ignoring myself.

So not only do you have to make a choice, you have to be HONEST with yourself. And that, I think, I have finally come to realize.

In a Choose Your Own Adventure Book, choices are easy. This is because you don't have to deal with the consequences personally, and personal feelings/mindset don't make you want to choose one way over the other. I guess that is why they call life complicated! If it was as easy as a Choose your own adventure...life would be meaningless.

So even though every moment in your life comes down to you making a decision (out of the million choices you could make), I think it comes down to how you are thinking at the time. If you are positive - the results are positive; if you are negative - the results are negative. Being honest with yourself will help you make the right decision.

Going back to our example. Now that I have had time to think about it, I thinking choosing option #2 (going for a walk with Hobbes) would have been the better choice with the negative mind-set that I was in at the time. Going for a walk with Hobbes would have given me the time to think why I am being negative and deal with these feelings, and at the same time, provide me with some exercise that I know in the back of my mind I enjoy and want to do daily.

Now I know not every moment in your life you get the time to sit and ponder on what the consequences will be from what you choose to do at that particular moment. However, if you make one solid positive choice, other positive choices will follow and be much easier to make.
Its like doing laundry (another analogy by Erik). If you don't deal with your feelings or thoughts on a daily basis you create a big pile of laundry in your head. The more you don't deal with things, the more laundry piles up. Before you know it, you have ten loads that need to be done. Each load and article of clothing takes time. You have to sort it all, wash it, dry it, fold each piece of clothing ,and put them away in drawers/dressers. Thus, one not only needs to take the time to reflect on their life and feelings but deal with them as they come up! You need to be honest with yourself and reflect on what you are thinking and doing. It is only then when you will be able to grow as a person and live the life you dream of - or you will definitely be doing dirty laundry for the rest of your life!

I know this blog is a bit of a tangent from triathlon training however, I think its almost more vital than putting the work in physically. Mental is almost 100% of the game when you have done your homework in the physical. And this is something I have to keep reminding myself daily. Anyhow, I think these quotes help sum up what I am trying to say:

The truth that many people never understand, until it is too late, is that the more you try to avoid suffering, the more your suffer, because smaller and more insignificant things begin to torture you in proportion to your fear of being hurt. - Thomas Merton

Our lives improve only when we take chances - and the first and most difficult risk we can take is to be honest with ourselves. - Walter Anderson

Nothing beats an early morning jog by a lake!

Although I am still on my "recovery time" for training, I have been doing some little training. Yesterday after going to City Centre Fitness for some cross-training, I ventured outside for an easy 20minute run. I ran towards lakeshore drive and jogged along the shoreline. What a beautiful sight in the morning. It was a bit windy and the waves were hitting the shoreline in rhythm to my legs. The sun was just popping out over the horizon. It was like waking up all-over again.

As for the rest of my time, I am settling into my new part-time job. Its going to work great with training because of the flexibility. I have been doing some training, if you will call it that to keep my muscles alive. This morning though I delved into the computer to send out sponsorship proposals. I also watched some Rick Mercer Reports on You Tube. If anyone has some time to watch these, they are very funny. I watched some off of Scott Curry's website. Other than that, its more enjoyment of Penticton's extended summer!

Introduction

Hello and welcome to my blog! My name is Angela Naeth and I am a triathlete turning Pro in 2008. I am embarking on a quest towards being a Half-Ironman World Champion! I am coached by ChuckieV., the famous Ironman athlete who won Ironman Canada in 1999 and is better known for his crazy spikes! We met at one of his triathlon camps that he hosts in Solvang, California (which I would highly recommend to any type/age triathlete. It is the most organized, well-coached camps that I have ever been too). We got along great and have been working together as coach and athlete since March 2007.

I finished my first half-ironman this year at Sylvan Lake. I was hooked as soon as I was transitioning onto the bike in the race. I knew this was a distance for me. I finished in a time of 4:36 and was the first overall women. Previously, I was racing in the ITU Continental Circuit (for the previous 2 years). My lackluster swimming didn't help me in the draft-legal events. With the half-ironman, I am in my element of busting the seams of my bike shorts and flying up the hills! : P Its a great event!

I graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2005 with a Masters degree in Physical Therapy and a Bachelors in Health Science. I was given an athletic scholarship in the area of track and field.

My hometown is Prince George BC. Many of my family members and future family members live in this small town of 85,000. Its a great town but unfortunately the weather is not suitable for a triathlete.

I am currently working at the Child Development Centre (OSNS) in Penticton as a part-time physiotherapist. Although I love my job, I am looking forward to the day where I am able to support myself as a full-time athlete! Until then...the training begins!

Great news!

Today has been a great day in all areas of life. First, I had my appointment with the surgeon that corrected my elbow and everything is healing beautifully! I was a little worried I wouldn't regain function or get arthritis but this is not the case at all. In fact, I should be almost back to 100% in two weeks! I may have some lack of extension for a while but atleast I can work through it!

Secondly, I just received word with Cocymela for a clothing sponsorship. Cocymela is a yoga type athletic clothing that I absolutely love wearing! My first pair of pants that I bought from them - I have been wearing all this past week! I think its time for washing. I was able to pick up a few items from the store today and met the owner. Check out there website: www.cocymela.com I will be getting a few pictures done that will be on their website soon!

Thirdly, I am starting my new part time job tomorrow! I am excited to get things organized here so that when training gets to be part of the day again, I am well organized!

And finally, I had the best sleep last night and was walking on the walls this morning because of the energy I have regained! Painkillers, lack of sleep and dealing with pain and the healing process takes more than I thought out of you.

Two weeks and the new program begins...

The body is amazing!

Thus far I cannot believe how fast my arm is healing. 10 days ago it was literally the size of a long watermelon and now, its just a bit black and blue and down to its original size. I have managed to get on the bike once outside - although I wouldn't really call it riding just yet...more of a moving the legs in circles for an hour. But I am not complaining...the fresh air and breeze from Skaha lake was enough for me today. Unfortunately my knees were quite sore, which I think I am due for a bike fit as I have fiddled around with my bike many times since Chuckie has looked at it.

Sleeping is still in spurts. I was wide awke at 2am with some pain and didn't fall asleep until 3:30. I woke bright and early this morning, then later napped on the couch after reading and then again after cleaning the house a bit! Yikes! I hope all this resting pays off!

I am getting a bit antzy but am enjoying the down time. I am getting to know all the great places in penticton to shop for wholesome veggies and fruit. Erik and I even found a dog beach that is perfect for hobbes. Which reminds me, I need to make an introduction of sorts. This will be in another blog.

As for now, I just bought a triathlon magazine (these things I never buy because of the expense - but I thought I would allow myself once), so I am off to read, enjoy and eat some yummy avocado and veggies.