Not having to juggle time and schedules other than training is awesome! I have had two days off of work as I am scheduled for the removal of my k-wires and pins from my elbow tomorrow morning. I am hoping that things - actually, let me rephrase that, I know things are going to work out great and I should be back into my full program by the weekend - minus the swimming.
Yesterday was a great day! I spent a bit of time with the Cocymela crew and got some pics done with their fabulous clothing. They should be on the Cocymela site in a few weeks. Be sure to check them out: http://www.cocymela.com/.
I also just ordered a pair of Powercranks http://www.powercranks.com/ that I am very eager to start using. I have read a ton of information on them and Chuckie V. praises them a ton! From what I have heard, read and emailed back and forth with company, Powercranks is a group of people + a product that is doing wonders for athletes. Just read some of the stuff on their site and you will be hooked. I am hoping to be in rip-roaring shape in May!
Another note on the bike, is I am just starting to use a powertap. Its awesome to say the least. It will help Chuckie and I get to more specifics for training. This + the Powercranks = a very fast biker (plus the hard work of course!). I am planning to put the power cranks on my cyclocross bike - that I have yet to use as it is in Prince George. I am getting my mom to ship it down for me for next week.
Today was a bit of chillier and windy day. I had a 45 minute run and should have worn more clothing. Swimming in masters was great as well. Along with some yoga and stretching, plus a few weights...the day was/is great. Future goal: hopefully sooner to be achieved than later, FULL-time athlete and living the good life and working (training!) and playing hard everyday!
Angela Naeth MPT BsHSc - Elite Triathlete, Physiotherapist by trade
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
Almost November and still no snow!
Penticton is literally the best place in BC I think. Today for example was a beautiful day with a high of 10degrees Celsius. Not that, that is very warm; however it is definitely a day to be grateful for when it doesn't start in the negatives and snow is on the ground! I didn't venture on my bike but managed to relish in the sun driving around the valley for work (not that driving a car compares to fresh air out on a bike). I had a great VERY early swim with the masters group here. It was 4200m. The only thing that bothers me still is the butterfly and backstroke. I can manage in the water but its slow and not very powerful. It will come!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
If I were single and 65 years old.
If I were single and 65 years old I would definetely be living in Penticton and cruising the streets on my own bike - watching all the men my age on their bikes and loving life! There are so many older men here that enjoy riding and cruising the streets for a leisurely ride - and they are devilishly handsome!
Monday, October 22, 2007
NO DOUBT
I was listening to this audiobook by Wayne Dyer the other day and one thing stuck out: NO DOUBT.
If you have even the slightest 1% doubt on a goal you want to achieve, you will act on that doubt. You subconscious grabs hold of that doubt and makes it 100x its size! (well I put that in there).
Your goals, dreams and everyday decisions....NO DOUBT is 100% believing in yourself.
If you have even the slightest 1% doubt on a goal you want to achieve, you will act on that doubt. You subconscious grabs hold of that doubt and makes it 100x its size! (well I put that in there).
Your goals, dreams and everyday decisions....NO DOUBT is 100% believing in yourself.
Friday, October 19, 2007
A quick update
This is my last week of working FULL time! I am very excited to have the time to relax, rest, get back into doing some quality yoga and reading. I have had to make up a few hours for the time that I will be going to Solvang, CA for my training in the Spring.
In two weeks I am scheduled to get my pins out of my arm. It should be a quick recovery with just some time away from the pool. As of late, I have not been able to get to the pool due to get some vaccinations. My arm, which I cannot believe, is still VERY sore. I cannot even lift it past 90d of flexion or abduction without really pushing through it. I thought it was best not to try and swim like that - as I know I would compensate it and probably come out with a shoulder impingement. Hopefully over the weekend, things will have improved enough so that I can continue my quest in finding some gills.
I am just in the process of trying to lay out my race plan for next year. It is difficult to plan because there is so many good races out there!
Penticton continues to be great. The weather is now turning a bit to the rain and cold temperatures but I am not complaining. The forecast still calls for some pretty fair weather and temperatures in the upcoming weeks. Riding this late in October is still a treat!
In two weeks I am scheduled to get my pins out of my arm. It should be a quick recovery with just some time away from the pool. As of late, I have not been able to get to the pool due to get some vaccinations. My arm, which I cannot believe, is still VERY sore. I cannot even lift it past 90d of flexion or abduction without really pushing through it. I thought it was best not to try and swim like that - as I know I would compensate it and probably come out with a shoulder impingement. Hopefully over the weekend, things will have improved enough so that I can continue my quest in finding some gills.
I am just in the process of trying to lay out my race plan for next year. It is difficult to plan because there is so many good races out there!
Penticton continues to be great. The weather is now turning a bit to the rain and cold temperatures but I am not complaining. The forecast still calls for some pretty fair weather and temperatures in the upcoming weeks. Riding this late in October is still a treat!
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Staying Alive
It always seems to amaze me how active some of the elderly are in Penticton. On any given day you can see 65+ year-olds riding there bikes with either their swimming trunks on their back, a tennis racket, or a music player while going on a leisurely ride. The other day I was running on the KVR trail and there was this older man on a bike with headphones on. He had the best smile ever and was swaying to the music a little while he rode. It was like he was a 10-year-old boy on a brand new bike he got for his birthday. He made me realize just how much of a gift each of us are and if we treat our bodies with respect - they truly can last a lifetime.
In the past I have heard from many elderly that they cannot even possibly imagine riding a bike, going for a run or even a long walk because of pain. Well for some I am sure this may be true - I am well versed in the ailments that affect the body as you age (arthritis, etc). I can understand how some people are in pain and feel that venturing outside for a walk is too much for the likes of their body. HOWEVER, its never too late to change, and find alternatives to staying healthy! If one is in pain - you can thank the highly claimed medications out there that can help one get back on their feet again- but the real culprit is probably the type of activity they are interested in doing.
Swimming is one of the easiest activities on the body. Everyday after Masters swimming, a number of elderly enjoy each others company while doing an aquatic class, swimming in the lanes, or aqua-jogging. When one is submerged in water up to chest height, approximately 75% of one's body weight is taken away. Hence, ANYONE can enjoy and reap the benefits of cardiovascular exercise in water.
There are also a lot of individuals who have been using walking sticks throughout the parks and trails in Penticton. These walking sticks are similar to canes but allow you to walk in stride and at the same time provide you with bilateral support to decrease your body weight on your joints. It has been claimed that as much as 25% of your weight is reduced using these walking sticks. For anyone with arthritis or in some type of lower body pain, this is remarkable! -And very beneficial for decreasing the pain as you walk.
Other ideas of course include riding a bike - either stationary or venturing out on the trails. Riding a bike is almost completely non-weight bearing.
The key of course to any activity is to enjoy it and improve your health. I encourage everyone to find something they enjoy doing actively...and you may just realize how amazing this gift we call our bodies actually is! :)
All of this thought brings me to Natascha Badmann - who is a 40-year-old PRO triathlete who has won the World Championship Ironman I believe 5 times! She is racing in approximately 2 hours and I am hoping that she will win! She is proving to the world that no matter how old you are - you are only as old as you are at heart! GO NATASCHA!
In the past I have heard from many elderly that they cannot even possibly imagine riding a bike, going for a run or even a long walk because of pain. Well for some I am sure this may be true - I am well versed in the ailments that affect the body as you age (arthritis, etc). I can understand how some people are in pain and feel that venturing outside for a walk is too much for the likes of their body. HOWEVER, its never too late to change, and find alternatives to staying healthy! If one is in pain - you can thank the highly claimed medications out there that can help one get back on their feet again- but the real culprit is probably the type of activity they are interested in doing.
Swimming is one of the easiest activities on the body. Everyday after Masters swimming, a number of elderly enjoy each others company while doing an aquatic class, swimming in the lanes, or aqua-jogging. When one is submerged in water up to chest height, approximately 75% of one's body weight is taken away. Hence, ANYONE can enjoy and reap the benefits of cardiovascular exercise in water.
There are also a lot of individuals who have been using walking sticks throughout the parks and trails in Penticton. These walking sticks are similar to canes but allow you to walk in stride and at the same time provide you with bilateral support to decrease your body weight on your joints. It has been claimed that as much as 25% of your weight is reduced using these walking sticks. For anyone with arthritis or in some type of lower body pain, this is remarkable! -And very beneficial for decreasing the pain as you walk.
Other ideas of course include riding a bike - either stationary or venturing out on the trails. Riding a bike is almost completely non-weight bearing.
The key of course to any activity is to enjoy it and improve your health. I encourage everyone to find something they enjoy doing actively...and you may just realize how amazing this gift we call our bodies actually is! :)
All of this thought brings me to Natascha Badmann - who is a 40-year-old PRO triathlete who has won the World Championship Ironman I believe 5 times! She is racing in approximately 2 hours and I am hoping that she will win! She is proving to the world that no matter how old you are - you are only as old as you are at heart! GO NATASCHA!
Monday, October 8, 2007
Thanksgiving Dinner and other great festivities!
Yesterday was a great day in all accounts. My mom came down over the weekend and we had a great time together running, shopping and enjoying each other's company. For dinner we drove over to my grandmothers house for a very delicious Thanksgiving dinner indeed! It was a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings. I found myself eating Turkey like there was no tomorrow and her dessert, a chiffon pumpkin pie was wonderful! MMMMmmmmm.
Over the weekend, my mom and I went running both days she was here. It is great to see her striding along and really looking good! I am proud to say that I am the one that got her running and swimming...slowly but surely I will get her on the bike and in her first triathlon! :) She is awesome! Truly, a great mom indeed - possibly one of, if not the BEST mom. - mind you, I know, I may be just a bit bias here.
Also, my blender is awesome to say the least. I made some VERY scrumptious concoctions this time: celery, cucumber, smoothie mix, avocado, kiwi, apple and greens. Seriously, it is something I could (and will) eat daily. I took a break this morning but plan to have a great smoothie later today at lunch. I am amazed how awesome this blender is though - it literally turns everything to liquid! Thanks Chuckie and Charlie for recommending it to me! Oh, and over the weekend my mom and I found some great deals - and among them is a book from the 1950s all about blending and nutrition...if you can believe it, a lot of the information is what you see in health books today. I was reading the book briefly and literally, everything that we know or our becoming aware of today, has been well-known for years (IE. flax, stevia, blending foods for better absorption, food combining). I still have a lot to learn though - and more to read!
Over the weekend, my mom and I went running both days she was here. It is great to see her striding along and really looking good! I am proud to say that I am the one that got her running and swimming...slowly but surely I will get her on the bike and in her first triathlon! :) She is awesome! Truly, a great mom indeed - possibly one of, if not the BEST mom. - mind you, I know, I may be just a bit bias here.
Also, my blender is awesome to say the least. I made some VERY scrumptious concoctions this time: celery, cucumber, smoothie mix, avocado, kiwi, apple and greens. Seriously, it is something I could (and will) eat daily. I took a break this morning but plan to have a great smoothie later today at lunch. I am amazed how awesome this blender is though - it literally turns everything to liquid! Thanks Chuckie and Charlie for recommending it to me! Oh, and over the weekend my mom and I found some great deals - and among them is a book from the 1950s all about blending and nutrition...if you can believe it, a lot of the information is what you see in health books today. I was reading the book briefly and literally, everything that we know or our becoming aware of today, has been well-known for years (IE. flax, stevia, blending foods for better absorption, food combining). I still have a lot to learn though - and more to read!
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Prince George and Back
We made it to Prince George and home again without any mishaps. Hobbes was a great companion in the car - he slept, cuddled and didn't whine. It is surprising that a dog as high strung as Hobbes can do this for 7-8hours! I made sure to take him running prior to leaving both times and this seemed to help out quite a bit. He is like me - without movement I am VERY agitated and irritable. Overall it was a great trip and it was awesome to see the family, enjoy a wedding and just relax. Unfortunately though, I ended up bringing back a stuffed-up nose and head cold. Yesterday was the worst of it, but today I feel good - just a bit stuffy.
In swimming I am experimenting with different kick beats. I think I over kick quite a bit as compared to others that I have been observing. I think that swimming 5+ times a week is really helping me feel the water. I am hoping to turn into a fish in 6 months.
Yesterday I got my new blender. I tried a concoction of just grapes and cucumber yesterday. It was quite scrumptious. Today I am going to experiment some more with different greens, Vega protein mix and fruit. This is not just a blender by the way. Its a 3HP blender that chops up everything. Once I am well-versed in some great recipes, I will share some!
I haven't been riding all too much these past two weeks because of working, travelling and family. I am not worried though as this is still the phase coming up to pre-season. I am enjoying the free-time for training with no specific duration or type. I do have a strict heart-rate limit.
One thing about living in the Okanagan that doesn't beat Prince George, is the fresh crisp air feeling. Mind you, if you had to put the two places on a scale of living quality - Penticton would beat PG ten-fold. However, running outside in crisp, cool air is something that literally wakes up your whole body and invigorates you. Hmm, maybe it is just the goose-bumps and chill that is waking you up - shock to the cold. Either way, its something Prince George has that I miss.
In swimming I am experimenting with different kick beats. I think I over kick quite a bit as compared to others that I have been observing. I think that swimming 5+ times a week is really helping me feel the water. I am hoping to turn into a fish in 6 months.
Yesterday I got my new blender. I tried a concoction of just grapes and cucumber yesterday. It was quite scrumptious. Today I am going to experiment some more with different greens, Vega protein mix and fruit. This is not just a blender by the way. Its a 3HP blender that chops up everything. Once I am well-versed in some great recipes, I will share some!
I haven't been riding all too much these past two weeks because of working, travelling and family. I am not worried though as this is still the phase coming up to pre-season. I am enjoying the free-time for training with no specific duration or type. I do have a strict heart-rate limit.
One thing about living in the Okanagan that doesn't beat Prince George, is the fresh crisp air feeling. Mind you, if you had to put the two places on a scale of living quality - Penticton would beat PG ten-fold. However, running outside in crisp, cool air is something that literally wakes up your whole body and invigorates you. Hmm, maybe it is just the goose-bumps and chill that is waking you up - shock to the cold. Either way, its something Prince George has that I miss.
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