Well, Saturday night I got all dressed up (a rarity!) and went to a season kick-off dinner at my new coach Mike's house. I had spent the whole day coaching my high school kids at a rowing regatta and was grateful to get out and have a little fun. (Not that coaching is stressful or anything - it was just a nice change of pace!) I showed up solo not knowing what to expect when I got to Mike and his wife Rachel's place. I had met a couple of people at a run I had joined in on, but other than that, I was going in blind!
I have to say, I think it's going to be a fun year. Everyone is so close, so fun and extremely enthusiastic! And boy do these folks know how to party. It's like University rowing season all over again and I must admit, those were some of the best days I ever spent in sport! We had a good team at Western who liked to work hard, but we also knew when to dial it up! I think I am in for a good year...
I almost didn't come out for dinner after Mike's place but one of my teammates (feels nice to say that) essentially forced me to come out. Karen is her name, and she made sure I came to the dinner by getting into my car and getting a ride with me. Hilarious! I am very glad I went and look forward to getting to know all of these people more. They have nothing but great things to say about Mike, and he has nothing but great things to say about them. There was a lot of love in the room. (=
Our season officially begins Monday November 1, 2010, and that is a day I have been looking forward to for a long time! It looks like we will have three evening swims every week (and Mike still wants me to do the Tuesday and Thursday morning swims with he and Clint), two bikes and two runs/hikes. Some core work thrown in there as well, which is good since I have been slacking on that lately.... Oh - and did I mention a beer mile!? Yep - November 5. I was pretty good at it when we did them as rowers but not sure how I will stack up against a bunch of runners.... I have talked a big game so here's hoping I clutch up!
Off to coaching now... Getting VERY excited about next week!
PS Applied for another position at the University today... Secretary this time. One of these applications is going to come through, I can FEEL it!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
I love hills
OK, I am writing this entry today so that I can look back on it in a few months and have a good laugh at myself. I am just feeling super sorry for myself today. Brutal!!! I know, I know... I don't exactly have anything going on in my life right now that is THAT terrible. I am healthy, my family is healthy, I have food in my stomach and a roof over my head. Don't get me wrong - I am extremely thankful. But DUDE... I don't know how much longer I can handle this struggle bus!
I went out on a ride with Triple Shot this morning for the hills workout. It consists of four trips up Cadboro Bay Road, three trips up Sinclair (it's hell... seriously) and two trips up Mount Tolmie (not as bad as Sinclair, but just put that last nail in the coffin.) NOTHING can make you feel heavier or more out of shape that a few uphill climbs at 6am. DAMN!!! Needless to say, I biked home and here I sit, dressed up to go for a short run with a morning swim teammate, and I feel like a slow blob. Nice to follow the last blog with something like this, eh? Just shows you what extreme diets do to a person's psyche.
Seriously though, I am looking forward to the day where I am feeling efficient and fit again. Remember: my definition of fitness is different from most! Yeah - I can pull off these workouts every day but I am NOT pulling them off well and in no shape or form am I showing speed yet. I guess it HAS only been three weeks, hasn't it... I guess I was just hoping my super lean, fit self was going to pop back around once I got into it again. Patience, patience, patience! It is hard though, n'est-ce pas?
In the meantime, keep on keepin' on. Grind it out, eat healthily, DO NOT DIET for at least a couple more months (this body needs a break) and look back on all of this in the spring and say "Whew... Good thing I stuck it out. I knew it would get better!"
Now off for a run... Time to stop feeling like a blob and recognize that elite Lindsay is slowly going to emerge in the not-so-distant future!!!
SIDENOTE: Two posts opened up for Library Assistant at UVic. Fingers crossed!!!!
I went out on a ride with Triple Shot this morning for the hills workout. It consists of four trips up Cadboro Bay Road, three trips up Sinclair (it's hell... seriously) and two trips up Mount Tolmie (not as bad as Sinclair, but just put that last nail in the coffin.) NOTHING can make you feel heavier or more out of shape that a few uphill climbs at 6am. DAMN!!! Needless to say, I biked home and here I sit, dressed up to go for a short run with a morning swim teammate, and I feel like a slow blob. Nice to follow the last blog with something like this, eh? Just shows you what extreme diets do to a person's psyche.
Seriously though, I am looking forward to the day where I am feeling efficient and fit again. Remember: my definition of fitness is different from most! Yeah - I can pull off these workouts every day but I am NOT pulling them off well and in no shape or form am I showing speed yet. I guess it HAS only been three weeks, hasn't it... I guess I was just hoping my super lean, fit self was going to pop back around once I got into it again. Patience, patience, patience! It is hard though, n'est-ce pas?
In the meantime, keep on keepin' on. Grind it out, eat healthily, DO NOT DIET for at least a couple more months (this body needs a break) and look back on all of this in the spring and say "Whew... Good thing I stuck it out. I knew it would get better!"
Now off for a run... Time to stop feeling like a blob and recognize that elite Lindsay is slowly going to emerge in the not-so-distant future!!!
SIDENOTE: Two posts opened up for Library Assistant at UVic. Fingers crossed!!!!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Not so heavy?
I am currently living with an awesome little family here in Victoria. Their daughter left for University and I moved right into her room when I got here. It's been great! They have made me feel like one of their own and I am very fortunate to be staying with them for the time being. We also have a young elite diver living in the suite downstairs, along with Mom, Dad and their 22-year-old hilarious son, so never a dull moment!
The other night, the homeowners were talking about their daughter, and mentioned that her swim coach had told her that she was fat and needed to lose weight. I am sure it was worded differently, but regardless, my back went up right away. As someone who has been a competitive athlete for 2/3 of her lifetime, I know what it's like to be told you are too big. When I was 13, my swim coach pinched the back of my arm and told me I had to get rid of it. I was on the "Zone" diet before my body had even finished developing. Much later in life, a rowing coach came in and told the entire team that they had to lean out, and I watched as myself and all of my teammates shrank down rapidly, some at the expense of much needed power and strength.
Let me be clear. I realize the necessity of efficiency. After switching from heavyweight to lightweight rowing, I now know that my most efficient weight is very lean. I will make moves to get back down there for racing season next summer, but I have done it so many times, under extremely good guidance, that I know what works for me. I also know how thin is too thin, and I must resist the urge to go down there every again. I am not contending the need to be light and efficient in (some) sports. The bone I have to pick is with coaches, therapists and practitioners who tell athletes, both young and old, that they need to lose weight without offering them the proper guidance. I have seen it end careers and destroy bodies for months, even years.
I can say from experience that diets do not work. It is astounding to me how much misinformation is out there about nutrition. Protein diets, no carb diets, liquid diets, high fat diets... All of them can give you immediate results but they are NOT SUSTAINABLE. People have to be people! Whether you are an athlete or a poet, every solitary person on this earth needs to eat. As an endurance athlete, I was put on a no-carb, 1000 calorie per day diet in order to shed some muscle mass to hit my weight-class target weight, and my body literally shut down. I should have known better, but I have now learned the hard way and hope to prevent others from falling down the same path. I do not have a degree in nutrition, but I can bet that I would give better advice than half the "sports nutritionists" out there. I didn't have to read it in a book - I have lived it!
When athletes are told to lose weight without good guidance, there are too many traps that they can fall into. There is just way too much bad advice out there and an athlete left to his or her own devices can make big mistakes. If you are going to attempt to lose weight or lean out, I would strongly recommend you get in touch with someone who is highly knowledgeable, with a strong sports background (if you are an athlete). I know someone who is absolutely amazing so if you are in Victoria, let me know! Otherwise, be very careful. Your body is a beautiful thing capable of beautiful things, so do not abuse it! As long as it is healthy, your body will do what you ask of it, so long as you respect it and treat it well. Eat your carbs!!!
The other night, the homeowners were talking about their daughter, and mentioned that her swim coach had told her that she was fat and needed to lose weight. I am sure it was worded differently, but regardless, my back went up right away. As someone who has been a competitive athlete for 2/3 of her lifetime, I know what it's like to be told you are too big. When I was 13, my swim coach pinched the back of my arm and told me I had to get rid of it. I was on the "Zone" diet before my body had even finished developing. Much later in life, a rowing coach came in and told the entire team that they had to lean out, and I watched as myself and all of my teammates shrank down rapidly, some at the expense of much needed power and strength.
Let me be clear. I realize the necessity of efficiency. After switching from heavyweight to lightweight rowing, I now know that my most efficient weight is very lean. I will make moves to get back down there for racing season next summer, but I have done it so many times, under extremely good guidance, that I know what works for me. I also know how thin is too thin, and I must resist the urge to go down there every again. I am not contending the need to be light and efficient in (some) sports. The bone I have to pick is with coaches, therapists and practitioners who tell athletes, both young and old, that they need to lose weight without offering them the proper guidance. I have seen it end careers and destroy bodies for months, even years.
I can say from experience that diets do not work. It is astounding to me how much misinformation is out there about nutrition. Protein diets, no carb diets, liquid diets, high fat diets... All of them can give you immediate results but they are NOT SUSTAINABLE. People have to be people! Whether you are an athlete or a poet, every solitary person on this earth needs to eat. As an endurance athlete, I was put on a no-carb, 1000 calorie per day diet in order to shed some muscle mass to hit my weight-class target weight, and my body literally shut down. I should have known better, but I have now learned the hard way and hope to prevent others from falling down the same path. I do not have a degree in nutrition, but I can bet that I would give better advice than half the "sports nutritionists" out there. I didn't have to read it in a book - I have lived it!
When athletes are told to lose weight without good guidance, there are too many traps that they can fall into. There is just way too much bad advice out there and an athlete left to his or her own devices can make big mistakes. If you are going to attempt to lose weight or lean out, I would strongly recommend you get in touch with someone who is highly knowledgeable, with a strong sports background (if you are an athlete). I know someone who is absolutely amazing so if you are in Victoria, let me know! Otherwise, be very careful. Your body is a beautiful thing capable of beautiful things, so do not abuse it! As long as it is healthy, your body will do what you ask of it, so long as you respect it and treat it well. Eat your carbs!!!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Good Luck in New Zealand!
Today I was able to see two of my good friends before they head to New Zealand tomorrow for the World Rowing Championships. It is so interesting to be out of that world now and to still appreciate all of the work they have put in, and to see them rewarded for that work. A trip to New Zealand - can it get much better than that!?
One friend in particular has inspired me to write a new post today. We were chatting about his position in rowing and it's a beautiful one. He is part of a fantastic crew who have been together for a few years now and have completely gelled. He trusts his coach and believes in his program. He loves the city of Victoria, he is excited to go down to the lake every day and it's all showing in his results. They are arguably the best ranked crew coming out of Canada in one of the toughest events out there. Very exciting indeed!
Talking to him made me realize what I miss about rowing. I feel a deep sense of loss not necessarily for rowing itself, but for the sheer joy of being part of a team in a sport like rowing. The bond created through hours and hours spent on the lake, on the ergs and in the gym is one that is not found easily anywhere else. I miss my teammates and I miss pushing myself so that others can reach new heights alongside me. I yearn for that feeling again!
When I decided I could no longer row it was heart breaking. Rowing has been a part of my life (sometimes my entire life) for years and years, and I had believed in my Olympic Dream so relentlessly that it shattered me to think that it was over. The grieving period was long, and I wonder sometimes if I am still in it. I guess what I am hoping is that Ironman training and the people I am about to call my teammates will enable me to re-kindle the same passions I had in rowing and help me re-discover that woman that loved to train, loved to suffer, loved to race and loved to win.
Good luck to all of those heading to New Zealand. I wish you all the best and know you will represent Canada well.
One friend in particular has inspired me to write a new post today. We were chatting about his position in rowing and it's a beautiful one. He is part of a fantastic crew who have been together for a few years now and have completely gelled. He trusts his coach and believes in his program. He loves the city of Victoria, he is excited to go down to the lake every day and it's all showing in his results. They are arguably the best ranked crew coming out of Canada in one of the toughest events out there. Very exciting indeed!
Talking to him made me realize what I miss about rowing. I feel a deep sense of loss not necessarily for rowing itself, but for the sheer joy of being part of a team in a sport like rowing. The bond created through hours and hours spent on the lake, on the ergs and in the gym is one that is not found easily anywhere else. I miss my teammates and I miss pushing myself so that others can reach new heights alongside me. I yearn for that feeling again!
When I decided I could no longer row it was heart breaking. Rowing has been a part of my life (sometimes my entire life) for years and years, and I had believed in my Olympic Dream so relentlessly that it shattered me to think that it was over. The grieving period was long, and I wonder sometimes if I am still in it. I guess what I am hoping is that Ironman training and the people I am about to call my teammates will enable me to re-kindle the same passions I had in rowing and help me re-discover that woman that loved to train, loved to suffer, loved to race and loved to win.
Good luck to all of those heading to New Zealand. I wish you all the best and know you will represent Canada well.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Half Marathon
Here's where we start....
Yesterday I was lucky enough to participate in the "Goodlife Victoria Marathon," along with thousands of other athletes on 10/10/10. A friend of mine convinced me to sign up for the half marathon so that I had something to keep me motivated through September. I had taken over a month off after leaving rowing at the end of July, and she figured this would be a good way to get me back into the training scene. I had a blast! It was fun to do something challenging enough to keep me busy for a few weeks, but also to race with no pressure and no expectations. A nice change from what I had expected of myself while rowing.
In the last few weeks I have been fortunate enough to meet a ton of awesome people in the beautiful city of Victoria, BC. I leave rowing (for the time being!?) with the competitive fire still burning fiercely and brightly within me. I feel as though I left rowing not completely on my own terms, and I have yet to lose to the urge to be great at something physically demanding. So where did I turn? Ironman.
In this quest, I found a coach who has agreed to help me on my journey - Mike Neill (who coaches a group called Human Powered Racing). I also have found an amazing swim group, of which Mike is a part, under the guidance of Clint Lien at Crystal Pool. I also managed to find a super fun riding group that goes by the name of Triple Shot, famous for pre-dawn rides (starting at 6am!!!) and post-ride coffees. In sum, I have a pretty good line-up of coaches and advisors to help me sort out what it is exactly that I am doing, now that rowing is over.
So here we are.... Rowing done (again, for now!?) and Ironman coming up. Oh - and I need to find a job and come to terms with what it means to be done one sport and start TOTALLY new in another. More on where I am from and where I am going later.
Yesterday I was lucky enough to participate in the "Goodlife Victoria Marathon," along with thousands of other athletes on 10/10/10. A friend of mine convinced me to sign up for the half marathon so that I had something to keep me motivated through September. I had taken over a month off after leaving rowing at the end of July, and she figured this would be a good way to get me back into the training scene. I had a blast! It was fun to do something challenging enough to keep me busy for a few weeks, but also to race with no pressure and no expectations. A nice change from what I had expected of myself while rowing.
In the last few weeks I have been fortunate enough to meet a ton of awesome people in the beautiful city of Victoria, BC. I leave rowing (for the time being!?) with the competitive fire still burning fiercely and brightly within me. I feel as though I left rowing not completely on my own terms, and I have yet to lose to the urge to be great at something physically demanding. So where did I turn? Ironman.
In this quest, I found a coach who has agreed to help me on my journey - Mike Neill (who coaches a group called Human Powered Racing). I also have found an amazing swim group, of which Mike is a part, under the guidance of Clint Lien at Crystal Pool. I also managed to find a super fun riding group that goes by the name of Triple Shot, famous for pre-dawn rides (starting at 6am!!!) and post-ride coffees. In sum, I have a pretty good line-up of coaches and advisors to help me sort out what it is exactly that I am doing, now that rowing is over.
So here we are.... Rowing done (again, for now!?) and Ironman coming up. Oh - and I need to find a job and come to terms with what it means to be done one sport and start TOTALLY new in another. More on where I am from and where I am going later.
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