When my daughter got a life-changing diagnosis at age 3, I had a sudden realization about how short life really is. I decided that I want my children to see me accomplish my goals - not just talk about them. I want them to know they can achieve whatever they want to in life - even when it is really hard! SO I began training for my first tri... now, the biggest compliment I can get is when my kids say "Mommy, I think you race really good."
Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor
Current Status:
Raining, some lightning here in Asheville. Leaving in 10 for Lake James (an hour east of here) and hoping the weather doesn’t follow.
I swear I will go back to bed if the becomes a death loan in the rain… WTF, weather?!
Edit: bwahahahah! That should have been ‘if this becomes a run bike run’ but ‘death loan’ works too… Or rather ‘death march.’First race of the season
tomorrow… I guess technically it’s the first race since IM was so long ago.
Lake Jame Tri… a sprint distance… I’m nervous… yep, every. single. time.
There will be pics… and probably some whining about the cold… prepare thy selves :)
How Can I Avoid Muscle Cramps?
The causes and solutions of muscle cramps are rife with misconceptions. Fitness Coach Erin Beresini clears things up.
Very interesting! Took Pickles to IM… I think they settle the stomach too.
Cleaning the ole girl before my race on Sat. Seems like the best use of my post-bourboned state. :) I didn’t have that much and honestly I’m probably feeling the effects of a late night and not the Jack. Either that, or I’m just getting old :)
Wagon wheel
It’s a desperate feeling just to hold it all in
The weight of the world and the ways of man
There may have been a flask taped to my thigh when we arrived… Security sure does complicate things!
Vector Pro Sleeveless Wetsuit - Wetsuits - Products
Would you buy this for $100, brand new? I think I am. Thoughts on sleeveless wetsuits or this brand?
My two cents (since I can’t reply, I’ll reblog).
I love sleeveless wetsuits and, unless the water is very cold, will always choose to wear one. This isn’t necessarily a common view as hard-core Slowtwitchers will swear for a full sleeve because of the extra buoyancy. I am willing to give up that wee bit of buoyancy for greater range of motion, less constriction and less overheating. (mostly, range of motion and constriction). The STers would respond that you can get range of motion with a proper fitting sleeved suit, but I’ve never found a full sleeve easier than a sleeveless regardless of fit.
I do not like Xterra wetsuits. For me, the neck is too high and tight and I feel like I can’t breathe. Xterra is inexpensive and sells a lot of suits to beginners who don’t want to pay a lot of a wetsuit, but I’ve really never met anyone who like them.
I’m a big fan of the BlueSeventy Reaction Sleeveless. It’s a bit more expensive, but the neck line is much more comfortable.
Reblogging for the comments about the neckline - mine (a Nineteen wetsuit) has a very high neckline and I hate it. Many (not all, but many) of my issues last Saturday were related to the way my suit fits.
OH FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS GOOD IN THIS WORLD… DO NOT buy an Xterra wetsuit! I hate those stupid things… and I got a pulmonary edema in part due to one of their full sleeve suits. I think the fit is wrong on many fronts - the neck was a bit off and ‘rubby’, but their bigger issue is that the torso seems to be cut a little short causing vertical compression (pulling your shoulders down). This is very subtle - I didn’t notice it at all at first, but it makes a HUGE difference when your in open water. Also, I think the rigidity of their neoprene causes some compression that is a little over the top - even for a wetsuit.
I took mine off in the ocean (Key West) during Ironman and couldn’t have cared less if I ever saw the thing again. It was returned to me after the race - thank you, very considerate safety boater. I got home and literally GAVE it away. I didn’t feel right selling it because it was a piece of junk. I told the girl I gave it to all about my issues, but she will just be using it for surfing and doesn’t see it being too big an issue… I guess she will find out soon enough.
Like Tridad, I think having the extra flexibility in the arms is worth going sleeveless. I will never own another full sleeve again… of course, who am I fooling?! I will NEVER do a race that is actually COLD enough to NEED a full sleeve anyway (total cold wimp, right here). I have a BlueSeventy Reaction coming my way right now. Save the cash and buy a better suit!
