Three Decades.

Three decades down.  It's hard to believe I'm thirty.  You have to think back through your life a little bit when you hit a milestone, of course when you turn 10 or even 20 I don't think you care as much.  In fact when you turn twenty the only thing you really think about is that you have one more year before you're legal to drink. Something happens over the next10 years... in a very basic sense, you grow up.  I mean really there are a lot of major life occurrences that happen in those ten years, at least that was the case for me.  So in the celebration of my birthday and the fact that I like lists I thought it would be appropriate to look back on some of my fondest moments, big decisions and a few accomplishments (big and small). 

1. Birth. Coming into this world on 3.25.82 around 7:30 AM.  (An accomplishment more so for my mom and dad, but I thought it was a good start to my list.) 

2. Bike Parade.  We had to decorate our bikes and ride them around the block, a grand accomplishment for a 5-year-old. I had my best friend by my side, rocking her Kool-Aid mustache, Sarah Redwine (Keifer now). She is actually probably one my greatest accomplishments because we were best friends that day and thirty years later we're still great friends. 

3. State Swim Meet.  Honestly all my state swim meets we're great and I think I should be proud of being a talented swimmer.  My favorite state meet though was my first.  I was one of two 8-year-olds in the whole state that made it for 50-yard-fly.  I remember seeing my name written in light bulbs across the huge score board and standing up on that swim block that was larger than life.  I think the obsession started there.  I wanted to swim, I needed to swim and so I did for the next 9 years.  

4. Harris Heat to Indiana Sting.  A group of girls that one day put on these bright purple uniforms and called themselves an All-Star Team.  We were good.  The great thing about this "team" was not that we were good for one season but that a big core group of us played every year together from about 10-years-old all the way through our senior year of high school.  We might of had different names and different colors but the cleats that hit the infield didn't really change.  I can see Yo-Yo at shortstop, Monica behind first, Toni covering third, Missy (or myself) on the mound, Mary and Bene in the outfield. We had a lot of great games and moments together. 

5. Ain't Going Down.  I specifically remember spending days, even weeks memorizing that song by Garth Brooks.  Not sure why it made this list, but it did.  

6. Swanson Summers.  I spent two summers life guarding at Swanson Pool with one of my high school best friends, Melissa.  I just remember those summers fondly. 

7. 1:03.  I had a 1:04 in the 100 fly for about two years straight... I still remember the meet where years of hard work finally came together and I let go of that time and finally hit a 1:03 in my favorite event. (My high school swim seasons definitely shaped my life and I'm grateful for those years I spent day in and day out swimming.) 

8. Minolta X-700.  My first camera.  It was (and still is) the best Christmas present I've ever received.  It lit the fire for photography... and that flame is still burning.  

9. Skipping & Climbing.  We all have our teenage moments where we throw caution to the wind and pretty much do what we want.  I know I have a handful of stories but the two that stick out in my mind were skipping math class to hit up the rope swing along the St. Joe river. (You can read this post where I talk a little more on that adventure.) And of course the one and only time I've been arrested.... for repelling off a water tower. :) 

10. Photojournalism.  A stranger actually picked my degree.  Okay, not really.  But I don't have an actual name of the person that looked at me and said "You should go for Photojournalism."  To whoever you are, thank you.  It was one of the best decisions I made.  Not a lot of people figure out what they want to do their sophomore year in college, I was grateful to be one of those few.  

11. BC Klan.  God, I had great friends in college!  There are so many memories from college that it's hard to narrow it down to one.  The BC Klan (later turning into the Linden Place Klan) is really just another way of saying I had a great, fun, fabulous group of college friends.  I miss them every day.  

12.  Relationships.  I wouldn't be the woman I am today with out the many, many relationships I had.   My first kiss with Brian K.  Mark H.- the first guy that ever had a MAJOR crush on me, I finally gave in after about a year or so.  Tracy- ohh, Tracy... there's almost too much to say with that one.  Camp Birch Hill flings... like Joe and Shaun.  Sean Compton- oh my!  hahaha. Jose! God, what was I thinking?  Even the relationships that never came about... David G, Chase T, Geoff B. All those dates and kisses and break-ups and heartaches and everything in between.... definitely shaped me, I'm sure of that.  

13. Camp Birch Hill.  It was by far the greatest job, ever. (Okay, that you can have as a 20-year-old) I met some amazing people that I am still friends with today.  I was able to visit the NE part of our country and I just saw and did some amazing things.  It was one of the greatest times in my life.  

14. Grateful Dead.  There are many things I could have put to "explain" my early 20's.  A little walk down Shakedown Street probably says it all.  I had some wonderful times being a lil hippie.  

15.  New Years Eve.  They happen every year, but one in particular stands out to me.  I can see my college Klan all decked out to the nines (at least for college kids) with my apartment decorated in some sort of cheap-NY-style,  singing "Tiny Dancer" with champagne glasses in hand. 

16.  Internship.  I had an internship at the Muncie Star Press.  It was my first real taste at being a photographer, a paid photographer.  I loved it... and I still love it.  

17. Graduating.  I think I have to put this... I know a lot of people graduate college these days.  I am proud of myself for getting a B.A. in Photojournalism.  I'm glad that I was part of a lot of organizations like NPPA and the Daily News.  I was glad I made all those wonderful friends and had some amazing experiences at Ball State.  And then.... 

18. Oregon.  I moved to Oregon.  I graduated and decided that I would pack up my little Toyota and drive 2000+ miles across the country to a state I really knew nothing about. (The road trip with my sister is a fond memory.)  Obviously I loved it otherwise I wouldn't be writing this post from my home in Portland, Oregon six years later. 

19. Camera World.  My first job in Oregon, I was a lab tech at Camera World.  The job introduced me to some great friends and it made me grow up and take on some responsibility.  Plus, of course, I met David there. 

20. Sushi. I ate Sushi for the first time with David on one of our dates.  I know it seems kind of silly but I think that was the start of trying a lot of new things, especially when it came to food.  I love all types of food now and trying out new restaurants... it's one of my favorite things to do.  

21. Lukah!  Whether it's the first time that dog walked through my first apartment in Gresham, or when Lukah started to live with David and I over in St. John's or when the paperwork arrived in the mail officially declaring him MY dog, whichever moment you wanna pick to be #20 is fine with me.  Either way he's the greatest dog and he just simply makes me happy. 

22. Wine Tasting.  It started one day with a Chateau St. Michelle Riesling.  It's grown into knowing the differences between a Syrah and a Shiraz (really nothing, except the "z" one is from Australia) and being able to pick out things like "cloves" in a spicy red or "grapefruit" in the nose of a white.  I love wine tasting. 

23. Capturing Grace Photography.  Starting my own business has been really fun and definitely an educational experience.  Ever since I started the business it has been just that... fun and a lot to learn!   I'm always learning and growing and there isn't one shoot or one day with a camera in my hand that I regret being a photographer.  

24. Grace of God.  The day I gave my life to Jesus was and forever will be the greatest decision I've ever made. The day David and I were baptized together was a wonderful moment in our lives together.  

25.  July 18, 2008.  The day we were announced as "Mr. and Mrs. David LeGault."  I love my husband.  And quite frankly I could have made the wrong choice of where to live, or what to do for a living, but as long as David would have been part of the final product I know I would be happy.  

26. Volunteer.  I volunteer for the Pregnancy Resource Center.  There are a lot of things that people like to stand for and believe in and I think everyone should pick one and help the cause.  I'm against abortions and I found that the work that PRC does is a positive way to stand up for what I believe in with out having to stand in some brutal picketing or have a screaming match with someone who is pro choice.  I enjoy volunteering there and being one of God's working hands. 

27. Coach.  Becoming a coach has been such a blessing already. I love coaching high school swimming and I'm looking forward to next year already. 

28. Triathlete.  A great thing to check off the ol' bucket list.  I enjoyed training for the triathlon and competing. I look forward to doing it again. 

29. 1859 Cover.  It's one of those things that you can look back and say "I worked for this" plus you  can look forward and say "Great things will come become of this."  

30. Living.  Living, loving, breathing, failing, succeeding, working, resting, enjoying... living.  Turning 30 and not saying "boo-hoo, I'm old" but instead looking forward to my next three decades.  

Skipping, 

Aubrie

Eleven to Twelve

The first week of January is always bittersweet.  A lot of people, including myself, tend to look back at the year that has passed with sweet memories most of which will never occur again.  We also look towards the year to come with anticipations, goals and a hopeful heart that we can top the previous year.

I had a great year and I wanted to recap some of my favorite moments.  Of course doing it in a list fashion, because I dig lists.  A lot of people go with "Top 10" but I find it only appropriate to do my list of "Top 11" moments for 2011... in no particular order....

1. Memorial Day Camping Trip.  Not only was the camping trip a lot of fun but we met some lovely people at this camping trip that are now dear friends.

2. State Champs!  My first year coaching high school swimming was a lot of fun.  To be honest I really had nothing to do with our boys winning state, but I was happy to be part of the team and I was very proud of Adam (head coach) and our hard-working boys.

3. Nutcracker. At the ripe age of 29 I finally saw my first performance of the Nutcracker.  David and I watched the Oregon Ballet perform this wonderful Christmas tradition at the Keller auditorium.

4. 3-Year-Anniversary.  We might not have done anything HUGE for this anniversary but just having another year with my wonderful husband is grand enough to be on this list.

5. Hawaii.  David and I took a trip to Kauai in March with my parents.  It. Was. Awesome.

6. Triathlon.  I competed in my first sprint triathlon.

7. La Grande.  We celebrated 4th of July in La Grande with friends, wine tasting, steak dinner, hiking and fireworks.

8. Josh Radin.  I love him and his concerts.  The Starks and I saw Josh perform in March at the Crystal Ballroom.  Always a good time... Josh Shot.

9. 1859.  This year was a big year for my editorial work.  December 2011 was actually my first publication in this magazine... July was my first photo story and coming up....

10. Eagle Lake.  My husband got his first full taste of summer in Indiana.  My favorite part was spending the day at my uncle's lake house.  We celebrated my nephew's first birthday, went jet-skiing and I went tubing with my sister.  It reminded me of past summers in Indiana and was a great time spent with the best family ever.

11. Carpet!  Ahhhh, we finally got new carpet in our house.  It looks and smells so much better.  :)


I am looking forward to 2012.  Every year brings new memories to cherish and new goals to check off your list.  I have a few of each in mind so to go with the mantra I have for this blog post I thought I would write a list of 12 things I'm either looking forward to or that I would like to accomplish this year.

1. Turning 30!!!  Maybe I'm not looking forward to turning 30 and saying goodbye to my 20's (because my 20's were spectacular) but I think the celebration will probably be a good one this year. ;)

2. Swimming.  I joined a masters swim team, The Barracudas.  I am excited to be on a swim team again, to get back into shape and to race in a few swim meets this year.

3. Family Visit.  This is actually happening in less than a week... my mom and my aunt Lee Ann are coming for a week to visit.  It should be a fun girl time... and interesting too because it's January and you have to creative with things to do in Portland in the winter.

4. Drive Better.  My husband will probably poop his pants when he reads this.  I would like to allow myself enough time to get to my location and not be in such a rush that I drive like a ding-bat.

5. Pinterest.  What?  I can't have a goal involving the latest and greatest website?  LOL!  Seriously though I think the site allows to create, make, bake, purchase or do a lot of things that maybe you wouldn't think of yourself.  So my goal is to do 12 things that I find from Pinterest.

6. Triathlon.  I would like to compete in another triathlon or maybe even try an aquathon out as well.

7. Crazy Love.  It's a book my sister got me for Christmas.  I'm going to read it.

8. Chicago Wedding.  My college best friend is getting married in Chicago this July.  I'm excited to witness this great occasion and be at a wedding in the middle of the summer that I'm not responsible for the photography.  To sit back and relax during a wedding is an odd thing but I'm looking forward to it.  (Plus another trip to the windy city!)

9. Rafting!  David and I have two types of rafts/boats.  One is a blow-up kayak and the other is a raft-boat type of deal.  Anyway I would like to actually put them in the water and use the heck out of them this summer!  Plus I would like to go white water rafting this year (Rogue??)

10. Roads.  My Oregon map looks better and better every year.  This year I have a few specific roads I would like to mark off.  Highway 228-20 starting in Sweet Home and going to Black Butte Ranch area is one and the other is Highway 126 staring in Springfield and going to Belknap Springs area.

11. 1859!  ...and my first Front Cover!  My first front cover will come out in January, it should be on the stands any day now.  I'm looking forward to seeing the magazine and of course shooting this whole year with 1859.

12. Magazines/Photo Biz.  I would like to get into at least one more major magazine this year.  I really enjoy the work that the Columbia Gorge magazine produces and Sip NW magazine.  Those two are both on my list for sure.  Do you think Sunset magazine is ready for this girl yet?  I am looking forward to this year with my photography business.  It's growing and it's making more money- yay.  I had 6 weddings booked before the new year and I hoping to grab a few more.  It's going to be a great year in the photo world!

Off-Season

Well triathlon season has officially come to an end.  I completed two triathlons, one with a lower-back problem.  I just finished taking one week off to heal my lower back and I am ready to begin my off-season training.  I always find that if I share my plans I will tend to keep them, using this little blog post as a way to keep myself accountable.

I've been paying for my gym membership and really the only thing I used it for during tri season was to swim.  Occasionally I would go to a cycle class if the weather was not cooperating.  A few weeks before my second triathlon I started to go to a body works class.  Other than that, LA Fitness really hasn't seen me much and is pretty much just sucking unused dollars out of my bank account.  So I plan to correct that and make every penny count.

Here is my "PLAN"

Monday: Swim!
Tuesday: Cycle Class @ 9:15 AM
Wednesday: Yoga @ 8:30 AM
Thursday: Body Works Plus Abs @ 8:30
Friday: Off
Saturday: Run! (Or doing a pretty good hike.)
Sunday: Off

I would like to get stronger and more flexible during the off season.  Work on my abs so I can protect that lower back of mine.  I would like to swim, run and cycle (class counts) once a week to keep all three in shape.

I am also thinking about buying a little journal to document what I am eating.  I've counted calories before with an iPhone app, which that worked out for the most part.  It could be more convenient than an actual hand written journal, but I guess I'll see.  I more want to document everything I am eating and if in a month or two I have not seen any change in my body (positive change!) than I may consider talking to a nutritionist to see what I need to change.  (Which I am sure I could use a lot of change, really!)

Anyone is welcomed to join me in the pool or at any of the classes I will attend.  I would be happy to have a work-out partner.  I found the one time that I ran with my friend my 3 miles went by faster and we're easier so if anyone wants to run on Saturday mornings with me, please let me know.

Here's to always working towards a healthier lifestyle.

Skipping,
Aubrie

I am a Triathlete!

Well, I am a triathlete.  I survived my first triathlon with flying colors... I even went under my 2 hour goal! Everything worked out and I truly enjoyed the race.  I was able to warm-up and get use to the water, the weather cooperated and my bike did not get a flat.  My husband was there cheering me on along with my two friends Daniel and Lindsay Stark.  (Thanks guys!  And thanks to Daniel we have some photos!)

The water was freezing, 61 degrees.  The swim was a little chaotic, but not as bad as I am sure some people have experienced.  The bike ride was perfect, it was the easiest of the three.  Quite enjoyable actually.  The run... ahh, the run.  The transition from bike to run was a little hard on my legs.  Then I got use to it around 1.5 miles and started to push a little harder.  The last part of the run was HARD.  I kept thinking I was almost done (because people kept telling me that as they cheered lol).  I couldn't see the finish line and it seemed like 100 miles away.  But I kept digging and once I saw that big "Finish" sign I was so happy I completed the triathlon.  The announcer said "And here is #32, Aubrie LeGault, coming in with a big smile on her face because she knows she's done!"

Stats:
There were 483 sprint triathletes.
Swim (1/2 mile):   16:56   160th/483
T1: 6:50
Bike (12 miles):     44:04   415th/483
T2: 3:39
Run (3.1 miles):    34:10   449th/483

Overall: 401st/483
My Division (24-29 years old) : 18th... out of 19!  Yes, I got second to last in my age group.  lol.  The good news was that if I was one year older I would've done much better.  Dang youngins.

There is definitely room for improvement!  And the question that everyone always asks... are you going to do another one?  Why, of course!  I am signing up for a mini triathlon on July 20th at Hag Lake.  (It's called a "training triathlon" more so for practice.)  And then I will do the blue lake triathlon again at the end of the tri season in September.

Here are a couple of photos.  (David was the only one that got a swim photo on his phone, so I'll have to post them later if I ever get his phone attached to the computer.)  Thanks to everyone for their support, encouraging words and prayers!  I did it!!!

Swim. Keep. Dig

I forgot how much I love competing.  I remember getting totally psyched for big swim meets, or really just any swim meet or softball game.  I haven't officially competed in anything like that since about my senior year of high school.  (Unless you count my sad attempt at a 5k run last summer.)  This feels good, like I should have been doing it all along.  I should not have stopped competing and pushing.  I only wish I would have given this whole triathlon idea a go-around when I entered my first year of college.

Either way, I am here now.  And I am ready.  I may not pull the best time or look like the most buff chic you've ever seen.  I will probably get passed while running.  But, I am ready.  I followed a 12-week training guide for an Olympic Triathlon and I am only doing a Sprint.  Physically I would say I am ready and probably mentally too.  (Will this still burn?  YOU BET IT WILL!  But, I'm ready.)

Somewhere around week 7 or week 8 I came up with what you would call a "catch-phrase" for myself to repeat every time I would train.  Basically how I look at my first triathlon.

Swim. Keep. Dig.

Swim: I know what your thinking, the first part "Swim" is um, pretty obvious?  Maybe for some, but to me "Swim" isn't just what I do first.  Swim is what I DO.  It's what I have been doing since I was 6 years old, begging my mom to let me join the swim team.  It's comfortable, it's even relaxing at times.  At the same token it's hard, a very hard sport, but I love it.  "Swim" is just what I do.  I'm going to get in the freezing cold lake (61-62 degrees) and I'm just going to simply do what I love best- swim.

Keep: The second leg of the tri is biking.  I may not be the world champ at biking, I'm no Lance Armstrong.  But I did train fairly hard on the bike.  I rarely (except in the beginning) rode only 12 miles. I usually pushed it to anywhere between 20-35 miles.  I biked hills and I tried to bike fast when it was flat.  So the bike part... keep it up, keep up... just keep pedaling.  Keep.

Dig:  Ahhh, running.  It's almost like were so close to not being enemies.  Dig is the best word that I can think of that will probably mirror what I am doing.  You dig into the ground to run.  You dig inside yourself to find the energy to finish.  You dig inside your heart to find it in yourself to complete what you started, even if the last thing is the hardest.  And it will be.  Not only because it's last and I'll probably be tired from the other two legs but because running is my hardest sport.  My calves will feel like they are tearing and my thighs will be burning.  (Everything else will probably be fine, it's really just the legs!)  That's okay though.  I'm going to dig into the ground with my running shoes laced tight, I'm going to dig up some energy and I'm going to dig, dig, dig (DIG AUBRIE!) all the way across that finish line.  Dig.

...And I'm totally going to dig this.  ;)

Swim. Keep. Dig.  Let's do this.
Aubrie

PS. Just for some fun little facts... I will be starting in the 6th wave at 8:20 wearing my purple cap.  My goal is to, yes, finish but I now have a time in mind.  I want to finish in 2 hours or less.  Dave will be with me cheering me on, cause he's an awesome husband.  And hopefully we'll have photos for you afterwards.  Wish me luck and send some prayers my way around 8:20 tomorrow.

What happened to week 6 and beyond...?

I quit.

Ok, I am kidding.

I didn't quit.  In fact just the opposite happened.  I kept training and adding on here and there.  I am sure I had a few off weeks, in fact I think week 8 sucked!  But after that things started to look up.  I doubled up on some of the training like did a swim-bike and a bike-run a few times.  All were successful including my last one on Wednesday where I biked about 16 miles and ran a 5k.  (Shocked that I wasn't sore afterwards).  So I feel good and ready to take on the triathlon tomorrow.

...Yes, tomorrow!

I'll post once more tonight on my thoughts before the race and the hopefully post again with some results and photos.

Done TRAINING!  (for now)
Aubrie

Training, Week 2

Well my first official week of triathlon training was a success.  My body is not wasted, in fact it's not even sore really.  Of course that could mean that I didn't push myself hard enough.  So we'll aim to be a little sore this week.  :)

I bought my road bike (and all the necessary accessories) at REI.  My first time (ever) riding a road bike with pedals was on Wednesday.  It was interesting.  David came with me and we fixed a few things with the pedals and bike seat arrangement.  So on Saturday, when I rode again, everything seemed to fit great.  And I am getting pretty good at getting into and out of my pedals.

Swimming was just fine- I think I swam around 1100+ yards on both days and it felt good.  Running...well running was running.  My weakest link.  However the first run was on a treadmill to make sure my lower back was okay and it held up like a pro.  Then on Thursday I ran outside for 2 miles and my back was great.  Hopefully my backs stays where it is and doesn't cause me grief.

I feel like it was almost a "warm-up" week to prepare myself on working out 6 times a week, figuring out my schedule, learning how to ride the bike and figuring out my back issues.  This week, week 2, I think I'll step it up a little bit.  This week's schedule...

Monday= Swim: 4 x100's easy, 20x50's race pace, 4x50's easy
Tuesday= Run: 30 minutes (My goal is to run 2.5 miles since I ran 2 miles both days last week)
Wednesday= Bike: 1 hour (5 mins. easy than steady with 15-sec hard bursts every 5 mins.)
Thursday= Run: 30 minutes (again my goal is 2.5 miles)
Friday= Swim: 200 easy, 15x100's race effort, 4x25's easy
Saturday=Bike: 90 minutes (easy-to-steady)
Sunday= REST!

Keep Training,
Aubrie

It's Official.

Well about a month ago  I officially signed up for the triathlon I'll be competing in.  As of tomorrow I have exactly 12 weeks until my triathlon at Blue Lake in Fairview, OR.  It's official.

I decided to go with a 12-week training guide to prepare myself for my first tri.  The book that I am using (The Complete Triathletes Training Manual) has an 8-week training guide for a beginner's first sprint triathlon.  Which, since I am a beginner, I should probably go off that guide.  Believe it of not it seemed to "easy" for me, at least with the swimming and biking.  I mean after all, I am doing this for the challenge. The 12-week'er has me running for over 90 minutes towards the end, I highly doubt I will be doing that.  So I am going to follow the 12-week guide for an Olympic Triathlon (I'm doing a Sprint) but I will change the running days.

I am looking forward to this training.  I need something like this to help keep me motivated and on track.  (Encouragement from you will also help, so leave comments to help keep my butt moving!)  I'm a little nervous at the commitment level I have picked.  I will work out 6 times a week, leaving one day to rest. Phew!  I haven't done that since I was a competitive swimmer.  I will try to post every week at the beginning to let you know what I am up for and hopefully again at the end of the week to let you know I survived.

So for my first week that I will start either on Sunday or Monday (I have to look at how the ol' schedule will play out.)  This is what I will be doing:

Monday- Run 20 minutes (keep in mind, I lowered the running it was 30 minutes)
Tuesday- Swim 1300 yards (main set 2x400's)
Wednesday- Bike 60 minutes
Thursday- Swim 1100 yards (main set 15x50's)
Friday- Run 21 minutes (7 mins easy, 7 mins brisk, 7 mins easy)
Saturday- Bike 60 minutes
Sunday- REST!

This weekend I am purchasing a road bike. Nothing like waiting to the last minute.  So hopefully I find a good one that will fit me and my needs.  Yay for bike shopping!

Keep Training,
Aubrie

Spinning, Weights and Ice Cream

Wow.  It's been a really long time since I have updated everyone on how my training is going.  I would apologize, but I really don't think anyone wants a weekly update on how the gym is treating me during these winter months.

...But a monthly update, maybe.  So the gym is treating me well. :)  Actually I am proud to say that the three goals I mentioned earlier are working out.  I am officially practicing/training for all three sports now.  I've been either swimming at the gym or I'll get in the pool before I coach the Sunset High School swim practice. I am trying to run at least twice a week.  I've been using the treadmill for the most part, but with the warmer weather this last week or so I've ran the last three times outside.  Every time I take more than a couple of days off (dang holidays!) I have to re-build my running for some reason.  Tonight I ran two miles again so I am hoping to keep that up and then build to the actual 3 miles I need to be at.

My latest and greatest activity is the spinning class, or LA Fitness just simply calls it "Cycle."  I love it!  After my butt adjusted to being sore of course.  I have been trying to go to the cycle class at least twice a week... and sometimes I throw a third "class" in on my own time.  Definitely my favorite part of the training for now.

Yesterday I added yet another component to the training- weights!  I have never been into weight lifting.  During my years of competitive swimming I was always too tight and muscular to do weight lifting, I had to stretch instead.  So this will take some motivation, dedication and discipline on my behalf.  (What doesn't?)  Hopefully I can keep it up and get use to the fact that I'll be sore... a lot!

As far as eating goes... well let's just say I eat tons of salads, fruit, veggies, whole wheat pasta and English muffins, low-fat yogurt and leaner meats.  I also eat ice cream, bread, more bread and more ice cream.  I am happy that all the cookies and box of chocolates are gone from the holidays- one less temptation I have to fight.  Psh, there is no fight.  They call out to me- and I cave within in seconds.  Owell.  Hopefully I'll find that nice balance soon.

One last thing- I have decided on an actual triathlon.  I will be competing in the Blue Lake Sprint Triathlon in Fairbanks, OR on June 11th.  Anyone want to be my sponsor and donate the $80 sign-up fee?  :)

Keep Training,
Aubrie

For Now...

I have a feeling that if I was going to write a lot tonight (well like a few paragraphs worth) that it would mostly be complaining.  I don't think complaining is what others want to read nor is probably good for me to dwell on.  So instead I'll say two quick things that are in the "complaint" section: 1. My bike sucks. and 2. Every-other time I run it's horrible and it hurts.  (Hey at least it's not every time.)

I will say that I did ride 9 miles (straight) today on my bike. And there were a few hills involved too.  I took the old two wheels down West Union to Jackson School Rd. and then I rode down that road a little bit as well.  I am very blessed to have a bike and have an area right out my back door that is beautiful to ride- nice country roads.  Plus we are having AWESOME Fall weather right now.  ...Just give that a week and I'll probably list the rain and cold as my third complaint.  :)

For now I guess I can just say that I am sticking with the training.  I probably could be a little more hard-core about it, I am hoping that kicks in when I am about 10-12 weeks away from the actual triathlon.  For now I am biking and running and I guess for now that is all I need to do.

Keep Training,
Aubrie

5k- Check. What's next?

Well, I did it.  I completed my first 5k run.  In hind sight, after watching Daniel cross the finish line after his first triathlon, running a 5k is not all that hard.  I told someone after the run that it's easier than a 200 butterfly or 400 IM race- for sure!

I am happy to know that the last part of the triathlon leg is doable- I can run 3.1 miles.  Now can I run after swimming and biking?  Well, I guess we'll find out.  (Of course I CAN! It just takes training.)

Oh- a few race details...  The start was very sudden.  I did not have my headphones on or my "imapmyrun" application going.  So in the beginning of the race I was running and trying to put my headphones on and play with my iphone.  All to say that I did not correctly record my 5k run.  I finally figured out how to look at my time last night and realized that I did not finish the race in 32 minutes... I finished it in about 38 minutes, I think.  I guess for my first run it doesn't really matter... I ran the entire way (even the lovely zig-zag up hill and stairs part), I did not stop and I finished it.  We'll work on running a tad bit faster later.  There were a lot of people around me that did walk a few times... so I was just happy that I kept running.

Couch-to-5k, completed!  Onward...

What's next?  Well, I have to keep running.  This isn't like a... check, I'm done- sort of thing.  I have to add either swimming or biking into the mix now.  My first idea was to add the biking because the swimming part will be easiest for me to train.  However I am really at a loss with my bike right now.  I have a mountain bike, not a road bike.  I have a helmet.  That's it.  I realize I can start to train with a mountain bike.  I also realize that eventually (and I am sure the eventually will sneak up on me very fast) I will need bike shorts, gloves, road bike wheels, pedals and shoes... plus I need to teach myself how to change a tire, etc.  Well if I was a millionaire none of this would be a problem but I am guessing all that I just listed will cost a pretty penny.  So I have started an envelope (I stash cash into envelopes, that's my savings plan) for my "bike."  We'll see how fast that accumulates.

So- do I get back into the water?  Do I start training with just my mountain bike?  Should I sign up for another 5k run so that I keep running?  Maybe I should find a bike race to sign up for?

I don't know what to do next... but I'll figure it out and let ya'll know.  :)

In the mean time at least I'll... Keep Training,
Aubrie

Still Running

Well, a lot has changed since I first posted the idea of training for my first sprint triathlon.  For starters, as you can see, I changed my blog.  I know myself well and if I am not held accountable my crazy dreams (like this one) will slip away to a pile of unfinished goals I keep stacked under my bed.  So- I have informed people of my goal, I have signed up for a 5k run and now I have created a blog to track the next year of my training.  My lovely friends, family and readers are my accountability partners starting right now.

What else has changed?  Well, I bought new shoes.  In an article from couch-to-5k they informed me that running shoes are essential.  So I went down to Fit Right NW and bought myself a stylish pair of running shoes.  I had to inform my dog, Lukah, that his running days are over.  It was a sad day.  I am sorry but I just can't run with a dog who wants to sniff EVERYTHING and who poops twice in 10 minutes.  He's mad at me, but I think he'll get over it.  I downloaded the best APP for runners, bikers and hikers to my iphone.  iMapMyRun (free) is a fantastic tool to have.  Now I know how far I am running and how long.  I realized one hot summer day that the sweat from my forehead really stings my eyeballs and does not feel good while I am running.  So off I went to Sports Authority... and now I am as cool as Al Roker...wearing a head sweat band.  I also realized that not only am I training my legs (heart, arms, etc.) to physically run but I also am training my ears.  I have to figure out what songs motivate me and create the perfectly timed play list for my actual run.

So where am I with the running?  Well today I successfully completed 2.12 miles in 25 minutes.  The last .12 was all up hill.  It was good run today... I can't say that for all runs.  The training method I was using from couch-to-5k (post below) was very helpful up until a few days ago.  I basically jumped from 15 minutes to 19 minutes and then all of a sudden I was running for 25 minutes.  I became more concerned with the fact that I need to hit 3.1 miles before August 22nd so now I am concentrating on distance.  I have 23 days and .98 miles to add.

Problems?  Always.  For some reason I get a side cramp (only on my right side) right before the 1 mile marker.  And now my right foot is falling asleep around the 1.5 mile marker.  My right knee is irritated with me as well.  What is up with my right side??  Any suggestions?

Keep Training,
Aubrie

Training for a 5k and Beyond...

Well, hello Blog! It's been quite some time since we've had a chat. I actually have been storing up all sorts of stuff to share with my friends on the world wide web, but I just haven't posted anything. However I am very excited about my next goal and I wanted to post something for my own encouragement and accountability.

If you follow Facebook I posted something yesterday stating that I signed up for a 5K run (which is 3.1 miles) in down town Portland. So I am starting to train for my lil run. The big goal is a year from now I would like to compete in a Sprint Triathlon. Portland has one every year in August, which of course I cannot do this year as I am not in shape to do it. A sprint triathlon usually is somewhere around 750m swim, 20k bike and 5k run. Sounds painful since my legs are sore from just a simple walk/jog I did the last two days. In time I am sure the soreness will not be as bad, at least not every day.

I don't want to get ahead of myself though so for now I am simply going to train for the 5k run using the "couch-to-5k-training plan." My aunt sent this site to me and it has a running plan for 10 weeks, which is exactly the time frame I have until my 5k. In the mean time I'm going to still get in the water to swim a little bit, since that is what I have been doing already. And I'll probably jump on the bike a few times too- but I don't want to over do it and hurt myself. So we'll see. I am going to use this blog to keep track of the next year's triathlon training... I am sure it will be interesting to see the up's and down's.

Well I am off for a little walk/jog...

Week	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7
1	5 min walk 2 min jog 5 min walk	Relax!	5 min walk 2 min jog 5 min walk	Relax!	5 min walk 3 min jog 5 min walk	Relax!	Relax!
2	5 min walk 3 min jog 5 min walk	Relax!	5 min walk 4 min jog 5 min walk	Relax!	5 min walk 5 min jog 5 min walk	Relax!	Relax!
3	5 min walk 6 min jog 5 min walk	Relax!	4 min jog 5 min walk 4 min jog 5 min walk	Relax!	5 min walk 7 min jog 5 min walk	Relax!	Relax!
4	5 min walk 7 min jog 5 min walk	Relax!	5 min walk 8 min jog 5 min walk	Relax!	5 min walk 9 min jog 5 min walk	Relax!	Relax!
5	5 min walk 9 min jog 5 min walk	Relax!	6 min jog 5 min walk 6 min jog 5 min walk	Relax!	5 min walk 10 min jog 5 min walk	Relax!	5 min walk 11 min jog 5 min walk
6	5 min walk 11 min jog 5 min walk	Relax!	13 min jog 5 min walk	Relax!	15 min jog 5 min walk	Relax!	Relax!
7	15 min jog 5 min walk	Relax!	8 min jog 5 min walk 8 min jog 5 min walk	Relax!	16 min jog 5 min walk	Relax!	17 min jog 5 min walk
8	17 min jog 5 min walk	Relax!	18 min jog 5 min walk	Relax!	20 min jog 5 min walk	Relax!	Relax!
9	20 min jog	Relax!	12 min jog 5 min walk 12 min jog	Relax!	24 min jog	Relax!	25 min jog
10	25 min jog	Relax!	27 min jog	Relax!	30 min jog	Relax!	Race Day!