Riverhead Rocks Race Report

I was very excited when I signed up for this year's Riverhead Rocks Olympic Distance Triathlon.  I would be revisiting the site of my first Olympic distance race.  At last year's race, I established myself as a solid "middle-of-the-packer" at this distance.  My hopes for this year were to greatly improve in all four disciplines (I consider transitions one of them) and as a result, I set a somewhat unrealistic time goal for myself.

Over the years, some wise people have taught me three very important things about goals:

1. Your goals should be "Specifficult", concatenated from Specific and Difficult.
2. Be weary of setting your goals too low, you might just achieve them!
3. A goal is a dream with a deadline.

For this race, I had set a goal finish time of 2:15:00.  Just for reference, I finished this race last year in 2:41:39.  Yes, I thought I would beat my time by more than 25 minutes!  As it turned out, that was a bit of a stretch.

Prior to the race, I developed time benchmarks, start the bike at 30 minutes, start the run at 1:35, run a 40 minute 10K and finish at 2:15.  Here is how it panned out:

Swim

The swim has always been my weakest discipline.  I am sure that if I took a survey, 90% of all triathletes would say the same thing, so I wasn't putting too much pressure on myself for the swim.  Since February, my coach has had me in the pool at least 3 times per week for one hour sessions.  In addition, he has come up with these torture sessions he calls intervals.  I have basically water-boarded myself every Wednesday for the last few months.  Well to my surprise, it worked.  I was out of the water in 24 minutes with a below-threshold effort.  This swim gave me a ton of confidence for the rest of the season.

T1

I have been practicing with my shoes clipped in to the pedals and a "flying mount", but I have never done it in a race.  Although I was nervous about a possible face plant, I went full throttle and nailed it.  Out of T1 in 0:1:31.  I beat my benchmark by almost 5 minutes heading out on the bike.  So far, so good.

Bike

A near flawless T1 had me riding high as I started the bike leg.  I went at a comfortable level, but maybe pushed a little hard in the first 15 minutes.  Once I settled down, I found my rhythm.  I fueled on the bike with Amrita Bars and hydrated with Nuun.  My speed was right around where I thought it would be, but it turns out that the bike segment in this race was about 1.5K longer than the 40K listed.  I had the benefit of almost 5 minutes, so my 1:10 bike time only put me behind my benchmark by about 5 minutes.  At that point, I was satisfied with a possible 2:20:00.

T2

I took my feet out of my bike shoes with about a mile to go on the bike.  This allowed me to incorporate my flying dismount going into T2.  Bike on rack, helmet off, shoes on and I was on my way.  Got out of T2 in 0:0:45.  Nailed this one also.

Run

This is the discipline that I have been putting the most effort in to.  A few years ago, I HATED running.  Running a mile was nothing less than 15 minutes of hell.  Over the last 2 years, I have actually come to love running and I had all the confidence that I could tap out 7-minute miles for this race.  That is where it all went wrong.  No matter how hard I tried, I just could not get my legs to go any faster.  My Garmin chimed in with 1-mile splits: 7:45, 8:05, 8:15 and so on.  This was not the plan.  Maybe the humidity?  Under fueled?  Dehydrated?  Over trained?  Who knows.  I finished the run in 51 minutes, almost 10 minutes longer than expected.  I still don't know why I couldn't get the turnover I was seeking, but I hope I can figure it out before my next race at the NYC Triathlon.

The final result was pretty good.  2:29:11, 35th overall and 4th in my age group.  I discovered that I missed the podium by about a minute and a half.  That was also how much I missed qualifying for the Age Group Nationals this year.  Something I have to strive for next year.

It was great to have Tara at the race cheering me on.  It was also nice to meet some followers of this blog and your positive feedback was greatly appreciated.  Off to the next training session.

John

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Road Trip...Fail!

I love road trips.  Prior to having kids there was nothing better than throwing on a great playlist (or mix tape) and being trapped in a car with John for hours (he is my favorite person).  It was a great way to reconnect and escape.  As a mom, I still love the concept of a road trip because it is potentially an easy way to travel with kids.  We spent a long weekend at Jay Peak Resort in Vermont...way up in the Northeast Kingdom not far from Montreal.  It takes us on average 8 hours to drive from New York to this northernmost part of the Northeast Kingdom.

I have made the trek up to this part of Vermont almost every year, at least once, for the past 30 years.  I honestly don't know why I keep perpetuating this insanity only to say for nostalgia.  Albeit the middle of nowhere isn't bad for a getaway once in a while and in the winter they do have the best ski conditions.  We have made this trip for about six years with the kids...through blizzard conditions, through the dark of night, through extended vomit sessions, and through ridiculous traffic.  One trip even included a broken down vehicle in the middle of the mountains, in cold temps, with two small children and no cell service!

We travel 8 hours because it is a cheap place to stay
My Dad owns a slopeside condo!

We travel 8 hours because it is pretty...
despite the looming storm cloud

We travel 8 hours because they have a fun water park
We spent 7 hours there on Friday.

Some people like to go on the Flow Rider....NOT me!

This time it took us a tad over 9 hours to get here. I blame the great state of Connecticut.  They get a giant WTF in my book.  There was approximately 30 miles of traffic in that state.  Worse than New York or New Jersey.  Possibly worse than New York and New Jersey combined!

Freakin' Typical.  However, this IS
NY traffic.

This was NINE hours of huffing, puffing, arm crossing, tattling, pinching, slapping (J and I did NONE of the slapping), whining, crying, and then finally when J and I couldn't take anymore...there was peeing! Honestly, at this point we were just happy it wasn't puke because no Newman Family Vacation is complete without PUKE!

Also Typical!

NOT Typical...
This happened for 7 minutes (literally!).

On a number of occasions I was going to beg J to let me off on the side of the road.  Figuring staring down a nefarious highway man seemed like a more pleasurable experience than being trapped for another second with The A Team.

Why was this particular road trip such an epic fail?  It seemed far worse than any other road trip we have taken (unless God has been good to me and let me forget).  It was so bad I had to do a post-mortem and come up with solutions.

Here is my analysis of where we went wrong:

1. I was completely disorganized going into this trip due to a frenetic weekend and my dad having surgery.  I packed the morning of the trip and was already wiped out.  I mean EPIC, EPIC Fail!
2. Then I was too wiped out to even engage these kids for nine hours.  I just wanted time to decompress.  Ha!
3. This was the first road trip in the new family roadster.  This new vehicle is not equipped (yet!) with a DVD player.
4. The night before I asked the kids to pack up a travel bag.  They didn't and I haphazardly threw one together the morning of the trip.
5. They hardly slept at all on the way up.  They don't usually sleep but I forgot their car blankets and pillows.  Yup, FAIL!
6. The littlest A pretty much cried the entire vacation and much of the car ride.  She is the Princess and the Pea.  The complaints were endless.

We have a summer of adventures that lie ahead.  We even have a few fall trips planned.  This gives me a lot of opportunities to turn failure into success.  I have done my research.  Here is what I would do differently:

1. Be honest with my expectations.  John and I both need to do a better job at accepting that our life is ever evolving.  Road trips aren't what they used to be.  Vacations aren't what they used to be.  With kids no two experiences are the same even if it is the same road trip taken for years. 
2. Plan better.  This was my epic fail and I take full responsibility for it.  This includes being mindful of where my kids are in the lives/interests. I am a total Type A personality... controlling, planning, organizing. I admit it, my schedule leading up to this trip was too frenetic and I failed to plan.  Planning better will not only ensure we have everything we need, it will put me in a mindset to better handle the travel stresses.
3. Learn to enjoy the journey.  In most things in my life I am a destination girl.  Here is where I can learn something from my training.  I LOVE training.  I am OK with racing.  I train a lot but race judiciously.  A great example of enjoying the journey and not the destination.
4. Include the kids in my planning.  I am a list person.  My kids often have laminated checklists to guide them through the more challenging parts of their day like getting ready in the morning.  One of our next projects will be to put together their own travel checklists complete with artwork and lamination!
5. Audio Books! A number of sites/blogs suggested this.  I never thought of an audio book and it is a great idea!  I have used audio books during mandated quiet time when they were starting to outgrow their naps.   
6. Enhanced Travel Bags. Some great ideas from the sites below were travel bingo, a map, pipe cleaners for twisty fun, mad libs.  I have also decided I am going to pack these bags and keep them in the car always! No matter how long or short the car ride.
7. Mile or Hour Countdown.  Give the kids a visual aid to help them countdown the miles, minutes or hours depending on what is appropriate for the trip.  One of these sites recommended tickets.  I can be creative and figure something out.  This would work well for my kids, they are visual.

After a quick Google search I realized that I didn't factor in something integral.  I am not traveling with babies/toddlers anymore.   Check out some of these helpful sites/posts:

1. Smart Travel: 24 Mom Tested Tips for Road Trips with Kids on Babble
2. Road Trip Survival Guide: Don't leave home without our kid friendly tips on Babycenter
3. 101 Car Travel Games and Road Trip Games for Kids on MomsMinivan.com
4. AND Pinterest for the WIN...lots of good stuff if you search road trips with kids like this board.
5. Found this blog interesting: The Traveling Praters

For the record, this blog isn't going to highlight all of our happy moments.  That just isn't real life.  John and I are always honest and "keep it real" people.  We accept our failures (it may take some time), we analyze them, and we learn from them.  Now that our analysis is done, I am looking forward to the next trip!

OK, please tell us your tips and tricks for road trips with kids? What has worked? What are some good road trips you have taken?  Share, share share so we can all learn!

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Inspirational Quotes: Living with Purpose

I -- Tara-- have seemingly hijacked this blog from John! I swear I haven't buried his body anywhere...he is just busy with recovery and now he is back to training.  John is currently riding his bike through the mountains of Vermont while I sit here and ponder living a life with Purpose (capital P).  A quick google search has led me to some of these inspiring quotes found on Goodreads.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

“He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

“The best things in life make you sweaty.” ― Edgar Allan Poe

“If you want to identify me, ask me not where I live, or what I like to eat, or how I comb my hair, but ask me what I am living for, in detail, ask me what I think is keeping me from living fully for the thing I want to live for.” ― Thomas Merton

“What am I living for and what am I dying for are the same question.” ― Margaret Atwood, The Year of the Flood

What are some of your favorite inspirational quotes?

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SO, this happened...

Something has been in the works for a few weeks that I have managed to keep a secret.  I--Tara--had the opportunity to be on The Angriest Trainer podcast, episode 153 titled Fasting, NSNG, and Tara Newman.  I had the pleasure of speaking with Vinnie Tortorich and Anna Voccino for about 20 minutes regarding health and wellness in the corporate environment.

There were definitely a few highlights:

• Vinnie tried to get my name right.  How hard is it to say TARA?
• He wants me to get my entire company reading Fitness Confidential and then he will come do a talk.  I even got him thinking to combine the talk with a New York book signing.  Need to get my sister who is a Publicity Manager on this one!  Sorry sis.
• At the end he makes John's day and says he is HANDSOME! At which point I totally agreed!

My Handsome husband
He was coaching me on my run the other day

For those of you not familiar with The Angriest Trainer podcast, it has great information on fitness, diet, and life.  Vinnie's co-host Anna Voccino is a comedic actress and an exceptionally talented voice over personality.  One might not understand Anna's role on the podcast but she is integral.  She keeps Vinnie in check (big time) and she demonstrates her chops regularly.  Anna never disappoints with how funny, smart, and talented she is.  Honestly, she makes the show. Vinnie just wouldn't be Vinnie without Anna (sorry Vin!).

Isn't she pretty?
LOVE her!

SO, check me out on the podcast but be warned.  ALL of the America's Angriest Trainer podcasts are marked explicit...for good reason!

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Book Review: Fitness Confidential (Tara's Review)

Epic Badass!

I picked up Fitness Confidential by Vinnie Tortorich and Dean Lorey because I am an avid listener of the America's Angriest Trainer podcast. I think Vinnie is great with his humble, down to earth, keep it real attitude. I have a deep appreciation for his years of experience and depth of knowledge which is backed up by a degree from Tulane!

I had exceedingly high expectations for this book and it did not disappoint. Through sharing his own unique experiences, which included countless failures, Vinnie imparts his knowledge and proves its depth. I am truly amazed at what this man has overcome in his life. Inspiring beyond all that is comprehensible. His advice is reasonable...don't diet. His suggestions are simple -- stay away from sugar, stay a way from grains, and get in some exercise. He promises no get fit quick scheme. No dangerously hard efforts for beginners and no lure of 30 second abs of steel. Vinnie gives you confidence that his research has been tested and works. No sugar. No grains. Do a few simple exercises and vary them. But wait...there's more!

Vinnie dispels many myths along the way that will either enlighten you or validate you. Either way, it is pivotal.

The pros are the format (no confusing graphs, charts, illustrations, or BS recipes); his points are crisp; his stories illustrate his points well; and Vinnie is a fountain of inspiration. The Furnace Creek 508 race report hit me at my core. The detail and delivery made me feel like I was experiencing it at this very moment. One of my favorite parts of the book is where he describes his relationship with Dean. Once I read that I had a better understanding of why this book was so....well, awesome. The book is a conversation among friends. While these stories are undoubtedly Vinnie's, you can't miss Dean's genius in these pages. It flows very naturally, eloquently, and intellectually.

Fitness Confidential is a quick read thanks to the easy flowing format, boasts superior writing, and poignant anecdotes. It's a must buy for anyone starting on a health and wellness journey, continuing their journey, tweaking their journey, or just looking for inspiration.

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Urban Cheetah

Yesterday, I -- Tara-- headed into New York City to be with my dad while he had hip surgery at The Hospital for Special Surgery on East 70th Street.  I am not a lover of the city.  We (John and I) are country people for sure.  John is a clean freak and the city filth (no to offend any city lovers) gives him the hibby jibbies.  He usually starts bathing the kids in sanitizer on the way to find our car.  Then they strip out of their city clothes and shoes before their tushies even hit the car seat.  If I have failed to plan for a clothing change in the car (it happens), they are stripped in the mudroom before entering the house and shoes are always left in the garage to be sprayed with Lysol.  I tell no lies.  I have witnesses.

Anyway, back to yesterday.  My plan was to walk from Penn to East 70th (approx. 3.25 miles) and back.  I have NO idea how to use the subway and taxis are pricey.  I thought this was a great way to get in some miles whether walking or running.  My father thought I was a little nuts but I know I can do 6 miles easily especially if it is broken up.

When I got into Penn I got a wicked cramp in my arm and started seeing stars.  This has happened to me before but not in a long time.  I am wondering if it has anything to do with my recent changes in my diet.  Either way, I had the cold sweats and the dirty floor in Penn Station was rapidly approaching my face.  You know that feeling...right before lights out.  Somehow I surfaced to street level where I immediately saw an Ambulance, Fire Truck, and Taxis.  Figuring if I pass out on my way to the taxi at least the Ambulance would be right there.  Thankfully I made it to the taxi where I started guzzling water and stretching my arm.  As I started to feel better I began to regret deviating from my plan.  I was really looking forward to the hot, muggy city walk.  I don't love the city but I can enjoy it now and again.

At the hospital we waited for Dad to have his surgery which went well.  He was so anxious at one point he had MY resting heart rate well into the 90's.  Um, of course I was wearing my Garmin! I need to track my walk/jog to and from the hospital.  Data Junky!!

Thankfully my afternoon with my Dad was uneventful.  The family waiting room was really nice with a cafe and free WIFI.  I was able to get on to Bloglovin and catch up on some of my favorite blogs.  People are using Bloglovin to replace Google Reader.  If you haven't checked it out, you should click on the link above and start following your favorites (and US!).  I think it is an ENORMOUS time saver to be able to open an app and find the blogs I enjoy in one live feed.  You can search for blogs you might like, search by popular topics, group blogs, and sort.  Of course, it is set up like any other social media where you can like and share. Check it peeps!

The other thing I was able to do in the family lounge was grab a Starbucks coffee and some clean eats! Score!

Once I knew Dad was out of surgery and doing well I had to head home.  This time on foot.  It was 4:30 and the city streets were starting to fill with people leaving work.  This made running more of a start and stop kind of deal.  Not to mention waiting for street lights to turn.  I headed down 3rd Avenue into the 30's before heading over to 7th Avenue.  I felt like avoiding the mayhem that I saw in Central Park earlier (horse and buggy, bike and buggy, tourists on bikes, taxis, etc).  I ran most of the way only stopping for congestion, lights, and to crush a few 16 ounce bottles of water along the way.  It was HOT!

For the  record, I consider this running for fun (even though I had my Garmin on).  I have never just run for fun.  My mantras were "why walk when you can run" and "hey, look at me...I am an Urban Cheetah"!

I think the most fun I had was watching everyone stare at me while I ran by or the people in Penn totally grossed out by my sweat! OH, and what is with all the smoking?  I can't believe people still smoke.  Give it up people...smoking is so 1980's and a health killer!

Here are some of the fun sites and a very sweaty selfie!

MAJOR Traffic...faster by foot for sure!

Can't believe I had the self control to pass this gem up

Yum!

I had to much fun taking these pics!

Garmin was in and out...
Seeking Garmin advice in another post
The pace is obviously off...I am slow but not THAT slow!

Sweaty City Selfie!

What are some fun runs you have done lately? How are you guys handling the heat and humidity? Share your stories below! We would love to hear from you.

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It's Getting Hot In (Out) There...

This pretty my sums up my (Tara's) run
this morning!! NO AIR!