Anne's Training Journal: Week 10

Anne lives in Missoula, Montana, and is training for the Grizzly Triathlon in April. Believing that she is not the typical triathlete, (age 49 and not a regular competitor) Anne feels that if she can pull this off, anybody can. This is her training journal:

One more week to go.

Training for a triathlon has been an interesting process. You learn things about yourself when you push yourself. I learned that I can run a 5k in less than 40 minutes. Most people think 30 minutes is a good time, but 39 minutes is my personal best, and that’s what I did in The Run For the Trees on Saturday.

I’ve also learned that I have exercise induced asthma. I’ve always kind of hacked and coughed at the beginning of a workout. I found out that I don’t have to do that. I’ve been having this problem since I played soccer in my 20s. I got an inhaler after talking to the doctor, and I breathe a lot better.

Missoula is a great place to be outdoors and athletic. I am so lucky to live where I do. On any given spring/summer weekend, there is probably some organization holding a run or bike ride. There are lots of good places to ride your bike and many good places to run and hike. Today I rode my bike along the Clark Fork River and watched geese, ducks, and eagles.

This is my easy week. We’re supposed to taper off the workouts so that we are rested with plenty of energy on race day. It’s going to be hard not to work out so much. I’ll probably drive everyone at work crazy. Wish me well on Saturday. I’m still concerned about my time in the swim although I swam fast enough last Tuesday.

Anne

Fashion Trend Alert Harem Pants

Fashion Trend Alert Harem Pants. The past when it comes to fashion always repeats itself. Harem pants are back and they’re back with much style and grace. I have to admit when I first saw them in Forever 21 the first thing that came to my mind was some sort of ensemble from the movie “The Color Purple” I thought, I’d never be caught in a pair of these. However as time has gone by I’ve realized that they’re Haute! I will definitely be picking up quite a few pair.
Harem pants are the perfect casual but chic ensemble this year. They look great best with gladiator heels and a nice simple blouse; make sure it’s nothing too over the top such as prints or ruffles. Keep it basic and you will have no worries.

Try a Kettlebell Workout

My friend, Mark, has been raving about his kettlebell workout for so long that I finally decided I had to see what all the fuss was about. Surprisingly, kettlebells have nothing to do with kettles or bells. Instead, picture a cannonball with a squared handle and if that makes you think, "heavy" then you're on the right track.

Kettlebell training is a Russian invention that has become very popular in recent years. As instructor Michael Krivka said repeatedly, "this workout isn't to make you pretty. It's for athletes who want to build the strength, endurance, balance and speed they need to become even better athletes." There was no doubt in my mind about the strength and endurance part.

When I arrived at Mike's gym in Gaithersburg, MD, everyone was choosing their equipment. Kettlebells come in different weights. Being a wimp, I started with the smallest -- 16 lb --which I didn't think I would be able to handle but I surprised myself. There were quite a few women in the class and all of them were throwing around much more weight with ease. I was breathing hard before we even got to the heart of the class.

The basic workout really calls on leg, back and arm muscles to help you perform squats, lifts and thrusts while swinging a weight. In some cases, it also involves tossing the kettlebell in the air and catching the handle while maintaining control. All of this is built into a routine that the class performs as quickly and accurately as possible during a fixed amount of time. The more reps you do, the better. Where most of the class completed more than 50 reps I didn't bother to count -- I was just happy I didn't drop my kettlebell more than once...OK maybe twice.

Let me tell you that this is one heck of a workout; cardio and strength in one package. If you're looking for something different, a change of pace from spin class and weight machines, give it a try. Want more information? Check out Mike's blog for some great videos and a list of celebs who are Kettlebell fans -- you'll notice that almost half of them are women. To find a kettlebell instructor near you, start here.


Image courtesy of Michael Krivka

Fab Fashions from Asos.com

Fab Fashions from Asos.com. Go Beyond Forever 21...There’s More to See. Yellow bags here, yellow bags there, yellow bags, yellow bags everywhere! That is all I have been noticing scattered around my room lately. Whether it’s that actual trademark yellow bag or the white shipping box donned with Forever 21 packaging tape all of my money has seemed to go to this one company. Not to say there is anything wrong with that however I know there is more out there for me and for YOU. Luckily I came across the most amazing website with the most fabulous items a girl could ever hope for! Established in June 2000, asos.com is the UK's largest independent online fashion and beauty retailer. With over 19,400 branded and own label products available and 1000 new lines added each week, asos.com is rapidly becoming the market leader in the UK online fashion world. The website is great for those of you that hate walking around looking like everyone else. You can also convert the sizes and prices on the site to US measurements and prices. I suggest each and every one of you check the site out and be like me and get rid of some of the yellow bags in your life!

Here are some of the little cutesy items from Asos:

Calif Lorna

My favorite book reviewer and founder of Boudica, Lorna Harris, has started chronicling her adventures as an English woman who is trying to take root in California. She's got some very funny posts about the language barrier but my favorite is "Dying Tuna." Click here to visit Calif Lorna.

Welcome to the blogosphere Lorna!

2009 Spring Accessory Trend Snake Skin Prints

2009 Spring Accessory Trend Snake Skin Prints. Snake skin prints have slithered their way into this spring’s fashion accessories. Snake skin patterns will give you a sexy edge that you need to glide through the city streets in style.
5 Snake Skin Prints To Love

Fab Colored Reptile Skin Wallet- $9.50 www.forever21.com

Jessica Simpson Anaconda print satchel- $118.00 www.bakershoes.com Bobby


BCBG Pump- $89.99 www.bakershoes.com

Rosenberger Reptile Print Sandal- $75.00 www.aldoshoes.com

Flat Elasticized Pump- $138.68 www.asos.com

Anne's Training Journal: Week 9

Anne lives in Missoula, Montana, and is training for the Grizzly Triathlon in April. Believing that she is not the typical triathlete, (age 49 and not a regular competitor) Anne feels that if she can pull this off, anybody can. This is her training journal:

Only 12 days to go before the race, and I’m starting to get a bit nervous. I read a tidbit on Yahoo yesterday that said that triathletes were twice as likely as marathoners to have a heart attack. The article put the blame on the swimming, especially the races with open water swims. I guess it’s fortunate that we do our swim in the pool.

I’ve been kind of a slacker for the last few days. I had to go to a gift show in Great Falls for work. While I was there, I did not exercise. I kind of had an excuse. I had hurt my heel running on Wednesday, and I needed to rest. My heel feels better now, so I’d better get back to it.

While I was out of town, the rest of my triathlon training group did swimming time trials. I wish I had been able to make that. I’m still worried about my swimming time. Because we’re swimming in a pool, they kick us out after 28 minutes. So I have to do 1,000 yards in 28 minutes. Last week I was 1.2 minutes slow. I think I can go faster. Unless you grew up swimming competitively, I think it’s difficult to ever feel completely comfortable in the water, but I’m going to keep trying. I like swimming, and I can swim a long way, but I can’t swim fast.

This is our last week of hard training. Next week we start to taper off before the race.

Anne