I'm Not A Superhero, You Know

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 10:51:20 EST

Here's a topic that we haven't covered in a little while. Seeing as I have had so many new SparkFriends jump on my blog bandwagon lately, I thought it important to repeat this message for them. For you longtimers...it's always a good reminder.

It would be great if I was some exercise superhero who always did everything perfectly and had an undying fire for training, which I could use to spread motivation to the masses. Perhaps some of you see me that way...who knows?

The Best Laid Plan

Fri, 7 Dec 2012 08:39:34 EST

In training, as in life, the best laid plan will always be just that: a plan.

This is a key lesson I'm learning as I enter Week 5 of my 52-week training plan. Because of a schedule issue, I had to do some re-arranging of workouts this week, leaving me triple booked yesterday. There was that groundbreaking, wonderful one-mile swim early in the morning. But, as I reported, my legs began to feel achy mid-day. Still, I had scheduled a spin class for 5pm and weight lifting at 7:15...

Some blogs are crazy creative...some are just a training journal, y'know?

Thu, 6 Dec 2012 15:29:05 EST

Big day for me, people. Rolled outta bed at 5:30am because THIS was going to be THE day.

Upstairs: Suit on, teeth brushed, contacts in, hair pulled back.
Downstairs: filled water bottle, grabbed gym bag, hopped in the car.
In Car: Fueled with caffeinated gel chews, gulped water.
Locker Room: Clothes off, towel on shoulder, grabbed goggles.

In the Pool:

One full hour of swimming with a break in between the first and second set of 20 length...

Dear Mr. Brute - We're Not So Different

Wed, 5 Dec 2012 09:19:10 EST

This week, I've been dragging a little bit. I keep hitting snooze on my alarm and going back to bed. Monday, I was late getting in the pool so I only did a half swim (15 mins). Fast & furious 500m, which left me a little dizzy. Good thing I packed peanut butter on whole wheat...devoured IMMEDIATELY after that swim.

Yesterday, I literally rolled out of my bed at 6:15am and my spin class starts at 6:30...on the other side of town. Guess what? I still went. Bad. A*s. So glad I ...

Pushing the Limits & A PR in the Pool!

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 11:05:58 EST

Back to your regularly scheduled programming, folks. Taking a bit of a break from the heavy emotional fare of the past two blogs. Today is all about training, yo.

Last night, I attended a one-hour spin class. It was the second time I've gone in deciding that I would not cheat on the resistance and would allow myself to feel the pain...because I know it will make me stronger rider when it's all said and done. It was SO difficult, but guess what? I lived.

About an h...

Am I Authentic? Are You?

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 10:22:46 EST

Wow, you guys. It's been pretty difficult for me to figure out how to follow that last blog I posted. Partly because it was one of the most honest blogs I've ever written and I felt a bit exposed and wasn't really sure how to recover from that. Truthfully, I expected a flood of judgment and lectures. While I did receive a little bit of that (comes with the territory in a public forum), I have been pleasantly surprised by the kindness in your hearts. I really can't begin to reply to every...

Deeply Personal and Slightly Risky. But I Won't Hide Any Longer.

Sat, 24 Nov 2012 13:51:36 EST

Well, I've stared at a blank blog box for days, even weeks now...longing to share all the lessons and growth experiences I've been going through...but couldn't decide if, when and how I should do so here.

After quite a bit of thought and consideration, I've decided it's time to put some words to this and put it into the digital abyss. Not necessarily for you...although it might indirectly help someone out there in a similar situation (that seems to happen a lot with my blogs)...b...

Spinning and Swimming and Weights - Oh My!

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 13:01:32 EST

I went into the Prep Phase of training thinking it would be a piece of cake. I mean, I start off with 5 hours per week of training (this is based on a full year schedule of 300 hours) and gradually work up every 4-6 weeks to more hours until I get to the Build Phase before my A races, which will require 8.5 hours training per week.

So, this is as easy as it's going to get, folks. And if you know me...you understand that when I make a plan, I do it. No flaking out or quitting or w...

I've Started Telling My Daughters I'm Beautiful

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 08:42:25 EST

So, the title is misleading because I haven't. But...after reading this article this morning (which literally left me in shock, it was THAT good)...I am going to.

It's a quick, but powerful read and I honestly think it's essential reading for any mom of young girls that is working hard to take care of her body.

offbeatmama.com/2012/11/telling-daug
hters-im-beautiful

Honestly...I can't stop thinking about this. All I have to say in respo...

Don't Worry About Me

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 11:32:39 EST

Hey, loyal SparkFriends!

Thank you so very much for checking in with me and leaving me such kind and wonderful messages. I apologize for dropping off the face of the SparkPlanet. Yes, I've been out of town with work and things have been busy. In addition, I'm dealing with some pretty big changes in my life that have left me on a rather difficult emotional roller coaster over the past couple of weeks.

I can't go into detail right now (but I will be able to eventually....

SparkFriend Changed My Entire Outlook

Mon, 5 Nov 2012 11:01:23 EST

My dear friend, SNEVIL1, just got into the 140s for weight. I made an off-hand comment that she is at my goal weight and I still feel like I have SO far to go. She looks and feels amazing and I'm so proud of her.

She's a math teacher and she had a quick response to my comment, which completely made my entire day. WOW. Thanks for the perspective, friend.

Thought I'd pass it along to all of you as well. You guys are making miracles happen every day, you know.
...

A Week Off - NOT Awesome

Sat, 3 Nov 2012 14:44:41 EST

I did absolutely NO workouts this week. I mean, that was a planned thing. I'd anticipated a full two weeks rest after my half marathon after this rather grueling season of injury and healing and re-injury.

I never imagined how it would feel, though. I hear stories of marathoners who get antsy during taper periods before a race. I never knew why they'd hate a taper...I mean, it's a nice excuse to relax! What's not to love?!

Oy...it's awful. Just awful. And here's...

A 52-Week Training Plan

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 10:56:51 EST

So, I've been talking a bit about my next year's training plan, which spans 52 weeks and takes into account several different phases of training throughout the year (Prep, Base, Build and Race Phases). A lot of you have been surprised that I would plan so far out. And some have had questions about this.

I did not come up with this training plan on my own. Not at all! This is a plan carefully researched and laid out by triathlete, Joe Friel, in his book "The Triathlete's Trainin...

Off the Grid

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 17:37:33 EST

Hey Sparkies.

So I haven't been around much the past week or so. I had a terribly busy week at work...just got back from Austin and now getting ready to turn right around and head to Denver in a week for another conference.

In addition, I've had some pretty rough stuff going on in my personal world. It's the kind of thing that has been lurking for years, but suddenly attacks out of what seems like nowhere and leaves you for dead. And you're kind of left shell shocked...

My, How Things Have Changed!

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 08:02:28 EST

OK, I lied. I said I was going to take two full weeks off from working out, in preparation for my next phase of training. I figured, my body could use a good rest before I start next year's Prep/Base phase of training.

But, the thing is...I can't NOT work out at all! It is more than just a calorie burn for me now. It's not about vain things like size and weight anymore. It's my stress relief. It's my (sexual) frustration/tension release. It's my place of serenity. And, wi...

Indianapolis Half Marathon - October 20, 2012

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 18:17:55 EST

Well, I landed safely in Indianapolis at 7:30pm on Friday night. Drove straight to the YMCA to pick up my race packet for the next morning's half marathon. We stayed with my sister overnight, since she only lives about 15 mins from the race site. Had to wait for my husband to bring the kiddos to her house, though. I tell ya...after a full day of travel, I was ready for bed by 9pm. I would have gone too...exce...

Been M.I.A. in Austin, TX

Sun, 21 Oct 2012 14:06:09 EST

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19

Sitting here in the Atlanta airport, headed back to Indianapolis, I can look back upon the previous week and judge it to be a smashing success – not only for our Kuali community, but also for myself personally. Aside from questions about my triathlon training, the question I am asked most often is “what exactly do you do?” This is always hard for me to answer in a succinct way – not because I am so knowledgeable in the technical aspects of my business, but beca...

Everything's Weirder in Austin

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 12:36:36 EST

They are not kidding when they say "Keep Austin Weird". I have to admit, guys, it's rough not to stare at a person (or multiple persons) that have piercings literally covering their ENTIRE faces! And, yet, you wonder....isn't that WHY they do that? So people will look? I don't know. I am just a Midwestern nice girl who doesn't want to be rude. And yet I want to stare so badly...

So, as you've gathered, I made it to Austin. Yesterday was Airport Day and it wasn't the funnest. ...

A Re-Run You Won't Hate

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:39:23 EST

I've never done this before on my blog, but I thought today was a good day to bring back an old blog I wrote back in July.

In just about a week, I'll be one sleep away from my first half marathon. And, just in case you jumped on the LDRICHEL bandwagon late, it's important to me that everyone knows WHY I am doing this race...and who it's dedicated to.

Here is a link to a blog I wrote about an inspiring friend, who WILL be at that race when I cross the finish line. I...

I Feel Like A Farmer

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 19:48:24 EST

So, today was weird. If you know me well, you might know that I have a thing where my body kind of naturally wakes up between 3am & 4am every morning. I generally lay there wide awake for a bit and then fall back asleep.

This morning, I woke up at 4am and my mind started racing. I started to worry about things and the stress of this next week or so started to creep in...and, well, I was AWAKE. I had originally planned on going to the Y to swim at 7am this morning. But, I swi...

This and That

Mon, 8 Oct 2012 15:19:15 EST

This week, I feel like this...

Maybe you didn't get that metaphor. Here's another:

Still confused? Here's a likeness of me:

My bad, that doesn't look like me. This is a little closer:

Fri, 5 Oct 2012 12:48:00 EST

I had another rough start this morning. Alarm sounded and I had about a 5-minute inner battle about whether to go back to sleep or get up and work out, as planned. I reasoned, "I worked out yesterday, so I'm good. I can sleep a bit more today." But then thought, "Yeah, but you felt so awesome after yesterday's workout. Why wouldn't you want that again?"

Somehow, I got up and went. Swimming again. You might as well get used to it...I have planned the next 52 weeks of training...

Fight Your Urge to Quit

Thu, 4 Oct 2012 10:56:24 EST

OK, we've ALL seen this motivational poster...

Admit it...the first time you saw it, you were all, "TOTALLY TRUE!!!! I LOVE THAT SO MUCH!"

Then you saw it a few hundred more times...to the point where you no longer get excited when you see it and you probably just vomited in your mouth a little when you saw it here on my blog. Be honest. Hey...I feel the same way about all motivational quot...

A Blog of No Substance (w/Pics!)

Wed, 3 Oct 2012 11:53:02 EST

Today is quite a day. I have so many emotions and strong words floating through my brain. Some bad news from my aunt's oncologist, plus a gray nastiness outside my window and, well...I don't trust myself to put words on a screen that will then be blasted to the masses. Knowing my luck, my blog would make the SparkMail and then I'd just have a LOT to answer for.

So, right now...I am zipping my lip. Here are some motivational pics that explain where I'm at (which is ALL OVER TH...

Did You See This News Story on Bullying?

Tue, 2 Oct 2012 16:58:03 EST

Just caught this clip on Facebook...looks like it's making the rounds. But if you haven't seen it yet...I thought it was just perfect for SparkPeople.

What a strong woman. We can all learn from this beautiful lady!

www.blogher.com/national-bullying-mo
nth-news-anchor-responds-fat-shaming-e
mail-air

Thoughts On Training & Transformation

Mon, 1 Oct 2012 22:48:31 EST

For the past two days, I've been working late into the night on my Training Goals and Plan for the entire coming year. I figure, once I finish this half marathon, I'll take two weeks of complete rest for recovery. But then, November 1st is a great time to begin serious training and weight loss for the coming race season, which, for me, will begin in March 2013.

I've been following a very detailed process in setting up this training plan and I found it in "The Triathlete's Trainin...

F4F Race Write-Up & SPARK MEETING (w/pics)!!!!

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 15:21:43 EST

So, the race I've been waiting for for months finally occurred yesterday. The Fort4Fitness 10k. Not only was it my longest race ever (so far), but I had plans to meet up with SparkFriends that I have been chatting with, texting and e-mailing for months, but have never met in person. We came from almost every direction to get to Fort Wayne. From the North: RUNFOR3POINT1 (Brighton, MI). From the East - SNEVIL1 (...

My First Spinning Class

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 08:50:35 EST

Yesterday, I took my first spinning class. So, listen...here's how it all went down, folks.

Last Saturday, our city had a Wellness Palooza (super cool...I LOVE to see cities really focused on health, but that's beside the point) and I stopped by the Urban Cycle booth. Apparently, they are the ONLY spin studio in Bloomington, IN. This is so strange, considering Bloomington is a Mecca for cyclists. E...

I Know What I Want Now

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 14:21:03 EST

Well, I'm now 5 chapters in to "The Triathlete's Training Bible" and I still stand by my review that it is one of the most helpful books I've ever read and it could not possibly come at a better time for me. Biggest lesson so far: It's time to start using my head and training smarter.

I am now on Day 4 of no exercise at all. Surprisingly, I still hope to meet my 2,000 September Fitness Minutes goal. Truthfully, I've been doing very little moving in general the past few days, as...

Difficult Choices and Healthy Balance

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 11:07:54 EST

So, I finally picked up "The Triathlete's Training Bible" by Joe Friel (which has been sitting on my night stand for a few weeks now). Truth be told, I hadn't even glanced at it because I felt a) overwhelmed by the wealth of information within b) a little bit unworthy to call myself a real triathlete and read a real book about training for said sport and c) a little prideful that I already had a good workout plan and system going for me. I reasoned I could pick up that book when race seaso...

Fort4Fitness THIS WEEKEND!!!!

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 19:31:54 EST

I am SO tired today. I am SO hungry today. I don't know, guys...this training/diet mix is so difficult to figure out. I did all the math and I know what SparkPeople tells me I need to eat daily to meet my weight loss goals. But then there is this whole other world of hunger when you are burning 5,000 calories per week with endurance sports. I've had headaches and been dizzy (yesterday, walking with my sister and my niece, I almost fell over on the trail because a spell of dizziness hit m...

My Weekend In Facebook Statuses

Sun, 23 Sep 2012 23:36:39 EST

In case you didn't know, I'm extremely Facebook active. Thought it might be fun for you to see my weekend, solely through Facebook statuses:

SATURDAY

ZOMG, you guys!!! Ran 6.05 miles this morning with no ankle issues at all! Now...tapering for Fort 4 Fitness next Saturday. WOO!

365

Happy 10th birthday, Anika! You have been a diva from the moment you were born. You always loved to sparkle and you still do. But now you have also found yo...

FANTASTIC FRIDAY

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:11:05 EST

I've had quite an amazing morning, friends! As a lot of you know, I've been working pretty hard to get rid of this weight. I'd been at a plateau for maybe a month or so and I was getting really frustrated with the fact that the number on the scale wasn't going down. It wasn't so much the number...as it was the fact that I've been working SO hard and I felt like I had nothing to show for it.

Of course, that's ridiculous because a) I have lost inches b) my entire body is firming...

Childhood Obesity Sucks - and I'm a Hypocrite

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 10:22:15 EST

So, let's take a break from the usual report on my workouts and motivating pep talks. Something has been eating away at me and I am more and more agitated, which means I probably need to do some processing of the issue to understand why I feel this way.

September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.

Here's the thing: this won't be your typical article on childhood obesity. I have a weird ...

The One Where I Explain My Injuries and Silence the Exercise Naysayers

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 11:18:07 EST

I've been irritated lately by naysayers. In particular, people who will comment on my Facebook or SP status and caution me not to overdo it with my exercise, etc because I might "permanently injure" myself if I keep working out. Now, I am not angry at these specific people because I understand that they are just saying these things because they care for me and they are concerned that I will do harm to myself. Who could be angry at someone for LOVING them? Haha.

But I realized ...

Le Sigh

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 17:27:19 EST

Well, I've gotta be honest. This day really kicked the crap out of me. I came off a terrible night of sleep, awful dreams about hurtful people from my past, woke up late. Ugh. Seriously considered skipping my swim this morning and sleeping more...but, as I said in my status, I've never missed a scheduled workout and I don't intend to start making excuses now. Especially since this morning's workout was supposed to be a run, but I'm protecting my tendon until it feels 100% perfect. So I ...

Excuse me, Obesity? Could I have a word with you please?

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 13:22:52 EST

Excuse me, Obesity? Could I have a word with you please? Thanks.

As you probably know, I've had some issues with my tendonitis flaring up since my last run. I've been bewildered by the feelings of frustration and anger that have been rising up inside of me.

Why am I angry? Good question. I'm so glad you asked because I've been dying to say this for a couple days now.

I'm so angry at you, Obesity. I loathe you. I detest you. I'm angry that you have a s...

It All Adds Up

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 14:37:28 EST

OK, so I found Spark Article GOLD, friends...it's a detailed explanation of HOW SparkPeople calculates the calorie allowances in our Food Tracker. For those that don't trust anyone (like me)...or just curious minds.

www.sparkpeople.com/resource/calorie
_calculation101.asp?

I encourage anyone who commented on my blog yesterday and said you could relate to my struggle with the scale not moving to read through this and do the calculations step-by-step ...

1-2-3 Let's Eat Healthy!

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 13:37:45 EST

OK, so here's the long and short of it, folks. You KNOW I've been working out like crazy. I have been 100% faithful to myself in fitness and exercise. I am proud of myself for that...it's a huge accomplishment for a 200+ lb girl to get off her ass every single day and work her body. I don't minimize my effort in that area.

I am also proud of myself for the healthy food choices I've been making. I always choose whole grain breads and pastas, make sure I have vegetables and fru...

Today is a GLORIOUS day!

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 13:20:12 EST

So, I'll be honest. I have had a rough time getting back into my morning workout groove. The reason I rolled out of bed yesterday was because my running buddy was set to arrive at my house at 6:45am. I felt great after my bike ride yesterday. And, here's the thing, I've done all the calculations regarding alternatives...so I know that this early morning hour is really the only way I, personally, am going to be able to consistently stick to my training. It's just the way it is.

Good-Bye To Addictions

Sun, 9 Sep 2012 18:13:46 EST

I've noticed a couple strange side effects of my time off from running, in the form of addictions that just seemed to slide away when I began to cross-train with swimming. I didn't even realize these until one day, I just thought, "Hey...I usually do this and I don't anymore. Huh."

I don't offer any explanation whatsoever about why these things seemed to fall away while I was in the boot, off the roads and in the water. It just sort of happened. It seems odd. So I thought it'd ...

Bloomingfoods Breakaway 5k

Sat, 8 Sep 2012 14:33:07 EST

See these girls? They're my girls. My group. My Bloomington "people". Some of the group has known each other for a long time. Some were strangers to the group, but knew one of the girls, so they tagged along for dinner and drinks one night. There are a few others not in this exact photo. We have so much fun together when we gather that we decided to schedule a monthly GNO (Girls' Night Out) so we can be togeth...

LDRICHEL's SparkPeople Blog

One America Indy 500 Mini Marathon: The Other Side of the Race

Starting Over....Yet Again

Divorced Mother of 3 Training for a Half Marathon

How am I? Let me tell you...no lies.

Sickness, Starting Over and Scheduling

Time to Heal

Featured in the IU Bloomington Faculty/Staff Newsletter!

Rest and Re-Direction