It's been over a month...

since I started training for my first full marathon. With the help of my "Koach" Kenneth Williams (FB: www.facebook.com/marathonkoach) (Twitter: www.twitter.com/MarathonKoach) I started my adventure to get fit for the Tel Aviv Marathon April 8th, 2011 on June 7th 2010.

My Koach was a bit worried that I might get bored during the long time till the marathon but I'm so not worried.... actually today I looked at my ticker and it said 8 months, 4 weeks and 1 day.... and THAT scared me... ahhh only 8 more months.

I have been battling some health issues during the last few weeks. Mostly hormonal ones. I am fighting PCOS for 17 years now and unfortunately it still has it up and downs and I felt like I'm on a roller-coaster straight down to hell the last two months.

In May I decided to go back on birth-control... bad bad bad decision... after trying most of the things on the market, I went for the Nuvaring. Honest to G-D I thought I'm going to die. My significant other wasn't much of a help either, telling me to just take it out and that's it. Yeah sure, I'm going to mess up my health AND my cycle.. no way! So I suffered for 3 weeks and when I could finally get rid of the ring, I started to feel like a mensch again. But of course the problem wasn't over then. I feared that my bleeding the coming month would be bad, and I even stayed home for a day due to the cramps and due to a summer flue. (some germs in the office I guess mixed with me sleeping with an open window..).

I also had some problems with my right leg. Running over an hour on concrete was a wee bit too much for my leg and my Koach was concerned, I might have some leg injury. So being a good student, I went to see my doc who told me that my leg is fine but I might consider running more on the beach.

So this is what I'm trying to do. Taking into account, how tiny Tel Aviv is, running my 7 miles takes me all the way up north and then back to Bat Yam (the next city) and back (about 4 mi on the beach)...

(I will literately run out of space once I have to run 20 miles LMAO) Yes... another sign why I should move to a bigger country... such as the USA ;) hihi

When I decided to get ready for a marathon, my "bf" wasn't too happy about it. He started telling me, that I'm not 17 any more and can't just do such a thing. And thinking of finishing an Ironman is anyway completely ludicrous. On the other hand he tells me, that he stands behind my decisions no matter what and will support me, he's just concerned for my health... hihi.. I mean.. yes.. it's cute, but there is nothing he needs to worry about. I'm a big girl.. just as he pointed out, I'm not 17 anymore.... I know what I'm doing and I do it not only with my body (as I did at the age of 17) but with my brains too.

After last year's disaster 10K Human Race (Nike Nite Run Tel Aviv), which I finished in 1:30!!! (don't ask).. with blood in my shoes and bruised toes (that I'm still recovering from.. almost there.. almost there), I took a long break from running. I only got back mid March and "trained" for the 10K Tel Aviv Urban Race (Part of the Tel Aviv Marathon). I trained 7 weeks and finished in 1:08 without blood in my shoes. I wasn't really happy with my time but I never once stopped to walk.. I "ran" everything. So yes, I was the slowest of our Office Group but I was also the only girl from the office that at the end did show up and ran. I'd say, not too shabby. :)

After the race, I decided to go for the whole distance. I was twittering around and somehow found my Koach. I loved his Running Tips and so I followed him and he started following me and then he offered me free online coaching for my first marathon. I was thrilled.

Two weeks ago, trying to get used to the heat in Israel, I decided to go for an early run. My Koach thought, that was a good idea and his email to me the day before was: Get your tired ass out of the bed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And so I did. The answer from my "bf" was "I hate your coach"... lol.. I guess... me Koach and I are on the right track then. ;)

But going for a run in the AM when you start getting some sort of flue, might not have been the best of ideas. Now I'm someone who thinks "if I ignore the pain or the 'feeling sick part' it will go away" didn't work out this time. I got really sick and battled for most of this week with it. :(

Tomorrow I'm giving myself the last "free" day and then I'm off running again. Hey.. I missed a WHOLE WEEK of training.. sheeeesh... terrible...

Yesterday I came across another "Cyster's" Blog http://www.weightinvain.com/ (I also follow her on twitter @weightinvain)  She has a section in her blog "why we run" and I started to think, why do we? We had this discussion the other day on twitter... that we all think (while we run/race) WHY... WHY ON EARTH AM I DOING THAT??? and as soon as the race is over.. we think "hey.. that was fun... what's next!". A non-runner will never understand and a runner/ biker / swimmer (or any other athlete) will never be able to explain why we put ourselves through this "agony" over and over again. After all, you race once, you KNOW how much you "suffer", so why do it again?

Think of it this way. You have something really super yummie to eat.. you eat too much and have a stomach ache... well you KNEW this would happen.... and yes.. you already know.. it will happen again. Same goes for sport. We are addicted and can't help it.

For me, there is even more than the "masochistic" pain I inflict upon myself over and over again. I have something to prove. More to myself than others but of course "others" are involved too. When I was young, I was super sporty and nothing and no one could stop me. Or so I thought. But unfortunately something did stop me at some point with most of the competitive sports I've done. May it be a person or time or money, but I was never able to go "all the way". Well I'm still not there yet. Due to different reasons. But I do know, that I have time and the power and the will. I take it step by step.

So I decided, to speed up and finally get over with the marathon. (I believe this to be the hardest part during the Tri and most certainly during an IM). I was a runner as a kid. (I did 5K in 21 when I was 8!!!, now I can only dream of those kind of times). I always believed, that running will come back easy, but it doesn't and it will take a great deal to come back. It will be harder, more painful and take more time to get back into it, than the swimming and biking together. So this is the first thing I concentrate.

I'm so grateful to have a Koach who believes in me and who is mentally supporting me. I am also happy, that the office decided to get together with a coach once a week to run. I might be the slowest at the beginning but I do believe what my Koach told me: You will be fine with the office crew.  You will likely be kicking butt very soon! J

He is after all my Koach and knows best ;) hihi

So.. here are some reasons why I run:

• I have a lot to prove to myself and others
• I feel like I owe it to myself and my body to get into shape again and run faster than the wind
• For once in my life, I wanna say:" no one could stop me, I wanted it and I did it"
• It's healthy
• I wanna make my Koach proud!!!
• I wanna make myself proud!
• I wanna prove my bf wrong!!! ("I CAN'T" is NOT in my vocabulary!!!)
• I'd like to inspire others to go after their dreams
• When I'm old and wrinkly I'd like to tell my grandkids, what a "super-woman" I was when I was young(er) and hope they will follow in my footstep and be hopefully sooo much better than me
• I wanna look into the mirror and say "you believed in yourself and you did it girl and you can be super proud of yourself for that"
• I'm not going down without a fight
• I'd love to wear a t-shirt that says "I might be 20 years older than you, but I'll kick your ass during the marathon" ;) hihi

So, Monday I'll be back training. I do feel much better... pumped with tons of vitamins (I just looove Mango and Passion-fruit) and tons of chocolate (that makes me happy)

I have a lot of new songs on my MP3 and I'm ready. After all, not even 9 more months to go and I wanna cross that finish line with a smile on my face!!!

And after that.... The Sky's the Limit!!! wooooooooohoooooooooooooooooo

3 cyclists killed, 3 critically injured in Rougemont

3 cyclists killed, 3 critically injured in Rougemont

Such a sad sad tragedy... 3 Women killed, 2 women and a man injured. I honestly wonder, how such an accident can happen on a straight street... Car Drivers HAVE to learn to respect us cyclists too!!!

Tel Aviv marathon draws record number of runners - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

Tel Aviv marathon draws record number of runners - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News

Warm Up ~ Stretching ~ Cool Down

I don't know about you guys, but when I worked out in school or the track team, the golden rule was STRETCH, WARM UP, GET READY FOR THE WORKOUT. Here in Israel, there is another "golden rule": put on your shoes and run, put your goggles on and swim, put the helmet on and bike. Warm up? Stretching? Cool Down???? I don't even know if those words exist in Hebrew. (The exception proves the rule.)


I have a friend who's pretty sporty, going to the gym almost daily, great body and really fit. Once we went to a stretching group together, her the "in shape girl", me the "fat" girl. Guess what, after 5 minutes the coach started smiling at me. Know why? I was the only one who could actually touch her toes while stretching the legs (and yup I had overweight, big time)!!! 


When I go for a workout, may it be swimming, biking or running, I always make sure, I'm warmed up and stretched before I start my training and I cool down and stretch after the training to give my body a chance to slowly get "back to normal". (not to mention, not having terrible muscle pain the next day)


Alright. Maybe we just have to explain to our dear fellow sporty Israelis, WHY warm up and stretching are so important. ;) 


Have a look at the top 10 Common Causes for Sport Injuries: 10 Most Common Causes for Injury


...
# 6 Not Stretching


Stretching is different from warming up. Properly performed, a stretch helps relax and elongate a muscle after warm up and before and after weight training. As a result of warming up and stretching, the muscle is warm, loose and neurologically alert - in its most pliable and injury resistant state. In addition, stretching between sets actually helps build muscle by promoting muscular circulation and increasing the elasticity of the fascia casing surrounding the muscle. Finally, if you perform muscle specific stretches at the end of your workout, you'll virtually eliminate next day soreness.


# 7 Inadequate Warm Up


Let's define our terms. A warm up is usually a high rep, low intensity, quick paced exercise used to increase blood floor to the muscle. This quick, light movement raises the temperature of the involved muscle while decreasing blood viscosity and promoting flexibility and mobility. How? Everyone knows that a warm muscle with blood coursing through it is more elastic and pliable than a cold, stiff muscle. Riding a stationary bike, jogging, swimming, stair climbing and some high rep weight training are recommended forms of warm up.
Try a 5-10 minute formalized warm up before stretching. If you choose high rep weight training, try 25 ultralight, quick reps in the following nonstop sequence: calf raise, squat, leg curl, crunch, pull down, bench press and curl. Do one set each with no rest between sets. This can be accomplished in fewer than five minutes and warms every major muscle in the body.


Why athletes warm up: (from: Wikipedia )


Athletes not only warm up to physically prepare their bodies for training or competition but also to mentally warm themselves up. Warm ups are a crucial part of performance. If completed correctly they enable the body to perform at its peak performing ability at the current time. There are three different types of warm ups; gradual increase of physical activity to raise the pulse (Eg. cycling), a joint mobility exercise, stretching and a sport related activity (Eg. dribbling for basketball). A warm up should be specific to the task required to perform in order to activate the correct energy systems and prepare the correct muscles. There are many beneficial effects from warm ups including; • Increased heart rate. This enables oxygen in the blood to travel faster meaning the muscles fatigue slower, also, the synovial fluid between the joints is produced more to reduce friction in the joints, the capillaries dilate and it lets more oxygen travel in the blood. • Higher temperature in the muscles. This decreases the thickness of the blood-letting the oxygen travel to different parts of the body quicker, it also decreases the viscosity within the muscle, removes lactic acid, lets the muscles fibres have greater extensibility and elasticity and an increase in force and contraction of muscles.





Now, shall we have a look at a few stretching exercises? 

These are just a few ideas, on how to stretch.

Cool Down

5 to 10 minutes jogging/walking - try to get your heart rate down to "close to resting pulse". 

Remember:

Never be in a hurry to get a workout done, therefore skip the warm up or stretching. This is your HEALTH..... you've only got one body, regard it with the uttermost respect!

Warm Up, Stretch and after the workout Cool Down. Your body will be grateful! ;) 

Finding the right bike

It all started about 20 years ago, when I got a Tigra bike (made in Switzerland) with Campagnolo and Shimano Accessories. My grandmother bought it for me and I was the happiest girl on earth. It was during the time, Mountain Bikes started to be super fashionable but unfortunately also unaffordable at least for most people, including me. I have to admit, I wasn't a fan of the MTB and I still kind of dislike them. So I got myself a racer at the age of 12. Yes, most people thought I was crazy to get a racer in the mountains, when all you need is a MTB but I fell in love with my Blue Tigra. I got aerobars adjusted to the bike and off I went.

This is now 20 years ago and even though I still love my bike and share fond first Tri Memories, it's time to get something a bit "more serious" or at least... something that won't kill me on the street. I had my bike fixed many times but I think, this time it seems, it's just a wee bit too much damage and beyond repair... to a state where I can really ride fast.

So... searching for a new bike was quite a challenge. Not only is it difficult for a girl my height to find the perfect frame 51/48 but to be actually taken serious by the guys who sell bikes. I went into shops where the salesperson was more into me than into selling a bike to me.... thinking, if he makes me a good deal, he'll get a date out of it too. Duuuhh.. not working with me... 

Other places were pretty pro but unfortunately, the prices are somewhere in the sky above... behind the clouds.. can't really see them.. and other places.. well they didn't even bother talking to me and offer help. (Silly Blonde.. this is NOT a shoe shop.. this is a bicycle shop... get out or here!!!) 

I did some research online to find a second hand bike, but again either way too expensive or not my frame.

Today I ventured into another shop, which I pass every single day on my way to work.... and last week I saw the most wonderful Tri Bike being loaded onto a car and my heart almost stopped. Yes... I am a "weird" girl.. I get minor hear-failures when I see a nice bike. (Ok... I admit.. I get that also when I see beautiful heels hahaha.. HEY.. I'm a girl... I'm allowed to love heels haha)

So in this shop, I was shown the second hand bikes first and surprise surprise they even got two in my frame size.. woohooo and then we went to have a look at the new ones... He showed me two bikes... one from 2009 and one from 2010 of the same brand... but ever so slightly different. (Both are Endurance Road Bikes, especially for women, meaning the whole aerodynamic is a wee bit different to a "male" bike) 

The 2009 is the more expensive.

Here you've got the details:

http://www.specialized.com/nl/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=38456&gold_ses=

Now the other "candidate" (and my personal favorite)

this one 

Details here:

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCWomenBike.jsp?spid=45717&sid=10Dolce&ssid=10WMNSRoad

Now the big differences are: The 2009 has Aluminium Frame but the fork and the seatstays are carbon where as the 2010 has only the fork made of carbon. The 2009 has all the extra parts (such as brakes and rear dérailleur from Shimano Tiagra whereas the 2010 has only bits and parts from Shimano Tiagra. The wheels are different too, the 2009 has Mavix CXP-22 whereas the 2010 has Alex S500. The levers are also ever so slightly different. the 2009 has them together (up and down) the 2010 has them separated. 

But here it comes.. the biggest difference and for me personally the most important one is, that the 2010 has 2 sets of breaks. the "regular" ones and the ones that we all know from the very old bikes. This is for me most certainly a big PLUS for the 2010. Now I know, that I could get the breaks for the 2009 as well, but it's also a question of money. I should mention, both bikes come with lifelong guaranty on the frame and one year on all the other parts. (another reason, not to buy second hand.. especially when the prices are almost identical to a new one)

Right now, I am just not able to afford a "super non plus ultra" bike. What I am looking for right now is a bike that gets me into the whole routine again. A bike that makes me feel comfy and I love to ride every day. A bike that I will be able to use in Sprint Tri's and then take it from there. I'd say, once I am up to "longer distances" I am able to get a better bike or at some point even a REAL Tri Bike. (ah. my heart just jumped again lol) 

And now one more thing... it's small but nonetheless is't important... the "girly factor"... yes. the 2010 is just more beautiful... absolutely... (IMHO) and I actually fell in love with it. 

But, I am willing to listen to rational thinking Athletes who have only their best intention in their minds... to give me the best advices to choose the right bike.

Another month

Just another month till my first 10K run this year and nope, I am NOT in shape at all. Maybe it's because I was forced to take such a long break (6 months of no running what so ever) or maybe it's because I'm getting older (gosh.. now THAT's a scary thought).


When I think back to my youth, age 8 or 9, going on holidays to my grandfather, I loved running. I ran every single day around the lake of St. Moritz. Once around the lake are about 5K ( 3 Miles) and I ran it in 21 minutes. Looking back at this time and my age, I am not really able to figure out, how on earth I was able to run such a fast time and yet, I do have to say, that as a kid, I had tons of energy and was always on the move.

So it come with no surprise, that I am really disappointed with the times I run right now. 5K in 32 - 35 minutes, buuuhuuu. What happened? Where did the speed go? Is it really just age or did something else happen? No matter how I look at it, I can't figure out. Yes I still have the killer instinct... I still wanna be the fastest and give 110% and rather die than give up but something IS missing. Could I only put my finger on it.

Of course I have more weight to carry but I am also much stronger than over 20 years ago. Yes, I do have troubles with my feet and my back but that doesn't stop me from working out. I swim (which I didn't do properly as a kid) and I bike (ok I did that like crazy as a teenager too) and I just try to work out smarter with a plan. As a kid I didn't care, I just put on my gear and went to work out, was it running, horseback riding, snowboarding or the weekly youth- workout Wednesday afternoon. Maybe it is all in my head. Because I expect a lot of myself, have dreams and goals and I do care too much, that I put too much pressure on me? What if I wouldn't give a damn? Would that change my workout, my performance, could I go faster and push myself over the "limit"? As a kid, there was no such thing as "limit".. The sky was wide open and I knew, if I only believe, I can do anything. Getting older and growing "mature" (which I don't think I am fully there yet, thank G-D hahaha.. I still have my silly moments), I fear, that I kinda lost my spirit.

So I am going to set myself a "goal" for next week... run like a was a kid again... not worrying what others around me think or do... just do my thing.. run as fast as I can and most important.. have FUN... because it was fun as a kid .. and it still is... I feel great after the workouts.. when I see that I can actually accomplish so much in such a short time. I still have the thrive. I still have the power and the will and I know that my mental strength is there too... just need to re-discover it. My physical strength was never the problem. I get in shape super fast.

The first day running hurt.. but only three weeks into training of the 10K I ran it under 60 minutes.... I'd say.. for someone who's been out for so long, that's pretty good... so I know.. I have it in me.. I know I can run the 10K in 40-45 minutes... if I only believe in myself... and find the right pace.
Well I am off running and next week I finally go to the gym again and spend more time in the water too. I want to do an open water 1K (just for fun) in about a week. It's a good cause. In Memory of Nadav.

I still have huge goals... huge dreams... and I know a lot

Tel Aviv Marathon 10K

Can't believe it but I'm finally running again. Going to run the 10K in 7 weeks, May 14, 2010!!! Two weeks ago, I went to buy new running shoes and trust me, that was anything but easy. My feet are still pretty much in pain when in running shoes. So I decided to buy Adidas size 7 (yup... half a size bigger than usual.. and Adidas is pretty wide, so my Halux doesn't hurt. Really love those shoes.

Since I got the shoes, I am running almost daily and I also walk to and from work which is another 10K every day. Going to the pool when ever I can too and after trying out the pool at the Andromeda Hill, I have to say... I soooo love Salt Water Pools so much more than Chlorine Water.. lol... 

Right now I am looking for a gym to get my weight training done too. Just to make this absolutely clear... I HATE the gym LOL... I checked out Holmes Place, the good thing, it's in the same building as my office, so I can go before or right after work but the bad thing, it's super expensive. The gym at my pool is not that pro and it's not really close to my place but the pool is better and it's just half the price of Holmes Place. Pretty tricky... ;)

Well first thing I have to do now, is fixing my bicycle, will make loads of things easier and I get my "TRI" together... hahah

Oh and I got an amazing run buddy. Super happy about that and highly motivated.

Alright, first thing's first... getting fit for the run... figuring out about the gym and get my bike fixed... and then??? Well there is an open water swim and of May 1.5K or 5K... maybe I get fit enough to race... and who knows.. beginning of June, Woman's Tri... who knows.... 

(to be continued...)

Trying to get my words together

Alright.. a week has passed since I left Berlin... and I kind of get the feeling, that my words are slowly coming back. First of all, I'd like to say thank you to Ruth and Shmuel .... without whom, this trip would not have happened. Second to Chaia, Joachim, Pina and Schlomi, who offered me shelter during my stay in Berlin. It was great seeing you guys again after such a long time. Then of course, many thanks to Ellen... who, I think, is recovering from the "Phelps Phever"... haha... had such an awesome time with you discovering Berlin and mostly discussing the swimmers.... lol. Of course I would also say thank you Berlin.... you've been a great city and I do hope, next time I have more time to explore you. And last but not least... I'd like to say thank you to all the swimmers who participated at the Fina/ Arena World Cup in Berlin... you guys were amazing... you all ROCK and I had such a great time watching you!!! THANK YOU ALL!!!

Thinking back, it's hard to point my finger on one special event, that will stay with me forever. Of course, meeting Michael Phelps in person was unbelievable and my shirt will get a special frame. To be with friends, cook, talk and laugh... was certainly a lot of fun too... especially our "five-some pesto in bed" adventure.. rofls... (no comment to that one... and yup.... there were five present... I counted twice... haha).

Being in Berlin for the first time, I have to say, that I fell in love with the city (even though I only saw a small part of it), but I did feel right at home, which usually is a very good sign for me. Having some time off work, the dogs and cats and mostly Israel was exactly what I needed badly. Not leaving Israel for four years and not having a proper vacation for two years are just a wee bit too much. So heading to Berlin was for sure the perfect medicine. Growing up in Switzerland, one would think, that speaking German should be the easiest thing for me, but without having anyone left in Israel to speak "proper" Hochdeutsch, it isn't as easy as you might think. The first day was quite a bit of a struggle and all the words popped up either in English or Hebrew. (I am sure, some people thought that I must be mentally retarded, ah well). At the end, I did manage to get around, have people understand me and that is, after all, all that matters, isn't it?

Landing in Berlin in the evening was rather a "cold" event. Not being used to this kind of weather, I was most certainly happy to have my very old furry (no real fur or course.. just to make that clear!) coat. Ellen picked me up at the airport, which I have to say, I was really thankful. We did get a wee bit lost around Alex but at the end, we found the house where Chaia and Joachim live and made it up to the 6th floor in one piece. Having a hot coffee and just sit and "arrive" is one of the best feelings during a cold winter day and to see familiar faces and feeling like in the good old times in Israel was most certainly nice. (Ah yup.. a "nostalgic" moment). When I went to bed, I still couldn't really believe, that I am in Berlin.. for REAL I mean... after all, it wasn't all that certain, that I could fly till the last minute and the stress the last few days before take off, not something I need too much. But knowing that the cats are ok and the dogs are in their "holiday home", gave me a good feeling and I could finally enjoy my vacation and get ready for the weekend.

Oh... that eve, Chaia cut my hair... real short (well for me it seems very short).... good thing, there are no pics of THAT event!!!

Thursday was our "lucky" day. Checking out the "Schwimm und Sprunghalle" early in the morning to check the gate opening hours turned out to be our lucky trip. We found out, that Michael is going to sign autographs at the Intersport at the Alexa Shopping Mall Friday morning. Those of you who know me just even a little bit can understand, that after receiving those news.... I was close to a nervous break-down. "Less than 24 hours till I meet him... till I can give him my present... what to do.. what to do...." (That was also the day, I discovered my very own "Phelps Diet".... and nope.. not eating 12,000 calories.. but... being too nervous to really eat anything... and what you eat... burns so fast due to a almost alarming heart beat, no chance for fat. Actually I lost a few pounds during my trip.. haha... love that).

The day was of course still young and we decided to check out the area a bit after lunch. First we did a crazy "shopping tour" for make up and all kind of things we might need for the weekend and then we took one of the buses that drives to the Brandenburger Tor (where the wall was) and passed many historic places (for example the place, they burned the books). Once we got to the Brandenburger Tor, we decided to enjoy Starbucks... (yeah.. tacky I know.. but we don't have them in Israel any longer.. so I guess... I should be forgiven... ) and paid a visit to the NIVEA House where we spent some more money.

After saying Hi to the Horses, we took another bus to return to the Alex. Needless to say, that of course, the two ladies sitting next to us, were from Israel... (can't get away from them.. no matter how hard you try.. rofls).

Ellen and I discussed that day, just how many people will come to the Intersport the following day and I guess... Ellen.. you were pretty off with your guess.... lol... anyways, we decided to meet there in the morning, ready for anything that might happen. That evening, discussing what to write on the card I got for MP and getting Herman the Second ready (Chaia made pics.. which will NEVER for the public to see lol)

Friday morning came and with it came the stress of "how to dress... make up....hair.. and most important... 'Herman the Second' and the card". Needless to say, I hardly made it on time, well truth be told, I wanted to camp out there to be the first, but I arrived finally, a bit harassed from all the stress I put myself into, at 10 am. Ellen was nowhere to be found and I started to worry, especially once they opened the doors. Who could make the pics of me giving MP his present. Well... in my earlier post, you can read that everything somehow turned out ok.

After the big "Event" we were most certainly in need of one thing, Food. Yup... hey.. not only MP likes to eat. Unfortunately, it started raining, so we decided no to go to far in search of food and had some yummie Vietnamese food and talked about G-D and the world. Had a really good time. Once the food was gone, we went to do some more shopping and Ellen later went to meet some friends to eat Indian Food whereas I met up with Chaia to go Food Shopping. (Torture!!! Honestly)... I felt like, I live in a third world country in Israel. Haha. All the yummie food, that I used to have back in Switzerland and had to give up, once I moved to Israel was there, in front of me. Yup, another sign that it is most certainly time for me to move places.

That evening we had Sushi and watched some movie and I tried to get some sleep. Tried is the operative word here!!!

Saturday morning came and with it my nerve jitters. Waking up early, trying not to wake up the dogs I sneaked out early and made my way to the Pool. Upon entering the Hall, I realized, that I forgot my home made Pompoms. (Yeah, too blonde for a brain to remember things, I know). Never the less, I had a great morning but unfortunately, Ellen didn't feel too good and came late and missed MP's first Heat. During lunch break, we finally figured out, where the swimmers stay, noooo.. no stalking.. hahaha, it was honestly pure luck. The afternoon passed by too quickly, I remember watching MP warm up and talking to Bob (see youtube "muus76" for some nice videos on the warm up and the races), MP swimming in the 200 Fly Final, Dominik in the 400 Free Final, Peter Marshall, Jessica Hardyand Withney Myers, Hayden Brent, Cameron van der Burgh, just to mention a few and of course amazing world records and tons of great races, but now it seems all like a big blur.

Dominik Meichtry

Brent Hayden

Peter Marshall

Jessica Hardy

Whitney Myers

Jessica Hardy

In the evening, Chaia and Joachim decided to invite Ellen and some friends of theirs for dinner, at the end... no one showed up, for different reasons. So we had another five-some in bed with Pesto.... lol and watched Spiderman 1. That night too, trying to sleep was most certainly "wish full thinking/ hoping", but who needs sleep anyway.

Sunday morning was "same procedure as yesterday" and I sneaked out again early. This day, Ellen made it pretty early and thank G-D feeling better and I didn't forget my Pompoms. So ready with the USA Flag and the Pompoms, we were up to a lot of cheering. Michael didn't make it into the Final 200 Free. (I am pretty sure, that was an "accident/ on purpose", not to give Paul Biedermann the satisfaction of beating him again. PB was soo strong in the 400 Free, MP would not have stand a chance. And you know what... if it really was "on purpose" not to make the final, I fully agree with that. The way Paul trashed Michael in the German press was most disgusting and not fitting to a World Record Holder IMHO. So there was no need to give him the satisfaction of "crushing" MP in the pool. Next year, when everyone swims on the same "swimsuit- level" we shall see, if he is still such a big mouth.. or if he "drowns into oblivion")

Dominik Meichtry made the 200 Free and so I still had someone to cheer for... lol... it's actually cool to cheer in Swissgerman!

During Lunchbreak we went to the Italian next to the pool and of course met some of the Intersport/ Speedo people from Friday. I guess, we must have left some impression, (hence my "I lost the card, he needs to get the card....") because during lunch they pointed at us and said, "hey aren't those the Swiss girls" .. hmm.. yeah.. most certainly impressed by my stubbornness.

We decided to go back to the hall on time not to miss Bob Bowman's Interview. While he was introduced, we were of course cheering and showing the American Flag and the Pompoms and Bob actually pointed at us. (Of course, I messed the video up and you can't see it... cheer leading moves and filming together.. not the best of ideas I must admit).

Watching the Finals during the afternoon was absolutely awesome. Michael pushed Darian to a World Record in the 200 IM and the race was wonderful to watch.

 

Unfortunately, those two days went by way too fast but we left the hall that evening with loads of new impressions and memories. Knowing that I shouldn't show up to early at my "shelter", Ellen and I went to have some coffee and a very cute coffee shop with delicious cakes. (yup I behaved and had coffee only).

Monday was finally the day, Ellen, Chaia and I explored Berlin Mitte. Before WWII, this was the place where most Jews lived. Most certainly a wonderful area to live in, if you've got the money.

Mitte

Chaia & Ellen

Mitte

The "golden" Synagogue

That evening, I eventually had the chance to cook for Chaia, Joachim and Ellen. We had Chaes-Chnoepfli and some yummi Baumkuchen. All in all, the perfect trip, a bit too short maybe, but I promise, there will be a next time. So... Berliner, brace yourselves... lol

Love you all, miss ya loads and can't wait to see you all soon again, may it be in Berlin, Tel-Aviv or finally in Baltimore.

Meeting Michael Phelps in Berlin 2009

I still can't quite believe, that I am in Berlin... and.. that I actually met Michael Phelps...

Thursday, Ellen and I went to check out the Swimming Hall and thank G-D we did. We found out, that MP is going to be at the Alexa Friday morning.... so of course.. we decided, that is the place, we have to be.

Friday morning, still cold and well... looking as if it starts raining in a few... I took my cam and my t-shirt and headed towards Intersport at the Alexa. I was pretty surprised, to find so many 'older' people standing in line for an autograph. (made me feel slightly better... I really thought.. I'll be the oldest by far).

If you ask me now... what happened when MP entered.. I wouldn't know... I just can't remember.... too emotional.. all I do remember, it was pretty crazy.... and people pushed ... (hmm hey.. just because you push, doesn't mean, it goes faster!!!)

Finally, when my turn came... holding Herman the second... I realized... that with all the pushing and crazy people, I lost the card I wanted to give him. I couldn't go back to search, so I just gave my shirt to sign.. and put Herman II on the table... (is it ok, to say, it's a good thing, MP doesn't swim as slow as he signs... lol)... Not that I minded, standing there.. looking at him... ahhhh.. after he signed the shirt... I told him, that Herman was a present for him... he looked at Herman.. laughed.. and thanked me.... and tata I suddenly found my voice.. so I also wished him good luck for the weekend.... and he smiled and thanked again. (ok.. I have a crush now.. rofls.. who cares... the cutest smile ever!!!)

So, after heading towards the exit... I started making the whole team of Intersport crazy, with my card.... (yes.. I can be a nudnik)... and finally I saw it on the floor... and one of the girls took it and put it together with Herman. (now, don't ask, what I wrote.. that is private... lol)

You can of course imagine, that I went to bed with a big smile that night. ;)

Today was finally racing day and I headed to the Hall pretty early... Seeing Bob Bowman was so surreal and then seeing MP standing next to him.... gosh.. just amazing...

I am still lost for words.. you have to forgive me... but.. I mad tons of pics... and had a great time.. even thought MP didn´t do too good.. but I loved watching him swim....

Peter Marshall did very well and so did Jessica Hardy and Whitney Myers.... congrats guys!!! We even saw a few WR... and yes... Paul Biedermann... new WR 400 Free... amazing race.. sorry to see Dominik Meichtry finishing 6.... he did so well the first 250... ah well .. tomorrow is a new day.. new chance... and who knows whats next ...

Pics... will follow... tomorrow.. I promise...

Love you all... having the time of my life!!!!

woooooooohooooooooooo Michael Phelps you ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love ya... soooooo much, thanks for the amazing and fun race...

Of Toes and other Pains

Ever since the Nike Run, my toes started to hurt again. About a year ago, I had a pretty bad bruise under the nail of both big toes... (don't ask why... I am just too stupid). Struggling the whole summer with it, having even one of the nails fall off, I thought, it was finally over. I guess, I was pretty wrong. This calls for an emergency Pedicure and I am not sure how long it will take, till this is going to be ok. Just perfect timing for the winter, when I have to wear closed shoes.



Other pains include back pain of course. So I started doing quite a lot of research about Breast Reduction. Having some friends who had a Reduction of course helps to get a "real" point of view, of the OP, the recovery and the scaring afterwards. It is pretty scary and yes, there are loads of people who think I am crazy to just even think about it, but if you had to carry this much all the time, can't even find a proper bra and if so, have to pay a fortune, you would understand. I already have a Surgeon, but I will have to talk with her about the exact OP.... takes time..


The Halux is the third pain. (Gosh... I sound like an 80 year old.. lol).... but the Halux is something, that runs in the family and I have had already spoken to an expert about an OP. Unfortunately, this expert, as much as he knows about getting my foot straight, was such a weirdo.... *not to be trusted* was all over his face (at least for me). So OP is postponed till I move to BM. I already did some research there on surgeons and I think I found a nice guy. (He's a Triathlete and he operates Athletes, so that sounds good to me, but of course, I will have to talk to him in person, before I make a final decision.)


I guess, once the toes and the feet in general are ok and my back stops hurting, I might also get into better spirit on training harder. I do enjoy the "work out pain" (I guess we all do somewhat), but I don't enjoy pain, that hinders me, of actually working out. Well, I just have to get it over with, find my balls, have the two OPs and get my toes ok and that's it. :)

When I was young...

As already mentioned in my first blog entry, when I was young, I did all kind of sports. Unfortunately, during those days, taking pictures wasn't that "common" as it is today and rather expensive, so there isn't much "evidence" ;) But... I did find some pics which I would love to share with you.

The Maccabiah

This summer, I went to the Wingate Institute for Sport to watch the Swimming Competitions at the 18th Maccabiah. Just to explain for our Non-Jewish readers. The Maccabiah is like the "Jewish- Olympic Games".

Every four years, Jewish Athletes from all around the world gather in Israel to compete against each other and the really nice thing (I think at least), is that other than the opening and closing ceremony, all the events are for free to watch.

So here I went, for two days to see Jewish Men in Speedos... (Needless to say, "I was in heaven") haha...

Before I add some pics, I would just like to point out, that we had a very big "celebrity" at the Meet.

JASON LEZAK

Yes, the guy who swam the most amazing Relay and helped Phelps to win 8 Golds in Beijing. He decided to skip the Worlds in Rome, to participate here in Israel. In an interview he said, that this really means a lot to him, well Mr. Jason Lezak, it meant soooo much to us Israelis too. Thank you for coming and thank you for some really great races.

Nike Night Run Tel Aviv

So, I somehow survived the 10k Nike Night Run in Tel Aviv... don't ask me how but I did finish. The pain, hmm.. there are no words, I am still struggling with my toe that got bruised under the nail a year ago. Honestly, I had no idea, it would still hurt this much, but after about 4km I was in agony and tata, I still am.


Who ever said, running was fun? I actually remember, me saying that when I was a very young girl and ran 5k in 21 (I was about 8 years old). These days I honestly wonder, where I took all the power to do all those kind of sports, study and work at the same time. Could it be, that the healthy air of the Swiss mountains enhanced my energy or is it just a fact, that when you are young, you don't even realize all the running and jumping around? Thinking back of when I was a teenager, I do have to say, I'm pretty impressed by all the things I did and tried out.

Wanna get an example? Alright here we go. When I was sixteen years old, I started an apprenticeship meaning, I worked 8:45 hours a day (except for when I went to school 1 1/2 days a week). I usually took the bike to school which was located 26km away from the village I grew up and the height difference I had to overcome was 300 meter. Usually after work, I went running or on the bike for a little while. Growing up on a "kind of farm" meant also, to help out with the animals and in summer to get up the mountains to get the hay for the winter together. All year long we went horseback riding to get fit for the races that were usually in late summer/ fall. But I also competed in the Swiss Cup which meant, I had races from early spring till late fall. If I had a weekend "off", I loved to attend Streetdance Workshops, yes, it wasn't enough that during the week, I would have modern jazz lesson and twice a week a 3 hours karate course. Winter also meant snowboarding or skiing, which my mother put, you just HAVE TO DO, when you grow up in the mountains and of course it also means that you go cheering for your favorite Hockey Club twice a week (if they played local that is, but of course, when ever possible, we went after our club to support them).

Once a week I went to play in the local marching band and over lunch I went to Piano lessons. Sometimes the marching band had concerts, which meant spending some extra hours in the evening with the band working on the songs.

Thursdays and Fridays were also the evenings, when we were allowed to "hang around" at the pub. (Yes, when I grew up, we went out at the age of 16 and had a malibu and felt very grown up).

You ask me, how is it possible to do so many things when the day has only 24 hours and the week has only 7 days. It beats me, but I guess, when you're young, you are able to squeeze in more and still have energy not to go to bed and argue with your parents.

So, this all said, I do have to admit (gosh I hate myself for this), that I start feeling my age. I am actually happy to have a night in or go to bed early curling up with a good book and hot chocolate, cuddling the cats. Don't get me wrong, I still try to go to the pool three times a week and I try to run (well, I have to get that toe checked, to be able to run without pain), but I just feel really tired after that. Not that this is a bad thing. Actually, I do enjoy working out, getting home and fall into bed but I do wonder every now and then, how I've been able all those years ago, to do so much more and never getting tired.

Now, last Saturday, when running those 10k, I realized, that I do have to change something in my lifestyle and that, no matter how much I try to make myself believe, that I am still fit, well I figured, I AM NOT!!!

So, this blog should motivate me to get from fat to fit again and finally full fill one of my life long dreams.


THE HAWAII IRONMAN


For years, I have been dreaming about Triathlons and I did a few back in Switzerland. Not very successful of course, but it was more for the fun of it and to try out. Now, for those who don't really know the difference between the Ironman and a "normal" Triathlon, this is pretty simple. The Ironman is as much a psychological race as it is physical. Swimming 3.8k (2.2miles), Biking 180k (112m) and then Running a full Marathon 42k (26m) is a toughie. You need to be more than just super fit, you need to be at least a little bit crazy (I do hope, the Ironman Athletes forgive me for saying that, but honestly.. it's true).

How to become an Ironman (Ironlady) is not as simple as one might think and I do have a very long and very very painful way ahead of me, but I am willing to suffer and to curse and to curse some more and wonder, "why in the heck am I doing this"... when actually I do have the answer for ages. Because it's the most amazing feeling to accomplish something that not everyone can, to beat your inner bastard and to overcome the pain and the hurt and just go on till the end.

People who never participated in any competitive sport, might never understand, but who ever raced, (no matter what kind of sport) knows what I am talking about.

So this is it. The long journey has started and just like a successful diet, a successful Triathlon starts in the head. The secret to success is to focus and stay motivated all the way, so this is what I am trying with this blog. Lets say, it's my "sports" blog. I will post about events I am going to see and events where I am actually participating. I try to keep myself inspired by great Sportswomen and Sportsmen and try to explain a little, why this or that one, inspires me and how.

Putting the Nike Night Run behind me and focusing on the future which offers many many more runs, swims and bike races and triathlons, I am very optimistic, that I will fulfill my big dream (even if it kills me.. haha)

So stay tuned for some updates pretty soon on Berlin (in 2 weeks) and in the mean time, I'll post some stories of the Maccabia and other events that I've been to.