On Wounded Knees

(showing off our RTC tats)
this past weekend I participated in my first relay at Patriot's sprint in Jamestown! My friend Erin and I - with my bad knee, compartment syndrome, and her newly healed broken knee - were the team...On Wounded Knees.

the plan was for Erin to swim and bike and I would run the 5k.

Hanna came by and threw a kink in the weekend plan for all races. Ours was lucky enough to still go on, but as a duathlon.

The first leg was a 1.6 run. I ran this in 13:31 for a pace of 8:27. Not bad at all.

After the 2nd fastest bke split for T1, Erin was off on the bike.

It was hard not to sit down and relax after running, but I knew I needed to stay warm so I walked around. Ate gu and magic pills (aka endurolytes) and hydrated...it was hot and sticky.

Then Erin came tearing around the corner...

Again we had the second fastet T2 time and I was off ont he 5k.

man! I hadn't run a 5k in about 2 years and it was so weird! I had a hard time trying to figure out a pace. I tried to pace off another runner, but I jsut couldn't. It was depressing! I have only run distance in the past 2 years and it showed. which isn;t a bad thing - it was just eye openeing. I thought tomyself - if I can do a half iron surely Ican do a 5k. and I can - but slower than ideal and at a half iron pace! so needless to say my pace for the 5k - 10:01...perfect the marathon I'm training for!!! but not for a 5k! GRRRRRR.

But as I came towards the finish chute I passed a girl that was showing her fatigue. I ran with her for a minute trying to pep her up and give it that final kick and she did! Then as I was coming down the finish chute Erin joined me (in socks) and we were able to cross the finish line together. My favorite part of the day. As we toasted to our race, i had a tap on the shoulder with a 'thank you' from the girl I talked in. That was my 2nd favorite part of the day!

Patriot's Race Weekend

This weekend was the 2nd annual Patriot's Race Weekend in Jamestown, VA.

Saturday is the half iron distance event. While Sunday is the sprint and international distances.

this year, due to Hurricane Hanna, the production company (SetUp Events) had to cancel the half iron distance. this was sa big disappointment to those racing, especially those first timers. this was my first last year and I have watched my team mates put int eh training to cross that finish line. this unfortunate cancellation brought on a huge debate on slowtwitch.com. see, the production company is offering 50% off next year's race, but cannot offer a refund for this year.
Is that ideal? no.
Is it reality? yes.
sure they would love to give everyone their money back, but that simply isn't possible.
sure tey would have loved to divert Hanna and be able to hold the event, they, too, hae work tirelessly to organize.
This is just how it goes. But look out for next year - thee will be a hurricane season policy. Possibly a financial insurance for them, too.
Walk a mile in their shoes, people.
it sucks! but suck it up already. we missed a race. whoopy doo. we could have had it a lot worse.

RD's simply cannot do refunds regardless of what the reason. Last year I had to miss a race b/c I ended up with stiches in my foot. and it was some drunk ass that dropped a beer bottle to cut my foot open. I had to miss a race and not get my money back. that's life.

And yes, you can get your t-shirt and socks if you want them that badly.

Hanna

Hurricane Hanna is not cooperating with my weekend plans.

I am supposed to run 10 miles on saturday.

But Hanna is going to be making a visit.

Some of my team mates are supposed to do (their first) half iron on Saturday.

But Hanna cancelled it.

I am supposed to do the run portion of a relay on Sunday.

But thanks to Hanna it's a duathlon so I am running twice (but at least we can still do it)

Hanna - you stink!

What a Weekend

1. I closed on my condo.
2. I painted my condo. (well with the help of IronGreg)
3. I moved into my condo (well with the help of the movers)
4. My nephew giggled for the first time. and he was in my arms when he did it.
5. I enjoyed my Labor Day with a hot dog for lunch and a cheeseburger for dinner. And ice cream for dessert.

I'm ba-ack

Okay, I am FINALLY back in town for more than 24 hours!
I know you are all on the edge of your seat for that race report, so I'll start with that.

PRE-RACE
IronGreg and I land in boston after a delay in NYC. We pick up the rental car and pull onto the interstate. and we stop. traffic. It took us forever. We go straight to Gunstock to pick up my packet. We get there with 10 minutes left - hurry! hurry! I find my name and go to the line for that number. T-shirt size XL? no - I don't think that is what I chose. And then my USAT number doesn't match up. She gives me the packet to go to USAT table with. Wait - my name's not Jennifer! Wrong number. Turns out I am not the first person on the list with my last name but the 7th - who knew! Now that I have my correct packet and a small t-shirt we rush over to Ellacoya to pick up Diamond. Her computer isn't working so we fiddle witht hat for a bit and head home. Aunt Mich had 5 lobsters ready for IronGreg and I to devour. and that is what we did! mmmm.
Saturday started by cheeringon my cousin at the Short course race. she did really well and looked strong the whole time!

After a lunch break we headed bac over to watch my cousin's son participate int he TimberKids event. how fun. the kids were so nervous. it was well organized and they were off. Then - bam lightenening and thunder - bummer! Some kids didn't even get to start. But they all got their rubber medals! I went for a swim in my borrowed wetsuit. The water felt nice. cold enough so in the wetsuit it was perfect temperature. Back home for pasta, steak, and a good night's sleep.
also - there were fun purchases at the expo

SWIM

The swim was good. We lined up on the beach and watched as everyone went out - including team hoyt. It was time for wave 6 - the pink wave. Lynn and I waded into the water and placed ourselves in the middle on the side. The gun goes off! I take those first fast strokes - there are legs and arms and bodies everywhere! I figured Ironman would be even more crowded than this! Luckily TG Karen told there are 6 bouys between each turn. I am counting the bouys and hey are just flying by! this is great. I feel good and I quickly found my rhythm. I make the first turn and the sun is in my eyes. I have a hard time sighting so i have to not stroke when I look for the buoy, but no big deal. Then I realize that once again my hair is caught in the velcro of the wetsuit - dang it! i thought i made sure this wouldn't happen again. oh well i try to grab the hair out as I stroke - I am sure I looked quite retardo! made it to the next turn and turn green. all of a sudden there are waves! not like the white caps this race had last year (well the short curse had), but i feel like i am rocking back and forth like a boat. vurp. keep going. i know i am slowed, but i jsut need to go with it. i try to "ride" the waves side to side like i heard people talking about doing during IMCDA in 07. then BAM - some guy's heels goes directly onto my cheekbone. yowsers. that hurt. but i figure that means if it burises i will look cool amnd so i chucklt to myself - like that was suposed to hurt or something! ha! finally i make my way to shore. i hear greg and aunt mich as I run out of the water down the line to T1.

Time - 43:15

Place - 42/58

T1

I run into T1 and run through the pools to rinse off feet and flop down on the mat for wetsuit stripping. I love wetsuit stripping. I then head for the trashcan as I am on the verge now...the verping continues. but i am able to hold my stomach together - don't want to lose those calories! I told myself to take my time in transition since I have to dry my leg off and get the compression sleeeve on - and add nausea on top of that. I ran out of transition and hopped on Diamond.

T1 time - 3:03

BIKE

The bike was good. MY word for the bike was "Patience". There were lots of people passing me, but I was passing lots of people too. Since I didn't have any goals and I knew it was a hilly course, I wanted to take my time and not bonk out. I tried to eat, but the nausea from the swim wouldn't let me. I kept on taking in shot blocks, though. I took endurolyte pills a few times - about 3-4. And usually I crave sports drink, but for some reason I was craving water! (I ended up only drinking one bottle of sports drink on the bikle but about 3 of water). There were a couple hills that were killers, but I knew that meant we got to go downhill. Weeeeee. Then we hit one downhill, that I knew I would eventually have to go back up - ugh. Like normal by the end, my back was tightening up so I did hget caught by one TG for not being in aero. I do need to ride in aero more. lots more. there's a goal for 09. anyways, as we were coming closer I tried standing up a hill and fell back into my seat!!! oh sh*t - my inner thighs (not quads but the muscle that is ont he inside by the knee) cramped up. well this sucks i thought to myself. let me take another e-cap. I zoom into transition as I hear the family cheering!

Time - 3:25:26

Pace - 16.4

Place - 43/58

T2

Caution: TMI ahead. I was feeling good as I came into T2. I started to stand and quickly put on my sneakers then remembered I had to pee. So I sat down and I couldn't stop! You would have thought I had just spent the last few hours at a bar. I was ready to start running but I couldn't stand up! Finally! Sheesh!
Time - 1:58

RUN

I started the run and could tell my legs were cramping up. Not again. This happened to me at Patriot's and I thought I knew better than to let it happen again. As I ran past IronGreg I motioned for him to jog alongside me so I could chat with him a minute. We talked about my bike split and we were both pleased with that. then gasp! gasp! I couldn't breathe. It was the weirdest thing. I walked a minute and caught my breath. Coach B said my heart rate probably spiked. Oops. I let IronGreg stop jogging in his flip flops along with me (what! I thought he wanted to do the half marathon with me). As soon as he stops CRAMP! my legs locked up. I must have looked pretty pathetic b/c the guy that was next to me stopped and was quite concerned with watching my legs lock up. I walked for a minute and then sucked it up and knew I had to jog out the cramp. And I did. I took my time jogging from water stop to water stop. I mae it to the turn around. the way back in felt good! There were a couple hills (yeah so much for this "flat" course) I had to walk up the hills b/c of the shin, but whatever. I made it back to Transition to finish the first loop and was feeling good. I wasn't looking forward to running abck up all those hills, though. As I am beginning my 2nd loop a girl starts to pass me that is in my AG. Now I have never looked before and why today of all days when I have no goals do I look I don't know! i pass her back and stay ahead passed the turn around. then I start fading and she gets me and I jsut can't speed up. My legs won't move. then another girl in my AG passes me. Oh well. By now my shin hates me and so do my legs in general. I thought maybe I had taken too may e-caps, turns out I didn't take enough. One day I will learn. I always enjoy one aspect of being slower - talking with everyone. I come down to finish and my family is all there - high fiving the way in. I get my popsicle and medal - all finished. all in a day's work.

Time - 2:32:16
Pace - 11:38

Place - 45/58

Overall Time - 6:45:57

Overall Place - 43/58 (74%)

I will continue with my post-race recap soon.

I retured from New hampshire to be swept off to Pinehurst for a few days for work.

Now i'm back - and FINALLY closing on my condo.

Then I will return to earth.

Timberman 70.3

I finished.



I guess you want more of a race report than that, huh!

Okay, since I am procratinating work...



Pre-Race

brb - off to Pinehurst.

Timberman Taper

The training has been done.
now it's time to eat drink and be merry.
unfortunately it's water that I will be dirnking - although I will still be merry.

this weekend I met up with Lynn and KateO to finish the last required long brick of the season. wow! Lynn, annie, and I biked 28 miles. (Kate had to keep going since she is doing IMFL - no taper for her) - then we jogged 6 miles. I forgot the new compression sleeve and the shins was deifintiely tight, so I walked up the hills.
Mission Accomplished.

In 4 days IronGreg and I will fly up to Boston and drive to Laconia. We are staying with my FAVulous Aunt Mich who is making us lobster for dinner friday night - mm mm good! Cousin Carolyn is doing the sprint on Saturday, and her son Adam is doing the kid's race. It's nice to have family in the area. and Aunt Mich's house used to be my Grammy's house - so lots of memories there! And IronGreg used to go to camp as a kid in the Lakes Region, so hopefully we can stroll thru memory lane for him, too.

so cheers!! to all my team mates that I have spent the last 14 weeks (since White Lake) training for timerbman with. the "turtorous tuesdays" and the "trigirl tortuous triple" - hmm blake and tortuous rides...

T-minus 6 days...

The Buzzzz

This weekend was the finale to the BLue Ridge Rides - aka the TRIgirl Torturous Triple!
With a route 50 miles long, Coach Blake has the day planned for us.
Everything goes smoothly.
Nutrition is packed. Post ride beer is packed.
show up on time and TG40 and I hop on it with TRIboy Jeff nd we are on our merry way.
Zzzzz
Wake up - we're there!
Streeeeeetch.
Tires pumped up.
Water bottles on.
Shoes on.
Group Picture.
(note how increasingly small this time was) We begin the route up the mountain. The first out and back is roughly 23 miles. As I am curled up in aero with the tears streaming rom my eyes, I begin thinking "hmm we have been going downhill for quite some time now". We all gather at the trun around where Mary had a bee stuck down her top and has blessed with 7 boobs!
As we begin to turn around...
drip.
drop.
drip.
drop.
time to head back up those hills we just flew down.
and the heavens open.
we'r eshivering.
we're wet.
I don't think I am ever getting back to the cars. I try to tell myself that riding in the rain is etter than riding in 110 degrees and no shade. but damn these rain drop feel like hail when going downhill!
Finally get to the cars and jump on it. I wrap up in the towel I brought as a picnic blanket! Coach B undersands and he is even about to cancel the 2nd half of the ride. but as we wait...
the clouds part and the sun shines on us.
We begin the 2nd half - teeth still chattering. socks are drenched.
but it felt good.
then...
BAM!
a bee nails me on my ear (where it attaches to your face) and i have to stop. MY cheek and jaw begin to swell. I can barely chew my shot blok.
but I must continue on!
we get back to the cars and there's cyndi with the ice pack on her head.
A bee nailed her forehead!
what the F! (or should I say what the B?!)

To be continued...
(have to go into a meeting)

Shew. Ok I'm back. I know you were all on the edge of your seats.

Now...where was I...

Sunday was not too eventful. I ran 5 miles - which stunk.

Then moved the rest of my things in with IronGreg. That's like aother workout right there! So I should put that on my training report. (b/c I love excel and track my training in a FAVulous spreadsheet)

Monday...

Monday was eventful. I have been having a lot of shin tightness and inflammation since White Lake Half back in May. After the race I ran a 10k. Walked would be more like it - it wasn't pretty. I had to walk parts of it b/c I got "floppy foot" - where the muscle in your shin is so tight you can pick up your foot - it just draaaags along. I ended p with shin splints - changed me shoes and did elliptical training. It's always been tighter muscle for as long as I could remember so I didn't hink too much of it. Well I mentioned this in passing to my knee doctor. Uh-oh! After ruling out a stress fracture there was one more thing to rule out - Compartment Syndrome.

Now traditionally this test requires sticking a large needle into the muscle and taking the pressure and then going for a run and then afterwards sticking another large needle in and taking the pressure again. If the pressure is over 30 - then it's compartment syndrome. Well, lucky for me - she got a new machine in for this. you only get pricked once! I had heard horror stories aboutthe pain before so I was quite anxious all morning before the test. Relieved to hear only one needle! See the way this one works is they put the needle in your muscle and then pull the needle out and leave a catheter in there that is attached to the pressure gauge box that you attach to your leg. This was problem #1 - how does it attach to leg? after "jerry-rigging" it with gauze and tape about 8 different ways from being too tight, too loose, covering up the screen, etc. Fianlly it was on my leg and I wsa on my merry way to go run around the parking lot for 15 minutes. The ASPHALT parking lot in the 95 degree HEAT with NO shade. I begin walking and it hurts so bad I want to scream cry and hit something at the same time. I suck it up, put my big girlpanties on and begin running. The pain begins to subsie and I keep at it. I come back in and my pressure is zero! although everyone has some pressure after running, I was relieved to find out I did not have compartment syndrome. As she begins taking the machine off my leg we find problem #2 - the catheter fell out of my leg. no wonder my pressure was zero. Ugh. Back to the traditional method. And off to run for 30 minutes outside. Now her office is in a business park and it is during the week, so don't mind me stripping my shirt off and running in my sports bra b/c it was so freaking hot out there! I come back in and we re-tes my pressure. 45. :( I have compartment syndrome. So now I wear a very fashionable pressure sleeve on my calf when working out. This is going to cuase for a bad T2 time next weekend at Timberman. bummer. Tomorrow I have a MRI to rule out any other issues in the muscle and then from there we will see about the fasciotomy. I will let you google pictures of that procedure. Just don't do it on your lunch break or shortly thereafter.

so needless to say I have taken some running of this week due to the fact i have two holes in my leg form the needles. (oh! they gave me a great mag on Matthew M's baby so I wouldn't even look at the needle it is so big)

Hmm...well back to these deadlines....

Put a fork in me.

this weekend we were scheduled to do a 25 mile ride and 16 mile run.
sounds like fun, huh?
but wait a minute, I'm signed up the Charlottesbille Internation Triathlon on Sunday! this one has a reputation for it's killer hills on the bike and on the trail run! Uh oh!
Luckily (?) coach B shortens the saturday workout to only a 12/10 brick.
I make my way out to WC on saturday to get this accomplished. TG KO and I do two good laps around keeping it steady. then we meet up with TG Lynn for the run. We have diffeent distances to do - 8 for Kate, 10 for me, and 16 for Lynn. so we run the first 8 together talking and having a good time. It was warm out there, but thanks to Kate's cold water face squirts it kept us cool! (And we dodged Ann and Margo's attempts at taking us out while they were riding).
Of course afterwards my legs are like lead.
hmm...triathlon tomorrow?
IronGreg and I headed up to check out the race site, which is was quite familiar with. We drove the bike course to get an idea of what kinds of hills we had ahead of us. with Blake's Blue Ridge rides, I wasn't too intimidated. But I knew right away thatmy goal times would no longer happen thanks to the morning's long brick. I was most nervous about the trail run. I had only done one ever! and i heard this was a hard one! But i didn't want to get a preview of what I had ahead of me there. I might not show up in the morning! But luckily I received a call from trail runner extrodonaire, Twila. That woman can run on trails for days without stopping. And still be smiling and fresh. She's a butterfly!
so we had a good night's eats and sleeps at the Boar's Head. things are laid out. Wake up call has been ordered. time for bed.

Phone rings.
There is no snozze button on the phone.
Time to get up.
normal race morning. we eat. get dressed and pack the car. Being this is only a "workout" for both of us there were little nerves - oddly.
I set up in transition. get body marked. Timeing chip. All the normal pre-race needs.
nothing exciting. Although I did find out that no one but Kate and I did the saturday workout! What were we thinking?!
except - there were lots of TG's out there including Coach G making a guest appearance - even if only for the swim!

Swim:
The swim felt good. I didn't push it out of my comfort zone and just focused on my stroke and sighting. As I began to round the first lap I couldn't figure out which buoy I was swimming towards! I had to pause a few times and finally some guys from the wave behind me started passing me and I could follow their caps as I got back in line. I was feelign good, not tired or anything as I began to exit the water. hmmm, maybe I could have pushed it a little more? But then I began to run up the hill to transition and realized my legs felt like the mud I just ran through.
T1:
I actually had to sit down and put my socks and shows on b/c my legs were like lead.
Bike:
As soon as we leave transition it's a long uphill. My legs didn't want to work. This is where mentally I started losing my game face. People were passing me like I was standing still. I was recounting my swim in my head thinking I should have pushed it a little more and coming to terms with being last in my AG in the swim and probably at the end of the day, too. About 10 minutes into the bike a few people in my AG passed me on the bike. My legs couldn't spin to catch them, so I thought to myself - at least I wasn't the last out of the water like I was thinking. about 15 minutes into the bike I decided today was jsu tnot my day and I should just turn in my chip. I was done. My legs were fried from Saturday's workout. (I was cursing Coach Blake at this time. I mean how could this make me stronger?!). I passed the first turn of volunteers - they were so cheerful and supportive - how cold I ask them how do I turn in m chip? I had never done that before, what is the process to DNF? I'll ask the next set of volunteers. As I come up to them they, too, are so cheerful and supposrtive, I just can't ask them! Next thing I know I am half way through the bike. Why stop now? I'm half way there. just go with it. As I am comign back into the park a few more people pass me including one of my friends - who started 2 waves behind me! what! am i slacking that much! guess I better kick it up! We come back into the park and I eat up the downhill. Curl into aero and crank int ot hat hard gear. Wheeeeeeeeee. Hop off the bike and slip into my nice white sneakers and head off to the trails.
T2:
I quickly grab n go! I felt fast in T2. at lest I felt fast sometime during the day! haha
Run:
It ws nice surroundings, but I was so busy looking at the ground I couldn't really take it all in. I was really felling that long workout now! So I jsut kept reminding myself that this was jsut a workout and not a rae like most people out here. I kept telling my self to have the feet of a deer and float like a butterfly - twila's advice. The trail was narrow and peopel were passing me so much "on my left", that my right thigh is scratched up from tress/bushes/etc - but that only makes me look tough, right? I find that runnin guphill hurts my calves so I allow myself to walk up them. I get into my groove when IronGreg's friend passes me walking up a hill. Oh hell no! so I pick it up and bam - down I go. Total bummer! Luckily I caught myself and didn't relaly eat it. the guy behind me yells out "nice save". and I start laughing to myself about the ass shot he just got as I stick it up in the air in spandex trying to catch my fall. awesome. no wonder he was struggling back there! Next thing I know I am done with lap one and heading back in for another lap of trail goodness. now I am feeling good and now I am FINALLY the one passing lots of people! I uess all those people that took off too fast in the beginning are paying for it now. See - slow and steady wins the race (at lest that's i tell myself, but I have yet to come close to winning a race). The last mile has lots of up hills and I have come to terms with not hitting any of my goals. Out of the woods and kick it up for the finish line.
Mission Accomplished.
So I may not have hit any of my goal times, but I did get two rock solid workouts in - and finish them!
and what I am mostly proud of myself for is overcoming the mental block of wanting to quit and PUSHing through.
and I wasn;t the only person having a rough day. but it's all a part of training.
Timberman here I come!

Afterwards IronGreg and I had the brunch buffet and I was sur to eats lots of bacon - it's protein, right? and the blueberry cobbler...um I had to replenish my sugar?
Then we spent the day touring Monpelier - the home of James Madison - our country's 4th president and one of the founding fathers of the constitution.

Then for the evening festivities...refer to Margo's Shark Week extravaganza.

and now - poor IronGreg is sick :(
good thing I am having lots of chicks drinking wine and jewelry shopping at his house tonight so he is scared to come home!

PS - today I am taking a rest day. forget swimming! (sorry Coach JP!)

The Sound of (Cycling) Music

as we went out for "Torturous Tuesdays" ride, a deeer zoomed out across the road in front of us.
Pretty common.
But for some reason this time I started singing...
Do - a deer a female deer
Ra - a drop of golden sun
Mi - a name I call myself
Fa - a long long way to ruuuun
So - a needle pulling thread
La - a note to follow So
Ti - a drink with jam and bread
and that brings us back to Do

fortunately, for my team mates sanity, I sang most of this in my head.

IMUSA

Date: July 26, 2009

Place: Lake Placid, NY

Looks like next July I will be cheering on the competitors at Ironman USA.

A handful of my training partners and IronGreg have registered to take on this challenge!

Weekend

~ Friday night I was able to take advantage of the RTC open water swim in the nice clean James River. I hadn't beenin open water or done a long swim since White Lake. Man I need more of them. It was good - and better since followed by Chipotle.

~ Saturday I rode 60 miles. I did the first loop with some training buddies and then the 2nd loop by myself. It was hot and my water bottles were going fast. Luckily we rode by my sister's farm, so ont he 2nd loop I called her to let her know I was coming by for more fluids. Hoever, this requires walking for about 15 minutes up their gravel drive - in bike shoes. I gave baby David a kiss. He pooed. haha. That afternoon at packet pick-up I realized that when I left the ride int eh morning I left my front wheel behind. I was working packet pick-up, so luckily JRo trucked up to where I rode to see if it was still there and thankfully it was.

David begins triathlon training at just 6 weeks old.

~ Sunday was the 3 sports Sprint triahtlon produced by the RTC. I was in charge of the trainsition area. Let me just say - is it that hard to wait until the last biker is off the course to take your bike out of transition? There are some rude/inconsiderate people out there. I won't mention that 2 of my frends were yelled! at by some guy (I think it was the same guy) for a. having to have his bib to receive his post-race food (chipotle). and b. that his placement was nit high enough to receive an award. please note: these items were all covered on the website and in race meetings. But besides buttheads, it was a grat time. It was HOTTTTTTT. But los of people are now triathlon finishers! and PR's were had regardless of the heat.

~ Post-race massage and boating. Check gas gauge prior to leaving dock. Or check beer stash to make sure you do not run out of beer while stranded waiting for gas. But when all else fails. start a noodle canon war. Ready? Aim. FIRE!

Riding in THE Tour

Last night I had an easy hour to spin on the bike.

My knee was hurting.

It was hot outside.

motivation waasn't pouringout of me.

So...

the trainer was set up in the living room

in front of the TV

viewing le Tour de France.

It was so fun spinning away like I was in a peloton with these fools and wearing the yellow jersey of course.

Look at me go...I'm drafting now! Weeeeeeee!

(I am not going to mention how tight IronGreg had the trainer for my easy spin...grrr

I think I was sweating more the guys in France. - haha)

When Life Hands You Lemons

Note: this post has nothing to do with triathlons or training.
I recieved a phone call from a girlfriend yesterday and she told me of a story.
It's a story that is not funny, but you can't help but laugh.
Seriously, kids, you can't make this shit up.

So thre was this girl -we'll call her Sue.
Sue was dogsitting for a couple - we'll name them Tom and Alice.
Tom and Alice explain to Sue that their dog, a 70+lb lab mix, is old and not so healthy. the vet is on standby and will pick the dog up if he gets sick.
The first night there the do starts making odd noises, so Sue calls the vet. Unfortunately the vet is closed for the weekend.
Shortly thereafter, the dog dies.
sue is stumped on what to do. The vet that would pick the dog up is closed so now she is stuck at home with a heavy dog that doesn't walk. And she doesn't have a car either.
so Sue gets the idea to put the dog in a suitcase (youhave to give her creativity points) and take the city bus to the emergency vet to take care of the dog.
As she is boarding the bus a man helps her lug this heavy bag onto the bus. He inquires why her bag is so heavy. Frantic about the truth, she explains to him that she has herlife in there - including lap top and school books since she is going back to school (creative thinking once again).
As the bus gets to the stop for the emergency vet, Sue realizes the man that she told this story to is getting up get off the same stop. she worries that he is going to see her walk into the vet and realize she lied. Luckily he goes the other direction - shew.
So as she gets ready to wak in the vet she gets a tap on the shoulder
She turns around and the guy punches her in the face and runs off with the suitcase!

Talk about a bad day.

Cycling Etiquette

We all have new goals and challenges for ourselves.
And in conquering these challenges we are spending more time riding on the road. It's nice outside, so we shoul dbe off the trainers and enjoying the outdoors and all that surrounds us.

However, one thing that has come up recently is our group's Cycling Etiquette.
Sure you put a bunch of girls together nd we want to chit chat - I mean we are sitting onthe bike for 3+ hours. In doing so, we are all in need of a refresher course in things to keep in mind.
I used the power of google to compile a lit of all things cycling etiquette (move over miss manners!)
1. Obey all traffic signs and signals. This includes traffic lights and stop signs. If in doubt what the laws are be conservative
2. Communicate with your fellow riders, using proper cycling terms, such as "On your left," "Car back," etc.
• Car back ... move to single file on the right hand side of the road or shoulder. Give way to the car... they are bigger than you and they will win.
• On your left ... allow the person coming up behind you to pass safely within the lane; not crossing over into the other lane. If necessary move to the right. (I like to say the person's name I am going to pass, if i know it, so i can be sure to catch their attention and not frighten them as I pass. this can be tricky on downhoils, though - as it's hard to hear anything over the wind so speak up then)
3. Stay to the right, except to pass. Pass on the left side only. Do not pass on the right. (this is one that needs attention)
4. Do not cross center line regardless of passing zone.
5. Use proper signals when turning. Make left turns from the center of the road or left turn lane. Cross railroad tracks at right angles.
6. Ride in control of your bike at all times (i.e. being able to stop within a reasonable distance.)
7. Ride defensively, in consideration of your fellow riders.
8. Don't use Aero bars in a group
9. Point out and call out any road hazards ahead. These include potholes, drain grates, stray animals, opening car doors, sticks or stones, parked cars, etc. (just simply point to them)
10. Do not overlap wheels. A slight direction change or gust of wind could easily cause you to touch wheels and fall.
11. Pedal down hill when you are at the front of the bunch. Cyclists dislike having to ride under brakes!
12. When climbing hills, avoid following a wheel too closely. Many riders often lose their momentum when rising out of the saddle on a hill which can cause a sudden deceleration. This can often catch a rider who is following too closely, resulting in a fall from a wheel touch.

I am sure I will find more as I continue to research. But let's keep these in mind. Trying out some of the local group rides would probably help, too. I know RABA offers a variety of rides and Team Nature'sPath is always willing to help, too. I have been to their workshops and are very informative.

Trails

This morning I headed out to trail run with two of my friends, TG40 and Bethany. It was my first time trying this out. It was not easy. Hills, rock, and spider webs - oh my! But of course we are glutton for punishment and decided this should become a weekly adventure. Crazy? Clearly!

The Running Skirt

My team was recently asked to participate in a video for Runner's World on the running skirt. After filming I was aksed to "star" in the video. We all had such a blast making it - we laughed the whole time. And a big congrats to camerawoman Kate Hoof - who recently had an article on her accomplishments in Runner's World just last month!

Enjoy!

Tagged by KO

10 years ago I was....
1998 - I waws a sophomore in college partying in up and changing majors from dance with a concentrationin performance and choreography to Interior Design - a wise decision.

5 years ago I was.....
2003 - I moved to Richmond and was making new friends and learning about my new home - that I thought I would only live in for 2 years and then go on about my merry way and somehoe I am still here and am okay with that!

1 year ago I was.....
2007 - joined the world of triahtlons. my life will never be the same. I met amazing girls and did 3 sprints, 1 olympic, 1 half, and 1 marathon - a bunch of firsts for me!
and I also started dating the most wonderfullest boyfriend ever, IronGreg. he is such a lucky guy! (can you believe it's been a year already!)

5 things on my to-do list today:
- work
- run (done!)
- lift weights (done!)
- bike
- pack

5 snacks I enjoy:
- cheez its
- cheese - all kinds, all forms.
- hummus
- ice cream
- leftovers

If I was a billionaire I would:
- buy a house.
- buy a vacation home
- donate
- retire.

6 people I would want to have lunch with tomorrow:
- IronGreg, he is a fun date afterall
- my dad
- God
- Oprah
- ALL my friends! (how fun would that be!!)

5 places I have lived:
- Charlotte
- Raleigh
- Atlanta
- Richmond

5 jobs I have had:
- Patricia McLean Interiors, Inc.
- TM Collaborative, Inc.
- Cornerstone Architects
- Perretz and Young Architects
- Glave and Holmes Associates

SNELLS,
Tag, you're it!

BRP Pictures

Before....
coach Blake explains the yuminess of the BRP

climbing the mountain

thumb's up for Timberman 70.3 training

the turnaround point. it was gorgeous.

i swerved in on the way down to capture the moment

we finished! following this was a nap.

mmm now this was yummy.

why yes those are our water bottles. no alcoholic beverages were allowed.

the rusty pig

My Triboy, IronGreg

Yesterday, my IronGreg participated in the Charlottesville Sprint (while I stayed in Richmond and got a massage like a good girlfriend) He did so good I am so proud! What a way to re-start the season!

Swim - .3 miles (but I think it ended up being longer): 8:11 (16 overall)
T1 - 1:08 (15 overall)
Bike - 16.5 miles: 47:21 (2 overall)
T2 - :38 (9 overall)
Run - 5k: 22:30 (25 overall)

Total 1:19:46 (3 out of 168 males)

First Adventures on the BRP

BRP = Blue Rdige Parkway.

Saturday I did it. I rode the BRP. and could still walk afterwards, too! Similar to Ozzie and Harriett, there are the Mis-Adventures of the BRP.

Animals to report:

- lots of catapillars. I think they were crossing the road like an annual Grunion run (think of Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead). I tried to steer around the catapillars as best I could. I apologized to those who were smooshed previously and to those I may have smooshed myself.

- a rooster. at one parking lot area there was a rooster.

and last but not least...

- a bear. not a goat, but a bear. (although we did see goats on the way home) yes I know I was by myself and without camera when I saw this bear. But i swear I really did. he was up on the rocks walking around. and not the cute snuggly kind. I decided he is a teenager. he wasn't little - so not a cub. but wasn't big so not a daddy. she could have been a petite female. whaever the sex and age - the thing was real and if he fell off the rocks I would have been smooshed like those catapillars. however I was going about 7 or 8 mph when I saw him and I found myself kicking it up to 12 - we were on a deent incline. talk about motivation!

The ride:

we started out at mile 13 and rode tomile 0 to re-group. The downhills were amazing! I hit 42.5 a new bike record.

then we rode back up to mile 13 to again regroup and refuel as needed. this is when the bear was spotted. katie's husband said he could smell a bear in the area - i guess my bear friend had BO.

from there the TM group headed up to mile 23 - I think this was 10 miles uphill. I kept thining about how great the return trip was going to be! I did well, though, if I have to say so myself. There were a few moments when I thought my hip flexors were going to explode, but overall I felt good the whole time. On the way up we passed a girl that a. was on a mountian bike, b. was in sneakers, and c. she had her apartment on her bike. I waited for the crew at the look out point on mile 23 where we were joined by a crew of honda drivers. they kindly took pictures of us - with our cameras and their own. i am curious where those pictures pmay end up. hmmm. but hen we saw the girl trucking along and we gave her a standing ovation for her effort. we were impressed sa she pushed onward and upward.

now the fun part - 10 miles downhill. i mean it ws almost al uphill on the way here, right. um no. hmm. i don't remember these hills that I am climbing on the way up. where did they come from.

we return to the parking lot and don our sneakers for a run. we are suppoed to do 50 minutes. but now we are tired so we think 30 minutes sounds good. My legs had the qualities of jell-o. I did a 4-1 run/walk. I went out for 15 minutes. and made it back in 10. hmmmm. oh well.

made it back to home base consumed a few adult beverages and tasty treats and we headed to the "rusty pig" for some eats. (ps - has anyoen else tried pomegranate michelob ultra - now that's yummy!!!)

shout out to jeff for the ride. it was a great little carpool. i look forward to the next one (shhh don't tell blake)

then - back to packing!

pictures to come! and they are goooood.

London Times Obituary

JRo recently posted a great article that I thought I would continue to pass on. Take a look.

A Shot at Fave (not quite the same as Tila Tequila)

Every morning as I get in my office, people scurry aorund drinking their coffe to get eh morning caffeine jolt.

Me - not so much.

I have never tasted coffee nor do I care to.

I love my non fat green tea latte's and the sort.

But every morning my routine is to drink a hot chocolate.

even in the summer.

it's so yummy!

well twice a week before my morning work routine i hit the gym for a run and sometimes weights, too - if i get up early enough for both.

I have been a fan of Clif products. especially shot blocks and peanut butter pretzel mojo bars. mmm.

But now Clif has won my heart.

They have introduced a new recovery drink. hot chocolate! seriously! i mean how FAVulous is that?! so i can do my morning workout, get to work and drink my routine hot chocolate. and it's all part of post-workout recovery. I can't wait to try it out!

What's been going on?

Saturday the brother and I showed up at the TG bike. Althoug he could have chosen to ride with IronGreg, he was wise and chose to ride with a bunch of chicks instead of staring at IronGreg's rear wheel. Smart boy. He chose us chicks. So we get to the ride. I am scheduled to ride 35 and run 10. But bummer- there are only 2 of us doing 35 and everyone else is scheduled 50. Blakey Blake rearranges my schedule so I can ride 50 with the group and then just run 10 on sunday. Sure this sounds good at the time.
The ride starts out great. Lots of drafting off fast people like Karen and Shelley - thanks girls! Around mile 35/40 I am staring to really feel sluggish. Like I can't even draft. I PUSH on thru (way to use that word from January!). The last 5-10 miles are smooth again. And sigh. back to the car.
Now fast forward to Sunday. I refuse to get up early. IronGreg and I decide to watch Xterra. And who do we see? Shawn and Karen! I would like to take a moment to brag about my awesome team mates. Keep in mmind they were both riding strong the 50 from the day before. they both participated in the Sport Distance race. and after finishing they found out that they BOTH won their age groups! and came in 4th and 11th overall! i mean hello! that pretty much rocks my socks. they looked gret afterwards and i hope they are displaying their awards proudly.
so back to training. right, remember that 10 miles? ugh. do i have to? why decide to go along with this? hmph. okay. i fuel up with the best wrap in richmond - the cali club from palani drive (which can i note that it has been their special everyday for the passed 6 months - it should be a menu staple!) i pack a few more boxes and get dressed for the gym. (b/c yes i am wussing out of doing it outside). I hit up the elliptical and knocked it out. I was told to take it easy, and easy it what I did. the first 6.2 miles I averaged well over 10:00/miles. So the last 3.8 I averaged 9:40. not bad.
then monday came. and i got word tha tmy condo closing has again been pushed back...til july 31st. so I spent the evening with the realtor writing my addendum and then ditching swim practice to pack. at least i was productive. that makes me feel better for slacking in the pool for a night.
then came tuesday. hill ride wih Blakey Blake. my legs were still feeling heacvy from the long weekend workout. since I knew the route I was aksed to lead the group out - ha! about 10 miles out someone could tell I was struggling and offered to pull. I was not embracing the hills. and did i mention they were hill repeats. but ont he way back in sandee gave me a sweet pull and yanked me in to keep my average up. that girl is tearingup the bike - i'm so proud of my winter running buddy! i've missed her! (ps she is now a certified personal trainer!)
and that brings us back to doe. a deer.
oh wait. i mean it brings up back to today.

Introducing...

Frederick David

Frederick - family name on my brother-in-law's side

David - our late father's name

Little Buddy

This morning at 12:41am I became an aunt!
Name: TBD but for now we keep calling him Little Buddy
Weight: 8lbs, 9ozs
Length: 20 3/4"
Baby, Mommy, and daddy are doing great!
Happy Birthday, Little Buddy!
I can't wait to meet him this afternoon!

Are you a runner?

After training this morning I of course ran errands sportin the spandex. As I was walking into Target I was on the phone with a friend when I realized how common it has become for me to walk around town in my spandex. I am standing in line to try on some new bathing suits (have to get rid of a tan line before a wedding in two weeks! yikes) the girl in front of me asks me "Are you a runner". I reply "yes". bu ti have never thought of myself as a runner. But it felt good and natural to say yes. I felt like I should add "but I am not super fast or anything" but no need for people to know that. they can wonder and think i am super speedy. but, yeah. i am a runner. more than that - I am a trigirl! woot! woot! (ok i think the heat is getting to me - time to go lay out!)

Cheer

It's Hot.
It's Hot.
It's hot out here.
There must be TRIGIRLS in the atmosphere!

(okay so I was a cheerleader in middle school - are we surprised?!)

98 degrees before noon. Yowsers.

Etc...

I keep meaning to update you, blog. But life happens.
A quick recap...

~ IM Brazil people did great, especially with rough swim conditions and a language barrier.
~ My little sisters did great at their first triahtlons this past weekend.
~ I have ridden lots of hills lately and with the last two weekends being in southwet virginia I saw wildlife while riding, too.
~ Shout out to team traveller, who i found via google, and met me at my hotel (I was at a wedding) to take me on a training ride.
~ congrats to my roomie on her recent engagement.
~ the condo process is having a hic-cup and most likely will not be done before closing is scheduled. my realtor is kicking ass and taking names for me.
~ I have been traveling to Pinehurst for work more and having to juggle the training schedule accordingly.
~ I am getting tired of traveling and am off to denver in two weeks for another wedding. yay jackie and chris.
~ my sister is having a baby any minute now. i told her if i am out of town I ask that she cross her legs until I get back. thanks, sis.
~ I got new sneakers, so hopefully the shin pain will go away and I won't get blisters either.
~ i had more to note, but am so brain fried that I forgot.

Cycling Double Header

This past weekend was the cycling Double Header. It's two cycling events that ended up ont ehsame weekend over the years and there fore it's a double header - althouhg we found out they are techinically two events. IronGreg, myself, Adam and Jennn (with 3 n's :) )headed up to the Blacksburg area for the weekend.

Friday...
We drive to pacet pick-up. this is at a local hotel. Well I can't even begin to explain the way packet pick up was set up b/c I am not sure he organizers knew. the event was not expensive and it showed in our packets. they were grocery bags with a t-shirt and a map in it. Well, at lesat they are being...green? Next we head off to the camp site. Yes, I do enjoy camping. (and yes, I wore my faux pearls for the weekend). We sent up our tents and headed into Blackburg for some eats. After walking around main Street for a while we picked a grille called "Big Al's". This was an adventure in itself. All I can say is "I heard the meart part, but not the balls". just go with it and use your imagination. After a few hours to eat, we headed back to the camp and immediately hit the tents for some sleep. As we lay there it started to rain. It was so nice hearing the gentle rain drops pitter patter on the top of the tent. The sound of the river babbling in the background. Then the rain picks up - good thing we have the rain cover on! Then hooooonk hooooonk. screeeeeeeech. What was that? A train? I tell Greg clearly that cannot be a train and he replies well it's not like it will happen all night. so we go to sleep.

Saturday...
We wake up bright and early to head to the Wilderness Road Race - 38 mile route. But not before discussing the trainS. Yes, plural - trains. They were on both sides of the river. And there is a crossing- so they have to honk their horn. And it's curve so they screech along the rails. And did i mention one comes about every 20-30 minutes? Yeah. It was chilly, so we pulled up the arm warmers and headed off on the course. About a quarter mile in we all (about 20 of us) miss a turn - oops. (ok so greg did go the right way) As we continue on the ride we see lots of great views and hook up with a guy named michael. turns out he was the orignila RD of the Wilderness Road Ride. A native of Christiansburg, we added a little to the course and he showed us some of the sights. The silver Bullet enjoyed being back out, excpt she was quite squeaky to let me know she was jealous of my new relationship with Diamond. fianlly we found a SAG guy to grease me up. And then I was able to hit the granny gear on those hills. I learned about how much practice I need with hills. And that it's more important to keep cadence up. But I finsihed all 2500 feet of climbing. Afterwards I put on my old running shoes (I no longer like my nike's) and went out for a quick 20 minute run. I wanted to run longer, but my shins told me otherwise. Stupid shins.
Afterwards we met up with Dom and went back into town for wings then a campfire. No we did not sing songs, but we did make s'mores!

Sunday...
well the morning was not as cold and not wet from rain. And I started ot tune out the trains. Interesting. The guys all headed out for the 102 mile Mountains of Misery. Jenn and I cleaned up camp and then surprised the guys on a "lolloipop" part of the ride. They were surprised to see us the first time, but as they apssed again they were posing. Clearly this was planned. I cannot explain the pose - will post the picture when I receive it. It was classic. The ride ended at Mountain Lake. This is where the movie Dirty Dancing was mainly filmed. Unfortunately they were not playing the soundtrack at the finish line. We did notice a few of the sights and reminsced on a classic movie. The ride ends at the top of a 6 mile climb with an average grade of 12%. Yeah. no thanks. This ride was 102 miles long with 10,000 feet of climbing. gross. Adam was first to come in and behind him was Greg and Dom pushing it out side by side.

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

This morning was the Carytown 10k. No, this doesn't really go with my training right now, but since I missed the big monument Avenue 10k I wanted to do one. (big mistake)

The Good
~ I got up and ran a 10k even though I could have easily slept in.
~ I PR'd on a bad day

The Bad
~ This was not a chip timing system so the times are not accurate with the mass start. Frustrating! I have to remind myself this was a fun race and times don't matter b/c I can't help but be frustrated.
~ I had a pity party afterwards (okay all day) even though I PR'd. And I can't help but not be satisfied with my time (yes I know i am hard on myself I hear it all the time but it's who I am)

And The Ugly
~ I had to walk. I just finished a freaking half ironman! And my knee was going to explode and my shin was going to rip out the front of my leg. On mile 3 I had to stop and stretch and it took me 11 minutes!!!! Why do I still have days when my knee just hurts. I am trying hard to take care of it. It bothered me last Thursday morning so I took thursday afternoon off. It's just so frustrating. And now I am off on a business trip for 3 days and will only be able to run.

A Yummy Lunch

Today I found myself walking over to the James Center YMCA. this is locatedint he heart of downtown and offers 45 minutes lunch time classes. I keep telling myself to get my butt over there, and have even bookmarked the web page. But my gympage comes to work...and goes home without being opened (well durign the day that is)

Today I did it! I met my friend Katharine for Ball class. knowing how much ball work Marco Diable has u sdo this has to be good, right. Well, after the yumminess served by Marco, this one seemed kind of dinky. I mean I did break a sweat...but not really. So I am glad I went, but I think I will be usign this time for free weights Marco style instead of the class.

but it was a yummy lunch!

Swish Swish Swish Little Fish

At Patriot's Half my swim time was 49 minutes (includes getting lost oops)

At White Lake Half my swim time was 44 minutes.

A difference of 5 minutes in 7 months.

Timberman is 3 months away...what kind of strides can I make in the pool in that time I wonder. I know I need to stay in the Goldfish laneand push myself thru without losing my form (which is why I sometimes go back to the Guppy lane to work on form per the coach)

Last night I was back in action at Masters class.

The water seemed colder thean normal.

and I was in the Goldfish lane! AAAHHH!!!

Luckily TriMom was there too!

But....I stayed in the Goldfish lane and hung on strong.

Then we ended the night doing "races" Coach JP split us up into random lanes - so many people from each ability lane to form a mish mosh of abilities). Then...9x50 all out sprints. It felt great, but I didn't think my arms would work afterwards. In the beginning of class I thought about going to the TG swim that takews place at another pool 30 minutes after Masters is over. But after the sprints...I could hear my laundry calling and I think 2250 meters was enough.

I can't wait for next Monday!

Week 1

Today starts week one of Timberman 70.3 training.
Masters here I come.
(and I will stop going back down a lane)

Retail Therapy

Yeseterday I was Miss Cranky Pants.

I was throwing a pity party for everything imaginable...my slow bike split, the scale, having to buy furniture.

Then I met up with mom and Grandma. We went to Costco and DSW.

Sure enough I woke up this morning and hit the gym, got along with the scale, and I am feeling good.

I am a firm believer in retail therapy.

Post Race Blues

There is lots of research done on the post-race blues.
Well, I got em.
But not the kind they study.
Mine...is about the food.
I have held on to an extra 4lbs all week. (and does show! and I am still hanging onto that 7 I put on over the winter, too)
I am drinking my water watching my coworkers eat ice cream cake while my body is asking for the afternoon meal.
This is no fun.

Cinco de Mayo continues

no worries I am working on my race report.
as i eat my leftover taco bell.
yes, taco bell. i love that place and yesterday was cinco de mayo.

i realized something intersting this morning.
my 1st half marathon was in 2006
I finished in 2:54
My 2nd half marathon was in 2008
I finished in 2:04
A difference of 50 minutes

1st half iron in 2007
Finished in 7:24
2nd half iron in 2008
Finished in 6:34
A difference of 50 minutes.

I am sensing pattern here.
Last year I did my first marathon, which means this yea'r swill be my 2nd.
hmm I wonder if I can shave off 50 minutes.
Is this the year of 50???

White Lake Turns Pink

The lake formerly known to be White Lake is now officially Pink Lake.
With a chill in the air and dew drops on the grass and bikes, race morning had arrived.

*Flashback*

I was constantly refreshing the screen on my computer on the Set Up Events Website waiting for the registration to open. I knew I had about an hour so I quickly headed off for a trip to Target. while shopping for the ever important beauty products, my phone rang - the wolfpack fight song - my brother's personalized ring tone. Registration opened early! Eek! I'm a target! I scurry over to a corner and read him my credit card information so he can sign me up! Shew. Mission Accomplished. I rushed home and the forum was going nutty with everyone trying to log in and register. Finally- we were all in. I was going to do another half ironman.


The days passed of spening hours on the trainer and lifting weights at Maramarc.
Meeting the girls for early morning runs.
These are the memories of triathlons that I can't put into words in a blog.


*Flashforward*



Friday, May 2nd
Greg and I drove down to the middle of nowhere. Seriously.
White lake is outside of Clinton.
Clinton is outside of Fayetteville.
Fayettevillle is outside of Raleigh.
somehow - we got cell phone reception in them there parts. I can't knock my home state, but man there were thick accents.

The whole way down my stomach wasn't feeling so good. Not nerves which I defintiely was feeling, but sick feeling. Oh no! I ate my pb and j and pretzels and drank my gatorade, but really I just wanted to puke. (nice thought huh)

We arrive at the race site - the FFA. mom and brother were there waiting for us. Packet pick-up was the fastest ever. The stomach started feeling better. Yay! I saw a lot of my girls painted cars and everything.

Greg, the Brother, and I shimmied into our wetsuits and headed into the lake for a swim. The water was nice. Not too cold - but not too warm either. We worked on drills and I even showed my brother my not-so-graceful butterfly drill I was learning. then we met up with more friends and finally made our way to dinner...Hibachi!

Full bellies and the bags are packed...time for a good night's sleep.


Saturday, May 3rd - Race Day
Swim...
the water was nice. Margo, Kate and I were in the same wave - the silver caps!
the gun goes off and so do we! I think of my drills and start off hard to get through the group. I settle into my pace and take my time. I try to find people to draft off of, but everyone's in front of me. Oh well. I swim buoy to buoy and they go by before I know it. In the beginning I have to settle into breathing and the wetsuit. Ok I get that in check. As I am in the middle section once again my hair keeps getting stuck on the velcro strap and dang it hurts and it's annoying. I pause a few times to get that under control so I can focus on my stroke. I did pass one boater...now I appreciate you being out here for us. really, i do. but please turn off your engine - I can smell and taste the gas in the water. I am heading for my last portion back to the dock. Really? already? I feel like I just got out here. As I run to trainsition I pass Greg, Erin, and Emmie and Greg yells that I am right on time. I look down and see 44 minutes on my watch. I wanted to finish in 40-45 minutes - at least I broke 45 minutes.
Time - 44:52
Pace - 2:07
A/G - 17/21

Bike...

I quickly hop on the bike and I'm off. Going downt he first stretch and people ar epassing me like I am standing still. I look down and I am doing roughly 20mph which is great for me so I try to tune out the speesters flying by. I focus on my nutrition plan and try not to think about my average. (I have a bad habit of looking at it throughout the ride) Then as I close my bento box I hit the button and my computer is showing me my cadence and not time. I need it to show time since I eat every 15 minutes. As I click the buttons to get it back it passes my average speed - 19.8! Heck yeah I think to myself! If I can hold this up for another 36 miles I'll be golden! then the firt right turn comes. BAM! The wind strongarms me. I think it might actually bring me to a stop. I actually wished I was bigger so maybe the wind wouldn't be able to blo wme around so much. another girl and I hopscootch around eah other throughout the course egging each other on to pass each other and push harder. I try not to push too terribly hard, though- I heard the last 15 miles are the hardest and I don't want to kill it before finishing! Finally another turn. I think to myself how happy I am going ot be to not have headwind anymore! I turn right...and I think the wind might push me over sideways. Geez Louise - what is this nonsense! But I tell myself everyone has to race through it so I jsut have to PUSH! I am feeling good again and realize...I'm in the last 15 miles...this isn't the hardest part! I pedal as hard as I can back into transition.

Time - 3:20:49

Pace - 16.73

A/g - 17/21

Run...

And i'm off...and there's a water stop. Immediately as I begin my run I get a cramp in my quad/knee. Last year I had lots of cramping problems so I have been working on avoiding these. I get to mile 2 and go ahead and take an e-cap aka magic pill. Before I get to mile 2, though, I see my brother finishing his first lap! What a way to start the run. He looks at his watch and says he will see me soon. I keep on going cheering on my friends as we pass each other on the course. There were so many of us out there I swear I couldn't stop smiling b/c being out there with everyone made me so happy! A few miles later and I hear this voice from behind..."When I say red you say white. RED!" me: "WHITE!" My brother passes me..."When I say wolf, you say pack. WOLF!". me: "PACK!" We do a quick little Wolfpack cheer and he scurries on passed me. (he has longer legs - that's my excuse). I pass a guy and he turns to me and asks "are you always smiling" I said "I try!" The run course was hot with minima to no shade. Luckily they had thse nasty but great towels in ice buckets at every aid station. they were so nice! I leave an aid station with one guy as he starts complainging to me. really? this is not the time. He whines about the heat (ps dude we are all hot). I told him - at least he could feel theheat. then he whines aboutbeing tired (umm aren't we all) I tell him at least he can run to get tired. the I leave him. so long Mr. Optimisic! Some people I swear. Next time you get tired think of Team Hoyt with a person on your back! or the person passing you...with only one leg. Look around you and take it in. how can you not smile! Then as I am finishing up on the run I pass some volunteers and make sure the thank them. they were young kids picking up the trash. One boy responds "Hey can i get your number? ya know, later". I look at him laugh and say "NO" Seriously?! He was all of 14 and I am dying in the heat! Boys will be boys I suppose. Final stretch on my way in I try to pick it up a little. Last 2 miles...cramp! cramp! well shit! I walk it out have a conversation with my calf and let it know we are on the way in so it better behave. Then I see a few more TG's - blow them kisses and I turn the last water stop. (I just got goosebumps typing that). I kick it up. Excsue me - move over here I come!

Time: 2:24:02

Pace: 10:59 (yikes!)

A/G: 16/21

I start running down the finish chute and hear my mom and Greg and friends! I did it!

Time 6:34:50

A/G: 15/21

I really wanted to finish in 6:15-6:24. But I will take 6:34. Last year I finished in 7:24 so I shaved FIFTY minutes off! Man no stitches and taking care of the knee sure does help! Although I did not hit my pace goals in any of the legs, I made strides in my race and focused on nutrition which was one of my key goals overall.

How much longer until Timberman???

(more pictures to come...)

White Lake Half Iron

I finished.

Race report to come.

Here we go, Pink Lake! Here we go! (clap clap)

the countdown...is down.
I leave tomorrow.
I race on saturday.

I have made my lists of what needs to get done each night so I don't get overwelmed.
I have made my lists of what is needed each day (and leg) so I know what to pack.

The next time I swim - it will be in White Lake.
The next time I ride my bike - well that's tonight.
the next time I ride my bike forlonger than 30 minutes and at race pace - will be at White Lake.

The training is done. And it's been a fun 5 months - as always.
This is where the mental training is put to the test.
Why is this fun you may ask?

Fun: Sure there were times that I was sitting on a trainer for 3 hours "climbing hills" and many rides where my legs burned and my back hated me and my shorts never seemed to have enough padding to make it "comfortable".
But this is when Marco Diablo somehow makes this "yummy". And passing around the book of Would You Rather - Would you rather run a marathon in wooden shoes, or ride a cenutry with no bike seat?
Mental Training: So as I am riding 56 miles and may not have a soul in sight but the people in my head (it's okay they know me here), I will be able to hear the sound of laughter inside the gym at 6am on a Saturday with our eyes barely open (RE I am still waiting for your head holder invention). I can picture the bikes with a cup of starbucks in the cages. I can imagine Greg pulling me through the Rocky Mountains. And laugh at the thought that Jill attempted to wear a thong on a 70 mile ride. Well at least a girl was making sure she didn't have panty lines! And let's not mention I can have pride in my first race on Diamond.

Fun: Not only were there questionable bike sessions, but there are also those runs. Sure there was a week when I wasn't running except to the bathroom due to the plague. (still sad for missing the monument 10k), but man we had fun on the roads, too.
Mental Training: As I mosey from mile to mile walking through each water stop. i will think about Sharon, Molly, Shawn, and Mary - those girls have a rhythm. I will imagine I am jogging through the fan with SanDee as we pass the girl getting arrested - at 9am on a saturday..for what??? I sure can come up with some good stories n what she was up to! I'll think I'll stick with she was a Woman of the Night that stayed up passed her bed time - or would it be morning time?
Jill always came up with those long ass routes - that somehow we always incorporated Patterson turn-around and the Starbucks at Libbie - what really happened in that bathroom???
Patty - man that woman is consistent. She made it seem so easy.
Joan - she really made it seem too easy. I think she may have been walking as we ran.
Aimee and Tammy - maybe one day I can keep up with you...and Milo.
Margo and our early morning repeats. If memory serves me correct we earned speedy points for even meting at 6am on a weekday morning...in the snow!

Fun: Man I have a lot to think about. And I haven't even gotten to the swim! Uh oh - is this where the Tarzan drill kicks in??
Mental Training: Deanna B, Bethany, KO and the Gupfish. I love us.
Hmmm now should I do my butterfly drill duriong the swim? That might scare everyone away from me. But then who might I draft off of. Ok I will stick to freestyle.

Well, I started packing last night. And in the morning we are off.
The directions have been printed.
See you at PINK Lake.

and AG - don't google "pink lake" - especially at work! you dirty girl.

OH! and the weather. It's no longer predicted to be thundrstomrs all day, but now it's 85 partly cloudy with only a 20% chance of precip! keep those fingers crossed.