Attempting Ironman Wisconsin

So Now What...

2008-09-14T21:15:00.003-04:00

Well, I am no longer "Attempting Ironman Wisconsin". I am an Ironman!

However, random things still happen and I just feel the need to share. But, I can't use this blog any more because I am no 'attempting' any more. This part is over and I am ready to move on...

Life After IM Moo

(my new blog in case you didn't notice the link)

The Glorious GLORIOUS Finish

2008-09-14T19:23:00.005-04:00

People say there is nothing like it. And it's true, it is a feeling I have never even come close to having.

Kristin and Lauren got me up to State Street. I told them to turn right around the capital and wait for me at the finish. I had to go left, and would start running at the Walgreen's. More cheering, high 5's, and I was grinning ear to ear, still kind of in a bit of disbelief. I am talking to one guy from Mexico, his first Ironman too. He takes off on a run to finish. I hear Mike Riley's voice - the voice of Ironman, music, the crowds and it's better than I ever imagined.
2 people pass me and there are a few behind so I knew if I wanted the moment to my self, I had to run, and run now. So I did. I hear everyone cheering "GO AMANDA!!!" I keep looking, not sure who I know and who is just cheering, caught up in the energy that is an Ironman finish. So I keep running with a permanent smile. I see Jess, some other Teal shirts, and I just keep running.

They are playing "Shout" and I hear it.

"29 year old Amanda Chadwick from Washington DC, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!" I really don't know how I didn't break down right there. What a moment. I hold the banner for a picture (as Ryan instructed me to know what to do when I crossed) and this is close enough. I keep running and see Erin ready with my medal. Give her a huge hug. My 'catcher' can't really keep up... She does get my shirt, hat and sliver blanket. My picture is taken. Am offered a Coke/Sprite, told where the food and medical tent are located and released.

After all of that, I finally get to see my Teal supports. Huge hug to Mom and Dad. And EVERYONE else, and the tears just come down. I know there is a totally kick butt group picture, but I am not sure who has it.

What a feeling. Really. I know I just said that, but really. Wow.

I think back to this year. And the day. It was better than I could have ever imagined. And to share it with those who love and care about me, more than I can put into words.

Many parts through out the day I knew I would finish, others I didn't think I could. I mentioned I had pain I had never felt before. But I also felt support I have never felt before. For every negative thought, feeling, moment I had, there were about 10 positive ones (NOTE - I do realize this is being written a week after the race...)

I was told it would be a day you do on your own. As much as that is true, I have to disagree, and I am so lucky to say that.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. You have all made this dream come true.

13.1 and 13.1...

2008-09-13T15:19:00.010-04:00

Running 26.2 miles is too much to think about it. Again, 13.1 isn't too bad. So as I am biking up the helix, that is all I am thinking about. Just a 13.1 mile run after my 16 mile ride.

I knew Erin was in T2 so after a volunteer took Blain, I grabbed my bike to run bag, ran into the woman's change room and looked for Erin. She calls me right over and it was so great to see a friendly face. I change fast, thank her, tell her I will see her at the finish, and head out.

I see Mom and grab a hug as she takes a picture - too funny not to post. Get a bit more sunblock and start to head out.
I see a DC Tri jersey in front of me and it's Tony!!
We chat and he is gone before I hit the timing mat on T2. I have time for a few more hugs to people in teal and head out on my 13.1 mile jog.

I want to stick to my plan, 1:1 for the first mile, 2:1 later if I am feeling good. But on State street, for that first mile, there is no walking. You just can't. EVERYONE is cheering, and it is just awesome. My name is on my number so EVERYONE is yelling "Go Amanda", "Go Ironman Amanda" and I am slapping hands, waving, cheering - for those first 10 minutes, I feel light as a feather with no pain.

I start to steady my pace, enjoying my 1:1 and decide it's best to stick to that plan. My stomach is cramping, Accelerade and Gu aren't sitting, so pretzels, orange slices, grapes and water is all I take. I am fading, but trying to stay positive. Then the LARGEST HILL EVER comes and I don't even try to run. I see a guy 'littering' on the side who says he needs help. I talk to one guy who is barley walking due to his hamstring. Not good when I am only on mile 6.

Heading to the path around Lake Mendota, my legs start to tingle, then go numb. I don't know what is happening but all I know I am trying to just keep moving forward. This is the second time I don't know if I will be an Ironman.

But I started talking to this woman Gina. We have been leap frogging and getting to know each other in a way you can only truly understand when in this type of 'race' situation. It keeps me going and then I see signs ahead. My parents said they made one, so that is my new focus for the next mile or so, enough to take my mind off my numb legs.

Around mile 10 I see Rose. I tell her about my legs, not taking in calories and I was worried. She reassured me to just keep moving. Don't run, I will be fine and will be able to finish if I just keep moving. Oh, and Coach called and said to "stay strong". Come on, where is that "You rock, great job, so proud of you..." But that isn't the way Coach is and "stay strong" is actually what I needed.

Unfortunately, Dad was there about that time and I didn't notice until it was too late. I only say that because another note from Coach was to not "let your family see if you are in pain. They will be worrying enough, just smile and say how great and strong you are feeling". I had been doing that, but missed this one.

Anyway, around mile 12 you are back toward State Street, still crowds, and TEAL. My mom, Suzie, Rick, Bob. Teal is SOOO my new favorite color. I hit the turn around, see Kristin and Lauren, and stop at my special needs bag. Pop some Tylenol 8 hour and Gina and I keep going.

It gets instantly dark. I try to use the bathroom hoping it will help. It doesn't. I am trying to run to catch back up with Gina. Everything hurts. We see my dad around Camp Randall, smile, and run for the picture. I know that will be the last time I run for awhile - at mile 15. I do the math, even at 20 minute miles, walking, I will finish in time. So I walk.

Somewhere Rose shows up to walk. Right before that hill, Jess is there. We all haul our butts up, thinking we will now have an Ironbutt in addition to being Ironmen. Yes, we are getting a bit loopy.

Just keep moving foward. Rose and Jess leave me for ice cream (a few hand gestures and words are spoken that are not suitable for blogging). But Suzie, Rick, my parents, everyone is around. One more (successful) bathroom stop and I am feeling good - even though I can no longer feel my right foot. I smile for the pictures, give high 5's, cheer and woot - trying to mask my pain. Deep down, I know I will finish. There is something stronger than I know keeping me moving forward.

Suzie walks with me. I lost Gina at my last bathroom stop. Jess and Rose are back. I know I am not supposed to have outside help, but really, I needed it. Stay strong. Dig deep. Just move forward. Then it happens, the rain. Stupid Mother Nature!! God and I have a chat, the rain stops. Thank you!

Mile 20. A 10K left. I can do 6.2 miles. More chicken broth, cola, water, that is all that is keeping me going. And becoming an Ironman. I start talking to my self, even though Jess, Rose and Suzie are all there. They can't tell when I am talking to them vs. myself. I see a woman being carried. I see my sign again. I think of everyone there in Madison, watching on the Internet, sitting with their phones waiting for a text message update, and I keep moving. It's enough am good to go on my own for awhile.

Mile 24 I see Kristin and Lauren. We share stories of the day. Cheer and thank the volunteers. And then I make that turn on State Street one more time and I see the Capital. So close. So much pain - nothing I could have imagined. But I am going to do it.

I am about to become an Ironman

Just 112 Miles

2008-09-12T21:05:00.009-04:00

But not once did I think about biking 112 miles. It was 16, 40, 40, 16. That was the blessing of the Madison course. 16 miles out, 2 40 mile loops, 16 miles back. That doesn't sound so bad, does it. Well, I didn't think so and it seemed to be the best way to approach the bike portion.

During T1 (the first transition) I was going through all the notes in my head. One of Ryan's major tips was to take your time, it's a long day on the bike and make sure everything feels right. So, I took my time, got sunblock, arm warmers, stopped in the port-o-potty and went go find Blain. A volunteer had him waiting for me as I jogged to my row. During this, I hear people yelling "Mandy!!", I look up, see teal and blow kisses to my friends and family. I am L-O-V-I-N-G every moment.

I clip in and start to head down the helix.

The first 16 miles out of Madison are going well. I am getting passed a ton, but knew that would happen and didn't let it phase me. I just looked for people I knew, interesting outfits, and Blain look-a-like's.

35 minutes in I am passed by Jeff, Tony's brother. He is looking speedy!! 20 minutes later, I hear "is that Blain I see!!" It's Tony. I pedal hard to keep up for about 5 seconds before he blows by me too. A guy passes me with about 6 Snickers bars in his back pockets and am SOOO wishing I trained with Snickers bars.

I hit the first loop and convince myself I am on a 40 mile bike ride and start looking for groups of teal shirts. It's the great thing about not knowing where anyone will be, it gives me something to do, other than pedal the hills. There were a few places with people in teal and I was so mad when it wasn't my group. How dare other people wear teal on MY Day!!

Anyway, my first loop kicked butt! I did way better than expected. The hills were killer, but I was still feeling good. Really good. I see a van go by with the timer, so I knew the lead biker was close. He flew by me in a flash. A woman comes up to me and says "Was that the leader?" I say "I think so. But he did have a 15 minute head start."
She gave me this look like I just said my next Ironman will be on Mars. I thought I was funny.

Then loop 2. Oh, loop 2. I am going to quote someone else's race report because I couldn't have put it better myself. "As we came around for the second loop, a headwind had picked up. This came as a real mental blow for me, because I dropped several mph and felt like sh*t. It wasn’t a gusty wind, just steady, so it was hard to know it was so strong. Consequently, it got into my head a lot, and I was really worried that I had gone out way too fast"
Yup, so true. It was the first time I thought I wouldn't be able to finish. Now I knew I was still above my goal, and if I could just keep pedaling, I would be fine. But around mile 70, you aren't thinking very straight. Or at least I wasn't.

But then I saw teal and felt better. I stopped at a few water stops - including my FAVORITE at mile 40/80 sponsored by the Chicago tri club. It was PIRATES!! That was just the pick up I needed before the 3 large hills.

Then it happens, the hills are done, I am feeling okay (some stomach cramping but stopped taking Gu and Accelerade which helped), and my Ironman dreams come so close to an end. What was it... A BEE!!! Yes, a bee flew up my bike glove, my left thumb, and stung me. Now, thank goodness I am not allergic, but it HURT! Luckily there was a vision of teal coming quick so I pulled over. Erica and all her nature all knowing-ness and Suzie and her hospital knowledge (a kick butt PT but close enough to a doctor for our group) looked and didn't see anything. Some swelling, but the stinger was out so I pedaled on. Stupid bee! Stupid Mother Nature!! Stupid "Circle of Life"! Bah!

I make the left turn for the 16 miles home and start talking my self into the fact I am only on a 16 mile ride. It starts to work and I am feeling good. I take one more Gu, with a lot of water, and it is sitting okay. I attempted to use the bathroom around mile 90 so I think that helped too. I hit the overpass, a volunteer tells me last hill until the helix, I thank him and keep going.
Then I see it. Monona terrace, the helix, the end of my 16 mile bike ride. I am on John Nolan drive and I hear "Go Ironman" from the cars stuck in traffic and it hits me. This might happen. It's about 4 pm, I have until midnight. Oh my gosh, I am going to do it - I AM GOING TO BE AN IRONMAN!!!

I hit the helix, give my self a pep talk that I can make it up - I didn't walk 1 hill, I can do a helix. It wasn't too bad and then I see more teal and "YAY MANDY". I wave as I go around, and as I go around again.

When I finished, I feel as if I just won the race - and to me, I did.

6:40 a.m. and a 2.4 Mile Swim

2008-09-11T22:17:00.012-04:00

Now I knew going into the swim that this was my most comfortable event. But, I have never had a swim start with about 2,207 people.

There is the beautiful sunrise, I start to put my ear plugs in, head into the water about 6:40 and I hear “are you Attempting Ironman?” I turn, and say “Why yes I am”.
“We read your blog!!” It was the sisters from Chicago whose blog I have been reading!! I couldn’t believe it!! We chat for a few moments, figure out what we are wearing on the course to look on the bike and run course, wish each other luck and head into the water.

I picked my position, just to the left of the ski ramp, a few people back. I am careful not to look behind me and see the number of people. That would freak me out. The pros are off, everyone is just floating around and I am just trying to stay calm. The National Anthem is sung, I get a bit choked up and look at the tons and TONS of people around Mononoa Terrace. This guy starts talking to me and he has an Australian accent so I am not sure what he said (was lost in the cuteness) but it was both of our first Ironman attempts, we high 5, and the canon goes off.

WOW – I have to say a HUGE thanks to my water polo coach John. If it wasn’t for him and all the practice swimming over each other (I played on the men’s team at times) I would have freaked out. But, to my surprise, about half way down the first length, I found some open water. Things were going well until that first turn. Swimming in a washing machine is an understatement.

I had a swift kick to the rips, but managed to keep going. The rest of the swim was good, really good. A few kicks to the face, more shoving, and one head dunk. That made me mad and maybe my elbow came up a bit high into his chest. But really, if you feel your hand on my head, the swim cap with a big bump of hair, wouldn’t you move your hand and not push it down… I am just saying…

Somewhere I managed to check my watch on lap 2. 11 seconds. Obviously it was kicked and stopped so I had no idea my swim time. Oh well, just keep swimming, staying strong, not too hard - it's going to be a long day. After the last turn, I start mentally preping for the bike.

I run out, feeling so good, but missed the clock. As I head to the wet suit peelers "strippers", I asked the time.
"Hour 10" says the guy.
"HOLY $HIT!!" I shout, really loud. Followed by "Sorry Kids!" as I look around and see a bunch of kids looking at me. I was just so shocked at my time.

I start to run up the helix looking for teal blobs. Finally I see some, continue up the helix, a few more. The cheers were so great!

I was so fast, I don't have any pictures of me running up the helix :-) No one had time to get the cameras ready. Woo-Hoo!! (Or at least of the pictures I have so far.) The day was starting off really great.

4:20 Wake Up Call

2008-09-10T08:14:00.007-04:00

When doing an Ironman, you know it will be a long day with a very early start. Somehow poor Rose and Erica got stuck in a room with me so they were up early too.

Get dressed, make toast, drink coffee, eat a banana, pull out water bottles from the freezer, get ice, pack special needs, check - re-check - triple check all my lists, all while trying to stay calm. I don't have the "I forgot something" feeling, so figured I am doing okay. Around 5 we all head out to Monona terrace.

I am still feeling pretty good and overall, just excited. I am trying not to think about what I am about to do, just living in the moment, thankful for the opportunity and support I have around me.

I get to Blain, pump his tires, drop off the water bottles, and head inside to add last minute things to my swim to bike and bike to run. Then I notice something, people are body marked. Totally forgot! So, off to get body marked.

As I am being branded with 1975, I meet my first blog reader, Erin, who is volunteering. So great!! The other picture I have of the 2 of us, my eyes are closed. Sorry!! Anyway, we chat, I learn she will be in T2 and the finish so I know where to look.

By this time, the sun is raising and I need to head towards the water. I say my final "good bye's" and "thank you's" to everyone as they are taking their positions on the helix or with me to the water.

Jess and Rose come with me to the start and it's the first time I let my nerves show. Up until now, I have been trying to have fun and remember each moment, without freaking out. Hopefully I fooled everyone. But Rose and Jess have been at most of my races and know how to handle me when the intensity gets to be too much for me to handle. So, I let a few tears flow, some uncertainty of the day come out, and let my confidence come and go wondering if I can or can not do this. But the day is turning out to be beautiful, I am nothing but lucky, say goodbye to them and head to the water...

Where to Start...

2008-09-09T19:07:00.002-04:00

Wow - I don't even know where to begin.

The obvious answer is the start. But I don't even know where the start is.

So, what I decided to do is a separate post for each portion of the race. That way I can focus on each one and not worry about how much detail I am giving.

But even before I start there, I have to say it again...

THANK YOU!!! Without the support of everyone who was at the race, watching on-line, sent positive thoughts through out the day - I could not have done it without you.

Time keeps getting away from me and I am heading back to DC soon, so... you will all have to keep checking to see when I write about the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile 'run'.

I AM AN IRONMAN!!!

2008-09-08T01:06:00.002-04:00

More pictures and race results/report to come. But I wanted to post.

Something like 15 hours and 40 something minutes. Totally beat my wildest expectations of a race.

Congrats to all who participated in any way shape or form.

I just really wanted to post this :-)

Night!

One More Post

2008-09-06T22:00:00.003-04:00

One of the great things about having this blog is how easy it is to see what you have been doing. I started this mainly for my self, to stay motivated, keep me honest, and to share funny stories - or at least stories I think are funny.

A lot has happened this year that had nothing to do with my training.
Some good - weddings; friends having babies

Some not so good - the passing of my grandmother; having my tonsils removed

Some that were even too personal for me to blog about at the time - the realization that it's over with a very personal relationship; masses growing on parts of my body where masses should not grow.

But through it all, I kept training. Kept swimming, biking and running. This allowed me to focus, distract from whatever else was going on around me. And everyone has stood by me during it all.

Training for this Ironman has done so much more for me than my physical fitness. More than I can put into words.

I have said it before, but I don't quit. There are 2 options tomorrow. I cross the finish line an Ironman or someone from NA Sports will have to chase me down and cut off my timing chip – but I will still probably continue.

Tomorrow - it's on.

Thank you all for being apart of this journey.

Race Meeting

2008-09-05T22:26:00.002-04:00

I just got back from the race meeting and there were many times I wish I had recorded what was said - just really funny things. One of the guys had a sense of humor I greatly appreciated.

As I was walking out, I saw all this M-dot drawings everywhere, welcome triathletes, Good Luck Ironman Wisconsin. It just made me realize that no matter what happens, I am apart of this. I am apart of the 2008 Ironman Wisconsin. Finish or not. Woo-Hoo!!

Yes, this is one of those 5% of times where I am really excited.

And Merissa and Rose are here. Jess, Lauren and Kristin are on a plane on the way here. I have had many phone calls and texts, all wishing me luck and really good advise. I am so lucky and so happy.

Thanks Everyone!!!

In Madison

2008-09-05T14:01:00.005-04:00

Well, I am finally here in Madison. And it is all the sudden - real.

It took a bit longer than expected for my dad and I go get here: pot holes and stupid people - never a good combination. But after talking to Roxanne, she said I should still be able to swim, even if the Gatorade sponsored stuff was over. So, after finding parking, we rushed to Lake Monona. I get on my wet suit and hop in the lake. Now, in all this rushing there was no time to stop at a bathroom. And I have never been able to "go" in a wet suit. Well, this weekend is a first time for many things. I will leave it at that.

My swim was okay. I am pulling to the right when I breath on my left side, but it did get better on the way back. When I finished up, Dad was waiting (holding my stuff) and we ran into Tony and Jeff. It was so good to see a familiar friendly face. We chatted for a bit and moved on to what we each had scheduled next. Mine was long registration lines. At the end I received my official bracelet and everything seemed more - well, real.

And the hotel - SOOO nice!!!

My Parents are SOOO Great!!

2008-09-04T18:01:00.016-04:00

I knew they had something planned, I just didn't know what. They finally revealed the shirts they had made for everyone.
Front and back. So, anyone who sees these on Sunday, you know they are with me!

AND - there is more. My mom makes Chex mix that I think she mixes with a sprinkle of crack. It is extremely addicting and when she makes it, I don't often share. However, everyone has had a taste and requested some for Sunday. Mom and Dad, going above and beyond, didn't just make a bag, they made a bag for everyone, in a little hand decorated tote bag. How cute!!! Thanks Mom and Dad!!

Who Knew Gustav Would Affect My Workouts in Milwaukee!?!?!

2008-09-04T10:33:00.004-04:00

Seriously!?!
I am so glad the hurricane was not as bad as expected and everyone seems to be okay. But being in Wisconsin, I shouldn't have to worry about a hurricane. Who knew?!?!

When I woke up, this is what was on the radar. Nothing but green. Boo!! But, I had enough time to get in a 30 minute jog before the rain got too bad. So, no biking today. Blain is not going in the rain unless he must.

Rest of the day is just resting, picking up last minute stuff and trying not to freak out.

Back Home!!

2008-09-03T22:02:00.004-04:00

Marcus is great. He did such a good job with such a long drive. And Blain was very happy in the back of the car instead of on the bike rack, especially the last 20 miles in Ohio. It went from bright, sunny, with the temperature reading 96 to dark, 70 and down pouring in about 1o minutes. Dang!! There was some hydroplaning, couldn't see the semi's in front/behind me - not the best for about 30 minutes. But it passed, or I drove through it, and the rest of the drive was pretty uneventful.

I do have to say, I am pretty surprised I haven't received a recording contract and a Grammy. My singing in the car is SOOO GOOD! Really, it is. AND, I dance. Sitting of course, but my shoulder, head and arm movements - flawless.

It's Still Summer

2008-09-02T18:10:00.003-04:00

Even if it's after Labor Day, the end of summer, you aren't supposed to wear white shoes, it's still hot. Something I momentarily forgot, especially as I went out for my 'easy' 30 minute run. I started off feeling great; thinking how much I love a taper. Then I hit the Mall, in the sun, no breeze and start sweating like a... a.... well, a lot. After the turn around I check out my HRM, 180!!! Oops! Remember me just last week commenting on how nice it was to not have to worry about my HR any more... Oh well. Just a gentle reminder that weather plays a huge part on I am feeling during a workout. I was very spoiled by August and forgot what it feels like to run in 90 degree heat.

Tomorrow, the long drive home. Plenty of time to think.
Overall, I would say about 90% of the time, I am fine.
But 5% of the time I am scared $hitless, freaking out, wondering what in the world I signed up for and have been doing the past year.
The last 5% of the time, I am super excited and can't wait to for the cannon to go off.

That is my take on how I am - those around me might have a different breakdown

Now This is a Taper!!

2008-09-01T19:23:00.004-04:00

I got my last week of workouts from Coach. In addition to telling what workouts to get done, there was a lot of information on what to do race day, and the days leading up while I am in Madison. Tips to keep in mind, no tear jerkers this time - Okay, I did shed a tear but it was more because, this is actually happening. I am actually going to attempt this Ironman. Everyday it gets closer, something else makes it more real. I have all my clothes laid out. Clothing options based on weather. All my random stuff laid out. The piles and piles make things a bit more real.

Anyway, back to my taper. This morning was my ride. A nice easy 60 minutes at Beach drive. And, I pulled into the parking lot to see Diane just finishing up her ride. It is always inspiring to see others up on a day off, doing what you are doing - it makes me feel slightly less crazy for the goals we all set.

The rest of the week is a few runs, 30 minutes. A swim (or 2) in Lake Monona. 1-2 more rides, 60 minutes, one in Madison. And a lot of rest, saving energy for Sunday. So today, I took a 2 hour nap.

5 days. I can't help but laugh. There really isn't much else to do.

A Good Day Off

2008-09-01T12:49:00.003-04:00

I loved this picture!Happy Labor Day and I hope you all have the day off!!
And my heart and thoughts to out to those in New Orleans and the surrounding are. Kristin, Scott and the girls, Brian, I am thinking of you all. Please stay safe.

Good Ride, Good Brunch

2008-08-31T11:45:00.003-04:00

Is there any other way to spend a Sunday morning?? I don't think so.

I met up with Brooke and Diane (formally known as D - but she said I could use her name). Nice and early at 7, but it was an amazingly beautiful morning. We get started, I look down to not hit a pot hole, but also ride over something that was dead. GROSS!! I make a squealing noise and Brooke and Diane weren't sure how to react. When I try to explain I rode over something dead, gray-ish and gross, they just kind of laugh at me, and thankful they didn't see it (but Brooke did on the way back). Anyway, it was a nice, easy casual ride. Since I am tapering, I didn't want to push to hard, or do too many hills. That's my reasoning anyway.

After we headed to brunch and I had the great french toast/egg debate. Eggs won. But it was nice to just enjoy the day (we sat on the outside patio) chat about non-tri stuff, and talk about the Ironman in 6 days. Just a really good morning.

Now I am off to pack. I am bringing a TON of stuff. Be prepared - I know how Wisconsin weather can change last minute, especially in September. Right now weather dot com says 72, partly cloudy and 20% chance of precipitation. Perfect - I really hope it stays that way!!

Typical August Day in DC

2008-08-30T17:06:00.003-04:00

Today was a good day.

This morning started with a swim clinic. I figured some last minute pointers would do me some good before the 2.4 mile swim. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but I could see where it was beneficial for others. I think I have just been swimming for so long, when I hear things I shouldn't do, but they work for me (breathing out my nose vs. mouth) - I will just stick with what I know. I will take the fact that he didn't comment directly on my stroke - that I am perfect.

I got home, changed and headed out for a run. I saw Jess on the way and met up with Kristin and Lauren at the end. I remember back in the day were we would all run together and K would look for the most uncoordinated outfits - just to get me to blog about her. Anyway, we all headed to Dean and Deluca for lunch, took it to go and headed to a park by the Potomac.

What a perfect afternoon. 3 great friends, tasty lunch, beautiful day (in the shade where the heat/humidity didn't bother us too much), and 2 workouts. After about an hour, we were just laying in the grass watching the people and super cute puppies.

1975

2008-08-29T18:50:00.005-04:00

My new lucky number!! I knew the numbers were being assigned today, but for some reason, that makes this all seem so real. I have been counting down for so long, 1 year, 6 month, 90 days, 15 days, 8 days. But when you get a number - it changes everything. This is actually happening. I am actually going to participate in an Ironman... Wow!

Today we also got a message from NA Sports - which had a lot of similar information as the athletes guide.My favorite line is in the running section
"No form of locomotion other than running, walking or crawling is allowed."
Good to know crawling is allowed.

It Must Be the Tan Lines

2008-08-28T19:55:00.003-04:00

75 degree and cloudy is cold when swimming in a 50M outdoor pool. Really, it is.
But, I made kick butt time getting to the pool - still loving this August in DC, and there were 4 people lap swimming. 4!! I get to a lane and about to hop in and this guy looks at me a says "triathlon?" I say yes. I mean really, who else is going to be at a pool on a cloudy, drizzly Thursday evening if they weren't training for something. But then I look down at my legs and notice the blinding white that is my thighs - above my shorts line. After I got a great tip on sunblock, things were getting better - or so I thought. Oh well.

After my swim, I hopped on Blain for a quick ride. My body still isn't reacting great to chlorine, so I had some good snot rocket practice. But, it didn't go so well.

First one - Somehow did this funky U turn up and I think onto my helmet.
Second - Smack on my right shoulder
Third - My chain fell off again (boo) so I took the non-wind opportunity. Smack on my left shin.
Fourth - Good out of the right nostril
Fifth - tried to stay in aero, which was successful. But, it landed on my arm, so not successful
Sixth - On the back of my glove.

Stopped counting after this. 1 out of 7 was good enough.

But over all, it was a good 2 workouts. I am still not feeling that gloriously restfulness I was hoping for - but maybe in the next 9 days.

Ha! 9 days!!

I Am SO Lucky!

2008-08-27T22:57:00.006-04:00

I don't know what to say, I don't know what I did in a previous life to deserve... well everything.

Tonight was a carbo loading pasta dinner put on by some amazing friends. Everyone came to support me and my goal that will be in 10 days. They are insanely supportive and so positive about what I am attempting to do. They have put up with me and constant Ironman talk for over a year, and still threw me a dinner!!

You may be wondering what is that yellow thing I am holding. And you may look at it and say "that looks like a cow bell. But I read Amanda's blog and know she H-A-T-E-S the cow bell."
Well, if that is what you thought, you are right. It is a cow bell. And I still despise the cow bell. BUT, Jess, Kristin, Lauren and Merissa (not pictured but there in spirit) took a cow bell (from when I did the Musselman half), spray painted it yellow - to match Blain, AND took out the clapper thing!! They also wrote notes on the sides, drew a picture of a toaster, and an "Oh Geeze!" is written on the inside. So great.

But, there is one more. I have been eyeing an item for close to 2 years. But, they didn't make it in my size and I figured there was little I could do. So, I posted about it, printed a picture and taped it in my cube. Little did I know that Jess called the designer, had one made in my size, and did a special order. I can't believe my friends did something this amazing for me.

Really, how did I get so incredibly lucky... I just don't know. I took about 27 pictures of the ring on my hand but couldn't the lighting/flash right so this will have to do.

It's Dark at 6:15 am

2008-08-27T09:00:00.003-04:00

And how do I know... Because I actually rolled out of bed and got my self down to Hains Point to go biking. Yay me!! Right as I started, there were swarms of mosquitoes! Yuck! I haven't really noticed them too much out there. Not nearly as bad as they are in my Minnesota/Wisconsin days. But, they were still munching on my leg so that got me moving a bit quicker.

So I am biking around and I notice a sign "Wet ahead - National Park Service" - or something like that. Now I thought that was strange because on the news they were just saying we have only had a half inch of rain in the past month. So pedal pedal pedal and I see something up ahead... on no... a sprinkler. But not just one, they lined the entire side of the road. I spent the next 1.5 or so miles ducking, twisting, trying to maneuver around the water.

Good times. Not really... I didn't need more practice biking in wetness.

The morning finished with a 35 minute run. Remember the days when I complained about my high HR? Well, I could not get my HR up at all this morning. Biking, or running. I guess this just means my fitness level is so much better. Or I am not working hard enough...

Stupid Job!

2008-08-26T19:45:00.004-04:00

Man, today was not what I expected. The alarm went off at 5:45. My quads were still tingly from the weekend and the L-A-S-T thing I wanted to do was sit on Blain. Even though I knew I should, sleep won, once again. But I know I have time to make it up later this week.

I go to work, typical morning. But I am 'acting' as my boss is out. Usually it only involves making sure everyone is in the office, and the occasional 'decision'. So when an issue arose around 10, and I was still in meetings, making calls, and researching the problem by 12:30, I was so happy to take a break and go for a run.

I come back, more issues. Around 4 someone came looking for me to solve another problem. At 5:30, another person had an issue that NEEDED TO BE SOLVED RIGHT NOW. Blah! I wanted to leave at 4:45 to hit the pool - which closes at 7 :-( So at 6:15, I walked out, not prepared for tomorrows meetings, not having that satisfied feeling. AND, no swim. Boo!

But the plus side is I made dinner - out of a box but it involved veggies. Will do my dishes (that haven't been done since last week...) fold laundry (won't say how long that has been lying around), hopefully finish my book (20-ish pages left) and go to bed early.

Tomorrow a brick.

Coach and I Have Different Views on Tapering

2008-08-25T21:05:00.004-04:00

When I saw my workouts for the week from Coach, my first thought was "Wait, I thought I was tapering". Definitely different views...
For example on the tempo run. Normally it's 45 minutes with 6*5 minutes hard
Me, no tempo - Coach, 35 minutes with 3*5 minutes hard
Long run. Normally 4.5-6 hours
Me, 90 minutes - Coach, 3 hours
So, I still have 10 workouts to get in which include a 3 hour ride, 90 minute run, and a brick. And where am I supposed to fit more sleep in...

The good news is I went to Conte's tonight and once again - they proved to be the best. I walk in (with cookies of course) and had the co-owner (who I saw at the ride yesterday and wondered why I didn't say something about the falling chain there), manager and head mechanic all chatting with me about Blain within 5 minutes. He was swept up and being worked on before I could finish explaining the issues.
He seems much better and will do my best to crawl out of bed tomorrow and have a proper ride.

Oh, and I don't know when this happened, but the 2008 IM Moo Athlete's Guide is out. I don't know how they did it, but they made cows artsy and really cool looking!!

4655

2008-08-24T16:42:00.004-04:00

First of all, don't tell Coach what I am about to write...

Today was the Reston Century Ride, a recreational tour of Virginia. I signed up for the century (104 mile) ride and had full intentions of doing the entire event. Coach had me just doing a 5-6 hour ride, yesterday (and we all know I can't do 104 miles in 6 hours. This is why you can't tell him!!). Rule number 1 was to never do more than he said...

So I pull into the parking lot, start getting Blain ready, and this guy starts talking to me. Now it's about 6:30, I have had zero coffee, about to do 104 miles and not feeling up to chatting. But he starts to comment on the amount of liquid I am taking (3 bottles of Accelerade and my aero drink filled with water). I explain that I am training for IM Moo and this is my last long ride so am treating it like I would the bike portion of the race. He goes off about how every 10 pounds adds 30 minutes to your bike time, I should have trained with the Gatorade they provide on the course, or I should just add protein powder and it's the same as Accelerade. HELLO!?!?! Why are you telling me about what to do on my Ironman that is 2 weeks away!!! I try to be polite and tell him I have a sensitive stomach, this is working for me, and I don't want to do anything new on race day. He proceeds to say I should just bring powder, mix it with water, and only carry 1 bottle - the time difference would be better that way.
Oh, and I was bringing too many Gu's.
And my Hammer electrolyte pills were a waste.
AND if I wanted real advice, I should talk to other tri clubs, not DC Tri because they are ALL nuwbies and I should look into his club. I am not a violent person but was SOOOO close to punching this very annoying guy, kicking his shins, poking him in the eye - even, dare I say, hurt his bike.

I mean really, just because you parked 2 spots way from me does not make us friends.

So, buy the time I got to the REALLY LONG registration line, I was fuming!! Poor Brooke had to calm me down, remind me it was just a relaxing ride, but I was just so mad. Ahh, annoying!

Anyway, Brooke, M, D, T (I didn't ask if I could use their names on the blog so initials it is) and I headed out - and we were hoping to see Rose on the course. Pretty soon it was Brooke, T and I, then T and I. After the first rest stop, my chain popped off (again!! Boo, taking it to Conte's tomorrow to hopefully get it checked out) I was on my own. Brooke waited up for me and when we got to the main rest stop T was there. T decided to try the 104 with me and we headed out. Unfortunately, we (I) missed a turn. When we saw M and D, I knew we (I) missed something. So we turned around and headed back. That loop was to be 28 miles, and we did 14, so close enough.

We headed out to the other loop and half way my right knee really started to hurt. After we got back to the rest stop, I was really happy we (I) missed the turn for the loop with the big hills.

On the way back, we were on a trail with ZERO shade and the sun was sucking the life out of me. The last 12 miles killed me! I understand the sun is good and all, but not this afternoon. I did luck out with little humidity and not too much wind... but still, 90 degrees at 2 in the afternoon is just hot.

But I finished a good ride for me. No falling, no broken chain (unlike Brooke), no broken water bottle cage (unlike D and M). Just some sore knees and a fat lip because I decided to drink from my aero water bottle just as I was going over a bump - oops.

As my last long ride, I am slightly concerned with my lack of hill training. But there is nothing I can do about it now. Who is to say if I would have done all hills, my knees would be working and I could still continue. There are more than a thousand possibilities, what if's, out there and I just have to be happy with what I have done and what is meant to be will be.

Oh, and the 4655 subject line - the number of calories I burned today according to my HRM. Cheese steak for dinner!

Good Brick!

2008-08-23T13:56:00.004-04:00

If this is my last long brick before Madison, it was a good one to go out on.

Slept in a bit, good 2 hour bike, solid hour run. Hardly any knee pain, the hills didn't kill me, and my wrists finally don't hurt when I spend a lot of time in the aero position.

That's all I have today. Carbo loading dinner tonight with Brooke, Rose and a few others for tomorrows long ride.

Just a really good Saturday!

I had a hard time focusing today

2008-08-22T21:55:00.004-04:00

It's time for another one of Amanda's random thoughts post...

It was too quiet in the office. Jess in vaca. Still getting used to Merissa being gone. Kristin moved offices, but is also gone on vaca. Many of my other co-workers left early. And it's Friday. WAY TOO MUCH TIME TO THINK - and of course very little about work.

Charles sent me this cartoon, along with the "Swim strong. Pedal hard. Run fast!" in the subject. He always tells me this, and I even had it on a post-it attached to my wallet before my half.Love it! I have to admit, I love when people send me articles, stories, pictures of anything Ironman. It just makes me realize that I have imposed myself and goal on everyone around me so much for the past year that when they see anything Ironman - they think of me. It makes me happy.

15 days. I started to think about what I was doing 15 days ago. I was in an all day long meeting and it does not feel like it was 15 days ago. That just reminds me that the next 15 days are going to fly by.

This weekend will be my last hard weekend of training before I start my taper. I am so tired. The bags under my eyes are huge. But it's all still worth it. When anyone asks me about my race, I get those excited butterflies.

I have about 7 THOUSAND lists going of stuff I need to bring, buy, pack. But I am making sure on all of them to put HAVE FUN. It's something I easily forget.

That's about it for tonight. Tomorrow brick, Sunday long ride.

I Wasn't Picked!

2008-08-21T20:59:00.003-04:00

Woo-Hoo!! I went through 2 jury pool picks and made it out of both. This is the first time I haven't been put on the panel to 'interview' with the judge!

That meant that I got home at a reasonable hour, met up with Jen and Rachna for dinner and saw Disney's The Lion King at the Kennedy Center. I always like hanging out with them. We met training for the Marine Corps marathon so they 'get' what I am doing - well, as close as you can get.
Also not being on jury duty means I can do my workouts for the rest of the week.

Today's easy 35 minute run was good. But my legs are really REALLY feeling tired. I just keep thinking how little time I have left and how everything counts.

And I am starting my lists. Swim, swim to bike, bike, bike special needs, bike to run, run, run special needs... so much!

Sitting, Waiting, Wishing

2008-08-20T11:01:00.006-04:00

I am sitting in the juror lounge, waiting to see if my number is called. I am really hoping it is not. Someday I wouldn't mind sitting on a jury, but not when I have 17 days until my race.

But, the good thing is I got a 2+ hour run in before I had to report. Because the sun did not raise until 6:27, I didn't feel like going any earlier, and this was about all the time I had to run, shower, and get to the building. Some people suggested I just show up smelling like "flowers" after my run to help guarantee not getting picked. It was tempting, but I showed anyway.

So now I am sitting, waiting and wishing I just get to spend the day reading and relaxing.

Ha, I just got scolded for being on my computer (blogging) and not paying attention to the orientation video. I have common sense; I know I need to report to work if I don't get picked for a jury and not to drink during my service.

I Had Something to Write About

2008-08-19T20:13:00.003-04:00

I was biking this evening and came up with something to write about, but now I have no idea.

Today was another day that just flew by, and I didn't even have to work out at lunch. I left a tad early to head to Hains Point for the second day in a row, but this time for a ride.

Oh, that was it. August. It's so great here!! Not the weather (a code orange day today) but the traffic. It only took 25 minutes yesterday and today to get to Hains Point. Sometimes it can take almost an hour. Because your voting elected congress-people take the month off, everyone leaves the area. No staffer, interns, lobbyists, fewer people in general, so great!!! And I say your voting elected because DC only has a non-voting representative in Congress.

It's all I have for today. Tomorrow I must serve my civic duty by going to my jury summons. I should have enough time to get my 3 hour run in before. Here's hoping for not getting picked for a trial! That would really screw up the rest of my training!!!

A Monday

2008-08-18T21:17:00.004-04:00

Today flew! Especially for a Monday. It was a pretty uneventful day. No comments on me smelling like flowers when I was on the treadmill - which totally kicked butt again!

Jess and I went to the pool after work and it was crowded, but the annoying people who don't know how to circle swim really didn't upset me like normal.

Just another day with 2 workouts. Good times.

But when I came home, I had a present from the parent who loves me more. HA! Just kidding, I know you both love me Mom and Dad, but Mom sends me presents. Love the shirt. Thank you.

But the best was the card they found. I love it. And I am excited to come home as well.

Can't wait!!

19 days!! Well, 15 days until I drive home :-)

Coach Makes Me Cry

2008-08-17T21:32:00.003-04:00

I sent him a very dramatic e-mail yesterday morning at 6:30 asking if the fact I missed this weekend's long ride, would it ruin everything I have done. He responded with no, that 1 workout does not make or break an Ironman.

When I sent this weeks log, I apologized for the dramatics, I am not a good sick person - i.e. I cry. He called tonight to check in on me, talk about the upcoming week and he followed up with an e-mail about the workouts. The message started with
"Hey its the ironman there is no such thing as overly dramatic." Best quote for me EVER!

But what really got me was
"Your almost there, and whatever happens on race day, you've lived the lifestyle of an athlete and an Ironman and I am proud of you."

Yes I pay him, but he is NOT the type of guy to say something he doesn't mean. The fact that he is proud of me means so much. I mean my friend and family have to be proud - it's their job. But Coach, it's a different level.

Trying To Take It Easy

2008-08-17T16:22:00.005-04:00

Does anyone else have this problem? You are sick/not feeling well/injured and H-A-T-E sitting on the couch even though you know it's the best for you??? Blah. I woke up this morning with a stuffy head, sore throat and just that meh feeling. So, instead of pushing my self to do the full 6 hours I should have done yesterday, I just did my brick - 2+ hours biking and about 45 minutes of running.

My goal was to not push, not worry about speed or distance. I went back to Beach Drive, but Brooke told me there was a hill worth trying. So, I kept going where I normally turn around and took this new route. It was pretty good! More stop lights that forced me to get my clip practice (no falling thank you very much) and rest a bit more. It felt okay, but I am definitely tired.

More importantly, when I am sick with a stuffy head, that means snot rocket practice!! Now what I discovered is there are 3 possible scenarios.

It's good one
It lands on a not good place - shoulder, forearm, or the face of your heart rate monitor
You have no idea where it went.

With 1 and 2, some good or some gross. But I had a lot of 3 today and that makes me a bit uncomfortable. Really, where did they go??? I have 20 days to get this down. And I kind of want one of my Ironman biking pictures to be me attempting to blow a snot rocket...

Nnooo!!!

2008-08-16T06:48:00.004-04:00

It is going to be a perfect day and I have spent the last 2 hours in the bathroom with my head in the toilet. It was supposed to be my 6 hour ride.
No good. Not fair. Dang... I guess this is why I shouldn't cook.
I am going back to sleep and hoping this passes so I can do something this afternoon.

Pretty Drawings

2008-08-15T20:41:00.005-04:00

My legs are getting tired! I know it's only 22 days left and of course I will power through, but that doesn't mean I can't make the statement that my legs are T-I-R-E-D!!

Today was a bit of a sad day as this was Merissia's last day at work. She is moving on to bigger and better things, in a city far far away. But she will be in Madison, one of my stops on my long road trip drive home, and always a phone call/e-mail away. It won't be the same because there were days when she and Jess would sit in my cube (while I worked) and did drawings on my white board like this.Good times.

Being Dizzy Isn't Normal, Is It???

2008-08-14T20:59:00.004-04:00

First of all, I think my subconscious wanted me to sleep. I didn't have a very restful night, lots of tossing and turning, but I rolled over at 7:20 am, wondering what was going on. I should have been an hour into my ride. I set my alarm for 5:30 pm, not am... With a 10 o'clock meeting and the fact that I already called in once this week, no morning ride for me. But I think it's okay because the knees are starting to hurt again and I really want a good 6 hour ride Saturday.

But I still had to get a workout in, my temp run. After lunch, I noticed I was having trouble focusing on my computer screen and just had that general dizzy feeling. I got a snack in hopes it would help. Not so much. Mom advised me to drink water, didn't help. So I went to the gym for some treadmill time anyway, even though I couldn't really walk straight.

I felt fine. In fact the best I felt all day. I had a GREAT run and really wish I could transfer my 'speed' on the t-mill to outside. Anyway, when I was stretching, the dizziness came rushing back and I might have fallen over. But I was okay and don't think anyone noticed...

So what made it go away??? RESTAURANT WEEK! We just finished a great dinner at Agraria and half way through my NY Strip, I felt fine. Good food really does make everything better.

Do I Smell Like Flowers?

2008-08-13T20:02:00.004-04:00

Today was my long run day. For some reason I had a momentary laps in judgment when it comes to heat. Just because there is low humidity doesn't mean that 80 degrees isn't warm. So I went out at 11:15... Oops. But, the run started great, and I managed to hold 4:1 for the entire 2.5 hours (even though the last 45 was really tough). Still not far/fast, but I kept moving, and right now that is all that matters.

And I wasn't sure what to write about today, which is what I was thinking about during the run. Lately it has been all beautiful day, blah blah blah, amazing friend and family support, blah blah blah, X number of days left (24), blah blah blah, excited/scared/nervous/anxious/happy/sad, blah blah blah, but nothing really funny has happened lately.

Well, as I was running, my left ear bud on headphone stopped working. No biggie, just keep moving. I was about 2 hours 15 minutes into the run and just made it up the side of the Capital (which is on a hill, hence the name Capital Hill). Now I mentioned it was a bit warm out today, said before I sweat, and I am sure that 2 hours and 15 minutes into the run I didn't smell very fresh. I was on my minute recovery and put my hands over my head – it helps drop the heart rate. As I pass two (overweight) guys I hear – because of my only 1 working ear bud "Ewww, did you catch a whiff of her?!?!" I almost D-I-E-D laughing.

So after a long run in the heat, I don't smell like flowers.

I Was Doing So Well

2008-08-12T20:18:00.003-04:00

With sunburn.

I do have tan lines - a few of them. Up in New York Scott asked if I had tape around my knees, it was the tan line from my knee braces. I have one around my ankle from my socks/shoes, a few around my thighs from different bike/running shorts, on my back from the wet suit, wrist from my HRM, arm from shirts and sleeveless shirts - you get the idea.

Well today, a new one. I just got back from meeting with some friends and when I stood up, the back of my legs felt really warm. Sure enough, swimming from 2:30-3:40 pm will give you sunburn on the back of your legs. And yes, I did use sunblock - it just wasn't enough.

I hope it doesn't hurt to sit on Blain for my next ride Thursday.

Another Day...

2008-08-12T16:30:00.003-04:00

I knew my schedule wasn't light as I would have hoped and I already made a few plans for the week. Between the extra workouts, not fully recovered from the weekend and I just needed sleep - again. So I talked to my boss and decided to take today off.

The plan was to get in 3 workouts, and do some work from home. But like all good plans, things never workout. I fell asleep watching the Olympics around 10 and I didn't set an alarm because I wake up at 5 every day. Well this morning, I work up at 8:30!! It felt so good!

After some dishes and folding laundry, I packed my bags, loaded up Marcus and headed out. Put the key in the ignition, turn, and nothing. Well, this dead animal sound came out, but Marcus wouldn't start. Some calls to Dad, Merissa, and AAA, I was hoping for the best - a dead battery. AAA was super fast and a little over an hour, I had a new battery. I am so lucky this happened now, not when I was Columbia, on the drive home, or after I got up at 5:30 am!!

So, I finally got to Hains Point and started my ride. 2 hours with some a set of sprints and it felt okay. I headed to the pool and did 3500 straight!! First time in awhile I have gone that far without drills. It took a while to settle in but felt pretty good.

Given the time, the heat, not enough calories, I decided to forgo the run and make it up sometime later in the week. I am happy with my 2 workouts and now off to meet with some friends who are moving to Phili - which yes is more important than my run :-)

It's Not Getting Old

2008-08-11T20:48:00.006-04:00

Really, 70's, fluffy clouds, low humidity - it does not get old. I mean I am a fan of seasons, but I could get used to this for the majority of the time.

I hadn't hard from Coach about what to do for the week but couldn't let the day slip away. I decided to just do an easy run as my legs are starting to feel the past few hard weeks. Oh, it was soooooooo nice out!!

Turns out I should have done a tempo run. Oh well, it's another hard week and my legs needed a bit of a break. So I don't think I am going to get another light week until I taper. I understand, I am running out of time. Coach's advise "Keep getting your rest and lets see what you can do in terms of reducing the stressors in your life over the next few weeks". So true, so true

A co-work has this on his wall, but I don't think it would help.

AND it's so hard to get rest when I can watch the Olympics live!

I Take Back What I Said About Mother Nature

2008-08-10T15:10:00.004-04:00

Is anyone getting sick of me saying how beautiful it has been??? I mean really, I have totally lucked out with weather - especially this weekend. Yes, there have been some bad days but the last 2 days totally makes up for everything. High 70's to low 80's, fluffy clouds, slight breeze, LOW humidity... So great.

So last night wasn't a stay at home night as planned, it turned into a dinner with Becky which was very wroth it. But when 6 am came calling, it was a bit too early for my liking. And when the hill at Old Anglers came, followed by the entrance in and out of Great Falls, I really wasn't happy. I knew I couldn't afford to have another poor ride but my legs weren't happy.

But, Brooke was waiting for me at my car, ready to join me for the rest of my ride. I haven't seen her since she kicked butt at Vineman. I don't know what it is about riding with her, but I do so much better. We caught up a little, but had to ride single file on the roads to start. She let me lead and I didn't want to embarrass my self, so I think I pushed a bit harder. We did a few rollers and then headed out to a few roads that were new to me. Rollers were an understatement...

We hit a good rhythm, I would pass her on the down hills, she would catch me on the ups. After we got back to the cars, I needed close to another hour. Brooke was great and headed back out with me - this was her first ride since Vineman.
I can not express how great it was to have her there. I take more chances on downhills (knowing if I fly over my handlebars, she is right there), push harder on the uphills to keep up, and feel smoother on the flats. It would be great if she could be in Madison - however there is that no pacing rule thing...

The best part, when we were done, I could have kept going. 74 miles, 5 hours 15 minute, 14 mph. Really, that is all I need to go for 112 miles.

4 weeks left and I am feeling good. Tired, but good - and will follow these life instructions.

I Bricked... And it was GOOD

2008-08-09T17:24:00.002-04:00

No, not good, really good. I wouldn't say great, but it was really good.

I don't know if it was the tune up on Blain, the fact I haven't ridden Blain in almost a week, I started when it was 75 degrees, SUPER LOW humidity or what, but I started out feeling great. I finished feeling good and headed out on my run. The first 10 minutes were tough again, but I settled into a rhythm and could have easily kept going after my 45 minutes.

Not much else to say - just a good brick.

Just chilln' tonight watching the Olympics and preping for tomorrows 5+ hour ride.

It's Olympic Time!!

2008-08-08T23:26:00.003-04:00

8-8-08 - what a great day to start the Olympics!!

After a long week, I headed to the pool for a long swim. I was surprised that there were so many people on a Friday night! I think everyone was inspired by the Olympics starting. I know I channelled my inner Kate Ziegler on my 4*500 and Dara Torres for my 20*50. That's right, 1000M of 'sprints'. But I got it all in, with a warm up and cool down, before I got kicked out by the masters team.

I headed straight to the opening ceremony gathering with Kristin, S and Lauren. Of course I had to leave early otherwise I would have fallen asleep on the couch.

Now I am needed to go to bed so I can be productive in my volunteering of tomorrow's last practice tri for the DC Tri club. And my brick - maybe I will trade in Blain for this one...

Can you Belive it's ONE Month Away???

2008-08-07T20:08:00.004-04:00

30 days. That's it. 1 month.

Wow - I just can't believe there is only 1 month left.

I was still in an all day meeting today - which I was in charge of - and every once and awhile my mind would wander to "biking", "still biking", "yup, still biking" until someone would say my name and I would go back to focusing on work. Then it was "oh, I am running now", on the metro "still running" and as I write this "still running".

And I started to think about a year ago when I as training for my Iron Girl race and my Big Shoulders Swim, which both seemed difficult. And how I just decided on Coach, started training like an Ironman and worrying about getting into Ironman Moo.

Today when I was on the treadmill doing my tempo run, I had a hard time getting my HR to 180. I kept having to go faster, faster than I have ever run on a treadmill. As I was thinking about how in 1 month I will be "still biking" and I realized how far I have actually gone in terms of my fitness level. How just 9 months ago I was still having a hard time keeping my HR down.

Then I thought of a quote my mom told me recently "The will to win means nothing if you don't have the will to prepare". Now that I am so close, I realize how much I have been preparing. I did not make this choice lightly, everything has changed, and I truly feel I am a better person as a result.

No matter what happens, for some reason today it just hit me, I am really happy with journey. Thanks for being apart of this.

1 month to go!!

Blain is Home!!

2008-08-06T22:45:00.004-04:00

After the longest day EVER at work (all day meeting, 10 hour day - you get the idea), I rush home, didn't even go into my apartment and headed over to Conte's. I had to pick up Blain before they closed, and before heading over to Jen's. Tonight was a very important night - the finals of So You Think You Can Dance - don't laugh, I love my reality tv dance shows!!

So I picked up Blain and he looked good. New (clean) chain, grips, tuned and ready to go. I thanked the guys and told them I hoped to NOT see them again until after Sept 7. They are worried about going through cookie withdrawal, but understood and wished me luck. I really am luck to have found such a great bike shop.

Hopefully tomorrow night I can head out - stupid all day work meetings and sunrise at 6:15!! Just not enough time to get in the ride in the morning as I would have liked.

And yes, I did manage to get my workout in today - a tempo run, at 12, in the 90 degree heat. Yup, that was smart.

I Ran Like the Wind

2008-08-05T09:27:00.003-04:00

Jess often tells me to run like the wind when I am on my way out for a jog - and I just laugh in her face. We all know I don't run like the wind, I just move along like a slight breeze.

But this morning, after I crawled out of bed, I had such a great run. I think I was still on a high from last nights 2 and a half hours of straight Ironman talk. I felt so good. The first hour, I don't think it's right to sweat as much as I did - especially at 6:45 am. But it was beautiful out, a nice crisp morning. I easily held my 4:1 and kept my HR under 170 without any problems. It just felt really nice for the 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Now when I got back and map my run dot com'ed my route, I was a bit disappointed. I really thought I went further than I did and was improving. Boo!! However, this is the first time in awhile were I could have easily kept going. And I would have but
1. I ran out of water
2. I know better than to do more than Coach says. Over training = bad things
3. I had to get to work

So I will take this great run feeling, ignore my slowness, and enjoy my 'run like the wind' for the day.
And when I was looking for my picture go to with this post, I saw this one and thought it was pretty. Better than some skinny 'real' running person :-)

Such a Resource!!

2008-08-04T22:33:00.003-04:00

Tonight was something I have been planning for awhile. I wanted to get together my friends Kristin, Ryan and Meaghan. Ryan has done IM Florida and IM Coeur d'Alene and Meaghan has been with him at both. So this was the perfect opportunity to talk Ironman, and Kristin and Meaghan to discuss watching Ironman.

Ryan had a lot of tips and he is just so excited about Ironman, I couldn't help but start to get excited again. As you may have been reading, my attitude hasn't been the best. I have been trying to snap out of it, get excited, appreciate the journey again - and this 2.5 hour chat helped a ton. Little things he said like "It's just one day and there is always another day" and "it's sounds silly, but HAVE FUN". In addition to tips (like take your time in T1 to make sure everything is on right. It's a L-O-N-G time on the bike) the general enthusiasm he has for the sport is nothing but contagious. Everyone has been so great, but for some reason, this is just wanted I needed.

So this was my workout of the day. I took the day off - my legs needed it and will start in tomorrow with a 2-2.5 hour run. I also dropped off Blain at Conte's for his final tune up before Madison.

I can't believe this all happening so fast!!!

Finally a Good Ride

2008-08-03T15:51:00.004-04:00

I think Mother Nature was doing me a favor yesterday. This morning was perfect, started off with very low humidity, 72 degrees and sunny. So nice!!!

Rose and I started at Idylwood Park to hop on the WO&D trail. Even starting by 8:30, there were a lot of people out and I was a bit disappointed in my decision to do the trail. But after a few miles things cleared up a bit and things were going okay.

Now I have been doing a lot of loops lately so it's a slightly different mindset when doing an out and back. When I saw the Carmax were I bought Marcus, I realized how far out I was, and still had a long way to go. I am pedaling along and start to get a bit nauseous and feel like I am not going anywhere. It looks like the trail is flat, but given my speed, I am not that slow - it must be a slight incline. A guy passed me and said "when is this going to end?!?" After we chatted for a bit, we determined there must be an incline and kept going.

Once I hit the 2 hour 30 minute mark and I got to turn around, I automatically felt better. And I started to FLY back. Even with a stop to fill up water, slowed down to talk with a few other bikers, and having to stop at every light - I still was back 10 minutes faster than going out. It felt really good.

But I got back and there was no Rose. About 90 minutes in, we separated and said we would meet back at the cars. 15 minutes later, just as I was on my way out for my run, she came in. Apparently her back tire wasn't holding air and made a stop at a bike shop. But what was next to the bike shop, a Baja Fresh. So she stopped and had a fish taco and lemonade. I laughed so hard, really, a fish taco in the middle of your ride... She still kicked but with 57 miles!

We celebrated our ride with more Baja Fresh.

Mother Nature is NOT My Friend

2008-08-02T15:57:00.005-04:00

After some snoozing, A.M. yoga, and dishes, the day turned out to be beautiful. But, I am still glad I made the decision to not go to Mt. Weather - even though the weather cleared up to be a nice day.

So I went to Beach Drive again to do my brick. The bike went okay, nothing to exciting there. When I tried to run, my legs were not having it. I really couldn't get them to go any fast than a walk. So instead of fighting it I just walked the 45 minutes.

But I did take the hiking trail on the way back and managed to get my HR up a bit more. It was pretty and definitely the correct decision.

Good Reason to Not Ride Up the Side of a Mountain

2008-08-02T06:04:00.004-04:00

New route, side of a mountain, all this rain - not a good combination. I just can't do more riding in the rain.

Hopefully it will clear up by this afternoon for my brick and I can do my long ride tomorrow.

Stupid Mother Nature!!

Way Past My Bed Time

2008-08-01T23:36:00.008-04:00

It's August first. That means I changed all my calendars from July to August. You know what that means, the next month is September. And we all know what happens in September... Where did the time go!?!?!

Tonight, I made the shocking decision to actually "go out" on a Friday night. I met up with Lauren, Kristin and Jason for dinner and a free outdoor movie. Totally worth it, for now.

Tomorrow... this....

Good Afternoon

2008-07-31T21:11:00.006-04:00

I had to do another tempo run today and by the time I got settled into work, check weather dot com, it was time to head out. There was a nice green cloud cover (rain) was coming straight toward downtown. So I head out, and it was STILL muggy. Big surprise, I know. But I am cruising along, trying to not go out to hard again.

I hit my turn around point and feel a little sprinkle. Yup, more rain. Not as bad as the Half (captured by EDIT KristEn - Sorry! I know it's EN, but I think I might have screwed up on some mail coming your way too. SORRY!) but a nice light drizzle to cool me off just a bit. It was so light that my shirt was soaked through due to my sweat, not rain. Yes, nice picture huh... I mean sweat dripping off my nose muggy!!

Anyway, I am off topic. The run was good and I treated my self to a much need massage. Roxanne (by the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROX) recommended Therapeutics, District Wellness Group - which is a DC Tri Club sponsor. SOOOO GOOD!!! A bit painful, but in the good way. I learned that my right shoulder has a lot of knots, but the left side is just overall tight. My left quad is way more tight than the right. My right arm is stronger and can handle the pressure better than the left. Amazing what you can learn from a sports massage!!

MUG-GY!!!

2008-07-31T07:55:00.004-04:00

You know that feeling in the morning when you walk out side and it is nice, crisp, cool air?? Well, that did not happen this morning. I was up and out before sunrise and it was disgusting!! Blah! But I did my ride and it was pretty good. 30 min easy, 3*10 minutes hard with 2 minutes easy, rest easy. I was feeling pretty good but every once and awhile I caught a whiff of a b.o. type moldy something... I couldn't tell if it was me, or just the grossness I was biking around.

I hope it was Hains Point...

So I finish up, put Blain on the car rack, stretch and head home. I look in my rear view mirror and see my saddle bag open, and my tool hanging out. Before I could pull over, it fell out :-( So now I have to go get another one. Oops.

Oops

2008-07-30T20:55:00.003-04:00

Sometimes I need to do a better job organizing my schedule. I really don't have that much to do, other than swim, bike, and run - however I tend to schedule things with a time line that isn't possible. So when I thought I could bike, make it to an appointment, go to work, and make it to Bethesda for restaurant week - something had to give.

The only thing in that list that is flexible, the bike. Dang it!! Yes I could have missed the appointment (but would have had to pay anyway), skipped work (not a good idea, I like money), missed dinner (but I like to eat) so the biking had to go. That just means I will have to bike harder tomorrow, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

And was dinner worth it... I say yes.

Sacrifice

2008-07-29T19:54:00.003-04:00

Today I did an interval/tempo run and it is getting tougher with 6*5 minutes hard with 2 minutes easy (instead of 5*4 or 4*3). This cuts down my warm up and leaves no time for cool down – as part of the workout. So by the time I get to The Mall, I am already on my second set with a higher HR and I am feeling pretty good. Part of the reason for pushing hard, my choice in music.

Yes, it's really cheesy, but if you have been reading this blog, there should be no surprise. I cry, I exaggerate, and I LOVE the cheesiness factor in almost everything.

Anyway, with the Olympics quickly approaching, one night I found that Sacrifice song on iTunes that was being played on the NBC commercials. It made it to the number one spot on my workout play list, for easy playability. There is one verse I really like, especially the last line.

Everybody expects me to break
But I'll never break down again
Everybody expects me to give up
But you'll never see me givin in
Everybody wants me to lose
But I'll never lose who I am

Luckily, I don't have people expecting me to break, give in, or lose – at least not that I know of. But, there is something about listening to that and remembering that I won't break down, I don't give up, and I don't want to lose who I am. So I am running hard (for me) choking up with emotion and fighting back tears.

And what do I do, play it again, and again and run harder and harder. Until the heat got to me and I could barely make my last 2 intervals. But it felt good.

Running IS Cheaper (or at least better) than Therapy

2008-07-28T18:37:00.005-04:00

Yesterday was one of those days where something happens and it completely changes you. It was something that I had very little control over, and I hate that feeling. This was getting to me all morning and I decided that I would make today my long run day to try and get some perspective.

About 45 minutes into the run, a little bit of perspective came to me about the choices I do have.
I can not control other people's feelings, actions, and reactions.
But I can chose how they make me feel. It's not as easy as waving a wand and magically feeling better, but knowing that it can only bother me if I let it.

I can't control the fact that I ran into the wind on my way down the mall and there was zero breeze on the way back.
But I can keep moving, one foot slowly in front of the other.

I can not control the US mail, or the speed of a shipment
But I can control where I order from and who to not order from again (One Triathlon Gear dot com)

I can't control what is going to happen on September 7
But I can choose to do my workouts for the next 40 days. And I can trust in Coach that he knows what he is doing (and have been doing the past year). And believe in my self that I have put in all I can do, and be happy with the result no matter what happens.

Better

2008-07-27T14:45:00.004-04:00

Well, I didn't back from Coach about what to do today, so I just went out for a ride on Beach drive. It still wasn't super fast, but it was better.

This morning I tried to sleep in, but the body clock went off around 7 and I was convinced I was late for something. I putzed around a bit, waiting for the heat and humidity to raise. Okay, not really the reason but that is what happened because I took too long getting out of the apartment.

So the ride was fine, nothing too exciting. My legs felt okay, that isn't what hurt the most, it was sitting on the saddle again. Ouch!!

Anyway, that's all I got for today. Just woke up from a nap and now I am off to do my sink full of dishes.

5 Hour Ride in Columbia, Take 2

2008-07-26T22:47:00.004-04:00

Because last weeks long ride in Columbia didn't go so well, I decided to try again. 30 minutes earlier, 5-10 degrees cooler and way less humidity. I thought these were all signs toward a good ride. Not so much.

But here are the positives.

Practicing on a rolling/hilly/little to no flat is good training for IM Moo
14 times I hit 30+mph
At least a dozen decent snot rockets
I did make the amount of time Coach wanted me to go - 5 hours
No falling
I didn't litter or "litter"
I met a very nice woman who is doing IM Louisville and IM AZ - this year
Nothing leaked in Marcus (and the Bag Balm smell is gone)

So I am going to leave it there. I am not going to focus on the fact that I was the same speed, actually a tad SLOWER, than last week in the heat/humidity/and almost passing out.

And watching Pierce Brosnan sing SOS was exactly the funniest thing I needed to hear/see.

There are FAST People in the Morning!

2008-07-25T11:50:00.002-04:00

Yes, I slowly crawled out of bed at 5:30 and made it to the Y for my swim. Now I know I haven’t been to the pool early in quite awhile but, WOW – the dynamic has completely changed. These people were FAST! I mean I am hardly ever the faster person in the pool, but also hardly ever the slowest. I feel comfortable in the medium or fast lane, depending on whom else is circle swimming, try to avoid the very fast lane and slow lanes.

When I first entered the pool deck, the slow lane was open and I figured I would just hop in there. Then I looked around and realized compared to everyone else, that is the lane I belonged in.

All was fine and dandy and I am swimming along doing my ‘comfortably hard’ 200’s and I notice the guy in the lane next to me. He is doing the bicycle flutter kick, you know, with the really bad bent knees and tons of slashing (I couldn't find a good picture to describe the bicycle flutter kick so this is showing the splashing) During a 30 seconds rest, I see his stroke – just odd looking - so I figured he was doing drills. Later, still the same odd looking stroke. But here’s the thing, he was kicking my butt!! I mean really kicking my butt!!
Ahhh, I hate it when people have horrible technique and are really fast!! The guys who were super fast and great technique is one thing, this is another.

But a Caribou light white sugar free raspberry made it all better - the sugar free gives it way less calories!!

Ironman Wisconsin Review - via Evermantri

2008-07-24T16:32:00.003-04:00

Rachel just sent me this. A good read.

Makes me question some choices I have made (Carlos vs. Blain) but the more information I have, the better.

I Bricked... Now I am Late for Work

2008-07-24T09:28:00.003-04:00

I got out of bed before the sunrise, and before the heat. I had to do 90 minutes with 5*5 minutes hard with my HR 10-15 beats higher. Now, as you may recall, I did a tempo run yesterday and I tend to have a difficult time getting my HR up in the morning while biking. So this was a nice challenge.

But, it did not end there. Coach said to do a brick if I was feeling good. And not just any brick but the run with ANOTHER 5*5 minutes hard with 2 minutes easy in between. So, after 10 minutes of a warm up (and bathroom break) I started my first of 5 five hard minutes. DANG!! But I managed to do the entire 45 minutes with the 5*5 minutes with my HR close to where it should be.

How do I feel - well, not quite the endorphins, my legs feel a bit like bricks, but overall I am happy with today's workout.

Now I am really late for work and need to get moving!!

It Was Okay, I Guess

2008-07-23T20:45:00.005-04:00

Today was a tempo run. I decided to try it outside and try to get used to this heat. Because I haven't had great runs lately, I decided I would change up my tempo and go back to my running coach - Lance. I just needed that "you can do it, 1 minute left" and "pain is temporary, quitting is forever". So not my furthest or fastest run. But not my slowest either. Given the heat, I will take it.

Tonight, instead of swimming (I know, I know... I will get back to the pool!) I got a hair cut. It was way needed! One of my 1017 pet peeves is my hair on the back of my neck - when it's in a pony tail. So, I had a few (4) inches cut off. I kind of fits in a pony tail, but I just wanted it off and really didn't care.

And I celebrated with a cupcake from Cake Love. Or the plan was 1 tonight and 1 tomorrow. But I couldn't decided so I had half of each. Then half of the first. Then I couldn't leave just one half, so I ate that too. TOTALLY WORTH IT!!!

AND I came home to a package from home. My wonderful parents sent me a new container of Bag Balm! Woo-Hoo!! I could not find it anywhere here! And when I asked, people just looked at me like I was crazy. I mean really, why wouldn't you carry something that is to prevent chaffing on cow utters. Anyway, now I can hopefully do my 5 hour ride on Saturday with out (many) saddle sores.

What else was in that package.... My parents know how much I love bags. This is definitely coming with me to Madison!

Rant

2008-07-22T20:18:00.003-04:00

I think it's been awhile since I have just complained/whined. Here we go

1. I am tired. And I am tired of being tired. No matter how much I sleep, its not enough
2. Chlorine and I are not getting along. I keep getting really bad stuffy heads.
3. Because of #2 I keep having rough nights of sleep, which leads to #1
4. My stomach isn't happy. And hasn't been since the 'littering' on Sunday
5. The air conditioner in my apartment doesn't work well. I think this may be a cause of #1
6. I know I live in DC and it is hot/humid, however the code red air days - not good. You aren't supposed to be outside on code red days, let along 'engage in strenuous physical activity'. How am I not supposed to 'engage in strenuous physical activity' when training for an Ironman???
7. Saddle sores. Nothing else needs to be said
8. Going to bed at 9, but still having #1 as an issue
9. 46 days. 36 days of working out (and a 10 day taper)

There was other stuff, but I can't think of it right now.

Oh, Back on the Treadmill

2008-07-21T20:23:00.003-04:00

Given yesterday's oh so great workout in the heat, I decided my run should be done on the treadmill. All was going well, until about 30 minutes into it when I just feel like my sweating took on a whole new level. See all those puddles on my artistic picture of me running on a treadmill - that is about what I looked like.
Okay, not that bad but that is how I felt. After some walking, I finished up the 45 minutes. Meh...

It was still hot out, but no chance of a thunderstorm, so I decided to hit the Hains Point outdoor 50M pool for my swim workout. Coach has it in for me and upped my 100 hard to 15!! So in addition to have the 50M pool, I had to do 15!!! I remember when 8 was hard! But I got it done before the pool closed at 7. It was a nice reminder that I need to get my butt in the pool.

Oh, and Coach's reaction to yesterday's workout... He had a bad day too. And he said a lot of the people he coaches had hard times with the heat/humidity as well. Selfishly, that made me feel much better. He also said "I think you did a heck of a job on the long ride today, stopping, driving, and then getting back on the bike. I think that's remarkable! Coach". Notice how he didn't comment on the puking...

Starting To Ride When It Is 82, at 8 am... Can You Guess How It Went???

2008-07-20T16:00:00.005-04:00

AHHH!!!! WHY CAN'T I HAVE A DECENT RIDE!!!

I thought getting up at 6, packing up the car, driving to Columbia, and clipping in by 8 would be early enough. Nope. Not even close. IT WAS HOT

I did my first 27.5 mile loop and felt okay. Not great, but was ready to power through.
Half way through loop 2, things were not going well and the Clif shot I just took, did not stay down - a problem I have never had before and my nutrition plan has been the same for the past few months... After I littered a bit, I felt a little better and kept going - not that I had a choice. On the stop sign before a large hill it said Don't above and Believin below. So I then had Journey's Don't Stop Believin up the hill. That actually helped. Until I made it to the top with a side stitch and left more Clif Shot and Accelerade on the side of the road.

Sorry Columbia!!!

I decided that the extra hour just wasn't going to happen and just focus on getting back to the car. I got stopped at a stop light, clipped out on the right, even put my foot down, but somehow still fell over and saw stars... That confirmed the decision to stop the ride.

I get back to the car, open the doors, turn on the AC and smell something... My Bag Balm that I had left on the passenger seat, apparently on its side, MELTED ALL OVER!!! There was a nice puddle on the back of the seat, dripping down to the floor on the back. So Marcus went from smelling like chain lube to Bag Balm. Just not good.

After some time in the AC of the car, I started to feel better. I decided to head to Beach Drive to finish up the ride. I know it's not the same as doing 5 hours straight, so I added an extra 30 minutes.

Overall, one 4 hour ride, 55 miles. One 90 minute ride, 20 miles. Slow, hot, seeing stars, littered a bit in Columbia, MD, and just HOT (and not in the good way). Not the 5 straight hours I had hoped for, but hopefully next weekend...

Today's Workout... Naps

2008-07-19T21:09:00.004-04:00

Yes, that is the correct subject line. I filled Coach in with this weeks workouts and just how tired I have been. So he said to take today off, stay off my feet and take a few naps!
To fuel and rest up for a long ride tomorrow. So that is what I did. Expect I couldn't really sleep in - stupid body clock! So I did a few load of laundry, followed by a nap. Some dishes, changed the bed sheets, cleaned up, took a nap. Not too bad.

I met up with Kristin for some light shopping and to see Wanted. Very entertaining.

Now I am just getting ready for my 5 hour ride tomorrow. I just can't complain about days like today (even though it was a Code Red day and 95+ outside...)

Work, Sleep, Sleep, Work

2008-07-18T18:40:00.005-04:00

What is missing, WORKING OUT!!

I am trying, really trying. Things are going well and the last thing I want to do is screw them up. However, I am just so incredibly tired!! I have had a few workouts but sleep keeps winning out, again. My legs and muscles are pretty recovered from Sunday, but I have not caught up on sleep.
One thing of fun I did do last night is head to Wolf Trap to see the Indigo Girls with Lauren and Kristin. A nice picnic dinner on the lawn, clear night, full moon, and good music. Yes, that is not helping with the sleep factor, but it was totally worth it.

Not sure what Coach has scheduled for the weekend, but tonight will be an early night and there will be lots of naps!!

Have a great weekend!

Easing Back Into the Workouts

2008-07-16T08:20:00.007-04:00

This morning came sooner than I would have liked. All weekend, I woke up at 5, my body ready to go. Now that I had to get up at 5:30 to go bike, my body did not want to go. Figures.

But I am glad I got up. Of course I was super close to calling Brooke to cancel, but I didn't. We headed out and I told her every detail of my race - probably bored her to tears that early in the morning, but it was fun to relive a bit. And I am super excited for her because I know she is going to kick butt at her race on Sunday.

Tonight, a swim (that I was supposed to do yesterday, but close enough).

Oh, and my bike shoes... STILL WET!! Not dripping wet, but damp. Couldn't not believe it

Back in the City

2008-07-15T20:06:00.006-04:00

Ahhh... what a great weekend! So many fun stories. And since I don't have much else to report, I am going to share some.

After Rose's race, it was a trip the wineries. But according to Jess, we could only go to the ones with animals on the labels. I only had one sip, of Jack A$$ wine, at 1 winery, and it was not good. Jess and Rose had a bit more than a few sips...
Lakeshore wines had a loon looking animal on the label.

The reading of signs lead to just announcing things you saw out of the window. For example: corn, cow, stop sign. I think the sips of wines by the other two helped the humor of the day.

Celebrating a birthday with cake is good. Biking a hour later as your last workout, and to make sure you bike/new cleats are working, not good.

A little note about the race director. He is the best, very funny, in the dry humor way. For example, at the pre race meeting, he said "The way to avoid cutting your feet on from the mussels, swim the swim, don't run it." And his mom was in charge of packet pickup. How cute!!

Finally, some of you know I DESPISE the cow bell. And not in the way I say I don't like things, but really like them (like hot pink signs that say "Congratulations Amanda" and have smiley faces drawn by my 2 favorite girls who live in New Orleans). They were GIVING AWAY COW BELLS TO RACE SUPPORTERS! Jess and Rose had to tell me multiple times to take deep breaths. I don't know why I don't like the cow bell, I just don't. It has a place, but it is not what pushes me forward in a race.
Jess and Rose took one, they said to take 2 more out of circulation - but I don't know how much I trust that...

Tomorrow, back to my workouts. It starts with an early morning of biking. I am planning on meeting Brooke which will 1. get me out of bed and 2. I can tell her all about my half as she is leaving Thursday for hers.

Yesterday's Race Report

2008-07-14T07:48:00.012-04:00

As we are lounging around in the hotel getting ready for the drive back, I thought I would take the time to describe my wonderful experience of yesterday.

Wake up 5. Jess and Rose did a coffee run and gave me a few minutes to chill on my own. We headed to the race start and I was quickly intimidated by all the really fit looking people.
After some final checks on Blain, headed to the transition area.

Head to body marking where I had a very nice lady who thought I was 848, not 841, so turned it into a heart. How cute.

Then it was to the swim. Now my wave went off at 7:10 and watching 2 waves ahead of me was extremely beneficial. Now I have had my fair share of experience in open water, however, very little prepared me for this swim. We were standing waiting for the gun to go off. The race director said "Get ready to have the greatest race experience of your life!!" We all laugh and the buzzer went off.
IT WAS TOUGH!!! I have never felt so beat up in the water. 1.2 miles of being smacked by waves/swells. At times I would breath to the right and get hit, I would look around and see no one else, and there was NO sighting! Part of that problem was orange buoys, pink caps, and lifeguards wearing red tops. Not good. By the last leg of the triangle, when you had the push of the water, it was to a point where you couldn't swim because it was too shallow. Needless to say, not my best time, however I am SOOO thankful that I am comfortable in the water. But you could tell everyone had a rough swim.

T1 went fine. I was by a port-o-jon which was great for changing! I am not going to win so I go for comfort. I changed, finished dressing and headed out. I did forget my gloves, ran back, and then headed out.

Bike. Where to start. First of all, what causes swells?? WIND. So after a rough swim, because of the wind, what do you accept on the bike?? WIND! BOO!!! The first 10 or so miles were directly into the wind, with a slight incline. SO NOT FUN! When you are pedaling hard, dying and only going 10 mph, it' s just not a good sign.
We took a few turns and finally got some wind at our back with a slight down hill and flat. That was fun!
Another few turns, headwind, and downhill is fun, but not the extra I was hoping for. Hit the half way point and saw how dark it was getting... Hit the big hill, eventually made it up, felt a bit dead, and then it started. The rain. It was at first a light drizzle, kind of nice after the hill. But then it didn't stop. And got worse, and worse, and worse. So for 25 or so miles, wet wet wet. There was some thunder and I just wanted to finish. I slowed down a bit, because I had no brakes and as afraid to go into aero.
When I looked at my bike computer, after wiping it off, I realized my speed was pretty good.
I was on the way back and feeling pretty good.
Overall, 15.5 mph!!!
But here is the thing, my goal was 14 mph, closer to 4 hours, not 3 hours 35 minutes. So with the rain, I wasn't sure if Jess and Rose would be there. I saw Rose, but no Jess (and no pictures because they weren't expecting me that quickly). As I head into T2, I hear Rose on the phone.
Jess was napping in the car!!

T2 went well, easy to change and get started, even thought it was still coming down.

One word can describe the run. WET. It rained the entire 13.1 miles. But when I talked to Coach the night before and told him about the weather forecast, he just said "smile, there is nothing you can do about it". For some reason, that is just what I needed to hear, and that is what I did starting on the bike and carried it through with the run.

Overall, I am really happy with what happened. I don't think there is anything I would have done different, accept change the weather to be cloudy with no rain.

I can not thank Jess and Rose enough for all they did for me. And Kristen, Scott and all the family who were there at the end. This was a great race for me and really good feeling leading into Madison in 54 days!!

Jess is here

2008-07-13T20:54:00.003-04:00

As promised, just a bit later than expected, here is Jess's own post. She is here too

I AM A HALF IRONMAN

2008-07-13T16:12:00.003-04:00

I am not sure if that is really a term, but whatever. I finished!!

Full post and race report to come, but I am super excited! Really HORRIBLE weather (wind and rain, better then hot and sunny but still)

In the mean time, here is a not great picture of me after I finished. It's all I have for now, but for now, I kind of love it.
Off to eat!!

Tomorrow is the Day

2008-07-12T21:58:00.004-04:00

Not the day, but one of the days.

I had so many things I wanted to post about that happened today after Rose's race. Then I went to the transition area to see where I will be racking and this is what was on my spot.
It got to me (shocking, I know). I will do my best, it's all I can do...

PS. The stories are good and will post them eventually.

Rose Rocks!!!

2008-07-12T17:06:00.007-04:00

First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROSE!!!

Would you want to do a sprint triathlon on your birthday? If you are like Rose, the answer is yes. And would kick butt at your triathlon on your birthday? If you are like Rose, once again the answer is yes.
I like watching. At first, it was really foggy, you couldn't even see the third buoy!
But the fog cleared and the race started without any problems. I am not sure if the water level is low, or the swim is just really shallow. Either way, Rose finished the swim with a solid run out of the water.

Driving the bike course must have helped because Rose was supper speedy, we almost missed her coming back. Look at that smile!

And of course, she finished nothing but strong.

It was great to watch and learn how the transition area worked, the in and out of the bike and run course. Jess and I had a good time cheering for everyone and it actually made me excited for tomorrow.

I am off to give Blain one last test drive. Apparently walking 5 miles in your bike shoes is really bad for your cleats. When I finally cleaned out my cleats, I noticed it was worn down and the tip was about to chip off - not good. So, off to the Geneva bike shop for new ones. As you all know my rule, nothing new on race day so hopefully my 20-30 minute ride will do.

We Are Here!

2008-07-11T22:40:00.005-04:00

After a pretty uneventful trip up, which is good, we made it to Geneva, NY.
It started off a bit rocky with the smell of chain lube wafting through Marcus. Sure enough, when Jess and I got to Rose's house, my bottle of chain lube leaked all over one of my many bags. Grrreeeeaaattt....

But the ride was good, only one wrong turn, a lot of laughing about nothing and learned that Jess likes to read aloud signs - all the signs.

We went to pack pick up for Rose and headed out to drive the bike courses. My first impression is that it's not too bad. I know I was in the car, but everything I had marked as the "big hill" wasn't too bad. I feel much better after the drive, but know it will still be tough.

The night ended with a beautiful sunset over Seneca Lake.

PS. Yes, Jess is here and once we all like a picture, I will prove with a post just for her that she is here.

And it's not because she is reading this over my shoulder.

Yes it is.

I Have A LOT of Stuff

2008-07-11T07:47:00.003-04:00

I just finished packing and I have a lot of stuff. I mean the race stuff is a lot, but then 3 days of other stuff for the trip in general, Dang!! I have a Speedo bag that I have had for ages, used it maybe for high school swim meets (I think it was something I had to have in high school), I know for sure I had it for college water polo tournaments, but overall I have never actually filled the bag before. Today, it's full. And the wet suit is in its own bag... That's a lot of stuff!!

Today is a travel day, so no workouts! Woo-Hoo!! I didn't sleep that well last night, woke up at 5:15 - stupid body clock. I think because I knew I didn't have to workout, it was easy to wake up. Figures.

Hopefully I will have some sort of wireless up in Geneva so I can fill you 5 readers in on this adventure.

Well, Jess will be here in an hour so I better shower. It's 7 hour drive and it's just mean if I don't.

Tapering Makes Me Swim FAST!!

2008-07-10T19:23:00.004-04:00

I really do like this tapering thing. Today all I had to do was a 500 warm up, 8*50 hard (I did an extra 2 because I was feeling so good) and an easy 500 to finish up. Simple, quick, felt good, and about 5 minutes faster than my previous 1500M.

For Sunday, I am number 841 in wave 3, with a blue cap. FINALLY a cap that is not pink or purple. Once I saw that, a slight panic moment. But, once again with the help of some good friends, I moved on. It also helped that I had a 1:30 meeting that lasted almost an hour and a half which completely frustrated me.

Otherwise, it was a pretty uneventful day. I had many well wishes from co-workers and friends about Sunday. Jess, Rose and I finalized our plans for the drive tomorrow. I am starting to get exited as I finish up my packing.
This is just a brick, with an event I enjoy doing as a warm up... Right...

And the shirt says
1. one athletic endeavor consisting of three events - swimming, biking, and running; 2. the ordinary... doing the extraordinary; 3. freak

From Rachel with a note "So I believe that you are doing your half-ironman this weekend, and I thought that you could use a couple words of encouragement: You can do it! (Okay 4 words of encouragement and an exclamation point)". She just makes me laugh.

70.3

2008-07-09T20:42:00.004-04:00

I do much better when I don't think about that distance. In 4 days that is the distance I will be attempting to do. In a bit under 2 months, I have to do double that. I start to freak out, sweaty palms, short breaths, and run around trying to find something I can control. I forget that I can control what I am going to do, I just need to think about it in parts.

A 1.2 mile swim
A 56 mile ride
A 13.1 mile run

That sounds much better than 70.3 miles. So mental training, that is what I am working on now.

As Coach said for the weekend
"Don't get worked up over the pre race hype or pre race talk. Get in your own little confident world and stay there."

Oh, and I almost forgot, I did my 30 minute run today. I did it on the treadmill because there was the threat of rain and I lost my work knee braces so if I felt pain, I could stop. But the BEST news, I had such a low average heart rate! 152!!! I don't think I have ever had such a low heart rate with a non-snails pace run. Woo-hoo!!

So Nice...

2008-07-08T21:07:00.004-04:00

Tonight was relaxing. Yes, I should have cleaned, done laundry, dishes, changed the sheets, but no. I went shopping with Jess. Some stuff for this weekend, but mostly stuff I don't really need. It was fun.

This is one thing I found while looking around the Internet that I have been wanting to post. Sometimes, advertisers are very clever

Ahhh... Taper Time

2008-07-08T08:52:00.003-04:00

I L-O-V-E the fact that it is before 9 and I am done with my workout for the day. I just finished my bike and run, a light brick. Blain was okay, no flats, not falling apart. All good things. And I didn't notice the extra weight from the back tire. He is creaking a bit but I don't think it's anything serious. I know I am a bit hyper sensitive to noises he is making right now.

So, what am I going on the rest of the day...
What to do during lunch???

Read? Relax?

What to do after work???

Laundry? Read? Relax? Clean?

So many options!!
Really, these are problems I don't mind having.

Now I just need to get to work on time.

2 months, 2 Months, 2 MONTHS!!!

2008-07-07T20:27:00.003-04:00

I can't believe it. I really REALLY can not believe that in 2 months I will be (hopefully) running a marathon towards the end of my IM Moo experience. With Sunday being my half, having a slight panic attack today is an understatement. Merissa helped calm me down and we looked at my log to see where I was 2 months ago. It was the Columbia tri and I was around 35 miles on the bike. I have almost doubled that in the past 2 months, and have 2 months to double it again.

I was told that you really learn how your friends are during this adventure. I have to say, I am very very lucky in that department.

I just can't believe that time has moved so quickly.

2 months = 60.8736998 days

Just Not My Weekend

2008-07-06T13:13:00.005-04:00

Even thought I took a nap yesterday, I had no problems falling asleep last night. That does not mean I enjoyed waking up for my run this morning. But I did get out of bed and out the door to meet up at Old Anglers/Great Falls for my run. My favorite place to run because of the views from the trail.

I start out with Brooke, explaining the remainder of yesterday's experience. She seemed just as shocked as I was. We are trotting along and I realized that something felt different. New shorts, but that wasn't it. Same water pack, hair, shoes... I couldn't figure out what it was. Brooke looked at me and said "Don't you normally wear knee braces?". Yup, that is what I was missing, my knee braces.

I had planned on going out 30 minutes, heading back to find Merissa for the final hour. So, I turned back a bit sooner to get to the car and grab my knee braces. About 50 minutes into my run is when I started to feel the knees. At first, knees were not happy being pushed back into place - but I have worked so hard to get my knee caps to point in the correct direction, I was not going to let them start to point out again by running 2 hours without the braces.

After I found Merissa, we trotted on for about an hour. The humidity really got to me by the end and the last 10 minutes were not great. I am still not going to map my run dot com what I did because I don't want to be upset at my slowness. With the half next week I really need to work on my mental training.

I am really hoping this will be a light week and I can relax and focus on the training that I have done and be ready for my first 70.3.

Okay, it Really Was the Worst Training Day EVER

2008-07-05T19:13:00.003-04:00

And in a lot of ways it is worse when the reason is things I can not control. This is basically how I felt today.

So after I took my nap, it was sunny. So, I got dressed, again, packed up the car, again, and headed out for my ride, again.
Now I realized I forgot my pump and I already mentioned that I didn't have a CO2 cartridge. But I figured I already had my flat, I would be fine. Headed up Beach drive, right at the turn around, and I hear it - pop, hisssssss..... OHHHH Sh*t!!! No no no no NOOOOOO!!!! 5 miles. I went 5 MILES!! Which means I am 5 MILES from my car.

I start to walk back. Finally 2 guys stop. All I needed was a pump or CO2 cartridge. The 2 guys from Boston (when I said I was going to blog about them, they said that is how they wanted to be described) pulled over and helped. They were great, changing the tube faster than I knew what was going on. Super sweet and greatly appreciated. They pedal off, I get my helmet back on, clip in and start.

100 yards later, pop, hisssssss..... OHHHH Sh*t!!! No no no no NOOOOOO!!!! Not again!
So I start walking again. Another guy stops a little while later and we find 2 holes in the tire, one big one. We patch the tube, plug the hole, flip Blain back over and what happens...
Pop, hisssssss..... OHHHH Sh*t!!! No no no no NOOOOOO!!!! SERIOUSLY!?!?!
So it was pretty much a lost cause after that and I hobbled back to the car.
20 minutes out, 2.5 hours back. Not good.

When you are walking in bike shoes, it's not comfortable, or good for the clips. I walked in my socks at times, but not good either. Not looking forward to tomorrows 2 hour run. And I was surprised at how few bikes asked to help... I always ask, stop, and will now for sure continue to do so.

So that was my day. I rushed to The Bike Rack for a new tire. I wanted the one that would least likely give me a flat, but wasn't really heavy. Hopefully it will workout. Today just really stunk and I hate the fact I missed a long bike. But, it's better this week than next at the half or in 2 months.
I am trying to have some sort of positive spin to this...

Best Ride Ever

2008-07-05T10:51:00.005-04:00

Okay, maybe not even close to the best ride ever, but I did do something that I haven't done on any ride yet - change a flat.

Brooke, Hillary and I met up at 6:30 for a ride. We roll through Georgetown and hit MacArthur. Cruising along and with a few rain drops here and there. Brooke was having a front derailleur issues and was in the middle ring for the ride - which you couldn't tell because she kicked butt up the big hill at Old Anglers Inn. We head back towards the city and it starts coming down a bit harder. The plan was to drop Hillary back off on Wisconsin Ave and Brooke and I were going to head for loop 2.
Well, in the now pouring down rain, I hear a pop and hissss..... Yup, flat back tire. We pull over and I get started. After some greasy hands, help from a stranger with a bike pump (which was good because I have no idea what happened to my CO2 cartridge) and of course help from Brooke and Hillary, 25 minutes later we are clipped in and back on the road.

Now I know, 25 minutes is way too long and if it happens in Madison, there is a good chance that will be the end of me and my Ironman dreams. But the devil is in the details and there are a few things that I remembered I was supposed to do and will hopefully remember next time. Better yet, there won't be a next time...

The rain was coming down pretty hard and Brooke and I decided to just head back with Hillary. It was only 70 and with the rain there is a good chance of me catching a cold, so I just came home after 30 miles.

I am going to take a nap and try to go out and finish this afternoon if the radar looks like it will stay clear for a bit.

Running Through the Zoo

2008-07-04T16:31:00.002-04:00

I am trying something new with my runs. Stick with my time and HR, but do not go to map my run dot com and see how far I went. I tend to find that when I get disappointed, it's hard to come back for the next run. So today, I went through the zoo, which is pretty hard to map.

Pros and cons of the zoo
Pro - hill work
Con - hill work
Pro - bathrooms. Very handy when you had a large cup of coffee earlier in the morning.
Con - (stupid) tourists
Pro - misters to run though to cool you off
Con - (stupid) tourists with strollers
Over all, it felt good. I know I shouldn't have enjoyment from the misfortune of others, schadenfreude if you will, but there is something I enjoy when I run up a hill past unfit tourists who have to take a break on a bench. I only say that because I do not look like a runner/triathlete/fit person. I always hope that people see me attempting to do this and give it a try themselves.

I am off to another BBQ where I made an ice cream cake. How good (and patriotic) does this look!?!?!

Have a GREAT 4th!!

2008-07-04T08:45:00.002-04:00

It Was One of THOSE Days

2008-07-03T23:30:00.004-04:00

You know, just one of those days. It really isn't fair to have this type of day when tomorrow starts a 3-day weekend. People are ruining my mood!!

But the day lead to a call to my friend Rachel for some work help. After we got the work talk out of the way, we got to catch up on other things, especially her race on Sunday. It went well and she kicked butt on the swim and run, and has the Peachtree 10K.
But more importantly, she corrected me on my previous post where I said she is from Georgia. She is not from Georgia, but Texas. I believe she reminded me of this after she said: something something something "hog heaven".
Who says Hog Heaven!?!?
Commenting on her one liners again she comes back with "I have an audience of one: me".
It was one of those conversations that reminds you the day isn't that bad.

I made it for as swim and headed to Conte's before they closed. After a lot of money, again, I have a new hydration system (picture on the left but with pricey bottle cages) and helmet. And after spending boat loads of money, how do you celebrate? Dinner with Kristin!

Tomorrow is an easy day (Happy 4th to me!) before a long weekend.

Blah! Stuffy Heads Hurt!

2008-07-02T20:28:00.003-04:00

Man, I don't know what's going on with my swimming. I mean I am feeling fine in the water, but unfortunately my body isn't responding well to the pool. Lately, every time I swim at the Y, I keep getting all stuffy. I woke up to go biking but felt like I was coming down with a cold, so went back to sleep (I know, complete opposite of yesterday's feeling). When I got to work, everyone kept asking if I was feeling okay because I kept sniffling and apparently had "that look" in my eye. And it is super cold in my cube so I had to wrap up in a jacket, which doesn't help.

I went outside anyway for my tempo run and even thought it wasn't that pleasant, I think it helped. By the time I got back, things cleared out in the head - and not via snot rockets - and I started to feel better. I also had orange and cranberry (not fruit cocktail) juice, a multi vitamin, and Airborne. That is a lot of Vitamin C!!

I Don't Like Where This is Going

2008-07-01T20:19:00.003-04:00

After I learned I am in another harder week this week and had to bike in the morning, I promptly got my stuff together and went to bed.

The alarm went off at 5:30 and my first thought was NOT to go back to sleep. I don't know what it was but when I got out of bed without a second thought, the horror thought came over me - am I becoming a morning person!?!?

NNNNNNOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

I am still not a pleasant person that early (kind of look like the picture to the right) and didn't fully wake up until after the bike, got into the office and had some coffee. But this is still a very scary thought.

Easy bike this morning and decent swim tonight. Now just enjoying watching the Olympic swim trials before I go to bed, get up and bike all over again.

Ahhhh... A Day of Rest

2008-06-30T21:23:00.003-04:00

There are so many wonderful things I love about a day off.

Sleeping in until 7, not crawling out of bed until 7:30
Going to work without 3 bags of workout clothes and recovery drinks
Having lunch with friends instead of going to the gym
Going to HAPPY HOUR not smelling like chlorine or BO

And then there is the e-mail from Coach saying you can't be in a light week because you have a half Ironman in 2 weeks. Ggggrrreeeaaatttt.....
So I have my daily workouts for the rest of the week. And I can't be mad because I have a light taper for next week and he even says things like
"be smart, get to bed early, eat a really good diet and focus" - Did someone tell him I went to lunch and happy hour!?!?!
And
"Think you can get through this week? The taper week will be VERY light. You have to hang in there for the rest of this week. Time to DIG IN Amanda! Coach"

I can't get mad at that!! I have to dig in, make it work, all the other sayings to get my butt in the pool, on the bike and out running.

So I am off to bed so I can get up and bike in the morning followed by a swim tomorrow night.
All for this...

Hot Race and H-O-T Becks!!

2008-06-29T19:56:00.004-04:00

What a day!! Here is my race report for

My alarm goes off at 5, the second at 5:15 and I crawl out of bed. Marcus is packed and I am ready to go by 5:45.
I arrive at General Smallwood State Park and notice 2 cars in front of me looks like Brooke. Sure enough, it was.
Pick up my number (231) as Shane holds Blain (Shane is Brooks Sherpa - holder/protector of stuff, and good guy).
Set up transition and talk to other DC Tri Club people.
7:45, head to the swim start, starting to worry about the heat.
8:10, the first wave FINALLY goes off.
Hop in with the 4th wave, wish Brooke good luck, and start to swim when the horn goes off. Now, the swim - the lake looks beautiful from the outside, but as my mom always said, it's what is on the inside that matters. What was inside this lake was like swimming in a jungle!! At one point I had to stop and pull the weeds off my shoulders and goggles. Also, they got tangled around my leg - not a fun feeling.
T1 took forever as the lake and trans are were not close.
Gave Blain a quick pep talk and head out on the bike. What I should have done was give my legs a pep talk. They were SOOO not happy with me to be back on Blain, especially the first few hills. I started to think a 64 ride followed by an International tri was not the best decision.
But, I peddled along and tried not to let everyone passing me get to me mentally.
Finish the bike and do a quick T2, start my run. Something feels off and I realize I didn't take off my bike shorts. Yes, I add bike shorts over my tri sorts - I like/need the padding.
Man, this run was HOT. Very little shade but I tried to stick to my 1:1, 2:1, 3:1. It didn't quite work. Up hills I went cone to cone, downhills, I did 3:1's.
Eventually, I hear "YAY Amanda!! Finish strong!" It was Brooke and Shane - they waited for me which was so great, especially because they were not longer announcing names of finishers and giving out awards. Yup, I am that slow.
BUT - I have to say the best thing about today, the fact I got my self to do the race after biking 64 miles the day before. And a bad 11 mile run on Wednesday. That makes me happy. Now the results say I didn't finish and I sent an e-mail requesting it be changed. Wrong time is 1 thing, not finishing is another!

I rushed out after the race to meet Arin at the DC United game to watch DAVID BECKHAM!! I got my time line for the day all screwed up when I signed up for the race and saying yes to the game. But, I made in right at the end of the first half (I won't mention how fast I was driving to get there). SOOO worth skipping the food and stretching after the race. I have a picture of him bending over, but thought I would go with this one instead.

I am an Idiot

2008-06-28T15:46:00.004-04:00

I wanted to sleep in until 6 - yes, I agree - you should not say sleep in until 6.

I start set up Blain and realize something is missing... I lost my bracket for my aero drink. I remember taking off the aero drink bottle after last weeks ride, but my guess is I did not take off the bracket and few off on the drive home. Oops, that is a very expensive piece of plastic!

Slightly worried about hydration I am clipped in by 7:30 and pedaling away. Not ideal for the heat and humidity of the day, but it worked out.

Not too much else exciting happened on the ride. My allergies aren't acting up so no snot rockets.
I did get yelled at a few more times than normal about riding in the street. It's frustrating that bikers get such a bad rap. Yes, there are the ones who fly by and don't say "on your left". Even today there was a group of about 12 that almost pushed me off the road and did not go single file so cars could get by. But, there are bad drivers and people don't hate all drivers!
I always try to say "on your left" and wave at cars who let me go.

It was another 4.5 hour ride. A with about 2 hours left I was at a stop sign and I hear "Amanda!!". My guess it was Tony (who is also training for IM Wisconsin) as he knows Blain - who is very noticeable in all his yellow glory. That was just the pick up I needed to finish that loop and start the 3rd and final lap.

Also, I got SMOKED up a hill by a guy who was 117. Okay, not that old, but I would guess in his late 70's, early 80's. He slowed down and chatted with me for a bit, giving me pointers on cadence and such, then flew and KICKED MY BUTT!! Impressive and inspirational.

"Race" tomorrow so it's another early night for me!!

No One Let's Me Sleep In Anymore!!

2008-06-27T13:13:00.004-04:00

When I received the remainder of my workouts for Coach, he said to do this weeks tempo/interval run this morning. The reason behind this was so my legs would have more time to recover for Saturdays 4.5 hour ride and Sundays "race". So I wake up, again, before 6 a.m. for the third day in a row. The difference this time, it was already 78 degrees when I left for the metro at 6:20. Yuck! I have been really spoiled the last few weeks with decent temperatures and low humidity.

I head out for my run and even during my 10 minute warm up, I am sweating bullets. By the time I did my first 5 minute hard interval, I had sweat dripping off my nose, and it was before 7:30!! Just not right!! But I did okay and made it through my 5*5 minutes hard. I had 2 minutes in between so my HR dropped nicely and I would feel ready to go 'comfortably hard' for the next 5 minutes.

Tomorrow and Sunday should be interesting weather wise. The forecast is all the same, high in the mid 90's, isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon/evening – hazy, hot and humid. This all means very early start time for the ride tomorrow and I have to get up early anyway for the "race" on Sunday.

I understand race directors making me get up early, but Mother Nature too! They are all against me!

Much Better

2008-06-26T08:39:00.004-04:00

This morning I crawled out of bed at 5:20 and got ready for my bike. I wasn't very excited considering I was feeling pretty down about everything. I clipped in at 6 and headed out for my first lap at Hains Point. (This is a picture I took!!!)

I timed it so I could meet with the DC Tri club group ride at 6:30. I am glad I did because there was a really big group there, including Brooke. That girl is everywhere!! So we rolled out and found our paces. Brooke and I were out with a few other club members, peddling along. I looked at my computer and we were keeping a pretty good pace, much better than I would on my own. We held it for the hour I was with them and at one point, my avg MPH was 16.8 (which included my slow first lap on my own)!! For me, I did the same thing last week and averaged 14.7! The knees were a bit tender, but overall, a good ride.

Off to work and a swim tonight

I think DC has falling in the "Small Town" category

2008-06-25T21:22:00.004-04:00

I grew up in a small-er town, a suburb of Milwaukee, that we called "The Bubble." Cute little village where you know your neighbors, the police and fire chief, and didn't think about cutting class because your parents would find out immediately - so no, I never did Mom and Dad!! Also walking down the street takes 20 minutes because you stop and talk to EVERYONE!!

My point - this morning (yes, I said MORNING) I got to work, dropped off my stuff and headed out for my long run. I am trotting down The Mall and who passes me - Brooke! Totally unexpected. I catch her at a stop light, we chat, and she takes off. I didn't even know she ran on The Mall.
I continue, down to Lincoln, across Memorial bridge to Arlington Cemetery and back, around the Tidal Basin and who do I see - Charles!! I flag him down, thankful for the break as he is bouncing around the way real runners do, we chat and each continue on our way. I knew he was training for a marathon, but just didn't expect to see him out and about.

Now I don't know that many people in this city, but seeing 2 before 8 am!?!? Strange.

Overall, not a great run. My legs just would not move quickly. About an hour and 45 minutes into it, I knew my legs were not having it. I tried to talk my self into going the full 3 hours, but I just couldn't. It was slow and disappointing. The only good thing I can say - my knees didn't hurt until I was done. They were fine during the 'run' - but I guess when you are moving so slow, there isn't much to pound on.
This is the first in a long while I am actually worried about finishing. I keep saying, and continue to say, I will do my best, it's all I can do. But after this run today, and how my legs felt after only 11 miles... I am worried

Are Snot Rockets Littering?

2008-06-24T19:48:00.004-04:00

I was talking to my friend Rachel today (who has a race on Sunday) and she sounded a bit congested. She said she was trying to get over a cold, hence the head congestion sounding voice, but was also on her way out for a run. I told her that this is a great opportunity to practice her snot rockets. Rachel laughed in that disgusted "I can't do that" laugh and said the best thing

"Snot rockets are against my anti littering campaign".

This made me laugh very very hard. Rachel is always coming up with/saying random phrases I have never heard - we decided it's because she is from Georgia and I am from Wisconsin. Another favorite she whispered at a meeting "You can't fix stupid". Coffee almost came out my nose - the birth of my snot rocket quest.

And Brooke sent me this great blog posting today. It's a bit long, but a good read. When I read it, I felt like she knew me!! Made me realize that the things I am going through - I am not alone.

I Am Easily Persuaded

2008-06-23T19:49:00.007-04:00

It really doesn't take much to talk me into things. I would have made a horrible lawyer, always thinking the other side sounded good.

So when I was at the General Smallwood course with the people from the tri club, they started asking if I was doing the race, I should do the race, etc. This morning I talked it over with Coach and he thought it was okay - but don't "race" it, only do it comfortably hard. HA! Once again with the 'comfortably hard'. I still have to do a 4.5 hour ride on Saturday so I don't think it will be a very fast race anyway.

Had a good lunch run with Merissa. It was supposed to be easy and it was, nice and light. Tonight was a swim - and yes, I made it back in the pool. That was fine too, expect the ending with 8*50's hard. Hate those!!

The best part of the night, the walk home after the metro. It was raining lightly and the sun was shining. I didn't pull out the umbrella and just enjoyed the warm rain. Because of the sun, I knew there had to be one - then I turned around and found it. I took a picture with my camera phone: it's not the best, but still - breathtaking. I love the fact I can see a rainbow in the city.

What a RIDE!!!

2008-06-22T13:15:00.003-04:00

First of all, I saw the sunrise Saturday, sunset Saturday, and sunrise AGAIN today!! Who does that over the weekend!?!? Hopefully I will be in bed before the sunset tonight...

Anyway, the alarm went off at 5 am and I cursed Brooke's name as I rolled out of bed. I got my stuff ready, packed up Marcus and was on my way to Smallwood State Park. Brooke was right behind me so we got our bikes ready and headed off. We were doing the General Smallwood Triathlon International course. My plan was to do it twice and a little more to get the full 4.5 hours in today.

Here are some things that happened on the ride.
1. Missed a turn. This was neither of our faults - the road is not marked with the same name as the one on the map
2. When we did a few extra hills, thinking we went to far, we started to wave at drivers for help - they just waved back.
- Finally, one did stop and we confirmed we went to far
3. We were chased by dogs!! And I mean really REALLY chased. This was the closest either of us have ever been to being nipped. I think that was the fastest I pedaled and the highest my HR got the entire ride
4. I am learned how to do hills better
5. PEOPLE ARE STILL LITTERING!!! I really don't understand. On my second loop, I started counting the beer cans... I lost track after 53
Finally,
6. Even though I gave Brooke a hard time about the early start (but am very thankful we started early), she waited until I got back . After we did the course, we meet up with some other DC Tri club people and they did the sprint course. I did the full course again, and a little out and back and she waited and cheered for me as I got back. How sweet! Thanks Brooke!

So, the total distance you are wondering... 66.69 miles!!! I felt pretty good. What hurts the most are in the left wrist (actually hurts a bit to type) and a really bad saddle sore (boo!). But cardio and leg wise - I feel really good. YAY!

What A Great Day!

2008-06-21T15:03:00.004-04:00

When the day starts at 5:30 am, really, how good of day can you have?? Well, it was great.

It started by heading to Hains Point for the DC tri club training tri, where I was volunteering. When the alarm went off, I almost skipped, but glad I didn't. I got to meet a lot of club people, and see the 3 people I do know; Brooke, Janel and Tony, actually do the event and cheer for them. It was actually a really good time.
And Tony and I got to chat about IM Moo!! Obviously a favorite topic of mine.

This was followed by an oil change. Marcus came out with a clean bill of health, something I have not always had good luck with (sorry Audrey, you know I loved you!!).

After the clean bill of health for the car, I headed to Beach drive for a 90 minute ride. Now I wanted to do this in the middle of the day because on Madison, I will be biking from about 8:30-5, the middle of the day. You know what, it was GREAT! I was SHOCKED!!!
I did have some knee pain, but stopped at the car half way through to get a knee brace. When it first went on, it might have been my imagination, but it felt I could feel my knee cap pushing against the brace. However, I think it really helped. My HR stayed at a good level, my cadence was good, and I actually went faster!
I stopped and helped someone with a bad chain. Offered to help 2 people with flat tires. It might have been the Propel fitness water with caffeine in the morning, or the 20 oz coffee from 7-11 during the oil change, but it felt so good to be out in the middle of the day.

Now I am off to Kristin's for a BBQ and catch up with her and Lauren - who I haven't seen in ages!!

Good times!!

Tomorrow, Brooke is making me meet her at 6:45 to start our 50-60 mile bike. Just kidding Brooke, better early than late!!