Ironmom

Kona ....

2011-10-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

I was going to call this a race report but there was really no racing coming from me. From puking to poop to blisters and lost toe nails I pretty much covered it!

Race Morning: I woke up way too early with something telling me things were not right. I had really bad diarrhea and was not feeling well. Trust me this was not pre-race nerves, this was bad! I tried to put it out of my mind and choked down my breakfast and made my way down to the start. I continued to hydrate and started to feel a bit better, I actually thought things might be OK.

Swim: This swim is crazy, from the cannon to the swim exit it is wall to wall people. I got a great start and felt smooth and strong out to the turn boat. Once I made the turn I knew I had to catch the pack up ahead and not swim the entire 2.4 miles on my own. I caught the pack quickly and then realized they had all stopped and were panicking! I had to go way wide to the left to get out of the mess. I am guessing they all started out too fast and just died. I swam hard and cleared the pack but my time was a bit slow. The ocean was rough but not too bad and I felt refreshed not tired at all. Overall good swim!

Bike: Oh how things can go from great to horrible to worse in 40 miles. But this is Kona and I was not about to give up! I knew that my eating and drinking were right on target and suddenly at mile 40 whatever went in was coming right back up! The poor guy behind me ( teach him not to draft) got puke sprayed all over him. I actually thought this might be a good thing and that maybe I would start to feel better. I continued to eat and drink in my normal pattern and sometimes it would stay down other times it came right back up. I started to sip cola here and there at mile 90 and actually made it to T2!

Run: Ok so if the puking was not bad enough my feet were the nail in the coffin that is Ironman Hawaii. I had blisters under my toe nails and across the bottoms of my feet. It was the most painful feeling I have ever had. I never thought about quitting not once did it cross my mind to stop. I knew I could walk if I had too but that would just take longer so I ran aide station to aide station stopping every mile to coat my feet in Vaseline and continue on. My stomach started to settle down around mile 25 and I actually felt like I was running. Of course the last mile is amazing and I would have run anyway but it was nice not to feel like puking all down Alii drive.

This finish line is nothing like any other. It is truly amazing and a magical place. Finishing this race in the way that I did is something that can never be taken away from me. It is not the race I wished to have or know that I am capable of having but a race nonetheless.

Post race recovery never tasted so good! Next up planning next season! Thanks to everyone who made racing in Kona a possibility, my husband Larry, my kids, my mom, my best training partner Kathleen and my "Rudy" Betsy! You are all so special to me and have made a huge difference in my life! Last I need to thank Amanda Lovato for all the support and coaching , you are the best!! XOXO

Boulder 70.3

2011-08-09T08:29:00.000-07:00

Where o' where has the summer gone? I think that I blinked and the summer flew by. I love having my kids at home and we had so much fun, but I have work to do! So off to school they go!

How will I manage without them you ask? What will I possibly do with all my free time? Well I will tell you one thing, you can find me here::

Going into this weekend was a huge training block, a big build toward Kona. I was feeling tight, fatigued and anything but fresh. But this being a "c" race I pushed on and fought the urge to sit on the couch and taper like everybody else. As the week went on I started feeling better and better and by Sunday I was ready to race.

Race morning I was calm and cool. I got up and had breakfast, then we headed to the res. We got to transition with plenty of time to get a good spot on the rack and take care of business. The morning was quite cool but would heat up fast. As the gun went off starting our wave I was ready for whatever the day was going to bring. I had no expectations of how I would do or how I would feel. My main goal for the day was nailing my nutrition. Something that has been hard for me the last few years. I wanted to get off the bike and not have tummy troubles straight onto the run course. The swim was great, lots of open water, as much as I tried I could not find feet. My swim was a bit slower than I thought I could do, but then again I have not been swimming consistently this summer.

Out of T1 at my normal snails pace and on to the bike. I knew that the day was going to be hot and that nutrition was going to be key to finishing the race and recovering well for the next big training block. I am happy to say that my splits were pretty even and I was feeling good. I rolled into T2 happy with my plan and no tummy issues.

Once I got on the run course I could feel the heat but it did not bother me too much. My first mile was way too fast, like 7:06 fast. I knew I needed to slow down but I felt so good. At the second hill I made myself walk a bit and slow things down. From there I maintained an even pace and stayed hydrated and cool. Someone said the temps were near 100* but it did not feel that hot until I crossed the finish line and stopped. Then I felt the heat.

All in all I am happy with my race and feel pretty good. Not too sore and great energy. I rode today with Kathleen and we chatted the whole way! I love recovery rides!! Congrats to all that competed on Sunday, way to go!

Cheers!

Texas time!

2011-04-14T09:12:00.000-07:00

The first race of the season is now in the books! Since IMAZ I have gone through a bit of Triathletes Anonymous rehab. This included Tons of family time, riding dirt bikes instead of Tri bikes, many beach vacations chasing turtles, and plenty of laughs. As 2011 was rolling on I decided to pick up my training and just enter a 70.3 for the "fun" of it. Mostly to get my butt back in shape but mostly because I missed the active training for sport. I love to workout, but I need a purpose to make those workouts count! So Texas 70.3 in Galveston was the easiest to get to and did not interfere with my daughter's swim meets. Fast forward 3 months and what does a triathlete who has little training under her for the year do? That's right a two week vacation on the beach!

Once I got back from Hawaii I had ten days to train for Galveston, no worries!! I got this, and altitude is on my side. We flew into Houston late, late Friday night and our hotel room had just been painted with no other rooms available. Uggg, major fume headache for three days! We also figured out that we had left the majority of our race nutrition at home! Great, this being a PowerBar sponsored event no Carbo-Pro sold at the expo! Okay so my nutrition plan is now going to be all gels all day, yumm! What's a girl to do but head to the BEACH!

Race morning was very fun thanks to Tracy, Katey and Paige! We chatted, laughed and spent over 2hrs getting to know each other! As we watched the pro's come in, the men come in and some of the women we noticed that the wind was picking up dramatically. The calm waters of the waves ahead of us were long gone. In it's place was major chop and big swells. Through the swim and onto the bike the wind was crazy, and the sun was blazing. I knew it was going to be a tough day. In the first 3 miles two girls in my age group passed me, I thought about going with them but decided to ride my own race and kept it steady. I passed both of them before the half-way point on the bike! I came into T2 feeling great, maybe I rode too easy?

The run at this race is 4 loops of boring, hot, cement miles. The best part is the aide stations, the volunteers did great with what they had. And sometimes that was not much, many ran out of cups and people were grabbing cups off the ground in order to get water or sports drink. It was very hot and windy and I tried to pace my loops so that I did not fade too badly as the temps rose and I got tired. I definitely had one too many caffeinated gels as it was tough to fall asleep that night.

I have been recovering this week and already the wheels are turning. What's next you ask, well I took a 70.3 World Championships spot. So I will be racing in Vegas in September, more heat please!! I was not going to take the spot but I have not been to Vegas in a long time and hopefully it will be less of a cheat fest with the hills to break up the packs that plagued Clearwater. I am back to swimbikerun, and loving it!

Cheers!

Ironman Arizona 2010

2010-11-30T18:55:00.000-08:00

Pre- race:

So the weeks leading up to this, my 14th Ironman were less than ideal. I was sick, worse than I have ever been before a race and I have raced sick many times. This was unbearable. Double ear infection and strep throat had me feeling spent, tired and drained. Antibiotics do a number on my gut as well, so I was one unhappy athlete. Then came the family emergencies, and the possibility that I may not be making the trip to Arizona after all. In the end it took a village but I made it to Tempe and the race venue was shaping up. Still it was difficult to focus on racing, I was worring about the situation at home and if our family was ok. I knew from 2008 that the swim would be cold and my plan was to get in Friday and not again until Sunday morning. But the race directors had a different idea, no swimming Friday only Saturday. That gave me a whole extra day to fret over the cold water! The swim Saturday was great, I lost feeling in my feet and hands within the first few minutes and then it warmed up nicely. Not too bad! The bike was set up and ready to roll, I had made a choice to go with 808's in front and back, hindsight bad decision. I should have done a 404 up front and 808 in back. Sleep had been good, not great but better than last years disaster of no sleep for 3 days prior to Ironman. I felt good and was ready to tackle the day, no matter what it brought.

Swim: Race morning was smooth, still deciding what to wear. Laughing with Sasha and stressing with Larry, it was all good. Got in and swam out to the left by the Ford sign. Great spot until 30 seconds befor the cannon and 800 people swam over the top of me to try for the front position. Damn, hold your ground, yeah right 195 pound guy just kicked me in the back and crawled on top of my shoulders...hmmmm not good. When the chaos spread out and I got some clear water I felt good but had taken a beating. I was sore and tired from battling for position. The one thing I was not was cold. This was different from 2008 when I was so very cold at the turn bouy. The rest of the swim was smooth, not fast but I felt fresh and ready to ride.

Bike: The first thing I noticed on the bike was the wind. I thought oh crap, it's going to be a long day. I tried to think on the bike about the next section, where is the wind, eat, drink, spin. Then first loop was great but coming back into town I was looking for my coach, I needed a boost, hmmm, how could I have missed that? On the second loop the wind picked up, and the rain came. I was not cold, I was prepared as the forcast all week had been calling for crappy conditions, but it was mentally draining. Again coming into town looking for my coach I was needing that "cheer" from outside the race. Starting the third and final loop I was focused on getting in some good nutrition and spinning out my legs. I got passed by my husband at mile 92 and he looked strong. Maybe this was his year, I had beaten him in 2008. Rolling back into T2 I felt fresh in my legs but mentally I was drained. I was tired, felt sluggish and my tummy was not happy. I had been vomiting every 20 miles from 60 on. It wasn't much, more like reflux, Very acidic.

Run: I knew that the first few miles of this course were fast and a good opportunity to see how much the bike had taken out of me. Right off the bat I felt great in my legs, like I had just rolled out of bed for an early morning run! My tummy had other things to say. I did not know what to eat, drink, or do. So I ran and after 3 miles I started to feel a bit better, not much but enough to take in some gel and water. And so it went, the rolling buffet of what to take in next, or not. Then came the bridge, this is where my coach promised to be, each lap I would get to see him and have that positive feedback. Boy was it great to hear cheering and support! I was running well and closing in on Larry, I knew I just needed to keep moving! I passed him at mile 8, in 2008 I did not pass him until mile 13. We were not that far apart from there to mile 13 only 1 min separated us. But from mile 13 to the finish I put 15 min on him. The second loop I was working hard and feeling the lack of run training due to my achilles injury, and again I was needing that support. On the bridge but where the hell is coach? Crap just run, you have done this before, 13 times before just keep moving! By the third lap I was miserable, my tummy was rebeling and I was not sure if I was going to make it to the next pot-o-potty. So went the last 10 miles, running poop stop to poop stop trying to find a place to peel off if I did not make it. I was mking deals with people to just run with me to the next bridge then we could walk, only I was not walking! I just pushed on. I have never been so happy to see the finish line of a race before in all my triathlons. I was done, finished, spent.

After: The finish of a race is hard for me. I cannot stop or I pass out. I cannot sit down, cannot bend over, cannot stop walking, or I get very sick. My blood pressure drops and bad things start happening. My catcher was awesome. I think he actually just wanted pizza, but he helped me get dry clothes, food and my husband. After packing the bikes and walking miles in my hotel room I needed to lay down. And 3, 2, 1......PUKE! yes from there it was all down hill, vomiting and feeling like crap till about 3 am. By 5 am I was starving, by 9 am I had had three breakfasts. Yes three!

So that's it, I am satisfied with this race and the outcome given the lack of run training and illness prior to the race, but I am not happy. I could have done better, could have done more. I think that is what has kept me coming back 14 times.

Baby steps and Hope

2010-09-21T10:38:00.000-07:00

I have not had much to blog about lately. The weather is perfect for running, cool crisp mornings, bright sunny sky, amazing. However, I have not been able to run like I should be right now. I have not run further than 8 miles since Boulder 70.3 August 9th. I have been battling an Achilles injury. I have been mad, sad, angry, disappointed and now I feel better. I am running. Well, sort of. Not the kind out running I like or that my body is used to, but I am getting in some miles. These are the baby steps I need to take to make sure I can make it to the start of Ironman Arizona. The plan is to get from 8 miles to marathon ready in 9 weeks! I have hope!

The key to training with an injury I have learned, is to control the things you can. I cannot control if my foot will hurt when I wake up, or when I run. So I try not to focus on that only on doing my ice, heat, massage, stretch and Hoping that it doesn't hurt. I can swim and bike and slowly building the run. These are things I can control. The dog rushing to beat me down the stairs and taking my bad leg with him..nope can't control him either! I can't control my training partner either. Kathleen was feeling like I was getting all the attention with my bad Achilles so she decided to break her foot! So here we both gimp along to swim practice, perfecting the one leg push off the wall and learning to love pulling! I have hope she will be back at it soon and just as I am ramping up my running she will be able to spin on a mountain bike and back to being my Sherpa!! To all those faced with injuries we can't control, never give up! I have Hope! Cheers!

Summer ....

2010-08-18T10:48:00.000-07:00

I can't believe summer is almost gone. This was a summer of firsts. It was the first time my kids were out of school all summer long. We spent many days at the pool and doing fun stuff. I tried to sneak in a few training sessions when they were otherwise occupied but it was tough! I did my first duathalon this summer. Not that I would quickly sign up for another one but it was "fun"! I also after 13 years of racing did my first Olympic distance triathlon. That's right, I have done 14 Ironman's but only one Olympic. And I placed 2nd in my age group. I was very mellow and even had a beer and pizza the night before, and I had loads of fun! This might be something I should try before an Ironman? Hmmm..

Just recently I raced the Boulder 70.3, formerly known as 5430 long course, and once again I was unable to race to my potential. Last year before this race I broke my nose. This year it is a bad Achilles. I have been unable to run for many weeks. I am 13 weeks from Ironman Arizona and thinking I will suffer greatly on the run if I don't get this Achilles issue resolved. I am hoping to swim and bike my buns off and to run in the pool until it heals.

Now that the kids are back in school, well one is home sick today, I have my training partner back! It has been a lonely summer training solo and I am so happy to have Kathleen to pull me around! She joined me yesterday for some intervals on the bike. One more week and she will be killing it! Look out Redman Triathlon!! I'm off to take one sick little boy to the Dr. He actually saved me from myself as I would have tried to run today I'm sure!

Cheers to great training partners!!

Galveston 70.3

2010-04-30T07:56:00.001-07:00

Galveston is turning out to be one of my favorite races. It is a good early test of where I am and a mellow way to get back into triathlon. In years past we have had great cool weather with little wind. This year was pay-back time! It was HOT and super windy. And I really did have fun.

The swim was looking bad as we were the second to last wave to go off. One hour and 15 min after the pros had started the race. But as the wind picked up so did my confidence. I have done some pretty choppy swims and I am very comfortable in the water, so bring on the swells!

On to the bike, following coaches orders ( an accomplishment in and of itself) I took it easy the first half of the bike, too easy! By the time I hit 50 miles I felt like I wanted to ride another 50 miles. Oh no, what did I do. Well I was trying to set myself up for a good run so this is good to have fresh legs off the bike.

On to the run, I felt amazing. My legs wanted to go and felt great at about a 7:50 pace. However, at mile 6 my stomach had a different idea. I had to be in the porta-john every 2 miles or so until the finish! This has never happened and I hkope it does not happen again!

All in all it was a great day! I finished 8th in my age group and I am ready to start training for the next race! Bring on the tri season!!

Banner days and blue sky!

2010-01-13T08:57:00.000-08:00

The sky was so blue yesterday! It was a perfect Colorado day, one of those days you just want to play outside all day long! I took pictures with my phone but having trouble uploading them! I had so much to do yesterday but did find the time to sneak in a mountain bike ride. The warm sun and bright blue sky just made my whole day seem that much better. It was a nice easy ride and I held back when I saw the opportunity to put the hurt to the guy in the baggy sweatshirt and cut off jeans. It is only January and I wanted to ride today so I held back. But now here I sit with a sick little one on the couch, should have made it hurt yesterday! Lesson learned.

Speaking of hurt, last weekend I got to hurt in a whole new way. In the pool. I competed in my first Masters swim meet!! It was one of the toughest things I have ever done. But this year is about new challenges and getting out of my comfort zone. I did the 500 free, 50 free, 100 free and 200 free. No sense in shelling out $25 just to swim the 500, so I did all the free events. I think I would do better in the 1650 or hey how about a new event, 2.4 miles? I will definitely do another one, it was sooo much fun! Now I am off to set up the trainer on the back porch, at least it is warm and I can work on my Hawaii tan! Hope the neighbors don't mind the bikini top! Cheers!

Looking ahead - 2010!!

2009-12-28T07:34:00.000-08:00

Looking back at 2009, it was a great year. Another successful triathlon season, no injuries and some big accomplishments. The kids are happy and healthy and doing well. Life is good. This year we raced four half Ironmans starting with Galveston in April and ending with Harvest Moon in September. Then it was on to the Great Floridian Ironman Distance race the end of October. Needless to say it was a long season and I was glad to be done! But there is always that part of me who wants more, to do more, see more, challenge myself more. It has taken me a long time to be satisfied with my race in Florida and except the outcome. With the new year on the horizon I have been looking ahead instead of behind. Thinking of what will be than of what could have been. I am excited for the new challenges I will embrace and the adventures I will have with my husband and kids! See ya in 2010! Cheers!!

MY INSPIRATION.....

2009-10-01T08:04:00.001-07:00

I am loving this new bike! If it is at all possible, every time I ride I fall more in love with it! It fits perfectly and responds so well. Training has been going almost to good to be true. I am giddy with excitement and can't wait to race. I have 3 weeks and 2days. It is almost taper time and my body is ready for that. Last Saturday I rode 100 miles and then Tuesday Kathleen and I headed out east and rode a fast 92 miles. I have my last long run on Friday, going for 20miles and then it is taper time. Thankfully I am putting in the miles because it is that time of year again when the house is full of CAKE and birthday treats galore! My baby girl turned 9 and my hubby turned, well another year older..HEHEHE!
My days off have been filled with recovery hikes and good friends and good food. I am truly blessed to be living this life. I came across a quote that has really hit home lately, it says " A goal without a plan is just a wish." I have a goal and I have followed my plan to the best of my ability and now I just have to reach that little bit higher and make it happen. Cheers!!!

Almost an Ironman and Chick Fillet..

2009-09-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

The weeks are just flying by, I have only 6 weeks till Great Floridian Iron distance triathlon. I feel great with my training and have turned in some monster miles. The biggest weeks I have ever had. In three days I practically did an Ironman. My long ride on Friday was almost 100miles and then my long run Saturday was 16 miles (but it took forever cuz it was super hilly), and then a 2 mile open water swim on Sunday. It was a fundraiser for the two triathletes hit a few weeks ago, and I saw so many people I knew and have not seen in a long time! So all in all a great end to a super hard week. Now all I want to do is chill, but there is more work to be done.

Today Kathleen and I headed out on a nice easy 50+ mile ride that turned into a nice ride with some snap in the middle. So we are enjoying our ride and about 15miles from home we come to a major crossing and spy this dude all decked out and hanging onto the cement barrier waiting for the traffic to let him by. We all get going at the same time and cross the road safely. Coming up is a big steep hill and this dude comes blazing by sucking wind like he is racing for his life. Kathleen decides to play a little and "jump on his wheel". I was laughing cuz there was not going to be a problem in passing him, so we took it easy and went by fairly quickly. I mean this guy looked like he was going backwards. Of course we continued to push the pace just to put the dressing on the chick sandwich we just served up! Too much fun! We took our usual route home and all be darned the guy took the short cut and wanted more. So he pulls out in front of us as we are stopped at a light and we have to pass him again! Kathleen says, So that is a chick fillet! He was done, and pretty bummed as we passed him for the second time in less than 8 miles. I think he stopped at Lamar's or Long John Silver's! Anyway that was our fun for the day. It always feels good to pass the guys who think they are the $h!t!

I have a race coming up this Saturday and I am not looking forward to it. I think now I should not have signed up for it this close to an Ironman. I have never raced on legs as fatigued as mine are right now. It should be interesting. The new bike is still in transit, it is a point of frustration for me. Off for a recovery sandwich and a hot shower! Cheers!!

Week 2...

2009-08-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

This is week two of my build to Ironman. I have been getting in some tough training and feeling pretty good. The nose and toe have healed up quite nicely. My nose still hurts when I swim and I battle headaches often but each day is getting better! Last week was something like this...swim, bike, run, eat, sleep, repeat. This week has been pretty much the same. Monday was a great day with half-mile repeats in the am, which I managed to descend, and a great swim workout in the afternoon with long 500m sets at a fast pace and descending by 100's. Yesterday was a nice short bike ride and today was a long run. Training has left me pretty tired and sore but I am happy about how things are progressing. I have some other exciting news, I got a new bike. Pictures will be posted once it arrives and details will follow. But for now I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas morning! I'm so excited!!! Happy training!

5430

2009-08-12T15:56:00.000-07:00

I am not really calling this a race report. I really did not get to "race" and there is not much to report. One week before the race my son hit my nose with his big ole head and broke it. We were at my niece's wedding and I was wearing a brand new very pricey dress. Blood was everywhere, I was not well. So as the week went on the breathing got easier and I though perhaps I could suffer through this race. So on Friday I took the kids to the pool so I could try out my nose and make sure I could swim. I proceeded to do a nice pre-race swim and then...bam! I kicked a metal chair and broke my friggen toe. That is right people, I was a mess. I could not believe this was happening to me. After lots of ice and Advil I decided I was going to Boulder and giving it a go. I mean I am not one to back down in the face of adversity and was not about to throw away the registration fee. So as I said there was not much racing involved. I very much went through the motions of the triathlon and finished without any other major injuries. I finished 9th in my age group and feel good today. I will start Ironman training next week when the kids go back to school, get ready Kathleen we are going LONG! Cheers!!!

Whew!

2009-07-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

Crazy! Time flies when you are having fun! And no, it has not been all swimbikerun. Actually I have been busy doing mom things and wifely things. Oh yeah and there was that race in Texas. Then we traveled to Philly to see Larry's family, then school started and I got a little swimbikerun training in. Now the next hurdle is swim meets! One on Saturday which will be Reiley's last one and then Madie swims pre-lims on Monday! How cool to get out of school and go swim with your buddies! She is such that it will freak her out and she will not want to skip school! Hmmm..don't know where that comes from! I ditched school every chance I got(it is a good thing my mom does not read this!) all the way through to college!

On to the race..I got sick the week before and then got sicker and sicker! It was not fun. Saturday night before the race my left ear was so infected that I could hear nothing out of it. I was afraid to take my cold medicine because it makes me super groggy, and racing with medicine head did not appeal to me. However, at midnight I was in so much pain I had to take something. So by 3am I was finally asleep and the alarm went off at 4:30. No worries! I have raced plenty of times with zero hours of sleep so I figured I was already ahead with 1:30! I rolled out of bed and nearly fell back down I was so dizzy from the medicine and congestion in my head! This was not going to be pretty. We drove to the Lake and it was like deja vu (sp?)! The same thing as last year, hear comes the storms! Not possible, anyone who knows Lubbock knows it dose not get chilly and rain very often! But two years in a row, look out cuz next year it is gonna be HOT! As we walked down the hill to transition the wind was howling! There were white caps on the lake, silently I cheered! I am a decent swimmer and the conditions were evening the playing field! However, my lack of being in the pool and swimming was worrying me a bit!

The gun went off and this year there were no cheaters!! I felt strong to the first big turn even going into the chop. But after I felt like we should be halfway back I could see 3 more big triangle buoys! WTH? This felt like the longest swim ever! Coming out of the water I checked my watch, 35 min, great I guess my lack of swim training showed! Coming to the top of transition I saw only a few bike missing and lots of my waves colored caps still swimming! WOW, not too shabby! On to the bike where the winds prevailed. I have done this race a handful of times and this was the windiest it has been. And then came the rain, and more wind. It was brutal and I was happy to be in transition faster than last year! My head was killing me and my body was tired. I don't just mean sleepy, I am talking nothing in the tank blasted. No I did not ride too hard, I was just plain sick. I knew the weather was perfect for running fast and even not feeling well I knew if I just kept moving I would do okay. At this point I was hoping for top 20. I had no idea who was ahead of me or how many were behind, but I knew they were coming so I ran. I finished with a run split faster than last year and my best on this course, but I was shelled. Completely and utterly spent. I told my husband that was the worst race ever and I just wanted to go home.

An hour out of town I called Kathleen and was near tears. She says to me, "it is better to have a bad race feeling bad, than a bad race feeling good...oh and by the way you are 6th! Not so bad after all!" Oh so true, I knew I could count on Kathleen to cheer me up! So 8hrs later we pull into the driveway, yes we drove straight through after the race, I was home! The kids were happy to see us and proud of mommy for finishing the race even sick! Note to self, don't do that again! I passed up the Clearwater spot, I'm just not that into that race. There are a lot of issues with the race and if they ever move it I would love to compete in the 70.3 championship's, just not now.

The kids are back in school so I hammered out some nice swim, bike and run workouts! I am looking forward to recovery and getting some speed back into my legs. I know I have the fitness for 70.3, I just need to get some speed! My next race is Boulder 5430 70.3 and then I am in the market for a new bike! Any suggestions? Oh and any of you that want to ride in the next two weeks let me know, I'm game!

Cheers!

Eeyore no more!

2009-06-10T13:51:00.000-07:00

Lately I have felt like Eeyore living in the 100 Aker Woods. This big dark cloud has been following me around and spoiling all my workouts. Well today I evaded the dark rain cloud and found the sun! That's right I rode for 2 hours in the sunshine. Something I have not been able to do here for awhile. Our weather has been down right Seattleish. Well Washington can take it's rain and gloom and go away. Colorado is supposed to have the most days of sunshine of all the states, not this year. Maybe it is because we had our summer back in Feb and March and now it is time for paybacks. Who knows, all I know is that it is tough to bike and run in the cold rain.

So this morning Kathleen and I loaded up the bikes and headed north in search of sunshine. And blissfully we found it. The weather was so nice we ended up at the pool to cheer on our fellow masters swimmers. God forbid we actually swam, it was not that nice out. We had lunch! Although I did get a bit warm and jumped in to have a short "ice bath" after lunch! It was a perfect day. Now that I am back home, of course it is clouding up and a big storm is brewing! Back to being Eeyore! Cheers!

Bricks, Blogs and Snakes!

2009-05-18T06:58:00.000-07:00

This has to be the most neglected blog ever attempted to be written! I have been swamped with kid stuff and training and it is great! Last week ended in the most perfect way, a four hour brick! Nice, I love brick workouts, they make you feel so strong when all goes well and teaches you what not to do when things go so horribly wrong. But on Friday all was right, it was a fun day and it made me suffer a bit which is always good. This weekend was rattlesnake sightings #2 and #3! These were not as big as the snake in Castlewod Canyon but close! Growing up in Colorado everyone knows this is prime rattlesnake country, but this year has been extremely bad. I usually can get through the summer only seeing one, and I am up to 3 and we are still in spring! Here are a few fotos. One of the kids at the zoo, the others are of the trail I ran and saw all the snakes! Cheers!

Pop...is never a good sound!

2009-05-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

This week has been a good start to my training build to Buffalo Springs. The kids have been off track for the last three weeks, and I had exactly 3 bike rides, 3 runs(one race half-marathon), and 3 swims. This week is gonna kill me. It may not be pretty but I have to start somewhere.

Yesterday Kathleen and I went for a nice easy paced long ride. Then the wind started, it was howling! So we decided to make it a shorter day..the POP! Kathleen gets a flat. Now having had my fair share of flats, I'm thinking, " No worries we will be out of here in no time!" Kathleen insists she do it all by herself. Great, I will just ride out here a ways and come back to check on you. As I roll up I see she has it changed, but it is very, very low on air! Do you not have a CO2, oh no I just have this pump..uh okay. Off we go and before we climb 1000ft back home I suggest we put in more air! Thanks to the squirrely guy at the res, we were off. Did I mention the wind? We managed to turn out short 3hr ride into like a 4 hour ordeal!

So I get home and head to the shower before my kids get home and as I am trying to peel off my jog bra, I hear this POP! I think oh shit, there goes my shoulder! It is very sore and I have been icing and taking Advil, I had to invest in a fuel belt! I normally run with a hand held bottle, in my right hand, I just can't switch it! So hopefully it is nothing major and I can just be careful for a few days and it will get better!

On the bright side, we had a great run today. We went to Castlewood Canyon, not too far from here and just beautiful! Of course I forgot the camera, I have to get better about snapping fotos! There were plenty of laughs, like sitting in the river after our run, Kathleen knocking her keys off the spare tire down into the well. I thought we were going to have to take the whole thing apart! It is one of those rear mount spare tires for the car..so funny! At least I got my ice bath! Next week we are thinking the ROX! Oh and the first Rattlesnake sighting of the year, scared me to death, this thing was mac-daddy big! Cheers!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T08:38:00.000-07:00

I would like to wish all the Moms out there a great Mother's Day! This morning I was showered with gifts(I love the made in class stuff), and breakfast, and lots of hugs and kisses! I have been busy the last three weeks as the kids have been off track. So this mother's day was just what I needed. My training starts tomorrow, and I have a solid training build up to Buffalo Springs. Hopefully the weather will stay nice and we will finally have spring here! I hope you are all enjoying your special day! Cheers!

A Kona kind of day...

2009-04-15T14:42:00.000-07:00

The week started off great. Monday was a nice run with Kathleen and her dog Ace and Kona and I. The pace was easy and the conversation never lacked. The dogs energy is contagious, they are always making us smile.
Then it was off to the pool for a butt kicking by the best swim coach ever, Marcia Marcia Marcia. I just can't say her name once. Here we are pre-butt kicking.

Tuesday was a long easy ride. However the wind required me to give a bit more effort than I had. But I survived and made it to the grocery store and then the gym for core strength with my buddy Chris. He is not really my buddy, time with him hurts way too much for it to be fun! Just kidding! Actually I am not kidding about the pain, this stuff hurts. But he is a great kid! So fast forward to today. I knew the moment I woke up that whatever I did today was going to hurt and hurt bad. So I packed up the bike and drove down the hill, trying to minimize the damage done to my legs by climbing up the hill to my house at the end of what ride I had planned.

Once I started riding there was no turning back, no giving up, just me and the Kona style winds. It was windy folks, like ride your bike sideways windy, 45 degree angle windy. My legs felt like I had ridden to Hawi and back, twice! The last 10 miles of a 50 mile ride took at least an hour! No joke, it is uphill and into the wind. But I made it back to my car in one piece and looked and there were my run shoes sitting in the back! Imagine that! And there is this nice dirt trail, so I thought what the heck a little brick does a broken body good. I headed out on this nice dirt path, again I was uphill and into the wind. I think I lost my legs out there on my ride, because this little 30 min trail run was kicking my butt! Once I turned around and ran downwind for a bit I felt better. This is the second official ice bath of the year! I am hoping my legs recover for tomorrow's run! Off to pick up the kids! Cheers!!

Race Report

2009-04-11T07:21:00.000-07:00

It has almost been a week since racing Lone Star. Time goes very quickly, as I recover and try to get ready for Easter. Galveston island is still suffering from hurricane Ike that tore the city apart last year. Most buildings have some kind of visible damage, and the beaches are covered with debris. But they hosted the best triathlon I have been to in years. It helps that I got a huge PR and felt the best I ever have.

I lined up race morning on the front of the swim. My goal was to go out hard the first 500m or so and then settle into a nice pace. The wind was picking up and the water was choppy but I felt like I was flying through the water. I came out of the water in 3rd, and 3 min faster than last year. This is a slow swim with the currents and tide but I felt fresh!

On to the bike, rolling out to the Seawall my legs(namely my glutes) felt tight and slow. I used the little up hill to stand and stretch and then settled into my aerobars for the next 2 1/2 hours. The winds were picking up and my nutrition was messed up. My husband forgot to pack the CarboPro, so I had to figure out how to get an extra 180 calories into my body without my stomach revolting. It was tough at times to find the right gear, sometimes pushing too hard or spinning too easy. Going into this race I was not sure of my swim or bike fitness but I knew my running was coming along nicely. So my goal was not to trash myself on the bike but to have a great run. Coming into transition I felt awesome! Better than ever and knew I was ready to pop off a great run split.

The first mile is always a test to see if the stomach is handling the nutrition and how the legs feel and I felt great! My first mile was 7:47 and this was easy! Then the next thing you know I felt a sharp stinging pain in my foot as if I had just stepped on a cactus needle. Something went into my foot, or I just cracked a bone. It hurt but quiting would have hurt more. So I ran and I ran hard. My foot was going between hurting so bad I did not think I could take another step to not hurting at all. The run was four loops and seeing the crowd and my husband cheering me on every 3.4 miles was the best feeling. As I finished the last loop I knew I could do it. My goal was to run sub 8 min miles and I finished in 1:43! This is my fastest half-ironman run split to date. I placed 4th in my age group with a final time of 5:05!

My foot is getting better by the day. It could have been a tiny shard of glass in there I'm not sure. Thank you to all of my friends and family who believed in me and have supported me through the years! Good luck to all my friends running Boston next week, go kick butt! Cheers!!!!

Packing?

2009-04-01T16:15:00.000-07:00

Why can't I just snap my fingers and wiggle my nose and have my bike packed up and ready to go? I believe in magic, I just can't use magic to make this go any faster. So here I sit, staring at my bike hoping it will just jump into the bike box. Not likely to happen but one can wish. Really, I got a massage today, pre-race kinks all worked out and I just don't want to lose that happy feeling. So anyone want to come pack for me?

I also have nothing to wear for this race. And of course I waited until today to figure that out. Last year when I did this race, my shorts rubbed two large holes, one on each cheek! Not pretty, not comfy on the plane ride home. So this year, I'm screwed. I've got nothing, and it is snowing again. So it is unlikely I will get to the store to pick something out. I will just have to dredge up something from last year that doesn't chap my @#$!!

I guess I will go make some dinner so I can put off this bike packing a bit longer! Cheers!!

Taper Time?

2009-03-27T13:53:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe it is time to taper. Although I have said I was not going to taper for this race, I am. My training has gone so well, thanks in part to the wonderful weather we have had, that it is time to recover. Again, thanks in part to the wonderful weather we are having. By the way, I have 17 inches of snow waiting to be shoveled! The kids have been out of school for the last two days, okay can you say forced taper! Back to the awesome training I have been doing. I am running well right now and I would like to think it is due to my wealth of knowledge about training and racing but really it is all because of the core strengthening I have been doing. What a huge difference it has made! I feel stronger and my form does not go to hell at mile 13 of the run! I have only done one run past 14, but I'm just sayin'!!

So Madison has been begging for these really awesome post swim towel pants. Let me just say they are like $50, just for the pants, and of course she NEEDS the top to go with them. Well, leave it to my good friend Kathleen, who is so crafty it kills me, to make her a pair. I will post a pic when I get them, but they are so stinkin' cute! I think I need a pair! Hey Kathleen...just kidding! I better get to the snow removal before it refreezes! Cheers!

FMX, and Laser Tag!

2009-03-23T07:56:00.000-07:00

I know it has been awhile. But that's what happens when I get training, then I am too tired to post a new blog. Besides there is only so much to tell about 4hr bike rides, 2 hr runs and endless pool swimming. Things are rolling along nicely. I have no injuries, keeping illness at bay and feeling much more fit this year than last. So I am right on track.

This weekend was jam packed with fun! Spring has sprung, flag football has begun, Madie moved up a level in swimming and Motocross is in full swing! We took the kids to the FMX ( freestyle motocross) event in Denver this weekend. If you have never seen these guys jump they are amazing. It takes a great athlete to do what these guys are doing.

Another first for me, I got to play laser tag with my son at a birthday party. What a hoot! The first round I got bombarded by some Darth Vader wanna be in his late 40's(not that there is anything wrong with being in your late 40's honey). This guy was way too serious to be running around shooting at 7 yr olds. Anyway the next round brought in more adults so the kid/adult ratio was more even. And I took out the Darth Vader dude, yes Ironmom won the second round! Son, you are so having your next party there!!

Well I am off to run and swim today! Distance day at masters. Marcia has been killing us with super long main sets..and I love it!!! Cheers!

Another week..

2009-03-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

My last race was way back in November, it has been awhile. I am getting back into training and settling in. I am getting used to being tired, hungry and sore. Those are all the things that happen when I get back to it. I am excited to race, it is still 4 weeks out. I feel strong this year, mentally and physically. During the off season I really let myself not think about triathlon and what was next. It all falls into place so why stress about it. The hardest part about picking up the training is still being able to keep up with my kids. Some days are forced days off, some I use as active recovery, some days it is hardest to keep up after the long hard workouts. But My kids make me happy and keep me going when things are tough! They teach me something new everyday. I love being a mom, and I get to be a triathlete as well. Cheers!!

Track..

2009-03-02T16:06:00.000-08:00

It has been years since I have run track. But I have a goal to run this year at Ironman instead of limping/shuffling my way to the finish line, so I ran a track workout today. My friend who is training for Boston was headed to the track so I decided to join her. She was doing 8x 800. I decided that might be too much for my first session so I told her I would do 4 of them. Peer pressure made me do 5 of them. I think she stopped at 6. But I felt very good and strong and I do not think I will be too sore tomorrow. At least I hope not as tomorrow is a long easy ride. After this great track workout I decided to swim. I forget how much I use my arms to run and boy was I tired at the end of Masters. Hungry too, Costco was calling me! Cheers!

Week 2

2009-02-28T07:47:00.000-08:00

How time flies. This week was great, the weather helps with that. It has been warm and sunny here in Colorado. The thing that scares me is springtime in the Rockies after a mild winter. But my training is going well. I had two great outdoor bike rides, one in Kona style winds but I made it. My long run went really well and I pushed the pace and still felt amazing. I love training!! Nothing too exciting to post about. So I will let you get back to training, I am off to the food store! Have I mentioned how hungry I am? Cheers!!

The Joy of Training..

2009-02-21T07:25:00.000-08:00

My first week back to training has been a great one. I managed 3 swims, 3bikes, 4 runs and it is only Saturday. I did a list of things that I know I am training for Ironman when, and I am not there yet but there are some signs that I know I have gotten back to it. So here it is...I know I am training when....

1. You use spell check more than usual
2. You look forward to distance Monday
3. You wake up at 2:30am and could eat an entire pizza
4. You have not had a pedi in a month or more
5. You are back to wearing compression socks to bed
6. Your idea of fun is a 10k time trial
7. The dishwasher is full of water bottles and the dirty dishes are on the counter
8. There are multiple loads of spandex/Lycra wash to be done
9. Most of the shoes laying around belong to you
10. You are asleep before the kids!!

Last night I was exhausted. I fell right to sleep and was in full dream mode when the phone rings. I am sorry but any time the phone rings after 8pm I do not answer. Well this was 1:30am, and my HR was as high as it was during the 10k time trial. So much for a good nights sleep. I tried to breath deep and relax and drift back to sleep. Wrong, by 2:30 I was famished. I was thinking of all the things I could eat. By this time it was 4:50 and I was debating just getting up and calling the person back. But I must have dosed off, because at 7:30 my dogs nose was in my face! Today is basketball for Reiley and Madie has a swim meet on Sunday. I am already looking forward to next weeks training. We are supposed to have some nice weather, it is good to be outside!! Cheers!

Back to the Basics

2009-02-13T14:59:00.000-08:00

This week has been a challenge. Coming home from our trip I was spent but ready to get back to training. I love the training!! I have taken a good deal of down time from IMAZ and am feeling the need to race again. However, my body was not ready. I got sick in Hawaii and it turned into a nasty sinus infection. So this week was building my strength back up to start training. I am beginning to sound like a broken record. I will start training next week, no next week, okay maybe next week. This time I am serious. I will start training next week. I actually have races planned this year and I am sharing them with you. As opposed to last year when I was secret training for races undisclosed. I am on antibiotics and feeling better, but still very tired. Today was a 1hr ride with long endurance intervals. My effort was good and my energy stayed with me, so overall it was a good workout. Tomorrow I will ride indoors and Sunday is a long run. The runner girls in the hood want to go early, but I am a wimp. Early for me these days is 10am, I'm still on Hawaii time.

So here is the low down, races are planned, flights arranged, hotels booked, game on! Galveston's Lone Star Half-Ironman, then Deuce man in Arizona in June, 5430 Long course in August, Harvest Moon in September, and for the grand finale, Great Floridian in October. These are all races that I love, they are small and packed with fun!! Just what this season needs!! Cheers!!

Home sweet Home

2009-02-09T13:12:00.000-08:00

Back to reality. After taking the red eye home, following it with 14 hours of sleep I am feeling ready to get back to reality. We had a great vacation, lots of laughs and fun in the sun. We spent every day at the beach, just what I needed. I rented a bike, thanks Ollie at Cycle Station for coming through on such short notice. Of course the days I had the bike were the windiest days of all time. Now I know you are thinking it's Kona, of course it is windy. Well even the locals said it was crazy windy! But I was not going to pay money to have the bike sit in the condo, so I rode! Or my version of getting blown to Hawi and back. We swam, saw the Whales, the dolphins and the turtles. Reiley got a new Turtle and Shark's tooth necklace. Madie collected seashells to "sell" to her friends! Quite the business-girl!! Don't worry, no lava left the island. It is funny that I have lived my entire life in Colorado and yet I could see myself living in Hawaii. I used to love the snow, now I dread it. Yes we have great weather and get to train outside most of the year, but I hate being cold. Really hate it. I will over-dress for most of the year just because getting cold is not fun!!

Today I hit the pool. Seeing as how I ran or biked everyday in Hawaii, swimming was more sight seeing than anything. I did lots of no breathing drills, he he! So I decided to get serious and start training. Right up until the point coach said lets do 2 x 600, 2 x 500, 2 x 400 and then we will start the main set. What the... Did I miss something while I was gone? I know Monday is distance day but when did you all become "distance" swimmers? This was crazy, it is only masters, who do you think we are. Okay brain time to shut up and swim. And I swam until my arms fell off. I do not feel so good right now. Even typing hurts. Not good to take so long off of real training. I am thinking of doing Lone Star half Iron, 8weeks to go. I guess it is time to get serious.

Kathleen has been out with some shoulder issues, I was hoping she would do Lone Star with me. We started out thinking she would do the Aquabike, as she has a tendency to get injured running. Now we have to find her a duathlon to go with my tri's! Hope you get better soon Kathleen!! Cheers!

Arctic cold...

2009-01-26T16:35:00.001-08:00

Yes it is finally here! The cold front that I was dreading last week has arrived. I had a great week of training. I even ran 2hrs in the arctic cold on Sunday! Oh joy! I wish I could say that I have found my race and I am officially training, but I am not. I cannot wait to get to Kona and do some warm weather running and swimming. I might even try to find a bike I could ride for a few days. Now just need to figure out how to pack the bike shoes, helmet,& pedals without the hubby seeing them!! It is not going to be easy, but I have pulled off some major bluffs! Let me know if you have any ideas!!! Cheers..

Back On the Saddle

2009-01-21T18:02:00.000-08:00

So if I were training, which I am not, this would be my official start to Ironman training. Too bad I am not signed up for anything, all this good training is going to waste. Actually I am quickly getting Bikini ready! We have had record high temps here in Denver, 74 today. These are from yesterday. We rode 25miles on the mountain bikes and today we rode 30 on tri-bikes. Gotta love January in Colorado. But don't worry it will all come to a screeching halt as an Arctic cold front is coming our way. Just in time for me to hop on a plane heading to the Big Island. Yes we are heading to paradise in just one week. This winter has been pretty mild and days like we have had make it easier. Although going from 74 to below zero, back to 80 is going to be a shock to the system. Not that I am complaining mind you! Happy training! Cheers!

POSTAL

2009-01-19T07:37:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I did my first ever organized swim event. No big deal, you just show up with your team mates and swim as far as you can in one hour. Great! It was a yard pool. I am used to meters. And have I mentioned that I do not do flip turns? Yeah, so the combination was enough to make my low back feel like there was an elephant riding on my spine. At every turn, and there were lots of them, I tried to shake it off. I only stopped twice, once to drink and once to stretch my back. I think I did well, I always feel like I could have done better. Should have swam faster, pushed off the walls harder. There is always the next one. It is what keeps us coming back for more!

Reiley had a great game on Saturday. He scored his fair share of baskets and giggled the whole way. If you have never seen Reiley giggle it is something else. His whole body shakes, I have no idea how he continues to dribble the ball while shaking so much. It makes you smile to watch him play. Madie continues to improve in her swimming. Her coach has been pushing to move her up a level and she keeps coming back with maybe next week! I avoid him at the pool for fear he will tell me we have no choice but to move her up. This is her deal and I am letting her decide. So if she needs another week I will give it to her.

Larry's back continues to improve. He was taking down all the Christmas decorations and jacked up his back. Turns out he ruptured a disk, but it is healing on it's own so no surgery is needed. He has been spinning easy on the trainer the last few days and feels better every day.

I have yet to make plans for any races this year. I almost registered for IMLou again and then freaked out. I did not race well there last time. Stomach issues. But I had no issues in Az so is it the heat/humidity or did I figure out what to eat when? I also don't know what track my kids will be on next year so it is hard to know when is a good time to race because I don't know when they will be in school. Excuses, excuses.

On a sadder note, my "cousin" , he was actually my dads cousin, died this weekend. He was only 60 yrs old. He had had surgery on his wrist and died of complications a few days later. He was a fabulous musician and a wonderful man. He will be missed. Chuckie McCauley may you rest in peace.

Okay one last bit, my niece Emily is having surgery on her Kidney this week. Please add her to your prayers. Love ya Em!!! Cheers!

2009

2009-01-12T13:35:00.000-08:00

Wow, how time flies when you are trying to get back into shape! Last week was a blast. I got to run with friends and ride my bike outside! We had a great 63 degree day and Kathleen and I headed out on the mountain bikes. We have tons of gravel and ice still on the roads so the road bikes are tough to ride this time of year. Anyway we were having a great ride and then I get a flat. Typical! So what does Kathleen do, but whips out her cell phone, don't worry she says I'll call Herb to come get us! What!!! No way, Herb holds me to a higher standard, I was not going to let him come pick us up! I fixed the flat and we continued on our way. Up this great trail we went, it was dry for a bit. Then it got really muddy, and we both went down. By the time we reached to top, we were both carrying an extra 50lbs of mud! We laughed, a lot! I really miss training with my buddies!

I ran more this week than most weeks of Ironman training. I feel it too! Could be the extra Holiday weight I am still working off, but it feels good. Wednesday I ran with Terri, she decided to skate on the ice not run! Sunday I did my long run with Stacia, we had all kinds of weather. First we were overdressed and wished we had shorts on, by the end it was spitting snow and we were freezing! Colorado weather..today I woke up to 6inches of thick snow. Not a plow in sight. I really could move to Hawaii.

Reiley is home sick today. I swear he just hears of someone getting strep and he gets it! The Doctor referred us to an ENT to have his tonsils removed. I think that will wait until we are back from Hawaii, hey what if I never come back? Don't worry I'll send for the dog to join us!! Well that's about the end of the rambling. I guess I should mention I have been tormented into doing the state masters swim meet. I will be swimming distance, 1000m or the 1600m. I think this is the time to start working on my flip turns...Cheers!

Kona Bound!

2008-12-29T07:03:00.000-08:00

No I did not secretly qualify somewhere. We are going to Kona for a family vacation! We took the kids in '07 and had the best time, so Santa decided Mommy needs to get out of this meet locker we call home and head to the Islands!! I am so excited!! Now I have to work on loosing those 10lbs I have put on since IMAZ. I need to step away from the cookies and put down the fudge, it's bikini time! Today I will do my longest run since November 23 rd. Wish me luck!
This week is going to go fast. The kids are out of school and the hubby has a short week again. New Years eve is not my favorite holiday, not the partying type. But I do love hanging with the kids and seeing their excitement. We celebrate by having fondue. And this year I am buying a new fondue pot. I have a small chintzy dessert one but I want the super-duper fondue pot from Crate and Barrel. I want cheese fondue!! Oh wait I am supposed to be working the bikini in less than one month. Maybe I should skip the cheese? Does cooking light do Fondue? Crap! Oh well what is one more crappy meal? Cheers!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-24T07:21:00.000-08:00

Twas the night before.....Just kidding. It is a family tradition that I will read this to my kids tonight after celebrating the birth of baby Jesus, birthday cake and all. It is not enough that I have baked more cookies and candy to feed China, but now I have to bake baby Jesus a cake! I am excited for the kids, such excitement and anticipation. We have a bit of a problem though, we have yet to visit Santa. Oh it's not that I have not tried to take them. The first time the line was so long I could not find the end of it, and rumor was that people had been waiting in line for 2 1/2 hours. No way! I have patience, I think Ironman teaches you this, but my 6 and 8 year old do not! The next attempt was half hearted, Dad was driving and I mentioned the mall and Santa and he drove the other way. I do not think he has learned about patience yet either! My third and final attempt to take my kids to see Santa, Madison puked for 10 hours! So here we are the morning of Christmas eve and once again I have failed at motherhood. I am out of the running for mother of the year. Maybe things will be better when they open the Wii! Merry Christmas everyone! Cheers!!

Things I am grateful for..

2008-12-18T14:47:00.000-08:00

Today I have been thinking of all the things for which I am grateful. This is not a complete list as how do you list everything in your life that you are grateful for. This time of year always make me sappy and so I will do this now and get it out of the way. Here it goes...

1. My husband, I get to do what I do because of him!
2. My kids, they make my world go around.
3. My family in-laws included!!
4. My friends, old and new!!
5. Facebook- Thanks a bunch Maggs!! It has gotten me in touch with all those old friends.
6. Chocolate- makes me smile.
7. Ironman- allows me to eat chocolate!!!
8. Warm weather vacations- I need one!
9. My kids still believing! I love it!
10. God- He is always watching!

Happy holidays!!

2008-12-13T08:53:00.000-08:00

Fear, it is everywhere if you choose to look for it. I fear Yoga. I do not want to be sore, yet I do. I am not sore from hellish Ironman training workouts and Power shopping has yet to get me that quad burn I yearn for. So, I think come Tuesday I will try yoga. I will face my fears and give it a go. I did overcome my fear of any swim stroke not labeled freestyle this week, so yoga here I come.

This week has been filled with volunteer hours, catching up with friends and getting ready for the upcoming celebration of the birth of Christ. I had to gently remind my son that is the real reason for Christmas, not to get gifts. He thought maybe we should just bake more cookies!

I have yet to make any plans for next year as far as racing. We have been looking into a family vacation to Kona or Maui, but dang the cost to get there is outrageous! We are all strong swimmers, too bad we can't swim there!! Cheers!

Plans...

2008-12-07T09:13:00.000-08:00

Now that IMAZ is over, people ask "So what are your plans for next year?". I guess maybe because I have been racing for over 12 years and you must plan your next race more than 12 months in advance, people expect me to have a plan. I have retired from Ironman racing more times than you can count. I liked not having any pressure this year, nobody really knew I was racing until about 8 weeks out. Up until then I was just having fun, training with my friends. And people wanted to train with me, because I was no longer an Ironman triathlete getting ready for a race, I was just out having fun. I liked this. I would like to do some fun races again next year, but no plans as of yet. Cheers!

Who suffered more?

2008-12-02T12:51:00.001-08:00

Motocross, sledding and swim meets!

2008-12-01T14:19:00.000-08:00

Wow, how time flies when you are not training. It has been so good to reconnect with family and friends. This long holiday weekend was just what I needed to recover. I think I ate an entire pecan pie myself. Friday we went out to the motocross track and had so much fun with the kids. Reiley is finally getting into it more and that is fun to watch. I still am cautious, I think that comes with being a mom. If I am injured who is going to take care of the kids? Saturday it was snowing, perfect for sledding. Now that I am not training I had energy to walk back up the hill 50 times, which meant that I got to sled down the hill too! Great fun! Saturday night was out neighbors 50th birthday party. The first party this year where I could eat and drink whatever I wanted!! Sunday was Madison's first swim meet! She was so excited and proud of her self. I was beaming with pride. I love how she has genuine passion for sport right now. With running she knows what to do and now that she is swimming her ability to pace is amazing. She swam the 25 free, 50 free and 100 free. What can I say she is her mommy's daughter! Today I caught up on some Christmas shopping. First I tried to run, I lasted 11 minutes. I am not ready to run. Then I tried to swim, I made it 15oom and quit. I am not ready to swim. I think I will stick to eating and sleeping! Cheers!

Race Report

2008-11-25T10:58:00.000-08:00

This is my first ever race report. I hope it all comes out okay as I am still piecing together my race in my head. I still am amazed that once again I am an Ironman. The feeling does not get old, it is what keeps me coming back for more.
The Swim
It would be putting it mildly to say that I am a nervous Nelly when it comes to the swim of an Ironman. Better said, I am scared shit less. So race morning my goal was to go to the least populated area of the swim start and line up on the front. This was all the way to the left of the Ford floaty thingy. Here I am treading water and up swims Joe Bonness(sp?), the greatest AG triathlete in the world. I knew right then I was in the right spot. The cannon went off and I got a clean start, actually the whole swim was clean. Except the turn buoys, but that is to be expected. I was cold, the entire time I was freezing. I was too cold to know how hard I was swimming but it felt easy so I tried to pick it up to get warm. Next thing I knew I was exiting the water. 1:05 and I felt great, freezing but great. The swim took no effort, I thank all of you who sent me good thoughts and fast wishes!
T1
The volunteers were the best I have ever seen at any race. I did nothing in transition. The two volunteers dressed me and got me out of there faster than I would have by myself. Again this felt effortless. Maybe it was that I was so cold I could do nothing for myself but it was great to have the help.
The Bike
Being three loops I knew I had to take it easy and not go out too hard. I had a plan for the bike but I forget now what that was. The first loop I concentrated on getting in food and keeping my HR low. I was getting passed by packs and packs of riders, but I wanted to do this on my terms. I wanted to own this race and not do well because I drafted the entire bike course. So I let the pelotons pass and kept at my own pace, eating and drinking along the way. The second loop I decided to look around a bit and enjoy some of the beautiful views. The third loop was back to business and concentrating on getting in the calories and keeping the HR low. As I came to mile marker 110 again I thought this race was effortless. I was having fun! The support on the course was great, lots of cheering and great volunteers.
T2
Again I did nothing! I had my feet and legs massaged and my socks and shoes put on for me and I was out of there!
The Run
The first few miles flew by and I was a bit worried I had taken it out too fast. But I knew that there were people out there that believed in me. I am not saying that I didn't believe in me, just that people who had nothing invested in this race believed that I could do something great. I needed to do this! There were times I felt bad, not many but a few, again I was having fun. I ate and drank more during this run than at any IM race I have ever done. Maybe even out of all put together. This part did not feel effortless, it was tough. I kept looking at my watch and told myself that I promised I would run to mile 20, I was at 20. I saw a coach I know and asked him the running total time. My Ironmath sucks! He said 10:19, I tried to figure out how long it would take me to finish. Next thing I knew I was at mile 23 and still running. So I took a small walk break to cheer on a pro woman who was determined to finish and take a salt tab and some coke. I started running again and there was the 40k mark. WTF? How far is 40k, don't these people know I can't do math while running an IM marathon. I asked some guy where 25 miles was, haha he laughed. I had no idea what was so funny. Next thing I know I was rounding the corner to the finish line! Holy Crap, 11:16! I never thought it was possible, but then again it is Ironman and "Anything is Possible".

I am very happy with my race, I managed to take 40 minutes off my best time, run the entire marathon and stay out of the medical tent. All because "someone " believed in me! Thank you everyone for your support, this has been the best season ever! And to my husband I am not going to rub it in, but I did beat you! Love ya Honey!! Cheers!!

It's Go Time!!

2008-11-19T11:09:00.000-08:00

I have been massaged, I have rested, eaten, packed and now it is time to fly! We leave tomorrow so this will be the last post until I return on Tuesday. Think fast thoughts for me on Sunday and pray I stay out of medical this year! I am excited to do this race, not the swim part but the bike and the run will be fun! I still have not made up my mind as to what I will wear, too bad I don't have any super cool sponsors that give me fun tri clothes! Here are some things I am looking forward to after the race, well not right after but later after....

1. Kisses from my babies!
2. PIE, cake, sweets!
3. Beer and pizza
4. FUN workouts with Kathleen
5. Thanksgiving (PIE)
6. Christmas shopping without ruining my taper!
7. Learning to do Stroke at Masters! NOT
8. Wine!
9. Catching up with friends and family
10. Not training for Ironman!!! At least for a few months!

It is amazing what we give up in order to gain something in the future. This year I am going into the finals days before Ironman 7 lbs lighter than ever before. But I feel stronger, tougher and faster! Wish me luck! Cheers!!!

Record high!

2008-11-18T12:24:00.000-08:00

Today is a record high temp day in Denver! And I could only ride my bike for 1 hour! This taper thing is getting in the way of me enjoying some unseasonably warm days. Not too long ago I posted that it had snowed, and now it is kinda hot. Well that's Colorado for ya! I still have green crap coming out my nose and my head feels like it's being smooshed, but I am optimistic that I will not get worse and only start to feel better soon. If not it is going to be one looooong ass day on Sunday! Well, I need to go recover from my ride on my sunny warm south-facing patio, hopefully to bake this s*&t out of me. Cheers!

Crap, crap,crap.....

2008-11-17T15:38:00.000-08:00

Well, I think I have a cold. I have been so good and doing so well. But I have two germ pits living in my house and they don't understand that mommy can't race well with a frickin' cold. I think I will fight it off, but it is coming on. I am trying to use positive thinking to rid myself of all evil germs, so from now on when someone asks, "how are you feeling for your BIG race?" I will no longer bog them down with the specifics of what comes out of my nose, or how my head feels. No, from now on I will tell them, "I feel great, ready to race." I have a ton to do before I leave on Thursday. Mainly food shopping and making sure my kids have enough clean clothes. Two things I loath doing before a race, Shopping and house work! Cheers!

Ten..

2008-11-13T06:53:00.000-08:00

I was going to come up with my top ten reasons for doing Ironman, but that seems to take to much effort. I have ten days until I get to race. Hey there is number one, I get to do this. How many people can say that they get to do something that they love every day. Not that I love swimming, sorry Kathleen, but I'm getting there. I am really blessed with the people in my life that have made this all possible. Without the support that I have from family and friends I would not get to do this, year after year. So thanks, many times over I thank each and every one of you!

It is officially quarantine time at our house. I do not touch door handles, shopping carts, or shake people's hands. I do not volunteer in my kids school, have play dates, or kiss them! Hugs are fine unless you are sick then you must stay 40 feet away as germs can travel up to 30 feet. I also need to avoid injury, and I am very accident prone. One year before a race I was starting the lawn mower and sliced my elbow open on a near by tree branch. Another year, I ran over my big toe with the running vacuum and ripped off the nail. Therefor I avoid house cleaning and yard work. Needless to say by the time I get home it is major cleaning time!!

I have a great feeling about this race. I know that Larry and I will do well, and I hope we have fun! I am apologizing now for anything I say or do that may offend anyone. Cheers!!

A new PR!!

2008-11-09T12:01:00.000-08:00

Every year my kids school has a 5k fundraiser. they also offer a one mile. Madison has always chosen the 5k, my son the one mile. So this year she had big plans. She had picked out her friends brother to beat! He is in Middle school. That's okay because he is a rookie and she had done five 5k's. So off we go, and she is running her normal slow and steady pace. Jeramey blows by her. No big deal mom, we'll get him on the up-hill!! Wow! Okay, so we keep going, walking briefly to drink but steady eddie! Mom, Look Jeramey is walking, let's go get him!! We are at mile 2 and the next mile is all up hill but she is smiling and chatting away so I know she is doing great. As we round the corner to finish on the track she is grinning ear to ear and pushing to beat Jeramey! As she finishes she mentions that she felt better than last year, and she took nearly six minutes off her time. A 34 min 5k and she is only just 8 years old. She placed 3rd in her grade and is very happy. Reiley continues to improve his one mile, and we are very proud of both kids! What a great day. I just love this stuff.

BRRRR...

2008-11-05T14:35:00.000-08:00

Today is the first really cold day we have had. There was frost on the front yard until about 2pm, so you know it was cold. We have been blessed this year with great weather to train for this late of a race. So today I headed to the pool to swim 4000m, by myself. It was in one word BORING! But I got it done and actually felt like my stroke was getting better as the meters rolled by. Then I came home to ride the trainer. More BORING! But again I got it done. Tomorrow I am taking the day off and taking the kids to the museum to see the dinosaur exhibit. It has been here since September and we have yet to make it there. But tomorrow we will get it done!

Panic!

2008-11-03T06:39:00.000-08:00

That is what I felt this morning. Less than 3 weeks away from IMAZ. I know I have done the training and my last long workouts went great! Here's the thing, I have done 12 of these things and too many Half-ironmans to count but I still panic. My biggest fear might be the swim, I am not a born swimmer, I am a self taught swimmer. Oh and I need to get in the pool! So now that that is off my chest, it is funny to me that I have done so many Ironman races and I keep coming back. I think every time I race it is with a new purpose. First it was something my husband did and I wanted to share in his hobbies, actually I was a runner and needed to cross train! Then it was to get back into shape after babies, and then to take time for my self without the babies. Now it is with the sole purpose of bettering my time(or beating my husband)! I feel I have more invested in this race. In years past I was on the minimalist training plan, lucky to get 8 hrs in a week. This year I have had numerous weeks over 16hrs, thanks Kathleen!! I want those extra hours to count, to truly improve my time. As the weeks go on my definition of success at this race will change. I have a time goal in mind, but I would also like to just stay out of the Medical tent. Something I have only done once.

All this being said, I am swearing off the candy until after the race. Halloween is sabotaging my race weight. I'm telling you those little candy bars just jump into my mouth as I walk by the candy bowl. But as of today, no more! It is only 20 days, anything is possible!! Cheers!

Ironman training

2008-10-29T17:40:00.000-07:00

You know you are Ironman training when..
1. You have not seen your hairstylist in 6 months
2. When asked what you want to drink you say Gatorade
3. You will not get a pedicure because you want the callouses to protect you from getting blisters on race day.
4. You get 9 hours of sleep and are still tired.
5. You proudly ate more at Niece's wedding than the 25 yr old football boys! Including two pieces of cake. Evil cake!

Yes those are just a few of the signs that Ironman training is nearing it's end. I have one more tough week and then it will be time to taper. This will be about the time my kids are back in school. I can't wait! Tonight we are carving pumpkins and getting ready for the worst holiday ever! I have been very good this year, no candy yet! Just cake!!

Cheers!!

I Am the Winner!

2008-10-22T14:32:00.000-07:00

At least I would be if there was something to win for riding the trainer the longest! Today is cold, like windchill of 20 cold, and the workout was 4hr ride 1:30 run. The prospect of riding the trainer for 4hrs was very daunting, add to this the fact that my son has croup so a babysitter was out of the question. Yesterday it took me 3hrs to do a 2hr trainer ride. Why? Because every 10 min I was summoned to solve a dispute, clear a Barbie car accident that destroyed Lego land, feed two bottomless pits and let the dog in/out. So 4hrs was likely to take nearly 6hrs, not fun. So I decided to head off all problems by taking 30 seconds every now and again to "help" the little ones. The stash of snacks I had set aside were gone in the first 30 min of my ride, oh crap. I rode for 2hrs, ran for 45minutes on the dredmill and then back to the bike to finish my 4hrs. I was going to run 45 minutes again but called it good. If I can ride 75miles inside I can do 112 outside with volunteers and other people no problem. All in all the kids were great today, I should do something nice, something not involving cake or chocolate! Cheers!

It is all about the cake!

2008-10-18T15:22:00.001-07:00

The cake is done. If training is like baking a cake, then all I need is the icing. And we all know that icing is the best part. I finished my last 100+ mile ride on Friday and did my last 20 mile run today. I ran easy, tried to focus on staying relaxed and hitting my goal pace. The next six weeks will be about adding the finishing touches to my cake.

Another thing about cake, is that the real thing is evil. We have had more cake in this house in the last 4 weeks, Madison's birthday, followed by Larry, followed by me and today is our anniversary. I cannot eat more cake. Tomorrow is my niece's bridal shower, I hope there is no cake.

Training will be tough for three more weeks, as the kids are out of school. I envision long dredmill/drainer sessions and sneaking in a sitter once and awhile. Oh, and the weather is going to turn nasty again. Today was great, 80 and sunny! If any of you want to borrow my children for a few hours let me know. Cheers!!

Three days of freedom!

2008-10-14T07:35:00.000-07:00

Three days! That is all that is left of the school track and my kids will be home for three weeks and change. I usually love it when they track off, but this is prime Ironman training and I will have kids at home full time! Oh well!! I have a wonderful friend whose son can babysit and there is always my mom when she is not booked. One training day at a time.

My birthday weekend was just what I needed. I did nothing! I watched IMH on the net, drank tea and made scones. I was lazy and it was just what I needed for my birthday! But my birthday is over and now it is back to work! It is very chilly here, should warm up towards the end of the week. I'm a wimp when it comes to riding in the cold, I would rather have warm and windy than cold and calm.

I'm off to be drug around by Kathleen and Herb for 3hrs, if I don't write soon it is because I am frozen like a popcicle. Cheers!

Save on Twist!

2008-10-10T14:08:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Stacia at Twist yoga wear is going to give any of you 15% off if you mention this blog. Her cloths are so comfy and cute too! The great thing she just added is a running top. All clothes are custom dyed. You choose the colors! So click on the link to the left and mention Ironmom to get your discount!! Cheers!

One more on the books!

2008-10-10T13:13:00.000-07:00

This has been a great week. The workouts are going well and I am still excited to train. Wednesday Kathleen joined me for part of my long ride and we had a great day. No mishaps and everything was going smoothly. She rode 60 and I finished my 100 miles in time to eat, shower and walk the dog all before the kids got home. I am telling you it's not the training that is tough it is the rest of my day that follows the training.

Thursday morning I was tired. My legs felt great, but my head and mind were not into doing a long run. So I went and swam instead. This turned out to be not such a good choice as the water was freezing cold and I was not into it. So I got out and went to have lunch with my swim friends. Better choice, carbo-load for today's run. The run was great, better than expected. I was sure my pace per mile would be slower or the same as last weeks 17miles but it was 18 seconds per mile faster! Wow! I was very happy. I also ran into a friend of mine who I have not seen in many, many years. She was one of the people who got me interested in running marathons. I ran into her on the trail, both of us far from our homes, and it was good to reconnect.

I am so excited to watch IMH tomorrow. There are so many people I am cheering for, it will be a long day in front of the computer. Hopefully none of you end up there, but if you do a good friend of mine is working in the med tent. His name is Dr. Eddie Herd, he will hook you up to the good recovery stuff if you need it! Best of luck to all those competing, someday I will be back there!! Cheers!!

A change is coming!

2008-10-07T14:44:00.000-07:00

The thing about training for a late season Ironman in Colorado is that it could snow at any minute. And it is coming. I knew it would happen and we have been lucky with the weather but this weekend is supposed to be nasty! So tomorrow I am off on another long ride and Thursday will be my long run day. Friday is the change, cold and wet! Today was perfect, a bit of a chill in the air but beautiful blue skies and lots of sunshine to warm things up!

I needed another recovery day so it was an easy 45 mile spin with Kathleen and her husband. Poor Herb, we get to the ride spot and he has one mountain bike shoe and one road shoe. Different cleats and both left shoes, so he rode in one bike shoe and one tennis shoe! Amazing that he is still faster than me!! He used to ride with Dave Scott so I don't feel so bad. At least it was not me being the goof this time, no lost phones to mess up the ride. Hopefully tomorrow goes as well as the last ride. I am a bit concerned that both my long ride and run will be less than a week from last weeks big workouts. I was still very tired yesterday and could not do the run I had planned, but the swim was okay. Mondays are distance day at noon masters and I love distance day! The outdoor pool is closing on the 17 th this year, last year we swam outside until November something. I love swimming outside, our inside pool is a dungeon! Well I am off to meet the worms, they get off the bus soon! Cheers!

Another week down!

2008-10-05T07:44:00.000-07:00

Sleep. It is what I crave, need, desire. And I am not getting it. Thursday night, after my 100 mile bike I was tired, but at 2 am I was wide awake with Reiley who was puking and had a 103.8 fever. I fell asleep at 6am only to get up at 7 to get Madie off to school. There was no running Friday but what I like to think of as active recovery, mowing the lawn, vacuuming the house, doing laundry, taking care of a sick one. By Friday night I was wiped out, and I slept. Saturday morning and Reilely still has a fever and now a sore throat, off to the doctor we went and sure enough he has strep. The good news is he is on antibiotics and will be felling better soon, the bad news is I have been exposed to strep. I still needed to do my long run, and it was almost lunchtime. I took a gel and some Gatorade and set off to do 3 loops around my house. This way I could check on my mom who graciously came over at the last minute to stay with Reiley. Thank goodness for moms! The run went well, it is very hilly out where we live, no flats to speak of, and I felt good. Total distance 17.25, I stopped running at 17 miles, I hate doing math when you are tired and trying to make a run the exact distance so you end up at your front door just as it is turning to that last mile. Good luck to everyone racing in Austin this weekend, I had all intentions of doing that race and then the market fell apart and I just could not justify it. Well that sums up my training for the week, now I hope to get some sleep! Cheers!!

Solid!!

2008-10-02T15:43:00.000-07:00

That just about sums up the week of workouts so far. Today Kathleen and I rode 100 miles and had around 6000 ft of climbing! It was a great day, we were storm chasers most of the ride, except the storm was chasing us around and we were trying to avoid it. Kathleen was awesome today, this is her longest ride ever. We did a virtual high five when we passed the mile of her longest ride ever. It had to be virtual because if we actually tried to high five we would most likely crash! And I felt the best I have felt after riding 100 miles. We ate, drank and chatted our way around the foothills and it was a blast. Of course it was not all fun, I managed at one point to lose my cell phone. It was not really the phone I was worried about but rather the $6 I had in the baggie that protected my phone from sweat and rain. If I lost the $6, the ride was pretty much done as I would have no money for drinks. It turns out that not all people are evil, some are good. Someone turned my phone into the campground office, the bonus was that the $6 was still there!! Ride on!!!

Tomorrow I will run, more that last weeks 15 miles but not sure if I can make 18. I need to help Madie pack for Girl Scout camp, she will be gone for 2 nights, and my son is supposed to go mountain biking with Uncle Mikey will also be gone for the night Friday. Too bad I will be too tired to enjoy the freedom from children!! I plan on sleeping, a lot!!! Cheers!

Off to a good start!

2008-09-29T15:05:00.000-07:00

So yesterday after Madie's swim team practice she came outside where we were all lounging in the sun waiting for her and she announced that today she felt fast. Isn't that what it's all about, that feeling of being fast. It must have rubbed off because today I "felt fast". The efforts were tough but not outrageous and the times were faster than I have run in a long time and my swim felt great. It does not hurt that the weather is perfect and I am enjoying my training. Today I had 4x1 mile run repeats with 1 min rest, all were 7:20 ish and this felt easy breasy. Of course I forgot the HR monitor but I am sure I wasn't over a zone 3. Tomorrow I will attempt to ride. Things are getting better and I have made some changes to my current saddle, but it is not quite the answer. Now I am off to do 3rd grade math. Cheers!

Eight years ago today!!!

2008-09-28T08:08:00.000-07:00

It does not seem that long ago that I gave birth to my first child. A beautiful daughter! She was two weeks late, and now seeing her personality develop I have to laugh. She is a procrastinator just like me. I remember the day we brought her home from the hospital. We carried her in the house in her infant baby-in-a-bucket car seat and set her on the kitchen table. We looked at each other and said now what? We did not have a clue!! Friday night I had sixteen 3rd grade girls at my house for a "pajama spa party". I still don't have a clue! The party was great and Madie had fun, she was truely in her element. Madison is a wonderful, well behaved, social little girl who has hopes and dreams of doing great things!! Happy Birthday Madison Anne!! I love you!!

Done!

2008-09-25T14:43:00.000-07:00

All my key workouts are done for the week. Anything else I do this weekend will be a bonus. The run was great, we only took one wrong turn! It is very hilly and it was hot today. Not really a good combo after yesterday's ride, but a great confidence booster. If I can run 15 today I know that come Nov. 23rd I should be able to run 26.2 flat and aide stationed out. Kathleen was great and carried extra water and gel for me. What is a suitable gift for the worlds best sherpa? I hope she understands that the runs only get longer from here!

Not quite like Bree's yellow brick road, but it is a great place to run. When it gets a bit cooler and the scrub oak starts changing I will go again and post some great pics! Well it's time to meet the kids at the bus stop, it's not the training that wears me out, it's the rest of the day that kills me! I need a nap!!

Ouch!!!

2008-09-25T07:22:00.000-07:00

For 92 long miles that is what I said. Here is the deal, I have saddle sores. And they hurt. More than having had two babies naturally. I felt great on my ride until I could not sit on the saddle anymore. Oh wait, that was at the bottom of my street. Being in pain for 92 (not the 100 we had planned on) miles takes a lot out of a girl. Yes I had a melt down, a well deserved melt down. I may have yelled a few obscenities my husband's way and for that I am sorry sweetie! So today I will run, 15 glorious miles! Yes it is another beautiful fall day, 88 degrees for the high today and I will post pictures later. My sherpa, aka Kathleen, is going to ride her mountain bike and keep me in line. It should be fun as any adventure with Kathleen is. Cheers!

Too Much Too soon..

2008-09-21T15:17:00.000-07:00

I think I overdid my recovery week. I was feeling really good yesterday and it was a perfect day, so I ran. I ran too much! I started out just going one hour, then I noticed the water fountains were still on. So I filled up and headed out this nice trail and I ran, and ran. One hour AND 45 minutes later I returned to the water fountain and refilled. That's three bottles. And lots of miles! OOPS, good thing is I don't have a coach to yell at me! Only my legs, that are screaming at me today. That's what recovery days are for. I am recovering from my recovery week. Hmmmm, okaay!

Monday starts my last big push until IMAZ and I am excited. This is the first time in 11 years (minus a few child bearing yrs) I have been excited to go long and train hard. This week my husband is even going to take off so we can ride together. The last time we rode together I felt great, so I am looking forward to logging those long miles. I will have to keep reminding myself of this as the weeks roll on and the training gets tougher! Cheers!

Whew!

2008-09-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

This has been a week of recovery. I am feeling great and ready to get back to training. I rode with Kathleen today, and the pace was perfect. Until she decided to bomb the section from Palmer Lake back to Tomah. My legs were not ready for that so I let her go, but it is on like donkey kong! Next week will be different, I will be ready.

In the far distance you can see Pikes Peak. It was so clear and bright blue sky today, a typical day for this time of year. The days are warm and the nights get chilly! Love it! I am trying to get as much biking in while the days are nice, I know they are numbered. IMAZ is going to be tough to train for as the days get colder. But I love to run in anything. So my theory is to bike a ton now and run later! Hope it works. Having a recovery smoothie right now, then it is time to take the dog for his second walk. He loves recovery weeks because I have the energy to take him on more than one walk a day.

Harvest Moon!!!!

2008-09-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

Harvest Moon is a local half-ironman that brings all the fast people who are going to Hawaii or just like to kick the rest of our sorry butts! Saturday the weather was great, blue sky, warm sun perfect temps. Race day was the opposite. It was cold, cloudy and yes I wanted to do the du! The water temp in the cove was 61 and it was colder the further out you went. It was brain freeze cold. I struggled with the swim, backstroked a few times to slow down the breathing, I was COLD. I wanted to quit, twice. But I knew that if I just finished the swim I would do well. I pretended I was Nemo, and just kept swimming. I stepped on the beach 30:22, not bad but it was most likely short!

On to the bike and I could not feel my legs, feet or hands. It made eating and drinking very difficult. The bike ride felt easy, and my legs felt fresh. I knew that I did not eat enough but was excited to get on to the run so I could warm up. My husband and I were in transition together, which meant he made up the 5 minute head start I had. We gave a quick kiss and I took off. I still could not feel my feet but I was flying. I kept wondering how I was going to keep up the pace, but I had nothing to lose and I need to learn to run fast. By mile 3 the pins and needles were gone and I could feel my feet hitting the ground. I felt so alive and fit. This is why I race, I really love the feeling you get when you are having a good day! As I approached the turn around I started counting the girls coming back. Some were in the elite wave and two were in my age group. I had to keep going, oh and I had put a 4 min gap on Larry! Thanks Terri for the updates!

In the end I went 5:20 and placed third in my age group. Two years ago I went 5:25 and placed second. These girls are getting fast! I had fun and felt great, if only I could bottle that feeling up for IMAZ. And yes Larry beat me by mere seconds. One of these days baby!!! I will post pictures when I get them from Terri! Thanks for cheering us on and staying around for the awards!!

2008-09-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

Here is the update. I did take Madie to the doctor and she had a major sinus infection. She is feeling better and back to school,thank you Lord! I managed to get in a swim and a bike ride with Kathleen yesterday. Nothing eventful happened, although she does have some new threads and was lookin' good! Our friend Meredith has a in-home clothing store and has some great deals www.fastlanejane.com if you want to check it out. Me, I have been lounging in my friend Stacia's Twist yoga pants. So comfy and cute too!!

My husband freaked me out a bit today by trying to get into Ironman Canada. I have done this race about four times and the last one was not pretty. I got struck by the tack monster three times! Some knucklehead had put tacks on the road and I managed to get three flats. I only carry two spares! That left me standing on top of Richter pass waiting for support. The rest of the race I spent trying to make up for lost time, let's just say I walked a lot!

I am getting excited for this weekends race. The weather has been typical for Colorado these days. It is 80 one day and 60 the next. I know the water will be cold and I will wish to switch to the duathlon many times between now and the finish of the swim on Sunday, but it should be fun. My friends Mary Carey and Terri Ary are going to be there cheering us all on. Yes, those are real names and get this they are both married to Brian's!!!

Not Again!

2008-09-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

So here we go again. Madison is sick. This time I am taking her in to the Dr. I hate going to the doctor because I am always run down from training and not sleeping and then BOOM, I pick up some funky virus that will take weeks to get over and there goes training. But the poor thing is misserable and has been congested since the last time she was home from school. The worst part is Madie was to start swim team tonight, her first practice. :(

One cool thing happened today as I was catching up on some of the blogs I read via slowtwitch, my blog is listed on Maggs site! She is very funny and an awesome athlete! She is inspiration to get out there and do my best! Someday I hope to make it back to Kona to race. In the meantime I can cheer on my fellow bloggers!

Monday, Monday

2008-09-08T06:44:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe it is Monday again! Where does the time fly to? This weekend I had one of those breakthrough rides. I rode with Larry and did not cry. He actually had to stop to pee more than me! That is a first in 12 yrs. The ride was tough, we had a lot of wind. It was chilly in the beginning but it warmed up nicely. The best part was I did not mind the wind. All of those super tough rides Kathleen and I have been doing are paying off! And I have 8 more weeks of training. I see great things happening this year!

Today is cold, and raining. It is going to be tough to get in the pool today. Where did the sunny and 80 degree days go? Gone with my weekend I guess! I am thinking of taking it easy this week and get my legs fresh. There is always a chance at Hardware at this race on Sunday. I said I was going to train trough it, use it as a hard workout. But then you start thinking how fun it is to race and go hard and get a top three finish. If the weather stays like this the decision will be easy! Happy training!!

Good days!

2008-09-04T14:20:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day, no a great day! I had a nice little 2:30 ride, my time to eat sugar, some shopping, I did get some great veggies at the little local stand after the ride to make for dinner! YUM! It justifies the crap I get to eat during workouts! The ride was much nicer than the last time we rode down that way!! I was disappointed when Kathleen showed up sans the arm warmers!

The next three days will be but a blurr. Saturday is long bike with the Hubster. Why is this underlining? Sunday is a long run and by Monday I will get to start all over again! I'm Out!

You can't see me!

2008-09-03T15:46:00.000-07:00

I wore my camo swim suit to practice today in hopes that the coach could not see me. It didn't work so well. She picked on me the entire time, "your left arm is dropping, more glide, why aren't you kicking,". For one hour she picked on me. I told her she can't see me because of my camouflage suit. She said it's PINK, of course I can see you now swim!! It did not help matters that the only other person in my lane is Mr. Ignore the send off times Guy. I kinda feel like I am getting a cold, so if any of you have cold remedy suggestions, I'll take them.

Madison is still gimping around, then I catch her running normal and ask, "So Madie how is your ankle?", and her reply, "Oh mom it hurts so much," limp limp. She is so milking it. I wonder where she gets it from?

Cross-training

2008-09-01T15:43:00.000-07:00

Motocross that is. Here is the chance to get in big miles this weekend, being a holiday and all and we go Dirt Biking!! We had a blast and Reiley was keeping up with the fast little dudes on the pee-wee track. Of course I missed Madie's big crash because that is when I decided to get my run in for the day. I could not have the entire day be a bust. All is well, she is on the couch icing her leg and watching The Cheeta Girls!

Last week I truely enjoyed training. For the first time in ten years I am enjoying training for an Ironman. Maybe it is because I am racing more this year and taking the pressure off of myself. Maybe because this year I have a great training partner, (other than the hubby) thanks Kathleen. Or maybe I am finely having fun, I mean what girl wouldn't rather go to the motocross track with her kids than go to the pool and swim endless laps! It's all about the Cross-training!! Anyway, this is week three of my four week build and I have a race at the end of the last week. I have something to look forward to and I don't feel like the wheels are coming off!

Recovery

2008-08-31T07:59:00.000-07:00

Boy keeping up with this is tough! So Friday was redemption day. Kathleen and I set out for our 4hr ride, neither of us feeling whippy. As we turn onto the road that will take us 25miles BOOM we get hit with the meanest headwind I have ridden into in a long time. The whole time pushing into the wind I kept my mantra of what does not kill me...you know the rest. That and Jeramia was a Bullfrog....It just happened to be the last song we heard as we pulled in to the parking lot. Anyway we decide to head toward larkspur, hey this is nice I am going 39 mph uphill. Oh shit, that means I have to climb back out of here, most likely with a headwind. Yep, by the time we turned around I was going 8mph and my HR was at 81%. For 3:35 of the 4:08 we had a headwind. We climbed almost 3900ft and I was tired.

Yesterday I could not imagine running as my legs were fatigued just going up the stairs. Well it turned out to be a good run, I got in just over 13miles in a bit less than 2hrs. It was hot, but I ate and drank alot more than last week so I felt good. My energy was high but my legs and feet were shot. We then went to my friend Mary's for her little one's first birthday. It was one year ago that after I finished Ironman KFC that Mary had little Madeline.

Today is IMLou, what a great way to recover. I get to sit at the computer and cheer on those doing the race. It helps to get refueled and pysched up to train!

You're killing me...

2008-08-27T14:49:00.000-07:00

So today was round two of biking with the Steffe's , thank goodness Herb rode his mountain bike today or I would still be dragging my sorry butt back home. I apologize Kathleen for last week, now we are even. She killed me, today I could barely hang on. That's okay though the week is not over, we still have LSD ride and for that I will be well rested!! What does not kill me will only make me stronger, I have to keep repeating this as it is only the second week and I feel like toast! Kathleen was sporting some rockin' arm warmers today, too bad I did not get a pic. You have to be fast to wear those babies!! Maybe I should get some...Hmmm?

What a Weekend!!

2008-08-25T14:30:00.000-07:00

Running, biking and tornado watching! That just about sums it up here. Saturday had me doing my long run, since I spent Friday taking care of pukey pants! It was not pretty but I ran, for 2hrs, without stopping! I need to stash an extra bottle as one was not enough, or maybe it was the two cups of coffee I had right before. By sunday I was ready for a day off but still had a 2hr bike to fit in for the first week of official IMAZ training...Grrr!

I need to take more of my son's attitude and apply it to my training. He got a new bike this weekend and I think he has put 10miles on it already. Reiley has been known to sleep 13-15hrs on the weekend but not this one. Up at the butt-crack of dawn wanting to go out and ride!! Oh to be 6yrs old again. When I figure out how to put in pictures in the middle of the text I will put one of the R-man on his new ride!!

So I am out watching my son ride through the front yard for the millionth time and look up to see the biggest tornado I have ever seen. And it is coming our way!! We went to the basement and hung out, then Larry called us all upstairs to eat dinner and watch it on TV. He went to school in Wyoming, I guess he is used to it. I on the other hand had NEVER seen a tornado 3miles from my house!!! We are all alive and no damage was done. I live to train another day.

Ironmom

2008-08-22T13:19:00.001-07:00

Welcome!

2008-08-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

Okay so here i sit. I had a 2hr run planned for today, but I woke up to Madie puking in the bathroom! How sad to lay there listening to your first born hug the toliet, knowing your workout for the day, not to mention the rest of your plans are going down the drain.

So instead of running I am joining the bloggers world. I read many and have always enjoyed them so I thought I would join in the fun!!

More about me, I am training to race IMAZ in Nov. This will be my 12th Ironman! Whew, I get tired just counting. When I first started triathlon I never thought I would be doing this many races. My husband(Larry) also races, he is also in the double digits for IM finishes!!

We have two great kids, Madison(7yrs) and Reiley(6yrs) and a dog named Kona!! I am living my dream of being a mom and wife and training to race and have fun!!