Riding in rain, hail, lightining... oh my!

Well it all started with a short ride this morning... and I wanted more! I know.. I wanted to feel the challenge. I went on the fire road this morning..which has challenge but isn't technical. SO.. my friend Beth and I decided we'd go out at 1pm. We were gonna put down in a different spot that proved to be very technical. As we started out, we could see a storm in the distance. BUT it never rains here... ever! Boy were we wrong! It started as a little bit of rain... but then the lightening and thunderstorms started... next hail. Yes, you read that correctly.. hail! I am now riding my mountain bike on a technical course with hail and rain coming down on me. It was CRAZY! I think it goes without saying, that there is lots of thinking in mountain biking. You gotta pick your line.. ride the rocks, stand up and shift your weight. I can't explain the challenge added when you add rain, hail, lightening. Thanks Beth for being a great riding partner. We made it to the car and then waited for her boyfriend to come by and pick her up. SO funny.. when we called.. he wanted us to go out and ride MORE! Shake head! Awesome adventure and yes, I'm still having FUN!

Luna Chix

Yesterday and Today, I met some pretty powerful ladies. These gurls are not only great mountain bike riders but also have great personalities. They are on a mission to get more women on a mountain bike and strengthen the lives of women. How cool is that? What group of women do you know that is all about strengthening each other and not about being caddy?? I don't know many. There is one rule... No "I'm sorry.". You can't apologize for holding up the group, because that's what they want you to do. Can you believe it? They want you to ask.. how come??? how do I? and Can I follow your trail to learn?? AWESOME!

It was another successful ride for me. I ended up with one fall (just like last time). This one was me riding/falling off the bike backwards. On Wednesday, my ride mate said it wasn't possible to go backwards off the mountain. He owes me $100. I did it today and have people to prove it. HA! The great thing was, I learned how to get up some steep climbs and felt more confident on my descents. I even learned some tricks to make holding the bike easier. You can really pick things up on the mountain because your body or bike tells you loud and clear if its working. I like that!

Awesome morning! I can't wait to get back out there again. My ridemate comes back to Phoenix tonight or tomorrow.. so here's hoping I get to ride next week with him!

New Spark... New Toy

A follower of this blog saw me about a month ago and asked, will you write again? And to be completely honest. I was in the funkalicious of Ironman. I had finished something I dreamed about for two years and was stuck in the "what's next" rut. Fast forward to now.. I have a Spark again!

Today I went on my second mountain bike ride ever. On Sunday, I raced Muddy buddy with my best friend on a borrowed mountain bike. I could feel the spark, the adrenaline again, the motivation..it brought me to life! It was in all words.. FANTABULOUSA! So, when I returned the bike to shop... I said.. " I gotta do this again! I'm in LOVE! I have spark!". And to my luck.. it happened. I borrowed a mountain bike from a friend, the guy from the shop became my tour guide and walla.. Today became my second ride ever! I even asked my Ironman coach to coach me, but she said, "Nothing to it.. ride.. crash.. ride". OK! And today I did.. I rode, I crashed, I giggled, I laughed at myself, and I felt the sun on my back! It was GREAT! My sweet tour guide gave me a B today. I'll take it.. I gotta a lot to learn! I'm back.. the blog is back.. and the smile attached to my face.

Ironman World Championships

This last week I was lucky enough to go to Kona, HI for the World Championships to sherpa for my IMMOO Sherpa. It was like living in a Movie script. I think the goosebumps will be even greater when I see the telecast on NBC on December 17th. The whole experience is absolutely INCREDIBLE! It was the pros, the water, the toughness of the course, and the energy. I'd like to leave you with these pictures.

The rest of the story....

After getting all lubed up and sunscreened, I made my way down the helix to get in the water with the rest of the swimmers. It was very emotional for me. All day long, I wanted someone to pinch me. I have volunteered at this race five times. NOW, I'm on the inside..living the dream!

I met coach near the bottom of the helix and started tearing up again. "Just a little bit emotional", I said. Then... I met The Bean. He and I took a quick photo and then my friends left so I could continue down the helix. I followed Bean into the water. He had been here before. And even though we had many love and hate moments this year, it felt good. We hopped in and positioned ourselves to the inside of the ski jump. Another teammate came over to say hi, and then my friend Mary. She gave me a huge hug and said, "you're gonna have a great day." I heard Mike O'reilly say "One minute to go" AND then without any other warning... we heard the cannon. It was shocking! I had prepared myself mentally to get pushed around a little on this swim. BUT, it was more combative then you can imagine. I was getting shoved and punched and kicked from every direction. I was a little stressed when I reached the first buoy. BUT thankfully V was there. She and I popped up together to get through the masses. It was fantastic to see her! She said, "good job Jen!" How cool! There was much more pushing and kicking and we were off. I did manage to lose my swim cap on my way back of the second loop. Some guy hit me in the back of the head and ripped it off. As I swam to shore, my friends were right there on the rock yelling for me. Off to the wetsuit strippers, then up the helix. All my coaches were there to scream and yell! And my friend Tribabe too!

T1: I was nervous about the changing areas. BUT they went so smoothly. I grabbed my own bag and a volunteer followed me in to help me change. GUESS WHAT! V was there too! What a nice thing to train as a team! They were everywhere all day long! We changed, porta-pottied, and then off we went to get My Precious. On Ironman day ONLY, you can call out anything you want and your number and you will GET IT! I'm serious.. VIP all day long! So, I'm telling every green shirt out there where My Precious is and she is delivered to me. SWEET! Off I go down the helix and ready to roll!

Bike: If you had asked me what I would like most about Ironman before the race, I would tell you the swim. BUT, now that's it done. The bike was by far my favorite. I took it slow and steady. I followed coach's rule.. low heart rate, high cadence, eating all along the way. It was so fun! There were people cheering EVERYWHERE! I "cat and moused" with a couple of guys all day long. And on my way to Mt Horeb, I was met by McD. As you know, McD and I rode alot together this year! It was so COOL to talk about our mornings and wish each other luck for the rest of the day. I even beat Bean out of the water! He reminded me that the race starts in another 40 miles. Check! Then it was just me, My Precious, and the route I knew so well. Ahh! Life was good! I saw coach at Midtown hill and she asked, "How's it going?" AWESOME! She said, "Follow the plan." And off I went. Special needs was uneventful. My bottles were there and then I was off again for more fun! The heat and wind were picking up as the day went by. SO, I made a decision that slowed me down, but I don't regret it. I stopped at each aid station on the second loop for ICE. I put it in my sports bra and the hat in my helmet. It took a few minutes at each station but made a huge difference in my overall comfort. On my way back to town, I felt like I was ready to run on my legs! At about a mile to go, I thanked my Southern Mama for praying for a safe ride! I had had the best ride anyone could ask for.. no accidents, no flats, and no major incidents! All with a HUGE smile on my face!

T2: Another big hurrah to the volunteers! I handed My Precious off to a volunteer, grabbed my bag and off I went. The volunteer in the change tent, changed me so fast that I looked up and she muttered, "Go Run!". OK! Another portapotty visit and off I went. The WIBA leader was on the corner on the way out, so we bumped fists and then my friend Tom was at the turn around. He picked me up there and ran me to the end of the square. I told him, "I was awesome, feeling good and had plenty of time to be an Ironman tonight. " My friends were at the end of the square and saw me... same thing.. I feel great and ready to go. It was between mile two and three that the trouble started. I was beginning the Porta Potty parade. It was so disappointing to me. I was strong enough to run, but my stomach wouldn't have it. SO.. I tried running for the first six miles or so... but it became to hard on my stomach. I decided to give up eating/drinking and walk. I figured, if I gave it an hour.. the sun would go down (cooler) and my stomach would even itself out. It was hard to do, but Lorie supported my Plan B idea. She was telling everyone that I had a "Great Attitude with bathroom issues!". HA! That's really what my run became! I did make it through the first loop. AND on my way back to the turn around, a volunteer asked if I was all right. In true form, I said "I'm dreaming about my special needs bag." As I rounded into the turn around, I saw my parents and my family friends, collected Tom and off to special needs. Tom helped me with my running shoes, after we taped my feet. Then, it was off to run! V was at Special needs with me too. I did run most of the second loop, some of it with V. My stomach had recovered and I started to get hungry. A good sign in my book! I started consuming chicken broth. I was looking for liquid calories to make my stomach happy but not overload the system. I would find out later, this was not a smart idea. On my way up the big hill for the last time, I met John. He and I rode my first 100 miler together this year. We chatted for awhile. He had a tough day, but was making do. My mantra during the run was, "Dreams do come true." I left him with about 8 miles to go and picked up Rhonda. She was having a tough day too! I encouraged her, saying we had two hours to make 5 miles. Anyone can do that! It's weird looking back on it now. I wanted to run, but my body wasn't ready. It's frustrating but I did make my goal. So.. off we go.. past "dark and scary" and then into the city to make me an Ironman. With about a mile to go, Coach Sharone met me on a mountain bike. He had come out to make sure I would finish. AND.. he said.. "Are you going to run it in?" And I replied, " Nope. I waited two years to be an Ironman, I'm just going to savor this moment." It was FABULOUS! There were people cheering all the way in and toasting their glasses!! Talk about a rockstar moment! When I reached the left hand turn for Finisher's Row.. I started to run. I gave Tom a bump, on my way in... and then heard the words I wanted to hear for so long.. Jennifer Green, from Chicago, IL.. You are an IRONMAN!

After getting caught by the finish line catchers, I was off to medical. It turns out my feet were a mess of blisters and cuts and my salt content was HIGH. REALLY HIGH! They didn't really help me, but gave me some advice and then it was off to the hotel. Thanks to Tom and Lorie for their shoulders home! What a great ride!

Ironman Morning

Before Ironman Sunday ever comes, you have already checked in your bike and your transition bags. You are left with swim gear, nutrition and special needs bags. There is a difference of opinion about Special Needs bags but I gotta tell you I loved mine!

I was up at 3:30am to make bottles of nutrition for the bike and then it was coffee time. And back to the room, for stretching and breakfast! Then off to drop off special needs bags. I had Erin and Lorie do it, as I was a bit shook up. I sat on the street corner and thought about what the day would hold. Then it was time to check my bike. I added nutrition and bottles and air to the tires. They let EVERYONE into transition. Which is really unusual! But I was happy to have the gurls with me. We took a bathroom break, then more meditating and waiting. It was time for sunscreen, glide and wetsuit. You can see the sun was coming up on the lake as we worked. I was slimmed from head to toe! There is no such thing as too much glide and sunscreen during an Ironman. AND.. A special thanks to Erin. I had ZERO chaffing! See what I mean?

Luckiest Gurl in the World

I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who added to my LONG, wonderful Ironman day. Everyone in the pictures above gave me a little bit of Strength through SHOUTING and encouragement! It was AWESOME! Tom was at the turnaround for me! Oh, and the flowers were from some of my cyber cheerers and the lawyer I "met" at mile 18. Also my aunts that live in Ohio and Colorado, who stayed up on the phone to each other while watching the live feed online. I don't think I could ever feel more loved! Add to that the volunteers that make you feel VIP all day long by giving you anything you asked for! (handed me my bike, dressed me twice, put away my bike, gave me ice, food, and drink, and made sure I was coming back for more!) THANK YOU! Like I told my sherpa Lorie when she flew home yesterday.. I raced the Ironman myself but everyone of you helped me out there in some way. XOXOXO

I'm an Ironman!

Yesterday I became an Ironman. And I wanted to share these photos for today. I will (as I recover) share more of my journey with you. What I can say for sure.. It was the best day of my life so far and the HARDEST I've ever had to work both mentally and physically. The reward.. sweeter then you can imagine! Thank YOU to everyone who CHEERED me ON! I appreciate it!

We made it!

So far.. Hotel check in has been great! There was the finding of the bike gloves :o) I went to grab my prerace breakfast and then off to dinner at my favorite place. AND then I had to show Lorie a lil bit of Madison. The Union... where she got Babcock Ice Cream.

Today is a BIG day.. registration and mandatory athlete meeting. OH and we're taking a team picture! I hope you enjoy the photos!

T minus THREE DAYS

Today is Get-Away Day. I've been packing and making lists. And I've got the last minute "gotta buy" list. I went to my last swim class this morning with Coach. It's all starting to become VERY real now. I'm looking forward to it! There is one thing... I can't find my bike gloves. I have looked and looked and looked... no good?! I will have to keep looking..and if not then I have a backup pair.

I pick up my favorite Sherpa at 2pm today and then off we go. I'll register on Friday morning and then its Ironman cave time. I'm going to crawl into my hole and get ready! It's gonna be a fun NUT PARTY on Sunday!

The picture above is my first tattoo. I got it to celebrate my first Half Ironman. It means strength in Chinese. I will have to draw on that strength on Sunday. AND then.. my second tattoo will come soon! That's right, I will be getting the M dot to celebrate my Ironman finish.

You can track me all day long on Sunday. I'll be smiling and making a dream come true! AHHH! I can't wait!

Ironman Packing

It has started.. One week from today I will be having the time of my life earning my Ironman medal! It sounds like one grand party where I get to do all my favorite things all day long! I can't wait! This dream has been mine for a very long time.

But before every big party, there must be planning and packing. I'm almost done with all the planning. I do need to still pick restaurants/meals I'd like to eat leading up to the race. The packing is a different story. It sounds like it will be a cool day with rain likely. This could only mean LAYERS! I love layering! Who doesn't? There are the vests in my closet waiting to be used, long sleeve shirts anxious to be worn again, and don't forget the gloves. I'm starting to feel like I'll need the largest suitcase I own to be well prepared. I'd hate to leave my favorite booties at home only to wish I had them. I've come to the conclusion that I must find the PERFECT long sleeve shirt to cross the finish line with. Afterall, everyone knows that's the picture that will be on my Christmas card this year. And then there's the pose. What should I "say" when I cross the line? And more importantly, will I remember to do it after slogging along for 140.6 miles?

I'm so lucky! I've already picked some things I MUST do during the day! I have to sing "Happy Birthday" to Madeline while I'm on the bike. She is lucky enough to have a birthday on our special day! AND.. a section of "99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall" as a tribute to my boss who will be hung over from his brother's 40th Birthday Party. And my absolute favorite part, My Big Sis in Ironman and I have a "date" from mile 18 - 21 of the run. I've been told in no uncertain terms that I better show or I may have a lawsuit on my hands. I know I've said this before, but I'll say it again. It takes a village to make an Ironman. I'm just lucky enough to have a village that spans the entire US! Let's finish the last minute details, so I can get this party started! I've been waiting for the Happy Ending for far too long!

Tapering ... Loving IT!

I arrived in Ohio yesterday midday to enjoy some tapering. I have been here before and enjoyed the lovely trails and swimming pools. My aunt, bless her heart, treats me like a princess! I woke up this morning to a home cooked breakfast and coffee. My plan was to ride to another favorite place "nearby" and meet her there for my second breakfast. It was LOVELY! I rode about 20 miles through the Xenia and Yellowsprings and then up to Youngs! This dairy farm is FAMOUS! It serves a mighty good breakfast, delicious dinner and ice cream! YUM! I always make a point to stop here when I come to town. Most people grab a FAMOUS red t-shirt, take a picture some where FAMOUS and then send it back to be hung on the wall of FAMOUS people!

It's been great so far! I'm looking forward to putting my feet up and just enjoying being a princess for a little while. We are 9 day, 19 hours from Ironman! YIKES!!

OH.. BTW.. we got our bib #s yesterday. I am 2240...kinda blends with the 2010 that's still sunburnt in my arm. AND that's not all.. SueFe's first Ironman.. she was 2244!!! The vibes are sweet!

DT becomes an Ironman..AGAIN

On Sunday, I woke up to track Dan on the swim. All was well.. he got out of the water in 1:28. If you remember, DT was my swimming buddy on Mondays. He was the reason I never missed a Monday swim workout. It didn't matter that we didn't swim the same speed, it just forced me to show up. Then DT had FAST transitions! I giggle now because I was impressed with 7 minutes and coach is impressed with 3 minutes. I need to get thinking about that! DT got out on the bike and had a VERY smart bike! You could tell from the splits that he started out holding it back and gradually negative split his times. I was so excited for him when he got out on the run. DT is a runner! He started by putting down 8:37! I'm hoping to put down 11:00. I'm looking forward to meeting him tonight at Ironman class for a congratulatory hug and more stories about his day. Thanks DT for the photo summary of becoming an Ironman. I have learned from your journey!

Fake Tapering

This week started the taper for Ironman. I have called it a "fake" taper all week. Our weekly totals were...swimming 4 miles, biking over 100 miles and running 14 miles. Does that seem like a taper to you? I have been reminded that as a distance swimmer, I kept my totals up until almost the end. And I was told that one of the mistakes newbie Ironman make is cutting out too much too fast. SO.. this all is coming together.. so to speak.

Today.. Rhonda, Legs and I rode the hills of Barrington again. It was very reminiscent for me. We went on the roads that I used to run on this winter, and the hills we've ridden training this year. There was no pushing or hammering, just enjoying. This downhill slope towards Ironman seems to have mellowed us out. We chatted about everything and just enjoyed each others company. At the end of the short four hour ride, we had a thirty minute run. We did it on the track. I ran 11 minute miles again today which seems to be the pace I'll be doing at Ironman. This pace is pushing but something I feel like I can do forever. So... I'm off to enjoy the rest of my afternoon and tomorrow's day off! Rumor has it that next week is even lighter! I'll love it!

BTW.... DT races IMLOU tomorrow! It looks like a perfect day for him! I'll be cheering for him!

17 Day Countdown

It's time.. we're getting very close now! I have been assigned some lists to create in the next couple days and some letters to be sent to some very important people. During Tuesday bike class, we went through the step by step Ironman Wisconsin guide. It is all becoming very real now!

Our teammate and my swimming buddy, DT will be racing in IMLOU this weekend. We will be cheering him on as he starts his LAST dance!

Epic Saturday

This Saturday we did "Epic Saturday". On paper it looked like something that might kill me. BUT I knew that if I did this well, Ironman would be better. The plan was a 1.6 mile swim, 92 mile bike and a 4 mile run. This took us almost all day! We started at 7:45am and finished it at 3:15pm. WOW!! I know Ironman day will be even further, but muscle memory is important. I want my body to know I am going to keep on going and going! I followed the Bus into T1. He is a great guy to draft off of. I HOPE to find him at Ironman. It would make my day!! Then I rode all 92 miles with McD. We started by going the wrong way.. cue sheet was incorrect. And finished the ride by going our "own way". Some of the roads on the planned route ended up getting so busy we were worried about getting hurt. The route had less steep hills then the Ironman course, but we had a BIG swirly wind which gave it the "hard" factor. We rolled into T2. I told McD to go on his way. I would be running on my own. I changed clothes (just like the Ironman plan) and was off. The run was not super FAST, but it was something I felt like I could do forever. This day was enjoyable to me! I talked to coach today and he said, " This is it! You know now that you will do it. BRING IT!". We are off to taper..... Good things to come!

BTW... when I finished yesterday.. Coach gave me a NUT PIN! Nothing could be more fitting. I'm totally excited that the BIG NUT is so close now.

I forgot to write my favorite quote from yesterday... "Your good friends will go out and have a beer with you but your best friends will be sitting in the cell next to you saying... that was fucking awesome!" THANKS AGAIN MCD!

New Treatments

This week I did my long run as a sandwich run between Tuesday and Wednesday. This would be my last long run before Ironman. It was mostly successful. Incredibly, the run on Wednesday felt better then Tuesday. I was lucky enough to do both runs with Tom at Busse Woods. Shortly there after, my body started telling me something. STOP! I was starting to have the "classic" symptoms of overtraining. Coach requested that I take some time off and go back to the Chinese medicine folks. I love them! It was great. They did acupuncture on my ears. It is called Auriculotherapy. It seeks to restore a sense of well-being, reduce anxiety and promote detoxification. When I left the office, they added Ear Seeds. They do essentially the same thing, but stay in my ears for the next few days. SO far, it appears that this is working. I'm glad! We won't know for sure until tomorrow when I do my last LONG brick workout. BUT..I'm confident.

Four Year Anniversary of the Sport

My first ever Triathlon was the Waupaca Long Sprint Tri. It all started with some running friends in Chicago when I lived here before. Tom has a cabin nearby and it was set. I trained all summer to get ready for this little race.. It's a 1/2 mile swim, 20 mile bike, and 5K run. And when I finished in 2 1/2 hours I jumped up and down like a little kid becuase I was so excited! And my friends, bless their hearts were cheering me on all the way. This is how it all started!! Over the next two years, I flew in from Phoenix to do the race. And there was the year I had the wrong cleats for the pedals and the year I got a flat tire. No matter what the circumstances, it was always a RACE to see who bought breakfast! And... until this year.. I usually did!

This was gonna be a great race! It was the first time I didn't feel nervous before the start. It was just a day of transitions and FUN! The swim was the best I have ever felt at this race! The bike was easier then I remember and I held almost a 20mph pace. My goodness it took me a mile to get my legs under me for the run, but I had a good run too! It was a beautiful day!! AND... no I didn't buy breakfast! This race was more for my head then my body. It was a feel good day where all is well and you feel your strengths. TOTALLY AWESOME!

Time To Chill

Rest week is upon us! In the true spirit of rest week, I am going to wake up to this every morning through Monday. I am racing a little Olympic distance by the lake this weekend as well. This race my first ever triathlon. SO.. I'm back for my fourth year! The lake is one of my favorite places in the World. I'm so lucky to be able to take advantage of it. I have often said that if I ever get too serious about all this Ironman stuff, I must consult Tom. He has "forced" me into this little trip and I am glad. The sounds, smells, and sights of the lake are exactly what I needed right now! Thanks Tom Tom! I am lucky to have you!

Mother Nature gave me a beating!

The one thing you can't control on Ironman Day is the weather. Mother Nature will sometimes bless you and other times challenge you. Craig Alexander calls it "luck". I didn't have the "luck" this weekend. It was the last challenge in a long set of build weeks.

On Saturday, I was set to swim in Lake Monona with other Ironman in the area. But, when I arrived at the dock..it was just me that showed up. It could've been the impeding storm, the fact it was already raining or the swells. I had my wetsuit on already..so I had to try it. IT was ROUGH! I was swallowing water and getting swallowed by the waves. Some fisherman stopped me after five minutes and gave me a talking to. I decided they were right and turned around. And as I got out, there was lightining and thunder. A good decision... thank you to the sweet man and woman who reminded me sometimes Ironman do stupid things.

On Sunday, the weather was set to be the hot and humid conditions that lead to heat warnings. I had already decided that I would start early. I haven't been able to train in the humidity so I knew my body would have a hard time. It was a great challenge. There was also a head wind unmatched by any other time I had been on the course. I got a tail wind.. ONCE for only 3/4 of mile. That's a cruel! It was a workout that was hard, hard, hard! I think it was a combination of weak legs from all the building and heat beating me down. I saw coach after 60 miles, put my hands on my head and said, "I don't think I have another loop in me." It was an honest statement that frustrated me. My nutrition was good, my salt may have been a little low, but it was on target. She said.."You have to go back out there. If you can do this, you can do anything." So... that was that. I made a deal that I would ride 2/3 of the way around the loop and catch my other coach there. I packed myself on ice..literally! Ice sponges on my head and back and a ziploc full of ice in my sports bra and set off. I counted down the time until I saw my coach again. It was most helpful to know the course. On race day, this will help me as well. I was always looking forward to the next spot on the course I remembered. I discovered a big bummer yesterday..they graveled over my favorite road!! And I was lucky too! I rode almost the entire course by myself, but I did get coached on the hills. It was great to learn some new techniques. I will use them on Ironman day too. Lastly, I must note.. I survived. I didn't get hurt, I didn't get in an accident and I will be just fine in a few days. Sometimes, we must really just trust that we can do it. AND then get it done! My last rest week is here. Only 35 more days until the BIG DANCE!

Run Jen Run!

This last week we focused on the run! It was 26+ miles of running in 5 days. As you know, this is my weakest of the three disciplines. It is improving! I went to track workout on Wednesday and ran half milers with Tom. He is such a stinker!! We ran 5 of them together, but on the last one I confessed I didn't have anything left and he TOOK me! Our best split was a 4:30 half miler. SUPER FAST for me! Our worst was still 10 minute miles. It was a good day! Then Tom ran with me again on Friday. It was the most beautiful day here! We ran Busse Woods. It is one of my favorite places to run! And then yesterday, I ran the IMMOO course for the last time before race day! I ran the true course yesterday. I think it helps my muscle memory and my imagery before race day. It was tough, but I made it. Since then, I have been using lots of ice and recovering with cupping (see above).

One more week of build this week... AND the nut this weekend is 120 miles biking. Long range forecast looks like a balmy 90 degrees on Long Bike day.

Teammates

I received some really poignant words this week from a dear friend in AZ. She said" Ironman is about partnership, friendship, and will. It's not about competing with each other, only with yourselves. You need your team support to get through and vice versa. "

Our team has come a long way together. We've had our moments and our cheers! And now we are only a short way away from the BIG DANCE! These last six weeks or so make the time we have left together a little bittersweet. Everyone goes into the last six weeks before Ironman a little mad. I mean there is always second guessing, the BIG hard workouts left, the need for sleep, and the balance of life. It is time as my coach says "to put on the big girl pants". We are almost there.. and we have to keep each other to make it in one piece. And when we finish Ironman, there is always the question of "What's next?!"

Side note... I found this on another Ironman blog.. wanted to share it. Kristina wrote "You can either spend your time at Ironman digging yourself INTO a hole or digging yourself OUT of one...it's that simple and you have that choice to make." She is doing IMMOO as well!

Today's Nut

This week's nut... We were to ride 100 miles.. no matter how long it took. AND then run off the bike. This is the kind of workout that every Ironman athlete has to do. It is preparing you for the long day ahead.

I rode today with Legs and M. It was the Melon Ride out near Plano, IL. The century ride turned into a little bit longer ride and started with a lot of headwind. I'm glad to say after about three hours of riding, we felt some benefit of that wind. The day was just perfect!! It was beautiful out...not too hot, not to cold.. windy but you can't have everything! When I finished, I felt GREAT! I'm still sitting here in awe tonight. I never thought I'd ride 104 miles and get off my bike gleaming from ear to ear. My legs felt worked but not hurt. IT was time for the run! There was a track near the start. It was HOT, but it was a great place to run. The success from today is something I will tap into again soon.

One more thing.. While I was out on the ride today, I did some thinking. Last year at this time, my Tri season was over. I had gotten injured to the point of PT twice a week. AND was on restricted time for pretty much everything. It's a great feeling to see one year later, the picture is much different. Two more weeks of "nut finding"! As Coach K says, "Bring IT!"

Doubt

Our doubts are traitors And make us lose the good we oft might win By fearing to attempt.

- William Shakespeare

I'm slowly learning a new lesson. It is about my run. I did the aquabike last weekend and felt so strong on the swim and the bike. BUT, it made me start thinking about the run. I have been following my coach's plan, but there isn't a lot of long runs in it. When you hear Ironman talk about their training, you hear them talk about their long runs. Our training doesn't have these extremely long runs in it. It is a "new way" of thinking that benefits someone like me. I have had running injuries before that have lead to the end of my season early. I have to believe the quote above and the advice of my best friend. It's not time to doubt what we've done this far. It's time to keep on trekking. BIG miles are coming.... they are going to be here soon.

Quick Update... Success Story!

I am excited to report that my best friend not only had a BIRTHDAY yesterday but also her first race since knee surgery. I'm very very excited for her! She did a race that I love...Mountain Man up in Flagstaff, AZ. Lorie was sweet enough to do a training trip with me last year when I wanted to do the Half Ironman. As you can see, it is quite lovely. Lorie doesn't take NO for an answer. Not only did she finish the race, she took 2nd in her age group! Bringing home hardware AGAIN! It's like she never left the sport at all. My inspiration and many times my strength comes from the things she's done. I can't wait for her to be my Sherpa on Ironman day. Congrats Lorie! You're one tough cookie!!

Racine Aquabike

What do you get when you combine a hammer, a cloudy day, and a well trained gurl? A winning combination!! I crushed my "FAR OUT GOAL" yesterday!! It was an amazing feeling! We only race against ourselves in this sport. It is nice to have training buddies and "carrots" but at the end of the day.. it is YOU vs everything you've done before.

I had a feeling it was going to be a fast course when I checked in my bike the day before and did a short workout. After driving the bike course, I knew... if the wind was right.. there would be FAST times to come. I think it's important to mention that my legs were working but hurting for the first hour on the bike. I tend to forget the lil "uh-ohs" when things go so well. AND that I managed to drop nutrition on the ground...not once but twice. I did just eat something new. Breaking the rule, but preventing the Bonk. IF it happens at Ironman, I will do the same. Turns out Hammer Gel Chocolate gu tastes like cake frosting.

Another thing happened yesterday that has NEVER happened EVER before...I raced with the Ludster and he DID NOT catch me on the bike. Ludster and I have raced about ten times together. He always catches me on the bike. BUT... I've been feeling really strong on My Precious and I thought I'd make him a bet. It turned out to be great motivation for me. Something I might use in Ironman as well. Luddy still rode strong! His time over 56 miles.. 2 1/2 hours! This tidbit will not soon be forgotten in our circle of friends. Tom Tom was grinning from ear to ear when I told him.

Will I be back to Racine again? NOPE. The sand we had to walk through for one mile to the start of the race and then when exiting the water has irritated my plantar fascia just a tad. I'm working through some exercises today. AND..truth be told..it's not a well run race. I don't even have my splits! The head timer exchanged my chip on race morning. BUT no results for me yet!

One last thought.. I love Aquabike. My two strongest sports combined!! Don't be surprised if I race another Aquabike next year!

Racing this weekend.. Half Ironman Distance

The team is going to Racine this weekend to race the Half Ironman Distance. I was dragging my feet. I didn't really want to go. I don't have a good explination... just wasn't feeling it. SO.. I emailed coach and asked for a "free pass". BUT... no such luck. There was no FREE PASS GIVEN. I'm starting to get really excited now. I am only doing the Aquabike (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike). I have already done a Half Ironman distance this year, so the idea is not to OVER DUE the legs/feet. Things have been well...no need to chance it now. I will race the swim and bike.. go through the finish. And then go for a light jog.. maybe three miles. This will be a great day to see how I'm putting everything together. The idea is to feel..STRONG LIKE BULL!

Time to go pack, get gear ready, and bring out the best! I think this race will bring out some spirit in me... I read a quote this week that I really liked....

"Success isn't the result of spontaneous combustion. You must learn to set yourself on fire." Arnold H. Glasgow

Keeping It Fresh

It's Rest week.. ahh! Abbreviated workouts are upon us and switching things up is always nice. Instead of Tuesday Ironman class.. we had a nice lil run! I decided to go join the old running group in Arlington Heights. I never see them anymore due to Ironman Class and they are always a good time! Tonight to my surprise, a Criterium was going on! It was FANTASTIC! Ludster, Tom and I were like old times out there. I can't remember the last time I laughed this hard!! I took some pics to remember it all. These guys are amazing athletes and handle their bike like butter.. smooth and efficient! Enjoy!!