Old Pueblo and Estrella

Two weekends ago, I went down to experience everything that is Old Pueblo (24 hour mtn bike race). I originally thought that I would join a team. On Friday, as I rode I got hurt. So, no team for me. But I did learn alot and had a great time!!

The Estrella race was last weekend. I decided I would ride the course on Thursday to get ready for the race. Originally, TW was going to practice ride with me but something came up. So, I went by myself. I assumed there would be other people on the trail. You know what assuming does!! When I left the Estrella course, I hoped to never ride it again. On Sunday morning, I tried to have good perspective. I finished 7th. I rode lots more then I did on Thursday. AND, had less crashes and severe injuries. Success!!

One last piece of news... I hired a new coach! I have put an Xterra on the Schedule for June. It's gonna be a great match!! SO EXCITED!

12 Hours of Pain and Purpose

Yesterday, I did a first! I rode on a mountain bike team for twelve hours! It's set-up as a relay. Each rider takes turns riding the same course over and over again. The team to complete the most laps in the 12 Hours wins! It is divided into different divisions as well. You pretty much end up riding for 45 minutes every three hours. And when I write it like that, it seems so simple. BUT, I gotta tell you.. it kicked my butt! First, the course at Papago Park was much harder then any other course I had seen/ridden yet. Second, it has rained non-stop for three days in AZ. There was lots of mud, puddles, and washes to ride through. My very first mud experience! I did escape without any bruises or bumps. I also did get lost on my third loop and rode extra miles! The wind picked up all day, so the cones were all over the place on the last turn towards the tunnel. What can I say.. I wasn't nicknamed Magellan for nothing?! That was super frustrating! I came home and sat in the bathtub to warm up and then crawled into bed. Today I still felt the race and am glad I went for a massage this afternoon! I will post pictures soon.. they're coming.

Riding all by myself

It has been raining in Arizona! Lots and Lots of RAIN! So yesterday, when they was a brief afternoon of sunshine... I had to do it! I went for a ride by myself. I had tried riding my mountain bike by myself before, but I got scared! This time was different. I rode the "course" that ML taught me how to do at night and then added the section to the puke point. It was incredibly awesome to feel confident doing this! On my way back from the puke point, a coyote crossed my path. I said to myself quietly, "Holy Cow!". I have been told before to not be scared of coyotes. In fact, when ML rode with me the other night we heard them catch something! It was incredible to hear them howling and yelping!! I had made it almost back to the water tower when I encountered a javelina rooting for food. WOW! They're pretty big creatures! And then I was back where I started. My first confident ride by myself! The good ju ju was flowing and I had my little slice of happiness for the day! AHHHHH!

Night Riding

Ok.. So I have been out night riding twice now. I am learning that this is hard!! It is an exercise in trust. You have to believe you can handle your bike properly through all different terrains. I really feel like I will get better and it is making me stronger! I am really riding at night because Old Pueblo 24 Hour race is coming up. At this moment, I am not on a team... but I hope to be. I have been looking into teams. Women are sought after on teams!

Pictures for now

I have to write a real race report very soon. There is so much to say. For now, I have to tell you.. I got 4th place and 10th Overall. I'm so stooked about that! I picked up mountain biking one month ago! I have so many people to thank... John S (bought his bike), Cale (borrowed his bike a month ago, stem, and rode with me), ML and TW (rode me scared!), BSteen and crew (pushed me to do it) and Luna Chixs (for teaching me SO MUCH!). If you don't know, I am not a "winning" triathlete. I'm always average. That's really what makes this so exciting!

You never know....

I showed up to ride with TW and ML today only to stop on the trail and have NO rear brake. That's right, I pulled the lever and nothing happened. I was missing the bolt that locks into the lever to make it work. The guys stepped up to the plate for me! Thank goodness! It has been rigged with a bolt and nut. Not bad! We rode the East loop today and it seemed to work. I went to the bike shop after the ride to see if I could fix it before the race this weekend. BUT, they don't have the part for it. SO, they tightened our FIX and I'm gonna make it happen!

Look for a full race report... I'm racing the first of the MBAA series and camping with the crew on Saturday night. It should be a RIOT! BTW, you should know I haven't camped since 2005.

Four Days of Mountain Biking

WOW! I have spent the last four days mountain biking. It all started on Thursday with a ride around an untouched park in Mesa with Toru. It was beautiful and challenging. Friday, I tried to show my IMWI Sherpa a few mountain bike techniques. Saturday, I rode with the Luna Chixs. (pictured above) I learned lots of cool tricks from those ladies. I cannot say enough good things about them! They are incredible teachers and make you feel stronger! Sunday, out to ride with the boys! They scared me but I survived. And today... I'm sore.

Happy New Year

For New Year's Eve, I went on a night hike up South Mountain. It was absolutely beautiful but surprisingly cold!! So peaceful with fireworks in every direction. We didn't even need the flashlights we brought because the Blue Moon was so bright! Fantastic! We popped the champagne at midnight and enjoyed the views until hiking back around 1 am. It was a perfect way to ring in the New Year!

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!