Wow! 

That’s all I can say.  As I sit here two weeks post Ironman Florida I am still in shock over the race I had!  I still can’t believe that I was able to do Ironman Florida in under 13:30.  Wild!

And as I write that, I think about where I was one year ago.  Last year in November I was right in the beginning of recovering from Adrenal Fatigue.  I was 20 lbs heavier.  Yeap 20 whole lbs extra where flopping around on this body.  I wasn’t sleeping, had high anxiety, and my “workouts” consisted of a 30 minute walk.  I was a mess!

I had been working with a nutritionist Marcie Goldman and in January she referred me to acupuncturist Andrew at Jade Mountain Health.  This is when things really turned around for me!  Andrew treated me with needles, cups and herbs and it made all the difference in my getting better! 

I began actual triathlon training in April under the watchful eye of Coach Cary.  Cary carefully  guided me back to being able to race.  She listened and new my body better than I did!! 

This time around training for Ironman was so different from my first.  My first one was all about over-distance training. This time Cary made recovery and rest days a big part of my training plan.  I honestly did not think I had trained properly for Ironman Florida…and boy was I wrong!  I look back and feel like I hardly trained at all.  I know I did, I just had plenty of recovery!

Coming off of being sick and loosing most of my base endurance, I had NO idea how Ironman Florida would be for me.  I had taken about 8 months off and even though I had raced this season…I didn’t know how I’d stack up to an Ironman.

Well now I do know!   Cary’s coaching was spot on!  I was telling a friend the other day, I feel like a SOLID athlete again!  I now know where my body is at.  I know how solid my fitness is.  It’s such a good feeling considering what my health was like last year. 

Looking back at this past season of training and racing, I also need to thank the tons of people who made a 13:16:18 possible!

First off, I’d like to thank everyone at TriBella Mulitsport and all my TriBella Teammates!  Without the shop and my gals getting through all the  technical stuff and the hours of training wouldn’t have been as easy and fun.

And then there are those who kept this body going.  Andrew at Jade Mt Health is the most amazing acupuncture EVER!  I can’t sing his praises loud enough.  He is truly gifted in his needling and   his knowledge of herbs.  Brian Ray did wonders keeping my muscles and fascia from becoming one big knot!  And there’s also Dr Ken at Active Care.  He kept my hips where they should be throughout the season.

Now to the people who really kept me going through all these miles of training.  First off, my training partner in crime, Scott!  He would meet me for workouts even if he didn’t have one to do!  He was my motivator throughout the weeks as we did almost all our training together. Now that’s a friend!  Also my friend Angela.  We met this year at the 24 Hr Fitness pool and immediately hit it off. She would ride with me, SAG me on my long rides…she was incredible!  And like I mentioned, all the gals on the TriBella team.  Lots of miles were traveled in the company of some amazing women. 

Now I want to give an extra shout out to my dear friend Kelli.  She met me many times for training adventures.  Most of all, she came to Florida to support me on my big day.  She took such good care of me. She also helped my Mom navigate race day and they didn’t miss a moment of my race! 

I am so grateful to everyone who made this spectacular Ironman happen.  I never in a million years believed I could ever do an Ironman in under 13:30.  Never. 

I now have a new level of confidence. I can open my mind to the fact that other things I thought impossible might now be possible. 

I just met with Coach Cary the other night, and have come up with some goals for 2013 and how we will use the 2012 season to get there.  I am beyond excited to see what else I might be able to accomplish in the coming season.  I have this new passion for the sport of triathlon and feel the sky is the limit under the watchful eyes of my coach.

In the meantime, I am fully enjoying my hard-earned recovery time.  I’m fully enjoying the lack of structure in training and eating for a few weeks.  Sleeping in; only doing things I feel like doing; relaxing a bit on the food I put in my mouth…..I can feel my mind and body being restored.  And that’s what this time is all about…..basking in the results of a well raced Ironman!

So thank you everyone!  I am deeply grateful for all your support!  And to all of you who read my blog- THANK YOU.  Your comments keep me going! 

May everyone reach the goals you never believed possible!

-

I have gotten through my first half-iron distance race of the season post Adrenal Fatigue.  I was nervous as all get out about what my ability would be.  In my head I was hoping for a 7 hour finish time, knowing that pre-AF I finished in about 6 and 1/2 hours. 

Barb’s Race is an all womens 70.3 that takes place in the Napa/Sanoma Valley.  It occurs  in conjunction with the full Vineman.  The race is a point to point with the start 30 minutes from the finish.  The swim is on the Russian River and the bike course meanders on rolling terrain through vineyards.

Saturday morning came and I was up at 4am.  Even though my wave didn’t go off until 8:17.. I have this thing about getting to a race real early.  See I love getting a good spot in transition near an end where it’s easy to find and get to my bike.

Black Betty hangin and me in the purple jacket

I set up…sociallized with all the wonderful women around me…and within no time they were calling us down to the water for the start of Barb’s Race. 

Pre-Race Game Face

I made my way into the river and got right in the front row.  The countdown started and the horn went off.  I was on my way!  The current of the river was barely noticeable. I felt strong and fluid as I swam and swam and swam upstream.  I finally reached the turn around, looked up to sight, and saw all these people walking!  Yeap, WALKING!  The river was shallow enough that many participants decided to walk.  The thought crossed my mind…and was quickly replaced with…”this race is training for Ironman Florida”.  So shallow strokes I took as I made my way around the bouy. 

As I began take my breaths and looked at the evergreens that lined the river I realized how dang FAST I was going with the current!  It felt like it took 10 mins to get back to T1. 

Blue Cap getting out of the water

Next it was the long run through T1 and then out the other end with Black Betty!  It’d been over a year since Betty and I had become one and raced out hearts out.  And on this day, that’s exactly what we did!!!!!

Entering the LONG T2

After a stellar ride and in good time I might add…I hit T2 in the town of Windsor after 56 miles of rolling wine country.  Now this transition was the absolute longest T2 I’ve ever experienced! It went on for eva!  I have decided I may want to learn how to get out of my shoes before transition after running for what seemed like miles in my bike shoes….but I did make it; racked Betty threw on my Newtons, and I was OFF!  (ok, after a pit stop).  Then I was off 

This was a big big training week for me.  I completed 17.25 hrs of training this week, with half of  the training happening over Saturday and Sunday. 

Over the course of the week I got in:  2:05 hrs of swimming; 9:40 hrs of riding; and 4:30 hrs of running, plus 1:25 hr of strength training!  (i think my math is right)

How cool is that!!!! I am so excited!  I feel completely free of Adrenal Fatigue!  I feel my independence is back!!!!

To highlight this fabulous week….I want to share about the wonderful weekend I had with friends training and training…oh yeah…and laughing!!!!!!

Saturday started with a group swim at the infamous Gravel Pond.  As my friend Scott said, “it’s the place to come to see everyone strip”.  Scott is constantly cracking me up!  It’s so true, we all show up on the beach at the Pond and strip…first into our wetsuits then out of them.  I always enjoys Scott’s perspective!

The Gravel Pond.....

After an out and back continous swim, I was off to the Highline Canal for my 3 hr run.  By the time I made my way there, the temps were already in the 90s.  That’s what I get for socializing a little too long 

The good news about the Highline Canal is there is plenty of shade and it’s pretty flat which was perfect for the 4 x 15 min Zone 3 intervals I had on tap.  OK…I have to admit here…that I went for the full dork factor.  I actually ran in my new Zoot calf compression sleeves.  I was smart enough not to take a picture to share with you all.  I am sure other runners where getting a good laugh at me…with my calf sleeves and fanny pack with water bottles.  Like I said, FULL DORK FACTOR!

The run went smashingly.  I have to admit, I really could tell a difference running in the calf sleeve.  This was my longest run to date and I didn’t even feel a bit sore after I was done!  Yeah…product endorsement here    The  rest of the day was about recovering and getting ready for my big ride the next day.

So Sunday was pretty much the same crew as Saturday’s swim session.  We met at Bergen Park in Evergreen and headed out for the Squaw Pass- Idaho Springs loop. 

Squaw Pass! What a crew!!!

We had a total blast riding this loop!  I have never had so much fun on a ride in my life!  Absolute blast!  This was the first climbing ride of the season for me. 

I’m not sure if I shared this before…but I did one of those bone-head moves about 3 months ago…where I drove my aluminum framed Orbea Road bike into my brick garage.  Yeap, I’ve joined the club!  It took me about 2 months to find a replacement bike in my size.  So everyone…I’d like to introduce you to Jean.  Jean, meet the gang!  Jean Jean is a climbing machine!  Let me tell ya!  She’s also a dream!  I’m serious.  When I ride her it feels as if I’m riding on air! 

So after months of waiting, I was finally able to get into the mountains for some climbing time!  This was actually everyones first mountain ride of the season.  We all huffed and we puffed and we all flew down to Idaho Springs!   A spin back up to Bergen Park and we were done for the day. 

As I sit here writing about my adventures I am pleased to report that there is not one sign of Adrenal Fatigue.  Any tiredness I felt was appropriate for the level of exercise I did this weekend.  If anything, I am now more motivated than I have been in a year and am beyond excited for the next few weeks of training leading up to Barb’s Race at the end of this month! 

It’s time to Rock and Roll and train like a fiend!

This weekend I ventured into the relm of Olympic distance triathlon.  Double the distance of the sprint I did two weeks ago.  To say I was nervous is an bit of an understatement.  It seems on my road back to being a triathlete I have lost some of the confidence I had before the dreaded Adrenal Fatigue.  I go into each event wondering….will I have it in me? 

Now this is my third time doing Lake to Lake so I knew what I was getting myself into.  I knew the swim seems hella long, and the bike course has some kick butt hills.  The run is nice a flat and I was hoping I could pull it off.  I actually wondered if I would be able to cycle up some of the bigger hills on the bike course..with visions of having to walk. 

I got up early on Sat and headed to the race with my friend Stacey.  I had the best time in transition chatting with friends and making new ones.  Race time came and down to the water I went.  I warmed up for a bit and then it was our turn (as the announcer put it “time for the old folks”). 

I must say the swim went great.  For some reason, and I don’t want to tempt the swim gods here, but I have never had one of those crowded thrashy, mosh-pit type of swims in all the triathlons I’ve ever done.  I always seems to find my “piece of heaven” in all the mess and swim without a crowd around me.  And I’m not swimming off course either     

As I rounded the last buoy and headed back to shore I started to tell my self that my time on the swim would be 45 minutes.  I think I was doing this so I wouldn’t be disappointed if it actually was that long.  I was setting myself up so I wouldn’t be thinking what I failure I was…..and was I delighted when I looked down at my watch as I came out of the water and saw 31!  I was stoked!  “Not bad time” I said to myself.

Then it was onto the bike.  I was starving as I got out of transition and decided I needed to begin to fuel immediately.  I had a peanut butter clif bar which I promptly ate within the first few miles of the bike.  I knew I needed to get calories on board and the sooner I did eat the better chance I had of it not bothering me later on.  (I was right about this). 

 I rode and rode and rode and rode. The course is 30+miles and mostly climbing. 

As I approached the ”monster climb” I thought, ”self, just get on up it and take your time.  NO need to go anaerobic!”  And that is just what I did.  I cruised up it, keeping my heart rate at a decent level and pedaled on pass a few folks to boot!  And, I didn’t even come close to having to walk!!!!  I knew there was one more “big” hill and when I approached it, I felt confident and strong!  Again, I just cruised right up it! 

And then it was time for the descending dream!  I love descending.  For some reason I get all Mario Andretti and start acting like some kinda race car driver.  I LOVE banking the turns and getting all tucked and using my body to dance the corners.  What I lack in climbing I definitely make up for in the descent. 

I rolled back into transition after an hour and 40 something minutes (my slowest time on this bike course) and headed out for the run.  I was feeling strong, well hydrated and well nourished.  The run was fun and I never once struggled or wondered if I could make it.  I ran at a comfortably hard  pace and finished my race within the time I had “allowed” myself. 

The day was a good one for me!  I raced well, accomplished everything in a better time than I thought I might, and had a blast doing it!  Having raced Olympic distance it’s helped boost my confidence.  I am starting to believe in myself again and in my athletic abilities.   Next up is Barbs Race Long Course (half ironman).  That will be my next confidence booster  besides the next 2 weekends of 5+ hours  each of riding in the mountains 

Oh yeah… and did I mention that after the race and some food,  I got back home and went out for a 2 hr bike ride???  Yeah…it’s comin back…that Ironman fitness! YeeeHawww!

~

I made it through my first triathlon of the season and the first tri in a year.  To say I was nervous leading up to the race is an understatement.  I was really nervous!  There were so many unknowns…how would I be swimming in open water again.  How hard would I be able to push myself.  Would I come in last and be much much slower than before getting Adrenal Fatigue….the questions and doubts went on and on!

And then, my coach sends me an email saying that I would do great, I was well trained for the sprint and judging by the Colfax Half my times where probably around where they were last year…and to relax and have fun!!!!  With that little message the nerves just went away…and almost completely!

Saturday morning arrived and I think I was the 5th car to arrive at the race.  Yeah, I’m one of those anal, rather be early than late kinda athletes. As I arrived to transition I was greeted by my TriBella Teammates who where volunteering at the event.  Nothing like having a good friend do the body marking.

Once I got my transition set up I took my bike out for a little spin to warm up followed by a 10 minute run.  It was time to hit the potties before worming into my wetsuit (yeah it fits again!!!!).  Then it was down to the lake for the race start.  (The race started 30 minutes late because they were waiting for the paramedics to arrive)

So, at about 8am, I found myself nearing the swim start for the final wave.  As I made my way into the water I positioned myself right in front on the left side.  I have decided in my last few races that I swim well enough now to be out in front and am able to mostly hold my spot there.  The gun went off and I went for it!  No warming up slowly…I just straight out hit that close to the red-line right from the beginning of the swim. 

As I came out of the swim and into transition I noticed that all the bikes where still in transition and guessed that I might be first out of the water.  And wouldn’t you know it…my wet suit would not come sliding off my feet!  As I tried to pull my foot out of my suit my leg would cramp so then I’d try the other and that would cramp…so finally I bent down and just took the darn thing off with my hands!  Precious seconds wasted!

I grabbed Black Betty and bolted out of transition and onto the bike course.  Here I had a little bit of trouble getting warmed up and feeling some juice in my legs… and while I was warming up some woman in my age group goes pedaling by me all fast and $hit.  “OK” I say to myself, “you’re warming up and you can catch her later, just don’t let her get too far ahead of you!” 

And that’s just what I did.  I kept her in sight and when we got to this nice downhill  I flew past her and left her in my dust.  I hit such a nice pace and cadence that I was cruising and felt as if I was flying.  The riding felt effortless.  I was close to threshold but not too close.  I remember thinking at one point “maybe I should back off a bit and save some for the run.”  This was immediately followed by “Nah!  Keep going, she’s right behind you!  I’ll see what I have left on the run itself.”

I made it back to transition and was greeted by my TriBella Teammates and given a nice spank on the butt and told to “go get em!”.  Which is exactly what I did.  I was the first back to T2 and quickly changed into my Newton Running Shoes and out onto the race course I went.  I hadn’t seen “the woman” yet and thought I might be in first place so far….

And then there was the run.  I have never run so hard all through the 5k.  I knew she was chasing me and I wanted so badly to be able to place 1st in my first race back.  I was dancing that fine line between anaerobic and just below for the full 3.1 miles.  I could feel her, sense her, making her way closer and closer to me.  Now I have to admit that time and time again, the run is where I will lose my place in a race.  And I was so determined not to have that happen!

At the turn around I finally say “the woman” and knew a had a bit of a lead on her.  I just kept running and running and trying to find that sweat spot where movement just happens.  Right before the 3 mile marker I heard someone hanging off my left shoulder breathing hard.  I didn’t even have to turn around to see who it was, I just knew.  I asked her “Is it you” to which she replied “Yes” and then proceeded to pass me with .1 miles to go.  “Dang’ I said to myself, ” Come on!  Pick it  up!  Catch her!  Dig Down!  Move your legs faster! Lean forward more!  Come ON!!!!!”  Well non of that work and I crossed the finish line 10 seconds behind her. 

I immediately found “her” “the woman” and put my hand out and said “Nice Race!  Thanks for giving me such a run for my money.  I loved racing you!”   We chatted about the race, about passing each other, and quickly became friends!  We spent the rest of the time together eating and waiting for the awards ceremony.  I had made a new friend and her name is Betsy! 

All in all this was absolutely the best race I’ve ever raced.  Actually racing against Betsy made for an experience I’ve never had before.  This was the first time I actually raced someone!  It heightened the experience and made me dig down inside myself even more.  I had to strategize more and think about what I was doing more so than normal.  Having Betsy out there, chasing my heels, made for a spectacular race and day!

Me and "the woman' Betsy!

-

After such a fabulous Colfax Half Marathon and a great week training….on Friday night I caught the Flu Bug. 

The next 5 days were spent consuming minimal food and barely making it to work.  I was bummed and felt like my whole season was lost!

I had to miss a big ride on Saturday due to the flu and by Monday I was sure that my season was over,that  I would not be in shape for Ironman Florida.  I seriously was depressed and feeling like I’d missed the most important thing in my training!   Like missing one thing and taking the week mostly off from training meant that I was too far behind now….I mean seriously…did I not learn anything from having Adrenal Fatigue????

As the week progressed and I began to feel better my depression began to lift especially after a talk with Coach Cary!  Isn’t it the best when your coach can always put thing into perspective???? 

Today is Friday…and as the long weekend looms, I have been sidelined by coach and will not be participating in all the big training that was on my schedule.  One long run is all I will be allowed to do.  (What a waste of  the extra day off! HA)

I do now see that a revamp of the training schedule will accommodate the missed sessions… and above all, I don’t want to end up back in Adrenal Fatigue land…..

So here is to perspective and letting go of catastrophizing and having a mellow weekend…..

Happy Memorial Day everyone!  Summer has officially started!

-

I did it!

I finished my first event of the 2011 season yesterday!!!!

I ran the Colfax Half Marathon and had a blast!  It felt so darn good to be participating in an event again.

There I was, at 6 am, lined up with all the other thousands of people…waiting for the line to move toward the start.  My fingers where gently hoovering over my Garmin.  I was dressed in my full winter garb and was ready to see where my fitness was at.  It had been close to one full year since I ran as far as 13.2 miles and today was going to be my litmus test.  I was ready….teacher…give me the exam!

I started off toward the very back of the pack (my friends decided on one last potty break…).  I took my time running at my slow, warm up speed.  As the miles went by and the time went by, next thing I new I was half way through.  I was feeling warmed up (despite a cold wind and freezing drizzle) and noticed I was picking up my pace.

As we began to head back to City Park for the final 6 miles I really began to get into a groove.  I started to pick up my pace, minding my cadence.  I began to pass person after person.  I think only about 3 people passed me for the whole 6 miles.  I was just having a blast and feeling that groove.  That easy, effortless run.

Just a side note here- I recently tried running in some K-Swiss shoes for a few runs…and went back to my tried and true Newtons.  I so love my Newtons!  They really do make running effortless!

So, there I was running through an Aurora Fire Dept Station, loving life and the day.  As I cruised down 17th Ave I continued to pick up my pace, leaning forward, quick cadence, arms back…etc.

As I crossed Colorado Blvd and ran into City Park I saw the sign for mile 12.  I made it!  Only 1.1 miles to go!!!!  And that’s when I really let it all go!  Up until this point I had never really gotten near my lactic threshold.  With 1 mile left to go, I began to flirt with it.  I began that dance of, how fast can I go, how long can I hold this????

I held back mostly because I was afraid I would blow up and not finish strong.  When I got within about 1/4 mile of the finish I really went for it.  I stopped being afraid (I was close enough now) and just hit my LT.  I was breathing hard! I cruised into the finish shoot, feeling good and strong.

I’m very pleased with my performance. I had absolutely NO idea what my fitness was like, how I would feel, how I would do….It’s been almost one year since I quit training due to Adrenal Fatigue….and today, without a doubt….I can say that I’m BACK!!!!!!!!   I just finished my first half marathon since being diagnosed with Adrenal Fatigue and I am very pleased!

This past week I did both a Run and Swim test. 

Now the good news is I am fit enough and healthy enough for my coach to be having me do these!  I was extremely excited to see them on my schedule.  I remember months ago she said that we would do our first tests when I was healthy again.  Guess that means she feels I’m healthy again and on the other side of Adrneal Fatigue!!!

Now…the harder news to admit- here in public- is that my times where pretty dang slow!  I mean way, way , way slow!  Like really slow.  Like turtle slow!  The way the test went was I had to time my long sets and divided it into 100s. That being said- I had the turtle time of 2:04 per 100.  What a difference from last year pre-Adrenal Fatigue!

That was Wednesday.  Saturday I had a run test.  For this test I warmed up for 10 minutes and then began running for 1.5-2 miles.  The goal was to keep my heart rate around 125.  See I’m doing all my training below 130HR.  So….here’s the kinda embarrassing part- my time per mile was 15:38.  Oh my goodness.  SEE!  I said I was a turtle!  Can you believe how slow that is????    

This was a  hard post for me to write.  You see, I want you all to think that I am this ripped athlete who has these kick a$$ times.  In reality, for the moment, I DON’T.  I am just me….coming back from Adrenal Fatigue….with all my slowness and determination.  Trainings not always pretty…it’s not always glamorous….it’s sometimes just plain slow.   

The best part about this though….is there is tons of room for improvement!!!!  And that’s what I’m planning on doing…keep on improving!

-

Right when you’re just getting goin……..bammmm….a cold gets ya!

Yeap, after the stellar week before of feeling like I was training like a real triathlete, I got the bug that’s been going around the office!  Dagnabit!  I fought it off for a few days….but it finally caught me!  

I don’t feel too bad though, as most people were out of work for a few days and all I had to do was back off on my workouts a bit.  That’s one of the benefits of being a healthy athlete!  We can fight off bugs better than the average person.  And then because we are mere mortals….we actually do get sick sometimes 

So the approach recommended by my coach was to not set my alarm, and if I woke up in time for my workout do it!  It not, don’t stress it.  I slept in until 6 the first day, 5:30 the next and 5:00 on the third day.  Well, since I had the excuse of being sick, I decided I should lie in bed a few more minutes and missed three days of workouts. 

Not to fear though….Saturday I was back with a vengeance!  Feeling awesome, rested and recovered, I entered into my run and then a swim.  Well, kinda a swim. I had another session at SwimLabs on Saturday.  Found out a few tidbits to continue to improve my swim abilities. 

I attacked Sunday with the same fervor and cranked out 2.5 hrs on my bike trainer.  After watching a cheesy chick-flick I finished the next hour with DVRed t.v. shows.  What did we ever do before DVRs???  ( I frequently ask the same thing about zip-lock plastic bags…but I’ll save that for another post).

After months of Adrenal Fatigue issues….a common cold was a piece of cake to get through.  It’s good to know my immune system is right on track and able to kick some cold bug butt!  And as for training….well BRING IT ON!!!!!  I am ready, willing and able!!!

In the mean time……

-

I never realized how much it would mean to me when I finally returned to actual TRAINING after these 6 months off.  

Granted I only took one full month off with absolutely NO exercise.  My prescription read….Get as much sleep as possible and NAP often!.  No kidding. That’s what my doc wrote down. 

Many people have asked….”well didn’t ya go crazy?” and the answer is “nope.” I was so exhausted all I could do was go to work and sleep!  I only took one month off and from there started to slowly incorporate “exercise” back into my weekly routine.  With my fabulous Coach Cary leading the way.

After 5 months of getting back into exercising…about one month ago I progressed into Training again.  I was training early mornings and afternoons.  Workouts were getting close to one hour long…..I was beginning my comeback!

Well this weekend just moved me into OFFICIAL TRAINING mode.  Over the weekend I trained for a total of 4 hrs.  I know, that may not seem like much…but not too long ago that’s all I exercised in a week!

This Saturday started with a Kick Butt 2 hour computrainer session at Peak To Peak Training Center.  Sweat and high(er) heart rates made my legs feel like mush.

After lunch with a friend…I was off to the pool for another hour of swimming!  And the cool part, my workout was a strength workout.  So lots of pulling and long sets!  It was all I could do to PULL myself out of the pool.

The evening was spent chilaxing and eating a healthy dinner….recovery and engergy for the next day!

Sunday morning came.  On my training schedule was a one hour run!!!! 

I know…seems kinda silly to get all excited for a one hour run…but when that’s the longest I’ve  run since a half mary at Boise 70.3 last June…..I was over the top excited to actually get the chance to run for a full hour. 

To me, that’s a sign that I am recovering from this darn  Adrenal Fatigue and on my way to this season.  I don’t know how many half hour runs I’ve churned out over the last 3-4months….but I can tell you…those were hell.  To only run for 30 minutes and knowing how good an hour plus run feels….that really was hell!

I am over the moon that I had a “real” training block this weekend.  I had a blast and I am feeling like a true athlete again. … Just remind me of this when I’m churning out 10+ hour training weekends this summer in prep for Ironman Florida…baby!