In the past 5 days I have been to 2 celebrations for women who have completed Ironman Arizona and Cozumel.  

You Can Have Your Cake and Eat It Too!

First up was a potluck at Bine’s house for 9 of us.  I had not meet all these women before but had become friends with them through Facebook.  It was fun to follow their endeavours as we trained our tails off in preparation for our big days!

 Everyone but me had competed at Ironman Arizona the week before my race so I had the chance to track them while they were racing.  It was so exciting to track all of them on that day!  I had a blast….and it also gave me quit a bit of nerves! 

The party was fantastic and hearing everyone’s stories of what the day was like for them was so cool.  Especially since it was all of our first times.   As we took our picture I was so overwhelmed with awe at how courageous all 9 of us were.  We had ALL just competed  in our first IRONMAN!  How amazing is that?  All these Ironman Goddesses!  I looked at each one of these new triathlon sisters and was inspired and in awe of each one of them.  To have 9 women, all in one room, who had just finished their first Ironman!  Friggin AWESOME and empowering!

9 Ironman Goddesses

The potluck food kinda cracked me up…..the meals that people brought to share where still as healthy as we all had become accustomed to eating….and then there was the cake and ice cream. And for the first time in months we were all able to enjoy dessert without worrying how it would affect our next days workout!  AHHHHH….the simple pleasures!  I had a marvelous night with everyone who was there!

What A Spread

Next I was invited to another friends house who I have become friends with at Masters Swimming.  She had introduced me to Christy who also did Ironman Cozumel.  Although Christy and I didn’t hang out much leading up to IMCZ we kept track of each other on Facebook. 

Christy and I ran into each other before the race and many times during the race.  I always enjoyed seeing her smiling face throughout the day….So it was especially nice to sit down to dinner with her and talk about the race we both did!  I hadn’t talked to anyone else yet who had done IMCZ and it was such a treat to share our stories of the day and the race and to know exactly what we were both talking about!

Basking in the Glow- post IMCZ

I must say I had a great time basking in the glow of my Post Ironman achievement!  I always get so excited when I get the chance to talk about my day and experience.  And to have so many wonderful strong women in my life who all have that same expeience of finishing and Ironman is such an honor!

I just completed my first Ironman at the inaugural Ironman Cozumel  (IMCZ).

I had an incredible experience both before, during and after the race.  I would like to share some of the things I did that I believe helped me have such a successful race…..

1. Plan to arrive in Cozumel no later than Wednesday before the Sunday race!     This is important for acclimatization!  I had no problems with the humidity and heat!  Also, I had no problems with my bike arriving with me.  Some people who flew on Thanksgiving day had their bikes come in on Friday due to all the people traveling with bikes that day…Those that arrived Friday had problems with the heat and humidity race day.

2.  Stay at the FIESTAMERICANA!  This hotel is right next to the swim start; it’s away from town; the service is excellent and the food is great (and safe). Also, request your room on the 6th floor.  Maria is the housekeeper for that floor and she is so sweet and does a wonderful job! 

3. Get some Hammer  LIQUID ENDURANCE.    It is designed to help when racing in the heat.  I drank this for 3 days before the race, and believe this also helped me to not have problems with the heat on race day.

4.  Swim in a SPEED SUIT.   There are small jelly fish which can bite you in the water.  They don’t hurt, just annoying afterwards.  I swam in my sports bra, swim suit and speed suit.  After the swim I then changed into my race outfit for the rest of the race and did not have any problems with bites.

5.  START THE SWIM in front of the dock.  The best place to start the swim is in front of the dock on some netting that is there.  You can hang on the netting and not have to tread water.  Plus you are in the front.  I started in the front and had a great swim!

5.  Ride in the WIND.  I know we don’t like to do it…but ride your 100 milers in the wind as much as possible.  I did 5 self supported centuries in a windy valley….and found that come race day the wind on the east side of the island did not bother me at all!

6. Race in your RACE WHEELS.  I raced in my 404’s and they were perfect.  I ended up passing a lot of people who used their regular wheels and 808’s are probably too big….but a wheel the same size as Zipp 404’s are just right!

7.  Use BUG SPRAY for the RUN.  If you are like me and will be running at dusk, make sure you put on plenty of mosquito repellent before you head out on the run.  The mosquitoes are out only at dusk and once it’s dark they’re gone

8.  POUR WATER on your head and legs at every  run aide station.  There are aide stations on the run every 1 km.  At every aide station I grabbed a water- took a sip; poured some on each leg; poured some on my head; then took another sip.  This worked perfect for hydration and for keeping my body cool!

9.  Run in NEWTON RUNNING SHOES.  I ran in my Newton Universal Distance Racers.  My legs never fatigued and these shoes helped propel me forward to my first Ironman finish!

10.  Use  SPORTS QUEST PRODUCTS!  I swear by Sports Quest’s products. I have been using them for over 1 year and always notice a difference in my energy increasing and fatique decreasing.  I religiously take their Recover, Vantage and Thermolytes EVERY hour when training long hours and on this IRONMAN.  I know these products made the difference in me not being fatiqued and not having any problems with electrolyte/sodium levels!

11.  ENJOY THE DAY.  Make sure you enjoy your day.  The crowds and the beauty of the island are amazing. 

12.  Brush up on your SPANISH.  If you speak some Spanish, brush up on it so you can enjoy chatting with all athletes and locals. It make for an added bonus to the day and to your stay.

13.  Stay and RECOVER IN COZUMEL.  Stay for at least 3 days after the race.  There is NO better way to recover than sitting on the beach and swimming in the ocean.  You can also finally enjoy the wonderful cuisine and beverages!

I heard from athletes who have done other Ironmans that this was one of the best venues they’ve raced.  I heard from spectators it was one of the best venues for spectating.

I have no other Ironman to compare this to…but all I can say- is I can never imagine a better location to do an Ironman…especially for the whole family!  If you are even thinking about doing an Ironman I HIGHLY recommend Cozumel!!!!

La Isla de Cozumel

Here I am 10 days after my first Ironman. It already seems like it was months ago and yet not really. The excitement is there when I think about it or talk to someone about my experience. And what an experience it was!!!

Sunday morning I woke up at 4:00 am. The first thing I did was open the curtain to see if it was windy. Not a hint of wind was present! The ocean was calm as the moon reflected off  it. I knew right then it was going to be a good day!

I made my tea and oatmeal with a little protein powder and attempted to begin eating. My stomach was full of butterflies and there was not much room for food, but I got my oatmeal down. As I was eating I put on my bathing suit and gathered everything I would need before the race began….bike water bottles-check; pre-race nutrition- check; swim skin-check…..I had everything I needed and before I new it Janet and I were headed downstairs to our cab.

When we arrived at  Chankanaab Park it was just beginning to get light. You could FEEL the excitement all around!  I enter through the athletes entrance where they checked your bracelet, remarked your body, then took a photo of you.  From there I walked past the “PROS” area.  They had special bike racks with their names on them.  Next it was off to be rejoined with Betty (my beautiful Orbea Ordu).

I got to Betty and proceeded to put all the water bottles on her.  After doing that, I was pretty much done with her and she was ready.  I walked back out of the Transition area (T1) and found Janet.  We walked over to the bathrooms, and I got into my speed suit. I then meandered over to a waterfall and relaxed and breathed in some of the wonderful negative ions!  I began to relax while all around me the excitement was popping!!

I looked at my watch and realized it was time for me to head over to the swim start and drop off my clothes.  I took one more deep breath and headed out onto the dock with all the other athletes to await the start of the PROS.  The pros got off….then it was our turn.

We all slowly made our way to the end of the docks and got ourselves into the water.  1600 athletes making their way down two docks took awhile.  Once I got into the water under the pier I began to tread water to wait for the start.   I looked over to my right and I saw two guys standing on something that was under the water….I made my way over to them and they helped me stand on this piece of dock.  Yeah!  I found the best place to wait for the start!  I didn’t have to expend energy treading water and could just relax until the gun went off…..

And THEN- the Gun Went OFF…..and WE were OFF!!!!  I was beginning the adventure of my first IRONMAN!!!!!

THE SWIM 

The Swim

I made my way out from under the dock and joined the masses.  I was swimming somewhere in the front 1/3 of the pack.  For me this was the perfect place to be.  Once we got to the first buoy I was able to find plenty of room to swim.  I had heard stories that in an IM swim you will just be swamped by people.  I’m happy to say that was not my experience. 

The swim was amazing.  The first bit going north was into the current.  It didn’t feel too tough to me.  The whole time you’re looking down on the ocean floor.  Visibility is 100% and the water is warm, buoyant and spectacular.  As we rounded the first buoy it got to be a bit of a cluster “f” with everyone swimming on top of each other.  I looked down and spotted a diver underneath us.  I had not realized how deep the water was!  The diver look small compared to how far down I thought the ocean floor was…..

After we rounded the first two buoys we were headed back south with the current.  This was sooo much fun!  Swimming in salt water, with the current, looking at incredible sea life!!!  I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to be out there!

The swim eventually came to an end and as I climbed up the stairs to the dock I checked my watch and it read  1:08!!  I thought WTF???  1 hour 8 minutes….that can’t be!???  As I ran down the dock toward my bike gear and the changing tents I was asking spectators what time it was because I couldn’t believe I had just swam 2.4 miles in 1:08….But I did!!!!!

I took a moment to rinse the salt water off in the showers they had for us.  I then made my way down the isle were my Bike Gear bag was and headed for the Women’s Changing Tent was. 

Now this is where it gets incredible!  I went into the tent, was handed an open bottle of water and found a corner.  I said “podria tener ayuda?” and with in seconds there was a volunteer helping me get all my gear out of my bag and helping me get undressed and dressed into my race outfit.  She then proceeded to open my shoes, pull out my food and then began slathering me with sunscreen!  I have never experienced anything like that… and I tell you I could sure get use to it  :). 

I then ran out of the tent and headed toward Betty.  I was reunited with Betty within one minute, I pulled her off the rack and we were headed out of Transition 1 and on our way to 112 miles of bike riding!

THE BIKE

The Bike- East Side of the Island

I crossed the mats out of T1 and jumped on Betty.  I began the ride with crowds lining the road cheering us on.  Once I made my way out onto the main road around the island it became quiet. No one was around….except for all the athletes who came screaming by me.  This is one area I feel I have developed well as an athlete with the help from my coach.  I am able to “race within myself”.  I no longer feel the need to speed up because everyone is passing me.  I have learned from my past races that I will usually end up passing many of these people later on, after they’ve burned themselves out and I am still going strong.  And this is exactly what happened on this 3 lap bike course.  I quess I probably passed a minimum of 30 people on the last lap.

About 30 minutes into the ride another athlete came riding by with his heart rate monitoring beeping.  shortly after that I looked down at my bike computer and realized it had frozen.  A few minutes after that it simply went blank.  So here is the cool thing.  I didn’t even panic!  I immediately said to myself  “you have ridden 5 centuries, self -supported on Betty- You know exactly what you need to feel like!  You know what your cadence feels like, you know what your speed feels like, you know what your pace feels like.  You don’t need your computer.”  And with that I was freed from my computer!  How cool is that!  To completely trust your ability and your self……

To continue….the bike course was fantastic!  The course starts heading south to the tip of the island and then east for a bit and then……I was riding on the east side of the island headed north!  This for me was my most favorite part of the bike ride!  I was literary yards away from the ocean.  The water was so blue and clear, the surf was enchanting, and the beaches were inviting! 

Now many people who rode this course would probably disagree with me about riding on the east side.  Yes there was wind, and as the day got longer the wind got stronger.  But the view was absolutely breathtaking every time I got to the east side.  I was in awe of the beauty.  I took the time to look to my right and be grateful for the beauty I was able to witness! 

I also believe the reason I was able to enjoy the east side so much was the wind did not bother me.  I never felt like I was struggling while riding in the wind.  I stayed in my aerobars the whole time (except when there were small hills then I would stand).  I also know that the 5 centuries I rode on my own were in a very windy valley and this absolutely helped me!  I was not fazed one bit by the wind on the course (see previous blog entry).

Eventually we came to the end of the road on the east side and headed west.  This was the easiest section to ride as there was no wind. This also signaled I was headed into town and into the hundreds of people who lined the streets to cheer us on!  As I rode through the crowds I noticed most athletes kept their heads down and kept quiet.  Well not ME!!  I was screamin, and a hollerin and a hootin- right back at the spectators!  And as I did this, they would in turn scream and cheer even harder!  Many women would yell “Hagalo por las mujeres!” “Do it for the women!”  and the crowd would chant over and over “Si se puede” “You can do it!”  I found I had to watch my pace as I rode through town because the energy of the crowds would get me so charged up!  I would have this surge of excitement and if I wasn’t mindful would find myself pedalling harder than I should…..

And that ’s how the bike went for 3 laps!  Fantastic Beautiful FUN!  I couldn’t believe it when I rolled back into town on my last lap.  I felt strong and not one bit spent.  The ride for me had been easy and so enjoyable.  My last lap on the east side I thanked the Island for the beauty I was able to witness that day…and was slightly sad I would not be passing by there on a 4th lap….

Oh one more thing I forgot to mention….my rear brake was engaged for at least the second lap if not the first also!  I had the bike mechanic at the expo check  Betty to make sure she shifted correctly.  As I was talking to some friends he said the back brake was loose and was going to tighten it.  Well he tightened it too much and on the 2nd lap when I went to stand on some of the small hills I notice the wheel was rubbing. When I stopped for my Special Foods Bag I checked it out and sure enough…..my brake was fully engaged on the tire…So I opened the brake up the whole way and continued on!

So here’s another cool thing about doing an Ironman….they actually have people to “catch” your bike when you arrive at Transition 2 (T2)!  I rode up to the dismount and here was this guy ready to grab my bike and hold it as I got off and then take Betty and bring her somewhere until the end!  How cool is that!

Next it was down a row of Run Gear Bags to pick mine up, then into the women’s changing tent again!  First thing when I entered I was given a bottle of water and then someone came right over to me and assisted me.  She began opening my bag and taking everything out and handing it to me…and as I took things off she put them back into the bag.  It was remarkable the support and kindness the volunteers showed!

THE RUN

The Run and Finish

I got my run gear on…and off I went!  As I got out of the tent and began to run I was amazed how I did not feel tired!  I remember a clear thought of “I’m not stiff!???  I am running fine….I’m not running like a clod…I feel like I’m running on fresh legs!!!”  This completely surprised me! 

I rounded the corner and got onto the main street where the marathon would take place.  Immediately I was greeted with cheers and words of encouragement.  I broke out in the biggest smile I’ve ever had.  I smiled sooooo much on the marathon that my jaws were actually sore the next day.  What I remember about the marathon was that I could look into the eyes of the spectator and see that they were really glad we were there!  They really wanted each of us to do well and to finish!

The run was 3 laps of 8.7 miles.  As I began the run I wasn’t thinking of the fact that I was going to run a marathon, but that I had to run 3 laps of 9 miles…..and that I can run 9 miles no matter what.  I believe having this philosophy about the run took some of the pressure off….I only had to run 3 laps of 9 miles.  Easy!

I loved the marathon!  By the time I got to mile 4 I was really hungry and spotted some Ritz Crackers at the aide station.  I grabbed a couple as I ran by…took a bit…and turned right around and grabbed about 10 more crackers and a bottle of water.  I walked until I finished all the crackers…tossed the water and continued to run for 22.6 miles!  That was the only walking break I took during the whole marathon! 

The run for me felt somewhat easy…I didn’t struggle at all.  The aide stations where every 1km.  Every time I passed one I would grab a water, take a sip, pour some water on each of my legs, pour some over my head, and then take another sip.  I repeated this at every aide station.  I feel this may have helped in my staying hydrated and cool.  Plus it felt great on my legs every time!

I ended up negative splitting the run.  I got faster on each lap.  I was able to enjoy the company of fellow athletes and would chat with someone for awhile….then I would run ahead or they would.  Every time I came back into town I was greeted by the crowd…..Cheering me on!  One spectator told me that I was smiling every time he saw me and couldn’t understand how I could be.  The reason I could be smiling all the time was because I was enjoying myself soooooo much!  That sounds like an oxymoron….how could someone actually enjoy doing an Ironman….I can’t speak for anyone else except that I know I sure Did!

As daylight turned into dusk turned into night, I continued to run enjoying the whole experience and soaking it all in.  Eventually I reached the 20 then the 23 mile markers.  When I reached the 23 mile marker I realized that my race was almost over.  I was just getting back into sight of the town. At that point I threw my arms open and lifted my head to the starry sky and hugged the universe.  I hugged the day, I hugged the other athletes, I hugged every spectator, I hugged Cozumel and I hugged the World.  I was filled with so much joy at that moment that it just welled up from my feet to my head.  I was overcome with love and joy at the same time.

I also realized that my first Ironman was almost over.  I thought about what a friend had told me….”You will only have one First Ironman……soak it up and enjoy it….it will be over before you know it”.  Boy was she right.  At this point I actually slowed down. I didn’t want the day to be over.  As I ran back through town I took in ever spectator that cheered my on, and soon I was at the 26 mile marker….knowing the end of my day was only 2/10th of a mile away. 

As I ran back into town I had passed many athletes who were walking….and as I rounded the final corner and into the finish chute I was completely overwhelmed with the fact that I was finishing my first Ironman!  As I was running down the chute I noticed someone in pink coming up on my right and I thought….”Oh HELL NO!  You ain’t going to pass me 30 feet from the finish!” and with that I SPRINTED to the finish! 

I crossed the finish line with my arms raised and the biggest smile I could ever imagine!  I heard the announcer say “Doreen DeRoss…..YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!!!”   To hear those words yelled over the speaker was amazing!  I was an IRONMAN!  I had done it!  I had swam 2.4 miles; I had biked 112 miles; I had run 26.2 miles!!!!!  I was a freakin IRONMAN!!!!!

I am an IRONMAN!

I can not explain what it feels like to cross the finish line of an Ironman your first time.  I knew I could do it….but I didn’t know how much I would enjoy doing it!  I absolutely loved the experience of racing an IRONMAN!  The feeling of doing something this big and having such a good time in the process was a bonus!

As soon as I crossed the finish line a  finishers medal was put over my head along with a shell necklace.  Then two volunteers came up to me to check and make sure I was ok.  I was feeling fine! I had just finished an IRONMAN and I was feeling FINE!  Janet found me right away and I drank some Gatorade and walked around a bit.  All I could think was ” I just did a friggin Ironman!” 

We hung out for awhile; I scarfed 4 pieces of pizza, got my finisher’s t-shirt and towel…..talk to some other athletes….and SMILED a lot!

When I was ready to leave we went and retrieved my run and bike gear bags and then we retrieved Betty!  Dear ol Betty- I was sooo happy to see her again.  She had treated me so good on the ride.  Once we had all my gear we headed back to the hotel for a shower and then an ice bath.

Sleep was scarce that night, but I didn’t mind a bit….I had just done a friggin IRONMAN!!!! 

The whole experience of doing my first Ironman was  intimidating, daunting, and at times was downright overwhelming  in the months leading up to it…..but once the gun goes off and it’s  time to start swimming- there is NOTHING in my lifetime that I have ever experienced that can match racing in an IRONMAN.  Especially, Cozumel Style 

My Finishers Medal

Here I am 2 days post Ironman.  I as I cleaned up my gear I wanted to take a moment to record the nutrition I used through out the day….Here goes-

For 3 Days prior to race:

Hammer Liquid Endurance- 1 tbsp w/ 18oz water 3x daily

Pre Race:

Package of Oatmeal- 1 scoop protien powder; 1/2 hr before- Sports Quest Direct 3 Recover Amino Power, 3 Vantage VO2 Max, 4 Thermalite (RVT) 1 Motivator;  Luna Moons

On the Bike:

2.5 Large Bike Bottles of PowerBar Endurance w/3 scoops each; 3 Rocktane; 4 Clif Shot Blocks;    1/2 PBJ on white bread, crust off, cut into 1/4s; 8 Pringles;  2 Clif Peanut Butter Bars;  Lot’s of water; Carbo Pro,  SportsQuest  RVT every hour- 1 Motivator

Run:

Sports Quest  RVT every hour, CarboPro, 1 Motivator;     10 oz PowerBar Endurance w/ 2 scoops;   1 Rocktane;    3 Clif Shot Blocks;  10 Ritz like Crackers;   Coca Cola - 2 big sips in the last 3 miles

That’s it…..Doesn’t seem like much but it sure did the trick for me.  I didn’t bonk, no stomach problems.  I really need to give a double thumbs up to the SportsQuest Product!  I believe taking the Recover, Advantage and Thermolites every hour made a huge difference as I never “bonked” and never  This nutrition worked great for me on this race!!

Next onto recovery and race report…..

I just wanted to take a minute and tell you all that I am officially an Ironman!
I completed the Ironman Cozumel this Sunday NOv 29th. My time was 14:39:12. I placed 10th in my Age Group!!
I will write a race report in the coming days……so stay tuned!

Tomorrow is the big day!  The day I’ve been training for since last November.  I’m sitting here on the balcony of the FiestAmerican overlooking the blue sea ready to blog about my time since arriving on Cozumel.

The trip down on Wednsday Nov 24 was uneventful.  My bike made it, luggage made it and we made it!  Couldn’t ask for more!  Checked into our hotel, went for a 30 minute swim in the pool and enjoyed a peaceful dinner overlooking the ocean.

Next day(Thanksgiving day) Janet and I rented a car to recon the bike course.  We also took advantage of the rental and went to town for packet pickup and  to get some groceries and water. 

We got out little car, put Betty in the back and drove around the island on the bike route.  The route proved to be absolutely beautiful!

We then went to packet pickup and were there before they opened at 12:00.  We stood in line and when the doors opened it was a mad frenzy to buy Ironman Cozumel gear….and I was right in there with the best of them!

We then went to packet pickup- I got my packet and then my sweet jacket!; bought my picture package and then we were off to Mega the big grocery store.

Friday we had to go back to the expo to pick up my gear and special foods bags and attend the Athlete’s meeting.  Had blast talking to all the athletes and running into friends! 

Saturday was all about packing and getting ready to drop off Betty and my run/bike gear at 3pm.  This is when the nerves really started to finally kick in!  It took me a few hours to make sure I had everything just right :)

Next- it was time to ride on down to the Swim start and T1 to drop everything off!  I was staying about 1 mile away and had a pleasant ride with all my goodies.  I found my number, racked Betty, dropped of my bike and run gear bags and proceeded to check out the swim start.  I could not believe how far the buoys seemed!  I was also awed by the clear blue ocean water that I would be starting my swim in less than 15 hours!!  Talk about Nerves!

After leaving Betty behind (this was really tough to do!)  I took one of the buses back to the hotel.  I was pretty nervous at this point and lied down on the bed and “meditated” to calm my nerves.  This helped a ton and shortly after that we headed downstairs for an early dinner and early night……And that brings me to know…moments before going to sleep…out on the balcony…typing away…trying to get this all down so I can remember and share it with everyone…………So= see ya all on the other side of Ironman Cozumel!!!! 

Well.  Here I am, the day before I head to Cozumel, Mx to compete in my first Ironman. 

I have been struggling with self doubt in the last week, mainly due to a slight calf pull that sidelined my last two brick workouts (100 mile bike/15 mile run; 100 mile bike/18 mile run). 

I have been tapering for 4 weeks now, not what was scheduled but how things played out.  the self doubt comes from wondering if I was ready and had done enough training.  I decided to get out my training logs for the past year and look back on what I’ve done to be ready for this DAY. 

To date I have completed 1x Ultra Adventure Race; 2x 30 mile Runs; 3x 25 mile Runs; 2x Marathons; 9x Century Bike rides; and a 5K, 6K, 2x 7K Swims…..Here is a timeline of the main workouts and fun I’ve had since November 2008.

November of 2008 I started with a group run on the Colorado Trail for 16 miles.  Two weeks later I was in Moab at the ULTIMATE XC Adventure Run for my first adventure race (23 miles).

Last mile at Moab

December found me running 26 milesfrom Highlands Ranch to Golden with temps ranging from 19 degress at the start to a balmy 29 degress by the time we arrived in Golden.  The following weekend was a 5K Swim at Denver University at 5:30 am!

Janurary started off the year with a 20 mile run  and two weeks later I was in California for the  REDDING MARATHON (26.2 miles).  I learned a lot from this marathon as I started way too fast and ended up walking more than running the last 5 miles. Pacing is EVERYTHING!

Finish of Redding Marathon with Kelly

The cold month of Feburary brought….More Running!  Two 25 milersover two Sundays in a row!  The HighlineCanal became my friend as I ran these two 25 milers. Luckily for me I have wonderful friends who joined me on parts of my run.  Thanks to Elizabethwho joined me  on my last 5 miles on both runs and kept me entertained! 

The Second 25 Miler Video

March opened with a 6K Swim (video) at Carmody Rec Center.  One thing I discovered on the 5:00 am Sunday Morning Swims was that I loved them!  It was such a wonderful way to start a Sunday. Swimming withgood friends!  Not much more happened this month.  I started computrainer classes at Peak to Peak Performance Center to begin to build my cycling.

Aprilbrought the beggining of the racing season.  First up- Rage Long Course Triathlon.  This is a HARD course!  Pretty much the same course I raced in October at Nationals where I qualified for a spot on the US Team for World Championships.  But I digress…that was 2008.  I had a good race and placed first in my age group.  Not a bad way to start the season  :)  Returned home for a 7K Swimat Carmody again.

Rage Finish- 1st Place Age Group!

May started the big mileage!  May 5th I did my first Ultra Run- Greenland 50K (30 miles).  I ran this with my coach Andrea where she taught me a lot about the finer points of running a race!  The next weekend I was off to Buena Vista Bike Fest  for my first Century ride ever!  I had a blast and HIGHLY reccomend this ride!  They have great support and the BEST food!

Lunch in Leadville at Buena Vista Bike Fest

June started off with a 4K Swim followed by Elephant Rock Century.  The very next weekend I was headed out of state for the Kansas Ironman 70.3 Triathlon!  Kansas IM 70.3 was amazing!  I had a great race and PRed by 20 minutes!!!  I was absolutlely suprised!  Then the very next weekend I competed in Loveland Lake 2 Lake Olympic Triathlon. 

The Girls at Elephant Rock Century

The Gang Kansas Ironman 70.3 Recon

Getting Ready for Loveland Lake 2 Lake

July was the beginning of traveling back and forth to California for 4 months to help care for my father as he went through cancer treatment.  Durning July I did a 20 mile Run and the next weekend rode in the Sunrise Century (7000 ft of climbing) on Saturday followed by a 24 mile Run on Sunday.  I was amazed that the run felt effortless and I was strong! 

Two days later I jumped in my car and drove for 3 days to California.   I arrived on Friday night and Saturday I did my own 70.3.   The next morning (August 1st) I was up at 4:00am to start the Mt. Shasta Summit Century. 11,000 ft of climbing in 100 miles!

August started with the  century ride followed by some bricks- 80 mile  Bike Rides/ 6 mile Run.  I also drove back to Colorado for two weeks to work.  While back home I raced in the Wild On Windsor Triathlon where I place 4th in Age Group.  The next day I was back in the car and headed to California.

September I spent in California where it was HOT.  I started with a 100 mile Bike Ride.  Next week was a 15 Mile Run with a 100 mile Bike the next day.  The following week- 25 mile Run with a 100 mile Bike the next day.  A few days later I did a 7K Open Water Swimin Lake Siskiyous!  It was amazing.  And then….a few days agter that I ran 30 miles!!!

October brought BIG mileage on the bike.  I did 2 more 100 Mile Bike Rides and followed by a brick of 50 Mile Bike with a 12 Mile Run.  Two days after the brick I had run out of Family Leave, my Dad had completed his treatment and I headed back to California on October 20th. 

Shortly after I returned home I went to run an easy 3 mile run and low and behold…I slightly tore my calf!  I immediately thought I was done…no Ironman for me.  Someone mentioned that I should stop catastrophizing  because it would probably be fine…..Well she was right, sort of. 

I ended up backing off my training and as a result missed my 2 big brick workouts.  I missed a 100 mile ride/15 mile run and a 100 mile run/18 mile run.  Plus a few other longer runs.  After talking to my coach she stated….”I am not worried about you.  You’ve been doing extended distance training for a year now!  You are more than ready regardless of missing these workouts!!!”  Sweet music to my ears!

I’ve had a longer taper than we had planned…but again due to all the training I have done up to this point…these last few workouts will not make or break my Ironman.  I’ve put the mileage in- way before most AgeGroupers would have, which leaves me in a good position even without the big bricks.  

I’m rested and after looking back at all I have done over the past year…..I realize  I AM READY!!! 

I’m ready for what ever may happen on November 29th, 2009 in Cozumel, Mx. 

One thing I know is that EACH and EVERY ONE of you who have run/biked/swam with me: who have given me a word of encouragement; who has cooked a meal; helped with a mechanical issue; drivin me to a race, airport, or workout; has called me, Facedbooked me; and supported me in more ways than I can write about—-YOU WILL ALL BE WITH ME AS I RACE ON SUNDAY IN COZUMEL!  

Each one of you will come to my mind as I embrace this opportunity that I am about to embark on!

I thank you all and am truely humbled by your most generous giving of yourselves!

And to my dear Jr High School best friend Janet V- who I did my first triathlon with in May 2008- I thank you for traveling to Cozumel with me and helping to keep me sane in the days before the race.

Love and peace to you all!

The big day is here for the Ironman 70.3 (half-Ironman distance). I’m packed and ready to drive to Kansas with Keith and the rest of our PC Team.

This week-leading up to Kansas has been particularly difficult/challenging….On Monday my SI joint started to go “out” and I ignored it because it was hard for me to get my chiropractor. Well did I pay the price Tuesday morning when I woke up and couldn’t even walk! My right hip went one way while the rest of me went another.

Long story short….after two days of a pain level of 10 (no kidding) and three adjustments and bodywork….and some major depression…..I got up this morning, swam for 1/2 hour, and my back feels fantastic!!!!!!!

I am heading to Kansas hoping that the 8 hour drive won’t set me back any….but have decided no matter what…even if I can’t race come Sunday- I’ll be there to support my team and watch the PROS race! Chrissie Wellington will be there and I would love to watch her!

One thing I learned through this is- Trust your instincts! I should have seen the Dr on Monday and could have avoided 3 days of pain…..And ok- two things I learned…..There are going to be down times and times of doubt-but I need to face them and realize that it’s fear that is getting to me. I have 5 more months until Ironman Cozumel. Three days off from training probably did me more good than not….

Ups and downs…that’s life. Thank goodness I have wonderful friends to call who know just what to say at just the right moment…(thanks Janet P!)