Yesterday I did my first big run since Ironman. On tap was to run 26 miles from downtown Littleton to downtown Golden. The reward was to be a yummy buffalo burger at Table Mountain Inn.

We had an alpine start at 10:00am. The sky was clear, the sun was out and the temps were forecasted for the 40’s. The first crew consisted of Coach Andrea, Delinda, Janette and yours truely. We took off heading south on the South Platte trail into Chatefield Resevior. We found some single track and ran the dirt as much as possible.

The Runnin Gals

About 5 miles after we started we were in Chatfield and it was time for Delinda and Janette to turn around and head back. That left just Andrea and I to carry on.
We headed onto the bike path along C-470 headed to Golden. We pulled the big hill out of the res and had a bit of a downhill as we started our gradual accent to Morrison.  It was nice to be running with Andrea since we hadn’t done anything together for ages.  That’s one of the nice things about a super long run….you can talk while your running!

I was feeling really good and strong.  I was suprised by how quickly we passed Wadsworth Blvd and got to Kipling.  It was around here that Andrea started to have IT band problems.   She told me to not wait for her and to continue with my run and we would meet up in a bit.

With that- I was off.  I had the bestest, bestest run ever!  I was feeling strong and just rockin to my own rythym.  I tried to remember to stay in “proper” form- something I constantly work on seeing as I was never a runner in a past life. 

Something that has helped my running is an article I read in Triathlon Mag about this guy who ran a 10K with his dog tied around his waist.  He wrote this helped put him on his forefoot better and he PRed by 5 minutes.  When my puppy was young (he’s approaching 15 yrs) and I ran with him I would tie his leash around my waist.  As I ran yesterday- I remembered what that felt like and found I ran much better and faster!  I was leaning forward from my core and not my chest…..I just love it when some “que” helps me with my form…..

There I was, running and running and next thing I know I’m about to drop down into Bear Creak Lake Park.  I called Sharon and told her I was about 30 minutes from the Conoco Station in Morrison (we ALL know that landmark!).  I ran through the park, crossed the street, and there was Sharon waiting to join me for my last 8 miles!  My garmin read 18.8 miles and I figured I had at least 8 more to go until Golden.

I filled my water bottles, ate, and hit the road with Sharon at my side.  Now this is where it got HARD!  That 20 minute break did me IN!  See once you leave the Conoco station there’s this lovely, long (did I mention long?) hill to climb….and needless to say- I was having a tough time getting my groove back.  I tried and I tried….and I tried….the hill was tough.   We finally made it to the top and we were able to enjoy some downhill.

Running with Sharon was such a treat.  She talked and kept me occupied while we ran towards Golden.  I know if she had not joined me for this last push- I would have been miserable.  She kept me entertained and we had some nice conversations when I wasn’t sucking air! 

Sharon helped me a great bit.  One thing she pointed out twice to me as we were about half way to Golden was that I was running “tight”.  I realized because things (my legs) were starting to hurt (after 20 miles on concrete), I was shortening my stride and not moving freely any longer.  This was a great help!!!  Not that I did much about it at the time, but now- looking back- I can see that I will be able to move more freely when I’m starting to hurt!  Running “tight” serves no purpose and actually hurts more!

We meandered the bike path and then…..there we were!   At “The Taj” (Jefferson County Court House).  Yippeeeee!!!  I was so excited.  Just a few more miles and we would be in downtown Golden!!  Only thing between us and Golden was a few long rollers on the bike path….WE COULD DO IT!  I looked at my Garmin and my mileage read 26.6 miles.  I had already hit my planned mileage…but with Golden just a few more miles away…I had to do it!

Why did I have to do it???  For the Buffalo Burgers of course.  We were planning on meeting Andrea and Steve at Table Mountain Inn which serves the best Buffalo Burgers and Sweet Potato Fries you could ever eat…seriously!  So, we ran the rest of the way into Golden walking down Washington St for the cool down, and then through the blue doors to our much anticipated reward for a day well spent.

We chowed down on our burgers and then made our way home….all in all it was a fabulous day- spent with wonderful, supportive friends.   And yes- running 28 miles for a buffalo burger is definitely worth it!!!!!

The Buffalo Burger!!!

Yesterday I escaped the 4 feet of snow and headed out of Mt Shasta to Redding with my friend Craig for a 4 hour run.

We drove over the pass to I-5 and drove south from snow to rain for a lovely day of running along the Sacramento River.

By the time we got to the trailhead it was close to 11:00 with a heavy drizzle (not quite a rain). I put on my Newton Motion All Weather Shoes, we bundled up and headed out for two out and back trips.

The day was a bit gloomy and wet but being out in nature was a welcomed relief from a week of being indoors.

This trail is spectacular as you run along the Sacramento River the whole time. With all the rainfall in the past week there where waterfalls cascading into the river and swollen creeks dumping gallons of water to merge with the current. Ducks and other waterfowl dotted the water and river banks adding to the serenity of the run.

Sacramento River Rail Trail- minus the rain

The joy of running in this type of weather is not many people will brave the conditions to be outside. During the course of 4 hours I met a family fishing; two people walking their dogs; one person on a mt bike…but no other runners!

I found so much peace and serenity with this run. I was able to think about my Dad; pray to God; listen; and just feel. One thing my Dad instilled in me was a deep appreciation and love for the outdoors. The outdoors is my church and where I practice my spirituality. Outdoors is where I commune with God and where I am in awe of the beauty that is all around me.

So yesterday was a perfect day for me. As I spent 4 hours running I also spent time singing, just out of the shear joy of being alive and in such a beautiful setting on such a perfect day.

One thing I realized on my run, is that my Dad is no longer in a house in McCloud- but that now he can be with me where ever I am. I don’t have to call him up to talk to him- I can talk to him anytime, anywhere! He is no longer confined to a body… And something else I realized is if I’m real quiet…I can hear Dad answer!

And with all that- I think I’ll just keep Running and Singing in the Rain.

Tis officially the opening of my 2010 training season.  I started the year off back on my offical training plan after a month of relaxing and recovering from my first Ironman.  Not sure what I enjoyed most….the Ironman itself- or the excuse of not having to follow a training plan for one whole month!  (Hands down the Ironman itself wins!!!! )

I spent my down time relaxing, sleeping in, went to a movie, visited friends, training 30 mins to an hour a day, and losing some fat!  Yeap- I lost 3% body fat over the holidays!  How cool is that!  Some people thought it was kinda strange it “diet” during the holidays…but I am glad I did!  I don’t have to worry about those infamous 5lbs that can be gained from Thanksgiving to New Years….I actually have come through the holidays leaner and a bit lighter (I am going back to ditching the scale).

January is starting off with about 1 hour of exercise per day and will build to a 26 mile run from Littleton to Golden on January 23rd.  I am looking forward to a big run this month.  I love the feel of being in motion for that long….something I have missed in the last month. 

I am excited for what the new year may bring….snowshoe races, ultramarathons, another Ironman….and the company of many amazing friends and fellow athletes….

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!!!!

It’s been one week since my 25 mile run and 100 mile bike and I just got done with my 30 mile run! Yeap, that’s right. I actually ran 30 miles today!!! Can you believe it?? I’m still in shock…or is that hunger???

I drove out to Lake Siskiyou after a false start on a river trail due to cougar prints right in the middle of the trail. I opted for the better traveled-no cougar zone, but was not as psyched about having to run around the Lake four times…Yeap, four times! 

The day was sunny and headed to the high 60’s with a bit of a wind.  I headed out for my run with my Nathan Hydration Pack  loaded with water a plenty of food. 

The trail circumnavigates Lake Siskiyou, winding it’s way through a camp ground and a nicely maintained dirt trail the whole way…except for the 2 miles that you have to run on the road. 

The first two laps were effortless. I mean that they just happened and I didn’t put  much thought into them.  I stopped at the car and loaded more water in my pack and headed out for the second 15 miles. 

I started out on my third lap and started to get really frustrated with my hydration pack.  You see, every time I went to drink I had to pull the valve so hard I almost pulled my teeth out…I’m not exaggerating!  I couldn’t pull the valve with my hand so had to use my teeth and I had visions of my teeth becoming loose and falling out someday.

By the time I reach the mouth of the South Fork River and began crossing I was soooo pissed at my pack, I wiped out my Blackberry and Googled “Nathan Hydration Packs”; got their phone number and proceeded to call them during the middle of my run!  So I called Nathan; told them I was having some serious problems with my bite valve and was in the middle of a 30 mile run and ready to throw my pack in the lake. 

The accommodating lady at customer service got all my info and said the would send me out a new valve that same day……Now that’s what I call service!  Unfortunately I still had to get through my current run with the valve I had…but there was hope for future runs (BTW-the new valve works great!)

Well, I continued to my way, passed my car for the third time and headed out for my fourth and final lap.  I felt good until about mile 25, then things began to start hurting.  My left leg, thigh, foot….my right foot, my this, my that…….I would just begin to focus on form and the pain would begin to go away.  I found pain would come when I started to run incorrectly….but if I stayed in correct form things didn’t hurt!! 

I made it through the last few miles, dreaming of the car and an ice bath.  Oh- and a steak dinner!  Luckily the last few miles are slightly down hill and I cruised back to the parking lot.  I had done it!!!!  I had run 30 miles for the second time in my life!!!!! 

One thing that really struck me from this run is….the difference between 20 and 25 miles is not that much.  I mean it’s not that much harder to run those 5 more miles….BUT- the difference between 25 and 30 miles…..well that is  noticeably harder! 

So, maybe if I begin running 30 miles more often then that 5 miles won’t seem as hard someday.  Either way- I’m proud of myself for running 30 miles today.  It was hard, challenging, I wanted to quit, I didn’t want to quit, I hurt, I didn’t hurt.  You know who really kept me going out there???  My DAD!  I thought  of him and remembered the promise of not quiting or cutting things short…because he can’t.  He has to stay the course, just like I did……My Dad gave me so much inspiration especially in those last 5 miles! 

Thank You Dad!

This week of training started with a 25 mile run on Tuesday followed by a 100 mile bike with a 20 minute brick run on Wednesday.

The first dilemma I had was where the heck I should do a 25 mile run in the Mt Shasta area. I called some runners I had gotten the numbers of…(weird but in a small town people give you other people’s numbers straight away…) and soon was directed to run this “flat” portion of the Pacific Coast Trail (PCT). I also recruited a new friend to run for a few hours with me!

Tuesday morning came and I was out the door around 9:00 after getting Dad ready for the day. A quick stop at the local mt shop for some iodine tablets and I was on my way to 8000 ft and the trailhead.

I began the run around 10:00 and met up with Carrie 2 miles into the run at another parking lot…and then we were off!

The terrain was gorgeous! Right at or above tree line the whole way! We took off up the trail headed for Dead Falls Lake approximately 12 miles from where my car was.

As we began running I kept thinking to myself “ok-this is suppose to be a flat trail, maybe around that bend it will be.” And so it went for 10 miles until I got to Toad Lake! How do you say “sand-bag”?

Around mile 5 Carrie decided to pick up the pace and take herself and her pup to a lake that was 100 meters off the trail. I was suppose to meet her there and there would be a big carin to watch for. Never found the carin and never saw Carrie again.

I had a fabulous run by myself. The temps were in the 90’s and the day was clear with sweeping vistas. I loved every minute of it- seriously!

When I made it back to the car at mile 25.3 I hopped in the car and headed to Lake Siskiyou for a quick ice bath on the legs. My feet were very happy with me after that.

Next day saw me getting on my bike out in Shasta Valley for a 100 mile bike followed by a 20 minute run. “Betty” (my lovely Orbea Ordu bike) was tuned up and ready to rock and roll! The temps were already hovering around 80 degrees by 10:00 in the morning. I knew this was going to be a hot one today plus I was a bit tired from not sleeping well…ok and maybe the 25 mile run the day before.

I started the ride in Mt Shasta with my friend Shanhong. She was going to ride the first 25 miles with me. By the time we got down to the valley the temps were in the 90’s with a 100 in sight. Needless to say, I’m here to tell you it’s possible to get a hotflash while riding your bike on black pavement in 100 degree heat! But what great training for Cozumel- or at least that’s what I told myself…

I finished riding in the valley and made my way back up to Mt Shasta and cooler temps. I was tired and didn’t feel like finishing the last 15 miles- and wouldn’t you know it… Right when I had those thoughts a woman cyclist pulls up next to me and we start chatting and I decided to ride with her for her 20 mile loop! I love it when that stuff happens!

I made it back to my car with 2 miles extra and finished of my day with a 20 minute run! How cool is that! One year ago if you had told me I would be able to pull off two days like this I would have said you’re “f”in crazy…So maybe I’m the crazy one because I’ve gotten in shape to the point where I can do this stuff!

What I keep learning through this is if I just do the work…things will happen and change will come…and I may even surprise myself!

This past week was my HELL WEEK!

Within 7 days I completed the Sunrise Century (102 miles/7000′ elev gain); Ran 24 miles the next day; Drove from Denver to Mt Shasta California (24 hrs); Rode 2 hours; Completed my own 70.3; And rode in the Mt Shasta Summit Century Ride the next day (105 miles/ 13,500 elev gain).

I had an amazing time on the Sunrise Century Ride w/my fella Ironmaner Bine.  Bine was awesome to ride with and we had a wonderful time.  The scenery was beautiful and the people were great.  I loved the whole experience.  This was my third century ride this year and Bine’s first…she rocked it!  She was amazing!  The whole day was amazing….

And then came the next morning…I got up at 6:00 am and headed out to Waterton Canyon to run it twice for 24 miles.  I was kinda bummed that no one else was up for a run that morning as it would have helped motivate me more.  But I showed up and started my run.  It was a beautiful morning with many families starting a morning outing.  The water in the river was high and muddy. 

I was pleasantly surprised at how good I felt during the run!  I thought I would be  slow as molasses…but I wasn’t!  I actually felt fantastic and not the least bit fatigued.  I even ran my fastest time!  I could not believe it!  I continue to surprise myself as I continue to train and then try something hard and challenging and then to see myself be successful.  It completely surprises me!

As I was running back to the parking lot for the second time (around mile 22) I remembered my first run up Waterton a little over a year ago.  My coach had me run up 3 miles and back for a total of 6 miles…..well, around mile 4 I had to walk.  There is this little hill and last year I was not fit enough to run up the hill on the way back…and here I was running up it at mile 22!!!!  OMG!  It just made me realize how much I could change in one year, just by staying with it! 

So- big weekend followed by a BIG car ride!  Many hours of driving and one sore bumm found me in Mt Shasta on Wed night.  Thursday was off to Dr’s appts w/my Dad and a 2 hour  bike ride in the evening.  Friday was a short run- and then it was time for the KILLER weekend again 

On Saturday I did my own 70.3. I swam at Lake Siskiyou, biked along Old Stage Rode, and then ran around Lake Siskiyou….I started WAY to late (8:30) for how hot the day was going to be.  By the time I got to my run it was almost 1:00pm and 99 degrees.  I absolutely melted on the run!  I could not for the life of me find the umph to want to run 13.1 miles, even after dousing myself with cold water from a hose in the campground.  So I must confess- my 70.3 ended up more of a 62.1~

And then there was the next day- Sunday- and the Mt Shasta Summit Century with a 5:30am start!  This was the best century ride I have done so far and also the hardest thing I have done to date.  The climbs where BRUTAL!  ABSOLUTELY BRUTAL!  On the second climb I ran out of water about 45 mins away from the summit of the second pass….thank goodness for the “angels” who pedaled up beside me and said something, so I could take the opportunity to squeek out that I was out of water!  Both gentlemen let me have some of their beverages and I know for a fact I would not have made it had it not been for them!  (Cyclists are way cool too!).

Oh- something else that happened…that morning I had forgotten my gloves and when I went back to the car to get them I realized I locked my keys in the car…..so I rode the whole event sans gloves!!!  That was almost a brutal as the climbs because of the rough road descents!!  But every minute was worth it.  It was amazing to have roads with basically no cars on them.

So here I am….after HELL week- trying to keep my engery up to train. Track workout today was beyond slow- but I guess that can happen after the week I had.  And guess what- I loved it!  I wish I had more weeks like that…oh wait a minute—-I DO! 

Ironman 70.3 Kansas

Woke up Sunday morning at 3:50am while my two roomies slept a bit longer.  I like to take my time, have some tea and get ready.  I looked out the window and thought ”darn!  No thunderstorms.  Looks like I’ll have to race.” 

We headed to the race site at Clinton State Park.  We had dropped off our bikes the day before at T1 (Transition area 1) which was where we would come out of the water.  Once we navigated the line to get into the parking area it was off for a 10 min walk to T2 to drop off our run stuff  then 5 more minutes to T1 and the swim start. 

By the time I got into T1 I had about 20 minutes before my swim start time.  No time to lallygag.  It was straight to the business of setting up my bike w/nutrition and water and laying out my cycling gear.  I slithered and tugged my way into my wetsuit and headed to the launch where we would begin our 1.2 mile swim.  When I stood there looking out at the buoys I thought- “Dang that’s so far! ” But I let that thought go pretty quickly…..

The waves ahead of me started then it was our turn.  Men 50+ & Women 45+.  In all I heard there were about 150 of us.  The gun went off and there we went…sort of.  I was in about the middle of the pack on the outside, but because it was a boat ramp you had to wait until the people ahead of you started swimming. I finally made it into the water and began to swim, only to get hit and my feet slapped a couple of times. But not to worry- that’s to be expected and I just kept swimming.

As I was swimming I had the thought of the swim just being my warm up for the bike.  I had never approached the swim that way and it took some of the pressure off.  I absolutely love the swim.  It’s the only time you are totally alone and in your own world in a race.  I love the sound of my breathing and the feel of the water as it smoothly moves past me.  Not that I move smoothly through it…but the water just always feels smooth to me.

The swim felt great.  As I rounded the last buoy and was headed back to shore I jumped on some guy in a Ironman wetsuit and drafted him for a while.  I had never done that before.  I could tell when I was in his draft as it took less effort to swim….It was kinda cool.  This whole drafting things is new to me, as I’ve learned to use it in the two century bike rides I just did.  

 Anyway- I got out of the water, looked at my watch to see what my time was, and realized I had not pressed the right button so it hadn’t started.  I got out of the water having NO idea how long it had taken me to swim! As far as I knew I might have been in the water 1 hr. I guessed my time to be 40 minutes as that’s a bit longer than my usual time…..So it was into transition and out of my wetsuit and onto the biking.

I got on my bike and took my time warming up.  The weather was overcast and in the 60’s.  One thing I do is begin to eat as soon as possible on the bike.  So I drank some PowerBar Endurance, had a few sips of CarboPro gel and settled into my bike.

The course was beautiful with perfect roads.  The landscape was green and we passed farms and lakes.  I still was of the mindset of  “this is just a training day”.  I felt like I was just out for a cruise. 

I had been worried about the bike course as many people said it was hard due to lots of hills.  Well after riding Elephant Rock the Sunday before, which is brutally hilly, this course seemed pretty easy.  I was very pleased.  No major events happened on the bike.  I just stayed relaxed and my mind was calm.  Many of the women who had hammered by me in the beginning I caught up with and passed in the last 15 miles or so…..I just pedaled along on my old road bike w/aero bars on it and before I new it I was back at T2 getting ready to run!

It’s is always so hard to start the run.  I felt very stiff after coming off the bike and wondered how I could ever run 13.1 miles…..but then I began to warm up.  The course was 4 laps around a campground.  I decided I would go easy on the first half and then begin to pick it up on the second half.  That seemed to serve me well. 

Ironman puts on amazing races!  The aide stations were the bomb!  They even had these wet cold sponges you could shove in your shirt and cool yourself down.  There was all kinds of people handing water, Gatorade, gels, pretzels…it was awesome!  Every time I passed through a station I grabbed 2 sponges, then two waters (one to drink and one to pour over me).  This seemed to keep me nice and cool for it was hot and humid by the time of the run.

Since we were running a loop I was able to see all my fellow PCers out on the course.  Not that we did much to acknowledge each other but just to know we were out there lifted my spirits and my pace. 

The first mile marker I saw was the 5 mile.  I looked at my watch and thought “No way.  They must have the course marked wrong.”  I seriously believed for the whole run that it must be missed marked.  My time was significantly faster than it had ever been in a half marathon!  I felt strong the whole run…and again, women around my age group who blew pass me in the beginning I began to reel in around mile 10…and here I was starting to pick up the pace!!!  It feels so good to be getting stronger on my run, and to not struggle 12 miles into the run.

Speaking of 12 miles.  That’s when I got this woman into my sights a decided I would pass her before the finish.  She was maybe about 3 or so minutes ahead of me.  I started to pick up the pace and my plan was to catch up to her by 12.5 miles or so.  I did catch up to her and hung off her left shoulder for a minute and then decided to make the pass.  As I passed her and settled back in she came up on my left shoulder.  I could hear her breathing kinda hard and noticed that my breath was still calm…so with that I decided to just kick it into gear and ended up dropping her.  I felt effortless as I picked up the speed and motored the last 2/10s of a mile.  It was pure bliss! 

And as I rounded the corner toward the chute and the finish line…there where all my PCers rooting me which gave me an even bigger burst of speed!  I flew down the chute, passing one more woman and crossed the finished line with a big left in the tank….

The best part about crossing the finish, besides being done, was that Chrissie Wellington was there greeting people.  She is an amazing human being first and an amazing athlete second!  I then went back to my gang and we all ate and enjoyed the other racers crossing the finish line. 

Chrissie Wellington and Us

Overall- I had a great race.  I PRed taking 20′ off my previous best time, enjoyed every part of the race, and this is all despite myself and not wanting to race at all due to my previous few days…..

After some food and festivities it was back in Keith’s Dodge Ram Truck for the 9 hour ride back to Denver.  The weather cooperated and we were all texted each other for updates on our progress home. 

The Ironman 70.3 Kansas is a great race that I highly recommend.  The course is fast and fun.  I forgot to mention that out of the 11 of us PCers who raced 5 qualified to go to Ironman 70.3 World Championships.  I feel blessed to be coached by such gifted coaches and to be surrounded by equally gifted athletes! Practical Coaching Rules!

PCers Recon Ride

Yeap- that’s right- I spent 4.5 hours in my basement on Saturday. 

What was I doing you may ask?  Biking and running of course.  Isn’t that what everyone does on a Saturday in their basement?  Well, maybe not everyone- but those of us training for an Ironman.

My training for Saturday was a brick workout- which means I was to bike for 2 hours then QUICKLY transition to a 13 mile run.  Given that it was snowing outside and windy I opted for working out in my basement. 

I spent 2 hours on my bike trainer while watching the movie “88 Minutes” with Al Pacino.  Great movie if you haven’t seen it…Plus kept me entertained the whole time.  I love watching action type movies on the trainer- makes me pedal hard!

Next I switched shoes and jumped on the treadmill for a lovely- Hah- 13 mile run….Even though I watched the movie “PS: I Love You” it was kinda torture.  Not the movie, just running that far on the treadmill.  I kept watching the clock and the miles on the treadmill hoping that I might be done soon- But everytime I looked I still seemed to have FOREVER left to go.  This was not one of those enjoyable runs where the time just flies.  But I did it and finished! 

I look at getting through these tough workouts- the ones that are mentally tough-like being stuck in a basement for 5 hours- I look at these times as the ones that will help me when  I  struggle psychologically on the outside…

Oh- and by the way- Sundays workout was at a studio doing a computrainer course- At least this was for only 2.5 hours!!!!