Can ya feel it in the air?  That crisp morning smell with the sun lighting up the fall colors that are beginning to show? 

One of the highlights of fall, is I don’t have to worry about getting out early for a workout in order to avoid the 100 degree heat! 

This past weekend I had some great training.  I’m in my last big block of training as I gear up for Ironman Florida. 

The weekend started with a “flat” ride starting in Watkins and heading east.  I say “flat” because here in Colorado flat is hard to find.  I was joined by 3 of my biggest supporters Kelli 1, Kellie 2 and Darla for the first 40 miles of a 75 mile ride.  Here I am just starting out and spinning along on Black Betty 

Riding to Kansas

We rode and rode and then I rode and rode.  The weather warmed up into the high 80′s.  After the ride I threw on my Newtons for a quick, hard 30 minute run.  And this is where it got interesting.

For some reason I had the bright idea that I would eat 2 caffeinated gels in the last hour of my ride and then a 3rd caffeinated gel right before my run (I was feeling pretty hungry!).  By the time I finished my hard run, I thought I might pass out.  The caffeine left me light-headed and not sure if I would fall over.  That’s when I decided I should sit on the ground next to my car tire in the shade, while I waited to see what would happen.  This was one of those times I wished I had someone else with me.  I sat there,  returned texts and waited it out, drank my chocolate milk (that helped) and finally felt well enough to head home. 

All I can say is I am so glad I tried this “bright” idea while training and not during my Ironman!  OMG….I never want a caffeinated gel again   I barely consume caffeine as it is! 

I felt the effects of my “brightness” well into the morning of the next day.  It wasn’t until about 1 hr into my 3 hr run on Sunday that I began to feel better.  Ugh…all I wanted to do for that first hour was NOT run.  But run I did and I think I ran myself back to feeling normal.  The run was fantastic as always.  Every time I run on the Highline I meet someone and we will run for a bit and chat.  This day I got to enjoy the company of some new friends who I may end up running with next weekend too!

Monday rolled around I headed out to the Gravel Pond for my last open water swim of the season.  It was absolutely breathtaking that evening.  At this time of year the number of triahletes swimming has gone from 50 to about 15.  It is so peaceful and calming.  See for yourself!

The Gravel Pond

  I was joined by my training partner in crime Scott .  He is always good for a bunch of laughs and kicking my butt!  It was our final “swam song” for this season. I actually took a moment to take in the beauty and thank this wonderful body of water for all the swims I did here over the summer.  GP- I will miss you until next May. 

Yeap, the signs of fall are happening.  Less athletes out and about, the colors slowly changing, the coolness of the morning air.  I feel blessed that we are still having 70-80 degree weather here in Denver as I keep training for November 5th.  I will be pleasantly surprised if most of my training gets to be outside and not indoors.  Only time will tell!

I’m sitting here in DFW airport after spending a relaxing weekend with my BFF!

I swam 3K one day, ran 45 minutes another. And that was it for training.  The rest of the time I was a lazy slug and probably gained 50 pounds in 3 days! 

I slept in (10 hrs, 9 hrs, 8 hrs); watched some tv, and hung out with BFFs family. It was a wonderful relaxing 3 days!

Now, I know there’s some triathlete Texans out there, but for the life of me I couldn’t figure out where y’all ride and run! With all the drivin around I did not see one bike lane.  Heck- I didn’t even see one cyclist. Granted I was in Arlington for the whole time…

Being outside of Colorado sure made me appreciate how good we have it. I couldn’t imagine trying to train for an Ironman down here! It’s just a whole different creature.

Now one of the things that I did find out Texans do marathon style is shopping!  Yeap. The malls are packed all day long!  And how would I know such a thing??  I had to do what the locals do and partook in some retail therapy.

I never have the time to do any shopping unless it’s to buy groceries or pick up something from TriBella. And that’s pushing it.

This weekend I had fun buying some items that I would NOT be swimming, biking, running in.  Its funny how spending $100 on a pair of running shoes is nothing…but a pair of jeans???  Heavens!  (And the jeans will last way longer!!)

So I’m now the proud owner of a pair of 7 For All Mankind jeans and an awesome, comfy pair of Frye boots! (Everything did have to be on sale though!)  Of course there’s a few new tops to go with the jeans

Well, a few more moments and I’ll be boarding my plane back home to Denver! I’m looking forward to waking up tomorrow and seeing all the athletes out and about….and I’ll be wearing my new jeans as I drive on by them on my way to work!

YeeHaw to DENVER!

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This past Sunday was my last race before Ironman Florida. I came into the race without a taper as this was the end of a big training block.

I woke up at about my normal time (4am), got down some oatmeal and headed out the door to Aurora Resevor.  As I’ve said before I’m one of those “A” type athletes so I ended up being like the 5th car in line waiting for the gates to open.  The good news about that is I got a stellar spot for Black Betty and I!

I wasn’t particularly nervous for this race. I haven’t been feeling like I’m in that great of shape, so I kinda don’t expect much from myself.

As 7:30 rolled around I headed to the swim start. I lucked out and started in the first wave. As we got closer to the start time the wind seemed to decide to pick up its intensity. One of the bouys actualy floated away!

After a moment of silence for the victims of 9/11 and the National Anthem (I always tear up), the count down began and the mosh pit began! 

The beginning of this swim was the first time I’ve ever experienced that cluster and flailing arms that so many people have talked about. I don’t know how many gallons of water I sucked down!!  I can really say that I never got into my grove as the whole 1.2 miles felt like a struggle. Once I made it to shore I attempted to run up the hill to transition and the most I could get was a messley shuffle. I still did well enough to come out of the water 3rd in my age group.

Once in T1 I geared up and jumped on Black Betty for the HILLY 56 miles of riding. I began the ride shoving some food into my mouth and drinking libations. By the time I hit Quincy Road I was ready to tackle the hills…or so I thought.

I spent the first 45 mins on the bike wondering how the “f” I would ever get through 56 miles! Seriously!  I struggled until around mile 25 and then I was in my groove! That is until I hit the run………

Yeap- I hit T2, grabbed my run gear and headed out the other end to start my run.  And that’s when it hit me. The how the “f” am I ever going to run 13.1 miles? I once again struggled.  To be honest…the thought did cross my mind “if I end up throwing up I would have an excuse for DNFing” I’ve never thought about that in a race.

I passed the aide station at mile 3 and had the thought..”I can do anything for 10 miles” and with that I commenced to stay positive and run run run! By mile 6 I was finally warmed up and hit my stride.  I swear that course felt uphill on the way out an downhill on the way back. My Garmin says differently though.

I ran my way to a 7th place AG finish with a slip and slide ending!

This was one of the toughest times I’ve ever had racing. I’m glad I’ve finally had the experience of stuggling to stay in the game. I’m glad I had the opportunity to go within and change the tape rolling in my head. The good thing is my time was only 2 minutes longer than 3 years ago (much to my surprise)!

Now I’m headed into the final stretch to IMFL. I’ve got a recovery week followed by 3 weeks of some kick butt training…and then it’ll be the final taper.

IMFL here I come!!!

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I get asked this question  all the time by non-triathletes….”What do you do for fun?” 

I have sometimes stopped to think about this, trying to come up with something other than swimming, biking and running that I do for fun, and nothing ever comes to my mind.  I mean, I work, maybe see a movie once a year (not including inflight movies while traveling to a race),  and go out to dinner with friends (which is usually following a training session). 

So the answer I consistently come up with is “I swim, bike and run.”   To me this IS fun!  I love swimming, biking and running.  This is also fun because  I can usually do these things with a friend or friends!  I mean, this is my fun!  This is what I love to do!

I sometimes will feel a bit unbalanced or think that I should be doing other things for fun.  The fact of the matter though, is as an Ironman triathlete….most of my free time is spent swimming, biking and running.  Fortunately, since I enjoy all three sports, I think of this as FUN.

There are other benefits to having fun with triathlon…..some of which I experienced this weekend.  I took Friday morning off  work to  get my long run in so I would have some free time over the weekend.  Read more and tell me if this doesn’t sound like fun! 

Friday night I was invited through the organization GOTRIbal  (check em out and join!) to a sit down dinner with Chrissie Wellington and 7 other GOTRIbal members!

Chrissie and GOTRIbal members

 To say the evening was amazing is an understatement. When Chrissie walked into the room, my knees got weak and I was so nervous.  Here I was in the presence of one of the most gracious and humble human beings I have ever met, and a three-time World Champion!

The evening discussion focused on empowering ourselves and other women through the sport of triathlon.  Chrissie shared with us her humble beginnings (you wouldn’t believe her experience at her first Ironman, which was Kona) and she shared her passion for serving.  There was no talk about training or nutrition strategies…it was just an evening for the girls to hang out and chat.

We all shared with Chrissie and each other, what motivates and empowers us.  Not only was meeting Chrissie an absolute blessing, but the women who attended where phenomenal.  I am so grateful I was able to meet such wonderful “age-groupers” as well.  As the evening wrapped up I found myself wishing for more time.  Three hours seemed to go by like nothing… And then we were going our separate ways.

Saturday 4:30 am came quickly (I was out way past my bedtime) and I was off to Boulder to volunteer with my TriBella mates. 

TriBella at the turn around point on the run

 We were all there ready to cheer on  the women as they came to the turn around point on the 5k run.  I must say, following the previous night, being out on that course and seeing 500 women, racing their hearts out, just made me fall in love with triathlon even more! Every woman who passed and slapped our hands as we cheered them on, has a story.  A story of the triathlon start and journey.  The energy these women had was absolutely through the roof!!!!

TriBella Cheering Section

USA Pro Cycling Challenge Start

 As the cyclist rode by the crowds roar was deafening!  I’ve never heard so many cowbells in my life.  The place was just on fire!  Seriously, everyone was so amped and excited!  The energy was amazing!

Back into Golden before climbing Lookout Mt

As the cyclist rode up Lookout Mt we headed into the park to watch the live coverage on a humongous screen.  Watching them race up the mountain and knowing exactly where they were just made me want to get up and ride!  As they crested Lookout we headed over to where they cyclist would be returning to Golden for the last time before heading to Denver. Once they rode on by, we headed back to the park for the remainder of the race. 

One last time through Golden

 This was by far one of the best weekends I’ve ever had!  I have had to pinch myself that I actually experienced such an amazing three days!  Now I know I didn’t do a ton of training (except for the 18 mile run on Friday morning)….but you get the idea.  These experiences where all possible because I do swim, bike and run.  I was able to enjoy these  because I LOVE to triathlon!  Because I do  swim, bike, and run for FUN!!!!  I get to be a part of this wonderful thing called triathlon and it gives me great joy to do so.

And…my quesiton to you is: What do you do for FUN?

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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 

I have been wanting to get around to my blog again and posting regularly…but something has happened……

It’s called work and training…and racing! 

Yeap, stay tuned.  This weekend I will crank out my race report from Barb’s Race…..

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I’ve been a bit MIA for the past two weeks.  And with good reason. 

You see….I was doing a different type of training.  I was training my brain!  Last week on July 15th I took the National Counselors Exam, which would allow me to get my license here in Colorado. 

"just one more hour"

This meant for the past 6 weeks, I have been working, Ironman training AND studying!  I had no time for anything else.  Those three things took all of my awake time hours.  ( and even some sleep hours).  And as the exam date got closer I tended to spend more time studying.

The week of the exam my coach was kind enough to plan for a big recovery week for me.  I actually had 3 days off  during the week  including the day of the test.  I have not crammed so hard since way back in the day!  (No more all nighters this time though).

So it’s with much pleasure and relief that I can announce that I PASSED the exam!!!!!

The exam is behind me…never a need to take it again!  Hallelujah !  It’s back to Ironman training and having a social life!    And did I mention that the Saturday after the exam, and after my workouts…I spent the entire afternoon, lying on my couch, watching shows on Hulu…..and I enjoyed ever minute of it!

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!

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Yesterday was Bike To Work Day here in Denver.  Actually every Wednsday is bike to work day for me.  And yesterday was even better due to the majority of Denver biking to work.

My friend Angela is a teacher so has the summer off, and I invited her to bike to work with me since she had no work to bike to.  She lives close by and came to my house at 6:30am and we headed off toward City Park .  The weather was perfect and the sky was clear blue and crisp.

I ride to work every week on Wednesdays but yesterday was particularly great because the roads were packed with cyclists!  The best part about the morning was heading down to Confluence Park at REI and hanging out at the expo and getting a bunch of shwag! There had to be well over a hundred cyclists there!

We jumped on Cherry Creek Bike Path and made our way up onto 12th Ave. From there it was a easy pedal to my office near City Park.  Angela said goodbye and continued in search of other events going on that morning.

The ride home in the evening was just a stellar. When I hit Cherry Creek Bike Path I was just overwhelmed with the joy of seeing so many people biking and on their way home.  I was struck by the thought of “I wish it was like this every day!”.  I wish we were a city that rode to work every day in those numbers.  Just think how cool that would be…and green 

I thourohgly enjoyed taking part in the official “Bike to Work Day” and will continue my weekly rides….the roads will just be a little less full of cyclists.

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