So aren’t there  those times when you just know?  You just know where you are and where you’re headed.

I had one of those moments Tuesday morning when I woke up.  I woke up to a hungry stomach.  As if I hadn’t eated in days kind hungry. 

And that’s when I knew! 

I just knew that I was on the road to becoming an second time Ironman!   Yeap after a REAL weekend of Ironman training and after eating all day Monday and still being hungry….Tuesday morning I just knew that I was officially in the throes of IM training!

The weekend consisted of my first open water session at the Gravel Pond.  And wouldn’t you know it!  It wasn’t one of those silky, first thing in the morning, kinda calm water but a windy-choppy water!  Seriously on the way back across, there where times when I felt like I was body surfing…for real! 

Next I was off for a run around Chatfield Resivour.  I haven’t done this run in a few years and let’s just say…I made the run longer than it should have been  :-)   I know- around a resevior of all things.  The run was  blast though.  2+ hours of pure running bliss!  Even the hard 10 minute efforts were fun!  I was Ironman training! 

Sunday was the long bike with short run.  I met up with some of the TriBella babes and we headed out for a 60 mile bike.  Bine and I are doing IM Florida and Aimee is doing IM Arizona.  Needless to say I’m sure we will be clocking many miles together over the coming months! 

We rode the Harvest Moon bike course out in Aurora.  This is one of my favorite rides.  Not because of some majestic views or anything.  I like it because of the difficulty of the ride.  There are parts that are flatish and parts that are these big ol rollers!  Great for some time on the TT bike!  Plus the lack of traffic way out there in Kansas (haha) makes it even more enjoyable!

After cruising through the bike  course we then hit the pavement for a quick 15 min transition run.  Running off the bike is kinda natural now.  I remember in IMCZ being incredibly surprised by how fresh my legs felt when I started the run.  I do chalk this up in part to a fabulous bike fit.  Because even now, I still feel really fresh on the run!

Monday rolled around and I rolled into work and spent most of the day eating as many healthy foods as I could possibly stuff into my mouth.  No matter what I ate or how much…I was hungry.  And believe it or not- I actually love that feeling of never feeling full.  It really signals that I am into some serious training again.  After months and months of pretty much nothing…I’m training hard, eating well, and always hungry! 

Yeap…you know you’re an Ironman when………

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Memorial Day everyone!  Summer has officially started!

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I did it!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yesterday when I was swimming I had the most fabulous experience occur.  In with my sets of pulling were interspersed fast efforts of 25s and 50s.

What occured during those sprints were that somehow I achieved an efficient stroke!  I could feel myself actually PULLING the water from the beginning of the catch all the way through to the end by my hip.

My core was engaged and I maintained a streamlined position while rotating from my hips and not my shoulders.  I have never yet, until yesterday, achieve that feeling of near “perfect” form. (perfect to me…probably not from the deck).

You may be wondering…”well, how did that happen?”  And the answer is simple…..DRILLS, BABY, DRILLS!

My coach is the master Drill Sargent! 

I mean she had me doing drill after drill after drill after drill- ALL,  I mean ALL, winter long!!  I did so many drills that the last time she gave me a workout with some drills in it….I literally said “F*&#”  quite loudly and then again as I was about half way through the workout.  I was SICK  of drills!  Done, over with, never want to see the word Drill written on my workout again….

That is until yesterday.

Following yesterdays workout, I have a new appreciation for all the drills Coach Cary has had me do for the past 6 months.  Actualy, as I am typing this, I can’t believe I’m feeling that way! There is no way I ever would have imagined myself being grateful for all the drills I’ve had to do.  I pretty much hated them every workout.  And now…I”m grateful for them.

In 3 years of swimming nothing has changed my swiming form as much as Cary has in the past 6 months.  The drills have been the key to a much more effective stroke and much more efficient body positioning.  I haven’t even begun speed work and my times are already improved!!!!  How cool is that??? 

So for all my inward belly-aching, I’m very grateful that Cary gave me all those drills.  It has paid off and I can now appreciate the reasoning behind it.

And with that being said….It’s onward and upward to all the running drills that Cary is having me do twice a week before my shorter runs!  I have a feeling I’m going to embrace these drills more than I did the swim drills having seen the benefits of  DRILL, BABY, DRILL!!!!!

This past Sunday I had to say goodbye to my furry companion of 16 years. I had to say good by to my pup Kai.

I came home from work Friday and knew it was time. He had reached that point of suffering and even though I never wanted him to leave me, I knew he had to.

I’d like to share about this amazing being that came into my life 16 year ago. I had just lost my dog of 2 yrs due to being hit by a car and I cried for days. Someone called and said there were some pups at a pet store in Bishop I should check out (I was living in Mammoth Lakes at the time.) So off I went.

When I got to the store and spent time with the pups it was instant love with Kai. He was the smartest and calmest one in the bunch! (Boarder Collie mix). It seemed to be a mutual I picked him- he picked me kinda thing. He was the cutest darn thing I’d ever seen.

I paid the store, put Kai I the car and we were off for our ride home. This is when I knew without a doubt that Kai was the dog for me. He was calm and relaxed the whole ride. No anxiety, no motion sickness. Just 30 mins off uneventful driving.

That’s when I knew, with out a doubt, that this was a match made in heaven! For the next 6 years Kai traveled with me across the country and Canada chasing good weather and rocks to climb.

Kai’s first climbing trip was to Joshua Tree. He was 5 months old and we spent 3 weeks hiking throughout the desert and climbing. Kai quickly became one of the best doggie boulderers that I ever met! He actually spent so much time at the base of climbs that when someone yelled the word “ROPE!” he would run away from the base. It always cracked me up to see him do that! And I didn’t even have to teach him that!

Kai hit the trails with me for long mountain runs. I loved how he would get us back to the car even when I wasn’t sure which trail to take! He was brilliant at that!  We’d turn around on a run or hike and I wouldn’t have noticed a trail that merged with the one we were on and I’d just say “which way Kai?” and he’d head us in the right direction.

We spent so many days together exploring the outdoors.  I never had to worry about having a companion to do things with.  He was always ready to load up and go where ever I took us.  He hung with the best of em.  He loved backpacking and sleeping away from home.  A 20 mile backpacking trip which took two days left his paws a bit sore…and the next time he was right back out there with me.

To say Kai was a special dog is an understatement.  Most everyone who knew Kai would tell you he was an old soul.  Kai was patient and wise, kind and loving.  People where just drawn to him.  He had his quirks which I loved.  Kai was very sensitive also…..my Dad would teaze that Kai needed a doggie psychiatrist sometimes, cause Kai’s feelings would get hurt easily. 

There is no way to do Kai justice for all he ment to me and those who’s lives he touched.  He was a beautiful being with a kindness that doesn’t come along often.  Kai made me a better person having been able to spend 16 glorious years with him. 

I miss by dear friend Kai and know that he is having a blast now, chasing deer and squirels again…..

Thank you Kai for chosing me and for sharing your life with me…..I love you and will miss you!

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It’s official….Ironman Training has kicked in!

Yeap. This past weekend I actually had one of the REAL training weekends. 

Saturday I went out for a 3:45 hour ride on Black Betty (my trusty TT bike)

And after that I got to do a 20 minute transition run.  It was a blast to feel like the beginnings again of a real Ironman athlete!  I love the feel of the run off the bike.  It was fabulous!  Especially in my Newtons.  Bouncy Bliss!!!!

And of course after such a stellar workout I just had to follow it with a hamburger from the Blue Cow while eating on the patio.  Ahhhh…the feel of summer training. 

 

Sunday I was off to a wonderful run around Bear Creek Lake Park.  Up and down and all around…for a glorious 1.5 hrs.  Yeah, my runs aren’t too long yet…but the runs  are getting there.  I’ll be doing the Colfax Half in less than a month. I’ll be up to 13 mile runs!  WooooHooo.

So in true Ironman training form I was then off to swim with my coach.  The workout kicked my butt!!  Pulling, pulling and more pulling!  I loved it in that sick kind of way 

And there I go!  I have officially started my Ironman Training and am sooo excited for my workouts getting longer and harder……in that sick kinda way 

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I’m one of those rare breeds of triathletes who really LOVES swimming.

I was never a swimmer in high school. The only swimming I ever really did was while playing Marco Polo in my cousins’ pool. Yet somehow- all these years later- when I got back into the water, I found that swimming was something I enjoyed.

Now, mind you, I by no means got into a swim lane and immediately swam like a fish. Quite the opposite actually. I could barely make 25 meters let alone 50!

I struggled and splashed like a fool! Oh how I wish I had videos of those first few times!

I worked with my coach, went to SwimLabs, and asked just about anyone who I could find, to check out my stroke and give me a pointer or two.

Slow by slow- being mindful and working on technique- I actually began to swim pretty dang efficiently.

I began to go to Masters Swimming workouts early in the morning and eventually onto open water.

As my swimming began to improve and I could swim, breath and not take on a few gallons of water, I found I really enjoyed swimming. Wait- I take that back- I really LOVED swimming!

You see- for me, there is nothing like getting into the water and having the whole world just melt away. Its the only sport where you don’t have to be extremely mindful of you’re environment.  All that exists is the hummm of my breath, the count in my head, and the silky feel of the water as I glide through it.  There is no one, or anything else that exists in that moment.  Just me  and the water.  I absolutely relish my time swimming and the relaxed state I am in afterwards….aahhhhhhh

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Have I got some exciting news!

I would like to introduce my new team that I am a member of…… TRIBELLA MULTISPORT TEAM. 

 

TriBella Multisport team is part of the brand new, first of it’s kind in the world- Women’s Only Multisport Store!     To say I’m excited would be an understatement! 

I’m excited because I get to be a part of a brand new team, with the most wonderful women, for a great store!  I can’t even begin to describe how honored I feel to be representing TriBella Multisport Store. 

Tribella Multisport team consists of 19 team members who all have the same goal, to bring multisport to women and empower women through the sport of triathlon.  When we have out team meetings  the support and encouragement from team members is incredible.  The environment is inviting and collaborative.

This past Saturday we had our first team ride.  About half of us where able to make it.  We had a blast!!!!  We headed out around Cherry Creek Res and wound our way along bike paths for a few hours.

 

We all kept commenting about how cool it was to be part of TriBella and to be riding together.  We all acknowledged how much we enjoyed each other and the feeling of camaraderie and support.  And we decided we would post weekly Saturday rides so we could continue to train once a week together.  Again, I’m beyond excited to be a part of this team with so many great women!

So come on down to TriBella Multisport Store at 1090 Bannock St, Denver!

We’d love to see you and remember to tell your friends about us too!!!!

(PS-stay tuned for some give aways from TriBella!)

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I just spent the last week hanging in Northern California.  I flew in to San Francisco after a two hour delay due to the weather in SF….well that was just the beginning of one wet…I mean wet week in California.

I spent the weekend with my Mom who came down to meet me. We did some of those touristy kinds of things. We’re both native San Franciscans and enjoyed being back in our City By the Bay.

One thing we did twice- cause it was sooo darn delicious- was eat at Aliotos on the Warf. OMG how I love me some San Francisco sour dough bread with plenty of butter on it. I could eat that for days!!! Another fav dish on the menu at Aliotos is their sauteed calimari. Love, love me some of that too! Obviously….

In between downpours we’d get out for a walk and visit as many Peets Coffees as possible (love me some of Peets too!).
I was pretty much in heaven- even kinda with all the rain.

I got to visit with friends see family.  I met with my friend Joanne who I haven’t seen since the run at Ironman Cozumel.  I met Joanne at packet pickup and then on race day we kept seeing each other on the bike and then multiple times on the run….bonded for life!!!

  Oh yeah- I also attended a two day work training. I actually enjoyed being indoors given all the rain. One thing I know for sure… Is I could never live inthe Northwest. I would not do well with day after day of rain and no sun.

You know the funny part? When I got back to Denver it was still cloudy for two more days. And even though it was still cloudy- I was glad to be back home!

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