Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Thoughts on this Wednesday
Chlorine. A new perfume.
No matter how much you shower or how much you scrub, it's a scent that lingers.
You could bottle it and make a million......
Or you can just get your ass in the pool.
39 days.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Adventures with Thelma: Episode 2
Thelma and I get along pretty well...for about 20 miles. After 20 miles, we start bickering at each other. By mile 25 I start cussing and then by the 30 mile mark I can't stand to be around her anymore.
She becomes a real pain in the ass.
Literally.
We did the best we could with what we had. But I personally would like to keep all my bits and pieces functioning, meaning keeping the blood flow flowing....no numbness wanted in my little bits if you catch my drift.
Plus, the way Thelma is set up doesn't allow me to be as efficient as I could be while exerting less energy than I need too. That's the idea, right? To go as fast as possible with minimal amount of effort and energy.
With this 70.3 cloud over my head (44 days, but who's counting?), that includes a 56 mile bike ride on a flat course, I realized I needed a way to get low, get fast and find a way to make every pedal stroke count. Clearly it was time for us to see a professional.
With Thelma loaded in the back, we ventured out of our 2-exit bubble and made it to the Queen City unharmed (and only a little lost) to see James Haycraft at Inside Out Sports. In addition to being an absolute guru for all things cycling, James, a.k.a. "The Pro", is also part of ICE Racing. Simply said, the dude knows his shit.
 |
| I'm just guessing here, but I think James is wondering how in the hell I've been riding on this seat and still be able to function after. |
After he performed his once over on Thelma, he had me hop on to see what kind of magic he'd have to work. This is how Thelma and I usually ride. Upright and sitting awkwardly to protect the lady parts.
 |
| Before |
After some seat adjustments, I can now position myself on my sit bone instead of ....well....you know, and then some bar adjustments to position me low and forward will help with efficiency without putting forth too much effort. Throw on a new split saddle, add some aero bars and now I look like an instant bad ass. I may not know what I'm doing, but at least now I look like I do!
 |
| After |
Let the awesomeness commence.
Thanks James!
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Words for Wednesday
Learning is a gift.
Even when pain is your teacher.
- Maya Watson
70.3
T-Minus 53 Days
and counting...
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
The Day I Battled Inner Demons.....and spiders.
Belews Lake International Triathlon 2014
I really don't know where to begin this recap, or exactly what I want to say about it. So, if you'll just bear with me, I'm just going to type and see where the story leads.
I picked up Mr. C. around 6:00 am. Without much caffeine consumed yet, I have to admit it took me at least 5 minutes to realize that no, no one moved their house...I turned too soon and was on the wrong road. Anyway...moving on.
We loaded up the Jeep with his steed and gear and off we went into the great blue yonder that was Belews Lake one hour and thirty minutes away, with nothing but crappy songs on the radio. I'm sorry if this offends, but Katy Perry at 6:30 in the morning does not motivate me. Thank goodness for 80s on 8.
Jitters finally started to sink in when we turned into the marina. We parked, unloaded, checked in and got marked, all pretty smooth and uneventful....just how I like it! We made our way to transition, set up our areas and chatted with friends. Me and the boys, Mr C and Mr van Voo, did a quick warm up run and then it was time to wiggle into our wetsuits and get ready for go time.
I'd like to report back to you that all went swimmingly...(hahahaha! see what I did there? hahahaha!) but alas that would be false. This was THEE worst swim I have ever experienced in my entire life. Even more than the washing machine that was Jetton sprint last year. And no. It was not the conditions. Temps were a little chilly, but it honestly felt good in the full wetsuit. With the exception of waves from a police boat here and there, the lake was basically calm. I don't know what my problem was. I think it was because all the buoys kept moving further and further away, that no matter what I tried to do with my stroke I was not making any forward progress (yes, I mean to use the word "forward"). Or maybe it was because I really can't see. I can't sight in the lake worth a damn. I can't tell how far I've gone or how far I have to go, which really sucks when you can't see the turn buoy, you know, the one that gives you hope that 1) you're going in the right direction and 2) that you'll be done with the misery soon. I must have looked as bad as I felt because one kayaker wanted to pull me a couple times. Finally I did take a rest and held onto his boat for a second...until I saw the only 5 remaining swimmers in the lake. Voices in my head started SCREAMING.
I looked behind me once more. No. Effing. Way.
Another voice enters my head, words of encouragement that I read just an hour before appeared in my mind.
Me: "Alright. I'm good."
Kayaker: "Are you sure?" (because he really didn't believe me)
Me: "I'm gonna have to be."
And then I pushed off and went on my way with every single emotion a human being can experience at one time. I used any stroke I could think of, made up a few of my own, and probably 10 minutes later I reached the ladder and somehow pulled myself and 10 gallons of water that was IN my wetsuit out of that freaking lake, and using words a little more colorful than "freaking". Walking up, yes walking, to transition, of course there HAD to be a freaking camera.
So....this happened.
Next up? The bike. Not much to say about the bike. Thelma and I had a disagreement about what gear she wanted to be in before I got on, but considering I had to go up what looked like a damn mountain as soon as I got on, I had to win that argument. A two looped course on country roads with cross wind and some decent inclines...I can't be too upset with my performance on the bike. Granted, I have a long way to go, but I think I performed right where my bike fitness and comfort levels are. I give myself additional props for not crashing when the spider crawled over my hands......
It is near impossible for me to walk in my cycle shoes. So, to save myself from further humiliation that only the duck walk can bring, and since there was NO ONE ELSE IN TRANSITION and no chance for me to get in anyone's way, I stopped and took off my shoes and walked to my rack. There, I put on my run shoes, my bib and started what would be the longest hour of my entire life.
Only 6.2 miles. I just had to keep it together for 6.2 miles. And I tried. I really tried. Tried to stay in the moment, take step by step. It helped to see most my peeps out on the course....even if they were making the turn to finish when I was just starting my run. But those high fives and friendly faces of Lori, Ashley, Mr. C., Marc and Mr. van Voo...well they kept me going. A double out-and-back course that had some good rolls and inclines didn't make for my best run in the least. By mile 4 I finally settled in to a reasonably comfortable pace, enough to get me through to the last .5 mile that was a downhill finish. I'm really good at downhill finishes....
And then it was over. I ate Nilla Wafers and Chips Ahoy cookies, drank a real Dr. Pepper, may have taken a 15 second nap, tried to figure out how it all went so wrong and ultimately thanked the heavens that I made it through.
This was my first attempt at this distance. I didn't expect to kill it, but I did believe I was in shape to do much better than I did. This event was a humbling experience and a complete eye opener of just how much more work I need to do to finish this 70.3 coming in June.
Some positives. Because you need to find the positives....
My times have nowhere to go BUT up. Lots of time to work with on the swim just by figuring out some small corrections to my stroke and getting familiar with OWS will help the anxiety. My T1 & T2 times? Hell, that's at least 5 minutes right there! (No. I am not exaggerating.) And my run is where it needs to be in training...I just need to start putting it all together.
And, I've heard this before but I never really truly empathized with it until now.
Pros and elite amateur athletes are awesome. They are fast, they are skilled, they are fun to watch and to cheer for because their performances are exhilarating. They finish and everyone cheers them in! It's inspirational, it's motivational....they are just awesome!
Now, let's visit the athletes that finish in the bottom. These athletes are giving it their all. They are putting as much effort into their race as the elites. No, they aren't as speedy, but % of effort that they put out is the same. Your speed at 90% effort may be faster than me, but we are both putting in 90% if you're getting my drift. So, think of giving 90% effort for 02:15:00, with people cheering, flurry of excitement! Then, think about giving 90% effort over 3 hours and 30 minutes........and alone. You are still giving a 90% effort while watching spectators pack up their chairs, athletes leaving.....volunteers cleaning up cones and equipment from the course. All that is left, is you. Alone, in your own head.
Pros and Elites = hardcore
Last of the pack athletes = a different kind of hardcore
Just promise me you won't forget that.
Now....as for my predictions! Let's see how I did, shall we?
And what a better way to finish this epic long blog post than with finisher pics....
I really don't know where to begin this recap, or exactly what I want to say about it. So, if you'll just bear with me, I'm just going to type and see where the story leads.
I picked up Mr. C. around 6:00 am. Without much caffeine consumed yet, I have to admit it took me at least 5 minutes to realize that no, no one moved their house...I turned too soon and was on the wrong road. Anyway...moving on.
We loaded up the Jeep with his steed and gear and off we went into the great blue yonder that was Belews Lake one hour and thirty minutes away, with nothing but crappy songs on the radio. I'm sorry if this offends, but Katy Perry at 6:30 in the morning does not motivate me. Thank goodness for 80s on 8.
 |
| This is me, pretending to be tough stuff |
I'd like to report back to you that all went swimmingly...(hahahaha! see what I did there? hahahaha!) but alas that would be false. This was THEE worst swim I have ever experienced in my entire life. Even more than the washing machine that was Jetton sprint last year. And no. It was not the conditions. Temps were a little chilly, but it honestly felt good in the full wetsuit. With the exception of waves from a police boat here and there, the lake was basically calm. I don't know what my problem was. I think it was because all the buoys kept moving further and further away, that no matter what I tried to do with my stroke I was not making any forward progress (yes, I mean to use the word "forward"). Or maybe it was because I really can't see. I can't sight in the lake worth a damn. I can't tell how far I've gone or how far I have to go, which really sucks when you can't see the turn buoy, you know, the one that gives you hope that 1) you're going in the right direction and 2) that you'll be done with the misery soon. I must have looked as bad as I felt because one kayaker wanted to pull me a couple times. Finally I did take a rest and held onto his boat for a second...until I saw the only 5 remaining swimmers in the lake. Voices in my head started SCREAMING.
"No way can you be the last one out of this lake. Oh my gosh. You are going to be the last one out of this lake. What does that mean..you're going to be getting out on the bike when everyone is coming in. You are going to be the only one out there. What is the point. This is ridiculous. You are not going to finish this."
Another voice enters my head, words of encouragement that I read just an hour before appeared in my mind.
Me: "Alright. I'm good."
Kayaker: "Are you sure?" (because he really didn't believe me)
Me: "I'm gonna have to be."
And then I pushed off and went on my way with every single emotion a human being can experience at one time. I used any stroke I could think of, made up a few of my own, and probably 10 minutes later I reached the ladder and somehow pulled myself and 10 gallons of water that was IN my wetsuit out of that freaking lake, and using words a little more colorful than "freaking". Walking up, yes walking, to transition, of course there HAD to be a freaking camera.
So....this happened.
 |
| so happy to be out of that lake! |
Next up? The bike. Not much to say about the bike. Thelma and I had a disagreement about what gear she wanted to be in before I got on, but considering I had to go up what looked like a damn mountain as soon as I got on, I had to win that argument. A two looped course on country roads with cross wind and some decent inclines...I can't be too upset with my performance on the bike. Granted, I have a long way to go, but I think I performed right where my bike fitness and comfort levels are. I give myself additional props for not crashing when the spider crawled over my hands......It is near impossible for me to walk in my cycle shoes. So, to save myself from further humiliation that only the duck walk can bring, and since there was NO ONE ELSE IN TRANSITION and no chance for me to get in anyone's way, I stopped and took off my shoes and walked to my rack. There, I put on my run shoes, my bib and started what would be the longest hour of my entire life.
Only 6.2 miles. I just had to keep it together for 6.2 miles. And I tried. I really tried. Tried to stay in the moment, take step by step. It helped to see most my peeps out on the course....even if they were making the turn to finish when I was just starting my run. But those high fives and friendly faces of Lori, Ashley, Mr. C., Marc and Mr. van Voo...well they kept me going. A double out-and-back course that had some good rolls and inclines didn't make for my best run in the least. By mile 4 I finally settled in to a reasonably comfortable pace, enough to get me through to the last .5 mile that was a downhill finish. I'm really good at downhill finishes....And then it was over. I ate Nilla Wafers and Chips Ahoy cookies, drank a real Dr. Pepper, may have taken a 15 second nap, tried to figure out how it all went so wrong and ultimately thanked the heavens that I made it through.
This was my first attempt at this distance. I didn't expect to kill it, but I did believe I was in shape to do much better than I did. This event was a humbling experience and a complete eye opener of just how much more work I need to do to finish this 70.3 coming in June.
Some positives. Because you need to find the positives....
My times have nowhere to go BUT up. Lots of time to work with on the swim just by figuring out some small corrections to my stroke and getting familiar with OWS will help the anxiety. My T1 & T2 times? Hell, that's at least 5 minutes right there! (No. I am not exaggerating.) And my run is where it needs to be in training...I just need to start putting it all together.
And, I've heard this before but I never really truly empathized with it until now.
Pros and elite amateur athletes are awesome. They are fast, they are skilled, they are fun to watch and to cheer for because their performances are exhilarating. They finish and everyone cheers them in! It's inspirational, it's motivational....they are just awesome!
Now, let's visit the athletes that finish in the bottom. These athletes are giving it their all. They are putting as much effort into their race as the elites. No, they aren't as speedy, but % of effort that they put out is the same. Your speed at 90% effort may be faster than me, but we are both putting in 90% if you're getting my drift. So, think of giving 90% effort for 02:15:00, with people cheering, flurry of excitement! Then, think about giving 90% effort over 3 hours and 30 minutes........and alone. You are still giving a 90% effort while watching spectators pack up their chairs, athletes leaving.....volunteers cleaning up cones and equipment from the course. All that is left, is you. Alone, in your own head.
Pros and Elites = hardcore
Last of the pack athletes = a different kind of hardcore
Just promise me you won't forget that.
Now....as for my predictions! Let's see how I did, shall we?
- The water will be cold.
- FALSE the lake was not as cold as anticipated. no worries of hypothermia here.
- I finish at least 45 minutes behind all my friends.
- TRUE not all my peeps, but Mr C crossed in 2:43:40, Me in 3:25:51.
- It is completely possible that I will finish in the bottom 20 finishers.
- FALSE I finished in the bottom 23.
- Lori will finish in the top 5 in our AG if not place.
- TRUE and TRUE Lori got 3rd in AG!!! GO LOLO!
- Mr. van Voo will pass me in the lake within 2 minutes.
- FALSE He passed me within 45 seconds.
- Mr. C will have a strong showing on the bike giving him a great advantage coming into T2
- TRUE Mr. C had the best day out of all of us!!!
 |
| she needs more Nilla Wafers... |
And what a better way to finish this epic long blog post than with finisher pics....
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Adventures with Thelma: Episode 1
You remember Thelma, don't you?
Well, we have our first triathlon of the season this coming Saturday. I wasn't going to talk about it...basically because I've been in denial that it's actually April and it's actually time to do it, which means I'm that much closer to June which means I'm two months away from 70.3 and it is all very scary.
Last summer I did sprints, and this will be my first attempt at the international distance. The actual distances vary from event to event, but Saturday I will be doing a 1500 yard swim, 27 mile bike and a 10K run.
The swim start times were released on Wednesday and they will be sending us off in pairs in 15 second intervals. I'm seeded #179....out of 220, paired with a gentleman (whom I'm hoping will be extremely chivalrous and not let anyone pass me) in the 50-54 age group and we will start at 9:26:15.
My Predictions:
My Strategy:
Well, we have our first triathlon of the season this coming Saturday. I wasn't going to talk about it...basically because I've been in denial that it's actually April and it's actually time to do it, which means I'm that much closer to June which means I'm two months away from 70.3 and it is all very scary.
Last summer I did sprints, and this will be my first attempt at the international distance. The actual distances vary from event to event, but Saturday I will be doing a 1500 yard swim, 27 mile bike and a 10K run.
The swim start times were released on Wednesday and they will be sending us off in pairs in 15 second intervals. I'm seeded #179....out of 220, paired with a gentleman (whom I'm hoping will be extremely chivalrous and not let anyone pass me) in the 50-54 age group and we will start at 9:26:15.
My Predictions:
- The water will be cold.
- I will finish at least 45 minutes behind all my friends.
- Lori I think will finish in the top 5 in our age group, if not place within it. She is quick in the water and on the run, and getting stronger every day on the bike.
- It's completely possible I will be in the bottom 20 finishers.
- Mr. van Voo, who is starting 30 seconds behind me, will pass me in the lake within 2 minutes maximum of our start since he's been feeling so aquatic lately...and I have to assume that his brother won't be far behind. Both men are beasts on the bike and I know Mr. van Voo is a ninja on the run.
- My navigator on this road trip, we shall call him Mr. C, is a killer on two wheels and will have a strong showing coming into T2, giving him a good advantage on the run.
My Strategy:
- Don't get pulled out of the lake. Because that would suck.
- Lasso the two brothers as they swim by me and ride on into shore.
- Do my best to ignore all indications of hypothermia.
- Don't crash. Because that would really suck.
- Look like Thelma and I know what we're doing.
- Don't die. Because that would really really suck. Like...a lot.
- Keep cuss words and vomit to a minimum on the run.
- Eat pizza and drink beer after we finish.
- Celebrate heartily later that evening....after a nap.
And there it is.
Stay tuned.....
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Monday, April 7, 2014
On a rainy Monday
Right now, I'm feeling awfully anxious. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I have this absolutely horrible feeling in my gut. And this rain does not make me feel at all better.
I went to a short little seminar deal over the summer for endurance athletes preparing for half and full Ironmans. The host of the seminar said that there will be times when you feel absolutely horrible, mentally or physically. She advised that it's in our power to make a change. Think to yourself, "what can I do to make this better for myself right now." Why save that gem of advice? Why not apply that to your everyday?
What can I do to make this better for myself right now?
I'm going to tell you about a moment that happened to me this weekend.
I went on my first group ride of the year on Saturday. I had 35 miles on my plan to complete, and thankfully had a good friend willing to stay back with the slow chick to get me through it. It was an absolutely gorgeous day! The sun was shining, though we had a bit of a breeze to contend with. All in all it turned out to be a fantastic ride and it was so refreshing to be outside on the roads. After we had coffee outside enjoying the weather and the company. After making it back home, no way did I want to do my little 2-mile run. But I did. Thank goodness I did because I would have missed the moment that followed.
I finished my 2 miles well away from my apartment. It was a happy mistake. I chose to walk back, enjoying the time to cool down. And then it happened. A song came on my iPod just as I made it up the path from the baseball field past the lacrosse pitch nearing the practice field. It was one of those songs that make you stop dead in your tracks, close your eyes and take it in. To my right was a nice slope in the grass on the edge of the golf course. I laid down, turned up the volume and closed my eyes allowing myself to take in the sun, the words, the music, my breath, the breeze. At that moment, nothing else existed except serenity.
So, what can I do to make today better for me right now? If you happen to pass by my office and see my earphones in with my eyes closed, don't mind me....I just traveled back in time to my moment on the hill.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Friday, April 4, 2014
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
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