120 mile ride/5 mile run

I.DID.IT...I.DID.IT...I.DID.IT!!!! I did the thing I have been fearing for 11 months when I signed up for this crazy journey of Ironman. I rode 120 miles yesterday. I cannot stinkin' believe it. Amazing!! The day could not have gone better. I was able to ride with a couple of friends at different points in the day...the first was for two hours first thing, then for 40 miles in the middle. At the end of the day all I had left was 2 hours by myself. The weather was fantastic...in fact, the minute I pulled into my house after running for 5.5 miles, the thunder started...could not have been more ideal.

I am so incredibly grateful to God this morning. I received texts through the day from two friends who said they were praying for me..which I seriously felt. I just believed I was being perfectly protected and guided along. Incredible! God has just been so remarkably faithful in this whole journey...every bit and piece. I am not perfect, but he has truly provided and directed my paths. What an amazing thing to experience.

So, I went 125 miles total yesterday and IM is 140.6...I definitely had 15 miles left in the tank (well, maybe not, but...). I was on the road for 9 hours total...including breaks...from 7 'til 4. Great practice for the Big Day! I checked my time at mile 112...and it was sub-7 hours at 16.2 mph! Wow, if I can do that on Race Day, that would be so awesome. I didn't think I had a shot to break 7 hours on the bike...we'll see.

We topped off the day with a very fun night which involved eating nearly an entire pizza at Rock Bottom, by myself. Then we went to see the new Shrek movie in 3D...highly recommended. Followed by sleeping in the car the whole way home and promptly getting myself into bed. I was exhausted!

I am floored, amazed, proud, tired, incredulous, grateful, humbled, honored and HUNGRY! Thank you to all of you for your support, encouragement, and votes of confidence. I hope I have the opportunity to do the same in return.

Tired!

It's the first day of summer and I'm already beat. I'm supposed to do a tempo ride today and the kids are home, Eric's gone, babysitters are all sleeping in, so I'm declaring a day off. I will ride and swim tomorrow, do my long ride Saturday or Sunday. I want a shower and I don't want to sit around waiting to go...so I'm making my decision. Thought I'd let you all know.

Race Report and 20 mile Run

I went into Sunday's race with a few nerves, but mostly I wanted to just test things out...see how my body felt, how the water was and how I was in the water. The first race of the season is always tricky because there's this unknown of how I will perform. I always err on the side of high expectations (which I've learned after 3 kids to start out low and build up gradually), just because I've been training so hard through the winter. I do want to say, before I start my report, that the best part of the triathlon world is the family it becomes. After 4-5 races every year, you start to get to know more and more people and every race is kinda like a party. It is really fun.

I got there just in time, set up my area, mingled with pals, looked around and wondered if I had everything. I tend to be a minimalist by nature, so my transition area always looks a little bare compared to those around me. And being the first of the season, my brain is not in transition mode. Anyways, I sauntered to the water...very slowly...think lots of rocks and no shoes. My wetsuit is always a wonder to me, how in the world to get it on and be comfortable. I got it on with the help of friends and did a "warm up" swim. The water was COLD...61 degrees apparently. My face was numb and it was very difficult to breathe in a controlled manner. Swam for about 7 minutes then popped out and chatted with more friends.

We were the last wave...all the ladies over 35...it's always nice to be last when it's chilly because the weather warms up and you don't get pummeled by a bunch of fast guys in the water. I did fine, controlled my breathing, then on the back stretch got a bit cocky and tried to draft. I wound up with a bunch of water in my mouth instead of air and mildly freaked out. Side note: last year I had a moment in a tri where I nearly quit because of not being able to catch my breath. It really took the wind out of my sails for the season. So, I talked myself down...I started swimming slowly and regained my breathing and confidence. Finished strong with a 13:48 for the 750 meters.

Ran to transition, somehow managed to get the wetsuit off and get all my gear on for the bike. Cruised the bike course, could have gone much faster but didn't. I think I need to start wearing my heart rate monitor for this portion because I just lolly gag. Oh well. 20.1 mph for 12.4 miles.

Run went great...I just stayed in zone 4 (I think)... averaged 7:45 minute miles and kept my head clear of the negativity by using the verse again, "I can do all things through him who gives me strength". Every breath, one word. It works wonders and keeps the icky talk from getting in there.

I placed 5th in my age out of 29ish. A good day. Goal met: practice swimming in freezing water and keep my wits about me. So all in all, success.

Today, I managed a 20 mile long run. I did 4x1 mile zone 3 repeats to start. My times are getting slower not faster on those, but I figure with racing yesterday...whatever. I felt good until about mile 17 then the wheels nearly fell off the bus. I slogged the last 3 miles through the wind and stolen Gatorade bottle (Grrrr...I planted it on the route so I could have something for the last bit). Times were much slower with the wind, but, again, whatever.

This week will be interesting with end-of-the-year festivities and Eric possibly traveling. I'll do my best. Just received news that my grandmother is in the hospital...doesn't look like she's got much longer. So, may be planning a last minute trip out to California soon. Coach didn't figure "grieving" into the training plan. Hmmm....it will be interesting to see what that looks like.

I'm excited about the race tomorrow...wondering what I can do. Honestly, I've done hardly anything this week. I planted. Andrew and I got seeds into the ground and cleaned up the dead from last year. I have been trying to treasure these days as he's headed off to "real school" next year. My last little one. As excited as I am for him (and for me), it's a bit sad. So, we've spent our time enjoying the yard and each other, when he's not being annoying.

I have five weeks until Ironman. I know the next two weeks are gonna be HUGE, but that's it. Man, the time has really flown and I'm just thrilled and grateful to have this amazing opportunity.

I'll let you know how tomorrow goes.

Race Week Weirdness

In my preparation for the Summer Open Triathlon this weekend, I basically get to do nothing all week...well, not really nothing but it kind of feels like it. I rode the trainer to Desperate Housewives yesterday...55 minutes, ran for 50 minutes this morning with a friend, and swam for 1000 yards just now. All workouts I have felt heavy, tired, and broken. I am constantly amazed (although I don't know why, because I seem to keep relearning the same truth) how one week I can feel so strong and unstoppable, and the next completely toast. I guess it's the way we maintain humility and balance.

So, I am hoping I don't look and feel like a manatee on Sunday. Hoping my body is healed by then, my training kicks in and my mind is kind. If not Sunday, then June 27th. I'm not gonna be greedy.

Week #32

I am breathing a sigh of relief this early Monday morning. Usually I approach Mondays with a bit of trepidation as I see the week of training, life and family laid before me with uncertainty and a bit of anxiety as I wonder how in the world it's all going to fit in place. Well, today is a bit different. Next Sunday I am doing the "Summer Open Triathlon", a local sprint race. I just want to make sure my gear is in check and I remember how to swim in a wetsuit in some seriously COLD water. It will be a good tune up for Ironman. So, that means this training week is super easy. I'm actually giddy about it! It will be nice to have some of the aches and pains subside and just "be" a normal person. If that's possible.

Last week ended awesome! On Thursday I did an easy ride with a friend...I just didn't have it in me to do any zone 4. I needed conversation and external motivation. Thankfully MB could ride and we went later in the day with the rain. It was great. Friday was my 3850 yard swim. I rocked it. It was so awesome. I am feeling so strong in the water and I had a fantastic go of it.

Saturday....my monster brick...70/16...the biggest one I'll have to do...the thing I've been fearing since day 1 of training. Wow! The weather was perfect, looked like it was going to rain the whole day, but didn't. I started out at 8:00, decided not to do any major climbs, just wanted to maintain a solid pace. I went south into Boulder and north to Loveland, managed 16.8 mph for the ride...that's pretty fast for me. I wanted to see if my running legs would be okay after pedaling harder...it was a bit of a test. Once the ride was over, I was not excited to run for 2.5 hours, but knew I didn't have a choice. I lose feeling in my feet while riding, so I was curious how many miles it would take for the feeling to return. It takes about five. I did 6 miles of zone 3 work, took it one mile at a time. It's funny, after being out there that long, the miles just tick by, one...two...three...four...five. The last 2-3 always are a trudgefest for me. Finally, my 7 hour day was over.

Once I got home, stretched, drank chocolate milk, took a shower, packed...we piled in the car and headed to Salida where we spent Sunday rafting. It was a perfect end to a tough two weeks!

Peaceful Detachment

This week is shaping up nicely. Here's what I've done so far:

Monday: easy 1700 swim
Tuesday: 2900 tempo swim (rocked it!!!), 5 mile run easy
Wednesday: 18.5 mile run (snowy, cold, muddy and cold..did I say cold?)

Here's what I get to do for the remainder:

Thursday: 30 mile tempo ride
Friday: 3850 endurance swim
Saturday: 70 mile ride/16 mile run brick
Sunday: easy 20 mile ride

I feel like I can let my breath out...that long run was hanging over my head like a lead balloon. I just have been constantly surprised at my body, what I'm asking it do and what it's doing. For instance, my swim yesterday. I did a bunch of zone 4 100 repeats in 3-5 seconds faster, than in the past...even after the strain and stress of training. It really is amazing me to no end. And then...to be able to run 18.5 miles today (although it wasn't my fastest, but who cares) after running 17 on Sunday. Again, amazing.

I almost feel like I'm going through a bit of detachment with this training. Like, I'm just not thinking about things so much. Don't get me wrong, I still get concerned and wonder if I can do it, but I'm just not as afraid. I think I just know it's a matter of putting in the time and getting it done and if I can't do a workout for whatever reason, is it really going to make that much of a difference at this point? There are some I really think are crucial, especially in confidence building, but I guess I am feeling peaceful. Nice. I like that place.

So, with all that said, and all that is done for the day (plus it's only 9:45 AM)...I am sipping warm coffee, in my sweats and slippers, gonna catch up on some shows. I'm calling it a "Mental Health Morning".

Check Mark

I can finally put a gigantic check mark on the week and recycle the schedule. My goodness. With the drama of the car accident, I got to move my 17 mile long run to this morning...Sunday...Mother's Day. Today was the first time I've done a long run after a full training week...especially this training week. I could not have asked for a more beautiful morning, no wind, cool temperatures, balloons in the sky. I love running on Sunday mornings, because when I get to church I feel so good, clean, and accomplished. My heart and mind await in expectation for the message and worship. God is wonderful to me.

Yesterday I was supposed to do a 31 mile tempo ride. I did the 31 miles but not the tempo part. Fortunately, I made a new friend on the road and we did the majority of the ride together. He was truly a Godsend, because I was starting to go downhill fast in my head. I do love my thoughts and myself, but sometimes they turn on me...especially when I'm not feeling so good.

Today is a delightful celebration of all that I hold dear...my family. I am a fortunate soul with a loving, caring husband and kids that are healthy and full of life (sometimes too much). As I walked in the door after my run, they had already gone to Egg & I to fetch me a yogurt/fruit sundae and muffin. Yummity yum. What a treat after 3 hours on the road.

Looking forward to church, lunch and hopefully a good, solid nap.

Week #31 down...only 7 left. Amazing!

100 mile ride

I have completed my first century bike ride...never done before. I was so nervous leading up to it, especially with the crazy start to the week. My Monday turned into a rest day and my Tuesday turned into Monday. I started the week off with a tempo swim just to be easy before jumping into the motherlode workout for Wednesday.

My approach for the day was to treat it like a job. I figured I would be out there for 7 hours, so might as well just settle in and take it easy. I wanted to get lots of hills in because the IM CdA course looks very hilly to me. I started at 9:00, just after dropping the kids off at school and took off for Boulder. I did the Old Stage climb and went on up to Jamestown. It is so nice to be able to accomplish both of those things. I know I didn't set any records, but I got them done. I headed up to Lyons after that and did the Fruit Loops, while taking a break to eat a PB&J, go potty, warm up my feet, and get some water. It was a nice reprieve and I love it when I can feel my feet. After that I rode up 75th to Carter Lake and went up and over that route, heading home the same way. I added a couple little loops, including circles in front of my house, just so that my odometer would say 100 even. It did. Went at a 15.3 mph pace...not my desired, but whatever, it's done.

I can't believe I'm about to say this, but if I had to, I could have gone farther. Thankfully I didn't. My schedule recommended a 5mile run after, but I ran out of time. I had to take a power shower and boogie to get the kids from all the places I had farmed them to after school.

I was told afterwards by a couple of friends that they had prayed for me throughout the day. I am so grateful. I felt like the day was ideal...weather was perfect, my body and mind were solid, my plan was flawless. I just knew I was being lifted up and this was the experience I needed to give me the confidence I need to finish up this training. As I was climbing the switchbacks to Carter Lake at mile 65, I prayed, "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength". Every pedal stroke was a word. It was a wonderful way to keep my mind off of the climb and just get up the hill. I will do my best to remember that one!

Today was an endurance swim, another "easyish" day before finishing up the week with all the other stuff, including my long run. I just have to say how nice it is to have that workout behind me...YES!

Thoughts on a Gloomy day

Well, I was one-third of a mile into my 17 miler today and received another call from school. My poor little guy was in a car accident on his way to preschool with my friend and her daughter. Fortunately everyone's OK. A guy ran the red light at Airport Rd and Nelson and broadsided the car, just a couple feet from Andrew's door. He has a little bump on his forehead from hitting the window, but otherwise, seems fine.

Nothing like a close call to remind me of my priorities.

I shined my run for the day and called it...I don't need to be a super hero.

I am super grateful for God's Provision.

I love my life and the people in it.

Life can change in a split second...it's always good to be reminded.

Ironman is a great goal, but it is not defining me.

Tomorrow is a new day and I am praying for a better one.

Time to Face the Week

I've put this off long enough...time to get down and dirty with the next week. Week #31 baby...wow.

Here's the rundown of what I hope to get done:

Monday - 17 mile run
Tuesday - 1900 tempo swim
Wednesday - 100 mile ride/5 mile run (yes, you did read that right)
Thursday - 2400 swim
Friday - 8.5 mile tempo run/25 mile ride
Saturday - 31 mile tempo ride

I am switching things around because Eric has to do some work entertainment at the end of the week, into the weekend. So, if I can take advantage of the time the kids are in school, I will. I am anxious about Wednesday's long ride. I have never ever ever done anything like that and am thinking I may head up to Ward and do that whole drama. Still not convinced that it's the wisest idea by myself, but we'll see. I will never say never.

I feel great. Today's restful day was exactly what I needed. I am ready for the next two weeks. I have reached "Peak Phase". I love it.

Say a prayer, send happy thoughts...whatever. I can use them all.

Another Week Down

Here's to another one...down. It was a great stabilizer week. I really just tried to enjoy myself...did a couple workouts with friends...nothing like good conversation to help the time along faster. I just finished a 35 mile bike/8 mile run brick. It turned out to be a beautiful, calm morning. Again, I am so grateful I just went out, did it, and enjoyed myself and the beauty all round.

I am feeling good, ready to move forward and tackle another week. I won't write about it just yet...want to savor the rest of this day and tomorrow's rest. I will let you know what is on the docket later.

Enjoy the lovely weekend! Only 8 weeks left...deep breath.