There’s Something About Those Crazy Athletes and Those Who Love Them…

Over Thanksgiving weekend, I learned that my sister-in-law’s best friend (check out her site at Go Mundy Go) signed up for a seven day 545 mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles to benefit AIDS research.

Which got me thinking about how so many racers, runners, triathletes, bicyclists, etc. seem to share certain characteristics beyond just signing up for a bunch of races. A commitment to fitness and health. A love of nature and the outdoors. A desire for self-improvement. And, a dedication to looking for ways to help others through these great hobbies.

Over the past year, at least two TriGirls competed in races for Team in Training to help raise funds for finding a cure for leukemia and lymphoma. TriGirls have also helped animal rescue charities and organized meals for the homeless. For the holidays, TriGirls will be coordinating a wish list drive for a family that lost their home through a fire.

This philanthropy seems to extend beyond TriGirls to the entire race community and their cheerleaders. Most events benefit either local or national causes. Other racers’ blogs tell heartwarming stories of raising funds for charities. Friends and families sponsor their loved ones undertaking a fitness challenge.

Maybe it is the extra motivation of knowing that, whether a 5K or an Ironman, the experience is more than just trying to finish or to get a PR – that when you feel tired or “not in the mood” – knowing your body is capable of running, biking or swimming while others struggle with sickness or overwhelming obstacles - reminds you to be grateful – and to stop complaining.

Whatever the reason, it gives me hope that the world can become a better place, full of more and more people that care about healthy lifestyles, the environment – and each other.

Go Mundy Go!

Can Turkeys Run Uphill?

I love the concept behind the Turkey Trot – going for a run with family and friends to free up some calories before the big feast. Last year, I did my first one in New York – with my brother and his wife (fiancée at the time). We had a great time, so I was looking forward to this year’s race. My brother and sister-in-law were going to run it again with me, though they ended up sleeping in instead, quite understandable since they arrived late the night before and were both fighting colds. So, there I was, waking early on a rainy and chilly Thanksgiving morning, heading out to U of R, happy that several TriGirls would be out on the course.

As soon as I parked my car, I immediately ran into TriGirl DL. Together, we fumbled around to find the registration area, which was a bit chaotic and not exactly convenient to the parking lot. We did arrive a little on the later side – so we were stuck with the only remaining shirts - which were huge. As we were bringing them back to the car, some guy kept screaming out how many minutes were left to the race starting. We literally just made it to the start seconds before the race began – and were literally in the last row.

I had heard that the U of R course was very hilly. TriGirl “Little Dickens” reminded me to hold back a bit on the early hills because I’d need some energy at the end. The first hill started right after the first turn. I thought I was going to be in big trouble – hills are not my friend. I made it up the first one just slightly out of breath and told myself I’d run up as many as I could – but would give myself permission to walk further along in the race if needed. And the rest of the 10K was truly a series of ups and downs through the pretty university course (I swear it seemed like more ups). I plugged my way up the next, then the one after that, wow, then another, here we go again, surprising myself, not only because I was still running up the hills, but also because I was actually almost enjoying the challenge. I saw several other TriGirls on the race – Devil Face, KO, looking strong! Before I knew it there was one more long last uphill (I was done with enjoying the hills at this point) – then a great downhill to the finish line, where TriGirls were cheering from the sidelines – and TriGirl MJW (our speed demon) ran me in – pushing me to a strong (for me) finish.

A few of the TriGirls headed out right after the race to begin their holidays, but six of us were able to tailgate for a few minutes, enjoying some celebratory bloodies and glogg.

I am still not even close to fast, but was really happy with this race – not only because I am pretty sure I had a PR for a 10K, but also because of overcoming some of my mental and physical issues with hills.

Don't hold me to it, but who knows, maybe the next time a hill workout is announced – I won’t even groan.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

The Best Excuse

I skipped yesterday’s run.

I could blame it on Thanksgiving preparations or the chilly weather, but actually there was a much better reason.

Earlier in the week, my husband told me about a party Sunday afternoon in Norfolk. We hit the road around 4 o’clock and about an hour and a half later, arrived at a huge and lovely home. Only a few cars were parked, so I wondered if we had the right time. We rang the bell, and a young guy answered the door – and my husband called him by a different name than the friend we were going to see. I thought, "Could this be the friend’s son?"

The house was beautiful inside, too. But there were no people. I started mumbling something, when the “friend’s son” said, “I don’t think she gets it” and my husband responded “no, she thinks this is a party.” Then the cutest little white furball was picked up – and I understood – my husband surprised, and I mean really surprised, me with a new puppy.

It was the best Christmas present ever.

We took the little guy home and tried to think of names. My husband wanted something manly and tough (the pup is a Bichon and will probably only get to be about 10-12 pounds). I suggested, mostly joking, “Ironman” and my husband rolled his eyes. The furball was sooo good on the ride, cuddling the whole way. No accidents – and the only time he got scared was when we went through a tunnel.

He did really well when introduced to his big fursister, the Butt. We finally picked a name – Fezzik (fuzzy Fezzy, the Fezzster).

Both furkids continue learning about each other. There have been a few really cute moments, Fezzy chewing on the Butt’s tail, the Butt trying to hump Fezzy in alpha dog fashion, only to discover he was too little, Fezzy nibbling on the Butt’s ear, the Butt running back and forth from the door to our back room to let me know Fezzy was in his crate and crying.

I took “furternity” leave for a few days (nice that it is a short week) and worked from home when I didn’t have meetings. An announcement was sent to family and friends about the newest addition. My parents, brother and his new wife are coming down in a few days and can’t wait to see their new furgrandchild/furnephew.

So anyway, yesterday morning I was supposed to go for a run before work. I woke up, with the Butt curled up by my feet and little Fezzik sleeping soundly in the crook of my neck (he is really little) – and said – think this will be a guilt-free, off season, skip a workout day.

I enjoyed every moment not running.

Waiting for Bike Class to Start

Bike class doesn’t start for two more weeks. In the meantime, we’ve been assigned having our bikes tuned up (done) and taking them over to reserve a spot in the classroom (not done). Amarone and I will be making the trek over in the next week or so.

Amarone is my bike – joining Vinho Verde – my previous ride – in wine related naming convention. (“Amarone is one of Italy's wine treasures that is loved by wine drinkers looking for ripe fruit, power, roundness and a sense of adventure in their red wine” – nice description for my bike, too!) Vinho Verde was named after TriGirl JB started the tradition by christening her bike Claret. New TriGirl KB will be taking care of Vinho next year.

Amarone is a black Cannondale, entry level pseudo tri-bike (has some tri-bike features, but not all). Between the better gearing and smaller frame, she’s been a great investment.

But back to bike class…

Coach E. (our indoor cycling coach during the off-season) posted this tid-bit on the TriGirl forum.

“In the first class we will focus on proper elimination of urine, snot and spit. Once we've all mastered these techniques we can move on how to ride the bike.”

Pretty funny, since many of us TriGirls were surprised to learn that “non back packers” will just “go” on the bike during longer triathlons. This is not a skill, thankfully, that I need to worry about.

Though, I have a feeling, “proper elimination” will continue to be one of the many running jokes that we will be hearing throughout the upcoming indoor bike classes.

Off Season

Never thought I’d ever be so involved in a sport that I’d be tossing around a term like “off season.” It still feels a little weird – like who am I to have an off season? That’s only for football players and other professional athletes.

My next reaction was – “off season” – I can drink more wine and hibernate on the couch for a few months.

In reality though, using this time, before embarking on the upcoming “in season” building and peaking training weeks, as an opportunity to improve my skills – and to make sure I don’t loose too much ground – makes sense.

Still, for the next two weeks, I have no official TriGirl related workouts, until our “off season” indoor bike and weight training starts in December. In January, it looks like Coach S. has squeezed in a special TriGirls Masters Swim Class on the weekends. And I think I’ll be trying to run 3-6 miles one or two times per week. Oh yeah, there is another Masters swim class, on Mondays and Wednesdays, given by the female winner of Ironman Canada (between Coach S. and Ironwoman Canada’s Masters class I have learned so much about how to improve my swimming – haven’t completely been able to put it all into practice yet, but I’m working on it). Pulling it all together, a typical “off season” week will look like the following (subject to change pending review by any of the coaches):

Sunday – TriGirls swim and optional medium run (1-2 hours)
Monday - Swim with non-TriGirls Masters Class, TriGirls weight and bike training (3 hours)
Tuesday – Optional short run (though I wouldn’t be surprised if TriGirl CH (aka TriJinx or devil face) beguiles us all to one of her “hill run workouts”), weight training and/or pilates (1- 2 hours)
Wednesday – Swim with non-TriGirls Masters Class (1 hour)
Thursday – Run (30 minutes to 1 hour)
Friday – Rest
Saturday – Bike train with TriGirls (1 hour)

For a grand total of somewhere between 6 1/2 - 10 hours of workouts per week.

Not too long ago, I would have laughed at someone describing an exercise plan of 10 hours per week as “off-season.” As my husband commented when I mentioned this observation to him – you need to compare yourself to a different standard now.

I have a sneaking suspicion that this year’s “off season” will be less of an adjustment than next year’s.

Closing thought – during the next few “off-season” months – I am going to try to give myself permission to occasionally skip workouts – and the key here is GUILT FREE - to go out to dinner, enjoy the holidays – or even just chill out with a book. And maybe that is what “off season” is really about.

Race Weekend

Alas, the TriGirl race season culminated this weekend with Mother Nature giving us a few surprises.

On Saturday, TriGirls competing in the Richmond marathon and NTELOS 8K were confronted with unseasonably warm conditions. While the spectators, including several other TriGirls, spouses and friends (and me) enjoyed the great weather, parked in the median with our signs at mile 20, we knew the racers were cursing it. Yet the TriGirls running that day did it in style, with Coach G. looking fresh as a daisy as she glided past us. TriGirl CH was next to follow, looking stylish as always – then TriGirl LD, who would finish with a 30ish minute gain over her first marathon. TriGirl KO ran by soon thereafter, so focused we weren’t sure she heard our cheers. TriGirls AM and KT came by next – with KT completing the race with strep throat! Then TriGirls MW and SD ran by, looking strong and happy. TriGirl JH rode by on her bike several times with encouraging words for the racers.

After Saturday’s race, TriGirls hit the road to the OBX. With awesome TriGirl hospitality, TriGirl SDG opened her lovely “Love Shack” home to the half marathoners and a post race resting stop (aka party central) to the Richmond racers and TriGirl cheerleaders. After a pizza, water and wine dinner, TriGirl AF gave a great toast to Coach G., with TriGirl TB presenting her with flowers, bling-bling tiara and earrings. Not sure what happened, but TriGirls CH and SL showed a bit more TriGirl spirit than usual...

The Sunday racers hit the Love Shack’s sacks fairly early – while the post race TriGirls celebrated (don’t ask about the hot tub).

Around 5:00-5:30 AM the next morning, the OBX half marathoners woke to their alarm clocks. The race started with a few bumps (where is the start line and why are they saying we only have five minutes to use the porta-potties to get to the start line or we will never get there?). The weather was not as cool as we hoped, but not as warm as the previous day’s marathon conditions.

But once the gun sounded, the race conditions improved – the route was really beautiful, winding through Outer Banks neighborhoods. Plus, TriGirl SDG and I ran together for the first 8 miles – boy did I appreciate her company! The TriGirls, spouses and friends formed a cheerleading squad that encouraged us every few miles. TriGirl DL’s husband even dyed his “corporate mohawk” TriGirl pink. And TriGirl SDG's husband caught up with us every few miles with encouraging words and photo ops.

Things started to go downhill – with a steep concrete uphill - across a bridge at mile 9. About this time, a drizzle like rain started to fall. TriGirls came to the rescue, as the Saturday racers (and TriGirl cheerleaders SL, TD and MW (M who?)) got stuck in traffic on the same bridge – and their van door opened several times with cheers to get us over the main race challenge.

I stupidly passed a water stop somewhere between miles 9-10 – and, why I don’t know but, there was no “next one.” Thankfully, SDG’s husband rode by one more time to share some much needed H2O from his water bottle.

I crossed the finish line with a seven minute gain from my previous first ½ marathon time to meet TriGirl MJW (who had been finished for quite a while, after having a PR the previous day in the 8K). TriGirls SDG and AF finished about the same time. TriGirl TB finished with a great time – especially since she was thinking she would be walking because of an IT band problem. Then the skies really opened up – as TriGirl KM – our over 60 TriGirl inspiration – crossed the finish line with such wonderful joy. TriGirls DL and KFG came by next – DL with an amazing sprint finish and KFG with a better than anticipated time.

Post race - TriGirl TB and I recovered for a little while in the Love Shack hot tub (no stories to compete with the night before) and TriGirl TB's husband took great care of us with warm towels and great company.

All in all, a great weekend. And I woke up today feeling good enough for a swim, but also feeling a little lost knowing there were no TriGirl workouts planned for the next few weeks.

Congrats to all the TriGirls!

TriGirls!!!

In the beginning, the beginning that really counts toward this Ironman journey, it was the TriGirls.

There will be more posted on the Ironman TriGirls in the future, but the whole group is made up of amazing women. All ages from early 20s to early 60s. All shapes and sizes. All athletic abilities. All different backgrounds and in different life stages.

For two years now, we’ve ran, biked and swam two to three times per week together in season. We’ve raced and cheered each other on. We’ve had pre-race dinners, post-workout coffee and post-post workout wine. We’ve raised money for local causes through outings planned with area restaurants. We’ve become friends in addition to training buddies. We’ve even invited our spouses, families and friends to participate in our activities – giving them a glimpse of TriGirl power – and inspiring the unofficial support crew of “TriBoyz.”

Coach G. started TriGirls as an off-shoot of an earlier group called TriMoms. For many TriGirls, me included, this group has been the best fitness commitment ever made, probably because TriGirls is about so much more than burning calories. As the TriGirl website (www.trigirltraining.com) states - “The heart of TRIgirls lies in the camaraderie and support of a team working together toward a common fitness goal and philanthropic cause.”

Our organized workouts officially ended for the season yesterday – with a final group run of three “race pace” miles – as part of the taper for TriGirls doing either the Richmond Marathon or the Outer Banks Half Marathon this weekend. I’m in the half marathon group.

Thank you, TriGirls, for inspiring, motivating, supporting, encouraging, cheering and, even occasionally, consoling me these past two years!

Some Goals

Like I mentioned earlier, I am NOT setting any time goals for this race. My primary objective is to finish and not be disqualified. If I cross the finish line as the ultimate “back packer” at 11:59:59 PM – I will still be jumping for joy.

But I definitely have a long road ahead and will need to set some goals along the way. Coaches G., S. and B. (Coach S. is actually our swim coach and Coach B., our bike coach, – now if only there was a synonym for running that starts with a “G” – gallop, gait, grrrr…) will be giving the TriGirls and me the logistics for training and preparation, but here are some high level initial goals I’ve been thinking about:

• Improve my snail like pace. I am fairly certain I will need to walk a good part of the marathon, therefore I want to focus on improving pacing on the swim and bike – so I start the run with strong legs and a nice time cushion.
• Eating and drinking during a race. I tend to not drink or eat while biking. I know I should – and I will during transitions – but I get nervous trying to open packages or fiddle with bottle tops while riding. Eating while running is the last thing I want to do – though I can down a few Gatorades and water. At least I don’t have to worry about it during the swim (well - actually figuring out how NOT to swallow the Gulf of Mexico).
• Swimming in a wetsuit. Of all the three sports, swimming is – relatively – my strongest. This year, I tried to swim one race in a wetsuit (violating the cardinal rule of not trying anything new on race day) and felt like I was suffocating.
• Mental focus. I am not terribly competitive when it comes to sports. I hear folks talking about how they are driven to pass the person in front of them. Now, I’m not saying that it doesn’t feel good the few times it has happened, but my thoughts tend to focus on pretty scenery or how many miles I have left. While I’m not sure I really want to (or should) become that competitive person, I do think I need to have a bit more internal focus and mental stamina. 17 hours is a long time to do anything!
• Remember progress is relative. Most of the TriGirls doing IMFL with me are better athletes. I need to track my improvements relative to me. Usually, I’m pretty good about this, but I’ll need to remember it when I’m the last person finishing up the day’s training run.
• Perspective. This is BIG – but it isn’t solving world hunger. Keep things in perspective – and remember not everyone cares about this crazy triathlon thing the way I do.

The Decision

Back to the blog’s purpose. Ironman Florida.

For me, this was a personal decision, though the encouragement from my triathlon training group (TriGirls!) coaches and support of my husband definitely helped. But in the long run (no pun intended), I had to consider whether, as Coach G. remarked, only I would know if this was the right time, or, as she countered, would I really want to wait another year? I had to be ready to commit a nice chunk of change and quite a bit of my free time (which means figuring out how to fit in training hours with what can be a crazy work schedule and already limited opportunities for free time, family, my furkid, friends, and my other favorite hobby – wine (OK, I always seem to fit that one in)).

I’d already signed up for a half IM next year – and boy it would have been nice to have that race under my belt - but IMs fill up a year in advance. It was either now or two years from now at the earliest.

So, why did I find myself, sitting anxiously at my computer on November 5th, between calls to and from other TriGirls, panicking about whether I would be able to submit my registration online before it filled up?

• Because I turn 40 next year.
• Because Coach S. has offered to treat us all for post race IM tattoos (pink, of course).
• Because I am in TriGirls, an awesome women’s triathlon training group that has helped me believe this is a possible dream.
• Because I’ve seen the exuberance of friends, colleagues and my training coaches who have completed IMs.
• Because I’ve been fascinated about Ironman races since I first saw one on TV and made it a lifetime goal to finish a triathlon (thinking sprint distance at the time).
• Because I was that chubby girl who was excused occasionally from gym class because I had asthma.
• Because I went from finishing last in my age group at my first triathlon race, to finishing in the top 50% at my latest race.
• Because IMFL is a flat and fast course. I am not a fan of steep hills (especially because I’m still getting used to clipless pedals).
• Because I am grateful to have a healthy and strong body – look at the obstacles that many Ironmen competitors have overcome – cancer, amputations, lung replacements – and of course the ever inspiring Team Hoyt stories. There are a few pretty inspiring stories from TriGirls, too.
• Because it will be the biggest challenge I have ever chosen to undertake.

Side note: All but one of the interested TriGirls and coaches were able to sign-up online for IMFL on November 5th. The only person whose submit button took too long was Coach G., which just seems so unfair. We’re all looking into options to make sure she is on the course with us next year.

Who Me - A Blogger?

To blog or not to blog. That is the question.

Yet, easier to answer than the challenge that caused me to consider creating a blog – signing up for Ironman Florida. More to come about that in a bit.

But first, why I am going to "blog it."

I’m a fairly private person. The last time I kept a voluntary journal was in elementary school where I recorded thought provoking observations such as what kind of ice cream I had for lunch and whose house I visited to play. And I am not even close to a natural athlete – so what value would my blog offer?

The last three weeks, I’ve scoured the web for information about IMFL. Luckily, the more I searched, the more I found. The blogs, websites and race reports helped in my decision making process, especially the stories, as one racer put it, that were “a view from the back of the pack.”

My goal is to finish the race – and I believe I can. But I’m also pretty sure I’ll be a “back packer.” So this blog is out there for all who are interested in or want to do an Ironman – who think the journey will be as rewarding as the destination – and who I may see on the course as the evening gets darker and the clock ticks down. (And for family, friends and fellow triathletes who will get to hear the good, the bad and the ugly of the next twelve months).