Words of Wisdom - By Buttercup

Now that Mommy is officially over 40, I believe she has earned the privilege to learn my secrets for aging gracefully. Most people don’t believe it when they hear my age – and my youthful glow is due to certain rules I’ve followed ever since being a puppy.

1. Rest your body only on the softest materials – Why should you ever expose yourself to hard surfaces? Personally, I insist on at least one pillow, even if it is already on something soft, like a bed or couch. Sometimes I am lucky enough to score two pillows. In addition to being comfortable, soft surfaces are also very good for your joints and promote restful sleep (see number 2).
2. Take naps – Beauty rest is very important. Spend at least six hours a day napping. On pillows and blankets.
3. Demand body rubs (Mommy calls these massages) – Between keeping blood circulating and reducing stress, I recommend the rub as often as possible. Preferably several times a day and preferably while resting on soft surfaces. If someone stops the rub, nudge them with your nose or swat them in the face until they start rubbing you again.
4. Give in to your cravings – Remember, if you do not occasionally give in to your cravings, you will end up becoming obsessed with your desired delicacy. For some reason, Mommy does not understand my penchant for poop. That is alright, but I must point out, I, on the other hand, am very enlightened and respect all of Mommy’s hankerings for cheese, steak – and even wine.
5. Show your independence – I’ve never understood those dogs that just blindly follow every command. Now, I know all the words Mommy uses with me. I just choose when to listen. It is important to be your own person, especially if you are a woman. Mommy recognizes my "You've got to be kidding look" when she asks me to do something I would rather not do. Especially if it involves leaving a cushy surface.
6. Exercise moderately – I have never been one for extreme exertions. That was always up to my brothers. There is no need to dart from window to window frantically chasing squirrels. For goodness sake, they are outside and can’t be caught. It is going to take a lot more for me to leave my pillow throne. Since I have never overworked my joints and muscles, I move very well now. I am bit worried that Mommy is ignoring this rule since she is training for these silly triathlons. Maybe some good new pillows would convince her otherwise.

Biking Metacognition

What I know and what I don't know.

Let's start with what I don't know.

Last week, I took advantage of a TRIgirl offer for a bike fitting. Naively, I walked into Jim Miller's office thinking - yeah, my aerobars need adjustment, but I'm probably being over indulgent - with his time and my money.

Wrong.

Two and half hours later, I knew more. Before Amarone came into my life, Vinho Verde gave me her all. Toward the end, I knew we weren't right for each other. I couldn't figure out why at the time, but after my initial rides with Amarone, it became clear. Vinho was the wrong size for me - her frame was too large.

So Amarone seemed like a huge improvement. But, while the height was fine - well, actually set too short for me, it turns out the problem is Amarone's front tube is too long. Like four inches.

Let's just say, Jim lost money on me. He investigated every nook and cranny on my bike to find two of the four inches needed to improve my torso reach. And gave recommendations on how to achieve the last two inches, after Eagleman - by adding a shorter handlebar stem and a zero setback for my seat.

So many adjustments were made during the fitting that Jim recommended a modified week of bike training - my body might balk at all the new settings.

OK, let's take a break for a minute from why I should never be allowed in a sports good store without supervision. What I know...

This week, our training schedule called for a 50 mile ride. The longest we have done. A group of Ironman folks I train with were heading out to the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains to complete the miles. I decided to stay closer to home and ride this milestone distance on familiar territory - with a few of my fellow TRIgirls.

I felt in my heart that Blue Ridge was too big a jump for me - between the distance, the unknown traffic, the grinding uphills - and the even more scary downhills. I wish I could be the daring type of person who would see the ride as a challenge, but that is not who I am. Call me a chicken, but I need those small steps. Plus, the extra traveling time - with all the training, every hour I can spend at home seems precious.

And it comes together...what I know and what I don't know...

So, this Saturday, I headed out to West Creek. I'd reconciled with the fact that I would go as far as I was comfortable. Any sign of pain or unfamiliar discomfort - I would stop - no matter how many miles I did or didn't do.

I had a beautiful ride. The weather was perfect. The company of TRIgirls MJM, DL and Triathlonmom made everything more fun. Yeah, it was a familiar loop, but the miles passed by quickly and comfortably.

Key word - comfortably. I never felt so "at home" on Amarone. As the eight mile loops went by, I happily realized I was more comfortable on Amarone than ever. When we finished the 50 miles, I felt great. I felt strong. For the first time in weeks, I went home after a Saturday workout and didn't need a nap. (Well, maybe not having a brick run was part of the reason, but still...) I started to imagine how I might feel after the final adjustments can be made. Or if I could do it over and select a bike size that would be better for me.

It was a confidence building workout. I can't thank Jim enough for all his help in finding ways to make Amarone work better for me.

Could I have done Blue Ridge? I think I would have plugged my way through it.

Was it the right time for me to do Blue Ridge? Based on what I've heard from those who did - hmmm no. I would have been scared out of my gourd. I would have panicked at downhill speeds of over 35 miles - riding the brakes. I would have cursed the uphills (I think the most used word of the day by those who attended started with an "f"). Maybe I would have a sense of accomplishment after finishing, but I think it would be accompanied by feelings of fear and doubt. I just don't have that much experience, ability - or testosterone.

Will I do Blue Ridge? I hope so, but just not yet.

Pass the...Gu?

I just hung up the phone after catching up with my sister-in-law. She asked about my training and I was telling her that one of the biggest benefits of the work-train-eat-sleep mantra I've been living is the ability to eat more with less guilt and worry. Then I started to share all the indulgent foods I've been stuffing my face with on a daily basis - ice cream, chocolate candy, donuts, deep fried everything, triple cheeseburgers, slabs of butter...

Oh wait.

That isn't what I said.

Gu, shot blocks, sports beans, bagels, bananas, smoothies, V8, fruit salad, cheese, Gatorade - and least we forget, my just arrived package of Accelerade and Endurox.

Listening to myself, I thought, well that doesn't sound all that exciting.

Virginia Tech

There are many better blog posts about the Tragedy at Virginia Tech than something I could put together (for example - TriDi, Triathlonmom, I’m TRI-ing and Florida-Bound). But, this morning, I was driving to work. A local radio station was playing the Governor’s – unscripted – speech. The car ahead of me had a Tech window sticker. Another drove by with a VT flag attached to the top of the roof. And – it hit me - this comforting sense of solidarity, similar to the days after 9/11, a reminder of how the worst catastrophes in the world can bring out the best in humanity.

My thoughts to all Hokie students, alumni and friends. Your strength and goodness are inspiring the world.

Moving Into a New Age Group

Today TRIgirl 40 officially moves into the 40-44 age group.

It has been a whirlwind of birthday festivities - already spanning several weeks – starting with fun and fabulous visits from my family. This past weekend, several friends gave me a wonderful party – I am so fortunate to have such generous and terrific friends. They even pulled together a list of 40 great moments we’ve shared over the years. So many memories that made me smile - and laugh out loud. The hubby has also been very sweet and thoughtful – helping with the party and finding lots of ways to make this birthday special.

Reading through the cards, receiving such thoughtful gifts, I know I am the lucky recipient of lots of unconditional love - the people whom I care about and who care about me - accept me - faults and all.

Once in awhile, I’m still taken aback by turning 40. The number can seem…well…big, up there…or yikes – middle age. But, for the most part, I’m comfortable with this milestone birthday. I’m surrounded by caring family and friends. My career path has been diverse and rewarding. I’m healthy. I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in. Life is good - no, wait - life is awesome.

This birthday celebration may just make the record books for being the longest ever, culminating in Panama City this November. Ironman Florida has been a huge present to myself - between all the equipment purchases and “me” training time demands. And having my husband, family and friends coming to the race is the gift I wanted most this year.

A Brick to be Thankful For

OK, we are into our second week of serious training. I feel like I work, train, eat and sleep. If I can fit it one or two house chores, it is a great day.

But there are times, like today's brick workout, where I am just so happy to be a part of this whole triathlon experience - so grateful to be a member of such a great community.

Today's workout was an hour run, followed by an hour bike, at West Creek. During the two hour workout, I circled the loop four times (1 run, 3 bike).

Within a few minutes of starting the run, three TRIgirls (Triathlonmom, TriDi and Annnn) rode by with big hellos and great TRIgirl catcalls.

Around mile 1 of the run, a few of the Guppies whizzed by - with encouraging words.

Mile 2, Ironman MR rode by for the first time. I could tell he was in the zone, but he still took the time to give me a hello nod.

Soon thereafter, TRIboyz GG (aka TRIgirl SJG's husband) biked by - with early happy birthday wishes. And he also gave me the first of several passing high fives.

Around the 4th mile, TRIgirls LD and MW waved across the median while heading in the opposite direction on their run.

I ran into Coach B around mile 5 - praise from the coach always feels good.

At my run to bike transition - I chatted with Ironman MR - and saw TRIgirl MF as she finished up her bike and was heading off to start her run. Extended my break a few minutes more by talking with a Guppy who was getting ready for his run.

The bike loops held several more acknowledgements and waves - though the crowd gradually thinned as the sun set.

All those welcoming faces. All the words of encouragement. All these great people I am privileged to call my friends and training buddies.

A big THANK YOU for making today's brick a much happier experience. You all rock!

That Little Voice

The little voice was whispering in my ear this past weekend when my mom and dad were in town for Easter. “Skip Saturday’s workout – your family drove six hours to be here.”

The little voice was squelched. My parents helped me win this one by being very understanding of my four hour absence Saturday morning to bike and run. Nor did they complain when I took a nap in our family room because I was wiped out from the week of exercising and waking up early. (I knew fighting off the nap would be tough because I was already feeling drowsy on the way home from the long and cold brick.)

Two weeks ago, the little voice taunted me when my brother and sister-in-law were in town. “How much more fun would it be to keep the wine flowing instead of switching to water and going to bed early.” But they were just as supportive during their visit as my parents were this weekend.

One friend nearly took my temperature when I told her I couldn’t go to a wine tasting because a key running workout was planned. The little voice was not very happy with me either.

And with the day-to-day long training schedules, my husband has been quite the trooper handling the extra furkid duties. This little voice of guilt is sometimes the hardest to ignore.

Family visits, special events, bad weather, home chores – there are many excuses the little voice tempts me with to skip more workouts than I should. Having such a great family and supportive friends makes it easier for me to ignore its reminders about all the fun I may be missing.

There are many months ahead where the little voice may win – so I can’t thank my family and friends enough for putting up with me and my training.

A Conundrum of Feelings

In a recent post, Triathlonmom summed it up perfectly – sometimes it comes down to training – or blogging about training.

This week, I’ve been adjusting to our April schedule – of increased quantity and duration.

Physically, my body has made it through the workouts. Part of me has enjoyed the challenge. Part of me feels like my calves are going to explode.

For example, on Wednesday, Ironwoman Canada decided it was time for another graduation – to the third Masters lane. While I knew it meant being the slowest swimmer in the new lane – I also recognized that it would be an opportunity to grow. Her encouragement helped me realize that the challenge of keeping up with faster swimmers would be the right motivation to try harder – to push beyond my comfort zone to draft off stronger swimmers – like Coach B (who has kindly tolerated my efforts).

Or this morning, when I could have so easily justified (yeah – to myself) skipping the planned six mile run. Hey – I did some crazy speed workout on Monday with the Guppies (uh – lesson learned – ask about the goals for running quarter mile repeats before giving them your all) and I made it through Tuesday’s scheduled two hour bike/run brick workout. (Thank goodness for recently recommended muscle gel.)

So back to this morning – I dragged my sorry body out of bed to turn off the alarm. I completed the mileage – thanks to Coach G’s timely push to get my sluggish self moving during the first mile at the VITA course.

I almost started to feel a little proud of myself. Even if I rest tomorrow, after Saturday’s workout – I’ll have trained for 12ish hours this week. Look at me – isn’t that impressive?

Then I realized – under the best circumstances, I doubt I could ever complete Ironman Florida in less than 15 hours in ONE DAY. So, I have a loooonnng way to go before the 12 -13 hours expended THIS WEEK could even compare.

Waaaah!

Hang on, keep trying, don’t give up…

Monument 10K – Race Report

After all my moaning and groaning about this week’s bad runs, yesterday couldn’t have been a better day for a race.

The weather was perfect – 55-60ish and sunny.

I was a good girl the night before. After organizing all my race gear, I was in bed early with nary a sip of wine. I slept fairly well – and woke rested – no muscle soreness.

TRIgirls DL and LD – and honory TRIgirl AT – carpooled with me down to the race. We found parking reasonably quickly and met up with the mass of TRIgirls preparing to invade Monument Avenue.

TRIgirl DL and I started together in the same wave. Between padding my time and improving a bit since I registered, I probably was in the wrong heat, but I was able to find a clear path by sticking to the outside.

I knew we are supposed to try for a negative split during the race, but I just wanted to see if I was going to have any chance at meeting my goal for a race time averaging less than 10 minutes/mile. So, looking down after mile one and seeing a 9:23 time gave me hope.

Mile two was a 9:30. For most of mile three, I was maintaining about a 9:30-9:40 pace – though I took a break at a water stop – and ended up with a 10:06. Mile four – 9:34 (I think without the water, I would have slowed down – and I am glad I was able to get myself back up to a good pace for me). Mile five, I needed another water stop – 10:01. Mile 6 was a 9:59. And a sort of-almost sprint for the last .2 (which said .36 on my watch). Overall time – 1:01:26, beating my predicted time by 14 seconds and meeting my goal. I took off about 6 minutes from last year’s time – and 3 minutes from my previous PR.

TRIgirl Devil Face and I were even able to find a spot near the finish line to cheer in my little sister, TRIgirl KB – who completed her first 10K.

Post race, it was TRIgirl reunion time. Just like the Shamrock – everyone seemed to have a wonderful race. Standing around, I heard stories about amazing times, first time races, PRs everywhere.

A big thank you to TRIgirl AN who invited us over to her house for a great champagne toast.

Congrats to everyone on a great race!