We are HERE!

And we'll all float on alright!

(Promise to try to post more details and photos tomorrow. Things are going well, so far. And a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Coach B!)

A Few "Moments" While Packing

Today started off fine. A good Guppies swim workout with a bunch of challenging speed sets. Coffee and bagels afterwards.

And that is when the first "moment" emerged. Paying at the Einstein's cash register, I found myself searching frantically for my debit card. I ended up using a credit card and did not start panicking until I went home an hour or so later - after thoroughly searching my car, gym bag, all recently worn clothes - and even calling the gas station where it was last used.

Yikes, still no debit card.

I called my husband to see if maybe he had borrowed it.

Nope.

But we decided to not set the wheels in motion for the arduous cancellation process until the end of the day. You see, this has happened before. A few weeks after 9-11 and a day before leaving for a conference in Denver, my wallet was stolen (debit cards, credit cards, driver's license, etc.) from my desk at work. Driving to the DMV the morning I was supposed to board the flight, I was pulled over by a police officer for some small violation, like an expired sticker, burst into tears and scared away the officer by being a woman on the edge.

And so I decided to distract myself with packing for IMFL. Which really is quite stressful in of itself.

Fast forward another hour or so, my husband called and said the debit card was in our Nissan. WHEW. No idea how or why it was in there, but who the heck cared? He dropped it off at lunchtime and I was ready to run my last few IM errands - picking up groceries, new goggles, CO2 cartridges and fresh velcro for the Podiumquest.

So all was looking up until I arrived home. No UPS package on the stoop. The nutrition I ordered a few weeks ago, but some Internet glitch caused an overnight reorder on Thursday evening, was STILL NOT HERE. You know, all the stuff I've practiced when trying to consume 200 or more calories per hour - the stuff that I finally figured out I could deal with.

Breathe deep.

I called the company - they found the order and said the mishap was due to having just added the overnight shipping option. I'd paid an extra $50 for the nutrition to arrive on time - after the last problem - and it hadn't - and I was a BIT annoyed. They reassured me that there was no doubt that the order would arrive tomorrow - and since the hubby isn't coming down till Thursday - I am giving them the benefit of the doubt.

Otherwise, there may be a crazy woman in Panama City looking for Gus, Luna Bars and Sharkies on Wednesday.

But stay tuned for the virtual gym bag memories, they are still coming...

Beautiful Day...

Don't let it get away...

Squeezing More Into The Virtual Gym Bag

Wow, it is amazing how much more time I have for blogging now that I am on “The Taper.” Especially since I missed one day of workouts because I caught some weird bug on Sunday that left me feeling like crap (and a bit worried about what it might escalate to) until I self medicated myself for a few days with left over antibiotics. Now, I am feeling mostly back to normal. Got in a workout yesterday (yeah, TRIgirl SQ, no idea what was up with the Butterfly or the "one breath" sets). But today, the depressing, cold, rain and wind had me totally using “The Taper” excuse to skip today’s workout, too.

So, it is back to packing…

Strategy (much thanks to all the coaches, teammates and fellow bloggers who have helped me put these together - feel free to contribute more!)

Swim –

• Get in the water any chance you can before the race. Look for your landmarks. Get used to the current, waves, clarity.
• Don’t worry about the mass start. (I’m working on it.)
• Hold your own in the swim and don’t start as far back as you’ve been thinking.
• Dolphin dive through the waves, push hard for the first 50 – 100 meters.
• Then find your rhythm. You can – you have – don’t panic if it takes awhile.
• Try to draft. You can do this in a pool now. There’ll be a whole lot of people in the water. There have got to be some with feet just going slightly faster than your normal pace.
• Start kicking harder before exiting the water to get blood flow to your legs.
• Appreciate your time in the water. You’ll be missing the swim in about 7-8 hours.
• Try to enjoy the waves. Coach B and Irongirl AM think they are fun. You love riding the waves when not doing a triathlon.
• Try not to get kicked in the face.
• Avoid jellyfish and vomit.

Bike –

• Take it easier than what you feel you can do when starting off on the bike.
• Get past the first few miles then start eating and drinking as many calories as possible. Focus on solid foods early on.
• Push harder the second half if your legs feel strong.
• Think of your inspiration songs and those your friends and teammates have recommended.
• Stay in the moment, but take in the scenery.
• Don’t draft or block. Socializing on the bike can get you a penalty.
• Stop to refuel or use the bathroom – you’ll feel much better and the few minutes lost by getting off your bike are likely to be regained by being more comfortable.
• Change gears occasionally, even if the terrain remains the same.
• Remember the last 20 miles are more mental than physical. The shoulder and butt pain are tolerable and temporary.
• Appreciate the bike. The distance is longer than ideal, but it is still easier than running.
  

Run -

• Again, start conservatively. You’ve got 26 miles ahead.
• Think of the distance more as chunks.
• One mile to the next aid station where you can walk for a bit.
• Fourish 10Ks.
• It is OK to walk.
• But remember, tired, swollen legs can still run. Slowly.
• Alternate sports drink with water, gu, endurolytes at each station.
• While you couldn’t socialize on the bike, you can on the run. Try talking to someone if you need motivation – or see someone else who does.
• Appreciate the run. This will most likely be your biggest challenge.

General -

• Thank the volunteers
• Lots of people will pass you. You can still be the turtle that crosses the finish line.
• Remember how seeing your teammates during the race always makes you feel better. Knowing they are out there – racing strong – gives you strength.
• It is OK to cry – but try to make the tears due to happiness, relief and knowing your goal is in sight.
• Look for your family and friends who’ve come miles to cheer you and your teammates on (or picture those who are cheering from afar). Each time you see someone, you’ll be recharged and reminded of how much they believe in you, whether or not you cross the finish line.
• Find gratitude in every moment. You’ve spent months preparing for this day. You’ve sacrificed so much – and so have your sherpas. It isn’t supposed to be easy.
• It won’t be - but the finish could be spectacular.

Packing

Packing for a triathlon is normally a fairly large undertaking culminating with bags and bags of stuff for just an overnight race. Packing for an Ironman takes this task to a whole new level. I’m getting the lists ready – and hopefully will have enough suitcases. And room in Coach B’s SUV!

But I am also starting to pack mentally. I’ve been thinking about the song lyrics, strategies and memories to stash away and draw from on race day.

So, here is what is going in my virtual motivation gym bag. Today, we’ll focus on some tunes to form my IM soundtack.

Keep in mind, without my IPOD, I’ll only be able to sing (in my head - though I may clear the course if I start to sing aloud) the choruses or a few lines here or there (over and over).

Hoobastank’s “The Reason” -
I've found a reason to show
A side of me you didn't know
A reason for all that I do
And the reason is you

I think because I heard it so much when struggling to just jog more than three miles a year ago, when the IMFL rumblings started to circulate among the TRIgirl crowd, this song reminds me of my decision to do an Ironman



Gene Autry's "Peter Cottontail" -
Oh, here come's Peter Cottontial
Hopping down the bunny trail

Always makes me smile, thinking of Coach G sharing that she thinks of this song while running. "Keep hands loose, touch fingers to thumb."



Moby’s “Natural Blues” -
Went down the hill,the other day
My soul got happy and stayed all day

For three or four months last winter, this was one of the tunes on either Coach B or Coach E’s IPOD (or maybe both) that became close friends during our indoor biking classes. “Level 10, stand up!”

Eminem’s “Loose Yourself” –
Look, if you had one shot, one opportunity
To seize everything you ever wanted-
One moment
Would you capture it or just let it slip?

Like a metronome, the beat to this song is perfect for reminding me to keep my turnover high and my feet light. The words are pretty invigorating, too.

Linkin Park’s “What I’ve Done” and Modest Mouse’s “Float On”– (two songs TRIgirl’s DL's husband added to our Eagleman DVD. Anytime I hear the songs I see parts of the video...

For what I’ve done
I start again
And whatever pain may come
Today this ends

The foreboding swim start waves with arms flailing

And we'll all float on alright
Already we'll all float on
Aliright don't worry even if things end up a bit to heavy
We'll all float on alright

and TRIgirl MJ in transition heading off to start her – with such bounce and energy in her stride.

U2’s “Beautiful Day”
It's a beautiful day

Don't let it get away
It's a beautiful day

This seems like one of the standards for triathlon races – and several Ironman media clips seem to play it as the racers are getting ready to start the day.

Please be a beautiful day in Panama City on November 3rd!

The Gift Basket

Supperclub - a time to gather with friends, sometimes just once a month, for the past sixish years.

They all have incredibly busy lives, full of kids, furkids, spouses, friends and work.

And tonight these fabulous, strong and amazing women gave me a gift basket full of their wishes for IMFL.

I peeked in to see their detailed research and support - the obscurities of the triathlon world, from tri stickers to cliff shot blocks to triple shot caffeine Gu. The thoughtful band aid blister packages I'll be putting in my special needs bags and the super soft, big, fluffy, fleecy Halloween socks that will comfort my feet after attempting 140 plus miles. The beautiful card depicting a cute blonde jogger (is that me? blush) drawn by the sweet daughter of one of our members.

And, oh yeah, the gift certificate for a massage - and the fabulous bottle of wine - for celebrating (crossing all fingers and toes) after the race. They all know me so well.

Then there is the "Swim, Bike, Run" bracelet I'll be wearing from now till my race ends on November 3rd.

How fortunate am I to have found such friends?

Incredibly lucky - and thankful!

THANK YOU!!!!

Zippidy Do Da...

Ironwoman Canada has lent me her Reynolds DF UL racing wheels for IMFL.

While, being a newbie, I am more familiar with the Zipps brand, these babies seem like a twin sister.

Assuming I haven't jinxed myself with a flat tire - they should add a little distance to my mph - or offer less effort for the same distance.

I am a bit nervous about using them. Patriot Sangria and I will be heading off this week to the bike store for one final outing to get the "I'm not worthy tires" mounted - and for a little tune-up.

While I feel quite honored to be able to borrow them, Patriot Sangria, on the other hand, is strutting about just thinking of her new accessories.

And Now, We Bring You…The Taper

Almost a year has gone by since sitting at the computer with butterflies in my stomach, waiting for my IMFL registration to go through.

Months have passed – so many incredible experiences and so many lessons learned – which may be good to reflect upon during blog entries over the next two weeks.

But right now, the taper is about ready to begin.

The IMFL athletes guide has been posted. Race numbers should be coming in the next few days.

I’ve ordered my nutrition for Florida – tried and true.

I’ve tested various training clothes to determine the best choices for each stage at IMFL. I’ll be completely changing for each leg of the race – being comfortable and dry will hopefully make up for the extra few minutes of dressing time. Still deciding on the bike vs. tri short option.

I’ve seen signs that indicate that I’m not too far off where I should be physically. Most of the last few workouts these past couple weeks have gone well. I’ve recovered from the super long weekend training sessions to feel pretty good during weekday workouts. I’m wishing there were a few more weeks of crazy distance bikes and runs.

And other than a generalized sense of “something big is on the horizon,” like Christmas when you were a kid, I am not overly anxious or panicking, too much...

Not yet.

Eastern Shore IMFL Camp

Take 10 TRIgirls, 5 coaches, a few brave spouses and several patient kids.
Add 3 days and 2 nights.
Throw in 2 open water swims and 100 plus miles of biking.
Top it off with amazing meals and great company.
What do you get?

The best ever IMFL training camp experience!

About a month or so ago, TRIgirls KB and SS mentioned the idea of an Eastern Shore training weekend. I jumped at the chance - and am so happy and grateful I did. Especially because, since then, all the IMFL folks - coaches and teammates - joined in, too.

So, on Friday, after one last work obligation, I drove my car, packed with sports clothes, Gatorade, snacks, wetsuit, sports bars, some (ahem) wine - and Patriot Sangria tied as best could be on the back of my Accord, to meet everyone at Kiptopeke State Park.

The state park cabin was beautiful - lovely, clean and surrounded by quiet scenery. I straggled in about the same time as TRIgirls LD, SL and SK to meet up with Coach BB and host SS. We unpacked our bags as TRIgirl AM arrived. Just in time - as we decided to test out the Eastern Shore waters.

And, as suspected, salty water makes a difference. You float more. And you do have to get used to some different side effects. For me - the clearer water made me a little dizzy. The salt made my lips swell. We did a lap or two parallel to the shore before heading back to the cabin to meet the rest of our training buddies - TRIgirls KB, DL, CH and Coach ERC and his wife. The long car ride and short swim made us hungry. TRIgirls CD and SK came to the rescue with our meal - we chowed down on lasagna, salad, garlic bread (and some wine to wash it down). Sitting around the fireplace, we played a "password" game for an hour or so - which included many laughs about game rules and pygmies (don't ask).

Then it was time for bed. TRIgirl CH found cryptic messages in the paper for our anticipated workout - including "Hamlin proposes plan B" and a pygmy picture (?). She also had TRIgirl DL and I laughing hysterically at the idea of a clear wetsuit - and all the implications - from fat rolls to speedos.

Life was good as we drifted off to sleep with the cabin window open to fresh Eastern Shore air.

Grateful for a few extra snoozing hours compared to many Saturday training workouts, the house started to wake around 7:00 AM, as bike tires were pumped and water bottles were prepared with complicated carbohydrate and protein formula mixtures.

We all headed off on a gorgeous and cool fall day - a 100 mile bike ride in the plans. We rode together for the first few miles. Whoo hoo, yes, flat roads as promised - and yes, the sun was starting to warm our cold bones.

After awhile, we started to break off into groups. I found myself with the "big kids" - coaches ERC, BB, SS and awesome TRIgirl bicyclists, CD, KB and SK. I decided to hang on as long as I could with my heroes - whether it was 5 or 50 miles. Drafting off Coach ERC was key - his 6' plus frame was a wonderful sail for me. I've tried drafting in the past - but never really "got it" until this weekend. I worked hard - but quietly cruised along, like a measly, grateful barnacle.

And 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 miles went by. I did my best to keep up - and I'm pretty sure my riding mates took a little pity on me now and then - by slowing down to help me stay with them when I started to tire. Lately, since Patriot Sangria came into my life, my pace is about 16-18 mph - depending on the conditions and distance. This weekend, thanks to lots of successful drafting off my generous riding mates, I was hitting 19-20 mph. And a couple of times, the pace hit 22-23 miles per hour.

Between miles 80 and 90, I started to grow weary - physically and mentally. The wind seemed to pick-up. I was just about done working hard to keep up and I fell back. I stopped to refuel. Then, after a few more miles, I saw my biking heroes ahead. We had about 10 more miles left. They had waited for me and I decide to thank them by trying a little harder to keep up during the last few miles. I am pretty sure they slowed down, too - but we finished together - before Coach BB headed out for a bunch more miles to check on the rest of the riders.

I swear, getting off the bike, to lay on the concrete walk with the strong sun rays hitting my tired body, felt GREAT.

The rest of the evening included lots of yummy food (thanks to Grillmaster Coach BB), good wine, fun conversation and interesting Kona watching - until I decided to crawl into my bed around midnight.

The next morning, enticing breakfast smells (and TRIgirl CH climbing down from the top of the bunk beds we shared) woke me up. Bacon, incredible French toast (thanks to TRIgirl CD's recipe and preparations) and lots of fresh fruit were on the menu. We shared a wonderful breakfast before heading out again for another open water swim.

More TRIgirls and coaches were in tow (no pun intended) this time as we swam from a docked boat to Coach ERC's kayak to shore a bunch of times. TRIgirl SK and Coaches BB and SS gave me a few examples of what to expect in Panama City as they practically swam over me.

We finished the swim, took outdoor showers and started on the two hour drive back home.

A bunch of workouts to be happy and proud of - in our IMFL back pockets.

What an incredible weekend!

Happiness Is...

• A day off from workouts.
• Spending time with my furkids roughhousing and playing catch.
• A call with my parents long overdue.
• A husband who grocery shops for the snacks and the nutrition I'll be needing for the long training weekend ahead on the Eastern shore (thanks to the coordination of TRIgirls SS and KB).
• My bags already packed for the weekend's open water swim and long bike ride.
• Knowing that I'll be spending the weekend with fabulous, fun and motivating TRIgirl friends and training buddies as we swim and bike the Eastern shore, watch the Kona World Championships on our laptops and eat lots of food and even drink some (or lots) of wine.

So Maybe I am NOT a Trail Runner

A few weeks ago, TRIgirl CD suggested we do the BB&T Scholarship 30K to meet our 20 mile run training scheduled for this weekend. Shaded course, water stops, being with the TRIgirls - sounded like a good plan.

So yesterday began with waking up at 5:30 to pick-up TRIgirl DL to drive over to Pocahontas State Park. The race venue was small - maybe 200 runners split up between the 10K, 20K and 30K distances. No race chips.

While Fall gave us a tease a few weeks ago, it has been an Indian Summer lately. The leaves have hardly changed and temperatures have floated around the 90 degree mark for the past week or so during the day. And it has been unseasonably humid.

With my "fly by the seat of my pants" approach to keep up the best I can with life given these last few IM training weeks, I had pretty much forgotten the 30K was a trail run.

So, off we went. Given the 7:00 am start - it was cool - temperature wise - but so humid I felt like I was running through a cool mist. My legs were not at all fresh from packing in extra bike miles from missing the previous week's 90 mile bike to do Naylor's and which included some speed work within those extra miles. We ran through the parking lot and then begin to hit "the trail" - the course consisted for three 6.3 mile loops - with maybe about 3/4 mile of each loop on a paved surface.

I quickly learned that maybe my first trail run shouldn't have been one that would be 19 miles (the course was long). Uphill, downhill, over roots, under hanging trees, over rocks, through wet grass, uphill, downhill, over bridges, turning switchbacks. I often thought to myself, I would love this trail, if I was walking with my dogs wearing hiking shoes on a cool, crisp Fall day.

But I wasn't, I was jogging in ridiculous humidity with my Newtons. Their open mesh tops became a haven for rocks and sand which had be be emptied out several times during the run.

I was tense. I couldn't really hit a decent pace except for the mile or two of sandy flats along each loop. I was always on the alert for large rocks and roots. I was less comfortable on the downhills than the uphills since I felt the need to lean back and put on the brakes to do my best to prevent a fall or twisted ankle. For most of the first loop, I ran with TRIgirl CH - it was great to spend some time with her.

It was tempting to just stop after the first loop. I imagined finding the nice paved road that lead into the park and run it a bunch of times to hit the mileage. But, I didn't - and it was on to loop two. After watching runners on the first loop, I realized that I could walk up the hills almost as fast as I could jog them - and felt stronger at the crest. It was encouraging to see all the TRIgirl pink along the race course as I crossed paths with TRIgirls KB, SL, TB, SK (well, at the start line), CD, SD, LD, SS, AM, MW, AF, CH, DL, MW, KB and KFG - and several TRIboys - BB, DD, RE, SS and DG.

The sun came out during the second loop. The cool mist was replaced with warm steam. Thank goodness 90% of the course was shaded. The aid stations were about 1.5 miles apart, so I had to play with my Gu intake. Instead of a half gu every other aid station (normally 2 miles), I ended up doing a half to a full Gu every aid station. Given that each mile was taking me quite a bit longer - this became a good plan.

My shoulders and back were getting tired from being so tense. I'd occasionally stop and try to breathe and twist out the anxiety. The second loop was coming to an end and I heard TRIgirl TB cheering me in. OK, I thought to myself. I can do one more loop.

The third loop rewarded me with more familiarity with trail running and the course. I started to feel a bit more comfortable - and was able to take off several minutes from my first two loops. I finished the 19 miles in 4:04.

I was so happy to be done with the distance - and even more relieved to be off the trails without a broken bone.

I'm pretty sure my time could have been faster for the distance, but I recognized that this training race was a better overall workout. And while physically the miles took longer - mentally they went by more quickly - between having to be aware of my environment to the aid stations to the pretty course.

I don't think I'll venture out anytime soon on another 30K trail run - but would love to get some experience with a few 5 or 10Ks in the future. Though I'll still always appreciate the BB&T - for its shady course, water stops - and being with the TRIgirls!

Naylor's Glamour Shots

Ah, the Brightroom email arrived today with the link to my pictures from Naylor's.

Bike photo 1 - little blurry.
Bike photo 2 - not bad.
Bike photo 3 - similar to the previous.
Run photo 1 - that isn't me.
Run photo 2 - must be another mix-up.
Run photo 3 - well that one, that one looks like me.

Seriously, I looked at run photos 1 and 2 for a few minutes trying to figure out which other TRIgirl was pictured. I actually saved them to my desktop, opened PhotoShop, zoomed in - and still a bit incredulous, realized they were me.

I am not trying to be self-deprecating. These photos are like Glamour Shots of the triathlon world, where everything works out perfectly. The lighting, the shadows, the angles, the moment in time.

Here is photo 3 - the way I am used to seeing myself for race running photos.




















And here are my Glamour Shots. Maybe if I only save these, I'll forget in a few years that they weren't quite reality.

No One

It hit me the past few days.

I've heard the stories. I've read the blogs. A recent post by Tea really pointed it out.

The many triathletes or runners who have been told by others that they may not reach their goals.

And I realized, one again, how lucky I am.

The chubby grammar school kid occasionally excused from gym class due to asthma who wanted to ride bikes with the neighborhood kids. The pre-teen non-athlete who had kind friends when picking teams during those challenging adolescent years. The girl with just a smidge of dancing background, spending weeks practicing kicks and splits for the high school kickline squad try-outs.

No one ever told me "You can't."

No one.

I was occasionally made fun of. Which may have lead to feeling a bit embarrassed about how slow I was.

But no one ever said "You shouldn't."

I occasionally surprised everyone, mostly myself. I made that kickline squad and became the captain three years later.

And now, as this woman approaching middle age who signed up for some ridiculous sounding race.

No one has said "You'll never."

Over the past year, I've shared my IM goal with friends and family. Along the journey, a tiny few have mentioned their concerns (is the human body made to do this, why would you want to?). But mostly, they've been incredibly supportive. They've checked in on my training and progress. They've cheered my accomplishments, no matter how small.

They've never said "You can't."

They've never said "You shouldn't."

They've never said "You'll never."

I am so fortunate - and so grateful - for their support.