Return to White Lake

The Barricudas and I arrived in White Lake late last night.

There is more to tell about our accommodations, but long story short, all is fine and we have a shorter walk to the lake and race site. We have a lovely porch and boat deck to enjoy the views of cypress trees and sunsets.

We swam for about a half hour today. Just as beautiful as I remembered. Somebody needs to create a 2 to 6 mile swim in this gorgeous body of water.

We drove the bike course. Just as flat (and sometimes boring) as I remembered. It is only one loop and I shouldn't get lost. Somebody should create a century ride on these roads.

I ran for a bit. This is a training race for me, so not much of a taper. Even in the low 70s it was hot. The run was not easy, but better than a few recent attempts. Race day should be even hotter than today - maybe warmer than I remembered. Somebody should create a half IM that starts at 4:00 pm and takes advantage of the shade and breezes of White Lake evenings.

We had a great carb loading meal tonight - of Barricuda BL's pasta, meat sauce and salad. Somebody should open a restaurant around here half as good.

I am content and happy. I may not be ideally ready for this race (this run), but am happy to be here - and looking forward to race day, starting with birds chirping nervously and ending with limbs cooling gratefully...

oh, and some half IM race in between.

Running vs. Me

Running has always been a struggle for me.

I watch natural runners - and see their graceful, beautiful gait.

And when I think I've made gains toward such elegance, I'll look in the mirror while on the treadmill...

And see the slow and lumbering me.

I look heavier than I am. I feel that way, too. I move ploddingly, even when I feel like I am going fast.

Through much work and effort, focusing on form and conditioning, my running gradually improved - I almost started to like running.

Then, just a few weeks after a hard earned and motivating half marathon...

an unexpected set-back with the stress fracture. Which has healed quite nicely and causes me no discomfort.

Now it seems like the progress I'd worked so, so hard to make over the past two years has floated away on a big ole balloon. I can't figure out what it is exactly, but running just feels hard and cumbersome and yucky.

But I also know I am not mentally there either. I never really *missed* running during recovery.

I've been thinking about this - how my love for the bike has made it easier to become a better bicyclist. How a long or tough swim brings on relaxation and comfort, in addition to a good kind of tiredness. These are both good cycles - feeding each other with positive energy.

After a few frustrating weeks of huffing and puffing and just generally feeling like crap during my run workouts, I'm taking a step back - I need to rediscover an enjoyment with running. Maybe that will involve throwing my watch away for awhile or giving myself an pass if I am feeling frustrated - or looking for that workout where a good push could bring the satisfaction...an inkling of

what it could feel like to love to run.

Why I Love To Run - By TRIgirl 40 Something

I love to run...

Uhmmm....

Uhmmm...

Uh....

Fezzy and Buttercup, can you come back here?

Why I Love to Run - By Fezzy

I love to run...

• To chase Daddy's old handballs.
• To partake in the "Bichon Buzz."
• To celebrate my daily constitutional.
• To build up enough momentum to get anywhere in deep snow.
• To say hello to other dogs and people (because my feelings are hurt if they don't want to meet me).

Why I Love to Run - By Buttercup

I love to run....

• To chase squirrels.
• To claim my food at meal time.
• To steal Fezzy's food if possible.
• To remember my love of soccer balls.
• To show younger dogs that I am still tough.

Rumpass in Bumpass - Race Report Part 2

My training buddies and I were in the same swim start wave – which was very cool. We eased into the water, chilly, but really not that bad. We went through the previous day's tips and added pouring hot water down our wetsuits – which was incredibly helpful. So much so, that even getting out of and back in the water was no problem.

After a final group hug, our blue cap wave was about to set off. I followed Ironwoman Canada’s directions to start more toward the front of the pack. The swim felt great and I didn’t even mind being close to other racers. The first yellow turn buoy arrived fairly quickly. At this point, I still had two racers on either side of me who had been swimming with me for awhile – so I just continued along with them around the turn.

Stroke, stroke, stroke, sight, don’t see the buoy for awhile.

Stroke, stroke, stroke, sight, still no buoy.

Stroke, stroke, stroke, there is the first buoy ahead.

Stroke, stroke, stroke, sight, look for next buoy.

Notice there are NO swimmers ahead and STOP.

My swim partners kept going while I looked around. Yep, no one was ahead, though a few poor souls had followed us – as we basically had made a U-turn and were heading back to the start. Did I just blow any chance of a PR within the first 10 minutes? Wasn’t my race number supposed to be a good omen? I saw a bunch of blue caps on the correct path and concentrated on narrowing the ever growing gap. Somehow, I caught up with a group of them by the second yellow buoy and, thankfully, managed to stay on course for the rest of the swim. My time was 32:10 – about 40 seconds off my best Olympic swim time – 5/15 in my age group. Considering the extra meters, I was grateful.

In transition, I tried not to dawdle as much as I usually do – and actually did OK – again 5/15 in my age group.

I was excited to get on Patriot Sangria. Before the race, I decided to push the bike – I had an average mph goal in mind if the weather was good and I was feeling strong.

I settled in, ate and drank a bit before the turn to the main road. Then, I gradually built up speed. Since my legs felt good – I tried to figure out that point between what I could maintain with a good push vs. what would be too much. The course was slightly rolling with one climb that was a bit deceiving and a beautiful smooth stretch of road where you could fly. Not many women passed me – and I gradually moved my way up through the crowd, passing a bunch of girls in green team shirts.

Around mile 10, I ran into TRIgirl JS – she looked strong and was having a great bike.

With loop one almost done, I looked for information about loop two. I saw a sign with different arrows pointing to the finish and the second loop.

I swear I followed the right arrow.

But as Devilface wisely commented a few years ago, sometimes you just get race drunk.

I think I sensed something was off – I called out, “Loop 2, Loop 2?” but I don’t think anyone heard me.

Then I see the transition area. Then the dismount line. I slow down and stop.

“Loop 2?”

“This is the finish. You missed it – it is back up by the main road.”

“SH*****TTTT!!!!”

I made it back to the main road to start loop 2 - adding probably a little over a half mile to the day's course. I cringed seeing all those green shirts again - and it took probably another 10 miles to make up lost ground. I was happy that I appeared to be maintaining my pace - maybe it was SuperAnnn's magic candy. I didn't know my overall bike time because I hadn't reset my the trip time (doh) before the race. When race results were posted later, I found out my bike was 1:18:29 - 4/15 in my age group. I met my goal and with a little cushion - especially if factoring in the extra distance!

Pulling in, it was great to see SuperAnnn and Barracuda BL's big smiles.

T2 wasn't quite as good as T1 - 9/15. Maybe because I wasn't nearly so excited about running as I had been about biking!

After leaving transition, it was back onto the trail from earlier in the morning. It was muddy in places - not overgrown, but with a few serious roots sticking up here and there. After pushing on the bike, I definitely felt that wonderful (awful) "brick" feeling - and more pronounced than I'd experienced in a long time.

The run out and backs were mostly on the road, with many rollers. It was getting warm - but still nice and dry - so dumping water felt good and kept me cool for most of the stretches between aid stations.

All the TRIgirls and I were pretty close on the run and we'd see each other on the out and backs. At one point, I told TRIgirl JS that I'd pay someone to do the second loop for me.

I had the Garmin for the run - so I knew my run was averaging at a slower pace than my best for an Oly race. I actually started to feel a little better during the last 2 miles (not that my pace improved at all). Though the last few hundred meters seemed much longer!

Coming around the corner to the finish, I saw and heard our great sherpas cheering. I mustered up a small sprint - and hoped the time I saw on the clock was right. And that the start time was right.

Because if it was...

I found out later my hopes came true. I had a PR - of a whopping 35 seconds - 2:59:28, just barely breaking 3 hours for the first time. Even with my lackluster run of 1:03:12 - 8/15. Overall, I finished 5/15 - with the fourth place finisher beating me by 15 seconds.

All my training buddies had solid races, too. TRIgirl JB shared my need for a compass as she missed a turn on the run and probably did an extra half mile (I'll take extra time on the bike any day vs. the run). And there was some hardware to celebrate! Barracuda BN placed first in his age group and TRIgirl PH finished second in hers. We waited to watch them receive their awards - very cool and impressive glass mugs - while sipping some of SuperAnnn's champagne.

I think all of us were enjoying the day - and we decided to extend it a little longer with a final stop back at TRIgirl JS' home.

For some Rumpus wine and cookies!

Rumpass in Bumpass - Race Report Part I

Race eve, I felt incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to spend the evening at TRIgirl JS's amazing home - about 40 minutes from where I live - but only 10 minutes from the race venue. Set in a gorgeous rural setting, I coveted her stars, porches and peace - not to mention her family built beautiful house.

When I arrived, TRIgirl JS and SuperAnnn greeted me in the driveway. A few hugs later, we leerily drove off to the race site for registration - and to brave the Lake Anna waters. We checked out the run course - which was a little more rolling than I expected - and TRIgirl JS noted that this was a recently posted new course. The previous route would have been much flatter. Sigh.

It was April 17th - and it happened to be my birthday. Though I did not realize it right away, my race number was 42 - my new age. Good luck? mojo? kismet? or just a cool race director? I didn't know, but it was a fun coincidence. I'd be racing on the first day after my birthday with 42s on my arms, thighs - and my calf!

A few weeks ago, TRIgirl JS, PH. JB and SuperAnnn attempted the swim course - surviving about five strokes total due to frigid temperatures. The week or two leading up to the race was tenuous - with worries (for me, anyway) of a possible switch to a duathlon (run, bike, run).

With TRIgirl JS' cold water research tips and SuperAnnn's sherpa thoughtfulness, we ventured into Lake Anna. Cold? Heck yeah, but doable. We were all very relieved that the water had warmed a bit and the tips made a difference.

We set off to meet up with TRIgirl JB for a yummy pre-race dinner - at a lovely country "tavern" with stone walls, ambient lighting and a cozy, comfortable atmosphere. My plate (and wine glass) were practically clean by the end of the meal.

After dinner, it was back to the house as TRIgirl PH was due to arrive. Lots more laughs, a little more wine and some race preparations later, it was time to go to bed. I slept well and woke up at 7:00 - loving being able to leisurely get ready as the race did not start until 10:00.

Everyone seemed relaxed and in good spirits. The morning flew by - with some new race preparations - such as filling a few bottles with hot water and loading a kayak in SuperAnnn's car.

By the time we arrived at the race site, the air temperature was warm and the sun was strong. It was a perfect day weather wise - clear, blue skies and not much wind. The run would be a little warm compared to what we were all accustomed to at this point in the season, but thankfully, there was no humidity.

SuperAnnn headed in one direction with kayak in tow while TRIgirl JS and I headed in the other. We had a decent walk to transition, that included the 200-300 yards of off-road trail that was part of the run course.

Within minutes, we ran into the Barricudas. Barricuda BL was sidelined with a hip injury but came out to sherpa. With 42s written all over my body, I set up transition. My rack seemed fairly spacious and easy to find.

Finally, it was time to put our wetsuits on and "let the wild 'Rumpass' start!"

Happy Birthday to TRIgirl - 42?

So I go to pick up my race packet for the Rumpass in Bumpass Oly on my birthday.

Check out the race number... (oh and there is the wine, too).

Cool Coincidence!

Loved this!

Waiting for the Wild Rumpass to Start

After a nail biting week of wondering about the future of the Rumpass in Bumpass Olympic (my first race of the year), I am starting to feel a little excited:

1. The water is supposedly warm enough for the swim (60 degrees). I really don't believe this rumor - and may regret saying this - but am hopeful that a somewhat icy swim still trumps having to run twice.
2. An open water swim practice could actually happen prior to race day thanks to TRIgirl JS' offer to head up on Friday.
3. Related to the above, race eve festivities include a yummy sounding dinner.
4. I'll be surrounded by great fellow racers and sherpas - I may be bribing SuperAnnn to pour hot water from her volunteer kayak during the Lake Anna swim.
5. Weather for the day is predicted to be sunny and in the upper 70s.
6. I am enjoying "Where the Wild Things Are" quotes to mentally prepare for a fun "rumpus."
7. The bike course sounds lovely and rolling.
8. Runs have sucked ever so slightly less this week.
9. Shoulder movement has increased, as well as interesting little popping sounds.
10. There may be an awesome wine, named in honor of the race (or let's pretend), to break open to celebrate.

Irony

So the day after I had two of the strongest and most fun training swims in the past year, including a new personal best by almost 30 seconds in a 300, I find out it is likely my shoulder has a rotator cuff injury - that could lead to a full blown tear.

For the next two weeks I'll be taking prescription dose Aleve and Voltaren topical anti-inflammatory medication, plus adding a few specialized shoulder exercises to my daily routine. The goal is to reduce inflammation, while increasing strength and flexibility. We are going to hold-off on a cortisone shot until closer to IMUSA, in case the current course of treatment is not sufficient.

No butterfly or sets over 2000 for now either. But I can still swim.

The funny thing is that my shoulder doesn't seem to hurt THAT bad. Matter of fact, it was actually feeling a little better lately.

Yep, the goal will be to just finish IMUSA - but I am grateful to be able to participate. I've had a few friends who have dropped out of - or are worried about dropping out of - the race due to injuries way more challenging than mine.

Training Update - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

The Good -

Love my bike. Love my rides. Love my fellow bike riders. Love...OK, you get the picture. Seriously, the bike is going well. Recently I've had great rides with TRIDi, TGCoach CD and Ironwoman Canada.

I always look forward to rides with TRIDi. She is so much stronger than she gives herself credit for - even before factoring in that she is about to graduate from an accelerated business IT program, works full time and is dedicated to her family, kids, dog and friends. Our rides are tough, but always full of fun moments and great conversation.

TGCoach CD kindly agreed to meet with me for a ride before I left for Phoenix. We made this year's first pilgrimmage to Miller's Lane, with her devious hills and cruel teases. TGCoach CD helped me feel more comfortable with my natural tendencies for dealing with traffic and worked my butt off trying to teach me how to attack hills as we rode the Capital One loop a bunch of times. Build up speed, rise off your seat, come out with acceleration.

Ironwoman Canada and I ventured out on her 5 county course this week. She claims riding with me is fine. It is like the third or fourth time she has been on her bike in over two years due to injury and having a baby - though her rockstar abilities were obvious - I don't think she broke a sweat while I panted and gasped for air more times than I want to remember. She made me pull for over half of the ride, giving me pointers for climbing tough Patterson hills and yelling at me to PEDAL when hitting descents I'd normally coast (and brake) through (I learned that bike breaks were reserved for after the workout, not during) - making this training ride with notable winds and tough climbs within seconds of my White Lake half IM race pace.

Now Patriot Sangria's life would be perfect if we could throw in a few bike rides with more TRIgirls (DL, Annn and MS, among others!), Barricudas (BL and BN) - and the rest of the winter posse!

The Bad -

While my swim training has seemingly remained on track, I had a rude awakening during a core workout when I couldn't put my left arm into the correct position for a lat pull exercise because it.would.not.go. Right arm - perfect, left - a mess. My shoulder pain has fluctuated from tolerable to annoying to more uncomfortable than I want to admit - and when Ironwoman Canada told me "This is not good," I scheduled an appointment with Dr. S for this coming Tuesday. All signs are pointing to tendonitis - and I'm hoping that a good cortizone shot will reduce the inflammation so I can build up strength and flexiblity.

The Ugly -

I've been struggling with running since the SF. Though I am gradually upping the distance, my pace is all over the place. The dreaded side stitch from my early running days has returned, usually around mile 2.5. During my t-run yesterday, I tried running up hills for the first time since SF - and it was not fun. I am grateful that my foot is feeling fine, but also realize I've lost some ground and have my work cut out for me for Placid.

Why I May Have to Do IMAZ in 2010

I'm just catching-up after returning home from a week's stay in Arizona for work and pleasure.

I could so live there. At least, this time of year.

My visit has me (almost) convinced that IMAZ should be in my race future because...

1. The Phoenix area has outdoor pools for swimming. Beautiful, slightly heated outdoor pools. I swam every weekday, feeling the sun on my back and fresh air on my skin. Now Tempe Town Lake is a little murky, but looks like one of the calmest bodies of water in the IM series.
2. Bike lanes have been incorporated into many major roads. Ah - a bike friendly city! The area is mostly flat - and definitely does not have steep climbs or descents.
3. Every day during my visit was sunny and dry. A little windy at times. No, and I mean no, humidity. Running took some getting used to as hydration needs were different, but I didn't even realize I was sweating during my runs until I stopped.
4. I have close friends who live about a half hour away from Tempe and my company has a subsidiary office in Phoenix. Which means I can justify trips easily - wanting to see my friends, getting training time on the IM course - and even having the ability to work remotely if needed.

Plus, I think a cactus themed MDot tattoo would be a cool addition to my ankle.