The New Lane of Joy

Ironwoman Canada stirred things up a bit at yesterday's Masters class.

First, instead of sequentially placing us in the pool from slowest to fastest, she re-orged the lanes. The Lane of Dread, normally the 3rd lane, was moved to the 5th lane, typically occupied by the second fastest swimmers (who seem to have a completely different workout than a bunch of us). I have no idea where those guys ended up - but it was kind of neat to not feel so obviously "ranked."

Second, she placed more TRIgirls in the Lane of Dread. I think out of the six or seven swimmers - 2/3 were TRIgirls. TRIgirls Fave and KO have joined me in the Lane of Dread before (and have kindly let me draft off them) - but I was so happy for TRIgirl SQ, who, I believe, completed her first entire Masters in the LoD, with much more grace and speed than my initial attempts.

Thanks to them, the Lane of Dread might need to be renamed - it might need to be called the new Lane of Joy.

We've got a few more TRIgirls who are on the verge of graduating. Soon the Lane of Dread Lane of Joy II, will be the "IT" place to be.

"The Wizard"

While blog hopping this weekend, I found an awesome post, "Off to See the Wizard," by Elizabeth Fedofsky.

For those out there like me, finding The Wizard is not always easy.

Some of you may not know this, but I used to be a teacher, actually, a special educator, for nine years. (This will become more relavant, please bear with me.)

When teaching, especially kids with special needs, you become proficient in task analysis. I wanted my students to succeed - and I would figure out the interim objectives and activities needed to help them master their long term goals. For some, the next step would be just a tiny jump from a previous accomplishment. Some preschoolers would learn a letter a day merely looking at flashcards. Some would need a week, adding songs and games. Some would need a month, requiring multiple lessons using every modality, from drawing in sand to physically creating the letter (think the YMCA song).

I’ve been able to apply this skill to other areas of my life. Like training. But I’ve always considered my non-athletic self to be like the preschoolers who needed plenty of extra time and a lot of creative tutoring to learn the entire alphabet compared to their peers. I'd defined myself as slow for so long, I made assumptions about my limits and extrapolated my slowness to cover longer distances.

There were a few moments during last year’s training when, reflecting back, I think The Wizard might have been peeking in. Eagleman morning. The torturous BB&T trail run. Miles 80-90 during the Eastern Shore Bike ride. But, thanks to my excellent coaches, most of my Ironman workouts were a gradual progression of building up hours and miles. Like a giant 140.6 mile task analysis.

Since Ironman, but before learning about The Wizard, I’ve been wondering about strange, new ideas – like pushing beyond my comfort zone and believing improvements are possible.

I think there have been a few times these past few months when I could have caught a glimpse of The Wizard had I known he existed. A few PR runs. My first 25 meter no breather.

He still has not made grand entrance, but I think he is inching closer.

A New Triathlon

Shower....

Nap...

Wine.

That is the mantra that helped me survive today's workouts. Especially the chilly, damp bike ride (including some icy rain) with TriDi, Popsrcr and REB60.

I wasn't able to fit in the nap, but truly enjoyed the other two legs of this new triathlon this evening.

The "Just Do What You Can" Workout

For various reasons, the past two weeks included a couple of missed workouts. Some of the reasons were fun - like having family in town. Some of the reasons were stressful - like a few very long work days.

The hump day was Wednesday, which started with hectic last minute tasks to pull off an open house/services showcase at work - which was planned for that evening - which continued with post event celebrating with staff and corporate bigwigs - and ended with me waiting around 1:00 in the morning to have the boot removed off my car because I parked in the wrong spot in our parking garage when dropping off wine and beer 17 hours earlier.

Needless to say, I missed Wednesday's swim.

Thursday, I was exhausted. I convinced myself to attempt a six mile run and an hour on the trainer but lowered my expectations to just keeping one foot in front of the other. After the first two miles of my run, I had to push myself to continue after seeing some pretty pitiful paces.

But then something weird happened. The guilt that drove me to start my workout was replaced with relief to be outside, even though it was cold and damp, and acceptance of whatever it was my body was willing to do. Strangely enough, without consciously trying, the paces for the last four miles picked-up.

The hour on the trainer was solid - not my best, but enough of a workout to leave my legs feeling a little tight and tired.

The overall exhaustion was still lurking behind the scenes as I started nodding off around 9:00 that evening.

After a great night's sleep, my battery has begun recharging. I'm looking forward to riding tomorrow with TriDi, Popsrcr and REB60. I'm almost looking forward to running 10 miles this weekend. And I'm itching to get back into the pool!

Next week's schedule looks promising for getting back on track.

But I am oddly satisfied with yesterday's less than stellar workout.

Ding! Round 2!

Not surprisingly, Jonah has made the first cut in the Evotri contest!

So now it is time for Round 2! To vote, email vote@evotri.com with "Jonah Holland - Round Two" in the subject line before. Round two voting will continue until 11:59 PM PST Saturday, February 23, 2008.

Go Jonah!

Go Vote! by Buttercup, Fezzy and TRIgirl 40

No, no, not the primaries!

Buttercup, Fezzy and TRIgirl 40 are endorsing Jonah Holland for Team EVOTRI!

Buttercup and Fezzy love that Jonah is an animal lover.

But TRIgirl 40 has been inspired by Jonah since joining TRIgirls.

Jonah's platform:

1. Conquer obstacles and fears
2. Support your community
3. Inspire all triathletes
4. Give your heart and soul to triathlon

But you all can see for yourselves - check out Jonah's video application.

Then go vote! (just put "Jonah Holland" in the email subject line.)

Thresholds

After you've trained for an endurance race, I wonder if your workout perceptions become skewed?

I remember when a three mile run seemed tough.

Feeling justified in consuming decadent post race breakfeasts after my first few sprint triathlons.

Taking naps after three hour bike/run bricks.

Today, with understanding family in town, turned out to be a four hour workout. My brother and sister-in-law even joined me for the swim leg.

Four hours - seems to be what it takes - to rev up the hungry belly monster, to wish for a nap, to feel "worked out."

I've missed this feeling.

Happy Valentine's Day!

This morning my husband left waiting for me what might be my most favorite Valentine's gift ever:

I just can't stop smiling looking at this cuddly bear with the cutest pink workout attire and accessories.

Thank you, hubby!

Taking a Break

Coach G said something to me the other day that hit home with the way I’ve been feeling lately, “A few years ago I lost ten minutes and have never been able to get them back.”

That is what the past week or so has been like. Sometimes I’ve found myself unconsciously holding my breath or with my shoulders tensed up to my ears.

But, for the most part, it is just the stress of a slightly over crammed everyday life. And I am going to take a few minutes away from it to reflect on some good training stuff from this past weekend.

Saturday, I joined TRIgirl BL, her husband, TRIgirl SJG, her husband and a few of their friends for an early bike ride – the same challenging hilly course from a few weeks ago. Our pace was over 2 miles per hour faster this week – and I made it up the tough hill without having to jump off and walk. OK, I have to admit, another rider gave me a little push to make it easier – though I consider it negated by being pulled down the next uphill climb by the devilish Mr. SJG.

Time was running out, so while I couldn’t completely finish my brick, TRIgirl SJG and I squeezed in a West Creek nub – almost at our tempo pace – which was pretty impressive considering TRIgirl SJG was battling a cold.

Good stuff!

On Sunday, I met up with TRIgirl BL for a longer run. At the suggestion of TRIgirl SJG, we headed off to Deep Run Park. It had been a long time since I’ve run at this park – and for good reason – there are quite a few challenging hills and even a little off-road turf to deal with. Combined with 40-50 mile per hour winds, the run felt much longer than it actually was. But we completed it – and at a pace that was much better than I expected.

Then it was off to the pool for a solitary swim workout. 2600 quiet, easy meters. A decent timed mile thrown in.

Good stuff!

Bright and early Monday morning, it was time for Guppies. For the first time, I was able to complete a 25 meter no breather swim lap. And 3 25s in a row of (my attempt at) fly.

Good stuff!

I’m about to return to reality, but ahhh, look at that, for now my breathing has slowed down and I’m feeling more relaxed.

Good stuff!

A Spring Tease

A gorgeous weekend is winding down here in Richmond, Virginia. Both Saturday and Sunday were unseasonably warm, temperatures in the 50s and 60s, with the sun shining strongly.

Which meant two great workouts and a perfect excuse to put in a few extra miles!

Our Saturday bicycling group dwindled down to just REB60 and me. REB took me on an extended version of what is called the "Ashland Coffee and Tea Breakfast Ride." We headed out through the backroads of Hanover County which, for the most part, were traffic free, smooth and pretty. Only one hill of consequence - a nice long gradual twisting climb that just went on and on and on, but really didn't seem that bad. We both agreed that the ride felt easier compared to last weekend's. REB is laying the groundwork for riding the "Three Sisters." TRIDi and Popsrcr's stories of these killer ladies have me a bit nervous, but if I am going to even consider MoM...which I am not saying I am...

Yes, this is most definitely a good time to change topics.

So, today, I met up with TRIgirl BL for a long run. I wore shorts and short sleeved shirt - and regretted not breaking out a tank top to catch some rays. It was THAT warm. We were both a little, uhm, dehydrated, from our different previous night's festivities (thank goodness I stayed away from the Hurricanes). We didn't break any records, but felt better and better as the miles ticked by, finishing the distance in a respectable time.

Then it was off to the pool for an easy recovery swim. TRIGirl BL bringing up a good point that today would be a great day to know someone with a heated pool.

And I am dancing in my chair seeing the following weather predictions for the week:

Ironman Void

Since I missed tonight's swimming due to preparing for tomorrow's work meeting, I've had some time to ponder. Could my Ironman void this year possibly be filled by doing the most challenging of each discipliine separately?

Like the planned 4.4 mile swim in the Chesapeake Bay with TRIgirls DL and JH?

What if I considered the previously unthought idea of a stand alone marathon in the fall, without the promise of my beloved swim or bike portions (Richmond or other ideas, anyone)?

What if I attempted a double metric century ride with Coach B and TRIgirl CD with a daunting name like "Mountains of Misery?" and an even more ridiculous looking elevation profile?" (Sorry REB60 and Popsrcr, the Wintergreen thing seems even more crazy.)

This is all hypothetical, of course.

Hill Treaty Disclaimers

My newly awakened love for hills needs a few disclaimers:

1. Does not apply to running up and down very steep hills multiple times.
   
2. Still does not apply to the bike, especially rides with constant climbs or little, steep, evil monsters (be forewarned if Tri-ing’s husband ever offers to plan a route for you – thank goodness for being able to draft off REB60)!
   
3. Does not apply to hills when running ten miles trying to keep somewhere between a tempo and easy pace, especially within days of above exceptions.

The Spirit Resonates

A few days ago, a bunch of TRIgirls attended the limited release of Spirit of the Marathon, a documentary following a diverse group of runners, ranging from first timers to pros, as they train for and participate in the Chicago marathon.

Even though a stand alone marathon is one distance I haven't done - and probably won't, the movie resonated with me, and I think, many of my training buddies.

Lori - the first timer who irons her name on her race shirt so the crowd will cheer her on.

Leah - another first timer who observes that when her friends are together socially, they talk constantly about running, but when they are running, they talk about everything else.

Jerry - the 70 year old who does marathons for the t-shirt and whose runner's high occurs after he stops running.

They run. They eat. They face obstacles. They run some more.

And, finally, race morning, they wake-up in the dark, eat their oatmeal and kiss their loved ones goodbye. They stand among the thousands of other racers, the static charged energy flowing through the crowd - a mixture of apprehension, nerves and excitement on the first timers' faces.

Reminding me of the way I've felt before my first ironman, half ironman, olympic tri, half marathon, 10K - even my first sprint distance.

Then the elation, triumph and sense of accomplishment after conquering the challenge that was months in the making.

Reminding me of how I've felt after completing those virgin distances.

Which kind of gave me goosebumps. Maybe I'll have to rethink the marathon resolution...

Decision Made (For Me)

Due to the extraordinary temptations by several TRIgirls, a few days ago, I started to rethink my decision to skip the Shamrock Half marathon this year. TRIgirl BL said we could pace each other and TRIDi offered me a place to stay. TRIgirls CD, DL, Annnn and TRIJones enticed me with further bribes and promises that made the race sound almost fun. I even threw in a little 9ish mile run with TRIgirl BL this weekend to see how it would feel.

So, I checked my calendar, consulted my training schedule and went to the website to register.

"The Shamrock Half-Marathon Registration is now closed. We have reached our maximum limit."

And, in case the crazy thought crossed anyone's mind, there is no chance I'm signing up for the full. I must stick to my resolution of only doing a full marathon if it is part of an Ironman.

So I'll be cheering all you green and pink racers from afar!

Snow, Snow, Go Away, Patriot Sangria Wants to Play

TRIDi just emailed me the following from Channel 8 Stormtracker:

"We are starting to watch an area of rain in the Gulf of Mexico that will be moving into the southeast this evening. This system will increase our clouds tonight, but ahead of that our low temperatures will dip into the upper 20s to near 30. That system will slide across North Carolina on Saturday and that puts us under the gun again for another round of wintery weather. This will be a different system than Thursday's as we will be getting colder as the weather moves in. That means we may start off as rain for Richmond and points south and east but transition to snow during the afternoon and evening. The timing of that change over will determine exactly how much snow we receive, but it currently looks like we may see a couple of inches here in central Virginia, including the Metro Richmond region."

And Popsrcr has confirmed, "This is a proper storm to bring snow. With the arctic airmass in place, I agree with the forecast."

I don't like this weather forecast. Can someone bring me another one, please?

Yesterday, I moved Patriot Sangria from off the trainer inside our house to the garage. She has been waiting there patiently in anticipation of tomorrow's ride.

She is going to be quite sad if the weather forecasters are actually right this time.

I Heart Masters Class

As much as I've always recognized Masters class was good for my swimming, I have to admit I've often found myself driving to it with mixed emotions. I looked forward to seeing Ironwoman Canada and working out with my friends (TRIgirls are literally taking over the pool - sometimes occupying up to 2-3 lanes!). But, the 6:30 pm start time meant most weeks I'd just finished a stressful day at work. There have been several occasions I've had to use all my willpower to not allow my car to take me home instead of the Y.

Then there was the apprehension of being the slowest. And looking like a spaz during drills. And feeling the panic and discomfort when gasping for air during sprints.

But this year has been different. I'm finding that even if I arrive to class a bit weary and tired - within a few minutes of swimming I am happy again - and enjoying most of the sets.

Yesterday, for whatever reason, I really liked the workout. Maybe because it was the first time I came within 50 meters of doing the entire swim practice posted. Yes, I stayed a few extra minutes and drafted off the super strong TRIgirl BL - but I finished my longest distance in Masters class to date - 2750 meters.

Or maybe it was because I found myself (almost) looking forward to the change of pace when we hit the sprint sets. Interspersed between 300s and 100s were 3 sets of 6x25 sprints. I remember, not so long ago, when doing 1 set of 4x25 sprints just about did me in. (OK, I have to fess up here - one of my 6x25s was actually a 4x25 - hence the missed 50 - I ended up getting behind a confused swimmer and Ironwoman Canada let me sit out for 2 25s until the group caught up.)

But maybe it all just comes down to mere emotions. Like this year's "believe" theme. Or a sense of accomplishment vs. frustration. Or rediscovering, that as the pieces gradually come together, underneath it all, I just truly love to swim.

I'm Still Laughing

So today, I’m swimming with the Guppies. We’ve just finished a drill and are hanging out by the pool’s edge while Ironwoman Canada gives out critiques, feedback or praise.

All of a sudden, the lifeguard calls out, “Dude, go put on a suit!”

All Guppy heads immediately swing to the locker room entrance to find…

Buck Naked strutting about in all his glory until a look of absolute embarrassment registers on his face as he quickly covers his privates, turns around, butt cheeks flailing, as he scampers back into the locker room.

After a few moments of stunned silence, we all burst out laughing for several minutes.

And I, for one, struggled during a few subsequent sprint laps, the memory still a little too vivid, and totally messing up my breathing with uncontrollable giggles.

How can you FORGET to put on your swim suit?

Oh yeah, though I would have bet otherwise, Buck was back a few minutes later.

Thankfully, wearing his suit.

A Hill Treaty

I have to be honest. This week included my first “hill” workout since Ironman training. (Shhh, don't tell the coaches.)

Even before IMFL, I justified running the rolling sections of my neighborhood or West Creek for most of my hill workouts because Florida was a flat race.

It has been awhile since I repeatedly pushed myself up a good, long climb. Because, as many of you have heard me whine, hills and I haven't had a very copasetic relationship in the past. Just running up the slight incline at the VITA course would leave me hacking and sputtering. The few times I attempted the Nickel Bridge or the pit of despair were pure torture. I chugged like a freight train and nearly collapsed when reaching the top. My quads would burn, but not as much as my poor, confused lungs.

Mightyman has hills – for both the bike and run. Facing my nemesis was long overdue. It was time to tackle a real hill workout.

Just outside the University of Richmond campus is a looong climb – probably somewhere between 1/3 and 1/2 mile. Parts are steep, parts level off to fake flat - but a continued upward gradient the whole way.

Four times. The plan was to run up (and then down) this monster four times.

First attempt, I thought to myself, “Good Gosh, I'm only like one minute into this hill and there is still so much ahead." Then a minute or so later, "OK, this seems doable, but remember it is just the first time.”

Second attempt, “Ow, ow, a little side cramp issue, but legs feel good. There are some pretty houses around here. Two more times. I am halfway done.”

Third attempt, “Whew, cramp seems to have eased off during the downhill, legs are getting a little tired. Breathing heavier. Concentrate!”

Fourth time, “Yeah, legs are tired. Slowing down a little. Pull out the word. Believe you can do this. See, you can speed-up a little. Wait, I’m almost done. This workout was not just not bad. I may have even…

LIKED

THE

HILLS!”

Sometime over these past few months, my body has figured out how to deal better with hills. But like a friend's kid who you haven't seen in years, and you are shocked to find out said kid is taller than your friend, it hit me with surprise. All the IM training - mental and physical - tiny gains building over time - led to my perception of a significant improvement from my memories of previous similar hill workouts.

There is a chance I may have finally overcome my hill phobia, when running anyway. We've made a new pact that goes beyond resigned tolerance.

Alas, a major peace summit still seems to be needed for the biking. Just ask TRIDi, Popsrcr and REB60 - they smoked me during the last hill in today's bike ride!

Thank You!

I can’t quite believe it – but am incredibly grateful and honored…

Journey to Ironman has won in the Topical Category in the RVANews 2k7 Richmond Blog Awards.

http://rvanews.com/2008/01/richmond-blog-awards-2007/

Stumble, blush, stutter…

THANK YOU, Triathlonmom, for the nomination. Your blog has always been a major inspiration for me, not only for training, but also for awakening my interest in attempting to journal my thoughts for the first time in years.

THANK YOU, TRIgirls and TRIfriends, for voting – and for sharing the experiences that are sprinkled throughout this blog. Just another example of the power of TRIgirls!

THANK YOU, family and friends, for voting, too. I have a feeling more of you read my blog than I realized.

THANK YOU, fellow bloggers, for allowing me and my ramblings into this cool virtual world.

THANK YOU, RVANews, for hosting the Richmond 2k7 contest and promoting the blogging community!

THANK YOU, any other readers, far and near!

Fezzy and Buttercup thank you all as well as they saunter about feeling quite proud of themselves. They are convinced this honor proves there should be less posts about training and more guest submissions from them.

Was it the Chinese Food?

I don’t often remember my dreams and only a few have related to training. Maybe just one or two I can recall.

The other night, though, I had one of those “can’t do anything right” kind of dreams. The kind that leave you stressed after they are over - and you want to go back to sleep to change what happened.

I'm at the White Lake Half IM (which, in my surreal world, looks oddly like IMFL). I finish a great swim. I run to the transition area, calling for a volunteer because I don’t want to be stuck doing everything by myself like what happened during T1 at IMFL. Someone comes over to help me with my clothes.

I can’t find my socks (and I am looking in my gym bag for some strange reason). I debate going sockless, but worry about blisters forming that would be a problem on the run. So I decide to wear my wet socks from the swim (yeah, that makes sense). I look down and notice I am in yoga workout clothes (things I don’t even own in real life), but figure that will be OK, because I’ll be comfortable. I run to my bike and look down. Ugh, forgot my shoes. Run back to my gym bag, but can’t find them. Look around and notice they are on a shelf further down in the transition area (I’ve often seen wooden shelves in transition areas, haven’t you?). I put my shoes on and run to my bike. I start pedaling and realize my yoga outfit, especially the sweatshirt I am wearing, is making me way too hot. So I turn around on my bike to return to the transition area. I dig out one of my racing sleeveless shirts and put it on instead.

I finally get on my bike – I’m annoyed that my great swim was followed by such a horrible and time consuming T1.

And then I wake-up.