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!

Where's My Crystal Ball?

Tomorrow is race day – the Monument 10K. At least 30 TRIgirls are running the race – almost all of us on one of six teams.

Before getting into the purpose of this post, I have to say, actual race days are so much more fun because of TRIgirls. From seeing the friends you’ve trained with for months out on the course to the extra cheering squads to the pre and post race activities. I feel so fortunate to be a part of this group and to be surrounded by so many wonderful women.

As part of our pre-race festivities, Coach G posted a challenge to the TRIgirl teams – to guess our finishing times. The team whose predictions are closest to their overall times wins.

At first I was going to predict a 64ish minute time – which was about 3 minutes faster than last year’s race. Then I remembered I ran the Turkey Trott this past November in about 64 minutes – and convinced myself to go for a little extra push beyond my comfort zone. So, I changed my estimate to 61:40. I will have to average a sub 10 minute/mile pace to hit this. As long as I am not having a bad day – I “should” be able to do this. There is even a chance that if I am having a great day, I may even be able to do better.

Yet, I am a bit queasy with this goal. Due to very stiff and sore muscles this week, my last two runs have been less than stellar. I've felt like I was moving through quick sand and could barely keep my easy pace. Today is the first day that I have been able to walk like a normal person. I am hoping it is a good sign that my muscles will be completely recovered tomorrow morning.

And I have to factor in time to grab at a special frozen banana from one of our TRIgirl cheering squads – as long as I am not too delirious and can remember the secret word.

Watch out for the sea of pink that will be invading Monument Avenue tomorrow!

Good luck, racers – and especially all TRIgirls!

The Things I've Forgotten

With all the running around from one gym to another, from one workout to the next (sometimes the same day), I often feel like I am losing my mind. I can almost guarantee I will have forgotten something in the flurry of bag packing – no matter how diligently I try to go through my mental inventory. Here is a list of items I’ve discovered missing in my training bag over the past few months:

• Running sneakers (thank goodness for an extra pair, slated for Goodwill, in the trunk)
• Towel for bike class (had impressive sweat puddles that day!)
• Deodorant (bar soap works better than you might think)
• Work Socks (wore shoes barefoot)
• Workout Socks (wore work socks)
• Shoes (stopped by home before work)
• Goggles (OK, somebody just hid mine as a joke, but it was a scare that had my traipsing around the locker room one morning)
• Pony Tail Holder (looked like Medusa by the end of the workout)
• Watch (spent the day looking at my bare wrist)
• Sports Bra (wore regular bra)
• Regular Bra (wore sports bra (this was after a swim, but before work, then weight, bike training))
• Underwear (don't ask, but it reminds me of a Seinfeld episode...)
• Water (TRIgirl Devil Face shared an extra bottle with me)
• Make-up (had an extra set of most items in my pocketbook)
• Hair Spray (borrowed some from TRIgirl LD)
• Tennis Balls for Guppy Class Drills (well, that was slightly intentional - though I've been told if I "forget" them next week, I'll be carrying everyone else's while they swim without)

The Wetsuit

I've ordered my wetsuit. With custom TRIgirl logo, of course.

This will be the wetsuit that will fit so beautifully, I will overcome feelings of being suffocated.

This will be the wetsuit that will protect me from all things that go bump in rivers, bays, lakes and oceans.

This will be the wetsuit that will keep me warm during my first open water swim at Smith Mountain Lake on May 5th.

This will be the wetsuit that I will don at Eagleman, in the brackish Choptank River.

This will be the wetsuit that will keep me afloat during the two 1.2 mile loops at Panama City for Ironman Florida.

This wetsuit has a lot to live up to. Let's hope it is up for the challenge.

Fezzy vs. the Steps - by Fezzy

I have been a bit annoyed at Mommy recently.

After being gone all day at work and workouts, she finally comes home. She gives me a little bit of attention and then it is time to go upstairs to bed.

She used to scoop me up and kiss me all the way up the stairs. I would try to bite her nose or lick her ears in return.

But lately, she calls Buttercup and me, and says "Upstairs!"

Then she is gone,

WITHOUT ME,

and Buttercup gives me a sideways glance as she follows Mommy.

I would do a little tap dance, tilting my head ever so cutely. I would bark to remind Mommy that she forgot me. And up until now, Mommy would eventually come down to carry me up the stairs.

Well, today, Mommy isn't coming back down.

I see her peeking around the door and I hear her saying "Come on, Fezzy!"

I am waiting for you to come and get me, I bark at Mommy.

"Come on, Fezzy!"

Mommy seems very far away. I am so little. The stairs are so tall and scary.

But I know how to jump up one step - I've been doing that ever since I was a puppy to get into our playroom with all my toys.

I can even go up four steps. I learned that trick on our front stoop.

But, there are many, many steps to get to Mommy. I prop my front legs on the bottom step, but don't know what to do next.

OK, maybe I will try just a little push. Up go my back legs.

Hmmm - let me try that again. Front legs, back legs. I am past the second step!

I suddenly have momentum and am flying up the rest.

Before I know it, I am dancing in front of Mommy.

She scoops me up, gives me kisses - and I lick her ears.

As long as I don't have to go downstairs, I'll be OK. For now, I am tired and ready for bed.

Zzzzzzz.

Cravings

This week, I was reminded by Triathlonmom that we are halfway in our training program to Eagleman – and, thanks to her efforts, a very cool counter has been added to the footer of my blog where I can watch the days tick away to this major race.

I know our training is about to move up to the next intensity level. And I know that I need to seriously evaluate my nutrition plan – for both workouts and races.

Overall, I’ve made a few changes in my diet since my last nutrition post. I am eating more without gaining weight. Breakfast is becoming a regular occurrence. I’m remembering to take a sports bar or jelly beans for workouts that will be over an hour. Most of the time, my beverage of choice is water (well, and some wine, too).

Yet I seem to have predictable hankerings. For a post-workout breakfast (still can’t figure out how to eat anything more than a sports bar before early morning workouts), I really want a bagel. So I pick one up at Manna Café, the little food shop in my office building. Lately, I’ve been adding either a Naked Fruit Smoothie or V8 to my purchase to have as a mid morning snack. Yep, often a cup of coffee is on my receipt, too.

At lunchtime, you can usually find me online at Christopher’s Runaway Gourmet (and usually TRIgirl LD will be waiting with me). This is probably my most balanced meal of the day – low fat chicken salad, fruit or cucumbers, small piece of cheese and a slice of yummy, crusty bread – with butter. I can eat this stuff day after day to the amazement of some of my coworkers.

Dinner is probably my most unusual meal. I crave cheese and salt. So many nights, I end up cutting up some fresh mozzarella, seasoned nicely with some good ole kosher or sea salt. At least when tomatoes are back in season, I can add a few slices for a healthier and less bizarre supper.

While my overall nutrition is better, my guess is that it isn’t good enough. I know the drill - more fruits, veggies and whole grains. My main problem is that I’d rather skip a meal than waste calories on something I don’t want or won’t enjoy. And I think there may be a small fear that if I eat the healthier choice – let’s say whole wheat bread vs. the bagel – I’ll still want the bagel and will end up eating it – or something similar – before the day is done.

Small steps - and I’m ready to take the next one or two. Just need to figure out which ones are most important – or the ones I’ll be more likely to adopt.

A Blustery Day

With temperatures around 70 yesterday, I was itching to be outside - and played hookey from indoor bicycling to ride at West Creek.

The ride started off beautifully.

And then the lions of March started roaring.

I hit a few parts of the course where the wind either slowed me down or propeled me along. Which made for an interesting workout.

But, I should have paid attention to the warnings - like the leaves that were suddenly swirling about in mini tornado fashion.

Because when I soon thereafter hit a section of road with no buildings or trees to act as buffers, I found myself struggling to keep control of the bike. I was literally being pushed across the road by the strong gusts.

After about 15 miles, I'd had enough and decided to fit in a short run instead of completing a longer bicycle ride.

I guess it may have been good practice for Eagleman and IMFL - which I hear can be windy.

Flipping

For my past two swim workouts, I’ve been flailing about, attempting what are supposed to be flip turns.

I’ve had a few people say – why bother – there are no walls in the ocean.

Which is true – and if I really wanted to simulate an open water swim, I’d need to find a way to not push off the wall at all – nor take a little breather when doing a regular turn. Maybe remove the lap ropes and lines, generate some wave action, dump in a few gallons of salt and throw in some jellyfish.

And I think the biggest benefit of flip turns – well, when I can actually incorporate them smoothly into my swimming – will be that I won’t be able to take that additional breath or two. Which, I’ve come to learn, really makes a difference. Without that extra air, swimming, especially longer distances, becomes a wee bit more challenging and tiring.

Not to mention, they “should” help me keep up a little better with some of the faster swimmers – and maybe even improve my time in pool sprint triathlons.

So, this past Sunday and Monday, I tried to include flip turns for a least a quarter of each workout. It wasn’t always very pretty.

The baffling part is that I used to be able to do them when I was a teenager (or at least some version that may not have been “technically” correct, but fairly smooth). I’m very comfortable, even still, doing water acrobatics, from all my childhood practice when my friends and I would pretend the pool lap lines were balance beams and would create little gymnastic routines.

But, I’m hopeful about figuring this whole flip turn thing out. I’ve done some research online and am looking forward to my next swim when I can try out some of the tips I’ve found. For example, I think I am twisting way too soon. It sounds like I should really complete the somersault, then turn.

Once the basic form starts falling into place, I’ll work on stopping the little head bobbing thing I am doing now when nearing the wall to try and gauge at what point to start the turn (and to sneak the extra breath or two that I’d normally have taken with a regular turn).

Would welcome suggestions from the expert flippers out there…

Shamrock 8K - Race Report

And a great time was had by all...

OK, maybe that should have been the ending to this post, but it also felt like the right way to begin. With the Shamrock 8k as the first race of the season for 11 TRIgirls (and tomorrow's half marathon for a few others) this weekend's races have set the stage for a promising season.

Thank goodness the weather improved from yesterday's pouring rain. Thank goodness eight TRIgirls were able crash at TRIgirl MW's wonderful beach home. Thank goodness we had a great pre-race meal of yummy pizza and a healthy salad - and a relaxed, fun evening of fabulous conversation.

And a big happy birthday to TRIgirl TD!

Now on to the actual race report...

Pre-Race Registration and Expo - Smooth as silk - and great deals on sneakers and training gear (and yay - finally found my Mizuno sneakers - in pink - at a terrific price).

Weather - Chilly, windy, but clear. I'm guessing the temperatures were in the 30s with wind gusts up to 15-20 miles per hour. But the rain was gone - and for most of the morning, the sun shined down to warm us up just enough for good race conditions. A few times, the wind would whip between the buildings to surprise a bit, but overall, it wasn't too bad.

Course - Virginia Beach has a very flat course that runs through a "strip" of restaurants and shops, as well as a nice concrete boardwalk for the last mile or so. It was great to run with TRIgirl MW for the first half the race - until she picked up the pace a bit more than I thought I could handle. For the last few miles, had the weather been warmer or less windy, I would have positioned myself along the closest perimeter to the ocean. But since the wind was in my face at this point - I tried to plop myself in the middle of the boardwalk.

Times - I think every TRIgirl had a good race. Some ran the distance without walking for the first time - some took off signifcant times or had PRs. For me, the race was a PR - 48:27, including one mile close to my "new" tempo pace at 9:25 and two miles within reason to my old tempo pace of 9:40. My first mile was not very good - a 10:05 - but mostly because a group of us started so far back, that the first mile became a zig zag game to find an opening to get into the groove. My last .9ish mile, though I felt like I was pushing it, was also at a slower pace - probably around 10+/mile.

I went into the race just wanting to finish at a sub 10 minute/mile pace - which I did - possibly for the first time ever for an official race (there may be one 5K from my younger days, but I am not sure). But after hearing about the major gains by a few TRIgirls, I started to feel like my 3-5 minute improvement from previous 8Ks really wasn't a big deal. My progress in this whole exercise thing is so painstakenly slow at times.

And then I wondered if I just set the "bar" too low. I was a special education teacher for nine years - and became an expert at setting reasonable, reachable goals for my students, breaking down their learning tasks into realistic chunks that they could attain.

Am I breaking down my own training too far? Should I be setting goals a bit further ourside my comfort zone?

Then I decided to just stop over analyzing the situation.

Could I have ran faster? Maybe.

Did I have a better time than ever? Yes.

And, most importantly, did I have fun? Yes.

It was a beautiful day and I participated in an event with some of my favorite people. From piling into MW's SUV to find parking - to celebrating in the race tent with beers (just a sip or two for this wine loving TRIgirl) and at a local bagel shop for breakfast - I reminded myself of all the things I should be grateful for this race weekend.

...and a great time was had by all.

For Just One Day

For just one day, I’d like to run like Jackie Joyner-Kersee, swim like Janet Evans and bike like Lance Armstrong. To switch bodies and see what it feels like to be so amazingly athletic. To run with lungs that can accomplish a 4 minute mile. To swim with shoulders that cut through the water like oars. To bike with thighs so strong they can climb hill after hill after hill. To learn to what extent their power is true gift and how much is hard work. To see if what I consider “effort” compares to their ability to drive themselves through discomfort or pain. To experience their mental stamina and focus.

While it would be humbling (and probably depressing) to return to the world of back-packers, maybe I would have learned how to move with better technique or what it is like to truly push myself to the limit.

Holy Cramps!

Around 4 o'clock this morning, I woke to an impressive calf cramp. I haven't experienced one for a long time - though a few weeks back I wondered if they would start rearing their ugly heads again with all the training.

By the time 6:00 rolled around, I was a little sore and stiff getting out of bed. I did some mild stretching, grabbed two bananas, extra Gatorade and headed out to our workout - 3 miles of running, including my favorite "fast as you can half mile repeats," followed by two hours on the bike.

The workout went fairly well - I was a little cautious at times during the run and bike, pausing occasionally to stretch my calf if I felt like the muscles were teasing me with another possible cramp.

While spinning along mindlessly during the two hours, I remembered a story about my husband and leg cramps.

A little background...my husband is naturally athletic and spent his younger years excelling at a variety of sports before blowing out most of his joints. Handball, and I mean the New York one wall kind, was his favorite. He would probably play for 15-20 hours a week.

And a little more background...at the time of this story, we played cards every Sunday evening with friends. We'd have a huge spread of food and play Hearts, Spades and May I for hours.

So one Sunday, after my husband had spent most of the weekend at the handball courts, we were in our usual seats, dealing out the cards. All of the sudden, my husband was on the floor, gripping his leg, and shouting "Ow, oow, ooow." At first, we all thought he was kidding - overreacting to a bad card play. Then we realized it was a cramp. But before the one cramp subsided, another one attacked his other leg. So he was literally rolling around on the floor holding both legs. And even though we all knew it was a miserable and painful situation - watching him was just the tiniest bit funny at the time - and became a "remember when" story for many a future card night.

Indulgences

In many ways, I am a major tree hugging liberal. I don't mind (too much) paying taxes. I think quality education - whether public, private or home-based - is the key to our future. (As an ex-special education teacher, I cringe when people complain about teacher salaries.) I am a strong proponent of striving to make our environment as good, if not better, for future generations.

Give me a good book and wonderful music and I'll trade you our high definition television (just don't tell my husband).

I love to be surrounded by nature, whether experiencing a gorgeous sunset, an invigorating hike through the mountains - or even a walk through the neighborhood with Fezzy and Buttercup.

Though please make sure there is bathroom with plumbing somewhere within walking distance.

And, boy oh boy, am I a sucker for a good massage or a few hours in a hot tub.

My generous and kind neighbors have just invited me over for some hot tubbing. And my plans to stay home, while the hubby is out of town, to clean my closets, have flown out the window. My only goals now are to resist the temptation to drink too much wine or to stay out past 10:00 since we have a mega workout tomorrow starting at 7:00 am.