Race Weekend - Boulder 70.3 Half Ironman

FREAKING OUT, but ironically calm and ….HAPPY!!!

Amazing what a few days can do to your psyche. It’s been a roller coaster of emotions since the last post. I managed to get packed.  Monday I swam, came home and did a little cleaning, and at least wrote out my list. Tuesday I ended up staying late at work, but once home and got the dog sitter ready with instructions. I got on my trainer and rode. I’m still struggling with keeping my power maintained. So I just did that best I could, then ran my 25 min. then it was about 8 pm. I started to pack and got my stuff in bags. I packed a lot of stuff. Like I felt like it  was a lot. But when you add it up. I needed it…all of it. I had my tri bag, my shoe bag, swim bag, bike, run bag, books/training journal, computer, Ipad, Iphone, suitcause with all my clothes, toiletry bag. Pillows.  Yoga mat, foam roller.  Then there is my cooler and food. Whew! I felt like packed more then when I went to Billings, at least with all my tri stuff. Because I had my racing gear, then my training gear.  And since I’m not staying in a hotel, I needed other stuff. So….I got what I think was most of it done, Then I had dinner, at 11 pm.   Bed. I woke on Wed, with the intention of heading to Albq. So I could split my days. But then I just couldn't get going, I was tired. So I opted for my second option, go visit my good couple friends up in Show Low on the way. So I gave them and shout, and they didn’t hesitant. So off I went to walk the dogs, finish laundry, run to the store to get last minute food for travel, cash for the sitter. Etc.  Then I was packed, and out the door by 12:30 PM ish.   So I headed up to Show Low. I met up with Pam and Walt, we went to our usual and had a good dinner, and I had enough left over to bring with me to Boulder.  But I was finally relaxed. It was so good to talk with them, I don’t think they liked the news that I am looking to leave in the fall, as I’m kinda there adopted dtr. They are such great people, and I can say I’ll really  miss them. So I was so happy we got a chance to hang out for a bit. We hung out for a bit on the porch with the neighbors and had a beer. Then Walt with his keen instincts, made us go, cause I had an early day. I was waking up at 3 AM to drive to Boulder.  

Back at the cottage, I relaxed in the chair. Got lots of kisses from the dogs, and Zena kept talking to me all night, it was pretty cute.  Then off to bed. I actually fell right asleep and slept hard and ironically woke up wide away when the alarm went off. I was up and ready and out the door  as planned at 3 pm.  I got some wildlife on the road out. I didn’t get a pic of the first one, and his rack was 3x the size of those in the picture.  The sun was rising as I headed toward the AZ state line. I had to stop a few times as I was getting tired. But I had my compression hose on, per coaches orders, and I was breaking every 2 hours, since I didn’t have the dogs with  me as previously planned. As much as I wished they were with me, its nice to relax and not have to worry about them. I know they are in good hands with my dog sitter.    

Got into Boulder around 3 ish, but thanks to traffic, I didn't get into Boulder til 4:30 ish. And because I was minutes away from my bladder bursting. I managed to find a Target.  Got to the Rental from Home Away. and got settled in. So cute, and super nice.  Make a quick unload, and headed over to Boulder Reservoir to shake out the legs and get in a quick 30 min run. I was more excited to be there and take pictures, but I got my run in and got my second wind. Stopped off at Safeway on the way home and got groceries for dinner/ breakfast. Home and ate, hot shower, relaxed. 

Friday, I slept in. I was so comfortable in the bed that I literally slept in til 8. But that was 7 AM AZ time, so I have the time change still.  I got up, made breakfast , and was planning on getting in a warm up swim, but after checking with a few sources, they only had a very small 200 yd squ area open for kids, no open water swimming allowed , so after some debate, I decided to forgo the swim. I took a walk down to Pearl Street and took in some of the sights of Pearl Street Mall, 

and then came home. I didn't drink enough water, I was hot. So I ended up taking a 2 hour nap until I needed to head over to check in for the race.  I knew by this time my parents were on their way, and I was checking in with them to see how far they were from Boulder. Knowing I still had time, I headed out to drive the bike course . The first 25 miles is intimidating with all the hills and false flats. But I know that I'm as prepared as I can be, and I will execute the race according to plan as best as I can per coaches orders :)  

Headed over to Expo after back from drive, picked up some goodies for Mom and Dad, and went to Pre Race Meeting at 5:30 pm. Then headed to store to buy stuff for Mom and Dad for their "welcome" bags full of goodies (water, fruit, chips, snack bars, etc. ) Then when they called I headed over to help them unload and give them their goodies, we ended up talking for a few hours. had to call it quits and get home to bed. 

Woke up on Saturday, and man, the days are a bit of a blur. I'm so happy, my parents are here, But i"m also focused on making sure they are taken care of, so it's a bit of a good distraction I think to not get worried about the race. Got in a quick 35 min bike ride at the start of the course. All uphill and false flat.  So it was a good mental ride to prepare me for knowing I'll go slow at the start, and I just need to stay within my limits, and pace myself as needed. When I turned around, I FLEW down the hill, so I know that the first 25 ish miles of false flats and uphill, will be redeemed when I can fly down the course on the back side.  SO first mantra....."Stay Within Yourself!"  on the bike.  Once back, I ran home, got shower and cleaned up and mom and dad came to my rental to hang out while I got ready.  Ended up heading back to race course, and dropping oft the bike and racking it in Transition, only to get hit with the 20% chance of rain/downpour that confined us to the Ironman Store tent. 

 So we watched the rain fall on the water. It was fun watching my parents, pick out a few items to remember my  race by. Just felt happy they were there!!  But by this time, I could tell they were tired, and needed to rest. And food. So we headed out and the plan was Olive Garden. So I thought there was one in Boulder, but couldn't find it, so we drove to one about 14 miles away. Only to discover it was a Twin Peaks resturant. I was hungry enough at this point to just say the heck with it and go in. RIght up until we watched this scantly clad waitress walk across the parking lot and head in to the resturant. Then, we decided what "twin Peaks" really stood for. Needless to say, we found a PF Changs down the way and ate there.  After dinner, we headed home and parted ways for the night. I to relax, and get everything ready to go, and to bed early. And my parents to go relax and go to bed early.  I'm sure there is more to say, but I'll review and add to what I missed after the race.  This is it for now! 

Now I sit here and am relaxing with me feet up, drinking my pre Load OSMO drink before bed. I wonder if they choose the "margarita" flavour to let us think we were getting a special "treat" before race day. 

So, here's to a great race tomorrow, executed per my coaches recommendations.... And I think it's going to be a good day. See you in 70.3 Miles!!!  

My quote to end this post , comes from my forturne cookie.   

Tomorrow is a good day for trying something new!   

  

6 Days til Boulder 70.3 Half Ironman ---Self Supported = Stressful

I am Stressed!!! Trying to prepare for a Ironman, out of state,  with no support crew, is really a bit overwhelming.   I have been lucky enough in my first two Ironmans with 70.3's also for training to have a "support crew". Close friends willing to be my Ironman Sherpa's and support me in what ever I need, from carrying stuff (including me! ) to and from my car on race day, bringing me dinner the night before, to taking pictures and cheering me on in those dark moments of the race, to keeping friends and family a far updated on Facebook/text message of my progress on the race course, to helping me train.  I feel lost without having these amazing selfless friends who take time out of their lives to help support me with my crazy dreams!!  I'm so thankful that they have done as much as they have for me, and I know they wish they could be there for these next two races. 

 It didn't help that the weekend (this weekend) before my race, I had a Spinal Continuing Education Course for 8 hr Sat and Sun.  And do to the mental focus needed for the class, and getting so much body work done (I finally got my T5 Facet to release after years of fellow PTs trying to get it to release!), I literally fell into my bed the first day and slept through my workout on Saturday night, and woke up just in time to head into Day 2 of class, only to get home from that, and be so overwhelmed from everything and feeling "out of body" from all the spinal manipulation, that I was just too sore to do my workout,  and I am still having an issue with my IT Band from a workout a few days ago so resting seemed like the logical/safe thing to do. So, I took a deep breath, made up my To Do List that's a mile long, and got to work checking them off. I've checked off enough to make it more under control and not feel as stressed.  My coach thankfully, agreed that my body must of needed the rest and I have to listen to my body.  I've come to the conclusion that I am just starting my "taper" for the race two days earlier than planned.

Ironically, I'm rather calm about my training and not freaking out about missing two days. I was actually freaking out a couple weeks ago, and thankfully had amazing support from my FC Team in CA.  And all their words of support have helped eased that fear of feeling not ready. I can do this race, and I have to remember, it's just a training race. It's prep for the "big one" in August. I just received my  Race Plan from my Coach for the Boulder 70.3, and I like it, It almost seems just a tad bit conservative. But that's the plan. So my goal is to stick with it.   I must be Patient. and I must keep telling myself this during the race, and not try to hammer it and get a faster time. Ever race I do is different, and I cannot rely on the times for my progress. the Course, the elevation, hills, wind, its all different for EVERY Race!!  So, really this race will be a PR (Personal Record) for me on this course, cause it's my first time racing it.  I need this race to get my motivation/mindset back. It's so easy to get off course when training. The fears and doubts began to creep in and really can reck havoc on all your training, your mind, your motivation, if  your prepared enough. And it's a true test of how strong of a person you are to not let that "get in your head". I've failed at that the last month, I've let those fears get in my head and mess with my training. So I'm excited  and ready to get this race under my belt, and get myself  back on track with the right mindset for training for Boulder Ironman in August.   This is on part of the course for the Full IRONMAN 140.6 I'll be doing, so I can really get a good idea of what I'll be doing in August, and having a few extra "vacation" days here will allow me to train on the course as well.   

At this moment , I'm trying not to think ahead to race day where I'll be alone and not have anyone supporting me. I know I have people from a far, but it's so nice to have someone there supporting you and  cheering for you. It's nice to have someone keeping friends and family updated on your progress. And It makes all the difference on a tough spot on the course, having someone you know,  shout out words of encouragement.   I guess it's good to practice, because It will be the same in Aug. during Ironman Boulder, which will make this seem like a piece of cake. I'll be alone and I can only pray I'm not hobbling like I was last year, were my support crew was instrumental with helping me get to/from the hotel and collecting my gear, carrying me to the car, etc.  But that's for another day to worry about. Right now, I'll focus on this race.  Anyone interested in supporting me from a far. You can go to www.ironman.com and scroll down to the bottom, it should say LIVE Race Coverage, and it should have 70.3 Boulder listed, and you should be able to click on that and watch live feed of the finish. And if you go into Athlete Tracker, and look me up by name or Bib # .  Also on your iphone, you can download and app call IronTrac for .99 cents and look me up that way. I won't have my usual support crew to update on Facebook for me.   

This week has been tough trying to get in everything with training.  I got in my Monday swim just fine. Tuesday, I was able to get in my bike workout on the trainer. Wednesday ended up being a very long day with working over 12 hours between two jobs. I had a longer workout, and didn't get to the Y til 6:30 PM. Only to have the most crazy night swimming in the pool with people literally jumping in my lane and swimming without waiting to let me know that they are there, and even starting to circle swim with out letting me or the other swimmer in my lane know. CRAZY!! I was super happy to get done and get out. Then, I was trying to decide if I should do my run, which would be 4 x 800 repeats, on the treadmill by this time as it was close to 8 PM now. I was hesitant because my IT Band had been a bit tender and acting up. But I decided to just go start out at the warmup with an easy jog. And although I could feel my IT Band being sore, it wasn't painful, so I went for it. and managed 4 at 8:39 mile/min repeats. I finished around 9 PM  and was the only one on the treadmill. I headed home and fell into bed.I at least planned out my week to take off Thursday to get in my long ride/run due to being in my course this coming weekend. But when I woke on Thursday, I could barely walk, my IT Band was super tender to touch and I had some very tight hamstrings.  Luckily I had a massage setup at 2 pm. So I spent the morning sleeping, and then actually doing some chores and getting the house semi ready for me to leave. I kept debating if I could just get on the bike trainer for an hour? a half an hour?  My whimpering while I walked told me no. I knew that if I made it worse, I'd set myself up for trouble for my race. So I went to my massage, She got a good amount of kinks out, but I still was hurting. So home I came and on went the ice packs. I even opted out of my weekly Softball game because I knew if I even tried to go, I would try and run, and that really would just make things worse. So, I found out we had enough females, and I stayed home, on ice for the rest of  the night. Friday, I was still hobbling pretty good at work, but luckily I got a fellow therapist to Kineso-Tape my IT Band, and show me how to do it, and I felt about 80% better by the end of the day. Once home, I again debated on the run. But decided, just start with the warm up, and if it hurt, I'd stop. So off I went on my 1:35hr/min run and by the time the warm up was done, I was feeling "okay". So I went for the first of 3 sets for 8 minutes in my zone 3-4 and felt okay, and then did the 2nd and 3rd. I had to make a pit stop at home for more water, as it was 88 degrees. I like the fact that I was doing okay in the heat, which I'll need for Boulder. I usually bonk around 85 degrees, but the last few training runs in the upper 80s, I have been doing pretty well...thank you OSMO nutrition!   I did however have a hard time staying in my recommended zone. I just couldn't get focused for some reason. I did better on the cool down, but I was pretty sore when I was done.  Hot Shower, and then recovery compression tights.  I'm loving my recovery compression tights, they have become a staple in my recovery process.  So  As mentioned above Sat and Sunday, I missed my workouts. I was frustrated that I missed them, but I have to realize that two workouts won't break all that I've currently been doing in training and if anything, with the way I'm feeling, it will only help me get stronger, because I'll be injury free for race day.  I just have to have faith.  So, I just need to.....

                            Trust Your Journey!   BREATHE.     Trust Your Journey!! 

 so far, the weather is looking good!!! 

Month Four of Ironman Boulder Training: Getting back on track....DON'T FEED THE FEARS!!!

I'm pretty sure some of this doesn't make sense. Sorry, I'm just happy to get it down on paper! 


Swim   82,090 yds      35:45 hr/min

Bike     706   Miles      62:45 hr/min

Run     197   Miles       40:30 hr/min

Overall Training Time:  139.00 hr/min.



Week One-

I  did my first swim of 3200 yds on Monday.  I haven't done that more then once in my past training for Ironman's, and here I am getting them done in multiple weeks and feeling strong.  I am still recovering from Whiskey Row, the body is tired. So I took off Tuesday and rested, by accident, another "nickel's nap" that ended up with me sleeping my entire evening away and not getting in my bike ride.  On Wed, I got out of work late, and debating, decided that my bike was more important then my swim, so I went home and rode my bike workout I missed on Tuesday.  I also had an ortho appt in the am, and was feeling a bit crappy.  Thursday was a day off, and our first Softball game for Mountain Valley, in which we won. I had Friday off from work due to working Saturday, and got in my long run in the AM and got to run with my good friend Nicole and her new baby boy. Got my honorary nephew fix and a good workout by pushing his stroller for about four miles. Saturday I worked, and then got in my hour run.  I also got my workout for Sat. done on Thursday night, because after work, I drove down to Phx with Nicole and we went to a place called My Art Party , where you painted a picture and got to BYOB. It was four months in the works, I bought it as a present for both of us for our birthdays, and we were not able to find a painting we liked until this day. So we had a lot of fun, got a chance to hang out for the first time in a long time, and discovered a new beer called Wild Blue. SUPER YUMMMY!!!  We hung out  and had some amazing pizza at the Hob Nob, and drove back to Prescott that night. It was a much needed break, as I was feeling pretty down and just needing some friend time. However, when I woke the next day, I was pretty darn tired, and a bit headachy, My motivation went into the toilet, I was just so darn tired, I ended up sleeping the entire day away. 

Week Two--

Training week started better and was pretty standard with no surprises. I got in my swim on Monday. Tuesday I got in my bike session on the trainer.   Wed was my longer training day of the week. I swam at the Y and then ran on the treadmill. I was hoping to run on Tuesday, but the wind lately had continued to be horrific and I didn't want to chance it with my breathing. So I sucked it up and ran on the treadmill.  Thursday was my day off of training, and I actually got some errands done, and walked the dogs, and softball (2-0).    Friday I got my ride in on the trainer and then got ready for Saturday. I woke early and headed down to Bartlett Lake for the day to volunteer for Day on The Lake. A full day of adapted water sports for individuals who have had injuries, like a TBI, a SCI or the like. I worked water intake where I got to help individuals test out to be able to go water ski or jet ski. Basically, they had to go in the water, hold their breath for 10 seconds floating in the water and then turn themselves over. This was so that if they fell of the jet ski or the water ski, they could right themselves until help arrived. It was a lot of fun. When we were mostly done, I headed out and did an open water swim. What's pretty awesome about this is that it's the first time I ever did an open water swim with out a wetsuit!!!! Granted it was only for about 20 minutes, but that was pretty darn huge for me. I tend to want the wetsuit as a "security blanket" so I would float. Nope, I didn't need it, and I felt strong!! Talk about a pretty awesome Boost in my confidence!!!! and I really needed that!!!  After we were mostly done with the day, I headed out and got in about an hour of my run. I was trying to get in 1:35. But I ended up training for a "heat" workout, as it was about 90 degrees, and I was running up hill for half the workout, so it was a bit hot. I always have a rule, that when I'm half way though my water, I turn around so I have enough to get back. Well, because it was so hot, I went through it quicker, and I was a bit fatigued anyway from being in the sun all day. So better safe than sorry. Once back at the Escape, I changed and then headed home.   Sunday, I woke early and walked the dogs. it was sunny, it was calm, it was nice. But somewhere between putting the dogs away and getting out the door for the ride, the wind picked up. Like PICKED UP!!!  But, there were no excuses, I would not allow myself to miss another day of training on the bike like last weekend. So off I went with the focus on my Power Meter training. I got out the first 10 miles pretty good, then headed down one of the side roads called Coyote Springs,  well I felt pretty good, but was prepared, cause when I turned around. BAMM...side and head winds..up to 20 mph. Needless to say....I was going really slow with my recommended PM training. I just focused on keeping it dialed in. But I began to get nervous, and wondering....am I going to make the time in Boulder, if it's windy?  I was going so slow, will I make the cut off. The wind kept pushing me, to the point I had to ride more on the road. As I was nearing the end, I was getting so frustrated I just yelled out " F-ing WIND!!!!  Sadly, I did this right as I was passing a church, and people were getting out.  Oops!!! I can only hope that the wind carried it away from them.  Off I went into Prescott and up the hill to Williamson Valley Road. The wind was what I call a "swirly" wind as it was now giving me a headwind going up the hill...slowly. GRRRRR  I definitely was not getting any good mileage today. That was for sure. Once home, I got in my 30 minute run and then I ran to the store, got my two bags of ice, home for an Ice bath. I was so tired, that I literally almost fell asleep in the bath! Good Mental training day, but man, I am now starting to doubt myself on the bike in the wind. I've also been really struggling with training on the bike cause I am riding alone all the time.  and it's so hard to get motivated.  I did notice on the ride that I kept hitting my left knee in my left elbow, and I was sliding forward on the bike. So I sent out an email to my bike fitter to see what could be done. 

Week Three-

Recovery Week. Blessed Recovery Week and getting ready for Boulder 70.3 I had Monday off from training. It was nice to come home and relax, although I ended up staying later at work which was no fun. Tuesday I had a ortho appt, getting close to hopefully have braces off before Boulder 70.3. Otherwise for sure by Ironman in Aug. The adjustment HURT!!!  Just when I thought that I had experienced the worst pain from adjustments, my ortho doc proves me wrong. I was back to liquid meals for the next few days.  IBP was on board and distraction for my bike ride. I was able to get a hold of my bike fitter, and I ended up having Wed off...so I headed down to Phx to get my bike adjusted again, and just do some shopping for things I needed. A nice break as I was going a bit stir crazy. The plan was to wake up early and go swim at the Y to get in my workout. Once again, I just couldn't get myself out of bed, but finally I did and so I did something productive, I was at least able to get the dogs out for a walk.  When I got home from Phoenix, I was  going to head over and get in my swim, but I ended up falling asleep. So, I decided that since it was recovery week, my body was telling me what it needed.  Thursday was a busy day at work, and I also had a dental cleaning. Note to self...never plan a ortho appt and dental cleaning within two days of each other. That was super painful :(.   Played softball that night , and we are now 3-0. But it was close. Friday I ended up heading over to Y and got in my long swim since I missed it on Wed. and opted out of the short recovery run.  Saturday I had to work, but once home, I got in my 1:35 hr/min run. I love that I can run a 10:00 mile now and be in Zone 1-2 for training.  And running 9:30 min/mile feels doable and almost comfortable.  Excited to see that is getting better, and I can breath normal again.   

On Sunday I was able to hook up with the Prescott Bike Club and a group from Phoenix from Multi Sport One,  who came up to ride Skull Valley Loop. Now this is a 54 ish mile loop up and over the mountains, down into Skull Valley, Kirkland, Wilhoit, and back up the switch backs into Prescott.   This has been a ride that I have wanted to do for awhile cause it's great hill training, but its not a ride that I will do alone as it's too isolated and I don't have anyone to ride with anymore, so I was very grateful for the opportunity and for the SAG vehicles who I saw the most on the entire ride. 

These are the things I learned from this ride:

Things I learned on my  Skull Valley Loop Ride today:

1.   When you’re the only one with a road bike, and everyone else is on a Tri Bike. You get dropped….quickly…at the beginning.  However, I got to know the SAG vehicles very well, and they were so nice to wait for me and offer support to a complete stranger.

2.    I  somehow was able to control my bike riding downhill at about 28 ish mph, as I hit “something medal” in the road, and not crash, even when you hit it hard enough to put a gash in your wheel frame and put a hole  in your tube all the way through on both sides! Yikes!!!   (Maybe it is an excuse to get new wheels?????)  Since writing this post, I have now discovered that my wheel is "wobbling" on the frame. :(  Which explains why number 5 might have sucked worse today than usual.

3.       From this, I learned that you can patch the hole in your Gatorskin tire with a gel packet. And still manage to finish the entire ride.

4.       Elevation change on the ride (per multiple resources) ranged from either 3850 feet of elevation change to another source that says it’s closer to 2900 feet.   Start elevation was at 5363 feet, Max elevation 6133 feet.  Regardless…..it’s a crap load of hill climbing!!

5.       The 5-9-ish miles of “false flat” into Wilhoit, AZ continue to suck and be the most frustrating part of the ride for me (think you have your brake dragging on your wheel ALL THE TIME).  I was more comfortable riding up the steeper switchbacks over the mountain and back into Prescott, mainly because I had breaks with downhill sections between the steep climbs.

6.       The last time I rode this ride, it took me about 4:30 hr/min or longer. I was done in 3: 56 hr/min (give or take the five minutes it took me to get through the ¼ mile stretch of Downtown Square with all the traffic and stop lights).

7.       I made several new friends and found out some of them are doing Boulder 70.3 Half Ironman in three weeks.  Now I’ll have some new friends to hang with in Boulder. J 

8.       I’m so happy with my compression recovery tights right now, that I’m now wishing I bought a top too. My legs actually feel good. After the ice bath of course J

9.       Ride successfully completed!!!!

Once I got home, I got in my ice bath and then put on my full length recovery compression hose.   I have to say that wearing them after my run on Saturday and my ride on Sunday. My legs are not sore. They feel pretty darn good. This makes me happy. And even though I did one of my longest rides with the most elevation, I didn't feel as tired as I have when I did this ride in the past. So I know I'm getting better on the bike. But I have to admit, when I got dropped so quickly it once again has made me really nervous that I am not as ready as I should be for Boulder. and it's starting to freak me out. 

Week Four-- Monday started with switching up my bike for swim since the pool was closed for Memorial Day.  I got in my bike ride on the trainer. Tuesday- I went to the Y and got in my swim for 2350 yds, I had planned to do my Monday workout, but I ended up getting out of work a bit early, so I went for my Wed workout.   My swim was good for the most part. I got in some good 100s under 2:00 min for all 6 of them.  I then jumped on the treadmill for the 10 x 400 M, the last time I did a "track workout" like this was in high school I think. What made me really happy, was that I ran these all at a 9:32 pace, and felt GOOD!!!  I only had a 1:20 min/sec recovery, but I still felt pretty good at the end of the workout.  Then after I was done, I headed over to a Tri buddy, who graciously loaned me his very expensive Carbon wheels to use for Boulder 70.3 and 140.6 if I want to.  I can't deny that I was very tempted to take his tri bike too, but decided since I have my bike really dialed into my body and position, I should just stick with that. So Wed, after work I headed over to High Gear, and got my bike setup with a full tune up with changing cables, true my front wheel from the "skull Valley" incident.  New Brake pad setup so I can switch from regular tires, to carbon wheels. 

 They are tubular...so I'm a bit hesitant to use them, but if I get in a few  practice rides before the big day, I just might go for it.  The only bummer, is that they won't get my brake pads in for the carbon wheels until next week, so no practice for this weeks 4  hr ride :(, and because they are backed up, I wont' get my bike until Saturday, so my Friday ride may be out.  Off to the Y and I got in my 3200 yds. My body was tired. I was tired. Work has been extremely busy and all of us therapists have been picking up pretty heavy loads, so mentally I have been fatigued. I ended up getting my workout in, but I did every other 100 with a pull buoy.  I just didnt' have any "getup and go" in me. I notice I'm back to a not so happy diet either, and my fatigue levels have proved it. So I stopped off at New Frontier/ now Whole Foods, and picked up stuff for my Sweet Potato Coconut Soup, then at Trader Joes, some Filet Minion.   Asleep pretty quick tonight. Thursday I woke up late ( again, happened all week), got in to work only a few minutes late thankfully. I ended up getting out late too, so I was just feeling pretty down, pretty exhausted, pretty low from my poor training week. 

All week, I've been feeling mentally drained, depressed, exhausted from training. And feeling just not good. So much so, that I was becoming homesick, and actually was getting teary eyed and crying in Sam's Club of all places. So when I got home, I found a "package" in the mail.  It was from my FC  Coach, Jillian.  We had briefly chatted about how I was just feeling frustrated, and down with my training, mainly my bike training, and how I feel like I'm not getting where I would like to be, and how I am struggling training by myself. And here in this package, was a photo of my FC AZ Teammates!!! Each one of them had sent me some encouraging words for training.  How even though I'm alone, I'm not alone. It came at a really good time. I ended up crying for a good half hour. Then I cried some more later, when I was writing them all a thank you privately.   

And I am so happy that Jillian knew exactly what I needed for a "pick me up".    I'm so lucky that I found Team FC and they took me in to train with them.   It was a really good release, and something that I needed. Knowing about all the other changes in my life that will be occurring this year, I was getting a bit overwhelmed I think.  The fear of the unknown, it can suck you in so quick and escalate.  I have a quote on my wall from Tough Mudder. It says..." DON"T FEED THE FEARS" I've been paying a lot of attention to that lately, cause I have been feeding those fears. Especially with my bike training.   So the picture and words of encouragement came at the right time. I have it hanging on my wall so I see it every day. I now have a small one, I plan to attach to the back of my training plan to look at when I have doubts creeping in. Thursday night was also Work Softball. it was a late game, 9 pm, but it ended up being a fun one, and we were clicking pretty well as a team. And we won, now 4-0!! GO MVRRH!!!!!

Friday I woke , so so happy it was Friday.  Work again was busy, I got out late again.  and since I had no bike, I decided to let it be a rest day. It was much needed. I had planned to do some chores and get the house cleaned up. But instead- got another 12 hour "nap".   Saturday I planned to wake early, get the dogs walked before it got hot and get in  my workouts. It didn't happen, I slept through my alarms and ended up waking up around 8 AM, it was already 80 degrees out. So no dog walk :(.  I got a late start, ate breakfast and got on my run around 11: 15 am. Which ended up being 8.5 miles in 86 degree weather, and 24 ish mph winds.  Whew!! That was a workout, But I was happily surprised that I was holding my 9:32 pace with no hip or knee pain.   I finished with a break down by the lake with some  beautiful views of Granite Dells.  Back at the Escape, I headed to the Y for my easy 2800 yds swim. Which felt really good after the hot run. The only frustrating part with that was that kiddos decided that the lap lanes was a good place to hit there ball, which after the third time I almost swam into them, the lifeguard thankfully stepped in, and kinda gave them a lecture to say out of my lane. And yes, there was no one else in the pool so they could of moved over, where I was stuck in the lane.  

Sunday I woke a bit earlier (finally) and got the dogs out for their walk, which at 7 :30 still was too hot by the end. Then off I went on my 4 hour bike ride with a 35 min brick. The winds once again were relentless. 10-20 mph head winds on the way out. I managed to get in 4 of my 6 intervals , but by then I was swearing  up a storm on the ride, I just couldn't get it to even out. And by 2;20 I bonked and had to take a 20 min break at the softball field, refueling and refilling my water I ran out of. I had decided then and their to just turn back home and finish anything left on the trainer. But then I thought about the picture and words from my AZ IM Team, and when I got to the road, I went up hill instead.   So I managed to finish my ride, and get in my 35 minute brick run, which felt pretty good for 86 degrees. I usually have a hard time training in hot weather, but I think the OSMO is really making it easier.    Finished with a ice bath and now my awesome recovery compression tights which have been a Godsend.  Did I mention my sexy bike tan lines are back???  

Finished the day with talking to Coach Jillian and planning out the next month of my training and talking plans for Boulder 70.3 in 13 days!!!   I have been feeling really good with my swims and my runs.  My biking is the area that I'm feeling stressed about. And Jillian is amazing with working with  me to help me gain more confidence in my biking skills. I really think I just need to get out on the Boulder Course, do the 70.3, gain my confidence back, and then ride/drive the full so I can see where I'm at.    Thoughts for this week?  DON"T FEED THE FEARS.  BE Patient with your training, TRUST Your

Training.  You are where you need to be. Remember it's about having fun and finishing strong.

What is Important Is to 

Believe in Something So 

Strongly That You're

 Never Discouraged.

  

Month Three Boulder Ironman Training…Forty was supposed to start asagood decade, not a challenge. Just Breathe....really just breathe!!

Swim:   62,379   yds          27:35 Hours

Bike:     499.4 Miles           43:05  Hours

Run:      147   Miles            30:37  Hours

Overall Training  Time:        101:15 Hours

One of my friends jokingly told me to watch out, when I hit 40, it all starts going downhill. Well, That’s exactly what this last month has felt like.  My coach though, told me that its crap, and that I automatically get to subtract 10 years for being an Ironman. I’m so I've decided I'm going with that! But, I’m realizing that my recovery had to change. I have to dedicate more time to my recovery, in addition to the training. I am also realizing possibly that the inhalers that I’ve been put on, are causing some side effects, including more fatigue.  On a good note, my blood work came back excellent, and the allergy panel?  Zero things I’m allergic to. But this then leads to the question of what is causing all these issues with me?  Food? The need for a more detailed Allergy Test?  I’m thinking it’s time to go back on my strict Paleo diet to see if it’s something I’m eating. The inhalers seem to be still helping, so I’m trying to use them only for exercise, as my Doctor recommendation.

My first week of April brought on a full week of training completed. Finally, that made me happy, even if I was feeling crappy.   I got in my swim on Monday, my bike on Tuesday. On Wednesday, I had to do a swim and then a hill workout with repeats. The plan was to go run some of the Whiskey Row course but, I was running out of daylight, so I ended up doing this on the treadmill at the Y, which I was happy when I finished, but I was even happier to put on my Compression Hose, and wishing I had full length ones.  I was super happy for my day off, which when I came home. I laid down at 5 Pm and woke at 5:55 AM.  Wow!!  I skipped everything, dead to the world. Thank goodness I had managed to put out dog food, and left the doggie door open! I’m beginning to feel really tired, like I can’t get enough sleep again. I’ve had no appetite either, so I know I’m not getting enough nutrition again.  Friday, I got in my bike workout, and Saturday a nice easy swim and then rest for the day for Tough Mudder on Sunday.

Sunday - Tough Mudder AZ 2014

What FUN!!! I headed down with friends for Tough Mudder Sunday morning. When we go there, we had about 45 min to get checked in and drop off our stuff. Then we headed over to the start and got ready. We had to scale a wall before we could get to the start line.  I felt a little “tweak” in my left groin, but I was able to stretch it out.  While I was standing there, and the rest of the team showed up, I was suddenly aware I was the ONLY girl. There other two had bailed. Sweet, me and 6 guys who could easily run 7 min miles. I gave them the go ahead to not wait for me if they wanted to go ahead. Which, being great gentleman, none of them did. And they gave them self a challenge, to carry a 30 lb log (named Clarice) through the entire course. I had pre warned them that I couldn’t do anything that might jeopardize my Ironman training, so I let them have all the glory of carrying the “wood” through the course. I did take it thru a few obstacles.

 But it really was all the boys who took on that challenge and deserve that credit.  It was 12 miles, many walls ( like 7-8) that we climbed over, tackled some Funky Monkey Bars,  jumped in several pits of mud, ran up a wall of “Everest”, and then ran through some Electric Shock.  The only one that I didn’t fully get across was the one called On the Tip, where it was all upper body and you had to move horizontally across using only your finger tips, I made it half way, then I hit the water! But it was hot, and It actually felt good. The one that ended up giving me trouble without realizing it til later was running up the “Everest Wall”, which I did just fine, but when I went to swing my right leg up over the ledge with help from some teammates, I somehow pulled my left groin?  I’m not quite sure how I did it, but I slowly ran/jogged the last mile to the finish, and crawled through the electric shock J because I wasn’t going to run.   Once at the finish, we were hot, tired, and enjoyed our beer, showered off, changed, and headed out to dinner before heading home. I luckily didn’t have any issues with breathing, even with the wind picking up and blowing a lot of dust.  But I definitely was so dry from all the mud my skin hurt! And was wind/dust burned. But I had a lot of fun!!!   The boys got Clarice across the finish line and it donated a large amount of cash to the Wounded Warrior Project. And although I kept up with them fine, I’m guessing they could of gone a lot faster without me. But I so glad I got to do a nice 12 mile training run with some strengthening mixed in for my workout.  Thanks Truemudd for an awesome training day !! And letting this lone girl hang with you! 

Home and iced my groin which started to feel a bit tender. 

Week Two, Monday- I was back at the Y completing my swim workout, I was glad I switched my Sat Drills workout with my hard one on Monday. Because I knew my arms would be tired and they really were. So I got in  40 min of form work. Home and to bed. Tuesday, I was on my bike doing my high cadence workout. I’m not quite sure, but I notice that after this workout, I’m really feeling the fatigue of the week, so I got on my foam roller. After 30 min, it was pretty darn painful, but I felt so much better, and I actually got my IT Band to release on the right side. Now that was painful!!!    Wednesday, I was back to feeling crappy with not getting good sleep, and also feeling more allergy laden, “puffy”, and downright fatigued. I got to the Y and got in my swim, but stopped 400 Yards short due to my shoulder sore (from all the walls I climbed over for Tough Mudder I’m sure) and then I got hit with overwhelming fatigue again, just like “I could sit down and pass out and sleep fatigue”, I got dressed to run, and motivation poor I headed out to the Whiskey Row ½ race course to do and hour run. I made it exactly five minutes, before I suddenly got some sharp shooting pains in my left groin. What’s weird is that it wasn’t bothering me the last couple days, so I didn’t even realize that I had tweaked it back on Sunday. But I knew immediately that if I kept going, I would pay for it. SO I stopped turned around and walked back to the Escape.  I also was feeling the breathing issues. Dammit, dammit , dammit!!!!  This was a very low mental moment of my week. I got home, I iced my groin. I wanted to cry, but I was too tired, I wanted to make food, but I was too tired. I think I managed to eat some tuna fish from a package, and just went to bed.  Thursday, I was again exhausted at work, so exhausted that I failed to see that I worked Friday and not Saturday, and my boss had to tell me. I was convinced, since Tuesday, that I was working Saturday and had Friday off.   I was starting to feel like I was going a bit crazy. When I got home, I again, planned to walk the dogs, and ended up sleeping till 8 pm. Got up for a couple hours to do a few chores, but back to bed by 10 pm and asleep.  Friday, I made it through work, and once home, I got in a 1 ½ nap, then on my trainer for bike workout for 1 ½ hour and now to dark out, the dogs got neglected again. I did get my recover drink in, so I actually got a second wind, and cleaned the house up.   Saturday, I woke got my yummy crock pot meal cooking, and then off to take the dogs for a much needed walk. I was feeling good in my leg, looking forward to do my run workout, only to feel by the end of the walk, the leg hurting again. Dammit, dammit, dammit.  Here we go again. So, after some icing, I decided to hold off on the run, and went for my swim. Got in the 400 M that I missed on Wednesday, and then home to ice again. And relax and read/nap. At least I can swim and bike. So I’m not missing all my workouts. But I know I’m better to rest, and that I also know that I had to take off a full month in July last year, and finished my Ironman. This is no different, I just need to focus on rest, recovery and get it checked out if necessary.

So far, 40 has kind of sucked….GRRRRRRR  

Week Three-I'm Eight Weeks out to IRONMAN Boulder 70.3. Now this freaked me out a bit, and when I went and counted up the weeks, it was actually eight. I joked with my coach, she was freaking me out, as I counted it several times and it's nine weeks.  She however responded with a program that figures out the weeks, and indeed from that calendar it is 8 weeks. Whew...I'm freaking a bit. Especially with all these dam breathing issues, It's really getting me down and depressed. I'm sinking slowing in that pit of depression with not being able to do what I want to do. I can see how chronically ill people feel.  I find myself isolating from others, and just coming home and being alone. My chipper, smiling self...is becoming deflated...slowly...slowly deflated.  I. Just. Want. This. Shit. To. End.  I want to breath normal again.   

Monday I was off to the Y with a 3000 yd swim, my longest to date, and I actually did pretty decent. I'm not sure if it was by accident or if my coach is pretty darn smart. My training is increasing in intensity, and she has one of my hardest and fastest sets right at the beginning of the swim workout, and then "lightens up" the intensity, which then becomes easy for me to do, then I move back into higher intensity, hence, my 3000 yd workout felt good!  I'm liking them!  Tonight was the Blood Moon. I got home, took a nap and got back up to watch it around midnight. Soooooo Pretty.  But I paid heavily for it I think. Because, near as I can figure, I was outside for about 45 minutes, in the cold, fresh air.  Which wrecked havoc on my allergies/asthma. I went to bed seemingly fine. But I woke on Tuesday with nasty coughing to the point of throwing up several times, then just utter exhaustion. I had to call into work, I slept...ALL day, the times I awoke, I was just so tired I couldn't even lift my arms with out effort. So, I new that it was time to get on the phone to the doctor, time to get something else, cause what I'm on isn't working.  Wednesday I had to skip my workout also,  and Thursday was my day off. Friday I headed to the doctors at noon, (thank goodness she could get me in on Good Friday), I explained all my symptoms, expressed possible concerns with adrenal fatigue?  and continued issues with fatigue, breathing, allergies. constant draining. And begged for an allergy shot. Which I got right in the A$$.  and decided that the inhalers weren’t enough, she put me on Singular.  So  inhalers are now for just when I need them. Singular at night.  I did actually feel better as the afternoon went on.  I was able to do my Tuesday workout indoors on the trainer on Friday.  Because I didn't go to the Grand Canyon like planned on Saturday I did my Wednesday training session with  my swim and run. I swam at the Y, and then did the run a bit differently and ran on the Whiskey Row 1/2 Marathon course. I didn't worry about trying for speed, etc. I just ran, since I haven't ran since Tough Mudder with a stubborn Adductor muscle pull (thanks to my friend, Cathy, who has been graciously giving up her lunch time to ultrasound, massage and ice my leg for me). I just ran part of the course to see if it was even appropriate to complete this distance let alone with all the hills. :(   So off i went, I got the middle section of the course completed (7 Miles) in 1:26 hr/min. and I felt tired, really really tired. I forgot I was running up to above 6,000 feet elevation.  and I could feel it with every step I went up.  I'm so glad this is a "training run" and has nothing to do with trying to be fast. but I'm worried, I'm worried if I'm taking on too much with this dam breathing crap.  hmmmmmm   Sunday I got on my bike and did my 3:00 ride.  Nothing to exciting, except I've been afraid to get outside and on the road lately, especially if I get an attack. And after some debate with it being Easter Sunday, I decided it wasn't a smart idea to get on the road with all the people driving, who probably only drive this time every year, and shouldn't be driving. So needless to say, it was a long ride on the trainer. Longgggggggg Ride on the trainer.  As much as this week sucked, I only missed one workout. So I have to embrace just one workout at a time, and do what I can right now with the Faith that it will get better and I will be okay.   Two things I'm noticing about this weekend so far, one the allergy shot seems to be working with the meds...I am feeling better and breathing a bit better also.  Two, after Tuesday, I'm so utterly frustrated and pissed, I went back on my Paleo Diet/Meal Plan.  It's been almost two weeks, and I'm feeling better, I'm tired, but that's to be expected to not have as many of the "processed carbs" my body is used to, so it's been pretty tired with the hard efforts. But I've been enjoying Filet Minion and I've become obsessed with grilled brussel sprouts and my Sweet Potato Coconut Soup for my evening meals.

And I am feeling better. I realized that I'm not going to be able to stick with just this for training. I saw my Coach Joby, with his training bars that are more gluten free with white flour. So I'm planning to make those for training and try them out with my Osmo. But other than training, I'm sticking pretty much Paleo for the rest of my food. I'm also discovering I'm in love with Blackberries.  Lots and lots of Blackberries. :)  

And here comes recovery week....ahhhhh really? Blessed Recovery Week. I actually sort of have two weeks of Recovery as I have 5 weeks in this training chunk ( see nine weeks to Boulder 70.3!)  So I had Monday off, after work I was home, relaxing, walked the dogs, and made my soup and meals for the week. and to bed early, another attempt at helping with the fatigue battle.   Tuesday I was surprised at work with a "catch Up" day. So I had the last two hours of my day to do with what I wished, no treatments with patients. I could leave early, I could work on projects, I could do what I wished.  I took half to work on what I could with student stuff, and then left early.  Since I was early, I opted to do my Wed workout today, So I headed over to the Y for my swim, and ran for 45 min in the treadmill.  It was a bit rough, again making sure I got in all my nutrients I needed.   Wednesday was on the trainer when I got home and while not to taxing, it kicked my butt with breathing. How fast can an allergy shot wear off?  I didn't think to ask that question to my doctor. Some online research, makes me think I'm going to have to call her back up and maybe get another one soon.  Wednesday at work also found me with having to flex day off of work for Thursday. So  after I got home, and was doing my trainer workout, I realized that I could get a massage.  So got a hold of my Massage therapist and luckily she had a cancellation and I was able to get in on Thursday at noon.  Blissful Heaven!!! I was so stiff and sore the past few weeks, I even was using the foam roller and not getting out all the kinks.  That was a worthwhile investment. Even with the extra time she spent on me, all the knots weren't 100% worked out, but I felt a ton better then when I went in. I think I really would of needed another 2 sessions to get all the knots out.  I'll just have to wait until my next one next month.   My Ortho appt was another matter. My doc repositioned about half my brackets, and then I hurried to eat dinner before the pain really kicked in.  I'm hopefully on track to get my braces off in June. FOREVER!!!  Well, one can only hope. But since I'll be starting to travel, I won't really be able to do much. So fingers crossed, appointments move up to every two weeks and the final tweaks begin. Fingers Crossed.  Friday-  I had a switch this day.  I had hope happen today.  A change in the weather with a cold front coming in, somehow, blew out all the crap in the air that I've been allergic too.  And Holy Shit, I did my 1:10 hr hill work out in 20ish mph winds, and I was breathing NORMALLY!!!!   Like NORMALLY!!!  Now I did notice some minor issues, but it was more in my epiglottis area, and when I focused on relaxing it, it relaxed. I'm not sure what's going on, but man was I HAPPY!!! I felt almost normal!!!  I felt HOPEFUL!!!  My depression lifted a little bit today, and my spirit was Boosted!!!!  Hoping it wasn't a fluke, I went into Saturdays workout still a bit hesitant. And again I had a great 3000 yd workout. And my run was only hindered by the fact that I hadn't ran the distance in a while cause of my breathing. I felt good with my lungs today also!!!!  Now I did run indoors on the trainer, only because the weather change brought 28 degree weather with rain, snow, sun, and gust of wind up to 40-50 mph (which I witnessed through the window, from the safety of the treadmill at the Y) So I decided to make sure I was in a more controlled environment and not have any opportunity to get sick or injured. I’ve had enough.  And I managed to get in my workout, all of it!  :)  I was mainly fatigued because I haven't gone that fast for that long. But oh, it felt so good.  So I have some hope that once the allergy season finishes, I'll be able to go back to breathing normal.  It's only Temporary, which my doctor told me, but with the way I've been feeling for so long, I had a hard time believing that it was only temporary.  And now, I can feel Hope, I feel lifted. I know it may sound corny to say that, but I do, I'm starting to feel like myself again. My normal self.  Deep Sigh of Relief.  Just Breathe... Ahhhhhh  Just Breathe. :)  And Sundays training session rolled around, and I may have spoke to soon. Went out for my bike ride, and while I wasn't horrible, I started back up on all my coughing again, and through out the rest of the night. My transition run was okay, and I had to slow my pace down, so I'll still take that as a good sign. I may just need to get another allergy shot. I'll have to talk to the doc and see what the plan can be.  If  I can keep my breathing under control, then I think that my 1/2 Marathon Race next weekend will still be doable. It will be a "training" race, so I won't expect any awesome times.  I'll see as we get closer.  

Addendum:  Adding on Week "Five" of my training plan this week. Or what I like to call my "second recovey week". Which was much needed.  Monday I got in 3000 yd swim. I'm excited to say it's getting easier to swim that distance, which means I'll be in the best swim shape Ive ever been in all my years of training.  Tuesday I did my trainer workout and Wed I got in my long ride on my bike. Let me tell  you, doing a 3 hour trainer ride as its getting dark is some true mental training!, that ride was brutal, and very hard to stay focused when I just wanted to stop.  Thrusday was a nice rest day, in which I got in a great "nap" again.  Friday I picked up my packet for my 1/2 Marathon and got in my easy swim of 2400 yds. 

Saturday- Whiskey Row 1/2 Marathon. I woke feeling a bit nervous, but then I would focus and tell myself it's just a training run. Not a race. But of course I always want to do my best, challenge my self. I got up, breakfast, got ready and headed  over to Prescott. Once there, I got the rest of my stuff together and headed over to the race site with 1/2 hour to spare. I opted to not wear my compression tights, because it was warm. Thank goodness cause it was already warm.  I jumped in line at the bathroom and then headed over to the startline with ten minutes to spare. I got my Garmin and music ready to go. Then it was time, the guns went off and we were on our way!  I ran across the timing mat and started my 13.1 mile run.   I started out at a slower pace, I focused on just relaxing and staying within my comfort zone, don't push, don't push. First mile 10:30 pace, good, I proceeded to do this for every mile, just relax, focus on form. Stay within your limits don't push. I was pretty surprised that I was in the 10 to 11 min pace for the first four miles, then when I got to mile five and the elevation was hitting 5800 up to 6200, I started having to walk more. But I was pleasantly surprised that I could handle most of the hills, except for the really steep ones. I was able to keep a decent pace.  And it wasn't as "hilly" as I was expecting. I drove the course a few weeks ago, and basically freaked out. But as I was running it, there were breaks in the hills, where I was running a bit down hill or flat, so it wasn't so daunting. I was having fun.  I got to the turn around at 1:16 hr/min. And was impressed! I expected to reach the turn around in about 1:20 to 1:25 with the hills. But then I turned and headed down, I did my best to relax my run, do a fast cadence, but short stride, and my quads responded quite well with not much pounding. By the time I hit about five miles out, that's when the wheels started to fall off a bit. It was getting hot, like I was HOT!!!  Like I wish I was wearing a tank top.  I found myself dumping water on my head, front and back. I was also noticing that no one else was doing this! and I found my self searching for age of runners on their calf so I could find someone in my age group and stay with them.  So the downhills were fine, but I was getting hot to the point, that when I hit mile four, I was getting a bit dizzy. I also was getting a nasty stitch/spasm in my right side, so that was making me stop about two times to breath it out.  When I hit mile three I was on the up hill, I ran around the corner and ran into one of my co workers running the 10 K.  I hollered out " how did you do?" obviously not realizng that she was still running her race. She was also pushing a stroller. Badass in my opinion since the 10 K is also a pretty brutal course, and she was doing it for the first time. As I ran the last few miles, I ended up channeling American Woman, by Lenny Kravtiz , cause I could just listen to the beat and run to it. I had 25 min to get in 2 miles to make the 2:30 time. I wanted it, but I was hurting. So I just put the song on repeat and went for it. I was blessed with a group of guys at a car wash hosing anyone down that wanted it as we ran by. Which was nice and refreshing. I did have this one annoying chick  that kept seeming to run up to where I was, then cut me off, then stop and walk, then I'd pass her, then shed do it again. It was really annoying me, but I had no energy to blow away from her. Then I had another one, that no matter what I did, she kept cutting me off, and blocking me, like she was doing it on purpose, which I can't say if she was or not, but it' was annoying none the less. I finally made the last turn and headed down the last stretch of road, and after dodging a couple strollers  ran across the finish line in 2:29:17.  Made it!! and about 10 min faster then I was hoping for. I was very happy to be done. I got my sweet medal that was finally a nice one. I ran into some co workers who I chatted with a bit, as we were talking though, I began to have trouble breathing. So I had to walk over to a different spot, and cough/ almost throw up and just focus on breathing normally.  Which I finally did and rejoined the group just in time to see our other co worker fly by and roll in Second overall for the Womens Marathon. First was her training buddy.  It was a great race, we all had fun. The heat was the kicker though. Hung out for a bit with the group. I chatted with a guy who gave me the nicest compliment telling me he was watching me run and I got him at mile 9 1/2 and that I just had a really good steady pace and he couldn't keep up with me. That was nice, since that was when I felt like the wheels were falling off and I was suffering. Good to know I don't look like I feel at least :). After Jessica got her award, I  headed home to relax, nap and put on compression socks.  Tomorrow is a blessed recovery day...mmmmmmmmmmm.   I'm 6 weeks out from Boulder 70.3.  

If You're Trying To Achieve, There Will Be Roadblocks. I've Had Them; Everybody Has Had Them . But Obstacles Don't Have to Stop You. If You Run Into A Wall, Don't Turn Around And Give Up. Figure Out How To Climb It, Go Through It, Or Work Around It.  --Michael Jordan.