Race Weekend!!! Boulder Ironman # 3

Finally got pictures Posted!!

Wow! Wow!!  Really? It's felt like the longest eight months of my life training, yet, now as I sit here the night before the race with my feet up, It feels like it went by sooooo quick!!  I can't believe it's already here, and yet, I'm really happy it's here. I have had a rough couple of last few weeks in training, and I just wanted to get this race going. Yet, now I'm here and I want this time/feeling to last for as long as it can. The curse and addiction for competing in Ironman triathlons. Or any for that matter. It's the one time in my life I REALLY feel ALIVE!  Plus, it makes it easy when It's Boulder, CO. (note to self, start looking for jobs here, this is where you belong!)

This week has been a bit of a blur. I spent Monday getting work in order, then off for a final swim at the Y, with a few good lucks from fellow lane buddies. Then I was home, and packing, resting up.  On Tuesday, I slept in, then got on my bike and got in my last long ride til race day. Then,  I went and had the most amazing massage from my massage therapist who did wonders for my sore back from a not so good transfer this past Thursday. Home, finished packing and met up with my House/dog sitter. and then I was in bed. My plan was to head out early on Wed to get to Boulder, but hence, I slept in, and made it as far as Colorado Springs Wed. Night, and it rained pretty much the entire drive, so that kept things interesting. I was so cold when I rolled into Colorado Springs, that I was worried, I'd have to buy some cold riding gear.   

Got into Boulder Thursday in the AM, before I could check into my rental l. So I did a little shopping and went and got checked in at the Ironman Village, The Athlete Meeting, then finally to the rental.  After I was all checked into the rental, I then headed out for a quick, shake out the legs, 30 min run. I ran down to the finishline..just a nice easy 10 min jog from here, and ran a little bit up and down the Boulder Creek Path!!  This is going to be a beautiful run( minus all on concrete) , right next to the creek, where if you want,  you can jump in and cool off on the run. Just mind the currents, they said.   I got back home, got in the shower quickly, and then headed over to Training Peaks, where I got to meet 2 of my ALL TIME Idols!! Crowie( Craig Alexander) and Mirinda (Rinny) Carfare. They both currently hold the World Record for Ironman in Kona. And they both have won it 5 x between them. HOW FRICKING AWESOME!  I was pretty darn start struck when I got to meet them, get an autograph and a picture. I also got to meet the great Apolo Ohno ( 8 time Winter Olympic winner for Speed Skating).  It was a Q & A session about Ironman, Him going to Kona, for Got Chocolate Milk Team.  Someone jokingly asked him if anything from DWTS was carried over here, he said "Absolutely, nothing!"  I was on a high all night, Pick your all time favorite football, baseball, basketball player, that's what it was like meeting these two athletes in the Triathlon world. I was hoping to see them, but I didn't think I'd get a chance to meet them, let alone get a picture and autograph!!!  After the meet and greet, I ran to Whole Foods, got some dinner, and then home to relax.  Busy Busy day!

Friday- I was up by 6:30AM and off to the Rez to get in a pre race practice swim. Only bummer is that they charged for the swim. 20$ each to do a 750 yd swim.   Yes, I was one of the many suckers, who just wanted to get in the lake and get a feel for it. But I was glad I did. I wanted to get in a good relaxed swim, but I also used this time to just swim and breath in the water,get  any panic attacks out of the way, and just take it in, (the view, not the water) That way, when race day came, I could get focused and get to work.  Met up with my WA Stripper Buddies, and we all hung out for a bit, before I headed off to go drive the bike cousre.  I'm pretty sure the IM Boulder Team, found every possible hill, except for the mountains, to put on the bike course. I think the most fun one, will be at mile 100, called by the locals, the 3 Bitches.  Just when you think your home free, and your sailing down this insanely long hill, suddenly, they switch the route on you, you will need to slow to a complete stop, turn 90 degrees to the left, and BAMMM...it's all uphill Bitch.....Like THREE UPHILLS.  I'm sure I'll have more to say after I ride them tomorrow, we will leave it at that.    Once back at the rental, I took hot shower, a nice longgggg nap, and then headed down to the pre race ceremony. HOLY CRAP....There were a lot of big names there for Ironman ceremony, helps of course to have it be there hometown.  Craig Alexander, Dave Scott, Mike Rielly, Michellie Jones, Paula Newbie Fraiser, Karen Smyers, and so many others, I could remember all the names. A lot of previous winners of Kona!! So awesome to be in that presence. It was pretty darn cool.  Some stats they gave for the race. It's the largest in Ironman History...But, I did only see about 2900 ish, signs setup at the bike. They kept saying over 3000. Oldest Racing: 73 Yrs. ; Youngest: 18. First Timers? 1063. Largest Male Group: 40-44. Largest Female Group: 40-44, (guess that kills my shot at a spot for Kona).  611 athletes OVER 50 yrs  old with 95 athletes in the 60 age group:  7 in the 70 age group.  IMPRESSIVE!!!!

After the ceremony, I walked back home via Pearl St, and ran across this sign near the finish line, the finishers chute is going up. Then Home and I packed up all my Gear Bags, got my race numbers on my bikes, jamming to Ironman by Ozzy ( yes on repeat)  Then I was off to bed. 

Saturday1 I woke up this morning, after sleeping in until eight. :) I know I won't get much sleep the night before the race, so I'm just excepting this. I got in bike gear, and headed out on a easy ride on the run course around Boulder Creek Path, I didn't get it all in, but I got in enough to see that I will have some beautiful views, and the creek to help distract me from the pain I know I will be feeling at that point in the race tomorrow. And one interesting thing I noticed...is that it was still light out around 9 PM. Wouldn't it be fun to finish in the "dusk" time vs. dark. Coming back from my ride, I headed down my street, only to learn that Mork and Mindy's house (you know, that TV show in the 80s with Robin Williams....Nanoo Nanoo) was literally 2 blocks from where I'm staying.   Once, back at the rental, I got in a hot shower, got ready, and took my gear bags down to the race finish/run area. I'm only a 15 min walk, which will make it really nice to not have to worry about traffic in the am. But, I'm thinking that could make for a loooooong hobble back to my rental after the race. It will be worth it when that medal is around my neck. I know it!!!

****** Newton Running is doing a cool thing here for Ironman Boulder,  you can go and record a video for your athlete, and then at mile 20, when your timing chip registers on the mat, it pops up the video on the screen and you can see the video your friends/family made for you. I'm kinda bummed that I won't have anyone to do that for me. My Ironman Sherpas I know would if they were there. But, If your reading this, then send me a message titled Mile 20.  what words of encouragement would you send me with 6.2 miles to go in the race?  I'd love to have some things to think about at that time, when others are getting a message, and when I know I'll have to dig deep. *******

Next, I got back to rental, and took bike and gear bag over to the Rez. This is the first Ironman I'm doing where the T1 and T2 are in two different spots.  So, that will be something new for me to do on this race.  I'm not keen on having to run a bit before I can get on my bike. Or when I get off the bike..I have about a 1/4 mile run with my bike before I hand it off and grab my run gear bag at the Boulder High School Track. Oh well, it is what it is, and I'll just enjoy the moment.   The Rez was nuts with traffic!!! Which makes me glad, they are shuttling all of us in, in the AM.  I heard people really grumble about this, but I'm thinking it's going to make it rather nice. I can relax and "breath" on the bus ride over to the Swim start.  Got a good look at the swim course....13 sight buoys before each left turn. Lucky number 13.  Lets DO THIS!!!   Now I was done. I headed over to pick up a few last minute items for my special needs, and my gear bags. Then I got dinner and headed home to put on compression, feet up, rest, eat dinner, called home. Then called and talked with my coach for last minute words of wisdom and to just talk about logistics. Finishing up putting my special needs together, get nutrition ready to go for fluids.  My parents are all set to call me at 3 AM to make sure I'm awake.  

I'm SO EXCITED to get this started!!  The pre race jitters are here, but really, I'm just ready to be in the moment, the journey of the race, and get to that amazing feeling of crossing that finish line, and do it safely. I'm feeling focused, calm (as best as I can), I am not really letting my self get freaked out with the bike (because I really could thinking of all those hills, and if the wind picks up, and.....) but I'm just reminding myself, I've got this!, I have my plan, I will stay within myself, I will enjoy the journey,  I will have FUN!!!  I will DO THIS!!!  It is what it is, I'm going to control me, and whats within my ability. The weather will be what it will be, I will adapt and adjust to what comes my way. After all, that is what this type of race is all about. 

In the words of the great Dave Scott:  "Do what you can do, at that moment. You just have to want it!!! See You in 140.6 Miles!!!!    

One Week to Go!!!

ONE WEEK TO GO!!! IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THIS!!!!!  

                         Distance                    Time

SWIM                128,802  Yards          54:20

BIKE                     1,381 Miles           107:52

RUN                       314 Miles              60:23

________________________________________

Overall                                               222:35 hr/min

Well, thank god for taper week. This week has been rough to an extent. I have been feeling crappy, I took a day off of work on Wednesday cause I felt like I got some bug. Between the nausea, allergies, migriane headache, I was non vertical for most of the day.  I also, tweaked my back at work this week and have spent a lot of time on ice, resting and popping meds.  I'm for the most part calm, but yet, I'm starting  to freak out. So I cleaned. Needless to say, my house is ready for my house sitter.   

Monday- I got work in, and headed over to the Y for my swim. I felt ..."punk", maybe is the best word. I was ok, I got in my swim, but I just wasn't feeling that hot. Which I know this from previous Ironmans, you have the start of  your taper, and your body just is so happy for the rest, it try's to recover, so everything feels "sluggish".  And  you want your body rested so that you Peak for race day.  So once I got in my swim, I changed, and I was on my way home. 

Tuesday-  I must of ate something bad at work, because by the time lunch was done, I was nausous. and it never stopped, I got home and ended up taking a 4 hour nap. I then slept the rest of the night away. Maybe this was my bodys way to say.....it's a recovery day, like it or not, I'm sleeping, what are you doing? I didn't panic too much. I know anything I do now, is just to keep the body ready to go. 

Wednesday- I woke and still felt crappy, and everytime I was up for more then 5 min, I got nauseous. Between that, allergies, a migraine starting. I was just feeling non vertical. So I called into work, and slept til after 1 pm.When I woke I felt a bit better. And  not wanting to miss another workout...I managed to get on my trainer for my bike workout. I then rested the rest of the night and relaxed.

Thursday.-- Well Darn, darn, DAMMMMM IT!!! I did a transfer with a patient. I somehow lost my balance with him on the transfer and over we went. Me on the ground, him on top of me. But it was a slow motion kind of fall, so no one got hurt. Or so I thought. By the end of the day, I could feel my back tighten up.  So I opted out of my workout, and went home, iced, got Kineso tape on, and stretched.  Oh Crap, please let it be nothing. Shit, shit shit.    Looking back, I think it was more of a strain, as after we were on the floor, I was actually holding him up, and having to shift my leg several times, I think I just over strained my back while waiting for help to arrive. 

Friday- I woke to feeling okay, but as the day progressed, my back just kept feeling worse. So, with reluctance I wrote up a workers comp form to cover myself. I had decided to go get in my swim at the Y, thinking it would loosen up my back a bit. I drove through a monsoon, several times, as it and I were going the same way. When  I got to the Y, I should have known something was up with minimal cars in the parking lot. Once I headed in I was aware of the pool area, completely closed, lights out, not a soul in sight. I asked the front desk what was up. Apparently with all the storms, there was a hugh power outage, and it messed up the pool, the temp, the chemicals while being off for so long. So no swim tonight. Darn I was looking forward to trying ot stretch out my back in a easy workout. Of course I didn't bring my running shoes, SO I headed home to maybe see about doing my 1:30 run. But as I drove home, I saw more ligthening in the storm then I have all year, so I decided that probably wasn't the best idea.  I stopped off and got dinner at Sprouts.  Then through the rain once again to my Escape. And home. My back had significantly tightened up by this time. So I got advice from my coach to not even attempt to run. I got on my foam roller, my 20 min yoga gentle stretch routine for runners, to get my back, hamstrings, and quads good. I noted my left leg was feeling tight, and now my left calf was hurting too. What. The. Hell. Is. Going. ON???? It's like my body is shutting down. It better just get this shit over with, cause I'm not going to let it mess with my race. GRRRRRRRR   

The stretching sorta helped, and I got on the foam roller too, I still felt really tight in my lower back. :(  and so I broke down and took a Vicodin. I also took a hot shower to try and help relax the muscles. 

I made a healthy dinner, which of course didn't agree with me either tonight. Damm it.  And then I started to clean the house out of frustration and need to distracy my brain from thinking negative thoughts. So at least the house is  clean for when I leave next week. The house sitter, will be happy they have a clean place to stay.  

And as I cleaned, I started to freak out. I feel like I'm back doing my first Ironman again. I am freaking out about all the things that are going wrong at this moment.  I can't remember if that happened the last two times. I don't recall having this much trouble right before the race. Of course, I also didn't drop a patient on me either.   

But, thinking about the last few races I've done. It's hard to not compare them. I have found several differences between these races.  I had this question come up also. So here's what my brain thinks:

1. Race #1- No coach   Race 2-3: Have a Coach 

2.  Even though it's Ironman #3, It feels like it's my first Ironman. It's a new course, new place, new everything. Two different transition areas, and finishline.   

3. It almost became a non wetsuit swim. That could of really made the freak out more insane. 

4. This race is early in the year, hence. HOTTER, My body doesn't function well in races over 85 degrees. I've worked hard to train by running and riding in 90 degree temps this time, in prep for the race. I have good days, and crappy days.  OSMO and Coke are my friend. Apparently SPF 30 and then 50 still are not.  Can we say fried shoulders x 2.  

5. The goal is to finish ( Ok, not so different) . For this race, the actual time of when I finish, really doens't matter. Not for a first race, because it's always a PR for that race. Now if I do it again, Then I'll focus on time.  But, I've never raced a course with this many hills on the bike, or false flats, possible rain and thunderstorms, back strain, etc.  

6.  The first Ironman, you go in naive...so you blissfully don't know how much you will suffer. On the second one, and third one (I'm sure it will happen),  once your standing at the start line, ready to get in the water. You suddenly recall all that suffering and then think..."HOLY SHIT!!!  Why am I doing this AGAIN???"   You talk more to yourself, and try to compare the first race to the second instead of focusing on the present moment. That will MESS with your brain. And  you can't do that because each race, weather, course is different. EVEN the same course will be different.  Just STOP!! and focus on what you are doing in the present moment, and what you can do in that moment. And Enjoy the Moment, This is what you have worked for, for over 6 months. 

Ok, so somehow this turned into a pep talk, and my words of wisdom/advice to myself for race day. I'm going to stop, because I'm not able to focus. I'll add more later. 

I saw the weather report for Aug 3 in Boulder.  The temp has dropped to 80s, which is super nice, but it comes with a price of isolated thunderstorms. I'm pretty sure that will make it wetsuit legal (thank God!) , so at least that will be one less thing to worry about. I have my antibiotics all ready to go for after race day, since rain will also bring in high bacteria levels in the lake. Sweet.   

Guess, I now need to think about what I'll wear if I'm in rain all day. I know that I'll possibly need more layers, but I haven't trained in that, so I'm just sitting on this for a moment on what I would reallly need to take with me. And if my tri kit is soaked and I'm freezing starting the run, I may just want to do a clothing change all together, and run in my running clothes. I will just prepare for it all, and decide closer to race day.  Decisions, decisions.   Decisions

Of course the weather forecast has changed at least three times, each day. So who knows what it will really be.

ALL Posted above are the SAME DAY!!!  

 I am sorta freaking out that my back is hurting, because I really want to go into the race injury free. But I also know, from my history, that when I race injured, I tend to be more conservative, I follow my plan better, and end up doing better. So who knows, maybe this will be to my benefit. I will just have to wait and see I guess.

Saturday- I woke to a back less sore. I enjoyed my sleep in til 8 ish. Then I headed over to swim at the Y. I got in my 2500 yrds. My back felt like it loosened up a bit, but I also used the pull buoy to be safe at the 300 yd intervals. And since I will be using a wetsuit. I wasn't too worried about it. The nice thing about todays swim. Is I felt good. I felt like I could go out and swim the 2.4 Miles and be strong with the swim. So that made me happy. I kept telling myself, that I"ve already done the work. I've put in the distance of the Ironman many times in my training. I just need to put it all together on the day.  So I told myself to remember this "feeling" for race day. I felt strong and confident. Just where I need to be :) 

Once out of the pool. I  debated on the run. From coaches orders,  "swim First, if the back is tight, don't run."  So, it felt better, my back that is, and I decided to go just do an easy jog on the treadmill. shoot for 30 min, and see where I feel from there. Plus, I could stop at any time, where out on the trail, I'd have to walk back if I was not feeling good. So I started out at about a 15 min pace, and just went easy. I was okay. But when I threw in some 10:00 and 11:00 min paces, my back started to tighten up. So I stopped at 30 min. Better to be safe then sorry. I know , on race day if it hurts, I won't stop. I'll walk, but I'll keep moving. But not before. Its kinda of a once time thing. And I know I"ve put in the miles and I know I"ve done the work. So , I just need to get to the starting line, Healthy.   

I got more errands done in prep for leaving next week, and then once home, I got on my compression recovery tights, and relaxed the rest of the day.  Bed early. 

Sunday-- Woke late again. I was tired!!  I slept in till 8 AM. Sometimes, the only way to get out of bed, is to strip it. Hence, Sunday is always laundry day for sheets. 

I was up and out the door by 9 AM. The weather was mid 70s-80s with humidity, and cloudy. Hmmm....perfect prep for next weeks weather forcast in Boulder.  I was very mindful of my back, and focused on the plan, but I also went easy as I could. I did however, find that I wasn't drinking as much as I was in the high 90s for the last few weeks of training. I am noticing, that I train much better in the drier heat. So the humidiy may play a factor in my allergy/exercise asthma.    But I got in my three hours.  

Next up.. I finished up with my 40 min run, with 3 x 5 min bursts at 9:32 pace. Once again, the heat got a bit to me. I forgot to grab my arm coolers for the workout today, so I was hot. But luckily I didn't burn. So that's a bonus considering my entire back is peeling. Super.   At least the good news is that my back didn't hurt on my run. I made sure to take walk breaks.  Once home, I got in my hot shower, called home and then watched live feed of Ironman Lake Placid, and Ironman Canada (hopefully, my next IM with my FC Coaching teammates from AZ IM). Guess I better get a tri bike and my passport for that one!!  I've been reading about Ironman Boulder, and friends who are already up there, and seeing that the city is getting ready for us. I'm so ready to go!! EXCITED!!!!!  

Dinner at Left Ts Steakhouse again. I ordered my usual again....and yes, that included my blueberry pie. And now relaxing while I type this.  

My Boulder Ironman Race Plan arrived today!!!   I am so ready to do this!!!!  I've learned so much from the race in June for the 70.3, that I'm ready. I Trust my training, and the process, and my coaches words of wisdom. This will get me through the day to becoming an IRONMAN x 3!!!!!  

The Quote for this week: 

Two Weeks and Counting!!! Taper Madness!!!

                  Distance             Time

Swim         124,152 yds       52:30 Hr

Bike            1317 Miles       103:26 Hr

Run             308.43 Miles    59:11 Hr 

____________________________________

Overall                               215:07 Hr/Min

Ahhhh.....taper, I'm one week into taper, and two weeks out from my 3rd Boulder Ironman. This time in two weeks. I should be about 1/2 way through my 26.2. I'll be about 11-12 hours into my race, running on the Boulder Creek Path. Taper is a funny thing.  You are so darn happy to FINALLY be in taper, because all your hard work is finally done. And you FINALLY, FINALLY have an end in sight, The race is near.  And then your body decides to do crazy things to you.  You become so tired, that you feel more tired then when you were training. It's your bodys way to start recovering and get you ready to go for race day. Then your brain plays tricks on you, "why are you stopping?" "Are you sure your ready?" "Maybe you should do just a little more?"  "I'm tired, lets sleep" "I'm hungry, lets take down that pizza"  "wait, there's ice cream in the freezer?  how long has that been there?"    "wait...what day of the week is it?" 

My Brain, in combination with Ironman Fatigue Mood. Also has a Taper Mode. It. Forgets. Everything.   For example, here are some fun things that happenend my first week of taper. 

My friend, had a birthday on the 17th. But when the day rolled around, and I saw some friends wishing him happy birthday on the 17th on Facebook. I texted him and said.  Birthday? It's your birthday? It can't be, because I know it's on July 17th. And I'm either seriously messed up with training or I got the date wrong..."   Ten minutes later, before he responds... My next text.   "Umm.. yes, Yes I am messed up considering I think it's JUNE 17th. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!, We will celebrate....after my race. So I can actually know what day it is. 

My body also decides everything hurts, my back pain doubles and i get zingers down my leg. My knee gets more tweaky, and well, my darn asthma decides to return for the hell of it.  All I can say to that is, get it all out of the system now, because I'm not letting any of that stop me from having a good race. 

Ice Cream....When the hell did I buy that? and how long has it been in the freezer?? I really could of used some chocolate the other night.  Ohhhhh...hey look!! Thin Mints!! That's right! I'm bringing them to Boulder to enjoy after my race. :) 

I am now on a first name basis with several of the waitresses at Left-Ts Steakhouse down the street. they now ask..."do you want your usual?"

 

I wonder how long the new sign has been up, less then a half a mile from my house. Luckily the owner at Left-Ts tells me, it just went up last Wednesday. Okay good, I'm not losing my mind...yet. 

I just realized that I forgot I had Blueberry Pie in the fridge...(pause)...now eating said pie....I burned 1966 calories today. I think Im safe to eat it. 

Fourty minute naps in the car,  sitting in the parking lot of the YMCA, is very acceptable as a pre workout nap.  Yes, this happen both Monday....and Wednesday. But I reallly enjoyed listening to the rainstrom on Monday. it was very soothing. 

It's also was a great four hour nap on Thursday when I got home from work.  Turned that day into recovery.

You unintentionally bare some of your soul on Facebook, and get more responses of support then you ever imagined.  Thanks by the way :) 

When Fatigued, Attempting to put on your Compression SKINS Recovery gear....can get a bit tricky. The tights are okay, but the top requires you to be either a contortionist or double jointed. Needless to say, the dogs freaked out a bit when I got stuck and was jumping around the bedroom trying to get the top on, I won't deny or confirm some hysterical giggling was also heard, along with some cussing.   

Distraction is my middle name.  Mmmmmm the blueberry pie is very tasty.

I'm sure there were more, but I honestly.   I Forgot at this moment. 

  So this first week of taper brings, finally a first week of doing all my workouts that were scheduled. Now, I know, sometimes you can't make it always work. But I was happy to have the Training Peaks show all green for all workouts completed.  I has a week or two with some Red mixed in for not completed, and man, does that mess with your mind.  So I'm happy to report I got them.

Monday ---

Today started with, as mentioned, a nice pre workout, 40 min nap during a thunderstorm at the Y. Then when I got into swim, I was just so tired. That I could hardly lift my arms. I know part of this is due to I got in my long bike ride on Sunday.  So going 1:20 min with no stops, and no assist with pull buoy, etc was tough. I ended up getting in about 2000 yds with nothing, but then mixed in the last 1550 with the buoy, doing 250 without/250 with, until time was up. I also was noticing my shoulder was bugging me. My tendonitis felt like it was returning, so I taped it up with Kineso tape and it got me through okay. 

Tuesday-  Home from work and taped up my knee with Kineso tape and off I went on my 1:10 run with  90 degree heat. Good training for Boulder.  I kept the intensity down a little bit per coaches orders. Other then writing this. The only thing I can really remember about this workout, is that I was done by 5 PM. The earliest I"ve been down with a workout in like....months. 

Wednesday-  I got to the Y, got in my pre workout nap of only about 20 min, as the car heated up pretty quick. I got my swim in, but had to pull out the pull buoy again, and the Kineso tape on my shoulder. Home...dinner....bed early. 

Thursday-   Today was supposed to be my bike day. But when I got home from work, i wasn't feeling so hot from something I ate. So I laid down for a bit, which turned into about a four hour nap. I managed to get up and change my plan to day off :). Then, honestly , I went back to bed.  I ate half a bag of crackers, because I was still not so good with my stomach.  

Friday--- DAY OFF From work!!  But not a rest day really for me.  I got my BRACES OFF TODAY!!! 

I'm no longer a metal mouth!!!  I got a permaent retainer placed on my bottom teeth. I then headed out and got some much needed errands done while I waited for my other retainers to be done by 1:30 pm. I picked up some items from the store, I got some stuff for the dogs. I got some of my training food for Boulder for race day. I got a coffee to celabrate my braces being off.  I got my haircut, finally after about 4 months, it was in dire need. My split ends were getting split ends.  Then back to get my retainers.  Home to do my 2 hour bike ride. Watch Movie, rest and bed. 

I must of been feeling pretty emotional with the excitement of my braces...finally coming off. As I posted a pic on Facebook with some  personal thoughts. Which I wasn't really trying to gain any sympathy, but somehow, I got some really sweet comments from my dear friends all over the US. Bless them for never letting me feel sorry for myself. I cried reading those comments. It was a emotional day. 

Saturday-  Woke today, and noted I slept wrong with my back, as I had a weird twinge in my low back, anytime I moved my right leg, it's shoot across the back, almost making me feel like It was giving out. and shoot a bit down my right leg. GRRRRRR  Made it through the day with work. Then once home. I got my new shoes to try out. Debated if I should run, but I decided i would just try it, and take it easy. I ended up doing okay. I did back off the intensity. The real problem happened around an hour or so out. when my Exercise/Allergy induced Asthma decided to make a surprise appearence in the middle of my run. I could tell immedeiatly once I breathed in, that what ever bothered me last March/April was back, so I slowed down for a bit and walked, then easy ran my way home. I used my inhaler and just sat for a few minutes to make sure i could keep going. i had 45 minutes left. So out the door i went, I got in my last 8 min run at and easy 9:30 pace. But I noticed that my heartrate was all over the place. Which of course is a side effect of the inhaler, being tachycardic. So I had to nix my last 4 x4 fast pace runs. I noted that everytime I walked I was okay and went into zone 1 for HR. But the minute I started an easy jog in the 12:00 pace, which was super easy, i could watch my heartrate shot up into the zone 4-5-6 within 20 seconds. So my last 35 minutes became focused on just running at a comfortable pace, and trying to keep my HR in the Zone 4. But I ended up walking more than running.  Lesson Learned: Always take your inhaler now for running. GRRRR  But then if you must take it, your planned workout is really screwed.   Home, Stretch, Hot Shower, Recovery....tights.  Dinner, Sleep.

Sunday-- Well, I was happy to have only a 4:30 ride today. But I apparently was also happy to sleep in.  I slept through all my alarms, only to be woken by the dogs jumping on me to wake up. I got out the door around 9 ish. But that's okay in the end, because I needed to train in the heat to prep for race day. I noticed the moment I got on my bike and began to pedal, I felt my back twinge again, and again. Oh....crap. But I just focused on going slow and warming up. As long as i was going easy, and using my legs to power me on the bike, not the back, it was okay.  But I had to stop every 15-20 miles and get off the bike and do some stretching on my hamstrings, and back. I kept my salt tablets to every hour and a half. and I once again was out of all bottles of fluid on the ride, twice. I was so hydrated at the beginning, that I made a pitstop behind a tall clump of weeds. Hey when you got to go, you got to go.  I for the most part did okay, but the brain started freaking out with my back. So after I stopped at the gas station and refueled for a few minutes. I headed out and went up the hill by Williamson Valley Rd. I was okay, but i really couldn't power at all with my back, it felt like it was giving out. So I turned around and headed home.

 I was nicely aided with a 15 mph wind all the way until i got to Fain Rd. Then it turn and I had a lovely 15 mph headwind. Which slowed me down considerable. So I really just focused on what I would do if this happen during race day.  Let's pray it stays calmer, because I was going butt ass slow.  I ended up taking an extra 20 min to get home. I also, got pretty toasty on my back. So much for thinking the 50 SPF would work. :(      Now, when I got about 12 miles out, I had to take another rest/stretch break. From here I was pretty set that I wasn't going to be able to run for my brick when I got home. But as the last miles rolled by, my back started to feel a bit better. So when I got home. I changed, and got on my new kicks to try again. I did stretch out and  put my feet up on the wall for about ten minutes. Then I headed out and got in my 40 min. Which some where I got confused and it wasn't until I was five min out that I realized it was 40 ...NOT 45. So I got a few extra min in my run. But I stopped a lot under the trees, as it was hot, my back was already fried, 

and I even put on more sunscreen.  The arm coolers are giving me some new tan lines too, but they are helping with the heat, so I really don't care.  I seem to be having an allergic reaction to the sun too. So I got some sexy, hive like spots on my legs where my bike shorts meet.

 It's happen in the past, nothing hurts, just ugly to look at.   They should go away in a day or two.   Home...Store for Ice, Then Hot shower, Call home. Then Left-Ts for dinner. Nothing like steak and blueberry pie to make all right in the world.  Home. struggled into my compression clothing (giggle, giggle). Called Home. and now here I am. Finished for the night. Eating the rest of my pie. and ready for bed. Can you tell I'm done? I'd try and say something more insightful, but the brain is just not firing on all cylinders right now.  So..... Two weeks and counting. TWO WEEKS!!!!  

                                                                                                                     I CAN, and I WILL

   

21 days and counting- Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde appear.....

                      Distance.           Time

SWIM             118,002             50:03

BIKE               1228.83             96:37

RUN                290.66              55:28

___________________________________

Overall                                    202.08

This has been my week of training. One day I feel good. I get in a good workout, only to go to bed and wake up the next day and be so mentally exhausted, that I don't recognize the good work I've put in for training. I'm not sure how to deal with this?  My body feels strong, but once I get out started on the workout, I bonk about an hour in. Is it nutrition? is it fatigue overall? Is it mental?  is it burnout? I can't put a finger on what the problem is, so I can try and fix it. That or I'm just to tired to see what is right in front of me and I miss the very obvious solution.  I'm just not sure.  It's like Dr Jeykell and Mr Hyde. I feel good one day, doing well, and then Hyde swoops in during the night and wrecks havic on everything I've done, and turns me back two steps. Luckily, i'm not out attacking anyone with a cane and killing them.  But maybe Hyde is doing that to my psyche, making me doubt all that I'm doing. Feeding off my fears of doing a race that makes me scared, makes me face my fears. I've been nervous about this race for a while, since I've signed up a year ago if I'm honest with myself. Mainly because the bike is filled with hills and false flats that are my biggest weakness on the bike.  It was also one of the reasons I choose to do this race. I am facing a big fear of mine.  I've never been one to claim I'm fast at this type of race. I know some people like to talk about how they place and brag about how many races they have done, and where they place, and that's fine for them. But It's not like that for me. 

Racing Ironmans for me is about: feeling alive, feeling blessed that God has given me a body to do this type of exercise. It's about the endorphins, and feeling happy, it's about the challenge of being able to do this race in honor of others, when many cannot. It's about having FUN!!  Living in the moment!  Meeting amazing new people and making new friends. Pushing my body to places that I don't think it can go, and then, push a little further. I don't really care where I place in the mix of things, I just want to finish!  That feeling is the same, weither you are first or last, it's about crossing the finishline.  Time is just a number, it's really about the journey, the finish is the icing on the cake. 

This race in Boulder....I'm definatly nervous. It's new ground for me. I do have some knowledge of the course. I've swam in the lake, got a PR for the swim in the Half this past June. But at the time, I thought I was swimming poorly. I let myself not relax and just have fun. I have some fear that it's going to not be a wetsuit legal swim and that makes me nervous. But I also realize that I can still wear a wetsuit if it's over 76.1 degrees. I m just not eligilbe for awards..LOL like that's an issue. So, I'm taking the pressure off. I'm not going to worry about it. Historically, the 1/2 in Aug has always been wetsuit legal. So I'm going on faith that it will be this time too.  

The bike. I keep reading about people riding the course, they say to be ready for hills. "Rollers" in Boulder standerds.  The back half between mile 67-87? it's a long slow 20 mile false flat. Then, hills kick back in the last 10 miles. But really they say, it's the wind that will get you on the back half. So, I don't expect a fast bike ride. In fact, I expect it to be a good 30 min or so longer. My goal of course is to just finish in the time allowed.  

The run: It's all on pavement. My knees already are hurting thinking about this. But that's also what I've been training on. I normally hit up my trail thats all dirt for the run,but I've been sticking to my neighbourhood which is  all pavement and sidewalk. Speaking of my knee, it's starting to give me more trouble again. The last few weeks, well if I'm honest, it's been since Whiskey Row 1/2 in May, it's been tweaky on and off over training. And then, my bike which has been good, now it's tweaky there. I've made a few adjustments, and my fitter has as well, and my training with my coach too. But its just sitting their nagging at me. One of my goals for this race is to not let what happen the last two Ironmans where my knee just goes to shit at mile ten of the run. My AZ IM 13 race, it actually went numb by mile 18 and gave out by mile 22 forcing me to walk the last four miles.  The fear of having to stop doing Ironmans because my body just can't handle it, sits silently  and festers in the back of my mind. Maybe it's time to let me focus on 70.3's which doesn't beat up my body as much.  But my heart just says, stop....lets not go there just yet.    

I'm not sure why I have more fear of this race then the last two. Well, wait, yes I do, for all the reasons listed above.  I need Dr. Jekyell to help keep Mr. Hyde and all his negativity at bay. I need to find that solution to help me push through the rough patches. It funny, this isn't my first Ironman, but It feels like it is at times. I am always learning something new about myself with these races. And that's really what it's all about in the end, right?   Learning what you can overcome? Learning what you are capable of?Learning  not to give up when things get tough? Having faith  in your training plan, and knowing that a few setbacks are not going to make or break your race?  Learning how to do it all on your own?  Without the help of a support crew?   Learning how to push through that Ironman Fatigue, when all  you want to do is sleep. I just need to Let is be. Focus on what I can control.  What is within my ability to control, and the rest will come.  

 On to training week.

Monday ----I did a mock open water swim in the pool as if it was non wetsuit legal. Just get in the water and swim.  I managed 3550 yds in 1:20 min. I was pleasantly surprised with that. I also know that i didn't have a long bike ride the day before that fatigues me. I missed it. So I think this is because I had some energy in the tank from sleeping all day on Sunday.   A good start to the week. 

Tuesday-- I got home only to enjoy a two hour unexpected nap, then got my butt on the trainer around 7 ish. I got in an hour on the bike with a consistant pace.  Nothing exciting here,but glad I was done. 

Wednesday-- I was feeling the fatigue, and the pain, my back, my right shoulder blade, everything was hurting. I made to to the Y for my swim, and I just focused on getting the swim in, had to use the pull buoy cause I was just tired. Once done, I got on the treadmill cause of time. and I managed to get in my first two of three intervals. But my knee was feeling a bit tweaky, I went ahead and taped it to be safe. But by the third interval. I literally bonked, and bonked hard. Like full on....BONK. I had to walk. everytime I attempted to run, even at a slow pace, my body just shut down. What the hell is going on? Mr. Hyde?  Why are you doing this to me now? It's been my constant companion of late. Bonking during my workouts. I decided it was nutrition. I was determined to finish my time, even if it meant walking. I'd do it at the race right? So I walked, the last 35 min of my workout, I walked, but I did it. and I got it done. GRRRRR    grabbed my gear and headed home. I stopped off and got food because I knew I was not going to cook.I almost fell asleep in the drive thru line. Luckly the car in front of me had  loud motor and I heard it move. But I managed only to eat half of my meal on the way home. So I worked out for at least 3 hours with 1000 cal burned, and barely got that replenished. I got home and did a hot shower, and barely made it to bed. I sent out a plea to my massage therapist to see if she had any openings. 

Thursday---  Blessed day off. the only thing I could think of was coming home from work and sleeping the night away.  But i got a response from my massage therapist, and i was off to get a massage at 4 pm. Whew. I needed it. I was so sore,my  back my hamstrings, my shoudler. she worked hard on all of the areas I was hurting. And I hurt when I was done, but a good hurt. I made it home made a good dinner, and then to bed.  

Friday--I woke sore, but not as sore as i have been. I got into work and got through the day. Once home I got my bike in. I started noticing that my knee was getting uncomfortable on the bike again. I adjusted my seat a hair. It seemed okay. I really feel like my right side is constantly "tight" like it's on the verge of cramping in the calf. ANd the hamstrings are always always tight. I have gotton on the foam rolller, but it never feels anything with the hams, more the quads and IT Band.  After my bike, I headed out for my 30 min run, which at the easy pace, I felt fine, my back didn't hurt, my knee didn't hurt. I felt like I could run that pace for a while. Once home, I got my recover drink on board, I got in a long hot soak in the tub with epson salts and essential oils. Dinner, Avengers movie, bed.  Happy that I could sleep in tomorrow. 

Saturday--- I woke today feeling so tired and sore. I slept in until 9:30 AM. WHEW!! I had a plan to go run at noon for my two hour run, so I could enjoy the morning relaxing, breakfast, and then get out in the heat for training. Well I got in breakfast around 10 ish, then fell asleep on the couch, til noon, then I decided I'd go run at one, slept until 2 pm, then decided I'd go at 3, slept til 4 PM. So my day was sleeping...all day. My back was what felt sore the most.  I felt "strong" but "weak" like I had no energy to go run. But finally I got my butt up off the couch and got out on my run around 5 ish. And it was everything I could do to just say at a 10:00- 10:30 pace. I felt that "strong" but yet, weak and couldn't get my body to move.  It's hard to describe the feeling. I do realize that it was still in the 90s when I started to run, and I don't do good in the heat over 85 degrees, so I'm happy that I was able t manage 3 x 10 min sets at a 10 ish pace.  My planwas for 2:20 hr/min. But I only managed 1:28 with the heat, my body tired. I thought it would be my knee that would bother me to night, but it was my lower back, that tightened up on me. ALOT, I opted to follow my coaches advice to lessen the intervals/intensity and cut workout short if i needed to. And with thoughts of how last weekend went where I missed my entire bike ride due to sore from the run. I stopped my workout early.I was a bit bummed, but Mr. Hyde had reared it's ugly head again.   I really wanted to meet all my workout goals this week, but I know that my bike tomorrow is more important and I cannot miss that one two weeks in a row.   Hydrate, eat clean and rest. This is the rest of my night. oh, and order new shoes.  

Sunday- Woke today, dreading this long 6 hour ride. Mainly because I was certain Mr. Hyde would make an appearence. I got a late start, the plan was out the door at 6 am. It was more like 7:30 AM. But that's okay, because I just have to ride more in the heat, which is really what I need for Boulder. I surprisingly felt good. Must of been those 3 - 2 hour naps yesterday. My back didn't hurt, my legs were sore but once I stretched them out on the bike, they started to feel better.  It got hot quick! And with the humidity, I had a bit of a stuggle with breathing but nothing to bad. So I focused on 90 rpm. I had to do 3 X 15 and 3 X 30 in my low zone 4. For some reason I just couldn't get myself in the zone to stay there consistantly. My biggest issue with power, I either have cadence right or I have power right, and if I have power right then my cadence is in the 70-80s zone. So after talking with my coach, it was recommended to focus on cadnence if i couldn't stay in power zone. SO that's what I did. I focused on cadence. I never looked at my power in the end, I don't even know what my average was. So be it. I did however find that when I focused more on the cadence between 85-90, I felt....good. My legs were tired but not to tired after a hill climb. I climbed the "big"  hill twice and amazingly, I didn't get any back pain. I think I figured out what I was doing. I was so focused on my cadence or my power, that I'd crank on the gears and use my back,  not my legs to power up the hill. So when I felt myself doing that, I'd focus on switching my push to my quads..and low and behold, no back pain. How silly that something so simple escaped me. So along with this, because I was not  using back muscules to power up the hill...hmmm my knee didn't bug me. Not once!!!  Whew!!!  I did manage to run through all three of my water bottles Twice!!!  It was in the 90s on my ride.  So I made a pit stop every two hourss at my now favorite gas station, where the attendent said to me, " Oh hey! You did say you would be back next week didn't you?!!" I told him to expect me for the next few weekends. And of course i did say hello when I came back for a second time. Nutrition. I had it today!!  I had my stash bars every 30 min, my water/OSMO every 15 in between or more if needed. I took a salt tablet every 1 1/2 hour and had success, so three on my total for 6 hours.   I managed to cruise into home just before the storm  hit. and got the last 8 minutes on my trainer, where the stupid garmin decided to download so I had to have to seperate downloads for the bike.  Then I checked in on my Team racing in Vietnam 70.3.  Then I headed out for my easy 30 min run, which again, no back pain, and no knee pain. Wheewwwww!!!! While I wish I had more miles then 83 on the bike...that was a huge boost and good training ride for me. I made a point to hit up some false flats at miles 60-80 somewhere so I could simulate how it will be for race day. I also noticed that I had over 3000 feet of elevation gain total. That's nice, considering that's close to what Boulder elevation change will be.  Overall, the day had a few head winds and side winds mixed in with 90 degree temps,  it was cooking in some parts on the road, but clouds would also roll in and cool me off for a bit. This made for a perfect training day for Boulder. I also tested out my new arm coolers. and I must say, they may look funny, but once those babies are wet...It feels NICE!!!!  I did not however like them when they were dry, and it felt like I was starting to get to hot.  Thank you Dr. Jekyell for keeping Mr. Hyde away. I needed a good day on the bike.  Ice bath and recovery drink completed after the run, along with a hot shower and compression recovery tights on.  I also enjoyed a pizza and a beer for dinner in a far away cheers to my FC Teammates who rocked their races. And when I say pizza, I mean pizza. I burned over 2000 calories. The pizza only covered about 1300 calories. Yes, I'm still eating. :)  

Best thing about the next three weeks??  TAPER BABY!!! TAPER IS HERE!!!  Three Weeks to Race Day!!!  

Resilient People Look

At The Problem and Say,

"What's The Solution?

What's This Trying To

Teach Me?