May 2008

May '08


Friday, May 30, 2008
Get Your Grown Woman On

Sometimes you just don’t realize how grown you are. I know I’m young. I don’t often feel like I can classify myself as an adult. But sometimes, sometimes, it just sucks to know that I’m really not 12 anymore.

I can’t wash away all my problems with an episode of Full House, a glass of milk and mom’s chicken cordon bleu.

I used to get mad when my parent’s wouldn’t let me listen to Insane Clown Posse (keep your snickers to a minimum, please), or Aqua’s “Barbie Girl.” I couldn’t understand why Mom didn’t like a 14 year old shopping at Victoria’s Secret, or why Dad didn’t want some 17 year old punk kid coming over for dinner on a school night.

You learn so many things from your parents with age. I never thought “I know it all” but I sure did act like it. I was full of myself. Better than everyone. I didn’t know it all, but I knew plenty.

Last night I had to give a tutorial to my parents. It’s the hardest thing to drop a couple bombs just to clear debris. I feel guilty, but I know so many things needed to be said. So I said them. I had to be the parent bestowing a bit of knowledge on a child.

It sucks.

But I grew a little more. I had to pull myself up by my big girl bootstraps and break Hell loose.

And I’m proud of myself.

And I’m proud of them.

But I’m still a little girl. My milk made me feel better. But the Olsen Twins are fakes. And I still love the punk kid.
posted @ 5/30/2008 11:36:32 AM (0) Comments
Thursday, May 29, 2008
You Can't Outswim It
"Because no matter how fast you swim your 100’s, I've learned it’s really hard to outswim the current of things you cannot control."-Liz Fedofsky

So I have this problem.
It's a control issue.
I don't deal well with losing it.
I am a meticulous planner, but if a plan goes awry, we're in big trouble, folks.
I'm set off easily.
The slightest change completely destroys everything.
Two hour bike? No problem. Having to be done 15 min early to come home to clean for a party? Doesn't work.

How do I let go when losing control?
How do I say, "It's okay, just don't worry?"
I need to try.
Go with the flow.
Ride it out.
Just deal with it.

So I'm resolving to let things be.
To adapt to changes in plans when they come about.
Relax.
Because, as Liz says, you can't outswim the current.


posted @ 5/29/2008 6:39:52 AM (1) Comments
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
High 5! One long 9 miler, and a 1.2 Swim TT
“I looked at your schedule. We need to do some big changes starting now. Can you do that nine mile run tonight?” Coach Lady called to say, referring to a run I didn’t quite make on Sunday (I made it to the end of the subdivision, realized it was 91 degrees with 85% humidity, and that it was half past noon). It’s 3:35pm. I leave work in less than an hour, with, what was supposed to be, a night off. “This is the most important week. The next thirteen days are the biggest, hardest miles. You have to get it in.” So, in that instance, my three days off in the week become one day off. I sigh and tell her, Yes, I can do the run tonight. She then surprises me with a 1.2mile swim time trial for the morning, along with a slew of other switch ups and add ins for the week.

I was plodding along the ADP trying to stay focused on the task at hand. Nine miles, eh? I have done nine miles so many times. I mean : pff: check this out, it’s not even a weekend distance run. It’s a Tuesday evening run. How many people do I know that are running nine miles on a Tuesday night? I looked at my watch, noted the landmarks, and realized I was only at about three and one half miles. Ugh. Ok, so nine miles is a long way. Why am I doing this again? Who’s grilling? Oh that smells so good. Gu should totally make a cheeseburger flavor for people to eat when they run past houses that are grilling out. What are those kids doing? They’re going to fall in that pond. I’m going to get my shoes muddy. Have I gone any farther yet? Dammit, it’s at least another ten minutes until the turn around. I should just run to Melissa’s house and make her drive me home. My watch beeped, sounding the Feed Bell, if you will, and I happily scarffed down a chocolate Gu. I tried to count my stride cadence to bring my head back into my workout, and less on what was going on around me. 81.. 82.. 83.. 8- BEEP! Dangit! How am I ever gonna make 88? That’s like, impossible. How can you turn your feet over that fast? Better yet, what’s this crap about the same cadence no matter what the speed? That doesn’t make sense… 43..44.. 45.. 47.. 47.. UGH. Learn to count. 50.. 51.. Turn around time! Wait, what was I on?

The sky was looking more dark, but I figured I’d at least make it close to home before it opened up. The wind was harsh and cool, but it was a comforting contrast to the warm, humid air.

Of course, if there was a stoplight, I had to stop. Apparently, there’s no such thing as green when you’re a pedestrian. HONK HONK! Well, look at that. Melissa and Jeff drove past, presumably on the way to the pool. I so should have just gone to her house.

I continued on, trying to count cadence while sending snotty looks to snotty kids and occasionally sipping from my CamelBak (yes, I have officially switched. There’s no jostling and it has a pocket big enough for my Laptop Sidekick mobile and a couple Gu.

On the opposite side of the road, my fiancé cruises by, honking. Three minutes later, he passes me from behind, honking again. I smile and wave. I love when he “checks in” on me during my runs and training sessions. He’s not vocally supportive, and is sometimes a PITA when it comes to my workout schedule, but it’s his actions that make me feel like he’s behind me. I look at my watch, and make note that it will be about 35 minutes before I get to see him at home.
The rest of the run is as uneventful as the first. Minus the High 5. Yes, the High 5. With about one and a quarter miles to go, I passed the only other runner I encountered all evening. It was an older guy, early 50’s, kind of chubby, but he was putting in work. As I went passed him, I stuck out my hand a la t-ball good game style. “High 5!” I yelled. He simply stuck out his hand and gave it right back.

I cruised home smiling to myself the whole way. I like to think I helped to make that guy’s run.

After a Taco Tuesday (ok, chicken wrap Tuesday) outing at Tanner’s Sliders, and a possible Sundae from Culver’s, Eric and I came home to tidy up for today’s Thomas is Moving to California and We Need an Excuse to Have a Weekday Party party.

This morning I obediently pumped out the 1.2 miler time trial swim. It wasn’t fantastic, by any means, but I held a constant 1:28 pace. Oddly enough, I swam HalfMax last year faster. I have come to the sad realization that their course may be short. SIGH oh well.

Provided it is not raining (which I both hope for, and against), tonight I have a 2hr ride. If it is raining, I’m doing a ride on the trainer for 1hr 20min (Hey, 1.5/1 rule, right?).




posted @ 5/28/2008 9:01:20 AM (0) Comments
Saturday, May 24, 2008
We Are Family
I'm at my Grandma's and I want to keep this short. I wanted to say how proud I am of a certian person in my family- my Mom. She's making some big humongus changes in her life and I totally support her.
And, while I'm thinking about it, here's a face not many have seen before- my granpa, "Papa" Gale who passed away this April 16. Here he is with my grandma, in about 1973. In Vegas. Please note, the style sense DOES run in the family. And yes, my grandma's hot, and my grandpa was a mack daddy ballin' pimp. I mean, come on, check out the leisure suit.

The color problems are from the old old sepa/color print work they had back in the stone age. ;)
posted @ 5/24/2008 6:48:10 PM (0) Comments
Monday, May 19, 2008
Kansas 70.3 Course Review

Kansas is NOT flat.

But: It’s not the mountains Paso Robles, California, either.

After putting in 50 miles of the 70.3 bike course and about 5 on the run, I have made note of a few things:

1. It will never ever matter which direction you’re headed- you’re headed into a head-crosswind at all times.
2. I really miss having horses. I do not, however, miss the smell of horse poop in 80 degree heat.
3. There will be absolutely NO shade on the bike course.
4. This is the biggest thing that the “Clinton Store” will have ever experienced.
5. Said store does not have indoor potties. But don’t worry, they’re brining in an extra port a john.
6. The average high for June 15th is 83 degrees. My prediction is 91.
7. The most difficult climbs will be in the last 10 miles of the bike course.
8. The run course is going to be packed, which is just how I like it.
9. Clinton lake is muddy. Deal with it.
10. The bike course is pretty smooth, which made me very very happy.
11. There’s not much shade on the run either.
12. My coach is way too fast for her own good. If only she can stay healthy.
13. I’m super excited for a local IronMan trademarked 70.3
14. If you’re not doing this race, you’re missing out.
15. Drewie should skip her SIL’s wedding and race this instead.
posted @ 5/19/2008 2:16:00 PM (0) Comments
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Change of Plans
After discussing with Coach Nancy, I have decided to pass on Heritage Park Triathlon this year. I’m really sad about it, as it was my first race, and is a good favorite, but I’m less than four weeks from Kansas 70.3. Aside from the astronomical $75 entry fee (late fees suck), we’ve decided to continue on for the remainder of my build phase, uninterrupted. Of course, this means even more change of plans.
I had planned to go to Lawrence Thursday evening for GNO with my best friend- a little track workout at Freestate HS, dinner, and cake tasting for the wedding. BUT, Lawrence is quite a drive, especially when after work, meaning I don’t get home until close to 11pm. However, it looks like I may be trekking out to Larryville to get in a little pre-race ride time on the course that is “The Iron Cross.” Simply put, I cannot afford the gas and travel time to make two trips to LA in three days. So, we have to get stuff figured out. I’m just waiting on Coach Lady to get me this weekend’s plan. In her defense, I procrastinated and did not decide for or against HP until yesterday evening. Ok, last night at like 10:30pm. So now, we have changes for the weekend. Are there any other procrastinating neurotic athlete brides?
posted @ 5/13/2008 10:57:11 AM (0) Comments
Thursday, May 08, 2008
The Text Message Coach
Nothing like getting encouraging impetus text messages from your coach.

Incoming Text:
From: Coach Nancy
I hav your wkout written up to 24th. Wanted to see what u thought of it with the improv you have done. Are u on board or do I need to tweak?

Outgoing:
To: Coach Nancy
This week is tuff- my bike won't make it back until next monday, so it wont be put together until proabably tuesday. Which means no bike tonight, or brick sat. But I'm still running/ swimming.

Incoming Text:
From: Coach Nancy
Do in gym. Ride 1 hr on bike of choice. Saturday swim 1 hour, bike 2 hrs, run 1hr on treadmill or treadmill/track. U HAVE to put this time in!! Capiche'?

Outgoing:
To: Coach Nancy
2hrs on bike in gym!! ? Woman you're going crazy. I know you're right tho. But pphhuccck. Can I run outside instead of treadmill?

Incoming Text:
From: Coach Nancy
Yes, outside is fine. but GIRLFRIEND u know what u gotta do. Get a friend to join u on your misery :-O

so uh... Anyone busy from 8:00am to Noon Saturday?????
posted @ 5/8/2008 1:00:52 PM (0) Comments
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Approved comments, Speedy think I'm Obese. :)
So, today I saw that I had about 100 blog comments that were never posted. Oops, sorry!
I had quite a few from Dawn, Moto, Robo, etc. Some are over a year old! Anyway, I got to read and remember a lot of things from my past blogs; my memory since jogged by the comments:
Here is my favorite, from my recap of the KC Women's Tri in August 2007:
Posted By: Speedy Gonzales
8/16/2007 11:05:47 AM

You didn't have a 27 minute run in you because you are too fat... I'm guessing in terms of BMI actually obese.
Reply Delete

This actually made me laugh out loud. So, thanks, Speedy, wherever you are. You made me giggle. :)
posted @ 5/8/2008 10:18:09 AM (0) Comments
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
RECAP! WildFlower Triathlon Festival May 2-4 2008
WildFlower Triathlon Festival May 2-4 2008
Olympic Distance

I can think of 1000 other races that would have made for a much easier first race of the season. Note to self. Do not travel 1720+ miles for an Olympic distance race that is twice as difficult as any half you have ever done.

I had so much drama the week or more leading up to the race, I’m not even going to discuss it. As a Cliff’s Notes, we had death in the family, job stuff, bike work, bike drama, shipping drama, plane drama, tornadoes the night before, fiancé freak out, and finance meltdown.

I boarded my plane in KC after paying $150 one way for my bike, pit stopped in freezing cold Salt Lake City (Um, hello, why is the airport outside, and why am I wearing running shorts and a T-shirt?) I eventually made it to sunny San Luis Obispo about 11am PCT, and thankfully, someone was there to pick me up! We trucked over to Fluid Headquarters A (Dave and Michelle’s house) where Dave and I assembled my bike, and loaded the Fluid Mobile. Rich showed up with sandwiches, we hit the supermarket, and Dave and I started the drive to Lake San Antonio (I think it was just over an hour from SLO, and it was a really pretty drive).

Once we got to the Wildflower race site, I met some of the Cal Poly team, and the Fluid team- they are awesome! Then I sat for a while and listened to Fluid elite athlete Yuri Green discuss the property matters and ingredients in Fluid, and how the body reacts to it… very, very, um.,. over my head. J

As a group we rode down to the transition/ festival area—about 3 miles-ish from where we were set up in camping. Right away a got an education. Meaning, I was SCHOOLED in descending. Also, I prayed like hell that Dave had everything put together tight, because I started the 1.2 mile straight down, winding descent on a road with a shear cliff drop. Um, I almost pooped myself, mostly because there were cars, people that were way too timid in the middle of the road on mountain bikes, and guys riding in flip flops and no helmets. I arrived in one piece, checked in and then tried repeatedly to find phone service to call Eric and Kim at TriSports, much to no avail. (FYI- the ONLY service provider that gets service there is Verizon. Apparently, the Network is all triathletes. I stood around stalking total strangers on their phones all weekend. When they hung up I was ask to borrow their phone. Yes, I was that girl.) I separated from the group and meandered around pretty much by myself for the next 90 minutes looking for Kim. I finally spotted the tent on the far side of the TA and made my way there. I hung out with the TriSports group for a while, they fed me delish food (ah, food! So good!), and I eventually made my way back to my bike. This was just the greatest… I proceeded to get COMPLETELY lost. Not a little, but totally, back-ass-wards 110% lost. One and half hours later I made it back to base camp, just as the sun went down.

There I hung out with Michelle (Dave’s fiancé), Tamra and Megan, mostly. These girls are super cool. My tent mates were Amy and Ashley, and poor Ashley had a heck of a time getting to the race, so she was rather late, which meant we were quite late getting to bed- but that was ok because they were nice enough to provide me with an air mattress and a tent over my head! This is where my lacking of camping skills played in. I had to borrow a sweatshirt, and I slept too close to the tent wall, which left me to wake soaking wet with dew. Um, eew, not fun.

I wasn’t even close to adjusted to the two hour difference, so I woke early and headed down with Megan to watch her boyfriend, Travis (a Fluid teammate), Tamra, Michelle, Dave, and the Pros- Chris McCormack, Samantha McGlone, et al., race in the Long Course (1 mile shy of a half ironman). WoW! They are SO fast!

I hiked back to camp by myself and did some exploring. I found a trail over to Lynch and sat and watched the pros descend for a bit. They are absolutely insane. Then I ventured over to the Fluid “aid station”, was entertained by the antics of the underclassmen, and squirted racers with squirt guns. I am so glad I’m out of college! Ashley, Amy and I sat and shook our head and laughed at “Bonnie.” She’s such a doll.

I headed over to the tent, napped, showered, and got myself ready for my race. In the evening, the Cal Poly parents prepared a feast for the team, and it was terrific. Afterwards Colette announced that she and her boyfriend were going for a jog, and that everyone should join. I had heard about this. I hung back but brought a camera. Sure enough, 15 minutes later I saw a bunch of boobs and weenies as a HUGE group of people went streaking thru the Purple Monster tent during their dinner, “it’s a yearly tradition” I was told. Again, glad I’m out of college, but I got some HILARIOUS pictures.

After that Ashley and I went to fetch her bike and had a good conversation about racing. She’s my age, and has been racing as long. But she is super fast. I want to learn to be more like her, so I need to implement some changes. BTW, she was really really nice and made sure I was included in conversations, and introduced me to her friends. I felt very welcomed. I’m really happy to have “tented” with her and Amy, the president of the CalPoly team.

Dave, the coach for the Cal Poly team, walked the team (and myself) thru a review of the course, and a visualization. I really wish I had a team like that here. They train together, race together, support one another and are supervised by a coach.

Things winded down quickly and we packed it in for the night about 9:15pm (which felt like 11 for me!) We decided to set my alarm on my phone for 6:15 and we dozed quickly.
The alarm went off so early we couldn’t believe it, but we were all awake, and moving. Then, I noticed it still hadn’t started to get light- weird! Ash unzipped the tent and commented that no one was awake yet, either. I checked my phone, “Yep, 6:15” .. Ashley asked, “California time?” … Crap. Well, back to sleep we went after a pitch black trip to the bathroom. We then got up at the correct time, had a bagel, got dressed and rolled down to the TA. Ashley was racing collegiate, which started at 9:05, and I age group, which was a 10:10am start.

It felt odd to be setting up a TA. My last race season seemed so far away, but everything still seemed natural. I even helped a couple girls next to me who were doing their first race.

It was a cool, cloudy, foggy morning. However, the fog burned off just minutes prior to the race start, making it one hot day. I had planned to double cap, but quickly decided I’d over heat, and bestowed an old school KC Blazers cap to a spectator. I didn’t have time to take it back to the TA, so I’m sad to see that one go. Hopefully it has a good home!

SWIM: 1.5k 25:41 1:34/100 yard
I seeded at the front, and center. There were roughly 200 in my wave. I did not really feel that great warming up, but I decided I’d do the best I could. The horn went and my row and probably the two rows behind attacked immediately. I know I third going into the first buoy. Fast Feet Fast Feet Stay on Fast Feet I kept telling myself. Alas, these girls weren’t playing. The next thing I knew I was left to fend for myself in open water. I didn’t get the Velcro closed fully on my wetsuit and it was cutting me every time I sighted. Ouch. I just wanted to let someone do the work for me. I felt off from the get go and was trying to survive. I doggy paddled twice to get my bearings and avoid ripping my neck flesh. By 800 yards I was passing men from the previous heats. All the men went before the women, so I knew where I was in terms of caps. At 1200 yards I was passing guys from the two heats before, or 10 minutes, before my start. I was still feeling really frustrated. I was actually relieved to see the exit arch. With 200 yards to go all I could see was dark purple caps- the men before me. I figured I was just stuck with the stragglers because I saw no light purple (my) colored caps. I was so afraid I was in the back of the pack. I tried to up my kick and turn my arms over faster. I have never been so happy to finish a swim! I looked at my watch and thought it said 29, thankfully I read it wrong. I swam a 25, which was what I figured I’d go. After looking at the results, I actually excited my AG wave in 8th. I am fully capable of going a 23 high or 24 low, so I was slightly disappointed, but I had no expectations for this race, so overall, the swim was just fine.

TA 1: 03:57
I’m pleasantly surprised this wasn’t longer. The TA was bigger- much bigger- than that of Ironman, and there’s no one to dress and prep you! I didn’t rush too much, because I wanted to keep my HR down for the climb ahead.

BIKE: 40k 1:53.02 13.5mph (other stats: Av climbing speed um, about 5mph. Fastest descent 49.8 mph)
Directly out of transition, you hit Lynch hill. It sucks. The best part is, I didn’t start with my shoes on the bike, because I didn’t want to jack around trying to get my feet strapped in. Well, that doesn’t matter if you can’t clip your foot to your pedal. I started climbing with only one foot clipped. My left leg was doing ¾ of the work. My right, only the down stroke. I got my foot to clip about a second before falling over. Too late. I had lost all momentum and was about to tumble. I thankfully got my foot loose and down before I fell. I then pushed my bike for approximately 50 yards while trying to get enough speed going to get back on. Let me tell you how much it sucked: It sucked bad. It got super hot, a little windy, and was just tough! I was really glad to have my MOTORTABS for my electrolyte replacements to get me thru.

At some point my mind switched from “at least you have the swim” to “at least you have the run.” I have gained a certain amount of running confidence lately and was ready to show myself what I could do in a race situation.

The rest of the bike consisted of ridiculously long, steep climbs at 100% HR while going 5.5mph at a cadence of about 40. Then of course, were the super fast, super windy down hills. I’m not often timid of descending, but all the skinny light powerful people that passed me on the way up were just landmines on the way down. I was bobbing and weaving more than Mike Tyson on trial. I loved it and hated it. Lastly came the descent of Lynch- this time, there were people running! The early collegiate men’s heat leaders were on their last mille of the run and were cruising down the pounding hill. I unstrapped stealthily and was off the bike quicker than about 7 people in front of me.

TA 2: 2:27
I am happy with this transition. Bike racked, shoes on, grabbed visor, gels, number belt. I felt light running thru the TA area and up the Lynch ramp stairs (yes, you have to RUN UP STAIRS).

RUN: 10k 1:27.09 14min/mile
The first kilometer my feet felt quick, and my turnover was just shy of 84. I looked at my HRM- 154 I could run this pace all day!!! Then my back started to tighten. At first it was annoying. Within 5min it was debilitating. I was reduced from a run, to a walk, to a hobble, to standing on the side of the course-watching people go past me while I held my back and tried to contort into poses to stretch the screaming muscles. I tried running again after a few minutes. I made a few steps, then walked, and repeated the above. I couldn’t believe it. I was feeling so good, even after a craptastic bike, I wanted to run. Yet, there I was, alternating a bent sideways hobble and a standing stretch. I knew I wasn’t anywhere near the front of my AG, but I was just watching girls with 19, 21, 23, on their calves go past me. I have never in a race felt like I should DNF, but it hurt so bad I couldn’t believe it. I told myself I hadn’t come all the way to Cali for my first DNF.

So I started the hobble walk again. I was shuffling as a run, and leaning sideways. I kept telling myself to keep moving. I walked up a big hill, and made the decision to run. Just deal with it, it’s tweaked, you’ll live. So I started running. I kept my thumb pressed on my bike as tight as I could and ran. It started to fade. Thankfully I soon came up on the FLUID aid station and got a few words of encouragement from the group. I told them I was picking up Toto before Lynch and heading back to Kansas. I walked the next uphill. My back pain had turned into a dull roar. I had long let go of running a 68 minute 10k that I felt I was capable of on this course. I stopped my watch and instead relied only on how I felt and my HR.

I struggled to go down Lynch. It was so painful on my back and knees. More girls passed me. I was running, but I felt out of control. Finally, the finish line. I never even looked at the clock. I was happy to finish, aching, very sun burnt, tired and all.

I got my cold towel, my finisher’s medal and plopped down in a chair in the shade. I watched more finishers come in before gathering my things and heading to the tram to take me back to the camp area.

That evening Michelle treated me to a delish sandwich, French fries, and a beer from her brewery (she’s a quality control gal there- gets paid to taste beer!). We rented a movie and relaxed at their house before my travel day the next morning.


Even though it was not the ideal race, I had an amazing time, and really learned a lot. It was a terrific experience and I’m really excited about my new friends and a new race checked off the “must do list.” I want to come back in great shape and try my hand in the super grueling Long Course (almost half) distance race.

I want to thank FLUID (Especially Dave, Michelle, Richard, and Ashley), the whole CAL POLY tri club, TriSports.com, MotorTabs, Tropical Xtreme Tanz, and Freeride Bike and Skate.

Finish: 47/2033
http://www.tricalifornia.com/index.cfm/Wildflower2008-results_and_photos.htm
Photos not yet posted.
posted @ 5/6/2008 10:16:56 AM (2) Comments
Thursday, May 01, 2008
#*&%^$@#%# Week!!!
“His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavyThere's vomit on his sweater already, mom's spaghettiHe's nervous, but on the surface he looks calm and ready”


This has been one helluva week, and it’s only Thursday morning. I sat down with the intention of writing some nice storyline on how things are going and everything that’s leading up to this weekend, but instead, I’m going to go all random and just bullet it off.

I’m kind of a nervous traveler.
I’ve never gone to a race out of town by myself.
My bike refuses to break down.
The airlines website and reps say they won’t accept my case.
I have had to take my car in for tire repairs twice within a week.
I don’t want to go without Eric.
I am staying with people I don’t know =, have never met IRL, in a tent, somewhere I’ve never been.
I feel so unprepared.
I’m anal retentive about getting things ready in the correct order.
What was supposed to cost me about $100 is now going to be from $225-$325.
Crap, so I forgot to order the save the date cards yesterday. Hell, I didn’t even work on them at all.
I have this thing at tonight that I really need to do well at.
I am not really fond of plane trips.
I’m nearing mental breakdown.
I just want to race!
I am trying really hard to let go of all my expectations, especially the one I had of finishing in 2:55. Now I’m thinking 3:30, if I’m lucky, but I need to put all numbers out of my head.
I want to enjoy myself.
I need to enjoy myself.

Please send good thoughts, vibes, prayers, karma this way. PLEASE.
posted @ 5/1/2008 9:02:14 AM (2) Comments