As you may have noticed, I've made some cha-cha-chaaangges to the blog. I decided a re-vamped look for 2009 is in order. So, I'll try to stick to this for a while, or until I get really tired of looking at it.
One of the new items is a playlist. I'll continue to update this, but as I think of new workout songs, I'll add them to the list here. It's pretty much the stuff I'm adding to my iPod.
If you get tired of hearing it, all you have to do is hit the "Pause" or stop buttons. I make no concessions for my choices in music. They cuss, scream, and wail. Consider yourself warned.
Oh, and if you're at work and playlists are blocked, then check them out at home.
Crank the volume to 11.
Showing posts with label blog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blog. Show all posts
Monday, January 12, 2009
Thursday, September 4, 2008
July '08
July 08
Full Brick Jacket & When it Rains, it Pours
So there’s a reason I haven’t blogged much about my workouts since Buffalo Springs Half.
There have been none. Ok, that’s a lie, you’re right. I did do a 12 mile bike ride about three weeks ago.
Well, have no fear. I have a race in like, a week and a half, so I’m in full on cram-as-much-training-as-you-can-even-though-you-reap-nearly-no-bennefits training mode. And what better way to kick that off than with a full swim-bike-run brick at Shawnee Mission Park.
Julie, Alyson, Jmoore and myself met up at the beach for a little swimmy swim. This was Jmoore’s and AP’s first open water outing. And, I’m pretty sure that Julie hadn’t swam or rode her bike since the Heritage Park tri in May (Ok, so she and I may have some residual Ironman burnout going on). I was most surprised with Alyson’s swimming. She’s been hitting the gym pretty regularly and making some laps in the pool, and it’s paying off. Jmoore’s learning curve is a little more steep, but she hasn’t be training all summer. A few pool sessions and maybe another SMP workout is in order for her. She keeps moving though which is the most important task, well, besides not drowning.
The SMP swim course is shorter than last year. I couldn’t tell by how much but I timed a couple laps. They were 3:08 and 3:12, respectively. I felt like I was swimming somewhere near a pace of 1:25. I guessed the triangular course to be around 225 yards. So, that should be about right.
Then we went to the bikes. After a “quick” transition (read: I was moving at turtle speed) the four of us took to the road. Alyson borrowed a friend’s (Hi Corey!) super sweet Specialized Tarmac Elite, and passed on the road-slicked mountain bike to Jmoore. Right away I could tell the Alyson was ON IT. Julie stayed back with Jennifer for a while- this was the first time she’d been on the road, and on that bike- and Alyson and I motored on ahead. I was trying to do teaching of road rider etiquette. There were a lot of presumably “newbie” gals out training for the KC Women’s race. However, they were bunched up a head of us riding four or five abreast. For those familiar with SMP it was at the top of the long Damn Dam Hill where you make the sharp left descent. There were cars back, and I repeated yelled it. “Car Back.” Nothing. “Girls, there’s a car back.” It went whirring by passing in the oncoming lane. Then again another came up, faster this time, “CAR BACK!” Someone yelled “What?” and I lost it. They were all within ear shot, but I was tired of yelling and I’d rather be a bitch then see someone die. “Move THE PHUCK OVER!” Finally, they did, just before the car up and the car back met. Jebus! I know, not my proudest moment, but come on now (Flashback May 2006: Dawn keeping me from getting hit by car)! A club mate of mine was coming from the opposite direction and started laughing in agreement.
Anyway, I’m super impressed with Alyson’s bike skills. She’s also a daredevil like me. Aero, and pedaling. Eff you curves on the downhills. After we finished our loop she and I head back to pick up JMoore, and Julie cruised on home. Surprisingly, Jennifer wasn’t very far behind us at all. I was pretty impressed.
Then after our singular loop, Alygator wanted to run. I put up a hissy fit, but she won. I agreed to a whole 10 minutes. At the five min turnaround I found something that I had always wanted to try at SMP. The single track trails.
Single. Track. Trails. Oh, how I adore you. I feel like I’m going to fast. I’m not listening to my feet. I’m paying attention to the ground. I have to jump. Sometimes stumble. You’re muddy and you’re rocky and you’re twisty and uneven. Will you marry me?
So, we ventured on for close to a mile. Uphill. Alyson and I played Marco Polo with a very bad Polo not too far back. We stopped and waited at the sign then turned around, all three stooges intact. We laughed and giggled and traded “watch out” and “rock” calls back down. I never wanted out. Had I water and a flashlight, I’d have stayed all night, even in the pouring rain. I cannot wait to go back!
We completed our workout with a little chat on bike etiquette, passing, and such. They’re gonna do great.
Speaking of pouring rain…
My roof has a bit of a, um, leak. It turned my kitchen into a kiddie pool. Damn you roof, damn you ceiling. Eric had an early flight out so I am left to fend for myself. Eric was actually taking a better disposition on it than I thought he would. He even used words “out of my control” and “will have to be fixed” and “it happens” (I swear! Smashley was with him to verify!) even after he was the person to find the pool. So I called my daddy and told him of the cluster. He was superhero of the day. Well, he checked it out and said that we could do a temporary fix, then when Merp gets home the two of them will have a little demolition and reconstruction project to handle. Yikes!
posted @ 7/30/2008 11:56:07 AM (0) Comments
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
It's a Freaking Video Game, People!
Feminists cry foul over Fat Princess
Does Sony's cartoony castle game cross the line?
By Ben Silverman
She's plump, powerful and ready to cause more controversy than "SuperSize Me."
She's Fat Princess, the star of Sony's upcoming video game of the same name. Debuting at last week's E3 expo, the colorful Fat Princess is a capture-the-flag game with a twist: you can thwart capture attempts by locking the once-thin princess in a dungeon and stuffing her full of cake, thereby increasing her girth and making her harder for your enemies to haul back to home base.
According to popular gaming blog Joystiq, two feminist gaming sites have already voiced their displeasure with the weighty issue.
VIEW SCREENS
Feminist Gamer's "Mighty Ponygirl" rings in diplomatically, suggesting a new way to play the game altogether.
"Instead of running out into the forest to find cake to fatten up the princess with, why not go out and find gold (which is a lot heavier than cake) to stuff into a treasure chest. The more gold in the chest, the heavier it would be, and the harder it would be to carry," she said, before adding, "Oh, but that's not as "cute" as cake and fat chicks. Right."
Over at Shakesville, however, writer Melissa McEwan cuts to the chase, telling Sony she's "positively thrilled to see such unyielding dedication to creating a new generation of fat-hating, heteronormative ---holes."
Sony has yet to issue an official response, although Joystiq did receive a particularly informative update from James Green, Fat Princess' lead art director, who clued gamers in on the origins of the game:
"Does it make it better or worse that the concept artist (who designed the look, characters, everything) is a girl?"
Hmmm...hope the game's detractors don't mind eating a bit of crow.
http://videogames.yahoo.com/feature/feminists-cry-foul-over-fat-princess/1232315
posted @ 7/29/2008 7:33:51 AM (0) Comments
Friday, July 25, 2008
US Olympic Swimmer Tests Positive
Crap! I hope this is an error. Also, I hope that the error doesn't affect Jessica Hardy's attempt at a medal. How heart breaking for her. I hope for her sake, she's clean, and this is appealed and resolved quickly.
http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/swimming/news?slug=ap-swm-hardy-doping&prov=ap&type=lgns
LOS ANGELES (AP)—Jessica Hardy’s first trip to the Olympics could be over before it began. The swimmer tested positive for a banned substance, leaving her just two weeks to pursue any appeals before the Beijing Games.
Hardy’s “A” sample from the recent U.S. Olympic trials tested positive, a person familiar with the test results told The Associated Press on Wednesday night. The person, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly, said the banned substance was a stimulant but did not provide any other details.
In Beijing, Hardy was expected to be a medal threat in the 100-meter breaststroke, and to play an important part on the U.S. 400-meter free relay team, and possibly the 400 medley relay.
USA Swimming spokeswoman Jamie Olson declined to comment from the team’s training camp at Palo Alto, Calif., where Hardy left to return to her family’s home in Southern California, the swimmer’s agent said.
posted @ 7/25/2008 6:06:25 AM (0) Comments
Thursday, July 24, 2008
I'm Still Alive!!! Honest! No, Really!
Wait? I have a blog? Oh crap, I better say something then.
No, I have not dropped off the planet, but it sure seems like it. Things have gotten pretty hectic with my work, Eric’s businesses, his travel, my travel, joint travel, family outings, some attempts at training, this wedding planning crap, sick dogs… ok, ok, I’m done.
I have made the executive decision however, that I’m going to switch to the Half Marathon at KC instead of the full. I really, really wanted to do the full. However, it’s two weeks from our wedding date. As is, I’m having a hard time getting in full workouts, if I get to them at all. On the schedule for next week is nearly 35 miles of logged running. Of course it just goes up from there. So, I’m going to reduce my risk of injury, oh, and keep my sanity, and cut back to the half. This way, I can continue to be active, do some training, focus on some speed work, and really enjoy. Come hell or high water, I can do 13.1 if I had to log roll it. So, that’s the plan, Stan.
This week I’m doing some home repairs. Repairs for what? Well, for shit I broke. Like, our kitchen’s ceiling fan. Don’t. Even. Ask. Also, I’m doing some mowing, hopefully stripping the deck (again- Eric had a friend come over and stain it. The deck wasn’t fully stripped, and the stain.. well, it’s barn yard red, not exactly the “red wood” color we were hoping for. So, it’s half way done, which means 2.5 times the amount of work for me.), deep cleaning the guest bath, and maybe even finishing addressing wedding invites.
Last night I went to Home Depot to get the fan blade arms I needed. Of course, they come in a pack of 5 when I need 2. And they come in brushed, not plated. And they’re the wrong size. None of this did I note until it came time for me to stand on the tippy top of the ladder with a four inch Phillips screwdriver, the 5 said fan blades, and 10 tiny screws.
I apologize if any of you heard my expletives echo off the mountain tops.
Today I make trip number two to HD. Also, HD is like the Bermuda triangle. I can never go in and come out with the ONE thing I have on my list. I avoid WalMart, Target, and Best Buy for these reasons, as well, but Home Depot makes the biggest dent in my wallet.
Speaking of wallet- who wants to give me money? You? Great, because, well, I went $500 over our budget for our honeymoon. But but but… we only get to go once, right? I mean, I got the room Merple wanted, and the number of nights Merple wanted, and he told me to do what I wanted… (I’m trying to push this on him, can you tell?)
Along the lines of wedding chit, I have officially started to have some loose screws. I started to get teary eyed at Hobby Lobby when they didn’t have the correct pattern of tulle in the right color. I may or may not have taken my aggression out on a defenseless watermelon- and subsequently thru a cutting board and some of my counter top in one fell swoop. And then there’s the trashcan and fan incident.
I wrote my mom an email the other day. I was suggesting that she and I do the blocking of rooms this week. Instead, this is how it turned out:
Hey Momma-
We need to do the hotel blocking/ reserving thing. Actually, forgot the we. Can YOU please do it? I don’t want to think about it. You pick it out and tell me about it when it's done. Yes, I've reached that point already. :)
Thank you.
love, sis
Seriously, ask her.
I have also decided that Merple’s BlackBerry must die. I know, I really appreciate all of the business and clients, but if that phone rings one more time when I’m in that mood (Meaning the pyschobridezilla mood- it is not the same as the mood and it counts during that, too.) his little two-way is gonna meet the bottom of the tires of our brand spanking new pickup and the fresh asphalt in front of our house.
Oh yeah, “we” got a new truck last week. It went something like this:
Merp: Hey honey my truck’s acting funny.
Me: That sucks what are we gonna do about it.
Merp: I dunno I don’t want to pay to fix it.
Me: Ok, we’ll talk about it at home tonight.
- a few hours go by -
Merp: Hey baby, I got us a new truck.
Me: ::sigh::
Next up, the KC Women’s Tri. My best friend is doing this as her first triathlon. I’ll be “participating” versus doing much racing (see my training mentioned, or lack there of).
posted @ 7/24/2008 8:49:31 AM (0) Comments
Friday, July 18, 2008
Yay!
First off, Congrats DAN & JULIE to selling your home in 3 days! It looks great, and I'm glad it sold at a reasonable price, and I'm glad the buyer I was rooting for got it!
As far as weekend plans go...
Tonight I go home, tan, clean house and change, then go to P&L for Bowling. One of FI's friends is a freestyle motocross guy and he's in town staying with us. Well, he's doing a demo tomorrow out at the wakeboard cable park.Yesterday he was on the radio- there were people calling in to win tickets to "go bowling with cowboy kenny" so, tonight we're going bowling. tomorrow morning i'm hoping to sleep in a bit, run (um, I'm supposed to go 14-16, but I dont see it happening), maybe get a pedi done. Go to cable park, consider wakeboarding, or just hang out, then go get my spur of the moment b-pics done (thanks shonna), THEN, it's on to the Monster truck rally (lol, I know) and motocross race in good old Grain Valley, Mizuruh. I'm pretty sure saturday night will end with a trip to WT or Dallas. Cowboy boots, be ready. Anyone that wants to join in at all is welcome to do so.
posted @ 7/18/2008 11:01:57 AM (0) Comments
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Shameless Self Promotion: Courtney and New York Times
So last week I eluded that I had a secret about something interesting, but couldn’t share. Well, now I can.
I was recently contacted by Christie Aschwanden, a writer for the New York Times, about doing a brief interview on Ironman and Ironman Tattoos. I was super excited and agreed, duh! Well, we played phone tag for a while, but today we got the job done!
It sounds like she’s taked to a few people and is doing a pretty cool write up. I got to talk about Ironman, signing up, getting tattoo’ed, and having Julie do it all with me. She even asked if we had pictures of our tattoo’s together (of course). They may or may not send someone out for pictures, or request some, but she said that was totally up to the art department.
Christie said she would give me a heads up on when it will run, but it will be in a Fitness Feature article, and will likely run sometime around August 7th, or the first week in August.
I’ll keep you all posted!!!
posted @ 7/15/2008 2:32:01 PM (0) Comments
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Me, Crazy?
I was just called a "Pyscho Health Freak" by a woman in my office. She asked me what I was making while standing in front of the fridge. I told her I had a smart ones frozen lunch thing (eh, it works), and some edemame. She actually said "Eddie whatie?" I was like, "Edemame, ya know, soy beans in a pod. Boiled in salt water... " and she goes, "I can't imgagine ever being a pyscho health freak like you." and drizzled mayo and ketchup into cups to go with her carry out winsteads. I was actually offended. I wanted to say, "I can't imagine not giving a damn about my body and not wanting to take care of it." but, alas, I did not. UGH! People can be really rude!
posted @ 7/15/2008 2:24:49 PM (0) Comments
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Better Recognize!
So, I just got an email from from Kurt, the director of marketing from one of my FABULOUS sponsors, Fluid. I made their blog. Saaa-wweet!
Check it out here: http://www.livefluid.blogspot.com/
Thanks for your support, FLUID!
posted @ 7/10/2008 8:01:35 AM (0) Comments
Thursday, July 10, 2008
OOPS! I deleted it!
I accidentally deleted yesterday's post, so here it is. Again.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Well, I'll Be!...
So, I was just told congrats on being the featured Loop'd Athlete. I had no idea!
YAY! Thank you SO MUCH to everyone reading this blog! It's nice to know I'm not just tipper-tap-tapping along to myself. On that same note, I have 33,940 views as of my last refresh. On Jan 2 of 2008 I broke 10,000 views, if I remember correctly.
Because of you, I have had nearly 14,000 views in a little over 6 months. WOW! Its an honor that many people find me interesting (or there could just be a couple regular viewers, DAD, that refresh my page every 10 seconds.. ugh Laawwrd. I hope not)!
Also, I recieved a very very very intersting email today, but I'm not sure yet how or if it's gonna happen. A girl's gotta hold on to some secrets!
On another note- myself and few of my bridesmaids, along with help from my mom, have nearly finished the addressing, cutting, packaging, stamping, and organizing of wedding invites. Ok, so nearly actually means, that I have done about one third of it, but I'm getting there.
In more wedding news, I FINALLY scheduled a time to meet with a travel agent. Eric's still stuck on a cruise, but by the time everything is priced out, I think that the all inclusive resorts are the way to go. Either way, if he didn't get his passport stuff sent today we won't be going anywhere. .. Wait, scratch that, HE won't be going anywhere. A passport holding gal pal and I will be sitting pretty getting served Red Stripe while being fed sliced pineapple and fanned by two very tan young men named Escoban and Fernando... ok, maybe it's best if Eric doesn't go. Kidding. Mostly. I think.
posted @ 7/10/2008 7:51:15 AM (0) Comments
Thursday, July 10, 2008
MX: Maintaining Fitness (& Sanity) at Amatuer Nationals
I post everyweek or so on a motocross chat board. Usually it's in regards to training and nutrition tips to help out racers and their families. There's a huge cross-training bennefit that motocross racers can get from other sports, one of which I consider myself to be quite knowledgable in. I thought I'd share this week's tips here.
A lot of us have “Been There, Raced That,” or “Are Going There, Racing That,” and even more “Can’t Get Away From It.” What is IT? We’re talking Amateur Nationals here, folks. It’s where the best from the country, and a few from around the globe come to spend two (or more if you’re early parking!) very precious weeks with their families and the amateur racing community. These riders are the best. The crème de la crème, paramount, preeminent, unsurpassed… okay okay, you get it. These kids, and in many cases, big kids, have (hopefully) trained and raced their hearts out to make it to that 40 rider start gate. They’ve out rode countless others paid their, and their parents have paid, dues. So, all these months of riding and training now come to fruition. How do you hold onto that fitness? What do you do to stay calm? How do you get the most out of your time at track?Here’s how. 1. Don’t start training when you arrive at the entry gate. You cannot get any fitness gains in a 10 day window prior to an event (excluding heat/ humidity acclimatization). How many times have you seen Johnny Gofast and Kelly Quadruple out running the morning of their motos? Guess what. If you don’t have fitness now, you’re not going to get it the hour, day, or even WEEK before your race. Hopefully, these racers are doing an easy jog on an off day, or, are warming up prior to their moto (within an hr of their race).2. Warm up, even in the heat. Factory semis have stationary bikes under them. Riders are on them before EVERY moto elevating their heart rates. Why do this? You body needs to adjust, and be ready. Think of it at going for a 3 mile run. When from a dead start, the first few minutes always feel the most difficult, until you’ve adjusted to your heart rate and the intensity. This is the same thing a racer feels. How often do you feel you’re riding your fastest during the first lap? Give your body a chance to “get the blood flowing” and be at your maximum potential when the card turns sideways. In the 30 minute moto, you will lose precious seconds (and positions) if you’re taking 10 minutes to get warmed up and up to race speed. 3. STRETCH. Do this only after a proper warm up. It helps prohibit injury. Do this on off days as well. See number 4. 4. Don’t sit around eating cheetos and waiting mom’s steak and potato dinner (Yes, I believe at LL’s a couple years ago my mom cooked steak a couple nights in a row. Ahh, those were the days…). Active recovery is the best recovery. This doesn’t mean riding ‘fiddies thru WalMart, ::cough not like I did that:: terrorizing the servers at Golden Corral, or running around like an Acapulco Cliff Diver from cliff to tree. Yes, you are to conserve your energy. However, to avoid any tightness and stiffness, do a little something. Preferably, something you have done in training. Example, an easy bike ride or jog. No more than 20 minutes. This will help your body stay accustomed to the heat, and loosen up the muscles. Then stretch (number 3) and find a shady tree to sit under (see number 5). Have mom or that trophy girlfriend rub your ARMS and quadriceps and other muscles that experience fatigue. 5. REST. Yes, I said above to actively recovery and warm up. However, that’s IT. If you want to watch some motos, great. Take a lawn chair. There’s a great stretch of trees right along mechanic’s row at LL’s to sit under. Drink water. Or, at Ponca, grab an umbrella, a chair, an iPod and some Gatorade from the concession stand. Do nothing. 6. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Alternate your preferred sports drink and water. Your pee should be close to clear, and shouldn’t smell. I know you’re not eating asparagus, so you haven’t an excuse. 7. Don’t sit in an air conditioned RV all day. Yes, relax, nap if you can, but remember, heat acclimatization disappears very quickly. Spend a little time in the heat, but don’t do anything. 8. Visualize. Rehearse your motos in your head. Think about each moto, the bike you ride, your lines, how you go around other racers. Don’t have the perfect race in your head. What if you fall in a corner? Visualize yourself calmly picking your bike up, starting it, and getting back on the gas. Keep your goal in mind. What if the moto isn’t perfect? Remember to still complete your goal. It should sound something like this: “My bike is tuned perfect thanks to dad. This concrete start is nothing. I’ve practiced it. Hey check it out, I got a wholeshot. I’m going so fast thru this sweeper, uh-oh, Jimmy Alberston just passed me. .. I’m going to get him back. I can ride this lap behind him. WoW! These tunnels are fun. Do you hear that? Yeah, that’s my bike. It’s sweet. Okay, thru this rut I go, that was a great line… here I come, I’m passing Jimmy, Oh!! I just stole his line. Perfect clean pass! YES! I can feel my body position and I’m comfortable and relaxed. Look at that! I just won my first moto (or got 5th or mad my lap time goals or whatever your goal is).” Walk the track. Rehearse the moto in your head while sitting on your bike if possible. Do this at least TWICE a day! Parents, talk your kid thru his or her race. Have them close their eyes. Mental imagery is half the race. 9. Don’t try anything new. It’s not the time to check out sushi, or see if you can swim 40 laps in the pool. Stick to a rehearsed and well arranged game plan. Bed time, wake up, dinner, all of these things should be on a constant schedule. 10. Enjoy being there. Soak it up while sitting in the shade. If you’re relaxed you’ll ride relaxed. Adversely, parents, if you’re high strung and freaking it will reflect on your rider. Best of luck to everyone. I’m looking forward to excellent results!
posted @ 7/10/2008 7:48:53 AM (0) Comments
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
The Rest of the Story: BSLT 70.3 Cont'd
The Rest of the Story: BSLT 70.3 Cont'd
The Day Before
My dad is the only person I know that gets up before I do. And he does it Every. Single. Day. Somehow, we both slept until about 7 am. We grabbed some continental breakfast (bagel, PB, banana), and set out on a shopping excursion, aka Wal-Mart. After a few more errands we went to the race venue.
Wow! So pretty yet so.. um.. Whiskey Tango
Texas Style. We drove around the lake/ race venue. It’s in the bottom of this cool canyon. Right next to it is RansomCanyon (Wow. These houses are awesome.. they’re super expensive and even super crazy- one made of cobble stone and there’s even one made out of steel!!!!).
Dad found a shady place to park, and I got out Goldmember to check out the first couple climbs on the bike. Wow. They’re doozies, but nothing like Wildflower. However, I didn’t realize until the first big descent that I forgot to close my front quick release. AHH NO BRAKE! Scary.
After I rode for a bit I went down to the lake and swam around. I was trying hard to decide if the lake would be warm enough to swim in without a wetsuit. I’m trying to not do much harm on my shoulders, and a wetsuit (full sleeved) is tough, coupled with over heating at KS 70.3 I didn’t want to risk it. The water was for sure a little chilly in spots- it’s a spring fed lake- but I actually was guessing the temp to about around 78 or 80. It would be a close call on wetsuits for everyone. The air temp was hovering in the low to mid 90’s.
We drove a good portion of the bike, and was marveled at the canyons, and the climbs, subsequent descent, and squids. Dad named the road hazard paint markings squids because, well, they looked like orange spray paint squids!
We went back to the hotel were I met another triathlete that needed a ride to the expo. She said her husband was off visiting “old people” so I said we would give her a lift there (she isn’t American born, so she had some odd way of wording things). Dad and I ate, then I napped and met up with the lady we were driving to the expo (crap, I can’t remember her name!). Dad dropped us off and we sat thru the usual boring “Do this, don’t do that” speech. There were Native American dancers there, but I was sitting at the back and couldn’t see them. :( When it was over the gal’s husband had showed up, so dad picked me up and we went for dinner- the traditional pre half ironman dinner that is- breakfast! Nothing like IHOP!
After dinner Dad watched the nervousness that is the Transistion Bag. I unpacked, packed, unpacked, and repacked. I believe he mentioned I was something along the lines of neurotic and anal. He also said that he watched two women time each other on how long it took to take their wetsuits off. Oh for Jebus’ Sake! THAT’s neurotic.
I climbed in bed around 8:30pm and turned the lights off about 9:00pm (after watching a split decision UFC fight- wow!).
Race Day!
4:00am came bright and early, but we were out of the hotel and headed to the race at 4:30am. The weather was the exact opposite of the previous days- cloudy, windy, and in the low 60’s! I cam to BSLT expecting heat, winds, and glaring sun.
Dad and I walked down the big hill to the TA and I got my stuff set up. I talked a bit to the girl next to me, and then found Dad to hang out before the race start. It was so chilly and windy, we huddled under an umbrella to block the breeze! I began to question my decision to race sans wetsuit, but Dad told me to stick to my game plan. That was a good call, because when I entered the water, I realized that the 77 degrees they claimed the lake was, actually felt like low 80’s when compared to the air. I warmed up and felt good. I knew I could have a good swim.
Swim 31:40 (2nd best swim time- and the 1st was probably a short course)
The pros scouted that you can actually run along the shore for about 200 yards before you actually have to start swimming. This seemed to work well for most of my wave. But, since it was comprised of all Clydes and Athenas, I wasn’t willing to get kicked in the head by one of the big boys to save 15 seconds of swimming. So, I ran a short distance then dove in. My wave was the last of all the waves, which meant I started passing folks early on. This is by far one of the coolest swim courses ever. It’s pretty much just a good portion of shoreline, and then you cross the lake twice. The water is murky, but that’s like the Midwest so I felt right at home. The neat thing is the TA is set up on a peninsula. The swim start is on the left of it, and the swim is counter clockwise around to the other side! Very cool.
T1 2:23
I think everyone knows by now I don’t rush at the TA in half distance races. I want to make sure I have everything- especially my race belt- it must be worn on the bike here! I was 30 sec slower than Kansas, though.
Bike 3:52.31
Ya, I know, almost 4 hrs, WTF. Well, I’m going to get to that.
Right out of the TA there’s a step, but fairly short climb. But it’s NOTHING like Lynch at Wildflower, and I knew if I could do that totally out of shape, I could handle this one fine. It wasn’t a breeze, but I was able to spin up it and not die. Then there’s a flat over a bridge after the decent, then you climb again- up, up, outta the canyon.
You roll along inside the park/ canyon area until you hit 50th St., I believe. That’s when you get blasted by the “hairdryer.” But, it wasn’t hot, so it was just WINDY. I kept looking in the direction of the canyons we needed to ride thru, and you could see the rain sheets coming down. Gulp. First it started as a sprinkle, then a pretty good shower. Luckily for the faster folks in the early heats, they didn’t have to deal with it too much.
If you can see the diagram, then you can tell, this bike course is no joke. But, the spiral staircase climbs on the canyon roads weren’t as bad as I was expecting. I was able to spin up them and never felt like I was going to die. I don’t know what my HR was, since it did die before the start of the race. In comparison, here is the Kansas elevation. I rode that in 3:44, and had only some wind.
People biffed it all over the place- and it seems that there was never a single downed rider, but always at least a trio. Even in a few flats. How’s that possible? Wet roads, pack riding and drafting= crashing. I would like to commend the USAT officials though- there were so many and it really looked like they were paying attention to the draft packs. Yay!
For a while on the bike I had to pee, and kept trying to relax myself. I eventually gave up and stopped at the nearest port-a-potty, which, had a sign that read “Check for rattle snakes!!” posted on it. Oh, yay!
The end of the bike was pretty pleasant, except for seeing so many people out on the run already. Ugh! I hate being slow and starting the in the last wave! And, the worst climb, an 8.9% grade is saved for the very end. Ah, sweet irony.
T2 2:41
This is slower than it should have been- the TA was a bit of a cluster, and I saw Joanna Zieger bawling in the TA after just finishing second. Strange. Ouch! The rocks hurt my bare feet.
Run 2:56.55
Alas, I don’t have a KS run to compare this to. According to my 6.5 mile split, however, I was on pace to a 3:06. So, I guess this is slightly better, considering the MUCH more difficult course.
I am very happy to report that I had no stomach issues whatsoever like KS. I felt really pretty good, no complaints. It’s a tough run with some BIG hills. I walked the aide stations, and the monster hills, and ran everything else. Aside from walking the big hills I really felt like I was cruising right along, and kept counting my cadence. I felt the strongest in the “Energy Lab II”- an out and back to the turn around on false flats that goes right by a power plant, super similar to Kona. You could see the turn around and it was So. Far. Away. But the time passed quickly with the help of great volunteers at ALL of the aid stations. While the time is pretty slow, it’s all relative to the course. Also, I really haven’t ran much over 9 miles this season, so it was good to know that my legs still felt pretty snappy. I did have some tightness in my back, similar to at Wildflower. I talked to Nancy about it, and I’m pretty sure it’s from holding on for dear life in the wind, and the big climbs.
Overall: 7:26.14 This is my 2nd fastest HIM time and almost an hr off my best. However, like I said, it’s all relative, and if I had been allowed to finish at KS I think I would have been somewhere in the 7:20 range there too, and that was a less challenging course.
I’m really super happy with my results, and had one of the best race trips EVER with my dad!
PS- I WON the Athena division. Even though I didn’t have a super fast day, the other girls didn’t either. So, I got a groovy Buffalo Trophy. His name is Beefy.
Thanks:
Dad, TriSports.com, Fluid, Tropical Xtreme Tanz, H2O Audio, Motortabs, and Freeride Bike & Skate!!
posted @ 7/2/2008 2:06:05 PM (0) Comments
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Getting There
Buffalo SpringsLake Triathlon 70.3 Race Recap
June 29, 2008
Forgive me if I type this scatterbrained. I am currently “working” and watch the Swimming Olympic trials—ah, how I wish I could still be swimming, and swimming like these kids! Wow!
Ok, on to the race!
Getting There
I met my dad at my parent’s house about 6:30 Friday morning. We gathered up my gear, stored it in the mini van, later appropriately named, The Space Shuttle. We then began our journey. Dad drove for the first 30 minutes, then I took over for the next 4 hours or so. When we stopped for Subway (“behind the Braum’s on the same road as McDonald’s,” according to the locals, which proved to be located near neither) south of Perry, OK, Dad took back over for good. Meanwhile, the temperature was climbing from the 72 of Kansas City, to well over 100 just south of Oklahoma City. The thermometer eventually topped out somewhere around 104 degrees around Dickens, Tx.
Around 7:00 PM we pulled into Lubbock to find our hotel. We had planned to stay at the Lubbock Regency. Regency, sounds nice, right? Well, when we pull in it appeared that we were staying in little Mexico. It was “remodeled” and was cheesy as can be. Ok, fine, whatever, it’s a bed. We get to our room. Dad plops down on his bed and I start pulling the covers off of mine. He asked what I was doing, and I told him I was checking for critters. Low and behold, there’s some kind of weird flea bug thing! We promptly requested a refund and found our way to the expo center.
I got checked in for the race and wandered the expo. Then, we went in search of a hotel. Four later we finally found a place, that was, altogether, pretty darn decent. Except, for the spider I found on my bed. Whatever, I can handle spiders.
We had some delish dinner at the Outback (Pasta and Shrimp, my favorite!), then went back to the hotel for some much needed sleepy time.
Continuing later... (ugh, work, getting in the way!)
posted @ 7/1/2008 12:27:35 PM (0) Comments
Full Brick Jacket & When it Rains, it Pours
So there’s a reason I haven’t blogged much about my workouts since Buffalo Springs Half.
There have been none. Ok, that’s a lie, you’re right. I did do a 12 mile bike ride about three weeks ago.
Well, have no fear. I have a race in like, a week and a half, so I’m in full on cram-as-much-training-as-you-can-even-though-you-reap-nearly-no-bennefits training mode. And what better way to kick that off than with a full swim-bike-run brick at Shawnee Mission Park.
Julie, Alyson, Jmoore and myself met up at the beach for a little swimmy swim. This was Jmoore’s and AP’s first open water outing. And, I’m pretty sure that Julie hadn’t swam or rode her bike since the Heritage Park tri in May (Ok, so she and I may have some residual Ironman burnout going on). I was most surprised with Alyson’s swimming. She’s been hitting the gym pretty regularly and making some laps in the pool, and it’s paying off. Jmoore’s learning curve is a little more steep, but she hasn’t be training all summer. A few pool sessions and maybe another SMP workout is in order for her. She keeps moving though which is the most important task, well, besides not drowning.
The SMP swim course is shorter than last year. I couldn’t tell by how much but I timed a couple laps. They were 3:08 and 3:12, respectively. I felt like I was swimming somewhere near a pace of 1:25. I guessed the triangular course to be around 225 yards. So, that should be about right.
Then we went to the bikes. After a “quick” transition (read: I was moving at turtle speed) the four of us took to the road. Alyson borrowed a friend’s (Hi Corey!) super sweet Specialized Tarmac Elite, and passed on the road-slicked mountain bike to Jmoore. Right away I could tell the Alyson was ON IT. Julie stayed back with Jennifer for a while- this was the first time she’d been on the road, and on that bike- and Alyson and I motored on ahead. I was trying to do teaching of road rider etiquette. There were a lot of presumably “newbie” gals out training for the KC Women’s race. However, they were bunched up a head of us riding four or five abreast. For those familiar with SMP it was at the top of the long Damn Dam Hill where you make the sharp left descent. There were cars back, and I repeated yelled it. “Car Back.” Nothing. “Girls, there’s a car back.” It went whirring by passing in the oncoming lane. Then again another came up, faster this time, “CAR BACK!” Someone yelled “What?” and I lost it. They were all within ear shot, but I was tired of yelling and I’d rather be a bitch then see someone die. “Move THE PHUCK OVER!” Finally, they did, just before the car up and the car back met. Jebus! I know, not my proudest moment, but come on now (Flashback May 2006: Dawn keeping me from getting hit by car)! A club mate of mine was coming from the opposite direction and started laughing in agreement.
Anyway, I’m super impressed with Alyson’s bike skills. She’s also a daredevil like me. Aero, and pedaling. Eff you curves on the downhills. After we finished our loop she and I head back to pick up JMoore, and Julie cruised on home. Surprisingly, Jennifer wasn’t very far behind us at all. I was pretty impressed.
Then after our singular loop, Alygator wanted to run. I put up a hissy fit, but she won. I agreed to a whole 10 minutes. At the five min turnaround I found something that I had always wanted to try at SMP. The single track trails.
Single. Track. Trails. Oh, how I adore you. I feel like I’m going to fast. I’m not listening to my feet. I’m paying attention to the ground. I have to jump. Sometimes stumble. You’re muddy and you’re rocky and you’re twisty and uneven. Will you marry me?
So, we ventured on for close to a mile. Uphill. Alyson and I played Marco Polo with a very bad Polo not too far back. We stopped and waited at the sign then turned around, all three stooges intact. We laughed and giggled and traded “watch out” and “rock” calls back down. I never wanted out. Had I water and a flashlight, I’d have stayed all night, even in the pouring rain. I cannot wait to go back!
We completed our workout with a little chat on bike etiquette, passing, and such. They’re gonna do great.
Speaking of pouring rain…
My roof has a bit of a, um, leak. It turned my kitchen into a kiddie pool. Damn you roof, damn you ceiling. Eric had an early flight out so I am left to fend for myself. Eric was actually taking a better disposition on it than I thought he would. He even used words “out of my control” and “will have to be fixed” and “it happens” (I swear! Smashley was with him to verify!) even after he was the person to find the pool. So I called my daddy and told him of the cluster. He was superhero of the day. Well, he checked it out and said that we could do a temporary fix, then when Merp gets home the two of them will have a little demolition and reconstruction project to handle. Yikes!
posted @ 7/30/2008 11:56:07 AM (0) Comments
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
It's a Freaking Video Game, People!
Feminists cry foul over Fat Princess
Does Sony's cartoony castle game cross the line?
By Ben Silverman
She's plump, powerful and ready to cause more controversy than "SuperSize Me."
She's Fat Princess, the star of Sony's upcoming video game of the same name. Debuting at last week's E3 expo, the colorful Fat Princess is a capture-the-flag game with a twist: you can thwart capture attempts by locking the once-thin princess in a dungeon and stuffing her full of cake, thereby increasing her girth and making her harder for your enemies to haul back to home base.
According to popular gaming blog Joystiq, two feminist gaming sites have already voiced their displeasure with the weighty issue.
VIEW SCREENS
Feminist Gamer's "Mighty Ponygirl" rings in diplomatically, suggesting a new way to play the game altogether.
"Instead of running out into the forest to find cake to fatten up the princess with, why not go out and find gold (which is a lot heavier than cake) to stuff into a treasure chest. The more gold in the chest, the heavier it would be, and the harder it would be to carry," she said, before adding, "Oh, but that's not as "cute" as cake and fat chicks. Right."
Over at Shakesville, however, writer Melissa McEwan cuts to the chase, telling Sony she's "positively thrilled to see such unyielding dedication to creating a new generation of fat-hating, heteronormative ---holes."
Sony has yet to issue an official response, although Joystiq did receive a particularly informative update from James Green, Fat Princess' lead art director, who clued gamers in on the origins of the game:
"Does it make it better or worse that the concept artist (who designed the look, characters, everything) is a girl?"
Hmmm...hope the game's detractors don't mind eating a bit of crow.
http://videogames.yahoo.com/feature/feminists-cry-foul-over-fat-princess/1232315
posted @ 7/29/2008 7:33:51 AM (0) Comments
Friday, July 25, 2008
US Olympic Swimmer Tests Positive
Crap! I hope this is an error. Also, I hope that the error doesn't affect Jessica Hardy's attempt at a medal. How heart breaking for her. I hope for her sake, she's clean, and this is appealed and resolved quickly.
http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/swimming/news?slug=ap-swm-hardy-doping&prov=ap&type=lgns
LOS ANGELES (AP)—Jessica Hardy’s first trip to the Olympics could be over before it began. The swimmer tested positive for a banned substance, leaving her just two weeks to pursue any appeals before the Beijing Games.
Hardy’s “A” sample from the recent U.S. Olympic trials tested positive, a person familiar with the test results told The Associated Press on Wednesday night. The person, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly, said the banned substance was a stimulant but did not provide any other details.
In Beijing, Hardy was expected to be a medal threat in the 100-meter breaststroke, and to play an important part on the U.S. 400-meter free relay team, and possibly the 400 medley relay.
USA Swimming spokeswoman Jamie Olson declined to comment from the team’s training camp at Palo Alto, Calif., where Hardy left to return to her family’s home in Southern California, the swimmer’s agent said.
posted @ 7/25/2008 6:06:25 AM (0) Comments
Thursday, July 24, 2008
I'm Still Alive!!! Honest! No, Really!
Wait? I have a blog? Oh crap, I better say something then.
No, I have not dropped off the planet, but it sure seems like it. Things have gotten pretty hectic with my work, Eric’s businesses, his travel, my travel, joint travel, family outings, some attempts at training, this wedding planning crap, sick dogs… ok, ok, I’m done.
I have made the executive decision however, that I’m going to switch to the Half Marathon at KC instead of the full. I really, really wanted to do the full. However, it’s two weeks from our wedding date. As is, I’m having a hard time getting in full workouts, if I get to them at all. On the schedule for next week is nearly 35 miles of logged running. Of course it just goes up from there. So, I’m going to reduce my risk of injury, oh, and keep my sanity, and cut back to the half. This way, I can continue to be active, do some training, focus on some speed work, and really enjoy. Come hell or high water, I can do 13.1 if I had to log roll it. So, that’s the plan, Stan.
This week I’m doing some home repairs. Repairs for what? Well, for shit I broke. Like, our kitchen’s ceiling fan. Don’t. Even. Ask. Also, I’m doing some mowing, hopefully stripping the deck (again- Eric had a friend come over and stain it. The deck wasn’t fully stripped, and the stain.. well, it’s barn yard red, not exactly the “red wood” color we were hoping for. So, it’s half way done, which means 2.5 times the amount of work for me.), deep cleaning the guest bath, and maybe even finishing addressing wedding invites.
Last night I went to Home Depot to get the fan blade arms I needed. Of course, they come in a pack of 5 when I need 2. And they come in brushed, not plated. And they’re the wrong size. None of this did I note until it came time for me to stand on the tippy top of the ladder with a four inch Phillips screwdriver, the 5 said fan blades, and 10 tiny screws.
I apologize if any of you heard my expletives echo off the mountain tops.
Today I make trip number two to HD. Also, HD is like the Bermuda triangle. I can never go in and come out with the ONE thing I have on my list. I avoid WalMart, Target, and Best Buy for these reasons, as well, but Home Depot makes the biggest dent in my wallet.
Speaking of wallet- who wants to give me money? You? Great, because, well, I went $500 over our budget for our honeymoon. But but but… we only get to go once, right? I mean, I got the room Merple wanted, and the number of nights Merple wanted, and he told me to do what I wanted… (I’m trying to push this on him, can you tell?)
Along the lines of wedding chit, I have officially started to have some loose screws. I started to get teary eyed at Hobby Lobby when they didn’t have the correct pattern of tulle in the right color. I may or may not have taken my aggression out on a defenseless watermelon- and subsequently thru a cutting board and some of my counter top in one fell swoop. And then there’s the trashcan and fan incident.
I wrote my mom an email the other day. I was suggesting that she and I do the blocking of rooms this week. Instead, this is how it turned out:
Hey Momma-
We need to do the hotel blocking/ reserving thing. Actually, forgot the we. Can YOU please do it? I don’t want to think about it. You pick it out and tell me about it when it's done. Yes, I've reached that point already. :)
Thank you.
love, sis
Seriously, ask her.
I have also decided that Merple’s BlackBerry must die. I know, I really appreciate all of the business and clients, but if that phone rings one more time when I’m in that mood (Meaning the pyschobridezilla mood- it is not the same as the mood and it counts during that, too.) his little two-way is gonna meet the bottom of the tires of our brand spanking new pickup and the fresh asphalt in front of our house.
Oh yeah, “we” got a new truck last week. It went something like this:
Merp: Hey honey my truck’s acting funny.
Me: That sucks what are we gonna do about it.
Merp: I dunno I don’t want to pay to fix it.
Me: Ok, we’ll talk about it at home tonight.
- a few hours go by -
Merp: Hey baby, I got us a new truck.
Me: ::sigh::
Next up, the KC Women’s Tri. My best friend is doing this as her first triathlon. I’ll be “participating” versus doing much racing (see my training mentioned, or lack there of).
posted @ 7/24/2008 8:49:31 AM (0) Comments
Friday, July 18, 2008
Yay!
First off, Congrats DAN & JULIE to selling your home in 3 days! It looks great, and I'm glad it sold at a reasonable price, and I'm glad the buyer I was rooting for got it!
As far as weekend plans go...
Tonight I go home, tan, clean house and change, then go to P&L for Bowling. One of FI's friends is a freestyle motocross guy and he's in town staying with us. Well, he's doing a demo tomorrow out at the wakeboard cable park.Yesterday he was on the radio- there were people calling in to win tickets to "go bowling with cowboy kenny" so, tonight we're going bowling. tomorrow morning i'm hoping to sleep in a bit, run (um, I'm supposed to go 14-16, but I dont see it happening), maybe get a pedi done. Go to cable park, consider wakeboarding, or just hang out, then go get my spur of the moment b-pics done (thanks shonna), THEN, it's on to the Monster truck rally (lol, I know) and motocross race in good old Grain Valley, Mizuruh. I'm pretty sure saturday night will end with a trip to WT or Dallas. Cowboy boots, be ready. Anyone that wants to join in at all is welcome to do so.
posted @ 7/18/2008 11:01:57 AM (0) Comments
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Shameless Self Promotion: Courtney and New York Times
So last week I eluded that I had a secret about something interesting, but couldn’t share. Well, now I can.
I was recently contacted by Christie Aschwanden, a writer for the New York Times, about doing a brief interview on Ironman and Ironman Tattoos. I was super excited and agreed, duh! Well, we played phone tag for a while, but today we got the job done!
It sounds like she’s taked to a few people and is doing a pretty cool write up. I got to talk about Ironman, signing up, getting tattoo’ed, and having Julie do it all with me. She even asked if we had pictures of our tattoo’s together (of course). They may or may not send someone out for pictures, or request some, but she said that was totally up to the art department.
Christie said she would give me a heads up on when it will run, but it will be in a Fitness Feature article, and will likely run sometime around August 7th, or the first week in August.
I’ll keep you all posted!!!
posted @ 7/15/2008 2:32:01 PM (0) Comments
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Me, Crazy?
I was just called a "Pyscho Health Freak" by a woman in my office. She asked me what I was making while standing in front of the fridge. I told her I had a smart ones frozen lunch thing (eh, it works), and some edemame. She actually said "Eddie whatie?" I was like, "Edemame, ya know, soy beans in a pod. Boiled in salt water... " and she goes, "I can't imgagine ever being a pyscho health freak like you." and drizzled mayo and ketchup into cups to go with her carry out winsteads. I was actually offended. I wanted to say, "I can't imagine not giving a damn about my body and not wanting to take care of it." but, alas, I did not. UGH! People can be really rude!
posted @ 7/15/2008 2:24:49 PM (0) Comments
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Better Recognize!
So, I just got an email from from Kurt, the director of marketing from one of my FABULOUS sponsors, Fluid. I made their blog. Saaa-wweet!
Check it out here: http://www.livefluid.blogspot.com/
Thanks for your support, FLUID!
posted @ 7/10/2008 8:01:35 AM (0) Comments
Thursday, July 10, 2008
OOPS! I deleted it!
I accidentally deleted yesterday's post, so here it is. Again.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Well, I'll Be!...
So, I was just told congrats on being the featured Loop'd Athlete. I had no idea!
YAY! Thank you SO MUCH to everyone reading this blog! It's nice to know I'm not just tipper-tap-tapping along to myself. On that same note, I have 33,940 views as of my last refresh. On Jan 2 of 2008 I broke 10,000 views, if I remember correctly.
Because of you, I have had nearly 14,000 views in a little over 6 months. WOW! Its an honor that many people find me interesting (or there could just be a couple regular viewers, DAD, that refresh my page every 10 seconds.. ugh Laawwrd. I hope not)!
Also, I recieved a very very very intersting email today, but I'm not sure yet how or if it's gonna happen. A girl's gotta hold on to some secrets!
On another note- myself and few of my bridesmaids, along with help from my mom, have nearly finished the addressing, cutting, packaging, stamping, and organizing of wedding invites. Ok, so nearly actually means, that I have done about one third of it, but I'm getting there.
In more wedding news, I FINALLY scheduled a time to meet with a travel agent. Eric's still stuck on a cruise, but by the time everything is priced out, I think that the all inclusive resorts are the way to go. Either way, if he didn't get his passport stuff sent today we won't be going anywhere. .. Wait, scratch that, HE won't be going anywhere. A passport holding gal pal and I will be sitting pretty getting served Red Stripe while being fed sliced pineapple and fanned by two very tan young men named Escoban and Fernando... ok, maybe it's best if Eric doesn't go. Kidding. Mostly. I think.
posted @ 7/10/2008 7:51:15 AM (0) Comments
Thursday, July 10, 2008
MX: Maintaining Fitness (& Sanity) at Amatuer Nationals
I post everyweek or so on a motocross chat board. Usually it's in regards to training and nutrition tips to help out racers and their families. There's a huge cross-training bennefit that motocross racers can get from other sports, one of which I consider myself to be quite knowledgable in. I thought I'd share this week's tips here.
A lot of us have “Been There, Raced That,” or “Are Going There, Racing That,” and even more “Can’t Get Away From It.” What is IT? We’re talking Amateur Nationals here, folks. It’s where the best from the country, and a few from around the globe come to spend two (or more if you’re early parking!) very precious weeks with their families and the amateur racing community. These riders are the best. The crème de la crème, paramount, preeminent, unsurpassed… okay okay, you get it. These kids, and in many cases, big kids, have (hopefully) trained and raced their hearts out to make it to that 40 rider start gate. They’ve out rode countless others paid their, and their parents have paid, dues. So, all these months of riding and training now come to fruition. How do you hold onto that fitness? What do you do to stay calm? How do you get the most out of your time at track?Here’s how. 1. Don’t start training when you arrive at the entry gate. You cannot get any fitness gains in a 10 day window prior to an event (excluding heat/ humidity acclimatization). How many times have you seen Johnny Gofast and Kelly Quadruple out running the morning of their motos? Guess what. If you don’t have fitness now, you’re not going to get it the hour, day, or even WEEK before your race. Hopefully, these racers are doing an easy jog on an off day, or, are warming up prior to their moto (within an hr of their race).2. Warm up, even in the heat. Factory semis have stationary bikes under them. Riders are on them before EVERY moto elevating their heart rates. Why do this? You body needs to adjust, and be ready. Think of it at going for a 3 mile run. When from a dead start, the first few minutes always feel the most difficult, until you’ve adjusted to your heart rate and the intensity. This is the same thing a racer feels. How often do you feel you’re riding your fastest during the first lap? Give your body a chance to “get the blood flowing” and be at your maximum potential when the card turns sideways. In the 30 minute moto, you will lose precious seconds (and positions) if you’re taking 10 minutes to get warmed up and up to race speed. 3. STRETCH. Do this only after a proper warm up. It helps prohibit injury. Do this on off days as well. See number 4. 4. Don’t sit around eating cheetos and waiting mom’s steak and potato dinner (Yes, I believe at LL’s a couple years ago my mom cooked steak a couple nights in a row. Ahh, those were the days…). Active recovery is the best recovery. This doesn’t mean riding ‘fiddies thru WalMart, ::cough not like I did that:: terrorizing the servers at Golden Corral, or running around like an Acapulco Cliff Diver from cliff to tree. Yes, you are to conserve your energy. However, to avoid any tightness and stiffness, do a little something. Preferably, something you have done in training. Example, an easy bike ride or jog. No more than 20 minutes. This will help your body stay accustomed to the heat, and loosen up the muscles. Then stretch (number 3) and find a shady tree to sit under (see number 5). Have mom or that trophy girlfriend rub your ARMS and quadriceps and other muscles that experience fatigue. 5. REST. Yes, I said above to actively recovery and warm up. However, that’s IT. If you want to watch some motos, great. Take a lawn chair. There’s a great stretch of trees right along mechanic’s row at LL’s to sit under. Drink water. Or, at Ponca, grab an umbrella, a chair, an iPod and some Gatorade from the concession stand. Do nothing. 6. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Alternate your preferred sports drink and water. Your pee should be close to clear, and shouldn’t smell. I know you’re not eating asparagus, so you haven’t an excuse. 7. Don’t sit in an air conditioned RV all day. Yes, relax, nap if you can, but remember, heat acclimatization disappears very quickly. Spend a little time in the heat, but don’t do anything. 8. Visualize. Rehearse your motos in your head. Think about each moto, the bike you ride, your lines, how you go around other racers. Don’t have the perfect race in your head. What if you fall in a corner? Visualize yourself calmly picking your bike up, starting it, and getting back on the gas. Keep your goal in mind. What if the moto isn’t perfect? Remember to still complete your goal. It should sound something like this: “My bike is tuned perfect thanks to dad. This concrete start is nothing. I’ve practiced it. Hey check it out, I got a wholeshot. I’m going so fast thru this sweeper, uh-oh, Jimmy Alberston just passed me. .. I’m going to get him back. I can ride this lap behind him. WoW! These tunnels are fun. Do you hear that? Yeah, that’s my bike. It’s sweet. Okay, thru this rut I go, that was a great line… here I come, I’m passing Jimmy, Oh!! I just stole his line. Perfect clean pass! YES! I can feel my body position and I’m comfortable and relaxed. Look at that! I just won my first moto (or got 5th or mad my lap time goals or whatever your goal is).” Walk the track. Rehearse the moto in your head while sitting on your bike if possible. Do this at least TWICE a day! Parents, talk your kid thru his or her race. Have them close their eyes. Mental imagery is half the race. 9. Don’t try anything new. It’s not the time to check out sushi, or see if you can swim 40 laps in the pool. Stick to a rehearsed and well arranged game plan. Bed time, wake up, dinner, all of these things should be on a constant schedule. 10. Enjoy being there. Soak it up while sitting in the shade. If you’re relaxed you’ll ride relaxed. Adversely, parents, if you’re high strung and freaking it will reflect on your rider. Best of luck to everyone. I’m looking forward to excellent results!
posted @ 7/10/2008 7:48:53 AM (0) Comments
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
The Rest of the Story: BSLT 70.3 Cont'd
The Rest of the Story: BSLT 70.3 Cont'd
The Day Before
My dad is the only person I know that gets up before I do. And he does it Every. Single. Day. Somehow, we both slept until about 7 am. We grabbed some continental breakfast (bagel, PB, banana), and set out on a shopping excursion, aka Wal-Mart. After a few more errands we went to the race venue.
Wow! So pretty yet so.. um.. Whiskey Tango
Texas Style. We drove around the lake/ race venue. It’s in the bottom of this cool canyon. Right next to it is RansomCanyon (Wow. These houses are awesome.. they’re super expensive and even super crazy- one made of cobble stone and there’s even one made out of steel!!!!).
Dad found a shady place to park, and I got out Goldmember to check out the first couple climbs on the bike. Wow. They’re doozies, but nothing like Wildflower. However, I didn’t realize until the first big descent that I forgot to close my front quick release. AHH NO BRAKE! Scary.
After I rode for a bit I went down to the lake and swam around. I was trying hard to decide if the lake would be warm enough to swim in without a wetsuit. I’m trying to not do much harm on my shoulders, and a wetsuit (full sleeved) is tough, coupled with over heating at KS 70.3 I didn’t want to risk it. The water was for sure a little chilly in spots- it’s a spring fed lake- but I actually was guessing the temp to about around 78 or 80. It would be a close call on wetsuits for everyone. The air temp was hovering in the low to mid 90’s.
We drove a good portion of the bike, and was marveled at the canyons, and the climbs, subsequent descent, and squids. Dad named the road hazard paint markings squids because, well, they looked like orange spray paint squids!
We went back to the hotel were I met another triathlete that needed a ride to the expo. She said her husband was off visiting “old people” so I said we would give her a lift there (she isn’t American born, so she had some odd way of wording things). Dad and I ate, then I napped and met up with the lady we were driving to the expo (crap, I can’t remember her name!). Dad dropped us off and we sat thru the usual boring “Do this, don’t do that” speech. There were Native American dancers there, but I was sitting at the back and couldn’t see them. :( When it was over the gal’s husband had showed up, so dad picked me up and we went for dinner- the traditional pre half ironman dinner that is- breakfast! Nothing like IHOP!
After dinner Dad watched the nervousness that is the Transistion Bag. I unpacked, packed, unpacked, and repacked. I believe he mentioned I was something along the lines of neurotic and anal. He also said that he watched two women time each other on how long it took to take their wetsuits off. Oh for Jebus’ Sake! THAT’s neurotic.
I climbed in bed around 8:30pm and turned the lights off about 9:00pm (after watching a split decision UFC fight- wow!).
Race Day!
4:00am came bright and early, but we were out of the hotel and headed to the race at 4:30am. The weather was the exact opposite of the previous days- cloudy, windy, and in the low 60’s! I cam to BSLT expecting heat, winds, and glaring sun.
Dad and I walked down the big hill to the TA and I got my stuff set up. I talked a bit to the girl next to me, and then found Dad to hang out before the race start. It was so chilly and windy, we huddled under an umbrella to block the breeze! I began to question my decision to race sans wetsuit, but Dad told me to stick to my game plan. That was a good call, because when I entered the water, I realized that the 77 degrees they claimed the lake was, actually felt like low 80’s when compared to the air. I warmed up and felt good. I knew I could have a good swim.
Swim 31:40 (2nd best swim time- and the 1st was probably a short course)
The pros scouted that you can actually run along the shore for about 200 yards before you actually have to start swimming. This seemed to work well for most of my wave. But, since it was comprised of all Clydes and Athenas, I wasn’t willing to get kicked in the head by one of the big boys to save 15 seconds of swimming. So, I ran a short distance then dove in. My wave was the last of all the waves, which meant I started passing folks early on. This is by far one of the coolest swim courses ever. It’s pretty much just a good portion of shoreline, and then you cross the lake twice. The water is murky, but that’s like the Midwest so I felt right at home. The neat thing is the TA is set up on a peninsula. The swim start is on the left of it, and the swim is counter clockwise around to the other side! Very cool.
T1 2:23
I think everyone knows by now I don’t rush at the TA in half distance races. I want to make sure I have everything- especially my race belt- it must be worn on the bike here! I was 30 sec slower than Kansas, though.
Bike 3:52.31
Ya, I know, almost 4 hrs, WTF. Well, I’m going to get to that.
Right out of the TA there’s a step, but fairly short climb. But it’s NOTHING like Lynch at Wildflower, and I knew if I could do that totally out of shape, I could handle this one fine. It wasn’t a breeze, but I was able to spin up it and not die. Then there’s a flat over a bridge after the decent, then you climb again- up, up, outta the canyon.
You roll along inside the park/ canyon area until you hit 50th St., I believe. That’s when you get blasted by the “hairdryer.” But, it wasn’t hot, so it was just WINDY. I kept looking in the direction of the canyons we needed to ride thru, and you could see the rain sheets coming down. Gulp. First it started as a sprinkle, then a pretty good shower. Luckily for the faster folks in the early heats, they didn’t have to deal with it too much.
If you can see the diagram, then you can tell, this bike course is no joke. But, the spiral staircase climbs on the canyon roads weren’t as bad as I was expecting. I was able to spin up them and never felt like I was going to die. I don’t know what my HR was, since it did die before the start of the race. In comparison, here is the Kansas elevation. I rode that in 3:44, and had only some wind.
People biffed it all over the place- and it seems that there was never a single downed rider, but always at least a trio. Even in a few flats. How’s that possible? Wet roads, pack riding and drafting= crashing. I would like to commend the USAT officials though- there were so many and it really looked like they were paying attention to the draft packs. Yay!
For a while on the bike I had to pee, and kept trying to relax myself. I eventually gave up and stopped at the nearest port-a-potty, which, had a sign that read “Check for rattle snakes!!” posted on it. Oh, yay!
The end of the bike was pretty pleasant, except for seeing so many people out on the run already. Ugh! I hate being slow and starting the in the last wave! And, the worst climb, an 8.9% grade is saved for the very end. Ah, sweet irony.
T2 2:41
This is slower than it should have been- the TA was a bit of a cluster, and I saw Joanna Zieger bawling in the TA after just finishing second. Strange. Ouch! The rocks hurt my bare feet.
Run 2:56.55
Alas, I don’t have a KS run to compare this to. According to my 6.5 mile split, however, I was on pace to a 3:06. So, I guess this is slightly better, considering the MUCH more difficult course.
I am very happy to report that I had no stomach issues whatsoever like KS. I felt really pretty good, no complaints. It’s a tough run with some BIG hills. I walked the aide stations, and the monster hills, and ran everything else. Aside from walking the big hills I really felt like I was cruising right along, and kept counting my cadence. I felt the strongest in the “Energy Lab II”- an out and back to the turn around on false flats that goes right by a power plant, super similar to Kona. You could see the turn around and it was So. Far. Away. But the time passed quickly with the help of great volunteers at ALL of the aid stations. While the time is pretty slow, it’s all relative to the course. Also, I really haven’t ran much over 9 miles this season, so it was good to know that my legs still felt pretty snappy. I did have some tightness in my back, similar to at Wildflower. I talked to Nancy about it, and I’m pretty sure it’s from holding on for dear life in the wind, and the big climbs.
Overall: 7:26.14 This is my 2nd fastest HIM time and almost an hr off my best. However, like I said, it’s all relative, and if I had been allowed to finish at KS I think I would have been somewhere in the 7:20 range there too, and that was a less challenging course.
I’m really super happy with my results, and had one of the best race trips EVER with my dad!
PS- I WON the Athena division. Even though I didn’t have a super fast day, the other girls didn’t either. So, I got a groovy Buffalo Trophy. His name is Beefy.
Thanks:
Dad, TriSports.com, Fluid, Tropical Xtreme Tanz, H2O Audio, Motortabs, and Freeride Bike & Skate!!
posted @ 7/2/2008 2:06:05 PM (0) Comments
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Getting There
Buffalo SpringsLake Triathlon 70.3 Race Recap
June 29, 2008
Forgive me if I type this scatterbrained. I am currently “working” and watch the Swimming Olympic trials—ah, how I wish I could still be swimming, and swimming like these kids! Wow!
Ok, on to the race!
Getting There
I met my dad at my parent’s house about 6:30 Friday morning. We gathered up my gear, stored it in the mini van, later appropriately named, The Space Shuttle. We then began our journey. Dad drove for the first 30 minutes, then I took over for the next 4 hours or so. When we stopped for Subway (“behind the Braum’s on the same road as McDonald’s,” according to the locals, which proved to be located near neither) south of Perry, OK, Dad took back over for good. Meanwhile, the temperature was climbing from the 72 of Kansas City, to well over 100 just south of Oklahoma City. The thermometer eventually topped out somewhere around 104 degrees around Dickens, Tx.
Around 7:00 PM we pulled into Lubbock to find our hotel. We had planned to stay at the Lubbock Regency. Regency, sounds nice, right? Well, when we pull in it appeared that we were staying in little Mexico. It was “remodeled” and was cheesy as can be. Ok, fine, whatever, it’s a bed. We get to our room. Dad plops down on his bed and I start pulling the covers off of mine. He asked what I was doing, and I told him I was checking for critters. Low and behold, there’s some kind of weird flea bug thing! We promptly requested a refund and found our way to the expo center.
I got checked in for the race and wandered the expo. Then, we went in search of a hotel. Four later we finally found a place, that was, altogether, pretty darn decent. Except, for the spider I found on my bed. Whatever, I can handle spiders.
We had some delish dinner at the Outback (Pasta and Shrimp, my favorite!), then went back to the hotel for some much needed sleepy time.
Continuing later... (ugh, work, getting in the way!)
posted @ 7/1/2008 12:27:35 PM (0) Comments
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
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
April 2008
April '08
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Construction Hardware 2, Tires 0
Last week, I was filling up my car and happened to notice a nail in my tire. My tires were fine, still holding air, no big deal.
Took it in Wednesday and was patched for $28.99. Ugh. Fine, whatever.
Today, Jmoo and I headed to lunch. We didn't get a quarter mile before we heard (and felt) chu-chunk-chink-cha-chunk-chink-cha-chunk-chink. OMG, is my tire flat? I thought. I pull over. No, we're good. Must be the road right here....
Then it continues. I stopped a couple times trying to figure out what the hell it was. Sally was driving just fine, no pulls, stutters, etc. We make it to lunch, about 1.5 miles from work. I get out, survey the car again. And then, there it was...
The culprit.
I'm pretty sure it looks like this:
Luckily, the auto shop folks said they think this can be patched, like the other. And because I'm such a valued (read: auto work magnet) customer they gave me $4.99 off. Provided there's no extra work to be done. I should see if these guys want to sponsor me!
Can somebody, anybody, JUST GET ME TO FRIDAY, AND GET ME ON THE PLANE, WITH MY BIKE, AND NO MORE TIRE ISSUES? Seriously!!!!!
posted @ 4/30/2008 11:17:33 AM (0) Comments
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
I'm Becoming an Airline Statistic!
ARGH!
Click Here:: This is the whole story and the discussion surrounding it.
Well, I just got off the phone with Delta. It's $100 each way to take my bike with me to WildFlower! meaning, $200 rt! YIKES! Ok, ok, sure.. I should have known better.. but, I DID! I Called before booking my flights (called 3 airlines, as $300 tickets aren't a good thing if it's $200 to ship bike, vs $380 tickets and $100 to haul bike). - side note, my tix were just under $400-I was told it was $50 each way, and $100 round trip. Great! One of the lesser quotes. I just called an hr ago to confirm since I was breaking my bike down tonight, and low and behold... They are now charging a firm $100 each direction. I asked when they started doing this and I was told "A couple months ago".. ok, I booked in January. I told them "I booked in January, so those older rates should apply." Shot down. Manager? Shot down. UGH!
Saga continues... I texted my sponsor that I'm staying with and told him situation. He said that wasn't right, call back. So I did. I get a slightly nicer person on the phone. Same conversation. He then asked if I had my bike case dimensions, as maybe there was something they could do. Well, h x w x l is 11x30x47. Guess what those numbers add up to? 88. The maximum "size" delta will allow on their plane is 80 inches. They told me my bike wouldn't be on their plane. Called Delta cargo. I'd have to arrange by curourier or freight frwd'er. I thought all of this was set back in January!!! I just happened to call to confirm! ARGH! And, yes, on top of that, I was told that my 2nd bag will be $25 starting May 5th-- the day I fly home. Jebus! Seriously, this is UNREAL.
read this.
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=1772469;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread - unread
posted @ 4/30/2008 7:57:56 AM (1) Comments
Monday, April 28, 2008
A Triathlete’s Guide to Wildflower 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
A Triathlete’s Guide to Wildflower 2008
By Nick Tuttle
For many triathletes, the Wildflower Festival weekend has served as the exciting and competitive start of the summer triathlon season for over 25 years. 2008 marks the 26th annual offering of the popular Central California race brought to life by professional and highly regarded organizer, Tri California. On the weekend of May 2nd through 4th, over 7000 athletes will flock to Lake San Antonio, just east of King City, to participate in one of the weekend’s many challenging races. Known for its challenging terrain and competitive field of racers, Wildflower is an event that every triathlete should experience in his or her lifetime because of several unique factors.Festival FunWildflower’s festival atmosphere sets it apart from other races throughout the world. A tent city of vendors, musicians and athletes is created overnight at the campgrounds surrounding Lake San Antonio. The vast majority of racers elect to stay at campsites adjacent to the transition area. Thousands of peers enjoy the atmosphere of the weekend together. Many friendships have been forged around a campfire or while waiting in line at one of the restrooms throughout the campground.Logistics & AccommodationsAnother unique aspect of Wildflower is the need to plan accommodations well before race day and how to get to transition on time on race morning. As is typical in a triathlon of this magnitude, racers need to arrive at least a day in advance to check in. In addition, campsites fill quickly and can be hard to find for a large group. One of the advantages of camping at Lake San Antonio is that on race morning, triathletes can bike easily down to transition. Staying in hotels in surrounding areas can lead to long commutes in and out of the park on registration and race days. It is much easier to avoid the car and bike directly to transition from campsites. Hitting the hotels also may lead to missing what so many people love about this race—the camping and camaraderie. There is nothing better than carbo-loading at a campfire with friends old and new.Nutrition & Tips: Another issue unique to Wildflower is preparing pre-race meals sans fridge, microwave or an assortment of local restaurants. Try to plan pre-race meals that can be grilled or prepared on a camping stove. With some careful planning, preparing the right meals should not be a huge issue. On the contrary, restroom availability on race morning can be. Restrooms can get busy on race morning and waiting in line should be the least of a racer’s challenges. Leave plenty of time and look for restrooms off to the side, and less crowded.Pre-Race Transition:
Tri California is a highly regarded, professional and organized race production company with everything running like clockwork including transition. One of the best things about Tri California events is that each triathlete’s transition spot is pre-designated by race number. There is no need to scramble looking for the best spot race morning or any spot at all. You will have an amply-spaced, designated spot to rack your bike and set-up your transition. With 7000+ athletes competing, this feat is impressive and makes for a super-sized transition area! It is crucial in Wildflower for racers to memorize their race numbers to find their spot quickly during the race. There are rows and rows of bikes to sort through. Typically, this transition offers nothing in terms of landmarks to help you find your spot as it’s in a huge, flat, concrete parking lot, so get to memorizing!Take note of the steep hill when entering transition from the main campground and gate. All race courses at Wildflower include this hill at some point during the race. This infamous hill gets the most talk but there are plenty of other challenges on this course. Just take a mental note of this one, since all athletes will either be going up or down it shortly.Before the swim start, racers should avoid putting on their wetsuit as long as possible. The event directors will call each wave down to the boat ramp well before it's time to go. Don’t feel rushed but don't sit around in a wetsuit for 20-30 minutes while you can continue to loosen up those limbs for the work to come.The SwimWildflower's swim is the easiest part of the day, and it's the only segment that is totally flat (hee hee). There are a few things to take note of for this particular swim. Unless you are in one of the first few waves, it can be challenging to get into the water before wave starts to warm up. Most likely age groupers will get 5 minutes or so just before each wave horn sounds to get in the water but this isn't enough for most people. This pre-race limitation makes land warm ups even more important including arm swings, shoulder rolls, breathing exercises, and anything else to prepare the body for the swim ahead.The first part of this swim is the most challenging. Leaving the boat ramp out into the lake, there is a very narrow channel to maneuver through and this creates a bit of a wrestling match amongst the swimmers. Either get out in front or sit back and wait so you can settle into your rhythm early. There is nothing like lost goggles or a good ole’ kick to the face to start the day. The swim course bears right out of the boat ramp and into the open lake for a clockwise swim around the buoys and back into the ramp. Upon exiting the water, prepare to hustle up the steep ramp and into transition. The ramp's rough concrete isn't the best on bare feet but the crowd cheering and adrenaline help get racers up and over to transition quickly.The Bike
Racers need to remember their transition spot and get ready for a great bike ride. It is very important to plan gearing out of transition ahead of time. For both the long and Olympic courses racers have a minute to shift but are climbing up some super steep hills quickly. This is especially the case in the Olympic where you are climbing the main hill out of transition within a minute of being on your bike. Make sure you are in the correct gearing--for most people that will be in the smallest ring in the front. Don't let your day be ruined by being in the wrong gear and trying to shift, only to have your chain not cooperate. Be smart and possibly consider putting your bike shoes on in transition for this race if you are used you having them attached you your pedals before mounting your bike. It will certainly save some possible frustration and only cost a few seconds.After the swim, folks are excited to get on the bike course. This makes for a crazy exit area at times so have your head on a swivel. When you do eventually reach the initial climb out away from the lake, settle into a rhythm and focus on steady, deep breathing to lower heart rate. These hills are long and steep, so it's not a sprint to the top. There is plenty of road ahead to hustle on, which will be hard to do if your heart is jumping out of your throat in the first few minutes of the bike. Conserve your energy stores for later in the race, as you will surely need them.After exiting the main gate of the park, you are still climbing a ways to the main road. From there it's a right hand turn and the next 30 miles are mostly rolling hills or flat for the Long Course. Enjoy this section and find a steady-state effort you can sustain for the bulk of the ride.One key to this race is how to handle your nutrition. This bike has the real hard work near the end, which adds to the challenge. For the Long Course bike, this makes eating early and often key. Each athlete should have a calorie target for the bike, which is easy to pace within the first 3/4 of the ride. Once at the uphills and the eventual downhills, racers don't have a lot of time to focus on nutrition. Emphasize taking in plenty of calories between the 20-40 mile marks. This will fuel your body for the hard work to come. The Olympic course is easier to take nutrition on as the hills are not quite as step heading home and there is much less technical descending.On the Long Course, “Nasty Grade”, (a 5 mile long climb that raises you up over 1000 ft) will come around mile 40. That's a serious climb on legs that have been enjoying ripping speeds for the last hour plus. Slowing down and finding a new rhythm can be hard psychologically and many people do not train specifically for this type of hill. One thing to consider with this climb is when you think you’ve seen the top, you haven't. At the top of the first peak, turn right and continue climbing for another few minutes. This knowledge will guard you against the shock that so many have had turning the corner seeing MORE hill! Once you peak the next summit, you are there for the most part. Having read this paragraph is enough to give you an advantage if you've never ridden the course.What goes up must come down. This is one fast downhill on the Long Course that will really benefit the technical cyclist. Lots of people sit up after this climb to take in nutrition, but there isn't a lot of time. Get a drink and get ready to focus on the downhill descent. Make sure to practice hills late in training rides and incorporate plenty of technical descending. The winds can be strong up on top of the ridge but know that you are almost home at this point. There are still some miles to log but they scream by while racers focus on spinning out to prepare legs for the run to come.Careful coming back into transition as the descent is steep back down the main hill. This applies to both the Long Course and Olympic as both use the main gate for re-entry into the park. Watch out for slower racers and runners finishing the run course as it’s a busy area.The RunThrow on your run gear and get ready for a doozy! The first few miles for both courses are rolling along the lake, mostly asphalt, but it turns to dirt and single track pretty quick. This is a tough run course, so runners need to stay fueled the entire day. Get some liquids early and stay on top of it. Calories should be 150-200 calories per hour but limit calorie amounts, to avoid gastric distress.The hills start around mile 3 to 4 as runners need to make it from the lake to above the main campground, which is virtually the same height as the hill you just rode down into transition. Once you start climbing, don't stop. Keep on trucking! Around mile 4 you will come across the famous "nude aid station" were several college-student volunteers are ready to cheer you on in the buff. I mention this only because it took me by surprise the first time I witnessed it and runners need to remember they are just starting a significant single-track climb.Make sure to have some hills in pre-race training. A workout like 5x1 minute hill repeats built into an hour run will increase hill-climbing strength. Once at the campground, continue through the grounds for several miles. Around mile 9 of the Long Course, feet will hit asphalt for the first time in a while and runners will be tempted to pick up the pace. Remember there are still 4 miles to go. By reaching the run turnaround at mile 10, runners are finally racing to the finish line as opposed to away from it. The last section of both courses can still provide some challenges back into the finish line.According to long time race announcer and publisher of Competitor magazine, Eric Gilsenan, the final downhill can be the most overlooked portion of the race. According to Gilsenan, several pro races have been won and lost within the last mile of the run due to pacing down the hill. A hard day’s work can be erased by the steep downhill grade if you are looking to podium in your age group. Pepper some downhill running into pre-race training in a controlled effort to strengthen the supporting muscles of the legs. Quick turnover is key on downhills. Strides are a great way to focus on leg speed and aim for 90-95 foot strikes per minute per foot. This will allow you to change leg support quickly while flying down this hill. Both Long and Olympic courses run down this main hill into the finish.Take the time to look around and enjoy the experience as the road flattens into the finishing chute. Listen for your name being called by the great Tri-California race announcers and cross that finish line in style. You just completed one of the most difficult Long Course or Olympic distance triathlons in the world. If you conquer this course, there isn't much that can stand in your way. Most likely you will push yourself past your comfort zone on race day so take some time to pat yourself on the back for completing one of these challenging races!Eat, Drink & Be Merry
Enjoy the post race festivities; cheer others finishers on and even stick around to watch the next day’s race. Soak in everything that has made Wildflower a destination weekend for so many around the world. Happy racing!
posted @ 4/28/2008 8:35:58 AM (0) Comments
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Banjo Wedding.. SO SO pretty. ;)
posted @ 4/24/2008 8:48:28 AM (0) Comments
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Ride Like -scratch that- In Lightning.
Text received
6:34 PM
From: Robo
To: Me
I don’t want to run, Corky.
Text response
6:37PM
From: Me
To: Robo
I’m in a f-cking thunderstorm on my bike. Not kidding. I’m sitting under a shelter. Get your ass outside, now.
Text response
6:45PM
From: Me
To: Robo
I’m not kidding. At all. You better be running right now.
**********
Yesterday I had the itch. Not the itch you get from Psi Chi frat boys, or the itch from a jock strap. I had the itch to be on my bike. I’ve had the hardest time getting motivated to be outside on my bicycle (see pretty much every post from February on). Yesterday, I decided, I would go for a ride and really enjoy myself.
There was a new route I was dying to try, but I didn’t want to give it a go on my own. I called Jimmy’s dad. Ok, his name is really Thomas, but for whatever reason someone called him Jimmy once and it stuck. Jimmy/Thomas works for Eric at the boat dealership. His dad, Dan, is a former triathlete thinking about getting back in the game.
Dan and I met up about 2 miles from my house at 6:00pm. The skies were very overcast, quite humid, and very (surprisingly) warm. When I left my house, the temperature was 78 degrees.
We took off towards one of the many lake areas, choosing Blue Springs Lake for our torture. I was sure to make note of how out of shape I am, almost immediately. For all you WildFlower chicks- I’d appreciate a push up the hills when you pass me. :)
Just as it started to drizzle, Dan got a flat. No big deal. But then came the lightning. BAM! It was close. Maybe one mile. Then in succession four more. Uh-Oh. The storm was moving fast and even if we headed back, we still wouldn’t out run it, and there would be no shelter, anywhere. After we remounted we decided to haul tush to the marina, about 3 miles away. There were several decent climbs in that time which slowed us dramatically. Soon, we were swallowed in a down pour of cold, hard raindrops. That’s when Dan spotted the open sided shelter. We pulled off the road and scurried on in.
Right at that time, I see the above text from Robyn. I’m soaking wet, freezing, and hungry. NOT a good combination. I start trying to call Eric. No awser. We decide we’ll wait it out. 50 minutes later the storm is picking up strength, and sitting on top of us. That’s when Thomas called, “My mom just called me. She said my dad left his phone at home. The weather is getting worse, where are you?” I gave JimTim the coordinates and hung up. In ten minutes, Pam, Dan’s wife, pulls up. Our Hero!!!
We loaded up the car, they dropped me off, and I got into the shower fully clothed- on purpose! I LOVE warm water.
Tonight: Lots of after work errands. :( Then 7 miles of half mile SLOW, half mile quick.
posted @ 4/24/2008 7:54:11 AM (0) Comments
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
What It's Like -- Meggie Mac
posted @ 4/22/2008 12:02:07 PM (0) Comments
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Great Expectations and How to Disregard Them
Great Expectations and How to Disregard Them
In December of 2007, I made the choice to enter this year’s WildFlower Triathlon. Through careful planning, I decided the Olympic distance would best suit me for the first race of the season. I expected to train solid through January, February, March, and April to arrive fit and rested in California.
Then life, weather, and apathy happened. My grandfather’s cancer took complete control of his body, ultimately leading to his death. Wedding planning began and I realized how much effort and time it actually does take up. The atmosphere was still throwing fluffy white shit on the ground until 10 days ago. I lost a beloved pet. I changed my priorities. I put my family and friends ahead of training, absorbing as much time with them as I could. I decided that a household project (or two) that I had put off for over years simply could not wait any longer, thus, I found myself elbow deep in paint, stain, and wallpaper stripper for nearly two weeks. I battled physical and emotion fatigue that, for weeks, only seemed to get worse, when rest and recovery should have made it better (see blogs dated circa 2/11/2008).
I had bronchitis that wouldn’t go away. I have a myriad of reasons and excuses. It’s a list of “here’s why” I’m not on top of my physical conditioning and mental abilities. There’s tons and tons of reasons why I won’t be performing at my best.
However, I did decided this. I’m going to go have a terrific time! I want to go meet all the cool Caly Poly/ Fluid tri club folks, and make some good gal pals. I want to get to represent TriSports.com, and watch some crazy age groupers go head to head with the best pros in both Half Iron and Olympic distance.
For this I am very excited. However, my expectations and I have reached an amicable agreement. I’m not going to win. Hell, even if was in tip top shape, I doubt that a top ten was ever in my future.
Please don’t consider my blog negative self talk. If it comes across that way, please understand it’s just of my way of outing my lack of preparation.
So, my brain and I reached a split decision.
My only expectation is that of enjoying myself, racing as best I can at the shape I'm in, and helping out my teams along the way!
posted @ 4/22/2008 7:05:12 AM (0) Comments
Friday, April 18, 2008
Gale Crutcher 1930-2008
Crutcher, Gale K.
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Gale K. Crutcher, 77 of Belton, Mo., passed away April 16, 2008, at the Hospice House. Visitation 9:30 to noon Saturday, April 19, at McGilley & George Funeral Home, 12913 Grandview Road, Grandview, Mo. Graveside service and burial at 3 p.m. after the visitation in Oak Lawn Cemetery, La Cygne, Kan. Contributions suggested to American Cancer Society, The LiveStrong Foundation or Kansas City Hospice. Gale was born on October 7, 1930, in Cass County, Mo., and was a lifelong Cass County area resident. Survived by wife, Norma, of the home; sons Gary Crutcher, St. Charles, Ill., and Jerry and wife Robin Crutcher of Belton, Mo.; brother Lyman and wife Priscilla Crutcher; sisters Nancy Baltinsky, Wynona Crutcher and Betty Crutcher; two grandchildren, Courtney Crutcher, Blue Springs, Mo., and Jeff Crutcher, Belton, Mo. (Arr.: McGilley & George Funeral Home, 12913 Grandview Road, Grandview, MO 64030, 816-966-0250.)
Published in the Kansas City Star on 4/17/2008.
Notice • Guest Book • Flowers
Susan Cagney 1961-2008
Cagney, Susan K. (Lambert)
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CAGNEY Susan K. Cagney, 47, Belton, MO, passed away April 12, 2008 at KC Hospice House. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Rd. Burial in Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to KC Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, MO 64145. Susan was born April 10, 1961 in Kansas City, MO, daughter of William Joseph and Harriet I. (DeGroff) Lambert. She graduated from Loretto Academy in 1979 and, received an associates degree in electronics from Electronics Institute in 1982. Susan was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association and was a member of the Protestant faith. She was preceded in death by her father William Lambert and grandmother Nora M. Maupin. She is survived by her mother and stepfather Harriet and Glenn W. Ladd; husband Robert Cagney of the home; son Justin Cagney, U.S.A.F.; brothers Jeff Lambert, Jack Lambert and John Lambert; stepbrother Marlon Smith; and stepsisters Stephanie Sample, Carla Pryor and Karen Schultz. Susan was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend who will be missed by all. (Arr: Mt. Moriah & Freeman 816-942- 2004)
Published in the Kansas City Star on 4/16/2008.
Notice • Guest Book • Flowers
posted @ 4/18/2008 7:47:23 AM (0) Comments
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Grandpa Update
Hey.I figured I'd give a little update, since I doubt I'll be logged on for a while to give another. Last night we rec'vd a call from the hospice hospital that a bed was available, so this morning around 11 a med team is coming to transfer him to the hospital. We discussed letting him stay at home, but my grandma was beginning to have qualms about being comfortable in her home if he passed away there. Also, this way she can have a bed right beside him in the hospital without worrying about having to do all of his medical needs. For about a week he was "eating" a half bottle of Ensure everyday, but on Friday morning he stopped that. He quit drinking fluids altogether on Saturday, and we've doing water drops to help keep his mouth and lips moist. Our whole family will be in town tonight, and thank God last week when he was coherent I was able to tell him how much he meant to me.Right now he's really not there mentally, and has pretty much stopped all verbal communication other than a 'yep' and 'nope.'Basically, the nurses have said he might make it to the weekend, but not to expect it. My cousin gets into town tonight, and she's the head hospice RN at a huge hospital in Phoenix, so it will really be great to have a family member that understands medically where he's at. --as a "woe is me"-- things have been exacerbated by a family f friend's death, from a similar fate, on Saturday. Her visitation and funeral services are Friday and saturday. If everyone could maybe send and extra goodwill vibe to her family that would be great. I want to thank you folks for your continued thoughts and prayers. It is all very very much appreciated.
posted @ 4/15/2008 8:43:30 AM (0) Comments
Thursday, April 10, 2008
99 Things You May or May Not Know, or Care to Know, About Me ... ... ... ...
99 Things You May or May Not Know, or Care to Know, About Me
I tan a lot
I have two pit bulls
I can’t stand TBone on the Johnny Dare Show (KC Radio)
I have 4 visible tattoos, but have received 5
I recently got into a bar brawl with against my best friend. We are still best friends
I am marrying on Halloween
We started dating on Halloween
He proposed on Halloween- on a beach, two days before Ironman
I’m really really bad with money. I like to spend it. All of it
I hate that I sit in a cubical for 8hrs + a day
I’ve only had my bike outside 3 times since Ironman
The weather in KC SUCKS this year
I’m pumped for WildFlower, but I’m not expecting a whole lot
I have a bridesmaid that lives about 100000 miles away but she is still quite up to date with all the wedding stuff
My fiancé looks like Travis Barker
Travis Barker is hot
I’m really really lucky
I used to have a rabbit but he died :(
There’s a woman at my work that drives me INSANE
I cannot survive without coffee
I cannot survive without Pope, Drewie, Freffy, Jmoo, or Robo (aka my bridesmaids)
I didn’t cry when I finished Ironman, but I did when I saw Julie finish
My weight fluctuates A LOT when I’m training heavy, but for whatever reason my body wants to “be” at a weight about 40 lbs over my ideal weight. Ugh
I have a girl crush on Desiree Ficker and Bree Wee (yes Bree, you)
There’s a new beer called Land Shark Lager that I LOVE
I really like cheap wine
My bike’s name is GoldMember
My fiancé made me cut up all my credit cards after I paid them off. I was mad at him but now I understand why he told me to. He’s so smart. Like I said, lucky
My first tattoo was a Mustang emblem
Yes, I drive a Mustang
My Mustang’s name is Sally and she has 150k miles on her now
I bought her my senior year of high school and I won “coolest car” in the yearbook
I paid her off in 11 months and refuse to get a new car because for over 5 years I haven’t had a car payment
I wear a size 9 shoe and a size 11 pant
My boobs *are* real
No you can’t see them
Eric and I have never broke up in almost 8 years
Both of my bosses are wearing pink and black today. One of them is a man. He is wearing the most pink
I am 5’10
I plan to wear a LiveStrong bracelet in my wedding
I have to wear glasses or contacts, even though my vision is supposedly 20/10. My optometrist one time told me that my eyes were fine. I challenged him to go for a ride down I-70 with me at night. He decided that maybe I did need glasses
I love penguins. I want one
I have never been to Las Vegas
I have visited over 10 countries out of the USA
My fiancé owns a boat dealership and a sports agency
No, we’re not rich
I dye my hair A LOT
I’m kind of snobby
I have lost toenails
My engagement ring is a trillion
My favorite color is black
I look best in bright purple or royal blue
I can’t remember how, but I’m a descendant of General George Patton
The year Carrie Underwood won American Idol, my cousin made the top 10
I met my fiancé at a motorcycle race
I used to have a beagle named Princess
Eric’s friends are also some of my very best friends
Perezhilton.com keeps me entertained from 7:30am-4:30pm Mon-Fri
I ordered my wedding dress Saturday. It will arrive June 30th
While I’m 70 inches tall, I actually have a wingspan of 74inches. That’s 6’2. No wonder I always looked like I would clean out the lane lines when swimming fly
I hold the high school girls swimming record in every distance and every event except the 100 yard breaststroke
I love the movie Fight Club
Johnny Depp is my favorite actor
Orlando Bloom is a very very close second
Eric and I have a saying that goes across the top of a wall in our kitchen “In For Life”
I won’t explain it if you don’t get it
I really like popcorn
I have a palm tree tanning tattoo
Every time Eric and I see a great big poufy palm tree we put our hands up in the air and say “Pouf” and do jazz hands
I couldn't keep a plant alive even if it was a money tree
Every time I ride by a cow on my bike I must moo at it
I was a cheerleader in high school
If I ever become a multi-millionaire I’m going to pay off my friend’s student loans and my family’s mortgages
I just had a random nose bleed while sitting at my desk
I do not do cocaine
I used to burn things in the oven
I now could maybe qualify for Hells Kitchen
I have really started to have a passion for cooking, and for making things from my own recipes, from scratch, on the fly
I occasionally will still burn things
Like an oven mitt
I’m not exactly Christian, not exactly Catholic, not exactly Buddhist
I write letters to people or companies if I find something in distaste or receive poor service
I am a foreclosure analyst at a law firm. It’s a fancy term for somebody’s bitch
I love my fiancé’s tattoos, I think they’re sexy
I have six piercings
My maid of honor hasn’t any tattoos or piercings
Tequila is a dangerous thing for me
Shots not good for my tummy
I have an abnormally long butt crack
I really enjoy do-it-yourself projects
I was voted “most organized” in high school
I have clothing scattered all of my bedroom and various items on my dresser, etc
I have a CHI hair iron and it is amazing
Skull and Crossbones are my theme
I can occasionally be really rude and snobby
I almost always feel bad about it
Anchorman and Talladega Nights are the best movies
I want to race the Hawaii World Champ Ironman before I’m 30
I’m considering doing an English Channel swim
I’m an overachiever
posted @ 4/10/2008 9:48:28 AM (0) Comments
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
I Got Nothin'
posted @ 4/9/2008 12:44:58 PM (0) Comments
Thursday, April 03, 2008
NEW SPONSOR!!!
H2O Audio http://www.h2oaudio.com/ Music can improve your mood, increase endurance, and bestow vital motivation. Would Rocky have been able to beat Clubber Lang (a.k.a. Mr.T) without "eye of the tiger" playing in his training montage. We here at H2O Audio think not. We also believe that the inspirational and spiritual power of music should not be reserved only for the Rocky Balboas and other land loving athletes of the world. As surfers, wakeboarders, paddlers, and swimmers we encourage H2O Audio users to experience their music in any element.
I'm super pumped about this. All you lap swimmers understand my pain! Will come in dang handy for that English Channel training! :)
posted @ 4/3/2008 11:59:53 AM (0) Comments
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Cult, er Church
Westboro Baptist Church Cult
I want to take a moment to point out how disgusted I am with these people. I neary wish a harmful thought on another person, but this is terrible.
I was going to post the link to their page, but I'll spare my blogging friends from reading their biggotry. It's un-freaking-believeable.
If anyone reading my blog feels the same as those brainwashed people, please close out my page and never come back.
posted @ 4/3/2008 11:32:47 AM (0) Comments
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Boy, Do I Have A Lot to Talk About.
S-O-R-E spells OUCH!
Yesterday, I had a kick butt run session (see the blog below). Then I lifted. Whew. That was really killer. I actually did not get in as much as was on my workout schedule, but I am glad because I’m feeling it today.
This morning I got up to swim but I knew I was toast before I even hit the water. I swam the warm up, the lead up, and one third of the main set. The rest of practice I watched my swimmers and gave some good feedback from below the water, an area that many swim coaches will neglect or do not understand because they cannot see it first hand, as I did this morning.
Umpa-loompa ump-idee-doo.
I would like to comment that I am afraid I have rubbed off on Eric. No, not a spray tan rub off, but one of a less healthy, slightly more brown-tinged rub. I got Eric to go tanning. Now, he is going quite often. We do have our engagement pictures this Saturday, and I don’t think he was wanting to look like Powder next to me. But dammit, after a few sessions in the oh so amazing Sunboard high-pressure bed at Tropical Xtreme Tanz (excuse my plug), he is now darker than me. Figures.
Were the Auto Insurance Elfs here last night?
Explain this. I get on the scale today expecting to see a certain number. Instead it’s almost 10 lbs. lower. What?! Whoohoo! But wait, that can’t be. I just lost 5 or 6 lbs a couple weeks ago, then gained back two-ish. So I was sure my weight would be around there. The weight this morning is ten lbs less- no way. Also, I took my body fat. Explain to me how I could lose almost 4% body fat in a week. Not possible. So I chalk it up to equipment malfunction.
I get to the gym and get on the medical scale. I have consumed only 6.75 fluid ounces and am wearing only a swim suit (I weighed in the buff at my home, of course). The number is 18 lbs HIGHER than what I just read at home. UMMMM… Ok, granted I don’t feel like I lost 10 lbs, but I sure as HELL did NOT gain eight! Either Robert Gouluet is out of the grave, or the Elves got me.
Did I Mention I’m Swimming the ENGLISH CHANNEL?
I am in talks with two old swimming gal pals about attempting a crossing next summer or in 2010. We have many things to hash out, but, we are very motivated. I have thought about this a lot since reading Lynne Cox’s books Swimming to Antarctica and Grayson. I really admire the woman. How amazing would it be to say you took part in crossing the English Channel under our own will power?!
Congrats, Max!
Not so sure if he ever reads this blog, but a very old friend of mine, Max Jaben qualified for the Olympic Games in swimming this year. He obtained dual citizenship in Israel, and will be representing the country in the Olympic Games! How very cool. Awesome job and good luck in August! Lieben ahf dein kepele! (“Very well done” In Yiddish)
posted @ 4/2/2008 10:50:36 AM (0) Comments
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
April Fool's
I am quitting blogging. Ok. you're right April Fool's. Here's some good ones from the past.
http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/aprilfool/
#1: The Swiss Spaghetti Harvest
In 1957 the respected BBC news show Panorama announced that thanks to a very mild winter and the virtual elimination of the dreaded spaghetti weevil, Swiss farmers were enjoying a bumper spaghetti crop. It accompanied this announcement with footage of Swiss peasants pulling strands of spaghetti down from trees. Huge numbers of viewers were taken in. Many called the BBC wanting to know how they could grow their own spaghetti tree. To this the BBC diplomatically replied that they should "place a sprig of spaghetti in a tin of tomato sauce and hope for the best."
• Read the full article about the Swiss Spaghetti Harvest.
Comments (62)
#2: Sidd Finch
In its April 1985 edition, Sports Illustrated published a story about a new rookie pitcher who planned to play for the Mets. His name was Sidd Finch, and he could reportedly throw a baseball at 168 mph with pinpoint accuracy. This was 65 mph faster than the previous record. Surprisingly, Sidd Finch had never even played the game before. Instead, he had mastered the "art of the pitch" in a Tibetan monastery under the guidance of the "great poet-saint Lama Milaraspa." Mets fans celebrated their teams' amazing luck at having found such a gifted player, and Sports Illustrated was flooded with requests for more information. But in reality this legendary player only existed in the imagination of the author of the article, George Plimpton.
• Read the full article about Sidd Finch.
Comments (30)
#3: Instant Color TV
In 1962 there was only one tv channel in Sweden, and it broadcast in black and white. The station's technical expert, Kjell Stensson, appeared on the news to announce that, thanks to a new technology, viewers could convert their existing sets to display color reception. All they had to do was pull a nylon stocking over their tv screen. Stensson proceeded to demonstrate the process. Thousands of people were taken in. Regular color broadcasts only commenced in Sweden on April 1, 1970.
• Read the full article about Instant Color TV.
Comments (78)
#4: The Taco Liberty Bell
In 1996 the Taco Bell Corporation announced that it had bought the Liberty Bell and was renaming it the Taco Liberty Bell. Hundreds of outraged citizens called the National Historic Park in Philadelphia where the bell was housed to express their anger. Their nerves were only calmed when Taco Bell revealed, a few hours later, that it was all a practical joke. The best line of the day came when White House press secretary Mike McCurry was asked about the sale. Thinking on his feet, he responded that the Lincoln Memorial had also been sold. It would now be known as the Ford Lincoln Mercury Memorial.
• Read the full article about the Taco Liberty Bell.
Comments (48)
#5: San Serriffe
In 1977 the British newspaper The Guardian published a special seven-page supplement devoted to San Serriffe, a small republic located in the Indian Ocean consisting of several semi-colon-shaped islands. A series of articles affectionately described the geography and culture of this obscure nation. Its two main islands were named Upper Caisse and Lower Caisse. Its capital was Bodoni, and its leader was General Pica. The Guardian's phones rang all day as readers sought more information about the idyllic holiday spot. Few noticed that everything about the island was named after printer's terminology. The success of this hoax is widely credited with launching the enthusiasm for April Foolery that gripped the British tabloids in subsequent decades.
• Read the full article about San Serriffe.
Comments (34)
Prankplace.com
FAKE TATTOO SLEEVESNow you can get "inked" by night and still keep your day job with our "tattoo sleeves". The tattoo is printed directly on the stretchable fabric sleeves fabric which is a machine washable nylon. They come in pairs; wear one or both.
#6: Nixon for President
In 1992 National Public Radio's Talk of the Nation program announced that Richard Nixon, in a surprise move, was running for President again. His new campaign slogan was, "I didn't do anything wrong, and I won't do it again." Accompanying this announcement were audio clips of Nixon delivering his candidacy speech. Listeners responded viscerally to the announcement, flooding the show with calls expressing shock and outrage. Only during the second half of the show did the host John Hockenberry reveal that the announcement was a practical joke. Nixon's voice was impersonated by comedian Rich Little.
Comments (24)
#7: Alabama Changes the Value of Pi
The April 1998 issue of the New Mexicans for Science and Reason newsletter contained an article claiming that the Alabama state legislature had voted to change the value of the mathematical constant pi from 3.14159 to the 'Biblical value' of 3.0. Before long the article had made its way onto the internet, and then it rapidly made its way around the world, forwarded by people in their email. It only became apparent how far the article had spread when the Alabama legislature began receiving hundreds of calls from people protesting the legislation. The original article, which was intended as a parody of legislative attempts to circumscribe the teaching of evolution, was written by a physicist named Mark Boslough.
Comments (73)
#8: The Left-Handed Whopper
In 1998 Burger King published a full page advertisement in USA Today announcing the introduction of a new item to their menu: a "Left-Handed Whopper" specially designed for the 32 million left-handed Americans. According to the advertisement, the new whopper included the same ingredients as the original Whopper (lettuce, tomato, hamburger patty, etc.), but all the condiments were rotated 180 degrees for the benefit of their left-handed customers. The following day Burger King issued a follow-up release revealing that although the Left-Handed Whopper was a hoax, thousands of customers had gone into restaurants to request the new sandwich. Simultaneously, according to the press release, "many others requested their own 'right handed' version."
Comments (55)
#9: Hotheaded Naked Ice Borers
In its April 1995 issue Discover Magazine announced that the highly respected wildlife biologist Dr. Aprile Pazzo had discovered a new species in Antarctica: the hotheaded naked ice borer. These fascinating creatures had bony plates on their heads that, fed by numerous blood vessels, could become burning hot, allowing the animals to bore through ice at high speeds. They used this ability to hunt penguins, melting the ice beneath the penguins and causing them to sink downwards into the resulting slush where the hotheads consumed them. After much research, Dr. Pazzo theorized that the hotheads might have been responsible for the mysterious disappearance of noted Antarctic explorer Philippe Poisson in 1837. "To the ice borers, he would have looked like a penguin," the article quoted her as saying. Discover received more mail in response to this article than they had received for any other article in their history.
• Read the full article about the Hotheaded Naked Ice Borer.
Comments (43)
#10: Planetary Alignment Decreases Gravity
In 1976 the British astronomer Patrick Moore announced on BBC Radio 2 that at 9:47 AM a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event was going to occur that listeners could experience in their very own homes. The planet Pluto would pass behind Jupiter, temporarily causing a gravitational alignment that would counteract and lessen the Earth's own gravity. Moore told his listeners that if they jumped in the air at the exact moment that this planetary alignment occurred, they would experience a strange floating sensation. When 9:47 AM arrived, BBC2 began to receive hundreds of phone calls from listeners claiming to have felt the sensation. One woman even reported that she and her eleven friends had risen from their chairs and floated around the room.
posted @ 4/1/2008 12:45:46 PM (0) Comments
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Choke it back.
Do not barf. Don't barf. Don't do it. Don't.. don't... ::bbaarrf:: Do. Not. Barf.
Ugh, and it's not even my leftover meat patty and salad from lunch... no, it's my phlegm. Choking, coughing, sputtering, PUKING my own phelgm.
Runner's phelgm.
UGH.
Well, here's to the fastest 3 miles I've done yet this yr. Mile 1.5 split 13:46.54 (wind at back), Mile 3.0 split 15:47.37 (wind at face split). Average mile time of 9:51.
I know, I know. Not blazing fast, hell, not even warm up speed for so many of you. But I'm working on it. I'm feeling a lot more comfortable with this new stride and techniqe even JMoo commented that I was moving faster. I beat her back! That is RARE!
Now, well, now I need a nap to recovery from a high quality high speed run with quick turnover and the 1.5 slices of Costco cake from the birthday party in my office. At least, AT LEAST, I can call that cake market research and no one will be able to comment!
Okay, I'm dozing, off to get some tea! YUM! (Yes Robo, TEA. T-E-A. The good stuff. The shiznit, the almost as good as a Scooter's Hazlenut coffee Stuff. TEA.)
My workout orginally called for a MORNING run with recovery before my lift session, but it was misting and about 38 degrees out- even worse than the conditions this afternoon, so I'll just fight my way thru it at the gym tonight.
Oh, here's today's route. Nothing special, but fun anyway!
http://www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=203410
posted @ 4/1/2008 12:42:51 PM (0) Comments
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Construction Hardware 2, Tires 0
Last week, I was filling up my car and happened to notice a nail in my tire. My tires were fine, still holding air, no big deal.
Took it in Wednesday and was patched for $28.99. Ugh. Fine, whatever.
Today, Jmoo and I headed to lunch. We didn't get a quarter mile before we heard (and felt) chu-chunk-chink-cha-chunk-chink-cha-chunk-chink. OMG, is my tire flat? I thought. I pull over. No, we're good. Must be the road right here....
Then it continues. I stopped a couple times trying to figure out what the hell it was. Sally was driving just fine, no pulls, stutters, etc. We make it to lunch, about 1.5 miles from work. I get out, survey the car again. And then, there it was...
The culprit.
I'm pretty sure it looks like this:
Luckily, the auto shop folks said they think this can be patched, like the other. And because I'm such a valued (read: auto work magnet) customer they gave me $4.99 off. Provided there's no extra work to be done. I should see if these guys want to sponsor me!
Can somebody, anybody, JUST GET ME TO FRIDAY, AND GET ME ON THE PLANE, WITH MY BIKE, AND NO MORE TIRE ISSUES? Seriously!!!!!
posted @ 4/30/2008 11:17:33 AM (0) Comments
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
I'm Becoming an Airline Statistic!
ARGH!
Click Here:: This is the whole story and the discussion surrounding it.
Well, I just got off the phone with Delta. It's $100 each way to take my bike with me to WildFlower! meaning, $200 rt! YIKES! Ok, ok, sure.. I should have known better.. but, I DID! I Called before booking my flights (called 3 airlines, as $300 tickets aren't a good thing if it's $200 to ship bike, vs $380 tickets and $100 to haul bike). - side note, my tix were just under $400-I was told it was $50 each way, and $100 round trip. Great! One of the lesser quotes. I just called an hr ago to confirm since I was breaking my bike down tonight, and low and behold... They are now charging a firm $100 each direction. I asked when they started doing this and I was told "A couple months ago".. ok, I booked in January. I told them "I booked in January, so those older rates should apply." Shot down. Manager? Shot down. UGH!
Saga continues... I texted my sponsor that I'm staying with and told him situation. He said that wasn't right, call back. So I did. I get a slightly nicer person on the phone. Same conversation. He then asked if I had my bike case dimensions, as maybe there was something they could do. Well, h x w x l is 11x30x47. Guess what those numbers add up to? 88. The maximum "size" delta will allow on their plane is 80 inches. They told me my bike wouldn't be on their plane. Called Delta cargo. I'd have to arrange by curourier or freight frwd'er. I thought all of this was set back in January!!! I just happened to call to confirm! ARGH! And, yes, on top of that, I was told that my 2nd bag will be $25 starting May 5th-- the day I fly home. Jebus! Seriously, this is UNREAL.
read this.
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=1772469;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread - unread
posted @ 4/30/2008 7:57:56 AM (1) Comments
Monday, April 28, 2008
A Triathlete’s Guide to Wildflower 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
A Triathlete’s Guide to Wildflower 2008
By Nick Tuttle
For many triathletes, the Wildflower Festival weekend has served as the exciting and competitive start of the summer triathlon season for over 25 years. 2008 marks the 26th annual offering of the popular Central California race brought to life by professional and highly regarded organizer, Tri California. On the weekend of May 2nd through 4th, over 7000 athletes will flock to Lake San Antonio, just east of King City, to participate in one of the weekend’s many challenging races. Known for its challenging terrain and competitive field of racers, Wildflower is an event that every triathlete should experience in his or her lifetime because of several unique factors.Festival FunWildflower’s festival atmosphere sets it apart from other races throughout the world. A tent city of vendors, musicians and athletes is created overnight at the campgrounds surrounding Lake San Antonio. The vast majority of racers elect to stay at campsites adjacent to the transition area. Thousands of peers enjoy the atmosphere of the weekend together. Many friendships have been forged around a campfire or while waiting in line at one of the restrooms throughout the campground.Logistics & AccommodationsAnother unique aspect of Wildflower is the need to plan accommodations well before race day and how to get to transition on time on race morning. As is typical in a triathlon of this magnitude, racers need to arrive at least a day in advance to check in. In addition, campsites fill quickly and can be hard to find for a large group. One of the advantages of camping at Lake San Antonio is that on race morning, triathletes can bike easily down to transition. Staying in hotels in surrounding areas can lead to long commutes in and out of the park on registration and race days. It is much easier to avoid the car and bike directly to transition from campsites. Hitting the hotels also may lead to missing what so many people love about this race—the camping and camaraderie. There is nothing better than carbo-loading at a campfire with friends old and new.Nutrition & Tips: Another issue unique to Wildflower is preparing pre-race meals sans fridge, microwave or an assortment of local restaurants. Try to plan pre-race meals that can be grilled or prepared on a camping stove. With some careful planning, preparing the right meals should not be a huge issue. On the contrary, restroom availability on race morning can be. Restrooms can get busy on race morning and waiting in line should be the least of a racer’s challenges. Leave plenty of time and look for restrooms off to the side, and less crowded.Pre-Race Transition:
Tri California is a highly regarded, professional and organized race production company with everything running like clockwork including transition. One of the best things about Tri California events is that each triathlete’s transition spot is pre-designated by race number. There is no need to scramble looking for the best spot race morning or any spot at all. You will have an amply-spaced, designated spot to rack your bike and set-up your transition. With 7000+ athletes competing, this feat is impressive and makes for a super-sized transition area! It is crucial in Wildflower for racers to memorize their race numbers to find their spot quickly during the race. There are rows and rows of bikes to sort through. Typically, this transition offers nothing in terms of landmarks to help you find your spot as it’s in a huge, flat, concrete parking lot, so get to memorizing!Take note of the steep hill when entering transition from the main campground and gate. All race courses at Wildflower include this hill at some point during the race. This infamous hill gets the most talk but there are plenty of other challenges on this course. Just take a mental note of this one, since all athletes will either be going up or down it shortly.Before the swim start, racers should avoid putting on their wetsuit as long as possible. The event directors will call each wave down to the boat ramp well before it's time to go. Don’t feel rushed but don't sit around in a wetsuit for 20-30 minutes while you can continue to loosen up those limbs for the work to come.The SwimWildflower's swim is the easiest part of the day, and it's the only segment that is totally flat (hee hee). There are a few things to take note of for this particular swim. Unless you are in one of the first few waves, it can be challenging to get into the water before wave starts to warm up. Most likely age groupers will get 5 minutes or so just before each wave horn sounds to get in the water but this isn't enough for most people. This pre-race limitation makes land warm ups even more important including arm swings, shoulder rolls, breathing exercises, and anything else to prepare the body for the swim ahead.The first part of this swim is the most challenging. Leaving the boat ramp out into the lake, there is a very narrow channel to maneuver through and this creates a bit of a wrestling match amongst the swimmers. Either get out in front or sit back and wait so you can settle into your rhythm early. There is nothing like lost goggles or a good ole’ kick to the face to start the day. The swim course bears right out of the boat ramp and into the open lake for a clockwise swim around the buoys and back into the ramp. Upon exiting the water, prepare to hustle up the steep ramp and into transition. The ramp's rough concrete isn't the best on bare feet but the crowd cheering and adrenaline help get racers up and over to transition quickly.The Bike
Racers need to remember their transition spot and get ready for a great bike ride. It is very important to plan gearing out of transition ahead of time. For both the long and Olympic courses racers have a minute to shift but are climbing up some super steep hills quickly. This is especially the case in the Olympic where you are climbing the main hill out of transition within a minute of being on your bike. Make sure you are in the correct gearing--for most people that will be in the smallest ring in the front. Don't let your day be ruined by being in the wrong gear and trying to shift, only to have your chain not cooperate. Be smart and possibly consider putting your bike shoes on in transition for this race if you are used you having them attached you your pedals before mounting your bike. It will certainly save some possible frustration and only cost a few seconds.After the swim, folks are excited to get on the bike course. This makes for a crazy exit area at times so have your head on a swivel. When you do eventually reach the initial climb out away from the lake, settle into a rhythm and focus on steady, deep breathing to lower heart rate. These hills are long and steep, so it's not a sprint to the top. There is plenty of road ahead to hustle on, which will be hard to do if your heart is jumping out of your throat in the first few minutes of the bike. Conserve your energy stores for later in the race, as you will surely need them.After exiting the main gate of the park, you are still climbing a ways to the main road. From there it's a right hand turn and the next 30 miles are mostly rolling hills or flat for the Long Course. Enjoy this section and find a steady-state effort you can sustain for the bulk of the ride.One key to this race is how to handle your nutrition. This bike has the real hard work near the end, which adds to the challenge. For the Long Course bike, this makes eating early and often key. Each athlete should have a calorie target for the bike, which is easy to pace within the first 3/4 of the ride. Once at the uphills and the eventual downhills, racers don't have a lot of time to focus on nutrition. Emphasize taking in plenty of calories between the 20-40 mile marks. This will fuel your body for the hard work to come. The Olympic course is easier to take nutrition on as the hills are not quite as step heading home and there is much less technical descending.On the Long Course, “Nasty Grade”, (a 5 mile long climb that raises you up over 1000 ft) will come around mile 40. That's a serious climb on legs that have been enjoying ripping speeds for the last hour plus. Slowing down and finding a new rhythm can be hard psychologically and many people do not train specifically for this type of hill. One thing to consider with this climb is when you think you’ve seen the top, you haven't. At the top of the first peak, turn right and continue climbing for another few minutes. This knowledge will guard you against the shock that so many have had turning the corner seeing MORE hill! Once you peak the next summit, you are there for the most part. Having read this paragraph is enough to give you an advantage if you've never ridden the course.What goes up must come down. This is one fast downhill on the Long Course that will really benefit the technical cyclist. Lots of people sit up after this climb to take in nutrition, but there isn't a lot of time. Get a drink and get ready to focus on the downhill descent. Make sure to practice hills late in training rides and incorporate plenty of technical descending. The winds can be strong up on top of the ridge but know that you are almost home at this point. There are still some miles to log but they scream by while racers focus on spinning out to prepare legs for the run to come.Careful coming back into transition as the descent is steep back down the main hill. This applies to both the Long Course and Olympic as both use the main gate for re-entry into the park. Watch out for slower racers and runners finishing the run course as it’s a busy area.The RunThrow on your run gear and get ready for a doozy! The first few miles for both courses are rolling along the lake, mostly asphalt, but it turns to dirt and single track pretty quick. This is a tough run course, so runners need to stay fueled the entire day. Get some liquids early and stay on top of it. Calories should be 150-200 calories per hour but limit calorie amounts, to avoid gastric distress.The hills start around mile 3 to 4 as runners need to make it from the lake to above the main campground, which is virtually the same height as the hill you just rode down into transition. Once you start climbing, don't stop. Keep on trucking! Around mile 4 you will come across the famous "nude aid station" were several college-student volunteers are ready to cheer you on in the buff. I mention this only because it took me by surprise the first time I witnessed it and runners need to remember they are just starting a significant single-track climb.Make sure to have some hills in pre-race training. A workout like 5x1 minute hill repeats built into an hour run will increase hill-climbing strength. Once at the campground, continue through the grounds for several miles. Around mile 9 of the Long Course, feet will hit asphalt for the first time in a while and runners will be tempted to pick up the pace. Remember there are still 4 miles to go. By reaching the run turnaround at mile 10, runners are finally racing to the finish line as opposed to away from it. The last section of both courses can still provide some challenges back into the finish line.According to long time race announcer and publisher of Competitor magazine, Eric Gilsenan, the final downhill can be the most overlooked portion of the race. According to Gilsenan, several pro races have been won and lost within the last mile of the run due to pacing down the hill. A hard day’s work can be erased by the steep downhill grade if you are looking to podium in your age group. Pepper some downhill running into pre-race training in a controlled effort to strengthen the supporting muscles of the legs. Quick turnover is key on downhills. Strides are a great way to focus on leg speed and aim for 90-95 foot strikes per minute per foot. This will allow you to change leg support quickly while flying down this hill. Both Long and Olympic courses run down this main hill into the finish.Take the time to look around and enjoy the experience as the road flattens into the finishing chute. Listen for your name being called by the great Tri-California race announcers and cross that finish line in style. You just completed one of the most difficult Long Course or Olympic distance triathlons in the world. If you conquer this course, there isn't much that can stand in your way. Most likely you will push yourself past your comfort zone on race day so take some time to pat yourself on the back for completing one of these challenging races!Eat, Drink & Be Merry
Enjoy the post race festivities; cheer others finishers on and even stick around to watch the next day’s race. Soak in everything that has made Wildflower a destination weekend for so many around the world. Happy racing!
posted @ 4/28/2008 8:35:58 AM (0) Comments
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Banjo Wedding.. SO SO pretty. ;)
posted @ 4/24/2008 8:48:28 AM (0) Comments
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Ride Like -scratch that- In Lightning.
Text received
6:34 PM
From: Robo
To: Me
I don’t want to run, Corky.
Text response
6:37PM
From: Me
To: Robo
I’m in a f-cking thunderstorm on my bike. Not kidding. I’m sitting under a shelter. Get your ass outside, now.
Text response
6:45PM
From: Me
To: Robo
I’m not kidding. At all. You better be running right now.
**********
Yesterday I had the itch. Not the itch you get from Psi Chi frat boys, or the itch from a jock strap. I had the itch to be on my bike. I’ve had the hardest time getting motivated to be outside on my bicycle (see pretty much every post from February on). Yesterday, I decided, I would go for a ride and really enjoy myself.
There was a new route I was dying to try, but I didn’t want to give it a go on my own. I called Jimmy’s dad. Ok, his name is really Thomas, but for whatever reason someone called him Jimmy once and it stuck. Jimmy/Thomas works for Eric at the boat dealership. His dad, Dan, is a former triathlete thinking about getting back in the game.
Dan and I met up about 2 miles from my house at 6:00pm. The skies were very overcast, quite humid, and very (surprisingly) warm. When I left my house, the temperature was 78 degrees.
We took off towards one of the many lake areas, choosing Blue Springs Lake for our torture. I was sure to make note of how out of shape I am, almost immediately. For all you WildFlower chicks- I’d appreciate a push up the hills when you pass me. :)
Just as it started to drizzle, Dan got a flat. No big deal. But then came the lightning. BAM! It was close. Maybe one mile. Then in succession four more. Uh-Oh. The storm was moving fast and even if we headed back, we still wouldn’t out run it, and there would be no shelter, anywhere. After we remounted we decided to haul tush to the marina, about 3 miles away. There were several decent climbs in that time which slowed us dramatically. Soon, we were swallowed in a down pour of cold, hard raindrops. That’s when Dan spotted the open sided shelter. We pulled off the road and scurried on in.
Right at that time, I see the above text from Robyn. I’m soaking wet, freezing, and hungry. NOT a good combination. I start trying to call Eric. No awser. We decide we’ll wait it out. 50 minutes later the storm is picking up strength, and sitting on top of us. That’s when Thomas called, “My mom just called me. She said my dad left his phone at home. The weather is getting worse, where are you?” I gave JimTim the coordinates and hung up. In ten minutes, Pam, Dan’s wife, pulls up. Our Hero!!!
We loaded up the car, they dropped me off, and I got into the shower fully clothed- on purpose! I LOVE warm water.
Tonight: Lots of after work errands. :( Then 7 miles of half mile SLOW, half mile quick.
posted @ 4/24/2008 7:54:11 AM (0) Comments
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
What It's Like -- Meggie Mac
posted @ 4/22/2008 12:02:07 PM (0) Comments
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Great Expectations and How to Disregard Them
Great Expectations and How to Disregard Them
In December of 2007, I made the choice to enter this year’s WildFlower Triathlon. Through careful planning, I decided the Olympic distance would best suit me for the first race of the season. I expected to train solid through January, February, March, and April to arrive fit and rested in California.
Then life, weather, and apathy happened. My grandfather’s cancer took complete control of his body, ultimately leading to his death. Wedding planning began and I realized how much effort and time it actually does take up. The atmosphere was still throwing fluffy white shit on the ground until 10 days ago. I lost a beloved pet. I changed my priorities. I put my family and friends ahead of training, absorbing as much time with them as I could. I decided that a household project (or two) that I had put off for over years simply could not wait any longer, thus, I found myself elbow deep in paint, stain, and wallpaper stripper for nearly two weeks. I battled physical and emotion fatigue that, for weeks, only seemed to get worse, when rest and recovery should have made it better (see blogs dated circa 2/11/2008).
I had bronchitis that wouldn’t go away. I have a myriad of reasons and excuses. It’s a list of “here’s why” I’m not on top of my physical conditioning and mental abilities. There’s tons and tons of reasons why I won’t be performing at my best.
However, I did decided this. I’m going to go have a terrific time! I want to go meet all the cool Caly Poly/ Fluid tri club folks, and make some good gal pals. I want to get to represent TriSports.com, and watch some crazy age groupers go head to head with the best pros in both Half Iron and Olympic distance.
For this I am very excited. However, my expectations and I have reached an amicable agreement. I’m not going to win. Hell, even if was in tip top shape, I doubt that a top ten was ever in my future.
Please don’t consider my blog negative self talk. If it comes across that way, please understand it’s just of my way of outing my lack of preparation.
So, my brain and I reached a split decision.
My only expectation is that of enjoying myself, racing as best I can at the shape I'm in, and helping out my teams along the way!
posted @ 4/22/2008 7:05:12 AM (0) Comments
Friday, April 18, 2008
Gale Crutcher 1930-2008
Crutcher, Gale K.
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Gale K. Crutcher, 77 of Belton, Mo., passed away April 16, 2008, at the Hospice House. Visitation 9:30 to noon Saturday, April 19, at McGilley & George Funeral Home, 12913 Grandview Road, Grandview, Mo. Graveside service and burial at 3 p.m. after the visitation in Oak Lawn Cemetery, La Cygne, Kan. Contributions suggested to American Cancer Society, The LiveStrong Foundation or Kansas City Hospice. Gale was born on October 7, 1930, in Cass County, Mo., and was a lifelong Cass County area resident. Survived by wife, Norma, of the home; sons Gary Crutcher, St. Charles, Ill., and Jerry and wife Robin Crutcher of Belton, Mo.; brother Lyman and wife Priscilla Crutcher; sisters Nancy Baltinsky, Wynona Crutcher and Betty Crutcher; two grandchildren, Courtney Crutcher, Blue Springs, Mo., and Jeff Crutcher, Belton, Mo. (Arr.: McGilley & George Funeral Home, 12913 Grandview Road, Grandview, MO 64030, 816-966-0250.)
Published in the Kansas City Star on 4/17/2008.
Notice • Guest Book • Flowers
Susan Cagney 1961-2008
Cagney, Susan K. (Lambert)
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CAGNEY Susan K. Cagney, 47, Belton, MO, passed away April 12, 2008 at KC Hospice House. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Rd. Burial in Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to KC Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, MO 64145. Susan was born April 10, 1961 in Kansas City, MO, daughter of William Joseph and Harriet I. (DeGroff) Lambert. She graduated from Loretto Academy in 1979 and, received an associates degree in electronics from Electronics Institute in 1982. Susan was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association and was a member of the Protestant faith. She was preceded in death by her father William Lambert and grandmother Nora M. Maupin. She is survived by her mother and stepfather Harriet and Glenn W. Ladd; husband Robert Cagney of the home; son Justin Cagney, U.S.A.F.; brothers Jeff Lambert, Jack Lambert and John Lambert; stepbrother Marlon Smith; and stepsisters Stephanie Sample, Carla Pryor and Karen Schultz. Susan was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend who will be missed by all. (Arr: Mt. Moriah & Freeman 816-942- 2004)
Published in the Kansas City Star on 4/16/2008.
Notice • Guest Book • Flowers
posted @ 4/18/2008 7:47:23 AM (0) Comments
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Grandpa Update
Hey.I figured I'd give a little update, since I doubt I'll be logged on for a while to give another. Last night we rec'vd a call from the hospice hospital that a bed was available, so this morning around 11 a med team is coming to transfer him to the hospital. We discussed letting him stay at home, but my grandma was beginning to have qualms about being comfortable in her home if he passed away there. Also, this way she can have a bed right beside him in the hospital without worrying about having to do all of his medical needs. For about a week he was "eating" a half bottle of Ensure everyday, but on Friday morning he stopped that. He quit drinking fluids altogether on Saturday, and we've doing water drops to help keep his mouth and lips moist. Our whole family will be in town tonight, and thank God last week when he was coherent I was able to tell him how much he meant to me.Right now he's really not there mentally, and has pretty much stopped all verbal communication other than a 'yep' and 'nope.'Basically, the nurses have said he might make it to the weekend, but not to expect it. My cousin gets into town tonight, and she's the head hospice RN at a huge hospital in Phoenix, so it will really be great to have a family member that understands medically where he's at. --as a "woe is me"-- things have been exacerbated by a family f friend's death, from a similar fate, on Saturday. Her visitation and funeral services are Friday and saturday. If everyone could maybe send and extra goodwill vibe to her family that would be great. I want to thank you folks for your continued thoughts and prayers. It is all very very much appreciated.
posted @ 4/15/2008 8:43:30 AM (0) Comments
Thursday, April 10, 2008
99 Things You May or May Not Know, or Care to Know, About Me ... ... ... ...
99 Things You May or May Not Know, or Care to Know, About Me
I tan a lot
I have two pit bulls
I can’t stand TBone on the Johnny Dare Show (KC Radio)
I have 4 visible tattoos, but have received 5
I recently got into a bar brawl with against my best friend. We are still best friends
I am marrying on Halloween
We started dating on Halloween
He proposed on Halloween- on a beach, two days before Ironman
I’m really really bad with money. I like to spend it. All of it
I hate that I sit in a cubical for 8hrs + a day
I’ve only had my bike outside 3 times since Ironman
The weather in KC SUCKS this year
I’m pumped for WildFlower, but I’m not expecting a whole lot
I have a bridesmaid that lives about 100000 miles away but she is still quite up to date with all the wedding stuff
My fiancé looks like Travis Barker
Travis Barker is hot
I’m really really lucky
I used to have a rabbit but he died :(
There’s a woman at my work that drives me INSANE
I cannot survive without coffee
I cannot survive without Pope, Drewie, Freffy, Jmoo, or Robo (aka my bridesmaids)
I didn’t cry when I finished Ironman, but I did when I saw Julie finish
My weight fluctuates A LOT when I’m training heavy, but for whatever reason my body wants to “be” at a weight about 40 lbs over my ideal weight. Ugh
I have a girl crush on Desiree Ficker and Bree Wee (yes Bree, you)
There’s a new beer called Land Shark Lager that I LOVE
I really like cheap wine
My bike’s name is GoldMember
My fiancé made me cut up all my credit cards after I paid them off. I was mad at him but now I understand why he told me to. He’s so smart. Like I said, lucky
My first tattoo was a Mustang emblem
Yes, I drive a Mustang
My Mustang’s name is Sally and she has 150k miles on her now
I bought her my senior year of high school and I won “coolest car” in the yearbook
I paid her off in 11 months and refuse to get a new car because for over 5 years I haven’t had a car payment
I wear a size 9 shoe and a size 11 pant
My boobs *are* real
No you can’t see them
Eric and I have never broke up in almost 8 years
Both of my bosses are wearing pink and black today. One of them is a man. He is wearing the most pink
I am 5’10
I plan to wear a LiveStrong bracelet in my wedding
I have to wear glasses or contacts, even though my vision is supposedly 20/10. My optometrist one time told me that my eyes were fine. I challenged him to go for a ride down I-70 with me at night. He decided that maybe I did need glasses
I love penguins. I want one
I have never been to Las Vegas
I have visited over 10 countries out of the USA
My fiancé owns a boat dealership and a sports agency
No, we’re not rich
I dye my hair A LOT
I’m kind of snobby
I have lost toenails
My engagement ring is a trillion
My favorite color is black
I look best in bright purple or royal blue
I can’t remember how, but I’m a descendant of General George Patton
The year Carrie Underwood won American Idol, my cousin made the top 10
I met my fiancé at a motorcycle race
I used to have a beagle named Princess
Eric’s friends are also some of my very best friends
Perezhilton.com keeps me entertained from 7:30am-4:30pm Mon-Fri
I ordered my wedding dress Saturday. It will arrive June 30th
While I’m 70 inches tall, I actually have a wingspan of 74inches. That’s 6’2. No wonder I always looked like I would clean out the lane lines when swimming fly
I hold the high school girls swimming record in every distance and every event except the 100 yard breaststroke
I love the movie Fight Club
Johnny Depp is my favorite actor
Orlando Bloom is a very very close second
Eric and I have a saying that goes across the top of a wall in our kitchen “In For Life”
I won’t explain it if you don’t get it
I really like popcorn
I have a palm tree tanning tattoo
Every time Eric and I see a great big poufy palm tree we put our hands up in the air and say “Pouf” and do jazz hands
I couldn't keep a plant alive even if it was a money tree
Every time I ride by a cow on my bike I must moo at it
I was a cheerleader in high school
If I ever become a multi-millionaire I’m going to pay off my friend’s student loans and my family’s mortgages
I just had a random nose bleed while sitting at my desk
I do not do cocaine
I used to burn things in the oven
I now could maybe qualify for Hells Kitchen
I have really started to have a passion for cooking, and for making things from my own recipes, from scratch, on the fly
I occasionally will still burn things
Like an oven mitt
I’m not exactly Christian, not exactly Catholic, not exactly Buddhist
I write letters to people or companies if I find something in distaste or receive poor service
I am a foreclosure analyst at a law firm. It’s a fancy term for somebody’s bitch
I love my fiancé’s tattoos, I think they’re sexy
I have six piercings
My maid of honor hasn’t any tattoos or piercings
Tequila is a dangerous thing for me
Shots not good for my tummy
I have an abnormally long butt crack
I really enjoy do-it-yourself projects
I was voted “most organized” in high school
I have clothing scattered all of my bedroom and various items on my dresser, etc
I have a CHI hair iron and it is amazing
Skull and Crossbones are my theme
I can occasionally be really rude and snobby
I almost always feel bad about it
Anchorman and Talladega Nights are the best movies
I want to race the Hawaii World Champ Ironman before I’m 30
I’m considering doing an English Channel swim
I’m an overachiever
posted @ 4/10/2008 9:48:28 AM (0) Comments
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
I Got Nothin'
posted @ 4/9/2008 12:44:58 PM (0) Comments
Thursday, April 03, 2008
NEW SPONSOR!!!
H2O Audio http://www.h2oaudio.com/ Music can improve your mood, increase endurance, and bestow vital motivation. Would Rocky have been able to beat Clubber Lang (a.k.a. Mr.T) without "eye of the tiger" playing in his training montage. We here at H2O Audio think not. We also believe that the inspirational and spiritual power of music should not be reserved only for the Rocky Balboas and other land loving athletes of the world. As surfers, wakeboarders, paddlers, and swimmers we encourage H2O Audio users to experience their music in any element.
I'm super pumped about this. All you lap swimmers understand my pain! Will come in dang handy for that English Channel training! :)
posted @ 4/3/2008 11:59:53 AM (0) Comments
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Cult, er Church
Westboro Baptist Church Cult
I want to take a moment to point out how disgusted I am with these people. I neary wish a harmful thought on another person, but this is terrible.
I was going to post the link to their page, but I'll spare my blogging friends from reading their biggotry. It's un-freaking-believeable.
If anyone reading my blog feels the same as those brainwashed people, please close out my page and never come back.
posted @ 4/3/2008 11:32:47 AM (0) Comments
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Boy, Do I Have A Lot to Talk About.
S-O-R-E spells OUCH!
Yesterday, I had a kick butt run session (see the blog below). Then I lifted. Whew. That was really killer. I actually did not get in as much as was on my workout schedule, but I am glad because I’m feeling it today.
This morning I got up to swim but I knew I was toast before I even hit the water. I swam the warm up, the lead up, and one third of the main set. The rest of practice I watched my swimmers and gave some good feedback from below the water, an area that many swim coaches will neglect or do not understand because they cannot see it first hand, as I did this morning.
Umpa-loompa ump-idee-doo.
I would like to comment that I am afraid I have rubbed off on Eric. No, not a spray tan rub off, but one of a less healthy, slightly more brown-tinged rub. I got Eric to go tanning. Now, he is going quite often. We do have our engagement pictures this Saturday, and I don’t think he was wanting to look like Powder next to me. But dammit, after a few sessions in the oh so amazing Sunboard high-pressure bed at Tropical Xtreme Tanz (excuse my plug), he is now darker than me. Figures.
Were the Auto Insurance Elfs here last night?
Explain this. I get on the scale today expecting to see a certain number. Instead it’s almost 10 lbs. lower. What?! Whoohoo! But wait, that can’t be. I just lost 5 or 6 lbs a couple weeks ago, then gained back two-ish. So I was sure my weight would be around there. The weight this morning is ten lbs less- no way. Also, I took my body fat. Explain to me how I could lose almost 4% body fat in a week. Not possible. So I chalk it up to equipment malfunction.
I get to the gym and get on the medical scale. I have consumed only 6.75 fluid ounces and am wearing only a swim suit (I weighed in the buff at my home, of course). The number is 18 lbs HIGHER than what I just read at home. UMMMM… Ok, granted I don’t feel like I lost 10 lbs, but I sure as HELL did NOT gain eight! Either Robert Gouluet is out of the grave, or the Elves got me.
Did I Mention I’m Swimming the ENGLISH CHANNEL?
I am in talks with two old swimming gal pals about attempting a crossing next summer or in 2010. We have many things to hash out, but, we are very motivated. I have thought about this a lot since reading Lynne Cox’s books Swimming to Antarctica and Grayson. I really admire the woman. How amazing would it be to say you took part in crossing the English Channel under our own will power?!
Congrats, Max!
Not so sure if he ever reads this blog, but a very old friend of mine, Max Jaben qualified for the Olympic Games in swimming this year. He obtained dual citizenship in Israel, and will be representing the country in the Olympic Games! How very cool. Awesome job and good luck in August! Lieben ahf dein kepele! (“Very well done” In Yiddish)
posted @ 4/2/2008 10:50:36 AM (0) Comments
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
April Fool's
I am quitting blogging. Ok. you're right April Fool's. Here's some good ones from the past.
http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/aprilfool/
#1: The Swiss Spaghetti Harvest
In 1957 the respected BBC news show Panorama announced that thanks to a very mild winter and the virtual elimination of the dreaded spaghetti weevil, Swiss farmers were enjoying a bumper spaghetti crop. It accompanied this announcement with footage of Swiss peasants pulling strands of spaghetti down from trees. Huge numbers of viewers were taken in. Many called the BBC wanting to know how they could grow their own spaghetti tree. To this the BBC diplomatically replied that they should "place a sprig of spaghetti in a tin of tomato sauce and hope for the best."
• Read the full article about the Swiss Spaghetti Harvest.
Comments (62)
#2: Sidd Finch
In its April 1985 edition, Sports Illustrated published a story about a new rookie pitcher who planned to play for the Mets. His name was Sidd Finch, and he could reportedly throw a baseball at 168 mph with pinpoint accuracy. This was 65 mph faster than the previous record. Surprisingly, Sidd Finch had never even played the game before. Instead, he had mastered the "art of the pitch" in a Tibetan monastery under the guidance of the "great poet-saint Lama Milaraspa." Mets fans celebrated their teams' amazing luck at having found such a gifted player, and Sports Illustrated was flooded with requests for more information. But in reality this legendary player only existed in the imagination of the author of the article, George Plimpton.
• Read the full article about Sidd Finch.
Comments (30)
#3: Instant Color TV
In 1962 there was only one tv channel in Sweden, and it broadcast in black and white. The station's technical expert, Kjell Stensson, appeared on the news to announce that, thanks to a new technology, viewers could convert their existing sets to display color reception. All they had to do was pull a nylon stocking over their tv screen. Stensson proceeded to demonstrate the process. Thousands of people were taken in. Regular color broadcasts only commenced in Sweden on April 1, 1970.
• Read the full article about Instant Color TV.
Comments (78)
#4: The Taco Liberty Bell
In 1996 the Taco Bell Corporation announced that it had bought the Liberty Bell and was renaming it the Taco Liberty Bell. Hundreds of outraged citizens called the National Historic Park in Philadelphia where the bell was housed to express their anger. Their nerves were only calmed when Taco Bell revealed, a few hours later, that it was all a practical joke. The best line of the day came when White House press secretary Mike McCurry was asked about the sale. Thinking on his feet, he responded that the Lincoln Memorial had also been sold. It would now be known as the Ford Lincoln Mercury Memorial.
• Read the full article about the Taco Liberty Bell.
Comments (48)
#5: San Serriffe
In 1977 the British newspaper The Guardian published a special seven-page supplement devoted to San Serriffe, a small republic located in the Indian Ocean consisting of several semi-colon-shaped islands. A series of articles affectionately described the geography and culture of this obscure nation. Its two main islands were named Upper Caisse and Lower Caisse. Its capital was Bodoni, and its leader was General Pica. The Guardian's phones rang all day as readers sought more information about the idyllic holiday spot. Few noticed that everything about the island was named after printer's terminology. The success of this hoax is widely credited with launching the enthusiasm for April Foolery that gripped the British tabloids in subsequent decades.
• Read the full article about San Serriffe.
Comments (34)
Prankplace.com
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#6: Nixon for President
In 1992 National Public Radio's Talk of the Nation program announced that Richard Nixon, in a surprise move, was running for President again. His new campaign slogan was, "I didn't do anything wrong, and I won't do it again." Accompanying this announcement were audio clips of Nixon delivering his candidacy speech. Listeners responded viscerally to the announcement, flooding the show with calls expressing shock and outrage. Only during the second half of the show did the host John Hockenberry reveal that the announcement was a practical joke. Nixon's voice was impersonated by comedian Rich Little.
Comments (24)
#7: Alabama Changes the Value of Pi
The April 1998 issue of the New Mexicans for Science and Reason newsletter contained an article claiming that the Alabama state legislature had voted to change the value of the mathematical constant pi from 3.14159 to the 'Biblical value' of 3.0. Before long the article had made its way onto the internet, and then it rapidly made its way around the world, forwarded by people in their email. It only became apparent how far the article had spread when the Alabama legislature began receiving hundreds of calls from people protesting the legislation. The original article, which was intended as a parody of legislative attempts to circumscribe the teaching of evolution, was written by a physicist named Mark Boslough.
Comments (73)
#8: The Left-Handed Whopper
In 1998 Burger King published a full page advertisement in USA Today announcing the introduction of a new item to their menu: a "Left-Handed Whopper" specially designed for the 32 million left-handed Americans. According to the advertisement, the new whopper included the same ingredients as the original Whopper (lettuce, tomato, hamburger patty, etc.), but all the condiments were rotated 180 degrees for the benefit of their left-handed customers. The following day Burger King issued a follow-up release revealing that although the Left-Handed Whopper was a hoax, thousands of customers had gone into restaurants to request the new sandwich. Simultaneously, according to the press release, "many others requested their own 'right handed' version."
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#9: Hotheaded Naked Ice Borers
In its April 1995 issue Discover Magazine announced that the highly respected wildlife biologist Dr. Aprile Pazzo had discovered a new species in Antarctica: the hotheaded naked ice borer. These fascinating creatures had bony plates on their heads that, fed by numerous blood vessels, could become burning hot, allowing the animals to bore through ice at high speeds. They used this ability to hunt penguins, melting the ice beneath the penguins and causing them to sink downwards into the resulting slush where the hotheads consumed them. After much research, Dr. Pazzo theorized that the hotheads might have been responsible for the mysterious disappearance of noted Antarctic explorer Philippe Poisson in 1837. "To the ice borers, he would have looked like a penguin," the article quoted her as saying. Discover received more mail in response to this article than they had received for any other article in their history.
• Read the full article about the Hotheaded Naked Ice Borer.
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#10: Planetary Alignment Decreases Gravity
In 1976 the British astronomer Patrick Moore announced on BBC Radio 2 that at 9:47 AM a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event was going to occur that listeners could experience in their very own homes. The planet Pluto would pass behind Jupiter, temporarily causing a gravitational alignment that would counteract and lessen the Earth's own gravity. Moore told his listeners that if they jumped in the air at the exact moment that this planetary alignment occurred, they would experience a strange floating sensation. When 9:47 AM arrived, BBC2 began to receive hundreds of phone calls from listeners claiming to have felt the sensation. One woman even reported that she and her eleven friends had risen from their chairs and floated around the room.
posted @ 4/1/2008 12:45:46 PM (0) Comments
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Choke it back.
Do not barf. Don't barf. Don't do it. Don't.. don't... ::bbaarrf:: Do. Not. Barf.
Ugh, and it's not even my leftover meat patty and salad from lunch... no, it's my phlegm. Choking, coughing, sputtering, PUKING my own phelgm.
Runner's phelgm.
UGH.
Well, here's to the fastest 3 miles I've done yet this yr. Mile 1.5 split 13:46.54 (wind at back), Mile 3.0 split 15:47.37 (wind at face split). Average mile time of 9:51.
I know, I know. Not blazing fast, hell, not even warm up speed for so many of you. But I'm working on it. I'm feeling a lot more comfortable with this new stride and techniqe even JMoo commented that I was moving faster. I beat her back! That is RARE!
Now, well, now I need a nap to recovery from a high quality high speed run with quick turnover and the 1.5 slices of Costco cake from the birthday party in my office. At least, AT LEAST, I can call that cake market research and no one will be able to comment!
Okay, I'm dozing, off to get some tea! YUM! (Yes Robo, TEA. T-E-A. The good stuff. The shiznit, the almost as good as a Scooter's Hazlenut coffee Stuff. TEA.)
My workout orginally called for a MORNING run with recovery before my lift session, but it was misting and about 38 degrees out- even worse than the conditions this afternoon, so I'll just fight my way thru it at the gym tonight.
Oh, here's today's route. Nothing special, but fun anyway!
http://www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=203410
posted @ 4/1/2008 12:42:51 PM (0) Comments
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