My Journey to Ironman Arizona 2009

A Year in the Making - Game On

2009-11-24T05:05:00.000-08:00

The morning started early. My training partner and I were up by 4am following a restless 4-hours of sleep for me. I began my morning rituals of getting dressed, making sure I had everything for the swim start and trying to mentally prepare myself for the battle that my body would endure in the hours ahead. Admittedly, anxiety did get the best of me for a bit that morning. I found myself being exceptionally emotional as the reality hit that this was to be my "one moment in time." Eventually, I settled down mentally and began running down a mental checklist of tasks that had to be accomplished before I could get in the water.

Pre-Race: My first stop was the bike transition area. Pumping tires, filling bottles, last application of Body Glide, etc. I dropped my special needs bags at their respective boxes and headed into the next task. The body marking stations went quickly and smoothly as they put race numbers on arms, age on my left leg and a bright smiley face on the back of my right leg. It was something new for me but I thought it might inspire those behind me, at least I'd hoped there would be people behind me. I'd forgotten all about it until the bike portion when someone told me that I had a great smiley face. My response, "I haven't even seen it yet!". I'd also heard about the "test" that they give participants to determine whether you are lucid and coherent enough to complete the race. Truth or rumor, I followed suit and wrote my number on the inside of my forearms to be sure I could pass the "What's your number?" quiz. Kind of the first thing most learn in prison, too, I'd think...LOL. A quick explanation to a "newbie to be in 2011" that marked me and the logistical tasks were done. Like clockwork, we moved in and out of this area. The pre-race time moved much quicker than I'd anticipated. Perhaps I was so focused or maybe it was because there were so many people around.

Swim: Everyone stood around once the pro's entered the water waiting to take the plunge into the frigid water that we knew awaited our arrival. Memories from the practice swim temps would be easily channeled and the water temps on race morning would be no different. There were no pleasant surprises once I hit the water. Midge and I jumped into the water, me first, with her falling in right behind me. This time I didn't make the mistake of jumping in with my goggles on my head like I'd done in Augusta. I surely would have never found them in the darkness of the morning and/or the murkiness of the water. I positioned them on my head and we headed out to find our start spot. Despite having numerous conversations pre-race about this, it seemed as if it were a new topic for discussion and of all times, race morning. We treaded water after finding our start position which we finally settled on being middle left. I'd repeatedly said over and over, I don't want to start together but on race morning, there was something settling about being with her at the start. Something familiar and calming that I really needed. We may not see each other again once the race is underway.

At the banquet on Friday night, they had reminded all of us not to panic when the first cannon sounds. This is not for us but for the pro's. Sure enough, the cannon went off, Midge turned white and with a frenzied look said "was that our start!?!" We giggled anxiously knowing that the next sound we'd hear would be ours. D-Day! There was no turning back now. Once we started, there was relatively minimal forward momentum. I was kicked under the chin, swam over, grabbed, pushed, etc. It was total chaos. Every now and then you'd find a spot and swim for a bit but mostly felt like a human pinball in a machine at war. I found myself never actually swimming a straight path (this is true in the best of circumstances but I'm just saying...). I worked hard trying to remain focused and it eventually paid off. I made it to the turnaround buoy and headed back upstream reciting the alphabet, repeatedly saying my niece's names, spelling I-R-O-N-M-A-N with every stroke and pretending to chase Bailey down the hall at home. These are the images that got me through what would be my biggest obstacle of the day. And just like that, the swim was over. I wasn't as cold as I'd anticipated or as traumatic. The Quintana Roo Speed Sleeves - very smart purchase for warmth and for movement. Swim Time: 1:30:34

T1: Out of the water, around the corner and happy wetsuit strippers to greet me. I was quickly out of my wetsuit and through the shoot. I grabbed my transition bag and made it into the tent. Contrary to what I'd heard, there were not enough volunteers to help with changing. I assume that there were more of us in one spot than they'd anticipated. Athletes were everywhere and modesty went out the tent! It felt like it was 100+ degrees in that tent. Did I mention that there were female athletes EVERYWHERE. I made the best of this transition and put on my Harrell's bike kit. I opted to save time and skip the chamois butter (this would also be a mistake) to save time. A quick slather of sunscreen by the volunteers and I grabbed my bike and headed towards the bike mount line. T1: 10:29

Bike: My feet were freezing as I clipped in and headed out on the first loop. I was wearing a sleeveless jersey which turned out to be perfect for me and the weather ahead. The race announcer had indicated that we'd face relatively no wind; however, I'd done my research and knew that the winds in Tempe were as unpredicatble as the stock market at times. I found myself climbing the long incline between 11 and 13mph. Still I heard those words, "Don't eat the paste" which we'd been saying all week. Buzz and I were going to have to be patient. This paid off as I pushed speeds of 27-30mph on the return trip. There was no doubt I could use the tailwinds to my advantage.

Fleeting thought that was! The other thing about Tempe winds, they change unpredictably...and they did. The headwind remained but there wasn't a strong tailwind on the return of the second loop. It now felt like a crosswind. I had a slower 2nd loop than the first but still made a relatively good time. I continued being patient, very patient. This was also my first glimpse of anyone that I knew. Until this point, I'd seen no familiar faces. Finally, the third loop was about to begin. I didn't know what to expect but began praying that I would not have a flat tire like the many, many that I'd seen off on the side of the road. Luckily for me, no flats. I would soon pass Rick and Cindy as they waited in the potty line. I, too, stopped and used my first port-a-potty all season. I stopped once and used it, stopped once and got tired of waiting in line and stopped once for my special needs bag. Otherwise, it was a solid, consistent ride. Oh yeah, Mr. Pina dressed in an all green kit...#1-Drafting is cheating and #2-How big you must feel drafting off a girl...I hope me slamming on my breaks both times raised your heart rate just a little. Sure was fun getting you to back off! Bike time: 6:25:08

T2: Into the shoot I went...I handed Buzz off to a volunteer and went to find my run gear bag. Thank goodness I'd put ribbon on my bag because it made it much easier to spot it in the sea of gear bags. Now, I just had to change clothes and run my first marathon - EVER! I had assistance in the tent and I made use of it this time. I changed into some dry clothes which were a welcome after being on the bike. Lathered up again with sunscreen and off I went onto the run course.
T2 6:07

Run: I started off very slowly on the run and actually walked some of the first mile. Again, I kept telling myself, be smart...be patient. You've still got a lot of work ahead of you. I soon found my rhythm. Running at a steady pace, staying in my HR zone throughout. I said to myself, just run the miles and walk the aids stations. This became my way of keeping the forward momentum going. Each aid station was a reward for the mile behind me that I'd already ran. I never used my gel flask, instead, I took advantage of everything provided. Early on in the run, I started alternating between coke (I'd practiced this) and Gatorade and sometimes both, depending on who was giving it out. I just couldn't tell the cute little kids wanting to be helpful "NO". They were so cute. Towards the end of the run, I took advantage of the disgusting chicken broth - solely for the sake of the sodium. Looking around, I noticed just how many people had salt lines on their tri suits and run clothes. Again, I had to race smart. I met some cool people along the way all vying for the same honor. I passed Rick going the opposite direction who made reference to how fast I was on the course. This just pushed me harder. I knew I was in the groove

Mile after mile, I wanted it to be over. Eventually, a new goal was set. I saw a chance to finish in under 14 hours. I had wanted to finish in 16 hours but had secretly hoped for a 15 hour finish so coming in under 14 hours would be achieving the impossible. The fans were amazing; the volunteers incredibly helpful; and the athletes continually inspirational. When I hit Mile 24, I knew what was left to do. Early on, I'd made the mistake (which was a good one) of asking someone, what is the cutoff for the run. His response, "It doesn't matter; don't worry about it; you're way ahead of THAT!" I had to break 14 hours...I'd have to!

THE FINISH LINE: When I 'rounded the shoot into the last dash to the finish line, my emotions took over. It was one of my proudest accomplishments. I savored every word of "TONYA LEWIS FROM SOUTH CAROLINA...YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!!!" They grab you, wrap you in a warm blanket like a burrito, place your medal around your neck and it's off to get pics. It was much like being a celebrity. And, the feeling was totally indescribable. You truly can't imagine it or explain it unless you've experienced it yourself for the first time. It was beyond what I'd envisioned! Run Time 5:43:43

Overall Time 13:56:01

All in all, I had a phenomenal race for me. The tips that I would have for any newbie surfing the net for their first Ironman event would be:

*Don't eat the paste; do drink the chicken broth.
*Don't worry with a fuel belt; you'll be glad not to have the weight or the task of refilling the bottles. Train with the Endurance Gatorade and it will be familiar to your taste buds on race day.
*Swim strategy is everything. Position yourself in your comfort zone. Wait if you need to but know that with a mass start, you're bound to get kicked. Keep moving! Don't apologize as it's expected you'll connect with others MANY times.
*Pacing and HR are EVERYTHING. They are the difference, in my opinion, between finisher and DNF.
*Be patient, be very patient. Make your moves when can and if you can't, there is a reason. Sit tight!
*If you think you will need it, put it in your gear and/or SN bags. You'll be glad it's there when you get there. I didn't use everything but was happy to see those items I'd packed that I did want.
*Changing clothes was wonderful for me. It was nice to have something fresh on after each event.
*Did I mention be patient?
*Lastly, enjoy it; savor it; be proud of it. You've earned it! Not all who dare will hear the words "YOU ARE AN IRONMAN" but I am so glad to have joined the ranks of those who did! :)

Twas the Night Before Ironman

2009-11-21T19:11:00.000-08:00

'Twas the Night before Ironman and all through Tempe town
athletes were preparing to lay the gauntlet down.
Their bikes were all racked and gear set to go
for tomorrow would be race day and time for the real show.

Each were soon nestled and snug in their beds
with visions of the finish line running around in their heads.
I, in my lucky race shirt, and Buzz all aglow
wanting and waiting for the start whistle to blow.

Soon it will be race time and the day underway
hours and hours pacing each mile marker away.
"Don't eat the paste" and "Stay in your box"
I giggle just thinking about Brandenburg's wet socks.

It's certain to be hard and undoubtedly tiring
but surely having supporters will be extremely inspiring
Yes, the day will be long and the miles will be tough
but each of us have prepared, we've got the right stuff.

We've fought tirelessly through the blood, sweat and tears
and had many chats to calm our worst fears
yet uncertainly still lingers for all we cannot see
but anxiously anticipate all we thought it would be.

Tomorrow will be gone as quickly as the months past
Pushing and hoping our energy does last.
Tonight as we sleep and continually chant
inspirational quotes and ignoring "I can't"

I'll start race day thinking thoughts to make it through
racing like I know I have trained hard to do
I'll countlessly recount the words "Yes, I can"
and I'll patiently wait to hear those words "You are an IRONMAN"!

Good luck to all of my buddies. I am nervous, I am excited but most of all, I am hungry for it!

All Geared Up

2009-11-21T13:22:00.001-08:00

Very busy day overall. A trip to the village to drop off bikes and gear bags. Got additional ART done by the ART staff here who have been great. Had some done yesterday also so I am hoping the foot will be ready tomorrow. C0mpleted a mental run through of the course. Add in breakfast and lunch, final stuffing of special needs bags, packing, etc. Back at the hotel now for some reast and feet up and ready for a nap before "THE LAST SUPPER". I will blog my final pre-race thoughts and feelings later this evening...Stay Posted. :)

TGIF Festivities

2009-11-20T13:11:00.000-08:00

Here we go...we started the morning off swimming in the Tempe Town Lake. Gross? Yep. Smelly? Yep. Tasted funny? Yep. Visibility? Nope. Slimy face afterwards? Yep. It was very similar however to the temps at Lake Murray. My feet initially were a little more numb than I've experienced at Lake Murray but once the feeling is gone, I was fine. Nice slow, steady swim. Nothing serious. We followed this up with a 30-minute bike ride and 20-minute run. This is the last workout before THE WORKOUT.

The afternoon was spent getting gear bags ready and preparing for the banquet/dinner. It's been quite a busy few days with little down time. This is really the first opportunity since Thursday afternoon that I've had to sit down with nothing on my mind but sitting. The banquet was pretty cool last night from a motivational standpoint. I was completely proud to learn that the Ironman events in Tempe have inspired and impacted the local reservation. As you know there are quite a number of health issues that plague native americans with diabetes being a huge health issue. Last year they had 1 athlete that participated...This year they have 9 participating! Pretty impressive. I was also fascinated to learn that out of 2400 participants this year, over 1100+ participants, like me, will be newbies participating in their first Ironman. Quite a group I think.

Team Columbia is still rocking da house :) They keep saying "YOU WILL FINISH IRONMAN"

On Your Mark...Get Set....REGISTER

2009-11-19T16:08:00.000-08:00

Busy day today but it's been a good day. My training partner started her day as she usually does, Dunkin Donuts nearby for coffee. We ate a light breakfast and headed down to the village. I had an opportunity to check out the swim start and finish. It sure does look like a L-O-N-G swim. Training buddies blew algae out of their noses from what we heard. Won't that be fun???We heard lots of folks complaining about how cold it was; however, we also heard it was 64 degrees which isn't far off the temp we've been swimming in at Lake Murray. I will get to check it out tomorrow morning as we're swimming at 8am.

After checking out the swim start/finish and finding our names on the bike racks in Transition (PHOTO OP), we headed over to pick up our bikes. They weren't quite ready so we opted to get in line for registration. I was the FIRST person in line for registrationat Ironman Arizona 2009. That doesn't get me any award or a time advantage but it sure did take away some of my stress. Kind of cool if you ask me, too. Alison, Midge and I were the top three in line. We had an opportunity to talk with others that were doing the event also. One was doing it for the first time whereas his coach was on number 30...wow! Seriously, I would have to find a different hobby I think and a much higher paying job. No problems in the tent for registration which was overall relatively smooth. And, thankfully, they don't make you weigh anymore! Alison and Sheila hit a snag when their packets were incomplete. This had to be a bit anxiety provoking but they are back on track now as the 2700's were finally given over to their rightful owners.

Next, off to get Buzz and gear bag....Buzz was easy to spot. Sitting patiently awaiting my arrival. I could sense Buzz itching a little bit to go for a spin but that will come soon enough. My gear bag...nowhere in sight. I went up and down the line 3 times. Panic set in on my face as I lifted bag after bag - no bag. After several moments of pacing start to end, I found it! It had fallen off the end of the line and was under the banner. Geez...that will definitely get your heart rate up! Pedals back on the bike, computer checked and gear bag in tow. Smooth sailing after that. We grabbed a quick bite to eat for lunch after meeting up with some of our buddies and off we went to check out the bike and run courses. (We had lunch at "The Library"...little did we know that this restaraunt was likely a bad spinoff of Hooters with the waitresses scantily clad in their "HIT ME BABY ONE MORE TIME" Brittany Spears outfits. We're obviously not locals. I, later, would find my own matching outfit at Target which I modeled and I'm sure will result in a blackmail photo circulating around...it was all fun and games until I was told I had to have cleavage to be hired. Still unemployed...LOL)

We drove the bike course and I couldn't help but cheese a bit...exceptionally flat except for a slow incline for the last miles of the out portion of the course. Winds weren't whipping it but they weren't calm either. Saw a few riding the course with flat tires. Temps are perfect out here right now. I think this will be a great race temp for me so from that perspective, I am set. Foot still tender but could be worse, right? Tonight has been spent resting and we'll head to dinner shortly.

On a side note, it's really rather desolate and sad if you ask me. There won't be a lot of "eye candy" to look at on the bike or the run. Lots of tall cactuses. Dry, pebbly land for miles and miles. The reservation out here is REALLY sad and very poor. Totally not what I was expecting!

Thursday Morning in Tempe

2009-11-19T05:43:00.000-08:00

I think we were in bed last night before 9pm Tempe time. I'd had so much Dramamine to survive motion sickness on the plane that by dinner time, I could hardly hold my head up. A long night's sleep and I am ready for today. On the agenda today: We'll head over to registration where we'll receive all of our numbers, bags, etc. We will also be weighed in, get our participant bracelets and pick up all of our gear that shipped our here ahead of us. Reunited and it feels so goooooddd...Buzz and I will begin the journey here together.

We'll ride the bike course today and some of the run course by car. Temps today are in the mid-70's. As we were walking to the restaurant last night, it hit me, that hunger that Rick talked about. I am so ready! Itching to get this thing done. Temps felt really good right before sunset and right afterwards. Should make for good race day temps also. I think our biggest competitor may be the wind gusts. We'll see.

Up, Up and Away

2009-11-18T12:05:00.000-08:00

I am presently 10,000+ feet in the air over Mississippi right now. There are 17 of us on this flight headed to Arizona from Columbia. Supporters and athletes with lots of energy and having a blast. No problems with flights today so far and hoping that continues to be the norm. We're all very excited about landing in Tempe in approximately 3 hours.

Update to follow upon arrival at hotel in Tempe. Great day so far! One of the flight staff at the Charlotte airport asked for a t-shirt. Seems everyone who hears where we are headed gets excited...well, excluding our waitress at "THE SPORT SCENE" restaurant who wished us luck on our exercise session. I think she must have thought we were going to a yoga class in Arizona. LOL

More to come...

Have Bag, Will Travel

2009-11-17T16:57:00.000-08:00

I am officially packed and ready to leave for Tempe. We'll make our way to Charlotte - leaving around 5am. It's the night before and it's been quite a day. My office surprised me with a card that everyone had signed and we had cake after our Thanksgiving dinner celebration. It was such a sweet, inspirational card. There was quite a bit of discussion about what all I had ahead of me. Friends have been texting, bringing by cards and such (my good friend Paula Adams brought by "Wilson" who will make the trip to AZ). Everyone has been so supportive! I can't even say "thank you" enough. I just hope that I make all of my supporters proud. It's been such a great experience with the support I've had.

With that said, we ran our last 3-mile run tonight. My heel continues to fight with my brain about what's comfortable. Dr. Renick worked on it yesterday and I am icing as I type. I plan to take it easy over the next few days, minimize the time I spend on it as much as possible and keep babying it. It simply has to make it 26.2 miles as it doesn't hurt on the bike or in the swim. That's all I need and after that, I have promised it that I will give it a break - at least a week!

Tomorrow, the final phase of this journey officially begins. I get excited thinking about all of being on the same flights out to Tempe. Good friends, training buddies and supporters will all be on board. No turning back. No guts, no glory. Again, I am reminded by so many of my tri buddies to absorb it, have fun and take it all in. Here we go....!!!

The Gang's All Here

2009-11-15T17:28:00.000-08:00

I've had the opportunity to be a participant in all of this training but just once, today for example, I wanted so desperately to be a spectator. I can only imagine the view of the sun shining across the waters at Lake Murray in November when you spot a line of kayaks paddling forward along the dam as swimmers in wetsuits make their way across the still waters. I wonder if I would cheer them on...wonder what they were training for...be inspired? What would it be like to be them rather than us for just one day? And soon enough, I remember, I have been there...I was once one of them. And I wonder if maybe, just maybe, I will ever choose to go back to being one of THEM. As much as I am ready for this chapter to be over, I don't see my life in fast forward being any other way than among the company of other triathletes who enjoy pushing the limits equally.

We had about 8-9 swimmers today with 5-6 kayaks leading our way or bringing up the back of the pack. Today was a much stronger swim for me. I forced myself to spend less time being bored and more on making my way out in front and staying ahead of the faster swimmers. Although I didn't stay ahead, I did feel stronger. It was nice today to hear several say that I'd had a strong swim. I even got a compliment that I'd lost more weight. (don't see that but thanks). I remained focused for 95% of the swim and it turned out to be a very good hour long swim. We all had a successful swim which makes it even better.

After the swim was the Ironman Kickoff Party held at one of the participant's restaurants. This was an opportunity not to size up the competition but to be among fellow competitors all vying for the same prize - finisher status. Whether it's the first for some of us or one of many for others, the nervous energy that could be felt in every conversation was for the same reason. You never know what the day will bring. We've trained hard for this and sacrificed a great deal to be among the finishers. I looked around and saw so much diversity in our group but yet one common factor that brought us all together. We are all wanting the same accomplishment. And in the end, regardless of the time we finish, we all will wear the same medal.

There are two training days left and then we'll all board the plane out of Charlotte bound for Phoenix. We'll make our way to Tempe shortly thereafter. I hope and pray that I do exactly as I was told today...take time to have fun, enjoy it, savor it, soak it all in. I plan to. I really want to have a great experience.

Oh, and no doubt at the party, the plan was set in motion for many of us. Ironman Beach to Battleship 70.3 in 2010. Are you game?

Dora the Explorer

2009-11-14T17:20:00.000-08:00

Imagine a 47" bike - white with pink trim on the frame. The rider on the bike is 5 feet tall with her helmet tilted so far back on her head that her forehead is entirely exposed. Meet Dora...Dora the Explorer...my training partner. The only thing missing on her borrowed bike yesterday was a pixie stick or a lollipop as she pedaled along. She'll kill me for blogging about her but it was quite a sight. We eventually told her to tilt her helmet forward and pedal hard and eventually, Midge joined Sheila and I on the ride.

I, on the other hand, got to ride the "big boy bike"...you know big girl needs a big boy bike to ride. Lucas' carbon Scott bike with the Power Tap computer and SRAM gears was quite a change from Buzz. Don't get me wrong, I am missing Buzz terribly. With no aero bars, it made for a longer ride. My hands and arms forgot that they sometimes have the responsibility of holding me upright on the bike. It was a beautiful day outside to take in our last ride. We wrapped up at about 30 miles and then ran.

The run was again, very pretty. We headed out towards Spence's point, a peninsula out at Lake Murray. It was such a pretty, sunny day. Quite a contrast from the rainy days that preceeded it. We did 1.5 miles with Marlee accompanying us. Marlee is Sheila's wonderfully happy dog. She couldn't have been happier to join us. We finished the short run and opted for a second loop. This time, Marlee got to get in the water. She was in heaven!

Overall, it was a great way to end the cycling training. The bikes were returned and the next ride will be when I am reunited with Buzz. I am ready to get there! Great day!

Cutting Class

2009-11-13T20:12:00.000-08:00

Admittedly, I was supposed to swim today but I played hookie from class. I had an eternal laundry list of "TO-DO's" on my day off including going to work (yeah, day off) and picking up my borrowed bike which led to no swim. So, I don't have anything to report on the workout front.

My nerves, however, are continuing to get a workout. I am at the point now where I am ready to get this party started. Ready to be done. No more IRONMAN word. No more constant worries about M-dots and bricks and fartlecks. Just going for a ride or taking a short job. These are a few of my new favorite things! :)

Anyway, cycling on a borrowed bike tomorrow. It has SRAM gears and is bright red. Nothing like the pink bike with streamers and a basket that my buddy, Sheila, and I had been joking about that I'd show up on. The white lettering right below the seat post says "Pedal damnit" which I think is hilarious. I will definitely have something to report tomorrow! Happy Training!

It's the Final Countdown

2009-11-12T12:08:00.000-08:00

In one week, we will pick up our packets, be reunited with our gear and bikes and will be acclimating to the Tempe, AZ weather. My nerves have been shot this week. Nervous anticipation, excitement, fear and a little bit of everything including an overwhelming sensation in my gut that I might puke (LOL). I guess this is what it's all about. I've talked with others who are experiencing the same thing. I don't have much to blog about today but workouts continue to go well. Still experiencing some foot pain which I am hoping will subside by race day. Worried about that given that we've not been running much and it still feels like I stepped on a rock. Oh well, I guess I can always drag it behind me.

I will continue to blog daily from here until the day after the race about little happenings, pre-race thoughts, etc. It will likely be scattered and similar to a ride at Carowinds (up and down) but it's the reality that we are in the final countdown! Yahoooo! (Note: There is definitely relief in there also!)

Ironman Arizona Race Day Tracking Information

2009-11-10T08:08:00.000-08:00

Ironman Arizona Supporters:

I know that several of you have asked how you can track us online during Ironman Arizona. The race starts at 7am on Sunday, November 22. My race number is 2436 and Midge's (Swinney) race number is 2619. The link below should be working on race day and will allow you to track us. There is also an option to watch the finish line live. Remember there is a time difference...I think 2 hours behind. Do not be alarmed if we hit the 16 hour mark and beyond. We're not competing; we are completing! For those still questioning what in the heck we will be doing that day - 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run. :)

http://ironman.com/events/ironman/arizona?show=tracker Thanks for your support!

The website is typically very user friendly. Sunset in Tempe that day is 5:28pm.

Swim, Swam, Swum

2009-11-08T06:53:00.000-08:00

What a busy Sunday! Several of us made the trip to Charlotte to drop off 8 bikes and 8 gear bags. We went to the Bike Stampede at Lowe's Motor Speedway also. I had attended it last year and maybe it was the newness last year that excited me but I was disappointed this year. There wasn't nearly as much cool stuff as I'd remembered and there were vendors advertised that were obviously previous attendees because they weren't there this year. Anyway, it was fun spending time with friends and checking out bikes and such. (There were also go-kart races going on at the track. 6-year olds doing 70-80mph in go-karts...I am thinking, maybe I will try that next year!)

After dropping bikes and grabbing a bite to eat, we came back to Columbia and it was time to swim. Lake Murray Dam swim revisited. The water temperature was a lukewarm 66 degrees. Like bathwater, you know, bathwater that you forgot to drain from the tub LAST NIGHT. It initially took your breath but we got right into the swim as sunset would approach rapidly. Swam a strong swim to the stacks which is about a mile plus. I soon realized that we also had to go AROUND the stacks, that was disappointing...LOL. Nevertheless, we rounded the stacks and headed back towards the dock. On the other side of the bridge to our right was another larger, taller stack that sits at the base of the dam, opposite the lake. I reached a point to where I honestly thought I was swimming in place because either it was moving or I WAS NOT! Eventually, I left it behind me but boredom had already set in. I stopped and checked out my surroundings, chatted with our kayaker, made faces at Midge when she would stop and turn around and look at me. Notice I say "turn around and look at me"...she was way ahead and I even started out before her. I don't like her...LOL. Anyway, we swam an hour and 21 minutes before daylight disappeared. Good swim. Still love the speed sleeves but definitely learned some new spots to put Body Glide on before entering the water. One more open water swim before THE DAY! Happy Training! :)

Buzz - Over and Out

2009-11-07T19:02:00.001-08:00

Today's 48-mile bike ride was accompanied by mixed emotions. There was excitement for what lies ahead, excitement over the long training season coming to an end and excitement that it was the last long ride on the schedule before the 112-mile ride. Yet, at the same time, there was a sense of sadness. I've become very fond of the ladies I've surrounded myself with this year and although, we will ride together again, each of our goals for 2010 will be different. There is also sadness that this journey is about to end. As ready as I've been for it to wrap up, I am going to miss the consistency of the schedule, the predicability of the rides and the familiarity of the roads. A short 4-mile run followed the bike.

Tomorrow is our trip to Charlotte. Buzz and all of my gear will be dropped at Inside Out Sports and we'll be reunited on the other side of the United States in two weeks. Two weeks! Unbelievable. What a ride it's been :) Happy Training!

Kickin' Butt

2009-11-06T18:50:00.000-08:00

The schedule today called for swim drills, entirely kick drills. I opted to complete the drill sets along with an additional 1000 meters. I truly don't think I can swim too much. I am definitely looking forward to some off season weightlifting in hopes of improving upper body strength. Already thinking ahead to the next triathlon season and doing some smaller races to see how this year's training has had an impact on the shorter distances.

Friday night was the last shopping trip for my race gear. Several of us had gone back and forth on whether or not we wanted to change clothes after every event. My decision was made and I went looking for a tank top to wear for the run. I've decided not to run in a triathlon suit but run in what has remained comfortable and consistent to me. I chose a matching long-sleeved dry fit shirt to go in the run special needs bag as well. This should get me through the run and keep me warm should the sun set on the day and it become exceptionally cooler. I added all of these things to my gear bags and will be ready to head to Charlotte with everything on Sunday.

Tomorrow is a 50-mile bike followed by a short run. I saw Dr. Renick today and he did a wonderful job on my IT bands and my heel. A little tenderness lingering in the heel but hoping that it continues to improve by race time. Only time will tell. Happy Training!

Running Through My Mind

2009-11-03T19:00:00.000-08:00

Tonight, we ran 5.7 miles. I felt some tightness in my left IT band but nothing significant like with the longer distance on Sunday. The temps outside were amazing and perfect running conditions. This was a good, steady paced run with the focus on HR. I wore my new running shoes, which are identical to the ones I've been running in all season. There was a great deal of increased stability tonight and I wonder if that minimized what I had been experiencing. Time will tell.

We also spent 1.5 hours tonight preparing the 5 gear and special needs bags that we'll be sending with our bikes on Sunday. On Sunday! I can't believe it. Everything from band-aids to cortisone cream to body glide to socks is included in these bags. Reality is setting in more and more as numerous thoughts ran through my head. Everything is packed except for a few things that I will utilize in the next two weeks that absolutely can't be duplicated. Otherwise, it will accompany Buzz on Sunday when we drop our bikes off only to be reunited with them in Tempe.

Paul and Lucas of Harrell's Bicycle World have been so good to us throughout this year. We couldn't have asked for a better support crew. They will be allowing us the opportunity to rent bikes and pedals from them for the next two weeks so we don't miss out on training. A very special thanks to them for all that they have done to ensure a successful training season for us all who shop there and are training for IMAZ.

Happy Training!

Death in the Valley

2009-11-02T08:48:00.000-08:00

A camping trip to Clemson had been on the calendar for almost 8 months and training would definitely have to be a part of the festivities. Upon arriving on Friday, we made camp by Lake Hartwell and within 2 hours after our arrival, we were in the lake. It was actually quite fun or should I say, I think we were quite the spectacle. Campers came out of their tents, people pointed us out to their dogs, etc. Two crazy swimmers out in the middle of a lake. I am sure that "What are they thinking?" was a frequent phrase. This was the first swim with the Quinatana Roo Neoprene Speed Sleeves. And can I just say, WOW! They were absolutely awesome. Even better than I'd anticipated and worked perfectly! We didn't have anyone following us so we opted for a repetitious zig-zag pattern for 45 minutes. Good swim. I also utilized the wax plugs to cover my right ear, I am a right-side breather. This was equally effective. Nothing expensive, got them at Wal-Mart with the other earplugs. Actually had three good swims last week. Feeling confident about the swim minus the 1999 other people who want to be swimming where I am :)

We were off on Saturday and had planned to run 13.1 miles on Sunday. I'd been advised by several folks to stay off the foot but I really wanted to get the mileage in. This was to be our last long run of the training season. If I could just push through... Of course, I am not a good listener when it comes to training, haven't been most of this training season when it comes to testing the limits of my body. We met Rick at his tailgating spot around 9AM. We brought two buddies with us who decided the night before that they would like to run with us. Great, I thought...the more the merrier. Kim and Kris are really good runners.

Let me preface the next part by saying...injury, lack of sleep and 48 hours in the rain before the run probably didn't help the situation but I was determined to make it work. Rick went easy on us to begin with - okay, so not really (but I know he's reading this blog and he told me to be nice). We soon learned what Death Valley was all about. Climbing like crazy followed by death in the valleys. Over and over, we'd hear him say those words that were music to our ears "it flattens out". I suppose that there is a least one ledge on Mt. Everest that one would attest "flattens out", too. Perhaps it's all about percpetion. We just weren't seeing or feeling it in the same frame of mind that he was. We kept pounding the pavement and reached a point where we didn't want to know how far we'd been running anymore. All I know is that the up and downs created havoc on my IT bands as I tried my best to baby the left heel. My left knee buckled twice towards the end and I was forced to skip the hill at the stadium. I just couldn't risk further injury to say I'd done the big climb, the one that Rick says would break me. My knees and foot felt pretty broken. We wound up with 13+ miles as we'd planned. It wasn't by far the perfect run but it was about pushing through pain something that I've realized I may have to do in Arizona if I can't get everything right in the next 2 weeks. I can say that I wasn't standing outside of Subway like one of our friends feeling like throwing up. I stretch a lot that night and submerged my foot in an ice bath. Surprisingly, I didn't have to crawl to the shower before work today. :)

We'll see what lies ahead. Day by day. Workout by workout. "Everybody hurts", right? 18 days...HAPPY TRAINING!

Who, What, Where, When, How, Seriously??? #1

2009-10-28T19:11:00.001-07:00

We met with one of our training partners, Alison, tonight to discuss all of the logistics of the special needs bags, transitions, race week planning, etc. We came armed with our Athlete Guide and questions. Alison spent 2+ hours with us having dinner and allowing us to ask all of the IM newbie questions that she was asking last year. I compare it to sort of cramming for an exam. You have your foundation of knowledge but you have to squeeze in the little details that could totally change the outcome of the test.

This goes in the blue bag...that is a morning bag...you'll put this on during the bike...you shouldn't eat for this many minutes after swimming....the list goes on. We also watched an IMAZ race preview that was forwarded to us by the tri club we're a part of. Tonight was very informative. I continue to remind myself that I am in Tempe to COMPLETE not COMPETE. More updates forthcoming as the race day draws nearer and nearer. Happy Training!

Working It Out

2009-10-28T19:04:00.000-07:00

It's been several days since my last blog. Our goal on Saturday was to run 20 miles; however, a visit to The Renick Clinic on Friday yielded a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis in my left foot. Remember my last blog on obstacles? Let's add this one to the list. Saturday's run was scheduled for 9am but was rain delayed several times yielding a noon start time. Shiela joined us but wasn't feeling very well so she dropped out of the cold rain after the first loop to seek refuge in the gym on the treadmill. We opted to continue until I couldn't push through the heel pain any longer. We finished up 10 miles. I was bummed with the second five mile loop but felt very strong the first loop. I have continued to baby it with ice, NSAIDS, stretching and that wonderful ortho sock that makes me look retarded. I'll do whatever I have to do, right?

This week has brought two really great swim workouts s - 2800m and 2450m drill sets. Last night was a bike trainer workout so all in all I am feeling well. I've opted to stay off the foot a great deal in hopes that I can run a little tomorrow night and pick up a half marathon run on Sunday. Still feeling strong, getting more nervous but ready to produce results. Happy Training!

The Year in Review

2009-10-22T10:54:00.000-07:00

Given that this is my last "recovery week" of the IMAZ 2009 training season, I thought that I would take a minute to reflect on everything that's taken place this year during the course of my Ironman training. What a year it has been!

When my training partner and I signed up with 18 other people from Columbia, I am not sure that we fully grasped the concept of the "training" that would be involved in preparing for an endeavor such as Ironman. Nevertheless, we felt we were up to the challenge. Committing to training was something that both of us felt we could do. I know I felt confident about it and as time passed, I actually came to enjoy the majority of it, especially training with really cool athletes who have now become friends. However, I never once stopped back in the process of registering to ask myself, what exactly will I be giving up? What if there are other obstacles that I will encounter? Will my friends and family understand?

I was prepared for the training but I can't say that I was prepared for the training AND the obstacles along the way. Training started off with a case of patellar tendonitis in my left knee. This was discovered shortly before completing my first half marathon. Soon, I would be introduced to Dr. Renick, the Ironman doctor, and he would slowly begin making the pain go away. Additionally, I had developed a pinched nerve, neuroma, under the second toe on my right foot. Dr. Renick along with a pair of inserts from Foot Solutions solved this problem as well. Blue skies ahead.

Training continued through the Christmas holidays and into February and March before I faced my next obstacle. The dreaded sinus infection season hit me hard. I seemed to be taking antibiotics every other week as I struggled to push forward through training. Eventually, this too would pass. In the summer, I was taken down by a peritonsillar abcess that left me with no choice but to have an emergency tonsillectomy. The same day of my surgery, my father was diagnosed with esophogeal cancer and began nine weeks of chemotherapy via a 24/7 pump that soon became known as "Charlie." Seven weeks into his treatment, my grandmother (his mother) died as a result of a massive stroke. Little obstacles and disappointments that have accompanied the bigger ones have been the loss of four toenails, a bike crash, mental and physical exhaustion, missing birthday parties, not seeing friends, less time with my family, etc.

I say all of this as a reminder to myself, however, that I committed 100% to this journey almost 48 weeks ago. It wasn't until this week that I watched a video recently of Team Hoyt. Although I knew about Team Hoyt, I never had seen the two of them in action. What a truly inspirational story! As I watched the video, I thought about the obstacles that I've faced and the reality that mine pale in comparison to what this father faced in helping his son achieve something that seemed impossible. The gift that he has given to his son is priceless. It showed me the strength of a father and the determination to complete the journey despite the obstacles that he has encountered. My father's struggle with the side effects of chemo have also been a silent reminder to me of the strength and determination of my father (and others) to beat the biggest obstacle he's faced even when it was tough, painful and almost unbearable at times.

I guess what I am really saying is that I salute Team Hoyt. I salute my father's fight against cancer. And, I salute all of my friends, family members, training buddies and co-workers who have stood beside me throughout this journey. I hope to make each of you as proud as my father has made me in his struggles and to finish as strong as Team Hoyt has finished in each of their endeavors. I truly could not have done this without the love, support and understanding of those I am fortunate to surround myself with daily. So, if you are reading my blog for the first time or have been following along since Day One, thank you for your support. Now, my final goal is to F-I-N-I-S-H! :)

There She Blows!

2009-10-18T11:26:00.000-07:00

I must preface this by saying I've never been sailing on the open seas. I have never been in a sailboat on the lake. I have been on a small catamaran-like boat on a day where there was relatively no wind. But today, I can honestly say, I know what it must feel like to sail. I also know what it felt like when Dorothy's house was being blown to and fro before it came to rest on the witch. Needless to say, when my bike came to a stop, it was time for me to put on my ruby slippers (a.ka. tennis shoes) and hit the yellow brick road. I'm not from Kansas but yesterday, I'd have made the trip!

We ventured out for two 50-mile loops on the bike. I can honestly say it was one of the most unpleasant rides I've been on. Although it was an accomplishment after it was all said and done, it was miserable from a fun perspective. It was cold, windy and overcast. We managed to make it as fun as possible. We laughed, we complained, we pedaled, we tried to move forward and we tried not to be blown over. At one point towards the end of the first loop, I turned around to one of my buddies and said, "Seriously, am I going anywhere?" I was pedaling but felt as if my output was maximum effort with complete and total minimum return. We took a beating. We dropped one after the first loop and added two new cyclists. It was great to have a cycling buddy of mine from the Bettys, Amanda, join us for the second loop. She was quite the trooper to be out riding for fun despite my forewarning. We didn't get to see the wizard but we did get to see quite a few Toto's along the way.

Following the bike, we'd planned for an 8-mile run. I think I wound up running between 5.5 and 6 miles. It was much later than I had anticipated given the wind and running solo in an unfamiliar area just wasn't appealing to me. The run continues to feel really good after cycling. I am hoping it continues in the weeks ahead or should I say, 34 days. I felt strong on the run despite honestly not doing well nutritionally on the bike. I am going to have to force myself to drink even if I am cold. I consumed 4 of 6 bottles of Infinit while on the bike. It must've been the wind because I've been doing so well. I have to mentally force myself as we may face similar winds in Arizona.

The coming week is a recovery week and then we taper. TAPER???? Seriously, already??? We've got a 20-mile run on Saturday but otherwise, 4 days off this week with a short swim, bike and run on three separate days. I am very much looking forward to catching up on some much needed "TO DO's" on my list. The goal now is to stay injury-free and healthy. I am praying for the same for my training buddies. Again, I say, what a phenomenal group of people I've grown to love, admire and cherish over the past 12 months. Happy Training!

A Week in Retrospect

2009-10-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

Excellent training week last week. I redeemed myself on the swim on two separate occasions. Swam 2600m of drills on Tuesday and swam a straight 2850m on Saturday. Saturday was supposed to be an open water swim but the cold air mass moving in created an icy washing machine effect to Lake Murray and we opted for 114 lengths of the community pool. You can only imagine how much fun that was. I was very thankful for my lap counter; otherwise, I'd have never counted that high :) Wednesday was an indoor trainer workout for the bike. This was relatively uneventful but successful nonetheless.

After reading several other blogs pertaining to IMAZ, I decided it would be in my best interest to purchase some neoprene sleeves to accompany my wetsuit. These arrive on Friday and I'd hoped to try them out on Saturday but that wasn't happening. They don't match my wetsuit which is BlueSeventy. Nevertheless, I am hoping the mismatched Quintana Roo sleeves will be worth me sacrificing matching to be able to feel my extremities.

The 31-page IMAZ athlete guide came out this week. I guess it's official. They are really going to have this thing...LOL...and I am really going to participate. Nah, in all seriousness, I can't believe how quickly the time has passed in retrospect. Granted, some days have been long and some weeks even longer but overall, time has flown relatively quickly. It's just been a long journey that I am looking forward to finishing.

The First Appearance of "Tanya"

2009-10-12T04:53:00.000-07:00

We've all got them and we've seen just about all of them in our group; however, yesterday was the first official appearance of "Tanya" who is my alter ego. This was the first time they'd seen mine. Of course, Tanya decided the middle of Lake Murray would be a great place to make her grand entrance. I don't know what it is specifically about the swim other than it is the one part of the triathlon that I hate and that bores me to no end. There is nothing fun about it, no scenery, lots of work, etc. Granted, I am a slower swimmer than most of my training buddies and I think that likely adds to my individual frustration with the swim. Halfway through, I decided I would turn a flip so I did. Once I get in my head that I want to play around, it is typically downhill after that. I just wanted out of the water. I wanted the swim to be done.

For those who don't swim, you must realize one key point. When you want the bike to be over, you get off the bike. When you want the run to be over, you stop running and walk. When you want the swim to be over and you're in the middle of the lake, the only way to end the swim is to SWIM! So, I proceeded to backstroke, sidestroke, float, flip, breaststroke until eventually making my way back to the shore. I was very tempted (and even tried) to talk a fisherman into switching places with me. He was curious if we were seeing any fish under us. I gladly offered him my goggles if he would like to get in and take a look. This would mean he'd have to let me in the boat. He was as thrilled at that idea as I was about swimming. I made my way out of the water, somewhat deflated, but I did my best to put the swim behind me and move on for what was to be a long day of cycling and running.

The bike portion of the training day involved 3 30-mile loops of rolling hills and one road of steadt hill climbing out and back. My goal for the day was to focus on nutrition and caloric intake and to be sure that I maintained a consistent HR and pace throughout the entire 90 miles. I am very proud to say that all of these goals were met with relative ease. I had two packs of energy beans and 5 bottles of Infinit along with my standard water/Hawaiian Punch mixture in the front bottle. Average speed for the day was 16.1 mph (great for the route we did and for the distance of 90-miles) and my HR remained consistent. I was very pleased with my bike performance and came into transition at the end first overall.

After the bike, I shifted gears and transitioned into my run clothes. We'd tried to simulate everything as much as we possibly could for this big training day. The three loops would be very similar to IMAZ, the swim would be an out and back and we'd be tired going into the run.

The run for me was very strong. I again focused on maintaining a consistent HR and pace. My HR didn't climb tremendously except for the huge snake I spotted on the side of the road. I did not stick around to see if he was living and breathing but rest assured, my HR did quickly change zones as I was running solo at the time and it was simply me and him/her. I stopped twice along the way to knock over a big mushroom or two. This has become a favorite training thing of mine. We'd passed SO MANY of them on the bike. I just had to stop and kick a few during the run. I did pretty well with right at a 9-minute mile pace (IM Augusta was more like a 12-minute pace...LOL).

Overall, I had a really strong day even with a not-so-great swim. It's a mental game now coming into the final training weeks. This is where the mind helps you decide just how bad you want to be an IRONMAN. Just remember -"You've got to be hungry for it!"

The Vomitron

2009-10-07T04:13:00.000-07:00

Last year, Darron and Lisa, two of my cycling buddies shared their pet name for the indoor trainer, the "Vomitron". I, too, have adopted it as the descriptor for my nights spent spinning. I spent 90-minutes on the Vomitron tonight doing hill climb simulations. Doesn't that sound like fun? Riding solely in the big chain ring except for short periods of recovery. In all honesty, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I was, however, surprised when I hit what I thought was close to a halfway point, did some quick calculations and realized that I had 40 minutes left. SURPRISE! Thank goodness for America's Next Top Model followed by some MTV. Nothing like mindless TV to pass the time.

Anyway, lots of little things starting to take place that are a prelude to the real deal. We received our tentative dates for bike shipment. "Buzz" and one equipment bag will be taken to Charlotte sometime between November 12-14 by Inside-Out Sports and then driven cross-country to its final destination in Tempe, Arizona. They have to have our bikes set up by November 19th. For $250, I should have a sense of peace knowing that Buzz will be cared for. Instead, I feel like I am putting my child solo on a bus and saying, "Find your way back to me, please!" Eek! Nevertheless, this is good news in the sense that we will actually be separated for less time than I thought. I'll be getting another bike to use in the meantime because training for this thing never seems to end. :)

We've also made plans to have dinner with our training buddy, Missy, who is going to go through a crash course on everything we need to know about special needs bags. She apparently co-lead this in this last year for some newbies and offered to do it for us so we couldn't say "NO" to that kind of offer. Any last minute tips will greatly be appreciated, no doubt.

My remaining training schedule for the upcoming weekend looks somewhat busy. Friday is a 5-mile intensity run; Saturday will likely include the Habitat for Humanity 5K Run followed by an relatively easy 1-mile swim; and we'll wrap the weekend up on Sunday with a 1.2 mile swim followed by a 30-mile bike loop x3 and an 8-mile run. Sort of our own mini-mock-tri.

Nervous excitement continues to build. Until next time...Happy Training!

Two-A-Days

2009-10-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

Wow! 4:30AM came very early this morning. I got up, well, more like crawled out of bed with the assistance of my wake-up helper, Bailey. I was awakened by a happy tail followed by a cold, wet nose in my cheek and again in the center of my forehead. It was as if to say..."you woke me up with that clock, now you get up, too!" She undoubtedly was much happier to greet the day than I was. I had all of my clothes and swim gear ready from the night before which worked entirely to my advantage.

Midge, my training partner, and I headed off to the pool to swim. I stood at the double glass doors waiting on the center to open. I know that the lifeguard was seriously wondering if a rescue was in his future. I yawned, I stretch and I reluctantly got into the water. Luckily, it was the warmest the water has been since we've been swimming there. This must mean oh, 300+ days into training, that the heater has officially been repaired. Hooray! We had a fairly good swim, nothing to write home about but it was successful nonetheless. Didn't get to complete the full workout because I only had an hour to swim before having to be at work.

Today was not a brick workout but rather a split workout. The afternoon brought a 9-mile run. I ate dinner before running which I thought was going to be a huge mistake but turned out to be perfect. I ran the entire distance maintaining a steady and consistent HR. The route was a new one that I'd mapped and to my surprise was exceptionally hilly. Total run time was 95 minutes, which is pretty good for us considering the hills. We're really not trying to beat any time records anyway but are more focused on consistency and endurance for the remainder of our training season. We're 45 days away from this thing and now is not the time to worry about getting faster - that is for next season! :)

Feeling Good from My Head to My Toes

2009-10-04T19:05:00.000-07:00

Cool fall temps make for an extraordinary workout. This morning proved this to be very true. Eleven of us ventured out in the 52 degree temp for a 50-mile bike ride. Several cyclists had two loops on their schedule whereas we only had 50 miles followed by a 6-mile run.

The bike ride started off relatively fast, undoubtedly, the result of an attempt by us all to warm up. As usualy, 15 minutes into the ride and it was time to take the sleevies off. I opted to stay in the front of the pack. We had one male in the pack who I think decided, since we weren't pacelining, to play chase with me. I decided that I would see how far I could push it and I did. Soon, looking back over my shoulder yielded no one in sight. It was a good feeling. Of course, I stopped at the end of the road to allow everyone to regroup with me. This was followed by comments about "Tanya" being out on the ride today. Soon, the rest stop was over and one cyclist took off...I heard a "catch me" so I decided, why not. The remainder of the ride was three of us as we left the remainder of the group behind. It was a very strong ride. My legs felt rested and strong.

A relatively slow transition followed as we waited on several folks to run with us. Today's plan was the 8K Snowman run + 1-mile. Felt really great on the run. Maintained HR for the majority of the run. No stops throughout the run. Three of us finished this up relatively quickly.

Overall thoughts for the day: Strong, feeling very strong. The restful week was very much worth it. I think I've found my second wind leading into the remaining 47 days of training. Two days off this week. Let's do this thing!

"T" for Two

2009-10-03T18:33:00.000-07:00

It's been almost a week since Ironman Augusta 70.3. "T" for transition, "T" for tired, "T" for timeout. We slowed down this week to recover from the weekend's event. The first two days following Sunday brought quite a bit of soreness, especially on Tuesday. Therefore, Tuesday included a walk with Bailey only. The next few days included a 90-minute bike, 7-mile run, and an easy 1500m swim. I've taken this week to mentally regroup and prepare for the coming weeks. We are less than 50 days out from Arizona and I am admittedly ready for a long break. I think we all are, or so it seems. Nevertheless, IM Augusta was a huge confidence booster. I think that the slower week this week was very needed and I am ready to hit it hard again tomorrow. On the schedule bike/run brick (50-mile bike followed by a 6-mile run). I'll be ready to ride...first ride of the cooler morning temps. I think it may be a sleevies morning :)

Pain is Temporary; Pride is Forever

2009-09-28T04:24:00.000-07:00

Despite being in bed around 9PM on Saturday night, 4AM came early. Around 5:15AM, we made our way to the shuttle buses that would take us to our final destination. Race start time 7:30AM. The plan was to arrive early, settle in and mentally prepare for the day ahead. Within minutes it seemed, we were back where Buzz and I had parted ways and he had been left in transition getting to know his rivals. As expected, the transition area was already a very busy area. "Do you have a pump?" "Where is ...?" "Is this the right side?" "Where is my....?" In addition, the race announcer was barking off announcements..."The water temperature is 71 degrees...pro athletes will not wear wetsuits...pick up your timing chip at the swim start...be sure to..." I found my way over to Buzz who was now surrounded by 9 others along with their partners vying for space and breathing room to set up their gear. After deciding to change sides of the bike for my transition mat, everything found its place relatively quickly (although I did go back and check 4 times). Amazing how much gear goes into such a small 3' x 3' area and that's what you will survive on for the day no matter how long it takes you.

After observing 100's of athletes anxiously waiting for the shuttle bus to go to the swim start, we decided that we'd walk the 1.2 miles. We made our way to the swim start, picked up timing chips and the waiting began. It didn't take nearly as long as I thought it would. Quickly, I was on the ramp leading down into the water. Even more quickly, it was my swim wave ready to jump into the water. Wetsuit on - check; swim cap on - check; goggles over swimcap check. I waited my turn, jumped into the water and once I caught my breath from the frigid water temp, I reached up to put my goggles on...THEY WERE GONE! Frantically, I looked around wondering what I was going to do...how would I swim...could I swim without them? Luckily, they were white and floating beneath the murky surface, I found them before I hit full panic mode. Within a minute or so of this, the horn sounded and the swim began.

I quickly found my groove on the swim. Suprisingly enough because typically I don't ever find a groove in the swim at all. Once we dispersed, I had no problem making forward progress. Well, the seaweed and I made forward progress. Disgusting...the water was absolutely disgusting and I saw large masses of weeds right below me. Seaweed on my arm, in my mouth, on my forehead. It never ended. It was on the left, on the right, under, over, it was everywhere! I had to block this out...I swam faster and stronger than I've ever swam. I didn't stop to talk this time and I stayed focused. Stroke after stroke until it was over...I hit the ramp at 31:39. My best swim ever! And that quickly, 1.2 miles of the 70.3 miles was behind me.

About 200 yards of jogging later, I made my way back to Buzz. It was time for battle. I transitioned fairly well (T1=4:03) and hit the blue line for bike mount. Off I went. I kept hearing familiar advice for the bike "Pace Tonya"..."the first 30 minutes don't push it"...I did exactly what I'd heard. Smoothly and with relative ease, the first 18 miles were behind me. For the first time in an event, I had to pee. I debated for about 20 minutes before making the decision to dismount and potty. I quickly jumped off the bike, ran over the hill, squatted and jumped back on the bike. This took less than a minute to accomplish. Buzz and I had a phenomenal bike portion of the event. Although I thought we averaged 19.0MPH, my computer, when all was said and done, registered 18.2MPH. I am still very happy with that given the headwinds that we all endured on the return trip from New Ellenton. At one point, the wind caught my wheelsets and for a brief second, I saw myself on the pavement. Luckily, I popped out of my aero bars, grabbed the handlebars and stayed the course. Bike time 3:03:58. I was very pleased with this time also. (T2 =3:27).

Two events down and one to go. I kept telling myself "Flat as a pancake". That was the way the run had been described. And it was but so was my motivation to run. By mile 6, I was, as I often am on the run, O-V-E-R it. Lucky for me, I found Rick...my knight in shining armor. He and I ran the bulk of the run portion together. Running and talking...he continued to motivate me. He was a Godsend as I wanted nothing more than to finish strong. And, finish strong we did. The two loop course was a mental test, just like Arizona will be, as we looped the same course twice for mileage. Seeing a sign that says "Mile 9" when you've just started isn't inspiring but rather daunting as the reality of what lies ahead sinks in. Nevertheless, I did it! Run time 2:41:58. Overall time for the day was 6:24:39.

Now, it's a day or two of recovery and the training continues. Believe me, during the run, visions of Arizona danced in my head. I had no desire to go there. However, now that it's done, I think I am ready for the next step...the big one. The best thing I can say about what I learned from today is what Rick taught me. I'm not sure he realized how valuable the lesson was for me in the end and will be in the future. I honestly had not stopped to think about it in the way in which he put it. Rick said to me several times that "EVERYBODY OUT HERE IS HURTING" and the truth in that was overwhelming to me because he was right. I saw men with IM tattoos walking, people cramping up, some staggering, etc. When I needed it to most, it registered for me. It wasn't as much about the body at that point because in truth, regardless of your talent or speed, it had become for all intensive purposes a level playing field. We were ALL hurting. The difference was now entirely mental. "Pain is temporary; pride is forever!" Thanks, Rick Rikard!

Afterthoughts: I graduated high school in 1991 number 11 out of 292 and the MVP softball player on my varsity team. In 1997, I graduated from graduate school with a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology with honors. In 2002, I earned the Most Outstanding Employee award at my job. But nothing, and I mean nothing compares to having that medal draped around my neck like it did yesterday. Pride REALLY is FOREVER :) And today, I am proud of my accomplishment!

Preparing for Battle

2009-09-26T03:56:00.000-07:00

Numbers...helmet...socks...race belt...Around noon, the mood shifted a bit and became took on a much more serious atmosphere in Room 729 today. Three of us in one room co-existing yet each in an entirely separate world. Methodically, with our own individual precision, we prepared for battle the next day. There was a method to our own madness and a nervous energy in the room that you couldn't describe but you readily recognized its intensity. Eventually, I couldn't take the silence any longer and put on my iPod to drown out the silence.

We had received notification from a fellow IMAZ participant that the transition area had opened up earlier than anticipated. Our plan was to ride our bikes down to the transition area, approximately 2.5 miles, and then we'd run back to the hotel. This was a great idea as I had so much pent up energy...and R-U-N back to the hotel I did.

When we arrived in the transition area, it was as if I was about to play my first NFL game after leaving college or much what it would feel like stepping onto the courts at Wimbledon for the first time. I know the feeling had to be very similar to that as this was the biggest playing field I'd been on yet. There was enough room packed in an area less than the length of a football field for 3400+ athletes. Once I located my number on the racks, which turned out to be more difficult than one would think, I racked my bike, changed shoes and was ready for the run back to the hotel. But wait...

Where WAS my bike? In all of the underlying excitement, I'd not assessed where my back was. Tomorrow would be a mass of metal, carbon and antsy athletes. Everything would look the same and I would need to be able to easily find my bike after leaving the swim tomorrow. Back I went following along the transition area until I found my bike. It was much easier this time because a fellow age-grouper was in the process of moving my bike. This is a triathlete NO-NO. I stood watching her well-covered bike move in and in a matter of seconds destroy the comfort zone that had already been established by "Buzz". We were two alone on a rack of ten. I had no idea why she felt the need to move Buzz. I went back into transition to reassess the situation. Buzz, still donning two shower caps I'd taken from the hotel (one over the seat and one over the bike computer and aero bar pads for the raining coming in) was unscathed. I made a mental note of Buzz' location and off I ran back to the hotel. This was to be the last time I'd be in the transition area before "game time"...reality settled in and for once in the entire training season, it was a giddy excitement. It was exam time!

Georgia on My Mind

2009-09-25T17:29:00.000-07:00

We're here!!! We're finally in Augusta...

We arrived this morning about 9:30AM and began taking care of the "to-do's" that each of us had on our lists. This included the mandatory race briefing, packet pickup, race expo and finding the start, finish and transition area. WOW! I can't believe I'm here. When I arrived, I wasn't overly nervous. As the day has progressed and the more people talk, the more nervous I am getting.

Over and over, I keep hearing questions...What is your goal time? How cold is the water? How fast are people swimming? Are there hills on the bike course? What's the transition area like? What are you wearing? Do you have...? What are you...? What are we going to do tomorrow?

I think that I am going to be exceptionally nervous. Breathe....

Feet Don't Fail Me Now

2009-09-23T06:59:00.000-07:00

Every step now gets me closer to the goal of my A-Race for 2009. Three days until IM Augusta, which is technically a B-Race for me so I am going at it with the hopes of gaining knowledge about what I need to do for the next 59 days or so. Of course, today I was made aware that there has been a recent sewage leak in the Savannah River and they are or are trying to correct the problem. Will make for an interesting pre-race briefing. Neverthless, I ran my last long run before the race last night. Completed 7.5 miles and felt really strong. I am always amazed when I go back and run less frequent routes at how much easier they are now than they were when I started. This always make me smile. I think I have my nutrition on the run down to a science and now just have to decide whether the hassle of the fuel belt is worth it or I should rely on what the race coordinators are providing at the 1.5 mile race stations. Hmmm...not much time to decide but this will not be a major issue either way. However, 3399 other people to contend with on race day will be more problematic than the fuel belt, I can assure you of that! :)

Max the Muskrat

2009-09-22T07:22:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was the last open water swim before Ironman Augusta 70.3. Since swimming at Sheila's place on the lake, we've become acquainted with a muskrat who is always present in the cove where we swim. I, of course, had never knowingly observed a muskrat and have been given a hard time about this. After yesterday, I decided the four of us (me, Laura, Sheila and Midge) had to give him a name. The name Murray was a consideration for Lake Murray but a friend of our has a puppy named Murray. We opted to name him Max the Muskrat. He was very playful and attention-seeking yesterday and was closer to the dock than he's ever been. It was as if he wanted to play. Oddly cute but quite the charmer he is.

We swam approximately 45 minutes. Felt good other than a little soreness in my left shoulder from the 2-mile swim on Saturday. Looking forward to winding down a bit before Sunday. Getting a bit nervous but excited as well. Weather forecast for the weekend isn't great but I suppose it could be worse. Maybe it will change for the better. Rain I am okay with as long as the roads aren't unsafe. Running in the rain: PRICELESS!

Finished the Dam Swim

2009-09-19T05:25:00.000-07:00

Wow...wow...wow! Seriously, I thought running the length of the Lake Murray Dam was pretty cool but now that I have swam the distance, I am really ecstatic. What an accomplishment given that last year I was stopping on a 300 meter swim.

I was experiencing quite a bit of pre-race jitters. I was in with most of my IMAZ buddies in Wave 11. My goal for the day was to complete the swim, which is definitely not my best leg of a triathlon, in under 1.5 hours and avoid a nice volunteer boater/kayaker tapping me on the head with a paddle and pulling me out of the water at the cutoff time. I was not pulled out of the water either for possible drowning or for the cutoff time. If my watch was correct, I swam in right at 1:13. Not the best swim time of my IMAZ buddies but I successfully completed the swim and that to me was success.

Not making excuses but I should probably add that my times might have been a little bit faster had I not stopped so much. I have a horrible habit of playing around when I'm bored and 2-miles swimming is a long time to be overtaken by monotony. I stopped and gave the peace sign to people I knew. I checked out my surroundings several times. I observed a catfish in its last moments on earth and reported it to a kayaker. I encouraged two young swimmers who would take 3 strokes and ask each other how much longer. I think all of these things added time and I hope that I will be wiser at the next event not to do this. Of course, I will, right?

Another success for the day, the wetsuit! What an awesome discovery earlier in the week. Worked like a charm! No problems, a little rubbing where I didn't put Body Glide but overall, no problems. Post-swim report...3 hours of cycling. Legs felt like I'd left them in the lake but eventually they caught back up and I rode fairly well. It was exceptionally hot and the swim left all of us exceptionally thirstier than usual.

IM Augusta 70.3 is one week away. I suppose it's time to get this "party" started!

Busting a Sag :)

2009-09-15T06:26:00.000-07:00

Another day in the rubber-blubber suit and it started off no differently that the previous swim day in the wetsuit. This feeling of suffocating and choking, airway obstruction around the collar...ugghhh! I stopped, regrouped and headed back in to shallow waters. I stood there in the water for a minute fooling around with the suit, pulling and tugging, etc. Then, with one big tug, it happened. The reality that I haven't been wearing it correctly. Busting a sag is obviously not the correct way to wear a wetsuit. As I pulled the suit up further, it was instantaneous relief. The pressure in my chest area and legs diminished. It was as if the vice grip it had on me was gone. Voila'!

I got home after a successful short swim in the wetsuit and did some research. Lo' and behold, genuis! This has been my issue. I haven't been pulling it up in the crotch area enough. Hmmmph! LOL. Glad I figured this out before Saturday's 2-mile Lake Murray Dam Swim! :)

Tri Days

2009-09-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

It was a three-day weekend! It was a three day weekend??? Aside from how my body feels, it became apparent to me this morning just how tired I am when I was asked by a co-worker if I had been given a black eye over the weekend. Exhausted today, entirely exhausted.

Friday evening included a 2-hour bike followed by a 5-mile run. The run didn't happen as I was trying to baby my knee for the longer run on Sunday. Still icing and doing some anti-inflammatory drugs. We did a transition run for time and called it a night. This concluded around 6:45pm Friday evening.

Saturday morning came quickly on the heels of the Friday evening workout. We were up at 5:15am and in the water at Lake Murray for an open water swim by 6:45am. I was already feeling a little tired but thought the beauty of the lake at sunrise would perk me up. As we headed out onto the dock, there were turtles everywhere as if waiting for our arrival. Oh yeah, and a muskrat...who knew what a muskrat was? I surely didn't! Sheltered life I suppose. We put our wetsuits on and it all came back to me. I hate swimming in a wetsuit. Needless to say, this feeling would not dissipate during the course of the swim. The first 500 meters was quick, consistent and relatively uneventful. I made it out to the buoy, a quick tuck of my zipper cord and off we headed towards the next point in the triangle. Then it happened...that feeling like you've been wrapped in a human-sized rubber band-aid flailing around trying to propel forward. Panic, not a panic attack but more like, freedom, I need freedom! This resulted in me flipping onto my back and eventually treading water for a little bit. I watched my heart rate go up as I resolved that I had to get out of the wetsuit. Middle of the cove, 1000 yards out, yeah, not a viable option really. I eventually made my way back into the dock. Going to have to reacquaint myself with this thing and quickly get over it! We biked for almost 50 miles of rolling hills. Good bike course compliments of our training buddy, Sheila. Nice and steady. Boy were we tired though...but wait, it's only Saturday!

Sunday meant getting up again at 5am. This time to be across town for a 4-hour bike ride. We met our cycling friend, Amanda, out at Caughman park. The ride was relatively easy and consistent throughout. Having some seat issues that will hopefully get resolved this week. Buzz is going to the shop tomorrow for the pre-Half IM Augusta tune up. I think the seat issue was the result of the crash a few weeks ago. Following the ride on Sunday, we ran 7.3 miles (the Snowman 8K Course + some). This was one of our best brick runs this season in my opinion. Despite the hills, we only walked a little and remained consistently paced and in our HR zones throughout. Very successful run for us.

Today is Monday. I don't know how big or how hard it hit me but I had to have been run over by a truck this weekend. At 4pm yesterday, I realized it was the first time I'd sat down most of the weekend. I am so thankful today is a rest day! I plan to take full advantage of it, after work of course. Stay at home folks...enjoy your training opportunities. Those of us working and training are and will remain envious!

Tendin' to My Tendon

2009-09-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

Fourteen mile run tonight down at Riverfront Park. Very strong for the first 11 miles but then my knee began rebelling. Patella tendonitis seems to be back and my knee isn't happy with the amount of running I've been partaking in. The last 3 miles was a lot of starting and stopping which is exhausting. Home now icing and medicating. Hope Sunday's run is better!

A Night in the Washing Machine

2009-09-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

A long pool swim was on the calendar tonight and I'd mentally prepared myself to swim hard, non-stop and consistent. As we made our way to the pool, it became apparent that we stood a good chance that we'd been dragging a thunderstorm behind us which would result in us getting kicked out of the pool during the swim workout. Nevertheless, we wanted to take that chance. We got a lane quickly. Completed a quick warm-up. Started the watches. Off we go!

Let me preface this next part by saying I, in no way, am attempting to offend anyone. I greatly appreciate anyone who exercises or attempts to exercise and tonight is no different. The adult swim aerobics class was beginning at the same time we started to swim. They started out with their elbows against the wall kicking their feet in the water or either hanging on to a noodle to warm up. They practically went unnoticed by those of us doing laps in the open swim lanes. However, at some point into the aerobics workout, and about 15 minutes into our swim, I found myself swimming forward but being thrown against the lane lines. Literally! Completely out of my control. My initial thought was WOW, what's up with me and my inability to swim straight tonight?!?. I continued swimming. On my way back towards the shallow end of the pool, I realized that I was being caught in an undertow like never before. I glanced to my right and there they were, 50+ pairs of feet playing follow the leader in a circular motion. Arm weights dancing in sync as they moved simultaneously counterclockwise. Instantly, I was sucked in, like attempting to swim in the inside of a washing machine. I popped straight up in the water like a cork in the lake whose bait has just become acquainted with a fish. I looked around and nobody else seemed to be noticing what was happening but me. I proceeded on. I did another lap and same thing. By the time I made it back down to the deep end this time, I soon realized that it WASN'T just me. There were two guys swimming in the lanes next to me and they both were experiencing the same thing. I politely asked if I could move to the outside lane and share with the one gentleman that wasn't having as great a difficulty as the rest of us. I couldn't believe what a commotion they were creating until I moved out of current. Sheewww! Big difference...

I continued on, swimming strong and smooth. Stroke after stroke...lap after lap...and then I was halted by a horrific whistle! Blowing, blowing, blowing. Again, I popped up like a cork and realized that one streak of lightning had ended the continuous swim that was on the schedule. Everybody out of the pool. Single file, they again moved in synchronized fashion up the stairs and disappeared into the locker rooms. For us, the waiting begins...30 minutes from the first lightning streak or sound of thunder followed by lots of prayer that it doesn't happen again at minute 29 because the time would start again. At 8:15pm, we finally make our way back into the pool. Two swimmers, two lanes, smooth like glass. 2700 meters later, the workout was done.

It wasn't a continuous swim but it was a very, very good swim. I am very pleased with it despite all of the obstacles. I guess you never know what your swim conditions are going to be like.

3-Peat

2009-09-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

Bike-run, bike-run, bike-run. Triple brick workout was on the agenda for today's training. We'd decided that we would start from the house as opposed to going out to Lexington High School as we'd originally planned to do. After 4.5 hours of non-stop movement, we finished this triple brick. First brick was a 17-mile bike to Ballentine followed by a 30 min run. This was relatively uneventful as my legs were trying to wake up from yesterday's ride.

The second brick we opted to ride the hills on Lake Murray Blvd. It became apparent rather quickly that the purpose of this workout was not only to finish to completion but it was going to be a mental test and a physical test. On the return trip on the bike, Midge decided to give me some of her water while we were stopped. Somehow this became Midge on the ground, clipped in under her bike, and the water flowing down the pavement. It wasn't a pretty dismount. She always falls while stopped. We finished the triple brick by pedaling for 45 minutes on the indoor trainer followed by another 30 minute run.

This was a super workout for endurance - mentally and physically. Tomorrow, we are OFF! :)

Pacing - Not Racing

2009-09-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

WOW! What a weekend! Of the 36 Labor Day weekends that I've been alive for, this proved to be the most tiring of them all. I can't recall a Labor Day weekend so exhausting. A part of me wishes that I'd been off camping somewhere or on a trip with friends that was phenomenal. Instead, I worked out like the Iron(wo)Man that I wanna be!

This morning, bright and early (of course...oh, the days of sleeping late have long since passed), seventeen of us ventured out to cycle the flats at Caughman. As always, I started out kicking it with the lead pack that we'd labeled the B-Group initially, averaging 20+ MPH for the first 45-minutes or so. The A-Group would be more of a 16-18 MPH average. Off I went, out in front with the guys and lead females taking pulls and rocking along in the paceline. Then, as we approached Congaree Swamp, about 15 miles into the ride, it hit me! What am I thinking? How is this helping me? And just like that, I made a very wise decision and opted to be a part of a much smaller C-Group as I decided to C-my-way out of the paceline. Sure it was fun, it was invigorating and it was a confidence booster to hang but how was this going to help me in the long run. I'd not been utilizing the paceline for the simple fact that it creates a false sense of security and gives you an advantage you won't have in a race. Pace today, not race today.

I fell back off the lead pack and actually wound up having one of the best, most consistent bike rides that I've had all training season. I ended the ride, 50 miles, with a 17+ MPH average without the assistance of anyone but me. I couldn't have been happier with this performance. Following the bike ride, we headed to the pool to do kick drills for 1000 meters. We couldn't swim pre-ride so we opted to get it in afterwards.

Great workout today. Felt strong!

Feels Like I'm Moving But I Go Nowhere...

2009-09-03T10:29:00.000-07:00

Swimming at Lake Murray yesterday was undoubtedly one of the most uncool experiences I've had while swimming next to almost drowning when I was younger in attempt to learn how to ski. Stroke, same buoy, stroke, same buoy, stroke-stroke still same buoy. We just didn't have a very successful swim. The wind was blowing just enough to thwart our efforts. Nevertheless, we'd biked to the dam so we got to practice transitioning out of the water and getting back onto the bike after a longer swim.

Of course during our transition, we were greeted in transition by "Captain Dan the Lake Murray Man", if I recall his official title accurately. He proceeded to tell us that he saw a guy cycle in one day that got off his bike and swam all the way out to Spence Island. Now I am not a Lake Murray Afficionado but I can tell you roughly, based on where he was looking, that this this tri girl will not be embarking on any journey, unless by motorized vehicle, to this so-called Spence Island he was referencing. Especially given the lack of forward progression we were making yesterday. I'd still be on my way to Spence Island. Still loving my new goggles. My training partner wasn't as impressed with hers. I think, like any, it depends on your facial features. Her face is much smaller so they don't seem to fit around her eyes as well.

After the transition, and honestly having to blow off Captain Dan the Lake Murray Man, we ventured up the hill and back to the house to do hill climb simulations on the indoor trainer. It was, overall, a successful workout night. Tonight's adventure...a 13.5 mile run. I can hardly contain my excitement...LOL. Seriously, the cool weather makes it much more appealing!

Half the Distance

2009-08-30T16:45:00.000-07:00

My training partner, Midge, and I did an optional 13.1 mile run today. Isn't it funny to know that there are people who "opt" for a half Ironman as noted on the schedule. It's even funnier that I opted to do a half marathon on a Sunday when I could have surely taken advantage of sleeping in late. This was to have been a RECOVERY week. Nevertheless, we did a 13.4 mile run actually. I think we did pretty well! Focus today was running in my HR zone. This was successful even after seeing the alligator nearby in the canal. However, there was a sweet lady walking behind me...I would venture to say that HR, had she been wearing a monitor, most likely altered just a weeeeeeeee bit! :)

"Competitive stage" of training begins this week. Endurance swims, lots of brick workouts and a lot of split workouts ahead. I'm sure I will have more to blog in the 84 days ahead but for now, I am going to sign off.

My new nicknames are "Railroad" and "Tracks"...deserving I suppose. Happy training!

Throwing Myself in Front of a Train

2009-08-29T18:06:00.000-07:00

We ventured to the "other side of the river" today as we headed to Augusta, Georgia for a trial run of the Augusta Half IM course. We had a nice 10-15 car paceline zipping down I-20 with our bikes in tow, drafting along the way. There was a moment of clarity and childlike excitement within as reality hit me that all of the cyclists in line and I will actually soon be a part of something "bigger" when we complete 70.3. What a unique experience!

In addition to checking out the unknown route ahead, I was looking forward to meeting my Atlanta tri buddy,Teri, for the first time. I feared, like several times in the past, that it wasn't going to happen today either! The morning started off relatively chaotic. I won't use the terminology that a fellow cyclist used but I will say that it was a little short of a mess initially. Early obstacles included a short jaunt (NOT) down the Riverwalk to find the bathroom which became a 20 minute round-trip endeavor that resulted in me checking out the host hotel and the dirty waters we would be swimming in; we didn't park where I'd told my Atlanta buddy we were going to park; Google maps got one cyclist lost before we even started and when we finally hit the route, I soon realized that I may not get to see Teri afterall given that we never even made our way onto a few roads that were on the cue sheets. Nevertheless, despite the delays, we headed out onto the course.

As always, it was a quick start. Like horses out of the gate, we were off! Once we realized that we were not on the cue sheet mileage, several of us gave chase for about an hour with the lead pack. Although totally invigorating and quite a confidence booster, it was also a bit draining both physically and mentally cycling without a warm-up. We soon dropped several riders and a few of the guys dropped the bulk of the pack, too. As we began to find our groove, finally!!!, the meeting that seemed as if it would never happen took place in the passing of two cyclists on the highway. Teri and I finally got to meet and how appropriately so on the bike! It was short but seemed to be just the way it was meant to happen. Amazing how a random FB posting about a wetsuit led to this moment.

The route, overall, was a good route. There were some really good, long flats, some quick downhills and as always, a few inclines that left you begging for a chairlift to pick you and your bike up to take you to the top. Taxi!!! The cue sheets offline weren't accurate and this was a bit frustrating at times. Lots of "we missed the turns" and "that was our road". We stopped for directions once and close to the end of the ride, realized we'd overshot our final destination. Needless to say, we found our way back and were able to make a fairly quick transition into a run. Success!

Aside from meeting Teri and her friends, the highlight of the trip was undoubtedly my first official initiation into the hardcore cycling community. In an attempt to avoid the bolt-heads on the railroad tracks, I turned my front wheel slightly to the left. This proved to be quite an error in judgment as I soon found myself on the ground checking out the bolt-heads up close and personal and bringing new meaning to "throwing yourself in front of a train". In that instant, I saw my IM days flash quickly before me. It's amazing what you think of in the span of 10 seconds. Luckily, I wasn't injured (nor Barry who took a similar fall right behind me) and my body (today I was thankful for a meaty booty) broke Buzz's fall as I left no bike parts, only my own DNA, on the pavement. I think that I can honestly say, I got a Georgia peach tattooed on my hiney! As we gathered the group back together, a ringing bell and blaring horns reminded our group of exactly where I'd fallen...on the tracks! Oncoming train! LOL. This made for a much quicker recovery.

We ended the day, including the missed turns, downtown traffic and redlights, and my first crash averaging 17.1 MPH. We did a little over 65 miles in 3:52:12. Not exceptional, but today, I'll take it! :) And at the end of the day, Teri and I actually had a chance to stop and talk, if only for a little while. I have no doubt that we'll meet again on these same roads in near future. IM Augusta 70.3!

The Georgia peach tattoo and I will run 13.1 miles in the morning. I can hardly wait :)

BlueSeventy Siren Swim Goggles

2009-08-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

Finally, a pair of swim goggles that rock! On the advice of a good friend, I decided to check out the goggle selection offered by BlueSeventy, the same company that makes my wetsuit. The product, Siren, are women specific goggles that are exceptionally light, comfortable and remarkably clear. I decided to try them in both the pool and in the lake. Both were remarkably successful. I would highly recommend these goggles to anyone having trouble with pain around the eye socket or if they are just looking for a comfy pair of goggles.

We did an open water swim last night for 45 minutes, non-stop. This was a great swim and I felt very strong overall. Continuing to work on spotting, stroke efficiency and endurance. I can't wait to put it all together and see how it turns out at the Half IM. I think this will be a good test of what I need to focus on in the remaining weeks before IMAZ.

Gimme A Break

2009-08-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a weekend...I am so thankful that today is the beginning of a recovery week. Saturday was unbelievably hot and humid for a 90-mile bike ride. We started exceptionally early and joined in with some friends who started cycling at 8:00AM. By then, we were "warmed up" to say the least and rode with them for about 17-miles before breaking off and venturing out to climb the hills of Newberry County as we'd originally planned. This was an L1/L2 ride for us and despite pedaling at a consistent pace, neither of us could find our groove. Several times I looked down to check my gears - I felt like we were pushing through a dense wall of humidity and thick air. I can honestly say that this ride today was not fun. By the time the ride was over, all we wanted to do was hit the lake and that's what we did. No run like we had on the schedule. Some days are just like that right?...

Day two - Some days are just like that right? We were supposed to do an open water swim this morning. Feeling guilty from yesterday, we decided we would run first to get some mileage in so we headed to Riverfront Park with the IM ladies + 1. We ran a little under 6-miles and then were off to swim. ROADBLOCK - our swim location was unavailable as one of our fellow swimmers was sick! EEK! Change of plan. We decided that we would swim later in the afternoon. Ummm, yeah, that didn't happen. My training partner and I were just tired. Simply put.

I am so relieved that this is a recovery week. Perhaps this past weekend was a subconscious anticipation of the week ahead. We are going to take it easy except for a few days where we are going to add a few things in just for good measure and a little extra mileage. The weekend allows for an "optional half Ironman"...I find that so funny to think about...it's on there like today you decide, yeah, I'll do a half this weekend...hope I can find one. Anyway, we're going to Augusta on Saturday to ride the Half IM cycling route. Sunday will be a long run and then we begin the "Competitive Phase" of our training schedule. This is intensity at it's finest.

33 Days Until IM Augusta 70.3!!!

Drills, Drills and No Thrills

2009-08-20T11:39:00.000-07:00

The last two days have been tiring, tedious and torture! One-legged cycling drills, speed running drills, speed cycling drills, etc. Between the indoor trainer and the treadmill, I am ready for some open road action this weekend. The plan ahead: today is a 1.8 mile set of swim drills. If I can make it through tonight's workout, I get an off night tomorrow and then the weekend begins. YAY!!!

The plan for the weekend includes some fun things like lake activities, shopping, dinner with friends, etc. BUT, the real fun is the 90-mile bike ride followed by a 3-mile run on Saturday with a 1.75 mile open water swim on Sunday. I know, for many, that sounds like the REAL torture but that's so much more fun than any "stationary" exercise.

Return to Open Water Swimming

2009-08-16T18:18:00.000-07:00

I was supposed to race yesterday in the Tri the Parks Series in Georgia but had opted out given my lack of open water swimming time over the last month. This was my first post-op open water swim and admittedly, I was a little nervous, especially given the fact that it would not be just my training partner and I. Laura, Sheila, Midge and I had decided to meet to swim at Lake Murray in a cove where one of them lives. I'd heard and seen previous swim times and knew that Sheila is a very good swimmer. Last year she swam the 2-mile dam swim in a little over an hour. I think that's a very respectable time to say the least given the comparison to me. Being the competitive one that I am, I decided I'd give chase for a little while and see where that got me. Off the dock, into the water and in hot pursuit. Surprisingly, I actually wasn't that far behind her. My training partner and I really only had to swim a mile and we had a pretty good idea of what this entailed for us based on Sheila's previous GPS tracking of the area. This area is absolutely ideal for swimming.

It was nice to be back in the open water again. I still think breathing for me has improved. I also made a slight adjustment to my swim stroke based on some advice I'd received from my training partner's observation. This made a huge difference, too.

Two days off this week...Monday and Friday. I broke down and ordered some women specific Blue Seventy Siren goggles for a friend and I tonight. We've both had issues with a cramp about 2700+ meters into the swims right below the eyebrow and slightly adjacent to the bridge of the nose. Will give these a try during Thursday's swim workout. Looking forward to trying them out. I'll give a review of them perhaps.

Rise and Shine and 99

2009-08-15T17:22:00.000-07:00

Anticipation hit today for real! I logged into my blog and there is was...then end of the triple digits. We have 99 days until IM Arizona. The emotions are unbelievable and a bit overwhelming as our goal nears. I cannot believe how much time has passed and how much preparation has gone it. I can't wait to count up the mileage in the end that has gone into training.

Today was an 85-mile bike ride. Rhea, Alison, Shelly, Midge, Rick and I completed the Tour de Cure Route plus 20 miles. This was a much better ride today not doing the route unhealthy. I am starting to reap the benefits of the tonsillectomy I think. Several things feel different...could be real or imagined, either way, I am okay with the outcome minus some lingering memory issues and temperature regulation problems that I am having, and based on research, am attributing to the effects of anesthesia. Neither have an incredible impact on my training so I'm not complaining.

Very strong endurance ride today. Overall, it was consistent. Bike time was 5:18:57 and average speed 16.3mph. The run afterwards, well, we weren't all that successful in this department. It was relatively slow and given the hilliness of the 3-mile run course, we all had to walk a bit. It rained off and on during the run and was sooooo exceptionally hot by this time off the day. We'd started out this morning at 6:30AM which was an awesome start time. Nevertheless, the mileage was completed and I keep being told that walking isn't a bad thing and more people do it than don't. Several folks actually walk the entire marathon - let's hope I am not one of them! But if I am, I will do it to hear, Tonya Lewis, you are an IRON(wo)MAN!

Raindrops Keep Falling on My Helmet

2009-08-13T05:21:00.000-07:00

What a great afternoon to ride yesterday! I love the rain and I love working out in the rain even more than just watching it. The four of us (and then one we added along the way) debated throughout the day as to whether or not we were going to have a storm that would prohibit us riding. In the end, we decided to chance it and how happy I am that we did.

We biked 2 hours at a 16+ MPH rate. It was an L1/L2 ride for my training partner and I so we tried to stay in the ballpark although I was way ahead quite a bit. However, the long straightaways and downhills were a chance to push it. Still feeling exceptionally strong on the bike and looking forward to riding this weekend. I absolutely love my cycling buddies. I can't say enough how nice it is to have such a great group of friends to take this journey with.

Thursday night is a run night and a long swim tomorrow.

That's an Improvement!

2009-08-10T19:07:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I was able to double my swim distance that I swam yesterday. I think that this was a very good confidence boost on the heels of yesterday's not-so-good experience. I had written down a drill set from an earlier week of training and I think that was very helpful. Tomorrow night I will swim again and try to add a little bit more in hopes of doing an open water swim at Lake Murray this weekend.

I had a good time talking with one new tri newbie that we met yesterday and one tri friend (Fred) that we've met solely while swimming at Drew. The new tri newbie stopped us on our way out yesterday apprehensively and said she didn't want to bother us but we look like triathletes so she wanted to ask a question. She asked us about flip-turns and how a pool swim works. I personally don't do flip turns and don't see the benefit of them for triathlon training, although others may disagree. They aren't done in an open water swim and unless you are sticking to pool swims, you really aren't going to benefit rather it's almost more counter-productive like the benefit of pushing off the wall in my opinion. Today, she was back in the pool working with the Janice, the swim coach, on flip turns. She is doing her first sprint triathlon this weekend and wanted to be able to do them since it is a pool swim. Tonight's conclusion as she left the pool..."I think I will just duck under the lane lines." I had to giggle as I told her I would totally agree and it would also reduce the pressure she was putting on herself.

There was also a lady, she's a regular, that swims during the times we're at the pool. I shared a lane with her today. It was quite a compliment when she inquired about which swim fins I was wearing after beating her as she swam and I used the kickboard. I giggled and told her I wasn't wearing swim fins. She was quite amazed. I explained to her that my kick makes up for the upper body strength that I am lacking in the swim, especially the past two days returning to the pool. I thought, my ugly feet finally were paid a compliment :)

Swim, Bike Run...Gotta TRI!

2009-08-09T15:31:00.000-07:00

On Friday, I went to see the ENT surgeon who performed my tonsillectomy. I had decided that I wouldn't tell him what I had done the night before until he had taken a look and given me his initial thoughts on my throat. In with the tongue depressor, light on and then his initial observation. He said that my throat was looking good and healing nicely. I responded with the news that I sure was glad since I had run 8.5 miles on Thursday night. He gave a giggle and said that was great if I hadn't had any problems. He then provided me with information about the lingering possibility of bursting a blood vessel but stated that the healing was far enough along that if it were to happen, it could be resolved relatively easy. I explained to him that I had tried to transition slowly and had avoided swimming so as to not ingest any unnecessary germs. Before leaving, he released me. Of course, this was followed by me sharing the news that I had a 70-mile bike ride planned for Saturday morning. LOL

We biked 72 miles Saturday morning. It was absolutely spectacular to be back in the saddle again. Other than some minor bike cage problems, we all successfully completed the ride and several ladies ran afterwards, too. I, however, wasn't ready to add that yet. During the ride, I made the decision not to compete in the triathlon I was scheduled to participate in next weekend. I think that pushing myself to compete after only a week back in training would result in me forcing myself regardless of how I felt for fear of a "DNF" and I absolutely don't want that. Of course, this decision was reinforced by today's afternoon swim.

How do I describe the swim today? Hmmm, perhaps a little short of disastrous. Only 700m. The only thing that would have helped me was a small motor or some self-propelling swimmies. I honestly thought the return to the pool would be as easy as the return to the bike and run. Boy was I mistaken. Breathing wasn't an issue although my throat did dry out much quicker. My arms and legs couldn't power me forward. I was sharing a lane with an elderly woman and at times I thought she could take me.

With this said, this week will include some extra swim workouts no doubt. I have added 3 building sets to the schedule. I am hoping that this will get me back on track perhaps a little quicker. Time's a ticking and the half is approaching...gotta TRI! :)

We Were Running With the Night

2009-08-06T20:33:00.000-07:00

What an absolutely wonderful evening. I had the opportunity to have dinner with two friends I haven't seen in a while as a result of the tonsillectomy. Catching up with them and enjoying some "friend time" was the perfect way to set the tone for the remainder of the evening. I came home after dinner and allowed myself about 30 minutes to unwind and mentally prepare for what I wanted to accomplish this evening with respect to my run workout.

The plan was to run with my training partner from the house, across the Lake Murray Dam and back home. This was going to mean cranking out 8.5 miles following two weeks off. It definitely was not completed in the time that I had hoped. Final time was 1:39. EEK! I focused on low HR zones and consistency. The only walking was to drink and to refill water bottles on the other side of the dam. We also ran the length Lake Murray Dam entirely in the dark. This was quite a challenge as it was hard to see foot placement unless a car passed or a runner/walker passed by with a flashlight.

Regardless of the final time, I felt very accomplished just getting back out there and getting in the mileage. Again, hoping to be released tomorrow by the doc. I wonder if he'll be surprised that I have been running and cycling. :)

Getting Back on Track

2009-08-06T11:42:00.000-07:00

Last night was a double brick night, although not as long or as far as I've been doing. My training partner got to swim and since I haven't been released to swim, I rode the bike indoors and then ran the track. An hour long double brick. Still feeling great and strong...mending nicely! My hope is that the doctor says that I am 100% and can be released tomorrow. Cross your running toes :)

On the Road Again

2009-08-05T04:41:00.000-07:00

Last night felt awesome! It wasn't my best time or the prettiest run but just being back outside exercising was well worth it. Temps had cooled down somewhat by the time I opted to venture out for a run. My training partner and I ran 3.5 miles. I opted to walk 3 of the bigger inclines/hills in an attempt to keep my heart rate in my zone. A lot of the reading I'd done about returning to exercise after a tonsillectomy has to do with extreme fluctuations in blood pressure. I felt this was the safest way to get myself back into it. Legs felt good and weight loss really feels good. I am hoping that I can keep the pounds lost off or at least half of them. Admittedly, I am bummed that I am doing 3.5 miles when the schedule this week calls for 16.5 miles. Unfortunately, we aren't always in control of what our bodies need. I can't believe it's 54 days until the half IM in Augusta!

My Mini Triathlon

2009-08-03T17:34:00.000-07:00

Spin, run and shower. Okay, so maybe I could have skipped the shower but the spinning and running felt really good. Nothing strenuous, just enough to remind the old muscles that they have major work to do over the next 111 days. I definitely don't want them to forget that they have a job to do!

The Road to Recovery...Step It Up

2009-08-02T07:21:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning determined to endure whatever pain comes my way without the need for pain medication. I also decided that I would take Bailey for a walk up to the entrance of the subdivision. A whopping 0.8 mile! Off we went and surprisingly, that seemed to go much better than the attempt I made yesterday. We made the trip and returned home. Of course, this walk got me thinking...if I can do that, I can surely walk to the Lake Murray Dam and back. I was running this route in my sleep without any problems pre-surgery. I sent my training partner a message that I would be headed that way (she had met some buddies to swim and run up there) and I told her she could just pick me up on her way back. The entire route would mean walking about 5 miles with 3 inclines. Surely, an Ironwoman in training could accomplish this minor task.

I grabbed a bottle of water, turned on my iPod and headed out the door. Walking...slowly. I had made it back to the entrance of the subdivision without too much difficulty. Proudly, I turned right as if it were my first days of Ironman training. Just as I did then, I looked UP. Understand that this first right turn includes an incline that leads up to a redlight. Not an easy feat after 14 days of not working out but seriously, surely I can do it! After a few steps, I made the decision that I should probably go halfway to the dam. The more steps I took, the more it became evident that sometimes in life we set our sights on lofty goals much too quickly. In other words, we set ourselves up for failure. A few more steps...Goal #3 for the day...I simply want to make it up the hill to the redlight and I will turn around and go home...

The moral of this story is you should be able to eat more than toast before you decide to walk 5 miles. I didn't make it to the redlight, not even halfway. But, I made it out the door and a total of 1.5 miles. Yes, I was sweating. Yes, I was breathless. No, it didn't kill me. But, it was a start and we can't move forward in anything in life unless we get started. Even though I didn't achieve my original goal today, I did more than I did yesterday. For that, I am pleased.

And now, I must take a nap. I am exhausted!

What A Royal Pain in the Neck

2009-07-31T07:50:00.000-07:00

It's been a week since I last blogged. I wish I could share all of the wonderful miles that I have pedaled on the bike or the extraordinary run that I had. Unfortunately, it's Day 12 without any workout. I found out on July 24th, after the third surgical procedure failed to eradicate the infection behind my tonsil, that surgery was inevitable. So, on Monday, July 27th, I got to check out the Outpatient Surgery Center at Palmetto Health Richland. They make it happen there! I was wheeled in to surgery by 8:30AM and in the car by 11AM.

REWIND: Admittedly, I actually did quite a bit of research on adult tonsillectomy procedures and the aftermath. There is a plethora of medical information and personal blogs out there. As I sat reading, I thought to myself, these people are big wimps and likely whining about minimal pain! It's just tonsils for crying out loud. You get all the ice cream you want to eat and lose weight while doing it. How tough can it be. Really!

FAST FORWARD....OMG! Seriously, when does the pain stop?!? Did he carve a pumpkin while back in my throat? My tonsils are out but I am still trying to determine if the pain is the result of the surgery or my foot in my mouth for thinking that this was going to be a breeze. I've had no solid food in 12 days and I hope that I never am forced to eat Jell-O or whipped yogurt again. I am down 12 lbs since the start of this ordeal. I can say that I've had some really good pain medicine. I really don't know how addicts survive on drugs. I've seen bugs, observed small children running down the street that weren't there, and an inability to recall time. Luckily, I have only had minimal pain meds the past day and a half.

PAUSE: I am on standby until I can put on the running shoes, fasten the helmet or jump into the pool. I am so totally ready to push the PLAY button.

Abscessing About No Exercise

2009-07-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

It's Day #4 without exercise and I am about to go stir crazy. Once again, I find a groove and illness puts up a roadblock. To say I am frustrated would be an understatement. This weekend is the 24-Hours of Booty Ride in Charlotte and I am still up in the air about any chance of being able to ride.

I woke up on Monday morning feeling like I was getting strep throat. Typically, I wait until I feel much worse to go to the doctor but on this day, I jumped the gun and called for an appointment. I wanted to be sure I wasn't contagious. Next thing I know is all hell breaks lose in my throat. Strep throat is not the diagnosis but rather an ear infection and serious peritonsillar abscess. What does this mean? Major throat/tonsillar infection. The solution to the problem (be forewarned it isn't pretty): http://www.entusa.com/surgery_videos_flash/quinsy-drainage/quinsy-drainage_flv1.htm. I got the pleasure of enduring this procedure two days in a row. Luckily, Day #3 brought pain medication to lessen the chaos in the back of my mouth.
As I sit here typing, I have been able to drink some and eat very little. Thank goodness for good drugs! I am really hopeful that tomorrow will bring a new day and the swelling in my throat will be minimal. The back of my throat looks like a bad car accident and it's difficult to make out an actual throat. My next triathlon is a week away and I gotta train! Body cooperate!

Coming Up Short(s)

2009-07-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

Despite cycling for 66-miles yesterday, we decided to stick to the agenda outlined on our schedule for a brick workout this Sunday morning. We met our good friend out at Dutch Fork Middle School and went for a quick ride. We biked approximately 2 hours - most likely a little less - but we only had a 1.5-2.o hour bike on our training plan. At the beginning of the bike ride, it was quite apparent for multiple reasons that we'd in fact biked hard yesterday for 66-miles. Without going into details, I can tell you that the new cycling shorts I wore yesterday made a lasting impression and was felt on the ride today. I spent quite a bit of the ride shifting and pedaling while standing since comfort was obviously not on the agenda today. The legs were also a bit flaccid. Anyway, I pedaled hard and made it through it. We also had an opportunity to sport our new Harrell's jersey which we'll be sporting for Ironman. Needless to say, I WILL NOT be sporting the new Pearl Izumi shorts from yesterday's ride. Overall, it was a really good, quick, powerful ride. Exactly what we needed before our run.

After cycling, we made a quick transition and headed out on the run. The transition time was relatively quick for everything that had to be done in a non-T1/T2 transition area and we took off for the 6-mile run. It was a very smooth transition. Very consistent run despite the hills through the neighborhood that we ran through. It was our best brick workout this season especially since neither of us REALLY wanted to do it after the ride. We sure wanted a nap instead...nevertheless, success!

Annual Lake Murray Dam Ride

2009-07-18T16:47:00.000-07:00

How many times can I say how much I enjoy being apart of the cycling/triathlon community here in the Columbia/Lexington area. Today, we completed the 66-miles around Lake Murray. This is an annual event that commences at the lake of some local cyclists who open their home, lakefront and grill to all of us in the area. We get to bike, socialize, eat, swim, and just enjoy one another all in one day.

The ride is a very unique ride, I think, in that you get a little bit of everything as far as terrain. It is also much more scenic than a lot of the rides we consistently do in the area. The first 17-miles are rolling hills with some fairly challenging climbs. It takes us across the lake several times and out into the country and back in through towns like Chapin. I decided today that I was going to chase the lead pack for as long as I could. Rick and I stuck with them for quite some time but eventually decided to stop at his house to let several of our cycling buddies catch up right before making our only SAG stop. I felt very strong today for about 90% of the ride. Average speed was 18.1mph despite letting the lead pack go to stay back with some other riders. (Have I mentioned I L-O-V-E cycling???).

Following the ride, everyone stuck around for a picnic and swim at the lake. This was a great opportunity to meet some new cyclists and catch up with some old ones. I can't say enough how nice everyone was. All in all, I would give today a 10 out of 10. GREAT DAY!

To Serve and Protect - Lifeguards

2009-07-15T06:59:00.000-07:00

Having spent a lot of time in the pool at the local community center pool, I have gotten to know the lifeguards and staff, most of them, from a distance through observation or up close in conversation. They, in return, have most likley gotten to know us as well or at least they know our patterns, our stroke, etc. I am quite intrigued by them so I thought I might introduce them to you should you ever choose to swim in downtown Columbia. Here's a few of them:

"The Pool Man" - He is awesome. Quite the jokester and always willing and able to harass us. He referred to us the other night as "His favorite one" and "The other favorite one" but I imagine this is everyone he encounters. He just has THAT personality with people. I've never seen him swim although he claims to swim. Maybe he does and maybe he doesn't.

"The Whistler" - He is probably late teens/early twenties. Tall and very slender with a beautiful swim stroke. Very much a Michael Phelps presence in the pool. He is quiet, doesn't seem to say much to swimmers or to his fellow lifeguards. What stands out about him is that he whistles ALL THE TIME. Whether he's in the lifeguard stand, roaming around the pool deck, picking up Noodles, etc., he is whistling. I can never make out the tune but I have taken it to be a sign that he is just a happy individual or he is exceptionally bored. I often wonder if he whistles in his sleep.

"The Aerobics Guy" - He is probably in his early to mid 20's and his job is to lead the water aerobics class that meets in the evenings. He has the brightest smile, is always polite, loves to eat chips from a bag, always speaks and does a phenomenal job with his class. He gets into it and it's really great to watch them all respond and be motivated by him.

"The Deputy" - He is probably late 20's to early 30's. He works for the Richland County Sheriff's Department and often drives his patrol car to work. I don't know his name but we've talked. His breastroke is effortless. He is in exceptional physical condition and it's obvious that he takes good care of himself.

"The Pretty One" - she is young, most likely a college student or just out of college, or that's my assumption. She is very nice and always aware of the pool schedule and classes and willing to work with us to ensure we don't get kicked out of a lane. She didn't make a good first impression but has grown on me over time.

"Beavis and Butthead" - I couldn't think of another name for these two ladies. We just met them the other night in a random conversation. One has been assigned to replace one of the other aerobics instructors. I didn't give them the name because they were obnoxious or aggravating but they were up to no good having a blast in the pool trying to figure out what to do with the 7am water aerobics class. They were having so much fun and you knew that regardless of the routine, the class was going to be a fun experience. I giggled watching them.

There are others, too, that have made an equally favorable impression. The reason that I write all of this is to say it's nice to stand out for positive things and be acknowledged. However, I also wanted to address one lifeguard in particular yesterday who completely and totally caught my eye. What shall I call her...ahhh, yes, "The Lifeless Lifeguard". I watched her for an entire hour, slouched in the chair on the opposite side of the pool from which the lifeguards usually watch the pool. I can say this in all honesty, I don't think she looked IN THE POOL the entire time I was there. There were approximately 10-12 kids in the pool splashing around. I thought to myself, would she ever know if one of them went under. Her head was cocked to the right looking outdoors and she could not have been less motivated to be there. I firmly believe we always have good days and bad days. We have days that we don't want to be at work. The difference is if I don't answer the phone, nobody dies! If she doesn't look in the pool and someone drowns, ughhh, "Houston, we have a problem!"

Anyway, I had a great swim and after seeing her, I was exceptionally thankful that I did, in fact, know how to swim. Otherwise, it could have been a not-so-happy experience!

Weekend Warrior

2009-07-12T10:46:00.001-07:00

Wow! What a superb end to a really productive and satisfying workout week. Yesterday, our workout consisted of a Swim Ladder (i.e., 400m, 50m, 100m, 150m, 200m, 250m, 300m, 300m and back down). This was the first time that my training partner and I totally rocked this type of workout. In some of the previous ladder workouts, we've not felt as accomplished at the end and in the beginning, we didn't work to completion but rather rationalized skipping a set. This time it was totally different and overall felt good. I continue to work on consistency. I noticed yesterday that as I get tired, my lower torso begins to drag a lot more than it should and forces me to work harder to propel myself forward. I worked on powering through the early stages of fatigue and made sure that I was keeping form as best I could. We swam this in right at an hour including the short rest intervals in between sets.

Today, we rode with a co-ed group of cyclists. There were 11 of us and of the group, 7 IM athletes in training. We biked a very, very consistent pace for 48.3 miles making only one real pitstop (bathroom break). Average speed was 17.7mph and overall time 2:41. I thought this was really good for this group size. The entire group was a very poised and strong group of cyclists I thought. It was truly a pleasure riding with them and being challenged.

I stayed out in front as much as possible either solo or two abreast. Not necessarily to pull but more so not to draft. I am finding that I am getting stronger and stronger and it felt really good, especially being able to hang with one of the faster guys (Darron). He's a very strong rider and I thoroughly enjoyed pedaling next to him out in front for a good portion of the ride. I continue to say that to be a better cyclist, you gotta bike with better cyclists. Awesome, awesome, awesome day and really, an awesome training week.

I continue to say over and over that the cycling/triathlete community is a phenomenal group to be a part of. I can't tell people this enough. Hanging out after the ride, celebrating the completion of a good ride, talking and sharing stories just reminds me why I love this sport. Yes, it's ultimately about you and achieving your personal best but it's also more than that, I think. It's about being a part of something on a grander scale. We learn from one another, laugh at one another and grow with each other. (It makes me smile writing about it!) I remain impressed and proud of the people I have met along the way that make this community what it is while representing it so well!

All in All It's Just Another Brick in the Wall

2009-07-09T06:01:00.000-07:00

Double your pleasure, double your fun. Bike-run double brick last night at the gym. Felt very strong and overall awesome! It's been weeks and weeks of training through the ups and downs that accompany the intensity of preparing for an event such as Ironman but finally, I think I have found my groove and am now "full-on"- mentally and physically ready to kick butt through November. I keep hearing those words, "When you get off the plane in Arizona, you gotta be hungry for it!"

We did 2+ hours of non-stop cardio madness indoors last night thanks to the weather. I can honestly say that is the longest amount of cardio I think I have ever completed indoors, non-stop. Usually, it has involved cardio followed by weightlifting. But not last night. It was simply pumping it and sweating but not like a girl! It's a really good feeling when the workout is finished, but even more so when one of the new personal trainers at the gym walks up at the front to speak and says, "That was some intense cardio you had going over there!" And I thought privately to myself, "Yeah, it was, wasn't it!"

"You gotta be hungry for it!"

Don't Have a Stroke!

2009-07-07T10:08:00.000-07:00

Monday night is usually an "off night" for us but this week's schedule is different so we went to do our swim. Last night was a Cooper test night. The actual 12-minute Cooper test was preceded by 300m warmup and 300m drills. We got 6 minutes into the Cooper test and were kicked out of the pool due to an impending storm. Disappointed, yes! I was feeling great. Isn't that always the case though?

On Sunday, I watched the swim portion of the Hy-Vee Triathlon in West Des Moines, Iowa that aired on TV. I must admit that this was probably the best teaching tool this tri season for me. As I watched the swimmers powering forward through the water, I realized that all strokes seemed to differ, not just a little but dramatically. Some stretched out and plunged into the water while others seem to stroke outward and slap the water. Admittedly, I would never want Hunter Kemper of the USA to evaluate my stroke (or read what I am about to write), but I watched his stroke in comparison with the other swimmers he was either leading or trailing. His stroke appeared somewhat sloppier than others but nevertheless, obviously equally effective as he was right behind the leader during the first lap.

Of course, this got me thinking about the fact that maybe I am focusing way too much on what my stroke looks like rather than just relaxing and swimming like I know I can. As I've mentioned, last Spring, I couldn't successfully swim 300m without being exhausted. This season, I have far surpassed that already. I think that is what made the six minutes of the Cooper test last night so different. I just swam and it felt really good. It may not have been pretty but I felt like I was gliding through the water much more smoothly, with greater success and with less effort than on previous occasions where I stressed what I was doing each and every stroke.

I am going to continue working on it and see what happens as I prepare for my next Olympic triathlon on August 15th. I just might have a PR swim!

Pedaling and Pounding the Pavement

2009-07-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

The training agenda for this post-Fourth of July was a 52-mile bike ride followed by a 6-mile run. The route was a mixture of hills on several of Lexington's major highways followed by some flats and rolling hills through the countryside into the town of Gilbert. Midge, Shelly and I had a very consistent, enjoyable ride despite the miscellaneous repugnant smells out in the country. I finally had to ask whether or not they bury the dead bodies in that area. It was at times breathtaking. Nevertheless, it turned out to be a really good ride, not too hot, cloudy and overcast. Less traveled roads even allowed us an opportunity to chat and catch up. Bonus! This was also an excellent opportunity for me to work on pacing, nutrition and not drafting. I pretty much stayed out ahead for the majority of the ride experiencing the headwinds and trying to stay in the groove. I felt superb on the entire ride.

Following the ride, Midge and I completed our run. We continue to talk to our legs in an attempt to convince them that they really do have to move forward. I am fighting boredom on the run. Today, I ran most of the run without my iPod which is going to be critical in the training ahead. I wish, oh how I wish, that I could make the transition from cycling to running look as easy as the triathletes on TV today. But, I keep pedaling, pounding the pavement and pushing forward towards the goal.

Hot to Trot

2009-06-29T19:36:00.000-07:00

Back on the workout schedule today following a 4-day vacation in Key West. The break from working out wasn't planned but in the end, it really felt good to get a time-out from the swim, bike, run routine. Today, it was full on!

It was a run ladder today pushing all the way from L1 to L5 in the heat. It was so hot out there but I successfully completed the entire ladder and actually felt good having had four days off. Have I mentioned yet that I love people who water their grass during my run times??? Started another attempt at nutrition planning today (there's always some sort of eating plan to try). Hoping to see a difference by the next event which is now going to be in August.

Glad to be back exercising especially considering a stressful work day! :)

A Legal Perspective: How the Bicycle Safety Act Helps Cyclists

2009-06-24T18:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was headed down Pickens St. As I approached the intersection of Pickens and Blossom, a cyclist was coming in the opposite direction. The light was red and there were two cars on the same side as the cyclist, one in the forward moving lane and one in the turn lane. Without skipping a beat, this cyclist (not a commuter) swerved around both cars into the outer lane headed in the opposite direction and headed out into the intersection all while running the red light. To say that I was appalled would be an understatement but I was equally embarassed and angered by his disregard for those around him. Had he been hit by a vehicle, I can only imagine the headlines in THE STATE newspaper.

So with that said, I wanted to share this article. Granted cyclists have rights as stated in the article; however, we can do a lot to help ourselves, too, by following the same laws that we expect motorists to adhere to. As always, SHARE THE ROAD works both ways!http://www.greaterblufftonpathways.org/sum.pdf.

A Leap of Faith

2009-06-23T04:30:00.000-07:00

Swim drills, swim drills, swim drills. We cranked out 2450m last night at Drew Wellness Center. This was one of the better swims that I've had as far as really pushing myself harder and trying to stay as focused as possible on swim stroke. I am still trying hard to "get my glide on". Having ventured home to my parents' house for Father's Day, I finally was able to see the video my mom taped at the Langley Pond Triathlon. Okay, what an eye opener and an ear opener with my father commentating in the background most likely without even realizing it. This was the first time I have been able to see my swim stroke rather than relying on someone to describe it to me. (Not to mention really getting to see what moves the most in my tri suit while I am out there running...some things are just not meant to be seen in video footage.)

Anyway, our swim was overall a typical swim night; however, a young lady (late 20's, early 30's) working with a gentleman in one of the outer swim lanes caught my attention upon arrival. It quickly became obvious that she was taking swimming lessons. The more I watched her the more inspired I became by her, step-by-step, overcoming her fear of water. She'd giggle anxiously and at times struggle somewhat frantically in the water to make a connection with her surroundings. Eventually, her swim instructor tied an apparatus to her as a swim aid - almost like a leash of sorts that would allow him to pull her back up after she jumped in the deeper end of the pool. I wondered whether it was beneficial or more gave her a sense of security that she wasn't completely on her own and unattached. Regardless of the swim aid, it was written all over her face - terror. Over the next hour, I watched her evolve. As if she were a child again, she was jumping in and getting out ready to do it all over again. Several times during my swim, I had given her verbal encouragement and an occasional "thumbs up." At one point, she said, "I am making progress." So, when my workout concluded, I could resist no longer. I had to go speak.

I went over as she was attempting to master floating on her back. As I introduced myself, she giggled again but this time with pride rather than apprehension. Her accomplishment was huge and was written all over her face as she told me, "I'm from the islands and I don't know how to swim." I had to tell her that she was my hero last night! What an amazing transformation in the span of less than an hour.

I say this in my blog not to give myself acknowledgement for encouraging her but to recognize what she did for me last night. There are so many times in our lives when we never stop to think about who is actually watching us. You never really know, unless someone tells you, the indirect impact you're having on an individual's life. I found strength last night in an unexpected place simply watching her take a step off into the unknown and conquer her fear. I couldn't have been prouder! She was an Iron(wo)man last night and she probably doesn't even know it :)

The Heat Is On...

2009-06-21T17:47:00.000-07:00

My training partner and I had the opportunity to hook up with the Breakaway Bettys group this morning for a ride out throughFort Jackson and into Lower Richland. As the ride progressed off the fort (my least favorite part of all routes) and out into the Horrell Hill area, I moved this route over into the "favorite route" section in my memory bank. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I also had a phenomenal opportunity to talk with another cyclist who recently moved here from Arizona. She was able to provide a number of pointers to us with regards to the true meaning of "dry heat", hydration, elevation (or lack thereof), etc. This information will undoubtedly be invaluable to us once we get on the course in Arizona.

Following the ride, three of us headed out through the Shandon neighborhood for a 4-mile run. My training partner and I were joined by Meg, a Breakaway Betty, who is always full of life. She was such a positive motivation for us today. The humidity was excrutiating and we found ourselves on the front lawns of those who decided to do a late Sunday morning watering of their lawns. We also encountered a young woman watering flowers with her hose and we politely asked her to spray us, a request I am sure she doesn't get very often. This was quite satisfying, although temporary, it was a motivation to proceed forward. Before too long, the run was over.

As with my other increaased endurance workouts, it continues to be an issue of mind over matter. I am finding that my mind is the one part of my body that I am going to have to strengthen the most. This has consistently improved over the training months past but it still continues to be an area that I need to work on. I have to get mentally tougher...It's too easy to just think about walking just a little bit. This is undoubtedly counterproductive as it often leads to walking a little bit more...and more...and more. Regardless, it was a successful completion of the brick workout.

What wasn't successful: Let me just add that sometimes, things just don't go as planned. At a major intersection, one of the group spotted random coins all over the pavement. I proceeded to assist her with picking them up. Then, the light changed. Everyone moved forward, well, that is everyone except me! You would have thought that I had never clipped in to a clipless pedal before. Right foot - miss; left foot-miss; try again - miss; try another time - denied...As the light changed again, I had no option but to run across the intersection, bike between my legs, holding this one lonely quarter that I just HAD to pick up. I have no doubt that the image left with those drivers at this intersection today was sometimes you can look the part and still not be able to fit the part. I know for sure they were thinking, "Does she REALLY know how to ride that thing?" I got a quarter thought, right? How much is YOUR pride worth? LOL

Tour de Cure Metric Century

2009-06-13T15:05:00.001-07:00

Two words...hot and hilly! Today, 200+ cyclists came out to participate in the Tour de Cure event at Ballentine Park in Irmo, South Carolina. The goal was to raise as much money as possible to support research for diabetes. The Bobby's Biker team, the team that I rode with, had 80 members and raised over $10,000. Pretty impressive I think! I am very proud of the accomplishments of the team that I rode with.

During the course of the event, my training partner and I got to ride with another IMAZ participant. Rick, who I quickly realized is absolutely awesome, shared many insider tips about participating in the event. He has completed two Ironman events, one feeling good and one not so good. The most important thing he said to us is that when you step off the plane in Arizona, "you have to be hungry for it!" Riding today after a week out of commission has just reinforced the importance of overall health in my pursuit of being hungry for it. It was very tough, at one point, my HR was 206 as I tried to breathe (nasal breathing today was out of the question). It wasn't my best performance but I completed the ride. Afterall, Ironman is about pushing ourselves beyond our limits. It's pushing through the pain to hear those words, "Tonya Lewis, you are an Ironman!"

Rick also stressed the importance of "not peaking too soon". I told another IMAZ participant just yesterday that "I am a different kind of fruit; I peak later in the season than you." I am learning how important it is truly to race YOUR race and not be completely and totally preoccupied with what everyone else around you is doing. It's very easy to want to keep up, be competitive, hang with crowd. I think that this will be one of the most invaluable lessons I will learn over the next 6 months. I WILL RACE MY RACE! Thanks Rick for an awesome day of cycling and knowledge shared.

What's Your Body Telling You?

2009-06-07T17:47:00.000-07:00

I was supposed to race today in the Festival of Flowers Race in Greenwood. I made the trek to Greenwood, prepared like always, and woke up knowing that today was not a race day for me. Over the past two weeks, exercise has increased and my sleep patterns have decreased. Therefore, I made the call this morning that I was not in the best mental frame of mind or physically prepared to race. As much as it frustrated me to pull out at the last minute, I had to accept that I was not mentally up to the challenge today. It's times like this that pushing our bodies can put us at an increased risk for injury and illness. Although I don't think that my exhaustion would have resulted in this, I made a decision to not participate. So, I don't have a race report to share except that I did come home and run 6 miles tonight. That part felt good overall but I will go to bed tonight knowing I made the best decision today for me. With that said, my next Olympic distance race will be Tri the Parks in August.

Let Me Look into My Crystal Ball

2009-05-25T17:54:00.000-07:00

Four of us headed to Greenwood yesterday morning to do a brick workout...and where better to do this than at Lake Greenwood where the Festival of Flowers International Distance Triathlon and Regional Championships will take place in the coming weeks. Having already signed up, we all thought this was a great idea as it would give each of us a good vantage point to plan our event strategy. Well, it seemed like a good idea prior to departure.

Let me just say for the record, it is it is much easier to follow a route when you have volunteers and water stations and all the "amenities" involved in the actual race. Actually, all of these things aren't a MUST IF there is actually a road sign indicating the name of the road we are to turn on. We were about 4 miles from Saluda before it registered that there wasn't an "Old Brickyard Road" sign that we were going to come upon. Therefore, we missed the first turn and didn't get to do the actual cycling course. This was a bit frustrating but it was a good 24-mile (12 mile out-and-back) route so we got in the mileage before starting the run course. Note to self: Pedaling as fast as you can when trying to outrun a black lab it's german shepherd buddy makes you more tired and not necessarily more successful at meeting the goal of outrunning them.

We DID get to do the run course. I left afterwards wondering if it was a good thing or a bad thing that I know what's in store on the run in the coming weeks. Rolling hills in Greenwood State Parks...seriously! I made the route without the need to walk. The rain began to fall steadily at about mile 3 and I couldn't have been happier with this. I watched one of my buddies disappear into the horizon in front of me. I completed the run course feeling fairly successful but still questioning in my mind how I will pull out a full marathon during IMAZ. I know that's what the training ahead is for but it sure seems like a mountain ahead. :)

The lesson I took from today's brick workout is this: Doing the race course beforehand may be advantageous from the standpoint of predictability but from a mental preparation standpoint, I'm not so sure. That's yet to be determined. Right now all I can think is...Do I really have to go back and do it again? If so, can I request rain on the run again?

This week is a well-deserved recovery week and I am so stoked! I am going camping this weekend with a huge group of friends and it couldn't have come at a better time in the training program. I plan to take advantage of the week, refuel, regroup, relax and get ready for the next round of training. Is it end of May already?

"X" Marks the Spot

2009-05-22T09:08:00.000-07:00

Every Thursday, one of the Tri Club members provides all of the tri club members with an opportunity to swim at Lake Murray with kayak support (and lots of healthy food afterwards) in our own private cove. Yesterday was the second time that my training partner and I ventured out in the 3-weeks since this year's Thursday swims resumed. We've met some awesome people at the tri club and today was no different!

One of the lessons I learned at the Lake Murray Sprint Triathlon or perhaps weaknesses that I learned about myself (I think I already knew but this swim proved it) is that I did a much better job of "spotting" when I did ballet as a child than I do while swimming in open water as an adult. I realized within the first few minutes of the swim portion of the Lake Murray Triathlon that I quickly got off course and subsequently had to work my way back over giving up time and energy that wasn't necessary. I think this also increased my frustration which is counterproductive at the start of any event. Therefore, I decided to make today's swim adventure a less in spotting. Periodically, I would stop along the way to "THE BUOY" just to see exactly where I was. I had an opportunity also to chat with Kelli, our volunteer kayaker for the day, and she gave me some really good pointers. She said that Joe, one of our fellow tri club members, knocked 13 minutes off his swim time this year simply by practicing at the lake with the tri club doing nothing but practicing spotting a target and stroking towards it. This was very promising!

I spent the next part of my practice swim going away from the dock focusing on a target and turning around spotting on the return trip. In addition to spotting, I am having to teach myself how to spot and not waste an opportunity to take a breath. I seemed to eventually get the hang of it as it became a bit more effortless. Nevertheless, I definitely will continue to practice based on some of the pointers that I was given. I haven't had a great deal of practice in open water swimming and the pool is somewhat unrealistic where this particular skill is concerned.

Also, there are some good videos online that demonstrate open water swim techniques. One suggestion that was made was only to lift your head enough so that your eyes are out of the water. Nose and mouth out of the water (majority of head out) causes your butt and lower half to sink which immediately halts forward momentum. Again, definitely things that I will continue to practice as I get closer and closer to Ironman.

Ironman in Perspective

2009-05-18T08:32:00.000-07:00

This was sent to me by one of my IMAZ buddies...I had to post it. What an amazing way to look at it! ~ Author unknown.

Ironman in perspective

IM is not about the swim, the bike, the run nor the time. IM is about discipline, commitment, perseverance and doing three nearly impossible things on a given day that many cannot think about doing in a lifetime. IM races allow us to laugh, cry, be confident, be humble, feel great and later feel terrible all in the same race. We feel sad when we think we will not finish and later feel joyful and relieved when we do. During the race we swear that we will NEVER do this race again, shortly after the race we think we may do the very next one. This is not just a race, IM is about how we live our lives. We are committed to fitness but realize life is about balance. We know what we have to do to have in the "race of our life" but NEVER truly have the time or the energy to do everything we want to do in our preparation. Our families are deprived our attention and time during the hours of training and our friends are the beneficiaries of that commitment. We all realize that there is a balance between race achievement and our real life commitments. As an Ironman you have the unique perspective that allows you to know that for the rest of your life, you can deal with ANYTHING that comes your way. Judge yourself by the way you deal with the adversity in your life and ignore those who wish to minimize that. You never quit during your IM race and that is because of who you are.

Eight at Eight Around the Lake

2009-05-17T17:39:00.000-07:00

The weather throughout the weekend indicated that there would be an 80% chance of rain the t-storms today. At 6:15am this morning, the final text message went out and the decision was made that we'd ride and RIDE we did. Eight ladies headed out around Lake Murray for a steady 60-mile training ride (okay, 59.1 miles).

It was cool to begin with but turned into a rather warm, humid morning as we made it to the traffic circle. My goal for today was not to draft. I spent a great deal of the way solo in between what became two groups of us. I felt strong for the most part and enjoyed the route. We had a new rider, a very good sprint triathlete, and some oldies but goodies.

This week begins Week 27 of the IMAZ training plan. It's starting to sink in that we have 189 days left before the big day. The little extra planning is taking place and we're starting to plan ahead. I am very excited about the months ahead and what's in store. I am so very happy to be on this adventure with such an awesome group! Pedal forward.

Running Like the Kenyans!

2009-05-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I admit, I will never run as fast as a Kenyan runs the Boston Marathon or the Cooper River Bridge Run but I have had a really good run week and had to write about it. (Note: I am also probably 4-times the size and weight of a typical Kenyan runner). nevertheless, on Sunday, we ran 6.3 miles. I probably started a little fast but was trying to pass some ladies who were walking up the big hill. Yeah, I know, they were WALKING and I was RUNNING so I was inevitably going to pass them (I better) but I still felt good running the hill and whizzing past them. Once I topped the hill, I realized that I was feeling froggy so I pushed myself as we made it to our turn-a-round point halfway across the dam. For once, I was feeling better on a run than my training partner. On the return trip, I actually ventured ahead without her. Periodically, I would check to see if she was behind me and although I could see her in the distance, I was still running ahead of her. That's a milestone for me (although she was most likely having a bad night and it never happens like that in the races! SMILE). So, Tuesday night, we ran again. Same route plus a few miles. This time we stuck together the entire distance. Both of us felt amazing and were not fatigued after the run which also shows that we're making progress and training is working to our advantage.

Next goal on the run (sometime in the future)...I gotta get rid of my iPod. Do I really? EEK!

Ride for the Reptiles

2009-05-09T19:05:00.000-07:00

It was supposed to be a ride just like any other ride...we'd bike our 50 miles, run and be done for the day. Nothing hard, just a long ride with some great ladies. We rode for about 20 miles before encountering our first snake. What appeared to be a stick in the road turned out to be a little more lively. No big deal, right? Right. It was ONE snake. We continued on our journey and eventually encounter 2 more snakes fairly soon after number one. Snake number 2 and 3 had already met their fate however. One was floating upside down in a puddle of water at a stop sign (still got a girly scream from a few); another had died coiled up and was providing a lunchtime feast for hungry bugs in the area of Eastover.

Snake number four...the real SAMMY NO SHOULDERS...let's just say initially appeared as if he was just a long crack in the road. However, having had so many previous spottings on the route, this warranted a premature scream followed by another scream from one of my supportive and equally spooked cycling buddies. He was going to the right so we decided to go left...then he changed his mind to go left and two other cyclists behind us decided to go right. He must have thought we had him trapped because he was not happy. Pedal, pedal, pedal...Of course, no doubt he could have outrun us had that been his goal for the afternoon. HR check...still beating at 262 BPM. We were like little girls on bikes...it made us laugh but it also made us much more alert. We'd see one more snake along the way. This one too was alive but not near the adventure Sammy had provided us.

Snakes 5; cyclists 4. Seems that we were a bit outnumbered today by them. Perhaps next time we'll cycle in snake boots. Afterall, 5 snakes in 50 miles was much like going through the snake exhibit at the zoo. The only difference was we didn't stick around to determine whether they were poisonous or not. Pedal, pedal, pedal :)

Good ride today otherwise. Rides are getting tougher as the temps get hotter. Training, training, training!

Report from Race #3 - Lake Murray Sprint Triathlon

2009-05-03T15:45:00.000-07:00

If the event had gone anything like the packet pickup, it wouldn't have been a great event. Thankfully all the kinks must have gotten worked out at Salsarita's and once the packet was in hand, off I went to conquer Lake Murray. Staying at the lake this weekend where the event was held definitely was a bonus. Good friends and good fun made the whole weekend a really cool time!

My plan for the swim this morning was not to swim with anyone that I knew, so I got as far away from people as I could. I realized this to be even truer as I found myself swimming off-course in my own little section of the cove with another participant. Thankfully a kayaker was there to set me straight. Overall, I felt good about the swim. My time wasn't an Olympic record but for me, but I felt like I improved from the previous open water swim. Today was just my third open water triathlon and Lake Murray always delivers some type of wind and current. Open water swimming seems to get better the more I do it but I must work on spotting in the coming weeks. I hammered the bike. Felt really strong! I had a smooth bike-to-run transition. I can't really elaborate too much here other than to say that I didn't feel a need to walk. I remained steady and actually had a good run averaging 9-minute miles.

My stats were as follows: 64/106 on the swim, 21/106 on the bike, 64/106 on the run and 45th overall out of all women competitors. I finished 9th out of 17 in my age group. 750m swim18:12, 16 miles bike 48:19 and 5k 28:46. Overall time...1:36:23 (my training partner 1:37:49).

Interestingly enough, I didn't bring home a prize this event but this was my best event. Today, I won the "mental race"!

The Fort and Pre-Race Thoughts for Lake Murray

2009-05-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

I just returned from a phenomenal 25-mile bike out at Fort Jackson and the Lake Katherine area this morning. Typically, I dread riding the fort and today was no different. There were four of us and the weather was perfect. Cloudy and overcast and maybe a little humid, but nothing unbearable. During the ride, we "chicked" a guy who undoubtedly had not planned to ride THAT hard this morning to catch us after we'd passed him at one point on the route. He eventually came panting past us...it was rather funny. I was exceptionally pleased with the ride today and my performance. Huge confidence booster going into the triathlon tomorrow.

Tomorrow is the Lake Murray Sprint Triathlon. It seems that everyone around the Columbia area does THIS race. I am a little nervous but that's typical for me. I am hoping that the wind isn't out of control like it was last year when I was a spectator. The swimmers took a beating in the lake and I want/ed no part of that. There is presently a 30-40% chance of thunderstorms. Not a good forecast for an open water swim. Anyway, my goals for the race tomorrow are to be steady, consistent and have a better "mental" race than I did last weekend. After this weekend, no more events on the calendar until Festival of Flowers Olympic distance in the beginning of June. Lots of training but no competition so that will be a nice break. There are 17 in my age group as of online registration close.

I am off to pick up packets and stay with friends at the lake where the event is being held. Race report to follow tomorrow...

"Weight" a Minute and Catch Your Breath

2009-04-30T06:39:00.000-07:00

My training partner and I have finally committed to weightlifting as of this week, something that we should have been doing more of all along. Amazing how seeing yourself in a picture puts a new perspective on what is in-shape and what isn't. It could already be some odd placebo effect, but I already feel better having committed to this. Although we are not doing heavy weights, we are focusing on some exercises that tone the arms and legs along with some core exercises (how cool to have something other than a 6-pack of diet Wild Cherry Pepsi in my lifetime). I think this is another step in a positive direction.

Another addition to my training routine is meditation. There are a number of classes and videos available entitled "Yoga for the Cyclist" and "Breathing for the Endurance Athlete". My form of meditation isn't long or complicated. I have simply set aside 10 minutes each day for myself with complete silence to refocus my energy, catch my breath and prepare for the next day of training (and living and working). I have slept better the past two weeks than I have slept in quite a while. Guess there is some truth to the mind-body connection!

Seeing is Believing

2009-04-28T05:02:00.001-07:00

What a difference a picture makes...my training partner and I got the opportunity to look at the pics taken at the race this past weekend. Needless to say, last night was a totally different kind of workout as a result. We began lifting weights like we should have been doing all along. Seeing yourself in pictures and not looking like all of your hard work has paid off truly puts things into a different perspective. So, this starts what I will call "OPERATION FATBLAST"...

In addition to the weightlifting, crunches, squats, lunges, etc., we decided to forego the indoor trainer training and head out on the open road to do an exploratory ride. This resulted in 50 minutes of continuous hill climbs. Excellent workout but boy were we suprised by where the roads took us! :) LOL.

Tonight is an aerobic swim workout! Long segments of continuous swimming.

Report from Race #2 - Langley Pond International Distance Triathlon

2009-04-25T17:40:00.000-07:00

I would be lying if I didn't start this blog by saying how relieved I am that today is behind me. This being the longest distance race I have completed since beginning triathlons last year, I was very apprehensive about everything that today would bring. Nervous would have been an understatement for what I was feeling.

The race setup itself was quite unique - to get out of the swim, you had to have enough strength after swimming to get yourself up on a floating dock using your spaghetti arms. This was followed by an uphill run on uneven terrain of rocks, grass and dirt for what seemed like 1/4 mile to get to the transition area. Of course, this was all done while barefoot. (Not Cool). The first hill climb on the bike could not have lasted longer and we got to do it twice (Really Uncool). The finish line for the run...let's just say you get to see the finish line but you have to pass it, go all the way down to the end of the dam and then back to the finish line (Not cool and totally cruel). Lastly, it was HOT today...hotter than I had planned in my head.

My overall race performace was what I would describe as average. I was much more pleased with the wetsuit swim that I had anticipated. Although, I must admit that it felt like they were moving the farthest yellow buoy the closer I seemed to get to it. Still can't get used to being kicked and swam over. I really want my own lane! I was very proud of the bike leg. Felt really good and focused on pacing. I took an opportunity to use the first loop as not really a warmup but a chance to check out the route so that on the second loop, I knew where I could boogie. The last road we biked on a route that Jeremy decribed as a sucker with a stick was the bomb. Shady and multiple downhills. This made up for the first part of the sucker route that I wish someone had bitten off before we ventured out. That climb was tough. Then, there was the run or should I say, the walk. I totally seemed to shut down on the run. Honestly, I did shut down. Less than a mile into it, I was just over it. I didn't want to run today. At mile 3 or so, I was pleasantly surprised when I met a new race-day friend named Jim. He and I finished the remainder of the run leg together. We walked, we talked, we ran, we walked, we ran through some man's water hose (what a pleasant surprise for him to allow all of the runners to run through his hose as he sprayed us the entire event) and we walked. Jim and I learned a lot about one another throughout this grueling process. I was not pleased AT ALL with my run performance today. And, looking back on it, I probably did not do so well after not drinking AT ALL on the run. I have to consciously tell myself to drink and was so dreading the run that this seemed to slip my mind.

After all was said and done, I never expected to place in my Age Group. My competitor from the NW Tri Club who admittedly finishes last passed me on the run. As I saw her disappear ahead, I thought many, many thoughts. We changed clothes and hung out for the awards ceremony. When all was said and done, I took 3rd in my age group. Proud of the award but not proud of the run performance. The things I learned today: Pacing makes a big difference. You have to make yourself drink. Kicking is not really necessary when you are wearing a wetsuit. And, once you stop and walk, it's easy to stop and walk again and again and again.

Thanks to Teresa, my parents and Jaime for coming out and supporting me today. Jaime has been my friend since elementary school. We've stayed in contact over the years but recently just really reconnected on a 3-day getaway in Charleston (love her!). I couldn't have been happier to see her at the start and at lunch with my family and friends. Oh yeah, I know that Jim will never read this and probably never know but what a difference he made in my event today. GO MARINES! :)

Like a Dying Fish

2009-04-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

Imagine peering out over the water at your favorite lake...you stand back and admire the beautiful landscape. The sun is shining brightly over the calm waters below. Then something catches your eyes in the distance. It's an object that you can't readily identify. It appears to be a fish, floating on top of the water but floundering in place. That was what I looked like yesterday in my second attempt at swimming in my wetsuit. I am beginning to think that there truly is an art to wetsuit swimming. I just hope that I can accomplish and master it before the Olympic distance triathlon tomorrow which will undoubtedly include a W-E-T-S-U-I-T! OMG!

On a positive note, I learned what the term "chicking" means. Apparently, I "chicked" one of the male tri club members. Yesterday upon arrival, I felt like I had entered a village holding the head of the beast I had slayed in my hand upon being congratulated, applauded, etc. by all of the other tri club members. I knew that I had beat a male on the bike this past race but had no idea how significant it was not only to him and the club but should be to me. He told everyone that "that Tonya girl from Lexington beat me on the bike...she smoked me." I had to chuckle with pride given my recollection of him stating to me that when it comes to triathlons, "the swim is just an obstacle to me getting on my bike." One girl said $10 for every time I "smoke" him on the bike. Sounds like a good bet to me!

Report from Race #1 - Greenwood YMCA Sprint Tri

2009-04-20T06:27:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying, it's a new year and increased training, nutrition, etc. has shown worth the investment...

My training partner, Midge, and I both competed in this event. Last year, she not only beat me overall but she beat on the bike segment which earned her major kudos and bragging rights and me some harassment from other cyclists. This year, I was a little more determined and a little more focused. In all the hype of the race, I had initially put down my swim time as the same as hers thinking it would be cool to start the race together. As the race start drew closer, I emailed the event organizer and added 20 seconds to my time just so that I wouldn't start with her and could calm my nerves. She is a much better swimmer than I am. Lo' and behold, we arrive at the event and not only did they NOT change my swim time to the amended time, they had me seeded to start before her, right before her. This meant she would literally be on my heels the entire swim, actually all three events. What I realized after starting the swim was that it actually pushed me harder...it did the same for me on the bike and in the run. I could see her gaining on me in the run...this and a friend of mine telling me that she was going to catch me, pushed me to be steady. I even asked volunteers, neighbors and everyone I'd run past if they would give the girl in purple behind me a brownie or something just to slow her down (I even tried to get a cop who was directing race traffic to give her a moving violation of some kind). I fully expected that she would pass me. In the end she didn't and after viewing the results this morning, the outcome was that she took first in her age group but I beat her by 7 WHOLE SECONDS! :)

Overall outcome for me - 2nd place swim AG, 1st place bike AG, 5th place run AG and 3rd overall in my AG. I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. I felt good throughout the race and was much more confident than last year. I hope this sets the tone for a good season! :)

Pre-Race Thoughts

2009-04-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

My first triathlon of the season is upon me - the Greenwood YMCA Sprint Triathlon. Not a long race - 300 yard swim, 12 mile bike and 3.1 mile run. I feel like training-wise, I am in much better shape than I was last year. I think my key continues to be pacing. I have picked up a few pounds or it sure feels that way so I don't know how that will fare for me. My knee has started back having a slight pinch in it but it's workable. This race will definitely tell me more about that and my overall training thus far but all-in-all, I am ready for a good event. I hope to beat my time from last year if only by a small amount of time. Mentally I am better prepared and hope that my anxiety level will be greatly diminished in comparison to last year. Anyway, full report after the event on Sunday. Swim Bike Run...Gotta Tri! :)

Double Your Pleasure...Double Your Fun!

2009-04-12T17:03:00.000-07:00

On the agenda today was a double brick workout before I could actually commence my Easter activities. This was my first double brick workout and in order to get everything done and have fun today, it meant beginning my workout at 6AM. The plan included cycling 10 miles, running 2 miles, cycling 10 miles and running 2 more miles. I admit the more advance and varied the workouts, the prouder I am at the accomplishments whether BIG or small. This went really well. It was a very good workout actually.

The bike start was a little slower than usual. I had a tough time hitting the hills with the temp being cooler than anticipated and the fact that breakfast had just been consumed. Once I warmed up, I felt good which proved to be reflected in the times for the second brick compared to the first. Tomorrow...off day! :)

My Milestone - What A Difference a Year Makes!

2009-04-11T13:24:00.000-07:00

A year and a week ago today, I had prepared to compete in my first triathlon ever. As I waited for my turn to enter the pool, my HR registered 131bpm on the girl's watch in front of me. We giggled as her watch picked up the reading from my HR monitor (she wasn't wearing her strap). My first pool swim was 300m. I had practiced so hard to be able to complete the swim in a respectable time. Halfway through the swim, I hit a wall...I was panicky and exhausted. I made it through the swim and completed my first triathlon in the Novice category taking first place. To say that I was shocked would be an understatement.

Fast forward a year later...I will be doing the same triathlon in one week. This morning I entered the pool at the YMCA and swam 2200 yards (1.25 miles) without skipping a beat. My stroke was solid and I didn't even feel out of breath. Following the swim, rather than taking a nap, I went cycling. Quite an amazing transformation from last year to this year. I couldn't have been prouder.

Today I also utilized two new products that I found to be really good products. Infinit is a nutritional aid for endurance sports. Very good product that I tried for the first time. You must drink water with it and you do approximately a bottle an hour. You build your own formula from flavor and strength of flavor down to the amount of protein and caffeine you want in your particular formula. The second product used today for the first time was the SportCount Lap Counter. It looks very much the fad ring-watches from the 80's. It has a small strap similar to a watch strap that allows for perfect fit and simply has one button on it that you push to count laps. Having done 88 lengths of the pool today, it couldn't have served me any better.

Tomorrow is my first double brick which will be a bike-run bike-run brick. One week until triathlon season kicks off for me. I will race Age Group this year. I am anxious but excited to see how I do competing against other women who have raced either one year like me or many, many years. The countdown begins...

Polar Bear Swim

2009-04-05T19:58:00.000-07:00

Three of us embarked on my first wetsuit swim this afternoon after my return from a trip to Charleston. Water temperature was 58 degrees. Is there really more to say when you are wearing a sleeveless wetsuit? Oh yeah, it was cold. One of my fellow polar bear swim buddies said there's an old saying about wetsuits-there are those who pee in their wetsuit to get warm and there are those who lie about peeing in their wetsuit...sure was a cold swim!

Have Pool - Will Swim?

2009-04-01T04:21:00.000-07:00

I'm not exactly sure how it always happens like this but the swim segment of IMAZ training continues to be a frequent topic of my blog. Unfortunately, today is no different...

Understand, I only needed to accomplish 600 meters in the pool yesterday because this is a "recovery week". No problem, right? Wrong. I arrived at the pool ahead of schedule and quickly claimed an open lane. This was a much smoother process than previous swim sessions. One of the three swim teams that use the facility was present and swimming their laps. At first glance, the coach appeared to be a few team members short of a team. The coach indicated that only 2 of her 12 swimmers had decided to show. I told her she should commend the 2 for their commitment and she giggled and said, "And they were on Spring Break last week so they didn't know the water was cold." Hmmmmm, what exactly does that mean? Well let me tell you!

The community center where I swim is in a not-so-great area of town. The center itself is a very nice facility though with numerous activities and a large number of participants really on a regular basis. In keeping with the needs of the community and the center, the aquatics director (who harasses me all the time yet doesn't look like he's swam a day in his life) ordered a new pump for the pool. Perfect! I am sure a pool of this size definitely needs a state of the art pump to filter out random things that I always observed when I swam much slower. The problem with that accompanied the acquisition of a larger pump is the fact that the pool might also need a bigger pool heater! With that said, the new pump is causing the old heater to shut off automatically and not regulate the pool temperature. What this means for the swimmers is that the existence of a heated pool become only a facade. And, I cannot begin to tell you how cold the water is when the heater is not functioning properly. It became quite apparent to me upon my SLOWWWW entry into the pool that there was a high probability that the absent swim team members had actually been tipped off and if so, how do I (and the two swim team members who missed the memo) get put on the phone tree?

Once I acclimated to the wetsuit-appropriate water, I quickly found a rhythm. I reached 400 meters and then it happened! I looked at one of the swimmers in a neighboring lane and said, "Are those lights always on?" Several random emergency lights around the pool had popped on. Surely I would have noticed those before. This quick observation was rapidly followed by "EVERYBODY OUT OF THE POOL!"...With 200 meters to go (8 lengths, that's all I needed), we received notification that a transformer had blown. All power in the facility - LOST, and with that went that new state-of-the-art pump and that tired old heater

I sat on the pool deck with my swim partner trying to determine what the next course of action would be. To wait or not to wait? After 10 minutes of warming up wrapped in a cozy beach towel, the decision was made that if the water was cold before, a return entrance into the pool would mean getting acquainted once again with the cold water that was most likely even colder now that the pool heater had REALLY been given a break. So we left...200 meters short of the goal. For the second swim in a row, I'd been cheated by fate...destiny had intervened for reasons which I still do not know. Frustrated, I left.

The good news in all of this? The recreation area at Lake Murray near my house opens today! Have wetsuit - WILL SWIM!

Gotta Train Despite Wind and Rain

2009-03-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

Weekend Day 1 -Yesterday was supposed to be an open water swim at the lake; however, water temperature drops forced us indoors to do a long swim in the pool. One mile non-stop, no problem right? We started swimming and I was making Phelps' time (okay, not really but what if?). Nevertheless, we had established a very good pace. About 550m into the swim, the first sound of thunder. This resulted in a lifeguard panic of sorts and everyone being cleared out of the pool and off the pool deck. Lifeguards say that a 30-minute break after the sound of thunder is required. This meant that every time they hear thunder, the 30-minute break started over. Long swim day was a bust! I was entirely disappointed...but you can't control the weather.

Weekend Day 2 - Today was a bike/run brick. Weather forecast - no rain, warm temps and 17-19mph winds!!!! Are you kidding me?!? Nine of us riding into and against the wind. Seriously!!! I spent 95% of my time avoiding a draft off the pack. I would either fall back to bike solo or take a pull for the pack. We've heard rumors of the winds in Arizona and today was a really good trial run. Taking a 4-minute pull was a grueling task but it felt good. Following the ride, we ran a mile and a quarter just to feel the transition.

Most importantly today - I began Endurox after the ride (recovery drink) and did a much better job of nutrition on the bike. I took in the bottle per hour and consumed my gel and/or jelly beans every hour. I must admit that today is one of the best days I've had from a recovery sense. It's very odd not to want to take a nap afterwards. I am sitting here typing rather than sleeping. What a great day and again, a great group of ladies (and our token male) today! Excellent day despite the wind.

I can't end this posting without telling you about probably one of the funniest things I have seen in a long time. As any cyclist knows, sometimes you gotta go where you gotta go. Wedged between two real estate signs was a lily-white hiney squatting to pee. "Behind" the behind, a dead deer...where else could you see such a sight. As the cars drove past, these real estate signs miraculously repositioned themselves. Too funny! I love my cycling buddies! :) Anonymity guaranteed!

Overtraining and Nutrition - Revisited

2009-03-26T10:16:00.000-07:00

One of the misconceptions I have had during the course of training has been "more is better" where excercise is concerned and "less is better" where food/drink intake is concerned. This week has been a huge "I told you so" experience for me. A good friend, Alison, who completed her first IM race last year, has been a blessing throughout every step in this process. Yesterday at lunch, I had an opportunity to discuss my theory with her in more depth which, in turn, led me back to the drawing board and rethinking my theory.

One of the goals that I've had for IM training is to lose weight...Mistake #1. I learned quickly in my research and in talking with her and other athletes that while training for any IM event, weight loss is not a goal or should I say cannot be a goal. I've been so excited when I look at my watch to see that I burned 2500+ calories on a long ride or 1500+ on a long run. What I've realized is that I have been starving my body of key nutrients it needs to not only endure but equally to recover. My new rule of thumb has to be...Recovery drink after 1 hour of swimming, 2+ hours of cycling, and 2+ hours of running. And, I have ordered Infinit which is tailored to your own needs while endurance training. I believe that these two things will greatly increase my chances of finishing IM successfully. It's important to consume between 200-250 calories per hour of exercise when training or competing in an endurance event.

Mistake #2 is about the amount of exercise. On Tuesday night, I hit a wall. I was so exhausted that all I wanted to do was sleep. Despite it being a swim session night, I wholeheartedly believed that you couldn't have propped me up in the pool and had me stand there for an hour without falling into the water and drowning. Once again, the important part of training is listening to your body. The quote about "undertrain and you don't start; overtrain and you don't finish" is definitely true. Therefore, I am scaling back a bit of the intensity with which I have been training and listening to others and my body where intentsity and longevity of training sessions are concerned.

Many thanks to my friends Alison and Cindy as well as their predecessors for getting me and my training partner on track! Goal now is IMAZ 2009 with no major bonking! :)

H20 and Soda No-No

2009-03-24T06:12:00.000-07:00

I have joked for the past few years since becoming a serious cyclist that I am one of the few athletes that I know that does not drink water. I know people will say, "It has no taste so how can you not like it?" That's precisely the issue - it has no taste.

Over the past year and a half, I have watched my intake of diet Wild Cherry Pepsi double if not triple. It's become my new addiction. I have spent some time now seriously researching artificial sweeteners, diet drinks, weight loss/gain, etc. and how these are all or can be interrelated. So, with that said, I am making a commitment (PUBLIC COMMITMENT) to cut out my soda consumption which means limiting myself to one soda per week and replacing it with some H2O beverage of sorts. This morning I am drinking a G2 packet in my water and will later try a flavoring packet that contains no Splenda.

I am hoping that this sacrifice will also put me more on track and assist me in meeting my IMAZ goal. Wish me luck as I attempt this task/goal and better yet, wish those around me luck as I withdraw from caffeine!

Here We Go Loopty Loo x Two

2009-03-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day today to be outside cycling! Several of us decided that we would venture out and do a 60-miler today. I started the morning out with a group of 5 ladies, 4 of which are taking part in the IMAZ event. We know that at IMAZ we are going to have to do multiple loops so we chose to do a 30-mile loop twice. For the second loop, we had a wonderful opportunity to cycle with some long overdue familiar faces - our regular women's cycling group. Overall, I had a really good ride. I felt much stronger on the first loop than the second but managed to maintain a good overall pace for the day! As my training partner and I have discussed many times before, it's important to work through the mental aspects of endurance training. She had a tough time today but was able to complete the entire route. My struggle this week was the run...it's been great having each other to pull the other one through alternating tough mental exhaustion we've experienced at times. Today was also a reminder of the many things that change when you embark on the training journey for any major event. It was so nice to be reminded of the days when things weren't so schedule oriented and just enjoy being with some really good cycling buddies. What a great group to be a part of!

"Spring"ing Forward and Leaving the Trainer Behind

2009-03-19T17:55:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow morning marks the first day of spring and I am so excited to put winter behind us. Although our winters don't compare to the colder states, winter either toughens you up and serves as excellent conditioning for the warmer months or it breaks you to the point where you just don't wanna get on the bike. With that said, I hit the open road today prepared for a beautiful afternoon of cycling. How happy was I to be off the indoor trainer and enjoying "Spring Eve". I had grown so accustomed to getting on the trainer that I headed out the door without my cycling bag...no gloves, no helmet, no cycling shoes as I drove across town to my starting point. This resulted in a 15 minute delay to return to get my gear.

Needless to say, I am ecstatic about moving beyond the colder months and ready to put some major mileage on "Buzzbee"...Happy Spring Cycling! :)

But I Don't Wanna...

2009-03-18T05:15:00.000-07:00

Last night was a 3000m swim. We headed to the pool around 8pm so we didn't have to contend with the local swim team and the water aerobics class. When we arrived, we quickly got a lane which was a blessing in and of itself. We set up all of our swim gear and propped up the infamous scuba/swim board where our workouts are written.

The first 300m went by very quickly. We swam these at a planned L1 with no problem whatsoever...posted a good time, felt strong in the warm up and moved on to the drill sets...again no problem. Then, it happened! My brain began a slow rebellion and began to try to overtake my arms. Before I could react, my body and brain had waged a war against one another. Regardless of the message that my arms tried to communicate to my brain, it refused to cooperate. By the next set of drills, my mind was set and now had the functioning capacity of a 4-year-old who had just been told he/she had to take a nap. And the message my brain was sending to my arms was crystal clear...I was not going to take a nap!!!...LOL. I hit a wall in my mind that wouldn't allow me to be positive about the remaining 2300m. The remaining segments of the workout seemed to grow disproportionately second by second, minute by minute. What to do?!?

Thankfully, my swim partner kicked into action as she begun to see this battle unfold in the expression on my face. We abandoned the planned workout and spontaneously created one of our own. Last night for whatever reason, I just couldn't take the monotony of the planned workout, looking at the board and all that remained was just too much. Needless to say, in the end, we were able to successfully complete the 3000m workout in a timely fashion. I was very pleased to finish it despite feeling as if my mind and body were swimming in separate lanes!

I write this as a reminder to myself that sometimes, it's pushing through the mental roadblock that makes all the difference between being a triathlete and choosing just to be a spectator. I already recognize that there will be many days ahead when a swim, bike or run workout just doesn't seem manageable or even the least bit stimluating; however, if I can push through to the other side, change gears, rework it, I know that I can stay on track and be successful. :)

{Note to self: Remember this posting for battles yet to be encountered!}

The Triathlon Community

2009-03-10T06:04:00.000-07:00

Last night, my training partner and I ventured to the community pool as we do several times a week (I have previously written about these stressful experiences). This time we went much later and the outcome was well worth it. I not only swam the longest distance I've ever attempted, I did it with much less "pool anxiety" and no fight for a lane. Great evening of training!

But, I didn't want to write about the swim today; I wanted to share about the local triathlon community of which I am very proud to say I am now a part of. One of the things I've noticed about swimming in a public/community facility is the number of people and variety of people you encounter. I can tell you that there hasn't been a single swim session that we've gone to the pool where we weren't asked what we're training for and been given an opportunity to trade stories with other local triathletes. Last night was no exception. We had the opportunity to be swimlane neighbors with a middle-aged woman who has been doing triathlons for a few years now. She decided to challenge herself and has begun her personal journey to complete her first Ironman event in September in Florida. On the other side of us was a gentleman who has only completed one sprint triathlon. His goal this year is to complete the international distance triathlon in Hartsville towards the end of the season. The three of us stood around for a while laughing about the 70+ year old participants who've passed us before in running events. He laughed about being third to the last out of the water for the swim. Again, it didn't really matter. As we stood around swapping stories, I had a feeling within that made me smile internally.

I am continually amazed at what a welcoming, friendly community of athletes I have been given the privilege to surround myself with. Whether it's laughing about being slow in an event, sharing a horror story about a missed opportunity or just being able to carry on a conversation with someone about goals and hopes for the tri season, I truly feel that I have found another community that I am proud to be a part of. It's different from an exclusively cycling community but the underlying theme is the same...people training, people trying to improve themselves or their lives and people wishing to be a part of something special with other people who share the same interest. I am very proud to be a triathlete!

Puffing to Pedaling...More About Me

2009-03-03T08:10:00.000-08:00

Over the past few months, I have had several people continue to ask additional questions about why I am interested in completing an event such as Ironman. For many who know me and now for those who haven't known me as long, I was an avid smoker until 4 years ago. I can recall numerous days when even though I wanted to get out and run, I couldn't because I couldn't catch my breath to run to the mailbox. I did well to make it running around the block without listening to my lungs whistle random tunes back at me in opposition of cardiovascular activity.

So, I eventually made the decision to quit. I did great for almost 8 months despite the emotional struggles associated with the weight gain that often accompanies smoking cessation. I fell off the wagon and started back on New Year's Eve at the conclusion of 2005. I decided that after 8 months of not smoking any cigarettes, I could easily smoke one cigarette and get away with it...that was a mistake. I smoked for several months after having "just one" cigarette before quitting again. I have continued to resist the urge despite the numerous stressful times in my daily tasks (i.e., driving, work) that I have wanted nothing more than to step outside and have "just one" one last time.

With that said, I had to find another outlet...something healthy to replace something terribly unhealthy and both psychologically and physically addictive. First came running or should I saw shuffling along while others ran miserably slow beside me to keep pace with me. Then, I found cycling and it began to open up a whole new world for me. I had ridden a bike before but would often stop, get off the bike, smoke a cigarette and hope back on to continue down the trails. This time I truly found cycling and it's purpose and place in my daily life. I love the freedom that comes with riding out on the open roads, I love the friendships I've made as a result of being part of a cycling group/community and I love the competition and challenge that defines being able to identify myself as a "triathlete" now. All of these things have changed my perspective on smoking (that's not to say I don't miss it from time to time), healthy living, lifestyle choices, etc.

It is these reasons and factors that contribute to who I am and my ultimate goal of completing an Ironman. As I watched friends cross the finish line last year in IM events, I heard those words that still echo over and over in my mind during any tough workout or while icing any injury...to hear the announcer loudly and proudly say, "Tonya Lewis, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!"...that's why I am doing it...it's the icing on the cake in this phase of my journey.

USA National Challenge Competition Ends

2009-03-01T16:49:00.000-08:00

Having joined the local triathlon club in the fall of 2008, I had my first opportunity to participate in the USA National Challenge Competition as part of the Northwest YMCA Triathlon Club. Despite my minor injuries and winter-related illnesses (thank goodness that's over), I logged in 517.92 miles. That is the overall totals for three months of my initial IMAZ training. Initially, this seemed like a lot but knowing what lies ahead is a reminder that this is nothing in comparison to what's to come. Nevertheless, I welcome the challenge. As a club, with a great deal fewer participants, overall we came in 20th in the total logged miles for clubs out of 45 clubs. I had a good time participating and reporting my daily mileage. It seems like a bigger deal when you report to "someone" and are part of a team rather than simply writing it in the tri-log.

Can't wait to see how many miles I log in the coming months. Hoping to get off the trainer and on the road when the weather warms up!

Selling Donuts to Buy an Endless Pool

2009-02-24T05:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my return to the pool following a week off to heal a small meniscal tear in my right knee. When we arrived at the pool, it was clear that chaos had overtaken the swimming pool. There were people EVERYWHERE. This initial observation was quickly confirmed as we walked by and the most helpful of the lifeguards said to us, "tight fit today ladies" and boy, she wasn't kidding! How do you even begin to decide which person has been there the longest? Who will give out first? Who can swim in a straight line? It took a few minutes but eventually we politely moved in to share a lane with a gentleman who had been swimming prior to our arrival once his lane buddy had had enough.

We began swimming, me with the pull buoy in tow, just as my doctor had advised. I noticed swimming with this gentleman (I'll call him "Freddie") that Freddie must not be a regular swimmer. Freddie continuously looked at his watch, which by all accounts and observations, was most likely the same watch he had worn to work with his suit and tie earlier in the day...you know the silver-stretch-banded watch like a Fossil or a faux expensive watch. Freddie frequently checked his time as he swam end-to-end and attempted various strokes lap after lap when the previous stroke seemed to fail for him. I noticed something else about Freddie...every time I would pass him at the dropoff to the deep end, Freddie would plant his feet down and propel himself forward to complete the length of the lane. This began to be somewhat annoying on my return beside him because during my stroke, out of nowhere I would be overtaken by a tsunami next to me as he lunged ahead. At one point, I also realized that Freddie was bringing out the Phelps and racing beside me as I had my pull buoy restraining my ability to kick. This, of course, forced me to reach farther, pull harder and glide longer. Perhaps I need him beside me every day I swim.

My guess, not that it matters in the big scheme of things, is that Freddie signed up for his first race most likely that day or perhaps the previous day. (You know how we always start a new plan on a Monday!) Freddie came to the pool that day determined to see if he could find a way to complete the distance in a reasonable amount of time that the race would require. Once he'd successfully completed this pre-determined distance "by whatever means necessary", Freddie exited the pool and was gone. .

I digress...I tell this story not to diss on Freddie who was swimming in the lane with us but as a reminder to myself of my first race that I signed up for...A friend and I signed up for the Susan G. Komen 5k race in Greenville, SC. Two nights before the race, we went to the local gym's indoor track and ran 80+ laps or so just to be sure that we could complete the race. It's funny how our mind works in the beginning. It's all about finishing...can we do it? Over time, however, you learn the importance of pacing, efficiency, planning, etc. This explains why my title today is "Selling Donuts to Buy an Endless Pool"...is it too much to ask to have a lane sometime that you don't have to share? Perhaps I will tag-team with Krispy Kreme or Dunkin Donuts and target those who aren't interested in swimming whatsoever all for a good cause and would help me get my swimming in without the anxiety of chaos in the pool. :) Wonder how many donuts I'd have to sell to afford an endless pool?

Whose Lane Is It Anyway?

2009-02-11T10:45:00.000-08:00

One of the difficulties in training this time of year is finding time to swim in a pool that has a lane available for you. Unless you are fortunate to have one of the Endless Pools or live in a house big enough to have an expensive, heated indoor pool, a challenge we sometimes face is getting a lane.

Having only the necessity for a pool over the last year and a half, I am beginning more and more to understand pool etiquette or the lack thereof. Yesterday, my training partner and I went to our local community center where we always swim (10 lanes). We had already checked the schedule and knew that the water aerobics class would take the first 4 lanes; however, tonight they had the first 5 lanes (that leaves 5 lanes). Then, there is the swim team that usually takes one lane but tonight they have 3 lanes (that leaves 2 lanes)...it's now starting to feel like Gremlins where adding water causes them to multiply only the lanes aren't multiplying, too. So, there are supposed to be 3 lanes for open swim. Now I am no mathematician but that doesn't leave 3 lanes. So, my partner and I decide to swim in the swim team lane from the time we arrive until their start time - that gives us 30 minutes. We'll then move into a lane that opens when the water aerobics class finishes or the 4 swimmers get out of the 2 open swim lanes. It sounds good, right?

Well, it just so happens that the swim team begins their swim practice early AND the water aerobics class is not over. There are 4 swimmers in the 2 open swim lanes....two are swimming and it has now come to my attention that two have stopped swimming and have decided to snuggle and make out across the lane lines/ropes. They look up at us as if it isn't obvious that we've gotten out of the pool two lanes down and are now waiting on a lane to finish our swim workout. These two swimmers (although tonight they don't technically qualify as swimmers by definition) making out are not in the same lane. Fast forward...-the female in the couple gets out and the water walker sharing the lane with her male counterpart gets out. So, we politely ask to share the lane with the remaining female....denied. As we sat on the deck of the pool carrying on a conversation, she continued to give us every reason under the sun why there should be no lane sharing with her. It was an unbelievable, frustrating evening trying to complete Luckily, the water aerobics class ended and we proceeded with our swim workout.

I write about this today to say that I am not crazy about sharing a lane either especially when there are so many factors that can affect a good swim, but over time, I have learned that we all have one common goal - to get our workout done (unless you're there for a pool make-out session). So, just like with biking, I ask, be courteous with those around you and be willing share your lane...it will make the overall experience much more pleasurable and everyone meets their goal. Happy swimming! :)