The Ironman Tattoo (a.k.a. "The M-Dot")

Anyone who knows me, knows that I don't have a tattoo nor have I ever wanted a tattoo. For those who don't know, it is customary for many that once they have completed their first IM distance triathlon that a "M-dot tat" is sure to follow. This has come up in discussion now at multiple parties, functions and training sessions. So, I thought that I should probably go ahead and go on the record and say that I will be sporting an awesome M-dot charm around my neck or an M-dot bracelet. Some kind of divine intervention will be necessary for me to get the M-dot permanently placed on my body. I will gladly hold the hands of all those who venture into the tat-shop and want to get it done :)

No Doggie Paddling Allowed

Tonight was our first scheduled swim test...the Cooper swim test. At the mention of the word "test", I naturally get nervous and am taken back to graduate school days of oral comprehensive exams. But tonight was a different kind of anxiety. To begin with, the pool was closed upon our arrival due to a chlorine issue. What normally requires no wait was now a 45- minute wait. Once we got onto the pool deck, we settled into our lane and began preparation. Enter anxiety-provoker #2, Janice, the Drew Wellness swim coach and she was headed right for us. She was wonderful enough to provide us with an early Christmas present which was a swim stroke evaluation. She has done this for us from time-to-time and we are always little sponges soaking up all of the tips that she provides. However, in this situation, this added more anxiety to the anxiety I was already experiencing because now I was being observed for a new stroke technique.

We began the test. Midge first...Midge took off and completed 25 lengths of the pool in the time allowed. Oh the pressure, I was next. Could I even complete half that? I looked at Janice, who was ready right along with Midge to hit the start button on the watch. I politely said, "you don't have to watch". She politely responded, "Go ahead and get started...I'll be right here..." AND she was for the entire swim test. LOL

I came in at 23 1/2 lengths which was very good for me, I thought. I was grateful for Janice and grateful that the swim test was over. It was exciting to have everyone cheering me on as if I was trying to qualify for an Olympic event. The good news is...plenty of time for improvement and a new admiration for competitive swimmers! The bad news...I don't think I would qualify for an Olympic event...but I was proud that I didn't resort to doggie paddling to complete the test. :)

Run Forrest Run - "My mama said, 'Stupid is as stupid does.'"

One of the biggest problems I have in the triathlon, duathlon and century events I have completed as well as often during my training sessions is taking off way too fast. I hear the words "I am timing you" or "top 3 win" and my brain shifts into a competition mode and it doesn't shut down easily. So, my run coach decided this week that she would teach me and my fellow running partners a lesson.

Toni, our run coach, said that she was going to time us. We were to run down 4 light poles and back...then down 5 light poles and back...then finally down 6 light poles and back...The object was for our last time to be less than our initial time. Being the jokester that I am, this was an easy accomplishment in my head and I huddled us together for a quick planning session. We'd show her. Obviously, the key was to run the first leg slow. Duh! Like I said, in my head it worked. In the execution it failed...as soon as two of us heard the sound "GO", we bolted down the path like a horse out of the start gate. With the first leg time recorded (and it was low), I had to go into Plan B. I decided that I would do a "slower jog" down but this time, full-on sprint back...that would surely solve the problem we'd created for ourselves...When all was said and done...this plan failed for us also.

So with this said, the lesson of the evening: Slow and steady wins the race. Pacing is everything and with a 140.6 mile race a year from now, I hope to take this lesson with me.

The Decision to Embark on This Journey

Several people have asked me why I would want to do an IM. I am not entirely sure that I can put my finger on the exact moment that I made the decision to begin this journey. I know that after having a successful first season of triathlons and century rides, I wanted something more challenging. I watched a friend cross the finish line via Live Feed in IM Kentucky last month and I think that it gave me the push. She went from couch potato to IM in one year...most impressive I think. Then, the opportunity to train with a group came about and meet new people...to be a newbie and have such a wonderful group of men and women athletes around you who have done it and who will guide you through the process is a "high"...a bonus...luck. So, I can't really say the exact moment it happened, but regardless, I know that the decision was the right one. I have embraced a new training schedule, a new mindset and a new "me" as I conclude Week 4 of my 53 week training schedule. Here I go... I will keep you posted.

What Not To Eat Before Getting on the Trainer...

Midge, who will be my faithful training partner, and I were supposed to eat at home last night rather than eating out. Instead, she had a craving for Long John Silver's. Uggghhhh, I thought but nevertheless, I gave in... However, I opted for popcorn chicken at the KFC next door which turned out to not be any better. Thirty minutes later, we are both off the bike trainers and I am laying on the couch with Bailey feeling totally miserable. Lesson for this training session: Long John Silver's and/or KFC are not good pre-race meals! I don't think we'll readily forget that!