A Year in the Making - Game On

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

'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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!