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....!!!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
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?
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?
Saturday, November 14, 2009
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!
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!
Friday, November 13, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
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!)
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!)
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
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! :)
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! :)
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