tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761168851548662112024-03-12T22:57:11.238-06:00Swimming, Cycling & Running with A(L)titude:I never said it would be EASY. I said it would be WORTH it.Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458902596339656206noreply@blogger.comBlogger703125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376116885154866211.post-2734720393202941692021-10-14T09:00:00.001-06:002021-10-14T09:00:46.075-06:00Mr. C brain dump<p> </p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This is how I picture Mr. C. (That's how I refer to my Celiacs)</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n9OKpGMrxRY/YWhBvvYL9WI/AAAAAAAAxWA/n4NPPYDmdXQUp_Kd2FJpdEsgQbjFNXCwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s498/v-cartoon-virus.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="498" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n9OKpGMrxRY/YWhBvvYL9WI/AAAAAAAAxWA/n4NPPYDmdXQUp_Kd2FJpdEsgQbjFNXCwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/v-cartoon-virus.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I get mad when people try to explain to me why I got sick or what I should have done differently. I'm sure that over time and likely when I'm feeling better, I will not get mad and will be able to talk more freely.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Today, I'm going to talk about my Celiacs diagnosis. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">First of all, Celiacs is an auto-immune disease that people are genetically pre-disposed to having. I did not do anything to cause this. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It is NOT a flare up. It is not an allergy or dietary fad. I get VERY SICK when I eat gluten containing items and serious damage has been caused to my intenstines which causes a whole host of problems. I get sick when there is cross contamination, meaning that my meal did not contain any gluten but a plate or knife or something else touched my food.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://celiac.org/about-celiac-disease/what-is-celiac-disease/">This is from celiac.org</a></span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; color: #002635; font-family: basic-sans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">When people with celiac disease eat gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye and barley), their body mounts an immune response that attacks the small intestine. These attacks lead to damage on the villi, small fingerlike projections that line the small intestine, that promote nutrient absorption. When the villi get damaged, nutrients cannot be absorbed properly into the body.</p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; color: #002635; font-family: basic-sans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">Celiac disease is hereditary, meaning that it runs in families. <span style="box-sizing: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit;">People with a first-degree relative with celiac disease (parent, child, sibling) have a 1 in 10 risk of developing celiac disease.</span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; color: #002635; font-family: basic-sans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">Celiac disease can develop at any age after people start eating foods or medicines that contain gluten. Left untreated, celiac disease can lead to additional serious health problems.</p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; color: #002635; font-family: basic-sans, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">******************************************</p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;">FOR YEARS, I have googled my symptoms only to come up empty handed. This is normal. On average, a person with celiacs is misdiagnosed for 6-10 YEARS before they get a proper diagnosis.</span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;">For reals, I am NOT blaming doctors. It is a combination of issues. </span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;">#1 A person can be asymptomatic for many years before having problems.</span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;">#2 The symptoms can start slowly. This is what happened to me. I can, now, look back as far as 2012 and see that my symptoms were starting. But they were so few and far between that it wasn't anything that I would have even brought up to a doctor. However, the damage to my insides had already started. </span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;">#3 When there is no history of celiacs, there is no reason to do a test. It is very likely that others in my family have/had it and didn't know. My family is so large and spread out, anyone could have anything, and no one would necessarily know. </span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;">#4 When I started googling my symptoms, NOTHING came up. NOTHING. Dr. Google isn't a good place for medical advice, right? BUT, my blood tests were all coming back normal. I was trying to find out what was wrong with me. So, I could only assume that I was ok....until I found out I wasn't. </span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;">#5 Even today, with a diagnosis that showed my numbers to be at the very top of the scale, I STILL don't have many of the symptoms that many celiacs have. </span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;">I did not get a test until my hematologist told me that my body's ability to absorb iron was dropping at an alarming rate. She recommended a celiac test because that is the #1 symptom of Celiacs.</span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;">I'm writing this today to tell you </span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING WRONG. This is a genetic issue that I have had my entire life.</span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">THE DOCTORS DIDN'T DO ANYTHING WRONG.</span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;">This has been incredibly difficult and probably the most emotionally challenging thing that I have been through.</span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;">Unless you have this, you have no idea what it's like to be out all day, get hungry, and realize YOU CAN'T JUST GO GET A PIZZA or grab something fast. You have NO IDEA what it is like to worry about cross contamination. </span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;">I know that pretty much everyone who is reading this, isn't blaming me or doctors or anything. I needed a place to vent. That's all.</span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;">I'm feeling better, physically, now. It's going to take me time to get over some of the emotional hurdles. The other day, Mr. T and I were talking, and I told him, "it's one thing to be gluten free by choice. If you decide you want pizza, you can go get pizza. I can't. It's so hard. I have to meal plan like never before, and things will STILL happen that cause me issues."</span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;">I don't particularly care what people think, in general, but I'm not in a place where I can deal with it right now. I *will* be, but I'm not right now. </span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;">In the meantime, I'm still trying to get answers on other issues. Dealing with referrals and insurance has been an absolute nightmare. There will be more down the road....you lucky readers. </span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;">All I ask is that you listen without judgement....it's that walk a mile in a person's shoes thing. </span></p><p style="background-color: #fefefe; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458902596339656206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376116885154866211.post-51766158830839660572021-10-04T12:27:00.004-06:002021-10-04T16:58:45.581-06:00Remember me?<p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Hi,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">I don't know if you remember me. I'm Tea.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">I used to do a lot of races: running, triathlon, open water swimming, etc. I (seemingly) had endless energy. I could train hard 12-15 hours a week, run a business, and take care of things around the house (since I worked from home) and on and on and on. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Everything changed in 2018. Looking back now, I realize that's when I can actually pinpoint my health issues starting. At the time, I was going through the worst year of my life and peri-menopause, and all of my symptoms pointed to those 2 things. Bloodwork always came back normal. I thought, I'd just ride out the storm.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">I went from killing races in 2017 to not being able to complete workouts, being fatigued, having really bad stomach problems and an extreme hunger that I've never had before. I was also not myself. I was irritable, likely because I was in pain. This is when the weight started coming on. The brain fog was so bad that someone could tell me something in the morning, and two hours later, I couldn't remember it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">When 2019 rolled around, the big stresses were almost all wrapped. I wasn't feeling any better. Again, I thought, perimenpause, and maybe stress it just taking longer to go away, especially at the level I had.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Of course, 2020 hits. I started noticing and increase in symptoms, and they were happening more frequently. Seriously, in 2020, there was no way in hell, I was going to the doctor unless I was literally dying. Besides every.single.time., my bloodwork comes back normal. That's not exactly dying, right?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Over those 2 years, I gained an enormous amount of weight. ENORMOUS. None of it could be explained away by COVID-baking. Maybe 10lbs, but we're talking 50lb weight gain.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Early in 2021, I started working with Dina (world famous Dietitian :) ), and someone that I trusted. At the end of the program, 3 months, I hadn't lost a single bit of weight. At that time, Dina recommended that I get my thyroid tested. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Unfortunately, my health broke down even further. At that time, I had to address what I could. I was having MASSIVE bleeding. Hey, perimenopause bleeding is bad, but this was a new level. My cycle was 14 days, and I was bleeding like someone cut an artery for 18 days. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">THIS WAS URGENT. Thyroid has to wait. I need help NOW. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Unfortunately, it is not easy to get in with doctors in this post covid year. Between my initial visit, biopsy, ultrasound, blood work, the entire process took 2 months.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Again, everything came back normal.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">But, I KNEW I was NOT normal. I'm not the same person I was 3 years ago.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">At this point, things went downhill quickly. I got to the point where I couldn't go up a flight of stairs without having to sit down at the top.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">I couldn't walk a half mile. When I went to the grocery store, I would have to sit in my car to recover. I was cold all the time. In 90 degrees, I was in a heavy coat. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">My stomach issues were getting worse. I wasn't sleeping.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">I decided to try a different primary care doctor. (Mr. Tea's doctor). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">The day I saw her, I did a brain dump. Every single thing, even if it seemed insignificant, I told her. I also told her about my experience with Dina and that Dina recommended I get my thyroid tested. In the examine, she said that my thyroid also felt a bit enlarged, so she was going to order an ultrasound.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Of course, my blood panel came back pretty normal; other than low iron. My thyroid tests came back as normal, except that I tested positive for thyroid antibodies (a normal test would have been negative).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">When I got my blood tests back, I broke down crying. I didn't WANT something to be wrong. BUT there IS something wrong with me, and no one can figure out what it is. I can't even go to the store without being completely wiped out, among other problems.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">I was at a level of hopelessness that I've never felt before.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">I told my PCP this. She sent me to a hematologist for more in depth testing. She also referred me to and endocrinologist and ordered an ultrasound for my thyroid.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Every single doctor I saw, I started with the same thing, "There is something wrong with me. I'm not the same person I was in 2017".</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">If you've ever had to deal with referrals and insurance and all that shit, it's a long slow process. It feels even longer when you're in pain and just want some answers. At this point, ANY ANSWERS. I just needed to hear that there was something that could be done.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Enter the hematologist.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">The greatest doctor I have EVER met in my entire life. First of all, she was hilarious. I haven't laughed in a long time. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Most importantly, she didn't look at my symptoms as individual events. She was the first doctor to look at everything and start putting the pieces together, everything; even the intense menstrual bleeding.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">The first thing she noticed was that I was told I had low iron (which is true), the more concerning an urgent situation was that my iron continually dropped over the 3 current blood panels, and my tests are showing that my body's ability to absorb iron is dropping at an alarming rate.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">She told me if this had gone on much longer, I would have needed a blood transfusion. She ordered Iron, IV infusions. 1x per week for 2 weeks then every 3 months for a year.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Then she said the magical words, "The more concerning question is WHY is this happening?"</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Among other things, low iron absorption can be caused by celiacs and given the digestive problems, she ordered a celiacs panel.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">PRAISE HEYZEUS. SOMEONE IS GOING BEYOND MY SYMPTOMS.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">More bloodwork. This time also being tested for Celiacs. (And of course, another referral to a gastroentologist).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">This time my blood tests came back showing the iron trend continuing. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">We are still working with the insurance company on the IV infusions because I need someone sitting behind a desk to determine the appropriate level of care.....not my doctor.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">But, I digress.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">At least, I'm making progress. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">I now know that I have anemia, and I was diagnosed with celiacs.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">CELIACS. Let that sink in. I have NO ONE in my family who has celiacs. NOT ONE PERSON. I turn 54 this month. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Since I got the results, I've been on that gluten-free life. It's easy when I'm home. But it's harder when I'm out. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">I can't even tell you how much better I feel just addressing that issue. I accidentally had one small taste of something the other day, and I was miserable for the rest of the day. Avoiding those foods is easy when they make me so sick. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">(BTW: the extreme hunger could have been caused by the celiacs. My body wasn't absorbing nutrients, so my brain was saying "send more food", which I obliged).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">In the meantime, I still have my thyroid issue. I had the ultrasound and found out that I have a ginormous nodule on my thyroid, which is weird because looking at me, you can't even see it. But it's huge, it has taken over my entire right side of my thyroid.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Now, I'm going in for a biopsy (on Wednesday of this week). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">I'm not terribly worried about it. Whether it's cancer or not, the treatment is the same: rip that sucker out and go on hormones the rest of my life. (Ok, I know there are other types of thyroid cancer that are WAY more serious, but they are also even more rare. And really, I don't have a family history of thyroid cancer).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Of course, the question I have asked myself is why did everything hit in 2018? I'll never know for sure, but I *do* think it had to do with the level of stress that I was going through at the time and the fact that I am perimenopausal. As I've learned, thyroid issues in women can be exacerbated perimenopause.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Also, all these issues is like a chicken and egg thing. Did thyroid problems cause celiacs which cause the anemia? Did celiacs cause everything? At this point, the order of events doesn't matter.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">I have a bunch of appointments still to come, and I have bunch more to figure out. The waiting is hard, but it is what it is at this point.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Biopsy, follow up with endocrinologists.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">And more appoints with the gastro to do a biopsy on my small intestine to find out how much damage there is. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Then of course, also, on going appointments with the hematologist.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Even with all of that, I feel like I'm on a path to treatment now. I never would have seen any of this coming, but here we are.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Feeling more positive, I signed up for a 5k. It's Dec 5th. I am hoping to be strong enough to walk it. It feels like an enormous goal since I can't even walk a mile right now. But, there's always another race. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">If you've made it to the end, I'm actually pretty impressed. I think I just needed to dump all this out there. Maybe it's a good way to document my progress as time goes on. Maybe it will be cathartic for me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Also, I realize that I've probably been pretty vague about symptoms or appointments, but this was just a brain dump. I've had to tell my story over and over so many times. I actually have text messages to myself, so I can remember what I've said and so I don't leave out anything. </span></p>Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458902596339656206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376116885154866211.post-39056225102624185732021-01-03T09:05:00.001-07:002021-01-03T09:05:38.025-07:00Going old school<p> </p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Over the past year, I have sat down to write many times, but what do I say? How do I write when it was a year where some people lost their lives or lost everything they had; yet others barely felt anything more than a mask on their face?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">I had to come to terms with the fact that if I was going to write, it would be just about me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">It was probably better that I didn't write back then because when I sat down to write, I would feel this anger bubbling up. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">It wasn't anger about any one thing. It was anger about everything. FFS, I was even mad at people who were exercising/training at regular intervals because it took <i>every ounce of energy for me to just get out of bed</i>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">I don't want to go down that road now. I had a few people that honestly kept me sane. They didn't seem to care if I was snarky or cynical in my response, or if my responses weren't sincere. They just let me be. Those friends were Alison, Gabi & Liz, who would message me random bits of things going on in their lives. Those random bits would remind me that the world (as much as I wanted to believe) <b>did not revolve around me</b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Weird. Huh?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Most importantly, they made me smile or laugh. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Why blog again? Why now? Way way back when I was a kid, I always kept a journal. Of course as an older adult, that became blogging. Then, as I started focusing on being an athlete, the blog became more of a training journal. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">I don't know; other than it just felt right. I really don't have a reason.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">For a long long time, I was lost with life. Normally, I have goals. For most of this year, my goal was to get through each day. SURVIVE each day. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">2020 felt like Groundhog's day, every single day. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">In December, I started to think about how I wanted to move forward. (That's progress, right?) This is my new workload. This is my new schedule. What do I want to accomplish in 2020?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">It was not an easy thing to do because I was not in a place where I had ANY motivation to do anything. All I had was this overwhelmingly positive feeling that 2021 was going to be better. I knew that I would have to work through a few more months of darkness. Then, good things would start happening again.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Being in a state of darkness, what do I do? I tried repeatedly to run or bike or swim or strength train, but I did nothing consistently. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">The more I let go, the better I felt. I thought, "Maybe this is the best time for me to go back to the basics". </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">I started as a runner, a very long time ago. Running is hands down the easiest thing to do. No gym required. Step out the door and run. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">And of course, there's Dobbs now. Dobbs the wonder dog. Dobbs the dog that we thought would be a small dog. Dobbs the pup we got that was practically emancipated, with visible bones sticking out, ended up being incredibly muscular, powerful, energetic, athletic (we think) 70lbs now at 14 months. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">We did a dna test that came back, "He's a baaaaad bitch".</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Most importantly, Dobbs loves to run. It took extensive training, as we ran into hurdles with the pandemic hitting. No doubt, we put a lot of work into his training, as I've posted ad nauseum</span><span style="font-family: Raleway;"> on FB and IG. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">All the work was worth it, as we have an incredible dog that is fully off leash trained, trained to run with me, and on and on.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">I have a dog that nudges me with his nose immediately after breakfast, starts running in circles, & whining with excitement. When I ask, "Do you want to run?", he loses his mind.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Being as I was struggling to get to the pool because of work and my bike motivation was very low, and I have a dog ready to run marathons at full speed.....well, running became my thing.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">I went full circle.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">I have no goals. No plans. I feel like I'm starting all over again, and it was an incredibly refreshing feeling. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Dobbs and I run and walk. Because each run is technically "training" for the both of us, we work on running longer stretches each run. When we walk, he gets a mental break to just walk next to me and smell fun stuff like goose poop and the long grass (that I swear must be doggie crack). Physically, he can go forever, but mentally, we need to work on his focus. I can tell when he starts getting tired of thinking.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">This whole thing led me to think that if I'm starting over again, what do I really want to focus on? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">If you've ever set goals before, you know that the goal has to be something that is truly important TO YOU. It doesn't matter what other people tell you. It doesn't matter what your BFF is doing. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">I needed to find that thing.....the one thing....that I felt was important. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">I was excited for the first time in over a year.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">I went online and bought planner and colorful, sparkly pens, and fun stickers because I like that shit. I personalized it with quotes that mean a lot to me.(It got delayed due to the holidays, but it's supposed to be here on MONDAY!)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">I signed up for a course with <a href="https://nutritionmechanic.com/" target="_blank">Dina</a> to help me get back on track. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">I found a running plan, many months ago, that I like. Although, I'm not following it exactly. I am running on the days it says to run. On opposite days, me and Dobbs are walking. I really really like the plan. It even includes strength training. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">I started meditating again. I haven't done it since 2018. I signed up for Headspace again (when they had a year end promotion). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">There was a session, where Andy (the headspace founder) said something along the lines of "The thought of "I don't want to meditate" comes into your head. Let the thought come in and let it move on, like watching cars on the road. Then, sit down to meditate".</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">I realized how that is to my running. One day, I thought, "I don't want to run". Then, I sat down and put on my running shoes and went running. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Of course, nothing I do is perfect, and perfect isn't the goal. My goal is to run a bit more consistently this month than I did last month. My goal is to meditate a little bit each day, because even 1 minute makes me feel better. My goal is to write with my sparkly pens, a few times a week. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Then, maybe, me and Dobbs can do a 5k together in the coming months.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Raleway;">Oh, and here's Dobbs after a run a few weeks ago. And yes, he smiles like that all the time.<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Raleway;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4BjZxFSgPIE/X_Hq1_u5BVI/AAAAAAAAq7c/cAI7drWUZJo8V1TvbKtMwow_Xv-SXzNXQCLcBGAsYHQ/Dobbs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1172" data-original-width="1079" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4BjZxFSgPIE/X_Hq1_u5BVI/AAAAAAAAq7c/cAI7drWUZJo8V1TvbKtMwow_Xv-SXzNXQCLcBGAsYHQ/w368-h400/Dobbs.jpg" width="368" /></a></span></div><p></p>Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458902596339656206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376116885154866211.post-39675467301716182102019-09-30T10:22:00.001-06:002019-09-30T16:25:18.587-06:002019 Year in Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3BaVb8LTooU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3BaVb8LTooU?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Don't read this post. Just sit there and listen to Dolly. It'll be the best 5 min of your day....<i>trust me</i>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's been a looong time.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nthY4d3w9BY/XY1EGimNdhI/AAAAAAAAawI/EQ2F9vGbwyo6simYvAfJ4sxPfsW1xMwBACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/did%2Byou%2Bmiss%2Bme.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nthY4d3w9BY/XY1EGimNdhI/AAAAAAAAawI/EQ2F9vGbwyo6simYvAfJ4sxPfsW1xMwBACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/did%2Byou%2Bmiss%2Bme.gif" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
Without rehashing the past, here's what happened in the past year:<br />
<br />
1.) At this time last year, I decided to take a year off of triathlon.<br />
2.) I took off 4-5 months from swimming.<br />
3.) I biked quite a bit because I love it.<br />
4.) I ran as I felt like it.<br />
5.) Around April of 2019, I felt like I needed and wanted more structure to my workouts.<br />
6.) I signed up with the <a href="http://multisportmastery.com/">Mastermind Coach Liz</a> again.<br />
<br />
I wasn't ready to race. And, I was careful to not overdo anything.<br />
<br />
That puts us around.....June.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-33bvnT6WILw/XY1G6OXOcnI/AAAAAAAAaww/NqktjqshOHg7mM_ORg9Qj5JBFLFyc2gJgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/keepgoin.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-33bvnT6WILw/XY1G6OXOcnI/AAAAAAAAaww/NqktjqshOHg7mM_ORg9Qj5JBFLFyc2gJgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/keepgoin.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Around the same time, Liz asked that I start thinking about my goals. What did I want to do this year and next. I gave this a lot of thought. I was feeling so much better. I was physically and mentally in a great place.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I told her, "I'd like to qualify for Nationals again next year. I don't know if I'll actually race. But, I'm in the top end of my age group. It'll take a lot of work to qualify with all the new 50's year olds".</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In June a local race director posted that a NEW big huge race was coming.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Then the race was announced....it was going to be a multisport festival that included a supersprint!<br />
<br />
Well hell. I don't have to be in super great shape to race a supersprint. Talked to Coach Liz, who was all like, "Let's do it!".<br />
<br />
And the race was on. Long story short. THIS HAPPENED.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HNCsGxnUIwc/XY1Jmg74e3I/AAAAAAAAaxI/lP3LFwd3nJEi5rv4e_bX1tkPaeC9ZMM_gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Screenshot_20190926-172712_Chrome.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HNCsGxnUIwc/XY1Jmg74e3I/AAAAAAAAaxI/lP3LFwd3nJEi5rv4e_bX1tkPaeC9ZMM_gCK4BGAYYCw/s640/Screenshot_20190926-172712_Chrome.jpg" width="496" /></a><br />
<br />
I was 3rd OVERALL....and qualified for Nationals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FcmyyUsJuL0/XZInmnecqvI/AAAAAAAAbJc/M6d5NB6vQpETR3Dzh8lXYYq9uU1gLgUHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/badass.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="198" data-original-width="263" height="299" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FcmyyUsJuL0/XZInmnecqvI/AAAAAAAAbJc/M6d5NB6vQpETR3Dzh8lXYYq9uU1gLgUHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/badass.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
More importantly, I had a blast. I made some dumb mistakes that were the result of not racing for a year, but I just laughed them off and made note: Don't do that again.<br />
<br />
I had only told 1 or 2 people that I was racing. I wanted to go out there for the sheer fun of racing. I wanted to see if I enjoyed it again. I sure DID have fun.<br />
<br />
I had so much fun that I raced a sprint 2 weeks later. If I told you my goals, you'd think I was crazy.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G5HMsTiMWSs/XY1La7s94yI/AAAAAAAAaxU/WciQb7-xXsQydc1vQy_7TtjfFN2MxlIygCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/do%2Btell.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G5HMsTiMWSs/XY1La7s94yI/AAAAAAAAaxU/WciQb7-xXsQydc1vQy_7TtjfFN2MxlIygCK4BGAYYCw/s400/do%2Btell.gif" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
OK:<br />
Swim, it's just whatever.<br />
Bike, climb strong, descend with confidence.<br />
Run: run the last hill, don't walk it.<br />
<br />
Of course, make NEW mistakes and not the same ones I made last time.<br />
<br />
This time, I won my age group. I was probably MORE surprised about this one than the overall podium because I wasn't sure if I had the fitness to do anything more than <i>just get out there and do my best.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Nationals qualification #2.</b></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
And then, I shut it down. Two races in two weeks, and I was ready to hop back on the off season bus.<br />
<br />
That was my 2019 season.<br />
<br />
I signed up for Coretober through MSM/JHC Coaching. I will loosely participate in Swimvember. (Even this is up in the air). I just started a new strength class that I really like.<br />
<br />
Don't ask what I'm doing next year. I don't know. Liz and I have talked about it, but I don't want to make any decisions <i>until next year</i>. With the changes in the business, Oct-Dec is going to very challenging. I want to enjoy my time and keep having fun with training....while maintaining my sanity through our busy months.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sometimes, I just need to step back and take a breath and say, "Look what I've done. Let's just absorb this for a little while".</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458902596339656206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376116885154866211.post-89754358248710377142019-05-14T17:03:00.002-06:002019-05-14T17:03:55.375-06:00I feel normal.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/CX11yw6YL1w/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CX11yw6YL1w?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Yes. I. feel. normal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NV_0nuCGxcQ/XNnv3c7jFHI/AAAAAAAAYH0/tP8tLBMfckA7XHQmVKwbTOY46YUVCTFEACLcBGAs/s1600/let_me_explain_princess_bride.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="680" height="344" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NV_0nuCGxcQ/XNnv3c7jFHI/AAAAAAAAYH0/tP8tLBMfckA7XHQmVKwbTOY46YUVCTFEACLcBGAs/s640/let_me_explain_princess_bride.gif" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You might remember that back in Nov, I decided to take time off. I was at rock bottom. I couldn't take one more thing on, for fear of absolutely losing my shit....which BTW, would be a full blown emotional breakdown.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I took off for 4 months and did what I want. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I set some rules in place.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J5SRPaDDrpQ/XNtB9_Q_9iI/AAAAAAAAYIw/Gxaq_wvGAgQTAj8DTvIx0WFdGHvxuG7lgCLcBGAs/s1600/guidelines.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="400" height="260" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J5SRPaDDrpQ/XNtB9_Q_9iI/AAAAAAAAYIw/Gxaq_wvGAgQTAj8DTvIx0WFdGHvxuG7lgCLcBGAs/s640/guidelines.gif" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My plan, if you could call it a plan, was to be active....that was it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1: I wouldn't do anything that I didn't want to do.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2: If I wanted to take a day off, for <i><b>any</b></i> reason, I'd take a day off. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had no idea I would go like that. I had zero motivation for anything (except riding my bike which I did alot). I didn't want to think about training at any level. I wanted to be as far away from anything related to triathlon. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When Liz and I talked, I told her, "I'll be back".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But really, in my heart, I did not feel like I would be.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was the greatest thing I've ever done. I went through the entire holiday season without any stress of trying to get everything done. I threw myself into work. I love what I do, so this was something that gave me a lot of purpose and feeling of success.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The New Year rolled around, and I started feeling better. In February, I changed up my work schedule a lot. During this time, I was able to figure out what "training" would look like with my new work schedule.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At the end of Feb, I decided I needed help creating a training plan, except that I wasn't calling it a training plan. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I told Liz, "I need a plan for someone with no goals, no desire to race. Oh, and I absolutely do not want to swim. And I might skip workouts a lot, but really my goal is prevent me from doing anything stupid and hurting myself".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She was totally with the idea. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She set me up with about 5-7 hours a week of exercise.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">PERFECT.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Until it wasn't. I realized that I was skipping fewer and fewer workouts. I wanted more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I still didn't want to call it "training", and I absolutely did NOT want to race. Of course, there was the whole NO SWIMMING thing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Even though I wasn't doing much, it was probably the best quality work that I've done in a long time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I put myself 100% into doing all the things that I usually don't focus on, because I wasn't planning on racing. I was always focused on heart rate or pace. I wouldn't give real focus to the dirty work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As much as I was enjoying this, I still wanted to be as far away from triathlon as possible.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As the months went by, my volume was increasing (in small amounts). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One day, I woke up excited to SWIM. After 7 months of no swimming, I wanted to swim again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I told Liz: "Hey, let's try a short swim to see how it goes". I'm thinking 20 minutes with a noodle sounds pretty spectacular.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Liz being Liz, gave me 2300m including 100's.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iAHi_WInWos/XNtGeOkANJI/AAAAAAAAYI8/jV9WVmYBIVQdfRuJmZRsqZPoL-XEfWqrACLcBGAs/s1600/eyeroll.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="450" height="361" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iAHi_WInWos/XNtGeOkANJI/AAAAAAAAYI8/jV9WVmYBIVQdfRuJmZRsqZPoL-XEfWqrACLcBGAs/s400/eyeroll.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then, I realized she gave me 2 swims.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GCQ2JRhlw2E/XNtGxwBAKcI/AAAAAAAAYJE/PKvufuNlKOIwGtGgtYjbCwh9aKimYuiKQCLcBGAs/s1600/confused.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="292" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GCQ2JRhlw2E/XNtGxwBAKcI/AAAAAAAAYJE/PKvufuNlKOIwGtGgtYjbCwh9aKimYuiKQCLcBGAs/s400/confused.gif" width="361" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ok. That's ok.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But I enjoyed the swims. After the 2nd one, I felt more like myself than I have in 1.5 years. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I felt normal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">(No. Still not interested in triathlon).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">NORMAL. I felt normal. It felt so good to feel that way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Then, it happened again, this week. I started getting back into the swing of things. I'm back to figuring out how to get my workouts versus finding a way to get out of doing them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm now at almost 8 months of this. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It feels good to feel normal again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For those of you who have asked another athlete, "How did you know you needed time off"?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">OR</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You've asked yourself, "I wonder if I should take time off"?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The answer is YES. If those questions are even popping in your head, the answer is YES.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I know. Because there have been times when my motivation has been high, and I never even considered taking time off. I didn't want or need it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Trust me. Take all the time you need. Even when you think you'll NEVER go back to sport, you will. It will come back to you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And you will be more refreshed and motivated than before.</span><br />
<br /></div>
Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458902596339656206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376116885154866211.post-66389040655882449902019-02-24T11:51:00.001-07:002019-02-24T11:51:18.157-07:00Crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/whpJ19RJ4JY/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/whpJ19RJ4JY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've been called "crazy", "irrational/emotional", "off my meds"... and many more. And I'm still here proud to be doing my crazy.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">"Show them what crazy can do".</span></span></div>
Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458902596339656206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376116885154866211.post-59186916864836177362019-01-29T16:09:00.003-07:002019-02-15T09:13:45.888-07:00This might be it.Things are always changing.<br />
<br />
I've held on to this blog for a really long time. I don't think I have it in me to keep it up anymore.<br />
<br />
I've found that being able to write one post and share it across different media works better for me.<br />
<br />
Blogger doesn't really give a good option for that.<br />
<br />
I can't say that I will never blog again, but I've found that I enjoy being able to write up quick summaries (about various topics) works better for me.<br />
<br />
I don't have time....er....I don't want to take the time to write blog posts anymore.<br />
<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading for <i>all those years</i>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458902596339656206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376116885154866211.post-91449469217991874612019-01-07T10:52:00.001-07:002019-01-07T10:54:10.420-07:00Heading in the right direction<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wnP1Mnx_DYU/XDOPnJ0Qh4I/AAAAAAAAVuA/-DXvViEu-f4oML2OnuJF0RpdfhB3aVXkACLcBGAs/s1600/20190107_082630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wnP1Mnx_DYU/XDOPnJ0Qh4I/AAAAAAAAVuA/-DXvViEu-f4oML2OnuJF0RpdfhB3aVXkACLcBGAs/s320/20190107_082630.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">This was not a sunrise run, but it WAS the earliest I've been running in a very long time. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Today, this week, however you want to look at it, is the beginning of my next phase. I didn't plan it that way. It just happened, which means, I am ready to move on. I don't really like calling it "the next phase". For lack of a better word, that's what it is.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">The first phase (Nov and Dec) was all about emotional recovery. I did what I wanted when I wanted. I slept more, skipped days and ate my share of baked goods. I realized that I had no desire to swim, so I didn't. I ran a little bit. I found myself riding more than I ever have, sometimes just easy and sometimes using harder effort Trainerroad workouts. I started strength training a lot. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Now that the holiday season is over, and I feel like I'm in a good place mentally, I'm committed to adding more veggies back into my diet and running a bit more (3x per week). I'm signed up for the NCC through </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a class="notranslate" href="https://www.instagram.com/usatriathlon/" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #003569; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">U</a>SA Triathlon</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">, so any running mileage helps the team. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">The holiday is season is a blur of chaos, probably more for us small business owners who are also in retail. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">NONE of this has been planned. None of this is intentional. But, taking time off Nov and Dec was the best thing for me. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I have never believed in forcing things. I do things on my own time. </span>Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458902596339656206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376116885154866211.post-47779643704307718522019-01-05T09:18:00.003-07:002019-01-05T09:19:26.343-07:00My positive influences<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With this being a gap year for me, I was thinking how cool it would be for me to talk about the people in my life who had positive influences on me. These aren't in order of importance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I got this idea when I was cleaning out my closet of riding gear. I came across this cap.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WwqG02OEe08/XDDYgUEgOAI/AAAAAAAAVtA/PprQXbeCMWUckcwIXkqEyVMUgKpj9wkkQCLcBGAs/s1600/ranch.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="585" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WwqG02OEe08/XDDYgUEgOAI/AAAAAAAAVtA/PprQXbeCMWUckcwIXkqEyVMUgKpj9wkkQCLcBGAs/s320/ranch.PNG" width="254" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's only appropriate that I start with the Ranch Riders. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Many years ago, there was a group of riders based in London. But, they were known to </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">ride around the world. They would write up ride/race reports that were so entertaining. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">These were back in the good ole days of MySpace and blogs. I have no idea how we came </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">to know each other. I can tell you that the Ranch Riders are one of the reasons I put so </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">much work into the bike. When I first started riding, I knew NOTHING about riding. I </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">knew </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">a bike had 2 wheels and a chain.... but that was the extent of my knowledge. Being</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">a new cyclist and seeing the way those guys and gal could ride, blew me away. They</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">always seemed like they were having so much fun. I wanted that too. I watched YouTube </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">video after video learning how to care for my bike. I remember when </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a class="notranslate" href="https://www.instagram.com/slininstien/" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #003569; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">J</a>man</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and I spent </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">HOURS and probably 5 tubes, learning how to fix a flat. I went to empty parking lots, so I </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">could learn how to corner. Over the years, I lost contact with all of them, except </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">one</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. They probably never realized the positive influence they had over this dork, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">newbie rider. I'm still a dork, but at least I can change a flat now. </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/windbeneathmywings/" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#windbeneathmywings</a><br />
<br />
<br />Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458902596339656206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376116885154866211.post-14400825238521431802018-12-10T17:01:00.001-07:002018-12-10T17:04:54.901-07:00Training & the art of letting go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mDQDTPWNcQ0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mDQDTPWNcQ0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
In my little world, I see things like this.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Being active:</b> Taking the stairs, parking in the last parking spot. Walking somewhere when you could drive. Riding your bike somewhere when you could drive.<br />
<br />
<b>Exercising: </b>Making a conscious effort to move outside of being active. Taking a walk, going for a run, attending a class of some sort (martial arts, cross fit, TRX, yoga), without a performance goal at the end. (Although, there can be goals: wanting to do 20 pushups).<br />
<br />
<b>Training: </b>The focus here is working on a performance goal. Training means following a plan, analyzing data or workouts, adjusting your nutrition to fuel for performance.<br />
<br />
None of these are defined by hours of work.<br />
<br />
Although, I see each of these in a progressive linear fashion, ie each one is a <i>next step. </i>Each of these is perfect. Each thing is exactly what you should be doing at different times in your life.<br />
<br />
Many of you who read my blog nowadays have gotten bits & pieces of what has happened this year.<br />
<br />
What you really need to know, is that 2018 was the worst year I've had in a very long time. I can't even think of another year, that was even close to 2018. In fact, every time something bad happens, I now respond with "because 2018".<br />
<br />
Back in June or July, <a href="http://www.multisportmastery.com/">Coach Liz</a> and I talked about how to continue my year. At that time, I decided to continue on with my very watered down training plan.<br />
<br />
Looking back now, that was a mistake. I should have stopped all training. The stress took it's toll on me. I couldn't physically get through workouts.<br />
<br />
Thank you to those of you who stuck with me; even when I was pushing you away.<br />
<br />
When my last race came up, I kept saying "just get through this race. Then, take as much time off as you need".<br />
<br />
Liz would check on me to see how things were going; even though I wasn't working with her at the time.<br />
<br />
As the weeks and then months went on, I realized that what I wanted to do was stop training. STOP all training and just do whatever I wanted to do when I woke up.<br />
<br />
I signed up for a 5k race series, one that I haven't done in years but I love so much.<br />
<br />
Of course, the 1st race came up quickly. I realized I hadn't run in about 2 weeks. I hit panic training mode and absolutely surprised myself by running 3 minutes faster than I thought I would. I didn't have any goals or expectations. I knew I wasn't in 5k shape, given that I just did a 70.3, and I was still emotionally recovering from the combination of training and life stuff.<br />
<br />
For awhile, there was SO MUCH NOISE about next year. I knew I was nowhere near being able to train. For the first time in awhile, I was starting to enjoy just being active and exercising with no analysis, expectations, or obligations for how long or how hard I went. The last thing I wanted to do was to go back into that world of training again.<br />
<br />
But I waited. I waited and waited. Black friday came and went.....a long with it....all those discounted race entries.<br />
<br />
Then, I made the decision. I was going to take off 2019.<br />
<br />
Believe it or not. I didn't tell anyone. I told a few people what I was thinking of doing. But, I couldn't get to the point where I felt the decision was real.<br />
<br />
I think it was because sometimes people have a hard time understanding. I didn't really want to deal with all that.<br />
<br />
I don't mean this in a drama queen way. Please understand, that I was getting ready to do something that I hadn't done before. Cutting out something that took so much physical and emotional energy every week, even when it's fun....is quite a change.<br />
<br />
Over time, I came to realize that "Yes, taking time off is not only what I need to do, I really want to do it".<br />
<br />
Then came the next worst part. I was going to have to tell Liz that I wasn't coming back for 2019. I wrote an email and sat on it for 2 weeks, tweaking it. When I read the final version, I was in tears.<br />
<br />
That's how you know you have a great relationship with your coach. It gutted me having to write it. She has done so much more for me than just help me achieve my performance goals.<br />
<br />
She made me a better person. Knowing her has changed my life.<br />
<br />
I sent the email.<br />
<br />
Not 30 seconds later, I get a text from her. She was SO understanding. She knew exactly where I was coming from. I told her that I'll be back to the sport, but I need this time off. I don't know how much time I need.<br />
<br />
After that, I felt better than I had in a year.<br />
<br />
I've always been one to buck the trend. As other athletes kept wanting to go further and further and more extreme, I've held my ground with a focus on shorter distances. There is nothing wrong with going further and further. It just seems like it has become the expectation. I've never done a race because everyone else is doing it.I've always done what is right for me at a particular time in my life. MANY times I've been asked about WHEN I'm going to do IM. The fact is, probably never.<br />
<br />
This time is no different. I've already been asked:<br />
<br />
<i>Aren't you afraid of losing fitness? </i><br />
<br />
Uh no.<br />
<br />
<i>What about Nationals? </i><br />
<br />
I've done it many times. It'll still be there when I get back.<br />
<br />
<i>You've worked so hard to get where you are, now you're just going to stop?</i><br />
<br />
Well. Yeah. Sort of.<br />
<br />
<i>Wait. You're just going to STOP being a triathlete? </i><br />
<br />
Yep, until further notice anyway.<br />
<br />
<br />
NOT training doesn't mean becoming a couch potato.<br />
<br />
I'm going to work on everything that I haven't been able to because of <i>training</i>. I'm going to do things that I haven't had time for. I'm going to run races and strength train like Ahnold. I'm going to do more open water swimming because I love it.<br />
<br />
I want to work on the details that I have been ignoring.<br />
<br />
RULE YOURSELF.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458902596339656206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376116885154866211.post-21139965639085354032018-09-09T10:58:00.001-06:002018-09-09T11:02:14.587-06:00My "too damn tired" race reportI'm too tired to write a race report for Kokopelli.<br />
<br />
Here's what you get: a nice screenshot.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T99HN27q3mA/W5VSDUmdSMI/AAAAAAAATAw/lOBvbIj-vVgP6eZHRQeNjpCtU5QGDRKMQCLcBGAs/s1600/racereport.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="634" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T99HN27q3mA/W5VSDUmdSMI/AAAAAAAATAw/lOBvbIj-vVgP6eZHRQeNjpCtU5QGDRKMQCLcBGAs/s1600/racereport.PNG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458902596339656206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376116885154866211.post-49456088585245020902018-07-23T19:02:00.000-06:002018-07-25T22:35:37.670-06:00Eye of the storm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/syhBqULC99I/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/syhBqULC99I?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i>We came through the eye of the storm. We made it. We're on the other side. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I don't want to go over everything that has happened over the past 6 months.<br />
<br />
We have all had to adjust to new schedules and new responsibilities...and do it all while we are still mourning.<br />
<br />
Life goes on whether or not we want it to.<br />
<br />
Once I scrapped my race season, I talked to <a href="http://multisportmastery.com/">Coach Liz</a>. I was <i>thisclose </i>to canceling coaching. I was at wits end....I really was.<br />
<br />
I have been with Liz for 5 years. So making that decision was the worst and hardest decision that I ever had to make.<br />
<br />
BUT, Liz and I talked. She recommended that I not stop coaching. In my heart, I didn't want to stop. I needed it, but I didn't think I could do it.<br />
<br />
I really really wanted someone to take the decision off my hands.<br />
<br />
I decided to keep going. Since May, Liz was scheduling me for about 8 hours a week. I hit about 5 hours on average. I pretty much stopped all swimming. (Part of that was actually for a different reason).<br />
<br />
With minimal sleep and even less <i>actual</i> training, I had a race in June. Seriously, I was in no shape to actually race.<br />
<br />
We talked about the race, Liz said that I should do it for the sheer fun of racing and try to remember how much I enjoy this sport.<br />
<br />
With ZERO expectations, minimal training and sleep and the funeral in the afternoon....I decided to race Loveland lake to lake.<br />
<br />
<b>I WON MY AGE GROUP. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
My speeds were nowhere close to what they have been in the past, but I will be damned if I didn't give absolutely everything I had. I raced over threshold for both the bike and the run. Never in my dreams would I have thought I had a shot at a podium.<br />
<br />
Even Liz commented, "You are racing very very well. You are doing it because......"<br />
<br />
She was right. I'd had two races and two1st place age groups. (One of those was my first duathlon).<br />
<br />
<b>The match was 🔥 lit 🔥.</b><br />
<br />
It was the 2nd week of July when I was able to commit to training again. Until this point, I was still skipping whatever I had to skip to get through life, but I had increased my training time to about 7 hours.<br />
<br />
Then, this past weekend, I had another race planned: TriBoulder. This race is crazy competitive because it's getting close to Nationals.<br />
<br />
With basically one week of true training under my belt, I sent a message to Liz and told her that I was going out there and do my best. No one can ask for more.<br />
<br />
<b>I came in 2nd in my age group with a MONSTER bike. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
As I sat on the grass, I sent her a message, "I don't know how I'm doing what I'm doing right now".<br />
<br />
Honestly, I don't know. I have no idea. I'm just going out there and giving my best at every race.<br />
<br />
Maybe that's enough.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<br />
<i><br /></i>Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458902596339656206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376116885154866211.post-72888889660275287032018-06-14T14:57:00.001-06:002018-06-14T14:59:08.347-06:00Resilience<div class="_5pbx userContent _3576" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="js_6v" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 6px;">
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5b22d3e6829858079759868" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
The universe has been talking to me lot lately. </div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
The message has been, "Patience, Grasshopper". I can't even count how many times this year has thrown a curve ball at us. </div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Twice, I have had to scrap all race plans. </div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<strike>Ironman Florida 70.3</strike></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<strike>Age Group Nationals</strike></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<strike>Ironman Louisville</strike></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<strike><br /></strike></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">TWICE.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strike>Summer Open Sprint</strike></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strike>Loveland Lake 2 Lake</strike></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Twice, <a href="http://multisportmastery.com/">Coach Liz</a> has gotten tearful emails from me saying, "I can't go on". </span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">TWICE, she has talked me down from the ledge. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had no choice but to let life run it's course. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have taken the downs (not with Grace and dignity) but with tears and tantrums. The good times, I haven't celebrated</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"> but instead I felt like I was walking on eggshells afraid that even the slightest wrong step would send us back down the rabbit hole. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">This week, the universe sent me another message "It's almost time, Grasshopper". Each day, I'm getting memories posted in my feed about races at which I SMASHED goals. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lwTpuxfvqg8/WyLVBYq7j1I/AAAAAAAAQr4/nBWepISllBohomxE_jB3bWY6-yy1NNJ0gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180614_092845_581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lwTpuxfvqg8/WyLVBYq7j1I/AAAAAAAAQr4/nBWepISllBohomxE_jB3bWY6-yy1NNJ0gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180614_092845_581.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; text-align: center;">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">Ironman Boulder 2016: 25 min PR.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4rlytW3kATU/WyLVBKd7R1I/AAAAAAAAQr0/lLmh2ZiCNQwUmFcIBTWWMgAujrXW53t2wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20180614_092845_580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4rlytW3kATU/WyLVBKd7R1I/AAAAAAAAQr0/lLmh2ZiCNQwUmFcIBTWWMgAujrXW53t2wCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_20180614_092845_580.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; text-align: center;">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">Some other random race in 2014. A smile that big = PR.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">June is almost over, I know physically and mentally, I can start "training" again, but I need a couple more weeks of "patience" before I can light the match again. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-keJ5UoBTmT8/WyLWxiPSPhI/AAAAAAAAQsI/o2YtpFFvLSMMKdrAwMgwNKcZgHW4vjiSQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nationals2017.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="606" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-keJ5UoBTmT8/WyLWxiPSPhI/AAAAAAAAQsI/o2YtpFFvLSMMKdrAwMgwNKcZgHW4vjiSQCLcBGAs/s320/Nationals2017.PNG" width="301" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">I think the universe agrees. </span></div>
</div>
</div>
Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458902596339656206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376116885154866211.post-44744235140825633032018-05-07T12:00:00.002-06:002018-05-08T16:41:45.937-06:00My 1st DuathlonYou might have read my <a href="https://everythinggood2day.blogspot.com/2018/05/i-du-not-think-this-is-good-idea.html">race plan</a> for my first duathlon.<br />
<br />
If not, you probably want to do that before proceeding.<br />
<br />
Let's see how well I followed the PLAN.<br />
<br />
<b>Drive to race:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">G*D DAMMIT! I'm LATE. </span></b></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LdOru6dz6jQ/WvCQYxYYeUI/AAAAAAAAO_g/X0bySsjDB-UcaDn-iqOssJyFn_iRuBqpACLcBGAs/s1600/late.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LdOru6dz6jQ/WvCQYxYYeUI/AAAAAAAAO_g/X0bySsjDB-UcaDn-iqOssJyFn_iRuBqpACLcBGAs/s320/late.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Really, HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? </span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i style="font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i style="font-size: 13.2px;">Throws bike in back on car.</i><span style="font-size: 13.2px;"> </span><i style="font-size: 13.2px;">Grabs helmet, throws on front seat. WHERE DID I PUT MY COFFEE? </i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i style="font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i style="font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i style="font-size: 13.2px;">Forget it. Frantically pulls out of driveway. Notices coffee cup roll off car engine. Shit. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i style="font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i style="font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i style="font-size: 13.2px;">Wait. Do I have everything? Mental checklist:</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i style="font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i style="font-size: 13.2px;">water, shoes, shoes, helmet, bike.....that's enough. I can run a race with that.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i style="font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i style="font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></i></span></span>
<b>Arrive at Race: </b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">The instructions said this is a half mile walk to the start. I'm turning on my garmin. This is DEFINTELY a mile walk. I don't have time to warm up, get to registration and put up my transition. I'm counting this as my warm up.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">(Arrive at transition: ARE YOU KIDDING ME? It's packed. Where am I going to put my bike? Great! THere's a spot....in the back....I might as well be in Kansas for as far as this is from the bike/run exits).</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">HOLY SHIT DO I HAVE TO POOP. Why couldn't this happen at home? There is NO WAY I'm waiting in that porta potty line.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></b>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>WARM UP</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ok. I have 10 minutes to warm up. I KNOW There's a "real" bathroom around here. OMG, I need to poop. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;">Run and clench on the way to the nearest bathroom. See a woman coming out and yell, "IS THAT BATHROOM OPEN?"</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;">15minutes later: Geesh, I really need to pee. I just went. How is this possible? </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;">Head back to start line.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;">20 minutes later: I need to pee again? DAMN this NO SWIM thing. I can't run with pee running down my legs. Right? I mean. That would be wrong.....wouldn't it? Let's keep an open mind. I wonder if I can hold it for an hour? Where does all this pee come from anyway?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></b>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>Start of Race: </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Why is no one lining up in the front? You KNOW all of these woman are going to past me. Why doesn't that Team USA woman line up in front? Isn't this the biggest group of sandbaggers I've ever seen?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">F*ck this, I'm lining up in front. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>Run 1:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">COUNT THE WOMEN WHO ARE ALREADY RUNNING BACK TO T1. ✅</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">EVERY SINGLE WOMAN HAS NOW PASSED ME.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Hit the turnaround: Oh....not EVERYONE has passed me. There are two women walking.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Why is THAT woman walking? She looks super fit.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">I know. This is bad. I'm now getting, "YOU GO GIRL" cheers. That's always a bad sign. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Thank volunteers. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Attempt smile.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vEKPTBegAPE/WvCKE-udpZI/AAAAAAAAO_U/wYXrloGZkXoyYrBd-oMVn7HYsKUT9Bj-ACEwYBhgL/s1600/smile.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vEKPTBegAPE/WvCKE-udpZI/AAAAAAAAO_U/wYXrloGZkXoyYrBd-oMVn7HYsKUT9Bj-ACEwYBhgL/s1600/smile.gif" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span>
<b>T1</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">ALL THE BIKES ARE GONE. Did I go too slow? Seriously? Even the fat tire bikes are gone?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ok. Well. What's done is done.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">As far as I'm concerned.....</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">THE RACE STARTS NOW!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/I_2D8Eo15wE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I_2D8Eo15wE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
You really need to listen to the song to get the full effect.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
BIKE:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">You are going to chase down EVERY SINGLE PERSON ahead of you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MccyIyGSoSU/WvCEMPL0Y6I/AAAAAAAAO_A/3U3L-6-WlgE_wImuIUPiBDY0ykQsmceogCLcBGAs/s1600/go.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MccyIyGSoSU/WvCEMPL0Y6I/AAAAAAAAO_A/3U3L-6-WlgE_wImuIUPiBDY0ykQsmceogCLcBGAs/s1600/go.gif" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">LEFT</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">LEFT</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">LEFT</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">ON YOUR LEFT</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">LEFT </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">LEFTLEFTLEFTLEFTLEFT</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">LEFTLEFTLEFTLEFTLEFTLEFTLEFT</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">LEFT </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">LEFTLEFTLEFTLEFT</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">LEFT</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">LEFTLEFTLEFTLEFTLEFTLEFTLEFTLEFT</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">WHY DO THEY PUT +40 WOMEN IN THE LAST WAVE? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
WHAT is that Jeep doing? Why isn't he passing the cyclists? THere is plenty of room.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Awesome, I'm stuck here at 18mph. BEEJEEZUS. COME ON. JUST PASS. I can't get around. 18mph is NOT good enough. You know what? Those people need to get over or I'm going to sit behind this car all ride. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
LET THE CAR PASS. GET OVER! (Hey, look.....not to be rude....but I'm out to win this fucking course).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
THERE's MY CHANCE! GO GO GO!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
OMFG. I might regret that pass. What were my watts? I'm SURE they were close to 400 on that pass.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
CLEAR road ahead. HERE WE GO! Time to make up lost time.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
UNLEASH THE BEAST! HERE WE GO BLACK BETTY!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I really need a drink, but I can barely breath. On the next downhill, take a drink. A BIG ONE. Why does my nose run so badly on the bike? There has to be biological reason for this.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Holy SHIT where did that S turn come from? I'm going too fast, too fast. i CAN'T MAKE THAT TURN GOING THIS FAST. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">OMG....OMG...OMG.....I JUST WENT THROUGH THAT S TURN FASTER THAN I'VE EVER GONE THROUGH A TURN! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">FUCK YEAH!!!!!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm close now. Where is everyone? I know I didn't catch everyone.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
HEY! There's TOM! HI TOM! GET IT DONE! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Tom yells back)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
He's such a nice guy.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
WAIT. I JUST CAUGHT TOM. HOLY SHIT! I could be first overall. Is that even possible? He started 5minutes before me.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Wait, two women! I see two women ahead of me. GET THEM NOW. GET THEM. GO! GO! GO!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Holy shit! They are in their 30's! OMG! I'm going to have the fastest bike split of the day.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I KNEW IT! I KNEW I COULD DO THIS!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
WTAF? WHO PUTS A STEEP CURVY HILL AT THE BIKE FINISH? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am definitely going to fall over.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I BEAT ALL THE WOMEN! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
T2:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thank volunteer.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Attempt smile.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0NtQGLPZFB0/WvCSkM-FtNI/AAAAAAAAPAE/LMOb9KE2Y0oLh5PK4TqxdZ_2n2ui29yJwCLcBGAs/s1600/smile.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0NtQGLPZFB0/WvCSkM-FtNI/AAAAAAAAPAE/LMOb9KE2Y0oLh5PK4TqxdZ_2n2ui29yJwCLcBGAs/s1600/smile.gif" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I should take a drink of water. HOLY SHIT! I KILLED THAT BIKE. I am definitely going to regret that decision.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
RUN 2:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Is it possible that I could be in FIRST PLACE in my age group? That's not possible right? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Back up the enormous hill. Take your time up the hill. Everyone said this run would suck. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
At the top LIGHT IT UP. Or well, you know. LIGHT IT UP in your TEA kind of way. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I forgot sunscreen. How did I forget sunscreen?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I should get a drink at the next aid station. It's hot out here. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
WATER. Thanks. Attempt smile.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEKPTBegAPE/WvCKE-udpZI/AAAAAAAAO_Q/GTvZ7_MezGojuV8YbS9sMHAV8iR5i2EWwCLcBGAs/s1600/smile.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEKPTBegAPE/WvCKE-udpZI/AAAAAAAAO_Q/GTvZ7_MezGojuV8YbS9sMHAV8iR5i2EWwCLcBGAs/s1600/smile.gif" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Throws water on face.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That didn't go well.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'll get it next time around. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One mile until the turnaround. That's like running to the church. You can do this. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I hate running on gravel.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I hate hills.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's starting to get hot.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Why do I do this?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
IS THAT THE TURNAROUND? OMG OMG OMG. I'm almost there.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
WTF? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That wasn't the turnaround? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Seriously? The turnaround is at the top of the hill.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hang on. Where are the women? I haven't seen any women coming back.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There they are.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One. She is definitely younger than me.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Two. Oh yeah. She's in her 30's.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Three. Hmm. I'm guessing 40. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Four.....I'm pretty sure none of them are in their 50s</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
TURNAROUND.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
About a quarter of a mile after the turnaround. THERE SHE IS. She is about a half mile behind me. She is in my age group. I passed her on the bike.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
SHE'S CRUISING. OMG. She is running so fast.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Dammit, I'm going to lose this in the last half mile again. She's cruising.<br />
<br />
I can't beat her. She's too fast. She's going to catch me.<br />
<br />
STOP IT.<br />
<br />
Don't write that story. If you're going to write a story make it a good one. Write about how you're going to tell Liz you came in 1st in your 1st duathlon.<br />
<br />
Is that her behind me?<br />
<br />
One mile left.<br />
<br />
No. It's a guy.<br />
<br />
OMG. OMG. RUN. RUN. RUN.<br />
<br />
This hurts so bad.<br />
<br />
Liz said, "If you feel like you never want to do a duathlon again, you're in the right place".<br />
<br />
I'M THERE LIZ. I'M SO FUCKING THERE.<br />
<br />
KEEP PUSHING. YOU ARE NOT GOING TO GET BEAT TODAY.<br />
<br />
I am NOT GOING TO CRY.<br />
<br />
I'm GOING SO HARD. I'm GOING AS HARD AS I CAN.<br />
<br />
I CAN'T BEAR IT. I CAN'T BEAR TO GO AS HARD AS THIS ONLY TO GET BEAT.<br />
<br />
RUN HARDER.<br />
<br />
I AM NOT GOING TO CRY.<br />
<br />
I CAN'T RUN THAT HILL AGAIN.<br />
<br />
THERE'S THE FINISH! JUST HOLD on!<br />
<br />
EVERYTHING YOU HAVE FOR 2 MINUTES, TEA.<br />
<br />
EVERYTHING! RIGHT NOW!<br />
<br />
<br />
FINISH LINE:<br />
<br />
Hold me up.<br />
<br />
Please.<br />
<br />
We got you. I'm going to take off your chip.<br />
<br />
Thank you. Attempt smile.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEKPTBegAPE/WvCKE-udpZI/AAAAAAAAO_Q/GTvZ7_MezGojuV8YbS9sMHAV8iR5i2EWwCLcBGAs/s1600/smile.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEKPTBegAPE/WvCKE-udpZI/AAAAAAAAO_Q/GTvZ7_MezGojuV8YbS9sMHAV8iR5i2EWwCLcBGAs/s1600/smile.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I need water.<br />
<br />
What was my time? Where do I get my time?<br />
<br />
Goal time for the race: 1:20 (If everything went well).<br />
<br />
My actual time: 1:17.<br />
<br />
<br />
I just won my age group.<br />
<br />
Wait.<br />
<br />
I JUST WON MY AGE GROUP.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aCfU4NsfQ7U/WvCRLjhvR9I/AAAAAAAAO_o/wC4_vx-YfiIn15xNXjzoR6Jnr7CcrLkowCLcBGAs/s1600/happy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aCfU4NsfQ7U/WvCRLjhvR9I/AAAAAAAAO_o/wC4_vx-YfiIn15xNXjzoR6Jnr7CcrLkowCLcBGAs/s320/happy.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I HAVE TO TEXT LIZ.<br />
<br />
How did that happen? I JUST WON MY AGE GROUP in my FIRST DUATHLON.<br />
<br />
I need to check the results again. There's no way.<br />
<br />
Wait. I'm the only 50-54 on the board. Was I the only one in my age group?<br />
<br />
What about the woman behind me?<br />
<br />
I can't really tell Liz I won my age group if I'm the only one in my age group, right?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ImnVJfpe1h8/WvCRcw_rJwI/AAAAAAAAO_w/i44_OwRAsqADuk8B5HhHLSvfoSV-EJUSwCLcBGAs/s1600/confused.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="292" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ImnVJfpe1h8/WvCRcw_rJwI/AAAAAAAAO_w/i44_OwRAsqADuk8B5HhHLSvfoSV-EJUSwCLcBGAs/s320/confused.gif" width="289" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
That's bullshit. You showed up. It's counts.<br />
<br />
I'll pack up my stuff and check the board again.<br />
<br />
I'm so hungry.<br />
<br />
Let's check the board again.<br />
<br />
1st place: Tea 1:17<br />
2nd place: 1:32<br />
3rd place: 1:33<br />
4th place 1:35<br />
<br />
HOLY SHIT! Not only did I WIN my age group! I killed it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cUaDqe_Jsb4/WvCRlt9FZ2I/AAAAAAAAO_0/9DCFaXu0o_UbSZPPwo5jwSWEpffcKpxkQCLcBGAs/s1600/happy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cUaDqe_Jsb4/WvCRlt9FZ2I/AAAAAAAAO_0/9DCFaXu0o_UbSZPPwo5jwSWEpffcKpxkQCLcBGAs/s320/happy.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458902596339656206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376116885154866211.post-50011745996940618462018-05-01T16:18:00.000-06:002018-05-01T16:18:08.067-06:00I DU NOT think this is a good idea<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Due to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jason.luchtefeld">this guy's</a> amazing performance at Duathlon Nationals and then the ensuing promise of donuts, between us, I signed up for a duathlon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now don't fall out of your chair. I know this seems like it is coming out of thin air. But don't you remember when I SAID I'm doing different stuff this year? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.multisportmastery.com/">Coach Liz</a> and I have been training for it. Well, SHE's been setting up a duathlon plan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've been sort of picking and choosing what I want to do.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yeah. So. This has been on the plan. I've been wanting to do one for a couple of years, but I couldn't get it to work with my schedule and plans and goals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Goals change, and I decided that 2018 would be the year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I started with <a href="http://www.multisportmastery.com/">Liz</a>, she had me start writing race plans. Well, I do A LOT of sprints. Last year, I did 9 of them. I don't really write race plans much anymore. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since this is my FIRST duathlon, I decided to write a plan and get her feedback.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">********************************************************************************************</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's the plan that I sent her:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Drive to race:</b> Think about how fucking awesome I am and how I'm going to dominate the race. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vrNgXDoQulY/WujiKiSt5qI/AAAAAAAAO9Q/f7MuPVQ26q0DtkF_IZddyKOZ_kWXdig-ACLcBGAs/s1600/queen.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vrNgXDoQulY/WujiKiSt5qI/AAAAAAAAO9Q/f7MuPVQ26q0DtkF_IZddyKOZ_kWXdig-ACLcBGAs/s640/queen.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(Siri, Play Eminem).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Arrive at race:</b> Start analyzing all the women and think about how fast they are.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vyD8h2ffxH0/WujkJQSDkJI/AAAAAAAAO9c/AzvmDCxedHsBIWpvCUqwFBTvUEEpLwcrwCLcBGAs/s1600/women%2Brun.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="400" height="220" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vyD8h2ffxH0/WujkJQSDkJI/AAAAAAAAO9c/AzvmDCxedHsBIWpvCUqwFBTvUEEpLwcrwCLcBGAs/s320/women%2Brun.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm totally getting my ass kicked today. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(Possibly talk loudly about what a great swimmer I am).</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y0zXZrp8iYA/WujlARcyAFI/AAAAAAAAO9k/5tBXI1Pbw6cjkj-hV3IU8JQ6TTAMBpIFQCLcBGAs/s1600/amazing.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="480" height="319" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y0zXZrp8iYA/WujlARcyAFI/AAAAAAAAO9k/5tBXI1Pbw6cjkj-hV3IU8JQ6TTAMBpIFQCLcBGAs/s320/amazing.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Warm up: </b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">20 minute run, wondering if it's too late to volunteer for the race instead.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<b>Start Line:</b> Pray to sweet baby Jesus that 1.) I'm not last in my age group. 2.) If I AM last, hope that I beat the only 80 year old who is registered. (YOU ARE GOING DOWN OLD MAN).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<b>Run 1:</b> Go out like a bat out of hell, at a pace that is completely unsustainable for more than about :20 seconds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-achmvE_DAG8/WujlSAfIp1I/AAAAAAAAO9s/Lf0GcOUplzUPkXtfQxhD4PfdE3cvzFH4gCLcBGAs/s1600/runfast.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="439" height="248" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-achmvE_DAG8/WujlSAfIp1I/AAAAAAAAO9s/Lf0GcOUplzUPkXtfQxhD4PfdE3cvzFH4gCLcBGAs/s320/runfast.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Count the women who are already running back to T1.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<b>T1</b>: Start to regret how fast I ran.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBHa1kUlbw4/WujltUosK6I/AAAAAAAAO90/YP_36OkMCAwDI_cSLQGEkgWsN8dE6KvDACLcBGAs/s1600/regret.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="468" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBHa1kUlbw4/WujltUosK6I/AAAAAAAAO90/YP_36OkMCAwDI_cSLQGEkgWsN8dE6KvDACLcBGAs/s320/regret.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<b>Bike</b>: Go into full fledge panic mode thinking about all the women ahead of me. Ride at 130% FTP or until my legs start bleeding lactic acid as I try to catch up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jH46Kvat5-I/WujmdZxzB-I/AAAAAAAAO-E/_UagwE9FgqEUf33iQWxVa_i_bL8VFMaCACLcBGAs/s1600/freakout.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="174" data-original-width="310" height="224" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jH46Kvat5-I/WujmdZxzB-I/AAAAAAAAO-E/_UagwE9FgqEUf33iQWxVa_i_bL8VFMaCACLcBGAs/s400/freakout.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<b>T2:</b> Being unable to bend over to put on my running shoes, contemplate my poor decision making so far in the race.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3iC_dKPMz4M/WujmA7pPnpI/AAAAAAAAO98/SOMhGzwuztsmzy9zHnqrRbpJ43XD8groQCLcBGAs/s1600/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3iC_dKPMz4M/WujmA7pPnpI/AAAAAAAAO98/SOMhGzwuztsmzy9zHnqrRbpJ43XD8groQCLcBGAs/s320/giphy.gif" width="246" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<b>Run 2:</b> FUCK FUCK FUCK. I hate this. Why did I sign up for this? Where's the old guy? Please tell me I'm ahead of him. MY LEGS WON'T MOVE. I'm running like I have a stick up my ass. Start to write my own obituary.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NwQMj-oKBRc/WujmnW36lwI/AAAAAAAAO-I/ZTROpXl92w88MTPlYAvDj4jKi6IWnU4NgCLcBGAs/s1600/end.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="495" height="201" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NwQMj-oKBRc/WujmnW36lwI/AAAAAAAAO-I/ZTROpXl92w88MTPlYAvDj4jKi6IWnU4NgCLcBGAs/s400/end.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<b>At the halfway point,</b> think about how I *only* have 1.55 miles left. I fucking hate when people say that. MY LEGS ARE BLEEDING LACTIC ACID. I wonder if they have a medic on the course.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
This course is supposed to be flat. It doesn't feel flat. I'm complaining to the RD.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Think about how much I hate Jason for talking me into this shit.<br />
<br />
Cross the finish line:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Gote1SdAcI/Wujm8rpgtVI/AAAAAAAAO-Q/qs70-9H6HD0ual7bdrM6mNVdmSF26xhYgCLcBGAs/s1600/happy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Gote1SdAcI/Wujm8rpgtVI/AAAAAAAAO-Q/qs70-9H6HD0ual7bdrM6mNVdmSF26xhYgCLcBGAs/s320/happy.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
SELFIE! Send text to Liz, "OMG OMG OMG LIZ. THAT WAS SO AMAZING. I did so GREAT<br />
<br />
Post to IG. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/iamaduathlete?source=feed_text" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm">IamaDuathlete</span></span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/beastmode?source=feed_text" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm">beastmode</span></span></a><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/sofun?source=feed_text" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm">SOfun</span></span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/runbikerun?source=feed_text" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm">runbikerun</span></span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/allthefood?source=feed_text" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm">allthefood</span></span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/gohardorgohome?source=feed_text" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm">gohardorgohome</span></span></a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/naptime?source=feed_text" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm">naptime</span></span></a> <span class="_5afx" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; direction: ltr;"><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/jasonisntsobad?source=feed_text" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration-line: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="unicode-bidi: isolate;">#</span><span class="_58cm">jasonisntsobad</span></a></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
#Nailedit<br />
<br />
That was just my race plan.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Or so I thought.<br />
<br />
Liz had other thoughts.<br />
<br />
STAY TUNED to find out how the race goes.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br /></div>
</span></div>
Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458902596339656206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376116885154866211.post-77741058803055884312018-04-19T12:03:00.000-06:002018-04-19T12:07:10.583-06:00Pain is ok.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_JRvtyehuQ/Wti91AYNXAI/AAAAAAAAO8c/XJ-bDc5JizwjTrvSMmalm9WrZFdcx-cegCLcBGAs/s1600/17-best-mental-strength-quotes-on-pinterest-mental-strength-how-39977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1019" data-original-width="736" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_JRvtyehuQ/Wti91AYNXAI/AAAAAAAAO8c/XJ-bDc5JizwjTrvSMmalm9WrZFdcx-cegCLcBGAs/s320/17-best-mental-strength-quotes-on-pinterest-mental-strength-how-39977.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
<br />
This morning I was fortunate to be able to spend time at the DMV.<br />
<br />
The DMV is the place of wonder.....the place where.....like it or not...we get to spend (sometimes) hours waiting for our number to be called to renew our driver's license or license plates.<br />
<br />
That means, I had plenty of time to myself, to think.<br />
<br />
The trend in 2018 seems to be athletes talking about their lack of mental strength and trying to figure out how to get it.<br />
<br />
Sadly, we can't just go to the grocery store and purchase it.<br />
<br />
It's across the board and typically follows a race where someone didn't have the results they expected.<br />
<br />
There are two issues here rolled into one.<br />
<br />
1.) Goal setting<br />
2.) Mental toughness<br />
<br />
I'm only addressing mental toughness. Every single athlete is different. Every single athlete has an approach that works for them.<br />
<br />
This is why it is so important to have a Coach or a mentor or someone help you find the right strategy.<br />
<br />
<br />
Of course, I'm in this group. This is the Year of Strong. This is the year that I am working on getting to the next level of my little triathlon hobby.<br />
<br />
Inspirational quotes only go so far. When you are out on the course, alone with your thoughts, what happens?<br />
<br />
Many years ago, <a href="http://multisportmastery.com/">Coach Liz</a> told me (not a direct quote), "The half iron and iron are about outlasting the competition. The oly race is about pain. The people who race it the best either embrace the pain it or ignore it better than others".<br />
<br />
I <i>thought</i> I understood what she was saying. Over the 4.5 years that I have been with her, I have found that I only hear what I am ready to hear at that moment and understand it in the way that I can for where I am.<br />
<br />
Years later, I understand the deeper meaning of what she says.<br />
<br />
A few weeks back, Liz sent me an article about peripheral versus central fatigue.<br />
<br />
The article hit me like a load of bricks.<br />
<br />
Here's a completely watered down explanation. Peripheral fatigue is the physical fatigue that we get. It's the legs burning feeling when you're pushing hard on the bike.<br />
<br />
In other words, peripheral fatigue is PAIN.<br />
<br />
<i>But, it doesn't mean you're tired.</i><br />
<br />
Here's where the article got interesting. Central fatigue is along the lines of mental fatigue. But, you're not really tired. Your body is experiencing fatigue/pain, so your central fatigue kicks in and says, "you're tired. slow down. back off".<br />
<br />
I remembered Liz telling me, "The oly is about embracing the pain or ignoring it better than others".<br />
<br />
And that's when it hit me. Just because I'm in pain, doesn't mean I'm tired.<br />
<br />
I sent off an email to Liz with all my thoughts. We went back and forth for a bit, and she said, " An old Coach once told me, 'The central governor won't let you die' ".<br />
<br />
Just like that, I had a paradigm shift.<br />
<br />
I started approaching my training with a completely different outlook.<br />
<br />
Liz would give me a workout that was really hard. I started constantly saying to myself, "You're in pain. You're not tired. Pain is ok."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FfBBp6gDNMc/Wti9r8rbFvI/AAAAAAAAO8Y/_1b-2KDjAUg35TkheNXpVdBl9WWkh0EqwCLcBGAs/s1600/quotes-about-mental-toughness-quotesgram-19799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FfBBp6gDNMc/Wti9r8rbFvI/AAAAAAAAO8Y/_1b-2KDjAUg35TkheNXpVdBl9WWkh0EqwCLcBGAs/s320/quotes-about-mental-toughness-quotesgram-19799.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I started having incredible success with my running (in particular).<br />
<br />
One day, I opened my training log to see that Liz wanted me to run my intervals at a 7:30 pace. I doubted myself and started at 7:57. I ended up building the intervals to the exact pace she wanted.<br />
Throughout the workout, I repeated, "Pain is ok. You're not tired. You're in pain. Pain is ok".<br />
<br />
I know. It's not exactly a quote that is going to be posted on an inspirational image of people running.<br />
<br />
But hey, it worked for me.<br />
<br />
I had another workout. It was my favorite type of workout: one of those run-bike-run-bike-run-bike workouts.<br />
<br />
Those workouts are straight up brutal. To make it even harder, my runs were going to be sub 8:30 pace.<br />
<br />
I'd never run as far as she wanted me to run at an 8:30 pace. NEVER.<br />
<br />
After bike intervals at 105%, I didn't think. I started running at an 8:27.<br />
<br />
Trust me. It really started hurting. Over and over, I repeated, "Are you tired? No. I'm not. I'm in pain. Pain is ok. Run harder".<br />
<br />
I sped up to an 8:13 pace.<br />
<br />
I amazed myself, truly amazed myself.<br />
<br />
I know this is <i>just training</i>. I don't get wrapped up in training PRs. Still, they are glimpses that I might have found an approach that works for me.<br />
<br />
It's not a natural way to think. In fact, it's not really an incredibly motivating way to work. It's more of a "cut through the bullshit. We have work to do" approach. I'm a ways off from where I want to be and where I believe I can be, but these are the first steps in the right direction.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mB2WeOKuhXw/WtjZevL8qNI/AAAAAAAAO8w/EpEAUvzWyrQBAQtUn9OfL7KfMBuODt8XACLcBGAs/s1600/1j5_quotes_swimmers_quot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="227" data-original-width="236" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mB2WeOKuhXw/WtjZevL8qNI/AAAAAAAAO8w/EpEAUvzWyrQBAQtUn9OfL7KfMBuODt8XACLcBGAs/s1600/1j5_quotes_swimmers_quot.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458902596339656206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376116885154866211.post-75246943371824090442018-04-10T09:29:00.001-06:002018-04-10T09:29:06.575-06:00This is where I came from<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0qa7yNMVwkM/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0qa7yNMVwkM?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
Some of you already know this story.<br />
<br />
Mr. Tea and I have been remodeling our house for an eternity. This week, I was packing up the "health and fitness" section of our <i>library;</i> which is a fancy word for the bookcases overflowing with books: books piled on top, books sticking out from shelves, books everywhere.<br />
<br />
It became a walk down memory lane as I found a treasure trove of old binders. Before the days of the internet (and then before the days of online tracking such as TrainingPeaks), there were binders. I kept track of nutrition, training, moods, etc.<br />
<br />
I found a book of triathlon training plans with hand written notes:<br />
<br />
Swim test with results of 2:30 per 100<br />
<br />
SHITtake mushrooms.<br />
<br />
I found a training plan from Runner's World from 2011.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SOF-R9WeJCE/WszS0x8v7qI/AAAAAAAAO6o/oQ9gCpiAbYQXlX0VUHYEfDhuZaft0xmswCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180408_163549_911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SOF-R9WeJCE/WszS0x8v7qI/AAAAAAAAO6o/oQ9gCpiAbYQXlX0VUHYEfDhuZaft0xmswCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180408_163549_911.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
My goal was to run a half marathon in 2:25.<br />
<br />
That got me wondering what race I did. I had no memory of running a half marathon in 2011.<br />
<br />
I decided to check my results on <a href="https://www.athlinks.com/athletes/50624691">Athlinks</a>. I don't really keep athlinks updated very well, but I thought it was worth a shot.<br />
<br />
Athlinks has my results back to 2003.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure if it is a complete list, but it's good enough.<br />
<br />
This is what I want you to see. I regularly talk about coming from the back of the pack.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A1tQqDaRfaA/WszU1afC89I/AAAAAAAAO64/2hop_24o-GkuOohvcaAyGfwcR-0zUgJygCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot_20180409-184434_Chrome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="1080" height="111" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A1tQqDaRfaA/WszU1afC89I/AAAAAAAAO64/2hop_24o-GkuOohvcaAyGfwcR-0zUgJygCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot_20180409-184434_Chrome.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qaG8AE36VZ8/WszU1j0sqiI/AAAAAAAAO7A/eIRKEYBaywQatcPRfrSralD-qDyWNRnigCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot_20180409-184505_Chrome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="1080" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qaG8AE36VZ8/WszU1j0sqiI/AAAAAAAAO7A/eIRKEYBaywQatcPRfrSralD-qDyWNRnigCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot_20180409-184505_Chrome.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b2aqDfjkteE/WszU1jU2_6I/AAAAAAAAO68/jnJaFcb_2C0n-0hU0P2lMRjMmczhgq4hgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot_20180409-184521_Chrome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="1078" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b2aqDfjkteE/WszU1jU2_6I/AAAAAAAAO68/jnJaFcb_2C0n-0hU0P2lMRjMmczhgq4hgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot_20180409-184521_Chrome.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YQVxIOY3k5c/WszU1zgyquI/AAAAAAAAO7E/phjPyuJJFD0HzO0DjXoxcjVMIqPgV_tKwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot_20180409-184631_Chrome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="1080" height="99" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YQVxIOY3k5c/WszU1zgyquI/AAAAAAAAO7E/phjPyuJJFD0HzO0DjXoxcjVMIqPgV_tKwCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot_20180409-184631_Chrome.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>This is why I am who I am. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>This is why I encourage people constantly. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>THIS is why I take the time to answer questions at races.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I have been there. We have all been new to a sport. Some of us have to learn how to swim or get on a bike for the first time since we were kids. Some of us, spend more time (than others) at the back of the pack.</i><br />
<br />
The first time I went to Nationals, I almost lost my shit. I was so nervous. I looked at all those super fast women and felt like a poser.<br />
<br />
I don't belong here. It was a freak accident that I qualified.<br />
<br />
At my 1st nationals, I met BD. BD is always ranked somewhere in the top 20 of my age group. I think she could tell that I was a nervous wreck. She spent time with me explaining the course, explaining rules, explaining how things were done. The last thing she said to me was, "You qualified for this. Take it all in".<br />
<br />
The next year at Nationals, we met up again. I took the opportunity to thank her.<br />
<br />
The story continues......<br />
<br />
I'm happy to say that I will be heading to the back of the pack this year as I venture into new races. This time around, I'm doing it with a new found appreciation for what it takes to get really good at something. I am going back to racing for the sheer enjoyment of racing with no regard for where I place.<br />
<br />
This doesn't mean I won't be competitive. This doesn't mean I won't be giving everything I have.<br />
<br />
It simply means that I respect those who have worked for many many years to get on that podium.<br />
<br />
Maybe I'm not starting at the begining, but I am starting all over again.Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458902596339656206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376116885154866211.post-71164177491144110682018-03-31T09:13:00.002-06:002018-03-31T09:21:14.702-06:00Transformation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tv30esjRHiI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tv30esjRHiI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I started blogging in 2003 as part of a running forum. It's amazing to me that over the years, I've kept in touch with some of those runners. Some of them even read my blog, now and again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We've watched our kids grow up; we saw painful divorces together; we've lost family and friends; we've gone through treatment for horrible diseases...and won...and sometimes lost the battle. We've seen the arrival of grandkids.....or multiple grandkids.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We've seen each other go from casual runner to BQ'er to ultra-marathoner to triathlete to cyclist to yogi to cross fitter to Spartan racers to mountain climbers....and on and on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We have celebrated so many wins together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">During that time, my blogging has changed. When I first joined the running forum, I was a casual runner. I'd done races over the years. I never trained for anything.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My blog posts were all about everything that I'd accomplished. I ran 8 miles, 10 miles, 15 miles for the FIRST TIME EVER.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I crossed the finish line of my first half marathon in 2:21 and my first marathon with those people (5:57---which is actually a lesson in how to "not" actually train for a marathon but run it anyway in a blizzard...because.....what else do you do when you turn 40)?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We've all done stupid stuff and laughed about it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I grew as an athlete, my training had to change to meet new goals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What's that line in Miley Cyrus's song? Something like, "<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG2zyeVRcbs">There's always gonna be another mountain</a></span></span><br />
<span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG2zyeVRcbs">I'm always gonna wanna make it move</a>".</span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">I no longer talked about how hard a workout was. They're all <i>hard</i>. It's the nature of short course. We can go harder more days of the week because the workouts are shorter. I'm a triathlete so I'm speaking in terms of managing 4 sports (swim, bike, run, srength). If you are a single sport athlete, the number days of intensity depend on your distance, your age, your experience, etc. Obviously, you can't run hard 5 days in a row. In my world, I can train hard for 5 days in a row. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">I kept this quiet except for a few people. I made Team USA again. When I found out, I thought back to what it has taken to get to this point.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">You'd be surprised at the number of people who will put you down for your success. They pretend to be supporters, but their jealousy rings through loud and clear. They see something in YOU that they don't believe they have.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">They see your success as their failure.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">At first, those comments really stung. Then, I realized (many years ago) that their words and actions reflect on them and have nothing to go with me. They are toxic people. I cut them out of my life.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Through my blog, I have aired my dirty laundry.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">I have put my weaknesses and strengths on display. You've seen me get frustrated beyond anything I'd had experienced before. You've seen me surprise myself.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">I have given you all access to all the good and bad about what it has taken me to get to where I am.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">This is starting to sound like a Dear John letter.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">It's not. It's about transformation.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">As I've changed, my blog has had to change as well.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">You know that 2018 is the Year of Strong. It's been all mental work this year. The result is that mental gains are being followed up with physical gains.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">This is important shit. It's probably the most important training I have ever done. And, I think it is really important to talk about it here, but I struggle with how to do that. Although, I'm no expert. I certainly have a lot of experience that can benefit others.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Going forward, I don't know if you'll find all this "mental training" incredibly boring. For me, it's another step. I want to continue to share what I'm going through. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Because not all wins are about a finish time. </span></div>
Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458902596339656206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376116885154866211.post-52311693342493326552018-03-17T10:51:00.000-06:002018-03-17T10:51:20.605-06:00You're fuckin' with a cabbage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0mHPrkhE_Tg/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0mHPrkhE_Tg?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Feeling inspired doesn't even cover my current mood.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-umhsGxARrXs/Wq07BMC2qjI/AAAAAAAAO4M/NMlxe4qk-w0TNfjktgDoaaCKnYjZG5JpwCLcBGAs/s1600/mia%2Bhamm%2Bquotes.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="546" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-umhsGxARrXs/Wq07BMC2qjI/AAAAAAAAO4M/NMlxe4qk-w0TNfjktgDoaaCKnYjZG5JpwCLcBGAs/s400/mia%2Bhamm%2Bquotes.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Yes. That is definitely more appropriate.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In the past month, I've gone from lost to found. Before, I wasn't really sure what I was going to do this year.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
During one particularly hard bike session, it came to me. This will be the Year of Strong.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Strong in every way possible. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's starting to show. I think the universe sends us signs, and I'm listening.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have to give credit where credit is due. Everything that is happening because of other people.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Strong.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://multisportmastery.com/">Coach Liz</a> has me work with a trainer. I also have a massage therapist who is a cross fit coach. Between the two of them, I have been hitting weights hard and have been giving my muscles much needed recovery. Three times a week.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In order to make strength gains, it doesn't matter if you do heavy weights and low reps or high reps and light weights. The single most important thing is that you go to <b>failure</b>. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
By now, you know that I embrace failure. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I do the plan from Liz's trainer. I do the specific exercises from my massage therapist (rolling, stretching and targeted strength training).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The result is that I'm stronger than I've ever been.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Raising my own bar.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Probably the craziest thing that has happened has to do with swimming. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
First of all, a woman (now a friend) joined masters late last year. She is an incredible swimmer and (prior to moving to Denver) she was a swim coach in Vegas. She should be swimming in some of the fastest lanes, but we just clicked....and she swims with me, in my lane. She pushes me. She coaches me. She's my secret weapon.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Second, a new guy showed up at masters about a month ago. He and I clicked IMMEDIATELY. He is one of the funniest, most intelligent men that I have ever met. He reminds me so much of my Googs (my oldest son). They are very close in age, too. I didn't know what his background was. All I knew was that he is sick fast, and he does things I've never seen another swimmer do. He's another swimmer who should be swimming with the big guns. But he doesn't. He swims with me. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Yesterday, he told me he was a Navy Seal and former All American swimmer. Of course, I said, "Well, I'm a triathlete. So. There."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
He replied, "You're a triathlete? Now, I'm REALLY going to push you". </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
(He didn't act like it externally, but I'm pretty sure he was secretly super impressed).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Third, my friend Mike is back in the picture. Mike and I had become good friends. We'd swim masters together. We'd do open water swims together. He is another very very fast swimmer. He left our masters team and started dating a non-swimming woman. We saw each other less and less often.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This week, he came back to masters. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When I say these people are very fast. I mean VERY fast. They can all swim 1:00 per 100's. I can't even get my head wrapped around this. I don't even know why they swim with me.....except for my striking good looks and charasmatic personality.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For the past month, I have been swimming my heart out at masters, trying, and often failing to keep up. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The result was that I dropped my swim pace from 1:27 to 1:19. I dropped my pull pace from 1:18 to 1:10. These paces are from 250's not 100's.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, the other day....my masters swim coach asked, "Are you shooting for a 1:30 pace?"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I said, "No. I'm shooting for 1:20 or better".</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
He said, "We'll see about that".</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I swam a 1:14.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>When it comes to swimming, don't be a leader. Be a follower. Do everything you can to hold on to faster swimmers. Take breaks if you need them, drop a 50 here and there to keep up. Wear fins, use paddles. Do everything possible to keep up with fast people.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm getting stronger. My bike power is improving (still chasing 4%). My swim has taken off.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What about running?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
During my particularly dark time, I lost my love for running. Since I've been running for over 30 years, I know that my relationship with running is a lot like my relationship with people. We'll go through good times and bad times, but I don't give up on someone I love.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Liz and I have a completely different plan for running. I'm running less often. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
At first, I didn't even enjoy easy runs. I did them anyway. I ran without technology. I just ran.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There were some intensity to the workouts, but Liz told me, "Run however you feel that day. If you want to run easy, just run easy".</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For awhile, that's what I did. I would attempt an interval or 2 and realize my heart and the speed was truly.....not.there.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But, I ran. Whenever she scheduled a run, I ran. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Then, I started to enjoy running easy again. I started looking forward to those runs.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This week, I had more intervals. I failed the first two. I stopped and thought for a minute. I said, "All you have to do is run as hard as you can for 1:00. You can do that. 1:00 is all I'm asking."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The craziest thing happened. It worked. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I ran for 1:00 at a time as hard as I could. I ran faster than I have in a very very long time. Although, I'm not sure. It might be the fastest intervals I've EVER run. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>If my race schedule is up in the air, what's the point?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The point is that this is the Year of Strong. I am becoming physically and mentally strong.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When I race, I know what I'm going to focus on for each race. I'm not out to impress anyone. I don't care if someone thinks I'm fast or slow or in between. I'm not out to podium. I don't care where I place. I'm not racing to prepare for Nationals. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm racing for me. </div>
Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458902596339656206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376116885154866211.post-40720116494287720012018-03-11T09:24:00.000-06:002018-03-11T09:55:48.151-06:0012 years a triathlete<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yAc35CH2P3I/WqU-gYLa22I/AAAAAAAAO2o/xzAsZBYA9OwsFemkyw_DeQhTb11F0zIXwCLcBGAs/s1600/29025812_10155461155379786_6368260417663270912_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yAc35CH2P3I/WqU-gYLa22I/AAAAAAAAO2o/xzAsZBYA9OwsFemkyw_DeQhTb11F0zIXwCLcBGAs/s320/29025812_10155461155379786_6368260417663270912_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If it doesn't challenge you,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">it doesn't change you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A couple of months ago, I mentioned the book <u>Chasing Excellence.</u> It's a book that really spoke to me because of the no bullshit approach. As a quick reminder, the book is about how crossfit champions become crossfit champions. I do not like self help books, but I loved this book.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I love inspirational quotes.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I love powerful songs.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But, quotes and songs don't cross the finish line.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To accomplish your goals, we always say, "It's the little things".Those little things are simple, but they are not easy to do.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was one of those athletes who would always say, "Get ready for BIG things from me this year". "This year is going to be HUGE".</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I used to think improvements came in leaps and bounds.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is my 12th year of triathlon. I took some time to look back over my career. I came to this sport with NO athletic background. I didn't know how to swim, and I didn't even own a bike. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My entire triathlon story is about little steps. I've moved from the back of the pack to the middle to the front to the podium to making Team USA. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Yet, there is not one single race that I can point to and say "THAT was it. THAT was my breakthrough race". Every year and every race, there were things that I did that built upon my previous years of racing.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you want to qualify for a World Championship or podium at a World Championship, it will not happen overnight. It won't even happen in a year. It can take years to accomplish your goals. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We all need BIG goals. More importantly, we need those smaller intermediate goals. Without the smaller goals, we have no plan to reach the big ones. It's sexy to talk about qualifying for Kona. No one wants to know about the boring, little things an athlete has to do daily to make that dream come true. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Somewhere along the line, reality set in with me. I no longer talk in BIG terms. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Nowadays, I think, "I would like to do X". I know that in order to accomplish X, I need to go through T-U-V and W. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I (now) know how much work it takes to get to those really BIG goals. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This year, I am taking the opportunity to work on <b>more</b> of the little stuff. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Because the little stuff is everything. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
#chasingexcellence</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
***************************************************************************</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
On an unrelated note: If any readers want to follow me on <a href="https://www.strava.com/athletes/2102977">Strava</a>, please let me know in the comments. (No one can see your comment unless I approve it). I recently received a request from a guy in Italy. I deleted his request because I don't normally accept requests from people I don't know. He sent me a message saying, "I've been reading your blog for a few years". </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
OH. Ok. Then. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458902596339656206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376116885154866211.post-39458206575306560642018-02-25T08:56:00.000-07:002018-03-06T07:49:29.618-07:00A different plan<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have decided to scrap my race season.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kl68-H66TgI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kl68-H66TgI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I know what you're thinking.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OTLpLD-71aI/WpLSdUwfPMI/AAAAAAAAO1A/WiTFkShMg3gyjZso2rwEENwYUaZ9l7ZgQCLcBGAs/s1600/26xBBgnA4auLsSOHu.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="480" height="223" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OTLpLD-71aI/WpLSdUwfPMI/AAAAAAAAO1A/WiTFkShMg3gyjZso2rwEENwYUaZ9l7ZgQCLcBGAs/s400/26xBBgnA4auLsSOHu.gif" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But no, I'm being serious. All my races are off the calendar. It was a really hard decision to make, and I stressed over it all of January. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once I made the decision, it was like a huge weight was taken off of me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I made this decision a little over a month ago. I know this is the first time you are hearing this.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can imagine you might be shocked and surprised to hear this.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wUOm5SPvq0Q/WpLXl8g1QpI/AAAAAAAAO1Q/-cSBtNCaJT8XsTuUE71By-JF-tkeQ2WvQCLcBGAs/s1600/shock.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wUOm5SPvq0Q/WpLXl8g1QpI/AAAAAAAAO1Q/-cSBtNCaJT8XsTuUE71By-JF-tkeQ2WvQCLcBGAs/s320/shock.gif" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But I have moved on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A month ago, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/99005588990/?ref=bookmarks">Liz</a> and I had a long talk. I wrote a post here, maybe sometime in January. I talked about the struggles I was going through. (I have since taken that post down).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I realized that I couldn't handle the training load with everything that I am going through. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She was incredibly understanding (as is her way). I told her that I needed a few weeks off to clear my head. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I took a couple of weeks off and started back with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/99005588990/?ref=bookmarks">Liz</a> last week. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Probably the weirdest part is going from 16-17 hours of training a week to basically going back into off season. Then, one morning I woke up and remembered that I didn't have to do anything. It felt so good. I knew right then that I made the right decision.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/99005588990/?ref=bookmarks">Liz</a> and I talked about doing a bike focus. Right now, I want to do the stuff that I really love. I love the bike more than anything. My 2nd favorite is swimming. I have an awesome masters team. I adore my swim coaches, and it's a great mental break. Recently, I've been making huge gains in my swim. My 3rd favorite is running. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have a goal of getting to w/kg of 4% on the bike. I have been closing in on that goal. Step by step, with a strategic bike plan....I'll get there either this year or next.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This year will be a step back year, so to speak. I will continue to "train" with Liz. My plan is to work on my weaker areas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can't tell you how much I appreciate Liz right now. She was incredibly understanding when I took time off and completely changed course from long to short. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most importantly, I can't overstate how important it is to work with a coach, to have a collaborative approach to training. When I brought up the possibility of doing a bike focus, we came up with a plan <i>together</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bike focus, it is. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And let me tell you, she started in full on beast mode. My hardest workout of the week was so difficult that I couldn't quite hit the intervals. I hit the first one and the last one and parts of the middle ones. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">What Coach Liz says: This is a very hard interval.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">What Coach Liz means: I'm going to rip off your legs and feed them to you. </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course, she responded with, "This is a great workout for you".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She's absolutely right. I know that it's hard to see workout failures as a positive thing, but that's exactly how I see it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Growth only comes out of pain. Otherwise, we'll just stay the same. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She gave me a workout that exactly hit my weakness. Now, we can address it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You see. Getting better at biking or running or swimming isn't about <i>doing more.</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's about doing the right types of workouts for <b>you</b>, to address your weaknesses, so those areas become stronger and stronger. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Taking a year off might seem like a shock, but just think about how strong I am going to be after taking a year to work on my weaknesses.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">#chasingexcellence</span>Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458902596339656206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376116885154866211.post-27849780068791714382017-12-01T17:14:00.000-07:002018-02-11T08:48:54.596-07:00Chasing ExcellenceI think most of you know that I'm not a warm fuzzy person. I am a "tell it like it is" type. I can smell bullshit a mile away. Fake compliments? Faghedaboudid.<br />
<br />
As you can imagine, I'm not really into self help books. There's nothing wrong with them. They just aren't my style.<br />
<br />
I'll get back to that point.<br />
<br />
It was time for me and Liz to talk about my race schedule for the year. With my two A races set, I asked her what I should do between them.<br />
<br />
She shot off her recommendations.<br />
<br />
I put together a schedule.<br />
<br />
Sent it back.<br />
<br />
She said, "I'd add this......"<br />
<br />
Ok. That's not what I expected <i>but</i>...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4uAuJQQvQo/Wmu2pLZ5rjI/AAAAAAAAOmc/omqzfrMdW64jlEI-bWCgDLuz1VrHd19rgCLcBGAs/s1600/drunk.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="243" data-original-width="500" height="192" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4uAuJQQvQo/Wmu2pLZ5rjI/AAAAAAAAOmc/omqzfrMdW64jlEI-bWCgDLuz1VrHd19rgCLcBGAs/s400/drunk.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Back to the drawing board. I sent her my new race schedule.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wKyD05mdWdo/Wmu3UhqssqI/AAAAAAAAOmk/-2yGmuLpZ1s95YUOAqHaEPxKGqyDPtkHQCLcBGAs/s1600/approval.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="264" data-original-width="480" height="176" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wKyD05mdWdo/Wmu3UhqssqI/AAAAAAAAOmk/-2yGmuLpZ1s95YUOAqHaEPxKGqyDPtkHQCLcBGAs/s320/approval.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
With this race schedule there are so many things I want to accomplish. There are things in my way. The big one is mental toughness.<br />
<br />
I don't want you saying I'm a bad ass or anything of that because you're full of shit.<br />
<br />
I went to Liz, and we talked about the issue(s) holding me back. She agreed that I lack mental strength.<br />
<br />
<i>Don't ask for feedback if you don't want to hear what you need to hear. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I have no ego in this game. I ask for feedback because I want to be my best.<br />
<br />
A few weeks back, I started I started working on it. During a long run, I came up with specific weaknesses. I came up with a plan to help me overcome them.<br />
<br />
Then the universe sent me a message over Facebook.<br />
<br />
I didn't even know the universe had an account, but there you go.<br />
<br />
An article came up about <a href="https://www.runnersworld.com/elite-runners/breakthrough-in-new-york-opens-doors-around-the-world-for-allie-kieffer">Allie Kieffer</a>. Do you know who she is? I didn't either. That's because all the excitement at the NYC marathon was about Shalane Flanigan. Allie was the 2nd American woman to cross the finish line with a PR of 26 minutes.<br />
<br />
She was the one no one even saw coming.<br />
<br />
Allie talked about a book she read called "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Excellence-Building-Fittest-Athletes-ebook/dp/B0743MP21F/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517011034&sr=8-1&keywords=chasing+excellence">Chasing Excellence</a>". Immediately, I had to look up the book. It's by Ben Bergeron; the Coach to 3 cross fit World Champions (women and men).<br />
<br />
Like triathlon, crossfitters all come with their own strengths. Some are better at rope climbs. Some are better at running uphill carrying 120lbs of sand and on and on. They are all in the best shape of pretty much any other humans.<br />
<br />
So what separates each of them at the Games (the CF world championship)? Mental toughness.<br />
<br />
Self help book? Yes. But one that I could really grasp and relate to because of his no bullshit way. Yeah, there is a little bit of repetition throughout the book. In a way, I need that.<br />
<br />
Right at the start, I realized that how I referred to myself, saw myself, defined myself was wrong. I had a self defeating mindset. (I have never put myself down or called myself dumbass or slow or old. But there are other ways, more subtle ways we can defeat ourselves without being terribly mean to ourselves).<br />
<br />
I was hooked. Some chapters are things I already do. But other chapters are offering me ways to become mentally stronger. That's the point, right? If I was doing everything perfectly, I'd have already accomplished my goals.<br />
<br />
Learning mental toughness is not easy. Learning to push past your preconceived limits is really really painful. But you know what's even more painful? Falling short of your goals.<br />
<br />
This is truly my year of Chasing Excellence.<br />
<br />Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458902596339656206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376116885154866211.post-16888863525931434532017-11-12T10:48:00.000-07:002017-11-12T10:55:30.537-07:00UnrecognizableThe first time I do something I've never done before, it's a fluke. One off.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WHOGCFyWmP8/Wgh7r7d4B9I/AAAAAAAAMbw/jJoVpPHVqTAngKB_ecxeDlOBma4EUuVgACLcBGAs/s1600/dulynoted.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="480" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WHOGCFyWmP8/Wgh7r7d4B9I/AAAAAAAAMbw/jJoVpPHVqTAngKB_ecxeDlOBma4EUuVgACLcBGAs/s400/dulynoted.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The second time I do the same thing<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L0pRY0QlYjw/Wgh7_eA5V-I/AAAAAAAAMb0/uCSI0-At0qkR66SGWC8EtEkrlpwvoaWNgCLcBGAs/s1600/curiosity.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="400" height="293" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L0pRY0QlYjw/Wgh7_eA5V-I/AAAAAAAAMb0/uCSI0-At0qkR66SGWC8EtEkrlpwvoaWNgCLcBGAs/s400/curiosity.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The third time I do something</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yVhfBzRYSC4/Wgh8470AhyI/AAAAAAAAMcE/zR7z9zd5x-Ar3yYvDST1BhGzb1K7F7ERQCLcBGAs/s1600/foreal.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="480" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yVhfBzRYSC4/Wgh8470AhyI/AAAAAAAAMcE/zR7z9zd5x-Ar3yYvDST1BhGzb1K7F7ERQCLcBGAs/s400/foreal.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
When I repeat the same behavior, <i>under fatigue</i>....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CQ3rr_xbzTE/Wgh90MDANII/AAAAAAAAMcQ/Z9BzbBLOu6g2cSeISLNBHia1eNZPqJ8NgCLcBGAs/s1600/blues.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="500" height="380" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CQ3rr_xbzTE/Wgh90MDANII/AAAAAAAAMcQ/Z9BzbBLOu6g2cSeISLNBHia1eNZPqJ8NgCLcBGAs/s400/blues.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Back in May or June, <a href="http://www.multisportmastery.com/">Liz</a> and I were talking about run cadence. To put this in perspective, I was a plodder. My cadence would average about 160. The goal cadence is 180.<br />
<br />
I knew how important it was. I was frustrated beyond belief. I didn't want to talk about it anymore. There were NO drills that could help me.<br />
<br />
One day,<a href="http://www.multisportmastery.com/"> Liz</a> asked me exactly what the issue was.<br />
<br />
I told her, "I'm unable to do it. I don't mean I have a mental block. I mean, I am physically unable to hold a fast cadence for more than a few seconds."<br />
<br />
I thought she was going to tell me that I just wasn't working hard enough.<br />
<br />
Instead, she said to me, "I think you have weakened muscles. That's why you can't do it. You've done nothing wrong. It's the result of having babies. Once those muscles are stretched out, they don't go back on their own. Other muscles become overactive to make up for the loss. We have to work on those muscles to get them to engage again. Most women don't".<br />
<br />
She gave my a list of exercises to do 3-4 times a week.<br />
<br />
I knew she was on to something when I couldn't even do several of the exercises.<br />
<br />
During this same time, I had been working with my massage therapist. He had been working with me on running posture & working out some ridiculously tight areas. He gave me a list of stretches to do...with instructions to do them every day....just do what you can for 15 minutes a day.<br />
<br />
For months, I've done the work.<br />
<br />
I went back to my massage therapist. "We're making progress. That's good. Don't get frustrated. This can take a long time to fix".<br />
<br />
I religiously did my <a href="http://www.multisportmastery.com/">Liz</a> exercises. I continued stretching.<br />
<br />
Then, one day when I was running, I noticed that I no longer had soreness in my butt when I ran.<br />
<br />
It seemed like it just happened out of nowhere.<br />
<br />
We continued with cadence drills. Nothing was changing.<br />
<br />
BUT, exercises that I couldn't do at the start, I was now able to do.<br />
<br />
Exercises that I was doing before with a band, I was now doing with a stronger band.<br />
<br />
My cadence wasn't changing but I noticed significantly less fatigue when I ran.<br />
<br />
Then, this week happened.<br />
<br />
Out of nowhere, I ran and held 180+ cadence, without fatigue, without even thinking about it. The previous week, I was at 160-165.<br />
<br />
Ok. I don't know where that came from.<br />
<br />
It happened a second time.<br />
<br />
Then, a third time.<br />
<br />
The true test was today. My legs are crazy sore (very fatigued). I didn't set any expectations. I didn't label myself as good or bad. I went out there and ran.<br />
<br />
Sore and tired, and I ran with a cadence of 180+.<br />
<br />
SIX MONTHS after first starting to really address the issue. SIX MONTHS without seeing a direct change.<br />
<br />
Throughout the whole process, I stayed focused. There were times when I thought I'd never make any progress.<br />
<br />
Getting good at one sport takes a really long time. It can take years to become a top 10 age group swimmer. It can take years to go from a 1.86 w/kg on the bike to 3.4%.<br />
<br />
When you're putting 3 sports together PLUS transitions PLUS nutrition? Well, getting good at triathlon take a really long time, a really long time.<br />
<br />
Good things come to those who work for it.<br />
<br />
One day, you'll wake up, and you won't even recognize yourself anymore.<br />
<br />
<br />Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458902596339656206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376116885154866211.post-31085922772625044542017-11-03T17:44:00.004-06:002017-11-03T17:44:37.032-06:00Gettin' cut, gettin' butt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-blOp1AZS1Rw/Wfz02mJHdGI/AAAAAAAAMIU/1-yl5-lGLuc0rBpS8ZtGFB-lfjAU7vrmgCLcBGAs/s1600/oh%2Byeah.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="264" data-original-width="480" height="220" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-blOp1AZS1Rw/Wfz02mJHdGI/AAAAAAAAMIU/1-yl5-lGLuc0rBpS8ZtGFB-lfjAU7vrmgCLcBGAs/s400/oh%2Byeah.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I took the month of October off. Lemme splain what that means and what it doesn't mean.<br />
<br />
Taking the month off <i>from training means</i> Coach Liz and I said our emotional good-byes (not really). For the month, I did whatever I wanted to without being analyzed; without having to hit any zones; without hitting any paces.<br />
<br />
Liz gave me guidelines "take AT LEAST X days off from running".<br />
<br />
You don't have to tell me twice.<br />
<br />
And, "Don't do any exercise longer than X"<br />
<br />
Alrighty.<br />
<br />
And, "HAVE FUN".<br />
<br />
DONE and DONE.<br />
<br />
<i>It doesn't mean sitting on my ass doing nothing. </i><br />
<br />
The first week of Oct got a little crazy. I was on vacation. Since my race was 9/30, immediately after Mr. Tea and I went into FULL ON CRAZY MODE.<br />
<br />
We ate dessert at every meal and sometimes FOR a meal. I knew we sunk to a new low, when I was under the covers, in bed, eating ice cream.<br />
<br />
THAT'S how you do time off.<br />
<br />
When we returned from vacation, I'd had about as much sugar as I could handle. I couldn't even think about having anymore junk.<br />
<br />
I got right back into my normal eating habits.<br />
<br />
Then, the end of the month rolled around.<br />
<br />
It was my birthday.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_30jBrWmwKQ/Wfz3oqmcHyI/AAAAAAAAMIg/G2U2HRIusFQAcEZREN25D9pRE3RbkYlzACLcBGAs/s1600/50.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="480" height="233" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_30jBrWmwKQ/Wfz3oqmcHyI/AAAAAAAAMIg/G2U2HRIusFQAcEZREN25D9pRE3RbkYlzACLcBGAs/s320/50.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And the peoples rejoiced.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gErSaZo_ExI/Wfz35qpvO3I/AAAAAAAAMIk/k7mC5fLTZVg6JCNurdayZLlvTHj_uKVowCLcBGAs/s1600/minions.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="226" data-original-width="500" height="144" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gErSaZo_ExI/Wfz35qpvO3I/AAAAAAAAMIk/k7mC5fLTZVg6JCNurdayZLlvTHj_uKVowCLcBGAs/s320/minions.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My birthday weekend started on Friday. By Sunday night, I was exhausted. I couldn't laugh any more. I couldn't eat any more food. I was done.<br />
<br />
I was ready to start training again. I was ready to start eating right again. <br />
<br />
That's how I know I've gotten enough rest (physical and mental).....when I'm excited about training again.<br />
<br />
Liz and I started up again on Nov 1st.<br />
<br />
WELCOME TO the "GETTIN' CUT, GETTIN' BUTT" portion of my training.<br />
<br />
Liz and I walked through the next few months of training.<br />
<br />
I believe I'm heading into a breakthrough year in 2018.<br />
<br />
I sat down to jot down a few goals. Then, I wrote down my plan to get there.<br />
<br />
I decided to lean down a bit. Lose some fat. During Oct, I started hitting the weights hard. I made a couple of other changes as well. I went back to my notes from when I worked with Dina. I decided that I could switch some things up and have a big impact on my body fat.<br />
<br />
These changes had an immediate impact on my body composition. So much so that Mr. Tea even commented on it. I noticed my clothes were fitting looser and my ROKA swimsuits (which run ridiculously small) were no longer allowing butt chub to hang out.<br />
<br />
I hopped on the bike and did an FTP test. My test blew away all other tests and was even stronger than back in 2015 when I lost over 26lbs.<br />
<br />
I'm heading into a really great year, I tell you.<br />
<br />
Given that we have a looooong race early in 2018, Liz thought it was best that we don't do a single sport focus. I have goals for this race. I shared them with Liz, and she said, "very doable".<br />
<br />
I know that just because a goal is "doable" doesn't mean it will be easy. I told her what I felt my challenges would be with the race and where I would excel. She told me a few things that I'll need to be aware of for this particular race.<br />
<br />
We have a plan. I wrote down what paces I need to train to in order to reach my goals. There are going to be times when I know that I'm going to doubt myself, like when fatigue sets in.<br />
<br />
Here we go again. I'll be stepping on the emotional roller coaster in about a month. Are you ready for the ride?<br />
<br />
Because, <b>you about to see something you ain't NEVER seen before!</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fjiV4PlzV5M/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fjiV4PlzV5M?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My Spirit Animal</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458902596339656206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1376116885154866211.post-31187814484789392852017-10-24T15:39:00.002-06:002017-10-24T15:39:25.718-06:00Sometimes, "giving up" IS the right answer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MSn37TJAqLA/WeoiMuSxnZI/AAAAAAAALGw/ysh-IHaStFsdOj2DiPZBvjezRwccxvUywCLcBGAs/s1600/382829-Caroline-Myss-Quote-Just-let-go-Let-go-of-how-you-thought-your.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MSn37TJAqLA/WeoiMuSxnZI/AAAAAAAALGw/ysh-IHaStFsdOj2DiPZBvjezRwccxvUywCLcBGAs/s400/382829-Caroline-Myss-Quote-Just-let-go-Let-go-of-how-you-thought-your.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We live in a world where "giving up" is bad. We're supposed to be FIGHTERS and blast through any challenge/issue/problem that comes our way.<br />
<br />
Guess what?<br />
<br />
That's bullshit. Sometimes, "giving up" is exactly what we need to do.<br />
<br />
About a year ago, I read a blog. The post was supposed to be about how strong the athlete was because he fought through the urge to give up.<br />
<br />
He has been doing triathlon for a long time, but he continues to have goals that are unrealistic for himself (today) at the age he is.<br />
<br />
He had put so much pressure on himself to compete at the level he was back in the day, that he completely shut down his ability to hit ANY goals.<br />
<br />
He was getting ready to give up triathlon, when he decided to do one last sprint.<br />
<br />
He won the race.<br />
<br />
Why? NOT because he didn't give up, but because that's precisely he did. He emotionally let go of who he used to be. He let go of those unrealistic goals. He raced in the moment for the sheer joy of racing. Without that pressure, he raced to the best of his ability <i>for where he was right now. </i><br />
<br />
Everyone was congratulating him on his ability to fight through it. I was thinking the exact opposite. I believed that his success happened because he did in fact "give up". He gave up an unrealistic expectation of himself. People don't want to see themselves as <i>quitters</i>. "NEVER GIVING UP" means he's a winner, a champion. "Giving up" means he's a failure in our society.<br />
<br />
<i> </i><br />
<i>I'm here to tell you that it's ok to give up. Sometimes, it can be the healthiest choice. It's not easy to do, and it requires a healthy dose of self-awareness.</i><br />
<br />
Of course, we need to know when it is appropriate to give up.<br />
<i> </i><br />
It's ok to give up when:<br />
<i>1.) A goal is no longer personally important</i><br />
<i>2.) When a goal is unattainable</i><br />
<br />
I'm not a psychologist. So, I went on the hunt to find out if there was any such thing as "giving up" being a healthy option.<br />
<br />
<i> </i><br />
<i>Lo and behold. </i>The psychological term for this is <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/supersurvivors/201709/why-giving-can-sometimes-be-good?amp">goal disengagement</a>.<br />
<br />
<i></i>
We live in a world where we are supposed to continue working for a goal until it is achieved. But this is locking us up emotionally. We are stuck of this mode of having to reach a goal before moving on to the next.<br />
<br />
This is creating a cycle of unhappiness-->I'm not acheiving this goal-->I'm a failure-->I'm unhappy because I'm not achieving this goal-->I'm a fighter-->I should be able to fight through this-->what's wrong with me.<br />
<br />
There's nothing wrong with you other than the fact that the goal might no longer be important to you. It's time to let it go.<br />
<br />
Bearing down on this goal means we are missing out on other goals or interests that we might want more. We are stuck, thinking we can't move on until we finish the initial goal. <br />
<br />
Many times over the years, I have written that it is ok to change your goals. Changing a goal doesn't mean you are a failure. It means your life has changed or your desires have changed. A new goal is NOT a lesser goal. It is simply a <i>different</i> goal. In some circumstances, you need to accept that your goal is unattainable. This is probably the hardest one to get over. If you run 5ks at a 10:00 pace, you have to accept that your goal of running a sub 20 5k, is probably not attainable.<br />
<br />
Setting goals is a different topic.There have been many articles written about the topic, by people much smarter than me. <br />
<br />
For those of you who are new to my blog, last year, my husband Mr. Tea had a major health issue. The day he was rushed to the hospital, he was 321lbs. Over the course of the year, he's lost 131lbs. He had a goal weight that he wanted to reach. He was never able to get there. His weight would bounce up and down over the same 10lbs.<br />
<br />
One day, he said to me, "I'm not going to shoot for that goal anymore. I'm healthier now. I feel good at the weight I'm at. I'm just going to eat right right. Whatever my weight is, it is".<br />
<br />
Guess what? Once he did that, he lost more weight, and his weight stabilized at a healthy point. No more up and down the same 10lbs.<br />
<br />
Goal disengagement.<br />
<br />
Give up to move on.<br />
<br />
It wouldn't be right if I write this entire post if I didn't talk about what this means to me.<br />
<br />
Sad to say, I fell into this trap. I was writing about "changing your goals is ok". Blah blah blah. I was the epitome of "do as I say not as I do".<br />
<br />
I was in the trap but didn't even realize it.<br />
<br />
I have been racing short course for a number of years now. I set two goals a few years back.<br />
<br />
I wouldn't even consider Ironman until:<br />
1.) My sons had moved out.<br />
2.) I hit X time at the 70.3<br />
3.) I hit X time at the oly distance.<br />
<br />
The times that I set were not unrealistic at all. However, I had clamped down on them. I absolutely would not attempt an Ironman until I met those goals.<br />
<br />
YET, those goals were completely arbitrary.<br />
<br />
<i><b>I made up those goals.</b></i> <br />
<br />
Time goals are the worst goals to have in triathlon. TRAIN to time goals, but the weather, the course, so many external factors come into play on race day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b>There is no law or rule saying that we have to accomplish X before we move on to Y.</b></i><br />
<br />
If I made them up, that means I can change them. I can change my mind. I can do something different.<br />
<br />
And most importantly, I can return to those goals at a later date.<br />
<br />
A goal deferred is not a goal defeated.<br />
<br />
Once I realized and acknowledged that, I felt free. I was no longer under the weight of attempting and failing to meet a particular, completely arbitrary, random goal.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i></i>
I wrote this post on purpose. I have decided to move in a new, exciting direction.<br />
<br />
<i></i>
It's time for me to work on a new, completely different goal.<br />
<br />
Twelve years after doing my first triathlon, I'm going to do an Ironman. <br />
<br />
<i></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fYD0tTlM8kY/WeocpaNgtoI/AAAAAAAALGU/3kHLu63x8MMqbmgXXpHoKoqBYx7lFeUTACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot_20171018-115126.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fYD0tTlM8kY/WeocpaNgtoI/AAAAAAAALGU/3kHLu63x8MMqbmgXXpHoKoqBYx7lFeUTACLcBGAs/s640/Screenshot_20171018-115126.png" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<i></i>
<i> </i>Teahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458902596339656206noreply@blogger.com