As I was preparing myself, reading through the training program that Tara sent me, on one of the first pages it asks you to write three reasons as to why you want to complete an Ironman distance triathlon. Good question. Tonight we had our first committee meeting of the year for the American Cancer Society DetermiNation team. It was in one of those meetings where I heard the story of Alison, Michelle, Kristin and Heath completing Ironman Wisconsin and thinking, "damn, that's awesome. I like to run, but I'm not that great, and I don't really know how to swim..." thoughts of negativity, and "no way" It's one thing to not want to do something. I have no interest in being a really awesome rock climber... but this was something that I wanted, but was afraid to attempt- at first :).... Till I decided to just sign up for my first sprint.... and off I went, looking back only to reflect. Being a part of this endurance community has really changed my life, introducing me to a lifestyle that I never thought I would be a part of.
I'm surrounded by people and by a cause that keeps me accountable. I have good friends doing this with me, reminding me that I need to wake my ass up at 4:45am to get in the water to practice, to be better. I know I won't do Ironman year after year, but I'm confident that I'll stay involved. It's always, "so what are you signed up for?" If not participating in races, then I'm volunteering and cheering/encouraging on others. I am grateful that I am healthy and able. When I have days where I feel like hiding in my bed all day, or I really don't feel anything at all, I know that a good workout will pick me up. One of the reasons I had written down "winter sucks, I don't want to repeat winter 2009" basically not the happiest, still working on that but trying to stick to the goals I set.
I also realized that I need to surround myself with people who have passion and interests in things. I don't care what it is, but be interested. Be awesome at your job, your relationships, whatever it is you're trying to work on, but work at it. I'm trying not to be so hard on myself, but I try to continuous learn and grow, it's a balance.
I'm grateful to work with a group of people who push me to be healthy, physically and emotionally. I have people in my life to keep me in check when I am all over the place, and I'm thankful.
Also, healthy mindsets are what I'm working on too, learning to let go when things don't work out, or changing the plan if I need to. I joke about goals with my friends, but I really am a goal setter :)- it's the teacher in me. Here is a little piece from Amy's most recent team notes this week- Maybe I'll look back at this at one point during the summer when I'm tired and tell me self to "get it together" as I sometimes need to remind myself to do....
"Goals give us direction. They put a powerful force into play on a universal, conscious,
and subconscious level.
Goals give our life direction.
What would you like to have happen in your life this year? What would you like to do, to
accomplish? What good would you like to attract into your life? What particular areas of
growth would you like to have happen to you? What blocks or character defects, would
you like to be removed?
What would you like to attain – little things and big things? Where would you like to go?
What would you like to have happen in friendship and love? What would like to have
happen in your family life?
Remember, we aren’t controlling others with our goals – we are trying to give direction
to our life.
What problems would you like to see solved? What decisions would you like to make?
What would you like to happen in your career?
What would you like to see happen inside and around you?
Write it down. Take of piece of paper, a few hours of your time, and write it all down – as
an affirmation of you, your life, and your ability to choose. Then let it go.
Certainly, things happen that are out of our control. Sometimes, these events are
pleasant surprises; sometimes, they are of another nature. But they are all part of the
chapter that will be this year in our life and will lead us forward in the story."
Monday, January 10, 2011
Chicago Tri Club / Vision Quest Coaching
Daryl got me to sign up for the $50 Chicago Tri Club membership- thanks DA (I may have to write a blog entry on how great of a friend you've been DA)
Being a member allows you to be part of a network of sharing of information. So far I've only been a member a little while, I still need to pick up my card and my shirt (pumped about this, I'm a big nerd as most of us tri geeks are) but I've found it helpful already!
Through this- Daryl introduced me to Vision Quest Coaching. I had my first Taste of VQ class - this last Sat morning- it's a 10 week course. It kicked my ass and it was great. I will most likely sign up to be a member in Feb/March to take advantage of their classes.... by this time I'll have a new bike..... now needs to be a whole other post as well.... details on new bike to come (after it's purchased)
Being a member allows you to be part of a network of sharing of information. So far I've only been a member a little while, I still need to pick up my card and my shirt (pumped about this, I'm a big nerd as most of us tri geeks are) but I've found it helpful already!Through this- Daryl introduced me to Vision Quest Coaching. I had my first Taste of VQ class - this last Sat morning- it's a 10 week course. It kicked my ass and it was great. I will most likely sign up to be a member in Feb/March to take advantage of their classes.... by this time I'll have a new bike..... now needs to be a whole other post as well.... details on new bike to come (after it's purchased)
Max Multisport Coaching
So the thing that would keep me from the finish line would be being able to swim the 2.4 in under 2 hours and 20 minutes. I know I'd be able to swim the distance, because there's no way in hell you're gonna drag me out of that water, it's being able to do it in the 2 hours and 20 minutes that worries me.
Renee and Max Multisport was the group I found when I first decided that I wanted to do a triathlon. I had taken a few classes in my early 20s, but it was more like "so this is how you float and put your head in the water- don't get me wrong, all important stuff) But when I decided I wanted to do a sprint triathlon, I knew that I needed help. I was terrified of the water. When I started, the first day of group swim, I couldn't swim the length of the pool. I blamed it on my googles. Now I can swim in the lake without having a panic attack (Racine was my first time being able to finish a race without hanging on to the ropes) They were helpful from the start so I went back to them again for more help. It's that cut off time that.......So I signed up for private swim lessons. So far I've only had one with swim instructor Nick, but it was good. I'll be posting as I learn more. He's already been helpful. I know a lot of it is going to be taking what he teaches me and practicing on my own.
So this is going to be one component in addition to training (not part of the training- kind of the additional to help training go better)
One of my blog options is going to be the cost of everything.... every race, to every training group, to new shoes and bikes..... you all will think I'm crazy, but I do this from keeping me going crazy!
Turkey Trot
Turkey Trot-
November 25, 2010
http://turkeytrotchicago.com/
The only thing that I liked about this race was running it with Swanny. This was a 8K event- and yes, we were hungover, again, yup, pretty sure Jenn puked. I'm starting to see a bad pattern here and glad that I'm blogging now. As I write about this - 3 months later, this is the day before my official training begins, and I've made the decision to not get hammered till after the Ironman. Once I make decisions, I get stubborn and it's hard for me to break them. So basically it's really time to settle down with the partying.
Back to this race-it was so crowded at points were you had to walk. It was NOT one to be taken seriously, even if you wanted to get a good run in, this would not have been the race. Points were so narrow on the path, you had nowhere to go. Swanny and I were doing quite a lot of grass running.
It was fun running into Matt Witt- we had made a bet the night before that he wouldn't show up. There he was full on showing off the singlet- I owe him a bloody mary :) Andrea also had bragging rights that day. I was awful about taking pictures, and only took one:
November 25, 2010
http://turkeytrotchicago.com/
The only thing that I liked about this race was running it with Swanny. This was a 8K event- and yes, we were hungover, again, yup, pretty sure Jenn puked. I'm starting to see a bad pattern here and glad that I'm blogging now. As I write about this - 3 months later, this is the day before my official training begins, and I've made the decision to not get hammered till after the Ironman. Once I make decisions, I get stubborn and it's hard for me to break them. So basically it's really time to settle down with the partying.
Back to this race-it was so crowded at points were you had to walk. It was NOT one to be taken seriously, even if you wanted to get a good run in, this would not have been the race. Points were so narrow on the path, you had nowhere to go. Swanny and I were doing quite a lot of grass running.
It was fun running into Matt Witt- we had made a bet the night before that he wouldn't show up. There he was full on showing off the singlet- I owe him a bloody mary :) Andrea also had bragging rights that day. I was awful about taking pictures, and only took one:
Rails to Trails - November 7, 2010
November 7, 2010
http://www.railstotrailsrace.com/
Jenn did not have the best Chicago Marathon experience so she wanted to give it another shot in Norwalk, WI. Neil and I went with her, but we raced the 1/2 marathon option. It was very pretty, but very small. The pasta dinner / packet pick-up, the night before was in a school gym, with a poster drawn with crayola markers of the course and elevation change. The local volunteers brought in delicious homemade goods, and there was enough parmesean cheese in a can to go around. I did not have a registration, I signed up last minute, as I tend to do (trying to break this habit) and got a same day registration. (They mailed me my shirt and my medal later on in the mail.)
There are not too many options for lodging in Norwalk so we stayed at a lovely hotel in Tomah, WI- the nearest larger city. If you are from Madison, there is also the race day pick up if you are just coming up for the day. Norwalk, is about 1.5 hours or so from Madison, (about 5 hours from Chicago) so not terribly far, but not super close either.
In the morning, what to wear was the biggest anxiety. Jenn must have gone back and forth a billion times, but it was decided, layers were best. It ended up being a bit warm for several parts parts of the morning, with the sun coming out, but pretty cold in that Wisconsin shade. The race was on the trail the entire time, which became a little difficult to run on, impact wise, you could really feel it in your legs. There is a part of the race where 3/4 of a mile, you actually run through an old railroad tunnel. Volunteers stand there passing out flashlights before you enter the tunnel and collect them at the end of the tunnel. We wore glow sticks on our shoes :) The tunnel was lined with lanters, but you had to slow down significantly to watch your footing. The first time you go through, you think "That was awesome" the second time... not so much. A bit cold, drippy and it does slow you down when you just want to finish the second time you go back through the tunnel.
It really is a pretty, peaceful course, but not a loop, just a back and forth. I also found that the majority of the participants were pretty fun spirited (as most Wisconsin folk are :) ) If you are competitive, you could place fairly well in this race.
We finished up the day, waiting for Jenn and cheering her on. She didn't get a PR, but still said she enjoyed herself.
After the race, the chicken dinner was again, very much like a Wisconisn backyard party :)
http://www.railstotrailsrace.com/
Jenn did not have the best Chicago Marathon experience so she wanted to give it another shot in Norwalk, WI. Neil and I went with her, but we raced the 1/2 marathon option. It was very pretty, but very small. The pasta dinner / packet pick-up, the night before was in a school gym, with a poster drawn with crayola markers of the course and elevation change. The local volunteers brought in delicious homemade goods, and there was enough parmesean cheese in a can to go around. I did not have a registration, I signed up last minute, as I tend to do (trying to break this habit) and got a same day registration. (They mailed me my shirt and my medal later on in the mail.)
In the morning, what to wear was the biggest anxiety. Jenn must have gone back and forth a billion times, but it was decided, layers were best. It ended up being a bit warm for several parts parts of the morning, with the sun coming out, but pretty cold in that Wisconsin shade. The race was on the trail the entire time, which became a little difficult to run on, impact wise, you could really feel it in your legs. There is a part of the race where 3/4 of a mile, you actually run through an old railroad tunnel. Volunteers stand there passing out flashlights before you enter the tunnel and collect them at the end of the tunnel. We wore glow sticks on our shoes :) The tunnel was lined with lanters, but you had to slow down significantly to watch your footing. The first time you go through, you think "That was awesome" the second time... not so much. A bit cold, drippy and it does slow you down when you just want to finish the second time you go back through the tunnel.
It really is a pretty, peaceful course, but not a loop, just a back and forth. I also found that the majority of the participants were pretty fun spirited (as most Wisconsin folk are :) ) If you are competitive, you could place fairly well in this race.
We finished up the day, waiting for Jenn and cheering her on. She didn't get a PR, but still said she enjoyed herself.
After the race, the chicken dinner was again, very much like a Wisconisn backyard party :)
Monster Dash
October 31, 2010- http://www.chicagomonster.org/
What better way to cure a hangover from Halloween then to wake up and run a 5K? Maybe we were still a little drunk, we for sure got to the start line a little late. Hey- I figured, it's not full on Ironman training season yet, right?
This race gives you the option of running it as 1/2 marathon. Good job Swanny! I did not do the 1/2 Marathon. This was just for fun :)
And oh yes, people wore full costumes. It was cold but sunny :)
The medals were pretty sweet too. (1/2 marathoners got a belt buckle!)
What better way to cure a hangover from Halloween then to wake up and run a 5K? Maybe we were still a little drunk, we for sure got to the start line a little late. Hey- I figured, it's not full on Ironman training season yet, right?
This race gives you the option of running it as 1/2 marathon. Good job Swanny! I did not do the 1/2 Marathon. This was just for fun :)
And oh yes, people wore full costumes. It was cold but sunny :)
The medals were pretty sweet too. (1/2 marathoners got a belt buckle!)
Chicago Marathon 10-10-10
http://www.chicagomarathon.com/cms400min/chicago_marathon/
This was written on 10-10-10 at 11:07pm- Just took me a while to post!
Marathon #5. NOT a PR- and that's OK. After a certain point I actually turned off my watch. A little while ago, I forget the context of the conversation, but Jayson was joking with me and making fun of me that I'm too hard on myself with my races. He's right. Jenn has told me the same thing in the past.
I was starting off well, on my way to beating my goal, but I soon realized that today was not going to be my race and it wasn't going to happen. I gave in, not gave up, but gave in to trying to enjoy it. Which is hard when you don't feel great and you're not very comfortable. I remember a point where I saw Andy and we both agreed that we weren't having fun anymore. Maybe mile 17 after a long stretch of no shade? Don't know the exact point, but made the decision to enjoy it. And enjoy it I did. And what a relief! It was a like a blanket of negativity has been lifted off me and I was able to relax and have fun. I don't think I have ever been in such a good mood for a race before, and it truly just took making that choice. I was thankful that I was able to do so, and emotional because of how happy and thankful I felt for all of the wonderful things in my life. (Also lots of time to think when you're a slower runner..and being out there can have odd emotional effects on people:) )
For slower runners like myself, the longer you're out there, the hotter it gets, the more painful it gets. I decided I was going to enjoy the day and the experience.
And what a great day it was. I got to enjoy my family along the course, hugging them and running with Tio Elvis. I saw other ACS runners out there, including Jimmy, and got a big bear hug from him. I actually got to see my KIPP Team and Familia this time which was super fun :) Thanks for being out there!
Once I decided around 21 that I need to walk to regulate my heart rate and my breath, I decided to strike up conversation with other walking runners. It was great, we shared pieces of our lives and motivated each other to run and walk. There was one point where I was trotting along, and Steve saw me, ran up to me, and gave me an encouraging pat on the back. A little while later, I was jogging along and I see him walking, red in the face and still moving along. I stop to walk with him and he grabs my hand just like he would his own daughter, and we chatted for a little bit, and picked up another walking charity runner... this is now one of my favorite race memories.
Throughout the race, I kept my people in my hearts and thoughts, especially Ms. Captain Badass- this race I dedicated to you! But others as well like Dad, Tia Silvia, Cote, Tio Adolfo, Tia Maria, Brian's Mom... unfortunately the list can go on...
Also, THANK YOU to all who came out to cheer, it was great seeing you out there, and dancing and cheering with me :)
Congrats to all finishers, whatever your goal was for the day! Especially to Jenn for staying strong after getting sick, and Kate for finishing her first!
A great day followed by time with family, and a few different parties with friends, wow I'm blessed!
While this was NOT the best race for a PR, like Sherry said, I can look at it like a long training run getting ready for the Ironman :)
9/11/2011- Training starts... now! (Or maybe Wednesday :) - a few days to rest is always smart :) 
Apple Cider Century
http://www.buehlerytri.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=211:apple2010&catid=41:club-news&Itemid=58
It's 1/10/2011 and I'm trying to go back and post all of the races or events that I've participated in from volunteering at the Ironman 2010 to lining up at the start line.
Again the purpose is more of a journal/log to see if something goes wrong, how I can improve, and if others want feedback, they can read about different events.
So Daryl texts me that he was going to drive to Michigan for the Apple Cider Century 100 mile bike ride.
It was Sunday, September 26, 2010 in Three Oaks, Michigan. I went to bed thinking about how fun that would be, but too bad, they didn't have bibs. I woke up around 6am, wide awake, bored and with nothing planned that day, so threw my bike in the car, and drove 1.5 hours to Three Oaks in hoping that I could find a bib.
I get there, and luckily there were several for sale. Normal registration was $35, but I think I paid $40.
You basically have the choice of 15, 25, 37, 50, 62, 75, and the full 100 miles. By the time I got up there, Daryl had already been riding a few hours (he was doing the full 100) I decided that I was going to do 50. Start times were still open- I think if you were planning to do the century- you had to get started by a certain time.
It is a recreational, social bicycle tour of the orchards, forests, and wine country in and around Three Oaks, Michigan.VERY pretty- and I was pretty leisurely about it. Also a fairly flat course. All in all, a very fun ride. They even had apple cider at the rest stops :)
Met up with Daryl at the finish and hit up some local orchards before going back to they city.
It's 1/10/2011 and I'm trying to go back and post all of the races or events that I've participated in from volunteering at the Ironman 2010 to lining up at the start line.
Again the purpose is more of a journal/log to see if something goes wrong, how I can improve, and if others want feedback, they can read about different events.
So Daryl texts me that he was going to drive to Michigan for the Apple Cider Century 100 mile bike ride.
It was Sunday, September 26, 2010 in Three Oaks, Michigan. I went to bed thinking about how fun that would be, but too bad, they didn't have bibs. I woke up around 6am, wide awake, bored and with nothing planned that day, so threw my bike in the car, and drove 1.5 hours to Three Oaks in hoping that I could find a bib.
I get there, and luckily there were several for sale. Normal registration was $35, but I think I paid $40.
You basically have the choice of 15, 25, 37, 50, 62, 75, and the full 100 miles. By the time I got up there, Daryl had already been riding a few hours (he was doing the full 100) I decided that I was going to do 50. Start times were still open- I think if you were planning to do the century- you had to get started by a certain time.
It is a recreational, social bicycle tour of the orchards, forests, and wine country in and around Three Oaks, Michigan.VERY pretty- and I was pretty leisurely about it. Also a fairly flat course. All in all, a very fun ride. They even had apple cider at the rest stops :)
Met up with Daryl at the finish and hit up some local orchards before going back to they city.
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