Ironman Wisconsin 9/9/2012

Disclaimer- this is another long post.....

IRONMAN WISCONSIN SEPTEMBER 9, 2012 (IMOOOOO)

2.4 MILE SWIM 112 MILE BIKE 26.2 MILE RUN

SWIM- 2:10:21
TI- 12:38
BIKE-7:49:25
T2- 4:49
RUN- 5:10:09
Finishing Time- 15:27:22

(For those interested in what exactly an Ironman is, distances, cutoffs, etc and those interested in hearing WHY I decided to sign up in the first place, and HOW I got involved, see my Ironman CDA post)

Well, when I started this blog, the intention was to document events and lessons learned from the time I signed for to the time I crossed the finish line for Ironman Wisconsin. It took longer than I anticipated and now if I'm not sure if I'm totally done with Ironman, so not sure if this will be my last post or not.
I do know that I'm taking a break. (So is my wallet- I've kept a spreadsheet of expenses the last two years for anybody interested) Not signed up for anything yet, would like to get my 70.3 time way faster so a destination half would be fun for next season? 

One of the themes of this particular race for me, from leading up to race day, to the feelings after was "GRATITUDE"
I felt incredibly thankful and blessed to be at that starting line feeling healthy and happy, and for all those who helped get me there! 

Thanks to family first and foremost. Saw me through the highs and lows and always gave relentless encouragement. 
Vision Quest Teammates - Many times I wanted to quit and you all kept it real for me, and helped me to have fun along the way too. Thanks.
Friends who were there to cheer along the way and to see me to and through the finish line.  Thanks.
DetermiNation. Team Familia. Thank you. 
Jim Bruskewitz, endurance performance, wrote a plan that got me from CDA to IMMoo to and through the finish line. Thanks. 
There are certain things that people say to you that will stick with you forever. You may not remember when you heard them, but they still stick. Here are some of the ones that resonated for this experience.
David Pittman, ACS Charity Dinner, 2008? 2009? I don't remember. He challenged us to "Be Better" that night
Kristin McQueen, ACS Personal Inspiration "Suck it Cancer"
Emily Phillips is just a badass.
Jennifer Eubanks, twin and bestie "You got this"
Marcia Cleveland, VQ Swim coach and a swimming super star. "Swim as fast as you can, for as long as you can" "Keep earning it" (from her book) and "You're doing good, but you can do better" (from her book) Buy it: http://www.amazon.com/Dover-Solo-Marcia-Cleveland/dp/0967209102/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347680736&sr=8-1&keywords=dover+solo+marcia+cleveland
Melissa Li, physiolife studios, VQ teammate "Stay clean". Check her out.  http://www.physiolifestudios.com/
Coach Kris Siudak "Don't let up, not even a smidge" "Be smart, swift and smile a lot"

If you haven't noticed already, there are a ton of references to the American Cancer Society DetermiNation program. (Again see previous post for more details)
They are the program that introduced us to endurance events so will also have a special place in our hearts.
I did not actively fundraise this year, but I do support the cause. I know there are several causes that you can raise funds for and support and nowadays you can run a 5K for anything really,  but the DNation community is great. If you're looking for inspiration, check this out :http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/DetermiNation/DNFY11IL?px=4563140&pg=personal&fr_id=42914

That weekend also was the 5 year anniversary of our father passing on. (September 10, 2007) I think being able to do this event (including the beer I had after the race) was a great way to honor his memory and remember his calm nature, work ethic and sense of humor. I proudly wore Team Familia and the sense of "familia" with friends, family, teammates, really rang true this day. 
I felt happy and peaceful the whole day (as peaceful as you can be going 140.6miles) I thought I would get emotional going up observatory drive (one of my favorite spots on campus, and the location of the above picture) but again, just felt calm. I was looking forward to seeing Jenn at the bottom of the hill, and in true twin fashion, she knew exactly when I was coming and was waiting to give me illegal support by running with me for those few minutes :) (right on time for those both loops)

Ok, race day. I felt nervous all week. But a different nervous and there were for sure low days in the weeks leading up to the race.The fact that I had done CDA a few months earlier helped, but still. I just wanted things to go well and that causes nerves that I think go along with anything that you work hard for. If you didn't get excited, nervous, then probably means you don't care that much, right?

RACE WEEKEND
I stayed at the Inn at the Park (thanks Rhonda for transferring reservation. I convinced myself that the Lowell had bad juju because I stayed there last year) I have these weird little things. Now I buy something Ironman and make sure to use it before the race for good luck. It's turned out good for the last two IM events. The first IM I didn't buy anything and that didn't go well, so now it's good luck to buy some race branded item and use it before the race.
We all have our little things right?
ANYWAYS- The Best Western turned out VERY well. (A big thanks to DA for the surprise welcome package- got the weekend to a good start!) 
I was near everything and there was a great energy among the racers.
The weekend was just checking in, prepping, warming up (with a few laps around the farmers market, in addition to light swimming, biking and running) and then "relaxing". Staying positive.

RACE MORNING and the day of executing piece by piece began. It's been "baby steps" all summer, and this morning was no different.
Piece by piece, following nutrition plan, then getting to transition area, then getting to the start. I was grateful to have found Juliette, Lynn and Anne and we all walked down together. I ran into several other VQers, Danny, Brian that morning and the energy was great. Anne and I remembered to do a little dancing at the start :)
SWIM
Getting into the water I thought I was calm then started to get annoyingly nervous. I couldn't find "my" spot. There were more people than I remembered, and they were all in my spot. I wanted to be on the buoy line as best I could but then for some reason thought I was on the outside line by mistake, so was trying to see where the buoy line was. I remembered to try to sight off the bridges but tried to just take a deep breath before everything started. Then the cannon went off, and we went. 
Tried to focus on pulling, reaching and sighting the best I could but was kind of a mess. I heard Jim in my head shouting "V!!!" "Stay straight!!!" Jim B also gave me a sighting lesson in early June so tried to keep him in my head as he reminded me sighting could be the difference in my race. I tried to do everything that Marcia had taught me but couldn't find a rhythm, but remembered to not slow my arms down. The last few weeks I had been obsessing over which wetsuit to wear as CDA was 59 degrees so 74 was way too warm in my head. The suit in the end I guess didn't matter as much. I convinced myself that I would make the cut off in a bikini if I had to, so the long sleeved, hot or not, would help with buoyancy and make me faster, but I for sure started to feel the difference halfway in. 

                                                                                          

(pictures courtesy Neil Eubanks! Thanks Neil)

The 1050 yards out felt ok, then the 300 turn into the sun made it impossible to see, but I quickly made the turn and it was a long 1700 back. The turn and last diagonal were confusing and I felt myself trying to sight way too much just trying to make sure I was going the right way.
The last 600 the kayakers started to narrow in again, setting off panic again. I remember the very first open water sprint triathlon race I did, I held onto the boats in a panic to catch my breath and get myself together. This race, the boats near me felt like I was cutting it close to the cutoff and made me panic to move my arms and get away from the boats (I was cutting it close) At one point I heard a kayaker yell something along the lines of 2, 10- I thought she said it was 2:10- I had calculated at least 400m left so really started to get nervous about the clock. When , out of breath, I swam right to the mat and start pawing at the volunteers to help me out of the water, I see the clock, the relief and joy set in. 2:10:21. HELL. YEAH. Not my 2 hour goal, but I told myself I'd be happy and reminded myself to look for my friends (Neil later told me that the kayakers were saying to stay "2 and 10" so that they positioned themselves to help swimmers swim straight into the finish line.
                                                             

I get out of the water and have my wetsuit stripped. I see Becks, and Kristin and was so happy to high five them. Then out runs Jenn to give me the best hug ever and then Neil for another high five. I thought of myself as Rouge from Xmen stealing all of her super power energy and using them to my advantage (Jenn's a bit of a super hero) Up the helix I saw Emily and Andy and it was more hugs and then another high five for Adrienne on the way up! YAY! (This is probably why my transition time was 12minutes) Happiest 12 minutes ever. 

I got assigned the best volunteer ever and I was impressed with how quickly I got out of there (once I got my stuff I was pretty fast out). My friends were up the helix again and I rushed over for some last minute high fives. As I get my bike, the volunteers had it ready for me and commented on my tape that said "blessed" on my handlebars. I don't remember the exact words but basically joyful expressions of high fives and "Praise Him!" and "blessed to be here, and wonderful family, and beautiful day" I probably sounded a little looney tunes leaving that transition area but was happy to get on that bike. 

BIKE Once on the bike, it was pretty quiet. I passed a few other riders right off the bat, then started to slowly catch up to see more riders. It was a truly gorgeous day and the wind reminded me that I still had to keep working. I knew the course very well, having ridden it several dozen times so it was actually a little hard to try not to go all out and hammer it, but. I was trying to be smart (slow pace is no problemo for me) but I have come a long way from when I first started. I had Dan in my head remembering to stay on top of my cadence and Kris to keep the pressure consistent on the pedals. The energy of the spectators was amazing. (The second loop was for sure quieter as people started to head back to town) but so fun seeing other VQers, Blanca, Rico, Jenny and Marty and CTCer, Henry running around in a Speedo, and the always awesome Mike Norman from CES (Chicago Endurance Sports got me through my first few tris and they are an awesome group)
It was still about executing piece by piece. I felt great getting on the bike and was thankful I could start my nutrition plan right away. (It worked out very well, thanks Melissa!) and just focused on the next cutoff in front of me. Luckily I didn't have mechanical issues as it probably would have meant the end of my day because I wouldn't have made the cutoffs. 
(Shout out to DA's Ironwill  and attitude for finishing strong after an unfortunate mechanical issue on the bike)
On the way back into town, again happy to be out there and thankful for the day and experience.

Fun to see Porta shouting at me from the Helix as I came back into transition. This time, I was much faster through transition, and happy that I didn't feel terrible. 
I was able to take in nutrition and stayed on top of it the best I could

RUN This is what I had been looking forward to. A run around my campus on a beautiful night. I was happy that I didn't feel like barfing or passing out so tried to ease into a decent pace. I kept up with staying at a good pace (a good pace was about 2min slower than my ideal marathon pace) then slowing down through the aid stations, but picking it right back up as a I left. 
I was trying to think of form, and cadence, and "running" (more like jogging) and breathing, but couldn't help but take it all in and let my mind go with it.
A few days later Jenn reminded me of the first crazylegs race I did in Madison, I didn't pay for it, but took the free beer at the end anyways (stop judging me) that race I had my CD player tucked into the back of my sports bra so that I could have music on the race. Made me think of Dan telling me to stop fussing with my iPod on a bike testing day (he's totally right) and just made me smile to think of how much I've learned in all of these years. (this was a post race reflection) One of my first organized race experience was finishing in Camp Randall for Crazylegs so running that lap in Camp Randall during this Ironman is something I'll keep with me forever and nobody can take that experience away from me. 

It was great to see friends both running and cheering on the course, giving Heath a hug on the run, highfiving McQueen and all my VQ peeps on the course. Juliette, Anne, Shannon, DA, Brian, Randy, Danny, Doug, Melissa, Ken, Rhonda. Off the course I knew that my family was waiting for me at different spots (again, twin thing- she knew when I was coming, and I knew when I would see her) and seeing mom happy and cheering with Lilly also made me feel grateful for the moment.
Finishing up the first loop I loved knowing that VQ would be at state street and was getting ready to see them. Rounding the corner I see DA with a Team Familia shirt, (yes he was all showered at this point) and gave him a big bear hug. For sure a highlight of the night. I round the corner and earlier I had told Dave that I was looking forward to high-fiving him and Robbie-it was some of the best high fives, ever.
It truly was a beautiful night and I felt the positive energy of family and friends who were there in spirit but were cheering from home or from beyond. (I know Michelle was cheering loudly from home) I had kept a decent pace and I started to realize that I could potentially come in within my 15:30 goal. 
                                                

(I sang fight songs the whole lap around Camp Randall, again, probably looking like a looney tune)

Right about mile 23 my Garmin died. Oh well. I was trying to not look at it much anyways and trying for perceived effort as best I could, so didn't really care at this point. I even spent a few seconds with extra high fives at the end. Coming into the finish line, no Mike Riley on the floor waving a towel. (he was shouting from the stands) Just music, highfives, lights and fun. I don't remember the songs playing that day, but I'm sure they were anthemy pump you up songs. That day I had everything from Whitney Houston's "I wanna dance with somebody" to Tool's "Aenima" pop in my head. But overall actually did ok with thinking about the task at hand.  I put my Bucky hat on and tried to dance through that finish line the best way I could.
I got to high five friends into the shoot and then hug them after. Thank you to those who stayed to see me finish. 
No giant relief like I felt in CDA. Just happy, and grateful, and peaceful. YAY. I started with flippers on my first day in the pool at NSCP with Renee and Max Multisport and many, many, many, many training days, ups and downs, laughs and stories, and races later, I made it across the FINISH LINE. 

                                                     
Again, not sure what's next. If this will be my last post or not, probably not. I want to get faster! But, I'm grateful for all the learning experiences along the way. They can take away timing chips but they can't take away what you learn or what you take away from the experience. 
Thanks again to all who have been part of this journey!

June 3, 2012 Diamond Lake Open Water Challenge 5K Swim

http://www.swimdloc.com/category/dlocnews/

I wasn't sure what to expect from this event. Marty had printed it out and suggest I give it a try. So I signed up. (the theme of this year, not sure what it is I'm signing up for, looks fun / challenging, so going to sign up)

It was another event where I was going by myself (well not ever really by myself because God is always with me, and sometimes easiest to hear Him when I am doing these things on my own.)

Even when you are with a ton of people, it's still you and your thoughts. These last few weeks have been excellent for my mental focus to think about what my plan is, executing the plan, and reflecting on how it went.

(Nutrition in green again)

I woke up to give myself enough time to eat 600-700 calories before the start of the swim. I had 4 cups of applesauce (200 calories), 2 scoops of Melissa's protein (about 100), and a banana (90) to drink I had coffee in the car on the way (60), then I decided to mix 2 scoops of Carbo Pro into 8oz of Coconut Water to get the rest of the calories in (250) total 700 calories

Felt good and easy to digest

10 min before the "race" I had 1 - 100 GU Vanilla gel pack w/ caffeine (given to me by a fellow swimmer because I forgot mine in the car)

The word "race" was in quotation marks like that because it did not feel like a race at all. It felt like somebody was having a BBQ at their lake house, invited a bunch of people, and decided that everybody was going to go out swimming. 

The swim took place on pretty Diamond Lake in Cassopolis, Michigan. You have to park your car on the main island, and then take a barge across the island. Once you get there, packet pick up was one table long, and the athlete area to get ready was on somebody's porch :) The race start was off of the boat launch from her deck. :)

I was good on nerves as I'm usually a wreck before open water swims. I spoke to Coach Kris on the phone and she told me to pick up the arm cadence/stroke count every buoy so was going to try and focus on that. We get out to the start, there were MAYBE 10-15 of us, the race director blows a whistle and we were off. 2 - 2.5K loops- I was instantly alone in the water- as everybody swam ahead- something I'm used to so wasn't a big deal. The water temp didn't feel too bad compared to CDA last weekend. Looking back, I made this mistake in MOWS last year, but I was going way too easy. I don't know if I was nervous about getting too tired too soon, but focusing too much on my stroke, as I tried to stretch out every stroke, but on the way back from the out and back we hit some chop, not terrible but made it more challenging and tough to find a strong pull- I also found myself pausing a lot to sight- something I didn't do as much in Wildflower because I would get disorientated and couldn't stay straight. I was horrified to look down at my watch at the end of the first loop to see that 1:48min had already passed for 1.5 miles that was SUPER slow. My 1.2 at Wildflower was 54min so that means that I added 66min to 0.3miles?? What?? I didn't take a gel because Melissa told me not to, but I'm glad now that I didn't bother fussing with all that, time I couldn't afford to use any more time. As I was rounding the turn around, one of the kayakers shouted to me if I was on my 2nd or 3rd loops- I told him my second and he yelled back to "get it going" because I wasn't moving in the water. The slower I was the stronger the chop got and the more difficult it was to see the buoys. I swallowed a bunch of water as I would get slapped down from the chop, but my stomach was good! I stopped my watch when I rounded the buoy at the start. When I got out of the water I was beyond disappointed. to see that it took me 3:44:30. That's a long ass time to be in the water in less than tropical temperatures. My Garmin also said 4.87miles! Those things are often off, but could be a good indicator for how all over the place I was.

All I could think was "get me warm" so with help (everybody was super nice btw) I peeled off my suit and threw on my sweatshirt, I was super thankful for the sun out today. When I got out of the water, they were already giving the awards and all of the BBQ was finished and they were already cleaning up. There was some pasta left so I had one scoop of mostaccioli in red sauce and a mini bagel with crunchy peanut butter on it. 

People were commenting that it was a tough swim so felt a tiny bit better but spirits were low. I get back to the car and mix some of Melissa's protein in water for more food. I get out of my wet underclothes and start to feel better as I start the drive home. 

I found my eyes getting heavy on the drive so had to stop. Got some unsweetened ice tea and some freshly popped butter / salt popcorn- (emotional choice Melissa :/ but it was delicious.) It kept me awake and helped. I wanted to cry over my popcorn but the tears never came. I made another stop to get gas and make sure I wasn't sleepy and looked down at my phone to find texts from Coach Kris, Melissa and Lynn and felt grateful that they were checking in. I spoke to my sister briefly and told her it was a tough morning without going into detail. After I hung up, that's when the tears came. Not even sure what I was crying about, probably more about the fact that it didn't go the way I wanted and this can be an emotional sport. They were quick, and didn't go into a "poor me" attitude. I was probably also tired. It's also when I'm by myself I'm more likely to get emotional. I got myself together and called Lynn and we just chatted without judgement so that made me feel better. 

CDA is going to be choppy. CDA is going to be cold. But I know I can get out of that water in 2hours. After reflecting I think I just went to easy, the same mistake I did at MOWS last August. I need to do like Chrissie says and "smash" myself during training too, treat it like a race day. I need to go out way harder and rest only when I need to catch my breath. I think without thinking about it, I think I'll tire out. If I tire out, it'll be towards the end, and I know that I'll swim through it, but I can't afford to take so long in the beginning. 1hr 48min for just over 1.5miles is RIDICULOUS and NOT going to cut it. . The focus these next to weeks is going to be as much open water as possible. I have the stroke, I know what to do, I know what my body needs to do and look like to be most efficient, I just need to have the physical and mental endurance to be able to execute and sustain it. 

Veronica's Race Preview, Coeur d' Alene, Idaho- May 26-29

 Ok- I'm going to try and write every detail . For the sake of anybody ever traveling to CDA on their own and to be specific about nutrition as I try to dial in. Food will be in green, workout details in blue- I tend to feel self conscious about how slow my workouts can be, so including them anyways because they are what they are. 


The night before I took my bike to Get a Grip  http://www.getagripcycles.com/ to get my bike all packed up. One of the perks of being a Chicago Tri Club member is that you get to rent their bike boxes for free. http://www.chicagotriclub.com/ (Thanks Henry for the tip!) The guys are always great there, they did a race check and realized I needed a new chain and cassette. $! That's ok. $50 to pack it up.  (I really need to learn to just do it myself, but I don't trust myself enough)The also realized that the CTC boxes have been used and abused to the limit, broken strap here, faulty wheel there, so they unpacked a brand new box for me :)
SATURDAY- MAY 26
Woke up around 4amish, had about 8oz of cocunt water Zico brand. Around 6amish had a Vegn Whole Food Energy Bar-Berry Flavor with Orange Juice on the first flight.At the Denver airport 9:30am I needed something more- medium (10oz) coffee from Einsteins with honey and one splenda, an egg white and turkey sausage sandwich on a whole wheat thin bagel, and a rice krispie squar (oops), gingerale on the second flight, no snacks
I left Chicago early Saturday morning, flew Southwest airlines. http://www.southwest.com/ They are the cheapest when it comes to carrying on a bike box onto the plane ($50)
I googled and called the first bike shop that came up on google- Bicycle Sales and Service- http://www.bicycleservice.com/. The man I spoke to on the phone was very helpful and suggested a few tri clubs to try to contact while I was out there. I took my bike to them to get assembled $60- (common theme is being giving young mechanics money to do something that I need to learn for myself)
When I arrived in Spokane, got my rental car and headed right for the bike shop. (Yay gps maps on the iphone!- Don't forget your car charger if you're renting a car. For race day, I'm going to take the $50 shuttle instead and use their taxi cab services to go to and from the locations, the hotel is only about 3miles from race start and expo.

I dropped it off and went to packet pick up for my 1/2 marathon stuff - even though I wasn't going to run it- I decided I would run 13 on my own here, but use Sunday as a training day. http://www.cdamarathon.com/ 
The event was small compared to even the smallest Chicago 5K event with about 4 tents in an outdoor mall. While there I discovered a bike shop that also sold triathlon equipment. 
They were more high end then the other shop and cheaper to assemble ($50)- oh well, next time. http://www.verticalearth.com/ I was able to pick up a warm cap for swimming.  Lunch was a large pulled chicken sandwich, with very little bbq sauce- the kind where they give you the chicken (chicken was pulled, so not fried which was good) and you add your own sauce, plus some kettle corn.

I drove down to the lake to check the scene out. I started conversation with the various triathletes who were out and about, one guy told me that he's not swimming in "this shit yet" and another older man was putting on a wetsuit. I'll find out how bad it really is. I grabbed some food and by this time my bike was ready to be picked up. They let me keep my car there so that was good because me rental jetta was way too small for both box and bike.

Ironman CDA swim start

Once I had my bike, I decided  to drive the course. The route in town is a series of turns, so tough to really go super fast but once you stretch out there are places to coast. The course is two loops- and the loops are essentially two out and backs. It's a very scenic course, and I'm glad I got to drive and preview it because come race day, I won't be paying attention to the scenery. There are no hills that are above 6% grade, but there are a few long ones. There's a long 1mile climb or so off of lake coeur d' alene drive and then on the 95S there is about a 2mile climb- which you essentially go over each climb 4times. The decents are fast and if you're not careful you can catch a nasty cross wind. 
I was surprised to see so many cyclists on the course because I was under the impression that it was too dangerous to ride on the highway with the traffic- but by the looks of it, the shoulders were wide enough. I did pull over and help a guy who need a valve extender to blow up his tire. I got the chance to chat a bit and he said the roads were ok to drive on, just stay on shoulder, watch out for idiots, and careful for flats.

Driving south on 95

Once I finished driving. I parked, changed and did a quick up and back by lake coeur d' alene drive- the wind was surprisingly challenging for only a quick spin I put my running shoes on and did an easy hour- also surprisingly slower with the wind and deceiving false flats/ gradual climb.
Must have erased bike on accident- it was about 30min- a little over 8miles, the run was 1:03:29 for 6.01 miles
By this time it was already getting a little late and wanted to make sure I got food and sleep and checked into the hotel.Guesthouse Inn-  http://www.guesthouseintl.com/hotels/coeurdalene
Dinner was Scholtkey's deli and then a stop at the Safeway- Chicken Noodle soup with a large cobb salad (only ate about 1/2 of it, with flatbread- no cheese on the salad) with Carrot Juice (stubborn chest cough won't go away so trying to boost immune system) Coconut water and rice pudding (oops) I took a lactaid with it, couldn't resist, rice pudding is a favorite- and i figured I could use the carbs.
Decent hotel and price, only about 3miles from city park, and it has a fridge and microwave. 


SUNDAY - MAY 27
 I woke up at 5:40, late, took my medicine and started getting ready. About 6:30 I ate- 100 calories of natural applesauce, mixed with 2 scoops of your protein, 1 banana- and starbucks instant vanilla coffee (60 calories)
I had sent a few messages to some different groups- TriSpokane club, a local swimming club, and Lake City Tri. Tawnya was the friendliest and most helpful- she invited me to join her meeting at starbucks at 7:00 so we can see the start of the Marathoners and so that she can give me some helpful tips. I found them on facebook and they were great. http://www.lakecitytri.org/ 
One other rider, Will joined. us We rode the first 1/2, of the first loop, and then on Lake Coeur d'Alene drive, on the way down, we took a right onto Yellow Stone Train where we did part of the olympic course, extra climbing but SUPER pretty and a very fun descent.

After about 22miles I met went back with them to the car, refueled and went back out on my own. Tawnya was nice enough to give me an extra CO2 cartridge, just in case, but luckily I didn't need it. She was beyond helpful, inviting me to a club bbq after (I didn't make it because I spent the day riding) and  pointing out lots of great tips and suggesting where to swim the next day.

On the ride yes, I went through 2, 400 calories gel/water bottles and then 4 just water bottles- I took in about 4 salt stick tablets and 1 PowerBar Performance Vanilla Crisp bar throughout, and 3/4 banana in between (1/4 when I finished) for the total ride- felt hungry and sluggish- not dehydrated 

It was a very comfortable riding day temperature wise. Temperatures were cool- I started with a jacket and gloves, peeled later to just sleeves and the wind vest. I very much underestimated the difficulty of the wind. Totally slowed me down- Out on the 95- going 18miles south it was into the wind- on flat, struggling to go 14mph, on the way back on the same flat- easy 22mph- maybe there were more false flats then I realized. But the course is basically through town, an out and back up to Higgins point up Lake Couer d Alene drive, through town, South on the 95 for about 18 miles, back north on the 95, through town and repeat. The town has no climbing, tiny rollers- Lake CDA drive has one good climb at about 6% for about 1 mile. The 95 has a few longer climbs, one at about 6% for about 2miles- tricky with the wind- and another one at about 5% for about 1mile- so you essentially go up those 4times- nothing higher than that, but they're long and they slow me down :/ The descents were fast, but you need to be careful because the roads aren't that awesome. I think my max speed was about 34.3 because I'm a chicken (My max ever is 41.5 down Mt. Lemmon)

121.33 total miles for 9:02:12 hours, average of 13.4mph average- 5250 calories. Feeling pretty bad about that- I should've been faster at this point in my training. This was including the climbs at the beginning, so tricky to see what I'll do at Ironman- it should be enough for the cutoff times, just need to be careful about getting a flat. 

No run or swim after- shower and on my way to Sandpoint to hang out with Julie.

I had 2 scoops of your protein Melissa's rice pudding for recovery. 

Dinner I went to a friends BBQ and had a burger, no cheese, with sweet potato salad, fruit, 1 beer and a little desert, oh and a small bag of lays potato chips :/

Bike Special Needs Area

MONDAY - MAY 28

This morning I gave myself plenty of time before swimming. I allowed myself to sleep in a bit. I was going to try and swim right at 7am, but slept till about 8am. I took my medicine at about 6:30am, went back to bed for a bit then at about 8:30am I had a hard boiled egg, no yolk, a waffle with light syrup and peanut butter, a banana, 1 50calorie cup with 1 scoop your protein, and starbucks instant vanilla coffee.

Sander's Beach entrance near CDA library

I ventured out to Sander's Beach- where Tawnya suggested, no boats, along the shore so you can stand, and a marker for a half way point- to the doc and back is 1.2- My goal was to try and get an hour + in. Right before the swim I had about 8oz of coconut water. 

54degree-ish water- brr

There were 3 other swimmers there putting on their suits, so that made me feel better, we were chatting it up a bit. The swim was terrible. I made it about 36 min with warm cap like Coach Kris said, but it felt like it was choking me, swim cap and with vaseline on the face like Melissa said. Hands and feet suffered, the booties may be worth trying- I think the temp was about 54? 55? It was also a bit choppy. Tawnya said to expect chop. Chop plus these temps then I'm in big trouble. Silly. I'm hoping it goes up at least 10 degrees in the next 4 weeks. I didn't panic but  it was very difficult to get going and get breathing going. I tried to relax, I turned around right where I thought was the turnaround, but my watch said 0.65miles for 36:58min. yikes- I'm back at square one. Like I had forgotten everything that I learned. I know it will be better on race day, I have no other choice. I'm excited for the 3mile open water swim because I won't have the option to turn around early, or get out because I'm uncomfortable.  

I had to drop off my bike to get packed up (again, something I pay a young bike mechanic to do when I need to learn myself- note to self, learn to use those damn CO2 cartridges, I always mess them up)

After I dropped the bike off, went back to the hotel to get myself together- the swim zapped my energy and left with me a headache. Took in some carrot juice and some apple sauce with a banana Melissa's protein, 

Took a shower and ended up taking a quick nap. Woke, up got myself together, changed to get ready for a run- got the bike and headed for Lake CDA drive to get ready to run. Took in some water and a bite of the Performance Protein Bar Vanilla Crisp (I think I found the source of the rumbly tummy, ast time I get those. I also took a swig of some diet coke for a boost) 

Start of my run- towards HigginS

Started a very slow run. Decided I was going to do 13.1 so that I could wear my 1/2 Marathon shirt- I have a thing about wearing race shirts for races I didn't complete. So, I did the 1/2 Marathon, just a little late :)

lake CDA drive, I will prob be running part of this in the dark

I went up the drive so that I could get that in, (which is part of the course) and then part of the course through town. It was a beautiful 70degrees with a nice wind (tough at some points, this race is just going to be windy, I need to deal with it) but good running weather. After about 9miles, I was only taking in water so stopped at the car- I only had those Vegn gels that Melissa said to ignore, but needed something so took it. and finished up the run. I knew it was going to much slower. When running back towards the car, the sun hit me so that I could see my shadow on the ground. When I noticed it slouching, I would throw my shoulders back and my hips forward and I was able to comfortable get back to an easy 9:40 pace (still slow for a 1/2 marathon, this run was just EXTRA slow) - tried to think of Chrissie when she talked about smashing yourself even on training days when I wanted to stop after an hour. 13.21 miles, 2:19:46, 10:34pace- SLOW!! After the run I intended to find some "clean recover food" but found myself at Jimmy John's instead. I had the roast beef / turkey sandwich with lettuce, tomato, mayo and avocado spread on their class french roll- no cheese, no chips or cookie I went back to the lake, where the swim start is, and walked into the lake up to my hips to give myself an "ice bath" I watched a little boy play in the water in a full wetsuit. Pretty funny, in a few weeks there will be 2500 adults ready to play in the water in wetsuits. I tried to envision the start of the race, the buoys, running out of the water to loop, taking in a gel, and running back in to do another loops- then envisioned where transition was going to be and tried to get it all in. (I was really trying to take my mind off of the cold water on my now numb feet)

I went back and treated myself to frozen yogurt (oops) I know I need to clean up again so won't be having the dairy again for a while. 

Recovery, travel day tomorrow, back at it on Wednesday. Three weeks. 

Avia Wildflower May 5, 2012

Avia Wildflower May 5, 2012

Swim 54:46,   2:50 pace - better but not where I want it

 T1- 5:01- yikes!

Bike- 4:00:24 L -  13.9 pace- slow!

T2- 3:31

Run- 2:25:18- 11:05 pace- shuffling!

Total: 7:29:01

(I think this course was about 1mile short on the bike and 0.5 short on the run, so not confident It was a full 70.3) Here are the profiles:

http://www.tricalifornia.com/index.cfm/WildFlower2012-course_descriptions_long_course.htm

Wins, Lessons Learned, Things to Remember

I write this two weeks later as I haven’t had the chance to sit down and write. Would’ve like to do this as race is still fresh in my mind, but the lack of sleep has caught up to me. Things to remember, I’m not 21 anymore. Can’t run on 4 hours of sleep like I used to, I need to stop pretending like I can. After a terrible day of riding on Saturday (the heat, and wind on the course got to me, and 20mile run from the night before) trying to reflect as I’m in a higher volume push for the next weeks before CdA. Before Wildflower, I was already getting sick of training and just wanted to race, so this was a good chance for me to “reset”

Here goes, I’ll try to incorporate nutrition info into the recap as well. The last two weeks before the race, I had been cramping a ton. Every time I went in the water. Calf, shin, foot, hamstring, Melissa told me my muscles were pissed off at me and it made sense. She started having me take MG/Calcium pills, and I am horrible at taking vitamins. I need to remember to leave them out so I take them at night. She also had me put on MG lotion to help with. Even a week later I need to remember to take zinc so that sniffles turn into full blown colds with lack of sleep and travel.

The week leading up to the race, I basically tried to load up on calories. Probably not the best calories, but for some reason I thought I needed calories- Tried to still stay away from soy, dairy, and gluten, but culprits still snuck themselves in occasionally- I noticed in some post race pictures some pinchable belly fat that never used to be there showing through my tri top, so going back to really cutting back on the sugar for the next 6 weeks. When I was on top of it, energy was much better. Time to cut waaay back.  So really tried to eat more at meals, and suck down 2-3 bottles of coconut water a day. I took the salt in the form of salt stick vs putting it in the coconut water and also tried to add a few bottles of low cal Gatorade.

Friday am (day before race) Tara picked me up and had pizza waiting for me- took a little bit to be polite, I had eaten protein enough in the am to make sure that I wouldn’t be hungry later on. Everything bagel with egg and turkey with a coffee, apple juice banana

I actually felt good vs instantly hungry and didn’t feel the need to eat.

The journey wasn’t bad on the way down there- middle of nowhere California- get there and objective was to get organized before getting a brick in.

Got packet pick up- got my bike, yay tribike transport. Had a pretlze, a low cal large Gatorade and ½ a chicken burrito with rice and beans (no cheese)

Tried  out the blueseventy and hated it, felt heavy- Orca it was going to be- swam about 15 min total- actually felt good to be in the lake. It made me think about how far I had come since my first disaster race open water swim in 2008. I was actually looking forward to getting in the open water.

We took our bikes for a “spin” up Lynch hill and then down- got pretty nervous with turns and conditions and new wheels. I realized that I’m a big wuss and flying down descents still make me nervous.  

Packed up and made our way to Motel 6, King City- WAY further then we thought- if doing a hotel- try Paso Robles, if not CAMP- we should’ve camped- next time, also next time we’ll know what we’re doing and we’ll make a weekend out of it. Several people do the long course on Saturday then the Olympic on Sunday which actually looks pretty fun. (We drove back to San Fran right after the race)

For dinner we had a lovely Denny’s Dinner, I had my traditional spaghetti and meatballs, no cheese, salad, no cheese, and chicken soup- pancake balls for dessert- again, this race was going to see how much my stomach could take without getting sick- Still sucking down the coconut water- 2 large liters and the low calorie Gatorade because I didn’t want to cramp. Felt good

Woke up early took medicine, made coffee- got bottles ready. (One bottle- four scoops carbo pro- 6 capsules salt stick- salty!) packed enough gels for one an hour- plus a Performance brand endurance/vanilla crisp bar. Other bottle was water- forgot to bring a “throw away” for the water,  oh well, I’ll get another get a grip bottle. At 5am I ate- 1.5 cups apple sauce with 2 scoops Melissa protein. Still feeling good. 15 min before race- 2 salt stick- 10 min before- 1 gel- Tara already urging me to get going as I was still fussing.

The waves let out every 5 min, so the only chance to get in the water was right before your wave- Was able to swim about 100 yards, then stand there waiting for the gun to go off- I saw Elisa Litora and said a quick hello, nerves were pretty good.  I was trying to keep in mind- this is a training day. Race hard. Have fun.  I knew I had been working on the swim, and Coach Kris told me to shoot for 45min. I knew that would be hard, but it gave me a boost to know that she thought I could do 45min. I never panicked (win) and even was aggressive when people tried to swim into me, not letting my form get compromised (win). I did realize when I tried to start to “swim hard” , my form would go to mush and I would zig zag all over (lesson). After meeting with Marcia we worked on my head position when breathing to keep myself in balance. As I stretched it out and thought about strong and steady- lots of voices in my head, Fitz, Marcia, Melissa- I knew I just needed to focus on every stroke. When I got out of the water I immediately looked down at my watch and was disappointed with my 54min time- but realized it was 6min faster than my PR (win) and 10 min faster than Racine (win) I shook it off and tried to remember what to do in transition area! First race of the season leaves you a little out of sorts-  Oh and no cramping (win!) I felt twinges in the calves but nothing pulled, very relieved. I wasn’t exhausted coming out of the water, giving me confidence that  I could keep it up for another loop. CDA goal is to come in under 2 hours-no more of this “I just want to make the cut off times” crap- that’s not enough.

Got settled into the bike, trying to remember to stay on the nutrition.  I ended up taking a gel every ½ hour instead of hour, eating the power, and sipping the bottle every 15. It ended up being a good combo and never felt hungry (I notoriously feel hungry on the rides, and once you feel hungry you know you’re in for a long day- cycle of low nutrition, slowing down, etc) I also took in 2 pieces of banana when offered- no nausea, no GI issues (win) The bike took way longer than I wanted, but tried to maintain a decent pace, while catching up to others in my wave that passed me on the swim. (Two bathrooms stops- with the heat of the day- I knew this was good because that meant I wasn’t starting to get dehydrated)

T2 much better-Took in another gel, and got going. I’m glad Kris told me not to walk, there was shuffling for sure, but didn’t walk- MUCH slower run than I wanted- but hell of a course- mile 4 I was on my toes, pulling with my arms, determined to not walk- it was a slow shuffle up, but I also knew that if I started to walk I would cramp, so glad I didn’t- well one bathroom stop-

I took one gel every 4 miles, and ½ Gatorade ½ water when I could, plus electrolytes from a spectator, again tried to take in more than I usually would versus staying conservative.

Overall a good day. BEAUTIFUL course and a part of the country I don’t get to hang out in too often. It was just me and Tara- I knew that Dan Litorwa was racing so in my head pictured him yelling at me to have a higher cadence on the bike, and that helped, but not knowing anybody on the course actually wasn’t terrible- I focused on what I was doing, very different from marathons in the past where you know a ton of people and it’s a fun day- and in Racine where you have a ton of people racing with you. This was a different kind of race, friendly conversations here and there- but stuck to keeping my feet going. I was shuffling up a hill while others were walking, when one guy said “now there’s a hill runner, keep it up girl!” (win) People don’t say things like that about ME J My friends win things while I try to not get DNF next to my name. Every person racing participates for their own reasons. As I start the season, and I get tired of training or just want a weekend, I remember that I love to participate and I love this communityJ I’m ready for CDA. No doubt , no fear, only logistics. You can only hope for a perfect race day, and who knows the bumps that can get thrown at you, but I’ll be happy and grateful to line up at that starting line!  

Ironman Wisconsin 9/11/2011

Over 3 months later and the DNF still stings. While I didn't get pulled from the water, I came in at 2 hours 22min 20 sec. 2 min and 20 sec is a long time. It's a 100+ yards. While it was way better than the MOWS, wasn't enough.
I've learned a bunch in the last 3 months, have gained strength on the bike, and shaved time in the pool. Still have a long way to go but Lynn reminded me that I need to believe it for myself. Believe it now, yesterday. Wipe out doubt. Now.

Madison Open Water Swim August 20, 2011

Well "total bust" is all that comes to mind. It was supposed to start at 8:30 am but because of rain delay, got pushed back an hour. I think it was the stress of the week or the cheeseburger on the way up, for lack of preparing a better meal because I was in a rush, but total upset stomach the morning of. I historically get upset stomachs when stressed or nervous, and foolishly forgot any pepto. Bad sign one. In an attempt to stay calm and steady in the water, I really was going way to slow. By the second lap when people were finishing and I was just starting my second, I knew I was in trouble. I kept going, but kept going in not straight lines. I tried to sight every six strokes, but when I tried to pick up pace I would loose form. A kayak came by me to help me stay on course- would stay to my right so that I wouldn't pull off. At one point I got a nasty cramp in my right leg, swam it out, but took a sec to hang on to the boat to stretch it out fast and keep going- I took a chance to glance at my watch and new it was going to be tough to make the cut off- I thought I would keep going as fast as I could to see how far I could go- then got a cramp in my left leg from my hip down my calf to my foot- I swam that one out and kept going. Before I knew it a boat came along to tell me that I needed to get out of the water- that the 2:20 cut off time was up. I told him that I would keep going and finish up and he said I couldn't. The problem was I probably still had 600 meters to go. I really am not sure what went so terribly wrong- I was significantly slower than Racine. I think I took "slow and steady" to the extreme.
On the boat I went to pick up the other swimmer still in the water. She was equally as mad as I was to get pulled. She even mentioned that she's not even going to bother with Ironman anymore. I'm still lining up at the start line and will be trying again, but with a clear reality how unlikely it is that I'll be able to finish.
After talking to Kris about it, felt much better. I was approaching it at a recovery pace, when I really needed to feel like I was working harder.
After I got out of the water, bad mood was an understatement. I got to my bike thinking why the hell even bother? It's a nice day I could just go do something else. Took in some calories and headed out with my heart in my stomach. This continued for about till about the first loop then I got it in my head for some reason that this would be my last chance to ride the course this season because I wasn't going to on race day- so knowing that it was getting late, still decided to continue on with the ride. After a bit, my mood improved as I tried to enjoy the ride. Getting rained on turned into a nice rainbow after the sun came back out. As the sun was starting to set, I was nearing the stick, and thought I would be able to make way back. I was wrong, it was way too dark to see and I really didn't have the course that well memorized. I had to pull over and call Daryl to pick me up. Defeat #2. All around, the day sucked major donkey balls, but Kris and Lynn were both super helpful. I also learned that Emily, Captain Badass herself and a true inspiration was registered to swim that day but couldn't because of complications from her leg. Cancer is a bitch and messed with her body (especially one of her legs)  a few years ago, leaving complications and she has been having trouble bending it so she couldn't swim. I need to remember to be grateful to be able to line up at the start. Re-take coming up in a few weeks.

Broken Finger June 21, 2011

A girl was obnoxious and all in my face at a Cubbie Bear in Wrigley. I was sober and she was a mess. I had enough of her and we ended up in a fight. I walked away with just a broken index finger from a sloppy left hook. She's dead.

K that's a lie.

What really happened was Tuesday night I was running on the lakefront path near Fullerton by the small river where people canoe. I had a shiny package of shot blocks in my hand when a goose the size of a dinosaur attacked my hand! The goose is now dead.

K- also a lie.

I need help thinking of other good stories because people always ask you "what happened to your finger?" (Thanks Tom and company for all the "bucking bronco" jokes, but we'll keep it clean ;)!

What REALLY happened was Tuesday night I was ending my cool down on the track on Chicago Avenue near the lake behind the CMA- There are always softball teams playing on the field inside of the track. I was walking, watching the game- saw the whole play- pitch, a hit down straight to the shortstop- shortstop to first, runner out at first, first baseman attempting to out the runner on third- TOTALLY overthrew the ball right toward me. NOT thinking I put out my left hand to catch / swat the 16 inch softball. I don't play team sports- maybe ultimate frisbee and volleyball- but every team sport I've joined, I've been awful at. Flag football I caught the ball with my face, and was all around a mess. I don't play team sports- especially not softball.

Dislocated and broken. The guys felt bad, huddled around me, gave me ice and put me in a cab to Northwestern's ER. Daryl came to bring me Chipotle and keep me company :) MUCH appreciated.

When it happened, out of nowhere, Lynn runs up to me (she was on the track too- I didn't know it) and made a joke about not trying to catch softballs- the first thing out of my mouth was "Shit, how the hell am I supposed to swim now?" or bike? My main concern (not so much that my finger was a weird shape of skin and bone and all sorts of colors)

Well you can swim and bike with a broken finger.

The biking has been harder than the swimming. The first week- I had it in a splint- from the ER- after my appointment with the Hand surgeon, the buddy taped me, waiting now for a follow up appointment and an appointment with the physical therapist to avoid it stiffening up.

The first weekend, had to ride indoors (yuck) but got ride in- I was able to swim by taking splint off and buddy taping it and keeping a paddle on to protect it. I was pretty cautious about it and didn't try to push it.

The second week of having it in the buddy tape, I've been able to swim almost without noticing it, still kinda hurts when I swim.

Did a long ride which was tricky, holding on the aerobars or drinking and staying stable were all challenges, not to mention that with every bump, it would hurt, so Racine was less than an ideal route- but oh well- needed to get the ride in. I'm very hopeful that by the time Racine comes next weekend (July 17) I'll barely notice it? The doc said 6-8 weeks but maybe I really do have mutant healing powers like Wolverine and it will be back to normal in no time :)

(4th of July finger)

I haven't really told many people because don't want to use it as an excuse. If my next race is bad, I don't want it to be "Well, you had a broken finger" Nope, it's only a finger. If I bonk it's because of me. (Working on my positive thinking, but part of me always thinks I'm going to do much worse than I really do- especially lately- race / performance confidence WAY down- ugh) I'm going to cross that Ironman finish line- it may very well be next year. That would mean another year and summer of training, hopefully it would be easier the second time around- but if I do cross this year, sticking to 70.3s!! Maybe some destination 70.3s......

A moment of reflection

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."

Not so Ready to Run

This week started off promising with securing a registration spot Monday morning :) I got all of my weekday runs in, and I was feeling tired but in great spirits. I was feeling a bit under the weather this week but thought it was because of lack of sleep and long work hours. Didn't really think much of it and even got up early Friday morning to swim one mile before work. Had a great time at the DMB concert that night, but still low energy... tried to go cheer on the Badgers at Will's for Musky fest when it all really "blew up" from there. Had to leave Will's to head over to Jenn's down the block where my stomach just gave up and threw up everything it's been holding. I made it home, but didn't really stop puking to early the next morning- thanks Mallory and Mario for the ginger ale drop off!
The bummer was that Sunday was my annual Ready to Run. I love this run. Besides the free pickles and beer at the end, it's a chance to mentally really feel "ready". I had done a 20 on my own a few weeks before, but this was a well supported training run with aid stops along the way and a fun post race party. Jenn and I always have fun at this, and she called me to tell me "it's not the same without you" after she finished :(. I slept most of the day, still couldn't really eat but attempted to go out anyways. Didn't make it far before deciding this wasn't happening this weekend. Not a good end to marathon training / start to Ironman training. :(. I've already come to the realization that this marathon is going to be on the slower side for me, but I've been really hoping to pick up training, really building a base this winter. Going to have to listen to my body and respect when it's demanding I sleep. This is a new week, and tomorrow I get to start over. I'm looking forward to 10-10-10 - human spirit on parade! Then in the water I go!!! Focus this fall and winter is to swim swim swim. The race is over if I can't get out of the water in 2 hours and 20min.

Volunteer Ironman September 12, 2010

Run Aid Station #4- Mardi Gras themed. This ended up being a fantastic spot. This area of campus has a special place in my heart, being a lakeshore girl :) I started with set-up, but with plenty of volunteers we were finished fairly early, spending a good hour or so sitting in the sun exchanging stories. I met a nice girl who had done IM twice, and she was hoping to secure a spot for next year. She suggested I try ensure for long rides and runs! I'll try that for the next long run. DA joined for second shift. I hit up state street with Ali as we cheered on runners along the way. I made my way back to the station where I got to see both Heath and Kristin a few times. I jumped in for a bit with Kristin, which I know is kinda a no no, but it was for only half a mile if that. She seemed strong and as always in great spirit. Made my way over to chat with Mike Norman, Mr. CES for a bit, and then helped finish off the shift. Inspirational stuff! Helped a girl as she sat for a bit and barfed for 20 min only to get up and keep going :) We made our way to state street and I was able to see Kristin finish.
Off to bed for an early 4:00 am rise the next day. We got there at 4:30am, and were third in line. Thankfully it was a beautiful night to sleep outside. They opened the doors at 8am, which was nice because I had to race back down to work. $575 later I had a spot secured! WOOT WOOT! Here we go.....