Racine 70.3 July 17, 2011

My coach asked me to send her my "wins and lessons learned" (as well as my race info- pace, HR etc.) so thought I would use it as a post. I sent her the info from the Garmin (which was pretty spot on with the race results) but here are a few wins, lesson learned and things to remember.

- I remembered that while I am not as fast as I would like to be, I really do like participating in endurance events
- I remind myself that there is no point in comparing myself to anybody else because I don't know that person's story- and it's my race, I race it to try to accomplish my goals.
- I remember how nerdy triathletes are and how much I love that.
- My new Garmin Forerunner 310XT is way fun- the multisport with transitions worked and was pretty accurate. Here is a helpful review if you're interested
http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2009/09/garmin-forerunner-310xt-in-depth-review.html
- Win- I PRed by 1 hour and 26 minutes and 10 seconds-
swim by 7minutes and 91 seconds ( even though I really thought I did much better- felt ok, thought I was pulling strong, didn't stop to tread water or stop on a buoy for a break. I did pause a few times to get my bearings and get myself back on- I zig zag at times and that looses time, adds distance)
TI by 91 sec
T2 by 13 sec
-Bike by 34 min and 25 sec
-Run by 42 and 6 sec- LOTS of walking last year
-I remind myself that improvement is a process. I did not meet the goals that I wanted to today, and clearly improved (I really bonked last year- really felt more prepared this year). I need to be patient with improvement- and improvement can be defined in many many ways. My goal for this IM Wisconsin is to finish
- I have been realizing that I'll be really pushing it to make those cutoffs for IM-WI this year. No matter how IMWisconsin this goes this year, I'm going to celebrate with my friends a great year (I'll have a pity party for myself on Monday and back to training on Tuesday)
- I really tried to focus on the task at hand for this race. Focusing on the my stokes, form and breathing in the water, cadence on the bike, nutrition overall, pace on the run.
I learned how to take in nutrition more properly-
By the time I was on the run, even though I didn't want any GUs, blocks, etc, got grossed out when I took it in, I was hungry by mile 10 on the run (something to tweak....)
- I remember to chunk / segment parts of the race and the different legs makes it mentally easier, more fun. - "make it to the next aid station then you can slow down for a bit"
The last hour of the bike I decided to do 15min intervals followed by 1min easier- and was surprised that I still could - I was passing way more people the last 10 miles as they were tuckered out while I got passed the first 46.
- I remember proper pacing is difficult to get a hang off, but super important
- I remember smiling makes you feel better
- I remember that even when it's hot and I'm not feeling as great as I'd like, I can keep going.
- I learned that even if I think I have enough sunblock, I can use more- shoulders felt ok, started to peel from a previous burn but the back of my neck was hurting.
- I learned that having a mini cooler in the transition area with ice and ice packs was a great idea- sucked down some ice water before the run and stuck an ice pack in my bra that I just threw away when it got warm.
- I learned that black electrical tape is way better in the water then the "waterproof" tape from Walgreens (for broken finger)
- I remember that strangers / spectators are fantastic. I had a nice older man, very much a dad type help with my wetsuit- he did not mind tugging at my legs to help me get it on-Also Daryl helped with the wedgie lift and Deanna with the arms- I learned how to put my wetsuit on so that it feels most comfortable (THANKS NICK!)
- I remember- as DP mentioned several times, that volunteers are amazing
- I remember that having somebody cheering you on is a fantastic feeling.
- I remember that cheering somebody else on can be just as fun
- I remember that I am thankful and continue to be inspired by my friends
WIN- tons of familiar faces out there cheering and racing
WIN- The vision quest coaching group
- I remember that I like to chat it up with fellow athletes when I'm feeling icky and frustrated that I'm moving so slow. If I'm running at a slow jogging pace, might as well strike up conversation-
- I remember that I am thankful that I have the opportunity to be able to show up to race- a FB post from a fellow volunteer for the DetermiNation committee- Kristin McQueen- who has completed several IM distance races while telling cancer to "suck it" "pretty bummed that my body hasn't cooperated after surgery and I can't do my 1/2 Ironman tomorrow. Pity party ends in an hour and then I will focus on dishing out a cancer ass whooping at Ironman next month"
- Lining up at that start line is a task in itself- I'll be thankful if I can be in that water as the gun goes off of IM Wisconsin happy, healthy, and excited
- I remember that a post race beer isn't going to throw off my entire training season- the occasional spotted cow is delicious :) (I've seriously cut back on the booze so I question every drink I have- It's ok to lighten up a bit)

Fundraising Page

Let's not forget how I got started in endurance racing. I always liked racing and participating in events- I did 10Ks and even my first 1/2 marathon with a co-worker in 2005. But it was the Jenn and the ACS committee that got us to step over the line into marathons- which then led to triathlons and here I am. 

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/DetermiNation/DNFY11IL?px=5131338&pg=personal&fr_id=35300

WETSUITS

I first started with my first sprint triathlon in 2008 and I rented wetsuts through the fleet feet store on North Avenue. http://www.fleetfeetsports.com/locations/chicago-piper-s-alley
They have a program where you can rent a suit for $50 I believe ( I think they still do this, I did this a few years ago) and you get it for a week. You can then use it as credit to buy a new suit with the the store. I think they also have nights (Tue nights?)  where you can rent one for $5 for the hour... . not sure if they still do that.
I bought a long sleeved Blue Seventy suit. http://blueseventy.com/

Sam wearing my Blue Seventy

When I first started I was convinced that it was the wetsuit constricting my movements and breathing (not my swimming or the cold water)- so I sold that one to a friend.

I then bought a sleeveless XTerra through their promotions- they also have sales. That was good to me for a few years. http://www.xterraplanet.com/

Coming out of the water Racine 70.3 in 2010- sleeveless suit

This year for Triple T I had heard horror stories of how cold the water was going to be so last minute decided I needed a long sleeved one again (and it was cold, first day 55degree water, it was only a 250m swim and some went without wetsuits- I did not- I went for my new long sleeved). I went with the Orca 3.8 I decided based on what was on clearance on TriSports http://www.trisports.com/ and basically what was available in my size (ok fine, I also love whales, so the name Orca kinda convinced me a bit too) The size seems to be right, but really really tough to put on. Super tight around the legs, and hard to yank up all the way in the crotch area. It really turns into a tug of war (I ripped it once already- but repaired it with suit repair). Not to mention the battle with a broken finger to put the damn thing on. The buoyancy is nice, and I don't feel super constricted and can move my arms pretty well through the water. Hopefully it was worth the purchase! http://www.orca.com/category/3-8/

Coming out of the water Day #1 of American Triple T- yeah, pretty sure I was the last one out of the water (but not the last one on the course!)

Race Candy!

Race candy is the name Alan gave it. He was talking about our Triple T photos and said, "Yeah great pics, I love the one with all of Daryl's race candy laid out on the table". I guess that's what it is. I read the book, Metabolic Efficiency Training" by Bob Seebohar  http://www.fuel4mance.com/
He talks about that if an athlete is well nourished and has taken the proper steps to appropriately fuel the body with nutritional needs, there will be less calories needed on race day, and less need for sports calories through gels, blocks, etc.
He even encourages athletes to not use these products at all or as little as possible.
I still use them. It took some experimenting, but I have a history of GI distress during races. I realized I'm not a big fan of gatorade, but there have been a few races where I did not have enough electrolytes. Thank you salt stick! I now take one an hour and don't feel the effects of the heat as bad.
I like the Hammer Sustain for calories on the bike- I measure according to my weight and how long I'll be on the bike for levels of concentration. I do admit it does slow me down to have to reach to a water bottle or my pocket for nutrition every 15min or so- but it only takes a few seconds, and if I don't take in nutrition I'll bonk for sure.
I also like the shot blocks- I'm pretty sick of the margarita flavor- but good for cramping- the berry flavors with caffeine are pretty good. The only gel I really actually like are the Cliff Vanilla- the others I'll tolerate, but yechk .I don't like chocolate, so that also limits flavors for the gels.
For recovery if I don't have a yogurt, I also like shakes- I'll do another blog on shakes- but I do use soy protein powder to make sure I'm getting some protein in there.

Greek Yogurt!

My new favorite breakfast has been greek yogurt, with fresh fruit, and granola. Yes I know, it's more expensive than standard yogurt, but it has more protein- 14g in one cup :) Usually the kind with added fruit have more added sugar- (but are tastier)- but the plain fat free vanilla is also good. I sometimes add just natural honey also.

Mom's Summer Pasta Salad

I'm not an excellent chef, and not good with writing out recipes / measurements- so will basically post about meals that I really like. I love food so figured I should have a few posts about some meals I make. (If I steal a recipe I'll make sure to give credit to where it belongs)

Mom's Summer Pasta Salad

-spaghetti (I never like to cut spaghetti noodles, so careful not to break them) about a small fist full- not going whole grain on this one either- I know I'm supposed to be careful with amount of white pastas and rice, but this one is a good go to and tastes better with plain old white spaghetti

- 1lb diced chicken breast

-1 large tomato

-2 hard boiled eggs (chopped)

-about a can of black olives (chopped)

-red, green, yellow peppers

dressing

-olive oil

-cilantro

-lemon juice (one whole lemon)

Yup that's it. Basically mix it all together :)

Swim Video with Marcia- Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

For this swim test / video- I decided to go see Marcia Cleveland through Vision Quest-

She also did underwater taping. She was great! Here are the links to the videos and the suggestions. I'm rocking those tan lines :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2RQnltTVaQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F14ufutwHt4

I have a narrow catch - I need to widen it to shoulder distance and keep my elbows up (not letting them drop)

Drills: Surfboard (Hawaii 5-0)

Umbrella

I over-rotate my head when I breathe. One goggle out only.

My opposite hand/side sinks when I breathe to the other side.

Drills: Switch Kick - Feel the power of the pull

Increase my hand speed - the rate my hands move thru the water.

Will do this again probably second week of August....

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......

Horribly Hilly Hundreds Series, June 18, 2011

http://www.horriblyhilly.com/

I was signed up for the 200K but my coach recommended that I drop down- I ended up doing the 150K- which turned out to be 100 miles (101 on my computer)- horribly hard would be a good name too because it was tough- my power wasn't great towards the end (rented wheels and a power tap so I could get a good idea of my performance)- definitely lost steam and my cadence wasn't fast enough- about 8:35:00 of pedaling time. I really took my time at the rest stops so it was a long day. Good weather- hot but not awful- it was supposed to rain- glad I did it but really squashed my confidence on those hills- take aways- spend less time in big ring- cadence, cadence, cadence.

Udder Century June 5, 2011

First Century! BAM!

Last minute decision to register day of. Stayed at Steve and Jenny's and was debating riding two loops in Madison or doing this. Ended up choosing udder and ended up being a fun ride. The day started disorganized with a flat, probably the heat in the car, before starting and loosing my drivers license while paying for registration (I had good faith it would be found and returned so actually didn't stress about it- and it was : ) The ride started pretty well, overcast, but then It got hot, and the sun started to beat down towards the afternoon. SUPER flat course- I think about 6hr 30 min or so of pedaling time. Kris suggested salt stick for my next ride to avoid nausea feeling-felt sick around mile 70/80 -definitely didn't take in enough water or electrolytes I don't think. The ride ended up being a kind of false confidence because it was so flat- but got in my first 100 miles :)

Saw Chris and Tara from ACS and some VQ members out there and ate with Lynn, Anne and Caroline. All in all pretty fun. Drove back to Chicago, showered and joined Ana at Maifest in Lincoln Square, decided a beer and a brat was ok (trying not to drink) only had one, good day :)

Swimming Videos

My coach asked me to video tape myself swimming. These videos were too large to send via email, so I'm using it as a post. She quickly found some things to address- and I'll keep them in mind when I'm in the water- it helps to see what I actually look like- some people have pointed out some things I don't do well, seeing helps connect it.

swim video 2

swim video 4

American Triple T May 20-22, 2011

Shawnee State Park Portsmouth, Ohio

http://www.americantriple-t.com/

Ok, I was holding off on writing about this one for a little while. But want to get a blog in while it's still fresh. Overall an amazing weekend and SO glad I did it (even though Robbie Ventura himself didn't recommend I do it) I ended up getting my first ever DNF- yucky feeling. Still upset about it.

I'll re-cap the weekend bit by bit.

Weekend started on Thursday afternoon, a bit disorganized with Daryl being super patient as I struggled to leave work smoothly- a few trips for a forgotten wallet- but we got on the road and made it fairly quickly- no glitches thankfully- time went by fast with the iphone as entertainment. Super 8 would be our little home for the weekend and worked out pretty well. We got our heels in and took a look around, getting settled.

Friday we gave ourselves a good amount of time, met up with other VQers- they had a nice set up of an RV and some had a tent set up to hang during down time.

Friday PM Race #1- Super Sprint- 250meter swim, 5mile bike up a long climb, they weren't joking about the hills!! and a 1 mile run to the start of the trail run where we would be all weekend.

Woke up Friday I little congested due to allergies? Sickness? I dunno.

Some did the swim without a wetsuit. Absolutely not- the water was 55 degrees. Brrrr. I took the time and put it on- I was last one out of the water, but not the last one on the course :) Slow start of the weekend. Off to bed! Sat would be long :)

Saturday morning and the "camp" feel was setting in. Race #2 AM Olympic, down time, Race #3 PM Olympic. (this was a bit different because it was a bike start, then a swim, the a run) The biking overall was gorgeous but hilly, with one climb at 22% - the time in between races was spent stretching, icing, eating and not doing anything really- pretty great.

Sunday- Race #4 1/2 Ironman woke up feeling spent. Still sick, and tired (as one would expect) starting the race already hungry- not good. Did the swim- felt ok, water started to warm up- better swim time then my last 1/2 Ironman swim, even with day before and not feeling well. Got on the bike, and bonked. Did a loop- got pretty hot, no wind in my lungs, no energy. Missed the bike cut off of the first loop by 5 min. Ugh. They took my chip and said I could still run if I wanted. I said "no thanks" and cheered my friends on.

Overall, great experience, mentally more than anything. Would for sure do it again.

Cervelo S2

So I always get buyer's remose. Always. I'm also horrible with decisions. It can be anything from a new dress to a new car, I'll always question my choice. Actually, I spent WAY more time researching a bike purchase than I did a car purchase. When I bought my brand new car at 21, I thought, "I like it, I want it, I'm buying it." I did. (and paid it off in three years thank you very much!) But purchasing things has always been tricky. Growing up where money was always tight, having worked since 14 years old, and working two jobs in college- I know the value of a hard earned dollar. To drop a pretty penny on a bicycle, most would think is pretty silly.

I was at a dinner with some friends when I brought up the question, if you could spend $3000+ on a material item (not to pay off a bill or go on a trip) what would you buy? Several suggested, a nice computer, entertainment set, new furniture, etc- most thought I was crazy to even consider that much for a bike (I ended up spending more than that but I'll get to that in my $$$ post)

I'm justifying out loud here, I don't have a mortgage, only need to work 2.5 more years to have all my student loans paid for, don't have kids and am not planning a wedding anytime soon (More to come in a relationships post) I would not want a fancy diamond engagement ring (if I find somebody who would buy me one :)-again, I'll leave that one for a relationships post) nor would I really need a fancy wedding dress. Most my furniture is second hand, and I made the commitment to not go crazy on new cute clothes this year. (But I do like cute dresses) So basically, I can afford this.

I think of it as an investment. I made the choice on a bike that will be versatile and that can be upgraded if I want to later. So back to bike shopping. I've enjoyed the process way more than I thought. I finally went with purchasing with Get a Grip Cycles. http://www.getagripcycles.com/

Ken, Christian, and Adam were all awesome. They spent a TON of time with fittings, and adjustments and more adjustments, and emails to help me make a good choice.

I did look at other vendors and models, and ended up test riding four different bikes (not just the bikes sold at Get a Grip) and think I made a decent choice. Yes, I probably overpaid, but not going to think about that. I'm happy with the purchase. I ended up going with the Cervelo S2- with clip on aerobars. I decided that based on the races I'll be doing, I wanted a bike that could both be a road bike, and give me the aero position if wanted for strong headwinds. I don't intend on winning anything when I do triathlons- and my number one priority was efficiency and comfort. I hope I found it. (I did go back between TT/Tri bike vs Road bike- and I'm sure I'll have moments of "should have gotten the Tri bike"- but I think I'll be pretty happy with my choice)

So the Cervelo S2 purchased at Get a Grip- with the ISM Road Saddle and Profile T2 aerobars is what I went with. I also bought the stainless steel speedplay zero pedals and new Sidi Shoes (the speedplay allows to adjust for a more efficient stance I guess?)- I purchased those through performance bike- and through my membership points ended up saving a good amount of $$ (like $130 :) ) Oh and the red tape was an extra $18 but couldn't resist :) Gotta admit it's a damn good looking bike :)

All in all, I can't wait to take it out for a spin. I've been working on improving my bike, still a lot of work to do, but I'm really hoping that I can feel improvement once I start to get on the road / on the courses :)

Rock and Roll 1/2 New Orleans February 13, 2011

This was my first destination race with ACS and it couldn't have come at a better time. Overall feeling stale- at work, with friends, training, etc. It was great to get out of town and visit a city like New Orleans. Going with the ACS DetermiNation crew was even better. It reminded me how much fun I have participating in events. The expo was great, we for sure took our time looking around. Everybody had a very friendly, fun vibe to them. I honestly didn't really train for this run- I've just been following the Ironman schedule with a few added longer runs on the weekend and I ended up PRing at 2:05- I'll take it. The course was flat and race day conditions were perfect- cold am with sun and cool by the time you got moving. ... and best of all sun shining and 60 to enjoy the beer on the grass at the after party.
Thank you ACS DetermiNation for reminding me why I love to participate in these events :) I needed the weekend to step back to remember to laugh and smile :)

2nd Annual F*$#Ing Freezing Frozen Lake Half Marathon

January 29, 2011
http://www.runningguru.com/EventInformation.asp?eID=669

For those who know me well, they know I hate the cold. It makes me angry and depressed and I much prefer the warmth of my glorious bed heated by my hair dryer. Back in November-ish, I was looking for a race to sign up for to motivate me to run outside. This would be the first winter where I actually run outside at least a few times a week. Chuck convinced me to sign up for the second annual F%$#ing Freezing Frozen Lake Half Marathon. He said it is a grass roots race with fun people and a mini party at the end. Perfect. I bought fancy tights and had all the gear and thought this would be a good way to keep me going to run outside.

It's already February 10, 2011, post Blizzard 2011!- and I have to admit, it hasn't been awful. I'm not Daryl, running at 4:00am to catch an early bike class, and lately have only been out about once a week. When I catch a gust of cold wind, I remember how sick running in the extreme heat makes me feel. With proper gear it really isn't terrible.

A few weeks before race day- we come to find that the grass roots race (bring your own bib and your own medal- they'll provide the aid stations and free beer after) was no longer an official race because of the needed permits. There were 200 or so participants (entry was only $20 to pay for the shirt and the 312 beer after at the party at FIZZ-Bar and Grill- which came in a snazzy 2010 Chicago Marathon glass). So it wasn't an official race, but people were encouraged to do their own route and meet up later. I stuck to the route that was already designed to keep it more "official".
The path was pretty gross at some points and we ended up doing street running along that street right by the path- Cannon?
Swanny ended up jumping in last minute, which offered good entertainment for the run. We saw several groups out, both for this race and for the CARA groups. A really fun way to spend a Saturday morning saying hi to fellow running community members. We also did a mini detour through an ice sculpture display going on at Navy Pier! Super cool!



Post race, went to the bar, drank my 312, ate my Turkey Burger and went off to VQ for my 90 min bike class- good thing I saw Jeff at FIZZ also- he's in my class, ran the race, and was off to cycling class. Not sure how great of a performance I put out for the class, but still a solid day of workouts.

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."

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)

http://www.chicagotriclub.com/

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)

http://www.visionquestcoaching.com/

Max Multisport Coaching

http://www.maxmultisport.com/

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:

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 :)