Comrades? What's that? Why would you want to do that?!

http://www.comrades.com/

In 2007 I wanted to run the Chicago Marathon with my sister Jenn. I needed a slot,
(For a more detailed version of how I got into endurance- check out this post- http://fromflipperstofinishline.blogspot.com/2012/06/ironman-cda-june-24-2012.htmll

Michael Chitwood from Team World Vision had space for me on his team. It was my first experience with Team World Vision. After that marathon I continued to keep in contact, and continued to be inspired by Michael and the team. I remember seeing a facebook post about an ultra marathon in Africa.... "cool" whispered my heart. "An ultra seems so long." "Ugh, why would you want to do an Ultra?" answered my doubt and fear......

September 2015- I get an email in my inbox, inviting me to Michael's 40th birthday party and book release for his awesome book, www.theabilitytoendure.com (order this book!). I'm super glad that Jenn and I went to the party!! There I meet Rusty Funk and we started talking more about that ultra marathon in Africa... Comrades.....He told me about their intention to attempt to have each participant get 56 children sponsored by World Vision (for every mile). "AWESOME" says my heart. "I can't afford it, I can't take that much time off of work, It's during the school year, not vacation time and that's not responsible" answered my logic...

Three weeks later, Eddie Bauer sponsored a run and a talk with Bart Yasso, Runner's World legend. When asked what his favorite race was, without hesitation, he answered "Comrades". I waited for him after the talk to ask him details. After hearing the way he spoke about this event, the impact on the community, the spirit of Comrades, my heart was bursting. "SIGN UP NOW" I flew on my bike home and signed up that evening. Logic, Doubt and Fear would still be nagging but I couldn't hear them over the singing in my heart.

Now with months of training in and 10 weeks to go I get the honor to help Team World Vision with their Child Sponsorship Mission.  My intention is to personally, fully fund this trip, and will not be asking for donations to help support this trip. (However many others ask for financial support with Vision trips, and it's a wonderful cause to help with, this is just not my ask this time). My goal is to hopefully inspire or speak to your hearts in one way or another. If you've ever felt compelled or interested in Child Sponsorship, please take action and join us! The commitment can seem illogical, scary. You may doubt your money can even make an impact. But if your heart is pushing you to sponsor, I hope you listen to it and help us to impact some of our world's most vulnerable children!

http://cause.worldvision.org/campaign-placeholder-465

Rim to Rim TO RIM

Friday, May 1, 2015

"What's next? What are you signed up for? What are you racing?".... I don't know... I'm not sure... meh. September 2014 was the Run the Rut- an awesome mountain 50K in beautiful Big Sky, Montana. It's also a very challenging 50K, THE most challenging 50K in North America in fact. I did not make the time cut off, being forced off the course at mile 18. I was A-OK. with that. I signed up because it made me say, "Wow, this looks cool." By the time the event came around, I was heavy in mileage, and just excited to be camping and running in the mountains. I was not skilled enough for the terrain of the course, but was still super happy with the day and the experience. But after this,  I wasn't signed up for anything, and wasn't really finding anything that I was excited about. Triathlon? 70.3? Maybe a fun 1/2 Marathon? We did end up running a 200 mile Relay, 12 person team - chasing Bourbon in beautiful Kentucky in October just a month after run the rut. This was a great event and reminded me of how much fun I have running. I was starting to look for a fun trail run that I could sign up for. Then in January, Bryan mentions that Bill is organizing a run..... in the Grand Canyon. Not just a run, but something called the Rim to Rim to Rim. Down, across, Up...and BACK. COOL! YES! No time cut offs. Just a group of us who want to run in the Grand Canyon. I had never been to the Grand Canyon before and had always wanted to visit... I tell Bill, "I'M IN!" 

(Some folks do just go from Rim to Rim, but the North Rim does not open till May 15, so we had not choice. It was Rim to Rim to Rim, because the only way back was by foot, or by super expensive medical rescue)

The Details
*47 total miles- (23.5 miles one way)
*10,141 total elevation change
*My time- 19 hours 53 minutes (middle of the pack)- (Looked at my watch and the time said 11:55pm when I finished) I decided to not wear my Garmin. I did not want to get caught up on my pace, and just went on feel. I wore my wristwatch so that I could stay on top of my nutrition. 

*The trail map that we used can be found here:
http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/upload/corridor_map.pdf

Nutrition- Breakfast was one salt stick, coconut water, coffee, apple sauce with protein powder and a banana. (About 350 calories)
Starting at 6am, I took a salt stick on the hour till 6pm, then I took one at 7:30pm, and my last at 9:00pm. I knew that if I over ate in the heat, it would make it difficult for me to absorb water, which would make me start to feel sick, so I tried to be smart and conservative, but also eat enough. I ate a third of a bonk bar every half hour, then took a gel on the next 45min mark. This put me at never wanting to eat a bonk bar ever again. I was truly forcing it down at the end. I snuck in some lays chips in there along with some Camelbak Electrolyte Elixir Tabs- one at the North Rim, and one at Phantom Ranch before descending. (I averaged about 130-150 calories an hour)

Thursday, April 30, 2015- First view of the Grand Canyon- Wow. Eric and I were like excited kids, anxious to see our first views. Vast. Endless. Beautiful.

(Notice the folks on the top left corner for some perspective of height and how far down we were going!)

Speaking to the rangers, getting the details on open water stops and projected temperatures was helpful, but intimidating. "It was 97, down there today. The canyon traps in the hot air, making it feel like an oven. Be smart." Intimidating, but intimidation is a good safety tool. We made sure to bring salt, and knew to be smart about filling up at every stop.
(See to the right for the proper position for barfing)



Friday am, 3:45 am May 1, 2015- And we're off! We met at 3:45am at the top of the Bright Angels Trailhead at the South Rim. We park at the Maswik lodge and make a plan to meet back at the lodge when we finish, as we acknowledge that we may get separated and that each person should continue moving forward if they need to. We had emergency communication plans in place, took a group shot, and off we went for a 4:02am official start. (Bill is taking the picture and the Canadians were starting after us)

Bright Angel Trail- Descending- Trailhead to Bright Angel Campground- 4,380 feet
At the 1 1/2 mile rest house, I was already plenty hot and needed to take off my jacket and hat. Oh oh, this was going to be a hot day. 

We stop at every water station and at every bathroom stop. We gleefully make it down the canyon as the sun starts to rise, about to arrive at Indian Camp Ground. I didn't do a good job of taking pics down at the river, but got some great ones on the way back of the river (here's a shot Krissy took arriving at the bridge)

Across the Colorado River into Bright Angel Campground (Phantom Ranch) (All stops along the way down the canyon so far had running water, but it's always important to check with the rangers)

Bright Angel Campground to North Kaibab Trailhead (5,671 feet in elevation change)

It was a steady jog the 7 miles or so across the valley towards Cottonwood Campground. Bill and Al were a steady clip ahead of us, but we felt their love! The terrain from Bright Angel to Cottonwood is soft rock, sand, and a few cool creeks. Temperatures were starting to climb even higher as the sun began to sit overhead. We loved seeing this sign before starting our climb up the north rim. 

This group photo on the left was taken right after Supai Tunnel before heading up the last bit to the top of the North Rim (Bill and Al on their way down while Eric, Krissy, and I were on our way up)
(Supai Tunnel is a stop, but did NOT have any running water, the North Rim had very cold water). It is a steady, hot, slow climb up the North Rim. I was sucking in any air I could, and not moving very fast. Krissy and I made plans in case I started to barf or in case she got paralyzed from the fear of the height. Thankfully, we were both just fine. It was a cool relief once we got to the top.There is far less at the North Rim then there is at the South Rim; a few porta potties across the parking lot and water spouts to fill up your water bladders with. The water is cold and the smell of the dry pine was a pleasant surprise. It was just a quick fill up for me, and a big sigh of relief.

North Kaibab back down...

The trail is seen on the right, careful!

I started to feel better so started to shuffle back down the canyon. I'm not a very skilled descender, so was a bit more conservative so as not to catch a rock and trip to go tumbling off the side of the canyon. I was pleased that I was going smooth and steady. By the time I hit the pumphouse Ranger Station, I wanted to just run. I picked it up, (not sure how fast) and got going at a comfortable pace. I felt waves of emotion of the incredible beauty surrounding me and the gratitude I felt for being there. I told my feet and legs to SHUT UP, and decided it was time to HAVE FUN. I wanted to get to Bright Angel Campground at a decent time (Arrived right around 6:15pm, so made sure to keep a steady pace even though it was still super hot) I dipped my bandana in every water source and creek I could find to wrap on my neck and head, only for it to quickly dry up after a few minutes from the dry heat. While I was in a rush, I still remembered to stop and enjoy the details!

 

Bright Angel Campground to Bright Angel Trailhead (4,380 feet in elevation change)
I didn't spend much time at the campground. Got a few more remarks from hikers, asking if I was "one of those NutJobs doing Rim to Rim to Rim" as I was filling up my water bladder and getting out my headlamp. I cheerfully confirmed that I was, and they gave me a good chuckle, but asked if I needed anything. Off I went up the climb back home. I tried to keep a steady pace, knowing that it would soon be dark. Dusk was amazing, with the sounds of the frogs, lizards and the river rushing by. I had fun turning off my headlamp, and enjoying hiking along by moonlight. An experience, I'll never forget. The switchbacks (I think we counted 29) were darker in some sections, requiring me to put the headlamp back on. I slowed down significantly and Krissy caught up at Indian Camp Grounds. It was great to see her and re-group. I headed off after chatting for a bit and knew she would be right behind. At this point it was just... keep....going. The temperature FINALLY started to feel cool, about 1 mile from the top. I foolishly thought I had enough water, so skipped the 1 1/2 mile water stop so that I could just get there. Blisters had already popped on my feet, and the fatigue was starting to settle in. I pull over for a quick pee break and glance up towards the canyon to see a head lamp shining up at the top. Almost there! I keep going and see a runner descending my way. It was Canadian Craig, sweeping up runners. He had made it to Cottonwood, but turned around because of the heat so was going to be sweeping in runners for the next 3 hours! Thanks Craig! I was super relieved to see him and excited that I was going to make it in under 20 hours. I shuffle up the last bit to the applause of the other Canadians who had already finished. WOO.  Water, bathroom, and TIME TO SIT DOWN. I called Bill and he came back to the trailhead so that we could wait for Krissy and Eric together. 
47 miles. All day. Quite the adventure. I had always wanted to see the Grand Canyon, so happy that I got to experience it....Rim to rim to Rim. This is a one and done for me. Never again :) I would however gladly camp at one of the rest stops and sherpa other Rim to Rim to Rimmers in the future!

DONE! (I had already gone to the car to get my hat and coat and guzzle down water and a slice of pizza- thanks Bill!)

 Thanks for the medals Krissy!!!

Saturday, May 2- OUCH! Stiffness, pain and fatigue worse than post Ironman. And my feet were a mess, so swollen that even as I write this three days later, I can't fit them into my normal shoes without discomfort. We are moving VERY slowly this morning (except Bill, because he is part machine). We decide to stay the night in Flagstaff, but not before visiting the Meteor Crater outside of Flagstaff, Arizona http://meteorcrater.com/ Flagstaff is a fun town that had lots of breweries for us to explore. We were a pretty chill bunch that night, but that didn't stop us from tasting the local brews. 

Sunday, May 3- Sedona, AZ- Coffee Pot Restaurant for Omelettes and Waffles, then Slide Rock Park (A beautiful creek about 4 miles north of Sedona ) before heading home. A nice little dip in pretty cold water surrounded by the red rocks of Sedona was a great way to wrap up the trip. 

*And this is what happens after your quads take a pounding after all of that descending, worst post-race soreness, ever. 

Updating! Highlights from 2013 and 2014

It has been WAY too long since I have updated this blog. Ironman 70.3 St.George in 2013 was my last triathlon. Not that I'm never going to do a triathlon ever again, I just haven't found one that has made me say "Ooo, that sounds fun!" But I haven't quit endurance, I've still been participating. Here are some highlights from the last 2 years!

Tour De Montana- July 2013 just over 400 miles cycling and 15,000+ ft of climbing. A fantastic experience of riding and camping. A must do! http://thecyclinghouse.com/trip/tour-de-montana-original/
This is me with my "Every last Mile Award!"

Veteran's Marathon- Columbia City, Indiana November 9, 2013- Finish Time-4:07:31:11
http://www.veteransmarathon.com/ Teeny tiny marathon- Beautiful town and beautiful course. I bought a training plan from the successful Ryan Bolton. He helped me to PR by over 30min from last marathon!
Total participants in marathon around 202- tent for packet pick up, soup at the finish line out of crock pots, icy end to the day.

Charleston Marathon-January 18, 2014- Charleston, SC- I BROKE 4 HOURS!!! WOO!- 3:57:53

http://charlestonmarathon.com/

Another destination race with running buddy and champ Tara! Also got to know Lauren and Mike Wong on this trip. Was thrilled to stay steady and strong and break 4 hours on this marathon!!

Galena Duathlon- May 17, 2014- I won an entry into the Galena Triathlon. I told myself I did not want to do triathlon this year, so was not going to do it...until I realized they had a Duathlon... run, bike, run! I signed up and it was SUCH a fun event with lots of CTC love. http://www.galena.org/triathlon-duathlon/

Run the Rut- 50K 13, 2014-- an attempt at a 50K in Big Sky, Montana. http://runtherut.com/ North America's most difficult 50K. I made it to mile 18, but was not fast enough to continue. I did not make the cut off for this check in point. I was forced off the course, but was not upset about it. This course is TOUGH and is NO JOKE. Danny and Kjerstin did not make the cut off either and were also forced off the course. If I can properly train and learn to run on this terrain, then I will be back to attempt this again. An absolutely stunning mountain course.

 

Bourbon Chase- October 10-11, 2014- A 200 mile relay race across the Kentucky Bourbon Trail- 
http://www.bourbonchase.com/- SOOO much fun, beautiful running, lots of bourbon tasting, not a lot of sleeping.

Other fun honorable mentions!
*San Francisco Half Marathon- 2/2/2014- fun trip with Jenn
*Austin Half Marathon 2/16/2014- fun trip with Erin Harvego
*Sunburst Half Marathon- May 31, 2014- CTC fun in South Bend, Indiana
*Hannah's Hundred- October 19, 2014- Fun informal day of cycling to Wisconsin and back!

*Dairyland Dares August 2013, 2014- Special Place in my heart for this cycling event 

Ironman 70.3 St. George

Saturday, May 4, 2013

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVMZ498swi8

     This was the inaugural year that Ironman decided to discontinue St. George as a full Ironman and make it into a 70.3. As a full Ironman it was an early season race, the most difficult course on the circuit, didn't sell out, and had the highest rate for DNFs. As a 70.3 it sold out quickly. I'm glad that as soon as it was announced as a half, I immediately spoke to Tim about the race (he raced the full) and decided to sign up. While I never did the full, I can't really compare, but this 70.3 course kicked major awesome ass. 

     We lucked out with the weather, an absolute perfect day (while it did get super hot on the run- it could have been WAY worse) so my opinion of the race might have been different. But this was the perfect first and last triathlon of my season. 

I signed up because it looked awesome and I wanted a challenge. Challenge and Awesome I got. 

      Post Ironman Wisconsin I said I was taking a break from full Ironmans and just wanted a destination half. Thanks to Jim Bruskewitz from Hammer Nutrition for writing plans to get me to and through the start line happy and healthy.

     Overall the race was a PR from Wildflower 2012 (the only race that I can slightly compare this to)

      While I am a "back of the pack-er" I really was trying to go for faster for this race- didn't quite get it, but it was an incredible day.
The breakdown:

Swim- 1:02:40

8 minutes slower than Wildflower. Temperatures were right around 60degrees- Cold, but manageable. I also lost about 3minutes from wrestling with my damn wetsuit- had peelers help me but should have just gone through the mats first and then gotten help. 
For the swim, I really got what I put in. I had training days where I would sit in the parking lot of XSport, trying to make myself go inside to do my swim workout, only to turn around and go home. Or even make it all the way into the pool, only to say, "yeah, no". I can't expect a much faster swim time if I'm not going to give it 100% of my effort.
This was one of the more physical open water swims that I've experienced. When waves would catch up to me, I would get kicked, slapped, and even pushed. I tried to keep up with my stroke and stay as straight as possible. I kept Marcia in my head trying to keep a "beat" so as not to slow down too much but trying to stretch out as much as possible too. 
Songs that popped up where everything from my ABCs to Godsmack's "I'm doing the best I ever did" to try to stay focused on my stroke and going buoy for buoy. Getting out of the water took a minute to get my head together. I later heard stories of other swimmers who were forced into medical tents due to hypothermia. An hour is a long time for anybody to be in the cold water, but the neoprene cap and ear plugs helped. 

Bike- 3:39:40 
Highlight of the course. Gorgeous day, tailwind, tough climbs, crazy fun descents. I have had different workouts this winter to build intensity, strength and speed on the computrainer and tried to mentally remember these work outs so that I could stay on top of it. The climbs were long and steady and snow canyon was tough but absolutely gorgeous. Lots of riders I passed were unclipped to walk their bikes up the hills so that gave me mini confidence boosters when I would keep on keeping on right past them. I believe there was about 3000+ ft of climbing or so. I'm still not as fast as I'd like to be, but I know this takes time, and I am willing to put in the effort. Having a 20min PR from Wildflower was encouraging, even with the tailwind at St. George. There were a few points when my muscles started to get pissed off at me and threatened cramping. I have experience with pulled muscles during events so was able to mentally shake it out. (probably a sign that my nutrition was off too.) 
Overall, great bike course. 


Run: 2:32:09
Most disappointed with my performance on the run. I had been putting the time and effort in and was hoping to be much stronger. The heat got to me and I didn't walk, but my slow shuffle might as well have been at a walking pace. This run truly kicked ass. The views were spectacular, reminding me of the scene in Forrest Gump were he tells Jenny, "It was so beautiful, I couldn't tell where heaven stopped and the earth began". But holy hard. The climbs were tough and despite my hill running this winter, I wasn't strong enough. I know the heat gets to me and slows me down. I tried to manage my nutrition on the bike so that I was getting enough but not too much. By the time I got to this run I was going aid station for aid station again. Pouring ice wherever I could to keep me cool and managing my electrolyte intake. Quite a few times the ideas of barfing or passing out seemed likely. The tough climbs and fast downhills had us earning each step to the finish. 



Overall....
-I wanted a difficult, fun, destination half this season. That's what I got- WIN
-Winter training mentally was tough. I had been on and off sick for 2 months and motivation was low. I'm glad I had this to look forward to- great decision to sign up for this race. 
-Fantastic weather- could have been WAY worse- WIN
-I'm not going to get faster in the water if I don't work on it (duh)- Lesson Reinforced.

PR for me, Sub 5 hours for Tim, 3rd in age group for DA. Good race for Danny too (not pictured)

-Saturday races are a fantastic idea.
-Destination races rock.
-Racing with friends makes it all the more fun. 
-I continue to feel blessed and grateful that I'm healthy and able to continue to participate in these events.
-I love endurance events

Top of Angel's Landing, Zion National Park

Post hike at the bottom of canyon in Zion National Park

For now, taking a break from triathlon. Looking forward to cycling camp in July and looking forward to getting my run way faster. I will qualify for Boston. Be it my next marathon, or the one after that, or after that....Now to decide which marathon to sign up for next.......

2013 ...trying for faster

After a few inconsistent months of training- I've slowly been back to routine. The end of the 2012 season finished with Wisconsin Ironman and was followed by drinking and eating. And not much training. 10extra pounds and three months later it's officially the 2013 season. 
Earlier in December I ran the 5K Santa Hustle because, why not? I was late, didn't have music, didn't have my watch- and ran a PR- at first I thought to have a fun jog but then got going at ran in under 25min- 24:57:88. 
This described the tone for wanting to do races that are 1. Fun. 2. Shorter. 3. Faster.
Communicating with my coach, I asked for less volume, but workouts to help with speed.
The plans have been great, but my ability to stick to them have been inconsistent.
I don't want to deviate, because then I won't know if they are working or not. 
Motivated now to stick to plans as much as possible, and throwing in occasional yoga and functional training when I can.
I feel like a normal person again, accepting invitations out and having a beer when I feel like it. 

First race of the season started off with another PR. Yay. I haven't done too many just 1/2 marathons, so really didn't know what to expect. The week started with a stomach flu that had me feeling worse than I did post Ironman. It wasn't long, but it drained me and I skipped workouts Mon-Wed- only a light jog on Thursday and I felt tired from the lack of nutrients. Felt almost 100% on Friday and Saturday just thought I would see how the morning went.
We had a few little logistical issues that had us starting the race a few minutes late (a trend I already need to stop) We spent the first 5K at a good clip- probably too fast, catching up and passing people so that we could settle into a pace. Again, forgot my watch, so was running only on perceived effort which was actually pretty good. 
My coach said to treat the first 11miles at 80%-85% and then go with whatever I have left to the end. We started to catch up with the 2:45 sign the 2:30 sign, the 2:10 sign... 
When we first started we didn't think breaking 2:00 would be doable. Once we got going- we decided to try to beat the 2:00 clock, even with the late start. 
At 11miles was able to pick it up, Saw the 2:00 balloons, caught them, then passed them. (This was right about the time Kelly Clarkson came on the set list with Stronger. Bonus. One of the better playlists yet. Have been reducing the music when I can, so fun to have it this morning. Everything from Tool's Aenema to Britney's Toxic kept me partying for this run) Trying to go all out from mile 11 to the end, but not able to go much faster then the pace I was at after I passed the balloons. Not having the watch at this point too just hurt the motivation. I was trying to pick it up and go on perceived effort. Saw the clock at the last stretch and was happy when I saw it read 1:59:30. Broke, two hours, even with the late start. Happy day. I am slowly getting to be faster. In the next years or so, Boston will be in reach! (Another focus for a different year) but happy to get chip time of 1:57:22- about a 9:01 pace.
The last few weeks, I've been doing my runs in the arboretum with more hills and Randy was right when he said that after a few weeks of hill intervals, run a flat course and you'll feel like you have little rockets in your ass! Not quite turbo speed but could feel faster. Going to hit the hills again next week. Swanny's girlfriend lives in LA and is running a marathon out in hilly Oakland and St. George is no flat run course, so as many hills as I can get, plus it's more fun. 
I'm finally learning how to "work hard" - getting to know my perceived efforts and focus within the difficult efforts and intervals to go faster for longer.
Countdown to May 4, 2013- St. George 70.3 has started.

The "polar plunge" was not exactly "polar" - A nice 50 some degrees had me shedding layers

Deuces! Broke 2 hours- PR for Vernie and Swanny

Santa Shuffle back in December

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!