As I pack and make all my last minute preparations, the same random thoughts keep going through my head.
I have had such a wonderful experience training with the team; do I have what it takes to do another?
Do you?
To my followers and friends, if I signed up for another event with the Team, could I count on you to help me make my fundraising committment?
To my family, could you deal with me training for another one of these? With the early mornings, and the tired (and crabby) afternoons, and the endless piles of stinky sweaty clothes (none of which can go in the dryer)? How about the missed weekends, and softball games, and the fact that I have a tendency to fall asleep by 9:00 PM every night?
I just don't know.
And then...
I hear from my best friend Randi, about her friend Jen Rutansky.
Jen was first diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma 13 years ago, when she was only 25. She underwent radiation treatments, but a year later she was sick again. Doctors told her that Chemotherapy was her best hope, but she was resistant because she knew that chemo would most likely make her infertile. She was then offered the opportunity to ripen, harvest, and freeze her eggs so that sometime in the future, when she was well (and presumably married), she could still have children. She took a chance, and froze her eggs. In 2005, she and her husband welcomed their son into the world. The first child EVER to be born to a cancer patient from her own frozen eggs.
I'd like to think that some of my predecessors with team in Training helped fund the amazing advances that allowed Jen to realize her dream of becoming a mother.
I remember when this happened, because it was a really big deal. Jen was on the Today Show and in newspapers all over the world with her husband and their two children.
Wait, two children?
Jen only had 14 eggs frozen, and their surrogate had already miscarried twice. Just in case the last set of eggs didn't make it, the Rutanskys were also going through the adoption process. As luck would have it, they adoped a daughter just a few short months before their son was born. They felt so incredibly blessed to have two darling, healthy babies only a few months apart.
It wasn't an easy road, and Jen battled her Hodgkin's again and again. She had many treatments, including a stem cell transplant, that would put her cancer into remission for a short time.
Unfortunately Jen lost her battle this week. She leaves behind her loving family, her husband, and two children who will know that their mom wanted them so much, she was willing to do anything to make them a part of her family.
I will race on Sunday, not just for my honored hero, Kim Russo, but also in memory of Jennifer Rutansky.
I will race for Kim's and Jen's children, and the hope that they will someday live in a world without cancer.
I will race knowing that the money I raised helps to fund the research that allowed Jen and others like her to realize their dream of becoming a mother.
I will race because I can.
Thank you for this opportunity.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Has it really been a month?
Since my last post?
Well, three and a half weeks actually.
And yes, I was right about the training schedule being kicked up a notch.
I told my coach that these workouts were being filed in the "Is she kidding me?" section. But, who am I to question my coach? That's one of the reasons I signed up with Team in Training in the first place - so someone else was in charge of my training schedule.
It is very nice to have someone else tell you how far to go and how hard to push it. In my previous workouts, I was the one who got to decide how long my runs would take me, and I was really good at talking myself out of a few miles. Not anymore.
35 mile bike, followed by a six mile run? You got it!
500 yd warm up swim, followed by a one-mile timed swim and then some sprints just for "fun?" Yes, ma'am!
I got my official Athlete's package from the Nation's Triathlon yesterday.
Let the butterflies begin!
My race number is 5710 (I think there are only 6,000 athletes) and I don't start my swim until 8:52 AM.
The race begins at 7:00 AM, and I get to stand around for almost two hours before I can even get my feet wet. Do you realize that this means some of the elite athletes will actually FINISH the race before I can even start? More importantly, I will probably not start my 6 mile run until 11:00 AM (or so).
Do you know that today in Washington, DC it was 90 degrees at 11:00 AM?!
It is scheduled to cool off a bit by next weekend, but still! Good thing I did all my training in S. Florida!
And... the temperature in the Potomac is 84 degrees, so I probably won't get to wear my fancy new Team in Training wetsuit. Boo! I think the water has to be 76 before you are allowed a wetsuit.
Although, you never know, if Hurricane Earl dumps enough rain in the area tonight maybe the water will cool off a bit. I do feel kind of bad that my friends and family along the east coast are under Hurricane watches and warnings, while I am looking at a nice blue sky. But, have you seen the map of the tropics? There's a new storm coming off the coast of Africa every day, and one of them is bound to make landfall (or close to it) in S. Florida. I just hope that Gaston stays far away and doesn't ruin any travel or race plans for next weekend.
Well, there is no sense in worrying about it, right? Like Isabella's pre-school teachers used to say, "You get what you get, and you don't get upset!"
Speaking of Isabella and school...
All of my prayers have been answered!
First grade started with a smile (yaay!); and ended with the statement, "Mom, 1st grade is so exciting!"
Nothing makes a parent happier than knowing their child is happy, right? Considering that she had been whining and worried about starting school for at least two weeks, I was so relieved to hear how great school is going. Of course the second day of school was her birthday, and nothing guarantees new friends like bringing cupcakes to school!
She has made lots of new friends and we even discovered that one of her new buddies lives a few blocks away from us. She's even at Isabella's bus stop. So happy about that!
Of course Isabella can't have a birthday without the obligagtory trip to Disney. Funny, because we had told her that we wouldn't be going for her birthday this year - it gets too expensive and we had just come home from a two week whirlwind tour of the Northeast. Of course, once I found out that my best friend was driving down from S. Carolina for a family event in S. Florida and taking an extra day on the way home to stop at the Magic Kingdom, well...
Needless to say, we had a wonderful two days with our friends. Usually Isabella is the only kid, so it was a totally new experience for her to have three other kids to play with, go on rides with, sit with at dinner...
I do have to share one photo, just because it is so funny. You'd think that since I've been on this ride at least 20 times, I would eventually get used to the drop...
Yes, that's me, in the front seat of Splash Mountain, screaming my head off. You'll notice that daredevil Isabella is simply grinning - she may even have her eyes closed, enjoying the moment of weightlessness. Behind us are the Shanes - Randi, Zac, Dylan, and Becca - who all seem to be enjoying the ride. Well, except Becca who hates the big drop, but loves the rest of the ride.
I e-mailed this picture to Ray, who laughed and remarked that he could see my tonsils.
This is very ironic, because my tonsils are the reason I am updating my blog on a Thursday afternoon.
I am home sick with... wait for it...
Tonsillitis!
Do you think there is a connection? Hmmm? Maybe I got some of that germy water in my throat (perish the thought!).
All I know is that as soon as we got home on Tuesday afternoon, I went straight to bed and have only recently been able to sit upright and swallow. I did manage to drag myself to the Doc this morning so he could check out the petri dish growing at the back of my throat. It's never a good sign when your doctor shines the light, depresses your tongue and says, "Eww!" Then immediately runs to his desk, shoves a prescription in your hand and begins sanitizing the office.
So while I sit at home, isolating myself from the rest of the healthy world, I wonder...
I just have to trust Coach Lisa.
I'm ready.
I've done the work, put in the miles, and raised the money. Now it's time to just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Can't wait!
Well, three and a half weeks actually.
And yes, I was right about the training schedule being kicked up a notch.
I told my coach that these workouts were being filed in the "Is she kidding me?" section. But, who am I to question my coach? That's one of the reasons I signed up with Team in Training in the first place - so someone else was in charge of my training schedule.
It is very nice to have someone else tell you how far to go and how hard to push it. In my previous workouts, I was the one who got to decide how long my runs would take me, and I was really good at talking myself out of a few miles. Not anymore.
35 mile bike, followed by a six mile run? You got it!
500 yd warm up swim, followed by a one-mile timed swim and then some sprints just for "fun?" Yes, ma'am!
I got my official Athlete's package from the Nation's Triathlon yesterday.
Let the butterflies begin!
My race number is 5710 (I think there are only 6,000 athletes) and I don't start my swim until 8:52 AM.
The race begins at 7:00 AM, and I get to stand around for almost two hours before I can even get my feet wet. Do you realize that this means some of the elite athletes will actually FINISH the race before I can even start? More importantly, I will probably not start my 6 mile run until 11:00 AM (or so).
Do you know that today in Washington, DC it was 90 degrees at 11:00 AM?!
It is scheduled to cool off a bit by next weekend, but still! Good thing I did all my training in S. Florida!
And... the temperature in the Potomac is 84 degrees, so I probably won't get to wear my fancy new Team in Training wetsuit. Boo! I think the water has to be 76 before you are allowed a wetsuit.
Although, you never know, if Hurricane Earl dumps enough rain in the area tonight maybe the water will cool off a bit. I do feel kind of bad that my friends and family along the east coast are under Hurricane watches and warnings, while I am looking at a nice blue sky. But, have you seen the map of the tropics? There's a new storm coming off the coast of Africa every day, and one of them is bound to make landfall (or close to it) in S. Florida. I just hope that Gaston stays far away and doesn't ruin any travel or race plans for next weekend.
Well, there is no sense in worrying about it, right? Like Isabella's pre-school teachers used to say, "You get what you get, and you don't get upset!"
All of my prayers have been answered!
First grade started with a smile (yaay!); and ended with the statement, "Mom, 1st grade is so exciting!"
Nothing makes a parent happier than knowing their child is happy, right? Considering that she had been whining and worried about starting school for at least two weeks, I was so relieved to hear how great school is going. Of course the second day of school was her birthday, and nothing guarantees new friends like bringing cupcakes to school!
She has made lots of new friends and we even discovered that one of her new buddies lives a few blocks away from us. She's even at Isabella's bus stop. So happy about that!
Of course Isabella can't have a birthday without the obligagtory trip to Disney. Funny, because we had told her that we wouldn't be going for her birthday this year - it gets too expensive and we had just come home from a two week whirlwind tour of the Northeast. Of course, once I found out that my best friend was driving down from S. Carolina for a family event in S. Florida and taking an extra day on the way home to stop at the Magic Kingdom, well...
Needless to say, we had a wonderful two days with our friends. Usually Isabella is the only kid, so it was a totally new experience for her to have three other kids to play with, go on rides with, sit with at dinner...
I do have to share one photo, just because it is so funny. You'd think that since I've been on this ride at least 20 times, I would eventually get used to the drop...
Yes, that's me, in the front seat of Splash Mountain, screaming my head off. You'll notice that daredevil Isabella is simply grinning - she may even have her eyes closed, enjoying the moment of weightlessness. Behind us are the Shanes - Randi, Zac, Dylan, and Becca - who all seem to be enjoying the ride. Well, except Becca who hates the big drop, but loves the rest of the ride.
I e-mailed this picture to Ray, who laughed and remarked that he could see my tonsils.
This is very ironic, because my tonsils are the reason I am updating my blog on a Thursday afternoon.
I am home sick with... wait for it...
Tonsillitis!
Do you think there is a connection? Hmmm? Maybe I got some of that germy water in my throat (perish the thought!).
All I know is that as soon as we got home on Tuesday afternoon, I went straight to bed and have only recently been able to sit upright and swallow. I did manage to drag myself to the Doc this morning so he could check out the petri dish growing at the back of my throat. It's never a good sign when your doctor shines the light, depresses your tongue and says, "Eww!" Then immediately runs to his desk, shoves a prescription in your hand and begins sanitizing the office.
So while I sit at home, isolating myself from the rest of the healthy world, I wonder...
- Will I be well enough for the Team bike ride tomorrow night?
- If so, should I ride?
- If not, will I be ready for Nation's?
I just have to trust Coach Lisa.
I'm ready.
I've done the work, put in the miles, and raised the money. Now it's time to just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Can't wait!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Can I call myself a "Triathlete," now?
I did it!
All that training, excitement, and nervous anticipation came to a head for me on Saturday morning as I competed in my very first (but certainly not my last) triathlon, The Loggerhead Triathlon in Jupiter, FL.
Disclaimer: Despite all the nerves, the training, and the exhaustion, this race was merely a warm up. My "Real" race - the one I have circled on the calendar, the one I have been raising money for, and the one that will definitely push me out (way out) of my comfort zone, is still 5 weeks away.
From today.
Eek!
Five weeks to double the distance I just swam, biked and ran?
Okay, people, I can do this. Of course I can! I just did it (sort of).
Saturday's race was what is called a sprint distance - this was a 3/8 mile swim, a 13 mile bike, and a 3.1 mile run. I did it, and survived to tell the tale. The weather was perfect, the sunrise gorgeous, and all my nerves vanished as soon as I hit the water.
I certainly didn't break any course records, but I had a blast, and (more importantly) I am feeling great today - no soreness. Obviously I didn't push myself hard enough (right, Coach?) because I should feel some soreness today. Going over my results, I am pleased but I know what I need to work on for next time. Mostly what I feel right now is pure exhiliration! I loved this race, and you can tell how much fun I was having from my photos:
I remember smiling a lot during this race. Is that weird? I was so happy to be actually competing, and feeling strong! I kind of felt cheesy to be grinning at all of the others, some of whom did not look too happy to be racing, but I seriously couldn't help it.
I now have five weeks to get myself ready for an Olympic distance race... a 1 mile swim, a 25 mile bike, and a 6.2 mile run.
Eek!
I am looking forward to next weekend's workout with a little fear and trepidation. I have a sneaky feeling that Coach Lisa was just toying with us so as not to push the Loggerhead Tri Team too far. Now that only the Nation's Tri Folks are left, I am preparing for boot camp!
See, we had about 20 people on our triathlon team for Team in Training. Most of the team was training for the Loggerhead Triathlon. Now that race is over, there are only eight of us left who have signed up to go the distance for the Nation's Triathlon, both in fundraising and training.
I know that I can do this.
I've even signed up for my NEXT triathlon... another sprint distance race in Lake Worth at the end of September. This one is on my own, no support from the Team. I think I have been bitten by the Tri-bug!
Why Team in Training Rocks...
Part of the Team in Training tradition is the pre-race pasta party. Here's where we fuel up, get a last-minute pep talk, some coaching advice, and most importantly, remember why we signed on that dotted line to begin with. While we were getting situated in the dining area, a slideshow was playing on the screen in the room. On the screen were photos of all of our Team's heros all of whom have been diagnosed with a blood cancer. I saw photos of moms, dads, brothers, nieces, children, and friends - some are in remission, some are still fighting, and some have passed on.
In all of that pre-race excitement it's easy to get selfish and forget about that. It's easy to forget the real reason we are wearing the teal and purple on race day - not just because it looks cool (it does, believe me!), but to spread the word and to let everyone know why you are racing.
Here comes the pitch...
To those of you who have donated to my fundraising effort (whether it be money, time, items for the auction, or baked goods): Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
If you haven't yet donated, but still want to, please do, but call or e-mail me first. Several of my teammates have not raised their minimum amounts and since all the money goes to the same place, and to the same wonderful cause, I'd like you to consider helping them reach their goals by donating on their fundraising webpages. I am truly blessed to have such a generous network of friends and family, and it's only fair to spread the wealth.
Before Saturday's race, I wrote my hero's name (Kim) on my bracelet and I had a photo of her pinned to my back. During my race, many folks cheered for us - it felt good to hear, "Go Team!" and to know they were talking to you. During the run, when I was losing steam, someone yelled at me while I was passing them, "Go Team! Stay strong for Kim!" That was the burst I needed to finish strong and whoop it up as I crossed that line.
So, since my next race is a longer distance, I thought it would be nice to have some extra inspiration. For those of you reading this, if someone in your life has been diagnosed with a blood cancer (Leukemia, Lymphoma, Hodgkin's Disease, or Myeloma), please e-mail me their name and a photo (if you have one). I want to add them to my list of honored heros. I'll need all the inspiration I can get to get through those 32.2 miles.
Thanks.
All that training, excitement, and nervous anticipation came to a head for me on Saturday morning as I competed in my very first (but certainly not my last) triathlon, The Loggerhead Triathlon in Jupiter, FL.
Disclaimer: Despite all the nerves, the training, and the exhaustion, this race was merely a warm up. My "Real" race - the one I have circled on the calendar, the one I have been raising money for, and the one that will definitely push me out (way out) of my comfort zone, is still 5 weeks away.
From today.
Eek!
Five weeks to double the distance I just swam, biked and ran?
Okay, people, I can do this. Of course I can! I just did it (sort of).
Saturday's race was what is called a sprint distance - this was a 3/8 mile swim, a 13 mile bike, and a 3.1 mile run. I did it, and survived to tell the tale. The weather was perfect, the sunrise gorgeous, and all my nerves vanished as soon as I hit the water.
I certainly didn't break any course records, but I had a blast, and (more importantly) I am feeling great today - no soreness. Obviously I didn't push myself hard enough (right, Coach?) because I should feel some soreness today. Going over my results, I am pleased but I know what I need to work on for next time. Mostly what I feel right now is pure exhiliration! I loved this race, and you can tell how much fun I was having from my photos:
 |
| Running out of the water after my swim |
 |
| Getting ready to hop on my bike |
 |
| Finishing strong! (Don't pay any attention to that clock My actual race time was 1:38:17) |
I now have five weeks to get myself ready for an Olympic distance race... a 1 mile swim, a 25 mile bike, and a 6.2 mile run.
Eek!
I am looking forward to next weekend's workout with a little fear and trepidation. I have a sneaky feeling that Coach Lisa was just toying with us so as not to push the Loggerhead Tri Team too far. Now that only the Nation's Tri Folks are left, I am preparing for boot camp!
See, we had about 20 people on our triathlon team for Team in Training. Most of the team was training for the Loggerhead Triathlon. Now that race is over, there are only eight of us left who have signed up to go the distance for the Nation's Triathlon, both in fundraising and training.
I know that I can do this.
I've even signed up for my NEXT triathlon... another sprint distance race in Lake Worth at the end of September. This one is on my own, no support from the Team. I think I have been bitten by the Tri-bug!
Why Team in Training Rocks...
Part of the Team in Training tradition is the pre-race pasta party. Here's where we fuel up, get a last-minute pep talk, some coaching advice, and most importantly, remember why we signed on that dotted line to begin with. While we were getting situated in the dining area, a slideshow was playing on the screen in the room. On the screen were photos of all of our Team's heros all of whom have been diagnosed with a blood cancer. I saw photos of moms, dads, brothers, nieces, children, and friends - some are in remission, some are still fighting, and some have passed on.
In all of that pre-race excitement it's easy to get selfish and forget about that. It's easy to forget the real reason we are wearing the teal and purple on race day - not just because it looks cool (it does, believe me!), but to spread the word and to let everyone know why you are racing.
Here comes the pitch...
To those of you who have donated to my fundraising effort (whether it be money, time, items for the auction, or baked goods): Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
If you haven't yet donated, but still want to, please do, but call or e-mail me first. Several of my teammates have not raised their minimum amounts and since all the money goes to the same place, and to the same wonderful cause, I'd like you to consider helping them reach their goals by donating on their fundraising webpages. I am truly blessed to have such a generous network of friends and family, and it's only fair to spread the wealth.
Before Saturday's race, I wrote my hero's name (Kim) on my bracelet and I had a photo of her pinned to my back. During my race, many folks cheered for us - it felt good to hear, "Go Team!" and to know they were talking to you. During the run, when I was losing steam, someone yelled at me while I was passing them, "Go Team! Stay strong for Kim!" That was the burst I needed to finish strong and whoop it up as I crossed that line.
So, since my next race is a longer distance, I thought it would be nice to have some extra inspiration. For those of you reading this, if someone in your life has been diagnosed with a blood cancer (Leukemia, Lymphoma, Hodgkin's Disease, or Myeloma), please e-mail me their name and a photo (if you have one). I want to add them to my list of honored heros. I'll need all the inspiration I can get to get through those 32.2 miles.
Thanks.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Home Again, Home Again...
I've been home exactly four days, we are unpacked, laundry is done, grocery shopping complete (as if that could ever happen), and we are all back to work and camp just like we never left.
Well, except for the memories...
And the photos...
(and the extra 5 pounds I seem to have picked up)
We arrived in Buffalo, picked up our luggage and a rental car, and headed straight for the border. Once in Canada we checked into our hotel (Marriott Fallsview - I highly recommend it!), opened the curatins, and this is what we saw...
Upon realizing that the view pretty much has a permanent rainbow, Isabella declares Niagara Falls her favorite place. Of course, she found many favorite places during our 12 day trip.
Nigara Falls is truly magnificent. I could not stop staring, and taking photos, and pointing the view out to everyone else. I was determined to keep up with my training while on vacation, so on the second day, I set out to run along the Falls Scenic Route. I ran for about an hour, but didn't log many miles, because I had to keep stopping to marvel at the view, and take more pictures. Seriously, how could you not stop and gawk when THIS view was in the picture?
In any case, I had a lovely run and just when I was getting a little warm, the mist (the cold mist) would blow my way and cool me off. It was great!
After a full day of touring, it was time to head back to the good old US of A to get ready for phase two of our trip... Sarah and Joe's wedding! We have been waiting for this event for years, and it truly paid off! Every bit of the weekend was just perfect - the hotel - gorgeous! The rehearsal dinner - delicious! The chapel - adorable and perfect! The wedding reception - one of the BEST ever! The weather - well, let's not talk about the weather... rain on your wedding day is good luck, right? We had a great time with friends and family. It was wonderful to see my sister, Valerie and Isabella had a great time with her cousin James. We can't wait for his baby brother to be born!
After Buffalo, we went to Hershey Park, where Isabella tried to set several speed records for her age class on the roller coasters. This kid is an adrenaline junkie (just like her dad!); if she was tall enough, they got in line to ride! I don't have any photos of Isabella on any of these coasters, because while she and Ray were riding, I was busy pacing on the ground and my hands were too shaky to focus the camera; plus they were going too fast!
After all that excitement, we were ready to slow down a bit and went to Rhode Island to visit Grandma and Grandpa Welch. We had a lovely and relaxing time at their summer home and spent many hours on Grandpa's sailboat, Tranquility. Isabella even got to try her hand at steering and coiling the lines! She was most impressed with the fact that the boat had a "house" on it, and spent much of her time below deck, trying out the berths, eating snacks from the galley, and visting the head several times. She remarked that the only thing missing was a TV!
Well, except for the memories...
 |
| View of Niagara Falls from our hotel! |
(and the extra 5 pounds I seem to have picked up)
We arrived in Buffalo, picked up our luggage and a rental car, and headed straight for the border. Once in Canada we checked into our hotel (Marriott Fallsview - I highly recommend it!), opened the curatins, and this is what we saw...
Upon realizing that the view pretty much has a permanent rainbow, Isabella declares Niagara Falls her favorite place. Of course, she found many favorite places during our 12 day trip.
 |
| Running along the Falls |
In any case, I had a lovely run and just when I was getting a little warm, the mist (the cold mist) would blow my way and cool me off. It was great!
After a full day of touring, it was time to head back to the good old US of A to get ready for phase two of our trip... Sarah and Joe's wedding! We have been waiting for this event for years, and it truly paid off! Every bit of the weekend was just perfect - the hotel - gorgeous! The rehearsal dinner - delicious! The chapel - adorable and perfect! The wedding reception - one of the BEST ever! The weather - well, let's not talk about the weather... rain on your wedding day is good luck, right? Here's some of my favorite photos from the wedding...
After Buffalo, we went to Hershey Park, where Isabella tried to set several speed records for her age class on the roller coasters. This kid is an adrenaline junkie (just like her dad!); if she was tall enough, they got in line to ride! I don't have any photos of Isabella on any of these coasters, because while she and Ray were riding, I was busy pacing on the ground and my hands were too shaky to focus the camera; plus they were going too fast!
After all that excitement, we were ready to slow down a bit and went to Rhode Island to visit Grandma and Grandpa Welch. We had a lovely and relaxing time at their summer home and spent many hours on Grandpa's sailboat, Tranquility. Isabella even got to try her hand at steering and coiling the lines! She was most impressed with the fact that the boat had a "house" on it, and spent much of her time below deck, trying out the berths, eating snacks from the galley, and visting the head several times. She remarked that the only thing missing was a TV! So, after 12 days away, I managed to log only 7 miles running, maybe half a mile swimming, and approximately 30 minutes on an excersize bike in one of the hotels. Pathetic, huh? I have my first real triathlon this weekend in Jupiter and I am a little (okay, a LOT) nervous. I did manage to do a little training this week to make sure everything was still working. So far, so good. The race is only a sprint, so I'm not worried about the distances (700 yd swim, 13 mile bike, 3.1 mile run). I know I can do it, so I'm not sure what I'm nervous about. I just hope I will be able to relax enough to enjoy it. The forecast is for sunny skies and smooth seas. I hope there are a few clouds in the sky, though. That South Florida sun is brutal!
I'm going to pack my race bag now. I have a handy checklist provided by my coach and she put everything on this list! Tomorrow night is the pre-race pasta party (gotta load up on carbs), and then I will check into my room at the lovely Jupiter Beach Resort. Mom, Isabella, and I decided that we'd rather stay in a hotel that is a 5 minute walk from the race, than have to deal with a 45 minute drive at 5:00 in the morning. Honestly, I didn't want to have the added pressure of dragging a very sleepy and very cranky almost six-year-old out of bed on my list of pre-race responsibilities!
I'll check in when I finish!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Whoo-Hoo!!
On so many levels.
First of all... I made my fundraising minimum! That's right! $3500.00 in the bank (well, actually in LLS's bank - but you know what I mean).
Second... Mock triathlon: Rocked it! Swim, bike, run... DONE!
Third... I'm going on va-ca-tion, I'm going on va-ca-tion!
What is there to not be happy about?
I am so relieved to see that fundraising meter go all the way to the top. I had no idea how heavily this was hanging over my head, but once I finished, I felt that huge weight just float away. I think that I was more stressed about raising the money than I was about the actual event. You see, I can control how hard I train, and how early I get up, and how long I am willing to stay out there. I have no control, however on whether or not people are willing to donate money to help me out.
Well, you all came through, and then some! The fundraising at work was very time consuming, but very, very worth it. I earned nearly $1000 just from donations at work (silent auction, bake sale, pizza party, pancake breakfast)! The rest came from family and friends, and friends of friends who wanted to help out.
I am humbled by your generosity
.
Now... about that mock triathlon.
As far as my nerves were concerned, was nothing "mock" about it. Butterflies in my stomach? Well, they were more like gigantic bats flying around and gnawing at me from the inside. Normally I can barely eat before a race, even though I know I need the fuel. I have to force myself to choke down an energy bar of some sort in the car, and pray it stays put. This time I decided to take the sage advice of a teammate and get up a little earlier and eat first thing - before my stomach had the chance to get nervous. Eating a peanut butter and honey sandwich followed by a banana was not really what I wanted to be doing at 4:30 AM, but it worked!
We got to the beach and registered, they told us where to set up, and I began pulling the mountains of gear from my car. Swim cap, goggles, towel, socks, bike shoes, bike, water bottles, bandana, bike helmet, sunglasses, energy gel, running shoes, running hat...
Somewhere in the midst of my preaparations, I noticed my Mom and my cousin, Nancy had arrived to cheer me on. I got such a happy feeling seeing them there. Even though this wasn't a real race, I was so touched that they got up at the crack of dawn to come out and support me.
Whoa. Did anyone see how big those waves are? Yikes! After some discussion on the safety of sending a bunch of newbies out into 4' waves, the professional lifeguard on our team went out for a test swim. He proclaimed the water safe, but choppy, with no rip currents, and we were off!
The swim was a challenge, but I was happy to finish towards the front of the pack. We hit the beach running, and headed back for our bikes.
I tried desperately to remember everything... goggles and swim cap off, dry feet, no, wait, rinse off sand, then dry feet, socks on, bike shoes, bandana (sweat rag), bike helmet, sunglasses... walk bike to pavement, get on (ick, squishy wet bike shorts), suck it up, clip shoe in, go!
Whoops, red light.
Unclip shoe, stop, wait, get a drin... no, green light! Clip shoe! Pedal! Ahh, hill! Another red light! Unclip shoe! Stop, oh, I can make a right on red - duh. Clip shoe, Go Go GO!
After a few false starts, I was off! Of course everyone who was with me out of transition made it through the light that I got stopped at, so they had a few minutes head start, but I was up to speed quickly and cruising along at my happy 17-18 mph. All of the training and drills has really paid off - I felt good on my bike - really good! I drank my first water bottle, and managed (without stopping) to switch it out for a fresh one. And to think a few short weeks ago, I could barely switch gears!
After the bike comes the run. Walk bike to tree (rack), balance bike, helmet off, ick, sweaty bandana off, dry face, bike shoes off, running shoes on, visor on head, grab gatorade bottle, go! - Go! - Um? Legs? Go! Hello? The legs finally agreed to go and we were off (again). It was only a 2 mile run, but I got a stitch in my side like I have never felt. Owowowow! I tried walking, stretching, deep breathing, ignoring it, nothing was working. A fellow runner suggested poking myself in the side where the pain was - I thought he was crazy, but tried it. What do you know? It worked! It probably just took my mind off of it, but whatever.
I finished in 1:10:39 - is that good? average? abysmal? I have no idea as I have nothing to judge it against. I was happy to finish, and even happier to see my whole family waiting for me at the end. Mom, Ray, Isabella, and Nancy - how lucky am I?
As for the vacation, well, we leave in a few days. Going to a wedding in Buffalo, then off to Canada, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.
I... Can't... Wait!
Most of the preparations are in place - housesitter prepped, mail stopped, house clean, laundry done...
I'll try and post from the road. I hope to get in some miles in the hotel gyms and pools, because I have my first real triathlon a week after we get back!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
July, part Two
Today I am stuck (yes, stuck) at home with a child so desperate to get out of the petting zoo at camp today that first she made herself sick to her stomach (literally), and then had leg cramps so bad she lay on the floor crying for at least 30 minutes until I finally caved. Really? Fear of mobile petting zoos - I wonder what the clinical diagnosis of that is?
And, no, it has nothing to do with Yoda. Keep reading for the Jedi reference.
I am fortunate to be able to get a lot of work done from home. I am very connected to my office, so I have been able to call in to two different meetings, keep up with my e-mail, and read and edit a report. I have been able to do this in silence because when one is home sick from camp or school, the one hour of TV allotment runs out very quickly. Isabella has been very busy doing puzzles, coloring, and working in her reading workbooks. I guess on some level that is better than a mobile petting zoo?
Anyway... Fundrasing for my race just keeps getting better. I am fortunate to work in a department with approximately 130 others. We basically had a captive audience for the silent auction, bake sale, pizza party, and tomorrow is a pancake breakfast. Two of my co-workers are also racing for Team in Training, so we have been splitting the profits. As of today, I am at 68% of my fundraising goal. I have two months to go before my race. I'm feeling pretty good!
This weekend's workout was tough, but good. We had a substitute coach; and it was certainly different to go from one coaching style to another. I'm sure that he is a very good coach, but I am looking forward to getting Lisa back!
Next week we are racing in a mock triathlon at Lake Worth Beach. This will be the first time we will be able to put all three disciplines together and actually swim, bike, and run on the same day! I am really looking forward to this. It will be nice to put everything together without the pressures of an actual race.
I am most excited about trying out my new mad skills on my bike. After weeks of leg cramps and sore feet, I have finally accepted my fate and bought bike shoes (gasp!). Yes, the scary (and ugly) shoes that attach directly to your pedals, making you one with the bike. For some reason, these are called clip-less pedals. That doesn't really make sense, because the shoes attach to the pedal by clipping in. Can anyone explain this to me? It doesn't matter what they're called, because I call them the scary shoes. But I am happy to report that my first ride went without incident. I did not fall, mostly because I was determined not to - I'm pretty sure I had to use the Force at least once to stay upright. I have watched many of my teammates fall, usually while at a stop sign. The only thing they hurt was their pride; but of course the new coach had to scare us all with tales of broken elbows and shattered hips, all from falling at a stop sign (gee, thanks).
One amazing story from this weekend involves one of my teammates. She has been struggling, but determined, on the bike and I finally found out why. SHE JUST LEARNED TO RIDE.
Seriously.
In March.
Now I feel like a total tool for calling myself names, and complaining about feeling unsteady on my bike. I joke around, but I have known how to ride a bike since I was 6 (not that I was any good). My learning curve was a tiny wiggle compared to hers, and she will not give up.
Well, neither will I.
Do or do not... there is no try.
I'll check in after Saturday's "Mock" race, hopefully.
Monday, July 12, 2010
July, Part one
Yes, I know, it's been quite some time since I've checked in. I don't know why I can't manage to keep more up to date with this blogging thing - I really do have lots to tell you all!
I'll start with July 4th weekend...
As you may remember, this was a big weekend for me. Our first ocean swim as a team, and the 4th is (was?) my Dad's birthday. I knew this would be a big weekend, both physically and emotionally.
In any case, we met at Lake Worth Beach (coincidentally, my folks' favorite beach) bright and early on Saturday the 3rd. We even found parking!
After an inspirational message and some swimming tips from Coach Lisa, we were ready to hit the water. It looked pretty good to me - nice rolling waves, and crystal clear visibility. Some of our team mates started to get a little nervous, but Lisa had brought along lots of help in the way of extra coaches and experienced triathletes to act as lifeguards. The idea was to swim out to the first bouy (about 200 yds from shore), swim along the shoreline to the next one (maybe 300 yds away), and back to shore.
It... Was... Great!!
I finally felt like a natural at something. The ocean really is my home. I still don't know how I can possibly get seasick on top of the ocean, when I feel so good anytime I'm in or under the water.
I got to the beach, and looked around for everyone, and realized that most of the team was still swimming. How about that? I finished in the first wave of something, finally!
We repeated the swim out, swim down, swim back pattern three more times, and by the end most of the team had shaken off their fears of drowning, sharks, jellyfish, or whatever was getting in their way and we more or less all finished at the same time. It felt so good, and I am getting very excited about the actual race. After the swim, we all went to John G's for breakfast, where we proceeded to eat them out of inventory. Not really, but we were very hungry! We talked about a fundraising bowl-a thon and some other ideas. They all sound like fun to me!
Sunday was the bike ride, and the weather looked bad - thunderstorms were forecast all day. I mentioned in my last blog that I was going to ask my Dad to help us out with the weather, and he sure did! It stopped raining shortly before we got to Boynton Beach (our starting point). During the ride, it was cloudy, but never rained - the sun never came out either - perfect weather for a 30 mile bike ride in July! Thanks, Dad!
I have overcome most of my fears on the bike, and at the urging of my friends, have stopped making fun of myself - I mostly do it for laughs, but you know that, right?
I do have one very funny story, though...
Because it was a Sunday, Ray and Isabella were going to church at 10:00. I knew I wouldn't make it, but helped Isabella pick out a blue dress and I told her she could wear a temporary tattoo (a glittery American flag) to church since it was the 4th (and Papa Jim's birthday). All her clothes (and her tattoos) were laid out neatly on her dresser the night before.
I left for the ride, knowing that they were all set to go, but sort of wishing I could go too.
During our bike ride, we seperated into two groups - 1) The faster, more experienced group and 2) The less fast group. Actually we were three groups: I started in group 1, but quickly dropped into group 1a) The wants to be faster, but can't quite keep up at 20 mph group.
I was holding steady between 17 and 18 mph, not really minding being alone, enjoying my workout. Coach Lisa stayed with me most of the way, which was very nice. We turned around somewhere on Palm Beach, and as we were headed back, my phone started to ring. Normally I would ignore my phone, but the ringtone told me it was Ray. I got concerned, because he knew I had a long ride planned, and would only call in an emergency. I yelled ahead to Lisa and told her I had to answer my phone. I pulled off the road and answered.
Me: (expecting Ray) "Hi, what's wrong?"
Bella: (sniff) "Mommy?!"
Me: "Isabella, what's the matter?"
Bella: (sob) "I need another flag tattoo!"
Me: (silently counting to 10)
Bella: "Mommy?"
Me: "Yes, Isabella, I'm here. I'm in the middle of a very long bike ride. This isn't really an emergency. Why did you call me?"
Bella: (more sobbing) "I wrecked it!"
Me: "You wrecked what?
Bella: "My tattoo! I need another one!"
Me: (trying not to lose my temper) "Oh, honey, you wrecked your tattoo? Where's Daddy?"
Bella: "He's in the bathroom!" (continued sobbing)
Me: (counting to 10, again) "Please put Daddy on the phone."
Now, the whole time, I could only imagine what was going through Lisa's mind. Probaly something along the lines of, Who lets a five year old have a cell phone and get a tattoo?
In the meantime, Isabella barges into the bathroom and sobbing loudly, gives the phone to Ray.
(Now, there's a visual you didn't need!)
Ray: "Hello?"
Me: "What is going on?"
Ray: "I don't know, I was getting in the shower. Why is she crying?"
And to think I was so happy when she learned my cell phone number...
Ever the Superhero, Ray managed to save the day (and the tattoo), and off to church they went.
Crisis resolved, I now had to convince my legs that they were not finished, and still had ten miles left to bike. My legs disagreed, but eventually I won that battle.
As we pulled into the parking lot, the fast people were waiting for us, and of course I had to tell them why we were late. Much merriment ensued (at my expense).
Lesson learned: cell phones and tattoos are not for five-year-olds.
More stories to come... As soon as find the time to blog again!
I'll start with July 4th weekend...
As you may remember, this was a big weekend for me. Our first ocean swim as a team, and the 4th is (was?) my Dad's birthday. I knew this would be a big weekend, both physically and emotionally.
In any case, we met at Lake Worth Beach (coincidentally, my folks' favorite beach) bright and early on Saturday the 3rd. We even found parking!
After an inspirational message and some swimming tips from Coach Lisa, we were ready to hit the water. It looked pretty good to me - nice rolling waves, and crystal clear visibility. Some of our team mates started to get a little nervous, but Lisa had brought along lots of help in the way of extra coaches and experienced triathletes to act as lifeguards. The idea was to swim out to the first bouy (about 200 yds from shore), swim along the shoreline to the next one (maybe 300 yds away), and back to shore.
It... Was... Great!!
I finally felt like a natural at something. The ocean really is my home. I still don't know how I can possibly get seasick on top of the ocean, when I feel so good anytime I'm in or under the water.
I got to the beach, and looked around for everyone, and realized that most of the team was still swimming. How about that? I finished in the first wave of something, finally!
We repeated the swim out, swim down, swim back pattern three more times, and by the end most of the team had shaken off their fears of drowning, sharks, jellyfish, or whatever was getting in their way and we more or less all finished at the same time. It felt so good, and I am getting very excited about the actual race. After the swim, we all went to John G's for breakfast, where we proceeded to eat them out of inventory. Not really, but we were very hungry! We talked about a fundraising bowl-a thon and some other ideas. They all sound like fun to me!
Sunday was the bike ride, and the weather looked bad - thunderstorms were forecast all day. I mentioned in my last blog that I was going to ask my Dad to help us out with the weather, and he sure did! It stopped raining shortly before we got to Boynton Beach (our starting point). During the ride, it was cloudy, but never rained - the sun never came out either - perfect weather for a 30 mile bike ride in July! Thanks, Dad!
I have overcome most of my fears on the bike, and at the urging of my friends, have stopped making fun of myself - I mostly do it for laughs, but you know that, right?
I do have one very funny story, though...
Because it was a Sunday, Ray and Isabella were going to church at 10:00. I knew I wouldn't make it, but helped Isabella pick out a blue dress and I told her she could wear a temporary tattoo (a glittery American flag) to church since it was the 4th (and Papa Jim's birthday). All her clothes (and her tattoos) were laid out neatly on her dresser the night before.
I left for the ride, knowing that they were all set to go, but sort of wishing I could go too.
During our bike ride, we seperated into two groups - 1) The faster, more experienced group and 2) The less fast group. Actually we were three groups: I started in group 1, but quickly dropped into group 1a) The wants to be faster, but can't quite keep up at 20 mph group.
I was holding steady between 17 and 18 mph, not really minding being alone, enjoying my workout. Coach Lisa stayed with me most of the way, which was very nice. We turned around somewhere on Palm Beach, and as we were headed back, my phone started to ring. Normally I would ignore my phone, but the ringtone told me it was Ray. I got concerned, because he knew I had a long ride planned, and would only call in an emergency. I yelled ahead to Lisa and told her I had to answer my phone. I pulled off the road and answered.
Me: (expecting Ray) "Hi, what's wrong?"
Bella: (sniff) "Mommy?!"
Me: "Isabella, what's the matter?"
Bella: (sob) "I need another flag tattoo!"
Me: (silently counting to 10)
Bella: "Mommy?"
Me: "Yes, Isabella, I'm here. I'm in the middle of a very long bike ride. This isn't really an emergency. Why did you call me?"
Bella: (more sobbing) "I wrecked it!"
Me: "You wrecked what?
Bella: "My tattoo! I need another one!"
Me: (trying not to lose my temper) "Oh, honey, you wrecked your tattoo? Where's Daddy?"
Bella: "He's in the bathroom!" (continued sobbing)
Me: (counting to 10, again) "Please put Daddy on the phone."
Now, the whole time, I could only imagine what was going through Lisa's mind. Probaly something along the lines of, Who lets a five year old have a cell phone and get a tattoo?
In the meantime, Isabella barges into the bathroom and sobbing loudly, gives the phone to Ray.
(Now, there's a visual you didn't need!)
Ray: "Hello?"
Me: "What is going on?"
Ray: "I don't know, I was getting in the shower. Why is she crying?"
And to think I was so happy when she learned my cell phone number...
Ever the Superhero, Ray managed to save the day (and the tattoo), and off to church they went.
Crisis resolved, I now had to convince my legs that they were not finished, and still had ten miles left to bike. My legs disagreed, but eventually I won that battle.
As we pulled into the parking lot, the fast people were waiting for us, and of course I had to tell them why we were late. Much merriment ensued (at my expense).
Lesson learned: cell phones and tattoos are not for five-year-olds.
More stories to come... As soon as find the time to blog again!
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