Richmond Marathon - 2009

Being a sucker for a bargain...I just signed up to run the Richmond Marathon next year. "Sign up before the end of December and get this special price". That shows great optimism on my part. Not only that I can run 26.2 miles, but that my arthritic toe will hold up.

It's really been hurting lately, as has my knee and hip. I knew the new orthotic would cause other issues, but I didn't anticipate being in this much discomfort. I'm feeling a bit old this last month. I need to "get over it". (A phrase from my mother).

Body Shaping

In the illustrious words of Patty - "It's easy to lose it once you quit using it!" Ain't that the truth. I did weights this morning, and let me tell you...A couple of years ago, I would have snickered at someone like me! I was lifting 8 and 5 lb weights. And shaking in the locker room after! What the hell?!

Just another area to work on...

Richmond Half Marathon

What a weird weather day. All Friday night it poured. I awoke on Saturday morning at 1:30 a.m. to hear thunder. The Saturday forecast was high 61, 90% chance of rain, and windy. When I walked outside in my long sleeved shirt, jacket and gloves, I was surprised to feel how warm it was. Back in for a wardrobe change. Thankfully, Kathryn and Lisa were running late so there was no problem.

We parked at VCU using Lisa's parking pass. What a blessing that was! Only a few blocks walk to the race and there was a real bathroom along the way! We got my bag checked and had only about 15 minutes to wait before the start of the race. We saw Kathleen. Bethany started the race with us.

Kathryn and Bethany took off at the beginning of the race. Kathryn had a goal of finishing in less than 2 hours...and she met that goal! Go Speedy Girl! Lisa and I pace about the same so we decided to run together. Well, that lasted one mile. She left me at the beginning of the second mile.

I swear, I thought my head was going to explode I was so hot! I finally settled in about the 4th mile, but I had to do a lot of walking. I had been very sick the previous week with a cold, and I didn't think I was going to be able to race. So I was grateful to be out there. But Christ, the phlegm choking me...how disgusting!

I had a plan that I had set up with Grandison for pacing. That went to hell. I was just glad to keep moving forward. I timed every mile. And can you believe I was anywhere from a 9 min mile to a 14 min mile. That's what a crappy day I had!

I was very grateful to see Shawn, Shelley, Karen, and Sharon as course marshalls around miles 5 and 6. That was a huge boost. I stopped to give Shawn a sweaty hug and tell her how proud I was of her IronMan accomplishment. Then Stacia and her neighbors partying in the street around mile 9. How fun! And there was a woman and some little kids with orange slices and tiny sips of orange juice. Let me tell you, I don't even like oranges...I ate that slice to the peel. If only I could find that woman to thank her ! That kept me going...that and Hammer Gel.

As I hit mile 10, Grandison and I had planned that I'd give it all I had. Well, at least I was able to run the rest of the way in.

I had told my family to stay home, due to the weather, (which turned out not to be an issue), but I was praying that they would be at the finish line. Alas, they were home, snug and cozy. I think this is the 1st race they've missed.

My time was waaay slower than I hoped. And I'm ok with knowing that it just wasn't my day!

A Big Butt?!

Why do I keep my 4 year old daughter at home with me?! She is telling me repeatedly that I have a BIG BUTT. Arms spread as wide as they can get in measurement. I told her I should be in exercise class, instead of spending time with her. (That was mature, huh?)

What was that song by Sir Mixalot..."I like big butts and I cannot lie. You other brothers can't deny..."

The funny thing is...I have a big tummy and a FLAT butt!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41APzy5kqBU

Waiting...

Feeling quite reflective and a little melancholy...

I'm waiting for my Friday appointment with Dr. Dec. I'm hoping she'll give me a yes or no answer regarding pursuing IMFL, but I know she won't. I'm sure there will be a lot of maybe's and alternatives. And I will have to make the final decision. How much am willing to put my body through?

I see my TRIgirlfriends heading down this very cool path and I sooo want to be a part of it! But will my big toe let me?! It sounds really stupid that something as small as a toe, might derail my big plans. I guess that's why it's called a "BIG" toe! But that pain in my toe is altering how I foot strike, which is causing parts all the way to my hip to adjust.

Annnn is having so much fun with this condition! "You're OLD! and arthritic." I rode with her and Jen this morning. Annnn is so good on the bike, even on her bad days, she still kicks my ass.

Someday, I hope to be really good at one of these disciplines. Someday...

Persnickety

This morning in guppies Suzie Q said she was a "persnickety swimmer". I just loved that!

I feel like I can get one part of the stroke down, like when we're doing one-armed drills or just kicking. But when I try to put it all together...sloooowww down! Does that make me persnickety too? Or just uncoordinated? I like persnickety! My word for the day. (Thanks, Suzie Q!)

Naylors Beach Olympic

My first olympic! I signed up so I could get the TRIgirl glass and Melissa had it waiting for me at the end! Yeah!!

The trip...Rode up with Jackie, Deanna B. and Trish. What a great ride. Just being with the girls helped. I must admit I began to panic a bit when Jackie had to turn on her windshield wipers! I've never ridden this bike in the rain and wasn't sure how I'd do on the hills.

The Swim - When I looked at that course...WOW! It looked long! Thankfully, I knew Deanna B. would be with me as my "swim angel". And an angel she was! Going out...I began to panic. Couldn't get my breathing under control - hyperventilating. She talked my through it. "Just put your face in, Breathe normally and swim 100 with me". Well, from then on, it was all good. We just kept going. I even hit some girls feet and there were people swimming around me. Never thought that would happen in the swim! As it came time to exit the water, I had to pee. So I started walking. Deanna's yelling for me to gooooo! So I finished swimming until my hand hit the bottom of the river. 43:09 - I was pleased! Thanks again to Deanna!!!!

The Bike - Went well. Took off kinda slow, just getting my legs back from the swim and anticipating the BIG HILL. (There are really 4 major hills in this race, but the one on Scates road is the big one, as far as I'm concerned!) So I come around the corner, ready to attack and there is an ambulance blocking the left lane and two bikes crossing the right lane. The ambulance driver appeared to be attending and volunteers were walking back down the hill. So rather than risking getting half-way and having to dismount on the slippery hill, I chose to dismount earlier and walk the hill. I was disappointed, because I had ridden that hill in the pre-ride and knew I could do it, and also because about 6 people passed me!! So I lost some time there. I stayed in aero the majority of the time, I ate, I drank, I felt good! 1:44:27

The Run - Went OK. Thankfully, it was cloudy. My calves were really tight from that walk up the hill with my bike. I felt like my feet were slapping the pavement in the beginning. And I walked all of the water stops. Probably could have pushed a little harder here. 1:08:07

As I rounded the corner for the 1 mile turnaround, who was on the sidelines...my family! It was wonderful to see their smiling faces and hear them screaming "Go MOM!" "WooHoo".

As I crossed the finish line there they were again, my wonderful family AND my wonderful TRIgirls!! Melissa, Lynne, Jackie, Deanna...It was GREAT! Ainsleigh, sitting atop her daddy's shoulders, was crying when I crossed the finish line, (and not tears of joy either!). Melissa told me later it was because "her mommi didn't win 1st place". Melissa tried to explain that "Mommi won in her own race". But Ainsleigh would hear none of it!

The post race food was awesome! A very hot crabcake sandwich and french fries. Yum! And waiting around to see Jackie being acknowledged for winning 3rd in her age-group. I was sooo proud!

Another learning opportunity...another experience to build on!

Patriot Pre-Ride

Saturday morning, I got up bright and early packed the car with the girls' stuff and headed to Williamsburg for the 56 mile Patriot Pre-Ride. Although I have no intention of doing the Patriot Half, I thought it would be fun to ride with the girls and it was!

It was a beautiful day. The ride was supported with water and snack stops and some very kind volunteers. The ride went well, I got into aero alot. Margo stayed in the back with me, (a kind soul).

Everything was going well, until the last 15ish miles on Rt 5 which started around 11 a.m. When we stopped at the mile 30 water stop my right calf seized up in a cramp. I did an Orange Power Gel. I hate Gu's but it was ok.

Margo told me that at some point I had opened up a can of whoop-ass because for 5 miles she had to cycle @ 20 mph to catch me. I said she was a liar. She swears it's true! Who knew?! I guess there's nothing like the fear of getting run over by a boat trailer to light a fire under my legs! I swear, if I never ride on Rt 5 again, it will be just fine with me! People are travelling at 55 mph, and really do not care that you are riding on the side of the road.

As soon as I could, I got on the bike path about 5 miles from the Jamestowne High School end point. I'd much rather ride a little slower, say "Excuse me, on your left" to the leisure riders than continue the risk of that road.

I hope that other cyclists will consider using the path that is part of the Capital Trail. It seems unwise to ride on the road when a path is provided for our use. While we complain about the manners of the motorists, are we really using our best manners being on the road when a paved path is provided just 10 feet to the right?

Masters

I was really nervous about going to Masters swimming tonight. I heard there were mean people there. And there may have been, but not in my lane. There were many friendly TG faces, which is always comforting.

I really had a good time and enjoyed the workout. Unfortunately, my new "flat swimming" style had re-awakened my shoulder injury.

Twila has become fast. She's awesome, so perhaps there is hope for me!!

Swimming and Biking

I must say...I'm sick of being last! I wonder if I just train with the wrong people!!!

Now, I have to swim "flat"! I don't like to swim flat. That makes me use my arms. My arms are not good. I kick ass on a kick board, but make me use my arms AND legs! And I'm back to slow!

Cycling last night...I was in aero for a lot longer! Almost the whole 3 miles of West Creek. Even on most of the downhill! Blake said "Good job". That's major!

Going Aero

Oh yeah! Finally! I went riding on Thursday with Annn. She said "Get in aero", in her oh so sweet way. I said "I'm scared", (damn, I say that alot!). She said "Put one arm down", again...very sweetly. Well, of course, with her persuasive manner, I did what she said, and guess what?! It worked!

It's been about a month since I've ridden. Blake and I are having a fight, (but he doesn't know it, so don't tell him). And I've been REALLY discouraged. But, I met with Jim Miller. Got a bike fit, and he widened my aero bars. Well, that was the key. Being wider gave me more stability and control and allowed me to "get down"!

So today, I rode 30 miles with the Mashburns. Lucky for me, Charlotte is injured. Now, don't take that the wrong way, it's just that I really like Charlotte and Fred and on a normal ride, I could never keep up with her. Fred kept riding ahead and circling back, that was pretty funny! Anyway, I got in aero several times on the "big roads". Wow, the power! I love it!

Obviously, I have a long way to go to feel completely stable and comfortable, but still...I feel great!!

Naylor's anyone?

I realized yesterday afternoon, that June 30 was the last day to sign up for the Naylor's Beach Tri, (before the price bump!). So, I read the posts on the forum with info comparing Naylor's to Patriot. About the swim, (yucky water with current), the bike (Deanna B has to walk her bike up that one hill...WTF?), the run, (flat but sunny and HOT!).

So I start calling the girls. "Will you do Naylor's with me?" I got some maybe's, I got "It's too close to my MARATHON!" (Annn the overacheiver) and some no's. I went to the Monday U of R swim. Saw Team Leader Jonah and asked "Can I do Naylors?" In true Team Leader fashion, "Of course, you can!"

So after discussing it with the husband, I signed up last night. I have a new goal, and I'll have September to train with the kids in school, yeah!!! That means I'll have a schedule again! (Not get up whenever, go to bed whenever!) I'm excited.


Everyone knows how I feel about the open water, but I don't have an TG Olympic Pint glass, so I signed up, anyway!

Friday @ Jen's

What a fabulous day Friday was!! Got up at the crack of dawn to pack for a day at the river. I had 3 coolers, 5 bags and 2 grocery bags. Lynn came with 2 bags and a cooler and rode with me and my 4 wonderful kids on an adventure into the country. (I can't believe Jennifer comes all this way to work out at 6 a.m. on Thursdays! Makes me feel totally lazy)

As we leave, Lynn tells the man she's going to be the proxy husband on the trip. Well, fill in she did...she was on her Blackberry and computer the whole drive! It was her fault we missed that turn! But she did buy us McDonald's for breakfast, does it get any better than that?!

We arrive to Jennifer's home and I'm wow'ed. The exterior is gorgeous. And I've already been told the interior is perfect, so I've warned (threatened) the kids...don't act like you're at home! Jen and Stu were so welcoming and set the kids up in style, as the TGs set off on our bike ride.

God, it's beautiful up there. I've never been there and I was trying to enjoy the scenery, but somebody let Patty be in the lead. OMG...were we racing or riding?! Patty's doing figure 8's in the road while I'm huffing to keep up. I see beautiful homes and land, but oh God, I've lost site of the girls. Better step it up! Then my chain starts slipping in the easy gears and there are enough hills that I need those gears! Please God, don't let it fall off! (Gotta get it to a bike shop when we return!) Jen and Lynn are kind enough to wait up. I tell Lynn what's going on, she thinks maybe the chain is stretched, no big deal. And OMG...are we done? Yep, back at the marina.

Time for a swim in the lake. Deanna B. joins. Well, you've heard about my OW fear until you're sick of it, so I won't go into it. But, Deanna offered to swim with me! (Yes, the same Deanna that swam 4.4 miles in the Chesapeake Bay. That's her. She's wonderful! Of course, I said "No, thank you") They swam all around the lake and Jen set me up on a 50M path where I could always touch bottom. It was great! Back and forth I went. Nobody to bother me. Practiced siting and staying close to the wall. I loved it, (well OK, liked it alot). And before I knew it the other girls were back, and it was off to the river.

Jen's part of the river is an oasis. (My biggest boy used the same word, funny!) We ate and drank and sat around in our bikini's, (liberating!). Even Patty wore a bikini! But then she burped like a man and ruined the whole effect. More girl lessons for her!

On the ride back, Lynn learned more fun facts, new songs, and other "kid" things. Here was a special conversation. The "I kissed a girl and I liked it song" came on. I really don't want the girl singing this, so I asked the boys to please refrain. The 11 year old says "I don't get it. Why would a girl kiss another girl and like it?" 9 year old replies "Because she's a Lesbian, you idiot!" Lynn sang "LaLaLa".

Can't wait to do it again!

Monday Swim

What is up with me and the swim?! Last night Coach Annie removed the lane lines for two lanes and we had to swim without boundaries. I was doing fine until I almost bumped heads with another TG. Then I swallowed water, then I freaked and never really recovered.

I need help! I don't know what my problem is. I feel like if I could identify the fear, I could deal with it. I'm feeling very Frustrated.

What a weekend!!

Temperatures topping 100 in early June? This is unbelievable!

My alarm was set for 30 mins later than I thought (6:30 not 6:00 a.m.) So I flew to the 7 a.m. bike hoping I wasn't going to be left for the hill workout. They were still in the parking lot. When the ride began, I was having trouble clipping in, so I was the last of the pack and the object of Blake's pity. So God bless him he stayed with me most of the way. He even pushed me up two hills, yes, literally pushed my bike up the hill! After about 15 miles he turned me over to Derik and Cyndi and we continued the ride with gentle rolling hills, pleasant conversation, and a general good time. I loved the 2nd portion of the ride, (no offense Blake!)

I needed to run 6 miles but was only attempting 1 due to shin issues. I manged to run most of it, but when I saw other TG friends I had to walk and chat. It was just tooooo hotttt!

Then off to a playoff baseball game for my mini-Derek Jeter. He played fabulously! He pitched beautifully and his team won. More games to come.

Then a graduation party for a neighbor.

Then a going away pool party for a friend.

Then another playoff game for my biggest boy. Their team lost and he was the last out. He was very unhappy and threw his helmet. That made me very unhappy. I can't stand unsportsman-like behavior! Or is he just being a teen-aged boy?

That was Saturday!

Sunday was more relaxing with breakfast cooked by the great husband. Then a trip to Barnes and Noble with the two little ones.

Then the TRIgirl picnic. My wonderful husband stood over a flaming grill, (yes, flaming in 100+ temperatures) to cook hot dogs, my guilty pleasure. It was a pleasant time.

Then Grandison brought me my race glasses. One for the Sprint and one for the Half-Ironman. I started to cry. I feel like such a poser taking the Half-Ironman glass. Yes, I was close (68+ out of 70.3 miles), but I wasn't allowed to finish. And I have such shame and regret about this. I don't even know quite how to deal with it.

I wish I could pinpoint what happens to my brain during the swim portion of a race, but it is definitely a panic response! Even during the 300 meter swim of the Sprint in the pool, I panicked! What the heck?! I'd love a "magic pill" to fix this, but in the meantime I'll just keep training, keep racing, and continue to deal with my swim issues!

White Lake Half Ironman - Swim

Where to begin? How about the swim? OK...I was so disoriented in the open water. The lake is described as clean and clear and smooth as glass. Not where I was trying to swim! Holy crap! All I could see was brown. I was disoriented. I couldn't do my stroke, I couldn't breathe. I rolled onto my back. I breathed, (really fast). Finally I raised my hand! I needed help! Steven with the kayak to the rescue. "Just relax, catch your breath".

The last wave was coming up on me. He told me when there was a break in the swimmers so I could try again. I tried. I stopped. I swam, I stopped. Man, was I doing a funky stroke. Breathing on the right, sighting, breathing on the right again. This was not was I was taught. Think about all of the things you've learned. Long strokes, relaxed hands. You know what to do, why can't you do it?! Frustration! Now I'm being circled by motorized boats. Kayaker Steven is now with me the whole way. He's talking to me. He's telling me how my stroke is looking better. Here come the boats and jet skis again. Don't they know they are making waves and sending diesel exhaust into my already labored lungs?!

I told Steven about my 4 kids waiting for me and how I couldn't disappoint them. He told me how he had run a marathon in Disneyworld and at mile 13 his knee started hurting so bad, he had to walk the last 11 miles. But he was not going to give up until they pulled him from the course. I kept swimming, (or moving through the water!)

Finally, I round the last buoy and I see "Wiggly Man" on the dock. OMG...Is that actually the finish in sight? Well, let me tell you...it's still a long way off!

As I exit the water after over 90 minutes of swimming, I turn to Steven and say "Thank you is inadequate". There is no way to let that wonderful kayaker know how much I appreciated him staying with me. Seeing that kayak let me know that I was safe and knowing he was staying with me 'til he "beached the kayak on the sand", means more to me than I can express. Steven, wherever you are..."Thank you"!

So now I'm out of the water and sooo dizzy. The volunteer says do you want to put your head between your knees? That sounds like a ridiculous idea! Then she says, "Why don't you sit down on that bench and take off your wetsuit?" Oh, no thank you. "You know, I've seen a lot of people doing that today". OK...that was my permission. I was the last one out of the lake, I didn't want to be a sissy and take off my wet suit sitting down on the dock. But that's what I did!

Then I fast walked to the end of the pier, and there was TRIgirl ANNN. Cheering! I told her I was dizzy. What should I do? Sit down to put on your shoes for the bike. Then get on that bike and catch TRIgirl Cyndi! ANNN followed me into TA, (she was the run leg of a relay). She offered me gel. She took pictures of me putting BodyGlide inside of my thighs! Ugh! She made me laugh. She sent me off with a good spirit! Thank you my delight!

Across the street, also taking pics, was my wonderful husband and 4 kids. (The husband later confessed he was worried to sickness about me in the lake!) But when I saw them they were all smiles, cheers, "Go Mommi". God, seeing their faces...Oh...words cannot describe!

OK, that was 1.2 miles of 70.3.

My friend Lyndsay

My whole body hurts. I feel like I've just done a major workout! And yet, I haven't worked out in days.

Today, we attended my friend Lyndsay's funeral. She was 47 years old.

Eleven weeks ago she went to Patient First because she "didn't feel well". Super Bowl Sunday, I had to hold her wine glass because the IV they inserted had "messed up" the nerves in her hand. What was really going on, was she had Melanoma. There were tumors in her brain that interfered with her motor skills. There were tumors in her lungs, her intestines, and finally the cancer reached her liver and there was nothing left to do, but watch her beautiful smile fade away.

She was so generous that she invited her family and friends to join her for a final communion in her hospital room. That was her last day of conciousness. It was one of the most lovely things I've experienced. To have the loveliness to share your final moments with your friends. To say special words to each person. She looked from person to person, holding eye contact for several seconds, I felt her "say" I Love You. And I was able to "say" I love you, back.

Today was a celebration of a life well lived. A life that touched many with her beautiful spirit, her spacey way, happy, laughing, concerned for her daughters, in love with her husband.

At her funeral, 1 Corinthians 13 was read. You know the one..."Love is patient, Love is kind, Love is not boastful..." What a beautiful passage to read to describe her.

I feel so sad that I will no longer be able to share swim meets, football tailgates, Bizarre Bazaar, Redneck Bowling and so much more with her. I'm sad looking at her husband and daughters and knowing the sadness and anger they will face at the loss of a great wife and mother. My whole body hurts with sadness.

I hope to incorporate a little bit of her loving way into my life, that I may show joy and happiness and love when dealing with strangers and especially my family and friends.

And I hope to take a little bit of her with me to White Lake on May 3. She was so proud that I was training for my first Half Ironman, that I hope to honor her in my efforts there.

Good To Be Back

After being "off" after oral surgery for 1 1/2 weeks it's great to be back in routine. I'm 2 months out from my "A" race - White Lake Half Ironman. Just writiting that gives me butterflies!

I ran for the 1st time on Saturday - 4 miles. I was supposed to run 12, but since I couldn't eat, I gave myself a break. (And that was really hard!) Anytime I am unable to complete a scheduled workout, I feel like such a failure!

Yesterday, I had my lesson with Karen Holloway and the good news is, she said I didn't regress. The bad news is, I've got to get in the water more often. So that's the goal!

The Shamrock Half is in a 1 1/2 weeks, so we'll see how that goes. Worried mostly about the wind and the distance. The Va Beach weather can be soooo unpredictable.

Looking forward to a night out with the hubby in the areas latest bar. Hope it's all they say it is!

Swim Meet

I was at my sons' swim meet yesterday. What interesting things you hear when you're sitting alone, listening to parents talk with their children.

Let us be kind and critical of our children.

A little girl just finished her race. When she returned to her obese dad, he said "You lost time. You were too far away on your flip turn." She said, in a perky voice, "I know" and walked away.

When I finish a race, I know, whether I've done my best, if there are things I could improve upon. I have the ability to self-critique. But, it is wonderful to hve my family waiting for me at the finish line, to see their smiles, and to hear how proud they are of me.

I cannot imagine what it would feel like to come in from a race, see a frowning husband saying, "You should have shortened your stride. You should have taken advantage of that hill." I would feel so low.

I'm not suggesting we spew falsities at our children about how wonderfully they swam if that is not the case. But I can assure you, the kind of criticism I heard from that dad, did not help that girl.

Let the coaches coach and the parent's be a support and encouragement. The coach's comment will surely be more constructive and helpful to the child!