Interesting Race in Loo-Ray . . .

Our departure for the Luray Int'l Tri on Friday was pretty dreary. I was EXHAUSTED from getting a total of about 3 hours sleep on Thursday night -- which is when we had one of the worst thunderstorm in history and Booger was throwing up all night. Luckily by Friday morning, she seemed to have kicked whatever it was that was ailing her so we were off by Friday afternoon.

We rented this cute little cabin in Luray that was about 5 minutes from the race site. I was really looking forward to spending some quiet time with the kids and the cabin was the perfect place for that. Unfortunately, though, it only had a small a/c wall unit and the bedroom we were sleeping in didn't receive much of the air that it eeked out. So. the night before the tri I, again, got about 4 hours of sleep. By the time I woke up Saturday morning, to be honest, I didn't give a crap about the triathlon. I simply wanted to get it over with so I could go back home and get some sleep!!!

I sludged out of bed and into my tri-suit and sat there trying to get a coffee high while Derek loaded my bike. By the time we got to the race site, I was still feeling like I was sleep-walking. To make matters worse, it was also the first day of my "Cybil week" (you know the one? we all have it once a month? Yeah, TMI, sorry.) Anyway, at that point I resigned myself to treating the day like a regular training day. I was going to clock the miles, but not "race" so to speak. I was just so damn tired!!

During the swim, I managed to shake off a little of my uber-negative mojo but I was still not in the race groove. When I got out, I didn't even need to look at my watch to tell my swim time wasn't very good. And, when I looked at Derek he confirmed it. Without me having to say a word, he simply shouted out "Don't worry! It wasn't your best time. You'll get 'em on the bike!" As it turned out my swim time was 33:07 -- which is not horrible but was pretty disappointing considering I swam a 1500 in 26:13 at the Charlottesville Tri 3 weeks ago.

In transition I added to my usual clumsy attempts at getting myself together by messing with my helmet. For some reason it was completely cinching my head!! I kept trying to jam it onto my head and it just didn't fit right. I pulled my hair down to make sure it wasn't stuck inside the helmet. I tried to loosen the grip thing in the back. I checked to make sure I wasn't putting it on backwards (thank GOD that wasn't the problem!!) In the end I couldn't figure it out so after almost 3 minutes I just jammed my big ol' head into it and took off. I have a bruise on my forehead now.

The bike was nice and had some quick downhills. We were on what I call a "lollipop course". You go up the stem, make a loop and then ride back down the stem. The only difference here is that you make two loops around the top of the lollipop. I was so NOT in race mode that somewhere around mile 8-10 I pulled over to see if a rider who had a flat needed help. He yelled at me. What is it with guys yelling at girls who ask if they need help?? Anyway, I'm glad he yelled at me 'cause it pissed me off. And being pissed woke me up and got my adreneline going. And that's is apparently what I need to find my race mojo. From that point on, I was in race mode (don't worry -- I know that there's no real noticible difference in my kicking into "race mode" -- but it does mean that I stopped thinking I was going to spend the whole ride chatting with the cows and enjoying the scenery!!)

By the end of the race, I was pretty happy with the overall results. My swim wasn't great, my bike time was hurt by my lack of dedication during the first 8 miles or so but my run time was the best it's ever been in an Olympic tri. And the run is where I hurt the most so that in itself was a happy little accomplishment for me!! Overall, I placed 6th in my age group and got my ass thoroughly kicked by the first 2 in my age group!! They finished 30 minutes ahead of me and one had a crazy 10k time of 43 or something like that!! They were some kick-ass athletes and I didn't mind one bit that they stomped on me!!

I really loved watching some of the other TriGirls race. That was the one thing that I liked about the double loop. I managed to see everyone on the run and/or bike and it was fun to check in with eachother. Megan came through like a rock star and Zona was amazing on her bike -- especially since she was riding a mtn. bike!!

At the end of the race, I lazed under a tree with Derek and the girls and then went back to the cabin to take a really WONDERFUL nap!! Next up . . . Patriot's 1/2. Gulp.

Virginia is now my home . . .

After six+ years of living in Virginia, I have now come to fully accept -- and appreciate -- Virginia as my home. I am orginally from Southern California and have always thought I'd always miss being a So. Cal girl. But, after my recent trip to California, I have to admit, I really missed "home". I missed the ability to hydrate on the humidity during runs. And the squishy softness of the air. I know that sounds crazy, but the dry Cali air actually bugged me. When I got off the plane in Virginia, I actually felt like Virginia was giving me a big ol' humidity hug. Go figure!

"Don't try to be different. Just be good. To be good is different enough." ~Arthur Freed

So, this post will have nothing to do with training. I really must tell you about an amazing and uplifting little event that happened on our trip. Well, actually it was on the trip home. The area where my in-laws live is on the eastern side of northern California. There are no airports within 2 hours of their house so getting there is always a VERY long travel day. When we left, we had to drive 2 hours to get to the train station and then take an hour and a half ride on the San Franciso metro train to get to the San Francisco Airport.

We were travelling with the 2 younger ones, 2 large suitcases, 2 small suitcases, a car seat and a computer bag. The computer bag was acting as my "purse" and contained 2 laptops, both cell phones and our check book. So, after our long ride, we pull into the San Francisco station, get off the train and make our way up to the airport check-in area. The train continues on to its next destination --- with our computer bag which we happened to forget. Dammit.

We have to check in and board our plane so we are completely unable to try to track down the bag. Derek locates a security guy who states he will ride his bike down to the next train stop to see if he can find it (nice guy!!!) but he also said that many "shady" people take the train system so we should not hold out hope in recovering our belongings.

So, we were bummed -- really, really bummed. And then, the zipper on one of our suitcases busts a big six inch hole. When I asked the Delta agent if they had tape, her response was "I've got to get your luggage down there. Wish it luck." I was a wee bit emotion but I didn't cry. Derek and I refocus ourselves by reminding eachother to count our blessings instead of focusing on any materialistic losses or grumpy airline agents. We get on the plane and land in Atlanta ahead of time. Yay! Things are looking up. Well, almost. We proceed to sit on the runway for over an hour because they cannot navigate the ten planes on the ground to open gates. Things are looking a little bleak again. Running through the airport with kids is NOT fun. But, no worries. The flight attendants make an announcement that there are many planes having the same difficulty and that we will not miss our connections since all other flights are aware of the problem and will hold the gates open. Whew!

As trusting as I try to be, we still high-tail it off the plane and literally run the entire way to our next plane. Cute little Booger kicked butt scurrying through the airport!! We almost get to our gate when a Delta agent calls out and says that all flights have left. Uh, what? She repeats that all planes have departed. Um, no, it's 10:30 p.m., we've been travelling for 12 hours, we lost our friggin' computers and the lady on the plane said they'd still be here!!! Through gritten teeth, I try to politely ask the nice lady what she suggests we do. She said they have booked us on a flight the following morning and to get comfortable. I'm starting to get emotional again -- but, again, I don't cry.

Derek and I visit the Delta counter with all of the other people to see what to do. Delta, realizing their error, simply begins passing out vouchers for hotels and meals. Okay, we can do this. We'll just get some food, go to our hotel, have a pigout on the hotel bed and have a little sleepover. The only thing we need is food and Booger's car seat.

Food is first since the vouchers are only good in the airport. Hmmmm. Everything is dark. Oh, that would be because the vouchers are only good until 11pm -- which is when the food area closes. Wish we would have known that when they gave us our vouchers at 10:50. But wait, there is a nice Chinese gentleman waiving us toward his restaurant. He asks what we want and says he will stay open a little late to make sure we have food to eat. I love him.

We go down to the luggage center and ask what we can do to get to our luggage. We are told that all luggage will be automatically directed to our morning flight. Um, okay, but what if we need something? Well, that's easy. Simply fill out the form, turn it in and they can bring out our luggage in approximately 2-3 hours. Deep breath. That's okay, I'm still riding the high from the nice Chinese man (and Booger's almost out of her car seat), so I simply tell Booger that she'll have to ride in the shuttle like a big girl. So we're off to the shuttle that takes us to our hotel.

We get outside and, oooh, look, there are only about 80 other people waiting for the same shuttle. When the shuttle pulls in people literally climb all over eachother like they're trying to get the last two seats on Noah's flippin' Arc!!! I pull the girls back and explain that it's not okay to behave like that and we will be rewarded for our patience. They look at me like I've lost my mind. I'm getting emotional again and fight not to cry.

Okay, so we make it to the hotel. We open all of our Chinese food and realize we've forgotten forks. Now, we have no clothes, no toothbrushes and no soap but for some reason the lack of forks seems to put us over the edge. We simply stand there staring into the styrofoam containers. Hmmm. Okay, girls, if we were on Survivor how would we solve this problem? All of the sudden we were cracking up and devising new ingenious ways to eat our food! The next thing you know, we hit the vending machines and pigged out on Chinese food, sodas and candy while watching Shrek 3.

Before bed, we decide we will use the hotel phone to call home and check the answering machine. Maybe the nice police officer in San Francisco has found our bags. We have one message. It is a man. He was on the train with us in San Francisco. He says he is calling from our cell phone and has found our belongings. He says he realizes many people would not do the right thing upon finding items like ours. But he feels like Santa Claus and is returning our belongings to the Lost & Found at the San Francisco Station. He leaves all of the details on how we can retrieve our things. Before he hangs up, he says he hopes he has made our day and that he wishes us the very best for the rest of our trip. I finally begin to cry.

As I lay falling asleep that night, I tell Derek: the men in the Utah mine had a bad day. The people on the bridge that collapsed had a bad day. The day we had? It was full of memories, adventure and was spent with the people I love. My day was simply fantastic!

So now I am home and tomorrow I ride the Patriot course with the Tri Girls. Which is good, because I'm sure there is some repressed frustration in me right now!!

AHHHHHHHHH!!!! I just realized that in 2 days and it will be less than 3 months til Ironman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's only 12 long workouts. Holy Flippn' Crap!!! Breathe in. . . breathe out. . . breathe in. . .

Charlottesville . . .

Before the C'ville recap, I have to say that I think I'm back to blogging again! Woohoo, because I really need to purge my training thoughts and I've missed doing so over the last two months!! Yesterday was the official end to the swim season for me -- well, sort of. I am President of a swim team that has over 175 kids. Managing the team, coaches, parents, etc. over the past few months has just about killed me -- and my "tri-desire". It's not that I don't still love training, it's just that running the swim team has taken so much out of me that I've just been clocking the training hours instead of enjoying my training time. And, my kids are finally willing to take me off the "Worst Mommy of the Year" list since I actually made them dinner the other night!! So, yesterday's triathlon success was really great for me -- both mentally and physically!


















So now to the race report:

Total time: 2:51.57 (4th in age group; 22nd overall/females)
Swim: 26:13 (4th in age group; 17 overall females)
Bike: 1:17.15 (1st in age group; 11 overall/females)
Run: 1:04.20 (6th in age group; 41 overall/females)

First, let me say there were only 9 girls signed up in my age group so I was TOTALLY scared that I'd end up last! Derek kept trying to tell me that at least I'd know I'd be top ten in my age group, but that didn't ease my nerves too much!! :D

Anyway, first off,

Swim: The swim was a double loop in a glassy, calm lake. There could have been a few more buoys since many people seemed to get confused but, all in all, it was a great swim. I managed to stay more on course than I usually do (except for the minor detour into the lily pads and reeds!) Also, apparently, with the double loop, there were quite a few people who decided to cut their swim short!! Derek and Melissa were watching the race and saw a few people come in after only one loop!!! Can you imagine?!? One guy even got out, hung on the beach for a minute (I guess trying to make his time look a bit more realistic) and then crossed the timing mat when he saw others in his age group coming out of the water. Honestly, how on earth can you call yourself a triathlete if you choose to cheat? I mean, really, if you're already choosing to lie, why don't you just not show up at all and then tell everyone you won. Losers. Anyway, I had a much better swim time than I anticipated since I've only spent 1 day in the pool since Eagleman. And, to be honest, I only spent a handful of days in the pool before Eagleman. My swim training is severely lacking but I'm re-energized and hope to be more dedicated in my efforts.



Bike: The bike was flipping AWESOME!!!! I was a bit apprehensive prior to the race because I know the C'ville Tri Club has some kick-ass athletes who really know how to ride the hills. I tend to be a pretty good hill rider so I do better on a hilly course but as I told my friend Jenn, "the C'ville Tri Club laughs in the face of my measly hill climbing ability!" I mean, c'mon, they train in the Blue Ridge all the time!! And, let's face it, I'm an okay swimmer but not a great runner -- so, really, the bike is the only area where I feel I can even try to be somewhat competitive. If it was a hilly course in Richmond, then maybe I'd have some kind of advantage, but in C'ville, I was definitely at a disadvantage!! Especially since I didn't know the course at all! In trasition I spoke to one girl who had raced the course last year and she told me that there were some decent hills but that there were no sharp turns or bad road conditions and that the race crew was really good about pointing out turns/hazards on the course. I figured I would just trust this girl's information and let it fly on the bike. As it turned out, there were a few tight turns where I feathered the brakes and got a bit skittish since I didn't know what was ahead but I felt pretty good when I was coming into the final stretch of the bike. When I entered transition I saw Derek and he looked awfully excited. I thought, "Aww, how sweet!! He knows how nervous I am about coming in last so he's really putting all he has into cheering me on!" Then as I came out of transition he yelled, "Hey, you're second!!! There's only one girl ahead of you in your age group!!" I just nodded as I thought, "What the heck is that crazy man talking about??" Then when I realized what he said, I thought "Oh crap! I'm not a good runner!! How am I supposed to hold anyone off in the run?"

Run: This was a hilly, rooty, rocky course and it was definitely challenging. I think I left it all on the bike so I had very little to give the hills of this run. At about mile 1, I saw one woman in my age group pass me. Alright, that's okay. Third's good. Really good. Then mile 2.5 came on and so did a big-ass hill! I walked. And up ran another girl in my age group. Damn. I watched her go and as I picked it up to a run again, I decided I was going to try to really push it from that point but it was too late. Holding off someone is one thing. Catching them is entirely different. As it turns out, I came in 4th and less than 4 minutes behind the 3rd place finisher. Bummer.

You know, I'm not so upset about coming in 4th -- I'm upset that I never believed I could come in above 9th. And then after I was told I was 2nd, I didn't think I could ever actually come in 2nd -- or 3rd. And since I didn't think I could do it, I didn't really try for it. I've always said that one time I want to finish a triathlon feeling really spent. You know, one of those people who pukes because they left everything out on the course. But, there's always some excuse that keeps me from really pushing it. Maybe because I'm scared of the disappointment of trying and then failing anyway. Or maybe it's because I was never an athelete in school and I still don't really think of myself as an "athlete". A couple weeks ago someone saw my license plate and asked me if I was a triathlete and do you know what my answer was? "Well no. I do triathlons but I wouldn't call myself a triathlete." I don't know what the hell is wrong with me but I really need to work on crushing those negative thoughts. Logically I know it does me no good but it's still difficult to ignore. ARGH!

Anyway, the course was beautiful, the weather held out and the best part? I LOVE racing with the TriGirls (and Ed!). It's just so nice to run through the finish line to your "family". Or to be the "family" waiting there for your teammates to arrive. I love sharing in other people's accomplishments. Like Carmen. Thinking about her accomplishment in the swim yesterday still brings tears to my eyes today. She's a rock star. And Mary. She didn't tell anyone she was coming to the tri yesterday because she wasn't sure she'd show up! Not only did she show up, but she did a fantastic job!!! Derek was absolutely blown away by her performance and dedication. And, Lynn. Really, does anyone look happier when they cross a finish line? She really looks like she just had the time of her life!! And Susie. You know, being passed feels so much better when she passes you and yells out "Hey! You're hot!"

It was a great day!!

Yes, I'm still alive . . .

I was reminded today by my fave "Fave" that it has been exactly one month since my last post. What the heck?? Clearly I haven't been that busy have I???? Well, yes. Unfortunately, life has been so busy that I'm struggling with keeping all of my workouts on track. The best thing I ever did was to shout loud and clear at the beginning of this year that this was the "Year of ME". My volunteer obligations, part-time job and everything else was going to take second chair to one year of me following my dreams. But, that is so much easier said than done. I need to learn the art of saying "no"!

On a training note, I've gotten most of it in. But I miss the Tri Girls!!!! I am SOOOOO looking forward to riding with them on Saturday. It is amazing how much your teammates mean to you in your life. I mean, most of my close friends support me, but they really don't understand what I'm doing. To them the idea of 112 miles on a bike is simply a long car ride. Maybe a trip to King's Dominion and back. And the idea of foregoing social gatherings in order to fit in a training session or becauase you have to wake up early to train is downright NUTS!! Thank God for the gals who have bonded on this journey!!! I honestly couldn't do it without you all!!!!

Hope to see so many TG gals on Saturday!!!!! I need a fix!

Goodbye to Eagleman . . .

It's been 2 days since completing Eagleman and I finally think my thoughts have slowed to the point that I can put the entire ordeal into words. As far as the nitty-gritty, here are my stats:

Total time: 6:08:21.15
Swim: 39:46
T1: 4:46
Bike: 2:57:12 19
T2: 5:17
Run: 2:21:23 10:48 minute mile

All in all, the race was truly amazing! There are so many different, wonderful memories that come to me when I think back about the whole weekend that it's difficult to organize them all into a coherent "race" report.

Derek and I have a saying: "my heart took a picture." We say this when something amazing happens and it strikes our hearts in ways that we know we will never forget. My heart took many pictures this weekend. There was a moment when I saw my girls on the dock of the TriGirl house trying to catch fish and trap crabs with their Daddy. I am a lucky, lucky woman and I will never be able to express how thankful I am to have these wonderful children and this truly breathtaking man in my life.

There was another moment when I was taking some time to myself under a tree in the transition area and watching the TriGirls take a practice swim in the water. For just a second I closed my eyes and breathed in everything around me. How fortunate am I that I am in this place, with these miraculous women? What could I have done to deserve such an abundant amount of happiness in my life?

The morning of the race my heart will forever carry a picture of the TriGirls driving down the road with hoots and hollers as they arrived to pick me up. During the run, I will remember Carmen's smiling face as she told me how strong she felt. I will remember Susie Q's hands raised high in the air as I cheered her along as she passed me. I will remember Jonah's warm smile as I saw her starting out in her run. I will remember hearing my name and getting a renewed sense of energy when I saw Shawn and Karen cheering me on as I started the run myself. I will remember the kiss I got from my little Booger as I was starting out on my bike and the row of high five's I received as I was running down the finisher's chute. And I will always remember with vivid detail the look of love and admiration in my husband's eyes as he leaned down to kiss me and tell me how proud he was of all I had accomplished.

The details of the swim, bike and run are actually rather insignificant to me. Did I do as well as I wanted? No. Did I learn a lot of things to do next time? Yes. But I will forget my times and all of the things I would have done differently and the moments when "my heart took a picture" will be all that remains with me. And, I suppose, that is the real reason I do triathlons -- to remind myself that life is not easy, that pain is temporary and that every moment offers you the opportunity to be thankful for those special people in your life who make it worth the journey.

To all my teammates, who are now my friends, congratulations on reaching your dreams. And to my family, who will always be my love, my life and my inspiration, thank you for helping me reach my dreams and supporting me without fail.

Now, on to the next chapter . . . Ironman Florida.

Fliping out . .

The 1/2 IM is looming over me. At exactly 7:23 tonight it dawned on me that tomorrow is packing day. Thursday. The day before we leave to go to the 1/2 IM.
HOLY FLIPPIN' SH%T!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!




I have officially moved from channeling my nervous energy into full, ridiculously organized preparation to flat-out crazy, stupid, absent minded, flipping out!!!! I'm more nervous that I'm going to forget something --- like how to swim. Or to bring my bike. Or maybe I'll break my leg walking to check the mail. Or, what if a jelly fish stings my face? Or I can't fix a flat? Or I pass out from the heat during the run? Or I get kidnapped by a massive herd of wild rhino and can't escape fast enough to make it to the race???



Yes. I am now taking up every seat on the crazy train.