Random Wednesday Humpday!

I cannot believe how quickly the weather has changed here! One day its 70s next 40s-50s. Thats what I get for living in central New York!

I want to say good luck to my COACH who is doing IM Florida this weekend! Good luck!! You will do so Awesome I know it! I will be following you online!!

Im thinking about apologizing to someone for the last season. It was just an awful mess and I hope we can get past this and move forward.

Last night I hopped on the trainer at 10pm, hooked up the computer next to me and watched the GLEE episodes I missed. I absolutely love that show!! I love Sue Sylvester, she cracks me up! Also the ditsy cheerleader!! Ba ha ha!! Did you know she is really a great dancer and was brought on the show to help all the other cast members? I thought that was pretty cool.

Im really beginning to see my running cadence be more consistent and I feel like Im running effortlessly...ok well maybe a LITTLE more effortless. Forward lean, check, Lifting knee, check, 45 foot strikes per 30 sec, CHECK!!!

Finally a Marathon was started in Syracuse!!! http://www.empirestatemarathon.com/

I have to swim today but got to confess, I just dont feel like it! I hope once I get there Ill change my mind. That always happens when I see the man in the next lane flailing like a fish out of water in his too tight Speedo!

I have been thinking about my 2011 race season and on tap....Musselman 70.3(which registartion opens next week!!!), Syracuse 70.3 and B2B Iron Distance race.. IronGirl, Lake Delta, and Possibly Cazenovia Olympic... Ill probably try to throw some cycling races, swimming races and running races in there if coach is ok with it. We will see

Im taking my daughter to Disney Next september and am already worrying about how Ill get my training in!!

My daughter dropped out of cheerleading already and is on to Gymnastics! Which I can say, she is very good at!!

OK thats 10!! Phew!!
In closing I give to you the greatest inspirational thoughts I found today!!!!

Allow Your Own Inner Light to Guide You



There comes a time when you must stand alone.
You must feel confident enough within yourself to follow your own dreams.
You must be willing to make sacrifices.
You must be capable of changing and rearranging your priorities so that your final goal can be achieved.
Sometimes, familiarity and comfort need to be challenged.
There are times when you must take a few extra chances and create your own realities.
Be strong enough to at least try to make your life better.
Be confident enough that you won't settle for a compromise just to get by.
Appreciate yourself by allowing yourself the opportunities to grow, develop, and find your true sense of purpose in this life.
Don't stand in someone else's shadow when it's your sunlight that should lead the way

Thats ALL FOLKS!! Dont forget the Great Winter Running Giveaway!!!! Ending November 7th!!

Recovery Week Thoughts

I'd love to think this is what I could do this week but I think my coach wouldn't be too thrilled with me taking a week off!!

1. This week has been a recovery week and quite frankly I am getting a little antsy but understand that 
     recovery is important!!

2.  I have been really focusing on Cadence in my running. This is the frustrating part. I cannot get to 45
     strides per foot in 30 sec. I get 43, 44...Darn it!! Give me 45!!!

3. I also have been working in zones..recovery zone is the hardest mentally...

4. That reminds me I need to fix my Garmin to Incorporate my New Zones!!

5. Tomorrow is Continuous swimming for 30 min...including my new flip turn!! YAY!!

6. I have been getting my costume ready for the Halloween run next weekend....I know the suspense is
    killing you but you will have to wait!!!

7. I have put my applications in for the Surgical ICU NP position and the Urgent Care!!! Thanks for all the
    Input!

Thats all for now!!!

Hurt Feelings

This weekend I had an opportunity to hang out with a friend I have been meaning to hang out with for a while. It was great conversation until they proceeded to tell me one of my friends talked about me and said all this untrue stuff. My feelings were very hurt.

I admit I do wear my heart and feelings on my sleeve. I just cant believe this person said all this as I thought we were really close, but more and more Im seeing we arent.

For 1, I do not brag about myself and think Im cooler than anyone else. Do I think I have made great accomplishments and am I proud of where I am today, Certainly!! I have confidence and that comes off to some people as arrogance. Believe what you want to believe

2. I do eat heathy with my rice cakes and Sunflower peanutbutter. I even eat Tofu, hummus and Coconut water. I don't feel that that is bad, so how do I eat badly?? Why would you say anything about that?1

3. Because I want to be healthy does not mean I  have to  be dragged down to a level of not working out and eating poorly...Not my problem.

4. I do not complain about my weight. I simply am watching what I eat and I tell people that. THIS in NO way states I am complaining/


I think that sums up the stuff that was said. To me this is jealousy that I am pursuing my dreams professionally and athletically. Anyone can do this if you think you can. I am in no way a *itch. This is why I think I have more guy friends than girl friends because at least they don't talk behind your back.

Im hurt, very hurt. And I know I've hurt people in the past but that was then, this is now. I am closing in on my 30th Birthday in a few months and have no time for this. So in the end I am breaking the friendship. It'll make me feel better. I usually can forgive, but not this time...Im done being the one who forgives.

“What you perceive, your observations, feelings, interpretations, are all your truth. Your truth is important. Yet it is not The Truth."

The Week in review

Well this week was a trying week for me. I really thought I was recovered enough to get back doing my tempo runs, hill runs, etc, etc. Well I think I need to cool it with the runs for a wee bit more. You see I am swimming and biking without difficulty but as soon as I start running my right hamstring keeps tightening up right around the 2 mile mark.

This is how my week went:

Monday- Spin class was at 6pm so I decided I would spin my legs out at the Local gym. I walked into the jam packed room right to the front because I dont like to be behind sweaty grunting people. I don't know. Its just a pet peeve of mine..Let them look at my butt!! Ha ha!! Anyways...I really didn't care for this class. The teacher was a little whacky. I don't think she had any tension on her bike and when she said add I did, but she was still spinning faster than me. The lady was very 70s with the music she was playing. She did mix some good tunes in there, but she was way into the oldies!! After the class she looked at me and said you are a triathlete aren't you?? I was like "why yes, YES I AM!!!" She says, "I really thought you were going to walk out of this class, because as soon as some people see me, they walk the other way, Im glad you stayed" Little did she know I was debating whether to leave or not!! Oh god!

Tuesday- So glad I could get in a swim at 6 am only to find out the lifeguard wasn't there. What? Ok I pay valuable money to come to the gym to swim. At least the employees could be a little considerate of people who want to get there swim on in the morning. This isn't the first time this has happened to me and I wasn't too pleased at all!! I made my emotions known. They opened the pool for me and had the front lady desk person watch me swim until the lifeguard got there. Good thing I didn't drown or anything!!

Wednesday- I got some lifting in for the first time in a couple months...Wow am I weak..well maybe just a little weak, not like Pee Wee Herman or anything!! I did a nice 3 mile run and I did great. 25 min...wow..Im happy with that!! Even my heart rate was lower!

Thursday- Decided to just have fun with my daughter and guy in the pool. My daughter is learning how to swim. She is getting better each time. She actually put her face in the water and did a few strokes...Breast stroke looking things...but it was a start!! I also had my guy do my swim video for my coach. Good times. Ive looked at it about 15 times already!! So critical! Well Mary said I was a B swimmer (Michael Phelps an A+(A++++ in my book), and another one of her clients a C) so Im ok..need to work on my left arm, and my pull BIG time, and also my kick is sloppy...oh dear!

Friday- Started running and was doing great...until...my right hamstring started bothering me at mile 2..I got off the treadmill and went for the glider for 20 min. I don't want to injure myself. I have a lot this upcoming year and need to protect my body! I came home and put some BioFreeze on it...I love this stuff!! It makes my aches feel so much better!

Today----I will be heading out to ride with some of my buddies in the 51 degree weather. If you didn't know today is LIVESTRONG day and we will be riding for the cause. I wanted to wear my prettiest yellow but that only comes in a dress... Pics and report to follow!!

Anticipation

I am not liking this weather at all!! Im freezing my butt off!! I am nervous about the bike as it will be a chilly morning after coming out of the swim. I have thought over and over about race day nutrition and what I want to do on the bike.

My Race Nutrition

I think Im going to put a long sleeve jacket on in T1. I also have been using Embrocation on my legs when biking the last few days so Ill use this come race day as well...Its called Dznuts in heat...lol! The DZ stands for Dave Zabriskie. It has been tested and proven to provide warmth, protection and comfort in inclement weather. Check it out at dz-nuts.com

My honey just put my hot pink handle bar tape on my bike. It looks so sassy just like its owner. Im begininng to like Miss Erin. Shes been following my orders lately and going fast just how I like!!

Miss Erin (Giant Aeryn)

I've been a little sassy this week and I know its because the weather stinks!! I have been on the windiest rides this week, the rainiest runs, and had to swim in the pool...SO GRUMPY I AM!!

I am looking forward to sunshine this weekend. May the wind be at my back on the bike and may I run like the wind!! :) Good luck to all the Super Stars that will be joining me that read my blog!! If you see me say HELLO!! :)

Accomplishing my goals and dreams, without support

1 week until The BIG Day!! Today we were out at Jamesville beach where the Syracuse 70.3 will be held in just 7 days from now and boy was it a cold one!! We went out to the beach for our triathlon clubs annual Tri/kids tri and picnic.

It was a cold morning and the wind was fierce. I chickened out and didn't get into the water today. I let my daughter be in the spotlight and do the kids triathlon. She did great except for a couple meltdowns due to the water temp.

I have been thinking about the finish line and how Im going to be finishing smiling with my hands up in the air saying yes  I did it!! I also thought about who I want at the finish line seeing me come through, seeing me on this journey as a triathlete. Seeing all that I have accomplished and worked hard for for the last 18 weeks. I want my parents to be at that finish line. Seeing all the people who are athletic and have worked hard, whether they are short, tall, thin or thick...Its all about being in the moment and accomplishing so much.

Now my parents arent athletes at all. They never were. When I was in high school I played soccer, volleyball and softball and I think they may have made it to half a dozen of my games total in all my 4 years of high school. I would watch all the other parents cheering their kids on and wished so much that my parents were there when I had 9 kills in one of my volleyball games, or when I made a goal in soccer or when I scored a double or caught a fly ball in softball.

Its the same feeling now. I said to my parents a few weeks ago, why don't you come out and watch the HIM. I got what time, where, when, how long is it?? I don't think they will be coming out. Its sad but I know that it is about my accomplishments and it is something they are just not into. Even though this is important to me.

They were there for every graduation of mine from high school right up until I graduated from my masters program which was important to me, but I feel this is the same. You begin your journey not knowing a thing about triathlons, then little by little you gain the knowledge and endurance to perform at your best. Then you pass the test by racing your best...same huh??

So, I will be a little sad that my parents will not be at the finish line next Sunday but be grateful for everything they have been to. I will make a mental note to be at everything that is important to my daughter and more.

Here is a capture of our weekend..

My Week.

I've been really stressing the last couple of days over the Half Ill be doing next weekend. I have been sick the last 3 days and have pretty much not done a thing. I swam the first day with a migraine, biked the next day with some neck pain and a migraine, and yesterday I ran in the dark with symptoms starting to clear.

I don't know why Im worrying as for the last 18 weeks I have been consistent with training but when I think about some of the workouts I missed I get a little antsy.

Last night I PRd on my 3 mile run. 8:35 min per mile! I dont know if I did this because it was dark out as I did it at 8pm or what! Im loving that I did this pace after being sick for a few days!!

All this talk about EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalitis) in the last few days had me worried as I have been out in the area that they found the virus all summer long..doing key workouts when they are biting the crap out of you!! Yes Im a worrier. But figure that what I had would be much more serious if I had the virus!!

Now that I got my bike fixed and am feeling better, Im going to take it for a ride and meet back up with Jeremy today for minor tweeks..

Ill end with this quote..."Nerves and butterflies are fine - they're a physical sign that you're mentally ready and eager. You have to get the butterflies to fly in formation, that's the trick." ~Steve Bull

Completing a 70.3.

"Whatever you do dont give up. Believe in yourself And in the strength that Lies within you. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE"

This quote is an Excerpt from a book that I have been previewing; Ironmann 70.3:Training for the Middle Distance. When I read this quote I got so fired up to do the Half Ironman. I cannot wait to take everything that I have learned, and all the training I have done and put it to good use on race day. There has been alot of talk about the Syracuse 70.3 course since the beginning of its conception. How steep the climbs are, how unsafe the roads are, etc, etc. Frankly Im ready to take on the challenge now...

Do you have dreams of doing this distance?? Then think of it with a 3 step strategy the book says

First stage: VISION, DREAM CHALLENGE
Second Stage: Realistic goal setting
Third Stage: Execution, finish

70.3 means uncertainty. on how those miles will affect our bodies, how we can adapt to the highs and lows, the doubt, the hope, the moments of strength and weakness that every athlete goes through from the start to finish.

I cannot wait to feel the same way. I am excited and nervous at the same time. Im sure all these thoughts will be going through my mind on race day and how I deal with them all will be the reward when Im at the finish line.

What makes a great race?

I often think to myself, what makes a great race? Coming up on my first Olympic this weekend has got my wheels a turning trying to execute a great race in my head.

I have a few preparations that I need to do beforehand. For one, Fix my darn seat!! I have been having a hard time getting used to any seat in aero position. You think by now, that it is the end of the season, my whoo ha would feel good on a seat by now! I even got my bike fitted and it made no big difference!!

Thoughts of what a great race means to me:

1. Having everything packed and ready to go the night before, including my nutrition needs. This weekend I will be drinking Strawberry HEED on the bike...YUM.

2. Getting a nice wholesome breakfast in of Boost and Bagel with Peanut butter...always a pre race Fav..

3. Being out the door with minutes to spare, not rushing

4. Getting to the venue nice and early to help pre-race jitters, scope out the course and get either a swim or small bike ride in..

5. Having a great spot in transition, everything lined up perfectly

6. Being able to smile and laugh throughout the whole race (I have yet to get here all the way)

7. Nailing my nutrition needs

8. Executing my Swim, Transitions, Bike and Run. Im a little slower on the run than I'd like to be, so if I can keep my run as well as Iron Girl I will do well this weekend.

9. Having Great race support and post workout grub..

10. Not being sick at the finish line.

11. And knowing no matter how I place, that I did this for me, I did this for enjoyment, health and self gratification and thats all that matters.

What makes a great race for you???

Randomness Tuesday

Man, the thoughts are rolling this week as the Syracuse 70.3 slowly creeps up on me!!

1.  It would be nice to be a natural born athlete.
2.  Today I ran in my bathing suit only and felt so free. I would never do this in a race though
3.  I bought an Adamo Century X seat and Hate it. Switched back to my old saddle for now.
4.  I think I finally nailed my nutrition needs
5.  I have been looking at Ironman distance events to do next year!!
6.  I wish everyone had my schedule so they could train with me..
7.  I hate training alone unless Im in a bad mood
8.  I ate way too many Oreos this week.
9. I need to find a coach

Only 9 things this week....Im sure there is more but my mind is too tired to think of any more.

Happy Training!!

Caz tri and my next adventure!!

Yesterday I had the chance to be a Volunteer at the Cazenovia Triathlon Held every year in good 'ole Cazenovia, NY. It is our Triathlon Club's big event!

The night before I had a chance to help set up the transition area and holding corral for the swimmers. What a time-consuming duty!! Good thing we had a dozen people helping. Not to mention the best food from Bella Domanis to help quiet our hunger!!

Fast forward to race day. Up at 4:30, out the door by 5AM and to Caz by 5:30a. I felt like I was racing here! But no need for pre race meal, etc. etc. I was the run Coordinator which was a big job for 1 person to do so of course I had a few of the guys help me out! We set up all the tables, water, cups , strawberry HEED, Cones up on the 3mile run and the 6 mile run as this was both a sprint and olympic distance race. We had a half dozen kids from Chittenango Run club helping us out. Nice group of kids.

I was very fortunate to see alot of fellow CNY tri people come my way, yelling at them to push!! They just grunted at me of course!! But it was nice to be on the other end of the Triathlon world and see what goes on behind the scenes to make a race run smoothly. I was a bit jealous I wasn't out there racing but felt good giving words of encouragement!

This weekend I will be Competing in my FIRST Olympic triathlon!! I am so excited, nervous, jittery about the whole experience!! I am competing in the Lake Delta Olympic Tri which is an inagural race out in Rome, NY. The description stated it was a calm lake, flat and fast bike and a flat run in the park. Sounds like a great race to me as I said before I am a better athlete on flat races!!! :)

Im in a Funk

I don't know why Im in a funk this week. Its really starting to annoy me. I can pretty much say I have done all my workouts except a few. I don't know if it is because I did alot over the last weekend or my body needs a mental health day.

Random Thoughts that have been creeping in my head:

1. What was I thinking signing up for a hilly first 70.3??

2. Will I need to change to a compact now??

3. Im really a better athlete on flat pancake rides.

4. My hip has been acting up again on long runs. But not to the point I have to stop running

5. I did my whole run yesterday without music. I kept singing in my head "Im not afraid"
    By Eminem...good song.

6. Why on every run do I get beeped at and waved to?? Do you know me?? Because I
     cannot see you to know who you are.

7. I am very pleased at how relaxing swimming has come to me. 2500 meters in 57 min is great for me!!!

8. I hate being the only provider sometimes in my office. Makes me stressed out. I wish I
     could call a Substitute NP in. But then that wouldn't be good for business...

9. My boyfriend is in a bigger funk than me and I think he might not do the 70.3 with me...

10. I keep trying to think of the positives. That Im strong and able to complete anything I set
       my mind to. I have only given up once when my chain almost broke. So I will stick to
      this and come out on top.

Happy Training!!!