The last few weeks have been a struggle. Struggle to get out of bed, struggle to get my workouts in. Struggle with my mind. get my theme?? I doubted myself in my ability to do this Iron Distance race over and over again. I emailed coach and told her I wasnt feeling all that great. Spirits were down. She emailed back. Lets have a do over. Everyone goes through this especially when it is a late Ironman. Eat well, rest up and start over.
Start over...yeah got it coach
I have been thinking of why I wanted to do the Iron Distance race again. Revisiting this throughout training has really helped me keep focused on my goals. I went back to the drawing board and looked.
1. Anything is possible if you have a dream, perserverance.
2. For all the hardships I have faced up until now
3. For my family, for my daughter to show her to never give up your dreams no matter what people think or tell you
4. For health, for fitness
5. For all the people who cant do these. I am blessed that I can and will
I have many more but these are the most important.
I purchased Maccas book and started reading it. It is actually quite entertaining so far. I cant picture him as an accountant. Im glad he is a hot triathlete instead. Ha ha!
Starting to read his book got the fire lit again. I am back in the game and ready to rock and roll! I have made some times up in my head where I would like to finish, where I could finish and just finishing before 16:59:59
I had a great 13 mile run today with Friends TS, CG, EH. Kept up with my nutrition, saw alot of squished frogs, a snake, dogs, a lady pushing a double stroller like no tomorrow, fellow triatletes. Nothing is greater than running outside in 63 degree weather with a slight breeze at 7 in the morning. I felt like I could turn around and to 13 more without too much trouble.
Tomorrow, 6 hour ride, 30 min T-Run with a friend who is doing IM Florida. Makes it so much worthwhile when you have someone to share stories with and ride with.
35 More days!!!
A Blog about Training for my Third Ironman, dabbling into other sports and eating Paleo. I am a Full Time Nurse Practitioner at a highly Successful Family Practice, Mother of a toddler and tween, a wife and everything in between. Follow my journey to see the craziness and dedication it takes to be an Ironman Triathlete!!!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Spectating Syracuse 70.3
Yesterday was the highlight of alot of Central New Yorkers Triathlon Season. The Syracuse 70.3.
While I had alot of reservations about not doing the race as coach thought it wasn't a good idea, a little part of me was dying to do the race.
I was so bummed this week that I missed half my workouts. Seeing all the facebook posts about how everyone was tapering, how they were getting excited, what to wear, etc, etc. really made me bummed. I tried to hide it but it was evident in my workouts.
I thought if I went and cheered it would put some life back into me, so I sucked it up and went and cheered on some of my Tri Friends that were racing. And my coach and some teamates.
I sat on the run course at the steepest part of the run with my cow bell in hand. The first 2 male pros went by, Cheered them on. No smile, No wave..Hmmm. A few more guys, then the 2 first female pros...2nd being Caroline Steffen!! Yes in little 'ol New York! I was so excited to see her out there! It was really cool! Not to mention our hometown PRO Kristin White!
I was yelling, ringing the cowbell anything I could to get those people up the hill. It was kind of cool to see the fast runners bound up the hill like nothing!! I even heard some friends tell me I couldn't walk knowing you were on the top of this hill!! Ha ha! Hey If you have to save the energy on the hill. I wont think of you any differently! Anyone who does these endurance events are awesome in my mind!!
Onto my week of training!! 40 DAYS!!!!
While I had alot of reservations about not doing the race as coach thought it wasn't a good idea, a little part of me was dying to do the race.
I was so bummed this week that I missed half my workouts. Seeing all the facebook posts about how everyone was tapering, how they were getting excited, what to wear, etc, etc. really made me bummed. I tried to hide it but it was evident in my workouts.
I thought if I went and cheered it would put some life back into me, so I sucked it up and went and cheered on some of my Tri Friends that were racing. And my coach and some teamates.
I sat on the run course at the steepest part of the run with my cow bell in hand. The first 2 male pros went by, Cheered them on. No smile, No wave..Hmmm. A few more guys, then the 2 first female pros...2nd being Caroline Steffen!! Yes in little 'ol New York! I was so excited to see her out there! It was really cool! Not to mention our hometown PRO Kristin White!
I was yelling, ringing the cowbell anything I could to get those people up the hill. It was kind of cool to see the fast runners bound up the hill like nothing!! I even heard some friends tell me I couldn't walk knowing you were on the top of this hill!! Ha ha! Hey If you have to save the energy on the hill. I wont think of you any differently! Anyone who does these endurance events are awesome in my mind!!
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| Kristin White |
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| My coach. Why do I look like a Midget compared to her?! |
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| Caroline Steffen |
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Century Riding
I know this is late.
Last Weekend my friend, LB and I embarked on a century ride for ALS. It started at Carpenters Fish Hatchery in Elbridge, went through Oswego, Minoa, Pheonix, Baldwinsville and back to Elbridge. Yes thats right we crossed 5 little cities in that time frame.
While I knew this was going to be a bunch of cyclists riding, I left Herbie the Tri Bike at home and Took out Pinky for the ride.
We settled into a fairly easy pace going out. Around 17-18mph which was my goal pace for the whole ride to begin with. My goal was to keep hydrated and my nutrition up. The first part was fairly hilly and we warmed up quickly.
It then became flat for about 20-30 miles until we hit Oswego where there were some rolling hills again. At this point my nutrition was spot on Drinking 1 bottle of Perform a hour, 1 Scap, 2 gels. I was keeping up with the big dogs, even hitting some 20-21 mph speeds in there.
I then started to feel a little "twinge" in the nether region. Really?! It started early this time! I was standing, moving around in the saddle, anything to make myself feel better.
Around 40 miles, I hit a pot hole and all my nutrition flies out of my bento box. I had some guys behind me that were kind to pick some of the stuff up for me. Back on the bike, I just could not get comfortable. I was starting to get miserable.
Mile 43, rest stop!! I use the bathroom, eat a banana and half a cookie, snap a great pic as above. That is Lake Ontario behind us!
Back on the bike feeling good for 20 more miles then my nether regions started bothering me again. This part was rolling hills which I love and it was a great scenic coarse. I was miserable. I was even thinking of calling my honey to come and get me, or my mother, or someone as I was hurting. Everything else was going great! Nutrition was spot on, then I lost my Salt tabs in the grass and everyone was hauling ass at that point I didn't want to stop and get lost so I left them on the side of the road
Mile 80, rest stop. Thank god! My Right inner thigh was cramping up. I don't know if this was because I kept trying to adjust myself for the last 20-30 miles or if it was I needed more nutrition. I fueled up, took a half of coke, half banana, went to bathroom and back on the road for 20 more miles
Again felt great for about 10 miles and it hurt again. I felt like this shouldnt be happening to me and one of the guys started laughing at me saying guys get it all the time...Ugh!! It felt like I kept getting pinched. I know TMI.
At mile 95 I started cursing...There was a steep incline followed by a incline that never ended. 2 miles. I was still on and off crammping in my right groin but I wasn't going to let it stop me. I thought, I am not cramping, spin spin spin and I got up the freaking hill!! Then it was down hill for about 2 miles.
Total 102 miles , 5hr 55 min.
After I got off the bike I ate a little then went for a run...I felt so refreshed! I even hit a 8:44!! I don't know what happened on the bike. Im thinking it was a combo of tenseness and lack of sodium. But the funny thing is my legs were ready to run!
Lets see what pans out this weekend!!
Last Weekend my friend, LB and I embarked on a century ride for ALS. It started at Carpenters Fish Hatchery in Elbridge, went through Oswego, Minoa, Pheonix, Baldwinsville and back to Elbridge. Yes thats right we crossed 5 little cities in that time frame.
While I knew this was going to be a bunch of cyclists riding, I left Herbie the Tri Bike at home and Took out Pinky for the ride.
We settled into a fairly easy pace going out. Around 17-18mph which was my goal pace for the whole ride to begin with. My goal was to keep hydrated and my nutrition up. The first part was fairly hilly and we warmed up quickly.
It then became flat for about 20-30 miles until we hit Oswego where there were some rolling hills again. At this point my nutrition was spot on Drinking 1 bottle of Perform a hour, 1 Scap, 2 gels. I was keeping up with the big dogs, even hitting some 20-21 mph speeds in there.
I then started to feel a little "twinge" in the nether region. Really?! It started early this time! I was standing, moving around in the saddle, anything to make myself feel better.
Around 40 miles, I hit a pot hole and all my nutrition flies out of my bento box. I had some guys behind me that were kind to pick some of the stuff up for me. Back on the bike, I just could not get comfortable. I was starting to get miserable.
Back on the bike feeling good for 20 more miles then my nether regions started bothering me again. This part was rolling hills which I love and it was a great scenic coarse. I was miserable. I was even thinking of calling my honey to come and get me, or my mother, or someone as I was hurting. Everything else was going great! Nutrition was spot on, then I lost my Salt tabs in the grass and everyone was hauling ass at that point I didn't want to stop and get lost so I left them on the side of the road
Mile 80, rest stop. Thank god! My Right inner thigh was cramping up. I don't know if this was because I kept trying to adjust myself for the last 20-30 miles or if it was I needed more nutrition. I fueled up, took a half of coke, half banana, went to bathroom and back on the road for 20 more miles
Again felt great for about 10 miles and it hurt again. I felt like this shouldnt be happening to me and one of the guys started laughing at me saying guys get it all the time...Ugh!! It felt like I kept getting pinched. I know TMI.
At mile 95 I started cursing...There was a steep incline followed by a incline that never ended. 2 miles. I was still on and off crammping in my right groin but I wasn't going to let it stop me. I thought, I am not cramping, spin spin spin and I got up the freaking hill!! Then it was down hill for about 2 miles.
Total 102 miles , 5hr 55 min.
After I got off the bike I ate a little then went for a run...I felt so refreshed! I even hit a 8:44!! I don't know what happened on the bike. Im thinking it was a combo of tenseness and lack of sodium. But the funny thing is my legs were ready to run!
Lets see what pans out this weekend!!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
First cold since starting my Season!
Well, there are 49 days left until Beach to Battleship 140.6!! The training is winding down and I am getting the next few weeks of long training rides in!
YIKES!
I have started with a sore throat, stuffy nose this morning..I did my long run anyways. But, I started falling asleep on the car ride home!! I came home and fell asleep on the couch for an hour. I know Im getting the first cold of the season.
You see when you work in Family Care you see all the kids with snotty noses and all the adults that like to cough in your face. You tell them its viral and they are upset they came to the doctors. eh, it happens and it can take up to 2 weeks to feel better! Listen to your body, rest, fluids, etc.
Anyways, I am feeling it today but nothing is in my chest yet. No coughing just wicked sore throat and teeth pain!! Darn Sinuses! I will keep up with fluids and resting as I have a very important ride tomorrow!
I am planning on doing a Century ride for ALS (AKA- Lou Gehrig's disease) A cyclist from our local cycling community passed away a few years ago and was well liked and respected in this club. We will ride for him tomorrow and all the others with this disease, their friends, their families. All proceeds will go to the ALS Therapy Institute. 100 miles of bike riding!! Im so excited to do this!
Happy Training!
YIKES!
I have started with a sore throat, stuffy nose this morning..I did my long run anyways. But, I started falling asleep on the car ride home!! I came home and fell asleep on the couch for an hour. I know Im getting the first cold of the season.
You see when you work in Family Care you see all the kids with snotty noses and all the adults that like to cough in your face. You tell them its viral and they are upset they came to the doctors. eh, it happens and it can take up to 2 weeks to feel better! Listen to your body, rest, fluids, etc.
Anyways, I am feeling it today but nothing is in my chest yet. No coughing just wicked sore throat and teeth pain!! Darn Sinuses! I will keep up with fluids and resting as I have a very important ride tomorrow!
I am planning on doing a Century ride for ALS (AKA- Lou Gehrig's disease) A cyclist from our local cycling community passed away a few years ago and was well liked and respected in this club. We will ride for him tomorrow and all the others with this disease, their friends, their families. All proceeds will go to the ALS Therapy Institute. 100 miles of bike riding!! Im so excited to do this!
Happy Training!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
A Decision that was made
In the past few weeks, I have been contemplating the Syracuse 70.3 as to whether I should race it or not. It is about 6 weeks out from my Full Irondistance race. While I could race it and cross the finish line as my health and fitness is there, I had reservations of doing this race. All week when I was in Florida I thought about it as the Registration would be closing soon. Seeing my friends posts about their swim wave times, colored caps, their excitement about doing the race made me want to do it even more.
My coach and I have been going back and forth about me doing this. She put it like this. She wanted me to be fresh and confident going into B2B. If I do Syracuse and do poorly, my negative thoughts would creep up on me. If I did well, I would be too confident going into B2B. She wants me to be just right for my race.
All the molding and remodeling I have done in the last year to get me to this point in my journey has been a rough road. No one tells you how tough it is both physically and mentally to prepare for a race, to make the right decisions in regards to which races you will race each season.
I chose not to do Syracuse 70.3 this year. Not that I don't want to or think I wont do well. (I just did the Bike course which is Very Challenging in 3:04 a few weeks ago!) I just feel at this point in my training it isn't worth tapering and resting and losing valuable training opportunities that can be gained with my Full Race coming up!
I am very excited, nervous, scared and all that in between for my Full!
53 DAYS!!!!
My coach and I have been going back and forth about me doing this. She put it like this. She wanted me to be fresh and confident going into B2B. If I do Syracuse and do poorly, my negative thoughts would creep up on me. If I did well, I would be too confident going into B2B. She wants me to be just right for my race.
All the molding and remodeling I have done in the last year to get me to this point in my journey has been a rough road. No one tells you how tough it is both physically and mentally to prepare for a race, to make the right decisions in regards to which races you will race each season.
I chose not to do Syracuse 70.3 this year. Not that I don't want to or think I wont do well. (I just did the Bike course which is Very Challenging in 3:04 a few weeks ago!) I just feel at this point in my training it isn't worth tapering and resting and losing valuable training opportunities that can be gained with my Full Race coming up!
I am very excited, nervous, scared and all that in between for my Full!
53 DAYS!!!!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Disney Continued...
I was so inpressed by how well Disney is maintained. It is such a clean place to visit. The "Cast" members were always cleaning. Right after a parade we saw at Magic Kingdom, there were already people picking out the strings that were left behind out of the bushes!
Day 6- The morning we spent it shopping at Downtown Disney. There is an awesome Lego Store there that would surely impress every enthusiast! There was also a Disney Boutique that stretched for 5-6 stores! I could get lost in all things Disney there! I was about to buy alot of stuff, but I remembered I only had a small suitcase to stuff souveniers in!! Oh Boy!
Headed to Epcot in the Afternoon where we toured all the great countries and even sampled a yummy wine slushie from FRANCE!! A drunk person asked the cashier why he hated Americans...hmmm I would've said because you are acting like a damn fool right now! Seriously?! Some people are just down right rude and stupid if you ask me.
Day 6- The morning we spent it shopping at Downtown Disney. There is an awesome Lego Store there that would surely impress every enthusiast! There was also a Disney Boutique that stretched for 5-6 stores! I could get lost in all things Disney there! I was about to buy alot of stuff, but I remembered I only had a small suitcase to stuff souveniers in!! Oh Boy!
Headed to Epcot in the Afternoon where we toured all the great countries and even sampled a yummy wine slushie from FRANCE!! A drunk person asked the cashier why he hated Americans...hmmm I would've said because you are acting like a damn fool right now! Seriously?! Some people are just down right rude and stupid if you ask me.
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All LEGOS!   |
Dinner was at the Garden Grill at Epcot. This was a Rotating Restaraunt with Character Dining Featuring Chip n Dale and Farmer Mickey and Pluto! It was a all you care to eat family style dinner with grilled steak, roast turkey, and the fish of the day. Complete with Veges and Potatoes as well. Some of the food used was made in Epcot in The Land Greenhouse!
Day 7- Magic Kingdom! I could go there again and again! We took it to Adventure Land and Fronteir Land! We flew on Aladdins Carpet, watched the Tiki Room Show, Got a pic with Jasmin, Road on Splash Mountain which was really awesome and road a broken train!! ahhh! We also went to the Haunted Mansion, Went on a Jungle Cruise( the guy on our boat was Wicked Funny!)d
Dinner was at Tonys Town Square right on Main Street. This was a Italian family Style Restaurant. The only thing good that I liked was Dessert. They etched Lady and the Tramp in chocolate on my Plate! We sat out side and a downpour started happening halfway into our meal! The manager gave us a fast pass to ride any ride we wanted! We then had backstage passes to see Mickey and Minnie in there waredrobe room. Very Cute!
Day 8- Disney Hollywood Studios!!! My nephew and Daughter played a game with some of the characters and won a trophy! Went on Star Tours which takes you up in space in a simulator...so cool. Saw Muppets in 3D show which was a great show as well. We had front row seats! Saw the Indiana Jones Stunt spectatular which is a Must see if you are going to Disney! Tower of Terror my daughter went on with my brother in law as I had to take my nephew out as he was scared to ride! :( We watched how some of the animation is made on the big screen, you also can do your own drawings!
Lunch was at 50's Prime Time Cafe in a TV themed setting. The food was cooked the way mom and dad would've cooked it in the 50's. You also had to mind your manners and set the table! Woot!
After lunch we saw Lights Motor Action stunt show which was a awesome cars stunt show with a appearance by Lightening McQueen. Another Must see!
We then enjoyed a swim at the hotel, a nap and off to Epcot for a Spanish Dinner in Mexico! Yummy! We alos played another Kim Possible Mission!
Day 9- Magic Kingdom in Tomorrow Land! Buzz Lightyear ride, Space Mountain, Watching the Shows in front of the Castle, Getting our groove on at the Parade! So much fun today! Lunch was at Peco's Bills which is a great place to eat! Had BBQ, Burgers, Sandwiches salads, whatever you wanted under one roof! Yummy!
We went back to the hotel to Rest up as we would be up late to watch Wishes!! Dinner was amazing as well at Liberty Tree Tavern! This place was a authentic recreation of an 18th Century American Inn. The food was amazing! From the Bisquits, to the pot roast, to the potatoes, carrots and dessert!!
I tried to ignore all the ignorance in Disney, but there is alot of it! After the Wishes show, this lady kept pushing my daughter forward as she wanted to get on the tram. We all had to wait, we would all get on eventually. My honey went off on her and he has never done this before!! Kind of funny to see but people can be so rude! It amazes me that the parents were acting hysterical more than the kids were. Im glad we went when we did because the crowd level was much better than it would be at other times of the year! Also a foreigner was SMOKING in the line with all the other people crowding him! I looked at him and said Seriously?! You are smoking in this crowd right now?! He put it out! YUCK!
Day 10- Back to Disney Hollywood Studios where we went into Honey I shrunk the Kids set! I was scared on the ropes!! ha ha! Went to Toy Story Mania- what a BLAST! its worth the wait to do this ride! Went on the Studio backlot tour which Caitlin was scared she was going to fall out of the trolley! There was a special affects scene we were a part of.
Lunch was at the Sci-Fi Dine in where we sat in 50 convertible tables and watched a screen as we were at a Drive in! I hated it!! I couldn't see my food, the food wasnt that great! The best part was the Chocolate Peanut butter Cake!
Day 11- We finished up the trip with Breakfast at The Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom. We had Character dining with Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet. Went on Rides again until noon where we said goodbye to Disney World and went to the airport. 3:15pm we were on the plane. I had to sit with someone I didn't know! The BEST part of it was that he was a Triathlete from Rochester!! How cool is that?! He was reading the new issue of Triathlete magazine and I struck up a conversation. He signed up for Ironman Lake Placid 2012!! Good luck to Him! I didn't catch his name! :(
I had a great trip but it is soooo great to be home!!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Disney World...Happiest place on Earth??
I have been away from my Bloggy world as I have been in Orlando, Florida Soaking up the sun and all the adventures Disney World has to offer. We are on our 9th day of our 11 day vacation and what an experience it has been! We were fortunate enough not to get any of Hurricane Irene, just some passing thunderstorms.
I was here 10 years ago and didn't remember half the rides, games, shows we did then. There are many pictures this time around but I cannot download them as I am in the hotel with no chord to the computer!!
I owe the whole trip to my sister who planned everything from the hotel, to the flight, rental car, and every dinner we have went to!! It has been a great experience!
Day 1 - We Swam at our hotel which has a Guitar shaped pool as well as a Piano Shaped pool!! We are staying on resort so we get special priveledges into the park, etc, etc
Went to Dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe where it was an American West Theme, family style restaurant! If you needed ketchup, you yelled it out and all the tables with ketchup had to get up and bring it to you! They had an old school horse ride with the sticks, singing, etc. Very fun!
Day 2 - Went to Epcot- There are some fun interactive things to do here with the kids, We did a Kim Possible mission in the Countries and Had lunch at the Coral Reef where we could see a big aquarium with Sharks and 85 different species of tropical fish! So beautiful! We Saw the illuminations show over the water, what a great show!
Day 3- Animal Kingdom!! Went on a safari ride where the animals were so close we could've reached out and touched them! Its tough to be a Bug show was so cute! Road Kali river Rapids and got totally soaked, Soarin made me want to vomit, Expedition Everest- what a thrill!!
Day 4- Back to Epcot where my Princess had LUNCH with the Princesses in Norway!! I have some beautiful pics to share! Went on Test track, Mission Space- Green of course as I have no Love for spinning!
Day 5- Magic Kingdom!! Now up until now, my honey had no idea why people made such a fuss over Disney World...When he got here, His jaw dropped and he was so excited to be here! We hopped parks and went to Hollywood Studios in the afternoon and at at Hollywood and Vine dinner buffet. And watched the Fantasmic Show!! Pretty impressive!!
Dont worry, I still have been running and swimming down here!! I just cannot bike :(
Nutrition wise....well we wont get into that either
Pics and Days 6-11 to come!!!
I was here 10 years ago and didn't remember half the rides, games, shows we did then. There are many pictures this time around but I cannot download them as I am in the hotel with no chord to the computer!!
I owe the whole trip to my sister who planned everything from the hotel, to the flight, rental car, and every dinner we have went to!! It has been a great experience!
Day 1 - We Swam at our hotel which has a Guitar shaped pool as well as a Piano Shaped pool!! We are staying on resort so we get special priveledges into the park, etc, etc
Went to Dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe where it was an American West Theme, family style restaurant! If you needed ketchup, you yelled it out and all the tables with ketchup had to get up and bring it to you! They had an old school horse ride with the sticks, singing, etc. Very fun!
Day 2 - Went to Epcot- There are some fun interactive things to do here with the kids, We did a Kim Possible mission in the Countries and Had lunch at the Coral Reef where we could see a big aquarium with Sharks and 85 different species of tropical fish! So beautiful! We Saw the illuminations show over the water, what a great show!
Day 3- Animal Kingdom!! Went on a safari ride where the animals were so close we could've reached out and touched them! Its tough to be a Bug show was so cute! Road Kali river Rapids and got totally soaked, Soarin made me want to vomit, Expedition Everest- what a thrill!!
Day 4- Back to Epcot where my Princess had LUNCH with the Princesses in Norway!! I have some beautiful pics to share! Went on Test track, Mission Space- Green of course as I have no Love for spinning!
Day 5- Magic Kingdom!! Now up until now, my honey had no idea why people made such a fuss over Disney World...When he got here, His jaw dropped and he was so excited to be here! We hopped parks and went to Hollywood Studios in the afternoon and at at Hollywood and Vine dinner buffet. And watched the Fantasmic Show!! Pretty impressive!!
Dont worry, I still have been running and swimming down here!! I just cannot bike :(
Nutrition wise....well we wont get into that either
Pics and Days 6-11 to come!!!
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