Yesterday was the first day back to working out after my 70.3. My bike was filthy after my race, so I took it in for a total overhaul and I was anxious to try it out. The mechanic was shocked that I had ridden it 56 miles given the grit and grime that was in the chain, he assured me I was going to wish I had it cleaned before the race and he was right. The ride was so incredibly smooth. I ended up going 25.5 miles on a great trail that runs along the Mississippi River. It was a nice ride.
Today I took out my running shoes. I only ran 2 miles since I was still pretty achy (knees, ankles, feet) as well as nursing a few blisters. It felt good to get moving again.
Tomorrow I am meeting up with two of my sisters to do an open water swim. I am doing the 3 mile option. It will be the first time I have done an open water swim outside of a triathlon so it should be interesting.
I guess that is all for now. The boys are absolutely LOVING Wisconsin. I think it may have a little to do with dessert every night, late bedtimes, and all the grandparent playmates. Who knows, but we are all enjoying the break.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
I am slowly recovering from my half ironman adventure last Saturday. I am still fairly blistered but the muscle soreness has subsided and I am preparing to start up my training again, but first, a recap.
On Sunday, the 14th, the adventure began with a solo drive with the boys to Nashville where we spent the night at my sister's house before the long (12 hrs +) drive to my parents' cottage in Wisconsin. The kids were excellent and it helped that my mom joined our group and rode in the back with the kids the whole way. I enjoyed two books on my IPOD while they read, watched TV, and snacked in the back. Tuesday I took out the boat and caught a 14 1/2 inch crappie. I have been fishing that lake for many years and never pulled anything of that size out. It is currently being mounted so it can hang, God only knows where, somewhere in my house. Wednesday I went out for a bike ride and more than enjoyed the flat flat flat roads of Wisconsin. I was thrilled with my speed and felt great. Thursday morning brought more of the same love of the flat roads of Wisconsin during my run. Friday I headed to Appleton and stayed at my Aunt and Uncle's house to shorten the drive time Saturday morning.
I was pretty excited to get going on Saturday and arrived very early. It turns out I was not the only one with that idea. The nice cool 50 degree weather we had enjoyed earlier in the week was gone and at 5:45 AM, it was 74. I knew this was not good. I had hoped that would end up being the high for the day. I set up my transition space and headed to the water. That was probably about the time that I realized things were going to be slightly more challenging than I thought. The water was ROUGH on Lake Winnebago-waves were 3-4 feet. They actually had to pull some of the kayaks because they were having a rough time. The swim was definitely like being in a wash machine and I was glad to have my swimming base. I ended up spending a considerable amount of energy on the swim, but I had a good time. I ended up going 33 minutes on the 1.2 mile swim which given the conditions I would take.
From the swim, it was on to the bike. This is definitely my weakest leg, and also where the majority of the race is spent. At mile 4, I had a fantastic surprise when I saw my Aunt Kathy along with my cousins Leah, Molly, and Nicole at an intersection cheering me on (I ended up seeing them 4 times more on the bike as well as several times on the run). The bike started out well. The majority of the course was either flat, rolling hills, or mild climbs. The problem with the course became apparent after the 8th (out of 56 miles) mile when I noticed the fields and fields of windmills (for collecting wind energy) lining the bike course. The wind was very challenging. I have not really trained in these conditions and it was very aggravating. I had a goal time of 3 hrs and 30 minutes for the bike and I finished in 3 hrs 30 min 23 seconds. Again, after 56 miles, I will take that.
I felt fine on the bike. As I came into transition on the bike to run, I was confused. A few of the guys who were set up around my bike were standing around and talking. I ran in, changed my shoes, and headed out. I was in shock thinking they were done which meant they were 2 hours ahead of me. I found out later in the run when I saw one of them on the course that they had not yet started their run. They were just taking their time in transition. The run started out very difficult with the largest climb occurring in the first 1/2 mile. I NEVER walk a hill, but did that day. I just could not get my legs going. Once I crested the hill, I started to run again. By the 2 mile mark, I felt like I was in trouble. I was very nauseous, alternating between chills and heat flushes, and very dizzy and confused. I took a hammer gel and started to walk to calm down. After .1 mile, the chills had stopped and I began to run again. After about .5 mile the symptoms started to return, so for the first 5 miles, I ran .5 mile, then walked .1. I knew I was not looking so good when at mile 4 the volunteer working the aid station told me I should probably drink two glasses of gatorade. I really had to dig deep and remind myself that my primary goal was to finish. I had two secondary goals-1. Finish in under 2:30 and 2. Run the whole 13.1 miles. I had already missed the 2nd goal and assumed the first goal was also done, but I was going to make sure I finished the race. By mile 7, I was feeling really pretty great and was able to run at a good pace until about mile 9.5. At this point, things really started to hurt a lot. I could feel blisters and chafing everywhere. I had anticipated being tired and sore, but I had no idea it could hurt so bad. I had to go back to a walk until I reached mile 10. From that point on I was able to run slowly basically the rest of the race. There were several places where I was able to see my aunt and cousins, as well as my parents, my mom-in-law and my boys to help keep me going. I crossed the finish line, and hit stop on my Garmin. I was shocked to see I was under 2:30! Officially my run time was 2 hrs 26 min. I was very happy.
I ended up second in my division with a finish time of 6 hours 35 minutes 39 seconds. I had countless blisters in places I would rather not discuss, a very bad sunburn and an absolute elation for accomplishing a very challenging task.
I am beginning to heal and will resume my workouts tomorrow. I am hoping to get in a long bike ride in the morning before the heat kicks in. Friday if my blisters have healed sufficiently, I will also get in a mid range run, and Saturday brings about another race. I will be doing a long distance open water swim with my oldest and youngest sister while we await the arrival of the younger sister's flight in from France for a week. I will be in the water for a long time doing a 3 mile swim challenge. I am hoping the waves are much calmer than Winnebago's last weekend. I think the most difficult part will be the water temperature. It is estimated to be 70 degrees. Normally I would wear a wetsuit, but if you do, you cannot place, and I would like to keep that option open.
Well, that is all for now. I am relaxing this week at my parents' house and very much looking forward to reuniting with Kevin on Saturday. We will have been apart for 12 days which is the longest since we have been married.
On Sunday, the 14th, the adventure began with a solo drive with the boys to Nashville where we spent the night at my sister's house before the long (12 hrs +) drive to my parents' cottage in Wisconsin. The kids were excellent and it helped that my mom joined our group and rode in the back with the kids the whole way. I enjoyed two books on my IPOD while they read, watched TV, and snacked in the back. Tuesday I took out the boat and caught a 14 1/2 inch crappie. I have been fishing that lake for many years and never pulled anything of that size out. It is currently being mounted so it can hang, God only knows where, somewhere in my house. Wednesday I went out for a bike ride and more than enjoyed the flat flat flat roads of Wisconsin. I was thrilled with my speed and felt great. Thursday morning brought more of the same love of the flat roads of Wisconsin during my run. Friday I headed to Appleton and stayed at my Aunt and Uncle's house to shorten the drive time Saturday morning.
I was pretty excited to get going on Saturday and arrived very early. It turns out I was not the only one with that idea. The nice cool 50 degree weather we had enjoyed earlier in the week was gone and at 5:45 AM, it was 74. I knew this was not good. I had hoped that would end up being the high for the day. I set up my transition space and headed to the water. That was probably about the time that I realized things were going to be slightly more challenging than I thought. The water was ROUGH on Lake Winnebago-waves were 3-4 feet. They actually had to pull some of the kayaks because they were having a rough time. The swim was definitely like being in a wash machine and I was glad to have my swimming base. I ended up spending a considerable amount of energy on the swim, but I had a good time. I ended up going 33 minutes on the 1.2 mile swim which given the conditions I would take.
From the swim, it was on to the bike. This is definitely my weakest leg, and also where the majority of the race is spent. At mile 4, I had a fantastic surprise when I saw my Aunt Kathy along with my cousins Leah, Molly, and Nicole at an intersection cheering me on (I ended up seeing them 4 times more on the bike as well as several times on the run). The bike started out well. The majority of the course was either flat, rolling hills, or mild climbs. The problem with the course became apparent after the 8th (out of 56 miles) mile when I noticed the fields and fields of windmills (for collecting wind energy) lining the bike course. The wind was very challenging. I have not really trained in these conditions and it was very aggravating. I had a goal time of 3 hrs and 30 minutes for the bike and I finished in 3 hrs 30 min 23 seconds. Again, after 56 miles, I will take that.
I felt fine on the bike. As I came into transition on the bike to run, I was confused. A few of the guys who were set up around my bike were standing around and talking. I ran in, changed my shoes, and headed out. I was in shock thinking they were done which meant they were 2 hours ahead of me. I found out later in the run when I saw one of them on the course that they had not yet started their run. They were just taking their time in transition. The run started out very difficult with the largest climb occurring in the first 1/2 mile. I NEVER walk a hill, but did that day. I just could not get my legs going. Once I crested the hill, I started to run again. By the 2 mile mark, I felt like I was in trouble. I was very nauseous, alternating between chills and heat flushes, and very dizzy and confused. I took a hammer gel and started to walk to calm down. After .1 mile, the chills had stopped and I began to run again. After about .5 mile the symptoms started to return, so for the first 5 miles, I ran .5 mile, then walked .1. I knew I was not looking so good when at mile 4 the volunteer working the aid station told me I should probably drink two glasses of gatorade. I really had to dig deep and remind myself that my primary goal was to finish. I had two secondary goals-1. Finish in under 2:30 and 2. Run the whole 13.1 miles. I had already missed the 2nd goal and assumed the first goal was also done, but I was going to make sure I finished the race. By mile 7, I was feeling really pretty great and was able to run at a good pace until about mile 9.5. At this point, things really started to hurt a lot. I could feel blisters and chafing everywhere. I had anticipated being tired and sore, but I had no idea it could hurt so bad. I had to go back to a walk until I reached mile 10. From that point on I was able to run slowly basically the rest of the race. There were several places where I was able to see my aunt and cousins, as well as my parents, my mom-in-law and my boys to help keep me going. I crossed the finish line, and hit stop on my Garmin. I was shocked to see I was under 2:30! Officially my run time was 2 hrs 26 min. I was very happy.
I ended up second in my division with a finish time of 6 hours 35 minutes 39 seconds. I had countless blisters in places I would rather not discuss, a very bad sunburn and an absolute elation for accomplishing a very challenging task.
I am beginning to heal and will resume my workouts tomorrow. I am hoping to get in a long bike ride in the morning before the heat kicks in. Friday if my blisters have healed sufficiently, I will also get in a mid range run, and Saturday brings about another race. I will be doing a long distance open water swim with my oldest and youngest sister while we await the arrival of the younger sister's flight in from France for a week. I will be in the water for a long time doing a 3 mile swim challenge. I am hoping the waves are much calmer than Winnebago's last weekend. I think the most difficult part will be the water temperature. It is estimated to be 70 degrees. Normally I would wear a wetsuit, but if you do, you cannot place, and I would like to keep that option open.
Well, that is all for now. I am relaxing this week at my parents' house and very much looking forward to reuniting with Kevin on Saturday. We will have been apart for 12 days which is the longest since we have been married.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
On my way...........
This week has been particularly stress filled. Nothing major, but lots of minor issues. Parker has been a great AM napper, but lousy come the afternoon when big brother is asleep, so I have been accomplishing very little. I am working on getting packed to take off for 3 weeks in Wisconsin in about 2 hours. Basically all the little things have been adding up as the time winds down. Friday things came to a head. I went out to check my bike for Saturday's triathlon to find my back tire was once again FLAT!! I am not sure if it is user error (most likely) or equipment problems, but one thing was for sure, I did not need this. We called around to the local bike shops all of which were willing to fix it....in a week. My running buddy's husband Scott came through for me and changed my flat. What a relief. Thanks so much Scott. I was still pretty stressed about it on the off chance there was something else going on that was leading to my continuous flat tire. Once I get through my half ironman, I am going to have to have someone watch and critique me to make sure I am not just pinching the tube and causing the flats.
So Saturday very early (3:30 AM), I woke, grabbed coffee, and hit the road for my first triathlon back in just under 2 years. I made sure to have lots and lots of time to battle my bike if I did discover any problems with my bike upon my arrival to Asheville. Everything went fine with the bike. I spent too much time and energy waiting and worrying about my bike. It did not help that .5 mile into the 17.5 mile bike ride I dropped my chain (due to user error), so that was another thing I was worried about throughout the ride. All in all, the swim went excellent, bike went okay, and the run went well.
I will be leaving shortly for Wisconsin. I may be writing some, but definitely not much. Less than 6 days until my half ironman!!
So Saturday very early (3:30 AM), I woke, grabbed coffee, and hit the road for my first triathlon back in just under 2 years. I made sure to have lots and lots of time to battle my bike if I did discover any problems with my bike upon my arrival to Asheville. Everything went fine with the bike. I spent too much time and energy waiting and worrying about my bike. It did not help that .5 mile into the 17.5 mile bike ride I dropped my chain (due to user error), so that was another thing I was worried about throughout the ride. All in all, the swim went excellent, bike went okay, and the run went well.
I will be leaving shortly for Wisconsin. I may be writing some, but definitely not much. Less than 6 days until my half ironman!!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Scary Stuff
So a few mornings ago, I was getting ready and had Anderson Cooper on in the bathroom. Yes, we have a TV in our bathroom. Yes, it is totally ridiculous. HOWEVER, it comes in very handy for catching the news in the morning. So, anyways, I had on AC and they went to a recent story about the drug cartels in Mexico. There were some hostages taken and tanks in the street, and all kinds of scary stuff. (A more tech savvy person would have a link.) I started drying my hair when Kevin came in. I turned to him and said, "Do you still want to go on vacation?" and his response, "Yeah, but not in Iraq." Just then AC began talking about the shooting in the streets in Acapulco. SCARY STUFF!
Workout wise, I am tapering. I am feeling lousy this week, but I have been doing this tapering stuff long enough to know that this is all normal and necessary. I am not sleeping well because I am just not tired enough to sleep and I am just missing those natural endorphins. On the flip side, I am looking very much forward to my trip to Wisconsin in a few days
Workout wise, I am tapering. I am feeling lousy this week, but I have been doing this tapering stuff long enough to know that this is all normal and necessary. I am not sleeping well because I am just not tired enough to sleep and I am just missing those natural endorphins. On the flip side, I am looking very much forward to my trip to Wisconsin in a few days
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Here are some more pictures from Saturday's birthday.
Andrew helping to finish the decorations.
Andrew enjoying Happy Birthday being sung to him.
Parker just enjoyed watching the other kids. It is so hard to believe he is already ONE (well almost).
Two of the younger guests-Julia and Quinn. The youngest baby Katelynn had not yet arrived.
Above the kids playing in the sandbox. Below is friend Jackson watching the action from the playhouse.
John, Meredith, and Jake taking a break on a bench.
All the kids piled onto a blanket for cupcakes and ice cream.
Andrew helping to finish the decorations.
Andrew enjoying Happy Birthday being sung to him.Parker just enjoyed watching the other kids. It is so hard to believe he is already ONE (well almost).
Two of the younger guests-Julia and Quinn. The youngest baby Katelynn had not yet arrived.
Above the kids playing in the sandbox. Below is friend Jackson watching the action from the playhouse.
John, Meredith, and Jake taking a break on a bench.
All the kids piled onto a blanket for cupcakes and ice cream.
Becky with all the kids.
Andrew and Jackson enjoying their treats.
Amy, Quinn, Andrew, Rachel, and Katelynn relaxing in the shade. Andrew just loves to be near the babies.
Fonda holding little Julia.
Andrew and Jackson enjoying their treats.
Amy, Quinn, Andrew, Rachel, and Katelynn relaxing in the shade. Andrew just loves to be near the babies.
Fonda holding little Julia.
Today I met Jennifer for a 6 mile run. It was very hot and humid. It makes me glad my half-ironman will be in Wisconsin and hopefully much cooler. Tomorrow I have the day off, and I am hoping to get some last minute necessities for the trip back to Wisconsin.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Let Them Eat Cake
Last week was a very busy week for me. I was working to get things prepared for Andrew and Parker's birthday party on Saturday and finishing my last week of Peak workouts. To complicate things further, on Thursday I also had a bit of a stomach bug. I was able to get in most of my workouts and feel ready to race. In less than a week I will have my first triathlon back in about 2 years, and in two weeks my big race-the half ironman.
Saturday was the boys' birthday party. We could not have asked for better weather. It was in the low 70s and very comfortable with no signs of rain. We had the party at our home and had 8 children Andrew's age and even 3 under 1 year olds for Parker's friends. We had the backyard set up with lots of play toys, the sandbox, and the swing set. The kids all seemed to play well together and had a great time. I don't think I could have asked for it to go any better.
I woke up early this morning to head out on my FINAL long bike ride. I noticed my back tire was a little low. I added air to both tires, but did not think too much of the back tire since it was not flat nor did it seem to be leaking. I should have investigated it a bit more because it was the tire that Johanna and I had changed multiple times last weekend. I was having a great bike ride and had rode just over 15 miles when my bike started to make a different and also 'pull' a little bit. I pulled over to the side and sure enough, flat tire. I went to work pretty relaxed changing it. I was able to get the old tube out and started to put the new one in when I noticed the valve on my spare was broken and I would not be able to inflate it. Kevin came and picked me up to take me to my open water swim with my triathlon club. He ran with the boys while I finished my swim. I would have liked to get more time in on my bike, but all in all, it was still a good day.
Here are some cupcake pictures from the birthday party. I am hoping to have time and energy to get some more up this week. Parker obviously took great joy in his first bites of cupcake and ice cream.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Andrew's 3rd Birthday
Here are the pictures from our family's celebration of Andrew's birthday party. The 'festivities' began a few days early when a gift from Aunt Johanna arrived in the mail-a pirate ship pool. The boys love it! The first day we had it set up, it began pouring. Andrew insisted on playing in the pool so Kevin got out an umbrella. (Please disregard the naked butt-we are going through a naked stage with Andrew.)
Andrew's favorite part of birthdays is cake.
Here are Andrew's presents from mom and dad. There is also a really cool sit and spin from his Aunt Rebecca.
Parker kept trying to get Andrew's strawberries and waffles that he had for his birthday breakfast.
The big gift for Andrew was a bike.
Kevin setting up the train table from the grandparents.
There is already a constant battle of Andrew building the tracks and Parker pulling them down.
Andrew's favorite part of birthdays is cake.
Here are Andrew's presents from mom and dad. There is also a really cool sit and spin from his Aunt Rebecca.
Parker kept trying to get Andrew's strawberries and waffles that he had for his birthday breakfast.
The big gift for Andrew was a bike. 
Kevin setting up the train table from the grandparents.
There is already a constant battle of Andrew building the tracks and Parker pulling them down.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)