Strength Training with the TRIgirls

I was out of it for just over 48 hours. By Sunday, I couldn't believe it, but I was desperate to work out again. So I ran a quick (and very difficult, but slow) 2 miles around the loop at Robious and then swam. I had to remind myself that no less than 24 hours earlier I was sick like a dog....I was overdoing it a bit....and I got so hot I had to just take off my swim cap to cool down. I skipped my favorite part of the swim (stretching) to get the first shower and race home so I could see my kids (thanks to daylight savings time) before they fell asleep. They were in bed, but awake and so happy to see me since I'd worked all day. There is nothing like spending a whole day away from the rugrats to make you miss'em like mad.

Monday, I started strength training with the rest of the Eagleman-IMFL TRIgirls.
I knew what we'd be doing. I'd been to the strength training clinics before and seen just enough to know I DID NOT want to do that, I guess that is why it took me so long to sign up.
I also was able to keep from myself the fact that I was the only one in the IMFL-Eagleman Group that was not doing any strength training or weight lifting whatsoever. And I am paying dearly for the delay.
Back to step one....failure. I don't mean failure as a whole or even in its worst negative sense but just as in failure to complete said exercise. Exercises that require you to have balance (which I don't) and strength at the same time. Hmmm, yes, maybe my lack of balance is the reason that I have refused to ever do Yoga except while pregnant (when everyone's balance is off). There were three tasks that I had particular trouble with. Coach B took the time to explain each exercise to me and watched to make sure I was doing it right.
1. Push ups on the ball. Even though they let me cheat and have someone hold the ball for me.
2. "Butt-Ups" as I call them, which basically is like a push up position only your feet are balanced on a ball and then you have to stick your butt straight up in the air and then down again without falling.
3. Sitting squats, (or whatever you call them) where you have a ball behind your back and roll it down until you are in a sitting position with no chair and then go back up again. When you get to no. 10 at the bottom then you lift your dumbell weights up 10 times. I've found that you have to sit in the position longer, the longer you take to do the 10 reps...so Coach Black says I'm flapping like a bird to get them done...before I fall. For some reason I have exceptional knee pain with this one. I try to adjust the weight to my heels more and that helps a bit.
We were supposed to do 3 cycles of these exercises (10-15 reps each) and about 7 others that weren't as difficult, and complete the 3 circuits in an hour. And when I could only do 3 out of the 10 push ups on the ball, a very sweet Coach M said, "Well, it is what it is." That is all he had to say. That is my starting point. And he allowed me to modify the Butt-Ups so that I could at least accomplish a building block, a starting point to build from.

The good news is I know that I can improve with practice. I guess that is the point. And now that I have mastered "Standing in the Saddle" for as much time as any of our coaches require (knock on wood) I needed something new to work on anyway.

And yes, I knew I would be sore, but I have never ever been sore like this in my life -- ever.
I actually tried to slide down the stairs on my butt yesterday morning because I was so sore...but Redfish wouldn't let me. He made me carry him down the stairs -- yet again....but I was groaning the entire time. I even had trouble sleeping last night because I was still sore. And I am thanking the fates for scheduling a mandatory staff meeting for me today...so that I'll have a super-duper excuse to miss most --if not all -- of my strength workout tonight.

And biking after that workout? Don't get me started. I was just praying for it to end. I had planned on going out and taking a break after class, you know some me time...maybe some errands.....but I just couldn't -- I had to come straight home and lie down in bed and go to sleep.

Flu-lite

It's been going around...and I got it. I'm sick.
It's the flu only maybe flu-lite. I feel like i did my 10 mile run AND my 2 hour bike....only I didn't. That is how sore I am.
Only time will tell how long this will last...but for now, I'm out of commision.

Momo's Little J

One of the many triathlete bloggers out there in the bloggy universe who has been supportive of me, recently wrote something that just made me feel so old!
Momo, a triathlete training for Ironman Cor D'Alene, writes about her Little J, just like I write about Redfish and Daisy. Only Little J isn't so little anymore. He is 12 years old. And get this....
he has his own blog...just like mom.

"You birth them, you care for them, you feed and clothe them. You teach them to walk, to speak, to read. You do everything in your power to make sure they are safe and healthy and happy.And this is how they repay you. Ha! A boy after his mom's heart. Stop by and give Little J some comment love if you get a chance. Just don't believe a word he says... :-)"

Momo and I have some things in common...we try to set a good example for our kids. We live and love triathlons. We are members of Team Raceathlete. We are true to heart and we write about it, fearlessly.

But the thought of waking up in 6 years and seeing Daisy blogging about life in Trimom's house scares me. It makes me feel old, way old. And it reminds me that you are always setting an example whether you want to or not. Your good days and your bad. On second thought, once I got over the shock of Daisy having her own blog...I guess I'd be proud. But I would still tell you....Just don't believe a word that she says!;)

Triathlonmom Discovers Google Analytics

I am not a techie. Please don't tell anyone, but I'm winging this whole blogger thing. I love what computers can do and how they make my life so much easier and enjoyable. I love my new bloggy friends and the connections I've made in the triathlon-blogger universe...but I hate writing code. Maybe if it was multiple choice I'd like it better.

I was checking out Ellie's new photo banner and admiring her html skills -- although she remains humble. Maybe if I wasn't so shy about photos in the first place I would ask her to show me how she did that!

There's been alot of conversation on local Richmond blogs about connecting communities through blogging, a blogger's summit, blog referrals from RVA blogs, and blog statistics. That got me thinking.....and a few weeks ago I asked (the highly computer savvy) Mr. Preschool if he knew how I could view the number of people who have been viewing my blog. He said to add you know, an old fashioned page counter thinggy. I knew I didn't want to do that....and then...along comes a post saying that my buddy, John Sarvay, over at Buttermilk and Molasses, gets 18 percent of his hits via RVAblogs. How the hell does he know that, I thought....hmmmm.

After more investigation I found out that there is this thing called Google Analytics. That weirdly lets you spy on...I mean track your readers. For example, I found out that 23 percent of my hits come from my good Trigirl friend, Trigirl40's site and just over 15 percent come from (presumably) other Trigirls who link to me through the Trigirltraining.com site. I also saw that I have the fewest visits on Saturdays.....which makes sense since it seems my entire readership is out running half mile repeats, and sitting in the saddle for 2 hours, running 10 or so miles...and otherwise getting their "brick" on.

So, if you've ever wondered about your blogging readership, check out Google Analytics. And if you figure out how to use all of it's features...please email me and explain it.

Mama's Been Working Out ALL DAY!

Got home from swimming tonight at 7:40 ...just after the kids when to sleep. I left the house at 8-something this morning to go to work...so I didn't get to see the kids all day. Makes me appreciate being a mostly stay-at-home mom.
Mr. Preschool tells me Daisy said, "Wow Dad, Mama's been working out ALL DAY!"

Maybe someday soon that will be true...but for now I'll stick to 8 hours of work topped with a swim on Southside.

10 Miles

I'm sore. and I'm walking funny. But, I did it. I ran 10 miles.
We'll mostly ran. I walked some.

10 Miles took 2 hours, 4 minutes and 50 seconds....roughly 12.45 a mile.

Mostly I tried to use a formula of run 7 minutes...walk 1. And mostly I was sucessful.

Funny how at mile 8 (my previous longest run) is where things really got difficult. Mostly because my knees started to hurt and my upper thigh/groin area. I thought that was a strange place to feel it, but it happened on my last run too.

I was VERY happy to have beat the IronBoys (Rick and Jeff) back to Maramarc, by about 30 seconds. I guess you can't really call it "beating them" though-- they were running 14 miles...to my 10...but i'll take that anyday. You may know this already, but I always pack up my trainer, my bike, my blocks and put them away, and throw all my stuff in the car because I don't want anyone to have to wait for me since my runs take so much longer than other folks. But now I can see that with the Ironman group having longer runs in preparation for Ironman Cor d'Alene that I can just leave my stuff...and go for the actual "brick" effect of running directly after biking.

I was lucky to have my old Trimom partner, Sue, to run just over half of the workout with me. It was amazing she hadn't planned on running as far as Harrison St. but all of a sudden we were there. As I mentioned before, I have exercise-induced asthma and she is a respiratory therapist, so I can always bounce ideas off of her. We were talking about some deep stuff and I felt an attack coming on.

"If you ever go back to school and need a topic for a dissertation, I want you to study the correlation between emotion and asthma..." I said, pulling myself together.

"It's already been documented," she said..."there is a direct relationship between emotions and asthma." It's due apparently, to the chemical reaction of hormones caused by stress and fight or flight. Makes sense...and now that I know, I'll have more control over it I hope. Come to think of it...I realized the first time I had an attack in my adult life it was related to my emotions, oh and riding up some of those incredible hills off of Cherokee, trying to keep up with some girls who were outta my league.

Coach Mark's bike session was particularly brutal this Saturday. It's funny how that works out pretty conveniently....I've noticed that once you move onto the next leg you almost don't remember the pain you were just in. I think he started the ...stand in level 10...aero in level 7 and mini recovery aero in level 5 about halfway through the bike...and he never let up.

But by the time all was said and done, it was the run that made me think ouch...not the bike.

Daisyhead Maisy the Geologist

The Virginia College Savings Plan recently held a poster contest called, "Drawing Your Dreams." The grand prize was a complete scholarship for 4 years of in-state tuition -- worth about $36,000.

Daisy was a finalist, drawing a self portrait out in the field with a shovel and a pick. In a font, she created out of different colored pebbles, she wrote, "I Dig Rocks." I think it was a close contender for first place (but maybe that's just because I'm biased). There were over 1,200 entries for Kindergarten and over 11,000 entries overall. Her consolation prize was $250 in her Virginia Education Savings Trust account, pretty good for a 6-year-old.

I hope we see the art again...they said they can't give it back to us, but maybe they'll make note cards or a calendar with it.

Regardless, I'm proud of her for having a dream and for drawing it! The winners' art is pretty incredible....including the kindergarden entry who beat her....drawing in cursive.

Eagleman Homestay

I am happy to stay that I've been assigned my Homestay host for Eagleman. I think it is amazing that complete strangers, who have an appreciation for the sport, open up their homes to athletes. For this I am incredibly grateful. (As I am not prepared to pay the $1,800 a night, required to rent a suite at the local hotel).
And after I experience the Homestay, I will seriously consider hosting an athlete myself when they come for the 2007 Duathlon World Championships here in Richmond at West Creek. (Although I'm not sure how Mr. Preschool will feel about that, considering it's our anniversary).

I don't want to say too much to protect the privacy of my host...but I do want to say that I am very pleased with the location... just maybe 3 blocks from the race, very close to the swim exit/bike transition.

New TRIgirls Rock

I just want to say my neighbor, and new TRIgirl, O, is such a trooper. She came running with me this morning -- her first trip to the Vita Course. Good thing I'm slow, because she really shouldn't have been running half mile repeats on her first day out! I kept telling her Coach G is gonna' kill me if she finds out I let you do that!

O was a super star, and is in really good shape because she had no problem keeping up with me for most of the workout. And I was happier with my times, doing 4 repeats is so much better than 6. I guess I'm saving the 4 mile run for Thursday...I better get there early.

--

Eagle -- Man

Robert Vigorito just sent us this Eagleman email about the actual Eagles at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, where most of the 56 mile bike occurs. The LiveEagle cam offers a glimps of the birds and their new chicks that will arrive soon.

The Great Richmond Region Adventure

As many of you know, I work in the tourism industry and part of my job is to promote Richmond. Yesterday, I found about this really cool Richmond Region Adventure Race, May 5th, from 12-4. It costs $150 for a team to enter -- but if you win you get $2,500 plus $2,500 for you favorite Richmond area attraction...I've already decided mine is Maymont. Teams of 2 to 5 people must walk (or run, hmmm all this training could come in handy) the course answering clues and trivia. The race starts at Tredegar Ironworks and ends at the Brown's Island Cinco de Mayo festival.


I'm hoping to form a team...post a comment if you are interested.

1/2 mile. Repeat. 1/2 mile. Repeat. 1/2 mile. Repeat. 1/2 mile. Repeat. 1/2 mile. Repeat.

Well the half mile repeats yesterday were tough. For one, it was wayyyyyy colder than I expected. With springlike temperatures all week, I was expecting it to be warmer than the 20 degrees someone spotted on their thermometer.

I'm learning that half mile repeats (like everything else) is something that you get better at with time. I went out too fast on my first one (5:08 instead of 5:25)....and so by the time I got to number 6...I was fried....(6:08 instead of of 5:25).

I found myself thinking I prefered long easy runs...like last weeks 8 miles....something I never thought I would say. And, while I tried to stop my brain before I thought that....it was too late...and my wish has come true. Saturday we are scheduled for an easy 8-10 mile run.

At least my kids will have Gramma & PopPop around to entertain them, since it appears I will be gone all morning on Saturday...once again.

A Negative Split

Mr. Preschool made me a new mix tape to which I rocked out on this morning on the Vita course....for my 4 mile negative split. I had to cut it about 3/10ths of a mile short so Mr. Preschool could still ride his bike to work in this beautiful spring weather....but I was happy with my time 44:14.

Like Sprinkles on a Cupcake

My new favorite Daisyhead Maisy quote is ...
"We were all like sprinkles on a cupcake!" ...in reference to her wild preschool days where they could nap wherever they wanted including on top of, and under tables.

Just trying not to forget how cute she is....despite the fact that we are now up to 8 caveties...4 trips (at least) to the dentist....and well over $500 in the whole. If I could just make them go away with no pain...I'd pay twice that much.

An 8 Mile Run

Yesterday, after an pretty brutal biking session, I had my longest run ever. Overall it was great. TRIgirl Cheryl was a sweetie and wanted to run with me despite the fact that I'm slower than her. She has one of those cool Nike chips she puts in her shoe and tracks her run. The results are far better than I expected:
Distance 8.52 miles
time 1:44:34
Pace 12:15

For the sake of my conscience I should mention that I think her computer was a little generous to us. I think the run technically should have been 8 miles, meaning that our pace time could have been a bit slower, closer to a 13 minute pace.
The run started at Willow Lawn and we ran down Monument Avenue all the way to the Downtown YMCA and then back. The Y let us in to get a drink of water, and we tried to pee, but couldn't (figures)...so our time doesn not include the 10 minutes it took for us to find our way into the locked bathrooms (and up and down the stairs) and back out again.

Some of you may know this but when I came to Richmond in 1991 I lived right on Monument Avenue, well actually Franklin Street in Johnson Hall...the dorm. Each year, I would just a couple of blocks farther west. And until about 2 years ago, I lived right at Willow Lawn (901 Parrish St). So this run was a journey back in time for me. As I worked my way closer and closer to the dorm that I started my adult life in, I was reminded of stages in my life, not too long ago, but oh so long ago at the same time.

First, Lafayette Street, would take me to my favorite apartment -- 3923 Park Ave. The one where I ran/walked 3 miles every day often with Mr. Preschool. I didn't know this until recently when I ran into my across-the-street neighbor from that time ...but apparently we had quite a reputation...for kissing on the front lawn. It wasn't really like that...it was like 7 am and we'd just be getting back from the run. We'd sit on the little bank in our front yard and I would do my sit-ups while Mr. Preschool would hold my feet. Then we'd switch. But more often then not, I guess, we'd end up rolling around in the grass kissing. We were newlyweds...what can I say?

Then, Roseneath Ave at the Ashe Monument. We lived at 3409 Hanover...and I had one of my best gardens ever...built from scratch. And we had a really cool neighbor named Bruce.

When I crossed Davis, at the Jefferson Davis Monument I was reminded of 2 apartments. At 109 N. Davis, we rented the bottom floor. We loved the place... the only problem is we had to go into the freezing cold unfinished basement if we wanted a shower. This was the apartment where I lived when I found out my mom had leukemia. This is the apartment where I lived when I got married. And, this was the apartment where I quit smoking. We weren't allowed to smoke inside -- only outside. And it was seeing myself outside on the back porch in the pitch black sick and coughing trying to get a smoke that made me realize I had to quit. I crushed out the cigarette, went back inside and slept for 2 days. When I woke up...I was a non-smoker.

The second apartment was 2339 W. Grace Street. When I lived at this apartment my motorcycle was my only transportation one winter. I remeber going as fast as I cold to get to VCU in the morning...just so I could get it over with. And when it snowed or iced, I didn't go anywhere. This was also the apartment with a band downstairs that seemed to practice all the time. Hans and Ginger lived upstairs in another apartment with their pit bulls. Whenever we ran into them in the hallway we had to pretend like we didn't hear them having wild sex all the time. This is also the apartment where I met Mr. Preschool's parents for the first time. And where we lived when we found my favorite cat, Biko, who always smelled like fire.

Before I knew it we were passing my friend Leigh's apartment facing the Lee Monument where I had my first Thanksgiving without my family in 1992. At the next intersection, we crossed Lombardy/Stuart Circle and I was remineded of the apartment where I fell in love with my husband -- 1604 Grove #6. 1604 was also where I bought my motorcycle and where I spend some of the happiest and unhappiest times of my young adulthood. I was 19 when I moved there and met my future husband. And found that riding my motorcycle was one of the only things that could always distract me from myself.

Then, we passed Johnson Hall, the dorm and my husband's dorm facing Monroe Park. It's funny how it is so much the same and so different all at the same time. Bikes, kids, homeless. Same buildings...and yet new buildings stood where none where before, like Rhodes Hall II.

During this time of reflection, I had run 38.51 minutes straight without really noticing. For me, that is huge since typically I'll stop every 3-4 minutes. I'm not sure what happeded...I guess I was in the zone and between running with Cheryl and reflecting, I was able to continue without walking.

The Chrono recap from my watch is below, mostly for my records... but it is interesting to see how much longer I could run when I was with someone.

R means Run... W means Walk. ...you can see the times I ran with Cheryl and also, when I went it alone. Pretty funny how my running times got shorter and shorter towards the end! But you can also see the big impact having someone to run with had on me!

4.59 R with Cheryl
1.17 W
3.57 R
1.11 W
4.19 R
.57 W
11.28 R with Cheryl
1 W....ran to catch Cheryl
38.51 R Cheryl
1 W
17.54 R Cheryl
1.11 W
3.56 R Cheryl
1 W ....Cheryl went ahead by herself
2.36 R
.26 W
1.54 R
.40 W
1.17 R
.53 W
2.07 R
.33 W
3.26 Run down Staples Mill to Maramarc

My Little Secret

First of all, I want to say a huge thank you to all you folks out there who are reading my blog and posting comments. The support that you offer me is amazing. Actually, I think most of us underestimate the positive influence we have over other people's lives when we make the effort to support them. The influence is huge....and I know because I think about all the encouragement that you guys give me while I'm running.

On another note, while I'm dishing out the thanks, I owe a big shout out to Nytro. Her entry earlier this week on "toe-flicking" while running up hills nailed it for me. And for the first time ever I "toe-flicked" up that little hill on the Vita course without having to slow down (well at least the first 2 times around).

And lastly, (I should warn you, you might not want to read this part if you are grossed out by bodily functions)....I want to tell you a secret. I had to pee so bad this morning before our run, that despite there being 40 or so TRIgirls out for our first official TRIgirl workout of the season, and despite many of them having never met me before, I pulled down my tights right there in the middle of the street, by my back tire and peed. I'm not sure how it goes...did the cold make me need to pee so bad or did pulling down my pants when it's 20 friggin' degrees out make me colder and have to pee even worse. We'll never know. All I know is I didn't get caught...I pulled up my pants just before the headlights drove up. And for all of you who are deviants like me and who are wondering....

Yes, when I came back to my car after the run...It WAS frozen solid....like a Popsicle!

I hope nobody slipped on it...

P.S. Mr. Preschool said I should NOT tell this story...Did I exersise poor judgement?

Making Progress -- a PR on My 1 Mile Run

Good News. I made it to the 7 a.m. run on Saturday despite the temperature being somewhere around 17-22 degrees. Even better news is that I was rewarded for showing up by getting a PR (by 1 second) on my 1 mile time. I know it is a slow, slow, time but for me, it is great: 10:20.

For my December and January timed miles my times were 11:05 and 11:03, so it is a significant improvement. Several factors contributed to the faster time including not having run the night before (for I while I was doing these crazy 3-5 mile Friday night runs, just because that was the only time I could squeeze them in) and not eating breakfast....just grabbing a banana. Another contributing factor was that instead of running the entire mile, like I did for the 11:03 and 11:05 times, I walked several times. Although it is counter-intuitive, walking actually makes me faster. Also (thanks to the temporary JCC membership), I went running 4 times last week -- for a total of 14 miles in one week -- another record for me.

The bad news is that the cold air aggravated my asthma and started having symptoms on the second part of the mile. Three of us on Eagleman/IMFL team have asthma and luckily mine is the least severe. D used a surgical mask to help her warm the air so her lungs wouldn't be aggravated by the cold. And I think both of them remembered to use their inhaler before running. Unfortunately, I forgot.

I tried breathing through my neck gator to warm the air like D's surgical mask but it just made me feel like I was suffocating. Since I didn't have the spacer for my inhaler I decided to wimp out and change my 4 timed half miles to 2 timed half miles. I felt like such quitter for skipping them that I tried to squeeze in a third timed 1/2 mile on the way back to Maramarc...but it was a lost cause...It must have been about 1/4 miles because my time was something like 2:30.

Next Saturday we we bike 60 minutes on the trainer and then run 8 miles. OMG. I've never run that far before. I figure it'll take at least a couple hours. Hope the team is still at Starbucks when I finish.

Reasons to Stay Awake at Night

I've been having trouble sleeping. Too much going on, at home and in the world. My 10 day trial membership at the JCC has made working out in this cold easy. The childcare workers watch Redfish (and Daisy if needed)....I run, run, run on the treadmill and lift weights in the nice warm air. I waited until the last week in January to use the membership because my running workouts had been suffering. It's just too cold to drag Redfish out into the teen degree air just to get a run in.

At the same time, I knew I had to do something. I was falling so behind on the runs, I knew I was at a point of make it or break it.

Oh, but I'm getting sidetracked. ...What I wanted to say is that running on the treadmills at the JCC just makes me feel like the world is ending. No less than 6 T.V.s to watch all, all on different channels, foretelling different stories of doom on the closecaptioning.
I try not to watch it. I have my ipod stuffed in my ears. I try to concentrate on my form..my gait...my intervals. But Dr. Phil sucks me in with 4-year-old boys who weight 187 lbs and steal Twinkies from the locked cabinets. CNN sucks me in with "Anna Nicole Smith 1967-2007: Former Playboy Bunny found collapsed in Florida Hotel" ....with just a minor mention that she has a several month old baby somewhere and no one knows who the hell the father is. "Chemical Fire burns out of control in Kansas City, Missouri....residents evacuated.".... Yet another "US military helicopter is shot out of the sky in Iraq"..... And "Letter bomber strikes again in Britain."

Not to mention my personal life. Daisy has 6 -- count 'em 6 cavities. And I should mention we don't really eat candy...and she does brush her teeth....but the spacing on her teeth and genetics have contributed to a disaster area. Not to mention the fact that the pediatric dentist is trying to rob us blind in her McDentist teeth factory. ...Redfish is trying to get in to a highly competitive preschool that we can't afford....but our back-up school called to tell us they were closing. So many tasks at hand each day that I can' t get done. So much so that after tossing and turning all night...when I finally when I wake up at 5 or 5:30 in the morning...I have to come downstairs and try to work on them...to solve the problems because I can't go back to sleep.

But, actually, that's not the only kind of sleeping trouble I'm talking about. ... I'm also talking about when I leave at 6:45 p.m. to go cycling. The kids are in the P.J.s, their teeth are brushed, stories are read when I leave. When I come home at 8:20, I walk in the door and Mr. Preschool tells me not to do the dishes because Redfish JUST fell asleep.
"What?"
"What did you guys do for the last hour and a half? I had them ready for bed when I left!"
"We'll," says Mr. Preschool, "I just went up there for the 4th time of him calling me with different excuses why he couldn't sleep. You know he had to pee, then he needed water....You know what he said the last time I went in there?"
"No, what did he say?"
"Dada, I have a soft BUTT!"
OK Redfish -- go to sleep already. You'll have plenty of time to worry about the problems of the world later.
As for me, I'm gonna run outside in the cold....and try to solve the problems of the world while I run....not while I'm on a leash on the treadmill feeling the weight of the world. No wonder I can barely walk when I get off that thing, it's like a bad dream...and getting off of a boat at the same time.

Tag -- I'm It

TRIgirl teammate TRIgirl 40, and Ironmom are playing a little Tri Blogger Tag and tagged me with 6 questions about me and triathlons. Hmm..how interesting can I make this?
And in the meantime....I'm going to tag some of my favorite bloggers. Let's just see how small this Triblogging universe is.

Bolder
Flatman
Iron Wil
Tri Greyhound
Nytro
and Roman

If you've been tagged, answer these six questions, then tag six more folks.

1. Describe a memory from your first triathlon ever
2. Describe a memory from your most recent triathlon
3. What's the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you in a tri?
4. What's the most thrilling thing that's happened to you in a tri?
5. What is something you discovered about yourself by doing triathlons?
6. What is The Big Goal that you're working towards?

1. Describe a memory from your first triathlon ever

My first triathlon ever was the 3Sports Triathlon in July of 2002. I wasn't even sure I could finish. I remember being shocked that they were going to write in magic marker on my B-O-D-Y. A badge I tried to flaunt in the tank tops and shorts I wore that day and the next, because I was proud that I did finish.

2. Describe a memory from your most recent triathlon

I'll never forget the amazing feeling I had riding my bike to Sandman on the boardwalk in the dark. I'd never biked to a race before. Somehow it felt more empowering to leave my giant transition bag (otherwise known as my car) at home. It was so freeing to know that I had all I needed to do this race riding on my back. What started out as riding at dark, quickly turned into a twilight-like sunrise. There is nothing like a sunrise at the beach on the East Coast. I loved the contrast of the quietness of a city still asleep and the waves rushing against the shore. The calm before the storm.

3. What's the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you in a tri?
We'll how about in training....do you really need to know this? I went to the ACAC Richmond Tri Club Monthly Coached swim and If you've ever been to these training sessions, then you know they are tough. We usually swim 3000 to 3500 meters. ...But sometimes it is not the distance but the intensity that kicks your butt. I had to leave a few minutes early in order to make it to work by 9 a.m. I think I swam even faster than normal because I was late. Anyway, my arms were so tired...you know the feeling JELLO. And we were at the deep end of the pool where it is like 12 feet deep. I tried to hop out of the pool and my arms we so tired and jello-ey...(is that a word?) that they collapsed and I fell back into the pool. Coach P was watching, trying not to laugh at just how bad he'd kicked my ass.

4. What's the most thrilling thing that's happened to you in a tri?

I was racing the inaugural IronGirl event at the site of the internationally know Columbia Triathlon. I was particularly concerned about the hills and making sure I was trained for them. I was doing fairly well and coming down a giant hill, only to go back up the final monster hill when I switched gears from big chain ring to little chain ring and my chain fell off. I was actually totally freaked out. So much so that I didn't refuse when 2 little girls -- who were maybe 8 years old -- offered put my chain back on for me. Actually, they standing there waiting for it to happen...and they were helping many folks, waiting as a sort of pre-pubescent pit crew. It took them about 2 minutes, but I was so moved by them and in complete awe. Those 2 girls , Emma and Greer, really did bring new meaning to the word IRONGIRL for me.

5. What is something you discovered about yourself by doing triathlons?

I've discovered that triathlons make me a better person in every way.

6. What is The Big Goal that you're working towards?

Eagleman 2007 is the immediate goal. We'll see after that.

Richmond Tri Club

We'll I did't get elected to the Tri Club Board of Directors. Lots of incumbants who were running for their same seats again made it a tough competition. I am glad I ran even though I didn't win. My teamates were hugely supportive...sending in more absentee ballots than RTC had ever seen and wishing me luck. Plus I got to meet some great new people. It just wasn't in the stars.

Free at Last

OK...disclaimer....if you are a guy (or women) who doesn't want to read about breast feeding...stop reading now!
I'm going on 6 days now of not nursing Redfish. I know, I know, he's going on 2-and-a-half, he was getting kinda old for it. But he's my baby, and since we won't be having any more kids...I guess it was me who was holding on. I was a closet nurser, down to once a day, but just couldn't seem to give that last one up. The good news is that Redfish is now sleeping through the night consistently, something that usually happens when you take the "nuk" away.
The other good news is that I'm looking forward to my first season of training in 3 years where I'm not either pregnant or nursing. Hopefully, this will mean less of me, up top to bounce around. But not for a couple weeks. The bad news is that first, I've got to get through the "hurting" stage...with some major lactic "acid" build up. Where does that stuff go anyway?
Since we are "pescatarian" (we eat fish and veggies, but no meat) having a big tuna steak from Outback is about as close as I get to a treat meal. But for the past 3 years, i've had to avoid fish as much as possible, due to the mercury. And everytime I had half a beer, I felt so, so guilty. I'm really looking forward to having a grilled tuna steak at Outback and an entire beer for a celebration dinner. Hmmmm...maybe we need to hire a sitter an celebrate that my baby is growing up.

Not With These Hands

TRIgirl has partnered with Safe Harbor this season to help women who have been affected by domestic violence. We will raise money for them, cook meals, and help out where we can. Safe Harbor is a shelter in suburban Richmond that has 8 beds for women and children who need to get out of violent domestic situations immediately. We are really excited to help in this cause because domestic violence affect one in four women in the country. In addition, it is a cause that is close to home for me since my father was both physically and verbally abusive to me, my mom and my sister. I know as a child, there aren't many things that are more disturbing than trying to understand why a parent would be violent and hateful towards you, a child or to your mother. And it is even more important is that these families will have a safe place to live while they are in danger.

In addition, TRIgirls is creating a non-violence team pledge as part of Not With These Hands pledge of non-violence.
Tomorrow, Tuedsay, at 4:30 p.m., Mar. 31st NWTH.org is having a "Drum & Heart" kick off celebration at the Sacred Heart Center on Southside. One of my favorite Richmond bloggers (and friend), John Sarvay also covers it on his site, Buttermilk & Molasses. The TRIgirls are still brainstorming about how we will do our group pledge, but I can assure you it will be awesome and it will be pink. Also, we'll be puting up posters around town and trying to help NWTH.org get the word out. So, if you have been affected by violence or you have been affected by the Harveys, take some time out to express yourself and make a pledge of non-violence. And, if you haven't, than know you are blessed....and make the pledge anyway.

San Clemente Triathletes -- Right here in Richmond

I took Redfish to his gym class today. He is totally in love with Rompy, the gym dog, from Romp & Roll. And Grandma Sudi is paying for 5 weeks of gym classes as his Christmas present, since it was an extravagance we couldn't afford.

Anyway, I see this chick across the kiddy circle area with a little girl Redfish's age. The mom looks sort of polished. Sort of preppy, but like maybe she's turned more casual since she stays home with her kid. She does have makeup on...but hmmmm. Anyway, I look down at the text on her shirt because it is a really cool retro T -- red with 3/4 sleeves and double white bands with stripes where the arms join the shirt.

The shirt says, "San Clemente Traithlon."

I'm thinking, well, she does look just a little polished, but you know...having just been to the Tri Club banquet and seeing how well we clean up. Yes, I bet she's a triathlete. Unlike myself, she is thin. Very thin. She looks healthy. ...Triathlons started in the West....California a hotbed of triathlon.

"Wow," I think to myself. USAT is right...triathlons are really, really spreading...really becoming mainstream. Last night, at the first official TRIgirls meeting of the season I saw plenty of women joining TRIgirls...women who I might not have guessed would want to be triathletes. Women of all races, all sizes, from girly girls to more Tomboy types and everything in between. "Why not?" I thought.

I was proudly wearing my TRIgirl logo fleece vest. So, after class, I asked her...."So did you do that triathlon...in San Clemente?"

"What?" she said looking confused.

"I said, did you do the San Clemente Triathlon? That's a really cool shirt!"

"Oh," she says "Nooooooo! This is just an Old Navy shirt I bought...Are you serious?"

"Well," I said, "I'm on an all women's triathlon team and I just thought that maybe you were a triathlete. Have you ever wanted to do one? We are starting our season February 15th, are you interested?"

Man, you should have seen the look on her face!

"No, I HATE running," she says. "I HATE it....And I can't swim!"

No convincing her there.

I mean, can you imagine? Why would you wear a shirt like that? Talk about not wearing Ironman M-dot logo before you do an Ironman. Old Navy is getting a whole crop of ignorant people to wear super-cool race tees. I should have known...no race tee i've ever gotten has ever been that cool. (Now maybe that is something to shoot for -- a girly race tee.)

So, I Googled "San Clemente Triathlon" and find out that there is actually at San Clemente race, called the San Clemente Challenge but it is just a cycling event. And actually, the shirt is WAY cooler than her shirt. It is a technical bike jersey and it's free-- here's the photo. Next time I'm out in California, I'll be doing this race.

Hunter Kemper

So, i just got back from the Hunter Kemper clinic. Hmmm.... what did i learn.....

I learned -- absolutely-- do not teach good sportsmanship to a 6-year-old by giving all the kids at a running clinic a Power Bar but one....Unfortunately for me, that one was Daisy.

I was thinking, lets inspire the girl. Not, let's quiz her on how great an athlete Hunter Kemper is and when she doesn't anwer fast enough or is too shy...let's see how she handles being the odd man out.

I was thinking, let's see if we can get her interested in triathlons like her mom. Sure, she's never done an triathlon, and yes I had to teach her what a transition was before we went to the transition/running clinic. It's not everyday that the number one ranked triathlete in the Universe comes to Richmond to give a clinic -- that she can go to for free.

I try to inspire her from day-to-day by setting an example. I want her to want to be fit and work out -- to see that it is an essential part a happy life. But there is only so much I can do, the rest has to come from her. ... And I was hoping maybe from a little added Olympic inspiration. When I was about 8, I was greatly inspired by hearing an Olympic swimmer speak to our team about swimming. I was hoping Hunter Kemper could do the same for Daisy. Most Olympians have something about them that is magic. True Olympic spirit, I guess is what it's called......experience and a perspective on life caused by a discipline for training and love for a sport that is almost Divine. Or an unyeilding spririt caused by years of trying and failing and still trying until they become one of the best in the world. A spirit that is contagious. I was hoping Hunter would have it. He didn't. Or if he did, his mistake obscured it for me and Daisy.

I'm not sure Daisy learned much from her lesson in being a good sport. I'm not sure if it was right, but her dad and I immediately said we would go buy her a Power Bar at the store.

Daisy missed being in the photo of all the kids in the clinic with Hunter. She was too busy crying her eyes out. After a minor recovery, she barely stood by as I asked Hunter to autograph a poster for her to console her. She wouldn't even look at him when he talked to her. I put her in the car with dad and Redfish and sent them home. I went back inside to attend the adult clinic. When I left her she was still crying....and I was embarrassed that something so small could upset her so much. But, we all know it wasn't about the Power Bar, it was about being singled out for not getting a reward -- the same as everyone else.

I tried to enjoy the adult running clinic, but really I couldn't.... I kept stewing about having to leave Daisy still crying. And about how this isn't the lesson I wanted her to learn from an Olympic star. My image of the Olympic hero had burst. All of a sudden Hunter was just a real person who makes mistakes like everyone else.

I thought surely Hunter doesn't know better, surely he doesn't have kids, or much experience with them. If he had kids of his own, he'd know you don't do that. If he'd given her something, anything, a water bottle, the shirt off his back, he still would be a hero to her. I found out at the Tri Club banquet later that night that Hunter is a dad. He's been one for 24 days. What a world of learning he has coming his way. I hope that his learning curve is not as hard as mine has been.

When I saw Mr. Preschool, after getting home from the adult's running clinic, I was still upset over what had happened. Since I didn't get to see Daisy's recovery, I guess I assumed she still hadn't gotten over it. Mr. Preschool informed me that I got it all wrong. Daisy had a great time at the clinic he assured me. WHAT? ...
"She didn't go to the clinic to see Hunter Kemper....she went because she wanted to be with you....she had a great time because you were there together. And she was learning about something that's important to you."
And sure enough, when I asked her about it, she said, yeah it stank that Hunter gave all the kids but her Power Bars, and Yeah it stank that he said he was going to ask her a question and then called on someone else and gave the last bar away......but that she had a good time anyway, because she did it with me.
Maybe she's not such a bad sport afterall.

....And, I did learn a few things from Hunter:

1. Come prepared
2. Run on the balls of your feet with a high cadence to be faster.
3. I don't enjoy running barefoot on a wet baseball field that has been freshly aerated...(try telling my toes those squishy brown logs of mud weren't poop)
4. Have the cajones to make your limiter your specialty. This is the most impressive thing I can take from Hunter. Running was his weakness, so he decided to run (and just run) all through college. By the time they added triathlon to the Olympics for the first time in 2000, his weakness had become his strength.
5. If you are speaking 3 times in one community, don't tell the same stories at each an every speech.
6. Don't quiz kids on what a great athlete you are....there must be some better way to inspire them.

USA Triathlon Rankings

I guess it is sort of silly...but everyone likes to know how they measure up right? USA Triathlon just came out with their unofficial 2006 rankings. They took the best times for your top 2 races and averaged them. I've read that the rankings are one of USAT's most popular benefits...so it really must be true...even those triathletes like me, who aren't really competative still are competative, at least with themselves.

So, if you are at USAT member, go have fun and play with the numbers. It is really nice to see how you improve from year to year and from race to race. And it is really nice to have all of your races right there ranked together.

Here are my results:
Rank is 1726 out of 2023 athletes who were ranked nationally

54.9435 Points
60.4379 Gender grading (ranged from a low of 37 to a high of 97)

The first 2 races were used for my ranking.
3 Sports Triathlon
1:27:40 time
54.2798 points
59.7078 gender
Sandman Triathlon
1:57:53.80 time
55.6072 points
61.1680 gender
Iron Girl Columbia Women's Triathlon
2:24:41 time
53.1683 points
58.4852 gender
Power Sprint Triathlon
1:29:10 time
52.8321 points
58.1153 gender

Patriot's Half and Lady Patriot -- Take II

Those TRIgirls don't let anything slide by them. They pointed out on the TRIgirl forum absurdity of this statement from the Patriot's Half Iron website:

"Also, be sure to tell all the ladies in your life about the Lady Patriot all women's event on Sunday (500 meter swim-10 mile bike-2 mile run)."

Like the the Half Iron is for the men, and the ladies -- the dates --get a dainty little race. Now, I've done an all women's race, IronGirl, and it was great. A women's race doesn't have to be like that. It can be an empowering place where women don't have to feel the intimidation of men. It can be a place where women bond and show support. It can be a great thing. But obviously the director of this race (or whoever wrote that text) is a man...and a chauvinist one at that.

Maybe I should introduce him to some of these strong, independent TRIgirl women. You know....a real woman.

So, I say do the half...just to show them....And while we are at it, let's make it more women then men on that Half Iron course!

Here is the crafty thing that TRIgirl Cyndi had to say:

"

Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 8:40 pm Post subject:
By Ladies I think they meant Lusty And Damn Ironwilled women Enjoying the Sport" Let's see how long they keep that language up.....

An Accidental Photo

This is a photo I took by accident, the other night. I was carrying the camera and accidentally pressed the shutter. I was about to delete it, when I realized that I couldn't. It was just too good. This is a photo of me and my sister with the only grandparents I ever knew. "Grandmother" was a very formal woman who loved to drink Scotch --only the best-- you know, the stuff that's been aged for 20 years, Glenfitich, I think. And for a long time, I thought the Scotch was a kind of perfume because I associated the smell with her. She was widowed unexpectedly shortly after this photo was taken -- in 1976. In fact, this is the only photo I have with me and my grandfather. And also one of the only memories I have of him.
My grandfather his holding his beloved dauchtsund, "Gretchen." He wanted to be buried with that dog-- and he was...only she lasted about 10 years longer than he did.

As I said, Jane was very formal. She insisted we only call her "Grandmother" -- never Gram or Grandma or Nana. She was very hard-headed and proud...traits I seem to have inherited. Only once did I try to tell her to not drink and drive and ...'um maybe could she wear her seat belt. And for years after that I learned not to say much of anything to her.

She was very into fairness. Each grandchild had to have the same. A cruise with just her at age 13. And the gift of a watch at 16 (that must cost exactly $100). All other gifts were in the form of cash. She was generous with her money, but gifts were never ones she selected. I guess being the last of 13 grandchildren that was just too much by the time I came along.

But, when Daisy was about 2, I realized that our relationship didn't have to be like that. And since I had my own kids now, I had another chance with her. Daisy and I made her cards all the time. We made art and mailed it to her. I told Daisy to start calling her Grandma Jane (whether she liked it or not, I don't know, but she let it slide if she didn't). I took tons of photos and mailed them to her. Any excuse I got and more, I called her. Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, her birthday. And, I let Daisy talk to her on the phone. I figured Grandma Jane didn't have anything better she needed to be doing. She was probably lonely and what ever mail or calls she got would be appreciated. And when I was pregnant a second time, I told her if I had a girl, I'd name it Jane after her. But, I didn't have a girl. When Redfish was born, I remember being so happy that she'd get to see him, even in just a photo. Seem like my kindness rubbed off on her. She softened up a bit. And When she died I certainly felt closer to her than I'd ever felt to her before.

Jane was a widow for almost 30 years. She had several serious boyfriends over the years, but she outlasted them all. My grandfather was John. He died of a heart attack. Harold died of lung cancer. Then my grandmother stopped smoking. She dated Don for years. They won dance competitions together. He lived downstairs from her....footsteps away in the same building...but they never moved in together. I don't remember how he died, but things were never the same after he crashed his huge blue Cadillac. I'd say Jane found true love at least 3 times, what a woman to have such luck. On March 1st it will be 2 years since she died.

I still have her voice on a message on my answering machine. The whole last year she was around she left these great messages and I couldn't bring myself to delete any of them. She even sang Happy Birthday to Daisy.

In the background of this photo is my mom's Girl Scout handbook from when she was about 8 years old. And some of my favorite pictures of our family from the day Redfish was born. You can see Daisy in the back dancing around the hospital room. In the photo above that she is touching him for the first time...with such a delicate hand. Like she fully comprehends the miracle of life that just occurred.

And off to the right is a Thai canister that our good friend Rit brought to us from Thailand. Our Thai friend, Soo, explained that being given such a vessel is such a huge honor. It is inlaid with gold and it porcelain, very breakable with 3 pieces -- a base, a bowl and a lid.

This is a still life of our life...something worth recording...not an accident.

Patriot's Half

I'm so excited that there is a new triathlon this year within an hour's drive of my house. The Patriot's Half and Lady's Patriot triathlons will include open water swims in the James River, right near Jamestown, the birthplace of this nation.
I guess the bigger question is, will I want to sign up for another half iron distance race. Let's hope the anwer is yes. But, I think it's worth the $25 price increast to wait until after my first attempt to see if I want to sign up for another one this year. And if I didn't have the Sandman a week later, surely I'd sign up for the Patriot's Lady if not the half.
I'm so happy there are more and more races to choose from. There is nothing like racing in the open water....and still sleeping in your own bed the night before the race.

A TRIgirl at Heart...Through and Through....

Coach G had this great idea for TRIgirls this season. Each of us who have been around for a little while, gets to have a "Little Sister"...who is new to the sport. It works out great on both sides....Big Sisters get to feel important and needed....Little Sisters get the extra attention that they need, plus a Big Sis they can ask any sort of question to that they might otherwise be intimidated to ask.

So, last night I got to meet my new Little Sister, Ann. I told her I could meet her after bike class, and she had the great idea to come and check it out -- you know, poke her head in while we were still riding and see what it was all about. Well, I thought this was a great idea...until she arrived 20 minutes before the class was over and I realized i had to set a good example for an entire 20 minutes....as I was being watched by my Little Sis. I thought I was going to be the one to inspire her first...but NOOOOO! There is no inspiration like that ... having to set a good example during the most intense part of the workout. Didn't make for much of an introduction, but a managed a slightly grimaced smile and a quick nod as we continued UP, UP, UP the hill.

And, what a workout it was. (Actually, I'm surprised it didn't scare her away). Coach M is great. He led us up the hill, and just when we thought we were at the top, he found that the road turned and went up, up, up some more...just like a real ride. In fact, it was vaguely reminiscent of Richmond Sprint Triathlon's Winterpock Hill that ascends for about 2 miles. Coach M took us to where we thought we were maxed out, and then took us just a wee bit farther. It was a small group of TRIgirls who rode last night, maybe 11 of us...but I was really impressed...we all hung tight with him, riding even in the most difficult gear for several intervals -- standing. No one let the hill get the best of them....not one of us gave up...although I'm sure it crossed several people's minds.

Ann and I went to Starbuck's after the workout to chat...seems like a good match, we have lots in common. And, if a workout like that didn't scare her, but encouraged her to join our cycling class early (which I think it did)...then she is definitely a TRIgirl at heart...through and through.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Rocks.
I read Daisyhead Maisy Martin's Big Words for her bedtime story. I'm such a softy. Everytime I read that book or listen to one of his speeches, I just get teary. The illustrations are SO beautiful. Daisy really liked the book and, of course has lots of questions. I think she is just the right age to start understanding the sacrifice he gave. And to start understanding the history of what happed with slavery in the country.
Grandison posted some great quotes up on the TRIgirls message board too remind us of his moving words.
"If you can't fly, then run. If you can't run, then walk. If you can't walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, keep moving." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"I have the audacity to believe that people everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, quality, and freedom for their spirits. I believe that what self-centered men have torn down, other-centered men can build up.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Also, John Sarvay's Buttermilk & Molasses had a great blog entry on how MLK was ahead of his time and his declaration against the Vietnam War would similarly apply about Iraq.

What MLK day also meant, was that we had the day off and I got to run in the morning and ride at night. I don't think I've done a workout like that, that wasn't a Saturday BRICK in a long time. Luckly Coach E didn't make us stand in the saddle forever. (hmmm...wonder if he's been reading my blog?) Because the standing was limited to about 4, 10 second intervals, I would rate it as a moderate workout....despite the fact that we rode in the big chain ring almost all night and rode in zones 7, 8, 9, and 10.

I was hurting this morning...but I think that was mostly due to the double workout of going hard for 3 plus miles in the morning and going hard at night too.

Another Workout, Another Night

Well.....a change in perspective...and a change in coaches and I did it. I made it through cycling class last night actually standing when we were told to stand and pedal on our bikes. Coach M said not to tell you but...shhhh I'm sure you'll keep it a secret. He went sort of easy on us.
Hmmm. Maybe he saw how much I was struggling through Ed's class? Basically, we did a ride simulation with lots of rolling hills, one big hill and one very, very big hill. So, because we weren't "grinding it out" the whole time, we were able to save some for the hills.
Still, we did get a good work out. And I KNOW I got my heart rate up there, because I felt it, but it was a much more resonable workout. More of a transition from what we had been doing to what we will be doing. I'd say we still stood about 8 times. And I'd say that some of them were for 30 second intervals....but not all of them. Also, my form wasn't great, I know that -- too much weight on my arms and the handlebars. And my rpms dropped way down when I stood....BUT still, I did it! Seems like Coach M knew exactly what I needed, just a little reinforcement to say you CAN do this. And a little backing off to make it more attainable -- for now, that is.
Still, I came home with wet hair, but not the wettest. (Mr. Preschool says he can always judge my mood and my workout by how wet my hair is).

When You Can't

It's been really hard this week at training. For the first time, at a TRIgirls workout, I feel like I've been challenged with something I can't do.
For me this is a huge struggle because I feel like as a team leader I'm supposed to set an example. So, when Coach E. has us up out of our seats on the bike/trainer pedaling standing up for what I think are 30 second intervals, times 6-8 times and I'm done after 3 times, I'm faced with something new. Being in over my head.
I had a feeling I'd get here, just didn't think it would be only one month into the training. I know, I know, it takes practice and with practice I'll improve. I'm commited to that. But for the here and now, we have to deal with my feelings. ...Of trying, but not succeeding.

And for me, it is difficult to be told to do something....to want to do it...and have my body just say "No WAY!"
When it first happened on Saturday morning, I thought, "OK, body, you were having the worst migraine of your life about 12 hours ago...I'll let it slide....you're still dehydrated." But, it happened again on Monday, and I'm sure it will happen again tonight. I can do the speed intervals, 90 rpms, the 100 rpms, even getting up to 110 rpms. I can grind it out at level 8, level 9 and even level 10. But, ask me to stand in the saddle and I'm just not able to maintain that position for more than say 15 seconds. And not for more than a few times in a row. I know it has alot to do with the excess weight I carry. And getting to this point where I have to make some choices is something I've been expecting. Even anticipating. One of the reasons I signed up for Eagleman is because I knew I could never make it through the training without making a some changes for the better....dropping a few pounds...working out harder and longer....building inner strength.

Thanks to Mr. Preschool for setting things straight. He reminded me this morning over breakfast that my "performance" was not the reason I was chosen to be a TRIgirl team leader. (In fact, now that I think about it, it's sort of vain (not to mention absurd) to think that was the reason I was chosen). The reason I was chosen as a team leader was because of my personality, my leadership, my soul. And so for me, all it takes is remembering..... I was not chosen as a team leader because I perform well but because of how I perform when I am faced with adversity. Now, if I can just remember that tonight, when Coach E says, "OK, Up outta' your seats guys!"

Richmond Triathlon Club

A fellow TRIgirl nominated me to the Richmond Triathlon Club board of directors. Hmmmmm. This could be fun.
Here is my "platform"....looks like I'm up against some stiff competition...13 candidates for 7 spots.

Triathlons changed my life. But, I'm guessing most triathletes can say the same thing. There is something about swimming, biking and running that changes you. Maybe it's the discipline it takes to train for a race months in advance, in good weather and in bad. Maybe it is the camaraderie you find with others in your sport. Or maybe it is the inspiration you gain from watching someone who is more challenged than you find the strength to do what they thought they couldn't.
If I'm elected to the board of directors, it will be my goal to uphold the Richmond Triathlon Club's mission of helping more people becoming triathletes. And as more athletes come to the sport, I will try to find ways for Richmond to host more races of the highest caliber.
I've been racing since 2002 and a Richmond Tri Club member since 2004. I have been a TRIgirls (and its predecessor Triathlonmoms) Teamleader since 2002. As a Trigirl Teamleader, I mentor new triathletes, raise funds for TRIgirl's "adopted" non-profits, organize TRIgirl social events, and lead cycling rides. Currently, I am training with TRIgirls for Eagleman 1/2 Ironman in June. Also, I have a triathlon blog http://triathlonmom.blogspot .com

Story Corps on NPR

A friend sent this invitation to tell America's story to me . What a great idea! I hope I can make it. I'm thinking maybe DaisyHead Maisy would like to tell her story.....

What does your community sound like? StoryCorps, a national oral history
project, dedicated to preserving America's story in sound, is coming to
the Richmond area, and we want YOU to be involved. Help us to spread the
word!

88.9 WCVE/89.1 WCNV is bringing a StoryCorps mobile recording booth to
Richmond. This event will create an opportunity for Virginians to
contribute their voices to the largest oral history project in the history
of the United States.

We're inviting you to an informational meeting because we want your voice
to be included in this historical record. Please come to one of our
meetings to learn how to include your voice and the voices of your
community in this record. A StoryCorps representative will be speaking and
answering your questions on Tuesday, January 9 at 7 pm and Wednesday,
January 10 at 11 am at our studios at 23 Sesame Street in Richmond.

We need your help spreading the word to the people of central Virginia and
the Northern Neck. We want to hear everyone's story, from the barber down
the street to your great-grandfather's best friend. Please feel free to
forward this invitation to others you feel would benefit from this
meeting. This is your chance to make history.

Please confirm your attendance and the meeting time you prefer by emailing
us at story@ideastations.org.

For directions to our station, please go to
www.ideastations.org/popup/drive1.html
For more information on StoryCorps, please go to www.ideastations.org/story

Happy New Year!

Take a Leap and Shine!

Wipe Out

OK. We all have bad days and today was one of mine.
The day started out great. Daisyhead Maisy turns 6 today, so even before breakfast I got to watch her open three fairy-related presents. (Thank God Fairies are the new Barbie.)
Then, off to cycling class.
Saturday workouts on our trainers are always harder than the Monday/Wednesday night ones, and you know if we are taking an extra day off (New Year's Eve) then things will be even harder. I'm not sure if it is that or if maybe we've just reached a new level. You know, when you look back at those workouts from the first week of December and we only rode in the big chain ring for short intervals. Now, we ride in the big chain ring for all but the first 5 and last 5 minutes of the workout.
Anyway, on the run, I was feeling particularly emotional. Not sure why. But if I was feeling it, anger, or sorry for myself, or it was just a song that reminded me of this time last year... it didn't matter. Seemed like whenever I took a deep breath I was ready to cry. Then I noticed that actually the emotions were triggering my asthma. That's a new one for me. So I stopped running and walked until my breathing calmed down. I thought I was going to have a full blown asthma attack for only the third time in my 33 years.
I still don't know why I was feeling like that but I guess everyone has their days. And although I did notice an increase in the intesity of the workout, I certainly didn't feel like I was being pushed to my limits. I got to running again, and noted the sigh of relief point (when I have only 1/2 a mile left of my 4 mile run.) I was distracted in my thoughts though I don't know what I was thinking about.
The next thing I know, I'm falling to the ground at warp speed, with not even enough time to put my hands out to catch myself. The sidewalk had worked itself up in a kink on one side and caught my shoe. My knees hit the ground first, and then the palms of my hands. The pain was hard, I felt like I'd high fived a cement wall that was speeding toward me. SMACK! The blood started dripping down my knees and my hands. And I'm ashamed to say crying again. After looking to make sure noone witnessed my fall, I turned onto a sidestreet to finish my run. And for the first time in a while, I felt like I'd hit the wall and gone through it. I wasn't tired at all of running, but I was exhausted. I felt like I could run forever, like I didn't want to stop. But then, I was back at my car.
I was supposed to stop and buy a present for Daisyhead Maisy's birthday and balloons for the party. I couldn't forget the balloons.... but I just went straight home to my family and took a shower instead. And once I got the dried blood off and the water ran clear, I felt much better.

Dada Paints the Sky

Redfish is growing in leaps and bounds. His ear infection, which he's now had for 2 weeks hasn't stopped him at all. (He got a new antibiotic today). He's started trying to entertain us almost all the time with jokes and tricks (takes after me). His logic is kid logic, the best kind. It doesn't really make sense to adults, but make perfect sense to him....and sortof make sense to adults if you just pretend your a kid.
Like each and every time we see a beautiful sunset he asks, "did Dada paint the sky?" And, it is true, the skies we see look like Dada's paintings. "Did Dada paint the tree he asks?"
And when we wake up in the morning and the sun is up and it is no longer dark, he says, "It's WORKING!" Amazed everyday that the sun comes up.

Why Do Kids Have to Watch T.V. at School?

Ok. This is just a rant. And not triathlon-related at that. Unless you count a sedentary lifestyle with too much T.V. as triathlon-related.

Why does my daughter watch T.V. at school? . How is that helping her? If she's learning from it, I don't like what she's learning. Dare I call her teacher lazy? Not just on rainy days. or special occasions -- that would be fine. I can't determine if it is EVERYDAY, but almost everyday, she watches TV at school. They finished Disney's Jungle Book by watching it several days in a row. Then it was a sort of demented version of Frosty the Snowman ("the bad guy was much meaner than in our version" says Daisyhead Maisy). Followed by another 30 minute movie afterwards.. that she can't even remember the name of (i'm not sure if that is a good thing or if that means her mind has turned to mush already!

This is kindergarten for Christ's sake. At home, where we are the only "family" we know in Richmond who does not get cable or "magic T.V." as we call it. We have banished the T.V. from our living area because we were watching too much (which wasn't much compared to other families). Now, unfortunately that means the T.V. is in our bedroom -- a place we swore we would never put it.

And why did I have to keep Daisyhead Maisy home from school today? Was she sick? No. I had to keep her home because the entire kindergarten, all 90-something 5- and 6-year olds were going to see "Happy Feet" in IMAX at the Science Museum. This is a show that the Chicago Tribune reviewer says, "I wouldn't take a child under 7 or 8 to see "Happy Feet."

The reviewer, Micheal Phillips, says "By the time Mumble nearly loses his mind in zoological confinement, director Miller seems determined to send youngest viewers into therapy and swearing off zoos altogether. (My (his) nearly-6-year-old son's review of this plot development: "Movie, please be over.")

A movie that is rated PG. Now what kind of parental guidance can they give 90-some kindergartners in the dark, when there are like 4 teachers and a handful of parents? Who will explain "the "Jaws"-like attack of the leopard seal" scene to them? And how is it that I have to pay $16.50 for my child to go even though she isn't going? Not to mention the fact that after the 1 hour and 48 minute movie is over they will watch an approximately 30 minute planetarium show and there will not be ANY time at all to see anything educational at the Science Museum.

Am I the only parent at this school who doesn't endorse taking there child to a "often frighteningly intense story."

The Test

I've been thinking about it alot. Self sabotage.
Sometimes when you are scared of something or scared of failing, you actually can make it worse for yourself. I'd been trying to keep my mind off of the upcoming 1 mile fitness test that would gauge our fitness and help our coaches come up with an intensity plan for our workouts. It turns out by trying to keep my mind off of it and trying not to stress myself I subconsiously was still worrying and found a few ways to make things harder on myself.
For example, maybe I shouldn't have run 4 miles at the Vita course and then walked a fifth when when 15 hours later i'd be trying to get my PR for my mile. And then, eventhough I knew the running test was that morning, I still ate breakfast, which I don't normally like to do before running workouts.
Anyway, my 1 mile PR was 11.05, quite a bit off of the 10.21 from earlier this year. It still sucks to be last (always). But at least I've got nowhere to go but up.
Nancy Toby posted this really great running calculator on her blog. I put in 37.50 as my PR for a 5K (at the end of a sprint triathlon) and it gave me a cute little chart that I'm still trying to figure out.

Redfish Funny

Please stop reading now if you are offended by potty humor. This is NOT triathlon related!!!

Redfish did something this morning that just made me crack up...and I certainly want to record it forever so anytime I need a laugh I can refer back here....or use it to embarrass him at his wedding. Just Kidding!
Anyway, to set the stage I should probably tell you the background. And bare with because this will be a long one., but if you hang in, it will be worth the read.

Redfish is starting to be aware of his body. He's realized he can control when he pees. So much so, that for several weeks he was holding it in, because he didn't want to go in the diaper and he didn't want to go in the potty either. He held it so long in fact that when he could finally hold it no longer and tried to go he couldn't. He was in so much pain and we were so concerned that we took him to the best urologist in town. The night before the urologist visit, he had a "spell" where he was in so much pain I paged the pediatrician on call and almost took him to the ER. We didn't know what was wrong with him at that point. He didn't have a urinary tract infection. He didn't have a yeast infection. We were starting to wonder if something was really, really wrong internally.
The urologist did an ultrasound with a full bladder. He said things looked good. Then, I waited in the waiting room for 3 hours until Redfish could hold his pee no longer. He peed so much, his diaper couldn't hold it all. So after cleaning up the waiting room, we did an ultrasound with an empty bladder. Everything looked great the doctor said. He said sometimes precocious little boys do this when they realize they have control and that the problem arises when they try to pee and their bladder is so full they get an erection and then they can't pee no matter how hard they try.
Needless to say, we've been encouraging of Redfish's peeing. And when he finally started to go in the potty, we cheered, we jumped up and down, we had family cheers, basically everything short of doing a cartwheel. Right now his three "rewards" for going in the potty are: mama and dad jumping up and down, getting to flush the toilet, and getting a Wiggles sticker.
That's the background. Now for the story.

We were sitting at the breakfast table this morning and Redfish said, "Mama, Redfish farted."
"OK, honey, say excuse me," I say.

"Please jump around Mama!" says Redfish.

Daisyhead Maisy slaps her hand to her forehead and rolls her eyes.

I try my best, but I can't help but laugh.

"Redfish funny!" he says.

Off Season Triathlonmom is Cranky

Well, it's about one week to the season's start of base training for Eagleman. I'm not sure whether I'm dissapointed that I'm down to running just once a week, or if I'm proud of myself that I'm still running once a week, despite having no team structure.
Regardless, I think it is fine that I took a break. My toe is almost healed. My Christmas shopping is basically done. And my family is going to be totally happy to have their old mom back. I think they are getting tired of the cranky, impatient, fidgety, short-tempered mom that replaced the more well-rounded one that is TriGirl Mom.

Which reminds me. Mr. Preschool says that when I come home from my swim workout, I am always peaceful, docile, patient, and calm. Traits not usually exhibited by me. I guess having an hour or 90 minutes stuck in your head or staring at a black line on the bottom of the pool can be a good thing! A sort of forced meditation. Otherwise I'm not able to force myself to sit down and do it. OK, I am multitasking meditation.....shhh don't tell anyone. I don't think that is allowed.

Richmond Marathon 2006

The Richmond Marathon today was long and hot. And I wasn't even running it. I was out supporting my teamates, riding the course on my bike, cheering them on. Mostly it was riding the brakes the whole way, my voice hoarse from shouting encouragement to random strangers.
I picked up the race at Granite and Cary Street road, passing the police cars and several very slow marathoners who had to walk/walk run with a cop car nipping at there heels. I really related to them....Felt like that would surely be me at least at some point of the race if I was running it. Running makes you loopy. Had fun chatting with the "Big Chafe" Team. Mostly rode the breaks for 12 painfully congested miles.
Caught up with Sharon and Mary, Anna and Kate T., then Lynn, Kate O. and lastly the speedy Carmen. I never did catch Grandison. I spent way too much time riding my breaks.

I was extraordiarily careful of the runners. But, it was so congested I wouldn't suggest riding the marathon course as a cheerleader to anyone else. In fact, I saw several clueless bikers who were impeding runners and being careless.

I did had a blast cheering folks on while passing them...something i don't often get to do.

And, I am in awe of all of all the runners out there. Especially the first timers.

Race Schedule for 2007

I've been thinking alot about the 2007 season, since the start of training is just a few short weeks away. I'm looking to fill my schedule with some open water....some challenging (for me) distances, and shopping for a new wetsuit, of course. I'm sort of over pool swims, but having a bit of trouble filling the schedule for the middle of my summer. Maybe something will pop up. I guess this would be much easier if I didn't mind spending the night in a hotel. Maybe Richmond needs a new race....in the James River....in the middle of the summer....hmmmmm.

March 31st, 2007 Monument Avenue 10K

Saturday, April (3rd week?) Kinetic Quarter, Date to be determined, Lake Anna, VA

June 10, 2007 EaglemanTriathlon, Cambridge, Md

September 16, 2007 (tentative date) Sandman Triathlon, Virginia Beach, VA

Getting Back in the Saddle

I was just reading J.'s (10-31-06) blog last night and feeling sorry for myself because he was able to transform a really crappy, painful slow run to a joyful, fast, happy run. For me it is almost always just a painful, slow run. And 12 days off after injuring my toe didn't make me feel any more hopeful. I did finally get back out there on Tuesday. It was such a beautiful fall day, but a shorts and t-shirt kinda day...and I had planned on running in the early morning, but I conveniently forgot to set the alarm. (Starting once you stop, even with a reason, starting is SO hard).
I convinced Redfish that he wanted to go for a ride in the stroller (no small feat) , when he changed his mind and decided we needed to go to the park instead.
Compromise: run to the park (2 miles) run back (2 miles). I like this. My toe didn't even hurt while I was running, only when I stopped.
He was happy (mostly) I was happy (mostly). But I did have to give up my ipod to him for the run home. I've decided this can be a new ritual.
Too bad I was still feeling it this morning when I tried to go out for run number two (3 miles). It was light out, thanks to a recent daylight saving grace. But it was also cold, incredibly windy, and raining.
I was ever so greatful that when I started to run, I looked up and snowing upon me were thousands of the most beautiful fall leaves you can imagine. I couldn't figure where they all could have come from, because when I looked up, I saw the dawning of the morning sky, not trees at all. It was one of the most joyful feelings to run in a snow of never ending leaves raining down from the sky.
The running part sucked though. My toe started hurting this morning as soon as I put on my shoe. Later my ankle sort of cramped up. Since the regular season is over, the only chiquitas who showed up were marathoners or half-marathoners. Need I say it sucks to get passed on a one mile track when you are only running 3 miles. And then they switched directions and passed me again! They were as gracious about it as they could be.
And I continued to amuse myself with natures follies. Running faster when the headwinds came on strong. And loving it when the rain blew directly into my wide open, panting mouth. And standing in amazement as I ran into one of Mr. Preschool's paintings of birds attached to the wind.

Oh My Toe

We'll if nothing more, at least I can say I have good timing.
Friday, I thought I broke my toe. Turns out I didn't but I'm still not sure if I believe them, since the pain is worse than the last and only time I broke another bone in my body. My pinky toe is black and blue in a circular fashion with a bright red line up the top/side area.
I won't be running this week. I'm having trouble walking even without a limp. Shoes make it worse.
Don't even ask me how I did it! I was opening the front door. My foot stayed in one place and my pinky kept going with the door.
At least I got the timing right. I should have plenty of time to heal before we start training for Eagleman at the begining of December.

The Off Season

I'm officially here. The off season. Last swim was Sunday. The last bike on Saturday was cancelled, due to thunder for the first time ever. So, It's just me and my running for a while. I figure since running is my big weakness, I can't backslide even for a moment. And our indoor bike training for Eagleman doesn't start until December 1st.
Speaking of running, that has been going really well. I've actually been getting up 15 minutes earlier so I could add a mile to my run. I've been running 2-3 times a week, and taking fewer and fewer breaks. Much of the progress is due to newfound old workout partner who took last season off, but now is back full throttle. We alway rode together in the past, but I could never run with her because I took too many walk breaks. Now, with a little patience on her part, I'm actually RUNNING with her. Great.
I joke that she is my new personal trainer, which of course she isn't but her influence over my running has been strong enough to earn the nickname. Actually ran a mile with no walk break at all, except for the 3 seconds it took for her to give me that, "what are you doing stopping?" look and for me to start running again. I guess I'm an optimist because I was hoping that I'd be alble to beat my PR of 10.21 with that loop...but guess again. I'm a faster runner when I walk part of the way. I guess I just need to focus on one thing at a time -- first running without stopping, then speed.

Running at this time of year is beautiful, even if it is at 5:45 a.m. It was cold. And pitch black except for some moonlight. Running in the moonlight kinda' sorta' rocks. I can't wait to do it again. The only problem is in the shaddows of the trees, you can't see jack. I came within millimeters of actually running into someone coming the opposite way. Good thing I run slow, it gave us both just enough time to dodge and giggle at the absurdity of it all. But with the marathon coming up in just a few weeks, it just make sense. You've got to get your training in somehow. I didn't realize until moving the workout time up by 15 minutes that actually there is a whole set of runners that finishes at 6 a.m., which is how I used to be able to get such a great parking space at 6 and now, I park much farther away.

Team RaceAthlete

Thank goodness it is the off season. I actually had time to complete my Team RaceAthlete application. What a great opportunity they are providing. I can't wait to see how it goes. What a great idea!

OK here it is....let me know what you think.

It all started about 4 years ago. My daughter was 2, and I was having trouble adjusting to motherhood and the sacrifices it takes – I was making too many and not doing anything for myself. A friend was starting all-women, all-mom triathlon team. Hmmmm…. sounded interesting. But, technically I was "severely obese." This would not be easy. I had been walking 3 miles daily, even running some of it, in an effort to get the weight off, but it wasn't working. It wasn’t just baby fat. I’d been obese since I was 5, and over the prior 25 years I’d tried everything to gain control over my weight, with mixed results. After 3 weeks of pondering whether I could really complete a sprint triathlon, I was in. It was difficult being the fattest person at each workout, but at least I was surrounded by moms and they were supportive.

After I finished my first race, I knew I was hooked. I took a year off to have another child and here I am, 2 years later with another 2 year old, about to take on the biggest challenge of my life -- training for Eagleman Ironman 70.3.

As we all know, life is about balance and priorities. And sometimes you just have to find a way to make something happen if it is your dream. I guess that is why they always say, signing up is the hardest part. Now, I've made the commitment.

And when you have a dream, excuses seem to melt away -- none being able to stand hard and fast as a dream-stopper. Not money. Not time. And definitely not the remaining 65 pounds of extra weight I still carry around.

Can you justify spending $3,500 a year on triathlons? It would be easy to spend that much. But when $3,500 is your year's salary of working -- Saturdays and Sundays before or after workouts and you've got a family to help support, it just isn't possible.

So, what do you do? You share a bike with your husband (and socks, and shorts, and arm warmers...need I go on?) You barter your services as a team leader on a women's triathlon team, so you can afford to have a pool to swim in and a team to train with. And, you pick and choose your races. Sometimes, just volunteering and watching your teammates and the triathlon virgins cross the finish line is enough to fuel your race need.

And when the kids scream, "Mama, don't go! Don't leave!" when you accidentally wake them up on your way out the door to a 6 a.m. workout, you walk out that door anyway, because you remember this isn't just for you. This is for them too. You are setting an example.

You know, teachers always talk about how important it is to inspire a love of reading and a love of books in your children, but they never talk about the importance of inspiring a love of exercise or participating in a sport you love, which can be equally important. You know it is worth all the sacrifice when they want to go running with you. Or they want to participate in a kid’s marathon. Or, it might just be the way your 2 year-old stomps around the house, getting louder and louder screaming “swim, bike, run… swim, bike run! SWIM, BIKE RUN!" that makes it all worth while.

Or, you might realize it when you have just finished one of your best races and your 5-year-old asks, "Mama, did you win?" And you kinda' sorta' have to answer, "Yes!"

The Payoff of Wearing Workout Clothes All Day

So, you know I've been working out HARD all summer. Probably peaking with the intensity of my workouts back in early August with the 46 mile bike. I have been running since last February. And while I have lost some weight, it hasn't been in the past 2-3 weeks. I'm in my off season. I'm taking a minibreak before I start my winter training for EagleMan in Decmeber. I am comparatively slacking. ...running 2-3 times a week, 3-4 miles each time. Biking and swimming maybe once a week.
But, yesterday, I didn't have time for a shower after my morning run. I stayed in my lycra bike style running shorts and my Ryka IronGirl performance tee all day. It was embarrasing how many people came up to me to tell me how great I looked, how much smaller I looked. In my stinky, old running clothes! They all wanted to know what race I was training for, how hard I'd been working out.
I'll have to try that one more often. It's like people think you only work out if they can see you in your grungies! My badge of courage, I'll have to remember that one next time I want some attention and encouragement.