Thursday, August 27, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
I *am* ready!
My new pal and two-time Iron(wo)man Eileen, shared this with me (below); give it a read & see where it takes you.
**
To the IM-Virgins, the veterans, and everyone in-between...
Right now you've all entered the taper. Perhaps you've been at this a few months, perhaps you've been at this a few years. For some of you this is your first IM, for others, a long-overdue welcome back to a race that few can match.
You've been following your schedule to the letter. You've been piling on the mileage, piling up the laundry, and getting a set of tan lines that will take until Nove mber to erase. Long rides were followed by long runs, which both were preceded by long swims, all of which were followed by recovery naps that were longer than you slept for any given night during college.
You ran in the snow.
You rode in the rain.
You ran in the heat.
You ran in the cold.
You went out when others stayed home.
You rode the trainer when others pulled the covers over their heads.
You have survived the Darwinian progression that is an Ironman summer, and now the hardest days are behind you. Like a climber in the Tour de France coming over the summit of the penultimate climb on an alpine stage, you've already covered so much ground...there's just one more climb to go. You shift up, you take a drink, you zip up the jersey; the descent lays before you...and it will be a fast one.
Time that used to be filled with never-ending work will now be filling with silent muscles, taking their final, we ll-earned rest. While this taper is something your body desperately needs, Your mind, cast off to the background for so very long, will start to speak to you.
It won't be pretty.
It will bring up thoughts of doubt, pain, hunger, thirst, failure, and loss. It will give you reasons why you aren't ready. It will try and make one last stand to stop you, because your brain doesn't know what the body already does. Your body knows the truth:
You are ready.
Your brain won't believe it. It will use the taper to convince you that this is foolish - that there is too much that can go wrong.
You are ready.
Finishing an Ironman is never an accident. It's the result of dedication, focus, hard work, and belief that all the long runs in January, long rides in April, and long swims every damn weekend will be worth it. It comes from getting on the bike, day in, day out. It comes from long, solo runs. From that first long run where you wondered, "How will I ever be ready?" to the last long run=2 0where you smiled to yourself with one mile to go...knowing that you'd found the answer.
It is worth it. Now that you're at the taper, you know it will be worth it. The workload becomes less. The body winds up and prepares, and you just need to quiet your worried mind. Not easy, but you can do it.
You are ready.
You will walk into the lagoon on August 30th with 2000 other wide-open sets of eyes. You will look upon the sea of humanity, and know that you belong. You'll feel the chill of the water crawl into your wetsuit, and shiver like everyone else, but smile because the day you have waited for so VERY long is finally here.
The bagpipers will walk across the beach. Steve King will ask you to sing along. You will.
O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
You will tear up in your goggles. Everyone does.
The helicopters will roar overhead.
Maranatha will roar. The splashing will surround you.
You'll stop thinking about Ironman, because you're now racing one.
The swim will be long - it's long for everyone, but you'll make it. You'll watch as the Penticton Lakeside Hotel grows and grows, and soon you'll hear the end. You'll come up the beach and head for the wetsuit strippers. Three people will get that sucker off before you know what's happening, then you'll head for the bike.
=2 0
In the shadows on Main Street you'll spin out of town - the voices, the cowbells, and the curb-to-curb chalk giving you a hero's sendoff. You won't wipe the smile off your face for miles as you whisk along the lakeside, past fully stocked, silent aid stations for the run to come.
You'll spin up McLean Creak Road. You'll roll down towards Osoyoos, past the vineyards glowing in the morning sun. You'll settle down to your race. The crowds will spread out on the road. You'll soon be on your bike, eating your food on your schedule, controlling your Ironman.
Richter Pass will come. Everyone talks about it, but it's really nothing. You'll know this halfway up, as you're breathing easy and climbing smoothly. Look to your right. Look how high you're climbing. Look at all the bikes below, still making their way there. You're ahead of them. All of them.
You'll climb over Richter, and descend to the valley below. You'll ride the rollers, one at a time. You'll start to feel that morning sun turn to afternoon sun. It's warmer now. Maybe it's hot. Maybe you're not feeling so good now. You'll keep riding. You'll keep drinking. You'll keep moving. After all, this i s just a long training day with valet parking and catering, right?
You'll put the rollers behind you. You'll head into the Cawston out and back. You'll put on your game face, fighting the urge to feel down as you ride the wrong way for what seems like hours. 10 miles in, you reach special needs, fuel up, and head out.
By now it'll be hot. You'll be tired. Doubts will fight for your focus. Everyone struggles here. You've been on that bike for a few hours, and stopping would be nice, but you won't - not here. Not today. You'll ride on leaving Cawston behind you and head for the final showdown at Yellow Lake.
You'll grind the false flats to the climb. You'll know you're almost there. You'll fight for every inch of road. You'll make the turn towards the summit as the valley walls close in for the kill, and put your head down. The crowd will come back to you here - the cars are always waiting to cross the summit, and you'll soon be surrounded in the glorious noise that is the final climb of Ironman Canada. Let their energy push you. Let them see your eyes. Smile when they cheer for you - your body will get just that little bit lighter.
Grind.
Fight.
Suffer.
Persevere.
Summit.
Just like that, you'll be descending. 12 miles to go, and no climbing left. You'll plunge down the road, swooping from corner to corner, chaining together the turns, tucking on the straights, letting your legs recover for the run to come - soon! You'll roll back into town - you'll see people running out. You'll think to yourself, "Wasn't I just here?" The noise will grow. The chalk dust will hang in the air - you're back in Penticton, with only 26.2 miles to go. You'll relax a little bit, knowing that even if you get a flat tire or something breaks here, you can run the damn bike into T2.
You'll roll into transition. 100 volunteers will fight for your bike. You'll give it up and not look back. You'll have your bag handed to you, and into the tent you'll go. You'll change. You'll load up your pockets, and open the door to the last long run of your Ironman summer - the one that counts.
You'll take that first step of a t housand...and you'll smile. You'll know that the bike won't let you down now - the race is down to your own two feet. The same crowd that cheered for you in the shadows of the morning will cheer for you in the brilliant sunshine of a Penticton summer Sunday. High-five people on the way out. Smile. Enjoy it. This is what you've worked for all year long.
That first mile will feel great. So will the second.
By mile 3, you probably won't feel so good.
That's okay. You knew it couldn't all be that easy. You'll settle down just like you did on the bike, and get down to your pace. You'll see the leaders coming back the other way. Some will look great - some won't. You might feel great, you might not. No matter how you feel, don't panic - this is the part of the day where whatever you're feeling, you can be sure it won't last.
You'll keep moving. You'll keep drinking. You'll keep eating. Maybe you'll be right on plan - maybe you won't. If you're ahead of schedule, don't worry - believe. If you're behind, don't panic - roll with it. Everyone comes up with a brilliant race plan for Ironman, and then everyone has to deal with the reality that planning for something like Ironman is like trying to land a man on the moon. By remote control. Blindfolded.
How you react to the changes in your plan will dictate your day. Don't waste energy worrying about things - just do what you have to when you have to, and keep moving. Keep eating. Keep drinking. Just don't sit down - don't EVER sit down.
You'll make it to halfway at OK Falls. You'll load up on special needs. Some of what you packed will look good, some won't. Eat what looks good, toss the rest. Keep moving. Start looking for people you know. Cheer for people you don't. You're headed in - they're not. They want to be where you are, just like you wanted to be when you saw all those fast people headed into town. Share some energy - you'll get it right back.
Run if you can.
Walk if you have to.
Just keep moving.
The miles will drag on. The brilliant Penticton sunshine will yawn, and head for the mountains behind the bike course...behind that last downhill you flew down all those hours ago. You 'll be coming up to those aid stations you passed when you started the bike...fully alive with people, music, and chicken soup. TAKE THE SOUP. Keep moving.
You'll soon only have a few miles to go. You'll start to believe that you're going to make it. You'll start to imagine how good it's going to feel when you get there. Let those feelings drive you on. When your legs just don't want to move anymore, think about what it's going to be like when someone catches you...puts a medal over your head...
...all you have to do is get there.
You'll start to hear town. People you can't see in the twilight will cheer for you. They'll call out your name. Smile and thank them. They were there when you left on the bike, and when you came back, when you left on the run, and now when you've come back.
You'll enter town. You'll start to realize that the day is almost over. You'll be exhausted, wiped out, barely able to run a 10-minute mile (if you're lucky), but you'll ask yourself, "Where did the whole day go?" You'll be standing on the edge of two feelings - the desire to finally stop, and the desire to take these last moments and make the m last as long as possible.
You'll hit mile 25. You'll turn onto Lakeside Drive. Your Ironman Canada will have 1.2 miles - just 2KM left in it.
You'll run. You'll find your legs. You'll fly. You won't know how, but you will run. You'll make the turn in front of the Sicamous in the dark, and head for home. The lights will grow brighter, brighter, and brighter. Soon you'll be able to hear the music again. This time, it'll be for keeps.
You'll listen for Steve King, or Mike Reilly, or Whit Raymond. Soon they'll see you. Soon, everyone will see you. You'll run towards the lights, between the fences, and into the nightsun made just for you.
They'll say your name.
You'll keep running.
Nothing will hurt.
The moment will be yours - for one moment, the entire world will be looking at you and only you.
You'll break the tape. The flash will go off.
You'll stop. You'll finally stop. Your legs will wobble their last, and suddenly...be capable of nothing more.
Someone will catch you.
You'll lean into them.
It will suddenly hit you.
You will be an Ironman.
You are ready.
* I am ready. *
**
To the IM-Virgins, the veterans, and everyone in-between...
Right now you've all entered the taper. Perhaps you've been at this a few months, perhaps you've been at this a few years. For some of you this is your first IM, for others, a long-overdue welcome back to a race that few can match.
You've been following your schedule to the letter. You've been piling on the mileage, piling up the laundry, and getting a set of tan lines that will take until Nove mber to erase. Long rides were followed by long runs, which both were preceded by long swims, all of which were followed by recovery naps that were longer than you slept for any given night during college.
You ran in the snow.
You rode in the rain.
You ran in the heat.
You ran in the cold.
You went out when others stayed home.
You rode the trainer when others pulled the covers over their heads.
You have survived the Darwinian progression that is an Ironman summer, and now the hardest days are behind you. Like a climber in the Tour de France coming over the summit of the penultimate climb on an alpine stage, you've already covered so much ground...there's just one more climb to go. You shift up, you take a drink, you zip up the jersey; the descent lays before you...and it will be a fast one.
Time that used to be filled with never-ending work will now be filling with silent muscles, taking their final, we ll-earned rest. While this taper is something your body desperately needs, Your mind, cast off to the background for so very long, will start to speak to you.
It won't be pretty.
It will bring up thoughts of doubt, pain, hunger, thirst, failure, and loss. It will give you reasons why you aren't ready. It will try and make one last stand to stop you, because your brain doesn't know what the body already does. Your body knows the truth:
You are ready.
Your brain won't believe it. It will use the taper to convince you that this is foolish - that there is too much that can go wrong.
You are ready.
Finishing an Ironman is never an accident. It's the result of dedication, focus, hard work, and belief that all the long runs in January, long rides in April, and long swims every damn weekend will be worth it. It comes from getting on the bike, day in, day out. It comes from long, solo runs. From that first long run where you wondered, "How will I ever be ready?" to the last long run=2 0where you smiled to yourself with one mile to go...knowing that you'd found the answer.
It is worth it. Now that you're at the taper, you know it will be worth it. The workload becomes less. The body winds up and prepares, and you just need to quiet your worried mind. Not easy, but you can do it.
You are ready.
You will walk into the lagoon on August 30th with 2000 other wide-open sets of eyes. You will look upon the sea of humanity, and know that you belong. You'll feel the chill of the water crawl into your wetsuit, and shiver like everyone else, but smile because the day you have waited for so VERY long is finally here.
The bagpipers will walk across the beach. Steve King will ask you to sing along. You will.
O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
You will tear up in your goggles. Everyone does.
The helicopters will roar overhead.
Maranatha will roar. The splashing will surround you.
You'll stop thinking about Ironman, because you're now racing one.
The swim will be long - it's long for everyone, but you'll make it. You'll watch as the Penticton Lakeside Hotel grows and grows, and soon you'll hear the end. You'll come up the beach and head for the wetsuit strippers. Three people will get that sucker off before you know what's happening, then you'll head for the bike.
=2 0
In the shadows on Main Street you'll spin out of town - the voices, the cowbells, and the curb-to-curb chalk giving you a hero's sendoff. You won't wipe the smile off your face for miles as you whisk along the lakeside, past fully stocked, silent aid stations for the run to come.
You'll spin up McLean Creak Road. You'll roll down towards Osoyoos, past the vineyards glowing in the morning sun. You'll settle down to your race. The crowds will spread out on the road. You'll soon be on your bike, eating your food on your schedule, controlling your Ironman.
Richter Pass will come. Everyone talks about it, but it's really nothing. You'll know this halfway up, as you're breathing easy and climbing smoothly. Look to your right. Look how high you're climbing. Look at all the bikes below, still making their way there. You're ahead of them. All of them.
You'll climb over Richter, and descend to the valley below. You'll ride the rollers, one at a time. You'll start to feel that morning sun turn to afternoon sun. It's warmer now. Maybe it's hot. Maybe you're not feeling so good now. You'll keep riding. You'll keep drinking. You'll keep moving. After all, this i s just a long training day with valet parking and catering, right?
You'll put the rollers behind you. You'll head into the Cawston out and back. You'll put on your game face, fighting the urge to feel down as you ride the wrong way for what seems like hours. 10 miles in, you reach special needs, fuel up, and head out.
By now it'll be hot. You'll be tired. Doubts will fight for your focus. Everyone struggles here. You've been on that bike for a few hours, and stopping would be nice, but you won't - not here. Not today. You'll ride on leaving Cawston behind you and head for the final showdown at Yellow Lake.
You'll grind the false flats to the climb. You'll know you're almost there. You'll fight for every inch of road. You'll make the turn towards the summit as the valley walls close in for the kill, and put your head down. The crowd will come back to you here - the cars are always waiting to cross the summit, and you'll soon be surrounded in the glorious noise that is the final climb of Ironman Canada. Let their energy push you. Let them see your eyes. Smile when they cheer for you - your body will get just that little bit lighter.
Grind.
Fight.
Suffer.
Persevere.
Summit.
Just like that, you'll be descending. 12 miles to go, and no climbing left. You'll plunge down the road, swooping from corner to corner, chaining together the turns, tucking on the straights, letting your legs recover for the run to come - soon! You'll roll back into town - you'll see people running out. You'll think to yourself, "Wasn't I just here?" The noise will grow. The chalk dust will hang in the air - you're back in Penticton, with only 26.2 miles to go. You'll relax a little bit, knowing that even if you get a flat tire or something breaks here, you can run the damn bike into T2.
You'll roll into transition. 100 volunteers will fight for your bike. You'll give it up and not look back. You'll have your bag handed to you, and into the tent you'll go. You'll change. You'll load up your pockets, and open the door to the last long run of your Ironman summer - the one that counts.
You'll take that first step of a t housand...and you'll smile. You'll know that the bike won't let you down now - the race is down to your own two feet. The same crowd that cheered for you in the shadows of the morning will cheer for you in the brilliant sunshine of a Penticton summer Sunday. High-five people on the way out. Smile. Enjoy it. This is what you've worked for all year long.
That first mile will feel great. So will the second.
By mile 3, you probably won't feel so good.
That's okay. You knew it couldn't all be that easy. You'll settle down just like you did on the bike, and get down to your pace. You'll see the leaders coming back the other way. Some will look great - some won't. You might feel great, you might not. No matter how you feel, don't panic - this is the part of the day where whatever you're feeling, you can be sure it won't last.
You'll keep moving. You'll keep drinking. You'll keep eating. Maybe you'll be right on plan - maybe you won't. If you're ahead of schedule, don't worry - believe. If you're behind, don't panic - roll with it. Everyone comes up with a brilliant race plan for Ironman, and then everyone has to deal with the reality that planning for something like Ironman is like trying to land a man on the moon. By remote control. Blindfolded.
How you react to the changes in your plan will dictate your day. Don't waste energy worrying about things - just do what you have to when you have to, and keep moving. Keep eating. Keep drinking. Just don't sit down - don't EVER sit down.
You'll make it to halfway at OK Falls. You'll load up on special needs. Some of what you packed will look good, some won't. Eat what looks good, toss the rest. Keep moving. Start looking for people you know. Cheer for people you don't. You're headed in - they're not. They want to be where you are, just like you wanted to be when you saw all those fast people headed into town. Share some energy - you'll get it right back.
Run if you can.
Walk if you have to.
Just keep moving.
The miles will drag on. The brilliant Penticton sunshine will yawn, and head for the mountains behind the bike course...behind that last downhill you flew down all those hours ago. You 'll be coming up to those aid stations you passed when you started the bike...fully alive with people, music, and chicken soup. TAKE THE SOUP. Keep moving.
You'll soon only have a few miles to go. You'll start to believe that you're going to make it. You'll start to imagine how good it's going to feel when you get there. Let those feelings drive you on. When your legs just don't want to move anymore, think about what it's going to be like when someone catches you...puts a medal over your head...
...all you have to do is get there.
You'll start to hear town. People you can't see in the twilight will cheer for you. They'll call out your name. Smile and thank them. They were there when you left on the bike, and when you came back, when you left on the run, and now when you've come back.
You'll enter town. You'll start to realize that the day is almost over. You'll be exhausted, wiped out, barely able to run a 10-minute mile (if you're lucky), but you'll ask yourself, "Where did the whole day go?" You'll be standing on the edge of two feelings - the desire to finally stop, and the desire to take these last moments and make the m last as long as possible.
You'll hit mile 25. You'll turn onto Lakeside Drive. Your Ironman Canada will have 1.2 miles - just 2KM left in it.
You'll run. You'll find your legs. You'll fly. You won't know how, but you will run. You'll make the turn in front of the Sicamous in the dark, and head for home. The lights will grow brighter, brighter, and brighter. Soon you'll be able to hear the music again. This time, it'll be for keeps.
You'll listen for Steve King, or Mike Reilly, or Whit Raymond. Soon they'll see you. Soon, everyone will see you. You'll run towards the lights, between the fences, and into the nightsun made just for you.
They'll say your name.
You'll keep running.
Nothing will hurt.
The moment will be yours - for one moment, the entire world will be looking at you and only you.
You'll break the tape. The flash will go off.
You'll stop. You'll finally stop. Your legs will wobble their last, and suddenly...be capable of nothing more.
Someone will catch you.
You'll lean into them.
It will suddenly hit you.
You will be an Ironman.
You are ready.
* I am ready. *
Monday, August 17, 2009
Anything is possible
The Distance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dw6LR__wr4Y&NR=1
What it takes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8RrtppCAeM&feature=related
The life of a triathlete 24/7
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8RrtppCAeM&feature=related
Battle without honor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0iblRHmRZ8&NR=1
Don't say you can't
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLdi0hMkinM&NR=1
Anything is possible
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh1yMnrby3w&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dw6LR__wr4Y&NR=1
What it takes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8RrtppCAeM&feature=related
The life of a triathlete 24/7
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8RrtppCAeM&feature=related
Battle without honor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0iblRHmRZ8&NR=1
Don't say you can't
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLdi0hMkinM&NR=1
Anything is possible
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh1yMnrby3w&NR=1
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
On race day, you can watch it all unfold...
...right here:
http://www.nasports.com/results/index.php
Subaru Ironman Canada 2009 Schedule of Events
Thursday, August 27
•9:00 am – 5:00 pm – Subaru Ironman Canada Village open
•10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Registration at Okanagan Park
Friday, August 28
•11:00 am – Press Conference at IMTV tent in Subaru Ironman Canada Village in Okanagan Park
•6:00 pm – Welcome Dinner followed by a Mandatory Meeting for all competing athletes
Saturday, August 29
•9:00 am – 11:30 am – Bike Check-in & Gear Check-in (go to the Bike Lot/Transition Area)
Sunday, August 30
•5:00 am – 6:00 am – Athlete Check-In (North end of Main St.)
•7:00 am – RACE STARTS
•9:20 am – SWIM COURSE CLOSES
•5:30 pm – TIMEX BIKE COURSE CLOSES
•Midnight –RUN COURSE CLOSES
Monday, August 31
•9:00 am – 11:00 am – Subaru Ironman Canada Registration for 2010 (Okanagan Park)
http://www.nasports.com/results/index.php
Subaru Ironman Canada 2009 Schedule of Events
Thursday, August 27
•9:00 am – 5:00 pm – Subaru Ironman Canada Village open
•10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Registration at Okanagan Park
Friday, August 28
•11:00 am – Press Conference at IMTV tent in Subaru Ironman Canada Village in Okanagan Park
•6:00 pm – Welcome Dinner followed by a Mandatory Meeting for all competing athletes
Saturday, August 29
•9:00 am – 11:30 am – Bike Check-in & Gear Check-in (go to the Bike Lot/Transition Area)
Sunday, August 30
•5:00 am – 6:00 am – Athlete Check-In (North end of Main St.)
•7:00 am – RACE STARTS
•9:20 am – SWIM COURSE CLOSES
•5:30 pm – TIMEX BIKE COURSE CLOSES
•Midnight –RUN COURSE CLOSES
Monday, August 31
•9:00 am – 11:00 am – Subaru Ironman Canada Registration for 2010 (Okanagan Park)
Sunday, August 9, 2009
IMCan: T-21 days...and counting!
Twenty one - That’s the number of days until Ironman Canada, or IMCan as it‘s come to be known in my head.
I’ve just finished my last, long weekend of training which culminated in a 20 mile run on the Burke Gilman Trail with my phenomenal training partner Cindy Lou. We spent the better part of the weekend together swimming 2.4 on Friday at RaiseTheBar and riding 80 miles of Tour de Peaks on Saturday.
And I’m pleased to report: I!am!ready!
Hard to believe just over three weeks ago I was saying my prayers to complete the Chelanman Half iron. With that event in the rearview mirror I felt strong, then uncertain, and now surer than ever that I cannot fail on race day.
I’ve learned so much in these last few months and even more in recent weeks. The lessons run the gamut from the science of nutrition, to fixing a flat, and gaining some insights into my own psyche. I’ve enjoyed learning about myself, and it’s true what they say about one’s body: it will do whatever your brain tells it to. Never was this truer than last weekend’s ride in Penticton: 112 miles, two mountain passes and 107 degrees couldn’t keep me from the finish line.
But man, did it seem insurmountable then! As was the case a little over a month ago with the advent of first-ever Half Ironman, Chelanman. A mere 300 miles east of Seattle, I took most of Friday to get there. I racked my bike upon arrival and nerves were already setting in. I hardly slept but found my way to the shotgun (yep, gun) start and swam, biked and ran my way through all 70.3 miles thanks in part to the zip line underwater, tons of synthetics foods consumed on my bike, a near miss with one volunteer I encountered inadvertently (which resulted in a skinned knee and wounded ego, but otherwise unscathed). Four hours later I found myself jogging along Lake Chelan and felt strong if a bit wilted due to the 100+ degree temperature. Making it more bearable was Coach Lesley checking in and offering guidance from her bike, and ice to put in that mesh hat I made so much fun of…she’s always right, darn it! By the time I hit mile seven, 10 seemed doable (one more Green Lake, one more Green Lake), and at 11 the finish line was (literally) in sight. CL rallied the troops and up a mole hill, around the corner and – victory! – final five at 8 hours and change. I celebrated my victory by wading into the Lake waist-deep, and at “home” for my first of many ice baths. I was so giddy I couldn’t sleep, so up again at 5am I wandered back t the start/finish line to witness the kids’ triathlong to remind myself how far I’d come – and to be humbled for what I had ahead.
Fast forward: “All me, all day.” My new mantra, courtesy of Trainer Scott.
With exactly three weeks ‘til IMC, I feel more ready than ever before; thanks in large part to the best cheerleading section a girl could want, stellar coaching and tremendous training in advance. By this time twenty one days from now I expect to be finishing the bike leg and gearing up for the marathon. When I started this effort, the blog, the main event was a mere 36 wks away; In the same amount of time I’ve been training I could have spent my time giving birth, traveling Europe or earning a second degree. But neither would afford me the same reward or Return on Investment I have on this day. In other words, my confidence is through the roof.
And it wasn’t that long ago that I kicked and splashed and still couldn’t make cut off for the swim, or that I all my gear into a backpack, including toilet paper because I was so worried about being prepared, about my Plan B. I can so clearly remember my first ride in February, when I was unsure about 35 miles, and now 4 centuries later an 8 hour ride and seems silly. Another lesson learned: it’s all relative. That, and it’s all in your head.
Other lessons learned this year: It all comes down to that last 20 percent. It’s about this moment…this moment…this moment…and finding a way to be brave/fierce/strong/aggressive when it counts.
It counted in Pentictin when my bike would not behave (Colin fixed that by buying me a new one. Thank you, Colin!) I was so overheated I had chills, indicating my body’s vain attempt at staying cool in 107 degrees. “I’ve come this far…” I told myself up. And remembered, “Pain is temporary. Quiting is forever.” (Lance Armstrong)
So, knowing then what I know now, would I do it again?
In a heart beat…
“We are very near greatness; one step and we are safe. Can we not take the leap?” – Emerson
Pain is weakness leaving the body – United States Marine Corp
A humble request: pls share three songs that inspire you, I plan to create a playlist for my ride up on August 26 and I’ll *need* SOME way to pass the 7 hours alone. (Thanks, Elyse: Eye of the Tiger IS a really cool song!)
Maybe you’ve seen this before, but per the legend the root of my (ahem) affliction can be traced to this article. As it was told to me, this writer was in HI covering a golf outing and heard about the 2nd Ironman that would overlap his visit. Convinced the editors to let him cover it and when this came out, Ironman started to grow and grow.
http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1094935/index.htm
P.S. I can’t wait to see my mom at the finish line...
I’ve just finished my last, long weekend of training which culminated in a 20 mile run on the Burke Gilman Trail with my phenomenal training partner Cindy Lou. We spent the better part of the weekend together swimming 2.4 on Friday at RaiseTheBar and riding 80 miles of Tour de Peaks on Saturday.
And I’m pleased to report: I!am!ready!
Hard to believe just over three weeks ago I was saying my prayers to complete the Chelanman Half iron. With that event in the rearview mirror I felt strong, then uncertain, and now surer than ever that I cannot fail on race day.
I’ve learned so much in these last few months and even more in recent weeks. The lessons run the gamut from the science of nutrition, to fixing a flat, and gaining some insights into my own psyche. I’ve enjoyed learning about myself, and it’s true what they say about one’s body: it will do whatever your brain tells it to. Never was this truer than last weekend’s ride in Penticton: 112 miles, two mountain passes and 107 degrees couldn’t keep me from the finish line.
But man, did it seem insurmountable then! As was the case a little over a month ago with the advent of first-ever Half Ironman, Chelanman. A mere 300 miles east of Seattle, I took most of Friday to get there. I racked my bike upon arrival and nerves were already setting in. I hardly slept but found my way to the shotgun (yep, gun) start and swam, biked and ran my way through all 70.3 miles thanks in part to the zip line underwater, tons of synthetics foods consumed on my bike, a near miss with one volunteer I encountered inadvertently (which resulted in a skinned knee and wounded ego, but otherwise unscathed). Four hours later I found myself jogging along Lake Chelan and felt strong if a bit wilted due to the 100+ degree temperature. Making it more bearable was Coach Lesley checking in and offering guidance from her bike, and ice to put in that mesh hat I made so much fun of…she’s always right, darn it! By the time I hit mile seven, 10 seemed doable (one more Green Lake, one more Green Lake), and at 11 the finish line was (literally) in sight. CL rallied the troops and up a mole hill, around the corner and – victory! – final five at 8 hours and change. I celebrated my victory by wading into the Lake waist-deep, and at “home” for my first of many ice baths. I was so giddy I couldn’t sleep, so up again at 5am I wandered back t the start/finish line to witness the kids’ triathlong to remind myself how far I’d come – and to be humbled for what I had ahead.
Fast forward: “All me, all day.” My new mantra, courtesy of Trainer Scott.
With exactly three weeks ‘til IMC, I feel more ready than ever before; thanks in large part to the best cheerleading section a girl could want, stellar coaching and tremendous training in advance. By this time twenty one days from now I expect to be finishing the bike leg and gearing up for the marathon. When I started this effort, the blog, the main event was a mere 36 wks away; In the same amount of time I’ve been training I could have spent my time giving birth, traveling Europe or earning a second degree. But neither would afford me the same reward or Return on Investment I have on this day. In other words, my confidence is through the roof.
And it wasn’t that long ago that I kicked and splashed and still couldn’t make cut off for the swim, or that I all my gear into a backpack, including toilet paper because I was so worried about being prepared, about my Plan B. I can so clearly remember my first ride in February, when I was unsure about 35 miles, and now 4 centuries later an 8 hour ride and seems silly. Another lesson learned: it’s all relative. That, and it’s all in your head.
Other lessons learned this year: It all comes down to that last 20 percent. It’s about this moment…this moment…this moment…and finding a way to be brave/fierce/strong/aggressive when it counts.
It counted in Pentictin when my bike would not behave (Colin fixed that by buying me a new one. Thank you, Colin!) I was so overheated I had chills, indicating my body’s vain attempt at staying cool in 107 degrees. “I’ve come this far…” I told myself up. And remembered, “Pain is temporary. Quiting is forever.” (Lance Armstrong)
So, knowing then what I know now, would I do it again?
In a heart beat…
“We are very near greatness; one step and we are safe. Can we not take the leap?” – Emerson
Pain is weakness leaving the body – United States Marine Corp
A humble request: pls share three songs that inspire you, I plan to create a playlist for my ride up on August 26 and I’ll *need* SOME way to pass the 7 hours alone. (Thanks, Elyse: Eye of the Tiger IS a really cool song!)
Maybe you’ve seen this before, but per the legend the root of my (ahem) affliction can be traced to this article. As it was told to me, this writer was in HI covering a golf outing and heard about the 2nd Ironman that would overlap his visit. Convinced the editors to let him cover it and when this came out, Ironman started to grow and grow.
http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1094935/index.htm
P.S. I can’t wait to see my mom at the finish line...
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
It takes a village ...to train for Ironman
Team Banana was in full effect on 7/11, and the support of my own personal Pit Crew came at *precisely* the right time! Here’s why…
Last Saturday’s challenge was two-fold: not only did I have my third century ride in as many months ahead of me, but equally-important the wedding of a decade-long friendship here in Seattle.
QUESTION: Could I do both?
ANSWER: With the help of Team Banana, of course!
My ride to Centrailia was organized courtesy of the Seattle To Portland. I was up with the alarm at 3:55 and wheels down by 4:30 a.m. The sun was just coming up and Mt. Rainier was in the distance…majestic! Each wave had a ten minute delay in between which was smart, but this – combined was a nasty crash that I nearly avoided and the University Bridge going up unexpectedly to let a barge(?) through – got us all off to a slower than hoped for start. Regardless I managed to get to Kent (mile 41) on time, and rolled past it en route to Puyallup, the site of Team Banana’s first pit crew engagement.
My true pals and founders of Team Banana, Carol and Jessica, took orders, made noise and played music to ensure I was well-fueled and plenty energized for leg #2; after a quick pit stop, a few chips and lotsa peanut M&Ms, I got back on the road and headed to Yelm, where they planned to meet me again – this time the soundtrack was a little different, and treats moderately adjusted, e.g. fig newtons, bananas – the works! Because of their involvement, I made record time and even went a bit further than planned thanks to their energy and enthusiasm – thank you, sisters!
I raced back to Seattle, hit the salon to meet with Cara – a goddess! - who somehow managed to make my mane into a wedding-appropriate coif, and my makeup memorable for all the right reasons, a quick stop at the gym to shower up and viola! I was wedding ready in no time!
After a few hours of rest, a peanut butter sandwich and milk, I was ready for the third leg of my weekend: 12 mi run; this was expected to be brutal in every sense but my legs felt surprisingly strong. My joints suffered a little but my pace was steady at a 9:00 mile, good for me.
Next up: Chelan man, my first half iron.
P.S. "Sports do not build character. They reveal it." - John Wooden
Monday, July 6, 2009
The finish line is in sight: 55 days and counting!
By the numbers...
107: miles I will ride during next Saturday's Seattle to Portland race
94: miles Colin drove last month to pick me up from my ride along I-90's Mountains to Sound Greenway
86: laps I did in Evan's 25 yard pool today to prep for Friday's 2.4 in Kent
81: miles logged day after the 4th on Centennial Trail
70.3: miles in ChelanMan, my first "half Iron"
37: minutes it took me last Sunday to swim my first timed mile
7: weeks 'til Ironman Canada (gulp)
And one - the number of answers to the question "Why...?
Because I can.
P.S. You get what you give.
107: miles I will ride during next Saturday's Seattle to Portland race
94: miles Colin drove last month to pick me up from my ride along I-90's Mountains to Sound Greenway
86: laps I did in Evan's 25 yard pool today to prep for Friday's 2.4 in Kent
81: miles logged day after the 4th on Centennial Trail
70.3: miles in ChelanMan, my first "half Iron"
37: minutes it took me last Sunday to swim my first timed mile
7: weeks 'til Ironman Canada (gulp)
And one - the number of answers to the question "Why...?
Because I can.
P.S. You get what you give.
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