I am stewing so much, I’m already having the “swim dreams.”  The swim, for me, is the most challenging part mentally.  As a result, I’m already starting my mental visualizations of open water swimming…Can we say “obsess much?”

Because I am already stewing, a friend of mine (who also wants to do this triathlon and unlike me, is a very confident open water swimmer), has offered to stay with me during the swim and “talk me down” if I start to panic.  It truly touched me, that she is willing to sacrifice her swim time and stay by me,  if that’s what it takes to get me through the swim.

I am determined not to have her shadow me.  Of course, I’ll want her by me at the start, but then I plan on shutting out those fearful voices and finish strong. Still, I’ll admit that is very comforting to just know a friend is willing to do that for you.

Race day aside, I hear many positive things about this small town based triathlon.  I love the idea of supporting community based events as well.  For all that, doing this has more to do with me continuing to push outside my comfort zone  – becoming a more confident and healthier me.  I’m looking forward to what the upcoming year’s race calendar will bring.

I may not be the fastest, but I guarantee I am having fun every step of the way.

Soon I will be registering for the Empire Marathon – my first! As well as the Delta Lake intermediate distance triathlon – also my first! Eeep!

What races are you doing this year? Any new challenges?

I need to apply the same self discipline to my blog as I will my training. It helps to keep me motivated and holds me accountable. I also hope, that I reach other people like myself. Not the fastest, maybe a bit insecure, but getting out there and challenging themselves anyway. Improving their self confidence along with their health.

Happy Holidays and get off the couch!

My time?  2:01: 53 – I was hoping to hit it right at 2 hours, but I am thrilled with this.  Why? I was so nervous leading up to this race, my long runs (more than an hour) haven’t been as consistent since the Mountain Goat, leading up to the Boilermaker.  I realize, that I am no speed demon, but I was seriously worried that I would be leaving this race as a DNF.  Looking back on it, there was no reason I shouldn’t finish, so long as I took it easy and walked when I needed too.

I drove over to Rome, NY and met up with my close friend Betsy. A few of our college friends were also doing the Boilermaker (we had a great pre race dinner the night before.  Betsy – you put out a great spread!).  We made sure to hit a local McDonalds for a potty stop before arriving – apparently, this gem of a potty stop is no longer a secret – that or all its patrons normally dress in running gear.

Thankfully, I had a friend, who had similar concerns as I did. Both of us, are dealing with injuries and physical issues, that make being speedy, impossible.  Both of us rode to the event separately and after some frantic searching, managed to find each other as we queued in line for the port-0-pots  not too long before the race started) .  I won’t even go into that, suffice to say the port-0-pots were NASTY.  We barely finished our business, when we were called to get into our respective start positions.

We were supposed to all line up in groups, in a long row,  according to our estimated time.  However, there were so many participants this year, we were forced to overflow into a side street.  Nerves competed with excitement, but having done The Mountain Goat,  I wasn’t feeling as nervous as I did at that event (no intestinal emergencies either, thankfully).  I think my friend Kristine was more nervous than I was.

Finally, the gun start sounded and we were off.  Then we stopped.  Then we started again.  And stopped. And finally started and kept going.  It took us just over 11 minutes to cross the timing mat at the official start point.  Passing under this enormous American flag, as blood pumping music played and spectators cheered, was hands down the most amazing race start I’ve yet experienced.  I couldn’t stop smiling!

It was mind-boggling, seeing all the runners that were ahead of us.  Almost as much, were how many were still behind us.  Kristine and I had to laugh at all the runners who didn’t make the port-0-pots and were dashing off into the first available wood line to answer nature’s call.  Gross, but still pretty funny.  We both commented what an awesome shot that would have been if we could have taken a picture.  The “other” side to the Boilermaker, LOL!!

We were told, by Boilermaker veterans, that it’s the spectators and volunteers that make this run so special.  They weren’t lying.  There were people from a variety of cultures lining the route – one group that stood out (my favorite memory of the run by far), were  group of immigrant women from Africa.  A few of them bore terrible scars of violence on their faces, but they were beautiful in their joy as they cheered us on.  Oh how I wish I had my phone to take a pictures along the route!

We also were treated to live music and handmade signs from the motivational to the downright funny.  We made sure to applaud all the military service people who were lining the route and shouting out our thanks and appreciation. I told Kristine, to be on the lookout for the popsicles.  My husband, who has run 5 Boilermakers, clued me in on this and I had my eye out…especially for a red one (my favorite).  Just about the three-mile mark, we spotted them.  I remember to saying to Kristine, “I hope I get a red one!” and I did!  It still wasn’t as hot as it was toward the end of the run, but it was  pretty warm – my popsicle was melting as fast as I could eat it.  Never has a popsicle tasted so good!

The hardest part of the race, was right around the halfway point.  There, we started up a gradual hill that switched backed along the golf course.  It was starting to get pretty hot then and I made sure to take a couple of electrolyte Shot Bloks.  I also made sure to hit almost every water station and always took two cups – one to drink and one to pour down the back of my neck (I was dripping by the end, as my other friend Kristen can attest).

Around the 7 mile mark and with a lot of assurances I was ok, I had my friend Kristine go on ahead.  She felt that she could finish under two hours and I really wanted her to realize that last-minute goal and I’m proud to say she did! I wasn’t too far behind her, those last three miles.  I was hoping to finish in two hours and I nearly made it, just one minute over.  Still, very happy with that!

I was getting pretty warm out by then and I was definitely looking forward to the finish line.  My knees were tired and I was fighting to keep my right foot from dragging as I ran (tendonitis issues in my right knee).  One man, sitting in the shade, in the last mile and a half shouted his encouragement “Honey, you’re almost done! You’re in the home stretch!!” I hollered back “This is a cakewalk! I’m on my second loop!”  No matter how tired I feel, being able to take a moment to have fun and be a little silly is so important to me.  It’s really worth it, taking that time to enjoy all aspects of a race.

Once I saw that finish line, I began to sprint.  As slow as I am as a runner, there is something very satisfying about running as hard as I can across the finish line.  I got my much appreciated bottle of cold water and my finisher’s pin, which I immediately attached to my race shirt.  Then I started looking for my friend Kristine.  It took a few minutes, but she found me – the first thing she did was give me a big hug and ask how I was feeling.

We made our way to the after party and got in this huge ass line for our free Saranac beer.  We got two beers each and walked over to meet up with friends a few yards away.  I set my beers down and texted my husband I had finished (he was away at his Army National Guard drill weekend – HOOAH!), then I proceeded to knock one of my two un-drunk beers over…dammit.   A tip – skip the main line and head over towards the massage tent/family reunion area.  There’s another beer tent there and its a lot shorter.  Kristine saved the day and came back with a fresh beer for me.  I stuck to my two beer limit – and I can tell you, never has a beer tasted so good!  I made sure to drink a lot of water after the race and nibble my way through my post race meal.  Some people get really stupid at the Boilermaker, I was not about to be one of them.

High on post-Boilermaker accomplishment, my friend Kristine turned to me at some point before I had to head home and  said “Lets do the Turning Stone Half Marathon at the end of August!”  I immediately agreed…did we do it?  What do you think!!!  Stay tuned!

Its been a crazy busy summer between training, working and family time. I’ve really missed writing in my blog, even if its sometimes just for me

I felt really good in the weeks leading up to the Green Lakes, despite some issues with asthma this spring, as the weather turned warmer (it truly seemed a tough spring, for those of us with asthma).  I was able to get in several outdoor rides with my friends Sarah, Michelle, Debbie, Maria, Shioban and Caroline.  See,  I am a newbie to riding clipped in, so I needed all the guidance I could get.  Of course, I had the requisite spill or two (or more) and some glorious bruises/scrapes to show for it.  Note – wear bike gloves.  Best tip I’ve ever received regarding riding  clipped in.

I was also able to get in Green Lakes and swim a few times before the triathlon.  Swimmers were restricted to the lap lane, but it was better than nothing.  I went more than once, to swim laps with my friends (you know who you are!).   The thing that freaked me out initially, was seeing the sudden transition from being able to stand, to having the water be several feet over my head.  The deepest part of the lake is almost 200 feet down.  I am not a fan of heights and have inner ear issues – so for me, the sensation was similar to standing on the edge of a very tall building.  Vertigo.

As for  my runs – I still am not speedy, but I was getting my miles in (a few  good post Mountain Goat runs) and I felt very good about clocking a respectable time.  Maybe not a PR, but a definite improvement over my first triathlon 5k.  My knee was feeling good and my legs were feeling strong from all the training I had done for the Mountain Goat back in May.

The day before the triathlon, the weather report was feeling a bit bi-polar.  All I all could do was cross my fingers and hope it would turn in our favor.  Or be a total wash out LOL (yes, I was feeling a bit panicky the day before).  I made sure I had all my gear out and ready to pack up the day before and was actually asleep by 11pm (early for me).

Since I knew what to expect this time around (for the most part), I actually was able to get a decent nights sleep.  I woke up once around 1:30 to go to the bathroom and had no trouble falling right back to sleep.  I woke again about half an hour before my alarm went off.  I decided a relaxing  pre-race bath in the dark would be just the thing I needed to help me stay relaxed.

I managed to eat a decent breakfast (unlike before Iron Girl, where I was so nauseous from nerves, I could barely choke down a piece of toast).  I was actually able to drink a cup of coffee and my pre-race energy beverage – an egg white on toast).  I double checked my set up, packed it in the car and headed toward Green Lakes in a light drizzle.

No sooner than I get to the park, than the rain started coming down harder.  I was one of the first ones there (typical of me, I’m chronically early and thus have more time to stew and get nervous).  So I played on my phone, listened to some mood pumping music and texted my husband (who was away at drill).

Finally more people started showing up, including several friends I have made during my time with the YMCA.  We went up to get our chip timers and numbers sharpied on.  We all had pre-race jitters, but we were also all smiling.

All of us, let our a collective “THANK YOU!”  when the rain started to let up as we headed toward our various bike spots to set up our transition areas.  This year, unlike last (from what I am told), we all had assigned transition spots.  Some people liked this, some didn’t.  Me, the simpler the better. I made a mental note of where we came in to and where we headed out of  (I still had to ask later LOL).

My friends and I  met up again in groups here and there.  Helping each other into our wetsuits and then walking over to the start point on the beach.  I got in with a couple of friends and warmed up a bit (and yes, answered nature’s call).  I was so focused on this (warming up, not peeing), that I missed the pre-race prayer I had meant to do with another group of friends.  Thankfully, they included me in the prayer and I can honestly say I felt it, especially toward the end of the triathlon when I needed it most.

The swim wave was split into four starts, the last being the senior division.  I was in the third.  The first gun went off and it was amazing to see how fast some of those first set of people could swim!  The second gun  – off they go! Then ours – off we go! I waded out as far as my hips, dived forward and began swimming.  Immediately I felt that initial sense of panic – but literally had it knocked out of me by a guy to my right.

Still, I could feel my asthma starting to ramp up, try as I might, I could not relax enough to do my normal breathing and resorted to breathing every time I brought my right arm out of the water.  I focused on that first boat and swam to that.  A few other swimmers were there.  I hung on long enough to gauge how my asthma was, coughed a few times and began to swim again.  Realizing my breathing wasn’t getting any better, I went to my back up plan of swimming from boat to boat.  Yes, it made my swim a bit longer – but it gave me the chance to keep my asthma under control until I could get out of the water and get to my inhaler (which I completely forgot to grab till well into my run).

Never has 800 meters seemed so long.  While I didn’t pass more than a quick word or two, I was near a familiar face from the Y.  I also was swimming alongside a gentleman who did the majority of  it on his back – but he finished, so good for him!!!  That said, I am so thankful for my tri-training swim workouts.  Despite my asthma, I had the endurance.  I was smiling from ear to ear as I got out of the water.  I ran into transition with the end of the pack swimmers and had a much better T1 time than at Iron Girl.  I was so focused on getting on the bike and making up some time, that I forgot to use my inhaler. Once again, that came back to bite me a bit later.

I headed out on the bike, found a steady pace and my focus.  About halfway through the bike, I was pleased to realize that I should finish in under or just at an hour.  Not a speed demon, but I was picking off some other riders – I really think this is where I could truly shine athletically.  As I approached the turn to that last, beast of a hill I started to shift up into my easier gears.  The last hill arrives and I made the mistake of trying to shift into my easiest gear when  my momentum was too slow – my gears jam and over I go, flying onto my back, facing downhill and still clipped in.

I shout a string of  extremely colorful expletives at the sky – I could make a sailor blush.  Riders pass me and ask if I’m ok – I reply to the affirmative as I struggle to un-clip and right myself and my bike.  One kind soul even stopped to help me try to get my chain back on my bike.  I told her I was fine and that I’d finish the bike one way or another.  Fruiteless  minutes of struggling, I realize my chain will not stay on and allow me to get on my bike while I’m still on the crest of the hill.  So I have to walk up that last part of the hill, get to the top and I just let myself fly down as fast as I dare into transition.  My hopes of an hour or less are gone, my hip is killing me from the fall and I’m covered in grease.

That was probably the only time during the triathlon I lost my positive mood.  I was not a happy camper as I ran out of transition and onto the 5k course. Stress was ramping up my breathing difficulties and I spent the better part of the run working on controlling my asthma – as genius that I am, I failed to bring my inhaler with me from transition.  I ran and walked the 5k, passed a few people and hung with a very nice woman in Vibrams for a good portion of it.

The end was literally in sight as we came out of the woods and onto the paved part of the park.  From across the water toward the finish, I could hear my friends shout my name and begin running toward me.  At this point, I was truly struggling with my breathing (and to not burst into tears, the support overwhelmed me).  I told one of my friends I really needed my inhaler (you know who you are, and thank you so very much!).  She dashed off toward my gear to get it and my other friends ran me with me toward the finish.

I was trying not to panic and cry.  Then I got mad and decided I wasn’t going to finish in tears, staggering across the finish.  I found something inside myself and took off for the finish line.  I ran so fast, my friends couldn’t keep up.  I crossed that finish line, used my inhaler and found myself being hugged from all sides.

The EMTs were already walking toward me, having been flagged down.  My friends stayed by me as they sat me down, put all their leads and such on me, waited a moment and said “Hmmm, I really don’t like your pulse-ox, why don’t you take some oxygen?”  Being the stubborn dork that I am, I politely declined, asking that they give my inhaler a minute or two to work.   When they checked my stats a few minutes later, they were much happier.  A waiver signed (for refusing oxygen), a bottle of water in my hand I was free to go.

At that point, I was all about finding my other friends, including Coach Kelly (http://www.trimommylife.com/)  and snarfing down some post race food (I’m all about the food – ask anyone).  One of the best things, was finding out my friend Erin (http://erindonovanchoices.blogspot.com/) had won an age group award!

Since my oldest was home babysitting, I didn’t stay long after finishing.  I texted my husband and best friend Steph, a quick recap of the race (he was at his weekend National Guard drill).  I loaded my gear into my Rav4 and headed home.  Later that day, I headed to Steph’s to toss my kids in her pool, while her and I celebrated my race over Cosmo’s and my traditional post race rib-eyes.

I felt really good, despite the bike incident, at how triathlon went.  Based on my times for Green Lakes, I expect to see a significant improvement over last year’s Iron Girl times.  My fitness level since starting my running/triathlon journey has been steadily upward.  I may never be fast – but I’m still faster than those, who are still sitting on their couches at home…afraid to try.

My splits – swim 23:32, T1 3:05 (I think I was enjoying being back on terra firma too much); bike 1:03:23 (grrrrr) T2 2:02, Run 38:34! Total time 2:10:37

Sprinting to the finish

I still have to tell you about my Green Lakes sprint triathlon, I did last month! 800 meter swim, hilly 12 mile bike and a 5k run. This July 10th, I’ll be participating in the Utica Boikermaker 15k for the first time. This run I don’t feel as prepared for as I should. Life, work, asthma and a wretched upper respiratory infection has kept me from regular long runs. But I am to finish! It may not be pretty, but I’ll finish.

Up until then, my longest run, was 8 miles and my longest race was a 5k (3.1 miles). The Mountain Goat is 10, very hilly miles through the city of Syracuse, NY. Here is a map of the elevations – that last hill was a BEAST!

My husband and I got there early enough to snag an excellent parking spot and have time to walk around.  FYI – he also ran the race and finished in an hour and 27 minutes. Pretty kick ass I must say.  Well done, love, well done.  Anyhoo -  I ran into many of  my friends I’ve made from participating in my YMCA’s running club, especially my friend Debbie – whom I had every intention of pacing for as much of the run as I was able, more on that later (so ashamed).

Last minute trips to the bathroom done, a couple of Shot Bloks eaten and we lined up toward the rear of the group of runners. I wasn’t nervous at all until that point, then it all hit me. All at once. Literally and figuratively. I had a moment when I thought I really was going to faint or throw up. I felt like I had to pee. I wanted to cry, to turn and run away.  What the HELL was I doing there?!  I didn’t belong there!

Then, all of a sudden, we were running and the urge to pee thankfully went away…only to be replaced by a sudden cramping in my stomach.  A horrible, painful cramping.  Not even a half mile into the run, I realized I was about to have a very messy and very smelly accident.  Frantically looking around for rescue, I shouted my apologies to my friend – only later did she find out how badly this had hit me… this case of nerves.  At the time, she understandably wanted to strangle me.  Running and trying not to cry, I spotted a Family Dollar and ran in.

Doing a runner’s version of the potty dance, I asked the surprised clerk if i could use their bathroom. “I’m not sure,” he replied. “I need to get the manager.” From the end of a nearby isle, a woman looks out, takes one look at my race bib and says “Follow me, honey! I know what you’re going through!” she dashed me to the rear of the store and my dignity was saved.  Sweet relief!  I shouted my thanks as I ran back out in an attempt to catch up to my friend. “Don’t you worry about it!  Good luck on your race!” the store manager replied.  God bless that woman, she was my savior that day.

I tried to catch up to my friend. I could see her in the distance, far away – but not so far I thought I couldn’t catch up to her if I sprinted a bit. I put in a bit of speed, trying to ignore my still cramping belly. Slowly, I was catching up, but then she crested that first hill and I lost her on the downhill. For a short bit, I would catch a glimpse of her up ahead – then nothing.  Before too long, I completely lost her.  She rocked the run by the way, finishing in just under two hours.

Those first three miles were absolute HELL for me. Not just the stomach pain, but it took me forever to warm up. I felt creaky and uncoordinated. My stride seemed clumsy and I labored to breathe.  I tried to distract myself by looking at my surroundings. I couldn’t understand why i felt so bad.

But then, ever so slowly, I felt my body warm up.  I worked on relaxing by taking in what was going on along the route.  Gradually the nerves and my mind began to unclench and I was starting to really enjoy the run.  Its a fantastic course too – Starting off in the heart of the city and through some of the most beautiful and also some of the poorest neighborhoods in Syracuse , it covers it all (I love that it includes such a kalidescope of neighborhoods).

After the 5k point, I was feeling a lot better. I remember noting I was in the very rear – expected.  Running through the Strathmore area was beautiful, so many lovely old homes.  Many 1920′s era – some art deco, craftsman and a smattering of earlier Victorian homes.  Simply lovely.  Many of the residents, were out along the course, cheering us on as we made our way up toward the resivoir and Onondaga Park.

At this point, I’ll switch to quick impressions – since I was so focused on finishing this race I really have only that left…impressions:

*  My friends who are so much faster than me, cheering me on as much as those at the front of the pack.  I love running because it celebrates those who RUN – whether you’re the hare or the tortoise.

*  Cowbells…LOVE hearing them rung on a race.

* The lady I ran with most of the race.  A few years older than me and about the same speed. She merely said she ran this race every year for the past seven years for personal reasons. I didn’t pry, but I did notice that every police officer on the route knew her by name.

*  The lady who told me she’s run this race every year its been held. She was in her early 70s.  Her husband was waiting at the 5 mile marker with water,  Ibuprofen and a hug.  Love it.

*  The residents of one of the poorest neighborhoods – they were some of the most enthusiastic and friendliest along the route.  Little kids would shout “Hey Lady! What’s your name??”  “Shawn!” I’d gasp. “Great job, Shawn!” they’d holler…”YAY SHAWN!!!”  I found out later, that they’d been out there most of the day, doing their best to cheer on each individual runner…so sweet, so cute and so wonderful!!!

*  Another shout out to an area of the ‘Cuse that is too often ignored.  Around the 7 mile/8 mile point… BEST AID STATION HANDS DOWN.  From the hose misting water onto the runners,  the two teens debating who had given out the most gels so far and the guy who loved my spontaneous drum solo (they were cranking Queen’s “We Are The Champions” ) when I went through.  They were having so much fun, it was infectious and I just had to join in.

*  Coming into that last mile and seeing my husband waiting for me.

*  Having the WINNER of the race, walk past me as I limped toward the finish and tell me “You’re looking great! You got it, great job!!”  I had no idea who he was, until later,  other than that he was a finisher – as he had a medal around his neck.

*  That beautiful finish line.  Somehow I found a bit of speed and finished longest and hilliest run – Net time 2:17, gun time 2:19 – meeting my goal of 2 hours and 20 minutes.  Net pace 13 minutes and 46 seconds.

I am so doing this race next year and I will finish in 2 hours or less.  Love this race, LOVE this town!

I'm done! I did it!!