tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70850656732179201822024-03-04T21:04:54.950-08:00TRI to Understand...My Journey to Ironman Florida 2013Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04662550469654228756noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085065673217920182.post-90138818633302629632014-03-01T20:50:00.001-08:002014-03-02T01:06:09.063-08:00The Emancipation Of Plain Jane
For almost forty-four years I have lived my life worried about what others thought of me. I cared too much about conforming with the conservative sector of society, and was extremely uncomfortable in any situation that made me feel different or "visible" ~ as I have always been much more comfortable as my favorite flower, the Wall. I credit much of this to my conservative, New England, "first Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04662550469654228756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085065673217920182.post-40864212628811805632013-11-20T17:39:00.001-08:002013-11-20T17:39:02.583-08:00My Bucket (List) Is Overflowing...
Yes, it is that time again. Towards the end of every year I look back, reflect on the past year, and plan for the future. This year has been EPIC in many ways and I have truly lived my life to the fullest. I have achieved things I never thought possible although I dreamed of doing them from a young age. I am more motivated and determined to live every day to the fullest and go after the Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04662550469654228756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085065673217920182.post-20963769247973212012013-11-06T22:19:00.000-08:002013-11-06T22:19:58.638-08:00Ironman Florida 2013 Race Report... The Final Chapter.
I admit it. I crossed the finish line, before the stroke of midnight, with a stuffed monkey in my arms, a cramp in my butt, and a huge smile on my face. But honestly, would you expect it to end any other way??
So now that you know how it ends, you can either go on about your day, or keep reading to see what led up to this incredible ending. It's your choice, but this may likely be my lastAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04662550469654228756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085065673217920182.post-91601640866863529462013-10-07T18:30:00.002-07:002013-10-07T18:30:51.400-07:00Sliding Into Home...Almost
I honestly thought the work was over, the training was "in the bank" and I was gonna be able to slide right into IMFL in good enough position to hit my goal of finishing it come November 2nd. Apparently I was wrong. I have two more hard weeks of training, two more century rides, a few more open water swims, and some more long weekends away from my family. I've had to chew on that since this Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04662550469654228756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085065673217920182.post-58813602633579313772013-09-30T12:01:00.003-07:002013-09-30T12:01:27.376-07:00Augusta 70.3 Race Report - These last few months have been a roller coaster of emotions brought on by training stress, injury, questionings of desire, and juggling to keep the balance and focus in my life. In summary, I've been miserable. Fast forward to Augusta 70.3 - my final race before the Ironman in November.
Leading up to this race I was crippled by a torn plantar fascia and have been completely unable to run for Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04662550469654228756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085065673217920182.post-22195758517987847112013-07-07T14:47:00.003-07:002013-07-07T14:47:48.027-07:00The Imposter
* Disclaimer: There may be a bit of wallowing and self-despair in this post. Read with caution.
I have previously stated that I am using this blog as a personal journal as I go through my Ironman Journey, so please bare with me as I work some things out today. It was a tough training day, and I am struggling with what I am doing and why I am doing it. I probably just need to go eat dinner and Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04662550469654228756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085065673217920182.post-30656353322303694042013-05-19T17:12:00.002-07:002013-05-19T18:08:06.630-07:00Laughing Causes Gastric Distress: Gulf Coast Triathlon 2013
Shay-Shay, Goose, Coug, Smiles
I have never laughed so hard before in my life. I mean non-stop, belly-busting, gas-producing laughter. Four full days of it. And it didn't take any effort to take it to that extreme either. The banter was quick-witted and absolutely hysterical. Hands down the best race weekend of my triathlon career.
It has become clear to me now the importance of finding a Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04662550469654228756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085065673217920182.post-17223269816613602552013-04-27T16:33:00.000-07:002013-04-27T16:33:11.402-07:00The Christening.
It's been a rocky four years with my bike. If I had to describe it I would say we had a "love-hate" relationship. It wasn't always like that. I remember the first day I brought him home. I was so excited and couldn't wait to show him off to my friends and family. It was the honeymoon stage of our relationship. Everything was new and shiny and I fell head over heels. Admittedly I was a bike Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04662550469654228756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085065673217920182.post-62155743716905487342013-03-12T16:37:00.000-07:002013-03-12T17:04:51.158-07:00Avoiding the Bonk.
The most difficult aspect of my training, besides the mental, has been understanding and incorporating the proper nutrition protocols into my routines. It has been frustrating to me, and to my coach, as it has been taught to me over and over and I just can't seem to get it. After a recent long brick, where proper nutrition and hydration where strongly reinforced in the days ahead of time, I Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04662550469654228756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085065673217920182.post-14181279675192089022013-01-10T17:16:00.000-08:002013-01-10T17:16:35.130-08:00Shock The Monkey Tour
Yep, that's right. You heard me. This Ironman Journey has now officially been dubbed the Shock The Monkey Ironman Tour 2013. Why? Why the hell not? I've had a monkey on my back for over a year now and that sucker has finally come off!
It is obvious that race day is the end of this journey, but it is the training journey that is taking me over a year to complete. It is during this Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04662550469654228756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085065673217920182.post-49477471964103296242013-01-01T15:59:00.000-08:002013-01-01T15:59:58.035-08:00The Mind Bank
I'm working hard on developing strategies to improve my mental toughness as I feel this continues to be my greatest limiter. In training, 9/10 times it is my mind that forces my body into stopping rather than my body collapsing from exhaustion. Often I recognize that this is happening, but I can't overcome it. The poor excuses sneak in and prevail and I grind to a halt.
I am making gains, but Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04662550469654228756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085065673217920182.post-21196759111383431652012-12-12T18:24:00.000-08:002013-01-01T16:08:22.091-08:00No Excuses!
I think I've had a breakthrough this week. I realized that it doesn't matter how many "good" excuses I have, they are still excuses. There will always be something that hurts, there will always be a day I am sad, there will always be a schedule that is hectic. Those things are pretty much guaranteed. What is not guaranteed is how I will respond to those things. It's so easy to justify Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04662550469654228756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085065673217920182.post-24314774001900171652012-11-25T10:49:00.003-08:002013-01-01T16:09:15.200-08:00Think Confident. Be Confident.
*Display of Extreme Vulnerability. Proceed with Caution.*
I have got to stop beating myself up, minimizing my efforts and outcomes, and comparing myself to others or to my perceived view of what I think I should be able to do.
I hate numbers, times, paces, units of measurement, and tests...because in my mind I never make the grade. If I walk when I'm supposed to run... I fail. If I'm slower Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04662550469654228756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085065673217920182.post-80847933494267536992012-11-11T16:47:00.001-08:002013-01-01T16:09:37.748-08:00A Different Perspective
This weekend I volunteered as swim support for River Roux, a 70.3 triathlon in New Roades. I have to admit, the irony did not pass me by. To think that I was now an official safety person in open water was kinda hysterical to me...considering my history with open water anxiety and not knowing how to swim. Things have changed in the past four years. I have to admit I truly enjoyed being Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04662550469654228756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085065673217920182.post-54266657790554564072012-11-05T07:29:00.000-08:002012-11-11T16:52:39.226-08:00Turning Blubber to Iron...Step One: Get Fit
I have signed on the dotted line. I am now an official registrant for Ironman Florida 2013!
I'll admit, I waivered a bit this weekend after watching the efforts of 2700 athletes battle their way to the finish line of this year's event. The final questions of "why do I want to do this?" and "can I really do this?" went through my mind once more as I saw the faces of many athletes Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04662550469654228756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085065673217920182.post-23235790354452921092012-10-21T15:16:00.001-07:002012-10-21T15:57:34.638-07:00Understanding Intention
Although my "training" doesn't officially begin until November 1, 2012 I am starting to have my initial baseline testing creep onto my schedule. I participated in the Holiday Hustle 5K this weekend for my first run test in a long, long time. Considering my heart rate was through the roof, I was pleased I kept a decent pace and didn't throw up on anyone at the finish. I think I am going to Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04662550469654228756noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085065673217920182.post-23986561045105794312012-10-13T05:12:00.002-07:002012-10-21T16:01:25.531-07:00A New Journey Begins....
It is funny to me how this blog started off in 2009 as a journal of the training and experiences that would lead me to my first 70.3 distance triathlon, and four years later it is about to change to a journal of the training and experiences that will lead me to my first, and likely only, full Ironman distance race.
I have questioned whether to journal this journey or leave it to play out in Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04662550469654228756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085065673217920182.post-65942956922456546612012-09-28T18:44:00.000-07:002012-10-13T10:15:37.416-07:00Le Tour De Canada....Partie Quatre...Le Chapitre FinalSee? Even my French is getting better! I failed to mention two other momentous moments of the previous days in my Canadian Journey...
1) Solange, Anne's maman, was instructed to speak to me only in french while I was there because I requested the total immersion tour of Canada. That lasted just through the beginning of lunch on day one... and then abruptly ended because all I could say in Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04662550469654228756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085065673217920182.post-35356585987099886952012-09-13T21:54:00.000-07:002012-10-13T10:16:14.595-07:00Le Tour De Canada - Part Trois - Have You Ever Seen The Rain?Disclaimer:
I have a problem sometimes with being overly open about my personal feelings, and I am not afraid to be honest about things that probably should be kept private. In blogging about my trip, initially I thought I would omit many of my personal experiences and focus only on my race report, keeping the writing light and funny. It may be the wrong decision, but initially this blog was Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04662550469654228756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085065673217920182.post-59760339496416515292012-09-13T16:37:00.002-07:002012-10-13T10:16:32.320-07:00Le Tour De Canada - Part Deux - Living LargeWe awoke early Thursday morning to the smell of bacon. It didn't take long for all of us to crawl out of bed and track the smell to the table where we were served fried eggs, bacon, fruit, and juice by Coach. We inhaled the breakfast and went back for seconds. Soon after breakfast, Maman and Papa showed up with multiple cups of Tim Horton's coffee to jump start everyone with caffeine. We Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04662550469654228756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085065673217920182.post-4837401711187756252012-09-12T14:45:00.000-07:002012-10-13T10:16:51.603-07:00Le Tour De Canada - Part OneIt's been an interesting summer. Training took a bad hit after the Gulf Coast 70.3 as I tried to fix my neck issues, re-introduce myself to my children and husband, open a new business, continue to grieve the loss of my father, and on and on and on. My impending trip to Canada loomed ahead and panicked me as the closer it came the less I seemed to be doing to prepare for it. I struggled with the Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04662550469654228756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085065673217920182.post-56330958501724191932012-05-16T21:42:00.001-07:002012-10-13T10:17:10.903-07:002012 Gulf Coast 70.3 Race Report: The Perfect StormI wasn't sure if I was going to write a race report after this 70.3, for one main reason... it's the first time I Did Not Finish (DNF). But I am so proud of myself for what I Did Finish that I decided to journal it. You see for me there were so many variables leading up to this race, I really didn't know what to expect. I wanted this race to be special. I had trained over the past five months Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04662550469654228756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085065673217920182.post-91188492652923816342012-02-27T19:09:00.003-08:002012-10-13T10:18:47.306-07:00Running On Empty
COOg taking a leg from Polly in Rouge Orleans
I am trying to re-engage with my inner runner. You know, the one that was supposed to be there naturally from birth? Somewhere between last Spring and Now my love for running got lost in the deep woods of life and has been having difficulty finding it's way back towards the light of day.
Never having considered myself a runner, there was a time Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04662550469654228756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085065673217920182.post-51809872628124627362012-01-24T18:52:00.000-08:002012-01-24T18:52:32.829-08:00A Mighty Transformation
There is a genuine talent, a form of art-science, that very few people have mastered. It takes precision, patience, and an eye for detail. It takes an understanding of angles, physics, and aerodynamics ~ as well as an understanding of the goals and needs of an individual cyclist. To do this well one must be a problem solver and have a good understanding of anatomy and kinesiology. So what am I Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04662550469654228756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7085065673217920182.post-79448062596369346502011-12-31T18:40:00.000-08:002011-12-31T18:50:28.981-08:00The Gratitude List
A wise owl recently imparted some words of wisdom to me while on a long run. It was during a discussion of future plans, goals, and dreams for the coming year that she reminded me that we so often become focused on what we hope to do better, faster, and bigger each new year ~ whether it be in regards to triathlon or in our personal lives ~ that we forget to acknowledge what we have already Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04662550469654228756noreply@blogger.com0