The Fire Inside

Clarity from Lincoln and Running Turkeys

2009-11-30T15:53:00.009-06:00

"You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.

You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.

You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.

You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.

You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.

You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence.

You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves."

- Abraham Lincoln

Briar, myself, and Bo at the Running of the Turkeys 5k 2010

Bo runs his 1st 5k

No P.R.s, no 1st place AGs, no pushing, no pulling. Just thankfully running for life, love, health, peace, and clarity.

Happy Holidays! XOXOXO

Marine Corps Marathon 2009

2009-10-30T16:49:00.014-05:00

Left to right: Ros, Jonathon, Holly, Tammie, Yogi, Heather, Lana, Lee, and Tim

9 runners. 1 spouse (Thank you, Susan!). 1 sister-n-law(Thank you, Denise!). A Mercedes. A Marine Corps Marathon. Manchester meets Washington D.C. for MCM!

The 2009 Marine Corps Marathon was and is the only long distance event on my calendar this year.2008 was the year of a lifetime, but 2009, well, not so much. If you've followed me at all on Twitter, Facebook, or on the occasion that I actually do post a blog entry here, you probably know it's been a roller coaster ride. Train hard for a week, do nothing for a week. Get up at 4 a.m. for a week, then hit-snooze-until-I'm-almost-late-for-work for a week. I've been in and out of doing MCM more times than I care to mention. So, when I finally got a decent 20 miler in the books 2 weeks prior to race day, I made the decision to go. I really had no goals that I would have ever mentioned in public, but I'll just be honest with you...somehow I was secretly hoping I was Super Girl and could go bust out a sub-4. Hehehe...yeah, go ahead and laugh. My marathon PR is a 3:56.This was seriously a recession-proof trip. We arrived in D.C. Saturday, ate lunch at the California Pizza Kitchen, took the metro to the expo, ate dinner back at the Embassy Suites where we were staying, crammed the girls in one room, the guys in another, and depended on Denise, Yogi's sister-in-law and a local resident, to transport us to the race Sunday morning. Then back to the hotel after the race to get to head home. If you ever wonder if a Mercedes is actually worth the extra money, let me go ahead and answer that question once and for all - Hell Yes, it's worth it. That thing is like one of those tents in Harry Potter - you can just keep cramming people into it! Note that this was a car, not an SUV...but it rolled us all the way to the Pentagon in time for the race start, when the line on the shuttles would have made us at least an hour late. (Note to self - and anyone else planning on doing MCM in the future: Do NOT wait until an before race start to catch the shuttle. You won't make it in time...not even close.)

So we all made it to the start line and wished each other good luck. Yogi, Holly, Lee and Jonathon were out of site before I even knew what was going on. I ran with Tim, and Heather, Tammie and Ros jumped into the crowd somewhere behind us. There were so many people you really couldn't move. We kind of just cruised along at the pace of everyone around us for the first couple of miles, and then I got impatient. It was a beautiful day, I felt halfway decent, and I had a huge rush of adrenaline just from the fact that I was back at the races. It had been almost exactly 51 weeks since I had done anything of the sort (IMFL), and I certainly did feel like myself again. You know what I mean, right? That uncertainty of what's going to happen - because it's 26.2, anything can happen, the beautiful sunrise promising a great day to run, the OMG how I love the marathon, all the people, the sheer excitement, the butterflies, the I-will-do-this-if-I-have-to-crawl-to-the-finish-line. You know what I'm talking about. Go 51 weeks without it, when you've been used to it, and see if you don't get overly excited and overly confident in yourself too.

And that's what I was - overconfident. When I finally saw a little bit of daylight through the crowd, I went too fast. Some of the miles were close to 8 minutes. At one time, Tim even came right out and told me that we needed to check up. I crossed the halfway mark around 1:53 still feeling pretty good. Mile 15 came, though, and I knew I was starting to slow down. Mile 16 I finally found the port-a-potty I needed, Mile 17 hurt like 7 hells trying to get my legs going again, and at Mile 18 I was done by all manners of any kind of respectful marathon running. Mile 20 brought the cramps in my calves and the death march -the run as far as I could, then walk until I could run again and repeat. I crossed the finish line at 4:16:53. I remember seeing the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial, other than that I can't really tell you too much else about the course. One thing that I thought was really cool about the finish of this marathon was all the people...there were tons crossing the finish line with me. Normally it's fairly sparse, a person here or there, but getting to the finish line here was almost as crowded as starting out. Lots of encouragement to get there...I even heard one guy yell for someone to "RUN!" when they stopped to walk - and they did! Haha!

We all reconveined and took an adventure trip (read - every damn road in D.C. was closed) back to the Embassy Suites, and then to Denise's house for some of the best food and the best shower I've had in a long time! The adventure actually lasted so long that Lee missed his flight and got the priviledge of riding back with me, Susan and Yogi - 10 hours to Manchester. I got up and made it to work the next day, with the help of that good office coffee - 2 cups, instead of my normal 1.

Soooo glad to be done!!! Ros, Yogi, Tammie, Lee, Lana, Holly, Tim, Heather, Jonathon

What I loved about this race:

- Great friends can make a painful marathon not so painful. Yeah, I was disappointed in my time, but who cares - I had a freakin' blast with all my runnin' buddies!!

- The marines on the course and the general patriotic you feeling you got while being involved.

- The woman we met on the subway. We met a lady, also from TN, who was there for the marathon and had recently lost her husband in Iraq. And her two sons are there now. When the pain set in at mile 18, all I could think about was her...and how what I was feeling was nothing even close to pain. It's only because of this woman's sacrifice, and many others, that we are able to do this stuff.

- It really is a cool course, if you're not hurting too bad to pay attention. We were up close and personal with many of the monuments.

- It's not hilly. Nope, it's not. I mean there are a couple hills during the first 7 miles, but they aren't anything to get worked up over. They have a nice downhill on the other side, too.

- The crowd support. Geez...there was 26.2 miles of crowd support in this one. You gotta love it when you don't have to wave goodbye to all the half marathoners and the crowds at the half point and take the lonely road of faith.

- Ros qualified for Boston. Ros kicked ass. Major ass. 3:43 ass. Boston Ass. LOVE. IT.

- The buffet at the Embassy Suites the night before. Good stuff.

- The medal, the l/s shirt, the coin, and the patch. Very cool.

Lee, Heather, Jonathon, Tammie, Holly, Lana, Ros, Tim

Heather, Lee, Yogi, Tim @pre-race dinner

Holly, Tammie, Yogi, Jonathon, Lana, Tim, Ros, Heather, Lee @pre-race dinner

What I didn't love about this race:

- Water stops. Sorry, but after mile 18 I need a water stop every mile. Not sure if it's mental or what, but I need it. I swear at one point I think I went over 3 miles before I came to one. Some girl even offered me her half-drank bottle of water, and I will be forever grateful for her. No worries about the swine flu when you are about die of thirst.

- The post-race festivities were too far away. Dude - I hate to admit it, but once I got my medal I hit the grass for a few minutes. I'm glad I did, too, because I had to walk what seemed like another two or three miles to the family meetup area.

What I learned at this race:

- It's worth it to get up at 4:00 a.m. and run in the dark because the plan says to. Just like I always use to say. It's still true. It's still the same. Baby, babe your still the same.

- It's not worth it to sleep in and hit snooze. And skip runs. You WILL regret it.

- Don't go after a goal you haven't trained for just because you get all caught up in the excitement of the event.

- It helps to have your own luxury taxi service at the race venue. Denise and Susan-you are angels sent from God, girls.

- I love my running peeps very, very much. I already knew that, but now I know it more.

What's next?!?! I'm headed to NYC to support my super fast sister - Holly Jane - at the NYC Marathon!! I will serve as head cheerleader and co-photographer alongside The Flash and Kathy. Go Holly!!

Track Me

2009-10-22T16:04:00.002-05:00

Ok, I got my bib for MCM...I'm #16690. I posted it on Facebook, but nobody laughed so maybe I'm the only one that thinks that's funny.

....moving right along...

I did actually taper this week. I ran 6 Monday and 4 Wednesday and that is all. I might run a fast 2 tomorrow. Maybe. I didn't swim or bike at all. I did lift weights on Monday and over did it a bit, but it was mostly upper body, and I'm not that sore anymore so all should be good.

I'm flying to D.C. Saturday morning and riding back with Yogi (who will have just kicked my @ss in the marathon) and Susan after the race. The only site seeing being done will obviously be whatever the course has in store. I've heard it's great, so it should suffice.

I'm excited!!! No, this is not gonna be a PR. I'm undertrained and a bit over stressed lately, but let me just say this. I love running. Running makes me feel good, and it makes me feel strong. I haven't been very faithful to it in 2009, but we are tight again. I heart it. And for whatever it's worth, I plan on running my heart out in D.C.

Wanna track me? Go here: http://live.activeresult.com/msg/MSG-signup.tcl?event_id=32

First name = Lana
Last name = Sain
Bib# 16690

You should get updates on your cell phone.

I love you, peeps. All of you.

Peace out.

I Can Still Rock the Long Run

2009-10-11T11:21:00.006-05:00

2009 has not exactly been my year when it comes to endurance sports. I've struggled. I've battled with burnout, with time management, and with keeping my priorities in check. I've had times when I felt strong, and times when I've wondered who in heaven's name that girl was that did Ironman Florida last year. I signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon thinking this would give me a somewhat worthy goal, and a reason to put my running shoes back on with some consistency.

Wrong.

Consistency didn't happen. The mental fortitude I had developed over the last several years dissipated into the sheets that I stayed covered up in when the alarm clock went off. So a few weeks ago, about 4 weeks out from the marathon, I decided I'd make a run at a comeback. I got up early and had some good 6 - 8 milers, and then last weekend gave a 20 miler a shot. My longest run to that point had been a 13 miler.

I tanked.

Terribly. I felt like deja vu from the Rocket City Marathon in '07. Weak, nauseated, cold sweats, no energy. I don't know if this due to a particularly hard week I had, or a combination of things, but I couldn't go another step after about 12.5. My good friend, Jay, ran back to his house and gave me a ride back to my car.

Having a run like that haunts me from then until I redeem myself. So yesterday, I set out for redemption. It was raining when I got up at 4:00, but I really wanted to run. I had kept myself hydrated the days before and acted like the "old Lana" who prepared herself for the task at hand. I wanted to run. Thankfully, Tim wanted to run, too, and we took off in the sprinkling rain. It rained for the first 3 or 4 miles, and then stopped. I felt strong, and even when I didn't feel strong, I pushed on. I wanted that 20. Tim did the first 17 with me and had to go. I finished out the last 3 on my own. And ended up with a pace around 8:35.

That's right...this momma can still rock the long run. Bring on MCM! I'm only left with a 2 week taper and not much of a training base, so it's going to hurt, but bring it on anyway.

I'm Alive

2009-09-30T23:11:00.004-05:00

I ran 10 miles today. I ran 6 miles Monday. I took the LSAT Saturday. I've got lots on my mind. I'm not trained for MCM. Still debating on whether I will make it to D.C. I'm doing the MS Jack N Back ride this weekend - 150 RT - and the most I've done in months was a 2 hr trainer ride Saturday. I miss Ironman training. I miss my training friends. I miss Greyhound, Trimama, TacBoy, Bigun and Di.

It sounds bad, I know. But I'm getting it back together, one step at a time. Life is still a beautiful thing...sometimes you just have to rearrange things in order to see it clearly.

Peace and Love...

Beautiful Earth

2009-08-13T15:22:00.005-05:00

I really should have a picture for this post, but I just didn't want to stop my bike and lose my momentum to take a picture. I just wanted to pedal through it and enjoy as I rode my bike to work this morning. I've committed to commuting to work via Doc Holiday (my TT bike) at least once a week. And ya know what, I really like it. Is it just me, or is there something really cool about riding a bike to actually get somewhere instead of just to force physical adaptation to a higher intensity? I don't know, maybe it's just me. The point was, though, that the earth is just beautiful. I rode over the Normandy Lake bridge on my way to Tullahoma and the sun was reflecting off the steaming lake. It's something I've seen quite a few times, but there was just something about it today. Maybe it was because I almost stayed in bed a little longer and opted to burn petroleum on Hwy 55 instead of carbohydrates/fat along the backroads. Getting out the door is always the hardest part. Maybe it was because my average was looking better than last week's average, and the ride actually ended up being 2.5 minutes faster. Or maybe it was because I really felt like myself again out there. I've been doing more of what I said I'd do. Not perfect, but making progress.

I had a good week last week. I didn't make it to run with the group Friday morning, but I made up for it by doing a 14 mile trail run in midday in the heat and humidity. I love the solitude of trail running. This week, I ran 4 at lunch on Monday and 6 yesterday (Wednesday). I didn't make it on the bike Tuesday, but I am commuting today. I'm running long tomorrow, and I'm riding long Saturday. Not exactly 'PR Marathon Training,' but it's all good for now.

There's a lot of hurt in the world. I think sometimes I don't slow down long enough to really see it, or maybe I just avoid looking at it because I don't want to slow down; but that doesn't mean it's not there. A little boy on Briar's baseball team dove into a swimming pool back in the summer and broke his neck. 14 years old, and he's paralyzed from the waste down. He was a tremendous baseball player and great kid...and we pray that he will walk again someday. But when I think about the intense rehab he goes through daily and the demons he must have to fight in his head, it is very sobering. It certainly makes my self-inflicted long running and biking pain seem unimportant. So if I don't post about this stuff with the same zeal as I may have in the past, it's just because I have taken the time to actually see the hurt this time, and it sort of brings me to a loss of words for now.

Above all the hurt in this world though, the Earth is beautiful. It is truly a gift. Get out in and play in it, and be thankful you can.

A Time For Everything

2009-08-03T16:39:00.004-05:00

They say there's a time for everything. A time to talk, and a time to keep quiet. I just haven't been motivated to blog. This is probably a direct result from the fact that I haven't been motivated to train, either. All of my training in 2009 has come in short spurts. Get in a few good workouts...start thinking about this race or that race that I'll sign up for, then miss a few workouts and completely fall off the wagon. While normally I'd be beating myself up for it, I just haven't found it necessary to be really hard on myself about it, following 2008 (the year of Ironman). I mean, if it's not fun, and I don't want to do it, then why do it? Actually there are many reasons to go ahead and do it...like being healthy, staying thin, racing and having fun with friends, setting and meeting goals, etc. But the one reason I have found that I miss more than anything is the way training keeps me disciplined.

Brushing off commitments is contagious. Training keeps me honest, and it keeps me disciplined. I'm committing to 14 days of doing what I say I'll do. No excuses, and no exceptions. I started this morning, and it felt great to follow through, for a change. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are running and cross training. Tuesdays and Thursdays are biking. Fridays are long runs. Saturdays are long bikes and/or boot camp. Wednesday's cross training is always Cindy's class. Next week, I'm starting back Masters Swim. I'm way behind on my training for the Marine Corps Marathon, but I'm going to fight back.

In other news, we just got back from our family baseball trip. We drove to Chicago and saw the Cubs drill the Astros, hooped and hollered in our country accents, then sang "Go Cubs Go" at the end of the game - it was AWESOME! Then we went to St. Louis and saw the Cardinals play the Astros, too, and we visited with my cousin and went up in the Gateway Arch. I have pics and video to share soon.

Unfortunately, it's about time for school to start again. It's hard to believe I have a 7th grader and a 2nd grader already. I have been in denial that it's time to go back, but I might as well get used to it.

Sugoi Verve Short Review

2009-06-18T10:33:00.005-05:00

Running shorts a big deal to me. Outside of my shoes, I'd say they are probably the next most important piece of gear. Well...actually they may be tied with the sports bra. Either way, when you're running long distance, you gotta have a pair of shorts that feel good. I've experimented with several different types of shorts in my running life, and not just any will do. There are several factors that play into whether or not I like them: fit, comfort, flattery, and performance. I am normally a die-hard Nike Tempo Track shorts girl, but I recently gave the Sugoi Verve Short a try, and here's what I think about it...

Fit: These shorts fit me really well. I got a medium, which is what I normally wear, and it fit great. The length is actually a little longer than my normal Nike Tempos, and I liked something a bit longer for a change. They have a drawstring in the waist to make sure they are snug, and a liner that felt perfect. I haven't tried to run in my undergarments in many moons, so that liner is crucial. For fit, I give them 5 stars.

Comfort: Very comfortable shorts. The material is very thin and airy, and as I mentioned before, the liner on the inside is perfect. These shorts never offered to ride up, and that's a big deal. I have yet to experience any chaffing with them, although I normally apply some Body Glide as precaution. For comfort, 5 stars.

Flattery: This probably depends more on your body type than anything. I was pleased with how I looked in these shorts, although I think when I am thinner and in better shape I like the cut of my Nike's better. These did a very good job of covering up some of my problem spots, though, so that was nice. They were a very cute "coral" color also, that went with several running shirts I have. For flattery, I'll give them 3 1/2 stars.

Performance: These shorts have a small key pocket in the front, plus two pockets near the back that are perfect for a gel or two. This is one area these shorts definitely kill the Nike Tempos. Being able to tote along some gel is crucial for marathoning. They also have some reflective strips which come in handy for my 4 a.m. runs in the dark. Last but certainly not least, they did a good job of keeping moisture off my skin with the wicking material and the breathability of the mesh panels on the side. Performance gets 5 stars.

Overall, I highly recommend these running shorts. The only thing that tripped me up a little was the fact that the retail price is $45; that's a bit higher than my $28 Nike Tempo Track shorts. I guess you get what you pay for, though. If $45 doesn't hurt your recession budget too bad, give them a try.

A quote that is close to my heart...

2009-06-16T17:02:00.003-05:00

“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”

-Eleanor Roosevelt

There's not a whole lot I can add to that. Eleanor says it all.

"Making The Cut" is coming along. I've lost 3lbs, my clothes are starting to fit differently, and I'm almost to the point where I can go through each circuit twice...last night I did 4 out of 5 of them twice. I'm sure I'm getting laughed at in the weight room at the gym when I'm doing jumping squats and lunges till muscle failure, but oh well. Bonnaroo was this past weekend, so I did have to jump ship from the diet for a days, but I'm back on track now. I still have a long ways to go, but at least we are headed in the right direction.

I'm still looking to do the Lock 4 Xterra, then the Music City Triathlon in downtown Nashville (an Oly). The following week J.T., the boys and I are going visit 4 MLB ballparks in 5 days. In the Prius. It's our recession-proof family vacation. We are driving to Cincinnatti to watch the Reds, then to Chicago for the Cubs and White Sox, then back down to St. Louis to visit my cousin Megan and to watch the Cardinals. Marine Corp Marathon training starts July 5th. I'm going with the FIRST plan this time, so I can keep riding my bike and getting in shape for the MS Jack N Back ride at the beginning of October. I followed this plan for the Las Vegas marathon a couple of years ago.

I'll leave you with some Bonnaroo pics:

and last but not least....

Mach Triathlon 2009

2009-06-08T16:33:00.005-05:00

The Mach Tenn Triathlon was my first triathlon EVER...5 years ago. When I think back to that scary day 5 years ago, I almost get emotional. I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. I had been running for about a year and a half, and I had just purchased my bike off of Ebay 2 months prior to that race. As far as swimming, I thought I was hitting the pool hard...but it was hard because I simply didn't really know how to swim very well, so I was not exactly efficient in the water, and a mere 500 yds was hard. I was going through a discovery period in my life. I was finding out, all by myself, that I was no longer limited by my preconceived notions, my critics, or my environment. William James said "Compared to what we ought to be, we are only half awake..." and I was realizing this on a small scale. Running had first tipped me off to this idea, and I was all about pushing some limits to see what was really possible. It was liberating, and the early morning sunrise workouts just plain made me feel good. So old basketball teammate, Leslie, told me about the Mach Tenn Triathlon and suggested I make it my first. Leslie was the only person I knew who had ever competed in a triathlon. To make a long story short, I worked really hard to get to a place where I thought I could finish that thing, and I did finish it, but I would never call that experience easy. I was terrified. The dinner I had eaten the night before was long gone in our septic tank by 3 a.m., and I didn't sleep a wink. The swim was what I was most afraid of, and for good reason, because to this day I am surprised I actually made it out alive. I was very happy not to crash on the bike, and my legs were pretty much in shock the entire run because the race itself was my first ever BRICK. I finished and was ecstatic. My parents thought I had turned into Super Woman, and my friends thought I was crazy. That day led to countless other sprints and olys, and eventually a half iron and a full Ironman - Ironman Florida. The many other lessons in life and in toughness it led too, though, are countless. Not to mention the relationships and friendships I have been blessed with in this sport.

All that said, Saturday was a celebration of all that. It was an "I-love-this-sport-so-even-though-I've-taken-a-break-and-am-not-trained-very-well, I'm-still-going-out-there-and-gonna-have-fun-with-my-friends-doing-the-sport-we-love" kinda attitude. And boy was it a lot of fun. And as it turns it out, maybe I'm not in as bad of shape as I thought. My times were only only seconds off of last years, and I even placed first in my age group! The fact that my friends Larkin and Leslie (who are also in my age group) took Overall 1st and 2nd certainly helped my cause, but I will certainly take it.

I went as hard as I could in the swim, and managed to come out with an 18:09 (0.6 miles) even though I got into a fight with an old man out there. He didn't appreciate my bumping into him as I squeezed in between him and another swimmer, so he decided to jerk my arm under water. I called him a not so nice name and we yelled at each for a moment then went on with the swim. I must admit that's never happened to me before, but it's all good. I don't hold a grudge...I said my peace, he said his, and we were back off swimming. Get 394 competitors in a lake and...well...it's gonna happen sometimes I guess.

I hit the bike hard. I knew that my only shot to do well in this race was to give 100% on the bike, and that's what I did. I ended up with a 46:16 for the 16 miles, which is just a few seconds slower than last year. And the crazy thing about this is that I found myself battling back and forth with the same guy, aka "Mr. Lightspeed", that I was battling back an forth with last year in this race! We both recognized each other, and pushed each other to the end again!

The run is a different story. I haven't been running enough lately, and I knew that. It hurt, pretty much the whole way. I went as hard as I thought I could...but if I am honest with myself, I know that I didn't really give it my all. Boo. I had more to give on this run, I wasn't even sore the rest of the weekend. Either way, I actually beat my run time from last year with a 31:59 for the 4 miles. My one promise for this race was that I would cross the line smiling, and that I did! With a total time of 1:39:03.

I SO loved seeing all my peeps and racing hard with them. And it was a total blast to see my sister finish her 1st ever triathlon here - 5 years after it was my first! She even snagged 3rd place in our Age Group!!
Next up, Lock 4 Blast...my first ever Xterra off-road tri...let's hit the trails!

My Mach Tenn Limerick

2009-06-05T17:21:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is the Mach Tenn Tri.

I hope to finish and not die.

I plan on having lots of fun,

Hurting like hell on the run,

And cross the finish smiling, will I!

Good luck to Holly - it's her first ever triathlon!!

Making The Cut

2009-06-04T12:06:00.005-05:00

I've been whining around about not being in shape for a few months now. Not in shape, as compared to being in Ironman shape, which is supposed to be really great shape...right?

I'm not so sure, anymore.

I was walking through Target the other day and caught a glimpse of this:
It said "Drop the last stubborn 10 - 20lbs once in for all."

I was a bit skeptical, as this 10 - 20lbs has certainly taken it's toll on me lately. It drains me of my motivation and my confidence, regardless of how many miles I can swim/bike/run. Whether that's a body image problem or not, it really doesn't matter if it's the reality. I've carried an extra 10 - 20lbs with me along in marathons, half iron triathlons, and all the way to the finish line at Ironman Florida. And I'm still dragging it around. So I figured "WTH, I'll see what the drill sergeant has to say...maybe she'll say something to motivate me." I bought the book.

The fact of the matter is that I looked better before I started running long distance. When I was taking classes at the gym and running only 3-4 miles at a time, I looked good. I stood in front of that mirror at the gym and liked what I saw. Before I picked up a piece of bread or a piece of chocolate, I thought about that mirror, and how the extra calories really weren't worth it. Enter marathon and triathlon training, on top of a pretty hectic schedule to begin with, and it gets a bit more complicated. You IM parents know what I mean, right? Sure, you'd rather have grilled salmon for dinner, but you're stuck at the ball park for the next 5 hours where you can only get a burger or a hot dog...and you've got that long run coming up in the morning.

To make a long story short, the philosophies I've been using to shed my unwanted 15lbs haven't been working. I haven't stayed motivated for long enough at a time to make any progress.

But....

I read Making The Cut and did the first workout Monday, and I am a believer. It's circuit training, the same kind I used to do at the gym...except somewhere over the last 4.5 years, I have lost all that strength I used to have...regardless of how many miles I can swim, bike, and run, I am not strong anymore. I faced that reality when I trembled while trying to finish up a set of planks, and when I put J.T. on stand-by for rushing me to the E.R. because my heart rate was so out of control I couldn't catch my breath. All of the sudden ice cream didn't sound so good and chocolate was the last thing I wanted.

I am on Day 4 of the 30 day plan. I'm following her menu and workout plan, and adding my swimming, biking and running as extra cardio. She expects you to survive on your BMR...so I have given myself a bit of allowance there, depending on how much cardio I get in. But I have a whole new perspective on the kind of shape I'm really in. These workouts are kicking my butt, but I need them. I want to be strong from the core, and I want an acceptable body composition. I can already tell a difference, so I'll be posting regularly my progress.

The Mach Tenn Triathlon is this Saturday. It was my first ever triathlon, and one of the most fun tri's around. I am gonna get my ass whipped, but I'm going out there anyway. I have always improved my time from year to year in this event, but that's about to come to an end. I'm just not nearly as strong this year. I'll do the best I can, and enjoy the day with my awesome triathlon peeps! I'll let you know how it goes.

Twenty bucks or Good Karma?

2009-05-26T13:36:00.003-05:00

I was walking into work today, not in the greatest of moods, when I saw a $20 bill lying right in front of me as I walked through the parking lot. My first reaction was "Yes!! $20 richer! cha-ching!" And then I realized it was just outside of a mini van...and it sure did look awfully probable that whoever drove that mini van had dropped it as they made their way into work. It didn't take but a couple more steps to decide I'd much rather gamble on good karma than pocket $20. So tracked down the owner of that mini van and found out that she had, indeed, lost a $20 bill from her pocket that morning. Of course, I returned it to her. My friends are telling me that the power ball is now $222 million...I believe I will go buy my first ever lottery ticket today...bring on the good karma.

So, I've been MIA for a while again. Training has been sporadicly consistent. Does that make sense? Oxymoron or not, that is the only way to describe it. I've managed to let the Mach Tenn Triathlon fill up before registering, but I'm curious as to whether the VP of the club(that would me) that is putting on the race can get a string pulled for her in that regard? If not, maybe it's a sign that I'm so undertrained I need to opt for working the event rather than racing it. If I do get in, the goal will be to finish, and only to finish. I expect to get my @ss handed to me by many people, one of who is my sister (doing her 1st triathlon of all things! But she is fast!), but I'm a big girl, and I can take it. If you don't put in the training you can't expect to be strong, and that's just the way it is. Somehow it seems awfully lame of me to not race under these circumstances, though...especially since I have no good explanation as to why I haven't put in the training(no injuries or anything). I simply have been turning off the alarm instead of getting in good, quality morning workouts; and I've been opting to watch American Idol or sitting at the kids' ball practices instead of going to masters' swim class. The actual games, though, I do consider an excused absense, for the record.

Speaking of all this laziness, though, it's about to come to an end. I do despise such a way of life. It starts and ends with mental fortitude. Life on a daily basis without it is very nonproductive. You know I've been roaming around like a lost sheep wondering what in the hell I'm going to do now that my Ironman is over, and I'm not registered for anything. Everyone says "register for a smaller event and work toward that," but for someone of my mentality it seems like that would be comparable with snorting 1 line of cocaine when you are used to snorting 5. For the record, that analogy could be way off as I have never been a drug user and, other than Hollywood's interpretation, I know nothing much about it...unless you count 20 mile runs and 100 mile rides as drugs...and granted, you could have an argument there. Back to the point, though, having a smaller race than an Ironman as an A race for me, just isn't going to cut it right now. Perhaps at some point I'll be able realign the sensible railways in my head about this stuff, but for now I need something bigger. Like something I've never done before.

XTERRA Lock 4 Blast.

July 18th. I've been tossing it around for a while, but I made up my mind during a 20 mile road ride yesterday. Comfort zone, be gone. Back to swim class, back to the trails, back to early morning training. Back to being discliplined, and back to eating right.

I feel better already.

Necessary Silence

2009-05-06T18:09:00.003-05:00

Authenticity is something I hold very close to my heart. I believe in being true - true to God, true to family and friends(including you), and most importantly, true to myself. Not to say we don't all have slightly different personalities depending on who we're conversing with; for instance, I probably don't use the same tone and dialect when I'm speaking with a company executive about the latest economic developments that I use when sitting at the ball park discussing the best strategy to win, or when I'm fussing about the humidity while trying to gut out another few miles of a long run. We all understand that. But keeping things real, as in really real, can sometimes be scary. That being said, please forgive my absence on this blog lately. As if my sporadic training had not been a key indicator, I don't mind telling you that my heart hasn't been into the great sport of triathlon in a while. Knowing this, and embracing it, I dove back into the baseball mom persona who does nothing but go to work and tote her kids from place to place. I love taking my boys to baseball practice, and you know I would never miss a game they were playing in, but in all things, I've been reminded balance is still important. I'm not a lot of fun hanging out a baseball practice if I'm stressed to the max and need a good 5 mile run that I've neglected for a week.

Not to switch the subject, but Ironman is hard to follow. Need I explain to you the depth of the butterflies I get when reflecting upon the waves and the crowd...the sweat and the salt...the fatigue...the barely making it to T-2...the running out into the sunset...the desperate attempt to eat something that would supply some energy...and the rebound...the rebound...the "I'm okay-I will do this"...the sunset...the darkness...the spotlights...the loud speaker...and the voice - you know the one I'm talking about...the crowd...and sheer euhphoria that can make a 32 year old mom who's gone 140.5 miles in the past 11 hours and 58 minutes break out into a sprint and feel like she could go 20 more if she needed to.

It's hard to follow.

It was something I've had in the back of my mind for 4 years, and something that had been my main focus and an extremely high priority for the entire year leading up to it. It was everything I ever wanted it to be and more, but it's still just an event. It has an end. It doesn't last forever. It's not something that defines who I am, it's just a small part of me. I'll do another one someday; how could I not? But not now.

So the extra time I've had on my hands sans IM training has left me tons of time to think and explore lots of other avenues that I had left on the back burner. Intitially, I didn't know what to think of it. I tried to rationalize...tried to justify and such, but I finally just decide I needed to retreat and gather my thoughts. I was having a hard time giving you the real Lana...and I didn't like that at all. I needed to shut up and listen, and quit running my big mouth so much. So that's what I've been doing, and really what I am still doing. I have some ideas and some goals in mind, but I'm still regrouping and still trying to determine which road I should take next. I've had some struggles and some victories lately, and I'll share them with you soon. The silence has been refreshing, but you know I can't stay quiet for long. :) I'll also get caught up on all of your blogs eventually - I'm still working on that.

In the meantime...feel free to friend me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter if you want a more up to date account of what may be going through my head at any random moment.

Doomed

2009-04-01T16:03:00.002-05:00

...and sent to Post Ironman Purgatory.

Let's just be real here. First, be forewarned:

This post is not necessarily the motivational type. It's just real, unedited half redneck babble from the head of a Recent Ironman/wannabe supermom/I've lost my focus/get me out of this damned recession because it's screwing with my plans/Did I even ever have a plan?/Where do I go from here? If you are easily de-motivated, grab onto your mouse and quickly navigate to another blog.

Here's the skinny...

I'm not Catholic, but I know about Purgatory. It's that "holding place" you're sent to if you're not good enough to get into heaven, but you aren't quite hell material yet, either. I've never really given it a whole lotta thought in my time, but as I was wallowing around in my own self pity the other day, wondering what in the world I'm going to do about my never ending delima of train hard or don't train at all, mixed with "I'm not missing out on anything my kids have going on this year," it hit me - I'm in Ironman Purgitory.

I'm not in Ironman Heaven, like TriGreyhound, out riding for hours and running afterwards and swimming for miles and miles and just knowing that you are the baddest em-effer to ever walk on the planet. Seeing your veins pop out, and wiping the salt off your head, and sleeping for 10 hours and still waking up tired. Following the plan and holding yourself accountable and finding the personal integrity it takes to go the extra mile and a half past your car because the plan said to ride 100 and you got back at 97. Grittin' your teeth and diggin' down deep and tired-back-be-damned-I WILL cross that finish line if I have to effin' crawl to get there, knowing good and well you've got no intention of crawling a single step or coasting for a single second on the day of Ironman, and therefore you're gonna bust your ass on every swim/bike/run you take part in, and you know you'll be repaid when you see the light and the forces start drawing you into that glorius finisher's chute. Now that's what I call paradise.

But I'm not really in Ironman Hell either. The beenthere/donethat, now I think I'll eat donuts and milk for the rest of my life especially since I bought all my IM paraphanalia two sizes too big to allow for the slothfulness I intend to indulge in. Now there would surely be some weeping and gnashing of teeth in there.

I remain in Ironman Purgatory. No, I'm not doing an Ironman this year. I don't want to. I owe it to J.T. and the boys to not be out swimming/riding/running every morning when they wake up. I am enjoying actually watching Bo's baseball practices, instead of sneaking in a run when I drop him off. If Briar's schedule gets changed and he has a ballgame when I was supposed to ride, it's cool to say, "Oh well, I just won't ride this afternoon. No biggie, I'm going to the game!" The conflict arises, though, when I do get out and a run 5 or 6 miles, and I feel like I haven't done shit. Or when I ride 20 miles and it just doesn't seem to satisfy me like those 50, 60 and 70 milers once did. So I get frustrated, and I take a trip to hell for a week. I just don't do anything, and I eat like crap. I don't like that either, so I'll hop back on the wagon. I'll eat right and train semi-hard, but it's just not IM. I'm not bad enough for IM Hell, but I just can't handle IM Heaven right now either.

This must be how it starts. How these people do an Ironman, and then turn around sign up for another before even 1 year has passed. It's the opium of endurance athletes. It grabs you and it won't let you go. That's cool stuff for a single girl without kids. Not so cool for a mom of two boys who need her around more than IM would to allow right now.

Wrapping my head around the concept of balance was never an easy thing to begin with. Insert Ironman Purgatory and I am restless. I am so loving the freedom of not having to do a certain workout on a certain day, but then after about 3 days of nothing I'm sitting there wondering where IronLana went and how I can get her back without doing another IM.

Real quick because I owe it to you:

I'm not doing Gulf Coast. The recession, along with my trips to IM Hell have made it impossible even though I really wanted it to happen.

I signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon - Oct. 25th.

I still want to do an Xterra or a mtb race this summer.

Still haven't lost much weight. That's still the #1 goal.

Shake and Bake, Baby!

2009-03-23T12:14:00.005-05:00

Spent all weekend at one ball park or another. Bo had a tournament all weekend and Briar had a game Saturday night. Bo's team finished runner up in the tournament. We stopped to eat dinner on the way home, and Bo, sitting there looking at his "runner up" medal, looked up and says:

Bo: Mom, we got last.

Me: No, Bo! You guys got second!

~Long pause as he looks out of the top of his eyes and grins~

Bo: But Mom, Ricky Bobby sayzzzzzzzz...

And you know the rest of the story...

Happy St. Patricks Day!

2009-03-17T10:38:00.002-05:00

No, I'm not ordinarily this festive, but put a $50 card gift card on the line and well...I all the sudden get festive. Except that I forgot I'm must not be the only one needing that dang gift card during this recession...other people came into work with decked out from head to toe, flashing green earrings, nails painted green, everything. So I probably won't win the $50 gift card, but oh well. You should've seen me this morning driving through small town Manchester in my Prius, with a my bike on the back, and my green hair shining. My kids opted to have J.T. take them to school.

Got in 2500 yds at masters swim last night. Still feeling good to be training for something. I do need to change up this blog a little though. It still says I'm on the road to IM. Technically, I'm on the road back from IM. Any suggestions?

Remember what it feels like to be an athlete?

2009-03-16T15:37:00.005-05:00

I did, this weekend. I had forgotten how good that feels. Friday I met Tim and Tammie and we took off on a 13.3 mile run that included the absolute worst hills in Manchester - those of Country Club all the way to the Laurel Crown Rd. I knew about the hills because one of my best friends grew up on that road. Tim and Tammie did not, and took off down that way, but I am not one to argue when I can barely breath in the first place. I just sucked it up and hammered up them, too. My only saving grace was that I promised myself that when we got back close to my car, I was bailing. As in done, stick a fork in me, going home. We got back to the rec center around 9 miles, though, and they wouldn't hear of it. They just kept on, so I finally slammed back a Gu Roctane and took off for 4 more miles. Have you tried the Gu Roctane? Peeps, the stuff works. I cannot even tell you how dead my legs were when we took off running again, but after about 2 miles I felt a burst of energy that even had me picking up the pace. It's good stuff - it will be my gel of choice from here on out.

Saturday...well, all the baseball games were cancelled this weekend. And since I had stayed up half the night Friday night packing things and getting ready for a tournament in the cold and rain, I sorta slept till noon on Saturday. It was the first time I've done that since...wow, probably college. Bo finally jumped on the bed and said, "Uh, Mom, are you just gonna lay in the bed all day?!" I took the hint and finally got up and about. The rest was nice, though, and much appreciated by my legs. We spent the rest of the day cleaning, cooking, and playing Guitar Hero. Oh yeah, one more thing...I decided to do the Gulf Coast Triathlon - a half ironman 7 weeks from now. I've put off the decision long enough, and I hesitated to even consider it seriously because it's not a cheap trip, but with a little bit of creativity I think I can get down there, rock it out as best as I can on 7 weeks of training, have some intoxicating beverages on the beach, and then ride my little hybrid back in pure 2009 Recession fashion. Because I just need a goal. My goal is to follow the Trifuel Half Iron plan as closely as possible starting at week 14 (ouch!) and not to stress when I need to miss a workout for family obligations or baseball games. It may not be a GCT PR, but it'll be fun and hopefully we can get a crew down there to support Tim, who will be doing GCT for the first time. He will no doubt set the course on fire.

Considering I finally have a goal, guess what I did Sunday? I rode my bike! Outside! 35 miles!! Then I had a strawberry banana protein smoothie, made with frozen strawberries and bananas that I had prepared and frozen myself. I threw a little bit of yogurt, milk and protein powder in it and it was wonderful. I felt wonderful, too....like an athlete again. I felt the adrenaline when I hammered up the Noah hill. I felt the passion when I had the wind at my bike. I felt the fire inside when I hit the wind head on.

You can take a girl out of the races, but you can't take the racing out of the girl. Dixie...honky tonk...racing...it's all the same.

Tim, Tammie and I hammered out 6 miles this morning at 4 a.m., and then I lifted weights and did core work for over an hour.

And that all leads to the Final Fifteen. Which is coming right along. Even though I haven't weighed lately, my mind is slowly getting on board. There are a few absolutes: I can't eat ice cream; I can't eat refined sugar. They just don't work for my body. What does work is steady, consistent good choices. Carrots instead of chips. Blueberries instead of chocolate. Yogurt intead of ice cream. Green tea instead of dessert. I haven't weighed yet this week...I'll report it when I do.

And finally...the best Daddy in the world turned 58 years old last Thursday, March 12:

Happy Birthday, Flash!

Ups & Downs of the Final 15

2009-03-12T14:04:00.003-05:00

Final 15 Ups:

I am slowly but surely starting to like yogurt.

Yogurt is my replacement for ice cream.

I have realized that I cannot run for 2 hours and survive the rest of the day on 1100 calories.

I have been able to eat mexican fajitas w/out the chips and tortillas.

I feel more control over my diet, and I am a control freak, so that suits me just fine.

I can feel a difference in my body composition, even though I'm not satisfied with the movement, or lack there of, on the scale.

I am no longer craving chocolate.

I feel much better.

I haven't thrown in the towel. I've made some mistakes, but I've gotten back on track. I am optimistic that I will reach this goal.

Final 15 Downs:

The scales are stuck on 129. I attribute this to a not so great weekend last weekend, followed by a stomach virus, followed by being starved and ravenous. I don't know if I actually lost some weight then gained it back or what, but they last time I weighed it said 129, the time before said 130, the time before - 129. Either way, I haven't lost any weight since the first week.

The whole logging and blogging every day just did not take. Not at all. Like I have time to do that during baseball season...what was I thinking? I am logging pretty much everything I can, but the blogging is going to have to come more sparingly. You know it's not a good idea when your own diet is causing you so much stress it makes you want to eat a french fry. And I don't even like french fries.

The early stages of changing how you eat just suck. I'm always wanting something different than I have to eat. Then if I give in and let myself have something I shouldn't, I want to devour it because I know it'll be ages before I can have it again. And it's always on mind, always lingering...I'll be glad when it's just second nature. I swear when I get there I'm not letting it go again. I had all this under control in 2003...I didn't eat sweets and didn't want them and had lost several pounds. Then I went on a cruise, where the dessert is free. Free dessert, I said. How can you not take the dessert when it's free? I found out, because I've been craving sweets ever since. It's always back and forth - I eat them for a while, and then I don't eat them because I need to shed a few pounds for a race or something. But the craving is always there...ever since the cruise.

Final 15 Status:

On the days I workout hard in the morning, I'm finding time to make eggs(1 yolk + 2 whites), and then oatmeal. When I don't workout in the morning I just have oatmeal. It just works better than way for me.

I'm still mostly eating the Lean Cuisine and Weight Watchers Smart Ones meals, and when I'm not I'm making fairly good decisions.

Dinner is still a work in progress. This one is hard for two reasons. 1 - My husband and 2 boys want a real dinner...not a weight watchers meal. And 2 - this is a busy time of year, and feeling that starving feeling in your stomach when you realize it's 9p.m. and you haven't eaten yet, is going to happen sometimes, even with the best effort to keep healthy snacks handy. I'm getting better at eating "my food" while I watch J.T. and the boys eat what I'd rather have, but I'm not out of the woods on this yet. However, if "what I'd rather have" is keeping the "pounds I'd rather NOT have" on my lower half, then it's really not what I'd rather have, right? Right.

All that said, I'm still working on it. I haven't gotten it mastered yet, but don't give up on me. Like my friend Don told me once - "It's a marathon, not a sprint."

I do have more and interesting stuff to blog about, so check back soon...

Final 15-Week 3, Identifying a Problem, and We Got Snow!

2009-03-02T09:47:00.002-06:00

Let's start with the snow...

This was the biggest snow we've had in Tennessee in probably 5 years. Personally, I'm ready for spring and could have done without, but the kids had a blast, so I guess it was worth it. I considered mtn biking in it, but Holly convinced me that it could mess up my bike, so I didn't. I'm not totally convinced of that, but then again, since I was still in my p.j.'s at 2p.m. I probably wasn't that serious about it anyway. J.T. was the snowman builder this time. I normally get out there and roll one up, but my mind is just too far gone toward spring to really get into it. So, I served as breakfast cook/camera woman and fixed bacon, eggs, oatmeal and biscuits; and shot video, took pics, and then learned how to make movies! I also did some work on the website I'm making for Briar's baseball team - http://ccmsbaseball.com. I don't have the pics on the front page, yet, but it's getting there.

Now, let's talk about food.

~the tone takes a nose dive~

I did really well Monday and Tuesday, and I think I did okay Wednesday, too. However, life around my house started getting really busy and hectic. I wasn't able to plan out all my meals, I got stressed out, I didn't get anything logged, and I ended up starving. Starving = falling off the wagon. I basically just went back to my old ways of eating what I wanted and used lack of time and lots of stress as an excuse. I do remember that I did very on Saturday, but not so much on Thursday and Friday. I don't have to have a log of how many calories I ate to tell that I haven't been eating right...I can tell by the way I feel and by looking in the mirror. My only hope, at this point, is that when I weigh in today at lunch that I will be the same as last week, although I doubt that will be the case.

All that being said, I'm not giving up.

"You have a choice. You can throw in the towel, or you can use it to wipe the sweat off of your face." -Gatorade

I have identified a major problem that I have with my diet. I eat really well and have no problem with it as long as everything is running smoothly and I'm being productive, etc. But when I start having to be 3 places at once with more things to do than I can possibly squeeze into the day, I start giving up on the diet. I must also note that I tend to do the same thing with my training. I survived this during Ironman by saying "the house is just not going to be perfectly clean while I'm training for IM" or "the laundry will get done at some point, I'm training for an IM" or "sorry, I can't make this meeting because I have a long brick today." Now there is no IM, so I expect my house to stay spic-n-span, I expect to pick up all those volunteer jobs I had to turn down last year, and I expect to be able to make it to 3 places at one time. And all that's okay, because afterall, that's what we triathlon moms do...but I have to quit throwing in the towel when it comes to nutrition...I have to pick it up and use it to wipe the sweat off my face and keep going...strong and steady.

Week 3 will be different. Watch me.

Final 15 Week 2, Day 2: Moving right along

2009-02-25T11:33:00.005-06:00

Tuesday was not so bad on the nutrition front, but I didn't get a single workout in. Overslept for spin class in the morning, and then had too much to do in the evening. Note to self: That's why your get you @$$ outta bed at 4:30 a.m. and get it done in the morning. Just do it. Anyways, 1323 total calories...I didn't have time to do the ratio chart, but I can tell at a glance that I was low on protein and high on carbs. I did find a new oatmeal that I am trying. It's Kroger-brand "Active Lifestyle Weight Control" and it has pecans in it, and double the protein of the Kashi Heart-to-Heart. Yummy taste (not very sweet) and very filling. Here's the quick version of what I ate, because I am a bit pressed for time lately:

Positive notes: Smaller portions are becoming more comfortable and natural sugar is more satisfying after not having refined sugar for a few days.

Negatives: I am still thinking about when and what I'm eating all the time, and I don't like that. If I was to have a strawberry milkshake right now, I would spiral all the way down to the bottom and never return. It would be all over but the crying.

The Final 15, Week Two, Day 1: The Pistachio Nuts Saved Me

2009-02-24T11:07:00.004-06:00

Monday might have been the most perfect day for my diet in a long time. Had a short jog with Briar at 5:30 a.m. (1.5 miles) then did abs and some arm and leg weights. For breakfast I my Kashi Oatmeal and a spoonful of peanut butter with a bit of honey on it filled me up just fine. I ran 5 miles and did lunges with Holly on my lunch break, and then followed it up with the lunch you see below. I knew that dinner would be the tricky part, and tried to have a fairly hardy afternoon snack. A big bunch of grapes and a string cheese, and a few pistachio nuts as I was hurrying home to coach Bo's basketball practice. We went straight from basketball to masters swim, where we got in about 1600 yds plus the warmup. Around 7:45, as we were headed home, I almost panicked because I was feeling so hungry. I knew I had tilapia to grill when we got home, but I wanted something like "right now!". I always feel this way after I swim, and it usually leads to bad choices. I did have a bag of pistachio nuts with me, though, so I snacked on those on the way home and as I was fixing dinner. PERFECT! They took away the hunger, and although they cost me 189 calories, I feel like that was 189 calories well spent. So I ended up with 1303 total calories for the day, I was full, and I didn't even want anything for dessert.

Breakfast	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
Kashi Heart-to-Heart Instant Oatmeal	160	2	33	4
Skippy Natural Creamy Peanut Butter, 0.7 tbsp	63	6	2	2
Honey, 0.2 tbsp	13	0	3	0
Lunch	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
Fresh Express Sweet Baby Greens, 1 cup	3	0	1	0
Maple Grove Farms Fat Free Balsalmic Vinagrette, 1 tbsp	5	0	1	0
Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh Mesquite Smoked Shaved Turkey Breast 6 slices, 1.2 serving	60	1	1	7
Pear, fresh, 1 medium	98	1	25	1
Afternoon Snack	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
Grapes, 1.5 cup	90	1	43	2
Frigo light string cheese, 1 oz.	60	3	0	8
Pistachio Nuts, 1.2 oz.	189	15	10	7
Dinner	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
Tilapia filet, 4 oz	98	1	0	21
Rice, Kraft Minute Whole Grain Brown Rice, 0.5 cup	160	2	32	3
Asparagus, fresh, steamed 1 cup	31	0	6	3
Yellow squash, fresh, steamed, .5 cup	18	0	2	1
Broccoli, fresh, steamed, 1 cup	25	0	5	3
Dessert	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
None
Total	1303	36	204	71

I was also pleased that I got my carbs under 60% this time:

Final 15 Week 1 Wrap up, My Super Hero Friends, and other stuff to rant about...

2009-02-23T14:32:00.005-06:00

First things first - the Final 15 Week 1 wrap up:

So maybe agreeing to log and blog EVERY day was a bit ambitious. It worked out well until the weekend hit, and then it just didn't happen. I don't spend a lot of time in front of the computer on the weekend when there is laundry to do, dust to be removed, bathrooms to clean, floors to mop, and fun to be had in between. So for Friday, Saturday and Sunday...I'm going to sum it up and say I did okay, just okay. I'm not really happy with it, but I didn't totally blow it either. I did find myself nibbling at things that I had no business putting into my mouth, and I also found myself hungry too much. I didn't plan out the meals as well as I need to, so I'm sure that contributed.

So today was the big weigh-in. The first time I've been on a scale since Monday-a-week-ago. I'll be honest, I didn't know what to expect. This past Wednesday I felt like I was making progress, but then I let the devil in on Thursday night, and I really haven't felt too good about it since. I did notice that my jeans felt somewhat looser on Saturday, but then Saturday night JT and I went to Kobe Steaks and I had a rum runner and a glass of plum wine with my dinner of Fillet Mignon,Lobster, and Chicken. Yeah, we splurged. It's like the first time we've been out on a date in I don't remember when. I brought back a lot of the dinner though, and ate it for lunch yesterday after an awesome mtb ride. So....I weighed today at lunch - clothes, shoes and all...and...drumroll please.....

129 lbs

Yes!! I am very pleased with that. That's 3 lbs lighter the first week. I'll take it, especially since my goal really only requires 1 - 2 lbs a week.

Week 2 is going well so far - I went to the rec this morning and ran a mile and a half with Briar, then did abs, curl bar, lat pull down, quads, hamstrings, and squat rack. Holly and I ran 5 miles in 42:58 at lunch, and then we followed it up with 70 lunges. Nutrition is on track - breakfast was my Kashi oatmeal, a teaspoon of Skippy Natural Peanut Butter, and a small drop of honey. Lunch was a few greens (I spilled the majority of them as I walked out of the breakroom-I'm so graceful), some deli turkey, Smart Ones Angel Hair Marinara, and a fresh pear. I've got masters swim tonight, and I'll probably be doing spin class tomorrow morning. I'm also going to check into the Paleo Diet like Bill suggested in the comments. Progress feels really good and is a great motivator.

Now, my Super Hero friends....they all took a trip down to Birmingham, AL last weekend and ran the Birmingham Marathon and half marathon. This is a very tough and hilly course, and they rocked it. My sister shattered my own half marathon PR with a 1:45:16! John and Jay also ran the half, and Heather, Tammie, Holly J., Jonathon, Tim, and Lee all rocked out the full marathon. Here they all are:
I decided not make the trip...my training had been sporadic and I really didn't want to spend the money on the late registration fee, hotel, etc. But it sure sounded like they all had a blast. These guys all pound the pavement day in and day out, and they have no doubt made me a better runner. Congrats Super Hero friends!!!

In other news, baseball is almost upon us, even if it is 32 degrees outside. Bo has one more basketball game, and then I'd say baseball will be in full swing. I think Briar has a baseball tournament of some sort this weekend. I'm loving the new MLB Network on Direct TV. The other day we all watched "The Sandberg Game" from 1984 where the Cubs played the Cardinals and Sandberg kept hitting homers. I could say one thing while watching it - "Man, those players sure were skinny back then."

I'm not really sure what baseball is going to have to do about the steriod fiasco. I think it's sad. It's ridiculous, and it's unfair for all the guys who've been playing it straight up during this era. Kinda like it's unfair to all of us who pay our mortgages no matter how bad it hurts, while the government bails out the ones who don't. However, I still love the game, and I still love America. I love it from watching Bo play coach-pitch, to Briar playing for his Middle School, to the Cubbies, Red Sox, Yankees...all of them. So bring on the summer, bring on some hot, sweaty rides and runs, and take me out to the ball game!

The Final 15 Day 4: Mexican Food is the Devil

2009-02-20T10:21:00.005-06:00

Geez. Yesterday was just screwed up in every way. First off, Holly and I were supposed to mtn bike before work, but after a string of texts at 4:45 a.m. contemplating the cold weather and harsh wind chill, we didn't go. I got up and put in my Flexible Warrior DVD and did an hour yoga instead. I did enjoy this, I might add, and it actually made me sweat a little.

I took the advice of almost everyone I've talked to and ate more protein for breakfast - the egg beaters. I'll be honest, though, I did not notice that I was any less hungry than when I just eat oatmeal and a piece of fruit. Lunch was 1/2 a peanut butter & banana sandwich, steamed asparagus, and then I finished off the rest of the banana that I didn't eat in the sandwich. That was good, and I felt full. 3:30 came, and I ate a few grapes that I had here with me at work, but I really didn't want to eat anything else because the peanut butter had so many calories in it. That was probably a mistake, because at 7:00 when I picked Briar up from baseball, I was starving. At the same time, J.T. texts and asks about going out to eat mexican food because he's starving too. The kids are wanting mexican as well, and the tilapia I was going to fix at home just didn't sound filling enough. So we go to the mexican restaurant and I say "I'll only 4 or 5 chips." Yeah, right. Long story short, Bo and I shared chicken fajitas, I ate as many chips as I wanted, and I even used two tortilla shells. ~sigh~ So, I pretty much blew it for Day 4. I had no idea how to calculate the calories, but I did the best I could using calorie counters on the net. I'm not happy with the decision, but I'm not throwing in the towel, either. I'm back on track today, having a banana and 1 tablespoon of peanut butter for breakfast.

All that being said, I had already planned on allowing myself a meal like this on the weekends, occasionally. So that's certainly out for this weekend.

Breakfast	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
Kashi Heart-to-Heart Instant Oatmeal	160	2	33	4
Egg Beaters 1/2 cup	60	0	1	12
Banana, medium	109	1	28	1
Lunch	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
Nature's Own Double Fiber Wheat Bread, 1 slice	50	1	13	3
Skippy Natural Creamy Peanut Butter, 2 tbsp	180	16	6	7
Banana, medium	109	1	28	1
Asparagus, fresh, 1 cup	31	0	6	3
Afternoon Snack	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
Grapes, .5 cup	30	0	14	1
Dinner	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
Chicken Fajitas, 1/2 skillet, 1 serving ???	330	11	23	40
Flour Tortillas, 2 tortilla (approx 7-8in. dia)	319	7	54	9
Tortillia chips, 2 oz.	284	15	36	4
Dessert	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
None
Total	1661	53	242	86

I didn't bother making the ratio chart - I just want to put this day behind me and move on.

The Final 15 lbs. Day 3

2009-02-19T11:06:00.013-06:00

Day 3 started with not enough protein for breakfast, again, but I tried to make up for it at lunch. Dinner was spaghetti, fixed by my husband, but it wasn't too bad since the beef was ground round and the pasta was whole wheat. I'm not eating a frozen dinner EVERY night. I did have a piece of cheese toast with it, but I think the protein in the cheese and the fiber in the bread helped me feel more full than had I not had it. And the dessert, well, Bo was eating a Hershey bar, and he ever so sweetly offered me the last few bites, and well, chocolate + Bo's sweet smile = What the heck, just eat it. Calories were up a little, but I'm okay with the day as a whole. The chocolate DID make want to raid the kitchen for more sugar, but I fixed a cup of hot green tea and was perfectly satisfied and very happy with my choice. That, my friends, is progress.

Exercise consisted of a 3 mile run at lunch w/4x400yd intervals, abs, 20 pushups, bicep curls and shoulder press w/10lb dumbells, lat pull down, tricep pull down, and free weight bench press. Master's swim was at 6 p.m. and we got in 2400 yds - great workout - I was smoked. Yes, it's embarrassing to be smoked after 2400 yards when you were doing 4,000 a few months ago, but that's where an extended haitus will get you. Gotta pay the price. I'll be back.

Breakfast	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
Kashi Heart-to-Heart Instant Oatmeal	160	2	33	4
Banana, 1 medium	109	1	28	1
Lunch	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
Earthbound Farms Organic mixed baby green salad, 2 cups	15	0	4	1
Weight Watchers Smart Ones Lasagna Florentine	290	9	35	15
Honey Roasted Turkey Breast (Deli Select Ultra Thin), 2 oz	60	1	4	11
Afternoon Snack	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
Grapes, 1/2 cup	48	0	12	0
Yoplait Light Blueberry Patch, 6 oz	100	0	19	5
Dinner	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
Whole Wheat Spaghetti, cooked (pasta), 1 cup	174	1	37	7
Ragu Spaghetti Sauce (tomato sauce), 0.67 cup	107	4	16	3
Ground beef, extra lean, 2 oz	133	10	0	11
ature's Own Double Fiber Wheat Bread, 1 slice	50	1	13	3
Kraft Singles American Cheese, 1 serving	60	5	1	3
Dessert	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
Hershey's Milk Chocolate Candy Bar 0.25 serving	58	3	6	1
Total	1364	37	208	65

As you can see below, I'm really close to a 60/20/20 ratio (carbs/protein/fat). But I think I'm probably still eating too many carbs and not enough protein. I'm not sure I could live on a 40/30/30...but maybe a 50/30/20. Give me your thoughts on this.

Out with the Final 15: Day 2 Numbers & Pizza Attack

2009-02-18T11:02:00.005-06:00

Breakfast	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
Kashi Heart-to-Heart Instant Oatmeal	160	2	33	4
Orange, 1 large	86	0	22	2
Lunch	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
Charlie's Tuna Lunch Kit (lowfat tuna salad w/crackers)	210	7	17	20
Earthbound Farms Organic mixed baby green salad, 2 cups	15	0	4	1
Afternoon Snack	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
Grapes, 1 cup	96	0	25	1
Frigo Light String Cheese, 1 oz	60	3	0	8
Dinner	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
Earthbound Farms Organic mixed baby green salad, 2 cups	15	0	4	1
Fat Free Balsamic Vinaigrette, 2 tbsp	10	0	2	0
Weight Watcher Smart Ones Angel Hair Marinara	230	4	40	9
Asparagus, fresh, 1 cup	31	0	6	3
Pizza, cheese, frozen, 1 serving (1/6th of frozen pizza)	361	12	46	17
Dessert	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
None
Total	1264	28	196	66

Notice the dinner item in red print.

Everything went well early on yesterday - I did leg weights, the squat rack, the pull up machine, and back extensions before going to Leslie's spin class at 5:30 a.m. Came home and got the kids and myself out the door, but I just didn't have time to fix those egg beaters. So breakfast ended up short on protein, but I was full. Lunch went well - I loved the tuna salad lunch kit and I was thrilled with the amount of protein in it. I'll admit I was very ready for that afternoon snack, though, after a couple of hours. Got home from work, picked up Bo at swim team, went home and felt hungry. Bo was begging for pizza, so I put him a frozen pizza in the oven and turned on my Flexible Warrior yoga DVD. I did 30 minutes of yoga to take my mind off of being hungry because I really feel like that is a mental thing with me. I walk in the door, and I'm automatically hungry. After the yoga, I gave Bo his pizza and fixed my salad, asparagus, and my angel hair marinara(this had vegetables in it, too). It was good, and I was cool with not partaking in the pizza (just in case you don't know...I could eat pizza every day for lunch and every night for dinner. I love it.) Briar got home from baseball and ate his share of pizza about an hour later, and I went to clean the kitchen. I was hungry, though. Still hungry. Staring at the pizza. I thought I had gotten in everything I needed, short of some low calorie dessert. In the end, the pizza won over. There was one piece left, and I ate it. I figured I had totally blown the days calories, but after I entered everything and totalled them up....no wonder I was hungry. I still didn't hit 1300.

So...lessons learned:

1) Maybe eat more calories for breakfast and lunch so you won't be so hungry for dinner.
2) More protein for breakfast, especially when I work out in the a.m.
3) Dispose of the pizza immediately - or have the kids to do it - once everyone else has eaten.

Feel free to add your thoughts...I really appreciate all the advice you guys are giving me. And don't be afraid to offend me...it's almost impossible to do that. :)

Out with the Final 15: Day 1 Numbers

2009-02-17T09:52:00.010-06:00

Day 1 on the road to shedding these 15 lbs went great. But it better, ya know, because damn, if you can't knock out Day 1 then you are in trouble. Here's what it looked like:

Breakfast	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
Kashi Heart-to-Heart Instant Oatmeal	160	2	33	4
Lunch	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
Weight Watchers Smart Ones Shrimp Marinara	180	2	31	9
Steamed Asparagus, fresh	31	0	6	3
Afternoon Snack	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
Apple	81	0	21	0
Deli Sliced honey roasted turkey breast (1 serving)	60	1	4	11
Dinner	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
Fresh Express Sweet Baby Greens	7	0	1	1
Fat Free Balsamic Vinagrette, 2 tbsp	10	0	2	0
Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry w/brown rice	475	11	60	31
Dessert	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
5 Green Grapes	15	0	5	0
Total	1019	16	163	59

I drank 56 ounces of water (not enough) and 1 cup of hot green tea (no calories). Here are the Fat/Carb/Protein ratios:

While I am pretty sure that is a little high on the carb end, and a little low on the protein end, it will work for day 1. I am happy with low fat percentage and the lack of refined sugar. And no ice cream, of course. ;) The only time I felt really hungry yesterday was right before dinner, because I didn't get it prepared until 8:30p.m. That is something I need to improve upon - it's too late to be eating.

As for training, I did a 5 mile run during lunch, and followed it up with 70 situps on the decline bench and 3x10 reps of back extensions, holding the last one for 10 seconds each time. At that point, my lunch break was up, and it was time to get back to work. The rest of the evening was coaching Bo's basketball team, cooking dinner, folding laundry, and watching the day's recorded episode of The View before bed. I did manage to get back up this morning and do some weights and spin class, and so far day 2 is off to a good start as well.

The Challenge of the Final 15: Week 1, Day 1

2009-02-16T14:50:00.005-06:00

This has been a long time coming. I've talked about it for a couple of years now. I hint at it all the time. I dream about it. I bitch about it. I'm sick of it. It is time to shut the eff up and do something about it, or just shut up about it, period.

I'm talking about 15 lbs.

It's the 15 lbs that I know have no place on my body. The 15 lbs that I feel when I run. The 15 lbs that keep that size 4 neatly on it's place in the closet. The 15 lbs that keep me from reaching my potential, and the 15 lbs that, because they are there anyway, make it easier to grab for the chocolate. The 15 lbs that make me...med...-ugh,I can't say it...med...ok, MEDIOCRE! And I HATE MEDIOCRITY!

I've lost portions of that final 15 from time to time when I needed to. In the thick of IMFL training, I lost about 8 of it, and then put it back on during the taper. I usually keep about 5 lbs of it off throughout the spring and summer for swimsuit purposes, sometimes maybe even 8 or 9 of it. But I have yet to keep any of it off with any consistency.

I know that everybody has an ideal weight, and I know that old saying that 'muscle weighs more than fat,' but I am here to tell you that I have, give or take a few, about 15 lbs that need to go away for good. I've carried this nasty 15 lbs along with me for every distance from a 5k run to an Ironman triathlon, and I refuse to go another step. That being said, I'm going public with it.

It's no longer going to be a "side item" on my menu of goals. It's the entree - the main course. So, starting today, February 16th, and lasting 10 weeks, this blog will be devoted to the goal that is losing 15 lbs and drastically improving my body composition. I haven't weighed in that light since I was in, like, the 8th grade, so it could be that I lose 10 or 12 of it and deem the goal satisfied, or it might be I lose 15 and decide a couple more are in order. I plan on re-evaluating after reaching the 10 lb mark.

Every morning, I will post everything I ate the previous day, complete with calorie/fat/carb/protein counts. Every Monday, I will weigh before my Monday lunch-time workout (clothes and shoes included) and report the figure promptly. If you want to keep up with me in real time, follow me on Twitter here.

I know how to lose weight. I know what a balanced diet is. I know that I cannot eat ice cream outside of a very small, controlled portion, or I might as well inject it directly into my rear end. I know that I have to invest time into planning my meals so that I don't make bad decisions. I also know that I'll be training at the same time, so I'll have to make some allowances during days that I work out really hard. Some of it will be trial and error, but most if it will be a no-brainer. It will come down to whether or not I really want to lose the weight.

February 16th, 2009 is the start date. April 27th, 2009 will mark the end of 10 weeks. I weighed today before my 5 mile run at lunch and the result was 132, so that is the starting weight. The goal weight will be 117. Follow along, and feel free to jump in and give me your thoughts and advice, and if I need it, a kick in the ass. Check back often...

Are you Iron or not?

2009-02-09T16:10:00.003-06:00

You know I love endurance sports, and I totally dig the self-satisfaction they bring to my life - the endorphin rush, the confidence they've given me, and the much needed challenge they present to me. While I do love them, and I consider myself an endurance junkie for life, I have something to confess:

I have been USING them.

Focusing on my next race or my next seemingly unattainable goal in triathlon has been my diversion technique. It's been a smoke screen. It's been a substitute to keep me satisfied with a career that falls well beneath what I could and should be doing. Not to mention what I'd like to be doing. And let me just tell ya, you really can only swim, bike and run so many miles in a week. Or a month. Or a year. You can even smash your "if everything goes perfect" goal, and live on the SuperMegaExtraStrength Ironman endorphins for quite a while. But sooner or later, the cloud will lower you back down to Earth. The smoke will start to clear, and you'll still have what you always had, except you get to wear M-dot stuff everywhere you go.

The good news? When you have this dream goal that you see no way in hell of ever reaching, and then you start taking steps in its direction, and you eventually take the plunge and announce that you're going for it, and then you reach it, and you far surpass your goals in reaching it; you realize that with hard work, persistence, and dedication, you can do so much more than you ever dreamed possible. You realize how badly you used to limit yourself when you said, "I could never do an Ironman," or, "I could never do an IM in less than twelve and a half hours." You realize that while the path looks daunting, it is extremely doable if you'll just dig down and do what it takes.

The bad news? You have to face the facts that you've been living a life limited, in so many other areas, by that "I could never do an Ironman" thinking. Facing the facts means having to step outside your comfort zone. Risking ridicule and/or embarrassment. Even failure. It's frightening.

I've got to stop just living vicariously through IronLana. IronLana needs to take over in all the other areas of my life. My parenting, my career, my relationships, my commitments, etc. I know, deep down, that IronLana is the REAL Lana. To hell with the circumstances, the excuses, the surroundings, and the conditioned behavior...IronLana is Lana. Everyday, every hour, in all that I do.

Run Like an Animal

2009-02-03T13:08:00.003-06:00

I met Tim and Lee for a 6 mile run this morning at 4:15 a.m. Actually, I should say 4:20, since I was 5 min late, but...they waited on me. Nice guys. So anyway, we didn't have much of a plan. We took off and realized it was colder than it was supposed to be (< 20 degrees), we had some good Bonnaroo conversation, with the 2009 lineup coming out and all, and all was well. I had no clue how fast we were running - I haven't worn my Garmin Forerunner since before the Ironman. I knew the pace felt fairly swift, but hell, the pace always feels swift with them...so I just kept scooting along. At some point Tim asked if we wanted to do 5 or 6, and I said I didn't care - secretly hoping, as always, that it would be the former, but never being so bold as to actually let them know I am wimpy like that. Of course, Tim and Lee chose 6. Tim asked if I was okay with that, and I replied, "Sure." On we went to the 3 mile turnaround, and headed back towards the rec center.

I am a 9 minute miler for training runs, mostly. Sometimes a bit over that, and sometimes under that depending on how motivated I am or who I am chasing. Nine minutes per mile, plus or minus, is fairly comfortable for me. 8:30, and I am hurting, anything close to 8 is race pace - never training pace - for a 10k or less.

I have these limits in my head, and they define the kind of runner I am. When I wear the Garmin, and I am on my own, I magically hit these numbers in a comfortable and consistent fashion. But it hit me today, after we finished 6 miles with no problem, and they informed me that the pace was 8:08, that regardless of whether you are a 15 minute miler or a 9 minute miler, you immediatlely incarsarate your abilities if you define yourself as a runner by these numbers. It's automatic; it's subliminal; it happens even if you don't want it to.

So what if you've been a 10 minute miler for 2 years straight. Who says you can't be an 8 minute miler someday?

So what if you are doing a run/walk program and don't think you can break a 12 minute mile.

So what if you are struggling to get a sub-5hr marathon. Who says you can't get a sub-4hr one sooner than later?

So what if you never thought you could qualify for Boston.

So what if you are just struggling to get the distance.

The point is, don't let yourself get stuck. I do this all the time. I define the parameters by which I can operate within, and I don't consider that I can be bigger and better and faster - until I get suckered into it by a couple of speedy guys who happen to think I can run faster than I think I can.

Train with someone faster than you think you can go, or set a goal you don't think you can reach. Because running hurts - it was meant that way, and it should be that way. I get nowhere when I lolly-gag around in my comfort zone, but I feel like a rock star when I break the hell out of it.

One of my favorites by Pearl Izumi:

IF YOU RAN WITHOUT SACRIFICE, CONGRATULATIONS. YOU JUST JOGGED. Running hurts. It always has. Woolly mammoths didn’t just roll over onto a plate and serve themselves up to prehistoric man with fries and a shake. They had to be caught - and running down woolly mammoths was a bitch. Guess what? Running is still a bitch. But one with a purpose. It teaches us that good things do not come easy. It teaches us that hard work will be rewarded and laziness will be punished. Don’t expect to learn those life lessons from running’s shiftless stepchild; jogging. Next time you suffer on the roads or trails, suffer proudly. It means you run like an animal.

Time for Life

2009-01-30T11:22:00.003-06:00

To the Creator of the Universe, the Maker of my Soul, My Protector, My Guide, and My Friend:

Please grant me time here on this Earth. I need to know that I have time. Your creation and your gift of life are amazing. I love them, and I want to experience them all. I am so thankful to be here, right here, in this moment, but my greatest fear is that my time here will end before I can fully experience all the gifts You have to offer. If it so, please tell me…

That I do not have to do everything on my bucket list this year.

That I do not have to become who I eventually want to be right this minute.

That I have time to fulfill my promises to my children.

That I have time to settle, for the time being, for a career that is not really what I had planned on, because it provides the schedule and income my family needs.

That I have time to learn about all those subjects I am curious about.

That I have time to read all those books.

That I have time to become a better mountain biker, someday.

That I have time to hike the 2,000 mile Appalachian Trail all at one time, when the time is right.

That I have time to do it in shorter sections before I do the whole thing.

That I have time to go to law school.

That I have time to change my mind if I don’t want to be an attorney.

That I have time to write a book, become a journalist, or take whatever door opens for me that I like.

That I have time to try and fail, and time to try again.

That I have time to build my own legacy.

That I have time to learn and experience who You really are; time to learn and time to understand what my purpose truly is here in your world.

That I have time to fulfill that purpose.

I want it all...I admit it, I want all You have to offer.

I have been living with a panic-stricken sense of urgency that I have to be everything I need to be and do everything I want to do today.

Your universe is vast and your gifts are boundless. I can’t do it all in one day…or one year. Please, give me time.

Tales From the Dark Side

2009-01-29T16:07:00.012-06:00

Has it been a week since I last posted?! Geez...that's not like me at all (sarcasm, of course). I have been sporadic, at best, since I last told you what a great week was I having. My partner in crime - my little sis - started keeping me out too late and such, and all the sudden I couldn't get out of bed to workout. I missed an easy run on Thursday morning. No big deal, right? Then I missed a 16 miler on Friday morning. Getting serious, but hey, you can always do it Saturday morning before the fam wakes up. Then I missed it Saturday morning, and it was all over but the crying.

Saturday night was the Mach Tenn running club's winter par-tay, and I wasn't stupid enough to think I would get up and run on Sunday afterwards. I mean, you still have to maintain a certain amount of realism - even when you like to go running in 4 degree weather and sh%#. Anyways, I took Bo to baseball practice on Friday night, and then we made our normal trip to Books-A-Million (we love a book store), and I decided I would run into a few stores to see if I could find a hot looking top for the party with a hot looking sale price, since we are nearing the end of winter and all (I love a good deal, too). Well, not only did I find a hot looking top, but I found four hot looking tops! And since they were $50 tops marked down to $9.99, well of course I just bought them all. FYI - it was at Express...better go get'em while they last, girls.

Saturday night came and I laid all 4 hot looking tops out on the bed...they were all delightfully new and crisp, tags still intact. I have a thing about a new piece of clothing...it just makes me feel prettier when it's new. It was not an easy choice, so I did my hair and makeup first, came back to deliberate, and finally decided on the black tank with jewels on the front. Tentively, because you might get it on and it just not be the right one for the moment, ya know? After wearing it around the house for a while, though, I decided it was right and proceeded to put on my jacket and finish the final touches(or so I thought) before heading out. I met Holly and Rosalind at the rec center, and we crashed the party. We immediately got into those cool conversations about the next marathon and nutrition during an ironman and qualifying for Boston. I had a glass of wine, and started feeling a bit warm in the crowd with my wool coat. Roger - the gracious host - walked up and asked to take my coat. Feeling confident with my brand new hot looking shirt on-that nobody would know only cost me $9.99 instead of $49.99 - I ever so gracefully pulled one arm out, swung my brown hair around and pulled the other arm out...picked up my wine glass, and turned to walk back over to the IM nutrition conversation...

...when I feel people looking at me...

Subliminal thoughts arise: Oh my! Do I really look that good? There's no need to stare, really!

Then Kristie Sliger starts walking towards me. She gets really close and says, "Hey Lana! I like your shirt..."

...and I'm thinking "Oh! It's my new hot looking top! That's what the fuss is about!"

And she proceeds..."but honey, you've left the tag hanging out back here."

The tag. Big ol' tag hanging way out. Brightly shining with $49.99 marked out and $9.99 written in. Complete with the red dot and all. You know about the red dot sales, right?

Whew. Deep. Breath.

All the sudden I needed an air conditioner during the middle of the coldest winter in years. I could feel sweat beading up on my forehead within seconds. She yanked the tag off for me, but I was so torn up after that I couldn't even remember what I drank on the bike during IMFL. I was rendered totally useless in all those cool conversations.

One of my reasons for doing away with the blonde hair was because I didn't like that stigma about blondes. You know the one I'm talking about. So much for that.

All that aside, though, the party was a total blast. I eventually consumed enough wine that I was able to converse again, and Holly once again got me home too late.

No workout on Sunday or Monday, but I finally made it to spin class on Tuesday night. It was killer as usual. I ran 3 on the treadmill Wednesday morning, and then did toning class. Worked, and then went to masters swim after work. Nothing today, but I've got 14 miles on tap for tomorrow morning. Still contemplating what I'm banking it for, though. Who knows, it never hurts to have high mileage in the bank for whatever you might decide to do on the spur of the moment, right?!!

Laughin', Lovin', Livin'

2009-01-22T16:16:00.005-06:00

Well, it's almost the weekend again. I've had a decent week of workouts. Sunday I went 2o miles and got excited about running again. Monday I recovered. Tuesday I ran 2 recovery miles on the treadmill and then did weights - mostly legs, and some back and chest. After work I did Don's spin class. Yes, I was one of the fortunate few who got into the ever popular class. It was a great workout, and Don plays "Never Enough" by Five Finger Death Punch. I love that song..it's a little bit harder than what I normally listen to, but I love it:
I'd rather hate you for everything you are
Than ever love you for something you are not
I'd rather you hate me for everything I am
Than have you love me for something that I can't

Wednesday morning Tim and I ran 5 miles in 18 degrees, and then I did Cindy's toning class. After work, we had swim class. I am really loving this swim class and the instructor. She is great. She really knows her stuff, and she has a great personality. Some of us even went out for dinner afterward and had some great laughs and conversation. Facebook being the hot topic, of course! I was in a bad mood that afternoon, but the swim class and the wine cured my blues. They also affected my ability to get up and run this morning! I don't believe I'll be getting a workout in today, but I am meeting up with the group in the morning for 16 - 18 miles. They are all trying to talk me into doing the Birmingham Mercedes Marathon on Feb 15. If I get through tomorrow's run okay, I might seriously consider it. I won't be running for a PR or anything...I'll just be going because it'll be a close and cheap way to run another marathon. And also because I am famous for saying "...if you can run 20, you can run 26.2," and I sorta ran 20 the other day so...

Back to swim class, though, I am so proud of all my peeps. We have probably 20 people in there and they are doing great!! I think the class is a great thing for Manchester.

On the home front, the kids have been out of school for several days now because of cold weather and snow. Actually, Bo wasn't out, but Briar was. Briar is full swing into middle school baseball conditioning, and Bo is practicing with his travel baseball team and swimming with the swim team.

I have had to put the Seaside Half Mary plans on hold for a while due to the budget and to the hectic baseball schedule it fall into. I'm still working on it, but it's not looking good. March 1st is sooner than you think.

May 9th is a longer way out, though, and the Gulf Coast talk is already getting started. Tim is in. I have to decide what I am going to do about my bike, though. I haven't sold it, yet...so doing the whole thing is still up in the air.

Saturday night is the Mach Tenn Running Club's winter blues party. Should be lots of fun...I'm looking forward to it.

I have so much to say lately...I just don't know if this is the right place to say it. I have tried to keep this mostly a triathlon/marathon training blog, but multisport is secondary right now. I have struggled with "my place in this world" for several years now, and while I by no means have it figured out now, I do feel like I am finally taking some steps of forward progress. Vague, I know, but you probably don't want me to start spilling the tangled web of dreams, missed opportunities, and expectations that is woven in the mind of this 32 year old "ordinary girl." I'll gather my thoughts, and when I have my head wrapped around them a little more, I'll share.

Have a good weekend, in spite of the cold weather. I used to hate cold weather, but now it's just cold weather. Nothing to gripe about, really, just something to deal with as we make our way toward summer. Kind of like this bad economy...it doesn't do any good to gripe about it...just something we'll have to weather until it's all stimulated up again.

The verdict is still out on the brown hair. I just don't know. So far, I still think blonds have more fun, but the case study is nowhere near complete, yet. Here's another brown hair pic:
Peace and love. Over and out...

Going Long

2009-01-19T22:39:00.005-06:00

"Progress always involves risk – you can't steal second with your foot on first." -Frederick Wilcox

I actually ran 20 miles Sunday. Previous long run was 10 since IMFL and a 2 month period of gluttony. Somehow, my running buddies pulled me through Manchester for twenty.freakin.miles. Damn, it feels good to say I ran 20 miles again. I'm ready to stop being lazy for reals. I had forgotten how good a twenty miler can make you feel (after the protein shake, the shower, and dinner).

Congrats to my good friend Greyhound who PR'd the Houston Marathon, and to Jessica and Rosalind who toughed out the RNRAZ marathon!!

MLK Day

2009-01-19T11:40:00.008-06:00

Thank you, Dr. King, for standing up for what you believe in, and for ultimately giving your life so that so many could live the dream you spoke of. May we never forget your life, your words, and your dreams...

"I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.

Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.

I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day the state of Alabama, whose governor's lips are presently dripping with the words of interposition and nullification, will be transformed into a situation where little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today."
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "I Have a Dream" Delivered on the steps at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. on August 28, 1963.

Buddy

2009-01-18T20:10:00.002-06:00

Cold Weather Running

2009-01-16T10:17:00.004-06:00

If you are one of my cold-blooded, hardcore friends up North, please disregard this post as pansy-ass, unmerited boasting. Otherwise...read on. Yesterday I received an email from the safety department where I work, warning us of the possibility of temperatures between 0 and 5 degrees Friday morning, and advising us to stay indoors if possible. Ordinarily, I don't care much for cold weather. I prefer hot weather...the hotter the better. But when I get an email such as this...when I know that Tac, Trimama, TriguyJT, and many others have been dealing with this for weeks now...not to mention the "-28 degrees" Tac and Trimama have today...you can book it - I'm going outside. Running.

I sent an email and a text asking who was in with me...and I got one taker - Tim. But one was enough, and we met at the rec at 4:30 this morning, in 4 degrees and covered 4 miles at a 7:52 pace. I didn't wear my Garmin (and i haven't in quite a while), I just tried to keep up with Tim. I didn't realize we were running sub 8's until he informed me after 3 miles that we had "one mile left...a stretch of flat, a good downhill, and a slight uphill" and that we were going to break the 8 min pace. I reluctantly said, "Okay, I'll try" and dug down a little deeper. I did have to treat myself like Bob treated Joelle at one point...but easily enough we cruised back into the parking lot with a 7:52 pace.

That's probably a "running in low temps" PR for me, along with a 4 mile training run PR...I think. Good things happen when you don't conform to the norm.

Goodluck to Greyhound at the Houston Marathon and goodluck to Rosalind at the RNRAZ Marathon!!

Random Rambling

2009-01-13T09:59:00.004-06:00

Sometimes there is just so much to say, that I don't really know what to say. I have a lot of random thoughts running through my head at any given time... but lately they've been working overtime. So, without further ado...here's a sample of random ramblings...

A new year is a good thing.

2008 rocked for Lana The Triathlete. But Lana is more than a triathlete.

Life is the coolest thing in the whole world. In good times or hard times...it's so freakin' hard and exciting all at the same time.

Freedom might be cooler. Freedom to choose, freedom to think, freedom to change. Thank God for freedom.

I love being an adult. You hear people say, "Oh, to be a kid again." Not me. And I had a wonderful childhood...but I'll take the responsibility + freedom any day over being under someone's control.

We're going to get through this financial crisis, someday. There's another day a comin'.

You have no idea what all I really am.

I ran and then did spin class Thursday night. Then I ran 10 miles on Friday @8:28/mile. I ran 6 miles yesterday morning in 25 degrees, and it felt wonderful. The best I've felt on foot since October. And I'm not training for a damn thing, really.

“We know what we are, but know not what we may be.”
-William Shakespeare

Hot weather and sweat is my favorite, but there is something so pure and refreshing about running under the moonlight during the middle of winter. You can see your breath and you can see the frost glistening on the grass and the trees. Now we just need that one good snow.

...and I have 'miles to go before I sleep...'

I didn't have any New Year's Resolutions, but I am heading in a different direction. Somehow, someway. It's time to get below the surface.

Since the Ironman is over, I feel like I have quit my job, although I still work the same amount of hours as always. It feels the same way it did when I graduated from college, and the same way it did when I really did quit my job to stay at home with my kids. There's all this time. The laundry is now no problem to keep caught up. The dishes never sit in the sink. The dust doesn't build up and the floors are nice and shiny. How come I couldn't keep the laundry caught up and the house clean before I started training for IM?

Peace and Love...my new mantra.

I did the vegan thing for 4 weeks. I liked it, and I felt great, but it's a hard thing to do living in Manchester, TN with 2 growing boys and carnivorous husband. Logistics and money, rather than willpower, made my decision to just be "vegetarian" for December. I liked that, too, but on January 1st I decided to just eat healthy - meat or no meat. So, going forward, I eat vegetarian if I've got a feasible choice, but I choose to eat meat before I choose to go hungry. Hungry Lana is not a good thing, because she will eventually find food and devour it. ;)

I like to read books, but they make me fall asleep no matter how good they are or how bad I want to stay awake. It takes me a long time to finish a book because I read a few pages, fall asleep, then try again the next day. I do the same thing when watching a movie. What's up with that?

I wanted to see Frost/Nixon AND Doubt over the holidays on the big screen, but neither were showing at a theater less than a 75 minute drive from here. That really pissed me off.

I'm getting rid of my stupid Verizon phone and getting an iPhone with AT&T. Very soon.

I have been MIA from the blog scene, and I apologize. I'll be catching up with all you guys soon. I hope I haven't missed anything major.

I am selling my bike. It's got a brand new frame since IMFL, never ridden. 2008 Red Orbea Ora, small, full carbon fiber, Dura-Ace components, Mavic Cosmic Elite Wheels. If you're interested, let me know. I can send new pics or you can find many pics on this blog as well(old frame, but just like it). I'm not sure what kind of bike I'm getting upon the sale of this one...maybe a road bike, I don't know. I won't be bike-less for long, though.

I also have an aero helmet for sale. I wore it one time, at the Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon. It's a Louis Garneau TT Rocket helmet, size Medium. It is too big for my head. I shouldn't have bought it in the first place, since the bike shop didn't have a small. Let me know if you're interested.

And while I'm on a role selling stuff, my house is for sale, too. If you are local and need a new pad that's a little small, but has been taken care of well, new paint, new hardwood floors, etc., give me a call.

Need anything else? I might have it and will probably sell it or give it to you. ;)

And finally...did you ever think you would see me without blond hair???

"'If it ain't broke, don't fix it' is the slogan of the complacent, the arrogant or the scared. It's an excuse for inaction, a call to non-arms." -Colin Powell

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T10:54:00.006-06:00

Wow. What a year. I have been relaxing and enjoying my family. Cooking collard greens and cornbread, chocolate fudge, baking butterscotch pies, and watching football and playing XBox 360. We've had a wonderful holiday season, and it was totally worth the bulge I am noticing around my waist. ~sigh~
I have good friends and a good sister, though, and they have somehow convinced me to make an effort at getting back at it. Monday I was suppose to run with Holly, but I sorta set the alarm clock for p.m. instead of a.m. Oops. I did make it out later that day, though, and Briar and I ran a fun 3 miles, followed by weights, abs and lunges. I felt like I was totally starting over. Last night, my good buddy, Don, convinced me to make it to his spin class. He preceded to nearly kill me, I tell you. But it hurt sooooo good. So good, that I am going to make it my goal to get to that class every Tuesday night. And believe it or not, I showed up to run with the group this morning at 6 a.m. They were running 10, and I ran the first 5 with them. You wouldn't believe how much fitness is lost in 2 months. A. Lot.

In other news, Christmas was everything it should be and more than it should be during the Great Depression #2. Having two boys, specifically my two boys, just makes the holidays magical. And...getting a new puppy a few days before Christmas doesn't hurt either. It wasn't something I had planned....I just had it in the back of my mind because the kids had decided they needed a puppy to love in order to quit greiving over Wrigley. I wasn't sure if it was a good idea or not, and I also wasn't very keen on spending $300 - $1000 for a golden retriever like they said they wanted. But on the Saturday before Christmas, I pulled into Wal-Mart parking lot and there it was -

"Free Puppies"

I didn't think too much of it...the sign said they were a lab mix...until one of them poked his head up out of the window. I decided to take a look, and I almost talked myself out of it because it wasn't a well thought out and planned decision, and then I said, "Oh, I'll take one." So I picked the one that poked his head up out of the truck at me, and we nervously went on our way. A trip to the vet, a very traumatic deworming process (you don't EVEN want to know), a good bath, and a few good days of TLC and all is well...

I have more Christmas pictures, Christmas video and more...I'll get it out here soon. Happy New Year, my friends!!! Here's to the best year ever-I almost hate to see it end!!! I love you all!

Jitterbug

2008-12-17T01:04:00.003-06:00

I'm getting a little bit jittery. Staying up later and later...trying to find something to expend all this extra energy on. The laundry is caught up. The Christmas shopping is done. My house is clean. We've watched Charlie Brown's Christmas. And Fred Clause. I think I need a goal...

Living it Up

2008-12-15T11:18:00.006-06:00

I haven't made it to the trails yet, but I did end up with 3 days in a row last week. Monday 5miles running, Tuesday spin class, and Wednesday 5 miles running with core work. Then it all went to...other things. I don't really remember why I didn't do anything on Thursday. Friday was a snowday, and I was just too dadgum tired to wake up early since I am not on a training schedule, and there was too much to do with the rest of the day to squeeze in a workout of any kind. We took off to Murfreesboro for 4:00 batting practice for the boys, and then Bo had indoor baseball practice from 5:00 - 7:00 while Briar did speed and agility class from 6:00 - 7:00, and we stayed after and worked a little more on defensive drills while we had an open cage. Baseball year 'round - is life good or what?! We ate dinner at Macaroni Grill (I ate mushroom raviolli since they were out of eggplant) and then made our way back home. After the kids went to bed, J.T. and I sat up late listening to country music and drinking wine...resulting in the domino effect which kept me from getting up early to run on Saturday morning. I did get up and out early enough to get started Christmas shopping around 11:00. I pretty much finished up all the shopping except for a couple of dirty santa gifts I still need to get. Staying up late is addictive...and it's easy to fall into the habit when you don't have a 4 a.m. 20 mile run that has to be done the next morning. But you know what, sometimes it's nice to just do what you want to do, too. I've been doing a lot of that lately.

I don't like to be caged up. That's how I felt at times while following such a strict training schedule for the IM. I am more of a free spirit than your typical Type A. I am a perfectionist, too, though. I do like to do well at whatever I am doing...I like to do it right, and I like to do it to the best of my ability. There ensues the conflict. And that also explains while I have no competitive events on my calendar as of yet for 2009 (Other than the Seaside Half Mary, but that will probably be running for pleasure and enjoying the beach more than going for a half mary PR). Like Jumper told me once, we are Type A-. So the verdict is still out as to what my '09 calendar will involve.

Sunday was Holly's birthday party and then the kids' Christmas play at church. SOOOO cute! Then I got a text from Tammie saying they were running 8 at 4:15 a.m. this morning. That sounded appealing, and I thought to myself, "I am going to do that." Until I stayed up until nearly midnight playing with Facebook and then mutilated my alarm clock when it rang at 3:40. I barely woke up at 7:15, and scared the whole house as we all rushed to get out the door in time for school and work. Barely made it.

It's Christmas. I'll get all this worked out after the new year. Life is too good to not be living it up right now...

Holly's Birthday!

Briar - white turtleneck on the back row

Bo the Shepard Boy

2 Days in a Row

2008-12-09T23:16:00.004-06:00

Finally. I have worked out 2 days in a row. Yesterday I ran 5 miles at lunch with Holly (sub 9min pace btw - yay!) and then did lunges. Today I did spin class. I almost feel the need to start logging again.

But you know what I really feel the need for?

I feel the need for leaves crunching under my tires.

For cold air rushing into my lungs in an anaerobic state.

Layers and gloves and seeing my breath.

As I climb one of the many hills on the trail.

And then glide down it.

Mountain Biking...I think it's time.

I also think it's time to lace up the gortex running shoes and not only bike, but run the trails.

Peace and love...over and out...

The Deer Fights Back

2008-12-03T09:36:00.005-06:00

I have never understood hunting for sport.I'm not knocking those of you who do; some of my best friends are avid hunters. I just wonder if the hunters ever stop to think about what it would feel like to be walking around in a world where snipers are hidden up in stands just waiting on you to unknowingly pass by...so that they can take you out and stick your head up on their wall and brag to their buddies. This deer actually got to fight back for a few minutes - check out the article:

Deer gets revenge after hunter shoots him

Mon Dec 1, 8:13 pm ET

SEDALIA, Mo. – A hunter bagged a big buck in the second day of firearms season, but the kill caused him a lot of pain. Randy Goodman, 49, said he thought two well-placed shots with his .270-caliber rifle had killed the buck on Nov. 19. Goodman said the deer looked dead to him, but seconds later the nine-point, 240-pound animal came to life.

The buck rose up, knocked Goodman down and attacked him with his antlers in what the veteran hunter called "15 seconds of hell." The deer ran a short distance and went down, and died after Goodman fired two more shots.

Soon Goodman started feeling dizzy and noticed his vest was soaked in blood.

So he reached his truck and drove to a hospital, where he received seven staples in his scalp and was treated for a slight concussion and bruises.

Information from: The Sedalia Democrat, http://www.sedaliademocrat.com

Now What?

2008-12-02T21:42:00.004-06:00

It's been just over a month since I became an Ironman. I bought the video for $15 even though I felt that it was quite the racket...

Ironman was an amazing experience. The event, as well as my body and mind, far exceeded my expectations. I walked around on cloud 9 for a couple of weeks before my feet ever touched the ground. I had a good week or two at the gym, showing off my M-Dot schwag and getting back to pumping some iron, and then I....sorta...just took a vacation. I went with mom and dad to Memphis for the weekend and got a little action in Tunica. I actually won a hold'em tournament at the Hollywood casino on the first night we were there. That makes two trips to Tunica and two cashes in hold'em tourneys so far. So, yes, I am the poker master...just ask me. Although you wouldn't know it just by looking at me at the tables. My hands quiver, whether I'm holding 7-2 or pocket aces, but the big egos just can't figure out how to read such a thing. When I sat down and paid my money this last time, the egos chuckled and informed me that "it's tax deductible." Ha...as if the first place money wasn't enough to get me fired up, now I had a real reason to win. You gotta love it. ;)

But the good times came crashing down when I got a phone call from Briar...hysterical...telling me that Wrigley had been run over by a car. Mmmm. That one hurt. It still hurts, actually. I don't think I ever realized what a part of our family he had become. He was mainly Briar's baby...Briar had begged for a puppy for years when Santa finally gave in and brought this one to both of the boys 3 years ago. We had grown accustomed to him greeting us when we got home, always loving and forgiving when we had to be gone all day or even all weekend, and most recently to the little sound of his footsteps on the new hardwood floors. At the time, I thought that sound was annoying. Now I know better. It was not annoying. It was music. Innocent music. And that, my friends, is a lesson for the ages. Lest I forget it, I ask you to firmly jerk me back into reality.

So when you get taken down a notch by things like this, you get reminded of what's really important. I don't think I ever made any bones about the fact that, while it's defintely a worthy goal to reach for, training for and completing an Ironman is but trivial in the grand scheme of things in this world. That thought has been reinforced, and I've been making up for all those mornings when I put myself into robot mode and went out for some crazy-long ride or run or swim or combination of the three, instead of holding on to whichever child had made his way into the bed with us...or even holding on to the Iron Widower who so quietly made that Ironman thing possible in the first place.

So how do you go from 4000yd swims, 100 mile bikes and 20 mile runs...to....a 5 mile run here and there? Well, just to be right honest, it's been no problem here. Which is a little scary, actually...that I'm not suffering from endorphin withdrawals or anything of the sort. I'm just enjoying the simple life...as simple as it can possibly get when you have a husband, two kids, a job and mounds of laundry that never go away. If I don't want to get up early, I don't get up. And it's been a month now. I haven't been on the bike since Ironman, and I've only been in the water one time, and that was to help Holly with her swimming.

I have no idea what I'll do in '09, other than the Seaside Half Marathon. I've tossed the idea around of going for a 1:45 there...but unless I start kicking some major asphalt soon, I don't see that happening. I'm just enjoying the lack of pressure. I put a lot of pressure on myself to make certain times and certain distances, and granted, it all paid off when I pulled out that sub-12 IMFL finish, but sometimes it's nice to just take a break. Perhaps at some point I'll come up with a goal that I can get excited about, but for now...

I'm cooking pinto beans and turnip greens, relearning some of that 6th grade math, holding on to the ones who mean the most to me, and making up for lost time...because you can slice it and dice it anyway you like, but it takes sacrifices from the whole family for one to become an Ironman.

I love triathlon, but I love other stuff too. I have goals outside of this sport, and I share goals with my kids that need more attention now that IM is over. Somewhere, I intend to find the balance of staying in good shape while pursuing other goals...or helping my family and friends reach their goals...and reading about you reaching goals.

I have more Ironman pictures to post soon. Until then, peace and love...over and out.

I Am Thankful

2008-11-26T14:54:00.020-06:00

2008 has been a heck of a year. So many things for which to be thankful...

Like my little football player...

And baseball players...

My cowboy...

Fun at the Grand Ole Opry...

The best husband ever...

Wonderful parents...
A sister that is priceless...
Birthday parties...
A family that rocks!!

A sub-4hr marathon...
My first half iron...

And my first full Ironman!!

Oh yeah, and there was fun at Bonnaroo, can't forget that...

And something I've yet to tell you about...winning poker tournaments!

Stuff that hurts

2008-11-24T16:44:00.005-06:00

Wrigley decided to run across the highway yesterday. At a very bad time. If you have a pet, go home and give it a big hug and let it know how much you love it.

In memory...

We'll miss you, Wrigley.

Kickin' Back

2008-11-18T09:02:00.005-06:00

So, what have I been up to? Well, I finally spent the time that was needed to deep clean my house. I've been learning about Indians, Buddhism and Hinduism with Briar as he does his social studies homework. I've been cooking! Yes! It's true...I've actually been cooking meals lately! Wendy's and Pizza Hut are probably wondering what they've done to piss me off. I had a birthday party for Bo - he turned 7 years old. I've actually talked to some of my friends lately. J.T. and I had a successful budget meeting to make sure we do not overspend throughout the holidays. We took Bo to a tryout for a travel baseball team and he loved it and they want him! I've been sleeping late when I want to. I've been running 5 milers here and there. I've been running 1 and 2 milers with Briar. I've been doing toning work, situps and lunges - OUCH! I haven't ate any meat or dairy since the Ironman - it's been 17 days and I'm going for 30. I feel great, by the way, and have lost 4 of those 6 lbs I gained during taper. I don't know if I'll stick with the vegan thing long term or not...but it's not so bad...I actually feel really good.

Oh yeah, and we are turning into Mennonites. You see, when we got hardwood floors put in during the summer, I told J.T. to take the living room furniture and do away with it because I was going to replace it with new stuff. He did so, and I was glad, but we never figured in two important things: #1 - I am very, very picky when selecting things like that. Sometimes it takes me months to decide what I want. And #2 - I had no time to go shopping around at every furniture showroom in the south while training for an Ironman. After a few weeks, The Flash started feeling sorry for the kids and brought them a couple of Cubs beanbags so they'd have something to sit on while watching T.V. or playing Wii. Television - that's another thing we are without now. My Charter cable internet stopped working back in September. I called and spent an hour on the phone with them and they finally sent someone out to work on it. It worked for a few hours, and then it went out again. I called, spent another on the phone, they said they would send someone out, and they never showed. This actually went on the entire month of October, and my internet only worked sporadically. I made dozens of phone calls, to no avail. Finally, when I got back from PCB to find that it still wasn't working, I called them on a Friday morning and told them that if it wasn't fixed by the weekend that I was canceling it. They said the best they could do was get someone to come out Monday. I said, "That's not the weekend. Cut it off. And while you're at it, cut the cable television off too. I don't want any Charter services." My thinking was that I would called AT&T and immediately get them to hook up some DSL, and we'd get some sort of satellite television. So, I call AT&T only to find out that they don't offer DSL in my neighborhood. Lovely. I put J.T. in charge of the getting new television service, and he still hasn't done that either. So...we now have no living room furniture, no internet, and no television. All I need is a black dress, and I need to get JT and the boys some black top hats and we could pass for Mennonites! It sure is quiet at our house. I walked through the bare living room the other day and Briar was sitting on a bean bag drawing. A strange site, but I kinda liked it.

Now that IM is over, though, I have no excuse for not buying some furniture. I think that is next on my list.

Speaking of my list, if you are wondering what will be on it in '09, your guess is as good as mine. I'm not even thinking about it right now. I'm just a wife and a mom and a computer programmer. Actually, I do have one thing set up. I'm going to do the Seaside Half Marathon with my friend Mae Anne , Bethany, and a bunch of other friends who are just getting into running and racing. I love to see people catch the running bug...that's almost as fun as racing myself. As a matter of fact - if you are reading this and I haven't yet asked you if you wanna run this half mary with us, consider this your invitation - the more the merrier! It's at Seaside for crying out loud! I am definitely going back to PCB for the Gulf Coast Half Iron in May, but I haven't decided yet whether I'll do the whole thing or just be part of a relay team. I'm not making any big decisions until after the New Year. Until then, I'll run my 5 miles, run with Briar, run with friends, go to spin class and yoga, tone up my arms, legs, and butt that have gotten embarrassingly flabby, tweak my diet, and just kick back.

Will I ever do another Ironman? You betcha. I'm not ready to name the year or the race, but I will do it again someday, provided my family is good with it, and it won't disrupt their lives too much. Indefinitely, though, I have 3 things that come first...I call them J.T., Briar, and Bo.

Technical details, logistics and other random info about IMFL

2008-11-12T12:31:00.007-06:00

There is so much to talk about when it comes to Ironman Florida that I just can't shut up. There are tons of details that a lot of you probably do not give a rat's ass about, but then you might be one of those people who signed up for IMFL '09, or any other IM in '09, and you might actually be interested in things like nutrition, strategy, special needs bags, relieving yourself on the bike, etc. So this is gonna be a great big post about all that stuff, plus any other random thing that sticks out in my memory about the whole experience.

Nutrition - You all know it's the 4th sport, right? It's huge. I nailed my nutrition at the Half Iron I did back in May...not so much at IMFL...but I didn't totally screw it up, either. My plan/results were as follows:

Pre-race Plan: Peanut Butter and Honey bagel and Gatorade Endurance/Water 2 hrs before start. 2 Immodium immediately after the prerace nervous poop.
Pre-race Results: Worked great.
Swim Plan: Upon the advice of Missy, I shoved a Gu down in my sports bra and reached in through my sleeveless wetsuit after the first swim loop and took the Gu with the water I got from the volunteers.
Swim Results: Worked like a charm; a most splendid idea! Do it!
BikePlan: On my bike, I had 2 bottles of Infinite in my cages and water in my aerobottle. In T-1 I shoved 2 packets of the Infinite powder into my jersey pockets so that I could mix more before I got to special needs. My Infinite formula has 220 calories per bottle and 426 grams of sodium. Note the high sodium because I sweat like a hog. If you don't believe me, go back and look at my pics and you will see salt stains all up and down my shorts. Anyways, after some trial and error during my long training rides, I determined that I needed around 240 calories per hour, and a small portion of it needed to be solid food because I just get plain hungry out there. I'm a big strappin' girl, ya know...I need some solid food every few hours. So my intentions were to drink 1 bottle of Infinite per hour (6 total) and somewhere along the way consume a peanut butter and honey sandwich to keep my stomach from feeling so empty. I carried along half of a PB&H as I left T-1, and I had another whole PB&H in my special needs bag, along with some Laffy Taffy, fig newtons and Clif Shot Bloks. I also had a package of Clif Shot Bloks in my bento box on my bike for back up.
Bike Results: Throughout the first 50 miles of the bike, this worked beautifully. I consumed 1 bottle of Infinite and a quarter of the PB&H by mile 23, where I had to pee really bad. I didn't stop, though, I just stood up, coasted, let'er go, and got back to business. By mile 36 I had to go again and did so with no problem. I knew that I was well hydrated at this point and slowed down a little on the Infinite, ate another quarter of the PB&H, and drank more water. By mile 49, I had consumed another bottle of Infinite, pee'd again and worked on mixing a new bottle. This is where I start failing miserably. I didn't want to stop, so I tried mixing on the go. The powder blew everywhere (in my face) and the resulting drink wasn't as strong as it should have been. I wasn't too worried, though, because I knew I had a whole PB&H in my special needs bag and I would just supplement with that. I got to special needs at mile 56 and took the PB&H, but that was all I took. By mile 60 when I started to eat the sandwich, I was sick of peanut butter. I should have taken the laffy taffy and the fig newtons. By mile 70 I was starting to not feel great. I realized I had just been mainly drinking water, and had ate only another quarter of the sandwich. By mile 80, I realized that I had only consumed 3 bottles of infinite and I needed to have gotten down 4 at this point. I tried to mix another one, did the best I could, but it was weak too (I still refused to stop...the only time I stopped was at special needs to get the sandwich). I ended up only drinking half of that bottle, and drinking water and taking a banana or two from volunteers out on the course to finish it up. By the time I got to mile 100 I was seriously bonking. By the time I got to the end of the bike, I could barely get my leg back over the bike to dismount. In retrospect, I should have had some comfort food on my bike in addition to the Clif Shot Bloks. A mini Snickers or 3 would have been nice. I needed some sugar and something that actually tasted good. The one Clif Shot Blok I put in my mouth had been soured or something, and I spit it out. My total intake on the bike was 3.5 bottles of infinite (Theoretically this would be 770 cal, but since much of the powder didn't make it into the bottle, I'm gonna say 660 cal), 3/4 of a PB&H (roughly 300 cal), and a couple pieces of a banana(40 cal?). That's a total of 1000 calories, and I needed to get 1500 during the 6 hr ride.
Run Plan: The orginal run plan was to pack 4 gels in my pockets and take one each hour, plus drink cola when I felt like I need more. Well, that all changed when I could barely stumble to the first aid station. I just wanted food, solid food, anything with calories. I even looked at one volunteer who was holding a plate of fruit and cookies and said "Oh dear, bless you, I am starving!"
Run Results: I peed in the porta-a-potty at mile one, then I took a gel when I got to the mile 1 aid station and got water, and then I raided the oranges, bananas and cookies, too. I stumbled onto mile 2, and did the same. I drank gatorade, ate another banana, and another cookie or two. And this is when it started coming back...I ran to mile 3 and took some gatorade, ran to mile 4 and took an orange with ice water (ice water is awesome out there, by the way, but you have to ask for it...otherwise you'll get either water or ice). I ran to mile 5 and took another gel. At this point, I just went with whatever I felt. I ran to each aid station, took what I felt like I needed, then ran to the next. I took the two other gels at miles 10 and 15. Once I started the second loop, I drank cola at almost every aid station, and it worked great. I never once felt like I needed to poop, and I never even had to pee after mile 1 during the run.

Pacing Strategy: Pacing is a really big deal in long events like this. I mean, it don't take a rocket scientist to figure out that if you go all out on the bike for 112 miles you're not exactly going to be able to run a strong marathon afterwards. You may not be able to run at all. Maybe the pros can, but I'm not a pro. This was a hard thing for me to sort out, mentally, though, because I feel like I am stronger on the bike than either of the other two events. Respecting the Ironman distance, though, I decided to just go steady in the water, whatever felt comfortable. I really don't have many speeds in the water anyways, so this wasn't a challenge. I enjoyed the hell out of that swim, too, so that helped as well. When I finished up the 2.4 miles in the ocean, I think I probably had more energy then when I jumped in to begin with, although I finished it faster (1:14) than I have ever swum that distance before. So for the bike, I just went about 80% I'd say. I stayed under lactate threshold, but kept a steady cadence. Of course it all went to hell after mile 80, but never I panicked and tried to catch up, I just kept a high candence and knew that I would eventually make it back to T-2. As far as the run, like I told you I stumbled through the first two miles, and then I ran 1 mile at a time. When I was running, I ran at what felt about the same level of effort that I run my training runs with Tim, Lee, Tammie, and all the others. I focused on keeping a high turnover of my feet and relaxing my upper body. I kept wanting to stop and walk at certain times between the mile markers, but I knew that if I could run to each one, I could finish respectably. So I basically shuffled/walked for two miles, then ran 22 x 1 mile runs at about 85% - walking, eating, drinking, and recovering in the between each. When I reached mile 24, I decided I had walked my last step and that I was running all the way to the end...and I'd say I got up to about 95% by the end of that one.

Post Race Massage - I did mention previously that my sister bought me a massage for the next day, right? Just incase you didn't pick up on that, take note. Book one. If you are a sherpa, book one for your soon-to-be-Ironman. It is a must do. Worth every penny.

Special Needs and Transition Bags - I wish I would have put every possible kind of food that I might have wanted in every bag. You have 4 of them: T1, Special Needs Bike, T2, and Special Needs Run. It seemed like everytime I wanted something, I wanted what I had in a different bag. Like the fig newtons...I wanted those fig newtons when I got off the bike sooo bad, but they were in my Special Needs Bike and Run bags, not my transition bags. Bummer. I also thought that mile 56 was too soon for the bike special needs. I personally would have rather it been around mile 70, but ofcourse NA Sports didn't ask me how I felt about that. And I didn't even stop for my special needs run bag. I was feeling good and wasn't about to chance it on anything I had stashed in that bag...I just kept running.

CEP Compression Socks - Ok, I couldn't let this go without an explanation. Surely you noticed the white socks up to my knees, right? What I bet you didn't know was that I broke the #1 Race Day Rule to wear them. Yes, I must confess, I bought them at the expo, and I wore them for the first time ever on race day. I have been halfway wanting them for a while now, but I just wasn't convinced that any pair of socks could be worth $60. However, as I was perusing around the expo I saw them, and I walked up to the guy working the booth and skeptically said, "Do these things really work?" Of course he proceeded to tell me they did and why they did and that I would have a 25% less effort for the same result and all that. I wasn't really buying it all until some guy and his wife walked up and said, "I bought a pair of those the day before Ironman Louisville and I had the best Ironman of my life, and I know they made a difference." Now, here I am, my first Ironman, nervous as hell,standing here, debit card in pocket...so I just freakin' closed my eyes and bought the things. I debated on whether I would wear them for both the bike and the run, but then I got to thinking that I wanted them on the run moreso than the bike, and after peeing on the bike I was very glad to change into them (or anything, really) for the run. Do I think they helped? Honestly, yes I do. Granted, it could be the placebo effect, and I'd never know the difference. But I did feel great during that run. Supposedly they get the blood back to your heart faster, thus more oxygen goes to the heart, resulting in more aerobic capacity. I don't think they "turned my race around" or anything, but they felt great, and I'll be wearing them again for sure! And yes, they were worth the $60.

Wetsuit Chafing: Dude. I never saw this one coming. I body glided every inch of myself before I got suited up...or atleast I thought I did. I never really thought about hitting the back of my neck, but during that second loop of the swim I could feel the rub. And when it was all said and done, I had very big patches of skin that were literally burned off by the wetsuit around my neck. Learn from me - lube up the back of the neck!!! Don't chance it. It hurts, especially when you sweat and the salt runs down in it.

The M-Dot Tattoo: No, I haven't done it. I go back and forth. One day I say "Yes, I'm gonna do it." The next day I say, "I don't know...I really don't want a tattoo showing when I'm all dressed up for a formal occassion." I mean, I want it when I'm out biking and running my ass off, but then I might not like it when I'm all dressed up in dress or skirt and heels. IronJenny says she likes hers even when she is dressed up. I'm not so sure. And it's just so dang permanent. It's so much easier for a man to pull off. So I'm still debating on this one. Maybe one day I'll do it. Or maybe not. While the Ironman is a very special thing to me, and something that will probably somewhat change me forever, I still don't know if it's worthy of a permanent spot on my skin. Did I just say that? Ok, that was stupid...I already have plenty of permanent marks, called scars, on my skin from bike wrecks and such....atleast an M-Dot would be one of purposeful intent, and not an accident. Maybe I'll do it...I don't know. I'll let you know if I do.

That's all I've got for now...I'll probably think of more later!

Thanks, Guys

2008-11-11T13:50:00.005-06:00

I don't need to go another day without graciously thanking all my friends and family for everything you did for me and meant to me in this journey to Ironman.

The Iron Crew - Guys, how can I ever repay you? All the emails, text messages and phone calls, the blogger and facebook comments - you all know who you are. Do you all know how much that means to me? I am so humbled by your excitement and encouragement towards my completing this thing. I thought about you all while I was out there...some of you I know personally, others via the internet and email...but you all mean the world to me, and each comment of encouragement served as another piece of motivation for me to go and lay it all out on the line. My training partners - Tim, Holly, Heather, John, Lee, Tammie, Holly J., Don, Kevin, Ben, Tom, Chris, Jack, Mike N., Michele, Amy, Justin, Lisa - thanks for the tough love, guys. You've pulled me along when I didn't think I could go any faster...you've met me to run, ride and swim in the wee hours of the morning, in the hot and humid sun, and in temps so cold our eyelashes have frozen up. You've been there to listen to me complain about "another 100 miler," you've been there to high-five me at finish lines, and you've been there to put notes of encouragement on my car and in my inbox. Thanks just doesn't do it justice, but I hope to return the favors to all of you. And Mae Anne - we haven't got to train enough together yet, but we are going to! That Ironman Care Package you made me was JUST what I needed! And it tickled the boys to be a part of it - I had your card in my special needs bag, and it made me all warm and fuzzy and even more determined when I read it. Jere, Dee, Abby, Missy, Becca, and all the other Excel Triathletes - You guys ROCK! I know we don't get to see other that often, but I'll do triathlons forever as long as it means I get to meet up and hang out with you guys! Trimama, IronJenny, Momo, and Greyhound - your experience and advice made me a faster Ironman, no doubt. Your support, encouragement, and prayers made me a stronger one. Trimama - now go devour IMAZ!!!!! Stephanie, Jill & Joe, Bigun and Di - It was so good to see you all out there!! I swear I ran faster when I knew I was getting close to you! And last, but most certainly not least - my family. Let me make it clear that I would not be an Ironman if it weren't for the love and support of my family. J.T. never complained about my training or my inability to keep the house as clean as I should have. He just picked up what I couldn't get done and told me to get my butt out the door and swim/bike/run. My parents provided the biggest, baddest condo in PCB for me and anyone else who wanted to come down and cheer me on. Holly volunteered on race day to make sure she could be right there on the front row to watch me come out of the swim, and take care of anything I might need. My Aunt Dana, Uncle Eric, Uncle Troy and Cheryl all made the trip to cheer me on. My mom, Holly, and J.T. catered to my every need, and my Dad was always in the right place at the right time. How many times did you guys find me on that bike course?!?!?! I had other bikers out there asking me if I was a celebrity with my own camera crew! You have no idea how much easier it made my day. Briar and Bo - thank you for being understanding and supportive of this whole thing. Thanks for giving up a lot of that early morning snuggle time and the late night movies when I couldn't stay awake. Thanks for being there on that course yelling for me. Thanks for praying for me. And most of all, thanks for believing in me. If you don't remember anything else about this journey, you remember that you can do anything you set out to do. That talk is cheap, but hard work is gold. That you will fall and you will mess up, but it's the one who just keeps getting back up that takes home the prize. That ordinary can be extraordinary. And don't ever let anybody convince you differently.
Iron Wheels and Helmet - If you noticed I had on a super fast sperm helmet, and I was sporting some sleek, fast Flashpoint wheels, you were right. They were most graciously loaned to me by my good friend, mentor, and fellow triathlete, Tom Leanza. Tom is a legend in these parts, he finished an Ironman back when there was barely even an aid station on the course. He was signed up and ready to do this Ironman with me too, but he had an accident due to a carotid artery dissection back in May after the Gulf Coast Half Iron. Tom is a person who trully exemplifies the spirit of triathlon. You can't keep him down. He has been very restricted as to what physical activity he can do since the artery dissection, but he has not stopped. It would be so easy for most of us to just throw our hands up in the air and say, "The doc says I can't." But Tom just keeps asking "When can I..." He will be back for another Ironman. I really have no doubt in my mind about that. Tom has helped me in almost all aspects of triathlon. He's educated me on strategy and equipment, he's coached me on how to get faster, and he's let me know when I needed to be tougher. He wanted to be out there on Nov. 1st, and the fact that he couldn't, but I could, really left me no other option than to go out there and burn it up to make him proud.
Iron Massage - Listen, if someone tries to buy you a massage for after the Ironman - LET THEM! Holly asked me if I would want a massage when the IM was over, and I told her "Nah! I'll just relax on the beach..." Ha! Nobody had told me that I couldn't relax on the beach if I couldn't walk down to the beach! But Holly was smarter than I was, and she went and purchased a whole 1hr massage for 10 a.m. the day after...and boy was I greatful. That thing was worth a million bucks. As a matter of fact, those massages are the best deal of anything at the Ironman Village. Anything.
Iron Parents/Sponsors- I just have to mention this - I was sorta sponsored out there - ya see...my Mom sponsored my running shoes (she insisted on buying the shoes I was going to run in) and my Dad sponsored my bike tune up and final accessories. How cool is that? Well, it's really cool when you consider how expensive all this stuff is.

I could on and on...there's so much more...but please know how much every little thing meant to me.

Check this out!

2008-11-10T15:58:00.001-06:00

http://blog.runnerslounge.com/2008/10/open-mic-frid-1.html

IMFL '08

2008-11-06T18:26:00.030-06:00

"Most of us can learn to live in perfect comfort on higher levels of power. Everyone knows that on any given day there are energies slumbering in him which the incitements of that day do not call forth. Compared with what we ought to be, we are only half awake. It is evident that our organism has stored-up reserves of energy that are ordinarily not called upon - deeper and deeper strata of explosible material, ready for use by anyone who probes so deep. The human individual usually lives far within his limits."
- William James

11:58:23

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would see an eleven on the clock when I finished my first Ironman. I knew I would finish. I told you I'd you finish. I wanted to finish in less than 13 hours. I thought, given the right conditions, that was possible. I even told you that 12:30 would take a perfect day. I wasn't sandbagging' - I promise...so all I know to do is tell you the story....

Pre-race:I was a little bit on edge Friday, the day before the race. I met up with Jere, Missy, Abby, Dee, and all the other Nashvillians there racing, and we did the Gatorade swim...about 1000yds or so, and then some of us took off for a short bike ride. I enjoyed the mini workout, and I was glad to go ahead and get a feel for the water. It was cold the first few strokes, but then very comfortable once you got out into the deeper part. It was calm and smooth, and nothing like the waves we had back in May for the half iron. I got back to the condo to find that my whole family had arrived - JT and the boys, my dad, my aunt(Dana) and uncle(Eric). It was good to see everyone, and I showered and then did a final check to make sure I had everything I needed in my transition and special needs bags. We hung out for a while, then made our way down to the Ironman village where they all made signs for me and did some M-dot shopping while I got my bike and bags checked in. They said they could tell I was uptight, although I was trying to play it cool. I really just wanted the damn thing to get here already. And that was pretty much my attitude about it. I had trained all year long, made it through those final tough weeks of 10 hour training days on the weekends, and to top it off I had gained about 6 lbs during the taper! NOT. GOOD. I just wanted to get started. I wasn't afraid of it, but I was impatient. I just wanted to hear the gun go off and get moving.We had somewhat of a tiny fiasco trying to get through dinner. First, we locked our keys in the condo. We got that taken care of with the help of a very nice security guard, and then we went to Carabba's for my "final meal" as they all called it. I decided that the final meal would be Chicken Parmesan. Easy enough, right? Wrong. I thought Chicken Parmesan meant chicken with marinara and cheese on top of pasta. I wanted that pasta. Come to find out Carabbas considers the pasta a "side"...so when they bring mine without the pasta I had a bit of a meltdown. So bad, in fact, that my uncle pleaded for some pasta quickly and the poor waiter rushed back to the kitchen and brought it back very quickly. I pulled myself together and devoured the pasta, and then Holly and my Dad gave the sweetest toast you've ever heard. We got back to the condo around 9:00, and I got in the bed around 9:30 or so. Not too bad.

I dreamt about Ironman all night, and I got up at 4:15 ready to go. Ready to finally get this show on the road. J.T. and Holly took me down to the transition area and I added my peanut butter sandwich to my special needs bag, filled up my water bottle, gave hugs to friends, and soon headed down to the beach in my wetsuit. I found the rest of my family, and even ran into Bigun! Holly and my dad were volunteers, so they had front row access. My dad stood with me as I waited and prayed with me a couple minutes before the gun went off. And it finally went off.

The gun goes off and everything changes... the world changes... and nothing else really matters. -Pattie Sue Plummer

The Swim: You know that feeling, right? The one where you've waited and waited on something, and the time is finally here, and you don't know anything else to do but to throw yourself into it like there's no tomorrow. That's how I felt. I dove in and swam. No, I didn't really swim, I fought. That's all you could do! With 2300 people swimming towards the same buoy, I just pretended to swim as the draft carried me along, and I fought off all the people kicking and flailing around me. It was the most fun I've had in a race, ever!!! Even after I got nailed in the eye by someone kicking like crazy. I laughed and giggled to myself over and over at how much freakin' fun this was! I'm not supposed to have fun during the swim - I suck at it! But it was a blast. When we all converged at the turn buoy people were freaking out. Finally somebody yelled "Ok look!!! Everybody just calm down - We're going to get around this thing!!!" And I just felt like a kid on a roller coaster ride or something. I finally got around the turn and got to start swimming, and made it back to the beach for the 1st lap in 36 min and something. I even paused to show off my bicep for the camera. The second loop wasn't as physical, so I just relaxed and enjoyed the water and all that was around me. I was doing the Ironman...finally...and loving every minute of it. My goal for this swim was an ambitious 1:30, so you can imagine my excitement when I crossed the timing mat to a 1:14:04. If you can't imagine my excitement, here's a sample:

Yeah, I was pumped.

T1: Crowded. I just grabbed my bag and did it myself. I meant to put on arm warmers, but I wasn't feeling anything cold at that point. And I'm glad I forgot them, because it warmed up quickly. What I was feeling was the need to pee. But I just couldn't kill the momentum and use the port-a-potty...so I sorta just let'er flow as I was running out with my bike...sorry guys behind me...but it's the Ironman!!!

Bike: What beautiful weather. I took off feeling great but didn't push too hard. I did a really good job drinking and then pee-ing on the go...and this time I'm not apologizing because I saw plenty others letting'er go while on the bike, too. But then it came time to refill my bottles with Infinite...ugh. I didn't want to fool with it. (You know where this is going.) I got one bottle filled, finally, after half the powder blew in my face, and I ate half of a peanut butter and honey sandwich to make up for some of the Infinite I was not drinking. But then mile 70 came and it wasn't enough. I started fading. I had gone from constantly passing people, to holding my ground, and then to watching guys pass me. But hey, I figured they were just slow swimmers and strong bikers. Until a chick passed me. Then another. Then they started flying by me. By mile 80, I was hurting. I tried to start drinking more, but it wasn't helping fast enough. All my family was out on the bike course cheering in different places for me, and I knew they could see the concern on my face. I tried to smile and pose for the pictures, but by the time I hit mile 100, I couldn't find much to smile about. I wasn't sure what I was going to do...the only saving grace that I could think of was that I was pretty sure I had fig newtons in my T-2 bag. I couldn't stomach any more peanut butter, and I had tried to eat a shot block only to find out it had soured and it was nasty. I just kept saying "If I can just make it back to those fig newtons, I'll be fine." I was starving. With about 3 miles to go in the bike course, Michele flew past me like a streak of lightening. She looked great! But I felt horrible. I came around the final turn and there was my support crew again, cheering and yelling, and I saw that my Uncle Troy had made it all the way down from TN! I finally made it to T-2 in 6:01 and attempted to raise my leg over my bike...attempted, I say...as it actually took 3 attempts to succeed in that one. No matter how bad I felt, though, I had to be happy with that bike time. I had planned on it taking me 6:30. As for the rest of the race, though, I thought I was stick-a-fork-in-me-done. My only hope was those fig newtons.

T-2: This sweet little girl grabbed me in T-2 and started going through my bag and helping me get my socks and running shoes on. Bless her heart. That job is not one for the faint of heart. So I start saying "Thank you, thank you...fig newtons...fig newtons...the fig newtons are in there, right?" And she looks and looks and can't find them. So I dump it all out. No fig newtons. I had put them in my special needs bag...not the T-2 bag. Great. Oh well...nothing I can do now, so I take off shuffling out the tent.
The Run: The shuffle immediately caused a side stitch that hurt like crap. I toughed it out long enough to smile for the camera and get out of sight from the people who knew me, and then I just walked. I didn't know what else to do, so I had a little talk with myself. I said, "Now listen, Lana. You've got 25+ miles to run here. So you don't feel good right now, fine. You need food in your belly, and you need to cheer up. This is not about a finish time as long as it's under 17 hours...just get yourself some food and have fun." So I made it to the first aid station and practically raided the thing. I told the volunteers that I was starving and they gave me plenty of bananas, oranges and cookies. I stuffed my face and then even got some carry-out! I got enough that I was able to walk/shuffle on to mile 2, where I raided this one as well. I drunk the Gatorade, got some ice, washed my face with a cold sponge, and ate everything in sight. I suddenly wanted to run...so I took off. It hurt, but I was running. I wondered if I could make it a whole mile...and I did. From there on out, I ran 1 mile at a time. I ran at a pace that was barely comfortable until I got to the next aid station. I ate a bite or three at each, thanked them all, and took off for the next mile. Before I knew it...I was feeling great again. I found Holly and my parents on my way back in around mile 11 or so, and I convinced them that I was better now. I saw Steph and Jill and all of their crew and they yelled and screamed for me. I saw Bigun and Di and J.T. as I head for the turnaround, and then again going back out. Then I saw my parents again. My Dad ran up beside me and said "Ok, Lana. You've got 13 hours easily, and you've got an excellent shot at breaking 12. Now this it. This is the last lap. You go get it - you use that "SHEER MATTHEWS GUTS AND DETERMINATION" and go finish this thing up, you hear?!?!" and I said "YES! YES! YES I WILL!" And I ran, and I ran, and I ran. When I got tired I dug down and found something more. When my right knee started screaming bloody murder for relief, I said a prayer, and it was answered as the pain went away. When I crossed the 20 mile marker and saw the time, I knew I was still on pace to break 12 hours. I could see the sun setting and it got dark, and I pushed on. I got hungry, and I ate and drank, and then pushed on some more. I couldn't think about anything other than the present mile at hand, or I would start feeling like I'd never make it...so I just kept saying, "You can always run one more mile." I stopped for food and cola at the mile 23 aid station, and as I was walking they cranked up Ozzy's Ironman. I got chills down my spine and slammed my cup into the trash and took off running. At Mile 24, I could hear Mike Reiley calling people Ironmen...and that was my last stop...I got more cola, and decided it was time to bring it home. I ran right passed the Mile 25 stop, yelled and whooped and hollered at all my friends who were cheering, and I felt no pain. The family pen came into sight and I zoned in on Bo, who was waiting for me....

"BO!!!!!! COME ON, BO!!!! I MADE IT! LET'S GO BUDDY, LET'S GO BRING IT HOME!!!!"

He jumped up and took off running beside me, and then there were lights and screaming and I could hear Mike Reiley saying something about Manchester, TN. I pumped my fist and yelled with them...and

"YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!" as I broke through the tape.

11:58:23

Do not ever doubt your potential and sell yourself short. Do not ever count yourself out just because you get tired along the way. Or because you mess up or make mistakes along the way. I thought I was done with 40 miles left on the bike. I was supposed to drink 6 bottles of Infinite and I only got down 3.5. I was down, but I was not done.

It was Ironman.

It can take ordinary and turn it into extraordinary. It will dare you to dream, dare you to be bold, and...

...and then take all your damn money. I spent WAY too much money on M-Dot finisher schwag. WAY TOO MUCH...but hey, it was worth it!

Official Splits:
Swim (2.4 miles):1:14:04
T-1: 7:06
Bike (112 miles): 6:01:27, 18.6 mph avg
T-2: 5:27
Run (26.2 miles): 4:30:21
Total (140.6 miles): 11:58:23

What a ride!

2008-11-03T15:18:00.001-06:00

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2 Days Out

2008-10-30T20:53:00.003-05:00

We (my mom, sister and I) arrived in PCB Wednesday night. I slept late and then went for a run around 8 a.m. 3.1 miles with 90 second pickups. The weather is fantastic. The ocean is calm and clear. I got checked in for the race today and bought a few things at the expo. I attended the welcome dinner and mandatory athlete meeting tonight. I'm going to the Gatorade Swim @7 a.m. in the morning with Missy and Jerry.

The time is near. I am excited, but calm. J.T. and the boys, my dad, aunts and uncles, Bigun and Di, Jill and her crew all arrive tomorrow.

I feel confident and happy.

I may or not have a chance to blog tomorrow for the final time. If I don't - think iron thoughts for me, and I'll see you on the other side...as an Ironman, baby.

I Am Grateful

2008-10-28T09:32:00.002-05:00

Reality is sets in, and I am overcome with amazement at what lies ahead.

I wonder how I got here, really, although I know exactly how I did.

Doubt is of no concern right now, there simply isn't any room for it, I have no use for it, and I would not allow it, anyways.

I still need to start packing - I am a last minute packer in almost all occasions - I prefer to not disrupt my everyday life with the stress of packing until I have to. But it is time.

One does not get to the final days before an ironman without many things going their way. Many sacrifices by friends and family. Many words of encouragement. And the watchful eye of The Divine...protecting and comforting.

I am grateful.

As I read the emails, the comments, and the facebook messages, and I take the phone calls and hear the voice mails of encouragement, I am humbled by every one of you. You guys have shown me support and love and you've picked me up when I've been down. You've been patient and understanding when I haven't had time to blog, to show up in person, or even remember to do what I said I'd do. You've reminded me why I am here, and why I love to share my thoughts with you. Why I love to swim, bike and run with you - be it virtual or in person. And the motivating thoughts of how every last one of you has impacted my life will propel me to the finish line of Ironman Florida...and I'll be thinking of you, you can count on it. You will be there with me.

I love you guys.

Here We Are

2008-10-27T17:00:00.002-05:00

It's 5 days away. I finally visited the IronmanFlorida.com website and got my race number. 2139. For those who'd like to track my progress Saturday, just go to Ironman.com and follow the link to "track an athlete."

This past week has been interesting one to say the least. Believe me, I'm not in any danger of not being tapered. I've been sleeping late and squeezing in the workouts where I can, and skipping them when I can't. Yeah, I know, I don't need to be skipping them. But it's my experience that I do better with more sleep and rest than a regimented taper schedule. So rest has been the priority.

I have much to say about what's coming in the next few days, but little time to say it right now, so I'll leave you with an excerpt from an email I got from a longtime friend and fellow triathlete today:

I'll be cheering for you and watching on line, you can do it,

I know you feel like you have missed a lot of time with your family to do this but what a great example to set for your boys. They will always look at you and see what is possible when you set high goals, make a plan and accomplish them. I remember my Dad taking me to Old Stone fort when I was a kid, he would run and I would fish under the bridge. He would also take me with him to do fun runs around middle TN and I did a 1 miler when I was in second grade. I just always thought that exercise, persistence and consistency is what we do and I am grateful for the example my family set for me as I know your boys will be as they get older. There is no better way to lead than by example, so you go get that Ironman title and enjoy,

justin

2 weeks to go

2008-10-20T10:09:00.003-05:00

Ten days before I leave for PCB. I am characteristically nonchalant about the whole ordeal. Thankful that the days of starting at 5:30 a.m. and finishing up at 2:30 p.m. are over, thankful that I made it through the long days without injury, thankful that I feel ready and confident that I can go the distance, thankful for the lessons I learned about myself in training, thankful for the friends who trained with me in both reality and in the blogosphere, and thankful for the opportunity to become an Ironman on November 1st. Perhaps it will be different once I get down there and feel the vibe, but right now, to be honest with you, I'm not into the hype and the excitement. I have a mission to accomplish - one that I've been on for over 9 months now and one that has taken sacrifice, more than I'd like to admit, by not only myself but my family as well. I intend to accomplish that mission, and I intend to do so in no other than your classic Fire Inside fashion. I'm not going to tell you I just want to finish, that would be a lie. If the ocean does not look like a tropical storm and the wind is not pushing me backwards on the bike and my stomach stays strong for most of the way, I want to cross that finish line and see a "12" in the hours place. Sub 13 will make me a happy iron girl, and 12:30 will mean I had an absolute-perfect day. 13 hours and change is likely as well, depending on the conditions, and I'm not talking about anything more than that. Who knows what I am in for on November 1st? I've been humbled by the marathon, knocked down a notch by the century ride, and been beaten up by many a swim courses....so IM could very well have some lessons for me too. However, my attitude is that I've put in the time, I've done the training, and I expect nothing less than to kick the bad boy's ass.

I won't bore you with my taper workouts for last week, but check out my sweet new bike rack:
I decided against that iPod touch for my birthday, and instead went with this Yakima Hold-up rack. It retails for $399, but I ended up getting it from ORSRacksDirect.com for $299.25 w/no tax and no shipping. ORS Racks Direct had the rack listed for $359, but they also price match, so I sent them a link where REI had all their Yakima racks 20% off, making the Hold-up $321. REI, however, has a store in TN and would charge me tax, so I emailed ORS and asked if they could match REI's price. Not only did they match it, but they beat it. They emailed me a code giving me the rack for $299.25 and free shipping (and no tax since they aren't in TN). Do you know how much I love getting a good deal?!?! Not to mention they shipped the rack immediately and I had it like 3 days later. My Dad helped me install the new hitch and rack this weekend...so we are ready to roll.

And the Taper Begins

2008-10-13T16:39:00.002-05:00

Ah, yes. Those are sweet words, no doubt. Bring on the 2 hour bike rides and the 2,000-3,000yd swims and the 5 - 10 mile runs. Bring us a safe trip to the Redneck Riveria, a game face on the outside, an iron heart on the inside, and a November 1st that will be remembered for a lifetime. Because the work has been done. Bring on the Ironman, baby.

Three weeks and counting.

Friday's workout didn't go as smoothly as planned, but sometimes you just have to improvise. I was on a pretty strict timetable all day long, because I had to start swimming at 5:30 and be done with everything by 3:00 p.m. - in time to take the boys to their batting lessons in the 'boro. Well, I didn't exactly get started at 5:30...it was more like 5:50, and I only got in 4500 yds as a result. But hey, surely 4500 is enough, right? Surely. The swim went well, though, no problems, and I felt good. So I took off on my bike and headed toward my house because I had planned on picking up my peanut butter sandwich (I forgot to bring it with me). Of all the times I've ridden that 2 mile strip, this time I get a flat. I had glass wedged in the tire and the whole thing took me an hour to change. It wasn't that the tire itself was that difficult, but I just wasn't excited about changing the flat to begin with and I guess I was moving pretty slowly. So I finally got back on the bike and took off. Don called around 10:00 and joined me, and we rode to Tullahoma where I joined up with Tom and Aaron for their lunchtime ride. Don took his wife out to lunch (It was his birthday - Happy Birthday Don!) and then met me for the ride back. When we got back I had close to 70 miles, and I kept riding until shortly after 2:00 to get a total of 80 miles in 4:45. No, it's not a hundred, but it was the best I could get under the circumstances. On the plus side - I felt terrific the entire ride, and could've easily gone another 32 miles. So, I then hopped off and put on my running shoes. Again, this was supposed to be a 1:15 run, but I shortened it to 5 miles to be sure and be done in time. I felt great during the run, and finished it in 47 minutes.

Saturday was a 2 hour ride, and I just reveled in the beauty of the fall leaves, the fall sunshine, and the sweet word "taper."

Sunday, nothing.

Today - 1 hour bike, 6 mile run. Got the run done at lunch, heading out for the bike shortly.

Inventory Time - Peak Week

2008-10-09T15:49:00.002-05:00

This is the peak week. I ran 14 this morning in 2:07. Tomorrow I swim 5000yds, ride 100+, and run 1hr and 15 min. Saturday I ride 2 hours and swim 1600yds. Sunday I just swim 1800 yds. Let's take inventory:

Swim: It's been better in recent weeks. I've missed a few sessions lately. But I know I can complete the distance. I just need to not be missing anymore swims.

Bike: I just don't know. I've done so much long biking lately that I can't even judge where I am with it. Can I ride 112 miles after swimming 2.5 miles? Absolutely...and probably with ease considering that I still feel fairly well at the 90 mile marker these days. How fast, though, is yet to be seen.

Run: I've been in better running shape, that's a fact. The 20 miler last week wasn't too much of a challenge, although my legs did get pretty tired near the end. I know the marathon will involve some walking, I just hope to minimize it as much as possible.

Nutrition: We're going with Infinite and a peanut butter and honey sandwich on the bike. I'll probably carry along some gels or Shot Bloks just in case, but doubt I'll use them. The Infinite should take care of all my calorie and electrolyte needs, but I also like to have something solid in my stomach because I don't like to feel hungry. I plan on drinking 1 24 ounce bottle of Infinite every hour, along with water as needed. And when/if I feel hungry, I'll eat the sandwich. On the run, I'm going with what the course has to offer, plus my own gels. I'll probably start out with the water/gel combination, then resort to the Gatorade when I can't stand the thought of another gel.

Diet: Blah. Being as though I ate a cheeseburger from Burger King and a Wendy's Frosty yesterday, I have to give the diet 2 thumbs down. Gotta get it together. Now.

Strength Training: Nonexistant lately. 2 thumbs down.

Mental Prep: Getting better, but still somewhat cloudy. I need an extra 3 hours each day, and 1 extra day per week and all would be good. I must admit, I don't feel much excitement about a 10 hour workout while my kids are at home on fall break. It's got to be done, though. I do, however, feel much excitement (if that word even justifies it) about standing on the beach at the start line of IMFL...and there aren't many words to describe how I feel about crossing that finish line. Sideways thumbs.

Equipment: Bike needs a tune up, need to schedule that ASAP. Need to purchase new running shoes this weekend. Need to nail down what I'll be wearing. Need to buy some more tubes for Tom's wheels. Need an aerobottle. Need a new flat pack. Need better aerobar pads. Need to order the hitch and bike rack for the Prius. Geez...can the government bail me out of all these expenses?!?!?! Thumbs down on this one; I've got work to do.

See you on the other side of Week 17...

Did I Miss Something Here?

2008-10-09T10:34:00.006-05:00

***I interrupt this Iron Man training blog to interject my unsolicited rant about bailouts and accountability. If you are easily offended or if you are currently seeking to be bailed out of your irresponsible ARM mortgage or second mortgage or whatever it is for double of what you can actually afford, I give you fair warning - just skip this post and come back later.***

Ok, first we have a bailout for Wall St. sold to the public that it is something necessary for Main St. as well. My original thoughts are:

- hmmm...well, it sucks, but if it's gotta be done, it's gotta be done. I don't want to live through a depression anymore than the next gal does.

- If you take $700B of the taxpayers money and bailout these failing corporations, there's no way that it doesn't hurt your average tax payer.

- BUT - being that my husband is a real estate appraiser, we want the housing market to come back. Sooner better than later.

So the bailout finally passes, and the market drops even more. Ha! The government helps AIG with my tax contributions, and they send their "top performers" to a posh resort.

Hold up a minute.

Did I hear that right? You need government assistance but you can still send your agents to a resort that I wouldn't dare consider because I can't freakin' afford it?!?! Isn't that kinda like paying for your groceries with food stamps and then buying cigarrettes and beer like it ain't no thang? Believe me, I see it all the time here. Well, I guess if it's good for AIG it's good for Joe Six Pack, huh? That's some real accountability there. No wonder they're in a mess. AIG gets no more of my sympathy than Joe Six Pack on foodstamps. And that's ZERO.

Next, I'm riding down the road, listening to Carmen (CNBC-"On The Money") on my XM radio, and I hear this chick call in asking how she can get bailed out of her mortgage. Evidently she's one of the many who went nuts because they could get a little credit and bought a big house she couldn't afford....not even close to afford. And they're foreclosing on her. Poor thing. But oh - the government's handing out money?!?!? Yeah, just call your lender and get your loaned restructured. Never mind the fact that you knew damn well that rate was going to be adjusted in two years when you signed your name on the dotted line. Never mind the fact that you knew you couldn't afford that house to begin with. Even if you could at the time, did it not occur to you that you might want to keep a little breathing room in your budget because unforseen things do happen? Of course not. You wanted the $400k house(that's an expensive house in my neck of the woods)...and now, who's paying for it? Not only you, but all your taxpaying friends.

No sympathy here. I wanted that $400k house too. Badly. But I didn't buy it, because if economic conditions didn't continue to flourish, we might not be able to make that payment. So I'm not happy about handing the government the ridiculous chunk of money that I do year after year so that you can stay in your mansion. Or so that AIG's top performers can go to resorts and be treated like royalty at the tax payers' expense.

Whatever happened to saying "Sorry, but we don't have the funds for this right now."?

Whatever happened to respect in this country? Or accountability? Or spending your own money, and only what you can afford? What ever happened to "I'd like to have that, but I cannot afford it right now?" Or even "Ok, I got myself into this, I'll have to find a way out."

In a way it kind of reminds me of the same concept of what I see each time I go to a Titan's game. To get to the stadium, most of the spectators have to walk across the river on one of a couple different bridges. And on the pretty days - not the cold ones - it never fails that there are at least 2 or 3 youth football or cheerleading teams standing out on that bridge holding there hands out and their signs up and yelling "Support the (fill in team name here)! Can you spare a couple bucks for our team?! Help the (fill in team name here)!" And their parents are standing around with them, doing the same thing. Holding their hands out, asking someone else to pay their way. I've got no problem with fundraisers...you know, like a car wash, or selling candy or whatever...but what are we teaching our kids when we take them downtown to hold their hands out and beg for free money?

Ok, I think I made my point. It's been brewing for weeks now...and it had to come out. Back to the regularly scheduled programming.

Hurry up and ride 100 miles

2008-10-08T09:02:00.002-05:00

That was what I was telling myself Saturday. And for the record, it's not the best way to approach a century. Especially one of the best supported ones around, on a perfect day, and with lots of friends you haven't seen in a while. BUT - Briar had a football game that I was trying to get back in time to see...so I had to skip out on a few of the aid stations and a lot of the enjoyment of the day.

I totally did not prepare for Saturday's ride. I stayed up too late the night before reading about the market and the bail out and all it's implications, and then I just crashed in the bed without even getting my thing together. So I got up the next morning, changed out my wheels - I forgot to tell you my wheel story, I'll get to that - programmed my gps, loaded up and took off to Fayetville for the Leaves of Lincoln Century. This was my first century two years ago. Ironically, I didn't even realize it, but I parked beside my friend Chip - whom I had met there 2 years ago, and hadn't seen him since. We chatted a bit, I got my packet, and then I reached in my bike bag for my helmet.....

and you guessed it....no helmet. The ride started in 5 minutes. So I grabbed my debit card and rode up to the Harpeth Cycling tent and they were gracious enough to sell me a $54 helmet for $40. Because I gave them the puppy dog eyes and told them I forgot my LG Ozzy helmet and I needed a good deal. Nice folks. Anyways, Chip pulled me up toward the front of the group because I got a late start, and all I was concerned about was Crystal Ridge. Crystal Ridge is the last hill I ever pushed my bike up. It was the only hill I pushed that year - 2006, too. Every other hill I ever succombed to during my first year of cycling, I've gone back and conquered, but this one was too far from my stomping grounds. So this day was about hurrying to ride 100 miles, and making it up Crystal Ridge. And I did it. Chip flew up it, and I kinda lumbered up it, but I made it just fine and was tickled to death. I tried to tell myself I was just going to enjoy this day and not hurry too much, but after the second rest stop, I got all ADD and thinking that if Briar's games started late as usual, I could still make it by the 4th quarter. So when Chip, Melissa, and the others pulled into the 3rd stop, I kept rolling. I caught up to a nice lady named Adel around mile 50 or so, and we rode together a good bit of the way. The ADD took over again shortly after the 60 mile rest stop, and I pretty much rode the last 40 on my own. No, not pretty much, I don't think I saw a single other person, actually. I finished the 100 miles and ran for 20 minutes, grabbed my BBQ plate, and took off toward home.

Chip, Melissa, and others: I'm not a snob - I swear! I was trying to get back for that football game!

I did make it back by halftime of the game, so I was pretty happy. Another century down...I think that's 5 so far. One more this weekend, and then taper!

Now, the wheels. Geez....you know, this world is filled with really nice, really good, and really thoughtful people. I know there are some bad apples, but the older I get, the more I realize that I am surrounded by awesome people. So, anyways...My friend, Tom - the one who I've learned so much about triathlon from, and the one who was signed up and training for IMFL with me until he suddenly had a stroke caused by carotid artery dissection - he offered to let me take his FlashPoint wheels and ride them through IMFL! He even put them on and made sure they were ready to go. They are almost identical to the Zipp 404s I've been wanting, and was considering renting for IMFL. And they look GREAT on my bike!

Monday I turned 32. Holly and I ran at lunch, and postponed my swim so that JT and the boys could take me out to eat and to buy me a present. I told them I wanted an iPod Touch, so we went to Best Buy. I stood there and looked and looked at it, though, and never could make the decision to get it. $299 for a toy in these grim economic conditions just seems irresponsible...so even though they were begging me pick out anything, I left and just told them I needed to think more about it. If you know me well, you'll know that is just like me. I don't mind to spend some money, and I don't mind make a big purchase here and there, even for a toy, but I have to think it out for a long time, first.

I made up the 2900 swim yesterday morning (I saw Willie there swimming!), and then I attended Don's spin class last night to substitute for my ride. DUDE - that spin class was AWESOME! I now know exactly how I will stay in shape post Ironman!

Today was supposed to be a 2:10 run, but has rained buckets for two days now, and I bagged it. It's too cold to be running in the rain for 2 hours...I can take the cold, and I can take the rain, but not both together. I considered treadmilling it for the alotted time, and then I decided I'd be just as well of to switch tomorrow's rest day with today and do the run tomorrow. Hopefully the rain will give me a break in the morning.

We're getting dangerously close here...I've got word that the athlete's instructions are on the IMFL website now...but I've yet to look at them. Why? I don't know...I'm kinda like that. I'll look eventually.

It All Becomes Clear

2008-10-01T16:35:00.000-05:00

I have come to the conclusion that there is not too much in life that a good 20 mile run can’t fix. Make that a 20 mile run in the fall…when it’s cool, but not cold. The air is crisp, but not dry. The sun rises and shines brightly, but it does not scorch. The wind swirls, but it does not rage against your momentum.

It is a great day to be alive.

In the course of the 3 hours and 3 minutes it took me to cover 20 miles on foot this morning, I resolved the past 3 to 4 weeks of aimless wandering and struggling to find purpose in the many miles I’ve volunteered to put my body through. I miraculously regained the focus and zoned clearly in on the goal. I saw it. I fixed my eyes on it, and I remembered why this was such a worthy goal in the first place.

Ironman is not some current line item being checked off of my Bucket List. I’m not “doin’ it to say I did.” I’m not doing it for the M-dot ink. I’m not doing it for your recognition or acceptance. I’m not even trying to inspire you; or my kids.

You really want to know why I’m out there? Why I chose to go all in, to bet it all and sign my 2008 life away to a one-day event that happens to fall on November 1^st, 2008? Why I get up at 3 a.m. and run in the dark, and why I drop the kids off at school and ride my bike until it’s time to pick them up again, and why I slip back out of the house at 8 p.m. to get the swim in before bedtime?

Because I have learned that if you don’t actively take a stand against it, the nature of the world will ever so slightly dull your senses, soften your will, and limit your amazing, natural born capacity. It will lie to you. It will beat you down. You will forget who you are, and at the time you least expect it, it will throw you a curve it knows you won’t be able to hit. You won’t see the beauty of the sunrise because you’ll be asleep. You won’t feel the stillness of night because you’ll be engrossed in reality T.V. You’ll opt out of that game of tag with the little one because you can’t catch your breath. You won’t take a risk, because you might fail. You won’t enter the event because you might not win. You won’t consider the unthinkable because You. Are. Just. Average. You will lose the magnificence and beauty, the combination of uniqueness and grandeur that The Creator formed you with in His. Own. Image. You will walk the rest of your days on the Earth wondering who you are and why you are here. You will stand on the sidelines and hide from The Coach when you think He’s about to call your number to go in the game. You won’t experience the pain of coming up one second short, but you also won’t feel the exhilaration of coming back against all odds. You might not get knocked down or skinned up, but you won’t know the gratification of pulling yourself back up and finishing with respect. You won’t ever know what you could’ve done or who you could’ve been.

I knew that the journey to Ironman would strip me of the unnecessary baggage I clutter my life with, and it would get all up in my face to show me again who I really am. I knew that it would force me to shut-up for once, to stop complaining and stop making excuses and just watch, listen, and learn. Somewhere, amidst the neurons in my subconscious, I knew that I would be left with no other choice but to accept that

“I AM FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE.” ¹

Whatever it takes, that I may be able to spend my days on this earth in celebration and appreciation of this truth, I will do it.

Ironman, you’re mine.

¹Psalm 139:14(NIV): I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

From deep inside the Ironman training abyss...

2008-09-29T09:48:00.000-05:00

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
- Romans 5:3

Perseverance. Character. Hope.

Saturday, Sept. 20th - Character pushed me out the door to meet Tim for a 13 mile run. Had I not known that Tim would have been waiting in the parking lot for someone to run with on that morning, I cannot guarantee that I would have gotten this run done. Not to mention, after 7 miles I became nauseous and threatened to puke my guts out, and Tim every-so-slightly changed the subject and somehow, without ever saying so, convinced me to carry on.

Saturday night I erased all ideas of swimming, biking, and running as J.T. and I took the boys to the Opry, spent the night across from Centennial Park, and attended the Titans game the next morning. What did this cost me? Aside from the precious cash that I'm having a hard time letting go of these days, it cost me a 1600yd swim on Saturday and a 1:45 bike ride that I really never had any intention of doing anyways. Believe me, it was well worth the cost. There is a time to follow the plan, and there is a time to kick the plan to the curb and catch your breath and enjoy the most precious thing you've got - your family. We had a seriously good time.

So, following the weekend in NashVegas, here's how the long antipicated recovery week went:

Monday - 4 mile run at lunch. This was supposed to be a 7 mile run, but work got in the way. It was supposed to be hill repeats, but I talked myself out of that too, considering I had to be back in 50 minutes for a meeting, and needed to still be able to think clearly. Besides, for some reason, my legs insisted that 4 miles was enough on this day. What is wrong with me???

Tuesday - 20 mile ride at lunch. 3200 yd swim that evening. You can't beat the weather these days...no matter how tired or how unmotivated I might find myself, riding 20 miles in 80 degrees with bright sunshine and an easy breeze is pure heaven. And the 3200 yds was my first swim IN 10 days due to the shoulder problems I've been having. The shoulder still hurt some, but I completed the swim set without much of a problem.

Wednesday - 6 mile run at lunch. Oh yeah, running 6 miles in those same weather conditions also qualifies as pure heaven.

Thursday - Rest.

Friday - 4500yd straight swim in 1:31:40. I had to do a double take on the watch when I finished. Then I had to contain myself to keep from dancing around the deck of the pool. The shoulder...well, it still hurt...but it hurts a lot less when I keep my stroke wide and long...which is what I'm suppose to be doing anyways. Following the swim, I rode 35 in a little over 2 hours. I'm feeling fast in the pool and slow on the bike...how do you explain that when I've barely swum lately, but I've been biking my ass off?? Little recovery, maybe? Low motivation, perhaps? I don't know, and I really don't care. If you only knew the convincing it took to even get me out there, you'd just be happy that I logged the miles/time.

Saturday - I got up to do my 2 hour bike/1:45 run around 6:30. I got dressed and sat down at the computer to check my plan and make sure I knew what I needed to do. Not a creature was stirring....then...footsteps...little ones...getting closer.

"Mom! Where are you going?"

It was Bo, rubbing his sleepy eyes...he caught me in time this time, and you could tell that he was proud of himself.

I said, "Goodmorning, Bo. I'm going to bike and run a little in a few minutes."

"No! No, you are not. You are staying here."

"I won't be gone all day this time, Bo."

"No, please, please, please stay here. Every time I wake up I look for you and you are gone biking or running."

Needless to say, I stayed. I had no idea what I would do or how I would possibly get the day's training in, but I felt like I was facing 4th and 20 in my own territory, and had no choice but to punt. Punt, I did, and we fixed pancakes, played with army men, played some Wii Bowling and some Power Pros Baseball. J.T., who is more nervous, I think, than I am about this Ironman thing, insisted that I had time to get it done in time for Briar's football game if I started at 11:00. Bo seemed to be tired of playing with me by then, anyways, so I took off. I rode for 2 hours, hopped off and ran 11.31 miles in 1:45. Nothing terribly fast, but my legs felt great.

Sunday - I took the opportunity to go see my grandmother that I haven't seen in way too long, and to finish up the mounds of laundry that were starting eat at my soul. In other words, I am doing what I need to do to stay sane right now, although I am buried in a sea of "I need to's" and "I should be's."

To sum it all up, I am still buried in this training plan and am having a hard time seeing the light at the end...but I know it's there...and I will perservere to the end. It will, although I wonder sometimes if it's worth it, build character. Character that I need to be complete. Character that generates hope in my soul. Hope that the limitations I have always put on myself are self-imposed piles of crap. Hope that the body is strong and the mind is stronger, and when you train them properly they will get you where you need to go. Hope that there is more to life than snooze buttons and chocolate cake. Hope that there are lessons in nature, lessons in suffering, and lessons in pain that God has still yet to teach me. Hope that my children will see that an ordinary person can be extraordinary with a little bit of dedication. Hope that on November 1st, I will take each and every mile of this training...each drop of sweat...each drop of blood...all of it, and it will carry me 2.4 miles in the ocean of perseverence, 112 miles of character on the bike, 26.2 miles of hope on the run...all the way to the finish line of Ironman Florida. Yeah.

Gone Country

2008-09-29T09:45:00.000-05:00

Alan Jackson, Charlie Daniels, Little Big Town, and Darius Rucker make for a rockin' good time at the Grand Ole Opry!

Another one bites the dust...

2008-09-19T21:56:00.000-05:00

Wednesday I ran 13 miles. It went great; I felt good. Thursday I needed to swim, but I forgot that the rec center was closed for maintenance. So, my shoulder gets a couple more days to heal. That's probably for the best anyways. It almost feels well now, though. This morning was another 100 miles on the bike, followed by a 3 mile run. Here's how it went down:

I planned on starting at 4:00 in the dark, and riding with my lights in town until sunrise, then heading out to the country. I woke up at 3:30 sans alarm, and got on up and piddled around a bit. I didn't want to do this ride, to be honest. I am a little tired of riding 100 miles every weekend, plus, it was so dark outside, and this time I was alone. To make a long story short, I piddled around until 5:15, when the angel on one shoulder finally yelled louder than the devil on the other, and convinced me to just go ride.

Little Devil: You are sick of these 100 mile rides. They hurt your crotch, they take all day; do you really need to do one this weekend? Good greif, how many have you done already?

Little Angel: You know what the plan says...and this is a good time to ride since the boys are spending the night with friends. Just hop on and go!

Little Devil: But it's SO dark outside. You don't wanna do this. Think about just curling back up in the bed.

Little Angel: ~sigh~ Do we have to go through this again? You know what the right thing is, please spare me and just go do it.

Little Devil: You need arm warmers. It's cold outside. You're gonna be cold. And did I mention it was dark?

Little Angel: Look, lets do this the easy way. Just get on your bike and ride in town under the lights. You know the runners are out running long right now, go find them and chat with them for a minute, then ride in town until daylight. If you still want to go home after that, then fine.

That was enough to convince me. And I was fairly convinced that I would ride until daylight and then pack it up and go back home. But daylight came, and whattayaknow??? I decided it might be cool to head to the country. So that's what I did, and I rode until I was back home and my mileage said 101 miles. I did ride very slow, though. It was windy enough to make mention of it, and I just didn't have my heart into pushing the pace today. But the weather was beautiful, and I ran 3 miles, comfortably, following the 100 miles at an 8:49/pace. I was pretty glad to be done with it, and happy that I pressed on.

Tomorrow is a 12 mile run and possibly a swim if I can get it in before Briar's football game.

Lesson relearned: Things seem different at 5 a.m. before you take off than at 6:30 after you've been going a while. Don't listen to the little devil...just get out there and train.

Endurance Poop 101

2008-09-17T10:18:00.001-05:00

If you've ever trained for a marathon, triathlon, or anything of the sort, you are more than likely familiar with a lot of the different types of poop that plague endurance athletes. Let's just get it out in the open. It happens. Inevitably, unless you're some kind of freak-of-nature with a perfectly functioning GI system and a flawless diet, you're gonna have to deal with poop in endurance sports. I always believe that education is the best way to deal with taboo subjects, so...sit back, take notes if you wish, and become an Endurance Poop Scholar - courtesy of The Fire Inside. Note: You're never gonna think of me the same again.

Nervous Poop – Occurs in the port-a-potty on race morning. It’s easily identifiable because everybody’s looks and smells the same. I won’t go into details – if you’ve ever raced, you know what I’m talking about.

TNT Poop – It’s one or two big explosions and then it’s over. Usually occurs while running long distance and is preceded by a sick feeling that you may not make it. Falls under the category of “runners’ trots.”

Teaser Poop – This one is hard to differentiate from the TNT Poop until you actually get to the toilet. It has all the same signs when you are still 3 miles from a restroom or port-a-potty, but once you finally reach the long awaited destination, the need to poop just disappears. Beware of this one about 2 hours after you finish your run, though. See TNT Poop, but multiply it by 2.

Bait and Switch Poop – Appears to be gas, until you finally decide to let it go…and then all the sudden you realize it was not just gas. This is a tricky little bastard, though, because if it occurs in the latter stages of a really long run or race, you may not realize what just happened. So when you start thinking that everyone who passes you smells badly - get a clue - it was the bait and switch poop. Get to the nearest port-a-potty immediately and spare us all.

It’s Been a Long Time Coming Poop – If you take too much Immodium before your race, you may not have to visit the port-a-potty, but it’s likely that you’ll suffer from this poop about 4 or 5 days later. At least you hope it’s just 4 or 5 days later, or else people will start asking when the baby is due. You can identify this poop because you’ll hear angels singing The Hallelujah Chorus as it finally surfaces.

Good Old Fashioned Dump Poop – This poop occurs when you eat too much dinner the night before a long workout. It’s not explosive, like the TNT poop, it is just a good old fashioned dump that needs to happen. It makes for a very uncomfortable run, and beware – if you hold this one in too long and too often, it can cause internal hemorrhoids that result in the very disturbing Bloody Poop.

Bloody Poop – No need to describe this one. It is normally caused from torturing yourself by holding in the Good Old Fashioned Dump Poop for too long, but never assume that is the cause. It could also be a sign of very dangerous health conditions, so I’d advise you to see a doctor if you experience this one. Seriously.

Submitted by Benson:

Running Interval Poop - Could also be known as the runs, squirts, trots, raspberries etc. This poop(s) runs the intervals, not you. This poop occurs at regular (or irregular) intervals throughout the day. You have to plan your race/workday around never being more than a fartlek away from a toilet.

Submitted by Jill:

False Alarm Poop - The FA poop is where you go once after breakfast, head out the door for the Garmin to pick up a signal and RUN inside before it's too late...and then low and behold...holding your breath in the first mile because you gotta go again. And this just sets the tone for the rest of day. You spend most of the day within sprint distance of the toilet...for fear you'll go in your pants.

Submitted by Bigun:

Holy Poop - where you thank God and all the Angels that you actually made it to the bowl without messing yourself.

Now...I know that's not all of them. Comment with your own, and I'll add them to this list.

Blurred Vision

2008-09-16T15:43:00.000-05:00

In my wise, old age of 31 years, I have learned a thing or two about setting and meeting goals. One of them that stands out right now is that "The goal I am aiming for my not always be clearly visible, but keep moving forward, it is still there." It always starts out crystal clear, ya know. Kind of like how you knew exactly what you were going to study when you filled out that college application. But then somewhere in the midst of classes, tests, parties, the opposite sex, parties, and, well you get the picture...the view of the goal seems to get distorted a little. It doesn't look as clear as it once did, and the path leading to it looks a little tougher than you had originally planned.

Translate this as:

It was crystal clear when I pulled that slip at IMFL '07. Yeah, buddy. I mean, how hard could it be? Train for Gulf Coast Half, scale back for a few weeks, pick up the 20 week Ironman plan and buckle down during those 10-12 tough weeks in Aug, Sept, and Oct. Before I know it, I'll be an Ironman.

Crystal Clear. Right?

Well, it was. But right now it's a little blurry.

Blurry as in "Ummm...how am I going to run 26.2 miles after biking 112 miles...when I find it difficult to run 1 mile after biking 94 miles?"

Blurry as in I can't see straight after dealing with a nasty little stomach bug Sunday night, and I missed my bike on Monday.

Blurry as in my schedule says I need to do another 5,000yd swim/100mile bike this Friday...but, ummmm....Friday is Fair Day (or FAR Day, Shelby)...and in these parts they let the schools out for the County Fair (heaven help us all). That kinda sorta went over looked when putting together my perfect training plan. Some switching around is definitely in order.

Blurry as in my shoulder is still hurting. It wasn't the 5,000yd swim that did it, but rather the 5,000 (yes, an exaggeration) pop flies I threw to Bo on Sunday in his quest to catch fly balls like Coco Crisp. I've got to get back in the pool, but I'm giving it until Thursday.

Blurry as in I've let the weight training slip by the way side....No!!! I didn't want to let this happen. I've got to get back at it. I look better and feel stronger....but pray-tell me where can I find the time.

Blurry as in the diet is slipping along side of the weight training...No!!! Can't let this one happen either!

Ok, so it's long and hard right now. There's a few bumps and bruises. There's also this thing called life. But I know, because I know myself better than anyone else, that the goal is still there. I might not be able to see it as clearly as I once did, but I trust that it is there.

It is there just like the college degree was.

It is there just like the post-baby weight-loss was.

It is there just like the marathon was.

It is there just like the sub-4 marathon was.

Ironman is there. And we gonna keep on movin' forward 'til we can see it clearly again...

24 mile bike w/Holly today to clear the cobwebs

Payin' the Piper

2008-09-15T12:51:00.000-05:00

I rested with no guilty feelings on Thursday, as I knew I had a tough weekend ahead of me. I took my rest day on Thursday, and I tried to prepare mentally for the 5000yd swim/100 mile ride planned for Friday and the 1hr ride/1:45 run planned for Saturday.

According to Wikipedia, "Self-discipline refers to the training that one gives one's self to accomplish a certain task or to adopt a particular pattern of behavior, even though one would really rather be doing something else. For example, denying oneself of an extravagant pleasure in order to accomplish a more demanding charitable deed. Thus, self-discipline is the assertion of willpower over more base desires, and is usually understood to be a synonym of 'self control'. Self-discipline is to some extent a substitute for motivation, when one uses reason to determine a best course of action that opposes one's desires."

Although there aren't many times when you would find me saying "I'd rather be cleaning my house," Friday was one of those rare exceptions. I needed to be cleaning, folding laundry, and painting while my kiddos were at school. However, none of those things will make me stronger in the Gulf of Mexico, or on a windy bike course, or for 26.2 miles on foot come November 1st. This is one of those times when I just have to rely on my head vs. my heart. Self-discipline. The heart is not always strong enough, but the head almost always knows what's best. So when the alarm went off at 5 a.m., I suited up in my swim suit, grabbed my back pack, and headed to the pool with my bike in my car. I followed the swim workout that BT had prescribed, and I knocked out the 5,000yds in a little less than 2 hours. I was a little nervous about my ability to stay focused for a 5,000yd workout, but I concentrated only on the set at hand, and slowly, but surely, chipped away the whole thing.

After finishing the swim, I air-dried (because I forgot my towel-ha!) and then put on my cycling clothes. I halfway panicked that I didn't have enough food, so I drove to the gas station and bought some Fig Newtons and Nutter Butters. I met Michele when I got back, and we took off for 100 miles around 8:30 a.m. You know, century rides are cool when you do one or two a year, but when you're doing one every time you turn around, you just have to trust in your own self-discipline. Although, I can't help but think that something is a wee bit strange about starting your workout at 5:30 a.m., and then having to rush to get finished in time to pick your kids up from school during a normal school day. I'll admit to being a little off-my-rocker at times...but even I find that a little strange. Be it strange or just down-right crazy, though; I have a goal, and I intend to do what it takes to reach it. That being said, we grinded out the miles through Normandy, Wartrace, Bell Buckle, Beech Grove, Summitville, Matt's Hollow, and Fredonia...and we arrived back at the rec center at 94.27, and called it quits. I was completely out of fluid for the last 10 miles, and I was beginnging to feel it. I got off my bike and the thoughts immediatly started swarming, "How...tell me how...you plan on running a marathon after this?" I really didn't have an answer, or an idea, so I just loaded up my bike and went into the rec center and bought a Power Aide. I drank the Power Aide, and I decided to change into my running shoes. I didn't have time for a 3 mile run, but I could get away with 1 mile.

1 mile to remind my legs that they have to run even when they are toast.
1 mile to prove to myself that my legs can run even when they are toast.
1 mile because this time, even though my legs were toast, I did not feel like death...like I did the last time. Toasted legs don't feel good, but they feel better than death, and that is progress. Little bits of progress, over time, is how I've gotten to where I am, and how I intend to become an Ironman.

So I took off down the greenway, with shaky legs, and ran 1 mile. Money in the bank for Ironman. Then I rushed home, showered, picked up the kids, took them to M'boro for Briar's checkup, then rushed back to Tullahoma for the High School Football game they wanted to see.

Saturday morning, I woke up and got started at 6:30 a.m. on my bi-Ouch-bike. It seems as if all that Chamois Butt'r and Body Glide I've been using really was helping, because I had forgotten to apply it on Friday, and I paid the price on Saturday. It was painful, the whole 18 mile ride was, and that's all I've got to say about that. I got off the bike, changed into running shoes, and ran 11.25 miles. It was hot and humid, my water bottle got overtaken by slugs when I left it in the ditch, and my pace was rather slow (9:44), but I was pretty happy with getting it all done. During the last mile of my run, I imagined running the last mile of IMFL, and I had a hard time holding back the emotion. Nothing good in this world comes easy...this training may be long and hard right now, but it's changing me in ways that I need to change. It's holding my feet to the fire. There's no faking it, there's no wishing it, there's only bearing down and getting it done. Pay the Piper, or do without.

Rollin'

2008-09-10T08:51:00.001-05:00

Yep, now we're rollin'. I got 6 miles of hill repeats done at lunch on Monday. Had a bit of a feeling like I was short of breath near the end, though, almost like asthma or something. I couldn't get a deep breath. This reminded me that this happens to me during the last 20 miles of a 100 mile ride, too. My lungs hurt, and I can't seem to get a deep breath. I don't know if this is all a part of the training and adaptation process, or if I need to go see doctor. I do feel like if I could just get a couple puffs of some albuterol that it would make me feel better. But I don't know. I probably should just go for good measure...I like to put my health insurance to good use, anyways. It makes me feel better about that outrageous premium I pay.

Tuesday was a bike day. The plan just called for an hour ride, so Don, Tim, Lee and I met up at 5:15 a.m. at the rec center. It's awfully dark that early these days, but thankfully I had my NiteRider MiNewt Dual shining brightly, and Terri told me that she thought I was a motorcycle! So the thing works well, obviously. The four of us take off out of the parking lot and down Hwy 41. We decided it would be in our best interest to stay in town most of the way since it was so dark. We rode up Jail Hill and came to the first red light. Keep in mind that it's like 5:20 a.m. in Manchester - so there's no traffic really, other than a cop here and there. Don and Tim slow down and roll through the red light since no cars were in sight. I hesitated a little, because I saw the county cop sitting there, but I rolled on through, too, and Lee came on right behind me. We got on up the road a ways, though, and I noticed blue lights. We all got way over on the shoulder to let this cop pass us and go get whoever he might be after...but he never would pass us!! Then he turned on the siren and blew the horn at us!!! Finally, after a few of us saying "Is he pulling us over?", we pulled over. We sat there, and he sat in his car for a minutes, just like the real thing. Then he got out, walked over to us, and said, "Now you guys have to follow the rules of the road. You ran that red light back there, and you can't do that." We were all like, "Uh, okay, we're sorry." And I asked, "Well, do we not fall under the motorcycle law in TN, where you can stop and go at a red light?" He paused, looked kinda funny, and then said, "I don't believe that has been addressed yet. So you all follow the rules like everyone else." We nodded our heads, said, "Alrightly, then," and he let us go. I'm still cracking up about it. I mean, the guy was nice and all, so I am thankful that we didn't have to deal with an Officer McBreakfast Taco like Greyhound...and technically I guess we were at fault in running the light...but geez. It was 5:20 a.m. in Manchester - it wasn't like we darted out in front of anyone or tried to beat a yellow light at the main intersection. Anyways...I'm just sayin'.

I need to lift weights that evening while Bo was at swim team, but unfortunately there was a swim team parents meeting that took most of that time. I did sneak out in time to get my leg work in, but no core or upper body. And by the time dinner was cooked, then cleaned up, homework was done and the kids were in bed, I was in no mood to do anything but crash in the bed. I hate that I missed the weights, but I had a good night's sleep.

I knew that it was worth it when I woke up at 2 a.m. thinking it must be time to get up and run, and I was happy to see that I still had 2 more hours to sleep!! It's a good thing I got it, too, because I ran 8 miles with Tim, Lee, Holly J., John, and Jonathon - and they ran my legs off. 8 miles in 1:05 and change. I was seriously cussin' them during the last few miles, but then thanking them when it was done. That's the best run I've had in a long time. Afterwards, Tim and I hit the pool for a 2350yd swim. I did a 300 yd warmup, then 10x200yds on 4 min, then a 50yd cooldown. My first 5 200s were right at 3:30, my last 5 were between 3:30 and 3:40. I am very pleased with that.

So....the momentum is rollin'...and hopefully will carry me on into an iron weekend. Tomorrow is rest...and I'll be needing it.

Lost Momentum

2008-09-08T10:11:00.000-05:00

My best-laid plans went awry this weekend.

There was one thing I did not factor into my grand scheme of training and wrapping up my third "hard week" and my first "200 mile bike week." That thing would be an ear infection. Not of my own, but of Briar. It was an infection in the middle ear, and swimmers ear in the canal, and it got so bad Thursday and Friday that he couldn't sit still, much less sleep. The meds we got Thursday just weren't strong enough, and it resulted in a trip back to the doctor on Saturday morning.

I only got to ride 20 miles on Friday. I got zero training on Saturday. By Sunday, I was able to go get in a great lake swim early in the morning, but plans to go to the Titans game meant that was all that I would be doing. So I missed out on 140 miles of biking and 6 miles of running, but the ear infection is now better. Priorities.

It's not that big of a deal, really. I have most definitely lost momentum - I was going long and strong, but if you can't deal with a setback here and there, you don't need to be training for an ironman. My plan is to go on with this week in the way I was going to, except that instead of the easier weekend plans that I had, I'll substitute a 100 mile ride/3 mile run in one way or another.

Next week will be a hard one, too, then the next will be a recovery week.

The main problem with this is that momentum thing...I've lost training, sleep, and motivation. So much so that I couldn't pull myself out of bed this morning for my hill repeats. It'll be done at lunch. That should jump start the momentum, and we'll get back in route.

Gearing up for another big weekend

2008-09-04T15:22:00.000-05:00

The past three weeks of training have been very important to me. I put them together using beginnertriathlete.com's Ironman-distance plan, Bigun's expert advice, and my own gut feelings about what I can do and what I should do to prepare myself physically, mentally, and emotionally for Ironman Florida. The mid-week load was more than I am used to, but it wasn't anything that I couldn't do with a little discipline and determination. The weekend stuff is the meat of the plan. I am coming upon the 3rd weekend of out these 3 hard back-to-back-to-back weeks, and if I pull it all off, I'll get my first ever 200 mile bike week.

Let's take inventory:

Physical: I can tell that I am tired, but I am not falling asleep every time sit still, either. I have plenty of energy. I can tell that my body is changing and that my muscles are working hard. I can see the difference, and I can feel the difference. I am craving protein instead of carbs, believe it or not, and chocolate milk and peach-banana protein smoothies have been my friend. I have somehow fought off a hip-flexor strain that was coming on strong a couple of weeks ago, and I am pretty sure that I am 100% injury-free right now. I am taking my kids' Flintstones vitatmins religiously, in addition to Vitamin-B-Complex, Fish Oil, and Glucosemine. I have been kind to myself in the early mornings this week, and slept in a few days - getting in my workouts bikes and runs at lunch and my swims in the evenings. Since Bo has swimteam and Briar has football on Tuesdays and Thursdays, this has not caused me to sacrifice any time with them, which is important to me.

I did miss an hour long recovery run this week on Labor Day, but oh well. We were camping and it was worth it. I've had two hour long rides with Holly at lunch this week, and 2 swims. I ran 7.23 miles worth of "Jail Hill" repeats yesterday. Tomorrow (Friday), I'll ride 60 miles and then do a 30 minute run. Saturday, I'll ride the Elk River 100 miles also followed by a 30 minute run. And then I'll have a cold Michelobe Ultra...provided they save one for me. The next week will be a recovery week.

Mental: Mentally, I am way better than I thought I would be. I am enjoying this. I'm loving it, actually. I'm not dreading these 100 miles, I'm looking forward to them. I enjoy the "journey" type of feeling I get from it. Like, it's not just an all out, ride as hard as you can for 20 miles kinda thing. It's like, pack up all the food you can find, fill up all your bottles, and bring along some extra money because you're gonna need more. Set out for a different county, or three, and enjoy the beauty that you are riding through. Push the pace here and there, hammer up a hill here and there, and imagine what it's going to feel like on Nov.1st. The good thing is that so far, these 100 milers have not really interfered with my family affairs, other than getting to wake up my boys on Saturday morning and fix them breakfast. Yeah, they're kinda giving me a hard time about it, but I promise to make it up to them. I think it's okay to give Mommy her way for a few weeks for something like this. Some may disagree...but then that's why opinions are like assholes, right?

Emotional: Right on target. I am calm, cool and collected about this thing. I am not letting the fact that I was totally spent after last Friday's 100 mile ride and couldn't have run a step bother me. I did get up the next morning run 18 miles, and felt surprisingly well. So I figure it's all got a purpose in what I am doing right now...I don't need to be able to take off and run a marathon right now after a 100 mile ride because the race is still 57 days out (according to Ryan, my counter-downer). Come Nov.1st, I'll run that marathon...after my 112 mile bike. I will. Emotionally, I am fine. It's funny to me how I can really buckle down and reign myself in when I need to. Despite all that's going on around me, and things that ordinarily might send my head a spinnin', I know that's not an option right now...and I'm keeping my feet firmly on the ground. And on the pedals. The swim...well, I'm enjoying my swims lately, and that's serious progress for me. I feel good in the water, and I feel confident that I can swim 1.2 miles, run back down the beach to the start, and then swim another 1.2 miles. All the fighting and kicking in between doesn't concern me...I'm a better fighter than swimmer anyways.

So, there you have it...one step at a time...one mile at a time...we're on the road to Ironman.

Weekend Wrap Up

2008-09-02T09:16:00.000-05:00

I'm going to start with last Wednesday. I swapped it for Thursday and made it a rest day due to scheduling conflicts (husband outta town, work, pick up kids, hair appointment). Thursday I ran 6 miles at lunch, but totally missed my 4000yd swim due to more scheduling conflicts. So that night, the boys and I spent the night with my parents, and I was able to get up and out at 5:30 a.m. Friday morning for a 4500yd swim and then a 100 mile bike. The swim went great. The bike was interesting.

Here's the bike story:

I loaded up 2 24oz bottles of Gatorade Endurance and 1 bottle of water, 6 fig newtons, and two packs of Cliff Shot Blocks. I took off from my house and road down Fredonia Rd., over to Maple Springs, and then through Pocahontas and Jacksboro to reach McMinnville. I had not ridden this route on my bike before, but it was beautiful and I loved it. Nice smooth road, no dogs, courteous motorists. It also allowed me to arrive at my mother's & father's in-law house to fill up two of my empty bottles. I felt great at that point, just short of 2 hours, and I was averaging around 18.3 mph. I took Hwy 55 back towards Manchester, but then took a left on Ramsey Rd, which eventually led me over to Rock Rd., and then to Hillsboro-Viola Rd. This also was a great route. So my nutrition plan was to eat 2 fig newtons and drink 1 bottle of Gatorade per hour. According to my calculations that would get me around 240 calories/hour. This worked fine, for the first couple of hours. I refilled my bottles with water at my mother-in-law's, and supplemented Cliff Shot Blocks for the calories I would be missing in Gatorade. This worked for about another hour, and then I got hungry. I found out that there is a difference in setting for a 100 mile bike ride with a pre-ride breakfast in my tummy, and in swimming 2.5 miles, eating a fig newton, and then taking off for a 100 mile ride. I needed more solid food, but felt too squeamish to eat any at this point. I could tell that I was starting to fade as I approached Hillsboro, around mile 65, and I was out of fluids. So I stopped at the store and bought a bottle of Gatorade and a bottle of water, and for a little while, I felt refreshed. From there, took the AEDC access road out to the recreation center at the Air Force Base, circled around UTSI Rd, and then headed back for the final 20 mile stretch. I tried to eat Cliff Shot Blocks, but they just didn't go down easily like they did for the Half Iron, or for 60 and 70 mile rides. I kept my composure, though, and kept pedaling strong until I got back into town, with about 7 miles to go. At that point, I was really weak and sick to my stomach, and I just wanted to get home. I got back to my house at 99 miles, and I almost turned in, but at the last second I decided it wasn't worth it. I rode another half mile and back to get 100 miles in 5hrs 33 min. That is an 18mph average, but the bad part is that until mile 92, I was averaging 18.3. The last 8 miles I was barely moving, even though I was doing all that I could do. It was the classic "out of fuel" type of feeling. Or bonk, I guess I should say. So...I finished the ride and learned some good lessons. I also realized that there are a few things that it's time for me to purchase and quit just talking about purchasing them.

They are:

CarboPro - I need more calories for long rides than I'm getting in the Gatorade Endurance. Momo advised me of this a while back, and I probably should have taken her advice instead of finding out for myself.
Gel pads for my aerobars - those little cheap pads that came on my Profile carbon aerobars are a joke. I need some better padding there.
Aerobottle - mine fell apart at the Gulf Coast Half Iron. It's time to replace it.
Decent Flat Pack - I'm having a tough time finding a flat pack that will work with my aqua rack on the back of my bike. The one I have is just jerry-rigged between the seat and the rack, and it protrudes way out to the left. That sets off the internal lost-aerodynamics alarm in me, and has to be fixed.

...and...I need to actually use my sunscreen instead of just carrying it around. 5.5 hrs with my back to the sun = sunburn, regardless of how easily I tan.

So, a few lessons learned, and another 100 miler down. Which leads to the 18 mile run I had set for Saturday morning. This 18 mile run, combined with the 100 mile ride of the day before, knocked me out of doing the local Star Triathlon that I won last year. But congrats to Michele who took the 1st place honors this year, and kept the crown in Manchester! Congrats to all my other peeps, too, who represented Manchester well at this event - Tim (1st AG), Eric (3rd AG), Amy (1st AG), Will (1st AG-on a MTB Bike of all things!), Justin (4th AG), and Tony (4th AG)!

I set out for my 18 miler at 5:30 a.m. My legs felt a little bit dead at first, but came around after a few miles. I really didn't push the pace in this run. I loaded up my iPod and listened to some TacBoy and Bigun podcasts - old and new - and then switched over to some tunes when I got too tired to be laughing at TacBoy and Bigun and my incredibly, over-the-edge, backwoods, southern accent while trying to decipher "tri-terms" from Tac-n-Bigun. Good grief, I need to go spend a few weeks in California or New York or something. I didn't realize it was that bad. Anyways, I ran the 18 miles in 2:55 with my fuel belt, which ran out after 16 miles. I had to swing by Old Stone Fort and grab a drink from the water fountain, and that gave me enough to get me home. I showered quickly and Bo and I drove up to watch the end of the triathlon and congratulated all our friends.

We camped out for the rest of the weekend, and I ate too much, laid around too much, and it enjoyed it all way too much. Back to the grind today...

Totals for week-
Swim: 8300yds
Bike: 126 miles
Run: 29.5 miles

One more hard week to go, and then I get a recovery week!

Self-Esteem

2008-08-27T14:18:00.000-05:00

Need some? We got plenty. At least Bo does, anyway. We were filling out and coloring his "All About Me" 1st grade poster last night for school, and we came to the the last section that says "3 Super Cool Facts About Me." I said, "Bo, tell me something super cool about you." He takes his pencil and writes, as he says "I am good like Michael Phelps!"

"Ok, yeah. Yes, you are a great swimmer, Bo! Now name something else...you like to help oth-"

"I AM AWESOME AT BASEBALL!" he says, and he writes that one, too.

I jump in a little quicker after this one. "Bo, I know a good one! How about 'I am a good friend to others'?"

He kind of stares through me for a minute, like I just stole his thunder or something, and says, "Ok, will you write that one?" And he runs off to play.

Hmmmm....

Give me some credit, now...

2008-08-26T10:52:00.000-05:00

Do you really think I'd purchase a car that I couldn't fit my bike inside? You know me better than that...

Trying to fit it all in

2008-08-26T10:20:00.001-05:00

This week is crazy. With J.T. in Memphis taking continuing ed courses, it's not going to be easy to fit everything in. So far, though, so good. Sunday night we had a Mach Tenn Running Club group run. It was a 3 mile loop, organized by your's truly, although I'm not very organized. I went out about 30 minutes before the meeting time to mark the course, via running it with sidewalk chalk, and my tired legs were screaming at me. I made it back right on time, though, and then ran another 2.5 or so with the group. It should've been another 3, but I had to wait on Briar who was playing in the creek and got behind, so J.T. gave me a ride down the road a bit to catch up with everyone. We had a great turnout, actually. Let's see...in attendance was Tammie & Jay, Tim, Lee & Laura, Eric M., Roger B., Stephen A., Audra, Trisha, Kim & John. We all had a good time. I think these organized, relaxed runs are a great thing for the Mach Tenn Running Club.

Yesterday I needed to swim 3800 yds, and I did it after work at the pool. I took the kids with me, and they played while I knocked out the laps. I was doing 3 sets of 10x100s as my main set, and after 15 of the 100's my kids came and told me they were ready to go. "Oh my," I thought. I wasn't sure what to do, since 30 more laps plus 4 cool down laps would take a while, especially with the 20 seconds rest in between each 100. So I told them I'd just swim the rest of my laps nonstop, in order to hurry, and they were okay with it. I felt so good swimming those 34 straight laps...it's hard to explain, but I can really get into a rhythm when swimming long. I have no idea what my time was, but it felt great.

This morning I needed 1:45 bike ride. The plan said:
15min warmup
4x15min in hard gear at 65-70 rpms with 5min rest between each
10 min cool down

The last time I did this on the road, and it worked out well, but since it's raining cats and dogs here, I opted for the trainer this morning. I started at 5 a.m. and finished just in time to wake the boys up for school. This workout is hard. I don't know if I just didn't have the drive or push I needed this morning or what, but I just couldn't push those hard gears and keep my cadence up this morning. Nevertheless, I flooded the floor and the towel on the floor with perspiration, and I put in the time, so I'm calling it a success. It was slow...I think I only got like 26 miles, which is not even a 15mph average. I'll take whatever I can get on this one, though.

You might be a triathlete if...

2008-08-26T08:58:00.000-05:00

Your quest for superior aerodynamics trickles down into the decision of what car you buy.This baby is averaging 48 mpg!

It's done...

2008-08-23T16:50:00.000-05:00

Week 1 of this set of 3 straight hard weeks is done. I am burnt toast, but I am a happy girl.

What I said I'd do this week:
Swim 7950 yds
Bike 140 miles
Run 29 miles

What I did this week:
Swim 7950 yds in 2hrs 59min
Bike 143.3 miles in 8hrs 16 min
Run 29 miles in 4 hrs 29min

I never doubted that I'd finish everything in this hard week until about mile 1.5 of the 7 mile run that followed the century today. I had to promise myself I'd stop and turnaround and go back after 3 miles, and only run 6, in order to keep going. Of course, when I got to three, I talked myself into going out another half, making 7 miles.

The century was a bitch. It wasn't really the riding of 100 miles that was hard, like it usually is in a century, but the route was just freaking hilly! Up and down and long, gradual climbing, followed by a short decent and then more long, gradual climbing. I was totally okay with it, until about about mile 90, and although I normally have a good attitude about that stuff, I just started cussin'. I couldn't help it...I kept thinking "Now I KNOW that they could have found many other roads that would get us back to the starting point that aren't this hilly!" I deemed my sister, Holly, the smartest girl alive for opting out of this one, and myself the dumbest. They even made us ride 103 miles! I did the 103 miles in 5:56. Don't get me wrong - it was a well organized, well supported ride with lots of good rest stops and friendly volunteers...so I'm not knocking the ride...just knocking myself at letting it kick my booty. And I kinda goofed on the nutrition thing, too. Chalk it up to cockiness...I thought I'd just go out and ride and run without a plan, just eat when I wanted and not worry about it. Dumb idea. There's a certain amount (can't remember it off the top of my head, need to go back and look it up on here) of calories that I need to take in during long rides to feel like I've got optimum energy. I didn't get it today, and it got hot and muggy by the end, and I still had to run to 7 miles. I took off for the 7 without a lick of anything to drink or eat, and nearly dried up and turned into a pillar of salt before I found a flower shop with a nice lady outside who offered to let me go in and get water from her cooler. I finished the 7 miles , just glad to be alive, in 1:11:25...a whopping 10:20 pace. Not happy about that, but I learned the lesson (again): Pay attention to nutrition or pay for it dearly.

I showered and got my cool long-sleeve t-shirt, then went through the line to get my food. I got spaghetti, salad and cookies. I sat down to eat them and couldn't choke it down. It looked great, I just couldn't stomach it right then. I finally got a few noodles down before I gave up and went on my way in search of a gas station to get some chocolate milk. I downed the chocolate milk and felt better immediately. Another lesson learned: Take your protein shake mix or recovery drink to things like this in the event you can't eat the food afterwards.

So...a big deposit in the Ironman bank, finishing up with a great 100m ride/7m run brick. Now, it's time to get some rest and get recovered...I have another hard week starting tomorrow.

Doing what I said I'd do

2008-08-22T23:12:00.000-05:00

I only have a minute, as my eyes are almost forcing themselves shut as I type. Just wanted to let you know that I'm doing what I said I'd do. I swam 2550yds Tuesday. I ran 16 miles Wednesday. I rested on Thursday. I rode 40 miles and swam 3200yds today. I've got everything packed up and ready to head to the HOT 100 tomorrow, including the running shoes, because I've got a 7 mile run following the century ride. It's long and tough these days...it's getting up at 3:45 a.m. to ride 40 miles with my badass light on my bike. It's getting up even if I only got 2.5 hrs sleep. It's doing what I said I'd do...because I want to be an Ironman.

Be true to your work, your word, and your friend. -Henry David Thoreau

Stuff I don't train without...

2008-08-19T21:43:00.000-05:00

Not when I'm training for very long, anyways. Take tomorrow for example - I've got a 16 mile run. When I lay my clothes out tonight, I'll get the shorts, the sports bra, the top, the socks, the shoes, and the BodyGlide. The BodyGlide is just as important as the socks, actually. I've been using BodyGlide faithfully for over the 3 years. Or, to be more exact, since the first time I did a long run and came home chafed. I ended up crying great big tears in the shower, and soon after did a Google search to find a solution.

BodyGlide is a great Anti-chafing solution because:
1)It really does work great. It keeps my thighs from chafing, even in hot weather, for at least 18 miles of running. And for biking, it works great too. I used it for my 70 mile ride Saturday and had no saddle sores.

2)It's not messy like petroleum jelly. This stuff applies just like a solid deodorant, so there's no mess.

3)It's reasonably priced for how long it lasts. A 1.3oz stick is somewhere between and $8 and $10, depending on where you buy it. I think I usually go through maybe 3 or 4 per year. Maybe. It might not even be that many.

4)It's waterproof. This is the best because you can put it on your feet before the swim, and it's still there for the bike and the run.

5)It even comes with sunscreen in it. I was excited about trying this one because I think it's cool to have the bodyglide and the sunscreen all in one. Fewer pieces is always better for me because I tend to misplace things. I have used the sunscreen during my last two long bike rides and it worked like a charm!

Rally The Troops

2008-08-18T09:12:00.000-05:00

We're invading Ironman. Eleven weeks to go, and it's put-up or shut-up. I sub-4'd the marathon in January. I completed the Gulf Coast Half Iron in May. Then I piddled. I raced a few sprints and did a century. I ran a maximum of 10 miles as my weekly long run. I went through my normal summertime burnout, and I somehow found my way out of it. I got a little bit lazy, and I remembered that it's not for me. I've been following my plan as closely as possible for the past several weeks, except for the occasional "something suddenly came up," like the 3 a.m. snuggles, and the occasional extension of a long bike ride because Bigun and I think I need more bike miles than said plan requires.

I think most things in life come and go in cycles, and certainly Ironman training has it's different cycles...you know, the base building period, strength building period, etc. While these are probably reflected in the training plan I am following, I am more concerned about the cycles that I go through mentally over the course of training for nearly an entire year for one big event.

Take for instance the buildup to the Gulf Coast Half. For me, that was my confidence building period. I needed to prove to myself that I could do the training, formulate a plan, and execute it on race day...for a long distance event...and enjoy it. And I did.

The early summer was a maintenance period for what I had gained during the spring, and mid-summer was my mental break because I felt the burnout coming on strong.

The past three weeks have been a gradual increase in both my focus and my mileage. It's been fairly steady and not too sporadic. It's helped in reviving my confidence, and most importantly, my motivation. I looked ahead at my calendar the other day, and I realized that it's a good thing I have arrived at this point, at this time.

It is time. It is time to step up. It is time for the long stuff. It is time to embrace the challenge I have taken upon myself and put in the sweat, blood, tears, and whatever else it might take to get to the start line of Ironman Florida, confident that I'll see the finish line. Lazy Lana and Timid Lana be damned, this is what it's all about. This is where The Fire Inside forges the Iron.

Saturday I rode 70 miles with the Highland Rimmers and then ran 5 through the campus of The University of the South. Sunday I did a 49 minute open water swim at the lake. This morning I ran 6 with Holly and then did weights. I am going to continue following my BT plan through the week days, and on the weekends I am slightly modifying it to 1)get more bike mileage and 2)be able to participate in some organized century rides. Starting this weekend, I am going with 3 weeks hard, then 1 week recovery. Then 1 week hard, 1 week recovery. Then 2 weeks hard, and then taper. This weekend is the Hot 100 century. Next weekend I am going to give the Alto/Sherwood ride another try, and the following weekend is the Elk River Century. In terms of distance per sport, here's what it looks like for the next 3 weeks:

WEEK OF:	SWIM	BIKE	RUN
8/17	7950yds	140 miles	29 miles
8/24	12,300yds	155 miles	29 miles
8/31	5,500yds	200 miles	18 miles

And the road becomes my bride
I have stripped of all but pride
So in her I do confide
And she keeps me satisfied
Gives me all I need

And with dust in throat I crave
Only knowledge will I save
To the game you stay a slave

Rove or wanderer
Nomad, vagabond
Call me what you will

But I'll take my time anywhere
Free to speak my mind anywhere
And I'll redefine anywhere

Anywhere I roam
Where I lay my head is home...

The 3 a.m. Snuggles

2008-08-15T09:16:00.000-05:00

I fell victim to the 3 a.m. snuggles this morning. I had really good Ironman training intentions. I had my alarm set for 3:00 a.m. so that i could be up and on my trainer at 3:30 for an hour of intervals, followed by a 45 min run, followed by a 3000yd swim at the rec center when the pool opened at 5:30 a.m.

The alarm went off as planned at 3:00, and I woke up. I turned it off and sat up. Then I heard something....little footsteps across our new hardwood floors. It was Bo, half asleep, feeling his way over to my side of the bed. I helped him up into the bed and he grabbed me and said (in that sleepy little voice), "Snuggle with me, Momma."

Is there anyone around who can turn that down?

I can't. I thought I would snuggle for a few minutes and then proceed to get up and get on with my training after Bo was sound asleep again.

Wrong!!

The 3 a.m. snuggles consumed me and lulled me into a sleep so deep that I didn't wake up until the final 6:30 alarm went off.

~sigh~

And I was doing so good lately...but 3 a.m. snuggles might be worth the set back! I'll get back on track tomorrow....