Sad Beautiful Tragic

[Taylor Swift]

Spudman...

What can I say about Spudman?

It was... hmm.. interesting? lonely? tough? reassuring? disappointing? strengthening?

Basically.. it was all over the place. An emotional rollercoaster.

It's one of those races I am glad to have behind me.

Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed myself... mostly. But, I had a number of hurdles to jump through to finish.

1. For one reason or another, I ended up taking the 3 hour drive to Burley, ID to stay and compete alone.

2. I didn't have a tent or anything, so I slept -- rather uncomfortably -- in my car. [Luckily, I was so tired that it ended up not mattering.]

3. The pinky toe wasn't healed. Ya... ugh. The biggest UGH of them all. It didn't impact my swim and run much, but my running was S-L-O-W. It wasn't even the toe so much. I was compensating for the hurt with my ankle, which caused WORSE hurt. So I had to back off to prevent REAL injury.

4. I didn't take the day off to drive up there, so I was late coming from work. I rushed to dinner and then to setup my bike transition. Since I was in a hurry, I forgot to setup my Garmin watch. Decided I'd go back in the morning, but never made it there.

5. The morning of the race, I was running to start line zipping my wetsuit. And just barely had time to ask a girl to zip it up after it got caught on my singlet.

6. I didn't get on the podium... [failed New Year's resolution].

But....

1. I had a great swim. Learned a couple new things for the next race, too.

2. My bike was -- for me-- amazing. I am NOT a cyclist. It's my weak area. But, I kept nearly a 18mph pace! Incredible for me.

3. I finished the run under an hour, even with the injuries.

4. Overall I PR'ed by about 10 minutes!

5. I was reminded that I am independent and can make it on my own.

6. There was accomplishment in just getting there, starting the race, finishing each leg, and then crossing the finish line. So much, that I broke down in tears.

Life was trying to break me. But, I am in control of my life. And I'm not giving into the hard times. I am positive about the future and know, from experiences like this, that I can get through and fight whatever comes my way. I love when running can teach you those lessons.

“I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!” -Dr. Seuss

What lessons have you learned from/while running?

Help team #highnuun get to Ragnar Colorado!

Vote daily through August 9th!

http://gotchocolatemilk.com/team-refuel/high-noon

Undone

[No Doubt]

It's not a good sign when I am 9 days out from my "A" race and I am sitting on the couch eating [homemade] cookies and milk....

Not. Good. AT. ALL!

Why do we allow ourselves to get in these situations? Setting goals, not giving them our all...

I had big plans this year.

1. Qualify for Boston. Strike ONE [Since BQ has to be in by September and I am not running any marathons in the next 2 months.]

2. Finish 30 Credit Hours in school. Strike TWO, since I had to drop out of my summer classes. (For a couple reasons).

3. Place in my division at Spudman...

Ya... Spudman... that "A" race I was talking about.

Last year I competed in Spudman, an Olympic Triathlon. I worked from February to July to get ready. I WAS ready. AND I did well for my 1st triathlon. I placed 11th in the swim and 9th on the run. Or something like that.

This year, I had this vision....

maintain my swimming and running + decrease my cycling time = place in my division

 It wasn't going to be that hard... REALLY, it wasn't. And how things were going with my running, in preparation to BQ, I had decreased my 10k time by a almost 10 minutes -- buffering my cycling time. I was so ready for this.

But today.. I am not feeling ready.

I want to blame this all on my quad injury from the Salt Lake Marathon. But for the past month, since Ragnar, I haven't had quad issues... so it's not really an excuse. [I did have a glimpse of IT band issues and ankle problems... but nothing I couldn't work with].

My next excuse is work. It's wiped me out. I am trying to save my job. Fulfill extreme expectations. Still, I've trained through difficult work issues before. I've done stressful environments. Not a good excuse.

But ya... one excuse or another, I am here. Having only taken my bike off my trainer and to the great outdoors ONCE this year [and bike computer not working]. Not having swum for over a week. And my pace has slowed to 8:48/mile.

But, I am determined to not have a DNS or DNF on my athletic record.

My brother asked what a running record is. Well, it's mental -- that's for certain. But it's also physical. Here.

Nonetheless... this is my self pep talk... I can do this.

I won't place. Fine. There is always next year.

But, that doesn't mean I give up.

I won't. I am going to compete.

I refuse to do less than that. Because I know I can go and give it my best. The best of what I've got to give NOW.

And I'll not give up on my goals. I'll just realize, this is not the year for them. Life has other plans for me this year.

But, I just purchased this book today and I'll be getting up bright and early to swim out 1600m tomorrow morning. And I'll move forward. Trying. One day at a time.

...AND hey! I am still "purchased sweets" free [I haven't had a piece of candy for 6 months and 18 days!] and I still fit into that jean size I was working towards... so not a complete failure this year... right?! I just can't let that work go down the drain... Plus, I have to have some WINS. Life can't just complete go to shit. Anyway....

What advice do you have for cramming for a race? Is it possible? How do you bounce back from struggle to meet your goals?

Take a Ride with Me

[Nelly]

==Event 2: Bike==

Ask me 6 months ago what I thought of the bike event and I'd tell you..."Easy peasy. I can ride a bike. Shouldn't be a problem." Fast forward to today...my opinion has changed to believe cycling is the most complex of the three disciplines.

I could create a new blog just to cover the mechanics of a bicycle. I could allocate singular posts on bike maintenance, pre-ride checks, gear changing, proper form and pedal stroke, how to clean and lube your chain, how to repair/change a tire [Triathletes are required to change their own flats during a race. I've been practicing. Got it down. Hopefully I won't have to use my new found skill. But it's good to be prepared.] The list goes on. Do you believe me now? ....It's flippin' complex.

So today I want to cover the basics for getting started.

Equipment

There is a saying:

Welcome to Triathlons. You are now broke.

This saying is mainly a result of the money spent on getting equipped for the bike event. And I think it doesn't emphasize the cost enough. I am not joking. I've spent a ridiculous amount of money. I have no choice but to be a cyclist for life.

My bike aka "Javier"

Bike

The bike is obviously the MOST important item. It's also going to empty the bank. So it's important your bike fits you.  I find the key to getting the right bike is try them all out. Seriously. When I was in the market, I heard "Specialized is the way to go", "Pick a Trek bike", "You can't go wrong with Giant"....guess what I ended up with after trying out all those brands? A Felt bike. And I love it.

You'll also need a helmet. A requirement. If I see your riding without one...just don't...I'll get scary. I've now warned you.

And lastly you'll need lube and a bike pump to keep your bike maintained.

Beyond that, there are some items that I couldn't go without and would suggest. They are also what I've gotten the most questions about during this process.

Clipless pedals and cycling shoes

After I took my first hill I was so happy I had these. The cleat on the bottom of cycling shoes clips into your pedals. It allows you to not only push, but also pull up on your pedal stroke. It creates a much more fluid and powerful stroke.

Also, cycling shoes have stiff sole. Which prevent loss of power and helps prevent common foot injuries.

Cycling Apparel

I admit I love buying clothes like the next girl. But this isn't about looking good. It's about comfort. Just take one ride without bike shorts and you'll understand why. And when you do, give me a ring. I'd like to see you walk like a cowboy just dismounted from his horse. I could use the laugh.

The terminology for cycling gear confused me. So here's the rundown:

Singlet: This is a tank top that is slightly longer in the back and has pockets in the back to hold fuel.
Jersey: This is the t-shirt you typically see cyclist wearing. They have a zipper in the front, are longer in the back, and have pockets for fuel.
Bib: Yuck. This can only be described by a single image...

You get it? It's AERODYNAMIC....and OH so sexy. [Barf]

Kits: You know all those cyclists out there that appear to be sponsored as they ride around with advertising covering their apparel? Yep, the majority of those are purchased suits. They typically consist of cycling shorts and a jersey.
Trisuit: This is what I am wearing here...

It specifically designed to quick dry (mesh back), be chlorine resistant, have bike padding (thin, almost not existent padding), a longer back, fuel pockets, and mine has a built in bra for the run.

Another gear question I've gotten is about the gloves...why wear them? There is vein that run through your wrist. During cycling the pressure you put on your handlebars prevents the blood flow and the hands fall asleep. With gloves, the padding opens up space for the blood to flow. Plus, it's more comfortable ;)

Technique

I am far, far, far from getting out of the novice category. SO I won't pretend to know what is the best form and pedal stroke. But I have learned a couple things I can pass along to you:

• Your cadence should remain at 80-100, or up to 120 for sprinting.
• Keep your shoulders open and back, otherwise expect some gnarly knots in your neck.
• Push AND pull
• Your feet shouldn't touch flat on the ground when you are seated. If they are...go get a fitting.
• When you see a bump, try to avoid it. Duh. But if you can't stand up to lessen the shock OR pull your bike up with you to jump over it. 
• It's natural to want to lean IN during a corner...but it's actually better to lean your body away from the corner and you bike into the corner.

And I am so proud of myself because in my last three rides I've taught myself how to hydrate and fuel without stopping. Here's the key...ride your bike a lot to build balance. 

Resources

Local bike shops
Mapmyride.com
beginnertriathlete.com

My last piece of advice. OWN IT. I constantly remind myself to do that. The more confident of a cyclist you are the better. Don't be afraid of climbing. Go fast downhill. Learn to balance in the wind. And tell cars that you are the boss (but don't be stupid). And then have fun being a complete badass. It's not a sport for the wussies out there. It's toughened me up quite a bit.

Do you own a bike? If so, are you stronger at climbing or at speed?

The Fool on the Hill

[The Beatles]

It's a really good thing that the bike portion of my race this month is on flat ground or I might come in last or dead. 

After watching the cyclists on Saturday I decided it's time to face my climbing fears. Is it that I am weak or is it the clip less pedals that has me freaked out? You are right, it's both. 

So the canyon that I ran down last year for my marathon was THE goal today. I had a 2 1/2 hour ride scheduled on the calendar. However far I could get in half that time [making an out and back ride] was my first step towards kicking this fear and pushing myself to become a better rider.

I took a familiar route to the canyon and reached it in about 9 miles. Then the ascent started. I am sure I looked like a snail. I had 2 riders pass me. My quads and hamstrings were burning. Still, I didn't allow myself to stop. I put it on a lower gear and kept spinning. 

Looking at the map now I can't believe that the climb was only 4 miles. It felt like 10. And took about as long as my ride to the canyon. I've obviously got some work to do. And just a side note, clip less pedals are awesome for hills. How do you take hills without them?

And get this, the racers on Saturday averaged a 7.8% grade for 15 miles. Me today...yeah...2.3% for 4 miles. Felt like death. Maybe because it was like 96 degrees during my ride. It was like exercising in hell. I kept thinking, "I can't wait to take this in the fall. It's gonna be great!" [I downed 1.5 L in my camel back and 1 1/2 bottles of water during the ride. I guarantee I sweat that all out though. I was crusted over in salt by the end of my ride. Sick, right? ]

All in all thought, I really did actually enjoy it. You may call me crazy. But with the memory of the marathon, it was nothing as hard as running 26.2. Biking is so much easier -- MENTALLY. Plus when you get to the top of the mountain you get to turn around and soar down, which is so rad. Makes you feel like a superhero. Or a bad ass. Depends on the day and how many/how fast you take the corners. [Something about cornering feels more bad ass than superhero...I can't explain it. It just does.]

You Spin Me Right Round

[Dead or Alive]

Wow! Did you know that cyclists are hot? 

Where have I been?

Seriously missing out is where.

Well, as of yesterday I am now clued in. I got the opportunity to volunteer with Triology at the Porcupine Pub & Grill Big Cottonwood Hill Climb. Not only was it insane to watch this event as a newbie cyclist, but cycling shorts are not a bad thing. Not bad at all. At all. 

It was the first athletic event I've volunteered at and I highly recommend volunteering or at least spectating at an event you are wanting to get into or are new to. I learned a lot from the other volunteers and the bikers. It was a fun way to spend a Saturday morning. Plus it's always good to be on the non-racing side of the rope for once.

Anyhow, I think I've penciled in myself to participate in this race in the future. 

It was one of those races that I looked at and said, "I couldn't ever do that." Which makes me say, "I'm gonna keep working until I can do that."

Here is what the participants faced:

Average grade: about 7.8%

Distance: 14.70 miles

Total Elevation Gain: 4584 feet

And the pro winner came in at just under 1 hour. Un-believ-able!

I can't even fathom.

I average about 14 mph during my rides. The highest of these I ascended a whopping 620 ft. Holla!

Seriously...THAT speed on a continual climb for 15 miles. It blows my mind. But, I love a good challenge and am always looking for the next thing to do to challenge myself. 

It was awe inspiring to watch these guys FLY into the finish. 

I can't wait to be a better biker. I'm workin' on it. And the more I do the more I am getting addicted. 

It's a pretty sweet sport.

Lose Yourself

[Eminem]

I can't help but think about how last year at this time I was training for the marathon. I wouldn't just be training, I would almost be in my taper. I'd have 6 mi, 26 mi, 7 mi, and then the marathon. We'd be less than a month away.

And now...

I am 1 month away from my 1st triathlon. 

Each week over the last 6 months I've put in hours of swimming, biking, and running. Though it's physical, it's mostly time spent in my head. It's 1 of the 2 reasons that I am drawn to endurance sports. It's time I process, deal, fix, vent, reminisce, and fantasize about life.

Today was an especially emotional ride, in both my head and body. I've been repeating a course multiple times to fill up the training time requirements since I am still a weak hill rider. But, I decided to get courageous today and take Javier out of our normal route; extending out into new territory.

I mapped out a popular biking course. Not taking into account that I would be hitting the same pavement my beaten legs took nearly 1 year ago. This time a different method of covering the distance, but seeing it all as vividly as I did that day.

...the same street that Krick and I ran during our 15-17th miles in the race.
...the street that I teared up with amazement at our journey. For which, Krick told me to knock it off. We still had 9 miles to go. Stop that!
...the street that, despite the remaining steps needing to be taken, I realized we actually were going to make it.
...the only street that we had to ourselves.
...at the end of this street I saw my brother and mom waiting at the corner to join us for the next 9 miles. ...and as we departed this street we were met with cheering from family members, who boost our spirits enough to grind through the incline of the next 4 miles.

I've driven that street a few times since the race, but being out in the fresh air, taking in the view closer, and having time to relive the memories as I passed each landmark made my heart fill with pride.

Pain is temporary. Pride is forever.

It was our motto all through training. And it is so true.

You'll never hear me stop talking about it.

Get used to it.

I am proud, and will forever be, of that accomplishment.

And for this triathlete in training it's something I need. Confidence. There is nothing in my life that has given me that more than the marathon. I am so incredibly glad I took that risk and challenged myself. And I hope I always continue to do just that.

Where the Blacktop Ends

[Keith Urban]


I admit I am not the best friend to have. Not something I want to admit, but it's true. I never pick up my phone, often don't return voicemails or emails, and though I claim to be a better friend via social media, I guess I am slacking there, too.

So Nate, I'll try to make up for a long due response to your wall post to me:

Biking around town is incredible. The bike makes me a little nervous, since I am still a novice to clipping in and out. More so clipping out. I've fallen completely to the ground once, and then had a couple close calls [one of which I had a spectator that got a good laugh from it]. But all in all, practice makes perfect, so I am working on it and improving.

Initially I thought biking was a piece of cake. That is until I took my first REAL hill. Holy hannah!!! Luckily, unluckily, I was clipped into my pedals and thus was left with one of two choices:

1. Try to clip out so that I could shamefully walk my bike up the hill...knowing that gravity would cause me to eat gravel in the process.


2. Suffer through the pain and make it up the hill slowly, but surely.

Stubborn ME chose the later.

When I finally made it to the top of the hill I clipped out. [Heart pounding.] All I could do was sit on the ground and hope to not have a heart attack. That was hard.

But, I'll tell you. I do love biking. I am a lifer. And this is the reason:

I would have never seen the valley from this view.

Stunning, right? Do you miss those mountains? Come on...you are just one more Bar Exam and a 2000 mile drive from living here. Huh? Huh? How about it?

No?...pass the computer to Corissa...

Corissa? How about it?

You can't really turn this down now can you?

Okay, I'll lay off it...FOR NOW. But yes, biking shows me the world in a different light. You'd assume it wouldn't be different than running outside. But it is. You get to see so much more. For example, this morning, I road 15 miles. Got in this view:

Plus, I saw a hoppin' bunny rabbit, a frozen rattlesnake, and a dead pigeon (that I nearly ran over...yuck!). So it's an adventure every time :)

On a sidenote, did you hear my sister, Kelsy, got a cat? You guys ruined me...I was all playing with it, taking pictures, and laughing about it's personality....PERSONALITY!!!!???....a cat? [Shaking head]. Now there are talks of getting one....Corissa, Corissa....how's Andy?

Okay, back to it. After we run our marathon together...oh, I didn't tell you that we are going to run a marathon together...well, we are. Then we should get Corissa and KC bikes and do a bike tour. Is that good enough for you....*cough...travel snob...cough*?

Last comment about biking. It kinda makes me feel like a badass. Which I am SO not.

But the bandana and chain oil on the leg...watch out motheruckas....

*OH THE DRAMA*

So hopefully I sufficiently answered your question. I apologize the response took so long.

Miss you guys tons! Let's skype...

Love You For a Day

[Ricky Martin]

Besides seeing Evita (and meeting Ricky Martin) the other request I had for the trip was to go on a bike ride in Central Park.

Katie, Krick, and I split from Bec and Hilz (who chose to walk the park). We picked up some junker bikes at the rental shop and took off to discover the park.

Riding through the park was different than what I expected. You have to remain on the main roads. I was sad that we wouldn't get to ride on the walkways, as I had hoped. But a few minutes in, I found that the park from the main roads was still beautiful. And viewing the park this way allowed us to see about 3/4 of the park's length. 

Katie, Krick, and I at the main fountain in Central Park.

Here are some snapshots from around the park:

The "Stewart Little" Pond
I only know Central Park by the movie spots. Haha. 

Alice in Wonderland Statue 

Imagine Tribute to John Lennon
Strawberry Fields, Central Park

You Sexy Thang

[Hot Chocolate]

Meet Javier...

[Yep, he's got a name now...think Javier Gomez...aka - sexy spaniard triathlete]

I think I'm in love. 

Me and Krick [and Scratch] post inaugural ride.

I took him out for a spin this afternoon after I picked him up from the shop. 

Honestly, I could have ridin' him all night long.

It was so much fun!

He only roughed me up a bit...

["Clip Out" accident...still gotta get used to that.]

I have a feeling this is going to get addicting.

Sexy and I Know It

[Ricky Martin - Glee]

I am officially committed. [I better be at this price. Who knew bikes were so freakin' expensive!?]

S-E-X-Y, right?

What do I name HIM? Give me your sexiest guy names...otherwise, I'll probably resort to naming him Ricky. 


[I would be just fine "riding" Ricky 2-3 a week. But I'd prefer to ride the real one.]

Week #14 in Review

I have mixed feelings about this past week's training. I started off the week completely burnt out. I decided to take Monday off to recoop. I hate taking time off, but I knew that if I didn't I would either have a mental breakdown or some important things in life were going to completely drop off. It was a rough day.

After I wasted Monday away, I got back into the game on Tuesday and the week then started to progress. By the end, I completed my last long run before the first race of the season...and I did it with much success. Perfect way to end the first round of training. [Plus, we took our run out to Daybreak, which was a nice change of scenery.]

During that run, I smashed my 10k recorded time:

Previous Records

New Records

I've been trying to break that record for some time now. Quite frustrating I hadn't until now.

Okay, here's the rundown:

Tuesday
1 hour cycling class

Wednesday
8 mile run
(Schedule 5 miler + makeup for Monday break)
Weight training: Arms

Thursday
1 hour Master's Swim Class

Saturday
12 mile run

Sunday
3 mile hill run @ 4.5% grade
Weight training: Arms

SLC Half-Marathon in 13 days and counting...