Friday's Song!

Good Morning All! I thought I would try something new. From now on Friday's will be my lyric posting day. I will post some lyrics to songs that have somehow touched my life for the week. Some days it may be the whole song or it may be pieces of songs but all will have meant something to me during the week. Dumb you say? Well, maybe but believe it or not songs speak to me quite a bit. They are also a good indication of the mood that I am in. So without further ado here is what caught me this week and yea, I was feeling insecure this week!

Don't look at me.

Everyday is so wonderful
and suddenly its hard to breathe
Now and then I get insecure
from all the pain I am so ashamed

I am beautiful
not matter what they say.
Words can't bring me down.
I am beautiful
in every single way.
Words can't bring me down.
So don't you bring me down today.

-- Christina Aquilear, "Beautiful"



Good luck to all my tri peeps tackling St. George (Cathi, Beth and Rachel) and St. Croix (Kim, James) I am looking forward to all of your race reports!

Random Thoughts

I have not posted about training in awhile mostly because I am still battling my ITB problem. This injury does not make me happy so I have been somewhat down the last couple of weeks. However, I am coming around and just taking it day by day. So I will now just post some random thoughts about what's going on in Colorado Springs!

1. My birthday was a couple of weeks ago and I did get my new camera! Woo Hoo! I will now have some great photos of my adventures just as soon as I learn how to download them!
2. I have been swimming quite a bit because of the ITB. I would like to say I am getting faster but I think I am just getting better endurance!
3. There are only 40 days until Ironman Kansas and I am a little nervous. Every time I call home someone else is coming to watch. Failure is not an option!
4. My coach is great. She has been so supportive during my downtime! She has worked with me on altering my schedule and listening to my whining. But to honor her I am going to work on getting a "POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE!"
5. I did not do the Cherry Creek Sneak on Sunday but I did go to watch. My friends and their boys all did great! Love ya guys!
6. Here is a shout out to all doing Ironman St. George this weekend. May the weather gods shine on ya'all and may ya'all RAWK that hard course!
7. Congrats to Bree Wee on a great race in South Africa. She is a great triathlete and an awesome, inspiring blogger!
8. Finally, in a plea for support. Team Shiner and I are once again doing the MS 150 and I am not doing well in the fund raising department. If you can, please donate. MS is a terrible condition and it affects many people I know! You can donate by clicking on our picture on the right hand side of the blog, Thanks!!!




Until later, keep running, riding and swimming...

Honestly...

Tri Diesel has nominated me to provide 10 honest things about myself so I will commence right now!

1. I absolutely hate peas! I hate the way the squish in your mouth and I can't stand the smell. I will pick every single one of them out of food no matter how long it takes! Please don't bring them in my house either!

2. I am an extremely insecure person. This annoys my husband behind belief but I just don't know how to fix it. Sports have helped me in this regard but sometimes I fall back into old habits, particularly when I am injured. This would be one of those weeks!

3. I am addicted to sports because if I wasn't I would probably be addicted to cigarettes, alcohol, drugs or all of them!

4. Fact, my mom was an alcholic and drug addict so I do all these things so I don't become her.

5. To lighten the mood! I am a redneck! I grew up in a small town in Kansas and I love country music and cowboys! Yee Haw! My latest fav is Jason Aldeen!

6. My son, hopefully, is about to graduate and I am the one freaking out! My baby is growing up and I don't know where time went.

7. I am not a romantic person but my husband is the love of my life and I would be lost without him! Just don't expect me to hold his hand in public!

8. I always plan too many events in a year but that is because most of my events are also social in nature! Sorry Coach!

9. I love Oreos! I used to eat them every night after dinner with a glass of milk but now I have given them up. I miss them every night!

10. And like Tri-Diesel, don't tell me I can't do something because that will only piss me off and I will prove you wrong!

Now I have the great honor of nominating people to carry on this great tradition! Sorry guys! :)

Coach Liz

Sally

Duane

Until later keep running, riding and swimming...

Oh yea Congrats to the following Boston runners! You guys rawked it! Jennifer, Flo, Jim, Lisa, Bud, and Lisa/Bud's daughter!

I love Colorado even in the rain!

Yesterday was my first trip to the Incline and it was great! The incline had not changed it was just as hard and challenging as always. Despite the shape that I am in I still managed to breathe the whole entire way like I was an obscene caller. My friends, on the other hand, just chatted away like they always do. Side note, how is it possible to be married and still have long conversations like you haven't seen each other in days. Maybe, I have been married too long but most conversations with my husband are monosyllabic!!!


Yea, they are newlyweds! Amateurs!

Anyway, back to the Incline. I really was quite surprised with how well I did. I completed the trip to the top in 43 minutes. How far to the top is it you ask. Well, that is a great question. The trip to the top is about .8 miles! That is not very far at all but damn is it steep! Technically the Incline is private property as you can see by the sign below but no one listens. The scenery and the workout are just too damn good to miss!



There were not a lot of people this time around but that was because it was raining! Yes, I said raining. It did not start out that way but it ended that way. I personally wanted to jump off at the half way point and be done. But no my friends said I had to earn my beer. But we were all regretting that at the end when we were soaked to the bone and could barely move!

My friends finishing

The return trip is much easier! We or I should say I ran down the Barr Trail. My friends were still catching up from not seeing each other all day and decided to walk! FYI, I love my friends this is just gently ribbing! For those not in Colorado, the Barr Trail is the trail that goes to the top of Pikes Peak. Anyway, the way down was so great. The rain was falling and it was quiet. I felt so calm and serene. At one point, I could hear the waterfalls and it was just incredible. I wish I could have gotten a picture of that but I could not see them. I could only hear them! Next time, I will make the trek to get some pix!

I finished the entire trip in 1:19. That is a pretty good time. I believe I have done it faster but that was later in the year and after some practice. I could have run down faster but I was just enjoying the moment. However, when I got done I was ready to go. I was soaked to the bone and cold but I had to wait for my friends. Luckily, it was not too long of a wait and I had some company.


My deer buddies

Of course, doing the Incline is not done until you hit The Loop and partake of some beer and Mexican food. We got quite the looks when we went into the bar. Of course, I was struggling to get on a dry shirt and we looked like drowned rats! But it was all worth it because when I settled down to sleep I realized that I do indeed love Colorado! Anytime, ya'all are ready to visit, just let me know. I will give you a great tour of one of my favorite training spots, the Incline!

Platte Rive 1/2 Marathon Photo

The official photos are out and I think I actually like this one!

Okay, I had to update this one. Check out these runners! They look like they had a great time!

Platte River Half Marathon

Howdy all! I am excited to tell you guys all about my latest race, The Platte River Half Marathon in Littleton, CO. The race started at 9a so I didn't have to get up too early to make the drive. I started the day with a shower. Normally, I don't do that before a race because I am just going to sweat anyway. But the shower really woke me up and that was good since I was making the drive on my own. Yea, my husband did not make the trip this time so no pics. I left about 7:20 but had to hit Starbucks first. Another change for me but mmm so good. I got to the race at about 8:15. After several diversions and detours on the trip. I was certain I was going to get lost but it all worked out. I found a great parking place and went to get my packet. A nice little jaunt up to packet pickup and back served as my warm up. Then it was off to the porta-potty. The line was long but moved very quickly! Thank goodness because it was close to race time! I lined up with the 10:00/mile group and was ready to go. The sun was shining and it was getting warm so I am glad that I wore the running skirt and short sleeved short. I would have been warm otherwise.

I will lay out the race splits now:
1 mile-I missed the first mile marker so I don't know what my split was here. I guess I was too enthralled by the crowds. There was one runner who looked exactly like my cousin from the back so I got caught up in thinking about my family.
2 mile-18:40 for the first and second miles. I was very happy with that. I was feeling good. I had no leg pains and I was breathing comfortably. Awesome!
3 mile-9:22 Oh yea, I can keep this going.
4 mile-9:29 I am doing great so far.
5 mile-9:26 Wow, I am being pretty consistent but I am starting to tire.
6 mile-9:47 Yep, I am getting tired and my quads are killing me! But I have to continue to move. My legs are going to feel a lot worse in Kansas so I need to prep for that.
7 mile-10:03 Okay, if I can keep this up I am going to PR. I really need to work on endurance. I want to keep my splits in the 9:30s.
8 mile-10:43 Yea, I am feeling pretty bad right now. My quads and my hip are both hurting.
9 mile-12:02 Damn, I had to walk so of this mile I need to get back on track!
10 mile-11:40 That is a little bit better but I have got to get faster. Run! Run!
11 mile-11:32 You are doing better but now comes that damn hill!
12 mile-11:22 You are almost done keep moving and you will get that PR! And it will be at elevation.
13 mile-11:56 Please please point me to the end.

Chip Time: 2:17:12. YES, that is a PR by about 4 mins and it was done at elevation. I am so happy with this race. I am completely confident now that I am going to get to 2 hours soon. I just know it and I am going to train and make it happen!

After the race I met some new people and that was really awesome. I also ran into a blogger from Denver. She writes a great blog and I saw her on multiple occasions cheering us on. That was really great! And if she happens to read my blog, Sonja, I was the one yelling that I love your blog.

Here are some other details from the race.
Gun Time - 2:18:03
Chip Time - 2:17:12,
Pace - 10:32
Division Place (40-44) - 93/134
Gender Place - 588/917
Overall Place - 1131/ 1546

Now is time for recovery time. I am going to spend more time at the pool for the next couple of days and hope that the ITB calms down.

Until later keep running, riding and swimming!

What Sports Have Done for Me!

I was thinking about this topic the other day as I was writing a business proposal for a running/walking team at work. A few thoughts came to mind so I thought I would pass them along and I hope you will share how sports has changed your life as well!

1. Of course, the most obvious thing is that I am thinner and I am healthier than I have ever been. I also don't suffer from panic attacks anymore or at least not nearly as severe or as often! These are great outcomes but not really the best outcomes.
2. I am more confident. For my entire life I have been a shy and insecure person but since I have been running and doing tris things have changed. I am more willing to put myself out there. I talk to people I don't know. I would have never done that before! I go out to and do things on my own. Like this weekend I am heading to a transition clinic all by myself. Again, I would have never done that in the past. Doors have opened for me and it is one the greatest things to have happened in my life.
3. Because I am more confident and willing to put myself out there I have made some of the best friends a person could know whether I have met them in person or not! My training partners are a great support system in my life and I am so glad that they are around to share these great adventures we embark on!

I know that there are many more things that have changed since I started all these adventures but these are the ones that really stand out. So thanks sports for being such a positive role in my life! I hope I am still chugging out the miles when I am 80!(maybe then I will be on the podium!)


I mean it takes confidence to be seen in public looking like this!



or even like this!

More Boston Motivation!

Runners World did a Brief Chat with my coach today. I hope you enjoy it!

Adventures at the Pool

Today was an interesting day at the pool. I will just lay out the characters for you.

1. In my favorite lane, which of course I did not get, was snorkeling man. He had on flippers and a snorkel and seriously was moving like he was on a snorkeling trip. He was very slow and refused to look up when he got to the end of the lane. Yep, no sharing with him.
2. In the next lane was "Slappy". This guy is at the pool every day that I am at the pool and he has the oddest stroke I have ever seen. He slaps the water with every stroke. Plus, one of his arms goes does not get in the water straight above his head but almost to the opposite shoulder. He also refuses to look up when he reaches the end of the lane so no sharing with him. That is okay because slapoptamus also can't swim straight!
3. I finally found someone who would pay attention to me and share a lane. He was done very early into my workout but I soon got a new lane partner. She was fine until about 1/2 way through she ran right into me. WHOOPS! No big deal really, I told her it was training for the ironman swim! This started a conversation with a new guy in the second lane. He is getting back into shape and had done an ironman before. He said I looked very comfortable when I swam. That was nice to hear!
4. The final character of the day had to comment on my tan as I was getting ready to leave. Yea, I fake and bake. I know it is bad for me but it makes me feel good. Anyway, he wanted to know where I got my tan and that he needed to get one now. I guess that was okay but felt kind of creepy.

Of course there was also the guy that talks to himself. He is really creepy and I am glad that I was not alone with him! That was my interesting day at the pool. I think I like the days when super speedy chick is there. I would rather feel inferior than creeped out!

Have a great week of workouts all!

Easter Week

Happy Easter Everyone!

What a great week! I have not completely recovered from my illness but I have to continue training so that is what I did. So let's do a recap of the week.

Monday: I did a 40 min recovery run at lunch. I followed that up with 4x10 second strides. I felt pretty good during this run and was just glad to breathe well.
Tuesday: I rode at lunch and did my Palmer Lake loop. The winds were wicked but I had great weather otherwise. After work I went to the gym and did my swim workout and it was a killer or at least it felt like that to me. I did 10x100s and about the fifth one I really thought I was going to hurl in the pool. I did kind of throw up a little in my mouth but luckily that passed. Here is what the workout consisted of: 300 swim, 200 kick, 200 pull, 10x100s, 300 kick and 100 pull. 2000 meters total.
Wednesday: Today was a 20 min steady state run. I did my usual warm up run and then the steady state run. I increased the speed on the treadmill every five minutes until the speed hit 7.0 so I went from 6.7, 6.8, 6.9 and 7.0. Finally, I did my warm down.
Thursday: I went swimming today. The wind was hideous and my legs were lead so no running. My swim was a 300 swim, 200 kick, 500 pull, 5x100 with 20 seconds and then 300 easy. Again I felt like I was going to throw up. I think I might be swallowing too much water. My distance was 2000 meters again.
Friday: I had a day off work today so I wanted to make the most of it. I swam in the morning. I did 300 WU, 8x25 with 15 seconds between, 8x100 with 20 seconds between, 100 easy, 1x500 at race pace, 200 kick with fins and board, and 200 easy for a total of 2300 meters. After swimming I went riding. I met Den and we rode through the Garden of the Gods. The weather was cool and windy so the Garden had the best protection from the wind. We did two laps and included Ridge Road so it was really hilly to boot. I was exhausted after this day!
Saturday: Saturday was a group run. I did 100 mins and we ran on the Santa Fe from Colorado Running Company. It was first Saturday of the month so CRC had snacks after the run but they also had a Easter egg hunt on the trail. I found an egg and won a free visor. That was the best part of the day because my run sucked. My legs were heavy because I doubled up on Friday. Yea, bad move but live and learn.
Sunday: Today I was not going to ride because I felt like I might need a rest day. But I could not pass up a great day. I rode with Diane, my herbalist and acupuncturist, and her husband. We faced some horrible wind but the sun was out. After the ride I rode over to my friend's house for brunch. A great ride was had by all. Now if the wind would just go away. Again, I must wait this out like I did the snow! Here are some pics from out East of Colorado Springs.



Weekly Totals
Running: 18.41
Riding: 53.90
Swimming: 6300.00

Until later keep running, riding and swimming...

Boston Marathon

For all my friends running Boston I thought I would post a link to the article my coach wrote about her win, How I Won the 1985 Boston Marathon.

I hope it helps you all get pumped up for the best race in the world!!!! Maybe someday I will be there running it also!

Until later keep running, riding and swimming...