I Love Online Shopping!

Yes, I love online shopping and shopping for tri-gear. I really should shop for normal clothes but damn, this is so much more fun. Look what I just got and on sale even!



Woo Hoo! I can't wait to try it out at my Splash and Dash this summer! I am hoping the great lookin' body comes with it!

Friday Lyrics!

Today's lyrics are just a piece of a song but I think they are appropriate for the coming week. I hope to remember these words every day as I get ready to do my FIRST 1/2 Ironman.

But first, I have to take a minute and thank my A.R.T. therapist, Jill. She gave me an impromptu pep talk yesterday and I have been thinking about it ever since. She told me that she could see the determination in my eyes and could sense my will to succeed and get better no matter what the cost. I can't tell you how much that inspired me. Sometimes we don't see the things that others see in us and it is only through hearing them say it that we realize that we can succeed. So Jill thanks so much for your inspirational talk. You are right I am going to succeed and I promise I will do my exercises EVERY day!

Happy Memorial Day everyone! I hope ya'all have safe travels and fruitful training! Now to the lyrics...

In another minute
I will be rollin through
so get ready
so get ready

In another minute
I will be comin through
so get ready
so get ready

cause here I come
Get Ready cause here I come

-- Fergie, "Here I come"
-- Songwriters: Adams, William; Ferguson, Stacy; Robinson, Smokey;

Fat Cyclist and John Bruyneel

Fat Cyclist and John Bruyneel have teamed up again to raise money for Team Fatty. John is donating 100% of the profits from his online clothing store to Team Fatty's goal at Livestrong. This will run from May 26 until the end of May. I think it is a great idea so if you want some great looking casual biking clothing check it out because as we all know CANCER SUCKS!!!!!

Thanks!

#341

Swimmers, and bikers, and runners! Oh, my!

I just found out that my number for Kansas will be #341 and I will be starting in the sixth wave of the swim! WOO HOO!!! I am so excited!

13 Days Left

Hi all! I would like to say that I had a great weekend of training but it was not to be. Saturday I went out to run/walk with Buzz and Karen. My goal for this workout was to test the body. Jill, my A.R.T. therapist, wanted me to run a little longer to see if our work was paying off. Earlier in the week I had been able to run/walk for 20 mins one day and 25 mins the next day. But the body decided not to cooperate on Saturday. Once again, I was able to run/walk for about 35 mins and then the pain came crashing back. So now it is back to the drawing board. I WILL continue the painful A.R.T sessions and continue with the strengthening exercises because the pain is not fun! Am I disappointed with this turn of events? Yes! Is it threatening my psyche? Yes, a little but I am trying to remain positive. I know that if Kansas does not work out the way I want I still have Branson to redeem myself. I just need to get healthy and to learn from these setbacks. Here is what I have learned to date:

1. I must weight lift year round. There is no way around it! Every time I stop to focus specifically on an event, I end up hurt.
2. Yoga is my friend!
3. Recovery is just as important as training and therefore should not make me sad. I should attack it just like I do everything else. I should be stubborn and obsessive!

Sunday, I needed to ride long but it did not happen. I was having problems on the down stroke with my right leg (pain from the day before) and my mind was not in the game. My husband was at home cleaning the house and I felt guilty for not being there to help. So I did a short ride and then went home to clean house the rest of the day. I should have ridden all day! :) Housework is hard!

I am going to work on my Positive mental attitude (PMA) this week and hope that my concentrated effort will at least give me some respite from the mental agony of being injured!

Until later, keep riding, running and swimming to great success!

Friday Lyrics

Today's song is really inspirational to me. I find that it encompasses the attitude that I want to project in life. I have a desire to try everything and not let anything pass me by. I want to live life to the fullest and just have fun. So take a minute everyone and just remember that I hope you dance!

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
I hope you dance
(Where those years have gone)

(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

-- Lee Ann Womack "I Hope You Dance"




FYI, anyone who donates to Team Shiner and our MS 150 endeavor will be put in the running for a Starbucks gift bag. So please think about clicking on our picture on the right and helping us out! And if you have already done so then your name is in is in the hat for some sweet Starbucks items!

Near Perfection!

The Santa Fe Century is a great ride and definitely a challenge this time of year. Again this year, I did not complete the full 103.9 miles but I did complete all my goals for the ride. And honestly, that is all that really matters! My goals were the following:

1. Test and perfect my nutrition on the bike for the Ironman Kansas 70.3.
2. Get an idea of my maintainable speed on the bike.
3. Complete at least 56 miles without stopping at the rest stops and hanging out.

Results:

1. I totally rocked the nutrition. I carried 3 bottles of Cytomax and 3 Gu Gels (2 vanilla and 1 blackberry.) I was expecting to hit 56 miles around 3:15 mins so I would drink one cytomax every hour and every 45 mins on the hour I would take a gel. Done and Done!!! The plan was executed to near perfection. I was a little slow in the last hour but I did get it done. My stomach for the most part held up to what was put in it with only some mild nauseousness.

2. Well, I was hoping for around 17 miles per hour on the bike for the test period. I wasn't sure how I would hold up given the course. I was remembering the course as pretty hilly and I don't do well on hills. However, turns out except for Heartbreak Hill this course is rolling hills. The course actually played to my strengths so I was able to keep up the desired time goal, 17.3 mph!!!!!

3. I wanted to make sure that I had the endurance to complete at least 56 miles without stopping and by taking all my nutrtion on the bike. Well, I blew this one away. I was able to do 64 miles without stopping and it rocked. However, because of the intensity of the ride there was no way I was going to make the full 103.9 miles. When I finally stopped at a rest stop I did not want to get back on the bike. However, I did and I made it to the next rest stop. By this time I was hoping the hubby would be around and I could end my training. However, he was no where to be found. I had to get back on the bike and try and finish. My mantra at this point was "bitch all you want but keep on pedaling!" However, the stars finally aligned and my husband found me!! I was able to sag with him at about 90 miles! I was wiped. I must have stood hunched over by the truck for about 15 mins. Poor hubby was very concerned but I just couldn't talk or move. I was physically and emotionally drained at that point. I was either on the verge of tears or throwing up. I really couldn't tell which would happen. Luckily neither did!

The end result of this ride was great training and a boat load of confidence! I really needed this and I am excited for Kansas. I know that I can do it! My friends and hubby also had a great ride. Nic and Den both finished the 103.9 miles despite very little training prior to riding. Den even did the whole thing on his mountain bike. He is a true stud! My hubby did 50 miles and I am so proud of him because he had little training as well. All and all a great weekend was had by all.

Friday’s Song!

Bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it where I like

You say black I say white
You say bark I say bite
You say shark I say hey man
Jaws was never my scene
And I don't like Star Wars
You say Rolls I say Royce
You say God give me a choice
You say Lord I say Christ
I don't believe in Peter Pan
Frankenstein or Superman
All I wanna do is

Bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my
Bicycle races are coming your way
So forget all your duties oh yeah!
Fat bottomed girls they'll be riding today
So look out for those beauties oh yeah
On your marks get set go
Bicycle race bicycle race bicycle race
Bicycle bicycle bicycle I want to ride my bicycle
Bicycle bicycle bicycle
Bicycle race

You say coke I say caine
You say John I say Wayne
Hot dog I say cool it man
I don't wanna be the President of America
You say smile I say cheese
Cartier I say please
Income tax I say Jesus
I don't wanna be a candidate
For Vietnam or Watergate
Cos all I want to do is

Bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it where I like


-- Queen "Bicycle Race"



Why Queen you ask? Well, my friends, Team Shiner is headed to Santa Fe for our annual spring migration to the Santa Fe Century! This is a great ride and we have such a fabulous time in the city. Of course, the New Mexican food and French bakery make it all the more exciting!

This year I am using the ride as a test run for Kansas. I am going to use the first 56 miles of the ride to test my nutrition and biking strength. I have already received sage advice from my nutritionist on what to do and I am going to try and implement it perfectly. Thanks Kim! I might even try a quick run off the bike at the end. Of course, it won’t be too far because of I don’t want to aggravate an injury but nothing preps you better for a race than near race-like conditions. Here is the description of the century course:

Century Loop: This is a medium difficult Century with rollers, ascents and descents, but with a major stretch of flats and easy rollers.



On a side note, I am already thinking about signing up for another ½ Ironman and I haven’t even completed my first one. I am drawn to Ironman New Orleans. I love the city and the race falls on my birthday next year. That folks is hard to pass up! Am I insane for considering it already?

I hope everyone has a great weekend! I will have photos and a great ride report by Tuesday! Until later keep riding, running and swimming to a great life!

He's back...

I am amazed every time I see him! How much wake can one person make? Does he enjoy swimming? Slapoptamus you are a weird creature indeed and I think you need further study! Do you think I could get a grant?

Woo Hoo!!!

I am hurting today but I don't care! My ART therapist believes she has figured out the underlying cause for my injury and it is a weak back! Guess what, that can be fixed. So I will accept the pain as it comes and know that good things are coming in the future!

Ironman Kansas, you may be 26 days away but I am no longer fearing you! Woo Hoo!


Yea, I am jumping for joy!

A great weekend!

I think I have finally slain the "doubt demon" and developed the Positive Mental Attitude (PMA), that Coach has been reminding me to gain, this weekend.

I had a great weekend of training. Saturday I met the Training Goals group and ran/walked with them. Well, basically, I walked/ran with Buzz. He was doing a short run because he was racing in the Old Town Marathon in Fort Collins the next day. The conversation was lively and we had a great time. Later in the day, I finally did my planned training. I did a 90 min workout on the elliptical. I am still injured so this is what I am doing in place of running. The workout was very difficult but I got'er done!

Sunday was an even better day. I started the day with a 2k swim. I had a lane all to myself and I just followed the black line and knocked it out. After the swim, I ate and then changed into my biking gear. I was excited to get out because we had a gorgeous day in Colorado. I had to get outside and enjoy it before it changed!!!

Yes, I live in Mecca!

Well, I was supposed to do a 3 hour endurance ride but my endurance was tested in other ways. I was riding great. I was holding a great pace and powering up hills but for some reason the "klutz" demon hit me. The first wreck occurred at the top of a hill as I tried to stand down to wait for my husband. For some reason, my legs would not cooperate and I bit the dust. Nice! Okay, that is cool. I do that about once a year. Just a little scrap on the knee and I have it out of the way. No biggie!


See, just a little blood!

Yea, well, the second wreck occurred because I was once again checking on the hubby. I did a u-turn after I found him, hit some gravel and the tire went out from under me. Yea, isn't this fun! Okay, nothing hurt and bike looks okay. We went about a quarter mile and I hear a huge hiss. DAMN!!!! Okay, change the tire. Oh no, the tire is ripped.


Damn, that is a new tire!

Well, that is the end of the ride! So much for 3 hours! But you know what it was fine! We called the boy, hung out watching people in Manitou Springs until he got there, and then called it a day. FYI, while we were waiting on the boy we saw Elvis. He is still alive and being a tourist in Manitou Springs. Anyway, I think fate was telling me to back off a bit. I still got to enjoy the great weather and then I had time to hang out with the boy and do some Mother's Day things (Ironman 2 and dinner!).

Sometimes things don't work out they way we expect them to but this time I accepted it and had a great day anyway. Yea, I am back on track. Bring on that 1/2 ironman! I will finish even if I have to walk the entire 1/2 marathon!!!!

Congrats to all my friends that raced the Old Town Marathon (Dan, Dawn, Buzz, Natalie and Michelle)! You guys rock!

Friday Lyrics For the Moms Out There!

I think as Mom's we can all relate to this song so in honor of Mother's Day I dedicating this to all the moms out there!!!

She was staring out the window
Of their SUV
Complaining, saying,
I cant wait to turn 18
She said, "I'll make my own money"
And I'll make my own rules"
Mama put the car in park
Out there in front of the school
And she kissed her head
And said 'I was just like you"

You're going to miss this
You're going to want this back
You're going to wish these days
Hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're going to miss this

Before she knows it
She's a brand new bride
In her one bedroom apartment
And her daddy stops by
He tells her "It's a nice place"
She says "It'll do for now"
Starts talking about babies
And buying a house
Daddy shakes his head
And says "Baby just slow down"

Cause
You're going to miss this
You're going to want this back
You're going to wish these days
Hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're going to miss this

Five years later
There's a plumber
Working on the water heater
Dogs barking, phones ringing
One kids crying, one kids screaming
She keeps apologizing
He says "They don't bother me.
I've got two babies of my own.
One's 36, one's 23.
It's hard to believe..."

But
You're going to miss this
You're going to want this back
You're going to wish these days
Hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're going to miss this
You're going to miss this
Yeah you're going to miss this

-- Trace Adkins


Damn, I love a man in a hat!

Finally, as many of you mom's know there is a creature out there that is hard to find. Yes, that would be the smiling teenager. Unbeknownst to my son, he has inadvertently already given me a Mother's Day present! But don't tell him that!!! I was out trolling his facebook page and found this! Yes, he is smiling and I am filled with pride and love. What a great lookin' smile. I believe he got it from me! Now, if I could just see it all the time!



Happy Mother's Day everyone!

Help Me, Help My Friend!

Have you ever had a bad workout? One where you think why the hell am I still doing this? Why do I put myself through this pain willingly? What makes me think I can do all these crazy races? I have these ideas run through my head more often than I would like to admit but the key is to push those thoughts out of your mind and move on.

One way that I do this is to remember one person. This person happens to be a great friend of mine and she suffers from MS. Her bad days will always be worse than the bad days that I suffer in training. She is in remission right now but every day she wakes to the possibility that she may start suffering from MS’ effects again today. Not only that but she can’t share her condition with a lot of people because it would place her job in jeopardy so many times she suffers in silence. She is my inspiration! She handles this all with grace and dignity and never have I heard her complain so when I think I can’t make it up the hill one more time in my hill repeats, I think of her. When I think I can’t stare at that damn black line in the pool any more I think of her.

So to honor of her and the other people I know with MS, Team Shiner and I complete the MS 150 ride in Colorado every year. This ride takes place in Northern Colorado over 2 days and each day is a 75 mile ride. Team Shiner and I want to make a small difference for our friend and luckily we are able to do so by doing something we are pretty good at. So please if you can, help us make a difference by making a small donation. The generosity of you and others is what is going to help come up with a cure for MS. So let’s make a difference and put a “shiner” on the eye of MS. Thanks!

Donate here...

They picked us!!!

Yesterday my friends and I found out that we made the lottery cut for RAGBRAI!!!!! We are so excited! We have been talking about this adventure across Iowa for a year now. We have one Iowa boy in the group and to be able to share this with him will be great! So beware, Team Shiner is coming. We take no prisoners! We love our riding and we love our partying! Watch out Iowa!

On the running front, I tried to do a modified run with the group today. I would run for a 1/2 mile and then I would walk for a 1/2 mile. That did not work! I am hurting again so it is back to focusing on the swimming and biking. I am positive. I am positive! I guess it is time to try acupuncture again.

Until later, keep running, riding and swimming!