This board hangs in our office. Each workout is planned out through race day.  Once I complete the workout I write the discipline and distance in blue marker. The board above the calendar has motivational stuff and gifts from others who are my fans. "Those who hope in The Lord will renew their strength,  they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint," Isaiah 40:31

I started biking again this week. I am starting from scratch. Saturday was Day 1 of blank and I biked 27 miles. I'm not concerned with cadence at this point, nor speed. My only concern is getting back in the saddle and getting comfortable again.

Sunday I ran 10 miles. My last official road race is this Sunday. My legs felt heavy and weak from Saturday's ride. I used my Fuelbelt with 3 water bottles and only took on 1 GU. I had more confidence in my body that reality. I have low blood sugar, so staying on top of my sugar in take is key. I bonked at mile 7.  Note: never do that again.

Monday was a 3 mile run and Tuesday was my 20 mile ride.  I felt better already on the second day of biking.  This time of year it is difficult and scary to be on the road.  Many elderly people are here in the winter months.  Now that they are better with technology it is just a bad mix with them on the road and texting and driving.  Because of this dilemma I try to find other place to ride to avoid the craziness.  This particular place I go is great for avoiding traffic and close to home.  However, at this particular moment Suncoast Sanitation decided to unload the Port-a-pots.  It was either deal with the stench or ride on the crazy busy roads.  I decided to "deal with the stench."

Yesterday was a 6 mile run.  I felt great.  I am off until Sunday's Hooters to Hooters half marathon. 

Tomorrow's agenda includes meeting up with our good friend, Christina Cuadra from Newton.  I look forward to that visit.

26 point freakin 2

On February 16, 2014, I ran (did not walk one bit) my first full marathon.  I never in my life thought I would complete this event.  Actually if I didn't sign up for Ironman I probably never would race this distance.  It is brutal on the body from head to toe(s). 

The Paradise Coast Marathon in Naples, Florida had a 2 loop course.  I am not a fan of loops but this was a cost efficient race.  We didn't need to spend the money on a hotel and find someone to watch the dogs.  My husband is great about assisting me in all of these races because he can relate to all experiences.  We woke up at 4:30, were on the road by 5:00 A.M. and traveled to Naples for the event.  The first half of the race (13.1 miles) I felt great.  I had 16 ounces of GU Roctane to start, a banana, and a Larabar.  At mile 2, I took on water and mile 3 a GU gel.  I repeated this water/GU refuel every 2-4 miles.  I couldn't believe it but at mile 12, I actually started to feel hungry.  At one of the aide stations, they had Clif MOJO energy bars.  I ate two of those while moving and then refueled on a GU Roctane drink at mile 14.  At mile 17, I slowed my pace a bit.  I needed to regroup.  My mind was fighting with me.  I managed to have a great playlist so I could sing out loud to keep me occupied.  I didn't care one bit who could hear me or not.  It is what helped the time pass.

At mile 18 or 19, I passed one girl who was taunting me for about a mile.  I fought through the pain and passed her ass.  There was no way of her catching up. 

Mile 20.  I knew I had it at that point.  I had a burst of energy but it didn't last for long.  I don't know if I actually hit the "wall" at mile 23 but I knew at that point that I wanted it to be over.  I approached a group of 3 girls.  I say there were probably in my age group.  I flew past them (marathon pace) and I could see they were trying to catch up to me.  They didn't.

Mile 25.  I started to smile.  I knew I was going to finish strong.  I passed a couple who were walking.  I felt confident running with them behind me.  After I crossed an intersection and made a left turn I could see "her" coming up quickly behind me.  This is a race!  I couldn't let her catch up to me no matter how bad my glutes and quads hurt.  I kept looking back while running.  I was hoping that I wouldn't do something stupid and trip over a rock or a crack in the sidewalk.  It would be over for sure then.  How would I get up?  I managed to keep my pace going fast enough so that there was no way she was going to catch me. 

At the final turn I saw my husband and a friend of mine waiting patiently near the finish.  It was great to see both of them.  My friend, JD, reminded me of the last turn that I had before crossing the finish line.  UGH!  Finally there it was.  5 hours and 2 minutes = 26.2 miles!  Thanks to my husband, Don for riding his mountain bike with me the whole time.  I made it with him right by my side.

Ironman Cozumel-training begins

I signed up for Ironman Cozumel on December 4, 2013.  I made the decision to complete a full Ironman distance after experiencing the journey with my husband on August 25, 2013.  I will never forget the months, weeks, and days leading up to the trip to Louisville, Kentucky where he completed this difficult feat.  Chills ran throughout my body during the long 13 hours, 49 minutes, and 22 seconds of Don's spectacular day.  Watching him cross the finish line, I knew I wanted to be next.
I know the amount of time I need to put into this. I also know the sacrifices I need to make in order to complete this goal.  I am ready to take on the challenge.   I am willing to say "goodbye" to my social life until December of 2014.

After the sign up for the race itself, next comes the reservations to transport the bike.  I confirmed my reservation with TriBike Transport.  Whoever came up with this idea is genius.  A few weeks out from the race, I will take my bike to Trek-Bikes of Estero and TriBike will pick up the bike for transport to Cozumel, Mexico.  This is a stress free, secure service so I do not have to worry about TSA at the airport. We learned that TriBike transport is the way to go. 

Our flights from Miami to Cozumel are booked and our hotel is ready for our arrival.

Ironman 70.3 Miami

It all started when I raced Ironman 70.3 Miami on October 27, 2014.  I completed 3 sprint triathlons and was immediately HOOKED.  I don't know exactly what triathlon consists of that has me so addicted.  Maybe it's my hyperactivity.  Some say that running is their "drug."  I think that it is my way to reflect on my life.  During my training days I have to concentrate on what I am doing to help better myself and this is the only way I can focus on just "me." According to www.dictionary.com, triathlon is defined as an athletic contest comprising three consecutive events, usually swimming, bicycling, and distance running.  I think I like the contest part of it.  Maybe it's the 3 events back to back.  Maybe it's the challenge to push myself to the limits.  I don't know what the answer is nor do I worry about finding it.  I just know that I LOVE TRIATHLON.   There is a difference between "Ironman" and "ironman."  Do you know the difference?  One of the best parts of this event was that I had the chance to race with a friend from elementary school.  It's been years since we have seen each other but it is cool that we have the same hobbies.  I wish she would race Cozumel.  Her time will come one day. 

Check out this finisher video from 2013. (click link below)

Click here Ironman 70.3 Miami