Monday, June 15, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
Delivery
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
What do you do when you're not training?
Buy an Iphone 3GS, of course! White, 32 GB and totally awesome.
This afternoon I will take the first photo and, cringe, post it here to let you all track my weight loss progress with me. I'm doing it to hold myself responsible for the change. Prepare to laugh your asses off!
Back to training tomorrow - thank gawd!
This afternoon I will take the first photo and, cringe, post it here to let you all track my weight loss progress with me. I'm doing it to hold myself responsible for the change. Prepare to laugh your asses off!
Back to training tomorrow - thank gawd!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Benchmarks
Yesterday, Sam and I raced the Rev-3 Triathlon in Middlebury, CT. I had gone back and forth as to whether or not I'd race and at the last minute, I opted in. The days before the event, I hung with the Cannondale crew at the demo truck, not doing a whole lot besides drinking beer and bs'ing with passers-by! It was a nice way to relax and get excited for the race all at once.
Sunday morning came faster than expected and at 3:30 the alarm went off... it was time for some applesauce, banana, sports drink and a protein shake... I hopped back into bed for another hour or so before waking up to begin the true pre-race routine. Tri suit, timing chip, sunscreen, fake tatoos from sponsors and mascara (it's just part of the routine, ok?!). By 5 AM we were out the door and on our way to Middlebury. No one was out - and why would they be, isn't Sunday usually the go-to 'day of rest'?
The transition was packed with those classic type-A's that arrive as soon as transition opens. I like to have an hour from when transition closes. That way you have enough time to take care of what you need to do (fill tires, put nutrition on the bike, use the bathroom and check everything over once more) before going down to the water for a warm-up. I have to say, it was great being around Sam. The way I feel before bike races is the way he feels before triathlon - no nerves, just amazing calm energy. We did some on-land drills to warm up, and to our amusement, found we'd be starting in the same wave.
Now, a bit of back-story. There were some bets (well, more than a few, try an office-full) going around Cannondale as to who would beat whom... In any event, like a true diplomat, Sam said he wanted to cross the line holding hands with me... I think he re-considered that after he realized how gross you get during a race.
The first few waves of athletes went off into the chilly, but calm, waters. The clockwise course was changed to a counter-clockwise course and I was super excited (as I tend to breath left during races). We barely made it thru the corral and I was fixing my goggles when the cannon fired. Crap! I hadn't even picked a good line-up or anything! I did my best to get into the water (well, maybe not my best) as I got pumled and knocked about by the over-eager boys. Goggles off and a few dunks later, I got myself back together only to sight and see the lead pack about 20 meters in front of me. I swam like hell, but swimming alone is no match for a pack working together. I swam alone the rest of the way and not as straight as usual. I exited the water with my slowest 1/2 IM swim to date of 33 minutes.
Exiting the water, I was surrounded by friends. One of the biggest benefits to racing local is that everyone knows your name. I was super motivated to make up for my swim as I entered transition. Waiting in there was the Cannondale dream-team of Curt Davis and Eric Hodska (Cappie, their swimmer was still in the water). Eric asked me how it went and as I got ready, I filled him in and said I would make up for it. Onto the bike, I felt great immediately - it helps that the first few miles are a speedy descent. Onto the hills, the legs were spinning smoothly and I was taking it easy. I had orders to take it easy until about mile 27- coming out of Litchfield. Things were going well. I felt that I was going easy, yet I was averaging over 20 mph for the first 20+ miles. My tummy was good and I got in all of my nutrition without incident -even swallowing the salt tablets (usually it takes a few tries to get them down).
Going thru Thomaston, the temp read 71 degrees - just perfect for triathlon!
That was about where Sam caught me - calling out "Hey Sweetheart!". With the wind, I didn't recognize his voice and prepared for a nasty glare and 'keep your hands to yourself' type comment, but was pleasantly surprised to see my boy! He looked great, happy, smooth and fluid. He took off down the road and I couldn't help but feel proud of him.
Out of Thomaston, we climbed up rte 254. All the pre-race chatter was about the murderous bike hills - well, though my speed declined in the 2nd half of the bike, I didn't feel wasted. I think I just took the climbs too easy - instead of powering over, I was thinking of saving my legs for the run. Good intentions don't always pan out.
Back into transition and onto the run, I thought of coach Eric - he said to take the first few miles easy and let my legs warm up. I was in great spirits (probably due to the caffeine pill I popped coming off the bike). I was cheering people on and they cheered back. I had a few run buddies and it was a blast.
The bike was not the challenge of the event, but instead the run. The run course was changed at the last minute and oh buddy, did it hurt (so good!). It became a real race of attrition as many athletes were slowed to a crawl. Though the sports drink did not agree with me ( I threw up after every sip), I found the course a lot of fun. I stopped looking at my watch a few miles in and decided that timing miles was useless, I just had to keep running. Simple as that, just keep running. I passed a number of people in the last 4 miles, though the last mile climb almost finished me. I crossed the line happy to have completed the first tri of the season, no injuries, no mechanicals, just fun. Sam and my Mom were waiting there and it was glorious.
I saw coach E - both of us were hoping for a more impressive performance, but I think I have new motivation for Placid.
Goal 1. Loose 15 lbs. Goal 2. Get in more s/b/r time Goal 3. SLEEP Goal 4. Clean up the diet - 1 beer or glass of wine is ok, any more than that is excessive. Goal 5. Keep the happiness and positivity I had during this race - I found my happy racing space, that relaxed place where no negative thoughts can enter. Eric had me focus on my Prahnayama (a yoga breathing technique) to ward off any distractions and it worked.
This was an emotionally charged race in a lot of ways and could have been stressful, but I followed the advice of people far wiser than myself and blocked out and avoided the negativity. Many thanks to the undercover security team for helping me feel safe and secure and to the many friends, sponsors and family that offered their support, love and friendship. It may be an individual event, but it definitely does not happen alone...and you all are what I think about at tough times.
Last, but certainly not least, congratulations to Sam on finishing your first 1/2 Iron and beating me by 16 minutes! I have a feeling an Ironman may be on the horizon for that one!!
Photos to come!!
ps. I think I need to do some "before" and "after" photos as I embark on this super diet and IM push. I'd love any and all feedback, advice, or even heckling as it will keep me away from the cookies and booze!!
Sunday morning came faster than expected and at 3:30 the alarm went off... it was time for some applesauce, banana, sports drink and a protein shake... I hopped back into bed for another hour or so before waking up to begin the true pre-race routine. Tri suit, timing chip, sunscreen, fake tatoos from sponsors and mascara (it's just part of the routine, ok?!). By 5 AM we were out the door and on our way to Middlebury. No one was out - and why would they be, isn't Sunday usually the go-to 'day of rest'?
The transition was packed with those classic type-A's that arrive as soon as transition opens. I like to have an hour from when transition closes. That way you have enough time to take care of what you need to do (fill tires, put nutrition on the bike, use the bathroom and check everything over once more) before going down to the water for a warm-up. I have to say, it was great being around Sam. The way I feel before bike races is the way he feels before triathlon - no nerves, just amazing calm energy. We did some on-land drills to warm up, and to our amusement, found we'd be starting in the same wave.
Now, a bit of back-story. There were some bets (well, more than a few, try an office-full) going around Cannondale as to who would beat whom... In any event, like a true diplomat, Sam said he wanted to cross the line holding hands with me... I think he re-considered that after he realized how gross you get during a race.
The first few waves of athletes went off into the chilly, but calm, waters. The clockwise course was changed to a counter-clockwise course and I was super excited (as I tend to breath left during races). We barely made it thru the corral and I was fixing my goggles when the cannon fired. Crap! I hadn't even picked a good line-up or anything! I did my best to get into the water (well, maybe not my best) as I got pumled and knocked about by the over-eager boys. Goggles off and a few dunks later, I got myself back together only to sight and see the lead pack about 20 meters in front of me. I swam like hell, but swimming alone is no match for a pack working together. I swam alone the rest of the way and not as straight as usual. I exited the water with my slowest 1/2 IM swim to date of 33 minutes.
Exiting the water, I was surrounded by friends. One of the biggest benefits to racing local is that everyone knows your name. I was super motivated to make up for my swim as I entered transition. Waiting in there was the Cannondale dream-team of Curt Davis and Eric Hodska (Cappie, their swimmer was still in the water). Eric asked me how it went and as I got ready, I filled him in and said I would make up for it. Onto the bike, I felt great immediately - it helps that the first few miles are a speedy descent. Onto the hills, the legs were spinning smoothly and I was taking it easy. I had orders to take it easy until about mile 27- coming out of Litchfield. Things were going well. I felt that I was going easy, yet I was averaging over 20 mph for the first 20+ miles. My tummy was good and I got in all of my nutrition without incident -even swallowing the salt tablets (usually it takes a few tries to get them down).
Going thru Thomaston, the temp read 71 degrees - just perfect for triathlon!
That was about where Sam caught me - calling out "Hey Sweetheart!". With the wind, I didn't recognize his voice and prepared for a nasty glare and 'keep your hands to yourself' type comment, but was pleasantly surprised to see my boy! He looked great, happy, smooth and fluid. He took off down the road and I couldn't help but feel proud of him.
Out of Thomaston, we climbed up rte 254. All the pre-race chatter was about the murderous bike hills - well, though my speed declined in the 2nd half of the bike, I didn't feel wasted. I think I just took the climbs too easy - instead of powering over, I was thinking of saving my legs for the run. Good intentions don't always pan out.
Back into transition and onto the run, I thought of coach Eric - he said to take the first few miles easy and let my legs warm up. I was in great spirits (probably due to the caffeine pill I popped coming off the bike). I was cheering people on and they cheered back. I had a few run buddies and it was a blast.
The bike was not the challenge of the event, but instead the run. The run course was changed at the last minute and oh buddy, did it hurt (so good!). It became a real race of attrition as many athletes were slowed to a crawl. Though the sports drink did not agree with me ( I threw up after every sip), I found the course a lot of fun. I stopped looking at my watch a few miles in and decided that timing miles was useless, I just had to keep running. Simple as that, just keep running. I passed a number of people in the last 4 miles, though the last mile climb almost finished me. I crossed the line happy to have completed the first tri of the season, no injuries, no mechanicals, just fun. Sam and my Mom were waiting there and it was glorious.
I saw coach E - both of us were hoping for a more impressive performance, but I think I have new motivation for Placid.
Goal 1. Loose 15 lbs. Goal 2. Get in more s/b/r time Goal 3. SLEEP Goal 4. Clean up the diet - 1 beer or glass of wine is ok, any more than that is excessive. Goal 5. Keep the happiness and positivity I had during this race - I found my happy racing space, that relaxed place where no negative thoughts can enter. Eric had me focus on my Prahnayama (a yoga breathing technique) to ward off any distractions and it worked.
This was an emotionally charged race in a lot of ways and could have been stressful, but I followed the advice of people far wiser than myself and blocked out and avoided the negativity. Many thanks to the undercover security team for helping me feel safe and secure and to the many friends, sponsors and family that offered their support, love and friendship. It may be an individual event, but it definitely does not happen alone...and you all are what I think about at tough times.
Last, but certainly not least, congratulations to Sam on finishing your first 1/2 Iron and beating me by 16 minutes! I have a feeling an Ironman may be on the horizon for that one!!
Photos to come!!
ps. I think I need to do some "before" and "after" photos as I embark on this super diet and IM push. I'd love any and all feedback, advice, or even heckling as it will keep me away from the cookies and booze!!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
"Dance while you Can"
While there are far more profound quotes to be found in Auden, I loved this one from "Letters from Iceland".
The quote is a beautiful reminder to embrace life . Yesterday I was struggling a bit with my mo-mo (aka: motivation). I thought of this quote and remembered that I have the great fortune of a job that I love, time enough to spend with those I love and to do the things I love! Triathlon is not for everyone, but I am so thankful that I have come to this sport. The friendships and bonds I've made are unbreakable and the calmness this sport has given me is something I'm reminded of every day.
Riding my bicycle for hours, on roads unknown to others, is a source of great joy. Doing so with friends, makes the experience that much better.
Chasing Sam down makes me stronger. Riding with the girls makes me laugh louder. And riding alone makes me mentally tougher.
So, bored? Not a chance. You've got to dance while you can!
The quote is a beautiful reminder to embrace life . Yesterday I was struggling a bit with my mo-mo (aka: motivation). I thought of this quote and remembered that I have the great fortune of a job that I love, time enough to spend with those I love and to do the things I love! Triathlon is not for everyone, but I am so thankful that I have come to this sport. The friendships and bonds I've made are unbreakable and the calmness this sport has given me is something I'm reminded of every day.
Riding my bicycle for hours, on roads unknown to others, is a source of great joy. Doing so with friends, makes the experience that much better.
Chasing Sam down makes me stronger. Riding with the girls makes me laugh louder. And riding alone makes me mentally tougher.
So, bored? Not a chance. You've got to dance while you can!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Here Comes The Bride
That's the music that played as my older sister walked down the isle on Saturday night. Dressed in a beautiful Grecian style dress, in a hall lit by afternoon sunshine, she committed herself in marriage.
It was beautiful and scary all at once. Getting our hair done earlier that day, I was all nerves, my sister? Calm as could be. She remained that way the whole day, confidently reciting her vows and showing the world that she was marking yet another "adult" landmark along the way.
It was pretty surreal. I know my sister and I are no longer playing 'my little ponies', but somehow, it didn't hit me until we were standing there on the altar - she is starting her own family - one separate from the tight-knit circle of my Mom, Dad and me.
The weekend as a whole was a wild time - Sam's birthday was on Friday (as was the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner). After the rehearsal dinner we made our way to Tarrywile to party with the Cannondale crew - we arrived at about 10 PM and it was still hopping - people outside playing, beer flowing and plenty of happy sounds from within. We brought out the cakes (carrot and chocolate indulgence) and everyone sang...LOUD! It was wonderful. The festivities didn't end until nearly 2 AM.
That didn't stop us from waking up early the following morning to get in a workout before my 2pm hair appointment. I was crabby, because I didn't want to get off my bike - Sam difused the situation with an iced coffee from dunkies and I was off.
The wedding and celebration went by in a flash, but that didn't stop us from hitting the hay around 2 AM again... Sunday morning brought a chance to sleep in (mercifully) before a breakfast from 10-12. I visited for a bit and then passed out on the lawn with the dogs - the sunshine was just too much to resist.
Later that afternoon, Sam and I headed out for my new favorite run loop - it takes you thru 3 State parks and is challenging and beautiful. Sam pushed the pace for the full 2hours and we took turns attacking eachother (he on the uphills, me on the downhills). Protein shakes followed and then a phone call - "We have leftover wine, cheese and risotto!" - needless to say, we were at my parents house before they could hang up the phone.
Lots of work to catch up on this week that fell by the wayside with all the wedding craziness, and in a way, I'll miss the excitment, but more excitment (of a different sort) is just around the corner. Despite the schedule, my training has been great and I'm looking forward to this weekend's race at Rev -3 (Sam-boy's 1st 1/2 Iron ... and I don't know if I'll beat him!).
It was beautiful and scary all at once. Getting our hair done earlier that day, I was all nerves, my sister? Calm as could be. She remained that way the whole day, confidently reciting her vows and showing the world that she was marking yet another "adult" landmark along the way.
It was pretty surreal. I know my sister and I are no longer playing 'my little ponies', but somehow, it didn't hit me until we were standing there on the altar - she is starting her own family - one separate from the tight-knit circle of my Mom, Dad and me.
The weekend as a whole was a wild time - Sam's birthday was on Friday (as was the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner). After the rehearsal dinner we made our way to Tarrywile to party with the Cannondale crew - we arrived at about 10 PM and it was still hopping - people outside playing, beer flowing and plenty of happy sounds from within. We brought out the cakes (carrot and chocolate indulgence) and everyone sang...LOUD! It was wonderful. The festivities didn't end until nearly 2 AM.
That didn't stop us from waking up early the following morning to get in a workout before my 2pm hair appointment. I was crabby, because I didn't want to get off my bike - Sam difused the situation with an iced coffee from dunkies and I was off.
The wedding and celebration went by in a flash, but that didn't stop us from hitting the hay around 2 AM again... Sunday morning brought a chance to sleep in (mercifully) before a breakfast from 10-12. I visited for a bit and then passed out on the lawn with the dogs - the sunshine was just too much to resist.
Later that afternoon, Sam and I headed out for my new favorite run loop - it takes you thru 3 State parks and is challenging and beautiful. Sam pushed the pace for the full 2hours and we took turns attacking eachother (he on the uphills, me on the downhills). Protein shakes followed and then a phone call - "We have leftover wine, cheese and risotto!" - needless to say, we were at my parents house before they could hang up the phone.
Lots of work to catch up on this week that fell by the wayside with all the wedding craziness, and in a way, I'll miss the excitment, but more excitment (of a different sort) is just around the corner. Despite the schedule, my training has been great and I'm looking forward to this weekend's race at Rev -3 (Sam-boy's 1st 1/2 Iron ... and I don't know if I'll beat him!).
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