I Love Intervals. I Love Intervals.

If you keep saying that will it come true? I hope it does. Dang. The first one or two are great but when you get to number 10-15 it hurts so bad your ready to die. You have to keep telling yourself it's going to be over but who am I kidding...it seems like it will never happen!

Today was the OFFICIAL start to my marathon training (St. Louis Marathon on April 10th). I'm so ill prepared this time. I don't have a solid plan. I don't know how many miles I should be doing but I know I'm going to have three days of solid running. Day 1. Tempo running 4-6 miles moving my speed up towards the end of the run. Day 2 Speed workout/Intervals. Day 3 Long run. Day 1 and 2 will be Monday and Wednesday but Day 3 will have to be either Friday or Sunday. Friday seems like a logical day but I'll blow it for Jonny's class and suffer during Saturday's 4 hour toucher session. So...Sunday it is...lord help me!

I have the week off, the only perk to my job is having this week off, so I went to the gym not once but twice. The first time I ran for about 40 minutes. Instead of staying at a comfort level I kept inching up the speed finally sitting at a 7 mph for the last 5 minutes. While I look around I check out what others are at. It seems 7 mph is the average norm but for me that's freaking fast. I hope someday 7mph is my norm. For now I hover around 6mph (which is a 10 minute mile). I spent the next hour working on core and leg presses.

Round two I met my friend Colin at another gym. I was going to run again but this time I was going to do intervals. Taking a shower, eating and a little nap between the workouts made it feel like a day has gone by since my last workout so I was ready to go again on the treadmill. I started with a 5 minute warm up inching myself up to my norm of 6mph. Than for the next 20 minutes I did sprint intervals 2 minutes on/1 minute off at 7mph. Towards the end I was up to 7.4 which by my standards is holy crap that's fast. I felt good, was still breathing but I was praying I wasn't going to have a Biggest Loser moment and fly off the treadmill. Thank god I didn't.

We ended the workout on the rowing machine and although I had someone to talk to the rowing machine was still boring.

Merry Christmas!

I packed up my ninja gear (winter running clothes) and headed north to Grand Forks to hang out with the parents. After declaring that I will be going for a run everyday, I got my my stuff on and headed out onto the familiar roads from my childhood. I wasn't trying to go fast I was trying to take in all the flood of memories I had going down this road or that road. Going on a long bike ride with my Dad to my Grandmas house which was on the other side of town or just going to school.

I headed west to the river down the street that was "were all the rich people lived" to downtown, hung a left at the church and started to head home. On my way, I found myself close to my old elementary school. The playground was a little different but I couldn't resist I ran over to the swings and swan for about 5 minutes. I didn't want to stay too long since I was 2/3 into my run and I was already sweaty. Key to winter running is not to slow or to stop because you'll get too cold being wet - best to keep moving. So, while I was swinging I was listening to this upbeat song on my headphones. The height of my swing was pretty high and there wasn't a sole in sight - so I thought. I yelled, "oh my god this is sooo much fun!" Right after I yelled I turned around and saw a couple getting into their car behind me. I shrugged my shoulders and said to myself oh well, they are missing out!

I jumped off the swings like we used to and took off running.

The next day wasn't such a great run because in Western ND when there is wind, which there is always wind, but when there is a strong wind there is no where to hid it's so flat. My run which was the same route except I ran past my Jr. High School this time, was a bit bitter and a little more difficult.

Over the holiday I had a conversation with my family about the Ironman and coming to see me complete the event. I don't think it matters how many times I come out and bluntly tell them how important this Ironman means to me and how much work I'm going to be putting into my training that they will understand or even care about this event. To be honest, although it would mean the world to me they were there, which I have said to them, that I would want them there I would rather have my good friends who understand how much it takes mentally, physically, emotionally and financially to do such an event be cheering me on and to be there at the end when I cross the finish line. Sometimes you do things others don't understand and are grateful for those that do.

That's going to hurt tomorrow

Late start today. I went back and forth deciding what I should do even though I had plans to meet someone to do core and to work on my swimming technique. I knew it had to run. The problem: Indoors our Outdoors.

After talking to my friend Colin (pictured in the previous post with the Butterfingers and bag of empty Reeses Cups, 14 to be exact) and found out when he got home from consuming 1,810 calories of candy with 184 grams of sugar all while watching the 2 hour airing of the 2010 Hawaii Ironman, got on his bike for 2 hours and then went out for a fast 5k run. I knew I had to go outside for a 10k run.

Running on white sandy sidewalks was not going to be easy. I've ran on that type of sand more times than I haven't and knew it was going to be more of a strength then speed training working. I told myself yesterday that I needed to step up my game. I've been too compliant and too comfortable in my workouts. I'm training for an Ironman - there is nothing comfortable about an Ironman except for the comfortable bed at the end of that day.

JJ's 4-hour class brought me to tears about my performance. Even though I lowered my wattage which meant I should've performed much better, I was cramping up more then I was the past month I've been going to his class. It even got to the point when JJ looked over at me and said I need to come more often which in his nice calm way was saying he was disappointed in my performance. The way he said in a calm tone was far worse then someone yelling at me that I was sucking. I can't handle the silent disappointment.

So from that moment on I knew I needed to get to the gym and hit the weights and work on my core like I used to a few years ago. I was pretty damn strong.

After an hour rest from my run I went to the gym to focused on core for 1.5 hours. This week I maybe walking like I'm an old lady but I know I'll get over it and if I continue hitting the weights and the core...I will be better.

I really need to find new friends

I'm not sure if I'm associating myself with the right set of endurance friends and their training styles.

 

On the left you have Andy training for 2011 RAW (Race Across the West)

On the right you have Colin training for 2012 Wisconsin Ironman or for 2011 short course Tri's.

There are 4 sports I have to master?

This past week I learned core is the key to my Ironman success and also I have a lot of homework to do.

I started to train with this older guy I met in spin and swim class.
He pulled me off to the side and said "How is your core"
Me, "I like to do core work but I need to work on it."
Old guy, "Your not training for only 3 sports your training for 4 sports. Core being the 4th sport."
Me, "Great I guess I have some homework to do. I'll fit it in after I finish my morning bike/run, stressful day at work, second workout of running after work and before I pass out."
Old guy, "Ok. Let's meet at 5am everyday before swim class to work on core."
Me, "Ok. What's another 15 minutes of sleep."
I recently found out this guy was training for the Olympics and is by far one of the best swimmers in town. Who am I to argue with his recommendations. I just say, "Ok. When?"

Jonny J:
"You can do all the biking, running and swimming but what puts someone into the next level is core work."

Today, I did interval sprint training with my friend Colin. After our run he wanted to to do some strength training.
Colin, "Here stand on this boosu ball with one leg."
After wobbling like a old laundry machine he looked frustrated and said, "ok try this"
Little bit better on this foam mat but not by much we did a few strength training moves - which I sucked at!
During our after work coffee chat Colin said, "I've trained 64 year old women that have better stability then you do."
Me, "Great. I guess I have some homework to do."

Emotional Block = Mental Breakdown

Last Tuesday I received some devastating news about my manager who is also a very good friend. He's been battling cancer since he was 17 and is now 33. He's had 5 different types of cancer and has beaten them all. Currently he's been struggling with a tumor in his brain that has been stable but he found out in his round of test it's growing. Worst yet, it's spreading. It's hard to see him struggling to read, walk or just trying to function for more than an hour without getting dizzy. At work my job is to fix problems - this is one problem I can't fix but I wish I could help relieve the stress somehow. Although he's my manager he's also a great friend to me so I was extremely devastated to hear his struggle in life has just gotten harder.

When I first started to think about doing an Ironman I remember sitting in the Bistro at our office with him and saying I had this crazy idea. Without much thought he said to do it. After I explained why I asked him first since it's going to take a serious commitment on my end and would need my employer to understand working 12 hours a day wasn't going to work. He immediately said to do it and for the next month he kept saying I should do it every time I brought it up.

So for the next 10 months and for the final 12-17 hours on September 11, 2011 - I will be pushing my body to limits I've never been and when I have those mental breakdowns from now until then, as I did many times this past week, I will think about my close friends and my father that struggled emotionally, mentally and physically through the toughest battle of their lives and so far have won.

Great job guys - cowbells for you!

Progress

After all this hard work I’m finally starting to see progress. They are baby steps but I read somewhere you need to celebrate the small accomplishments.

The other day I took Jonny J’s 4-hour spin class. The week prior was a complete disaster. I didn’t eat properly so I bonked at the 2-hour marker. This week I went in much more prepared. Minus the flat on the trainer – who the hell flats on a trainer? And the cramping in multiple areas in my thighs all you could do is laugh because I wasn’t the only one taken down at the end of the 4-hours by the nasty cramp monster. Overall, I had a really good work out!

Most importantly I learned a few things about running that I will take with me along my training journey.

On Sunday I went to the gym to swim - learned a few things from Michelle last week on technique so I wanted to practice my learnings and also to run a little on the treadmill. Jon said not to go crazy since we were working our legs pretty hard the day before so I did an hour in the pool followed by a 3 mile run.

I couldn’t believe it! I felt strong in the pool – even tried to race a slow swimmer next to me, and during the run I could breathe!!! Kind-of a big deal lately. Thinking I could pick up running pretty easy since I did a marathon and all, but that’s not the case. Once you stop running you have to earn it all back! That’s how the game is played in the world of running. So, lately my running has sucked. A snails pace, I may say, and on the verge of passing out. Using Jon’s techniques I was able to run those three miles faster and still be able to feel as fresh as the first couple of steps. I was elated on my progress!

Today I went to Master Swim class. When Michelle put down the paper on what our workout was going to be for the day I knew I was in immediate trouble. “NAVY Seals Training”. What the hell is that! Never a good title to a workout for someone who is just learning what the hell she is doing. It was a combination of swimming and strength training out of the pool (yeah in our swimming suites – not pretty) and diving into the pool. Aside from the improper way I dove – or should I said belly flopped – into the pool it was really fun and made the relentless thoughts that go through your mind be secondary to the hurry up you have to run around the pool and do push-ups. 

Figuring it all out.

Apologies for being delinquent in my posts. I’ve been either working or at the gym. Getting a routine down and being able to keep moving without going into a coma or hitting the 2:30 daily bonk has been a challenge.

I’ve been trying to dial in the workouts, figuring out what are my priorities right now in my training and what do I need to do to make sure I’m not over doing it.

So, here has been the plan

Monday – rest day

Tuesday – (am) Master Swim. (pm) Lately it’s been rest but will soon be run or spin.

Wednesday – (am) Spin. (pm) Run with my friend Colin - easy run for him hard run for me.

Thursday – (am) Master Swim. (pm) Nothing right now but will soon be run or spin

Friday – (am) Total Conditioning and spin. (pm) Rest

Saturday – (am) 4 hour spin class. (pm) Rest

Sunday – (am) Spin/run or swim

It’s been fun meeting new people long my journey. What I’ve found is the sport of triathlon, especially Ironman, is such a small group. Everyone knows someone. Take for example, Michelle the master swim instructor, knows everyone in my Thursday/Saturday spin class and a few other people at the Maple Grove spin class and on my cycling team. I met her in Wisconsin this year at the Ironman. She was wearing a Hollywood Cycle jacket and struck up a conversation with her about her getting into cycling – although I didn’t now she was “The” Michelle everyone talked about for swim classes. Until her first class and she said "were you at Madison this year?"

There have been some interesting realization within the past couple of weeks. I might go as far as call them fun realizations. First, with swimming, you’re not only working on your technique but also your more or less working on your patients to learn that one little detail, apply it. Learn another little detail, apply it, etc. Over time those little details become progress. As for threshold for pain – pain is temporary. It may be longer then just a few minutes and seem like a lifetime you just have to keep telling yourself you’ll be ok once the task at hand is over. One other thing I’ve learn is no matter how tired you are as long as you are there mentally you can tell yourself to breathe and keep going. A key takeaway when at a group class when your getting told to do one more set but make it harder or faster is not to complain. Those trainers, although calm, likes to make sure you have respect for them and their training. 

Happy First Day of Ironman Training!

Today I’m officially training for the WI Ironman. I have no idea what that means or what that entails but for the next 10 months I’m “Training”.

This is no Ice Cream Parlor

Note of caution: this post is not for the weak of stomach.

Yesterday afternoon I went back to the gym to get in some “pool time” and to work on my breathing techniques – I would like to start Mater Swim classes this week so I have to get this thing down! Some days are better then others but this was not one of them water kept rushing up my nose which caused me to stop at each end of the pool to let it drain. You would think I was filling up a bucket and emptying it at each stop.

From the start I didn’t think the workout would get better. Stubborn as I am I wasn’t going to let a bad swim make me lose track of the goal for the evening which was to do 10 laps. As time went on it didn’t seem to get much better. How will I ever be able to swim with 2,600 people at once for 2.4 miles if I can’t get this under control and start learning faster techniques?

On my way back, on the 9^th lap, I turned my head and a rush of water came shooting up my nose like a title wave. What happen next only happens at Ben and Jerri’s or any local ice cream shops – I got a massive chlorine brain freeze!

Thank goodness for the floating lane rope because I almost went down the drink since the headache was so powerful. I knew at that moment my workout was done.

This morning I wasn’t going to let the night before discourage me and I had a better swim. Water still went up my nose but not quite as much. Someday this issue will be over – I just hope it’s sooner than later.

‎"If the goal doesn't scare you shitless...it ain't big enough" -Melanie Jones

Laughing at a zone 4

It seems light years ago I attended a spin class much less Chris's spin class. My buddy Joe and I were having an argument via texting if she was going to be there or if I was taking the chance to have the instructor I don't like as the sub. How can you argue with a guy that's on the upswing from caner? Hell, it's Joe - I argued anyways.

AND...I won!

I was excited to see her when I walked into the studio because she posted on Facebook she was going to be on QVC hocking her stuff tonight at 8pm. QVC doesn't pre-record anything. She said she was going to do her class jump on a plan go to Philly be on TV for about 10 minutes jump back on a plane and be back to teach her 9am class tomorrow.

I haven't been to her class in quite sometime and while I'm getting my ass handed to me I was laughing not at what she said but the fact that I'm loving every moment! Why haven't I been to her class in months? Oh yeah! It's summer and you're suppose to be on your bike OUTSIDE!

Running in a hurd

When I finished my last/first marathon I said I would change how I trained not only my plan but to also join a running group. I learned so many valuable tips while riding in a group. Although it sucked at times while I was getting my ass handed to me - I really didn't seem so bad because someone was keeping you entertained. Well, that's what I hope would happen if I was to join a running group. What I'm having a hard time getting over is the part you have to pay to be part of a running group. I never have to pay to be part of a riding group - only if I want to be on a team.

Today I met my friend at the Calhoun Beach Club - a high end gym which is so high end the gym (posh everything including TVs on every machine) was completely empty at 8:30 on a Saturday morning. What's up with that? If you walked into any of the gyms I go to - after you battled for a parking spot - you'd wonder if the whole city was in that one location.

Anyways, so I met my friend at the Calhoun Beach Club to go run with her and her running group. I wanted to see if they would be the best fit for me and my goals. From what she told me it sounded like an elate group of runners who have a number of people that complete the Boston Marathon and there would be a group running the St. Louis Marathon (the one I'm doing). BUT, we didn't run with them. We ran with a couple of her friends at a slower pace - which was fine with me but I would've like to see what the real group was like. Overall, I had a good time and we completed 7 miles while they (not me -I couldn't breathe) chatted the entire time.

I've ran around the lakes in the Uptown area before but have never noticed how trendy it is to run the lakes on a Saturday morning. If your a runner and have never ran the lakes on a Saturday morning - your missing out! Or better yet, if your single and you've never taken up running start and go run around the lakes.

I have a feeling with my already packed schedule I might be out of luck on running groups (there is one other group I would like to check out). Most running groups do their long runs on Saturday morning - I would like to go to Johnny J's 4-hour toucher session on the bike and run on Sunday's. I have an alt plan to run with another friend who has done an Ironman and has been researching the best forms of running. I have a feeling he might bet frustrated on my speed-walking pace.

I just need entertainment - running by myself is boring!

I have never…in 10 years

Had someone rudely interrupt me while I was lifting to discipline me on how to “correctly” do a Lat Pull down.

There is a code of ethics at the gym if a stranger has their earphones in you don’t go up to them to try to have a conversation. Period. I’ve had friends tell me they keep their earphones in even if they don’t have the music on just so they don’t get bothered. I know it’s rude also but if I’m at the gym I’m there with a propose not to socialize. (unless I’m in spin class)

I know it doesn’t sound like a big deal – but who was this guy to come up to me to tell me I was doing it completely wrong? If it was a trainer or a really buff guy I wouldn’t care but a complete stranger (who was quite stringing looking) is another thing. Yes, there are some years (this is not one of them - yet) I look much better then I do now - i.e. I know what I’m doing in a weigh room and have a few muscles showing – but after 10 years of lifting I would think I know the correct posture of a lat pull down.

All I’m saying is first don’t approach someone if they have their headphones on unless you know them and second if your going to correct someone’s form think twice before you do because they probably know a hell of a lot more then you do.

On the road towards being an Ironman

My good o’l buddy Joe has been on my case about updating my blog now that I’M SIGNED UP TO BE AN IRONMAN – that line still makes my stomach sink every time I or someone else says it. So, let’s not say it. Let’s say, ”I’m training for this dumb idea I signed up for” Yeah, that seems better.

Since my last posting I went to the East Coast to ride with my brother while he completed his first century! It was called the Salisbury Century – one of the flattest courses I’ve ever ridden. It started in Salisbury, Maryland headed to the coast where at mile 63 we stopped and put our feet in the icy Atlantic Ocean (my first time). It was a long day. 7 hours in the saddle but hell he did it! It doesn’t matter how long it took or how much coaching I had to do to get him to the finish line he made it and I was there to be part of it. I told my sister-in-law around mile 80 my neck started to hurt because I kept looking back to see where he was – he had the keys to the car so I had to keep an eye on him.

Last weekend I attempted to ride up to Duluth, MN from Andover, MN (about 140 miles). I got about half way (80 miles) when I thought I better pack it in when dreaming about Advil overtook my thoughts of food. For the last 50 miles we battled a relentless 25+ mph headwind with only brief, very brief, moments of shelter. Before I packed it in I knew I would do this ride again and formulated a plan to do it in June – seems like a beautiful time of the year to head north.

I’ve also been plotting my 2011 moves towards “The dumb idea I signed up for” – which means I signed up for other dumb ideas.

Here’s the plan as of right now:

• April 10th—St. Louis, MO Marathon <- I'm not kidding. I already signed up for this one. Let the bitching...I mean training...begin!
• June 11th—Liberty Tri (Olympic)
• July 9th— WI Insane Terrain Ride (120 mile 12,400 ft of climbing)
• July 24th—Chisago Tri (Half)

Road and TT races when I can fit them in.

I’m looking for one more tri. Let me know if you know of a good sprint or another Olympic course sometime between the end of May—mid-July?

One of my biggest obstacles I need to overcome is learning how to swim without the damn nose plug because when you go into battle you can’t have your opponents knock off your crutch or you’ll be out. In my case drowned. If you’ve ever witnessed an Ironman the swim IS a battle so I’ve been going to the pool to “figure it out”. I’ve heard the tips, you need to blow out of your nose underwater and you need to breathe in with your mouth. It’s not quite that simple. This past week I jumped in put the fear aside and figured out it wasn’t either of those tips I was doing wrong it was the fact that I wasn’t blowing out all of the air from my lungs so when I would go up to breathe I was pushing out and pulling in air and quite frankly I didn’t have enough time to do both. Now, I feel like I’ve taken a step backwards in my swimming endurance to work on this new technique. I’m determined to get it down and back to where I was because I’m not going to go into Master Swim Classes with my damn nose plug. Might as well be wearing arm flotties.

This weekend I’m going to be checking out a running group. My co-worker runs with them but after going to group rides that don’t have you pay to be in their group I’m having a hard time justifying paying to be in a running group.

So that’s what’s been going on. I’ll try to keep this blog updated daily. I’m going to have to scale back on the length of my posts so it can be more manageable with my training/sleeping schedule.

Sound Advice

I went to the gym this morning to try out the whole 5am swim thing but quickly found the pool doesn’t open until 6am – not really a good start time for me.

I switched up my schedule to lift then swam. I’m not sure what is better: A. Swim then lift while smelling like chlorine or B. Lift and try to swim after you caused yourself to shake like a leaf? Hopefully, I can get over the leaf shaking issue quickly and do option B.

I talked to a friend today who has been dabbling in the world of short course tri’s. She’s a great person who will give you sound advice yet ends it with, “…but you do what you want” and will still support you. Although she did have some valid points - I can be a bit off the cuff. Truth be told, I think long and hard before I jump into something and when I have committed I’ve fully committed.

For the Ironman I thought about this for the past 2 years. Yeah, I should’ve done a few tri’s this year before I jumped in or learned how to swim a little bit better but as I told her I know what my weaknesses are and will be working on them first. I’m not sure if she understands my small case of obsessive compulsiveness (oh stop laughing it’s not that bad) the whole training thing will not be an issue. It’s knowing how to train smart without peaking too early.

A few minutes after I got off the phone with her I got an invite from another who is doing this years Ironman to come meet with her and a few other people to learn more on what I’m getting myself into. During lunch I got the encouragement of my direct supervisor to do it and that I’ll do great – what a great boss!

I know throughout the next 374 days I will encounter many more people who will tell me directly or indirectly my decision is not wise and I’ll also encounter a few that are excited and encouraging. What I’ve learned is a common issue someone has to go through – It has to be the drive within that will get you across the finish line. Nothing else.

I'm a "I Can"

“There are really only two types of people. Those that say ‘I Can’t’ and those that say ‘I Can’.”

I have mentally committed to 1 year of dedication to prepare for 17 hours of pure torture.

First Open Water Swim

Let's just say, I was nervous as hell not because I didn't have the confidence in my abilities to swim .4 miles across the lake and another .4 miles back but what or if I would encounter an animal of some sorts in the water. Yeah, I'm a ninny. I'll scream. Freak out. Maybe even cry. But if I splash around would THEY run away? God I hope so.

As I tugged on the wetsuit for the first time feeling like I was a sea lion pulling on it's skin, I felt like it was my first day of school. My friend's good friend came with, while she was sitting on the beach after she told me I had my suit on backwards and I was struggling to get it on the right way (zipper in the back - good thing because it was choking me) I looked over to her and said "I wish I had my camera so you could take a picture of me." Something I would look back on just to remember the first day.

Before I got into the water I notified them my mom's phone number was in my cell phone and to call her if anything happens. You got to love a mom that's a direct, independent lady that many times the comments she says she doesn't mean in the way it comes out. She said "What the hell would I have done if something would have happened?" As in, don't call me - I can't do anything! Oh mom... :)

We started off and I seemed to get into a grove right away. I was moving along slowly but moving. I was in LOVE with the wetsuit and was instantly sold on my new discovery. I could've swam all day - until...I lost my nose piece. Yeah, my one last crutch to swimming - I can't seem to get past the water jetting up my nose no matter what I do so I have this small piece that will pinch my nose closed.

It slipped off and fell down the drink. Ugh! It was gone.

I was about 2/3 of the way and had to turn back. There was no way I could continue with the feeling of drinking the water though my nose so I flipped over and headed back doing a backstroke the entire way. Good lord - It was a long way back. My friend kept yelling at me "Madonna, your going the wrong way!" Two seconds later, "Madonna, your going in circles." I instantly started to laugh. My manager, an amputee, made a joke one time saying he couldn't go swimming because he would just be going in circles. It was one of those "did you just say what I heard you say" kind of moments.

After we made it back and I peeled the wetsuit off I thought "That was fun. With a little more training - who am I kidding I'll need a lot - I could do an Ironman.

My friend's response was "You shocked me. You weren't scared at all. If you wouldn't have lost that damn nose piece you would have made it back no problem." We made plans to come back the next weekend.

I can't wait.

Should I do the 2011 Wisconsin Ironman?

That has been the question that has been going through my head for the past couple of years and is now what is screaming inside of me.

I don’t know where this came from because 5 years ago I heard the name “Ironman” but didn’t know what it was until I got into cycling and a friend did one – then I found out the distance and thought, “Who would even want to do such a thing…that’s crazy.” but I’ve been going to the Wisconsin Ironman for the past 3 years to cheer on some friends while they complete the most difficult event they have ever done (again) and have learned it’s not only about competition it’s endurance. And endurance is my thing.

Everytime I go to watch I get a little emotional during the start and the end of the race. When the gun goes off and they start the swim the first thing that goes though my mind every year is “This is a huge moment in their lives. They have been putting themselves though mental and physical pain for the past 365 days for this moment.” And many hours later when they cross the finish line I think, “They just spent x hours beating themselves up but this has got to be one of the biggest moments of their lives and I was hear to witness it.”

What I’ve been thinking about is: I want to have that moment. I want to have all my friends there cheering me on while I cross the finish line with the loud dance music and the announcer saying “MADONNA, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!” The thought of that moment is overwhelming.

Here is the deal; I know I have the drive. I know I have the dedication to train. But, I don’t have the experience of a tri.

I tossed together a few points of argument.

• I’ve done a Du-athlon (run-bike-run) and enjoyed the event. I can honestly say after it was complete I would do anther one.
• The bike will not be an issue - I do long distance now.
• The run will be hard but I’ve done a marathon. Before and after the event was done I said I would do another one, but honestly it was my test to see if I could do a marathon and enjoyed it, would I be willing to do a Ironman.
• The swim is my downfall. I just learned how to swim this past fall. I figured I would train hard in this area, get more comfortable in the water for a longer period of time and I heard the wetsuit will be a big plus and help keep me be buoyant. Or so what I’ve heard—I’ve never used one before or have swam in open waters with 2,000 other people.

I’ve asked a number of people “Should I” and I get the same response. 1. Yes, you have the endurance to do this type of event. 2. Why don’t you take 2011 and do short tri’s first before you jump into this (valid point). 3. Why the hell would you want to do one – that is not for me.

And if you know me you would be thinking something either long those lines but I’ve never been a rational person in participating in events. Once I get my mind set on something and I know I can do it there is no stopping me. For example, my first bike race was 100 miles, my first official running event was a marathon…why not have my first tri be an Ironman?

I’ve read the chapter “Can I do it” in “Going Long” by Joe Friel and he states:

Anyone can do the distance if they want it badly enough…One is never “ready” for an ironman-distance race. The event is far too big for that. However, we firmly believe that anyone (and we mean anyone) can complete the distance so long as they have one ingredient: will. The will to train and, most important of all, the will to finish. You have to be doing this for yourself. You have to want to finish, badly…To race to your true potential, you have to gamble. You have to believe in yourself. You have to go beyond what you think is possible.

Many athletes wait until they have the confidence that they can race the full distance the way they want to before committing to a race. Others arrive at the start line with little experience and have a positive experience—regardless of their finishing time. There are even people who finish at the front of the pack and don’t have a positive experience.

So how do you know you are ready to go long? You don’t. You commit, train and pray.

After reading that section, I thought…I might not be ready today but I have the drive and the will to train hard and to finish the event.

Now do I have the courage to register?

No, No, I’m still here…

It feels like I did it again. Dropped off the face of the earth (or blogging) and went on my own merry way. I didn’t. I’m still here. The reason for my lack of blogging is due to lack of time. For example, yesterday I ran 3 miles and immediately attended Matt’s spin class all before 6:30am. Rushed to work. Sat in a 3 hour conference call with the client talking about every minutia detail of a half a million dollar website. Found out at 5pm, on a Friday, that a number of us have to work this weekend. Came home at 7pm and was passed out on the couch by 9pm. At midnight, I thought it was pointless and didn’t move from the couch. That pretty much sums up what I’ve been doing since I’m not blogging.

All that said, I’m still in the honeymoon of “I’m so glad I have a job” that the long days haven’t bothered me too much…so far. Plus, I love the fact that everyone appreciates each others hard work and makes sure you know that it’s not going un-noticed.

If I haven’t mentioned it, I’ve started my 16-week marathon training. I’m finishing week two today, but I’m still trying to find the balance between my new job and this new type of training. Giving up cycling is not an option—for those out there as crazy and I, it’s the thing that makes you happy. Wednesday, Friday and Sunday’s are still my morning spin days with Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday’s as my running days. Right now the miles seem to be reasonable but as the weeks go on my “long run” will be adding a mile per week until I hit 20 which then it will come down for 2 weeks before the “Big Day!”

I’m pleasantly surprised on my progress to progressively increase my speed. I’m also impressed that my legs feel strong it’s just that my mind feels tired. I know what you’re thinking I’m doing too much. That could be true but I know there is this hump I need to get over.

Now it’s time to find my warm clothes and get my long Saturday run in so I can spend quality time sleeping on the couch.

Warp Speed

While I was out of work, one day felt like 4. Now 4 hours feel like 1. I LOVE IT!

Update on the job front: I was officially given the written "we want you" request and I said “WHOOT WHOOT!!! I’m on board.” We work hard but we have fun. The other day I was hazed into the company. They opened a new can of spam dug out the middle and had me do a shot of tequila. Hormel/Spam is one of the clients. The tequila took out the taste of the Spam and the Spam took the bite off the tequila.

I love the craziness of life. I love to be doing something each moment of the day and when it feel like it’s not enough—I add more. It’s almost like spinning. After a couple of minutes you get used to the speed and add more resistance. Every few minutes you add more and more resistance until you look down and see the knob is a full turn and you’re still feeling strong.

I’m getting used to this resistance (i.e. my new job) and will add more once it feels like I can handle more. I’ve been asked to do freelance work for two companies and there is the ever looming marathon training that still seems ridiculous. I start on Tuesday and this idea of completing a marathon already doesn’t sound like a good idea.

Last Sunday Joe and I did a 3 hour class. ½ hour warm-up, 1 hour with Chris, ½ hour recovery, 1 hour with Angie. In both classes I burned a 1000 calories!!! Although, when I came home I ate at 3000.

Monday and Wednesday I made it to spin. Since I had a work party on Thursday night I missed Matt’s class.

Saturday I skipped the gym entirely because I got an iPhone and spent the entire day playing with the damn thing.

Today I went to Matt’s 2 hour class. I ran for a while before class. First hour was Alpe d'Huez—21 switch backs of pure climbing with no left turn of the resistance. Second hour was Firehouse 50. Each class as a stand alone is hard enough, but when you put them together you end up in the fetal position on the couch for the rest of the day.

Which reminds me my iphone and couch are calling me.

It's a girl!

oooooohhh....Madone has a girllllfrieeennddd....Her name is Kilo.

She's young only 250 miles but the wheels have seen the world.

The bike was Diamond Dave’s and the wheels were Jay's RAAM race wheels from '08. I have high expectations for this race year! I spotted rockets in the back detailer. Dave, your the best!!

Vacation is over

I’m going to break one of my blogging rules and talk about work for just a second. After 6 months to the date I finally landed myself a job (sort-of). It’s contract for a couple weeks and then hopefully I get hired on fulltime. Think of it as a test run. It’s one of those dream jobs. Mine has always been to work for a big ad agency. You know the type where you see the commercials on national TV and say "I worked on that one." Although, I won't be working on any commercials. I'll be strictly an Interactive Project Manager (all things web related). Which now a days is where a lot of companies are putting their marketing budget.

The reason why I bring this up is because everything cycling and fitness related has been at a stand still. Since I'm not sponsored, shocking I know, all of my needs (i.e. new shoes, tires, shorts, bike) have been on hold. Now I can relax a bit and start chipping at that need list again.

After 24 hours on the job they moved me to the “Penthouse” (36th floor). I still can’t get over the view! I even stayed late one day to see the city in lights...AMAZING!

That's the metrodomn at night.

You got to love a job that has a sign that greets me each time you come into my cube that says: "Last Call Martini Bar" Along with 4 assorted bottles of liquor and a bottle opener.

The downside is getting back onto a schedule and missing the mid-day spin classes. The new gig is downtown so taking the bus has been an adventure alone. I'm taking the week off from the gym until I can recalibrate my body to this new schedule. Next week I'll be back to my morning spin classes and evening runs. Believe it or not, I'm excited to have a full schedule again. I feel like I have purpose.

I received my training marathon schedule the other day. There is only one word to describe it: Intense. There are no 2-3 miles runs twice a week. First day (Feb 2nd) says: "Training Day Starts Today! 6 miles w/ 5 min @ tempo pace" What the hell does that mean? 6 miles on the first training day? You should see April and May's schedule. I'm going to have to have a chat with my friend that put the schedule together...a girl has to be on her bike sometime! And when I mean “sometime” I mean at least 3-4 days a week!!

His comment to me before I saw the schedule was: "We’re going to make you a runner." My response: "That's like trying to make a miracle happen."

The Trainer

Yesterday I thought I would convince myself that this was going to be the season I start to like the trainer! I moved all the crap out of my second bedroom. Pulled in a TV and DVD player. Set up the trainer. Popped in a movie and…nope it didn’t work. After 15 minutes everything hurt and I was ready to get off. 30 minutes I thankfully got a phone call and got a break. I stuck it out for another 30 minutes but was frustrated that all I accomplished was a sore seat and only broke a 120 bpm heart rate. I went downstairs make myself popcorn and watched Oprah.

Why is it that I have no problem sitting on that same bike/saddle outside for several hours but I cannot do the same indoors? The only way I can get a true workout is to go to the gym for spin class. (Bill, if I too had a new Pugsley with 80 mm rims I would be outside also.)

Speaking of spin class, I missed Chris’s class today for what I hope will be well worth the skip—more on that next week, I hope—and ran hills for 40 minutes on the treadmill. I know, not the same as outdoors, but its -25 degrees outside and I would rather spend it indoors when it’s that cold.

Tomorrow I hope to get in two spin classes, Chris’s class on Saturday and Matt’s 2 hour on Sunday. Along with a couple more runs and lifting. Wow, I’m going to need a stiff drink after my crazy schedule. Feel free to join me!!

Oh Jody—you make me laugh!

I love this photo!

This is Jody. The spin instructor I talk about often. Someone who has a zest for life and will kick your butt with a smile. Jody is also an amazing Triathlete on the short course—tends to win often.

What I love best is her side of the story about this photo. She had no idea that her helmet was on backwards. As she tells the story she goes on and on about how excited she was to have so many people cheering her on—i.e. laughing and clapping. She didn't realize until after the race why she got so much cheering.

Jody, Your the best!

Six Weeks

Go to the gym after New Years and no matter the time of day there is a sea of people. How many times do we have to hear people say they are going to lose weight and get fit as their new years resolution only to break that promise. Ask any trainer or regular and they will say in six weeks it will be back to normal—and it always is. I’ve been going to the gym on a regular basis for about 10 years and it is the same deal. I say, if you need to make a change in your life why wait until January 1 to start the change?

I went to the gym today for spin class. Tina was subbing for Kristen—a good alternative. I went early to run 2-3 miles before class but wasn’t sure how I would feel—at 11am I had to fight to get one of the 20 treadmills that was already taken. Sunday I stayed in a low heart rate zone for spin and took Monday off. My run outside on Saturday really did a number on me. To my surprise I was feeling pretty good so I kept bumping up the speed. I’ve never ran that fast for that long!

Noon spin class was completely full—normally there are a number of bikes still open. Tina made sure we got our typical hour into a 45 minutes class—today we did some ridiculously long and steep hills. I opted out of some of the crazy moves I’ve discussed before and just did my own thing, but for the most part the class was good. With a bit of energy still left I lifted for about 30 minutes. I don’t make New Years resolutions but mixing in weights is something I think I’ll try to fit in. It’s hard to believe sometimes that at one time I was as obsessed with lifting heavy weights as I now am with cycling. Now 10 lbs can be a challenge.

Winter Running

I told myself once I got back from my week in North Dakota, where I spent most of the time indoors, that I would immediately start my marathon training. I had full intentions to run while I was there but a 2 day blizzard dropped 25 inches of blowing snow. Apparently people don’t run in subzero conditions up there because there is no need to remove the snow in the walk way intersections—which was chest high.

While most runners give themselves 16 weeks to train for a marathon—I, on the other hand, need a full 20 weeks (100 days) of training. Extra time for base training.

I did a few miles indoors, but yesterday I wanted to get out even though it was a high of -5. Once you’re moving it doesn’t matter how cold the temperature is, the trick is to have wick-away base layers and to never stop running until you get home. A good motivator.

The best part of winter running is that you get to dress-up as a Ninja!

The worst part is fracturing in 30 minutes just to get dressed. Two layers on the bottom, three on the top, two on the head, two pairs of gloves (remove one once your warm), a pair of glasses if your running during the day and the thickest pair of socks you own.

I purchased a pair of YakTrax snow grips for my shoes and tried them out on my run yesterday. Next to my super thick Smartwool socks the YakTrax is the best improvement to my winter running gear! 90% of my run was on snow/ice. Not once did I have to change my footing or slow down!!

I got a call from my friend who is putting together my marathon training program wondering what type of cycling obstacles does he need to be aware of while he puts together my plan. I thought with a smile, “Well, ANY day that is remotely nice I’ll be on my bike—will that be an issue?” My real answer was a bit longer then it should’ve been, but I agreed to make it work and not miss a mile of his program. He didn’t give me much to go on yet other then “You'll start in Febuary. You will be doing one ½ marathon in April and I’ve got you down for 3-20 milers (to be exact one of those 20 milers is 23 miles).” My response, “THREE 20 milers! That’s like you doing 3 centuries on the bike.” His response, “That’s true. I’ve never done a century.” My response, “I’ve never ran 20 miles.” That ½ marathon falls on the same day as the Durand Road Race—I guess I’ll be running.

If this is wrong...

...then I don't want to be right.

2009—A Year In Review

To continue my end of the near tradition, here is a recap of my best and worst list:

• Best road race course: Sibley RR—I came close to winning my first road race
• Worst road race course: Durand—I got dropped before the first turn and had to TT the entire race solo.
• Best road race moment: Being the only person in my category in a 3 person breakaway with Teresa from Flanders. AND doing a solo breaking away from the pack on the final hill during the Ken Woods RR getting 3rd place overall. Jay said I was laughing up the hill—trust me it wasn't laughter it was pure pain.
• Worst road race moment: Getting dropped during the Lakewood Road Race (Duluth Classic) on the hill twice and had to catch up with the group—took everything I had for over 2 miles both times to get back to the group.
  
• Best Crit course: Mankato and Northfield—I really started to feel good about my handling skills.
• Worst Crit course: Pinehurst (Duluth Classic)—it was pure torture the entire time.
• Best Crit moment: Mankato—I found confidence in my corning without touching the breaks
• Worst Crit moment: Northfield—just when I felt good about the course and my handling skills it started to rain on the downtown streets—amost went down three times.
  
• Best TT course: Charity TT—won my first race by a 10th of a second
• Worst TT course: St. Peter—48 degrees and raining for a 40k race. I couldn’t feel anything at the 20k mark.
• Best TT moment: When I passed a guy that went off at the Blackdog a minute before me—he was pissed that I passed him on my stock bike.
• Worst TT moment: Missing my start time at the MN State TT—I think I would have gotten a higher placing if I was on time. Lessen learned, I’m now 10-15 minutes early for my start time.
  
• Best non-racing moment: Everything about RAAM—ok that’s racing but I wasn’t on the bike. Supporting our friends during the WI Ironman—it should have been illegal on how much fun we had. Along with getting my picture taken with Kristen Armstrong and Floyd Landis.
• Worst non-racing moment: Being in the car when Jason from Surfing USA was hit during RAAM.
  
• Best REGBRAI moment: Roadside party on the first riding day and meeting up with Holly, John, Carol, Belinda and Neil during the Johnny Holms concert.
• Worst REGBRAI moment: When a girl from the Bud team touched wheels and went down at 40 mph.
  
• Best Group Ride: Tour of Timmer—not sure where we went since there were so many turns but it was some where in Excelsior.
• Best Group Ride moment: Realizing how strong Carol had gotten over the season while climbing the hills in Preston—she was able to have a full conversation the entire time while I was riding on my limit a quarter of a mile behind her and Neil.
  
• Best Solo Ride route: Candy Shop Ride
• Best Solo Ride moment: Stopping at the Minnetonka pier on the first day of Fall—it was a great day!
• Worst Solo Ride moment: Riding back home from Champlin after a relentless 40 mile headwind ride.
  
• WTF moment: While running my own half-marathon course, after the city of St. Paul cut the course in half due to extreme weather, my face mask was frozen to my neck I thought “Up until this exact moment it was important to me to finish this goal, but now I’m rethinking my sanity.”
  
  *Note: the worst course list does not reflect against the promoter, it's purely based on my crappy performance that day.
  

Total Miles: 4,021

2009 Races and Places

• April 18 - Durand (women’s open)—16th place
• April 25 - Ken Woods—3rd place
• May 02 - Marty Place—5th place
• May 06 - BlackDog #1—4th place
• May 09 - Sibley RR—2th place
• May 16 - Synergy TT—3rd place
• May 17 - Charity TT—1st place
• May 20 - BlackDog #2—1st place
• May 22 - Wrenshall Time Trial—4th place
• May 23 - South Range Road Race—3rd place
• May 24 - Lakewood Road Race—7th place
• May 25 - Pinehurst Criterium—11th place
• May 30 - East Union Circuit Race—5th place
• June 03 - BlackDog #3—2nd place
• June 06 - St. Peter TT—4th place
• June 13 - Mankato Crit—4th place
• June 17 - BlackDog #4—4th place
• July 01 - BlackDog #5—5th place
• July 04 - Northfield—6th place
• July 05 - Spam Jam—2nd place
• July 28 - Summit/Hollywood Criterium—6th place
• August 18 - Birchwood Road Race—6th place
• August 28 - BlackDog #9—3rd place
  
  * this year the fields were much larger.