JOURNAL

9/17/08

I managed my first run in over 8 months.  It wasn't that bad.  I only ran for 20 minutes.  I couldn't believe that my hamstring was jacked up the next day.  I have had the same hamstring issue in the past.  However; it generally occurs after some serious training.  If I am consistent with rolling on it, the hamstring problem goes away.  Rolling on it is so painful. 

Yesterday, I got in the water for the first time in a little over a month.  I could not believe how terrible I felt.  I thought I would feel awsome since I didn't have the extra weight or the big barge of a belly getting in the way of being streamline.  I did about a 1200 and thought that was a good start to working out.

9/09/08

Wow, I just had another birthday.  I didn’t think it was possible to forget about your own birthday.  I got a phone call from my friend, Diane, who wished me a happy birthday and that is when I remembered.  Just goes to show that I must be getting old. 

Growing up birthdays were a big thing in my family.  It was your day to be the queen of the household.  Your diner chair was decorated and you got to pick your favorite meal.  It was such a special day.

Yesterday I got projectile vomit from my three week old and a birthday cake from my husband along with DVR service; which is what I asked for as a gift.  I also worked my morning guppies out.  Skirt boy complained that the practice was too much like masters practice (which is not true).  Workouts must get harder and change when everyone keeps improving.  That evening I conducted track practice.  Everyone did a great job.  I almost had one person vomit.  I told them they get a dollar if they get sick.  Not too great of an incentive to have someone actually do it.  In reality I don’t want them getting sick doing my track practice.  It would kind of defeat the purpose. 

9/05/08

Did I tell you that we finally had to put our cat down.  It was aweful.  No medication helped her.  She peed everywhere, would get sick at her food bowl and do deep meowls that sounded as though she were hurt.  It was such a heart renching decision. I miss her.  I know all you cat haters don't understand.  Anyway, no animals for me for quite awhile. 

Next Thursday I have to go to the Immigration office in Norfolk.  I have to renew my "green card", which is another way of saying "permanent residency" card.  I have an interview, they call it Biometrics.  It seems that a perminent residency card is only good for up to 10 years, then you must re-new.  It isn't cheap either.  So, hopefully I will pass and be able to stay.....I say that sarcastically as I am married, have a child, and contribute to society.  Or at least I like to think so:)

I have started making my training plan up.  Running will commense September 15th. I am a little scared.  I did light weights today.  Wonder if I will be sore tomorrow.  And I am still not sure when I should and can get back into the water.  Although the Y pool is going to be crazy busy and there won't be a lot of times for open swimming.  I already know Y members are going to be complaining about the lack of open swim times.  I am glad I am not the Aquatics director.

9/01/08

Remember when I said I was so tired from only taking care of a baby for a day, just as tired as when I would finish a seven hour training day?  Well, I had forgotten that I had taken a Benedryl.  That Benedryl is what kicked my butt that day.  I am starting to get into the groove of being a mother.  The sleep issue isn't as bad as I thought it would be.  Although, I am sure I will feel differently when I start getting back into training.  I have a friend who said that she started doing Pilates in her hospital room the day after giving birth.  It has been 16 days since I gave birth and I still don't feel totally right.  Until I do, I think I am going to be on the "not doing much of anything category".  That seems work the best for my body.

I haven't been keeping up much with the Ironman races.  It is still hard to read about them, or even watch them on TV.  It shouldn't be, but it is.  Chris is the one that stays in the know and gives me updates on who is winning and who is doing what.  For right now, that is good enough for me.  I am researching and studying a little more the different training philosophies.  It is very interesting.  There are training philophies that contradict one another, yet they have all had success.  It goes to show that as an athlete the best thing you can do is really be a researcher on yourself and find out what works and what doesn't. I am happy to know that I can't handle a large training load and that I need lots of recovery.  I call it the lazy athletes training plan:)

8/28/08

I am not sure where the days are going.  I haven't left this house but for a max. of an hour, perhaps an hour and a half a couple of times.  Can't do much when you are feeding a new born.  Who knew they needed to eat every two hours from the start of one feeding to the start of the next.  That makes feedings very time consuming.  There are so many things that I don't know about infants, it makes doing training plans seem so simple.

I have been enjoying having people come over to visit me and Skylar.  The social interaction is nice.  It cracks me up that at the end of the day I am just as exhausted as when I finished doing my longest ironman training day.  What is up with that? 

We have been needing rain and are finally getting it.  The only problem with it is that is either feast or famin.  When it rains all day it really interupts my walks that I love to take.  Who would have thought that a simple walk could be so cathartic.  Before I really only enjoyed the running; although I am looking forward to the day I go for my first run.  That will be something to talk about, I am sure. 

8/26/08

Skylar McRae Holloway was born August 16th 2008.  She weighed 8 lbs 10.5 oz.  and was 21 and 1/4 inches long.  Labor and Delivery was the hardest thing I have ever done.  Mild labor pains start Friday morning at 1:45 am.  I was excitted because I thought my daughter would be born on the same day as my dad.  After receiving an epidural (sp?), constant local anesthesia because the epi only took to one side, two different antibiotics (one because I carry the strep virus, half of mothers do and half don't, another because I was getting sick and spiking a fevor) and lastly I recieved potoson (sp?), I delivered the baby on Saturday at 7:18 am.  PHEW!!!

Silly me thought that once I gave birth everything would be back to normal, body wise. Not so! My insides felt as though they were up in my rib cage. I was told that I couldn't lift anything over 10lbs. I am still not sure how Paula Ratcliff got back into such great running shape so soon after giving birth. I still don't feel right and it has been 10 days. I am going for walks, but they are slow. My bike is calling my name, but that won't be happening for a while.

I was at a party for an Ironman finisher several weeks ago.  It was funny to hear his brother talk about how Pro's have it easy compared to the average athlete because all they have to do is train.  I was thinking....I WISH that were the case.  I guess what most people don't realize is that the average pro has to still work in order to pay bills, and pay for their training and racing as well.  Now that I have a daughter to look after, I am wondering how I am going to fit everything in between training, working and having a family.  URGH!!!! 

7/17/08

I can't believe it is already time for Ironman USA.  I have four athletes competing in that race.  Each of them is ready to have a great race.  It is a matter of going out there and keeping their heads on their shoulders.  Staying in the moment and not letting those bad moments bring them down.  It is hard being a coach.  No matter what happens I always feel some responsiblity for the outcome.  In the end I know that the training has been good and that they have done the work.  I always have a feeling of accomplishement when I get my athletes to the starting line injury free.  Anyway, I hope they go out there and have a great experience (two of them will be doing their first ironman).

I am enjoying the water more and more.  The only problem is that when I am on the pool deck for hours at a time giving lessons, the last thing I feel like doing is staying and getting into the water.  I just want to leave.  Once I leave I want to kick myself for not staying and swimming.  I have started to wear a two piece suit.  I apologize if I offend anyone, but trying to put a one piece suit on is a workout in itself. I am sweating and tired once I get that thing up and over my shoulders.  So the big bare tummy is available for everyone to see.  Although I do try and cover up until I have to get into the pool.  My swimming has gotten sooooo slow it is ridiculous.  I can't stand to do timed repeats because the intervals have to painfully slow in order for me to make them.  Now I just go back and using as many different pieces of equipement to make it interesting.

In the newsletter section I posted an article on Darra Torres that you all might find interesting.

7/07/08

Just when I thought I heard it all someone comes up with a new pregnancy question that blows my mind.  It wasn't really the question, it was more what she had to say after she asked the question.  I am standing in  line with a friend at the grocery store.  This lady comes up and asks when I am due.  I tell her the month.  She then asks what is the date.  I tell her, then she proceeds to tell me she wanted to know because her daughter is due a week or so later than me and she thinks her daughter is too large.  I felt really sorry for her daughter.  I told the lady she needed to be kind to her daughter and walked away.

Anyway, I am proud to say that I am still able to do flip turns when I am swimming.  Using a pull buoy and doing flip turns is getting a little tricky.  Watching the Olympic trials has motivated me to get into the water a little more often.  Dara Torres is so unbelieveable.  Her stroke is beautiful.  She is such an inspiration for people who feel as though they are getting old when they hit there fourty's.  Truely I aspire to be like her.  Having the kind of financial backing that she has would help out tremendously:)  Somehow I don't think that I will be fortunate enough to have that kind of backing, but it is nice to dream about it.  I had hoped that the TV camera's would have shown a little more under water swimming.  Hopefully they will do that when the Olympics are on.

I am excited for my athetes racing Lake Placid this year.  It is less than two weeks away.  They all seem ready to go out there and race.   Everyone is healthy and injury free.  I am loving their excitement.  And I really wish that I could be there to watch them race.  Unfortunately I will be 36 weeks pregnant and flying is out of the question.  And as much as I would love to be there I am not sitting in a care for 14 hours.  YUK!

6/30/08

Well...HELLO!  Guess it has been a while. I don't really have much of an excuse other than the fact that I haven't really felt like myself.  I am now 33 weeks pregnant and feel as big as a whale.  I am no longer sick as a dog, just a little restricted, as far as moving about goes.  It is getting hard to bend over.  I have been swimming, water jogging and walking.  That has been it.  I am jealous of the cyclists and runners right now.  Unlike a friend of mine who can't run at the moment, I have not had the urge to run any of them over. 

Guess I am not quite as angry as I was earlier in my pregnancy.

I am getting hungry to start training once again.  Wendy Ingrahm is due to have her baby a week before me.  She is planning on going to watch The Hawaii Ironman and asked if I was going to go.  It would be great to go out there and watch everyone race, but I don't think it will be financially possible.  How much fun would that be?  Although it could be hell, not knowing what it would be like to have to tote along an infant. 

I am very excited about watching the Swimming Olympic trials.  I got goose bumps watching the 400 IM world records being broken.  I just love watching great swimming.  It surprises me at how close they have to qualify for the Olympics before they have to leave for the games and peak once again.  I will be glued to the TV for the next week.

4/22/08

I meant to write sooner, but my page was down for a couple of days and then I couldn't figure how to connect to the page.  Obviously I figured it out.

I am not quite as grumpy these days.  I have come to the conclusion that my running days are over until I have this baby.  A little upsetting but best for my bladder.  The biking is down to a minimum as, once again, the bladder is not appreciating the pressure.  Too much info?  I apologize.  At first I was beating myself up about not biking and running.  People are always saying that they did these activities up until they were 8 months pregnant. So, I was thinking why not me?  I must be a slack.  Then I just started to remember what I learned by doing triathlons, and that is everyone is different.  The best triathletes listen to their bodies and do what their bodies are telling them.  I figure I should take this advice and apply it to my pregnancy. I am now accepting the fact that swimming, walking, ellyptical, and stairs will be my cardio workouts for the next three months.

I haven't gotten quite as many idiotic comments lately about me being pregnant.  However this lady, who I have never asked for her opinion, keeps insisting that I have been so ill during my pregnancy because I am old.  I really want to knock her out.  It is the most absurd thing I have heard. 

You would think that I would be dreaming about triathlons because I miss the training and the building up for the races.  But No!  I have been dreaming about Brad Pitt and I being buddies and him telling me about this lady who gives really good facials.  FIrst of all I am not particularily a Brad Pitt fan, and secondly I have never had a facial.  Is that wierd or what? 

I had lots more to talk about but my memory has been very good, but short and I can't remember what else I had to say.  I am sure it will all come back, so stay tuned:)

4/09/08

I don't think peole realize how sensitive pregnant women can be.  I guess I shouldn't talk for the masses, I will only talk on my behalf.  Telling me that it is good that I having BIG thighs because that means I will have an intelligent child is NOT a compliment.  I like to think of my thighs as strong.  They have certainly done well for me during Ironman racing.  Saying that the reason I am so sick during pregnancy is due to the fact that I am OLD does not make me feel happy either.  Asking other people, who later tell me, what has happened to Karen?  She is getting out of shape; really perplexes me.  I am five and a half months pregnant can't you tell?  And of course my belly is going to start popping out.

URG!!!

On to other matters.  When you have lessons or appointements scheduled show up on time.  Remember your time is no more important than someone else's.  Being late once or twice is understandable, but EVERY time is RIDICULOUS!  Especially when you are fifteen minutes late and the lesson is only thrity minutes.

Can you tell that I am an Angry woman?  Keep this in mind when you have a lesson with me.  I WILL be taking it out on you.  But don't worry it will only make you better:)  Now if you really anger me WATCH OUT:)

On to a happy subject.  I went and watched the Monument 10K last weekend.  It was perfect running weather.  I am sure the runners would have prefered it if it had not rained, but nonetheless not too hot or cold.  It was amazing to watch the masses of people running.  As usual there were some awesome costumes.  The great thing was that everyone that I knew made a personal best time or pretty close to it.  It is amazing because of how many people were running in that race.  Sharon Wake did PR and placed fourth in her age group....Great job!

4/03/08

Here I am five months pregnant.  I can still tell that people are looking at me thinking "why has she got a beer gut?"  They look me up and down and then ask me....."So what races are you planning on doing this year?"  That is when I give them the news that I am halfway through my pregnancy and can't think of racing until I pop the baby out.  Then they generally look relieved.  I guess I am looking more fat then pregnant these days. 

I am exercising a little bit each day.  Not what I would like to do.  A matter of fact sometimes I feel a little bit of shame in the lack of working out that I am doing.  Especially after reading what Paula Ratcliff did while she was pregnant.  There is no earthly way I can even come close to what she did running wise.  The minute I go out the door to start my jog I feel as though I need a potty break....I am officially one of those people who I used to wonder "how can they possibly run that slow?"  I have a new found appreciation for going at a double didget miles per hour pace.  And quite frankly proud that I am out there pounding the pavement, even if it is only four thirty minutes.  Hats off to those of you who could run hours while pregnant.  These days more than wishing to get back to a normal training program, I am just hoping that my heartburn and indigestion will soon pass. 

2/28/08

I have been reluctant to write in my journal.  I had been feeling great last week and then on Saturday had a turn of events stopped feeling well.  I had been swimming, running, and walking on a regular basis.  I had to take Sunday, Monday and Tuesday off this week, and I hate doing that. 
Heartburn has been killing me.  I was taking prilosec.  I told my friend that I needed to call my doctor to make sure "prilosec" was okay to take.  She was confused and asked why I would ask if a "pile of sex's" was bad?  Obviously a little mixed up of words took place and I had to correct what she had heard.  It turns out that Prilosec is not one of those drugs I can take.  URG!!!  It was working so well.

My master swim classes have been crazy large.  I think last night might have been the largest class thus far.  I had thirty three people show up.  I took over all six lanes at the Y pool.  If possible I am to leave at least one lane, if not two lanes open for lap swimmers.  Unfortunately it was not possible last night.  The swimmers ability levels range from beginner swimmers to ex-collegiate swimmers making the need for different lanes a necessity.  Plus I have to teach some lanes about pool etiquette.  I think most everyone is starting to catch on.

2/05/08

I have started to somewhat training.  It feels great.  Not to mention the weather has been terrific.  I ran yesterday for a little over a half hour.  I am embarrassed to say that it was a tough run.  Not so long ago I used to be able to do that run in 25 minutes and it felt good...not too fast and not too slow.  Now it takes me 34 minutes and it doesn't matter which direction I am running.  I am plain slow.  My goal for the next month is going to be to get that time down.  I have added walking to my exercise program as it is something that I can do for a long period of time without feeling like I am going to die.  I am sure my running endurance will get better as my "all day sickness" eases up and I am able to become more consistent:)  As I said last week, I have even been getting in the water.  It feels great, the problem now is that my right shoulder is bothering me.  How can that be?  I took a month and a half, maybe two off and I get back in the water to have my shoulder bothering me?  That makes no sense.  I am not going to complain too much since I am actually moving around.  I need to be moving around as my favorite food item right now seems to be cheeseburgers.  I am ashamed to say it, but yes, cheeseburgers.  At this stage of the game I am willing to eat anything that makes me feel okay. 

1/27/08

I got in the water today with my new thick strapped swim suit from Splish.  It is pink with cherries all over it.  Very cute.  It did it's job.  I got lots of compliments and my friend said she couldn't tell that my tata's were that much larger (they really are).  I am now going to be very confident swimming in the pool once again.  I had one of my swimmers show up and tell me I looked like strawberry short cake.  I'll go for that.  I have been called much worse:)

I don't know why people hire me to work with them and then don't follow what I tell them to do.  I have this one swimmer who I have been trying to convince to do catch-up for his main stroke.  I just want him to swim catch-up all the time for a couple of weeks.  It is faster than his normal stroke.  It never fails, whenever I see him practicing he is doing his same old stroke.  I finally video taped him doing his same old stroke and him doing the catch-up and he couldn't believe how much better he looked doing catch-up.  If he had listened to me to begin with we would be so much further in his stroke improvement than he is at this time. He will learn just like all the other swimmers to trust what I say, that or I will be sure he suffers during every swim lesson he has with me:)

1/23/08

I can't say anything too exciting has been happening around here.  I got an ultra sound the other day.  I am officially ten weeks and 3 days pregnant.  The fetus (such an ugly name)  has a head, body and tiny arms and legs.  It was really cool to see.

I have not been doing as much running as I had hoped, as I am still a little nauseous.  When will it go away???  I did get my new Splish bathing suits today which I am hoping will give me motivation to get into the water.  I think I am going to be doing a lot of swimming. 

Track practice on Tuesday was a little scarce once again.  I made the group do steep short hill repeats with a small pacing set on the track afterwards.  Everyone did really well.  Pacing is still tough for some of the runners.  I think it is really important, and like everything, it get's easier the more you practice.

There is a group training for Ironman Brazil and one guy I know training for Ironman New Zealand from this area.  I remember having those early season races and am glad I am not doing one.  It is tough to get the mileage on the bike at this time of the year.  Not only because it is chilly, but the days are still too short.  My hats off to them.  But New Zealand (and I am sure Brazil) are cool places to visit.  As long as you don't mind sitting on a plane for a long period of time.

1/21/08

I have found that the athletes that I am working with are getting all soft.  Last week we had track practice and half the people didn't show because it was "too cold".  That is such a lame excuse.  Everyone that was there warmed up quickly and even my run walker was sweating at the end.  We have been spoiled by the warm weather we have been getting recently.  Personally I would much rather be outside running in the cold weather than on a treadmill.  15 minutes on a treadmill is like 2 hours running outside.  On the other hand, I do understand not getting on the bike in this weather.  I tried it and my feet and hands NEVER warmed up.  It was miserable.  I better see more people at track practice this coming up Tuesday.

I ran for a half hour the other day.  I finally felt well enough to get up and move around.  It felt great to run.  The only problem was that I was running with Katie and she was going a little fast for me.  By the end of the run I was falling back and not feeling so good to the stomach.  That was a little frustrating, but I can move and do things again without wanting to die...YEAH! 

1/17/08

I feel very silly when I tell you this, but I have been feeling so bad that I haven't been able to write.  I haven't even made phone calls or answered calls.  It sounds ridiculous, but that is the truth.  Today is a very good day.

I wrote in my journal on Monday and waited for my husband to come home and proof it because he said I was making way too many spelling and grammar errors.  I figure if I get my point across it really doesn't matter since this is never going to be going to be published and it is all about "stuff".  Anyway, somehow I lost the draft that I wrote and my husband wasn't able to read it and it was too late to re-write.  All that to say, Monday's journal entry never made it, and the mistakes will continue to be made.

On Monday moring I was conducting my guppies swim class.  Everyone had finished up the set that I had given them and I was starting to explain the next drill they were going to do; when the lifeguard yelled "put your shorts on!"  We all turned and looked at this man who had walked out the locker room door and was naked.  We all got the full frontal shot.  The man turned around and went back into the locker room.  All the guppies and myself couldn't believe what had just happened.  No more than two minutes later the man re-appeared with his shorts on and made his way to the pool to swim.  I think that put us in more shock.  I think we all agreed that if that had been us we would have high tailed it out of the Y and not returned for several weeks.  Some people have no shame.

1/09/08

Now that everyone knows my big secret I think I will vent a little bit or a lot, just because.  I had to call up Splish and order new swimsuits because my new suits don't quite fit over the new bodacious tata's that I have recently acquired.  Some people may like having bodacious tata's, but I am one that would be quite happy without them.  That is one reason why I have not been in the water swimming.  In the suits I have right now my tata's would be falling out everywhere.  Most people would not appreciate it.  I will be in the water soon, swimming on my own...very slowly only because if I do anything too strenuous my gag reflex starts to take over....urg!!!!

I was thinking that perhaps I might be able to do some racing in November of 2008.  Not sure if I would be ready for Ironman Arizona, but that would be interesting to see if that would be at all possible.  HMMMM!  I know I shouldn't probably think that far in advance.  I will have to live vicariously through my friends racing this year.  That is going to be a whole new experience.  I think I can be a pretty good cheerleader.  In the mean time I am going to study up on exercise physiology and sports psychology, there is no better time to do it than now.  I got to say, it is hard thinking that I don't have a big race to train for this year.  I do love the whole experience of training and racing, guess that is what keeps me coming back every year.

1/07/08

The other day I went to a Sports Medicine Doctor's office to watch my swimmer (I work with her in the gym) get her knee shot up with Cortisone.  It was pretty amazing to watch a long needle just glide into the knee so easily.  Of all things, my swimmer has been having knee issues while swimming.  The fly seems to irritate it the most.  It is the most bizzare thing that I have ever seen or heard.  Her knees swell up and become stiff.  It doesn't just happen in the water.  If she has been walking a lot the swelling and stiffness happens as well.  I am so perplexed.  I am hoping the cortisone will relieve her pain.  My fingers are crossed.

I talked to Amanda Lavato the other day.  She and Michael are off to Austin for some winter training.  I would love to be there with them.  Although the weather here has been wonderful.  Too bad I haven't been doing much training.  I have done a couple of runs and for some reason I haven't been  into swimming.  As my friend would say....I guess I have lost my Mojo. Okay maybe it is time that I come clean........I am two months pregnant.  The past couple of weeks has been so difficult because I have been so sick.  They say this nausea and sickness stuff is suppose to pass after your first trimester.  I am praying.  This is harder than any ironman that I have ever done.  So for all you people who have carried a child and think you can't do an Ironman......believe me when I say YOU CAN!

1/04/08

I did not feel good at all yesterday.  I did workout on the elliptical and do some weights.  My legs are sore this morning from all the lungs that I did.  I hate to stop doing weights.  Even if it is just for a week.  I always get so sore once I get back into the gym. 

I had master's on Wednesday night.  There were a fare number of people who showed up.  My workout consisted of quite a bit of kicking.  It amazes me how many people cannot kick well.  I used to avoid putting kicking sets into practice because I knew people hated it, but then I decided that they needed to get over it and learn.  Kicking is important in swimming.  It helps to get the body in proper body position in the water, and it really help with propulsion.  It cracks me up to see everyone always working on what they can already to fairly well.  Most people like to avoid doing what is difficult.  If they only knew how much it would improve their swimming.  I find many people like to be mindless when they are training.  That is fine.  You can do that.  However; if you want to get better, mindless training is not going to cut it.  You have to be aware of what you are doing all the time.  Thinking about the things you need to improve on and consistently thinking about it during training.  It isn't easy. But being successful means not just doing the work, but doing the work well....and that is true for anything that you want to accomplish in life..

By the way, check out Deanna Boehm's article in my Newsletter on Believing:)

1/02/08

It is the new year!  I have not been able to write for so long for a very good reason.  I have been flat on my back feeling awful.  Lots of nausea.  That let's you know how much training I have been doing.....close to non.  I have managed to go for a couple of runs.  The weather here has been just beautiful.  It is going to become really cold soon.  That seems to be the trend we have been having for the past couple of years.  Warmish weather, then plain freezing for what feels like forever.

I had a 5:00 am lesson this morning.  It was the first early morning lesson I have had in a long time.  Lately I have been sleeping in until 10:30 am.  That is ridiculous.  Do you realize that sleeping in until 8:30 am used to be a chore?!!?!  I am not sure what is happening to me.  Anyway, 5:00 am about killed me.  I was fine until 8:00 am.  Then my eyes started to feel really heavy.  My next lesson wasn't till 9:15 am.  I decided to curl up on a chair in the aquatics office and close my eyes till the next lesson.  Can you believe I actually fell asleep?  I was all contorted.  The best part is that everyone can see perfectly into the office because it is all glass.  I am sure I looked ridiculous with my mouth half open, snoring and all. However, I did feel much better:)

12/18/2007

Less than ten days left till Christmas.  Where does the time go.  I kept meaning to write in my journal, but by the time I would get to it, I was too tired.  More about that later. My pink splish bathing suit has been found.  It was in the shower at the Y yesterday.  I saw it on the hook and said (out loud) "Hey, there's my swim suit".  I touched it and realized that it was wet.  That meant someone had worn it and that person was still in the shower.  I ran out to see the lifeguard and ask him if he had seen the person wearing my suit.  He said that he had.  It was some water aerobics participant.  At that point I knew that I never wanted the pink suit back.  I think the pink bathing suit thief heard me identifying my swim suit therefor decided to leave it there, so she wouldn't be seen leaving with it.  Unfortunately for her, I know who she is...heehee! 

Amanda Lavato had an interview with  slowtwitch.  She happened to mention my name:) and say some nice things about me.  If you are interested in reading the interview here is the link: http://www.slowtwitch.com/Interview/Get_to_know_Amanda_Lovato_153.html In the interview Amanda talks about Dara Torres, who is a 40 year old female swimmer who has qualified for the Olympics.  If you are interested in reading about Dara go to my Newsletter page.

Nothing too interesting about my training.  My longest run has been 57 minutes, my longest swim 3300 meters and my longest bike has been an hour on the stationary bike.  Not much eh!!!  I do love relaxing in the winter.  It is hard to get motivated when your house temperature is set on 64 degree's.  Getting out of bed is tough, and when you get home all you want to do is run and get into the bed and under the covers.  Lots of sleepy time for me.

12/10/07

I have my Christmas decorations up.  One old fake Christmas tree which will probably need to go into retirement next year.  It drops needles like you wouldn't believe and can barely keep the decorations on it's branches.  I also have a lot of Christmas shopping to do.  Every year I say I will start gift shopping for Christmas as soon as the new year starts.  It never happens.  Too bad, cause at some point before December 25th.  I am going to have to get out the door and get into some stores with, I am sure, a million other people who procrastinate.  . 

I still haven't received my bike back from Kevin.  It kills me not to have my bike on days like today.  I think it said that we had a high of 66 degrees.  How awesome is that?  I did go out in shorts and a short sleeve shirt and do an hour run.  I was actually sweating by the end of the run. 

Talking about going out running... Chris and I went for a run the other day.  A sweet dog started to follow us.  Chris thought he had hear the owner calling for the dog.  I picked the dog up and started to carry it back to where we thought we saw the owner.  It ends up there was no owner.  There we were stuck with this really cute dog.  We had to get back home because I was picking up my friends son from school.  Fortunately we found another dog lover (sucker) to take the dog and try to find the owner.  It appeared the dog had run through an invisible fence.  He had a shock caller on but no phone number to call or address.  Moral of the story put some identification on your dog whether he/she has a shock caller or not.

I did get on the internet today to see what races I wanted to do in 2008.  Unfortunately I still can't decide.  I tend to do the same old races over and over again.  I like familiarity.  However, I do know that it is good to try new races.  Guess I will put my decisions off for another day or two, or maybe three:)

12/06/07

The other day I thought I would go ahead and see what it was like to get my eyebrows waxed.  Seemed like a good idea at the time, as the place I was getting my haircut did waxing too.  I went in and the lady said that my skin around my eyes looked thin (what does that mean??).  I told her to wax away regardless of my thin skin.  Bad mistake.  Off came the hair and the skin with it.  It actually looked worse than it felt. 

The following morning I was excited to not have to get up at any particular time because all my morning lessons had canceled.  For some reason, I must have set my alarm, and had an early morning alarm going off in my ear.  I turned it off to only be woken up to my watch alarm going off, and then the phone ringing.  I figured that was a sign to get out of bed.  URG!!!!

On Tuesday morning I went to morning swim practice.  I am pulling wide with my left arm.  It doesn't feel like it, but apparently I am doing it.  I have to beg the coaches to watch my stroke.  I finally got Bill Ripol to help me out for a bit.  Changing that arm pull is really hard.  The following day I got back in the water to practice.  The problem was that I had no idea if I was doing it correctly or not.  I just do not have a feel for the proper way of pulling with that darned left arm.  It really helps me empathize with the swimmers I coach.  Not enough to stop yelling at them:)

12/03/07

I have this swim suit that I got from Splish. Splish has names for all their suits.  This particular suit is called "hypnotic pink".   It is very unique and I have gotten plenty of compliments on it.  The other day I left it in the shower stall.  Tilly, my swimmer buddy, happened to see the suit and knew it was mine.  She took it out of the shower stall and put it up on a hook for me to retrieve.  Sure enough it was gone by the next day when I went to get it.  It is no where to be found.  How disgusting is that?  Granted I should expect my stuff to disappear if I forget it, but a swim suit that has been obvioulsy worn a lot?  The weirdest part is if I see the person wearing the suit there will be no doubt that it is mine.  The suit is past the new stage almost to the throw away stage.

I went on a longish run today with fast paced runners today.  I was a little nervous about running with them.  I didn't think I would be able to keep up.  I surprised myself and did quite well.  The biggest issue I had on the run was my asthma.  I have got to remember to bring my inhaler with me when the weather gets cool  I have been running with a friend of mine, Darrin.  He has been great about running around my schedule.  He likes to run early (I mean crack of dawn early).  On the weekends, if I don't have to run at crack of dawn it isn't going to happen.  I think 8:30 am is early enough.  Darrin would disagree, but puts up with my selfishness.  I keep telling him that everyone appreciates him letting me get my extra beauty sleep.  I can be scary in the later part of the day if I haven't gotten enough sleep.  Talking about that, I need to get to bed as I am planning on making masters tomorrow morning.

12/01/07

Guess it is time for me to start getting the Christmas stuff out.  I am usually excited about decorating, but I don't have that same thrill to decorate this year.  However; today I am going to take the first step in decorating and bring the boxes out of the attic.

I did my longest run today.  It was quite by accident.  I ran 59 minutes.  The run felt great.  I was a little over dressed, but I would rather that then freeze.  The last fifteen minutes were difficult.  My legs were getting a little sore.  I am really trying to concentrate on my running form, but it is tough to tell if I am running the way I should once I start getting tired.  "The foot" (which is what I am now calling the stress fractured foot) feels great.  I am having absolutely no problems with it.  Every once in a while I will start to panic because I think I am starting to feel something...then I realize that it is the wrong foot that I am freaking out about. 

I am now swimming twice a week.  I haven't started biking yet as I don't have a bike.  I sent my bike off to get tuned up, and my bike guy is not having any inspiration to tune it up.  The people who know him like to think of him as somewhat of a biking Picasso.  He takes his sweet time, but you know you will be getting your bike back better than when it was brand new.  I just hope he gets inspired soon:)

11/28/07

There is nothing like getting up at 4:30 am to work with someone, only to get a text message, while you are walking out the door saying they need to cancel.  That is what happened to me.  I didn't go back to bed since I had another lesson at 6:00 am.  I figured I would be worse off going back to bed than staying up and making a good cup of coffee before my next lesson.  That caused me to take an hour and half nap later in the day.

I did my first long run today.  I ran fifty minutes.  That is long considering it has been close to three months since I have come close to running that distance.  It felt great!  The only issue I had was that my entire body was sore.  I have been working out a lot of people in the gym.  In the process I have been doing some of their exercises with them.  Needless to say in the process not only are they getting sore, but I am as well.  I am doing a core body shape class on Thursday mornings.  Two weeks ago when I did the class I was sore for close to four days.  I called everyone up who did the class to make sure that they were sore as well.  They all gave me the correct answer by saying that they were:)

The other night there was drama in the pool during masters swim practice.  It seems one guy felt as though another guy was swimming in the wrong lane.  We will call the guy with the problem guy "A".  The other guy who was swimming in the lane that was too slow for him, guy "B".  I am not sure if Guy B was tapping on guy A's feet, but as the story was told to me guy A got really mad.  He wanted to take guy B down.  No punches were thrown and guy A got kicked out of practice.  How exciting!!!

11/27/07

Yesterday while I was working out at the Y this man started to work out on the recumbent bicycle.  All of a sudden he started having problems.  The Y staff was on him right away.  The rescue squad was in the gym within minutes.  It ends up the gentleman was having a heart attack.  From what I understand he is fine.  Thank goodness.  It is always a little strange to be witness to those sorts of life events. 

Yesterday as Mark (my swimmer) got into the water and told me, before I started working with him, "I am not going to swim anything longer than 50's during this swim practice".  I told him that it was fine, as long as he warmed up with a 100 free style.  We argued and he finally took off and did the 100 free like I had asked him to do.  The rest of the practice I only made him swim repeated 50's doing different drills.  He got out of the water and proceeded to tell me that since he technically was employing me, I had to let him do what he wanted to do.  I explained to him that he employed me because he believed (like he should) that I knew what was best for him; therefore that made me the boss of him for the half hour swim session.  All that said, everyone who I work with, remember that I AM THE BOSS OF YOU.  SO, do as you are told:)

11/26/07

Wow, it has been quite a bit of time since I have been on my blog.  Thanksgiving already come and gone and sooner than later Christmas will be here.  My friend went to sign up for Ironman AZ.  Seems entry fees for the Ironman have gone up once again.  Now it is a low, low price of $500.00.  Makes you think twice about entering if you haven't totally committed to doing the race.

I have been back running.  The longest run thus far has been forty five minutes.  I am only running three times a week.  I don't want to do anything stupid and re-injure the foot.  I must still be limping.  People ask me why I am limping and I don't know why.  I am not in pain.  I guess I have become so acustome to limping.  Weird!

I have made no decisions as of yet on what races I will be doing next year.  I am actually thinking about doing a marathon at the beginning of March.  It would only be my second true marathon ever.  Chris (my husband) said he might do it.  I thought it would be something for us to do together.  Chris hasn't done a triathlon yet.  He always jokes and says that if he ever does a triathlon his first one will be the Ironman.  It is nerve racking enough for me to watch him run a marathon, I couldn't imagine watching him race an Ironman.

11/07/07

I had a track work out last night.  Not many people showed up.  It was a lovely night.  Most everyone is still recovering from Ironman Florida.  They have a good excuse for not showing.  The others were just slackers.  Lots of promises to show up, but in the end they were a bunch of no-shows.  Pay backs are hell!

I did do a walk and a small amount of running yesterday.  I think I ran a total of one mile.  Since I am seven weeks out from having this stress fracture, I thought I would give running a shot.  It went well, but I think I am going to give it one more full week off.  My legs are sore from the walk.  What is that saying for the kind of shape I am in?  It is so easy to get out of shape.  It is not fair that it is so hard to get back into shape. 

11/05/07

I went to Panama City last week work the Newton Running shoe booth at the Ironman Florida Expo.  I flew out of Richmond mid afternoon on Wednesday and flew into Atlanta.  While waiting for the connecting flight an announcement came over the loud speaker saying that they had over booked the flight and needed someone to give up their seat.  I knew that no one going to Panama city was about to give up their seats.  It was obvious that most everyone getting onto that plane was going for the race.  I am not sure what Delta ended up doing because we all boarded the plane and left on time.   I go into Panama City at 7:15 pm and got a taxi to take me to the hotel.  I met up with the rest of the Newton running shoe company and went out and eat.  The rest is a blur. 

The days went by quickly and we had so many people trying on the shoes leaving.  Coming back and trying them on again and generally buying a pair.  The Expo would open at ten and it would close at four, however our booth generally never finished up till a bit past five.  By the end of the four days I had sore thumbs from opening and closing several hundred shoe boxes.  The athletes were excitted and ready to race.  There was a lot of nervous energy.  I was a little jealous that I wasn't there to race.  Although I didn't have much time to dwell on it as I was kept busy the entire day explaining and putting people into shoes. 

I left on Saturday.  It was a great day for an Ironman race.  There was no wind and comfortable temperatures.  I believe the top seven woman broke the course record.  I flew back home ready to get into my own bed and have a good night sleep.

10/30/07

First I thought I would go to Ironman Florida and watch my friends/athletes race.  Then I decided that I would be better off staying at home and doing swim lessons.  As of last night I am going to Ironman Florida.  This seems to be the way things have been going for me for the entire year.  Yes, no, yes, maybe,yes...URGH!!!  I am going to be working at the Newton running booth.  It will be a lot of fun and, I am sure LOTS of work.  I hope the weather will be warm and I can do a little bronzing.  I haven't checked the weather planner yet.

I think I am starting to come down with a cold.  I have got this annoying little cough.  I am taking that Ziacam stuff and seeing if it really works.  I just find it hard to believe that I have caught something since I haven't been training much and I have been getting plenty of sleep.  Plus I got my flu shot and I am constantly washing my hands. 

I am getting the front steps fixed.  What started off as a small job has blossomed into a total mess.  Whoever decided to fix the steps before we owned the house caused an even bigger problem.  Now we are going to have very expensive brick steps that no one will notice.  At least they won't collapse on us which is what would have happened if we decided to do nothing.  That would have been a great injury to explain to everyone:)

Check out my newsletter page.  Once again Jay Mclaughlin wrote another great article!. 

10/28/07

I have taken a full two weeks off of training.  It always gets me excited to get back into the swing of things once again.  I still am not able to run or bike, but I think in another week I won't feel the stress fracture at all when I walk.  Good stuff!

The weather is starting to get chilly.  I am sure those who are training for Ironman Florida are glad that the race is in a week.  In my opinion, biking in the cold weather is just miserable.

Ulrike Schwalbe from  East Germany was here doing Long course worlds and  staying with a friend of mine.  Ulrike wants to get into racing more triathlons.  She told Meagan (My friend) that she needed help with her swimming.  Meagan thought that it would be great if I could help her out.  I met up with her at the YMCA and worked on her stroke.  She was a pretty good swimmer before I started to explain some of the fundamentals of swimming to her.  A matter of fact, she was fourth female pro at the Lanzarote Ironman.  That is impressive.  Lanzarote is suppose to be one of the toughest Ironman's to do.  As the lesson went on, I told her that I didn't think it was in my best interest to help her out (of course I was joking...sort of).  She is a very talented athlete.  I did enjoy working with her and hope that I helped her out.

Today is the X-terra world championship race in Maui.  I have been following the race.  The coverage isn't quite as good as the coverage that is given for the Ironman races.  Conrad Stoltz won the men's pro race and Julie Diben's won the woman's race.

10/18/07

Every day my foot seems to get better and better.  I can't wait to run and bike once again.  Although I have been finding that I am enjoying my swimming.  This week I have been really lazy and haven't gone to any morning swim practices.  I have just swum on my own.  That way I get to swim as slow as I like. 

I did some land work with a my swimmer yesterday.  Lots of land kicking, single bicycles, double bicycles, and scissor kicking.  I am feeling it today.  I am tempted to call her and make sure she is feeling it as much as me.  I will be disappointed if she isn't.

My dad came into town today.  He is down visiting a friend in Matthews County.  He likes to drive from Ottawa  to Richmond more than he likes to fly.  That way he can go anywhere he likes when he wants.  Makes sense, but it is a long drive.  He is always on the go, and I love that about him.

I am going to the airport to pick Fiona Dougherty up.  Gabriella (my homestay) is driving into town tonight.  Long Course Duathlon Championships is this Sunday.  The girl who won the Roth Ironman will be competing in this race as well.  From what I understand she is a fantastic biker and runner.  She passed both Belinda Granger and Joanna Lawn on the bike in Roth.  I am not sure who the favorites are going into this race, but I am hoping it will be an interesting race to watch.  Or at least as interesting as the Hawaii Ironman was this year.

10/11/07

I really don't have much to report today.  My foot is getting better daily.  I am going to retire the sandal I have had to wear on my "broken foot" and start wearing normal shoes.    I can't wait until I am able to do a little jog.  When I swam today I was able to lightly push off the wall with my foot.  These are the things that are exciting to me these days.  I was sitting at Starbucks with CR and saw a guy walking around with the same kind of sandal that I have on my foot.  I asked him what happened.  He said he broke his big toe while running.  I could only commiserate with him. 

To inspire myself to get in the water more often I bought some suits from Splish.  They are so much fun.  I suggest people go check out there web-site at www.splish.com.  I guarantee some of the suits will crack you up, plus you cancustomizee suits too. 

A little update on my cat.  Cali has been a very bad girl lately.  She has decided that pooping in the house is lots of fun.  I finally had to take her to the vet because I thought Chris might blow a gasket (plus she needed her shots).  The vet couldn't find anything wrong with her.  We decided to put her on Kitty prozac and wouldn't you know the pooping has stopped.  Who would have thought!!! 

10/09/07

I got my deep water running shoes yesterday and tried them out today.  I like them.  It gives a little more resistance versus water jogging without them.  They are comfortable as well.  I give them a big thumbs up:)

Today when I was at the Y I ran into this lady who is such the pessimist.  It drives me crazy.  She tried to tell me my stress fracture was due to the fact that I am getting old.  I told her age is not an excuse, that I see plenty of kids with broken arms, stress fractures, etc....  besides injuries and sports go hand in hand.  She just wouldn't let up.  Then she went on to tell me every single one of her ailments.  URG!!!  I couldn't get away from her fast enough.

You will need to click on my newsletter page and read Jay McLaughlin's article on being a triathlete.  Jay is a pretty amazing guy.  He is very kind and generous with his time and friendships.  Years ago he was biking and was hit by a car.  He almost died and was in a comma for quite a while.  He fully recovered with only having to wear a brace on his lower leg.  He keeps a picture of himself all hooked up to machines laying in the hospital to remind him of how fortunate he was to survive.  The amazing thing is that his favorite part of triathlons is still the bike.

10/08/07

The Hawaii Ironman is only five days away.  Most everyone racing is already there getting ready for the BIG race day.  The best athletes from all over the world competing at this historical race.  I hope everyone there is racing clean.  I hate to bring that up, but it is tough not to when so many people are now admitting to using drugs to help with their performances.  It is so disheartening to see Marion Jones come forward and admit to using drugs.  After all these years of denying it.  I can only hope everyone has a moral conscience racing in Hawaii and the "playing field" is even.

I know of two people from Richmond who are racing in Kona.  I hope they acclimating to the temperature and getting excited.  It will be interesting to see how the winds are this year.  The past two years have been great racing years since the winds were so calm.  I talked to Amanda yesterday.  She was giving me a little update on what was happening in Kona. 

Carol Sharpless was out on her bike training with Joanna Zieger and a friend when she over corrected and slammed on her breaks.  She flew over her handle bars and broke her back and both writs.  I can't imagine the pain that she is in, and how devastated she must be.  I pray she has a full and quick recovery.  It is so important to ALWAYS pay attention when riding out on the road cycling.  Thank goodness she was wearing a bike helmet.  Makes me thankful for my little stress fracture. 

On another note Michael Lavato who is in Kona has forgotten something very important at home.  He has done it again!  When he raced in CDA he forgot his nutrition.  This time he forgot his wheels.  It's great that he got to Hawaii in plenty of time to have his race wheels shipped to him.  Goes to show how important it is to make that travel list and check it twice.  Best of luck Michael! 

10/03/07

I am back to talk about strange things that people say on the pool deck.  There is this lady who hobbles out onto the pool deck to do her water aerobics class.  For some strange reason she feels the need to stop where I am standing to complain about people splashing water up on the pool deck.  She says it is slippery and dangerous.  I am not sure what she wants me to do about it, but I can tell you one thing.  That pool deck is NEVER going to be dry.

Since I am no longer able to bike (Newby said "think where your cleat is and where the ‘stress’ and force goes through – need to lay off for a couple of weeks at least to let the actual fracture line heal, and then just spin.  I can only imagine you biking even harder and with more power with limited running – that is most likely what turned inflammation/ stress reaction into an actual fracture.  But you would only feel it on the run on impact, but the biking was most likely doing most of the damage.)  That being said I have ordered some AQX deep water running shoes.  They are suppose to help to simulate running on land a little better than just running in the water with a jogging belt around your waste.  I will be interested to see how well they work or if I will even like them.  They are what Michellie Jones used when she was injured before her Hawaii race in 2006.

I will be having a couple of people stay at my house for the Long Course Duathlon worlds which is being held here in Richmond.  There are a couple of pro's who I race against who are doing the duathlon.  Fiona Dougherty, and Gabriella Loskotova are the two who I am setting up for home-stays.  They both are strong runners.  I have heard that the course is difficult.  It will be fun to go out and watch.

9/27/07

People watching can be a lot of fun, especially at the YMCA.  The other day I was waiting for a swim lesson to show up.  I couldn't help notice this guy swimming in one of the lanes.  He would swim a couple of laps, then stop and start reading a book.  I thought it was the strangest thing I had ever seen.  I was curious to know what book was so good that he couldn't put it down long enough to swim more than two lengths.  I walked by slowly and checked out the name of the book.  It ends up he was reading a "how to swim" book.   Now that is impressive. There are a couple of other odd behaviors around the Y pool deck (at least I find them odd).  Some people like to come out on the pool deck, sit in a chair and proceed to close their eyes and go to sleep.  I personally would prefer a couch or bed to take my nap.  The other thing that I find interesting are the people who swim with head phones.  Do they really work? 

On to my pet peeve.  Last night I was coaching Masters.  I love coaching Masters.  Now the one thing that bugs me more than anything is when people show  up late for practice.  Everything gets disrupted.  The person getting in late doesn't know where everyone is in the set; they have to stop someone to ask.  Generally that starts a ripple affect of making others stop.  Sometimes it causes the lane to suddenly have too many people,  and so on and so forth.  I do understand that sometimes things come up and people can't help being late, but nine times out of ten it is always the same people committing this faux pas.  I drives me up the wall.

9/26/07

I kind of feel lost right now.  I don't have my eye on any race.  I believe my season has ended.  I don't think I will be healed in time for Ironman Florida.  It sometimes makes me mad that I worked so hard after Lake Placid and was feeling so good to have my plans all come crashing down.  I know there are definitely worse things that can happen.  And where one door closes another door opens, but I am not seeing that open door right now. 

This morning while driving to the Y to do swim lesson the moon caught my attention.  It was absolutely beautiful.  I don't recall ever seeing such a perfectly round moon such a brilliant orange color.  I didn't want to take my eyes off of it.  I should  have taken a picture, but at that time in the morning I don't think too clearly.

9/25/07

What a hectic day.  I got up this morning and drove to register for my bone scan.  Then I had to wait around for the radio active shot.  Three hours later I returned to get the scan.  That took about forty five minutes.  Then I drove to Dr. Stadlers office with the results.  All the scan said was that there was definitely a hot spot on my foot.  The CT scan was approved and I drove to the hospital to get that done.  Again, sit around and wait, then get the scan.  Sit around and wait for the results and take them back to Dr. Stadlers office.  Surprise, surprise...I have a stress fracture  URG!!!  There goes Hawaii.  I am in a little blue shoe for three to four weeks. 

9/24/07

I am still limping while I am walking.  I am going to get a bone scan tomorrow.  We wanted to get a CAT scan, but the insurance wouldn't let me.  Once something shows up on the bone scan, then I am allowed a CAT scan.  Insurance is crazy!  They make things so much harder then they need to be.

Just finished talking to Amanda and Micheal Lavato.  Sounds like everyone is training hard in Boulder for Hawaii or they are already in Hawaii training.  Can't imagine being in Hawaii Months ahead of race day.  It would be nice to be able to do it.  I guess if I had the opportunity I would be in Hawaii training right now. 

I did a long bike ride on Saturday.  I biked along route 5.  Made it all the way to Williamsburg.   It is a straight shot and the traffic wasn't that bad.  It is a boring ride.  I was pretty much in the aerobars the entire time.  There were lots of dead snakes on the road, and  I passed a lot of plantations.  That was about all the excitement.

Yesterday I did a long run pool jogging.  The water temperature was 73 degrees.  I was actually cold when I finished my run.  Jogging around in circles isn't too exciting either.  Makes me really jealous of people who are able to go out and do their jogs.  My legs are going to be so fresh when I can finally run:)  I have to try and look at the bright side of things.

9/21/07

What a day.  I had a lesson early this morning.  The poor girl got hit driving through the Y parking lot.  She ran in worried about missing her lesson.  I told her to take care of the car and "Who cares about a stupid lesson."  A lady plowed into her and I am hoping that the lady's car insurance will cover the cost of her cars damages.  That has got to be the worst way to start the day.

I managed to do 50 minutes worth of water jogging.  The Y deck temperature is hot and I find myself sweating while pool jogging.  It isn't great fun running around in circles, but it has got to be better than doing absolutely nothing.  I have started to ultra-sound my foot and the foot seems to be responding well.  However, I am still limping while I walk.  My fingers are crossed that by Monday I will be able to jog. 

I did a few chores and came back to the Y and did some swimming.  I can now swim freestyle, and breaststroke without foot pain.  I can feel the foot a little on back and fly.  I am still not able to push off the wall with both legs.  My left leg should be getting good and strong.

Chris has been out of town for a week.  He went on holiday with his father's side of the family.  They went to Hilton Head.  Sounds as though they played a lot of ping-pong.  I didn't go because of training and a bad foot.  Chris has actually been running while down there (kind of makes me jealous).  He says he has to in order to keep the tire off from around his belly, since they aren't eating that great.  It will be good to see him tomorrow.  Plus I think he is ready to come home.  Too much partying for him.

9/18/07

Not everyone from my morning swim group got the memo about bringing sneakers and a t-shirt to swim practice.  I was so looking forward to seeing them struggle through the water wearing shoes and shirts.  It will just have to wait till next week.

My foot is still bothering me.  I still can't walk without limping.  I thought it would be healed by now.  It feels like I have had the injury for a month.  In fact it has only been a week and two days.  Each day it get's a little better.  I have been Resting, Icing, Compressing, and Elevating my foot as much as possible.  It takes up so much time.  I can't stop worrying that it might not be better by the time Hawaii roles around.  Guess I really can't go there until the time comes. 

I was giving a lesson the other day.  On one of the end lanes there is equipment for people who are disabled.  It takes up a bit of the lane.  This lady and the girl who I was doing a lesson with were sharing that lane.  To my dismay this old man jumps into the lane and starts swimming around.  I am thinking "has he lost his mind?"  There is not room for three people.  I was hoping the lifeguard would say something to the man, but he didn't.  Honestly I don't even know if the lifeguard even noticed.  Anyway, I thought it was a little creepy and got my swimmer out and moved. 

9/16/07

I don't know where the time goes.  I feel like I just got up out of bed.  Chris' alarm accidentally was set to go off early this morning and of course it woke me up.  URG!!!  I couldn't get back to sleep, so I got up made some coffee and watched the weather channel.  I couldn't believe it when it said it was only 48 degree's out this morning. 

I eat breakfast and got ready to get back on my bike for a nice five hour bike ride.  I didn't feel like riding.  I was a little disappointed because I thought I was going to get out of bed and my foot was going to be back to normal....wishful thinking.  I am still not able to walk normally.  I got on my bike and the foot was bothering me.  I thought I was going to have to cut the ride short.  About twenty minutes into the ride I was feeling no pain.  That was a relief.  The weather was so cool that I actually had to put on arm warmers and never took them off for the entire bike ride.

I am going to have fun coaching my group of swimmers tomorrow morning.  I am having them bring shirts and shoes.  They are going to swim with all that stuff on.  I can't wait.  I am a little worried about my non-kickers.  They barely move kicking normally.  I will still enjoy watching them struggle.  Cruel, I know!

I had a friend who ran the Rock n' Roll half marathon.  She ran in pain from about mile three on.  She was determined to finish, but managed to hurt her knee in the process.  She went to the Doctor's to find out she had bricitis in the knee.  We were psyched that it wasn't anything major then I found out today that she fell on her deck and broke her leg.  Now that bites!!! 

9/15/07

Okay, I haven't written in a long time because I have been somewhat depressed.  My friend told me that my blog was boring.  Which I told her that my life isn't all that exciting.  I am not complaining, I like my boring hum-drum life.  So, for those of you who I have been putting to sleep, I will try and spice up my entries a little:) 

Also, I have managed injure my right foot.  My Doctor was 80% sure that I had a stress fracture.  I couldn't put any weight on the foot.  I immediately had an MRI taken of my foot, and got some good news.  I had strained the muscles on the top of my foot.  Not great news, but it is definitely better than having a stress fracture.  The radiologist had never seen such an injury and had a couple of other radiologist come and read my MRI.  As my husband would say "this injury is only something that Karen can manage to do before a big race."  I am not able to run yet.  I am still limping when I walk.  However, I can swim and bike. 

I have been hating swimming because I have had to swim with a buoy.  I hate the swim buoys.  They make me slow. I have been able to swim a little more without the buoy which is so much more fun for me. 

Today was the first day I could bike without pain.  Towards the end of the bike my foot got a little cranky, but nothing too excruciating.  Nothing like going into Hawaii with a little drama.

I have been having to do most of my training on my own lately.  My training partner has gotten a little burned out.  Plus he doesn't really have any races in the near future.  At first I was really bummed at the fact that I didn't' have anyone to train with, but I am kind of liking it.  Especially my long bike rides.  I don't have to wait around for someone when I want to start my ride, I can stop when I want, and go slow when I want, and there is no one to worry about.

Please forgive me in my delinquent "holiday" blogs.

9/05/07

Here I am getting ready to go into a big training mod, and I feel like I have been put through the wringer.  My legs feel dead on the bike and the runs, although they start coming around about the middle of the workout.  I have been trying to be good and get everything ready for Kona so that my coach (Danahy) can't yell at me.  He usually starts getting on me about this time to make sure everything is ordered, that I know what I will be wearing, and stuff like that.  I now have a plane ticket, a rental car and possibly a place to stay in Kona.  All is looking up.  Now if I can stay healthy and injury free that would be a bonus. I managed to do something to my foot the night I did the Museum run.  We ran the North trail which isn't that bad, as far as trails go.  However I did managed to roll  my foot a couple of times.  Now the top of my right foot has been bothering me.  I am hoping I just twisted my foot funny and eventually the pain will go away.  I am being pro active and icing.  The YMCA is full of interesting characters.  There is this older group that likes to hang out in the mornings.  They are gossiping and bringing in goodies for one another to eat.  Most of them are really nice.  A couple are grouchy.  One lady actually complained about the pool deck being wet.  I thought she had to be kidding, but she was dead serious.  I chose to ignore her, I didn't figure her complaint needed any type of acknowledgment. So yesterday I had a track workout and ran around the University of Richmond Campus.  It was busheling with students walking (some running) to classes.  I was running to the track weaving in and out of people when I managed to trip on the curb and fall.  I don't know why I keep falling.  It hurt, but was more embarrassed than anything.  I don't think I have fallen on cement while running quite as much as I have this past year.  It has got to stop.  My dad would say it is because I have two left feet.  I am starting to think it is true.

8/27/07

Today went by so quickly and all I had on my training schedule was a swim.  I got into the water and felt great. My back is starting to ease up a bit and doing flip turns doesn't bother it as much as it did at the end of last week.  I don't know where this back issue came from.  It is just a new nuisance to have to deal with whenever it decided to rear it's ugly head.  I have been good about getting on the foam roller.  As much as I hate it and it hurts, it seems to help with everything from the back issue to the hamstring issues. 

It would have been a great morning to do some running.  I walked out the door and actually needed to wear a long sleeve shirt.  However, it didn't take long for it to warm up.  I know I still have sometime before the cool weather comes, but I am already dreading it. 

Yesterday was a big Ironman race day with Ironman Canada, Korea, and Louisville taking place.  Looks as though there were some great results too.  It was great to see that a Canadian won Ironman Canada, and Gollnick had a fantastic performance in Louisville, and Christine Wellington from GB did awesome in Korea placing seventh in the overall standings.  It really motivates me for Hawaii.

I just found out that all the oneoone tri races have been canceled.  Glad I decided to take my slot to Hawaii.  My original plan for my race season was to not take my Hawaii slot, if I got it, and race the oneoone in Texas. After qualifying for Hawaii in Lake Placid my coach and I talked it over and decided that I should indeed take my slot.  It was one of the best decisions I have made in a long time.

09/26/07

It's been a while since my last entry.  Training is ramping up and I am getting lazy.  Isn't that always the case:)

On Friday I did a long ride with my friend, John Wake.  The plan was to bike at an up-temp pace, which I did.  I did a bike route that I hadn't done in a long time, probably since last year, which was nice.  The temperature started off very comfortable and it just got hotter as the day went on.  We got caught at a couple of paving sites.  Fortunately we didn't have to site for long.  The heat coming from them paving was unbelieveable.  When I got home I did the usual transition run.  When I finished my legs were shot.  I couldn't believe that they were a little sore. 

The next day I had a swim and a thirty minute run.  The swim went well.  I managed to talk Tom Curran into doing my run with me.  He had to borrow Danahy's running shoes that had no inserts in them.  That's a true friend:)  My legs felt like led, and all I could think about was "how on earth am I going to do my long run Tomorrow  when my legs feel this bad for a short run?"  I checked the weather channel to see what the temperature was when we ran.  It said 96, but feels like 106.  And that was about right!

This morning I got up pretty early to do my long run.  I figured I would beat the heat.  It really didn't feel all that bad outside, but the humidity was in full force.  Katie and my Chris ran the last fifty minutes with me.  It is always nice having company on runs.  Once we finished we all jumped into the Danahy's pool.  Life doesn't get better than that!

08/21/07

Yesterday was a big swim day for me.  I have started adding a little extra distance to my swim workouts.  A little extra distance makes me a little extra tired.  I even did an hour spin on my bike that day.  That felt good, but every time I hit an up hill my legs felt tired.  I don't feel as though I have done that much to deserve having tired legs.

All that traveling has made my lower back ache.  I went and got a massage.  I am going to try and get them more often now that I am getting back into training.  I try and save money by not going for as long as possible.  Lance (my massage therapist) dug into muscles that I didn't even realize were sore.  I could feel some of the effects of the massage today.  Sometimes it brings issues up to the surface.  I don't have anything major, just aches here and there.  Hopefully after a few massages and some good stretching those "issues" will disappear.

I signed up for Hawaii today.  Once you qualify for Hawaii, you have a month before you can actually sign up for the race.  Now I am "officially" entered in the world championship race.  Sounds very prestigious when you say "world Championships".  I still have to get my flights and accommodations arranged.  Nothing like waiting till the last minute.  But everything always seems to work out in the

end.

8/20/07

I am not even sure what day it is today.  I was in Alabama for a wedding this past weekend.  It was a lot of fun.  However, I can tell you that Montgomery is not a place I would probably want to live.  Chris and I drove to Norfolk on Thursday evening through wicked thunderstorms.  We actually saw lightening hit something where sparks went flying everywhere.  I was scared.  The wind was blowing hard.  And the people on the radio were warning people to not drive.  I felt sorry for the poor motor cyclists who were stuck under the bridges waiting the storm out. 

The next morning we got up early and flew to Montgomery with no problems.  We got to the Hotel and went for our long run.  It was brutally hot.  Chris made the first 50 minutes with me and decided that he had had enough.  I finished out the remainder of my run with people driving by me obviously thinking that I had lost my mind.  I got back to the hotel and got ready for the rehersal, rehersal diner, and after party.  Lots of events for one evening.

The following day I found a YMCA so that I could swim.   It was only about four miles from the hotel.  I went to the brunch which was magnificent and got back to the hotel and drove a friends car directly to the Y to swim 4000 yards.  The pool was empty which is a change, since the Tuckahoe Y is usually always packed with someone getting upset because all the lanes are full.  I got back to the hotel took a shower, and got ready for the wedding.  The wedding was quick and we were off to the reception.  They even had an after party after the reception which ended at 11:30 PM.  I didn't make that after party.

On Sunday I had a forty five minute run.  It wasn't quite as hot as the first day we had gotten there, but hot enough.  Being the wise person that I am; I decided that I would run right after breakfast.  I was noxious the entire run.  It did take my mind off the heat.

We flew back home Sunday afternoon.  We flew back into Norfolk and had to make the drive back home at 9:30 in the evening.  Once again we ended up driving through a thunderstorm.  Not fun, but it was made even worse when since both Chris and I were exhausted.  I was so happy when I saw my house. 

Now I am barely able to keep my eyes open.  It is off to bed for me. 

8/14/07

The day was absolutely lovely.  It was a wonderful day for a bike ride which I did at 8:00 am.  Katie and I biked to Starbucks and drank some coffee before the ride.  A little caffeine before a workout never hurts.  We met up with Anthony and off we went on a humidity free ride.  That is rare.  We biked a little over an hour with Anthony taking us on all his secret routes that are traffic free. Anthony and I did a short transition run. 

Strangely enough my legs didn't feel all that bad running.  I say strangely enough because yesterday my legs were swollen.  I think it was from doing the Olympic triathlon race in the morning and traveling by air the rest of the day on Sunday.  It is the worst feeling having swollen legs.  They just feel so tight and heavy and they look grows.  My legs didn't swell like that after Lake Placid.  So I thought it strange that they would swell after a short triathlon. 

I did wear my descente bike clothing for the first time.  I loved the bike shorts.  They don't have that elasticy plastic stuff around the legs.  My legs sometimes break out wear the elasticy stuff touches them.  The bike jersey was really comfortable and soft.  For you ladies out there, the elastic in the bra part of the shirt didn't dig into me, which was nice. 

8/13/07

I am back from my trip to Iowa.  I did the "BIG CREEK" Olympic triathlon.  My plane going to Chicago left Richmond late due to mechanical issues causing me to miss my connecting flight to Iowa.  There were three flight flying out of Chicago to Iowa and all of them were over booked, but I decided to take my chances and see if I could get on one of the flights standby.  Fortunately for me I was in luck and got on the first flight out of Chicago and made it to Iowa only three hours late.  Iowa was really hot and humid.  I stayed with the Vanderweides, who took great care of me last year and did a fantastic job again this year.  They treat me like I am royalty.  It's great! 

The Big Creek race grew in numbers from last year, however TJ Tolsten and I were the only pro's to show up.  It was the 27th anniversary of the race as well as TJ's 27th birthday which was kind of cool.  The two people who won Big Creek in it's inaugural year, showed up and raced this year.  I never did find out who they were or how they did this year.

The swim was a non-wetsuit swim.  All the Elites and the relays took off in the first wave.  We raced into the water from the shore line.  We swam a big square.  TJ got out in front and I was leading the rest of the pack in second place.  The water was very warm.  The transition was long, but not as long as the transitions at Lake Placid.  The bike course is pretty flat with a couple of small inclines.  Speed was good going out on the bike as we had wind to our backs.  Coming back was another story.  It was slowing the pace down quite a bit.  My lower back tightened up on the bike.  Which made me glad it was only a 24 mile bike course.  Then it was off the bike onto the run.  The run ran us through the Big Creek park.  We ran up a good incline at mile three.  I was glad to get that over with.  After that we ran on a paved trail to the finish line.  It started to get really hot during the run.  I slowed down a lot the last two miles from the heat.  Once I finished I couldn't stand up for a couple of minutes from being dizzy.  I just kept getting ice water pored over my head.  It felt great. Once we finished there was plenty of food and refreshments, plus ice bucked baths and massages.  Who can ask for anything more? 

I had to hurry back to the house after the awards ceremony was finished.  I had to pack up my bike and clothes to make it on the plane back home that day.  The flight back home went without incidents.  I just had a long lay over in Chicago.  I made it home and in bed by mid-night.  Then I got up at 5:30 am to teach swim lessons.  The life of a pro is so glamorous:)

8/09/07

It has been hot here.  Yesterday it was 110 degree's.  Makes training a little bit slow, but I figure it is good training for Hawaii.  Yesterday I ran for 40 min and actually didn't feel to badly.  I put my fuel belt on and managed to drink all the water in just 40 minutes.  Generally I don't bring anything with me. 

I have actually been looking forward to getting in the water and swimming these days.  I have been swimming on my own, but hope to start swimming with master's soon.

I coached master's last night.  We had a big group.  As always I wish we could have the entire pool, but the Y just won't let it happen.  I have noticed that slowly but surely everyone is learning swim etiquette.  It is good to see, especially when we are doing longer sets. 

I got a headache last night.  I took an Exedrin and went to bed.  I fell asleep and woke  up with my head just pounding.  It was aweful.  I took an Emitrex spray and fell back to sleep.  When I woke up the head pounding was almost gone.  I took another exedrin which managed to take care of it.  I am not sure why I got it, other than perhaps the heat.  I didn't think I was dehydrated, but it is quite possible that I was.

I leave tomorrow for Iowa.  I am now told that the Deboom's will not be at the race.  I think I may even be the only female pro showing up.  I need to beat my own course record.  My goal will be to beat some of the male pro's.  I don't really have to pack much as I fly out tomorrow and return on Sunday.  Now my hope will be that my flights will go well.  Their track record hasn't been great recently. 

8/05/07

It is thundering like you wouldn't believe tonight.  Our electricity has flickered on and off a couple of times.  I love it when it get's like this at night.  It makes for a cozy evening.

This morning I got out the door early to do my first track workout in a long time.  I was worried about how I was going to feel.  I put my fuel belt on and ran to the U of R track.  Once I got to the track I took the belt off and felt so light.  There was only one other person shuffling around the track.  I did three one mile repeats descending each mile.  The first mile didn't feel good at all.  The second one felt awesome and so did the third one.  I was glad had brought water with me because it was so humid.  To my surprise the workout was over quickly.  Just to let you know, I don't care for speed workouts of any kind.  I like the long slow stuff:)

I got home and still had a small swim left on the workout agenda.  I jumped in Danahy's pool.  The water was warm.  Not refreshing at all. I turned the endless pool on.  I had the endless pool on a pretty low level and swam for 25 min.  It's great to be able to swim outside.  That is the only problem with the YMCA, all they have are indoor pools around here. 

The rest of the day was just laying around the house not doing much of anything.  I tried getting in touch with Amanda.  She just returned from England.  I have thought of going out to Denver once again and doing training before Hawaii.  All it is, is thoughts.  I can't decide.  I have become such a last minute decision maker these days

I am going to sign off for now, as I am not sure if we will loose electricity or not.  I am not taking any chances.  AUREVOIR!

8/04/07

This morning I got up bright and early, for a Saturday, to meet one of my swimmers in the gym.  It is great fun putting someone through a weight routine.  The only problem was that I was sore from doing weights yesterday.  I couldn't believe how sore I was, I did really lights weights too.  I only worked my upper body because I decided I don't like the way my arms look.  Vain, I know.  I am paying for it today.  It is amazing how quickly you loose strength if you don't keep your weight routine going.

I then sat on my computrainer and did a speed workout.  Doing in door cycling is tough.  Even though I felt good, I still was ready to be off the bike. 

Chris did a two hour run today.  The weather report said that today would be the hottest day of the week with poor air quality.  Chris did his long run anyway.  He was tired when he was done.  The heat just took it right out of him.  Plus he got home late last night from doing some carb loading:)

I went to the pool and worked with a girl on her swimming.  She is just learning how to do the breathing thing.  People don't realize that if you have never swam before, no matter how good a shape your in, swimming will kick your butt.  The whole breath control thing and having the water pressure against your chest is difficult to get used to.  Learning to swim young is so much easier.  I am always in awe of people who learn as adults.  In my opinion, it is astounding how quickly these adults learn.  And the poor people who I teach get a crash course in swimming.  I go from one thing to the next, they have no choice but to drink lots of water, which I always say is normal when you are learning.....at least for my students:)

8/03/07

I had to get up REALLY early this morning so that I could take "yummy" (that is her nickname) to the airport.  She picked me up in her BIG yellow hummer.  I had to drive that thing back home.  It is a good thing that it was really early and there weren't too many cars on the road.  I am not used to driving something so big, I have a little tiny car I drive around.  Yummy called to see how I liked driving her car.  I said fine, but it will be parked in my driveway until you get back.  I can't imagine how much it costs to fill it's tank up.  I think filling my car up is outrageous.

I went to starbucks and got a cup of coffee before I had to go teach swim lessons.  That caffeine kicked in and did it's job.  I was wired and ready to teach lessons.  Twila one of my swimmers is still having a hard time with not rushing her pull.  I decided to put fins on her to see if that would help her at all, well she never wanted to take them off.  The funny thing is that she doesn't really kick.

I later got in the water after an hour spin and did a set of fast 50's.  20 to be exact.  It actually went by quickly.  I did them in sets of four on 40 sec.  The first set was the hardest.  That always boggles my mind.  I have that happen a lot.  My first set whether it be on the track, in the pool, or on the bike is always the toughest.

Right now I am working on training plans.  Not all my athletes are triathlete's.  It requires some research, which is good since it keeps me updated and constantly learning new things.  It's challenging writing out the plans and individualizing each one of them.  Working with my out-of -towners is probably the hardest for obvious reasons.  Thank goodness for cell phones and the internet. How did we ever live without them???!!!

8/02/07

Yesterday I worked with a couple of people at the Y.  As soon as I got home I hopped on my bike and went for a two hour ride.  It was really nice, I pretty much stayed in my small gear the entire ride.  I couldn't believe how good I felt, although I was going pretty slow.  It is hard not to feel good when you are just plodding along. 

Later I took my long nap again.  I couldn't help myself.  I was reading my book and my eye lids got so heavy and lala land was calling my name.  An hour later I got up.  I strongly recommend it.  Perhaps not for an hour.  But I think you will enjoy it as much as I do:) Today I decided it was time that I cleaned my house.  Cleaning my friends house gave me the motivation I needed to clean mine.  Dusting, vacuuming, moping, cleaning floor boards, is not what I call fun.  I have got to say that it is nice having a clean house.  I always tell myself that I should clean one room each day and then it won't be such a hassle, I haven't done that yet.  I just get so lazy and put it off till I can't stand it anymore.

I went for another run today.  It felt much better than the run I did on Monday.  My knees didn't ache at all.  I think I must have bruised my knee's when I fell on them during my race.  I was scared for a while because they were bothering me.  Luckily the pain has gone.  PHEW!!!!

I was talking to Hugh Walton about how I was dehydrated at the end of my race in Placid.  I said I couldn't understand why because I drank plenty and had plenty of electrolytes.  He mentioned that perhaps I am not starting to hydrate soon enough in the race.  That, perhaps, I should start drinking as soon as I get on the bike and not wait a half hour.  That made a lot of sense to me.  I am going to try that for Hawaii.  It is amazing how simple that idea is, and yet I couldn't think of it myself....Always learning!!!

7/31/07

I went to the pool early to do some swimming and ended up doing more talking than swimming.  That is the good thing and bad thing about the Tuckahoe YMCA.  No matter when you decide to go there you are almost guaranteed to run into someone you know and I can't pass up an opportunity to do a little chatting.  I hope I am not one of those people that people try to avoid because they know that I will talk their ear off.  I am thinking I may be. 

I really enjoy reading.  I am into a book right now, and am enjoying it.  I am not sure if other people have this problem, but if I read during the day, I generally end up falling asleep.  It happened to me today.  I was sitting down and enjoying some quite time, reading my book, when all of a sudden I am snoozing.  Why that doesn't happen at night, I have no clue.

I conducted track practice tonight.  Everyone showed except Skirt boy.  Skirt boy thought that if he called me to say he couldn't make it due to work that he wouldn't get harrassed.  He has lost his mind.  The group doesn't need much ammunition to enjoy giving someone a hard time.  I have a new girl in the group, her name is Deanna.  Now I have two Deanna's.  What is the likely hood two people would have that name?  I don't mean that in a bad way, just that it isn't that common of a name.  We had a little rain, Thunder and maybe a little bit of lightening while doing track.  It scared poor Anthony off.  The rest of us stayed and enjoyed the rain.

7/30/07

Last night I could not sleep.  This time it was not because of drinking coffee.  Of course when Chris comes to bed, he is asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow.  It just isn't fair.  Especially since I had to get up early this morning to coach.

I was pleasantly surprised to have all the "guppies" show up, minus Anthony.  However, I did give him a pass sinice he is still recovering from his first Ironman.  And he played golf all day yesterday.  I remember I took about two months off from working out after my first Ironman.  I just laid around and ate lots.  Unfortunately it showed after the two months was done.

I started thinking about Ironman USA and the awards banquet.  When I was there I ran into Poalina.  She placed right behind me in Ironman Canada.  Since she has stopped racing Ironman due to a foot injury.  She now works for Timex and has started bike racing.  From what I understand she is doing very well racing bikes.  Poalina mentioned that my run turn over had improved.  I was so psyched that she had noticed, especially since I have been really working on that part of my run.  It is nice to have someone notice your hard work:)

Today we had a short thunderstorm.  The rain came down hard for about a half hour.  Once it stopped I got my running stuff on and went for my first run since my race.  The sun came out in full force and steam started coming off the ground.  It was nice to get and do a slow jog.  My knee's were a little creaky, other than that it felt really good.  I miss all those trails out in Boulder.

7/29/07

Yesterday I was really tired.  The night before I went out to diner with Mark.  I later made the mistake of having a small coffee at Starbucks.  It kept me up all night.  It was awful. 
It felt really good getting back in the water.  Feels as though I haven't done any kind of working hour in months.  It is crazy as I just finished an Ironman, exactly one week ago.  Today I got on my bike and biked a little over two hours.  That felt really good as well.  I was going super slow, but it was good to get out.  It is fun to go slow. Last night Chris and I went to the movies.  We say "Chuck and Larry".  It was funny, but I would wait till it comes out on DVD.  "Knocked up" was better.  I now want to go and see the "Bourne Ultimatum".  Chris ordered popcorn at the theater and asked for lots of butter.  The girl did what he asked.  She gave him so much butter that it seeped through the bag and got all over his shorts.  It was pretty funny.  Hopefully it won't ruin his shorts.

7/27/07

I think that tomorrow I might get back in the water.  Just a little splashing around.  My scabs from falling are starting to heal up, so it might be time.  I can't believe I actually want to get back into the water.  Very strange!  Guess seeing everyone swim while I am giving a swim lesson is motivating me.  I just got my plane ticket to do the Big Creek triathlon.  I am actually amazed at how many races I am doing this year.  I generally don't do this many.  I am actually thinking about doing the 101 in Texas after I complete the Hawaii Ironman.  I quite possibly have lost my mind, but I am really enjoying racing this year.  It is just all the traveling that I hate, even though my flying Karma has changed. Once I get back from the Iowa race I have to fly to Montgomery Alabama.  A friend of Mine and Chris' is getting married.  Jonathan Beevers played soccer at ODU.  It will be fun as I am sure there will be plenty of ODU alumni at his wedding.  It amazes me that we have kept up with so many people from College.  I think Beevers is one of the last of us ODU friends to get married.  The problem about this wedding is that I am going to have to do a little training while I am there and not do too much liver damage:)  I say that, but to tell you the truth I really don't enjoy drinking in excess.  Tonight I am meeting up with my world traveling friend, Ya-ya.  I don't see him much anymore between my travels and his.  I taught him how to swim years ago.  It is going to be Sushi night tonight at OSAKA'S.  I love sushi!

7/26/07

I wasn't as sore after doing this Ironman as I usually am which is kind of strange.  However, I am tired.  After an Ironman I tend to sleep a lot.  Today I slept in and had a two hour nap.  I am not sure if two hours is technically considered a nap, but it sure felt good.  I could actually go to bed right now. 

I ended up taking my slot to Hawaii.  I know I said that I was going to pass it up this year, but I went with my gut instinct.  My instincts screamed "take your slot".  And I can't ignore anything that is screaming at me.  I will be back into training before I can blink an eye.  I am definitely going to enjoy my couple of days off and do more sleeping:)  Although tomorrow morning I have to get up early and do some swim lessons.  Getting up early is going to be tough.  It's hard getting back in the habit of getting up early.  Once you start sleeping in, you are in BIG trouble. 

7/25/07

I returned from Lake placid late last night.  Chris and I flew out of Burlington, Vt.  We took the Ferrie from New York to Burlington and it was a beautiful ferrie ride, plus very relaxing.  We even managed to arrive home early.  My flying experiences are getting better:) I placed fourth at Ironman USA.  It was my fourth race in a row where I placed fourth.  I guess I am just consistent like that:)  I would have liked to have placed higher, but I won't complain.  I had some wonderful friends and family come to the race to support and cheer for me.  I feel so fortunate to have such wonderful people in my life.  My dad came from Ottawa, My friends Kurt and Shelley came from Austin, Chris (my number one fan) was there, Katie and Danahy were there.  It was awesome to be surrounded by so much possitive energy and knowing that they believe in me.  Race morning was chilly.  Everyone had to wear warm clothing.  That's the way it generally is race day morning in Lake Placid, NY.  The water temperature wasn't too bad, but it was cool enough to wear a long sleeve wetsuit.  The woman pro's (all twenty four of us) took off at 6:25 am.  Teresa Marcel and another girl took the lead right from the start.  I ended up pulling two girls the entire way.  One of them tapped my toes from the start of the swim until we finished.  I got to say that was a little annoying.  The swim was two loops and went by quickly.  Once I finished I had my wetsuit pulled off and ran towards the transition area.  I didn't see a small ledge that was covered by green carpet and tripped and fell on my face.  It was embarrassing falling infront of everyone.  I still had a very fast transition and got out onto the bike.  Not far into the bike Belinda came flying by me.  I kept her in my sights for most of the first loop of the bike, but I couldn't quite get myself to bike the way I usually bike.  I didn't have that next gear I generally have.  By the second loop Belinda kept putting time into me and Tyler had passed me.  I was not happy.  Biking is my strong event and when that is not going the way I like it to go, you can only imagine the frustration.  I kept calm and did  the best that I could.  I got off the bike and started running to the transition tent with my run bag when I managed to trip and fall once again.  I couldn't believe it.  I got up  changed and went out onto the run.  My legs felt pretty good.  I decided to try and run with a fuel belt bottle in my hand for the run.  It worked out well.  Charlotte passed me on the first loop, but I didn't panic, I managed to pass her back.  Then Erica came flying by me.  She is a strong runner.  At that point I was in fourth place.  I managed to hold on to that place until the end.  I finished and DIDN'T end up in the Med tent.  That was exciting for me.  There were 900 first timers at Ironaman USA and Anthony Strange was one of them.  He had a fantastic race.  I couldn't believe how well he looked at the end of the race.  The next day he was in pretty good shape as well.  He handled the race much better than I did after my first Ironman.  That's just incredible. The next day there was an unbelievable line for registration for the following year.  At 1 PM 800 slots were available on-line and at 1:13 PM the race was closed for 2008. 

7/14/07

I leave Monday for Lake Placid.  I can't believe it is time for my BIG race.  Where did the time go?  Just did an easy bike ride and a more intense swim today.  I did the swim in Danahy's endless pool.  The last bit of the swim the machine was at full speed and I managed to swim my intervals without stopping.  I couldn't do that a month ago.  It's good to see the benefits of all the hard work I have done.  I am feeling good and going into this race with confidence.  Now I am just getting my stuff laid out that I will need for the race.  I have a list to make sure I don't forget anything.  It's amazing the stuff that you will forget if you don't make your list and go over it.  The worst thing is going to a race and forgotting something you need.  That won't be happening to me:) 

7/09/07

I got home from Colorado on Friday.  My plane got into Richmond early.  Chris couldn't believe I was waiting for him with all my luggage.  I guess my flying Karma is changing...knock on wood.  It is good to be home, as much as I enjoyed Colorado, I missed Chris, Cali (the cat), and my friends.  I got back home and it struck me that I will be leaving for Lake Placid on Monday.  For some reason I was thinking that I didn't leave for Placid for another two weeks.  Like I have said before, these Ironman races sneak right up on you.  I am looking forward to it.  My body feels great.  I don't feel as though I have done much training.  Running on all those trails in Boulder keeps the body from being beaten up.  While out in Boulder I stopped by Active Imprints where they sell the Newton running shoes.  I picked up a couple of pairs of them.  I have a new pair of running flats that I am going to wear for the Placid race.  I have really been enjoying running in them.  It took a little while to get used to them, but I do feel the difference now. I even started using this fluid replacement tabs that I am loving.  They are called Motor tabs.  I drink way more fluid by popping these tablets into my water because it gives the water a little bit of flavor, plus it has sodium and potassium.  I have jumped right back into doing swim lessons.  I really missed doing them.  Danahy has told me that I am only allowed to do one a day.  He doesn't want me standing on concrete all day.  Which makes a lot of sense.  Especially since I have worked to hard for this race.  It is just so hard to say no to giving a lesson. I met up with some of my guppies for a little Einsteins today.  Unfortunately I managed to spill a load of coffee on Kimberly's work pants.  Only something I could do.  I'm sorry Kimberly!  I am now off to watch Chris run the Cul-de-sac 5K.  As usual the race is going to be VERY hot and humid.  It never fails.  It amazes me how many people show up for the race.

6/27/07

Here I am ready to train and I can't.  I still have this nasty virus which has been plaguing Boulder.  I am now on the recovering side of it.  Although I never quite felt sick, sick, I am sure it has taken a toll on me.  I am now resigned to the fact that I must sit on my butt for the next couple of days.  I have plenty of stuff that needs to be done, that I probably won't do.  I have been reading quite a bit and have done barely any T.V. watching.  Tom, Amanda and I did watch "Pirates of the Caribbean" the other night.  Funny movie!  Tom and I did our long run at the Reservoir the other day.  Tom did different loops than me.  At one point a dog started to chase a baby calf.  The Mama cow got angry and started to "MOO" loudly and chase after the dog which proceeded to run towards it's owners who Tom was beside.  Tom was a little rattled by the situation.  Fortunately for everyone concerned the Mama cow gave up chase.  This past weekend I was glued to the computer watching Ironman Coeur d'Alene.  I was really proud of everyone who got in the water and did the swim.  The race actually allowed participants the option to do a duathlon versus the full Ironman because the water was so rough.  Michael Lavato said the only swim that was worse than that one was the time he raced in Utah (they don't have that race anymore because of the rough water).  Michael placed third.   He said he had a really tough time on the swim and had his slowest swim.  He said his bike was okay and he had a great run.  He negative split the run, which I think is phenomenal. 
Two of my friends whom I train did the race.  Kurt and Shelley Egli.  I am really proud of them.  Primarily I am so pleased that Shelley did the swim.  I know that she was intimidated, but she conquered her fear.  Kurt had a solid day which is what we were both hoping for.  There were no real hiccups everything went smooth.  He stuck to the plan and made the day happen.  Half the battle is attitude and how you choose to use it. Then I have a few Ironman athletes that I worked with on their swimming technique.  Blake Brown, Brittany Hott, and Tyler Van Rensselaer.  They all completed the swim.  Brittany "you are an Ironman".  It was Brittany's first ironman race.    It gives me goose bumps thinking about them all racing and knowing how hard they worked to get to that day.  Congratulations!  I can't wait to hear the stories.  Of course as I have learned Slow twitch is where all the triathlon gossip is found.

6/21/07

Yesterday I did a track workout with Dave Scott's group.  Although it ended up being hill repeats.  I have never done such a practice in my life.  It was difficult.  My gluts are paying for it today.  I then went to swim at the Flat Irons.  Jane Scott was coaching and got on me about being late.  It was weird having the tables turned.  I am usually yelling at everyone for being late.  I jumped into practice and could tell that I had had a good run workout.  I didn't feel great in the water.  I didn't sleep well last night because I felt as though I had something in my throat all night.  I did an easy bike and run with Tom and called my Doctor up about my symptoms.  I think Amanda shared her sickness with me.  It ends up a lots of people in Boulder have been plagued with this throat/cough thing.  Why Me?  I have been so healthy all year.  I think I have caught it in enough time that it won't affect me much.  I do get to take the day off tomorrow.  I also am not allowed to get my scheduled massage appointment because I am told it will make my "Sickness" worse.  That really is disappointing. I guess tomorrow will be all about doing "nothing". 

6/19/07