The Promised Post

Last year was an interesting year. Sometimes when I don't seem to be making much progress swimming these last few weeks, I quickly try to pull myself back to the fact that I wasn't even allowed to be swimming last year (after the collarbone surgery) until the middle of February in 2010 (aka - count your blessings sista!).

I also have been thinking a lot about my attitude toward last year and how it changed from beginning to end. Toward the beginning I just believed that once I could swim things would fall into place and somehow I would just start swimming, biking and running my way into maybe not the top of my age group, but maybe I would see some times that were similar to late 2008, early 2009 when I was running well. Let me tell you, it was a rude awaking when things didn't go as planned. I tried all my old tricks.. but it was slow going. St. Croix 70.3 came and went, disappointment. So did Columbia and Buffalo Springs Lake 70.3 - yep, more of the same. I began to doubt myself. I wondered what had changed or if I would ever be the same athlete I once even "thought" I could be.

I stepped back.

I took some time away from triathlon. I refocused and reevaluated. In the end, I needed to come back to the fact that triathlon was what I did, but it wasn't who I was. Placing or not-placing didn't define who I was as a person or an athlete. I finally let it go.. and left it up to God. When I finally came back in July training came pretty easily. I had a renewed love for the sport and the goal to complete and Ironman. Sometimes, that's the beginning, but that certainly isn't all it takes..

So, some things that helped get me through, and may help you as you start your year. Everyone is different, but a few things remain the same for all of us, older or younger, seasoned pro or just beginner.

Taking Away the Excuses

Contrary to what many people probably think (due to the fact that I get up at 5:00-5:30am many mornings) I am NOT a morning person. I don't enjoy seeing that the world is dark and everyone is snuggled in their beds and I'm the only one turning on my bedroom light and venturing out into the cold, dark early morning. However, I know for me training in the morning for at least a majority of the week makes it happen. I get it it done and I start my day. There are times when I have to come back for a second or third workout, but for the most part, the biggest item of the day is already done. What keeps me from getting up? 1. Lack of sleep 2. lack of planning (not having my items together) 3. Lack of people to train alongside. These are my three biggest limiters. So, I work on removing them every week, one by one. If 9:30pm isn't working for my bedtime, I dial it back to 9:15pm. Some big weeks last year I remember even seeing the clock at 8:45pm. Yep, I was going to bed at the same time as many 6 year olds :) I just knew if I didn't get 7 to 7.5 hours I wouldn't get up.. that's just me.. that's just how I roll!

For me it also takes planning. Everything must be in the bag ready to go when I roll out of bed. I love sleep. Sleeping until I need to be out of bed and gone 7-10 minutes later is the way it works. There's no coffee, no grooming, no nothing. So, the pre-planning is a part of my life every night. Bottles are filled, gels are packed and sometimes, unfortunately, my bra or other undergarments are not. O well - we all improvise. This is part of life. If you aren't a planner that's fine - but I'll tell you, it makes my life easier. It's not glamorous, but let me tell you - it works.

Finally, I'm so fortunate to have a big group at my gym who keeps me motivated and I KNOW they will be there. From my masters group, to the Tuesday morning spin class com padres, to the older folks who use the rowing machine while I lift - we all say hi (or sometimes just grumble and nod) and know that it's way better for each other to be there than not. The locker room girl crowd chats about clothing or life or the weekend plans while the staff that works there are some of my good friends. Having a "group" lifts you up and makes having a place to go so much more than just a place. If you don't have a place that does this for you - I highly suggest you get one.

Mental Training

I would venture to bet that at least 50% or more of the people who get into triathlon have already been single sport competitors. Most of us are already familiar with the demands of training and mentally preparing for competition. However, I think those that do well, and want to continue to well at this sport have one very large thing in common - they NEVER ignore this side of training. It's a part of what they do - day in - day out. Visualization and developing mental strategies to deal with pain and setbacks must be part of the plan if someone is hoping to overcome when things get tough - oh.. and trust me.. they will. I don't care where you are in the race, it's the common theme that ties all of us together. It hurts - bad. Now it's your turn. What will you do with it? I constantly use training to help me further develop this game. I did it last year and this year I've already started thinking about everything from the first race of the season to how I'll feel in the last. 90% of my mental attention goes toward the first race, but I never neglect the others completely. It's important to know that each race and goal is a stepping stone to the ultimate end of season goal - whether it's finishing first or even just finishing. Seeing yourself in all situations, learning to separate yourself from the pain that you're currently experiencing, and visualizing success should be part of your mental game plan. Practice only solidifies the outcome that you want again and again. I must have visualized Ironman Cozumel 200+ times by the time I actually raced. I actually FELT the finish line and how happy I was there and you know what, in the worst of times, the times when I just wanted to pull over to the side of the road and die.. it helped me take another step and then another.. until finally, I was there living my dreams.

Ok!!

This is getting way to long!! Next I want to talk about race preparation - specifically - HEAT TRAINING - take it seriously people!! I'm convinced that can be the thing that separates one athlete from another!

Hope you're still reading at this point!! Sorry I'm long winded!!

Welcome To The Family

New year, new goals, and even some new sponsors. It's a very wonderful thing when 1. You bust your hiney and it actually comes together in a race and 2. When you apply to every possible thing that you can and sometimes someone actually wants to help you out. As I'm sure many of you know, being an athlete is one thing, but the time, energy, and of course, cold hard cash it takes is another. I spent just about ever spare sent I have in the "non-necessary" category on triathlon!! I'm very thankful to be adding a few new faces to the team that keeps me up and running (and swimming and biking) this year!

First, and this is an exciting one, so hold on to your knickers - Show me the POWER (and trainers, and computers!)! CycleOps is an amazing company that has all the right things in place to allow cyclists everywhere to achieve their most potential possible on the bike. Plus, in their own words "We're passionate about creating more space for cyclists in our communities. More bikes mean less congestion, less pollution, and healthier, more active people." Sounds good to me. So I'm looking forward to working hard for them in 2011!Oh man, do I go through running shoes!! FINALLY, my years of harassing the Newton staff members has paid off! Well, or at the very least, they've gotten tired enough of hearing from me that they finally agreed to help a sista out. Either way, I'm super duper excited to be adding them to my repertoire for the 2011 season. Needless to say (if you've been reading my blog at all!) you already know how I feel about these shoes. I run in them, I love them, end of story!

In terms of nutrition I always get questions on what I am using in terms of nutrition for the longer distance races like half & full Ironmans. I started with Infinit back when I was on the Mark Allen team and I loved it from the moment I started using their product. Where else can you get help from their experts in finding a custom nutrition solution that works for you. I personally use the Mark Allen Fluid Energizer and it's not too sweet so I don't tend to get tired of it like I do other drinks. In my mind, if it ain't broke, then don't fix it. So, I'll be continuing to use this awesome product this year and so can you (and even receive 10% off by entering fuelyourpassion at checkout!).

I'm very thankful that training last week seemed to come together. I didn't miss any major workouts and for the most part felt really good. Even though the temperatures have been hovering between -2 and 18 degrees here most days, I'm trying to stay upbeat and not think too much about it.

The other great news is that my aunt Dena has been fighting her battle with cancer and winning (thank you so so much for your kind words and prayers! You guys just rock my world). Her white count was doubling each day last week and she remained her usual and upbeat self! Although a small setback of a fever landed her back in the hospital over the weekend, she (and we) are all praying she'll be out of there on Monday and will finally get to go back home for good!!!

Here's a picture of the lasagna I made last week for a special lady. Although I know she couldn't taste much of it, she said my uncle mentioned it was a good batch. Maybe it gave her a little nourishment or even just told her that someone loved her. Whichever is fine with me.
Last weekend was a great ride for six or so of us at Top Gear Bicycle Shop. My favorite bike shop will be hosting Saturday AM trainer rides through the winter which is good for mornings when there is just no chance of going outside (aka December through March!). What I have learned - the computrainer hurts, and I can't nearly push my watts like the guys, but it was a lot of fun anyway!
Then Sunday of last weekend, I did a long run in about 10 degrees. Yikes! It was a little tempo / lactic acid testing so that added a little extra toughness that I guess I'll bank for later this year. Yep, no messing around in PA - you have to be tough (and wine and complain a little, and then get the heck out the door!).

I had a great conversation with Mark (see arm to my right), a good friend who had us over to ride this weekend at his house, about my training and racing last year. He had some great questions and really made me think about certain aspects that lead to the race I ended up having in COZ. So, I have some great ideas for the blog this week!! My next post will be on some of the training secrets I used to get through Ironman training and some of the mental tricks I use during the race. So, look for that soon!

I hope everyone is having a great week and thank you again for the comments on the last post! Just awesome.

I Get Knocked Down..

But I get up again, cause your never gonna keep me down. Let me tell you, this has been the freakin theme song of the last couple of weeks. Between people in this world who seem to think it’s fine to berate and attempt to embarrass others to make themselves feel better, too little sleep, even fewer workout sessions, getting sick, and at times, I’ve found myself hanging on by a very thin thread. I know I am not alone in feeling this way. I expect things to be tough. However, if all of it could just space itself out a little, that would sure be a little easier to handle.

With all that said, slowly but surely, I’m picking myself up, dusting myself off and continuing and I’ll tell you why:

"The great successful people of the world have used their imaginations, they think ahead and create their mental picture, and then go to work materializing that picture in all its details, filling in here, adding a little there, altering this a bit and that a bit, but steadily building -- steadily building."

Robert Collier {American Publisher}

The last thing that I need is to let the opinions of others impact the decisions or the way I feel about my life or my goals. We all have our journey to take, and whatever your vision is, not one thing in the world can take it away from you – unless you let it occur. It’s your choice. You can’t change what happens to you, but can change your reaction to it. That’s where the power lies my friends. They more they think they will hold you down, the harder you will work.. that's the key.

In addition, just as some not as fun things are going on in your life, I believe there are always people and things placed right in front of you to show you the goodness in life, the things that matter and the reasons for living.

I can’t go into detail, but two very close ladies to me have been going through their own separate struggles, totally unrelated, but both truly life changing. One is my Aunt Dena, who is fighting for her life as we speak with a 48 white cell count and her body so weak she can barely stand. With that said, she is one of the strongest most inspirational people I have ever encountered in my life. The other is a friend with a daughter who found out she had brain tumor right before the holidays. Although it was not malignat, she still had to have approximately 60% of her cerebellum removed (which as you probably know is responsible for motor skills, balance, smooth movement, and higher-order cognition). She is seventeen years old.

I love both of these women dearly and somehow must have been talking to one about the other and vice versa. Even in all their grief and strife, they had the heart to ask about the other on separate occasions and send a bit of love and prayers their way. In my mind, this is almost unfathomable, but in their minds this is what will get them to their own personal finish lines and one day heal their hearts and bodies.

Sometimes we are so caught up in our own defeats, it’s hard to see the good in the world around us. We focus on our own issues and wine and complain that things aren’t going well or that we’re just not feeling like ourselves etc. etc. Life is hard. Way hard. However, it’s a whole lot harder when we sucuum to the negative and allow it to seep in and corrupt the rest of our outlook.

So while I haven’t been writing, I’ve been watching two separate lives come together without even knowing it and change everything about the way I was seeing my world as of late. Their journeys are far from over, but I know that with God’s help, they are well on their way to making it through.

If you wouldn’t mind saying a prayer, or sending a thought, just send it to Aunt D and my com padre J’s daughter. Don’t worry, that’s enough to get it there. Every little bit helps.. that’s for sure.

In the mean time, even in difficult times, don’t be so caught up you don’t look around every once in awhile.. sometimes, you might just see miracles, right in your midst.

So let's stay marching on.. shall we! Enjoy one of my new favorite songs!

Signing off from snowy PA!! Stay posted!! Lots of training and other thoughts to come!

Let's let the cat out of the bag, shall we? Race Schedule 2011

I thought this picture was funny! Seriously, is that a cat in your purse? Or are you just happy to see me?? What the heck is up with that saying!! I guess the cat might be mad he's in there so watch out when he comes out right. Who knows.

With that said, it's time to discuss 2011. Many people are giving me grief for planning such a race schedule in 2011. I'll say this, yes, I already qualified for Kona and accepted the slot. It is nice to not have to "feel" like I have to race anywhere in particular to go after that particular goal. In addition, as we all know, races are often planned at least one full year in advance. Mostly due to the fact that they fill and you have to commit, or be left out.

Sooooo some decisions were made last year LONG in advance of Ironman Cozumel. I forked over some major $$, and I am now (one of my favorite sayings) in it, to win it. AKA - I'm pretty much doing it. You know what WTC, you're not going to give me like 20% of my race fee back, I'm doing the dang races anyway, not because I have to, but because I want to!

Enough of the prelim - Here it is! Drum Roll Please!

Spring Thaw 10 mile Run - Feb 26th

New Orelans 70.3 - April 17th

Triple T (TBD) - May

Eagleman 70.3 - June 16th

Lake Placid Ironman - July 24th

Irongirl Sprint Triathlon - August 21st

Sept TBD

Hawaii Ironman World Champs - October 8th

Hopefully, I will get to see some of you cool cats while I'm out there racing! I would love that!! So if you are going to any of these races, please drop me a line and we'll hook up!

Ok! Better get training!

Resolutions..

This is the time year when everyone is making them, and also showing up at my gym taking up all the parking spaces at 6:00am :) Ok.. sorry to be smug, but it is what it is. People always have intentions at the beginning of the year to make a change, do something different, alter their current habits. I have nutrition clients coming out the wazoo (where is the wazoo - I have no idea, but if you find out, kindly let me know).

I'm convinced that the new year bringing about the need or want for change is 100% human and in fact necessary and part of the things that separate us from animals. We change, we adapt and we want more (even if it just lasts until February).

Of course, I'm the same as everyone else. This time of year brings about thoughts of the year past, what went well, what, well, not so much! I get to examine my gains in some areas and feel the need for improvement in others, and then turn all my focus to 2011 where it will come into play.

Without goals or dreams, I'll tell you, I don't have much. Some people aren't willing to set goals. I guess they are afraid they will fail or fall short of the mark. I think failure is a given at some point or another. We've heard it all before, "if you don't fail, then you really weren't trying hard enough."

I believe in writing your goals or "resolutions" down. I think it means so much more to put them down on paper and actually have to force yourself to look at them once in awhile. It makes them real and you can't hide from that piece of paper tacked to your refrigerator or desk. They just stare back at you. Then you have to ask yourself constantly, is what I am currently doing moving me toward, or farther away, from that goal. Sometimes you actually make them happen, and you can stop, celebrate, breath a sigh of relief and start the process again. Sometimes, and more often, you don't make every one, and you have to reflect and think about what happened to bring you to that place as well. Either way, if you don't enjoy the process, you've completely missed the point. Part of the fun (and also the hardship) is getting there, looking back on where you've been and knowing that it was really, really hard to make it happen, but also completely worth it.

I'm not going to lie to you for one second. My goals are always big and high and sometimes it actually scares me to put them down. Then again, I think of those who did amazing things and how scary it must have been for them. I'm not creating nuclear energy here, I'm just dreaming about what (within reason) I can achieve, and putting the steps in place to get there.

No matter what though, I still want my core values not to change. What I believe in should never waver because of my goals. If it does, then I think I have to question why I really want what I want. Is it selfish? Is it to achieve something prideful or boast? If it is, then it has to be removed or changed.. because that's never what I want to be about.

I know I quote Grey's Anatomy quite a bit, but darn it.. they are on to some good stuff there!!

I'll leave you with a quote from one of their episodes I happen to see over break called "PUSH" It embodies everything I think about this post!

If there's just one piece of advice i can give you, it's this - when there's something you really want, fight for it, don't give up no matter how hopeless it seems. And when you've lost hope, ask yourself if 10 years from now, if you're gonna wish you gave it just one more shot. because the best things in life, they don't come easy.

Here's to 2011 people! Let's make it great!!!!!!!!!!!!!