I asked myself.... Why not??
8 places I have lived
1- Buenos Aires, Argentina
2- Mendoza, Argentina
3- St Louis Park, MN
4- Westborough, MA
5- Eden Prarie, MN
6- Shakopee, MN
7- Charlotte, NC
8- Monroe, NC
8 dates I remember
1- December 31 (b-day)
2- October 23 (husband b-day)
3- August 18 (Daughter b-day)
4- August 10 (anniversary)
5- March 7 (mom b-day)
6- January 4 (dad b-day)
7- September 6 (young brother b-day)
8- July 21 (old brother b-day)
8 things I thought I'd never do
1- live in the USA
2- Run a half marathon
3- do a triathlon
4- love running
5- sing up for Ironman
6- like peanut butter
7- work as an accountant
8- have a blog
8 things that changed my life
1- moving to the USA
2- meeting Todd
3- being pregnant
4- giving birth
5- running my first 1/2 marathon
6- doing my first triathlon
7- deciding that 1 child is enough
8- signing up for Ironman
8 tattoos I have
1- a rose
2- a daisy
3- chinese symbols for eternal love
4- a pegasus
5- the TCB symbols that Elvis wore
6- 2 tribal dragons
7- a Phoenix
8- the symbols for triathlon
8 celebrity crushes
1- Hugh Jackman
2- Johnny Depp
3- Anthony Kiedis (singer for Red hot Chili peppers)
4- Keanu Reeves
5- Elvis Presley
6- Ryan Reynolds
7- George Clooney
8- Mark Whalberg
8 things I did today
1- Drank coffee
2- Ate breakfast
3- tickled Megan
4- hugged husband
5- surfed the web
6- watched cartoons with Megan
7- washed dishes
8- drank coffee (yes a lot of it)
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Rest Week!!!
There is not much to report in my world. This was a rest week and I thoroughly enjoyed it. After the meltdown from last weekend; my body and my head needed an extra easy week. My schedule said to move things or cut them short if I needed it; and trust me, I did.
The bad sunburn from saturday's race made it very hard for me to even put work clothes on; so I didn't even try to put on my bathing suit to go to the pool. So the week was spent among work, yoga, a run and a ride. Since I did not run the Half marathon during the race las weekend; Liz said that my legs would probably recover quicker than if I had ran it. And she was right! But then again; she knows this sh!t so why would she not be right?
I had quite a few talks with Liz about the last race. What went wrong, how can I improve. And I think I know exactly when my race was done; the exact moment that my head went south (and my body followed suit). I am vowing to never let that happen again.
In a sense it is good that this happened now. You see, ever since I started triathlon, my races have been getting better and better. Each race has been a PR, each of them an improvement. In a way, I think I had been spoiled. I was never upset about any of my races. I always did better than I expected. This time around was different. I think I might have gone into the race a little bit TOO confident; cocky if you will. And I paid the price. I now know how it feels to have blown a race. To have worked hard for something you really wanted; just to let it slip from your hands by poorly executing the plan.
It took me all week to finaly feel "at peace" with this. I accomplished that while at hot yoga on saturday morning. (on a side note, I LOVE hot yoga, you should try it). And now I am ready to move on.
Rest week has been awesome; a much needed break. It is amazing how a rested body wants to get going again! Can't wait for monday!
The bad sunburn from saturday's race made it very hard for me to even put work clothes on; so I didn't even try to put on my bathing suit to go to the pool. So the week was spent among work, yoga, a run and a ride. Since I did not run the Half marathon during the race las weekend; Liz said that my legs would probably recover quicker than if I had ran it. And she was right! But then again; she knows this sh!t so why would she not be right?
I had quite a few talks with Liz about the last race. What went wrong, how can I improve. And I think I know exactly when my race was done; the exact moment that my head went south (and my body followed suit). I am vowing to never let that happen again.
In a sense it is good that this happened now. You see, ever since I started triathlon, my races have been getting better and better. Each race has been a PR, each of them an improvement. In a way, I think I had been spoiled. I was never upset about any of my races. I always did better than I expected. This time around was different. I think I might have gone into the race a little bit TOO confident; cocky if you will. And I paid the price. I now know how it feels to have blown a race. To have worked hard for something you really wanted; just to let it slip from your hands by poorly executing the plan.
It took me all week to finaly feel "at peace" with this. I accomplished that while at hot yoga on saturday morning. (on a side note, I LOVE hot yoga, you should try it). And now I am ready to move on.
Rest week has been awesome; a much needed break. It is amazing how a rested body wants to get going again! Can't wait for monday!
Monday, May 11, 2009
White Lake Race report
I thought long and hard about what I would write when I posted this race report. I still haven't quite figured it out. In a nutshell, it was the worst race I have ever executed. It was windy, it was hot, and I messed it up big time. I lost it, broke down and was never able to pick myself up.
The swim was ok, I positioned myself in the middle of my wave and when the gun went off I promptly got swum over. I did not panic, but it took me a while to find my rhythm. We were swimming on a lake, the pretties one I've ever swum in; you could see your hands and sometimes the bottom as well. I had a few minor issues here, I got hit on the face and had to stop to put my goggles back on; and I also got a cramp on my left foot. Overall, I improved 2 minutes from last year's Half IM swim. I did notice that I was not going on a straight line; and I need to keep practicing to make sure I swim as straight as possible.
T1 was uneventful. I got all my stuff on and headed out.
The bike started out good; I felt awesome the first hour. I got all my nutrition down; my cadence was right where it had to be. My HR did not go higher than Z3 the entire time; and I was keeping a pretty good speed. Then when we took a turn into the 20 mile stretch of road, they also turned on the wind and they left it on for the remainder of the race. At some point during hour 2, I got so focused on getting to T2 at a specific time; that I totally blew my nutrition. I found myself drinking just water, instead of my Gu2o; and having a hard time eating my Clif blocks.
At about mile 45 on the bike, I lost it. I realized I had slacked on my nutrition, the wind was still on; my legs were toast. I found myself yelling at the wind to stop. Talk about crazy, right?? The pavement turned really rough and my stomach was done.
When I rolled into T2, I knew I was in for a tough run. I put on my running shoes, grabbed my belt, visor and nutrition and headed out. I ran less than 1/4 mile; and then my stomach revolted, my legs called it quits and I started self doubting myself. Here is a sample of all the things that went through my head:
- You suck
- Why the hell are you doing this?
- How are you going to finish Ironman if you can't even run a Half Ironman?
- Everybody is better than you
- You should quit right now
- You should drop off from Ironman
I was so concerned about what all of you would think that I considered a DNF instead of posting the time I ended up posting. I felt so embarrased. I fought really hard with my inner competitive self. I WALKED the entire 1/2 marathon; and it took me almost the same amount of time to go the 13 miles on the "run" than it took me to go the 56 miles on the bike.
Of course I am not pleased with my results. I was ready to have a great race; and it is entirely my fault that I did not follow my race plan. And I am now experiencing what happens when you don't go according to plan. Is it easy? NO. Did I learn anything from it? YES.
I was so focused on posting an x:xx time; that I completely blew it. And I wanted to post that time so that all of you could see how good I am. And then is when I realized: Since when do I do this sport for others and not myself?? When did I lose sight of the most important part of the equation? Myself and MY achievements.
It is a hard way to learn the lesson, a HUGE humbling experience but I am glad it happened. My focus and my priorities are once again where they need to be; and I am ready to move forward.
The swim was ok, I positioned myself in the middle of my wave and when the gun went off I promptly got swum over. I did not panic, but it took me a while to find my rhythm. We were swimming on a lake, the pretties one I've ever swum in; you could see your hands and sometimes the bottom as well. I had a few minor issues here, I got hit on the face and had to stop to put my goggles back on; and I also got a cramp on my left foot. Overall, I improved 2 minutes from last year's Half IM swim. I did notice that I was not going on a straight line; and I need to keep practicing to make sure I swim as straight as possible.
T1 was uneventful. I got all my stuff on and headed out.
The bike started out good; I felt awesome the first hour. I got all my nutrition down; my cadence was right where it had to be. My HR did not go higher than Z3 the entire time; and I was keeping a pretty good speed. Then when we took a turn into the 20 mile stretch of road, they also turned on the wind and they left it on for the remainder of the race. At some point during hour 2, I got so focused on getting to T2 at a specific time; that I totally blew my nutrition. I found myself drinking just water, instead of my Gu2o; and having a hard time eating my Clif blocks.
At about mile 45 on the bike, I lost it. I realized I had slacked on my nutrition, the wind was still on; my legs were toast. I found myself yelling at the wind to stop. Talk about crazy, right?? The pavement turned really rough and my stomach was done.
When I rolled into T2, I knew I was in for a tough run. I put on my running shoes, grabbed my belt, visor and nutrition and headed out. I ran less than 1/4 mile; and then my stomach revolted, my legs called it quits and I started self doubting myself. Here is a sample of all the things that went through my head:
- You suck
- Why the hell are you doing this?
- How are you going to finish Ironman if you can't even run a Half Ironman?
- Everybody is better than you
- You should quit right now
- You should drop off from Ironman
I was so concerned about what all of you would think that I considered a DNF instead of posting the time I ended up posting. I felt so embarrased. I fought really hard with my inner competitive self. I WALKED the entire 1/2 marathon; and it took me almost the same amount of time to go the 13 miles on the "run" than it took me to go the 56 miles on the bike.
Of course I am not pleased with my results. I was ready to have a great race; and it is entirely my fault that I did not follow my race plan. And I am now experiencing what happens when you don't go according to plan. Is it easy? NO. Did I learn anything from it? YES.
I was so focused on posting an x:xx time; that I completely blew it. And I wanted to post that time so that all of you could see how good I am. And then is when I realized: Since when do I do this sport for others and not myself?? When did I lose sight of the most important part of the equation? Myself and MY achievements.
It is a hard way to learn the lesson, a HUGE humbling experience but I am glad it happened. My focus and my priorities are once again where they need to be; and I am ready to move forward.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Change is here
I am still here. I am still training. I am still working. I just needed to collect my thoughts for a couple of days.
Change is upon me; both mentally and at work. The second one BIG time. Some things transpired within the last couple of days and I am now given the opportunity to show off my colors. If you are my friend on Facebook; you might have seen my status update: "Time to step up to the plate and hit some home runs. My chance to shine is here. Game on!" A lot of people thought it was racing related; not so much. It is 100% work related. Let's just say that I have been working hard with the hopes the "higher powers" would notice. And they did. It just came out of the left field; and now it is all me baby. And I am ready.
Training is going well. Last weekend I had an outstanding open water swim. For the first time in my Tri "life" I felt strong and confident in the open water. I got into a rhythm that I was able to sustain for the entire duration of the swim. I passed people... did you read that? I passed people. That does not happen often. I am usually a coward when it comes to swimming in the open water; but that did I didn't feel that way. The water was cold; and it was a bit shocking at first; but once I got used to it, it was just perfect. A common occurrence for me is to have to side stroke, to catch a breath. Well, I did not feel the need to do it even once. The only time I HAD to stop was because the rescue boats were blocking my way getting people out of the water. And you know what? I got a bit upset because they were preventing me from negative splitting the course; just like Coach wanted me to do. All in all, I think I chopped about 5 minutes from my one mile time compared to last year on the same "course". I call that improvement :)
As much as saturday was a high in regards to training; sunday was more of a letdown. I had a less than stellar bike ride; where I could not keep my HR in check and it became a matter of "just get through it". I was not able to hit any of my prescribed intervals and was sucky overall. It is funny how you go from an all high to a pretty low place. I wrote to Liz that things didn't go as planned and the ride sucked; to which she replied that it is patterns over time that matter. I would usually be upset about not being able to perform as expected; but not this time. I told Liz I was totally at peace with the workout. And I was.
I have been at peace with myself this week. And interestingly enough; I haven't had the best week ever. With all the ruckus at work, my head and my body are just exhausted.
Next week is my season opener. And this year I am going big. White Lake Half Ironman will be waiting for me next saturday. I am trying to eat even cleaner for the 2 weeks leading to race day, and I have not had a single piece of candy or added sugar since last saturday. My reward for the hard work? Hopefully a great race, and of course a special treat after the race.
GAME ON!
Change is upon me; both mentally and at work. The second one BIG time. Some things transpired within the last couple of days and I am now given the opportunity to show off my colors. If you are my friend on Facebook; you might have seen my status update: "Time to step up to the plate and hit some home runs. My chance to shine is here. Game on!" A lot of people thought it was racing related; not so much. It is 100% work related. Let's just say that I have been working hard with the hopes the "higher powers" would notice. And they did. It just came out of the left field; and now it is all me baby. And I am ready.
Training is going well. Last weekend I had an outstanding open water swim. For the first time in my Tri "life" I felt strong and confident in the open water. I got into a rhythm that I was able to sustain for the entire duration of the swim. I passed people... did you read that? I passed people. That does not happen often. I am usually a coward when it comes to swimming in the open water; but that did I didn't feel that way. The water was cold; and it was a bit shocking at first; but once I got used to it, it was just perfect. A common occurrence for me is to have to side stroke, to catch a breath. Well, I did not feel the need to do it even once. The only time I HAD to stop was because the rescue boats were blocking my way getting people out of the water. And you know what? I got a bit upset because they were preventing me from negative splitting the course; just like Coach wanted me to do. All in all, I think I chopped about 5 minutes from my one mile time compared to last year on the same "course". I call that improvement :)
As much as saturday was a high in regards to training; sunday was more of a letdown. I had a less than stellar bike ride; where I could not keep my HR in check and it became a matter of "just get through it". I was not able to hit any of my prescribed intervals and was sucky overall. It is funny how you go from an all high to a pretty low place. I wrote to Liz that things didn't go as planned and the ride sucked; to which she replied that it is patterns over time that matter. I would usually be upset about not being able to perform as expected; but not this time. I told Liz I was totally at peace with the workout. And I was.
I have been at peace with myself this week. And interestingly enough; I haven't had the best week ever. With all the ruckus at work, my head and my body are just exhausted.
Next week is my season opener. And this year I am going big. White Lake Half Ironman will be waiting for me next saturday. I am trying to eat even cleaner for the 2 weeks leading to race day, and I have not had a single piece of candy or added sugar since last saturday. My reward for the hard work? Hopefully a great race, and of course a special treat after the race.
GAME ON!
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