At the event yesterday, the committee prepared a little goodie bag for participants to take away. That goodie bag contained things like energy bars, fruity water, replenishing powder, fig newtons, coupons, business cards and samples of pain relieving gel.
But there is so much more I will take away from this experience. Here are some examples of those "things."
Success has a plan. Goals can be accomplished simply by following a plan. While I'm not sure how far to pursue this triathlon thing, I've been feeling like I overshot my initial mark. The training and preparation I did for the Race on the Base was more than that race required, however, there are other races. We upped the ante and are currently seeking an Olympic distance triathlon to participate in this summer. We have some ideas, but nothing set in stone yet.
Knowing I can do something, and having done something before, is hugely motivating when that thing is difficult to accomplish on any given day. Yesterday, when running was difficult, I kept telling myself that I had done this thing before, and I could do it again.
Positivity enables positivity. On the run yesterday, we had a quarter mile left. I was feeling good about the distance left, but my hips were so tight and I really wanted to walk it. I saw a woman walking and clapping my hands, told her 'Let's go! You can do this, it's only a quarter mile! Let's go!' She picked up her run and shouted her thanks. People need encouragement sometimes, and it is so easily given.
Food is so important. It is a needful thing, a pleasure, and it can bring people together. The past few weeks has taught me (again) the relationship between what I want to do and what I eat. My life has revolved around what I'm doing vs what I'm eating. What I eat, fuels what I do. I still love baked goods and chocolate and the occasional potato chip, but those are the exception, not the norm.
Friends are everywhere! There are amazing people everywhere, doing all sorts of things. So cool.
If you want to do something, but don't know how to do it, ask someone. Or go online, or read a book, or take a class, or join a club. Knowledge is everywhere, and is easily attained.
Dedicating actions to a greater good, allows that greater good to have a place within your heart.
Gratitude changes everything, especially perspective.
Celebrate accomplishments with friends and family.
Training with a buddy is more motivating than solo.
My training partner, my sweet JE, is amazing.
Laugh, lots, at yourself. It's far more fun than crying about something.
Plan for the week
Monday: AM: run 5K (I'm working... still)
PM: Grocery shopping
Dinner: At the wholesome Choice Food Court
Tuesday: AM Easy 1.5 mile lap, Sets--upper body, cycle to work
PM: Swim 800 yds
Dinner: One dish chicken, kale, potatoes
Wednesday: AM 2.5 mile run, dynamic stretching sets, cycle to work
PM: bored stupid and wondering what on earth to do with ourselves
Dinner: Homemade Pizza
Thursday: AM: Ride the Back Bay
PM: Swim 800 Yds
Dinner: Thai curry
Friday: Run 3.5 miles, Sets--upper body, Bike to work
PM: ???
Dinner: Paella (maybe...)
Saturday: Bike ride--do something fun!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Day 149: Post Race
How fun was that? That was totally amazing! The weather held, the wind blew gales, the people cheered, we ran-biked-and swam! I'm a little elated right now.
We got to the base and got our packets with our bib numbers and t-shirts. Bib numbers were assigned alphabetically. I was 686, JE was 687 (we happened to meet Mr. Martin, number 688, just as we were discussing how the numbers were issued). The volunteers marked our bodies with giant sharpies. Our numbers went on our arms and our ages by the end of this year went on our calves.
The bike racks were set up according to age bracket and gender in the transition area. We set up our stuff, JE in the 30-39 Males and I in the... Big fat faux pas! Ooops! That U after the "29 and U," actually means, "Under," not "UP." I moved my stuff, laughing with another woman who was just about to do exactly the same thing. Race-Brain=Duh!
Friends from our training class found us, including Jen, who hung with us a while. We all warmed up a bit (despite the sun, it was not altogether warm). What do you do for an hour before your race starts? Chatter and stroll. It was really fun. As we were heading to the race start, my dear friend Swantje found us. Swan is another 6', and a tailoring dynamo. She taught me everything I know! She came to cheer us on (I feel so blessed to know her!).
DW, Jen, JE and I were standing around at the start line, Julie, a woman from our class came and stood with us saying, "I need my comfort-zone." Another friend from church found us and stood with us also. Being over 6 feet tall, in crowded events, definitely has its advantages.
Speeches were made, the National Anthem sung (I always tear up--especially in light of Egypt and Libya). And then the race began. When the crowd started moving, it was a bizarre visual effect, with so many bodies moving forward around the same speed initially, like something writhing. And then the speedies moved on ahead, and the slower-polks fell behind. We ran around the tarmac in a large triangle. The wind blew in our faces at first and then we turned a corner and had a tailwind. Running was not easy. That one mile marker almost knocked all of my intention out of me. I swear that was the world's longest mile! My guts were going crazy! By the end of the second mile, I was feeling better and had momentum. I picked up my pace and passed a gaggle of women in my same age group. Of course, just after passing them, my shoelace came untied. I ate some humble pie as the gaggle zoomed passed as I fumbled with my shoelace. Next time I will use elastic laces
We transitioned smoothly and started our cycle laps. 3 laps on the tarmac, a little longer than the run. Remember that headwind thing? It was so much worse on a bike. We ducked down into the wind and peddled with everything we had, just to maintain 13 mph. Remember the tailwind thing? We sat up high in the saddles to make ourselves big sails and flew down the runway at 27 mph, without breaking a sweat. Fun!
We had been hearing so much about the horrible cramps athletes get when they jump into the pool after running and cycling so hard. We had anticipated the worst, but when we got to it, it was possibly the most enjoyable part of the event. My rhythm was there, the motion was set. The pool was incredibly crowded with people. It was divided by four, 50 yard laps. each lane was one direction, so at the wall, everyone needed to go under the lane dividers. There was a huge backup of people trying to get under all in one spot. I touched the wall on the far side of the lane and swam at a diagonal around the people, under the lane-divider and did my next lap. That little formula worked slick. It was crazy how fast the swim went!
I stopped to look back to make sure JE was coming. He stepped out of the crowd ahead and grabbed me over the finish line. We were met with water bottles, fruit, hugs from friends, and dog tags with the Race on the Base logo.
It was perfect. We finished with more people behind us than in front of us. Out of one-thousand participants, JE was finisher number 490, and I was 493. In my age group, I was 25 out of 69--and in the upper crust of my age group. Hurray!
We are getting a little rest before we meet friends at our favorite taco joint. It has been an awesome day!
We got to the base and got our packets with our bib numbers and t-shirts. Bib numbers were assigned alphabetically. I was 686, JE was 687 (we happened to meet Mr. Martin, number 688, just as we were discussing how the numbers were issued). The volunteers marked our bodies with giant sharpies. Our numbers went on our arms and our ages by the end of this year went on our calves.
The bike racks were set up according to age bracket and gender in the transition area. We set up our stuff, JE in the 30-39 Males and I in the... Big fat faux pas! Ooops! That U after the "29 and U," actually means, "Under," not "UP." I moved my stuff, laughing with another woman who was just about to do exactly the same thing. Race-Brain=Duh!
Friends from our training class found us, including Jen, who hung with us a while. We all warmed up a bit (despite the sun, it was not altogether warm). What do you do for an hour before your race starts? Chatter and stroll. It was really fun. As we were heading to the race start, my dear friend Swantje found us. Swan is another 6', and a tailoring dynamo. She taught me everything I know! She came to cheer us on (I feel so blessed to know her!).
DW, Jen, JE and I were standing around at the start line, Julie, a woman from our class came and stood with us saying, "I need my comfort-zone." Another friend from church found us and stood with us also. Being over 6 feet tall, in crowded events, definitely has its advantages.
Speeches were made, the National Anthem sung (I always tear up--especially in light of Egypt and Libya). And then the race began. When the crowd started moving, it was a bizarre visual effect, with so many bodies moving forward around the same speed initially, like something writhing. And then the speedies moved on ahead, and the slower-polks fell behind. We ran around the tarmac in a large triangle. The wind blew in our faces at first and then we turned a corner and had a tailwind. Running was not easy. That one mile marker almost knocked all of my intention out of me. I swear that was the world's longest mile! My guts were going crazy! By the end of the second mile, I was feeling better and had momentum. I picked up my pace and passed a gaggle of women in my same age group. Of course, just after passing them, my shoelace came untied. I ate some humble pie as the gaggle zoomed passed as I fumbled with my shoelace. Next time I will use elastic laces
We transitioned smoothly and started our cycle laps. 3 laps on the tarmac, a little longer than the run. Remember that headwind thing? It was so much worse on a bike. We ducked down into the wind and peddled with everything we had, just to maintain 13 mph. Remember the tailwind thing? We sat up high in the saddles to make ourselves big sails and flew down the runway at 27 mph, without breaking a sweat. Fun!
We had been hearing so much about the horrible cramps athletes get when they jump into the pool after running and cycling so hard. We had anticipated the worst, but when we got to it, it was possibly the most enjoyable part of the event. My rhythm was there, the motion was set. The pool was incredibly crowded with people. It was divided by four, 50 yard laps. each lane was one direction, so at the wall, everyone needed to go under the lane dividers. There was a huge backup of people trying to get under all in one spot. I touched the wall on the far side of the lane and swam at a diagonal around the people, under the lane-divider and did my next lap. That little formula worked slick. It was crazy how fast the swim went!
I stopped to look back to make sure JE was coming. He stepped out of the crowd ahead and grabbed me over the finish line. We were met with water bottles, fruit, hugs from friends, and dog tags with the Race on the Base logo.
It was perfect. We finished with more people behind us than in front of us. Out of one-thousand participants, JE was finisher number 490, and I was 493. In my age group, I was 25 out of 69--and in the upper crust of my age group. Hurray!
We are getting a little rest before we meet friends at our favorite taco joint. It has been an awesome day!
Day 149: Race Day 1
6:47 woke up feeling groovey. I didn't hear rain on the roof. When I
looked outside, the sky was gray and pale. Not too bad.
7:30 DW just came over as I was trying on a store bought pair of tri-
shorts. We left with me still wearing them. Hmm
7:40 the sky is blue as we head toward Long Beach. Some big fluffy
clouds here and there. Lovely so far!
From Iris's iPhone
looked outside, the sky was gray and pale. Not too bad.
7:30 DW just came over as I was trying on a store bought pair of tri-
shorts. We left with me still wearing them. Hmm
7:40 the sky is blue as we head toward Long Beach. Some big fluffy
clouds here and there. Lovely so far!
From Iris's iPhone
Friday, February 25, 2011
Day 148: Dedication
I should not be up. I should not be eating peanut butter malt balls. It should not be raining, but it is pouring. I should be in bed. I am not sleepy. I feel fat and bloated. I must sleep. At this moment, there is a bit of fear and wonder--wonder why I'm doing this... Carb-loading sucks. I'm buzzing and can't do a dang thing about it. I'm hoping food coma takes over soon.
My friend DW, has been planning on participating in this Tri, but because of the weather she is reconsidering. She is worried about riding in the rain and that it will be slippery on tiny bike tires. This is my worry too. I received an email from my friend and inspiration, DA, saying he was in a bike crash and broke his collar bone. This is my fear. No fear is enough to keep me from trying and putting my best effort into this, but there is fear. And lightning and swimming pools.
The Race:
5K run
change shoes, add goggles, helmet and maybe gloves
12 mile bike ( don't forget the bike computer)
Take off shoes, goggles, helmet and socks and any other clothes I've needed if it's raining and cold, add swim cap and swim goggles run to pool,
200 yd swim
walk out of pool to cross finish line
What I'm hoping: That my body will take over and go, while my mind prepares for the next event (I'm hoping that my brain picks up all this training and just turns off, while my body says, 'Oh, hey, I've done this before. No sweat!' In reality, I'll turn purple and pour sweat); that I will finish with honor and grace, that I will have courage and valor; that I won't forget my kindness in my hurry.
Since I found out about a friend's cancer, I've been wanting to dedicate my race to her and her sweet family. I've debated it, talked it over with JE, prayed about it. My hesitation is, should I dedicate a race to someone so full of life? Two weeks ago, the day I forgot my helmet and ran backwards cheering my training mates on in their ride and forgetting myself, was the day that it confirmed to me that I should go ahead and do this. In my heart at least, and now publicly. So, my friend, this race is dedicated to you, to let you know that you are often in my thoughts and that I am cheering for you. I love you.
Now, get better, damn it!
My friend DW, has been planning on participating in this Tri, but because of the weather she is reconsidering. She is worried about riding in the rain and that it will be slippery on tiny bike tires. This is my worry too. I received an email from my friend and inspiration, DA, saying he was in a bike crash and broke his collar bone. This is my fear. No fear is enough to keep me from trying and putting my best effort into this, but there is fear. And lightning and swimming pools.
The Race:
5K run
change shoes, add goggles, helmet and maybe gloves
12 mile bike ( don't forget the bike computer)
Take off shoes, goggles, helmet and socks and any other clothes I've needed if it's raining and cold, add swim cap and swim goggles run to pool,
200 yd swim
walk out of pool to cross finish line
What I'm hoping: That my body will take over and go, while my mind prepares for the next event (I'm hoping that my brain picks up all this training and just turns off, while my body says, 'Oh, hey, I've done this before. No sweat!' In reality, I'll turn purple and pour sweat); that I will finish with honor and grace, that I will have courage and valor; that I won't forget my kindness in my hurry.
Since I found out about a friend's cancer, I've been wanting to dedicate my race to her and her sweet family. I've debated it, talked it over with JE, prayed about it. My hesitation is, should I dedicate a race to someone so full of life? Two weeks ago, the day I forgot my helmet and ran backwards cheering my training mates on in their ride and forgetting myself, was the day that it confirmed to me that I should go ahead and do this. In my heart at least, and now publicly. So, my friend, this race is dedicated to you, to let you know that you are often in my thoughts and that I am cheering for you. I love you.
Now, get better, damn it!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Day 147:
Imagine driving on a freeway for months and then coming to your exit to the race track. The way to the racetrack is all school zone, and the yellow light is blinking to slow down. This is how I feel about not being able to really train the past couple days, my body is chomping to move and sweat. Soon, so soon!
Today marked my last scheduled work day. We'll see. It was a hectic day and E left early, leaving me with quite a lot of work. There was a communication gap and I, not really understanding that I was now entirely responsible for all of the menswear and not just the jacket, was stuck at the last minute with all the alterations and finishes on a vest and a pair of pants (which I patterned and cut, but someone else sewed). I'll need to finish them this weekend sometime and take them in on Monday.
Tomorrow, I'm scheduled to cut and sew bike/run/swim shorts for JE and myself. We shall see if that happens!
Today marked my last scheduled work day. We'll see. It was a hectic day and E left early, leaving me with quite a lot of work. There was a communication gap and I, not really understanding that I was now entirely responsible for all of the menswear and not just the jacket, was stuck at the last minute with all the alterations and finishes on a vest and a pair of pants (which I patterned and cut, but someone else sewed). I'll need to finish them this weekend sometime and take them in on Monday.
Tomorrow, I'm scheduled to cut and sew bike/run/swim shorts for JE and myself. We shall see if that happens!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Day 146: Commuting
We slept in and only commuted by bicycle today. I wonder if this is really taking it easier than advised. The trouble is, I'm beat! It will be my last day of work tomorrow, and I still have a weeks worth of work I'd like to get done.
We were half way to the park and ride (in our case this translates a bit differently than most people would use the term), when I realized I had left the house without putting on my cycling shoes. In fact, the only shoes I had were my turquoise Vans. It really made me appreciate my cycling shoes.
Josh put new skinny tires on my bike. Super speedy, without even trying! I outdistance JE coasting downhill!
So with my super busy day, the ride to the car was really peaceful. JE and I discussed how amazing it is that we get to unwind before we get home. We are so fortunate to live within 10 miles of work, though, admittedly, it was a conscious decision to not commute. Our time is used to live, not commute. I'm so thankful for that foresight.
We were half way to the park and ride (in our case this translates a bit differently than most people would use the term), when I realized I had left the house without putting on my cycling shoes. In fact, the only shoes I had were my turquoise Vans. It really made me appreciate my cycling shoes.
Josh put new skinny tires on my bike. Super speedy, without even trying! I outdistance JE coasting downhill!
So with my super busy day, the ride to the car was really peaceful. JE and I discussed how amazing it is that we get to unwind before we get home. We are so fortunate to live within 10 miles of work, though, admittedly, it was a conscious decision to not commute. Our time is used to live, not commute. I'm so thankful for that foresight.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Day 145: Intention
Tonight at our training class, someone asked what I did before I started training. They completely stumped me. I was sitting on the stationary bike, muttering, 'I can't remember... What did I do?' JE was at a loss, also.
I've been thinking a lot about the things I'm looking forward to after this is all done. My mental list includes things like: staying warm in bed past the alarm, reading, getting together with friends more often, strolling, lackadaisical bike rides, spontaneity, writing for myself (no offense, I'm extremely flattered that so many people tune in--Thank YOu!!!).
And the things I might miss: my new muscly body, the way my clothes have (or haven't) been fitting, eating anything and having very little guilt, my drive to go, this crazy business, these awesome mornings and evening workouts, purpose and a plan, calibration, moving my body and improving those movements.
But I don't think this is the end. Life is liquid, we fill it with flavor and drink it in. I'm wondering what the next flavor I will choose will be like. Gatorade for the soul.
JE took my bike to the shop today. Josh did a bunch of work and flipped my handlebars. It's sort of funny how incredibly different the attitude of Little Red is; she looks so much more aggressive than before! I'm wondering if I seem like that to my friends? Here is a quote a friend left me on Facebook: "You will DESTROY that race! You will be like GODZILLA on Tokyo, like Roger Ebert on a Rob Schneider film, like Zeus raining lightning down from Olympus! Or you'll just give it your best and feel INCREDIBLE about tackling a challenge of this magnitude." Of course I'm still laughing about that, but it does make me wonder. My hope is to finish the race--not last.
Sometimes when I exercise, I have to set my intention before I begin: to finish the distance or time, to quicken my pace, to achieve more balance, to release that stress or tension. It's very personal, and I can't share it until I accomplish it. But having that aim in mind, before I start, has been a major contributor of improving myself physically.
JE has been looking into Ironman races. I've been threatening to buy race skates. The world is our skate park!
I've been thinking a lot about the things I'm looking forward to after this is all done. My mental list includes things like: staying warm in bed past the alarm, reading, getting together with friends more often, strolling, lackadaisical bike rides, spontaneity, writing for myself (no offense, I'm extremely flattered that so many people tune in--Thank YOu!!!).
And the things I might miss: my new muscly body, the way my clothes have (or haven't) been fitting, eating anything and having very little guilt, my drive to go, this crazy business, these awesome mornings and evening workouts, purpose and a plan, calibration, moving my body and improving those movements.
But I don't think this is the end. Life is liquid, we fill it with flavor and drink it in. I'm wondering what the next flavor I will choose will be like. Gatorade for the soul.
JE took my bike to the shop today. Josh did a bunch of work and flipped my handlebars. It's sort of funny how incredibly different the attitude of Little Red is; she looks so much more aggressive than before! I'm wondering if I seem like that to my friends? Here is a quote a friend left me on Facebook: "You will DESTROY that race! You will be like GODZILLA on Tokyo, like Roger Ebert on a Rob Schneider film, like Zeus raining lightning down from Olympus! Or you'll just give it your best and feel INCREDIBLE about tackling a challenge of this magnitude." Of course I'm still laughing about that, but it does make me wonder. My hope is to finish the race--not last.
Sometimes when I exercise, I have to set my intention before I begin: to finish the distance or time, to quicken my pace, to achieve more balance, to release that stress or tension. It's very personal, and I can't share it until I accomplish it. But having that aim in mind, before I start, has been a major contributor of improving myself physically.
JE has been looking into Ironman races. I've been threatening to buy race skates. The world is our skate park!
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