It's a New Year!

I'm being pestered to do an update so I guess it's about time. Although, I feel like my life is pretty boring and not necessarily all that interesting to read about.

But, looking forward to 2010 I do have some goals. Not resolutions as it seems like resolutions are something we work to avoid breaking while goals one work towards achieving and I like the positive spin so much more. So here they are, written down so you all can keep me honest.

1) Run 1000 miles.
2) Run a half marathon this fall.
3) Improve my nutrition strategy.

I've started working toward the first and the third and I guess by extension that means I'm working toward the second since all base miles will help me prepare for the half-marathon.

You may be wondering about skiing and coaching. Yep, I'm doing that too although the snow thus far this year has sucked the big one so I haven't skied as much as I would like. I have a great group that I'm working with this season and I'm excited to see how far we'll go! In the meantime we're all praying to Ullr the Norse God of Snow to bring more of the white stuff!

Thanksgiving reflections...

Wow, what a year it's been. Last year's Thanksgiving was spent in Vail with family and friends. Skiing, my first Turkey Trot and treasured time with family and it couldn't get much better.

Since then I've discovered just how strong my body and spirit are and I've been reminded of just how important living life to the fullest is. I was laid off from a job I liked, I completed my first triathlon, I battled health issues, started a new job I love, became a runner, mourned my cousin and celebrated renewed life with a special friend.

This Thanksgiving I'll run my second Turkey Trot and share a meal with friends. And I'll celebrate those people in my life that have supported me through it all and shown me just how awesome life is. I am truly blessed and thankful for it all!

Seasons changing...

Usually at this time of year I'm so excited about skiing and coaching I can barely stand it. It's all I think, talk and dream about (well I imagine I dream since I don't ever remember the actual dreams) and I go up every day I possibly can.

But this year my heart is torn. I loved doing my first tri this summer. And I've fallen in love with running. Starting in August, post surgery, I started focusing a bit more on running which has always been my weakest link. I was cycling too but not swimming. As cycling season (for me) closed down the running ramped up even more. I'm now running 4-5 days a week and really enjoying it.

I joined a run group in a next door town and was welcomed at the end of September with open arms even though the group is much faster than me. The group leader, a professional running coach, is pregnant so she has slowed her pace which made us a perfect fit to run together most Saturday mornings. We motivate each other, chat and get to know one another and before we know it we've done more miles than we'd planned or hoped. I've looked forward to my Saturday morning runs all week with breakfast afterward which served as inspiration to get out during the week and get in the miles.

Next weekend I begin my season of coaching with an on mountain clinic and then I'll spend the last weekend before coaching in Florida with family. All of this is great but it means that today was my final run with the group until next spring. And I'm very very sad. To the point of tears a couple of times today. Who knew I'd be so sad about a running group? Those that knew me 5 years ago would bet money against that one.

The group has inspired me to start thinking about doing a half marathon next year. Yes, you read that right, I'm thinking of running 13.1 miles. If I've learned one thing over the last 2 years it's that I can do anything I decide I want to do if I plan for it, train for it, and want to do it. And this is something I want to do.

I know as I get into my coaching season and start skiing I'll adjust and be very happy all winter long. But sitting in the back of my mind will be this wonderful group running their miles while I ski on snowy slopes. And next spring, as the ski season wanes I'll know that I get to return to the group. It is fabulous to have beloved activities for all seasons!

Today I want to thank the leader of the run group, Erin. The miles with you have been more fun than I ever dreamed running could be. I will miss you this winter my friend but cannot wait to meet Baby Boy and run together next spring as we both start our comebacks! You inspire me, you motivate me and you are in the right profession!

Blizzard of October 2009

Some photos from our approximately 18-20 inches of snow this week!

Uh, oops.

So, I think I might be the world's worst blogger. :(

Wow, it's been quite a summer. Shortly after my last post I had a minor surgery which took me out of my workouts for the majority of July. I also moved in July up toward Boulder and live in the town of Lafayette. This town has great access to trails and fantastic roads for riding leading out to farm country and I've loved living here.

In August I started ramping up my running again finally coming to terms with the fact that if I wanted to run faster I needed to run more. I did my first post surgery run at a pace of 13:45 per mile for 2.6 miles. Definitely slow. I'm now up to running 3-4 days per week and my last hard pace run I did 3.1 miles at 11:20 per mile. Still slow but a heck of a lot faster than previously. I've joined a Saturday morning run group and absolutely love running with them. Or, more accurately starting at the same time then enjoying breakfast and coffee afterward. Well, actually the coach is pregnant so she's stuck with me for 2 of my runs and I really am enjoying her. She seems to know the perfect balance of pushing me and giving me a few ego boosts that just keep me going.

Today we ran the Dowdy Draw Trail just south of Boulder near the town of Eldorado Springs. This trail goes up, up, up on the way out and has some fantastic views. I can't wait to run this during the spring! There was a lot of walking on the way out as those hills just make my heart rate sky rocket but Coach Erin motivated me when I tried to turn around and go to an alternate, flatter trail, we chatted and ran and walked and we went out for 2 miles. My fancy new Garmin Forerunner 305 told me it was just over 2 miles. We turned around and headed back after Coach told me about some other trails we'll run as I get better for which I'm very excited!

The downhill went by fast but was so much fun. Have to be careful as the rocks just beg to trip you up. I can't wait until I have more endurance to be able to go further on these types of trails as it is absolutely gorgeous out there.

And I earned my power sandwich at Panera afterward for sure!

Good run, good company, good food. What more can a girl ask for on a gorgeous fall Saturday morning?

Danskin SheRox Triathlon

I know I know some of you have been patiently waiting for this report. As you know my new job is keeping me very busy and with a 2+ hour commute each day I'm exhausted by the time I get home. But, finally, here it is!

Sunday June 28th the alarm went of at 4:05 so that I would be up early enough to get some food in me a few hours prior to the race. I got up, ate a peanut butter and honey sandwich and got dressed. Grabbed my bag which I packed the day before and my bike and off I went. I parked in the lot about a mile from the race site, got my gear together and headed toward transition. I had no idea that riding with a heavily packed bag on my back would feel so different!

I got my transition area set up and did a walk through the race plan with entrances and exits from each event. The water had a small amount of chop but nothing bad. Weather was perfection for racing. I went back to my transition spot and got my wetsuit on to go for a warm up swim. Unfortunately when I got down they told use we weren't allowed to swim but I could get in and get wet at least which I did.

Mom and Gary (my stepdad) just barely made it to transition in time for me to hand off my camera to her and get a good luck hug and then went to line up to start the race. As the National Anthem played I realized it was the first time since junior high that it had been played for an athletic event that I was competing in!

Next thing I knew the elite racers were in the water and the gun went off. I couldn't see them from my vantage point of being surrounded by 1062 incredible women triathletes. When it came my time I moved forward and positioned myself toward the back and outside as was my plan. We waved back toward the crowd as is tradition at this race and then the gun went off. I waded to swim depth and off I went. My asthma gave me some trouble and I started to wonder if I'd make it. I wasn't able to put my face in the water yet which was really hurting my speed and making me more tired. I came upon a woman who was panicked so I stopped to assist her and we got a kayak to her. This break actually gave me a moment to relax and when I restarted I felt more in control. Just before half way I was finally able to swim with my face in the water and started passing people who had been passing me. I came out of the water tired but happy with the swim over all, making my way as quickly as I could up to transition, stripping my wetsuit to my waist as I went.

At T1 I removed my wetsuit, added socks and shoes, helmet and sunglasses, grabbed my bike and headed toward the exit. I know I picked up time here as people were doing all sorts of random things in transition (towel drying hair!). I left transition wading through lots of bike traffic but definitely making up position. I only had a few people pass me on the bike and I was able to pass a lot. I felt good although wish my climbing had been a bit better. Not sure why my legs didn't want to work.

I came into T2 feeling pretty good. I dropped off my bike, switched shoes, grabbed my hat, inhaler, race belt with number and a sip of water and was off. The run was really tough for me. Made even more difficult when about 1/3 of the way through I realized my timing chip was missing. Something about that just dashed my spirits and made it tougher to push myself. Fortunately I saw some friends along the way and they cheered for me which helped. I made my way toward the finish and was able to run the last mile completely.

Nearing the finish my dear friend Gaye was right there and she cheered me into a finishing kick. I passed by Sheila Taormina who is touring with the Danskin race and who I'd had the pleasure of chatting with a couple of times. She recognized me and gave me an extra big cheer and I remembered what she taught us in the motivational talk. "Gambare" means to keep going in Japanese and I'd repeated it many times over the last month and a half through the layoff and training. As I finished I realized that it didn't matter that officially I would show a DNF because nobody could take away the fact that I am now a TRIATHLETE!!!!

The motto of this particular race is "She Swims, She Rides, She Runs, SheRox!" and a week later I still feel like I rock. What an incredible sport to be a part of and I can't wait for the next one.

This VIDEO is pics from the day set to a song that I heard for the first time on the radio while driving to the race. I think it's quite fitting!

I ran the Bolder Boulder!!!

When I awoke this morning I was beyond excited to get to racing my first 10k in many years! The skies were partly cloudy and it looked like the rain might hold off until after the race. After a breakfast of eggs, toast and a cup of coffee we headed off to the start with my aunt and uncle serving as a most excellent shuttle to the start for my coach and I. Her wave went off nearly an hour before mine so I had a lot of time to take in the surroundings.

This race has 54,000 runners so people are line up as far as the eyes can see. The Bolder has gone off for 31 years so the organizers have an incredibly well run set up allowing each racer to feel special. There are 84 waves in total. The first waves are qualified waves so the people in those waves have to submit times from other races proving they can race at a certain pace. Following that are waves of people who self-seed based on their expected times. I seeded myself in a 70-90 minute wave and registered early enough that I was in the first of those waves. As you line up you get behind a sign with your wave letters and as each wave goes off you move closer. All of the sudden you feel like you must have a wave or two in front of you but the volunteers are saying "Go time!" and you're moving to the start. A trumpeter plays his tune and then the gun!

Making sure to keep your pace in check the first mile is tough as noted by my 11 minute mile (goal was just over 12 minute miles)is the biggest challenge in this mile. I settled in for mile 2 including Folsom Field. Unfortunately, for some reason mile 3 hurt today. It was odd because it was virtually flat but I just couldn't find a rhythm and I had to walk more than I'd have liked. Mile 4 appears slow on the official split because I had to run into the port-o-potty unfortunately but it actually felt much better than mile 3. Once I topped the hill just after the mile 4 marker I felt like I hit a comfortable stride. Wish it had happened earlier but at least I found it. In the final mile the crowd cheering loudly. Starting up the last hill I just told myself I couldn't walk any more. As I rounded the corner toward the stadium the emotions took hold and I had an asthma attack. But I just didn't want to be the one who walked the last 3/10 of a mile. As I went under the 6 mile banner and peeked at my watch I saw that I'd taken 2 minutes off my 6 mile time from last week. Woohoo!!! I wouldn't hit my 75 minute goal but I'm improving and that's what really matters right now.

As I came around the turn into the stadium, down the little hill and hit the metal planking that protects the ground of the stadium the roar of the crowd in enormous! People line the railings cheering you on and you feel like you just ran into the stadium of the Olympics. Around the stadium about 3/4 of the way and there's the finish! Hitting the stop on the watch and I see 1:17:13. And I look around and can't believe that I've done it. If you'd like to see me cross the finish line check out this video. I appear at 4:01 in the video in the center of the screen.

After picking up my snack bag I headed for our designated meeting spot and found my coach and was joined shortly after that by my aunt and uncle. We waited to watch the pro race and the Memorial Day ceremonies. The male pro ran his race in, get this, 29:19!!! That's about a 4:43 second mile pace!

The Memorial Day tribute took on special meaning for me today as I prepare to send my oldest friend off to battle next week. God speed Brett Cheatham, you better come home safely! For the tribute sky jumpers come in with flags representing each of the branches of service and then finally the US flag. It's incredibly moving as Lee Greenwood's "I'm Proud to be an American" plays in the background.

Next year, I'd like to qualify for the restricted waves. I'd also like to get the side stitches issue under control as much of the walking that I had to do was because of these. Hopefully more fitness will bring relief from these.

As the last notes of the Memorial Day Tribute finished the skies opened up and released a deluge of rain. We were parked a mile or so away so needless to say we were soaked by the time we reached the car but we couldn't believe the luck of the weather holding off until after the races and ceremonies!

Here are some photos from the day!

Before the race with my coach Andrea


After the race with Andrea


With my friend Gaye


Memorial Day Tribute