70.3 Miles 4 Alan Tomorrow

Well, it's official...I am incapable of packing light for a triathlon!

But on the bright side, the packing I have been doing for the last week has been therapeutic as I mentally prepare for what may be the longest race I ever attempt.  I'm nervous...really nervous, but I am comforted by all of the positive thoughts, prayers and energy being sent my way.  

We have arrived in Benton Harbor, been to Ironman Village, purchased nearly every item of clothing (and a car emblem) available with the Ironman 70.3 logo, driven the bike and run courses, and did a short swim in Lake Michigan.  I've read countless cards from my friends and family, received countless emails, texts and Facebook posts.  Thank you all for your encouraging words and patience over the last 8 months!

I have met some of the most amazing people along the way and made some great friends.  Coach Andy, Coach Dave and Coach Sara thank you for your patience and perseverance over the last 8 months!  Karin, Samantha, Katie, Nancy, Courtney, Tanya, Alma, Julie, Mark, Jesse, Amy (I hope I haven't forgotten anyone) you all have been great inspirations, friends and team mates along the way!  

To everyone who donated and supported me, there are too many to list, but your generosity, support and confidence have been humbling.  Thank you for all you have done. 

Thank you to my family for traveling so far to be with me tomorrow, your support and confidence is appreciated and I couldn't have done this without all of your patience and help!

Finally, tomorrow I will be racing 70.3 miles "4 Alan"...I've written on my bibs and on my leg so that others around me will see that I am racing with a purpose and I hope it reminds others of people in their lives that they are racing for.  

When I started this process, I was optimistic that Alan would be well enough to come to the race and see me cross the finish line in his honor.  Instead, Alan will be one of my many Guardian Angels watching over me tomorrow, and while I would trade anything for him to have been here to see me cross the finish line, I am grateful to know he will be watching over me and my family tomorrow.  

I know that tomorrow will be an early day, a tough day, a GU filled day, a memorable day, but at the end of the day it will be a day I get through 70.3 miles...and when I get a big drink of water from a wave, bike up a steep hill or hit a wall on the run course I will try to focus on the fact that I am privileged to be healthy enough and strong enough to race and I will pray for those that are not.  After all, getting through 70.3 miles is not all about athletic talent (well, in my case it is likely not at all about athletic talent) it's about strength, determination, perseverance and hopefully, a little bit of grace...and I am grateful that my body and mind are healthy enough to experience this rare opportunity.

If you want to track me tomorrow, go to http://ironman.com/events/ironman/kalmar?show=tracker&race=kalmar&year=2012#axzz23x4mMIMs.  I am #447.

7 Chocolate Mint Gu's,61 Miles...Bike, Run, Bike...Steelhead 70.3 Here I Come!

Well, it finally came...the highly anticipated 60 mile practice race! The plan was to swim 1 mile, bike 50 miles, and then run 10 miles.  But, because of the severe drought and heat we have experienced this summer, the health department advised that swimming in Geist Reservoir was extremely dangerous.  (Also, note that I haven't been in the reservoir since my eyes started burning while swimming a month ago and I decided it was too disgusting for human contact at that time...even if the team swam, I assure you I would not have stuck even my big toe in that water.)  So, in lieu of the swim, we ran 2, biked 50, ran 9.

It was a warm day, but the weather that morning was surprisingly (and thankfully) cooler and less humid than it had been in weeks!  And, in addition to a break in the weather, my mom decided to ride and do part of the run with me so I wouldn't be out on the course alone all day!

The first run was easy.  Out over the Geist Reservoir Bridge and back to the Sailing Club...no sweat...er, well, despite starting with arm warmers, I was sweating and removing them as I got on my bike.

Mom and I rode 2, 25 mile loops to get our 50 miles.  Although I have no idea where we were most of the time, I will note that we rode through some pretty tough terrain and tackled some big hills.  I felt good about the ride, but the course was technically a bit tough so my speed was a little slow on the first loop. I'm told that the Steelhead course is easier...of course, these were the same people who told me that the Elkhart course was full of fun rolling hills...so I am crossing my fingers and holding my breath.

Then it was time for the run.   As usual, I was dreading it.  The run course was painfully simple and monotonous...we ran out 2.25, back 2.25 and then did it again.  But, the course was shady and there were water stops.  Since running is not my thing, I made a deal with myself that I could walk at the water stops and each mile.  Otherwise I had to run.  This was a pretty tall order for me, but somehow it worked.  I did the first out and back by myself, but thankfully, Mom picked me up for the second out and back.  I was heading back in to meet mom for the second out and back and was trying to telepathically tell her to bring Gu and body glide (I was chafing under my arms...I have had a lot of blisters and skin injuries, but this was a new area)...the telepathy didn't work, but she did show up with a large diet coke, which was about the best treat I could hope for...well, except for the body glide.  We did the second out and back and then sprinted back down to the Sailing Club and we were done!

I was soaking wet and covered in road dirt, but 7 Chocolate Mint Gu's and 6 or 7 bottles of water later, I was done with my last long brick before the big day!  And now, we are officially tapering for race day!

The Less Than Lady-Like Aspects of Triathloning!

So, today we only did a 29 mile brick.  23 Mile Bike and 6 Mile Run (well, some of the faster guys did more than 6 miles...but lit was a scorcher!).

When I took my dog outside this morning at 5:45 a.m. it was 88 degrees with 71% humidity.  We started riding this morning at 6:30 a.m. to "beat the heat" a point which I find nearly irrelevant when we are near 90 degrees before it is light out and the projected temperature for the day is somewhere between 105 degrees and 108...and, that is not the heat index friends  (I believe the projected heat index is somewhere between 114 and 119 for the day), but, I digress.   In a nut shell, we are experiencing an awful heat wave  accompanied by a terrible drought here in Indiana.  My point, it's hot!  And from a tri perspective, insane heat apparently makes an otherwise somewhat gross sport somehow even less couth.

And here is what I have learned (today and doing races) about triathloning, despite appearances, being sometimes less than lady-like:

1. My co-workers think I have a great tan because they have never seen my tri-tan lines.  While my legs look like I'm going for a gradual ombre tan from my sock and short lines, my back and shoulders are a mess of sports bra and tri-shirt lines.  And yet, I am proud of my athletic tan!
2. It is ok to refill your water bottle in a neighborhood sprinkler.
3. When doing a brick (or a hot race) having sweat pouring down your shins like a river is normal.  And the insane amount of sweat translates to 3 to 4 pounds of water lost...ew.
4. It is ok to put your head in a sprinkler to cool off.  In fact, it's like your own personal mister shower.
5. When riding your bike and you think it might be raining, consider that the water is likely getting sprayed off your body from some sort of bump (or the rain might be the gatorade splashing all over you).
6. The sticky stuff on your face, and frankly your whole body is salt mixed with dust from the road and possible oil from your bike chain.
7. Just because you merely bricked and didn't swim does not mean you don't look like you have had a stint in a lake after a brick.
8. If your feet aren't properly ventilated and lubed, blisters will happen.  The same goes for lube and other body parts when it comes to chafing.  
9. The places you have to lube and body glide can be quite intimate.
10. The line becomes very blurred as to where it may or may not be appropriate to stick ice to keep yourself cool.  I will note triathletes tend to fore go modesty in an effort to stay comfortable and beat the heat...so, the inappropriate line may be fairly gray.
11. Swimming in a lake is usually disgusting.
12. It is not uncommon to squat in a field if you are well hydrated because you are no where close to a restroom.  
13. Most triathletes will tell you that you aren't really a triathlete until you have peed in your wetsuit before a race.

My point, triathloning can be a gross sport...one not for the vain.  Heat, distance and sweat up the ante on the gross factor.  That said, for some reason...I'm hooked!

Elkhart Lake Triathlon A.K.A The 7th Circle of ...

56.5K...Approximately 35 miles...My first Olympic Triathlon...The 7th Circle of  Hell.  

All of these things describe the Elkhart Lake Triathlon.  I am told that in 2011 the race was literally cold.  On June 9, 2012 it was over 90 degrees.  And there was wind, 25MPH wind.  And God there were some mighty hills for a course that was described as picturesque with rolling hills.  I'm sure I might have considered the course beautiful and picturesque (and maybe even rolling hills) IF I had been in a car instead of on a bike!  But, I finished!  And although I was not very fast (read as extremely slow)...I FINISHED (which meant the Tiki Bar was in my future)!  

It is important that you know that I finished and that I am smiling in this photo before I tell you the tale of the Elkhart Lake Triathlon.  Otherwise, you might never consider doing a triathlon...and you might think I was never doing another triathlon...This sign really should say, "I SURVIVED the Elkhart Lake Tri!"

Swim

Getting Into Wetsuits with the Team Girls

TNT Super Hero's Ready to Swim

We swam the Sprint swim course on Friday before the race.  The water was a little choppy with waves, but I got used to it. And the lake was so clean you could actually see the bottom! On race day the water was a little calmer, so I was feeling good about the swim except that the course looked like a long way out which made me a bit nervous.  A bigger wave hit during the Sprint Triathlon and 18 sprinters had to be pulled out of the water...so, the Olympic race started 40 minutes late (read this as 40 minutes hotter).  When I finally got into the water (I was in the last age group in the water and it was a time trial start...this is important information later.)  I went for it.  As usual I had that moment where I thought "I really do not want to do this" and I had a lot of moments where I thought to myself "Am I there yet?  Where in the heck is that bouy?"  


The swim took me approximately 40 minutes.  Although the course was 1500 meters, I am pretty sure I swam more like 2000 meters because of the current cutting diagonally across the Y shaped course.  The course was not particularly well marked, and the sun and choppy water made it extremely difficult to see where we were supposed to go.  And while ordinarily these conditions might have annoyed me, I was so happy to have accomplished a long distance swim without freaking out or thinking I was going to drown the less than ideal conditions really didn't bother me.  Also, another Team member got  hit n the face with a dead fish and I was lucky enough not to come across any wildlife (dead or alive) so I chalked this up to a win!  1500 M Open Water Swim, check!

Looks like I am happy to be out of the Water!

T1
Here is where my race started to go down hill mentally.  When I got back to transition (as a side note, Transition was a seriously long way away)  I realized there were approximately 5 bikes left in transition.  I know there were people behind me in the water, but the sheer lack of bikes was unnerving.  Remember, I was one of the last groups in the water and then I proceeded to swim out of my way quite a bit, but the lack of people was unnerving.  So, I pulled of my wetsuit, pulled on my socks and bike shoes, snapped on my helmet and sunglasses grabbed my bike and headed out to the bike course.

Bike

I had been expecting to pick up some time on the bike and really enjoy myself during that piece of the race...after all, it was the run that I was not looking forward to.  I had even slept the entire night before the race uninterrupted and had biked the run course on Friday.  The Bike was going to be fun... Turns out,  I was wrong.  

I live in Indiana.  Indiana is very flat.  My definition of rolling hills, and Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin's definition of rolling hills seem to differ quite a bit.  For example, a bike course that is mostly up hill would not be considered to have rolling hills, but I digress.  

The bike was really tough.  Looking back, I think I was capable of doing reasonably well on the bike course, but the 25MPH wind really killed me.  And, I was out on the course BY MYSELF.  This was mentally challenging for me because I was unprepared for being alone on the course at all.  I think I passed two people at mile 25 on the bike course.  It was a long, miserable, slow, windy, hot ride.  28 Mile/45K Bike Ride, check!

Pictures may be worth a 1,000 words...and I may be smiling in this photo, but I assure you that my smiling was for the camera and not because I was enjoying my bike ride.  I may also be smiling because this photo was taken at the top of a hill.

T2

I was never so happy to be back in transition after the bike.  And it was at that point that I seriously started considering whether I could skip the run and dub my race an Aquathon.  I stripped off my bike shoes and helmet, pulled on my Newtons, sun visor, and race belt.  I sprayed on some extra sunscreen and headed toward the run out.  

Run

Did I mention that it was 90 degrees?  Or that the first 4 miles of the run were uphill with only about a 1/2 mile of shade on the entire run course?  By the time I made it to the run, I was seriously hating life.  I was trying to keep my mind occupied thinking of the people that I was racing for...but my mind was foggy.  Looking back, I likely didn't take in enough calories on the bike to account for the harsh conditions which is why my "run" (and I use that term loosely) was more of a walk.  But, I hoofed every step of that 10K happy or not.   There is not much else to report on the run except that I was really happy it was over.  6.2 Mile/10K run, check!

I must have seen the camera, because this photo suggests that I might have actually run during the run portion of the race.  Pictures can be deceiving.

Tiki Bar

I wish I had pictures, but I don't.  The after race margaritas and the Tiki Bar were by far my favorite part of the race.  I note that the Tiki Bar would have been more fun if I had not been so tired as to head for bed at 9:30!

Lessons Learned

Steelhead is going to be a seriously long day!


People my age are fast despite the fact that I am not.  Be prepared to be on the course alone for Steelhead.


If I get up at 4 in the morning the Friday before a Saturday race, I apparently get great sleep on Friday night.


No one signs up to do an Olympic distance or 70.3 distance triathlon and just wings it and "doesn't train."  It's too far, so there will be no stragglers...it is likely that I will be the straggler...I am ok with this if I can get my 70.3 sticker!

Triathlon Packing List...Why, Oh Why, Do I Tri??

I really enjoy the multi-sport aspect of triathloning, but every time I pack for a race and prepare for all 3 sports in a single day, I desperately wonder why on earth I signed up.  Triathloning requires a ton of gear, and if you are traveling over night to race the packing can literally take hours.  So, I've decided to blog about a packing list so that I can forever memorialize my packing list and maybe, just maybe, packing for the next one won't be so bad.

*Disclaimer, this is a packing list for a longer race which includes an overnight stay!

Pre-Race

• Body Glide, Body Glide, Body Glide
• Chamois Butter
• IBuprofen
• Trisuit
• Sunscreen
• Sport Watch and Heart Rate Monitor (Don't forget your charger)
• Safety Pin (To pin your timing chip so you don't lose it.)

Swim

• Wetsuit
• Wetsuit Lube (Depending on how tight your wetsuit is, you may need some sort of lube to get your wetsuit on and prevent wetsuit burn.)
• Goggles (Bring extra goggles!)
• Water Socks (Some races allow them, but even if your race doesn't you might want these for the pre-race practice swim if the race entry is particularly rocky or just plain gross...Geist anyone?)
• Wetsuit Sleeves (These are really not necessary, but I have a sleeveless wetsuit, so if expecting particularly cold water temperatures, these are nice because they pull on.)
• Flip Flops (I recommend wearing flip flops that you can bare to part with in case you leave them.)
• Swim Cap (For the practice swim, or you can double cap with the race cap.)

Bike

• Bike
• Helmet
• Socks
• Bike Shoes
• Biking Gloves (I don't wear them, but some people do.)
• Biking Glasses
• Bike Water Bottles (And all of the mixes, powders, fuel items that will need to along into your water bottles.  If you have an aero bottle don't forget straw(s) and gauze to keep them from splashing on you.)
• Bento Box and Fuel (Gu, Shot Blocks, Sport Beans, etc.)
• Extra Tubes
• CO2 Cartridges
• Tools
• Extra End Caps (If you lose one, they won't let you race without them.)

Run

• Running Shoes
• Hat or Visor
• Sunglasses (If different from your biking glasses.)
• Race Belt
• Bike Jacket/Rain Jacket (If there is any chance of inclement weather.)
• Water/Fuel Belt (Especially important if it is really hot.)
• ABSOLUTELY NO IPODS - Triathlons do not allow you to wear earphones!

Transition

• Transition Bag
• Extra Body Glide (You may want to lube your feet after the swim if you are prone to blisters in long distances.)
• Extra Chamois Butter (Also a good lubricant for other body parts.)
• Towel (I usually don't dry off after the swim, but you may want to wipe your face and I use a bright colored towel draped over the bike rack to help me find my bike!)
• Transition Mat or Extra Towel (I put this on the ground and arrange all of my transition items on top of it.)
• Bucket or Milk Crate (Some people like to have something to sit on to get their wetsuit off and change shoes.  The milk crate has proven useful for carrying items.)
• Bike Pump
• Extra Water or Gatorade (You might be thirsty at transition and be carrying smaller bottles on the run that you want to reserve.)
• Extra Fuel (In case you drop a Gu or your pack of Sport Beans on the bike course.)
• First Aid Items
• Extra IBuprofen
• Extra Sunscreen
• Chap stick
• Packet of Kleenex (You never know when you may appreciate having a toilet paper like item at transition or in your bike trunk.)

Additional Items

• Extra Swimsuit or Trisuit (For pre-race practice swim.)
• Extra Trisuit (For pre-race short bike and gear check.)
• Hemorrhoid Cream (I know this sounds crazy, but if you get blisters that have not popped this will dry them out over night.  It is seriously amazing.)
• Saran Wrap, Plastic Target Bags, Scissors and Packing Tape (I use this to pack my bike for transport.  See my tips for packing your bike for transport below.  Also, the scissors may come in handy if you need to trim a straw.)
• Bike Lock
• Medication
• Toothbrush and Toiletries
• Extra Fuel
• Wet wipes
• Clothes/Shoes for after the race (Remember you may be desperate to get your shoes off or or trisuit off if you are chafing.) 
• Camera

Packing Your Bike For Transport
First, I realize that most people just put their bike either in the car or on the back of the car and go.  But, when I am towing my bike for any distance, I like to protect the seat and handlebars.  First, my handle bars and seat are white, and second I don't really want a soggy seat when I arrive.  (And, yes, I realize that when I triathlon I end up with a wet but on my seat.  But there is a difference between a slightly soggy seat and a seat that has been through a torrential downpour.)  So, here is what I do to pack my bike for transport.  I remove all of my bike bags (bento box and rear trunk).   I also remove my aero pads so they don't get wet.  I then use the saran wrap to methodically wrap the bike seat and handle bars.  I would also recommend wrapping the ends of the handle bars to secure the end caps so they do not get knocked off during transport.  If you tie the saran wrap to the bike frame the saran wrap holds up pretty well to the wind.  You can secure the leftover end of the saran wrap after you are done wrapping with packing tape.  I then take the extra step of tying a grocery bag around the bike seat and handlebars for good measure.  Just remember you will want to pack your bike for transport back after the race, so you will want to bring the saran wrap and extra grocery bags (the original grocery bags likely won't survive the wind) with you.  The scissors will help you when it comes time to unwrap the bike.

I would love to learn about tips and tricks others use for triathlon packing especially if anyone else has any weird items on their list like I do.

Hopefully this is everything, if I think of anything else, I will definitely update this post!

Don't Forget to Bring Your Super Suit!

Well, May was very busy!  Here is a run down of everything I did in May!  More on recent events coming soon!

Open Water Swimming:  We started practicing open water swimming at Geist Reservoir once a week.  Gross and double gross.  If you have ever tried to swim competitively (or even athletically) in open water, you know what I mean.  You can't see two inches in front of you and you have to deal with all of the muck on the bottom of the lake.  For me, this means I need to mentally prepare for the stuff I find gross and the things that make me most fear open water swimming...snakes!  So, I decided it was time to break out my secret weapons and super powers: water socks, a wetsuit, and my Wonder Woman Swimsuit!

Yes, that would be me in the Wonder Woman Swimsuit.  And, if anyone asks, it actually DOES help me swim in open water!

Indianapolis Mini Marathon: Let's set the stage.  The Mini Marathon was hot, high 80's and 90% humidity.  I didn't train for the Mini, I had been training for a big triathlon, and April was not a good training month for me.  Couple all of this with feeling a bit emotional after losing my uncle and my mom's running coach, Tom Hathaway, the week before...it was bound to be an emotional race.  So, I walked up to the start line with pretty low expectations because (i) I was not acclimated to the heat, and (ii) I had only run up to 7 miles in preparation.  Luckily, my awesome Mom decided to run with me despite being injured.  Against all odds, the first 5 or 6 miles went pretty well.  At mile five I burst into tears when I heard a band playing "Only the Good Die Young," but I kept going.  The track is a bit of a blur to me, but this seems to be the place where my race broke down.  It was really hot, and things were starting to hurt.  Somehow we muddled through those last 7 miles (cue bursting into tears at mile 10.5 without explanation), but I swear I only made it because my mom drug me through the finish line.

Geist Half Marathon: At some point a couple months ago, I signed up for the Geist Half Marathon because I wanted to the special t-shirt for running two 1/2 marathons during the month of May (and yes, it has occurred to me that a t-shirt that I have to pay to own is not necessarily a rational reward for such behavior...but, I thrive on sense of accomplishment).  After the Mini I was seriously questioning my sanity for signing up for Geist when I wasn't training for a 1/2 marathon not to mention questioning whether I could complete Mini's very hilly cousin after hating every minute of the Mini.  But, I had a few friends who were doing Geist so I gave it the old college try.  It was hilly, and it was hot...and yet somehow I PR'd by 8 minutes!  I ran really well (and really fast for me) right up until miles 8 and 9 when the course turns into one huge hill.  The funny thing is I didn't realize how fast I was racing until I reached mile 10.5.  You see, I  had been running with a woman I met in the race who saw my TNT purple and we sort of started running together.  Both of us were struggling with injuries, so when she needed to walk, I was happy to take a break with her.  I only mention this, because it goes to illustrate how profound my PR was.  Had I had any inclination that I was capable of a faster time, I am sure I would have pushed harder during those 3.5 miles.  I think at mile 10.5 I said something like, "you know, if I hurry, I can PR??" and I took off for the finish line.   I was so proud at the finish line despite the salt stuck to my face (this was my first experience with the dried salt by the way...made me feel like a real athlete)!  The most important thing I learned from Geist was to have confidence in my training.  I am finally starting to feel good about the time and hard work I have put in.

TNT Fashionistas Before the Geist

TNT Fashionista's After Geist

Grieve, Pray for Strength and Remember...

Alan Impicciche passed away on April 23, 2012.  He was 52.  He was my uncle, "Unke Al."  He died from Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

When I began this journey in January, I wanted to show support for my uncle as he underwent treatment for a disease I was sure he would beat.  I wrote to him to tell him I wanted to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to support and honor him.  My uncle fully supported the challenge I was taking on and was touched by my desire to help in the only way I knew how.  I had no idea that only four months later I would be training to race in his memory.

When I was a child, Alan lived with us for some period of time.  I have fond memories of going to Toys 'R Us to pick out gifts on my birthday.  One year he bought me a giant green plastic piggy bank with pink eyes (think the Amityville Horror Pig), another year a whole slew of pound puppies with a carrier.  I can remember so looking forward to shopping for my birthday gift with Alan, because he always let me pick things that my mom said I couldn't have or were too expensive.

I recall Alan picking me up from day care one day and marching back into the office to admonish the administrator for not punishing some little boys who had thrown sand in my eyes making me cry.  And I will never forget weekend dinners at my grandparents house when an hour or so after dinner, Alan would announce "Dudes, Pizza?" (What can I say, we Italians think pizza is an after dinner snack.)

As I grew older, Alan married Ann and they had two amazing children, Maria and Michael.  Although I was not as close with Alan as I grew into adulthood, I always loved and cherished my relationship with him.  As I write this, I cannot help but think of Alan's unique quirks that made him both goofy and lovable at the same time.  Alan loved vanilla ice cream and beanie weenies, but he hated to be in the same room as an onion. Alan loved to eat Wonder Bread sandwiches...just two slices of white wonder bread squished into a ball.

Alan loved golf, but he loved his family more.  I have read numerous messages left by friends and colleagues.  Seeing Alan through the lens of his friends and co-workers is to see him as a dedicated and bright co-worker, a wonderful friend, who put family and friendship above all else.

Alan suffered greatly the last few months of his life as he battled his illness.  I take comfort that Alan is no longer suffering and is now watching over all of us.  Alan's death came too quickly, his children were too young, his wife and family still hopeful he would recover.  So, we will grieve, we will pray for strength, and we will remember.  I believe that training and racing in Alan's memory will give me the opportunity to grieve, to pray for strength, and to remember.  And when I struggle, I will picture Alan alongside our Lord and Savior...perhaps they will be sharing a Wonder Bread Sandwich after a game of golf as they watch over and protect our family.

Unke Al - I love you, I miss you, and I will look to you for strength.  We will always remember your kind heart and gentle spirit.  Rest in peace Alan. Love, Andrea

I did the Carmel Sprint Triathlon...and then I asked myself "what were you thinking signing up for a 70.3?"

The Carmel Sprint Triathlon is the 1st Triathlon of the Indianapolis Racing Season.  The race is a 400 meter pool swim, 10 mile bike ride, and 3.1 mile run around Carmel High School.

First let me set the stage.  Mentally, I have not been training for a sprint triathlon.  In fact, mentally I have been training for this race that seems really far away.  And, I've been focusing on distance.  And, last week I only managed to get 1 training day in on Monday before the race on Sunday...oopsie!  Cue mental brain fart...I forgot to make sure my bike was in working order the day before the race... and, I forgot that I felt the gear shift pop the last time I road my bike.  Add in a beautiful day with winds gusting up to 30 miles/hour.

I awoke at 5 a.m. (awoke seems like a funny term, because I never really sleep before races and this was no exception).  I pulled on my tri suit, twisted my hair into my usual double french braids I always sport for race day, loaded my bike onto my car and began my trek to the Upper Penninsula also known as "Carmel" by those who live in downtown Indianapolis.

When I arrived at the highschool to set up transition at 6:30 a.m., it was so dark I could have used a head lamp.  After unloading my gear from the car (I could seriously post a second blog entry on my packing rituals) I trudged to transition and began unpacking and arranging my gear.  I won't get into the fact that some people are obsessive about transition and arranging their gear.  4 races in I have not developed an obsession with transition arrangement, but I can feel it coming.

When transition closed I headed indoors with the my TNT team and began the waiting and defensive peeing (hey, no one wants to stop and pee mid race!).  Although you could warm up in the pool, given that the race did not begin until 9 (and it was closer to 10 by the time that I started) I was not interested in freezing my keister off for 2.5 hours. Hence the waiting and defensive peeing.

I was actually thrilled when the race finally started.  I really didn't have a strategy other than to finish in the least amount of time possible. 

Swim: My swim went well other than passing a breast stroker who clearly incorrectly seeded himself (amateur hour anyone??) and having to pass a guy who cut me off despite being slower than me.  All in, I give the swim a thumbs up.  Official race time: 9:23.

Transition 1: Transition 1 went relatively smoothly...everything seemed to be soaking wet, but I felt like transition went well as I donned my helmet, wedged socks onto wet feet, clipped on my bike shoes, etc.  Getting out of transition with your bike was a bit of a haul from a course perspective.  Official race time: 2:55 (ouch...I used to be more efficient at this)

Bike: The bike was an utter disaster.  Remember I set the stage for you above.  The first half of the course (at least) was up-hill in terrible wind...and remember that pop I mentioned...well, my bike would not switch gears.  2 miles in I was off my bike trying to adjust the rear brake and figure out what was wrong with my bike.  I got back on, I finished, but I was really sore and not a happy camper.  I should also mention that the bike course was really technical with lots of turns and lane changes...in short, it was super tough.  Official race time: 41:41 (ouch...just 13.7 miles/hour).

Transition 2: Transition 2 actually went smoother than Transition 1.  Things were less wet, and I was extremely thankful to be off my malfunctioning bike. I threw my helmet down (noticing half of my race gear strewn across transition from the wind) and exchanged my bike shoes for my newtons and clipped on my race belt.  I was ready, only to realize I didn't know where the run start was...after yelling to a volunteer I learned it was directly opposite the bike course (weird).  Official race time: 2:59 (ouch...perhaps I need to become more obsessed with transition).

Run:  Well, what can I say? The first 1/4 mile was straight up hill...broke my heart...especially after my awful bike experience.  I walked a little and started running, but I had a bad attitude after the bike.  I was thirsty, and tired and no water stops in sight (there was 1 water stop the entire race at mile 1.5 of the run course).  The run was not my best effort, but I completed it.  Official race time: 35:23 (although you may think this is slow (and although I am capable of running a bit faster) this time was actually not horrible for me).

And it was after all of this that I thought to myself "What were you thinking signing up for a 70.3?"

I'm still pondering that lapse in judgment.  But, alas, I've signed-up...and so, I will train and I will conquer 70.3 even if it isn't pretty...because I signed-up to raise money to fight blood cancers...and fighting blood cancer is more important than any lapse in judgment. 

Chicken and Brown Gravy For the Soul...

Last night I was asked to attend what people at my law firm like to call a "Chicken and Brown Gravy Dinner"...a gala event benefiting one of our clients where the food is never very good...but, is usually chicken with brown gravy.  So, I did my duty and attended.  And while I will admit that these events are sometimes a tad boring, my colleagues are a good group and we usually can make any event fun.   But this event actually had a really inspiring message. 

I attended the Brady Sports Achievement Awards and Dinner presented by Methodist Sports Medicine's Research and Education Foundation where scholarship awards are presented to  high school and college athletes who have overcome adversity or hardship in their pursuit of academic and athletic excellence.  Out of the 5 athletes that were presented awards, 3 of them had overcome blood cancer.  While all of the kids who were honored have overcome serious injuries and adversity (you can read about Robbie Hummel and Bradley Humphrey), my heart went out to the 3 who have battled blood cancer Ashtyn Brown, Alysia Bennet, and Evan Meade.

I guess I never really understood how prevalent blood cancer is until CLL struck a loved one.  Now I see blood cancers everywhere and I find myself witnessing extraordinary battles and extraordinary courage and perseverance every day.

You should read about the adversity faced by all 5 of the kids honored last night because it makes you realize that these kids love of being active and participating in athletics helped them to overcome the odds.  And these kids have first hand knowledge of what it is like to be privileged to have a healthy body that lets them participate in the sports they are passionate about.  They have first hand knowledge of what it is like to sit on the sidelines when faced with a horrific injury or incurable disease.

Next time I find myself wanting to slack off and take a day off from training or not push myself as hard as I should...I'm going to channel the spirit, energy, strength and perseverance of these kids.

I am not going to complain...

I am not going to complain...I am not in the hospital.  I don't have water on my lungs making it difficult for me to breathe.  I do not have a feeding tube nourishing me because I am too weak to eat. My kidneys are not struggling to keep up.  I am healthy.  My body is conditioned to swim, bike and run for long periods.  In the last week alone, I have swam more than 5000 meters, biked 54 miles and run nearly 7 miles (did I mention that running is not my favorite part of triathloning?).  So...I am not going to complain about training because it is a privilege to be able to train.  It is a privilege to not be so unlucky as to have my body taken over by blood cancer. 

But...

I have to admit...sometimes training is hard...mentally and physically.  Getting 1.5 - 2 hour workouts in 6 days a week is a challenge...especially with a full time job that is not always 9-5.  Once in a while I am tempted to give in to sitting on my couch and watching tv in lieu of running or biking because the temperature is a little nippy and the wind is whipping.  Lately, I have had a hard time getting everything in...which when you are facing what will likely be an 8 hour race in a little over 4 months... is scary.  I won't even get into the part about the fact that when you are training 12 or more hours a week...and working a full-time job...that having a social life (especially one that occaisionally incorporates a good happy hour cocktail or two) is nearly impossible. 

Instead, I am spending my time agonizing over what to eat so that I am a) not starving, b) not overeating, and c) properly nourishing my body.  I do laundry...lots of laundry...because well training is a stinky business that seems to create a ton of black lycra that needs laundering.  I plan and re-plan my workouts.  And yet...I still don't seem to get them all in.  I worry about my injured hip.  I pump and re-pump bike tires...plan my routes.  You get the point. 

And yet, I really do enjoy triathloning.  I like being so tired that I fall into bed.  And, as much as I thought I would hate asking people for money to support finding a cure for blood cancer...I find that I am now not shy at all when it comes to asking.  Because as I said before...I am privileged.  I am privileged to be the person asking for money...instead of the person battling blood cancer.  And...given the chance...I would do it all over again.

Take A Moment to say a Little Prayer For Those Suffering From Blood Cancer...

Training to fight blood cancer has never meant more to me.  My Honored Hero is having a really tough week in his fight against blood cancer, and my heart goes out to him and his family as I pray that he recovers.  Days like today make me realize that training really isn't that hard when you put it  in perspective.  Today, please take a moment to say an extra prayer for those who suffer from  blood cancer...

March was a long month to say the least.  From a training standpoint we were in a build period which meant that I was having to devote more time to training...longer swims, runs and rides...training six days a week...brick workouts...outdoor training.  Suddenly this race I signed up for is starting to seem real.  Couple that with a last minute trip to Little Rock for work and closing a deal I have been working on for over a year, and I was officially pooped and very ready for Recovery Week!

When your training, Recovery Week is like this beacon of light on the other side of a steep hill.  You don't mind that you still have to train during Recovery Week because your training distances are very tolerable.  The only bad thing about Recovery Week is that it is bookended by build weeks.  Alas, the first week of April is a build week. But, I am ready for it!  Bring. It. On. 

Dough Raiser!

Here is a simple way to eat pizza and help raise money to fight blood cancer!  Uno's Pizzaria on Southport Road has agreed to donate 20% of all guest checks (dine in and take out) during the week of March 4th through 10th.  Simply present the attached flyer  when paying the bill.  (The flyer MUST be presented in order to for us to receive credit!)  Please pass this along to all of your family and friends!

The Week In Review...Getting Back Into Training Mode

On Monday I swam 1100 meters, which in perspective is not that far, after all a mile is 1600 meters, and I have to swim 1.2 miles at Steelhead.  Our team has three work out options for our training schedule for each sport: Developing, Fitness or Competitive.  My goal is to always choose either the Fitness or Competitive work out.  So on Monday, I went with the Fitness workout despite the fact that the Competitive work out was only a 100 meters further...what can I say, the Bachelor started at 8 and it was the Hometown Date episode.  And, swimming is hard for me...I may not have swum that far, but I was still tired after 1100 meters.  That said, I am actually starting to enjoy swimming...and, the new swim suits I just purchased make swimming a little more fun!

On Tuesday I ran...and I had grand plans to run 3 or 4 miles, but the running gods had a different plan for me.  So, I only ran 2 miles.  I was a bit defeated...but, I figured I had several months to train...and if running didn't work out for me in August, I guess I can always walk.

On Wednesday I swam again...but, this time I swam 1300 meters because I chose the competitive workout!  I felt like I should have earned a medal.  This workout was particularly tough because instead of doing 200-300 meters of drills (which can be a bit of a break) we did a set of 2 x 250 meters.  This was followed by a 2 x 50 kick (with a kick board) and then another 2 x 250 meters with a negative split....again, I thought I deserved a medal.  And...swimming makes me ravenous...cue the large bowl of Special K when I got home!

Thursday was my first fundraiser.  Several of my friends and I attended a wine tasting at Kahn's to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through Team In Training.  It was a lot of fun, and a load of people  attended!  We raised nearly $1500 dollars in two hours!  The fundraiser was a great excuse to skip a workout.

Given the mild winter we have had thus far, to say it took an act of God to get me to Group Training yesterday (Saturday) at 8 a.m. in 27 degree weather (with wind) for a hilly (and very slick) 5.5 mile run at Fort Ben, is an understatement.  Factor in that I have not run that far since some time late last summer, and you might consider the fact that I actually got out of my warm car with heated seats a minor miracle.

The first two miles or so were pretty tough for me (it always takes me more than a mile to settle in and get comfortable...I think this is why I have a love/hate relationship with running).  The weather was lousy, and I was not so happy to be there.  But, thankfully one of our Team coaches, Coach Dave, picked me up about a mile and a half in and ran the rest of the way with me.  The next two miles went pretty smoothly despite the rolling hills...in fact, I was feeling pretty good.  Dave and I were discussing our love for Taco Bell and how unfortunate it was that Taco Bell is not considered health food (a fact that seems to be the common denominator amongst our Team).  And then, with a little over a mile to go, my legs started to give out.  I've been battling IT Band problems in my hip for months now...couple that with a longish run in the cold (with extra slippery pavement) after a few months of what I would term "very light running" (i.e. I have put very few miles in)...and that equals a pretty tough last mile.  But...I finished!  And...despite the fact that I am a bit sore today, I am feeling a lot stronger mentally about getting back to a regular training schedule that includes some longer runs.

Today I will finish up a week of 5 days of training with a 40 minute bike ride...which with any luck I will get to do outside if the temperature ever pops up like it is supposed to.   (Oops...were we supposed to do 6 workouts this week???  What can I say, it is February...the race is in August...I will get there.)

The trainer in my living room = Necessary Evil!

Welcome to My Blog!

Hi, I'm Andrea. Welcome to my blog!

Above is a photo of my mother and me after the Go Girl Triathlon in 2011. My mom inspired me to do triathlons. My uncle, Alan, suffers from chronic Leukemia. Alan inspired me to join The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training (TNT) .

As a member of TNT, I have a mission-to help find cures and more effective treatments for blood cancers. To accomplish that mission, I’m participating in the Steelhead Half Ironman (that's right 70.3 Miles!) as a member of TNT. Like the other members of TNT, I will be raising funds to help find cures and better treatments for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma. I’m improving the quality of my life by participating and with your support, I can help improve the quality of life for patients and their families as well.

Please make a donation in support of my efforts with Team In Training and help advance the research for cures! Just click the "Donate Now" button on the right and help me reach my goal.

Keep checking back to hear more about my journey as I continue my training and help raise money for this cause that is very near and dear to my heart.

- Andrea