One Week

My first event is one week from today. It's been one of those weekends too that I haven't done anything that I should be doing.

• I haven't been on my bike in a week
• I haven't been in the pool since Wednesday
• I haven't run since Wednesday
• I haven't done anything since Wednesday

Life kind of took a higher priority this week and I let training move to the backseat.

I don't regret my decision to spend time with family and put triathlons and athleticism on the backburner... and I can't say that the thought of not even competing in this event hasn't crossed my mind... and honestly, I can still back out, probably with no refund, but whatever.

But somewhere deep inside, I know I can do this. I can finish this. I can do this event, even if I haven't been as dedicated in the last week as I needed to be. Because I have been dedicated up until this point...

And the good thing about the whole deal is since it's my first event, I won't have any idea if my time is way off... because it will be my first time. My first finish.

Please, please, please don't let me DNF.

Motivation from an unlikely source...

Alana and I went to the Kids Playtri Triathlon to cheer on Corina's ironkids yesterday. It was a GREAT event (and her kids did a fabulous job). I'd never been to a kiddie triathlon and it was a sight to behold. All of the children (age 7-14) seemed so focused on their disciplines, you couldn't help but take a little motivation home. I didn't have my own athlete competing (although C's kids have adopted us as their new Aunts), but I was truly proud of the little triathletes. In a world that seems to think children are doomed because of inactivity and rising obesity rates, it was nice to see a group that had taken school's general physical fitness message and applied it to the sport of triathlon. These kids have found something beyond the video games and junk food...and they actually enjoy it. What a concept. As an adult (and budding triathlete), I must say it was a strong dose of reality to see a 7-year old on a fancy road bike with aero bars. Good grief. Yes, it's time for Coco to get her azz in gear. Again.

As I've mentioned, I knew some of my intensity would disappear once Danskin was over. I focused on the event for so long, I was a bit deflated and unmotivated once it was in the rearview mirror. I was so happy (fractured foot issues aside) when I was in training. I need to feel that again. It's time to focus on my diet, get back to the gym 5x week and curb the social libations. While I didn't go completely cold turkey, I ate 95% clean while training, kicked my own azz in the gym and reduced the cocktails to bi-weekly. Guess what happened? I felt great, lost some poundage and didn't feel deprived! Yeah...please give that back to me now.

Today was my first day of diet cleanup (eating has been a little atrocious since my birthday) and I did a short bike ride with some of the Tri-Divas. Tomorrow, I will eat clean and take spin class. One day at a time, eh? Once the stupid carb cravings disappear and the workouts increase, all will be right in my world again. I have some serious work to do. As you know, I was already in the process of losing my little rebound gain. Well, I'm 10 lbs heavier than I was at Danskin (I got on the evil box because I needed a starting point) and that's just unacceptable. I want to truly change my body before Danskin 2009 and that means the work starts now. There's also a chance that I'll attend Phat Camp with Lynn and Alana in Hawaii next year. Hello, motivation.

And for good measure, next month I'll be registering for the MS150 Houston to Austin ride. The event fills up fast, so I'll jump on it once registration opens and be fully committed after paying money. Y'all know how I am with ca$h. :) I'm doing this crazy ass inspiring challenge with Donna and Alana and they make me feel confident and relaxed. In return, I will provide comic relief with inappropriate commentary and bizarre road observations. Sounds like a win/win, eh?

Hope you all have a great week...

Countdown Clock by Zoodu.com

And I ran... I ran so far away...

Ok, so I wogged. And I didn't really go anywhere cuz I was on the treadmill. BUT -- I did a 5 min walk warm up, then a 20 minute wog without stopping or resorting to a walk, and then a slow cooldown on the highest possible incline to give my shins a good stretch.

AND I'M STILL ALIVE *LOL* :)

Seriously though, it felt good to check off the first box on my training schedule. As much as I'm freaking out about it being a 10k, I'm glad I did it because it will give me more motivation for the training :)

New Stupidity

So, my TDWT group coach Susan sends out this email about the Frank Lloyd Wright races on October 26th, hoping as many of the girls from the group could go as possible to do either the 5k or 10k.

So I signed up. For the 10K. ACK!!!!!! So now, I have 5 weeks to train for a freaking 10k. I'm really hating myself right now, but I'm too stubborn to ask them to change it. Luckily, at the end of October in Chicago, it should be relatively cooler than it is now. I freaking hope so.

Help?!?

Jennifer Lopez Completes Malibu Triathlon

Jennifer Lopez participated in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon at Zuma Beach in Malibu, Calif., early Sunday morning. She completed the half-mile ocean swim, 18 mile out-and-back bike course, and 4-mile out-and-back run course in successfully competed in 2:23:28 minutes. Matthew McConaughey also completed the course with a finishing time of 1:30:44.

The competition, which was presented by Toyota, helped raise money for their charity partner, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. For more information on the triathlon, visit NauticaMalibuTri.com.

Donna?

I forget where along the gulf is is that Donna lives... Is she ok? I'm worried about her being in Ike's path. I know that CoCo and Alana are further inland, but if I remember correctly, Donna is right along the coast somewhere.

Let me know!

A Good Day to Wipe Out!

I have been training hard on my new road bike. It's nothing fancy by any means, but it's my first brand new bike since I was a wee one. I have now built up to an average of 14 miles a day. At first, I dreaded the biking segment of the triathlon. Swimming is not a problem for me...and the run, well I figure I can always put one foot in front of the other and make that to the finish line. But in the beginning, when I first agreed to complete my first tri, it was the cycling that frightened me.

Being me...I dove in head first and made very fast progress in just three months. Now, the bike is what I look forward to everyday. I hate even taking a day off...feeling that I may miss something. Miss that ME time that the bike fulfills and helps work out all daily problems in my head.

I was told...if you haven't wiped out yet...you will eventually. Well, yesterday was destined to be my first, and with my luck, I'm sure it's not my last.
Right away...I felt something about the day was off. Like a Friday the 13th for some...Hump day was not kind, or perhaps it was my luckiest day yet. Whichever it is....Nature tried to warn me. First off, a truck ran right out in front of me and I braked okay for that to slow myself and let him pass on by without casualty. I thought to myself...Jerk...I know you just saw me. The nerve of some people. Well, I shook it off and realized every cyclist has this happen at one time or another and that I should leave it behind me...just let it go. Can you tell I'm completely over it? :-)

Later on, I would realize this little speed bump in my workout would only be the beginning, a warm up for what was to come.

I decided to do my normal route in reverse, meaning I went the opposite way around. I'm one that gets tired of the same old thing, so I thought I'd switch it up. Maybe I disturbed the planets alinement or it could have been the whole big bang experiment they conducted yesterday. Whatever it was...mother nature did not like.

After working my way up a monster of a hill, a boxer came out of nowhere and started chasing me down. I didn't have a can of halt, but I wasn't going to let the demon know I was frightened of him. Momma don't play tag!

I reached for my water bottle and squirted him right in the face. He was so stunned...he stop chasing and just gazed in disbelief as I peddled safely away. I giggled to myself...and rejoiced in my cleverness.

Before long...two little possessed, heal bitters came out of nowhere....nipping at my feet. I reached for the water bottle a second time. What worked once was sure to work again.

However, these mutts had a one tracked mind. The water did not distract them in the least. All that I could do was pick up speed and out run them....escaping yet again without harm.

I stopped to look at a house that was for lease, then called my husband and left the call back number with him. I happily rode away, talking on the phone about how nice the house was and yadda yadda. I had just told him good bye...ready to end our conversation... as I knew not to be on the phone while riding. It could be dangerous....so I've heard.

Before I hung up..A crazy ass dog ran OUT OF NOWHERE and stopped dead in front of my bike. I reached my free hand for the brake....but it wasn't slowing me fast enough. I put my right foot down hoping a little drag would slow me down even faster. Mind ya...this was on a down hill...

That was it, once my foot hit the ground...the bike just kept on going full speed. I flew off the bike...the dog yelped, as I slide across the asphalt off into a ditch.

The first thing I remember hearing my husband yelling from my phone, “What happened?”

I grabbed the phone and told him I had crashed my bike.

“Are you alright,” he asked?

Grumbling about not knowing until I got up off the ground....I slowly picked myself up. Once I double checked for protruding bone injuries...thank God there were none....I looked around for the dog.

He was GONE! My husband had heard the poor dog yelp over the phone during the crash and so he asked me, “Did your wheel run over him?”

I thought to myself...Damn, I forgot to look as I was flying through the air and hitting asphalt at twenty miles an hour, head first, IF I ran completely over the freaking dog.

In the end, my war wounds are not near as bad as they could have been. I feel extremely blessed that road rash on my knee and upper right arm is the most serious of all my injuries. I have bumps and bruises from my face on down, but nothing that will not heal completely up and have me back on my bike in just a few days time.

My bike also came through with just a few scrapes and a loose brake handle. My helmet wears the scrapes and gashed that could have been my head if not protected. Always wear one that is certified!!!
After a quick visit to the doctor for a tetanus shot and cleansing of my wounds...I'm safely back home recouping.

Looking back on it....It was a Good Day for a Wipe Out :-)

Knew It Wouldn't Be Long Before...

Armstrong to return, ride in '09 Tour

7-time winner to come out of retirement and race for Astana, sources say

Lance Armstrong will come out of retirement and race in the Tour de France next year, sources close to the situation have told Velo News.

Armstrong, who will turn 37 years old this month, would race with Astana, the sources said.

The seven-time Tour de France winner will race in the Amgen Tour of California, Paris-Nice, the Tour de Georgia, the Dauphine-Libere and the Tour de France — for no salary or bonuses.

Armstrong's manager, Mark Higgins, did not answer questions.

An article about Armstrong's comeback will be published in the upcoming issue of Vanity Fair, Velo News said.

Armstrong reportedly will reunite with his former team manager Johan Bruyneel, who guided Armstrong and his teams Motorola and U.S. Postal Service to seven straight Tour de France titles.

Sources also told Velo News that Armstrong will post all of his internally tested blood work online to prove that he's clean.

The Hills Are Alive...

...in Corina's neighborhood! Alana and I headed to C's house this morning for a ride. I am so jealous of all the natural riches that are practically in her backyard. Great riding roads (with limited traffic), beautiful scenery (with cornfields!) and a large lake. She could easily have a triathlon in the area. I told her to find some sponsors and make it happen. :)

We did 15 miles this morning and they flew by. We stopped near the end of the route and enjoyed the lake for a bit. I saw the biggest carp I've ever laid eyes on. I'm mad that I didn't have a camera with me. Corina laughed at my enthusiasm, but I'm a city girl...big fish are just amusing to me. LOL

About the hills, we did several rolling hills and a couple of big inclines on our ride. The famous "monster hill" that she talks about is NO joke. The incline is so steep that I'm almost positive you'd roll backwards and suffer a gnarly crash if you didn't keep pushing forward. We didn't tackle THE HILL today, but it's on my Bucket List!

Alana and I plan to ride at Corina's a few more times this fall while training for the Denton Turkey Roll Ride in November. Julie (also a fellow Tri Diva!) is coming from OK to join us for the event. We're doing the 35-mile course, so it should be a nice ride in the cool weather. Hooray!

Hope you all have a great weekend,
C

Road ID

A friend bought this. It's a velcro strap that goes on your wrist or ankle. On the strap are 7 lines of text that you customize. Perfect for those of us that faceplant on the Austin hills!

Road ID

Breathe!

My first triathlon is scheduled to be completed by me one month from today.

I feel like I have a lot to do in the next month... like learn how to do all this, ha!

The most important thing might be to learn how to relax and just enjoy it for what it is. *snort* Yeah, I'll try.

It would be safe to say that I'm am scared.

Julie

I'm crazy

I'm crazy to think I can be ready for Austin. I'm absolutely terrified of the hills. There aren't enough hills in Illinois to make me feel ready for Austin. What was I thinking to consider Austin??

The fun. The excitement. The adrenaline. Oh yeah. Ok, now I remember.

I'm still crazy.

p.s. I still haven't made it to my one-month-o-pool-workouts. I'm a bad triathlete.