One week 'til the Olympic...

One week – one week from the Olympic Tri and I am somewhat unmotivated to blog.  My BFF-D got horribly ill yesterday and another beautiful friend of mine needed a place to stay after leaving her husband, last night.  So, needless to say, after running chicken noodle soup, crackers and meds to D, then sharing a bottle of wine and stories with my temporary house-mate, and getting to bed after 10:30pm – I was a bit worried about my planned brick work-out, this morning.

The alarm went off at 5am and scared the crap out of me.  Was it morning, already? – I thought.  I tore myself out of bed, hoping not to wake my good friend, made myself a cup of coffee and prepped my bike for my ride.  I had my bike in the shop this week for a tune up, so she was (for the most part) all prepped.  But, with the Arizona heat this week, I was sure the tires needed air after sitting in the garage for a few days.

By 6am I was on the road still worried that I might have dehydrated myself with wine and thinking about the last time I did a solo-ride.  I have been riding with my good friends a lot, lately, but Matt became horribly ill this week, too, and Jim had houseguests.  I wasn’t even going to attempt to coax either one of them into helping me through my ride.  (And, yes, I have considered the fact that I may be the carrier of this horrible tummy bug that both Matt and D came down with…but whatever…I swear, I didn’t lick either of them!)

I rode through the foothills of Ahwatukee and reached Pecos Road after 5 or so miles.  Then I had a nice 10 mile stretch of very little interruption.  The crosswinds seemed horrible at first, but after a mile or so, I barely noticed them, anymore.  I was keeping my AVS on Pecos around 18.5 and feeling really pleased with my workout.  It was hard, but not too hard.  There are a number of lights and hills getting to Pecos Road, so it was hard to say what my average speed was prior to hitting Pecos – so I like to use Pecos as a good test of my endurance and skill.  As I hit the ½ way point and turned around, I was hitting numbers (AVS’s) around 20-21 and really getting excited about it.  Then, some guy with long legs and a lovely bike, flew past me like I was standing still.  It was a HUGE blow.

It was also the moment I considered the fact that I was wasting myself and only ½ way through my ride.  I cut back a bit and simply enjoyed the rest of my ride home – trying not to think about the fact that I never saw that guy who passed me, again.  (You know I am always hopeful I will catch up to him at a light or something.)

...and why I wore black...dumb.

I staged my bike back in my garage after my 20 miles and, after grabbing a sip of water, threw on my running shorts.  I was out the door in no time – not really sure what I was willing to do after the ride.  However, I headed down 48th Street and was pulling 9:30’s right away, so I figured I could do a full 5 miles.  The sun was beating down on me and around mile 3 I started to realize the wine was catching up.  I needed water.  There was very little I could do, so I committed to walking for about 20 seconds to see if I could generate enough saliva to continue my run.  It worked and I actually got my second wind.  My last of the 5 miles was a 9:19 – and I was feeling strong.  Total time: 1 hour, 54 mins.

I know without the wine and concern for my favorite people, I might have even pulled better numbers, but I am really ok with this last brick before the tri.  These are, of course, the same people who pull me through when I need it the most.  See you both next weekend!  HUG <3

Runs, Rides, Portland and Friends!

I figured it out – there is simply nothing I enjoy as much as training for something difficult.  In less than two weeks, I am going to attempt double the Triathlon distance of last weekend.  In truth, I have been training for the Olympic distance since the beginning, so I am not as deathly afraid of this one.  My only issue is trying to stay focused on the swim.  (crossing fingers)
It’s been a great week of training since the Sprint Tri.  I managed to get in a 2000 meter swim on Tuesday and a killer spin class on Wednesday.  Of course, the whole spin class learned of Steve’s nasty fall on the same Tour de Mesa (70 mile ride) that Matt conquered, last weekend.  He broke all kinds of bones and the bruise on his left hip left us all squirming when the shorts were pulled up.  I’ll admit – it makes my silly 17-20 mph rides seem JUST fine!
By Wednesday evening, another team from the college and I were in cloudy/cool Portland, Oregon.  I was hopeful I might convince a couple of the gals on this trip to run along the river in downtown Portland with me – and I did!  On the first morning we were there, I headed out with Andrea (English Faculty) and Kim (Math Faculty).  However, about ½ mile into the run we all realized that I needed to go a faster and so we splintered off.  It was a gorgeous 6.2 mile run along the river and back to the hotel.  The following morning (Friday), Kim asked if I would consider another short run with her.  We headed out for about 2.5 miles and wrapped it up to get back to our last day of workshops.

6.2 miles along the River -- cloudy, but no rain!

Kim and Me - she reportedly hates this picture; she also has no idea what the url is for my blog!

Microbrew -- the other thing awesome about Portland!

We arrived back in Phoenix just before 9pm on Friday night, which meant I wasn’t going to get much sleep prior to the 8th Annual Pat’s Run – a 4.2 mile run to commemorate the late Pat Tillman and the scholarship fund in his honor.  28,000 runners, joggers and walkers line up for this short race.  It’s a lot of chaos for an outstanding cause.  This is the 7th year I have been part of creating a team for the event, and the first time I did so without my good friend, Rachel.  31 Sprinting Scholars signed up to be part of the team!

Anne, me, Shannon and Aimee - pre-race!

Adding, Amy and Loretta for good measure!

As I made my way from my car to the starting line of the run, I looked down and realized that I had completely forgotten my timing chip.  In my haste to get my stuff ready on Friday night, I left it on my dresser.  I was soooo incredibly disappointed.  I KNEW that with all of my training, I was going to do well on this run – and now I failed myself.  My times wouldn’t even count.   But, as luck would have it, one of my team members (who was planning to walk the 4.2 miles) removed the timing chip from her shoe and gave hers to me.  I was so grateful!
The Run this year was FAR better organized than the previous three.   I was in Corral 9 – and joining me were both Loretta and Mike Davis, who I have known since we were 15 and unable to drive.  I was thrilled that he, his wife (and my good friend) Kristi, and their two kids had signed up as Sprinting Scholars.  The horn blew and corral after corral left the starting line.  The most amazing thing about this race is the sheer number of people who crowd the streets on Tempe.  Its literally a sea of people – you spend a lot of your time bobbing and weaving through walkers and those simply slower than you.  Occasionally, you even get an elbow to the face (if you’re as short as I am).

Mer and Anne - post-race!

Kris and me -- taken by Jim, I think!

As I rounded the corner of the ASU stadium and could see the 42 yard finish line approaching, I glanced at my Garmin.  In shock, I glanced again – and when I crossed the finish line my watch read 37:41.  My best time in 7 years – a sub-9:00 pace (actual timing chip time: 37:40).  My times have NEVER counted on the top 5 of the team – but this year, I was #3.  THANKS, Aimee, for the timing chip!

#3 -- I modified it so my name would appear and not Aimee's

On cloud 9, again, from a wonderful race the day before, I barely slept, last night.  I awakened before my alarm in anticipation of a 40 mile ride with Jim and Matt.  Things are really falling into place, it seemed.  Matt and Jim are absolutely two of my favorite people – and I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to spend time (outside of work) with both of them.
At 6am, I met Matt at his house and after he made a slight adjustment to my/his bike computer, we were off to meet Jim a mile or so down the road.  I’ll admit – there’s a lot to be intimidated about when riding (not only) with two men, but two men of their caliber rider.  However, I have been convinced that riding (and running) with those who are a lot stronger is only improving everything I do each time I get out on the road.
The ride was out to Maricopa and back and Matt took the lead with Jim behind me.  This was, for the first time in months, a super flat ride – nary a bump in the road.  THANK YOU, MATT!  I watched my bike computer the whole way as we kept speeds far greater than anything I could ever do alone.  Matt and Jim took turns on the front – and attempted to kill me at one point by throwing in some random (inconsistent hand signal) – however, they graciously allowed me to draft 100% of the morning, so I probably should have complained a little less when all was said and done.  (Sorry, guys – I heart you both.)
Matt got a flat somewhere around mile 25 – which, strangely enough, was super helpful to me.  I watched diligently as he quickly removed the tube and replaced it with a new one.  I swear we weren’t stopped more than 5 minutes.  The last ten miles were somewhat uneventful (save Matt’s attempt to kill me) and we were back at Matt’s house a little over two hours from the time we started.

And, as we rounded the corner to his neighborhood, he once again reminded me how far I have come as a rider.  I know he knows how much I want to get better – and I hope he knows that I fully intend to complete a century within the next year.  Its rides like today’s that make me incredibly grateful for drivers who pay attention and friends willing to carry me along!  

Looks like our last one -- if I grow, perhaps I won't cut Matt's head off next time!

Tri, tri....TRI!

I did it!  We did it!  3 months ago (almost exactly), Jim, Jacqui, Lora and I began training for our first Triathlon.  That training brought us to the first of two triathlons, this morning – the Marquee in Tempe, Arizona.

I spent the majority of Saturday eating my hands from nerves and preparing myself mentally for what would be one of the greatest challenges of my life. Fortunately, my great friend, Matt, was doing a 70 mile bike race Saturday morning – so as a nice distraction from our thoughts, Jacqui and I went to cheer him on around mile 54.  The weather for his ride was DREADFUL.  I could not imagine riding 70 miles knowing the winds at times would be upwards of 30 mph.  Phoenix weather is typically phenomenal this time of year – so I am always really bitter when it turns to windy and cold (and some rain) on the day of an important race.  Naturally, it worried us for the next day’s tri, but we tried not to think about it as we cheered on all of the cyclists.  Matt looked GREAT when we saw him.  He was all smiles and even blew us a kiss as he literally flew by.  Hours of waiting…and he was gone.  It was so worth it.  I had made a sign that said “What wind?  Shut up and Finish.  Go Matt!”  And, while Matt was too busy blowing us kisses in gratitude (meaning, he did not even notice the sign), several of the riders appreciated the humor after so many windy miles.  One rider busted up laughing – which scared us a little.  Another told us he really wanted to be Matt (you know, two chicks jumping up and down on the side of the road).  It was a solid distraction for both Jacqui and me – so great work, Matt (on the ride, and serving as a wonderful distraction)!

I went to bed at 8:30pm Saturday night nervous it might take some time to fall asleep – but the next thing I knew it was 4:30am and I had eeked out a fantastic night’s sleep.  THIS was a GREAT start to the day!

By 7am I was on the rode heading to the Tri.  Jacqui, Jim, Lora and I were doing the Sprint Tri distance (750 meter swim, 12.6 mile bike, 3.1 mile run).  There were many completing double and triple the distance, but we decided we would “start” with a Sprint before determining if we can go longer/farther.

I had made myself a super aggressive mix the evening prior so I could pump myself up en route to the tri (because we were told NO music on any leg of the Tri…and I always need my tunes).  But, when I got into the car, I needed something calming – so in went the Garden State soundtrack.  It was a good choice.

At 8:45am, the four of us lined up for the swim.  Jim was in the 4th wave, Jacqui the 5th and Lora and I were relegated to the 6th wave.  Lora and I made all kinds of friends while waiting our turn.  The water temps were 65 degrees, but many assured us it would not be an issue.  Several told us we might panic, but to simply work through it and remember to breathe.

Jacqui, Jim and me - pre race excitement!

By 9:15am, Lora and I were in the water getting used to the chill.  I was mentally focused on NOT panicking!  The horn blew and off we went.  The cold water was fine – but 200 meters into the race and I realized I couldn’t catch my breath.  I was beginning to do what everyone told me I would do – I was panicking.  I had to immediately stop free-style and begin to try to calm my breathing down by doing the breast-stroke with my head out of the water.  It was no good; it seemed to get worse and worse.  Were it not for the wetsuit, I thought I might actually die in the water.  (eye roll)  I hit the ½ way mark and tried desperately to regain my brain and managed to eek out another 100-150 meters free-style before weaving off course and getting signaled by some young guy in a kayak.  The last several hundred meters were fine, provided I continued to see where I was going (through my completely fogged up goggles).  I was never so happy to get the f*ck out of the water (pardon me, Mom).  That was NO way to start my first triathlon.

I'm in there treading water before the horn -- with Lora and 30 other gals!

As I ran out of the water, there in front of me was Loretta snapping video and pictures – and then there were a bunch what the Tri-people call “strippers”…they grabbed my wetsuit and tore it off me.  It was an absolute gift – the strippers were awesome!

One of Loretta's butt-shots of me almost to the "strippers".

As I found my bike in the transition area, I heard Jacqui's fantastic husband, Aaron, yelling for me to stay focused.  His best comment, “the rest of this is yours, Meredith – this is NOW your sport.”  I was pumped and ran out of the transition area with my bike.

I passed cyclist after cyclist – but I was only focused on passing those with the letter “S” on their calves.  This meant they were also doing the Sprint – so it encouraged me to be able to move swiftly around them.  I was passing a lot of people on the bike.  Matt had trained me well – and I felt very strong as I saw great numbers on my bike computer.  Around mile 5, I saw Jacqui (around mile 7 for her) and I yelled.  I think she was happy to see me, but it was a blip of a moment and it was over before either of us could think about it.

As I came flying back to the transition area, I saw Anne, Loretta and Kris screaming on the side of the road.  It was GREAT to have them on the route!  I saw them on my way out on the bike, as well – so it was exciting to know I would see them again 40 minutes later.  That really bumped my spirits.

Hey Anne, Loretta and Kris - thanks for cheering me on!

I ran my bike back into the transition area and, again, Aaron was there encouraging me to get my ass in gear and head out for my best event.  He was amazing (for me).  I remain so glad that he was there at each transition moment!  And, so I did, I pulled off my bike shorts and on my running shorts and left for the last event – the run.


My legs were heavy, but I pushed myself.  I was, again, passing “S” runner after “S” runner.  Since my wave was 2nd to last, it was good to be able to pass more people.  It really gave me a boost.  One gal, an experienced swimmer (trying to coach me before the swim), was hitting her left glute with her fist as I approached.  I asked her if she was “Ok” and she mentioned a tight glute.  She asked how my swim was and I told her about my mess – but I passed her and never saw her again.  I looked at my watch after the 1st mile – 9:21 pace.  (grin)  I continued to watch as my watch hit the second mile – 9:22 pace.  But, as soon as we entered the 3rd mile, we went straight up this hill.  And, then another hill that no one was running…I walked the initial 30 seconds of it, but then charged forth and chunked it out.  That last mile was a 9:35 – but making up the time of the walk meant I was pulling 8:40 for the last several tenths and I was proud of my effort.
I could hear Aaron yelling my name as I came around the last bend, and then saw Anne, Loretta and Kris as I ran into the finishers chute!  I was going to do it – I really felt great on the run and could have continued.

Here I come -- almost done!!!

And, as soon as I crossed the finish line, there were Jim and Jacqui waiting for me!  We all embraced and smiled – we had done it.  Lora was not in sight, but we knew she’d finish at some point soon – so we meandered to find Aaron, Anne, Loretta, Kris and Jim’s wife, Judy.

And - we're done!

What an accomplishment for all of us!  We all know what we need to work on (transitions, swims, etc.), but for a first Tri – I am so proud of what we accomplished.  I have so many friends watching via Facebook, text and blog-post, I am just grateful to have all of you in my life.

A HUGE Thank You to Aaron, Anne, Kris and Loretta – you were all so encouraging!  I hope you all know how much I/we need you out there!  I keep going strong knowing you’re on the other side!  And to Erin and Justin who told me I would panic – so at least it wasn’t a shock once I was in the middle of it.  I just kept thinking about what Justin said – “its going to happen, so just breathe and focus on getting out of it.”  And, that’s what I did.

Anne and Me - post-race!

I think Jacqui and I are worried about our Olympic Tri in 3 weeks, but maybe it won’t be so bad now that we have a clue what to expect!  And, maybe I am too elated right now to think about the level of difficulty it might present.  For now – I will just enjoy the day – the day I completed my first Triathlon.

These just came in -- so I added this to the blog, last minute!

An Ode to E!

I am on Cloud 9, so I figure I ought to just complete the blog, today (Saturday) while still beaming from my successful brick work out.


Before I tell you about my week of workouts, I feel I need to recognize someone very special to me.  Last weekend, while working in Chicago, my great friend Erin completed a ½ Ironman!  My co-workers watched as I routinely refreshed the browser on my phone to see her updated stats.  Sadly, I think we were presenting for the conference around the time Erin crossed the finish line, so I missed the grand finale – but she did it and I am so proud of her.  


Erin was a former student of mine at another college years ago.  Once she graduated, I asked her to work for me in Student Life.  She was always a Game Production person at heart, but needing a job post-graduation put me in an excellent position to hire her.  Erin and I were always very similar in our motivation and love of life – both overly enthusiastic about anything we touched.  We were also two women who carried excess weight.  Erin is one of the few people in my life (today) who remembers me at 196 lbs.  She watched as I went from huge to smaller, in a matter of months.  I was working hard at becoming a different person.  And one day…one day, she asked me about running.  


A lot of years have passed since Erin and I had that conversation about running.  Erin is a different person today, as well.  She is fit and strong and can officially put a 70.3 decal on her car (if she chooses).  Not only that, but Erin has become MY mentor, now.  The tables have definitely turned and I lean on her, now, for the inspiration to continue my triathlon training.  This time, last year, I stood on the side of the road in Tempe, Arizona, as Erin completed her first Triathlon – the Marquee.  I will be following in her footsteps and completing the same Sprint Tri as Erin – next weekend.  I cannot imagine completing a ½ Ironman one year from now – but with enough motivation and encouragement, I am hopeful.  So, I thank you, Erin Ali, for being my inspiration – every day.


So, this morning, I woke up ready to complete my second full-brick workout.  I have had an emotional week – filled with disappointment – this just meant that I knew that my mind had the potential of getting the better of me and ruining the entire thing.  That’s the thing about workouts – they are 50% physical and 50% mental.  If either one gets wrecked, you can be in for a world of hurt.


At 5:45am, I got into the pool at the gym and began my 1000 meter workout.  I was the only one in the pool and I swam.  I focused on my distance and counted with every lap.  I started to think in percentages – 200 meters/20% complete – and so on.  It was working.  I smiled as I completed 500 meters, knowing I was ½ way there.  I wasn’t exhausted at 900 meters and found myself wishing I could keep going as all 1000 meters fell to the wayside: 24:58.  I jumped out of the pool and made my way quickly into the locker room.  


My massage therapist, Lisa, told me to just try to stay in my suit for the entirety of the triathlon – it would make everything easier.  So, I pulled my bike shorts and my t-shirt over my suit and ran out to my car where my bike was waiting.  Matt had installed a new computer on my bike the afternoon prior – and I couldn’t wait to see my stats fly by.  I also started my Garmin (watch) to compare the time and distance – fortunately there was a nominal difference.  So, I knew it was golden!


As I hit my 5th mile, I was on Pecos Road where I could breeze by with limited stoplights and cars for a good ten miles.  I felt great – so great in fact that I passed a guy I’d met at a stoplight a couple of miles prior.  I gather I had intimidated him by breathing on his wheel for the majority of 40th Street, so as we hit Pecos, he allowed me to pass and hung his head in shame.  He had all the right cycling accoutrements.  I was a runner on a bike – it was obvious by the Brooks running shoes in baskets (no clips/shoes) and marathon technical T.  


I finished my 20 mile ride in 1:11 very pleased with my effort.  I then threw my bike in my car and headed out swiftly for my 5 mile run.  That first mile is just bizarre – I think it’s the reason they refer to these kind of workouts as Bricks – ‘cause that is precisely what your legs feel like for about a ½ mile or so.  As I hit the first light, I glanced at my Garmin – 9:47 pace.  OH!  I GOT THIS!  Miles 2-4 were not bad at all – although, I had a stitch the entire time (probably a lack of water).  I was keeping a 9:32 pace for all 3 middle miles and I really felt just fine.  However, as I looked at my watch in the middle of my last mile it read a 10:17 pace – WHAT?!  My legs were obviously getting tired.  But, I pushed through it and rounded the corner near the gym to hear my watch beep its final 5th mile: 48:48!  YES!  I DID IT!!!  


I think I skipped back to my car.  I didn’t know who to text first: Mom, Anne, Matt, PLo??  I was alone with this incredible feeling of accomplishment.  For the first time in weeks, I completed my hard workout, alone.  It reminded me that I only really need myself for inspiration – and that even though I love all of those who inspire me and are willing to keep me company on the long runs and rides – I can and will survive these accomplishments with no one at my side.  


My week of disappointment subsided – and then I was treated to breakfast by Anne and her beautiful children.   Now I am off to celebrate (not only my great morning, but) Kris’ 40th Birthday!  Should be a blast!  Happy Birthday, dear friend!

Sean amused by the reverse camera feature on my phone!

A week of downs and ups!

I sit here on Sunday night trying to muster up the energy to even write my blog, but I guess I feel a sense of obligation.

I’ve had a relatively disappointing week of training.  I think it was mostly due to over- exhaustion.  After last Sunday’s 55 mile ride, I didn’t sleep well or much and then attempted much more than I probably should have.  I wish, sometimes, I would simply take my own advice and lay off when I know I need it.

Tuesday, my great friend, Brent, and I went for a 10 mile run – only for me to utterly crap out at mile 7.5 and opt to go home.  I was simply too tired to continue.  I could not remember the last time I had ever failed to complete a run I started.  It had been a while.  I noticed, somewhere around mile 5, that we were barely pulling ten minute miles and I think it (mentally) got the better of me.  I had done this run the week prior and pulled 9:30’s.  I was going nowhere and Brent was gracious enough to allow me to stop.

Wednesday I got up for spin with Steve and knew I probably should have rested then, too.  I made it through his class, but I think my effort was not what it should have been.  Steve complimented me on my form a couple of times and reminded me to lay-off the quads a couple of times, too.  I must have looked as exhausted as I felt.

Thursday morning, I got up super early to get in a 40 minute swim before hopping a flight for Chicago for the HLC Conference with my favorite team at MCC.  My swim was actually really amazing – 18:35 for the first 750 meters: 39:40 at the 1500 mark.  I was done and pleased with my effort.  It was the first sign I might not be as wrecked as I was earlier in the week.  The ride on Sunday really did a number on my body.  I guess at 39 I have to know the warning signs.

Redemption came this weekend, though.  On Saturday, as always, members of my HLC Team and I headed out for a run on Saturday morning along the lake.  It was quite overcast, extremely windy and 37 degrees.  (I failed to remember to bring leggings…brrrr!)  Jim, Brian and I took off around 630am so that we would be ready to present at 8:30am.  Jim told us he runs around a 12 minute mile, so I mentioned to Brian on the way out that we might need to keep it easy.  However – we talked and ran and Jim had NO problem keeping a sub ten pace for 5+ miles.  I was impressed.  

The skyline behind Brian and me at the midpoint of the run.

After our run and presentation, the whole team went out to enjoy the city.  We ate a phenomenal breakfast at a place called the Wildberry Café and walked around downtown.  Although it was far colder that any of us had hoped, we still all managed to have a wonderful time.

The Team: Tim, Matt, Jim, Brian, Jacqui and Roger.  (Craig and I are up front - ready to present)

Tim, Craig, Me and Jacqui -- downtown Chicago

This morning, Matt, Jim, Jacqui and I went out for another run.  This time I knew I wanted to take advantage of the fact that Matt would be running with us.  He runs sub eight minute miles a lot of the time and I was excited to really try to push myself.  I’ll admit, I had little regard for Jim, this time, thinking he knows the route, he’ll keep up or meet us.  Boy did everyone impress!  Whether any of us want to believe it – it had everything to do with our competitive nature and Matt’s desire not to allow any one of us to out run him.  

Jacqui, Matt and Jim at the midpoint looking out onto the lake.

Jacqui, Mer and Jim -- same spot

We pulled just under 9:30’s for the first mile and a half and then kicked it up a notch to 9’s for the 2nd into 3rd mile.  As we rounded the start of the pier, I figured I would take the lead – pulling sub 9’s and feeling very strong.  Matt was having NOTHING to do with it and pulled ahead of me, forcing all of us into 8:45’s for nearly a mile.  The air was incredibly humid and I was soaked from it – but really enjoying the force of the team.  What was really astounding…Jim!  Jim (Mr-I-run-12-minute-miles) held on for dear life and ran along with the group.  

Jacqui and I took the high route along the lake on the way back, still pulling 9:15’s and 9’s and allowed Jim and Matt to work together (without us) – or they simply didn’t notice that we had peeled off.  From what I understand, Jim hung in for the whole run with Matt.  He continues to amaze me at 60 years of age.

5.5 miles in 51:33.  And, at the last moment, Matt and I challenged each other up the 4-5 flights of stairs back to street level.  He kicked my ass, of course – but it was worth it.  I felt strong and happy.  I need the push sometimes.  I know the pain is temporary – but more than anything I am so happy I have this team of amazing people at my side for so much of my personal and work life!