Enough...is never enough!

Ok, so I may have overdone it, this week.  There, I’ve said it – may those words never reach my blog again!

On Monday, I pushed out 2000 meters and I struggled through the middle 500.  The woman in the lane next to me showed up in an IronMan swim cap, so I really pushed myself to keep up with her.  I worked so hard in the pool for those 2000 meters that by 3pm I was practically asleep at my desk (shhh, don’t tell the VP).  I tried everything – coffee, diet coke – and nothing worked!

Matt’s IT band is wrecked from overuse and his awesome 20 hour Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim two weekends ago, so I woke on Tuesday morning to a solo run.  I thought, given that I was alone and feeling good about my 12 miler the prior weekend, that I could easily push out a 7 mile run before work.  In fact, I felt so good on the run, I added an additional mile (8) to push out a 9:37 overall pace.  But, again, somewhere around 3pm, I was so sleepy, I wasn’t sure how I would finish the work day.  I managed, but it wasn’t pretty.

Fortunately, the IT band isn’t irritated on the bike, so Matt and I went out for an easy 15 miles on Wednesday morning.  It was great to have someone out there with me – I forget how much I enjoy company on my workouts until I am in it.  I love sharing that moment the sun rises – nature simply make me smile.

By Thursday, I had my running legs back, so even though I was going to hit the trail alone, I was really looking forward to it.  The morning was so much cooler than it had been for the previous 3 months, that my times were improving, as a result.  However, I find that I am overly cautious when I have to use a headlamp to guide my way around the trails.  And, strangely, this was really one of the first times in months that I passed VERY few people on the trail.  I ran into the same mountain bikers twice (I got a nice “first-pump” from one of the guys when he passed me the second time) and then I saw the Patchouli-Reeking trail runner that I pass almost every Thursday.  He had headed out much later, likely to avoid the necessity for the headlamp, because I passed by him in my very last mile.  Those 6 miles are my absolutely favorite every week – dark, light, hot or cool!

Done - headlamp and all.

Again on Friday, Matt and I headed out for our usual 20 mile ride.  We were both feeling really good and found ourselves in competition mode as we hit the toughest hills.  I still can’t quite beat Matt, but even he’ll tell you – I am nary a bike length behind him, now.  I can taste it – soon, Matt…soon!  (wink)  Of course, he’d probably have to be off the bike for a few weeks before that might happen --- so, Matt – enjoy your Disney cruise.  Feel free to forget there’s a gym on board!

After work on Friday, I met a few friends and co-workers for another round of Trapeze.  Anne and Loretta learned JUST how scary the initial jump can be – but they both came around by their second time up.  My massage therapist, Lisa, was amazing right out of the gate – she clearly fears nothing at all.  There were 10 of us in the group – and I think we all had another incredible evening of fun, fear and abdominal stress!  Thanks to Erica for putting this one together!  So much fun – I could do this every week, if I could afford to do so!

Lisa and Me -- just before taking the plunge!

The gang: L-R top: Dave, Craig, Loretta. L-R bottom: Erica, Brian, Becky, Heather, Mer and Anne!

Then, Saturday morning, I woke a 4:30am to hit the road at 5am for my 16 mile training run.  I am so focused on hitting my times, this year, that I finally told Anne I am not going to have her on the route to assist me – rather, I need to her to take me to breakfast right after.  The miles seemed to just fly by for 8 or 9 miles.  I didn’t even look at my watch until nearly mile 12 and by then I realized I was about a minute off my goal time.  This just meant that I needed to push the last 4 miles a little harder than I might otherwise have done.  Sure enough, it worked – 16 miles in 2:40:47 – I hit my goal time and am still really feeling great about my training, this year!
 

Tired, but happy!

I got lucky on Saturday night and was offered the chance to babysit my favorite two little ones! Anne and John had a great date night – and so did I.  They are simply delicious and always so well behaved for me!

Hot-dog lovin' Sean!

Yay, Lyla poses!

However, babysitting also meant that sleep was not going to be on my side.  And, once I got home at 1030pm, I set my alarm so that Matt and I could head out to the Usery Pass for a 5am ride.  As luck would have it, I slept terribly – getting somewhere between 2-3 hours before attempting a REALLY FREAKIN’ hard 36 mile ride through the Superstition Mountains and the Usery Pass.  I honestly had no idea what I had gotten myself into.  I told Matt I would likely take the ride easy, since my legs and brain were pretty tired after my week of tough, long workouts.

He seemed to have no issue with that decision, so as we hit the road on our bikes, I was excited to finally get a longer ride under my belt.  It had simply been too long since our last one.
The moment we hit the first set of rolling hills (in the pitch black), it was evident I was tired!  I had nothing in my quads for hitting the hills hard.  Poor Matt had to wait for me on several occasions.  I am glad he was able to work hard and not necessarily take things at my pace – rather he’d push it out and slow it up after hitting the tops of the hills.  Then we hit a spot where Matt looked at me and said, “ok, so things are going to get pretty tough here for a bit.”  WHAT an understatement!!  On several occasions, I was swearing Matt’s name – miles and miles and miles uphill.  MILES, I tell you.  There was even a point where I nearly burst into tears thinking I had nothing left in me and Matt might have to go back and get his car, recovering me, later.  However, if Matt has learned nothing, he knows that when I am struggling mentally, I prefer to be alone.  He trudged on ahead and waited for me at the top of what seemed like 10 miles up –up- up!  He never saw the defeat and pain on my face.  He never heard me swear his name.  And, he never saw me quit – ‘cause I never do.

At the very top - 1/2 way!

Now, the ride back down was AMAZING!  I don’t think I’d ever seen 37 mph on my clock before.  The downhill was long and gorgeous.  The sun was rising strong over the mountains and the wind gave us a chill that made us wish we had on warmer clothing.  It was simply indescribable.  Again, I was reminded that all of the pain of the ascent was worth it.  The jagged edges of the Superstition Mountains were coated red in the morning sun-rise.  The shadows cast on the back sections were just as incredible.  I swear, Matt finds routes for me to fall in love with Arizona over and over and over.

There was one final 3+ mile horrendous climb right around mile 29 of the 36 mile ride, but again, I simply stayed focused and worked through it.  I had done this part of ride many times before and early in my cycling.  It was a lot easier this morning than 9 months ago.  Don’t get me wrong; it’s hard as hell, but I find I am able to better manage my energy, now.

As I crested the top of the last hill, Matt had stopped briefly to wait for me.  His words were something like, “well, the hard stuff is over!”  And it was.  We really enjoyed the last several miles of the ride back to our cars and I think we were both really pleased with how we’d done.  Matt even commented on the fact that it was his best time on that route, ever.  Clearly, all of this hill work we’ve been doing together for all these months has done more than just improve my skills and time.  Matt’s has very enviable cycling legs.  (I should know – I spend a LOT of time looking at the backs of his calves, damn it!)

36 miles and 2:21 minutes – what a great way to start my Sunday!  If only there was time for a nap!

Not our best shot -- but representative of how tired and proud we were!

Another First...

Some mornings I wake up and think, “Is this all I have?”  The workouts, the constant drive to move ahead at something so hard.  And, I have had a lot of conversations this week with people who are interested in becoming more athletic – some want to run, others to learn to swim – and I am hopeful that the reason they talk to me about these desires is because they know I will encourage them – they know I am so excited to see someone try something hard, defeating their fear of starting.

I think, now, I have a fear of not starting – of not getting up every morning to this thing I do.  I’m not married; I have no kids – so without my constant drive to go further, work harder and accomplish more, I’m not really sure what I would do.  It definitely fills a void and I am simply unwilling to allow anything or anyone to get in its way.  I feel like I have to say this because there are many who don’t even try, many who comment on how they “can’t get up THAT early” to get out there – and then there are those “half-ass-letes”, the ones who talk about their athleticism, but really aren’t interested in doing much more than bragging about their distance or their times – regardless of how inconsistent their training may be.  My love for this is greater than just about anything in my life – it deserves more respect from those who compare themselves to me.  I don’t mean to say this to be arrogant or even remotely competitive, but I work really hard.  It isn’t simply a passing attempt at something new.  I want to do more and to get better – and I will.  I just need support.  So, as always – thank you to those who are always so supportive (right here, on FB, via text and at work).

So, this week was a reminder that I am alone in this thing, for the most part.  I have workout friends – some more consistent than others – but if I am to be the athlete I want to be, I know I am going to be doing this alone.  And, I have to be ok with that.

I had a fantastic swim on Monday and really phenomenal 7.5 mile run on Tuesday – killing my usual pace and holding on to a 9:29 for that morning.  Its definitely getting cooler, which I am hopeful means my times can only go down!

Wednesday I went out with Matt for a relatively easy ride – getting his legs back from his huge effort the weekend prior in the Grand Canyon.  And, Thursday was my usual trail run – dark and slow, but as beautiful as ever.  Matt and I really knocked it out of the park on our Friday 20 mile ride, reminding me that I still have a lot of work to do (and DEFINITELY NEED A NEW BIKE) to defeat Matt at just about anything.  Don’t think I am not trying, though.

Matt said, "I need to open my eyes more"...and so he did.

Yesterday morning was my long run – 12 miles.  Compared to last week’s 15, this seemed like it would be easy.  Well, I confess, nothing that long is “easy” – but I was pleased that my times were consistent with the week prior – finishing the 12 miles in 1:58:45 (a 9:56 pace).  If I am going to hit a 4:30 marathon in Philly, these numbers MUST stay consistent week over week.  And, I can proudly say that they are more consistent this year than any prior year of training.  I am very hopeful, this time.

So happy to be done...I appear to be crying.

Lyla was very enthusiastic about my strong finish!

When my alarm went off this morning at 4:20am, I was excited and full of doubt.  I was about to attempt something I had never done.  The evening prior I had asked my good friend, Kris, if she was interested in doing her long run at South Mountain Park – it was Silent Sunday (again) and would be a difficult yet rewarding run for her.  She was up for it, so I told her I would pick her up at 5am and we’d be to the park entrance by 5:15am or so.  I had planned to ride my bike, since I had already done my long run on Saturday and I absolutely refuse to do back to back runs in marathon training (anymore) – its simply a recipe for injury.

As we parked the car, I pulled my bike out and my stomach was in knots.  I literally was sick to my stomach – mostly with fear.  I had committed to myself that I would attempt to climb the 7 miles to the Summit of South Mountain on my bike.  I had been warned that many do not make it without tipping over, stopping and starting (which must SUCK) or simply walking chunks of it.  However, I had committed to myself to do it – and by god I was not going to fail myself.  I knew I had to at least try – even if I had to walk or turn around and go back.

Kris headed out for her 7 mile run, and I tried to ignore the knots as I headed deep into the darkness of the South Mountain bike path/paved road.  The beginning of the route is the same as all of the others, but there is a point where you can head straight onto San Juan Road (which you all know I have done a few times, now) or hook a sharp left to head up up up to the Summit.  With trepidation, I made the left and headed to the top.

Two weeks ago, I pushed myself through a tough ride in the San Diego Triathlon, but even that climb was only 1.5 miles up.  The sun was beginning to rise – just enough so I could make out the lines on the road as I hit switchback after switchback, climbing my way up.  About ½ a mile into the climb, it already seemed as if I was gaining quite a bit of altitude, as the city lights of Phoenix blanketed the world beneath me.  It was gorgeous.  Continuing to climb, I was not struggling at all.  Sure I was slow – kicking down to the bottom 5 gears, but I was not in pain or doubting my ability to stay the course.  I could not remember where the hard spots were supposed to be, so I found myself hopeful I was hitting them as I saw every mile marker go by.
  
Having never done this before, and being alone, I actually had no idea what to do when I hit the first sign about 5.5 miles up that read “Dobbins Look Out <--” or “TV Towers -->”.  Which would be higher?  Which would take me to the top?  I went left to Dobbins Look Out and when I reached the top – it was a phenomenal view – but as I turned around in the lot at the top, I could see the Summit and I had certainly not hit it.  I would have to back track and make the right at the prior sign.

My view from Dobbins Point Look Out as the sun peered over the mountain.

Feeling good, I took a couple of gorgeous sun-rise shots from my phone, texted Kris so she’d know I was doing just fine, and headed back out to climb the remaining 2.5 miles to the top.  And climb I did.  My legs were on fire and I was smiling as I continued on the path.  It really wasn’t until I’d hit the last ½ mile that I had to get up out of my saddle to make it all work.  It was freakin’ steep and hard, but I pushed and pushed and pushed and came out on top of the world.  The TV Towers were right next to me – and the city and surrounding valley were specks beneath me.  I nearly cried as I looked out across the desert at some of the most beautiful landscape, touched by the rising sun.  I had made it.  With my detour to Dobbins point, I had climbed just over 8 miles and felt fantastic.  I was the only one up there and I enjoyed the scenery for a few minutes before deciding to whiz my way back down.  It had taken me 50 minutes to chunk out those 8+ miles, as well – but I didn’t care.  I never struggled and never ever had a moment of doubt that I could make it to the top without stopping, tipping or crying.

The view from the Top of the World after hitting the Summit!

The world beneath me!

The ride down was crazy!  Twists, turns and speeds that could scare even the best riders.  I had a blast.  What took me 50 minutes to get up, only took me 18 minutes to get down and back to the car.  And, there she was, waiting for me – Kris with a HUGE smile.  I approached the car with my arms raised high in the air and she knew I’d made it.  “See!  I knew you could do it!” She uttered as I grinned from ear to ear, slowing my bike.  I was on top of the world – and it felt amazing.

Two proud chicas!

We piled our stuff back into the car, and I drove Kris home.  We both spoke of our successes and the difficulty that South Mountain presents – both on foot and on wheels.  But, we were both proud of our accomplishments and so so happy that Silent Sunday exists.

After dropping Kris back off at her condo, I headed straight to Tempe to meet Jacqui and Aaron who were watching their good friend, Joe (from the Flagstaff Triathlon), compete in the Red Rock Nathan Sprint Triathlon.  Jim and a gal from the math depart, Sherri, were competing as well.  So it seemed like the right thing to do – even though I was ravenous and crazy-interested in writing this blog.  Jacqui and I watched Joe finish first (of our friends) in just over 1:23 (I think) and then Jim crossed the finish line in about the same time.  Coolest thing – Jim texted me later to tell me he’d taken 1st place in his age group and would be waiting for the awards ceremony.  So amazing – oh to be 60 and still able do this!  Hats off to Jim – and Joe and Sherri!

Joe and Jim -- proud finishers!

It’s been a great weekend!

My Inspiration...

Coming off the high of last weekend’s triathlon, I am barely enthusiastic about writing my blog.  But, because I love record keeping and I know at least three of you who actually look forward to this silly thing, I am at it again this morning.

I’ve spent the better part of the last 12 hours incredibly introspective.  For the last four years I have been part of an incredible student leadership retreat that involved students across the district – upwards of 150 students each year.  I was part of the planning team; I recruited college leaders on my campus; I built and delivered workshops and I hoped that the students would have a memorable experience each and every year.

This year, I am the dean – and therefore no longer involved in the day to day work of Student Leadership at MCC.  But, I was fortunate enough to be asked to drive up to the camp site and join the “old team” either Friday night or Saturday afternoon.  I choose yesterday/Saturday.

Before I continue the tale of the student retreat, I want you all to know that I did have another great week of workouts.  A couple of highlights were my 18.2 mph ride through the Foothills on Wednesday morning and a phenomenal trail run with Miss Loretta on Thursday morning.  At almost the half-way point of the run (in the dark), I looked up and saw the missile launch from New Mexico.  Naturally, I had NO idea what it was at the time, but I was not so busy with my run that I couldn’t rip my phone out of my Camelbak to get a photograph.  It may very well be one of my most memorable running moments.  Loretta had stayed back after about a mile of the run, so I was really hopeful she caught a glimpse of it as well.  Cool, eh?

Loretta and Me - post Trail Run

And there it is...

Yesterday morning, I got up at 4:30am for my long run.  The Philly Marathon is now 9 weeks away, so the long, tough runs are upon us.  I had 15 miles on the calendar for the day, and for the first time in months, I wasn’t really all that worried.  I had made arrangements with Anne, Sarah and Loretta to meet for breakfast – provided someone would give me a ride home; so, this simply meant that I would be able to run from Ahwatukee through Tempe and into Chandler.  It’s really nice on the longer runs, since Ahwatukee is so hilly and heading southeast is really pretty flat.  And, that’s what I did.

About 4 miles into the run, I realized the beer I had consumed the evening prior was probably not the greatest of ideas, so while my time was really quite good, I had to quickly run into a Circle K for a bathroom break.  30 seconds later I was back on the streets and feeling a LOT better.  By mile 7, I was in front of my favorite bike shop, sucking down a Gu Peanut Butter packet – my favorite.  The sun was finally beginning to poke out its head, but the mid-70-temps meant the sun would do little damage to what was proving to be a great effort.  With all the lights and the short potty break, I continued to maintain pacing around a 9:45-10 minute mile.  I could not complain!  However, as I rounded the park by Anne’s house at mile 13, I could see that I was pacing to finish my 15 miles in 2 hours and 31 minutes – NO!  I knew I could push a little harder for the last two miles to ensure a 2:30.  It probably makes little difference to any of you reading this blog, but 2:30 means I pulled all 15 miles in 10 min miles (considering lights) – and any minute over than would mean my pace was over a 10.  I simply didn’t want it.  Mile 14 – 9:49 and mile 15 – 9:32.  That was all I needed for a precise 2:30 run!

Feeling good, I made my way to Anne’s and the four (and a ½) of us had a wonderful breakfast at BLD in Chandler!  Thanks, Ladies, for feeding my depleted body!

Reverse Camera Feature with Lyla - FTW!

Sean was not exactly please about posing while eating pancakes!

So, back to the introspection – after the run, I showered and immediately headed up to Prescott to join the students and staff/faculty for a day of workshops and activities.  The drive to Prescott is gorgeous – and the mountains and hills en route are unlike anything anywhere else in the country.

It took just over two hours to get to the camp site – and don’t think my legs didn’t cramp as I drove.  The I17 twists and turns and goes up-up-and-down a LOT, so cruise control is not something easy to administer.  I was never so happy to get out of the car and see all of my old buddies from the various Student Life and Leadership departments across the Maricopa District.  I joined them for lunch and enjoyed the camaraderie of the group.  As lunch ended, I saw my good friend, Chris Braybrooks lingering outside the mess hall waiting to chat.  Chris and I had worked together on the retreat for the last several years – he’s an inspiration to everyone, especially our students.  He always offers workshops that get at the emotional core of our students, challenging them to remember the things in their lives that have held them back and hurt them, but not allowing those things to define them forever.

Chris looked wonderful.  He had lost weight; he had braces to correct his teeth; and he was as full of life as ever.  He had been released (rather unfairly) from his position in Student Leadership from Central AZ College at the end of May and was enjoying a new career in Student Leadership at a local Soccer College/Program in Central Arizona.  He seemed happy – even if a little frustrated by what had transpired at CAC in the Spring.

I attended Chris’ “Man in the Mirror” workshop while I was there.  In this workshop Chris asked the students to think about what they see when they look in the mirror each day – and whether they like what they see.  He asked them to think about the judgments cast on others – due to the color of their skin, their size, their gender and more.  He asked them to think about what kinds of prejudices they had personally experienced and whether or not they had contributed to anyone else’s insecurities (whether due to peer pressure or their own insecurity).  He asked them to reflect and as he did – he told his story.

Since I have known Chris, he has never been the picture of health – cardiac issues, divorce and more.  But, he always came out on the other side.  Chris is 27 years old and wise beyond his years.  As he walked the workshop space, he told the students that last November he was diagnosed with a rare form of heart cancer, something only 3% of the population has ever come out of.  His doctors have given him very little time, but yet he unselfishly continues to educate our future leaders on their emotional development – encouraging them to remember that people will always have it worse than they do; that even the most insurmountable health issues can be cured (at least daily) by contributing to someone else’s future.

I was speechless as I sat in the back of the room.  I regretted so much that Chris and I only spent three intense days together every years for 4 years in a row (and the occasional monthly 2 hour meeting).  I am a better person for having known him – and so are all of the student leaders who have ever crossed paths with him.

There was not a dry eye in the house.  And, when the workshop ended, the line of students interested in telling him about his impact on them, stretched out the door.  And, Chris huddled with each of them – encouraging each of them, embracing each of them.  He didn’t just pat them on their backs and let them go – each interaction was genuine, thoughtful and emotional.  These students have a role model and I am grateful for every moment I got to spend with Chris.

As I stood at the end of the long line, I thought about how I was going to say “good-bye”.  I thought about what I could say that would be anywhere near as profound as the gift he had given me, but I had nothing.  As I embraced him, I told him “I am a better person for having known you.”

All the workouts for self improvement – all the long nights at my desk in the office – nothing compares to my last few hours with Chris.  I am simply hopeful that yesterday can last me a lifetime.

This blog's for you, my friend!

San Diego Triathlon Classic FTW!

I am still so excited about yesterday that I have no idea where to start.  I guess I’ll attempt to start like I always do…

So, last weekend, not only did I do an 11 mile run, but Matt did a 12+ mile hike/run along South Mountain on Monday morning (while I swam).  This meant that our week’s training would be off slightly – because well, Matt did his long workout on Monday and because Matt was insistent I took it a little easier the week of my triathlon.  So, ok, fine.

Tuesday morning, Matt and I met his house at 5am to ride.  We took it easy – no massive hill climbs, no 22 mph flats – just 20 miles of chit chat through the streets of Ahwatukee at an avg pace of around 16-17 mph.

We're still pretty good looking (wink)!

Wednesday morning, we met at 5:15am for a 4+ mile trail run – our usual spot.  As we ran the trail we chatted about work for the most part (which is pretty common for us), but we also began to lament that our heavy-duty, uber-difficult training cycle (with one another) was over for several weeks.  I had the triathlon on Saturday and he will be heading to the Grand Canyon to do a Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim in 24 hours with two of his friends the following weekend.  That’s 45+ miles and well over 20,000 feet of elevation change over the course of 24 hours.  Yeah, so he’ll be hurting for some time after.

Matt's new shirt matched my headlamp - it pleased me!

Thursday, I took the day off – figured it was a good idea (as much as I hated it).  And, like clockwork before EVERY major event, Brent asked if he could meet me for a run on Friday morning.  It’s become a bit of an expectation for me, now.  I was worried he wouldn’t appreciate that I was only willing to do 3 miles – slowly, but he was game regardless the pace or distance!  So, 3 miles in exactly 30 minutes – easy peasy and so delightful (with Brent at my side).

Only 3 mile = still a little dark when we finished.

Brent got me psychologically ready for the triathlon the following morning.  I can’t thank him enough.  When we finished our run, he popped into the house for a few minutes of banter and gave me a necessary pep-talk.  Then off he went, and I cleaned up.

After packing the car with my bike and all of my racing accoutrements – I headed to pick up my dear friend Jacqui, who agreed to join me for the Triathlon festivities.  Anne was slated to join us, as well, but a last minute business trip put her out of the running for this one.  The car-ride from Phoenix to San Diego was rather uneventful – save a few hysterical stories about Jac’s bachelorette events in San Diego a few years prior.  I was in stiches for most of the ride as she told story after fantastic story.  

I was meeting my good friends, Justin and Erin, in San Diego for this event – since they both convinced me to sign up for it several months ago, after detailing that it’s one of their favorite triathlons.  And, as soon as we arrived and unloaded the car, we were off to meet them at the Packet Pick-Up and Expo.  I was so excited and so nervous, but seeing the two of them made it all fade away.  As we left the Expo and began walking to check out the transition area and decide on a place for dinner, Erin confessed that she wasn’t going to be participating in the event.  I was somewhat devastated, but understood that when you don’t feel well trained you know you can risk injury and that could put you out of all of it for a while.  It would just be Justin and me on Saturday morning.

And, so the alarm went off at 3:30am on Saturday.  Jac and I had gone to bed by 8pm, so we both managed a decent night’s sleep.  It was so wonderful having Jacqui there to help me stay calm and carry all my crap to the transition area – it opened at 4:30am.  Much like our last Tri in Flagstaff, there were no pre-determined bike spots on the racks – so everyone had to fend for themselves.  This meant I knew I had to get there early to make sure I had a decent spot, and a spot I could remember.  The Second Wave (my wave) was told to host our bikes on the very front facing rack – which gave us loads of room to spread our crap!  YES – if only you understood how fantastic this was!

Jac and Me - 4:30am!

Found Justin in line to get body-marked! 

Anyway, my wave was the second wave to leave (6:18am).  I love the swim, but its definitely my slowest event, so I always have to make up for it on the other two.  The Elite Wave and my wave got into the Bay shortly after 6am to get used to the water.  It was fantastic – perfect, in fact – 74 degrees!  I was most excited about my Pink swim cap – finally a fun color for my wave!  As I treaded water and tried to get my thoughts under control, the 6:15 Elite Wave gun fired.  My heart was racing.  It seemed like only a few moments later that the next gun fired at 6:18 and we were off.  Arms were flailing, feet were kicking – it was a blood bath, but we all kept going.  I focused on the line of Kayakers to my right and just trudged through the competitive swimmers around me.  As I rounded the buoy at the ½ way mark, I was really in a groove and the sun was finally shining enough for me to see where I was going.  I could even see all of the life on the bottom of the bay – mostly plant-life, but it was still super cool to even see something as I swam along.  And, then it seemed like it was over as swiftly as it began – I ran up the stairs and out to transition – ripping off my wet suit as I ran.

Transition was fairly smooth, save getting my wetsuit over my ankles (damn it).  And, as I grabbed my bike and began running out of transition, a familiar voice snapped “you better move faster than THAT!”  There at my side, leaving transition and beginning the bike, was Justin!  His wave started 9 minutes after mine – so HOLY CRAP!  And, I did; I moved!  I yelled, “Have a great ride; love you” and he repeated it back as we both fled on our respective bikes.  Seeing Justin put me in a fantastic mood.  And, let me tell you how amazing the ride was.  I was really pushing hard – knowing that at mile 3 I would hit a HUGE hill at about an 8% grade for about ¾’s of a mile.  It was hard, but I smiled the whole way up.  I had trained for this hill and I was ready!  As we crested the top of the mountain, you could see all of the San Diego Bay from the top.  We rounded the highest point and were surrounded by sights I cannot even describe in this blog.  I was in heaven – literally.  The sun was hitting the ocean and the seas were moving soundly; the beauty of the mountain hitting the ocean is something one can only experience at that moment, from that spot.  And, we had to hit it TWICE for the Olympic Distance – YAY!!!!  I admit it; I took it in.  I know I probably could have shaved a few seconds off my time if I had kept my head down, but it was too spectacular.  Both times at the top – I rounded the mountainside and simply smiled from ear to ear knowing the hard part was over and I just needed to find my groove to the bottom to get to the run.

(Little something to know, I glanced at my bike computer about a mile into the bike ride and saw 7:00AM.  That was HUGE, people! – if I started at 6:18, made it through transition and out onto the bike route before 7:00AM, it meant I must have had my BEST swim time EVER!)

As I rounded my way back to transition on the bike after 24 miles, I looked down: 1:22 minutes – HOLY HELL!!!!  I was doing so well – the best I had ever done.  I think I skipped into transition to quickly get out of my bike shorts and helmet and into my running gear.  And off I went out of transition for the final stage – a 10K!

I felt great; I was smiling and I could not wait to finish.  I realized somewhere in the first mile that I hadn’t seen Jacqui ONCE on the route.  It was odd – but there were about 1200 competitors and all of their families, so I guess its not so odd.  However, somewhere shortly after the first mile I saw Erin on the side of the run path – in her running gear.  She ran with me for a couple of tenths, told me Justin was about 10 minutes in front of me (which really improved my mood) and wished me luck on the run.  I told her how amazing I felt and how excited I would be to see her at the finish!  I did feel awesome – and my Garmin was reading times around a 9:15 pace for the first several miles.  I was puttering out a bit in the 5th and 6th mile, but never felt like walking or anything.  I only took water just after the 4th mile, so I lost almost no time at all.  I was in heaven.  I looked at my watch as it beeped 6 miles and could only smile – I was going to run sub 10’s, maybe even sub 9:30’s after the swim and the bike.  But, as luck would have it, I crossed the finish line and my Garmin read 6.45 miles – so dang it, I must have really not taken the inside lanes.  This made my pace a 9:45 overall, but I was still really pleased.

In the end…
Swim: 35:29 (and YES, my best by 2+ minutes)
Bike: 1:21:34 (again, my best by nearly 3 minutes)
Run: 1:00:31 (9:45 pace and my best in an Olympic tri)

My transitions were a little on the sucky side, but I can work on making them better – T1 was just over 4 minutes and T2 just over 3 minutes.  Total time was 3:05:11 – a solid 15 minutes faster than my last Olympic Triathlon!  I was also ranked 10th out of 42 in my Division (Age 40-44) and 76th out of 287 female Olympic Distance athletes.  I am still so pleased!!!!  I already thanked Matt profusely in email, yesterday, but I hope he realizes how appreciative I am of the hill work he was willing to do with me week after week to get me to this point.  The hills were SO hard; many many athletes were walking up them.  It was tough to see them do so, but it was inspirational to know I had trained well enough that I was never in danger of anything like that.  (Summit, Matt?)

Proud Finishers -- Justin in 2:33 (holy crap!)

Ok, I really should just stop – this may be the longest blog in a long time.  Thanks to so many of you for your encouragement and support – and especially to Erin and Jacqui (who I did find after the race)!!  Oh, and a little shout out to Ray -- who graciously watch my Brunie while I was away!

After the Tri and a HUGE lunch with Justin and Erin, Jac and I played on the  beach for the rest of the day!

Another solid week! 6 Days 'til SD!

Another good week (for work-outs) even if it remained nearly 90 degrees every morning – at 5am.

As you all know, Matt and I typically meet for a Tuesday morning run at 5am, but Matt’s alarm failed him (or rather he failed his alarm) and I headed out for 6 miles by myself that morning.  The great news was that I pulled another awesome run – just over 57 minutes with an average pace of 9:28/mile.  The excitement of the morning evidently also meant that I forgot to take a post-run photo for my blog.  But, imagine it – after all they all tend to look the same these days.

After several days off (from working out), Matt did rise on Wednesday morning to push out a 20 miler with me, but his legs failed him, this time.  For the first time in our riding history, Matt took so long to make it over the biggest hill (at Desert Foothills) that I actually had to stop and wait for him.  By the time he got over the massive hill he explained that his legs weren’t letting him do anything – and even when he’d try he felt like tossing his cookies.  But, that was mile 11 – by mile 16, he’d found his legs and kicked my ass coming back up Pecos Road and Desert Foothills.  Served me right – I think I had become a little cocky and over confident.  Nothing like being dropped on the last big hill to remind me who’s boss when riding.

Back to cutting off his head, I see.

See, headlamps!

Our trail run on Thursday morning was also a lot of fun.  The darkness of the mornings has really made it impossible to see the trail (now) for several miles, so we both remembered to bring our headlamps when we started out.  This, of course, made for an extra slow start, but at no point did it diminish the run – and just like the morning before, I was left in the dust of South Mountain in the last 7/10’s of a mile.  No walking, solid running – but Matt clearly had something in him in the end that I simply did not own.

As I get closer to the Triathlon, Matt has to remind me that I need to taper and not get after every run and every ride.  That’s so hard for me – but I heeded his warning and allowed him to plan a nice, “easy” 20 mile ride for Friday morning.  Several times during the ride we had to remind one another that we planned to take this one easy – so, I know its not just me.  In fact, there was a point on the ride when we got dropped by 3 guys who worked like hell to pass us, but then it was evident that it was all just for show as they made no substantial progress in front of us for the next few miles.  Lame – lame, I say!  Naturally, we made sure to keep a decent pace so we could prove that anyone can get out of the saddle for a minute and pass someone who was JUST stopped at a light (eye roll).

Matt thinks he looks like a dufus in this shot.  Must be the upside down shades!

Which, of course, brings me to this morning.  My good friend, Kris, invited me to join her for dinner/drinks, this evening – so I knew I ought to get my long run in before indulging in a late night – with the potential for drinking.  The Sunday run would have to be moved to Saturday – today.

I slept well and felt prepared for my 11 miler.  I had planned two nice loops – one 7 miles in length and the second (obviously) 4+.  I started out really pleased with how I felt – no hip or knee pain at all (even after an entire week of workouts).  After passing the mile two marker and heading up and into the Foothills, the headphones to my iPod starting cutting in and out.  After attempting to jostle the cabling for a good ¼ mile, I took the headphones off and stuffed them in the pocket of my shorts.  I hadn’t even hit the 3rd mile of my run and I was without music.  I worried that it would be debilitating for about 10 minutes, but after some time I simply resolved that I had plenty to work out in my head and could manage the next 8 miles sans music – and I did.

The temperature was 91 degrees at my house when I started out, but I think it may have cooled to 88 or 89 by the end of the run.  This meant that I was out of water (in my Camelbak) by mile 8 or so – so I quickly ran into a McDonalds on the corner of Warner and 48th Street and asked if I could fill up.  They were more than gracious and I was back on the street within a minute.  I am really glad I did that because the last few miles of an overheated run can often mean that I require more water than the first 8 miles.

Worried about my time, I could see that I was not going to have a good a run as I did with Brent the week prior.  The 5 degree temperature difference actually makes things a good deal more difficult.  You don’t realize it ‘til you’re out there pulling 11 miles – but I pushed through to the end and managed to finish in just over 1 hour and 50 minutes – so a 10 minute pace on the nose.  Had it not been for the heat, I know I would have had a better run.  The foothills always present such a good workout – miles of up and down – and, fortunately, loads of runners and bikers on the streets to greet.

Oddly enough, I passed an older gentleman on my run 3x during the course of my (nearly) two hours on the streets, and as I walked onto my street, I saw him one more time.  We both smiled.  I said, “gee, we really should stop meeting like this!” He asked, “How many miles did you do, 4 or 6?”  I guess walkers forget that runners tend to move a lot faster, so when I responded with “Nope, 11.”  He gasped and said, “oh, you went around twice?!”  All I could do was smile and say, “yes, two loops today.”

With the Foothills behind me (and an iPod sans headphones).

Additionally, I had a great week of weight loss and am now nearly 5 lbs lighter than I was when starting high school.  I still have another few to shed before hitting my goal, but I am feeling really proud of the effort, this week.  Of course, I say this after meeting Anne and the beautiful-Lyla for breakfast at the Hangar Café in Chandler.  Yum – soooo good, but not so good for you!

Lyla - one minute into breakfast...

...and how quickly they turn on you (2 minutes into bfast).

Next blog will be post-San Diego Tri!  Stay tuned – 6 days and counting, people!