Sunday, October 11th, 2009
Another World Championship is in the books. It was a tough day for me. I tried to put all the negativity out of my mind and only focus on positive thoughts throughout the week. I was happy to be in Kona racing one of my favorite Ironmans, happy that my family was here to share the experience and excited to be racing against the best triathletes in the world. But the truth is that I was breaking down and my fitness was declining. I trained very hard for Ironman Lake Placid only to wake up with a nasy stomach bug which knocked me out of the race. I feel like I peaked for LP and needed a longer recovery from the race and the training cycle. I wanted to go to Kona, so I held onto my fitness long enough to have a solid race in IMLOU and get my Kona slot. After IMLOU, I struggled with my training. First it was a calf strain, then it was a quad bruise when my chain broke while climbing, then it was the final blow when Istrained my hip flexor 2 weeks before the race. It was a tough day and it always is. Considering my injury and the predicted weather conditions, my quote of the day was this:
“Let me pray not to be sheltered from dangers, but the be fearless in facing them. Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain, but for the heart to conquer it.”
My goals were not accomplished, but I soldiered on crossed the finish line and in the end, that’s what Ironman is all about.
Thanks to everyone for all the support. Now, it’s vacation time! I’m looking forward to spending a few weeks getting healthy(my husband Brian has his work cut out!) a college reunion in Beantown and some quality holiday time with my family!
Celebrating the Finish (I made it two sips!)
Monday, June 22nd, 2009
So proud of Kelly who placed 9th at IMCDA yesterday. She has encountered many obstacles over the past few months with an ankle injury and a hectic shool and work schedule. She never gave up and yesterday she duked it out with some of the best Ironman Athletes in the world. She ran a 3:16 with only 2 days of running a week since April! So proud of Kel! I’ll post some pics when I get home. It’s been a great week, lots of fun, but man am I beat. Being support crew is hard work!!! Now I really REALLY appreciate everything mom, Brian and Kelly do for me!! Thanks guys!
Friday, April 24th, 2009
A friend of mine once told me racing Ironman is somewhat of a crap shoot. You train hard, you’re fit, mentally strong, you roll the dice, and sometimes get cat eyes. I definitely rolled cat eyes at Ironman China this past weekend. It was a day of records; record temps exceeding 113 degrees, 90% humidity, record drop out rates, and unfortunately a new record PW (personal worst) for me in the run!
The swim was in a river with a very strong current. My first lap went ok. It was a little brutal at the start due to the fact that we were in skinsuits and all the age groupers swimming all over us had full wetsuits on. However, once things thinned out, I was happy to have some company. My first lap went ok and I had a few age groupers to help sight off of. I was on pace for an hour, which is pretty good for me considering the strong current. On the way back to shore on loop 2, I took the turn way to wide and got swept off course by the current. I fought hard to get back on course but lost several minutes and once again exited the water with alot of work to do! My plan was to ride a little harder the first 30 miles to close the gap, then settle in. I am so happy to be riding a P3 again this year. The bike is really really fast and my position on it feels so powerful and efficient. Once I moved up to 4th place and was within striking distance to the top 3 girls, I toned it down and cruised into T2, trying to save my legs and energy for what I knew would be a war of attrition rather than a marathon running race. My muscles felt good coming off the bike, but once I hit the run course, it was as if I stepped into a sauna. The heat and humidity were oppressive and within a few minutes, I felt like my head was about to explode. My pace slowed to a shuffle, then a walk, then a nice little break at one of the aid stations where I contemplated quiting. I didn’t know how I was going to make it another 13 miles. I sat there drinking water and gatorade. I was cooked. I was done. My race was over. Then, I thought about last years Hawaii Ironman. When my hamstring cramped so badly, I quit and took the medical van to the finish line. The medical van is a horrible horrible place to be. They don’t just pick you up and take you straight to the medical tent. They sweep the course, picking up the carnage one by one. I sat there watching the race from a van window. The race that I trained so hard for. I watched the other athletes push there limits, walking shuffling along with indomitable will and focus. I didn’t come to China to watch the race from a van window. I couldn’t finish the Hawaii Ironman without risking a muscle tear, but I could finish Ironman China. So, I got up and continued my shuffle to the finish line. I crossed the finish line in 5thplace, completely exhausted, but with a little pride and self satisfaction in knowing that I just finished the hardest hottest Ironman in the world, EVER! Unless you were there, there is no way you can understand how hot it was. Let me tell you, I have raced well in 90 degree temps, 113 is a whole new world!
I owe a huge thank you to my K Swiss family who were the presenting sponsors of Ironman China and showed incredible support before during and after the race. I am still recovering from a nasty stomach bug I got my last day in China. I honestly don’t know what was harder the race or the flight home! With the exception of my stomach, my legs feel really good and I am eager to get back into some hard core training real soon. My original plan was to get a Kona slot early in the year and focus on 70.3’s throughout the summer and hit Kona training with fresher legs than in previous years. Sinced I failed to get my slot, I now have to re evaluate my race plans. There are many to choose from and some of my favorites on the circuit; IMCDA, IMLP and IM Canada. Kelly is still training hard core and very very fit for a great Ironman. There is still a possibility we will race an Ironman together this year. She was ready for IM China, but due to financial reasons decided to hold out and do some early season racing in the states. It has been a goal of ours for a few years to race an Ironman together. After training with her over the past few months, part of me would rather be out there on the sidelines supporting her like she has done for me over the years. We’re both getting antsy, so I know we have to make a decision soon. Well, I have plenty of time to think about things this week, because with this stomach bug, it doesnt look like I’ll be leaving the house anytime soon! I will keep you posted.
Tuesday, March 24th, 2009
Just wanted to post a little update about my final weeks here in Tucson. I can’t believe I have been here for almost 2 months already. We’ve had so much fun training out here with some amazing athletes and my new coach Cliff. With just one more hard week of training left before I begin to taper down for CA 70.3 and Ironman China, things are finally starting to click and I am feeling great, tired, but GREAT! Last week was exceptionally hard. I had the longest brick workout of my life on Saturday, a great 22 miler on Sunday and afew new swim PB’s thanks to Cliff coaching me on deck! The weekend felt like an Ironman so I capped it off with my favorite post race food, BURGERS! It was so good!
Brian flies into Tucson on Wednesday and will make the trip out to California with me. Camp has been great, but I am ready to race and look forward to getting back home just in time for Spring!
Kel and I doing a Track workout.
Kel Climbing Madera Canyon
Aggy making sure I am ok after passing out after my 22 miler. ActuallyI think she was really just looking for half eaten gels!
Wednesday, February 25th, 2009
The 2009 season is finally underway and I am happy to report I won my first race of the year! It has been a few years since I raced a duathlon, so when I heard about the Desert Classic Duathlon only 2 hours away from my winter training base, I had to hop in. I headed up to Scottsdale with John and Kelly and of course her kids. I told Kelly this is the last time she watches me race, next race she’s in! She agreed and said spectating is harder than racing (see photos!!).
The race was a total shock to the system, yet it felt really good to blow out the cob webs! The race started with a 3.5 mile trail run. I entered T1 just a few seconds behind the top 2 women and after a quick transition, I hit the 21 mile bike course in first place. Having done zero speed work, I knew I had to bike hard to hold onto the win. I entered T2 with about an 80 second lead and managed to keep that gap throughout the second run to take home the win. It’s always nice to win the first race of the year and definitely gets me excited for the upcoming race season!
Tuesday, January 20th, 2009
9 more days until I head to Tucson for my winter training camp! It’s been a really brutal month. Every year, my cold tolerance gets lower and shorter. 2 years ago, I trained for Ironman New Zealand all indoors with the except of 1 race in Pucon and 1 week in Tucson. I sucked it up for 5 hour computrainer sessions, 3 hour sub 10 degree F runs in yax tracks on icey snowy roads. My mantra was what doesn’t kill me will only make me stronger. This year my mantra is F*** this! After 7 years of training through Vermont winters, I am done with it! Last week was exceptionally miserable. We had about 4 days in a row where the temps barely hit 5 degrees. As much as I hate running in the cold, I hate the treadmill even more. So, last Wednesday when it was -10F out in the morning, I opted for a second cup of coffee and watched the weather channel waiting for it to hit double digits (10 degrees use to be my threshold) . Well, by 10 am it was warming up to a balmy 5 degrees, I still had a swim and a bike session to do so I couldn’t wait any longer. I put on my base layer, my fleece, my fleece lined jacket, capri tights, windstopper tights, ski gloves, ski hat, wool socks, gortex wind stopper socks and my fleece face gator. I was tempted to put on my ski goggles ( I swear this is typical running gear up here, seriously don’t laugh, it’s that bad!) but I passed on it. An hour later, I made it home and survived the run. I had so many layers on I could barely move, but in case you didn’t get the theme of this blog, I HATE the cold! After more coffee (to warm up!) and lunch, I hopped on the trainer for a 3 hour session. I actually don’t mind CT indoor sessions. I really believe they make you sooooo strong and my coach Cliff is very good at making them challenging and interesting that 3 hours really does go by fast. You might be wondering now why a girl who hates the cold lives in Vermont. Well you see I am married, my husband won’t leave and I don’t want a divorce! So, I suck it up when I can and he supports me when I am at my breaking point and NEED to get away. It all works out!
So, 9 days and counting! Next Thursday, I head out to Boulder to meet up with Kelly and help her and the kids (her 2 labs) pack up. Saturday we will drive down to Tucson where the adventure really begins. Kelly and I are attempting once again to race an Ironman together, Ironman China! After 2008, where we both incurred stress fractures training together, we promised ourselves we wouldn’t train for an Ironman together again. We tend to get a little crazy. Well, considering that we will be living together for 3 months in Tucson, we figured what the hell , we’ll give it a shot!! The past few training cycles I spent in Boulder, she did most of my runs with me and even a few swims, but I couldn’t entice her into a 6 hour ride! I’m so loooking forward to riding with her and putting the hurt on her in the bike after all those painful long runs with her last year. Kel, pay backs a bitch!! hehehehhe. uh oh, it’s starting already!
ok, now i have procrastinated long enough, gotta get on the trainer for a nice little 3.5 hour indoor session! Check out the pics below, sorry they are minuscule, I am trying to figure out this blogging thing!
Brian Thunder and I cutting down our Christmas tree
The sistas (memba I’m a New Yorker!) at Christmas:
Thunder playing in the corner. Not caring that is -10 out!
Thursday, October 9th, 2008
I can’t believe I’ve been in Kona for a week already. Where does the time go! The week totally flew by. I flew out last Wednesday with my mom and early this week Brian and his family, Kelly and Tanja all arrived. I have a great support crew this year!
I got in some good training sessions on the course. Last weekend, I drove up to Waikaloa and ride up to Hawi and back. I was surprised how windy it was out there! Being so light, the winds can really push me around, so ideal for me would be light winds on the bike and hot and sunny for the run. However this is Hawaii, so I’m sure we will get all that and more! The following day, I drove out to the energy lab with my water girl (mom!) for my weekly long run (1 hour ha!) I threw in some tempo efforts and felt great. Check out my new race shoes in the photo below. I call them my ABA’s (American Bad Ass shoes). They’re seriously the perfect race shoe. Anyone who saw my feet after Kona last year and then after LP this year would attest to that! What a difference!
It feels so good to be here healthy and relaxed and just ready to go out race and give it my all. I’m so relaxed this year. My theme is just to race for the love of the sport and be grateful that I am healthy and able to live this wonderful lifestyle. This was my attitude in 2005, when I finished 8th. Sure, I had the goal of breaking into the top 10 like everyone else, but I felt so fit and I was just so excited to race and test myself against the best athletes in the world. I came to Kona last year so angry and frustrated. I was angry that in 06, I had a stomach bug and had a horrible race, I was angry that I separated my shoulder and missed Lake Placid and 2 months of racing and I was angry that I arrived in Kona with a leg injury (later to find out it was a femoral stress fracture). This year, I am just trying to focus on all the positive experiences that I’ve had, not just this year but over the course of the past 7 years. Always remembering why I am here in Kona, what drew me here back in 2000 and why I come back every year. I’ll give it my all on Saturday and as long as I do that, I will be happy when I cross the finish line. I’m living my dream.
Friday, September 26th, 2008
I’m looking forward to going home and seeing my husband and my 3 boys (T, Kona and Thunder), but part of me is sad to leave. I love the training here in Boulder. I love the cycling routes, the running trails and having my choice of 4-5 groups to swim with everyday. But mostly, I love being with my sister. We are so close and it is so hard for us to live apart. We have so much fun together. The past 6 weeks have been great. Lots of lattes, kick ass runs, laughs and even a little trash talking. Kelly’s running has taken off over the past month and I can’t wait to see how she does in the National 10 mile Championships in 2 weeks. Then she will fly out to Kona right after the race. Every year, she says she can’t do it and every year she out there on the Queen K screaming at me to run faster!
Top 3 things I’ve learned in Boulder:
1. 6 am swim workouts are not that bad if you have a good group to swim with and Wolfgang coaching you.
2. Never tell a CAT 2 Cyclist you want to do a hard 6 hour ride! ouch!
3. Kelly is definitely the evil twin. again ouch, she is tough!
Friday, September 12th, 2008
Kelly is back at it. Hitting the pavement and tearing it up. Last weekend she went to Denver to race the Skirt Chaser 5K. The race was started by Skirts Sports owner Nichole DeBoom (www.skirtsports.com) . The women go off 3 minutes before the men, all wearing Skirts of course. There were a few very fast men there and Kelly really had to hoof it to get this win. I can’t tell you how good it feels to see here racing and training hard again.
Yesterday we headed out for our easy recovery run. We decided to venture over to the Switzerland Trail. It is a jeep trail starting about 8500 ft. Good thing it was a recovery day. Unfortunately, it was an unusually rainy day and I could barely see Kelly in front of me, never mind the beautiful Rockies.
Today was day 1 of my final 2 week hard block before I start my 2 week taper for Kona. The alarm went off at 6am. My friends back home would be so proud of me! Except it was pouring and cold out, so I turned off the alarm and went back to bed. Recovery first right:) . We started our day off with a 90 min tempo run around the Boulder Res. Kelly is getting fitter and fitter every day and today it was really hard to stay with her. I did the best I could, then came home and took a nap. Those who know me, know that I have to be very tired to nap! Today I needed it and I actually fell asleep. I woke up and hopped on my bike for my threshold workout. My legs were pretty trashed form the run, but I did the best I could. After the bike workout, I was soooo wishing that I didn’t turn off the alarm so that I could be done with the day. Fortunately, there was a masters swim group tonight. So, all I had to do was make it the pool deck and I would have a good workout. I can’t tell you how much swimming with a group has helped my swimming and mentally it is sooo much easier to swim with a group. I swam by myself for years and I was starting the dread my swim workouts. Banging out 5000Y workouts solo takes so much mental energy. Especially when you are not a strong swimmer and even easy recovery swims are not that easy!! Run and bike training for me, is so enjoyable. I love the feeling of sweating, muscles burning, heart popping out of your chest. I never get that rush, that high from swimming. For me swimming is all work. I ran into Greg Bennett at the pool the other day. He has a saying “The bike is his strength, running is his passion and the swim is his work.” I can totally relate to this!
Friday, September 5th, 2008
It’s that time of the year again. Time to hunker down and put in the final push for Kona! As usual, the summer flew right by. After Lake Placid, I took a mini break to rest up and get ready for the big Kona push. I spent 1 week in Long Island visiting my family and friends and 1 week back home in Vermont. My initial plan was to head out to Boulder 6 weeks pre IMH. for 4 weeks, then fly straight to Kona. After getting 15 inches of rain in about 2 months, I had to escape! Close to 10 hours in torrential downpours at Lake Placid, followed by 2 weeks of rain was a little more than I could handle. It was starting to get depressing, so off to Boulder I went!
I started training in Boulder 2 years ago when I was training for the Lake Placid Ironman. After a few days here, I could see why athletes from around the world call Boulder their second home. The training in Boulder is phenomenal; great swimming facilities; with world class coaches, scenic and VERY challenging bike routes and running trails everywhere you turn. I was so excited when Kelly (my sister) moved out here 2 years ago. It’s the best of both worlds; the perfect training environment and the perfect training partner. Kelly is a world class runner and training with her day in and day out has definitely brought my running to a new level.
I’ve been in Boulder now for 4 weeks and with 5 weeks until Worlds, things are looking really good. It’s been a hard month, but my training is going very well, I am healthy and I can feel myself getting stronger and stronger every day. I have 3 more hard weeks to go before I head back home to Vermont to rest up for the big day. After Kona, I will focus on a quick recovery and try to squeeze in a few more races before winter comes storming in.
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