Wordless Wednesday

 

1/2 an IronWOman

What happens when I disappear for a few months? I sort of crush my first HIM.

If you can remember, I have been training for IM Lake Placid with the Be Iron Fit book! I love it and believe it is the right plan for the busy athlete. In the plan, it calls for a HIM to be done week #22, or as we do in Maryland on week #19. We had to bump it up because it was the closest one we could find and it was a tough course. The run is ridiculously hilly and the bike course had some nice ones too. (BTW: did I mention Lake Placid is noted as one of the hilliest IMs out there). So for week #19, I placed Kinetic Half Ironman at Lake Anna State Park in Spotsylvania, VA on my race calendar.

I was blessed as a friend from church had two houses near the race and offered them up for the Mafia for merely the cleaning fee. As you know training for IM is expensive and this was definitely a blessing as there were 13 of us racing.

Me, with Joyce and E!

The morning of the race was daunting. I couldn't help but think of my brother Kenny. I know I've mentioned him often but today he was on my mind as he went to be with Jesus after his first HIM. Nothing related to the race (a brain aneurism) but he collapsed about 15 minutes after he finished. My family was apprehensive about me even attempting it at first but seemed to seek peace as race day approached. I kept checking my phone hoping someone was up to give me words but I gave up at 6:30 am and turned my phone off. Transition closed at 6:45 and I had to recheck my gear and get my wetsuit on. Another tip: in case there is rain in the forecast, use a small rubbermaid container. E's advice was perfect - placed my running stuff on the bottom and my bike gear on top and closed it. All safe and dry!

I did a lot of praying, not just because I was struggling to get my wetsuit on but to calm my nerves and trust my training. (BTW: when I commented to my daughter that no one wished me luck before the race, her response without missing a beat was: "Well, maybe no one thought you needed luck!" Touche, dear daughter!)

Aren't we hot in our wetsuits?

We all gathered near the swim start and it was everything I could do to hold it together. I wanted to cry. The water temperature had increased to 69 degrees which was awesome. The rain had held off and Lake Anna looked calm. I watched as TG and B and IronJay started in wave two. E, Casey, and I were wearing our bright pink caps for wave three. Casey disappeared near the front (she is a bad a$$ swimmer) but E and I started together.

Swim start, I'm the one with my head up.

The horn blew and immediately I panicked. I think I was chanting: oh my God and it wasn't in vain, I was praying. E witnessed my freak out and said: calm down and breathe. Thankfully it was shallow so I walked for a while. I ended up doing the breast stroke until the 4th buoy and then finally managed to start swimming. I never really got in the zone but somehow caught up to E and we pretty much swam the rest together. I breathed every stroke instead of every third like I practiced but kept the tree line in my vision and tried to make it to 10 strokes before I sighted. This is how I finished. E had a good push at the end and managed to beat me by at least three minutes out of the water.

Happy to be DONE!

I was happy to be done the with swim. I made it to transition only to see IronJay. We were racked really close together and unfortunately the swim is his worst leg. We chatted as we prepped and headed out of T1 together just as the rain started. Yes, I said rain. Up until this point I have never rode my bike in the rain. I was glad I put my shades on and decided it was easy not to get a drafting penalty as the bikes in front of me were spitting up rain water and debris. I didn't see IronJay on the bike again, he is fast.

Since I rode the course the week before I knew what to expect. I felt great on the bike. I cannot believe I just wrote that as the bike is my worst leg. My friend Joyce's advice the night before on how to save your legs for the run: every time you really feel like you are working really hard, back it down. And that is exactly what I did. I dropped to lower gear on the hills, I didn't pound it away on the flats. Around mile 25 I thought, wow if I was doing an Oly, I would be done! :-)

Finishing ride

The rain stopped about 7 miles in and when the sun came out it was scorching. The road debris started to bother me but overall, I was thrilled as I re-entered the state park and started to mentally prep for the run.

I should note here my fueling issues:

1. I ate three blocks right before the swim. For breakfast I ate 1/2 of a Powerbar as my stomach was upset - 100% nerves.

2. Right off the bat on the bike I drank 1/3 of my Gatorade and took 3 more shot blocks.

3. 45 mins into bike I took another 3 shot blocks with Gatorade. Finished first bottle.

4. Another hour passed and I choked down 4 more shot blocks followed by Gatorade. My stomach started to feel sick. I knew it was too much sugary stuff so at the next bottle exchange I took a bottle of water to clean my mouth and throat out.

5. I took 2 more shots as I was entering the park to head back to transition on my bike and knew instantly it was a mistake. Chugged some Gatorade and wished I had water.

As I was approaching the dismount area, I saw E and Casey beginning their run. My first thought: wow, I must have crushed the bike as they aren't that far ahead of me! It was just the kind of mojo I needed to start the run. I grabbed another package of blocks but was pretty sure I wasn't going to use them.

1/4 of a way up the hill on loop one.

At the start of the run, my legs felt great. Too good actually was my first thought. But after about 200m the start of the first hill checked me. I had previously decided on a 4:1 for the run. With Placid being my main goal, I'm positive I won't be able to run the marathon straight. So I wanted to test my body and see how the 4:1 worked. It is also worth noting that I trained this way for the last 5 long runs.

The ONLY thing that was great about the three loop run course was that you get to see your friends, a lot! I decided to make the best of it and every person that passed me or that I passed, I cheered on. This helped me more mentally than I could even imagined. It got me to look at people, make eye contact and keep spirits alive. And almost always they returned the favor! I loved it. The first loop I felt great. Passing the finish line chute to make my third loop - yeah it sucked!!!! Some of my friends were there having already finished and I wanted nothing more than to be there with them. Thankfully the MC got my bib number and gave me a personal shout out that carried me up the next hill.

Start of the 3rd loop.

I took water at every water stop. Three swallows and dumped the rest in my hat to cool my head. When the sun came out it was steamy. Towards the end of the second loop I took some electrolyte tablets, spit out the first one and managed to swallow the other two, followed by a whole cup of water. I was still unable to fuel. My stomach was starting to feel better but my sugary blocks were not going to do it.

At mile 10, I decided I needed some fuel to finish and took 2 more blocks and dropped the rest so I wasn't tempted to eat any more. The next walk period turned into a 1:4 but I switched back once my stomach felt a little better, but it gave me enough to make it to the finish line.

As I approached the chute, a chick was in front of me. I knew I could smoke her and prayed she didn't try to race me in. I beat her and claimed my first 1/2 IM medal.

Yeah, I beat her!

Here is the thing I didn't tell you before: I thought my finish time would be between 7:30-8 hours. I have no idea how my bike was so fast (average 17.5 mph) and it wasn't too fast to kill the run entirely. I could have done better on the run for sure, it was a mental thing. And the swim, I could have crushed that if I just get my freak out under control.

Swim & T1: 00:48:56 (45:24 according to my Garmin)
Bike: 03:06:59
T2 & Run: 02:36:40  (2:34 run according to my Garmin)
Overall time: 06:32:35

The best thing about this race, besides doing it with 13 of my friends - I feel like IMLP is possible. I know it's going to be tough, but I kinda feel like I will be able to finish in 17 hours!

Most of the MoCo Mafia after.

I need to:

1. Figure out my fuel. Those sugary sweet blocks are not going to work for the whole race.

2. Get my freak out in the swim under control. Losing an easy 300m to the modified breast stroke (head above water) is not helpful. Try it sometime. You use completely different muscles and way too much legs for that stroke.

3. Figure out mental for run. I never doubted I would finish the 13.1 but I am sure that the daunting 26.2 miles will send my head into a tailspin.

So I came home to some awesome children who were quite proud of their #1 Iron Mom - a title I proudly wear!

I hope you continue with me on my journey. And if you do, I'll promise that my updates are more frequent!!! :-)

BTW: Would you put a 70.3 on your car or wait for the 140.6?

So where have I been?

First swim use of new Garmin = SWEET

Funny I have been wondering the same thing! Quick recap:

1. Yes I have still been training for my IM! I wondered if my absence would make readers believe I had abandoned my goal race! In fact I am in week 12 of my 30 week plan.

2. No, I am not longer working! When I last left you I was teaching 4th grade teacher! Basically it means that I have taught everyday but 3 since the start of school (actually prior to the start as I had to be there for pre-service).  My second gig ended March 15th and so now I'm "free at last"!

Do I miss it? I miss the friendship of fellow teachers, especially one in particular but not the parents. I miss the enthusiasm of the students but not their self-righteous parents. I miss the look in a student's eyes when they finally grasp the material, but certainly not the parents. I learned tough lessons while teaching and will forever be a champion of the hard work teachers put in everyday! Believe me: they down right deserve the time off in the summer!

3. Now what? Well, I have a bigger job ahead of me: IMLP training! I do believe I am fortunate enough to not "need" to work. So I will be focusing on my family and training, occasionally taking some sub jobs, but nothing long term!

My kids have certainly enjoyed our laid back mornings, my attentiveness to their needs, and our extra cuddle time! I feel blessed that I have to opportunity to be able to be a "better" mother! Teaching really takes it out of you and what I mean is patience!

I don't regret taking the jobs though! My kids grew some much during this time - independent and confident! I could count on them to be showered and have lunches packed by the time I got home from swim training in the morning! Some may gasp at a 9 and 8 year old doing this, but truly, they loved it! The first morning I left at 5:30 to swim before they woke I was back within 45 minutes because I was so nervous! They were disappointed I was home so early! :-)

I knew they were ready! Of course I had a little bribery in the mix: Krispy Kreme on Thursdays if they behaved all week! It was a huge incentive! I saw team work and love! And they saw that they were capable and that I trusted them.

Week #11 of IM training began the build phase. Swims are 3000 m, Bikes are 2:30+ hours, and most runs are 1+ (except for bricks). What also began was a 3rd swim for the week and I am currently toying with what to do about that.

My body is tired and it is clear that I am not consuming enough calories to keep the energy level up. I am attempting to rectify this, but as a formally overweight mom, this is the toughest part. I do look at food as fuel, but I need to eat more - it's just that simple.

We head off to Myrtle Beach for Spring Break tomorrow. Hopefully the weather will cooperate. I am bringing my bike along and hope to find a pool to get my swim on.

Guess what? I'm still a runner at heart. No matter what the weather, I can always run. And I ALWAYS know how to dress. There is something about getting into a "chilly" pool at 5:30 am that is just evil. And cycling in 30 degree temps is just WRONG!

How do you get enough calories in to fuel your body?

IMLP Training Day #10

I think I enjoyed training when I wasn't working full time. That being said, I completed my Day #10 workout with a little less optimism.

IMLP Training Day # 10 - Run 30 min Z2, Swim: 2500 m

My husband has officially told me he will be late everyday until 22nd. I guess it is okay. I mean, usually he is a 4 o'clock husband, but every 4 years, we have to deal with a silly little thing called: Inauguration. I know, its pretty important but when it affects my training, I get grumpy.

Run:

Since my husband was late and once again I had a run in Zone 2, I tried to run again with my favorite HR Zone 2 keepers - my kids. I didn't think they would come, but they did. By .4 of a mile, the complaining started. I realized that having not really kept up with their running since the Fall, having them go out and run 1.4 miles yeaterday, did not bode well for a 3 miles run today. After .6 miles, I had to head back home and firgure out how I was going to get 20 more minutes in. I decided to run loops, sat them up with the homework and a candycane (bribery) and set off to finish with my phone.

Of course, I ran higher than Z2, and after 10 minutes I called home. Kiera answered, said they were fine and I kept running. After 5 additional minutes, I called again and Brock's sentiments hit the nail on the head: "Mom stop calling and run already!" Pretty cute! So I finished a 30 min run, probably mostly in Zone 3.

Swim:

With my husband still not home at 6, I was started to get worried that I would not have any energy for a late swim. When he finally arrived, I bolted.

Workout was: 300 wu, 8x50 drill, 4 x 125 @20 secs, 4 x 175 @30 secs, 4 x 125 @20 secs. 8x50 drill, 200 cd (well this was actually last weeks workout that I read wrong, but I still did 2500 m)

The pool was exhaustingly crowded. A silly Russian guy (no he told me he was Russian, no judgement here) wearing a tight speedy would not stop talking to me. And a really really slow but nice guy kept me from really getting into a groove. I think I hated everything but the 5 minute hot tub receovery.


*BTW: no children were hurt during this workout. They are legally allowed to stay home by themeselves, I just don't like doing it. :-)

IMLP Training Day 8 & 9

IMLP Training Day 8 = REST! (I was exhausted too and I am pretty sure it had NOTHING to do with training.

IMLP Training Day 9 = Bike 30 min Z2, Run 15 min Z2 (switched with Day 10)

First, I had issues getting to the pool again today, so I decided since this is still the build phase, I would switch with Wednesdays workout.

Bike: 30 min Z2 - today the trainer proved to be much easier. Dare I say tolerable. Next thing I know it was 20 minutes down and I only had 10 minutes left. Sure, the 10 minutes took forever but still! Trash on tv was Rob and Big - made me laugh at least!

Run: 30 min Z2 - I was trying to work on Z2 running and my husband wasn't home yet, so I suggested to the kids to run with me. Would you believe it that I stayed in Zone 2 the ENTIRE time. I think I may have found a solution for the short runs. They had fun, complained minimally and I finished my workout!

HR Zone 2 masters!!!

IMLP Training Week 1 - Check!

IMLP Training Day 5 - Run 30 min Z2

Ah, the bliss of running in Zone2 - NOT! I did not believe it could be so hard to run... slower! Oh, I know you are questioning me. But try it. When you have conditioned your body to maximize the time you have to run as many miles as you possibly can during a set time, heart rate zones mean NOTHING. I am not going to lie, marking down my 30 min Z2 run as 3 miles... was embarrassing. And truth be told, I probably was above Z2 85% of the run. I gave myself a break and realize that I have to condition myself to run in heart rate zones and that it will not happen over night. It did feel nice, but I know I will NEED this come race day.

IMLP Training Day 6 - Bike 1 hour Z2

What happens when all of your so called BFFs sign up for a morning Spin class with an awesome instructor and you cannot because you told your daughter that you would coach her basketball team? Bitterness - of course, and a trainer.

I got up and hopped on my trainer Saturday morning and vowed to stay in my HR zone (check) and ride for 1 hour. Oh the torture... mainly because the kid's choice of entertainment was the Fairy Odd Parents. UGH! It made me actually question why they felt this tv show was entertaining.

I limit my children's television time to around 2 hours a day. Of course, the tv is my best babysitter when I need to get things done, but I do try. At one point during my aero time frame (rotated every 10 minutes), I asked my son why he liked this show. His response, "Because it was silly." Agreed! He laughed at some of the funny parts while I was trying to ascertain why if limited this was the show he would choose to watch. I asked him again, and his response was, "I just want to wake up." Oh, I get it... it was mind numbing. Sort of like soap operas or that trashy LMN titilating drama that I just had to stay up and watch. Not sure I used that as an excuse when I was 8 though.

Finished ride: wanted to stop after 15 minutes, promised myself a smoothie at 35, cursed my lady parts at 45 and when the 60 minutes were over, I bolted for the shower. I cannot wait for the weather to be warmer so I can ride outside.

IMLP Training Day 7 - Run 45 mins Z1 to Z2

Long story short, large group run turned in to smaller group/solo run for an hour. It was cold and I felt good. The group was faster, a couple hung back for the first 2.5, but most took off the second 2.5. I ran probably in Z3, should have backed down more. But it was done.

Lake Placid Swim

Also, not really trying to make up the missed swim, but just to get time in the water, I did an easy 750m while my kids were at swim practice. Easy 300 w/u and then played 25 meters chase with TG. That made swimming fun. And coming off of Swim month in the USAT NCC, I was pleased to start enjoying the swim again!

IM Training Day 4

Day 4 and only managed 1/2 of the workout. There was no way I could get the swim in excluding hiring a sitter. Worked till 3:45 and husband did not get home until 5:45, and I had basketball ... blah, blah.

Raced home and got on my bike after practice. Kiera even said, "Aren't you tired from the day?" I replied: "Of course, but earning my IM title is more than just on race day." Sounded better than it felt.

I am not going to lie, it was a HUGE disappointment not getting my swim in today. I am currently deciding if I do it tomorrow or follow the plan. Thoughts?

Lake Placid Bike Course

Bike: 30 mins Z1 (100+ RPM) and my lady bits were sore from yesterday. About 10 minutes in and everything felt smoothed. Husband didn't complain today just turned the volume up. I was bored, wished I had company and sort of drifted into the: how in the world am I going to ride on the trainer for longer periods of time? Yuck!

Tomorrow's workout is: Run 30 mins Z2 which seems like a great way to end the week. After all, Run is my first love!