6 days out.

First and foremost, thank you all for the words of encouragement and hugs. So today, thanks to facebook, it is has fully hit me that this is happening. soon. For almost a year now, i have followed the official IRONMAN site on fb. I have watched as they have talked about other IM events. Today, the first post about Louisville appeared. Wow. Seriously, could the next six days slow down just a bit? Yesterday, I had a headache. That doesnt happen to me! Now is not the time for this to happen. Grr. On a lighter note, literally and figuratively speaking, I am trying to decide between racing my wheel set or the roval's (thanks steve p :) ) although, you will be missed and i still wish you were sharing this experience with us. I am torn between racing a wheel set I am comfortable with or a more aero set. I guess tonight will be the determining factor. Sigh. Breathe in, Breathe out.

I am going to offer up my sincerest apologies ahead of time for being distracted, tearful, and a bit moody over the next week. Do not take it personally. It is the single biggest thing I have ever done in my life and I want to do it well. So any advice, encouragement, or ice cream thrown my way is always greatly appreciated. More so than my words could ever express.

Big shout out to Piney Flats Bike and Fitness for taking care of my bike and helping me get stragihtened out. You guys rock. I still fell like one of the luckiest people in the world to be a part of the running and cycling community that I am. I couldn't ask for better training partners and friends.  I owe you all lots of hugs and trips to menchies.

I keep refering back to Adam Goucher's advice to Kara on the day she raced Boston- "Race confident, calm, and free." His blog about her racing experience rocked-as did her post race blog. Way to keep it classy Goucher's- you all are a true class act.

10 days...and counting.

"It is not a successful climb unless you enjoy the journey." ~Dan Benson

I have enjoyed my journey to say the least. Tonight, I am thankful Jamie Williams whom rode with me and let me talk. Good advice, from a good friend. How I would have made this journey without her I do not know. Things I learned tonight: female brand of dez nuts is slightly uncomfortable. I did not enjoy the "warming/cooling" sensation. These things should come with a warning! Thankfully, I had the insight to try it tonight before IM. I could have seen that being a potentially dangerous 112 mile ride. Or uncomfortable at least. :) Oh...and Jill Kearns, we missed you! I am slightly jealous that you are going on a cruise, but cant wait to hear all about it! come home soon!

Taper mode is really quite discerning. We only had an hour ride to do today and I felt lazy.Worst part is, I still want to eat my arm off. Shouldnt I be wanting to eat less, not more? I am already stressing about this being over. Thankfully, I have three new goals 1. Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) 2. Train with Dustin Mohr @ Get Mohr Fit 3. And cycle cross! all of which I am very excited about :)

Lastly, big shout out to my bff Jamie Mains. Happy birthday buddy!!!! I had fun with you tonight and enjoyed our talk. You are special. Love you. Mean it.

6 am swim comes early. Thank you Glenn for being my constant alarm clock, even though I often hit snooze :)

T minus 11 days

Today called for a 45 min run + 15 i missed from last night. I had a nice comfortable run with Jamie Mains and Brinson in downtown Johnson City. Thanks again friends for running with me and sticking it out. You all rock. Shout out to Varinka, Rachel, and Brian (maybe?). Good to see you all and thanks for the words of encouragement. This whole process seems surreal. I cant believe it is almost here!!!

They say that you get depressed when this is all said and done. I can see it. It has consumed my life for almost 6 months. Thankfully, I have two big goals set for me in the upcoming next couple of months. On October 30, I will be running the Marine Corps Marathon and shooting for a new BQ time as well as running for No greater sacrifice in memory of my friend Ben White.  Today I also bought a new cross bike!!! Masi CXR with 105. woo hoo! I like new challenges. So bring on fall sports!!! Hopefully, I will try to get some decent sleep over the next few days.

Thanks again for the support!!! <3

12 days and counting

Tonight, my dear training partners Alan, Kathy, Jamie, Jason, Gretchen, Scott, and myself got a nice long swim in. We completed 2.3 miles. Shew. Exhausting. But...we swam great. I actually felt pretty comfortable. Don't get me wrong, I was tired at the end and ready to be out of the water. But all in all, felt good. Two things I learned tonight-i was hungry a mile into swim (will carry a gel in IM) and dizzy when getting out of the water. I think I will take my time in T1. Jason and I got a 3.5 mile run in after. Have I mentioned that this nice cool weather in the evenings makes me all giddy inside?????? I cant wait for fall.

I Will...

I will be rested~I will be strong~I will be excited~I will be confident as I hit the water~I will have smooth transitions~I will pace myself~I will eat~I will drink~I will sweat~I will not run out of fuel~I will stay loose and relaxed~I will take each hill one at a time~I will run a steady and consistent marathon~I will think of my family~I will remember all the hard work I have done to prepare for this day~I will not break down~I will look up and smile~I will not worry~I will not be alone~I will conquer the challenges I will face throughout the day~I will have courage~I will be proud of my accomplishments~I will encourage those around me~I will think positively~I will remember to take it one mile at a time~I will challenge myself~I will give it my all~I will enjoy the day~I will remember the day~I will finish 140.6 with a smile.~ I will be an IRONMAN

Ford Louisville Ironman August 28, 2011

Almost time

It has officially been forever since I updated this. What can I say? Ironman training took over my life. Clearly, so much has happened since my last post. Countless hours in the pool and at Warriors swimming in the duck poo lake. Yes friends, duck poo. I have pedaled more miles than i ever dreamed possible. Jamie and I finally completed our first 100 mile ride! it was a great riding day for us. I think that might have been one of my favorite accomplishments to date! Thankfully, the past few weeks have been great running weather. I have found my love for running again with this approaching fall weather.

Rather than spend this blog talking about the ups and downs of the past few months of training, i want to start by thanking people, personally, whom have supported me along the way (in no particular order :) )-

Jamie Williams- My Ironman faithful training partner and friend. Wow, what a blessing to have met you and the friendship we have formed over the past 6 months. I cannot wait to hug you and cry with you when we are finished and holding our medals!!! I couldnt have done this without you. You are a wonderful friend and person. And my rock through these past few months.

Tony Williams-Thank you for sharing Jamie with me over the past few months. and the countless miles you rode with us. Had it not been for your words of wisdom and coaching, i would still be spinning without getting anywhere. I appreciate your help more than words can ever express.

Jason Lewis-You are ultimately responsible for me being here. Even though I know you dont have facebook and will only get wind of this from someone else telling you...Thank you for believing in me, supporting me, picking me up when i was down, and most of all being my best friend. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for. When i found out that you too had broken your wrists, my heart was sad for you, but...I knew you, and knew it wouldnt stop you for a minute. So here is to qualifying for Kona. Go big or go home...broken wrists and all :)

Jamie Mains- I love you sweet friend. You have encouraged me every step along the way, when i thought i couldnt run anymore, you cheered me on. You are the ultimate running partner. and my partner in crime. Thanks for dragging me through many hot sweaty miles early in the am. and late at night. You believe in me even when i havent believed in myself. "that's what friends are for..." :) <3 u bestie

Jill Hayter (and David)- What a joy and blessing it has been training with you all over the past several months. I could go on and on about how much i love you and am glad to be a part of your life. Thank you for pedaling through the past 6 months with me. And ALWAYS being encouragers.  There is not a time I could feel down or unsure when you are around. that is a gift, and I appreciate you sharing it with me. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend and such a big fan. And to answer your question, should you choose to embarq on this journey...I will join u

To my foot Rx Running family (Allison, Steve, Chris, Terry, Sherry, Teresa, Debi,  Hannah, Ben, Tom, Linda, Jason S., Brinson, niki and everyone else) Thank you thank you thank you!!! Every mile i have ran over the past 6 months has been with one of you all or more by my side. Words of gratitude will never be enough. As the next few weeks come to a conclusion, I look forward to starting my next journey with you all...Fall marathon training. here is to long runs on the creeper followed by stops at the port a pottys and trips to wendy's. Hoo Rah!

My cycling friends (Melissa, Varinka, Spencer, Dave, Rachel, Kathy, Alan, Scott, and Gretchen)- as you all know, the bike has been my biggest obstacle to over come. Thank you all for pedaling through it with me. I am a runner, through and through. but...I have grown to love my bicycle equally as much. thanks to you all for sharing your passion and enthusiasm with me.

I am sure there are so many more of you I have forgotten to add on here. Considering it is nearly midnight, please forgive me. I will try and chronicle my thoughts/feelings over the next few days on here. and please please please follow myself, Jamie, Alan, Scott, Gretchen, and Jason at Ironmanlive.com on raceday! let us hear it!

Blog Slacker

I am as bad as I originally thought I would be at blogging. It has been over a month. So, the cliff notes version of my training will be as follows: 

Swimming: I am progressing right along to where I think I should be. My  biggest problem is failing to go to the Monday class. I need an accountability partner! Monday's are the days we work on technique, and I still need all the help I can get! Typically, Monday's have been the scheduled rest day in my program and I find it very difficult to get up and go at 6 am! I am going to change my rest day in the upcoming weeks. Maybe that will aid in me getting up and going...

Cycling: I guess I am coming along. As I knew it would be, this is still my greatest struggle. I fight with all I have to hang on to the wheel. Yet, still loose it. Jason tries to remind me that I am new to the sport and this is my first real season on a bike. Go figure, I would pick this year to do an Ironman. I have been taught to spin a high cadence, but every time i do, i drop the wheel. Aghh!!! I am working on it though. I have had a bike fit thanks to Ronnie, and I feel so much more comfortable on my bike! If you haven't had one of these and plan on spending a significant amount of time in the saddle, I would strongly recommend getting one. This weekend, I am riding a 50 mile benefit ride. I am hoping that I will average 15 mph for the whole ride. To those of you that are experienced, that seems like nothing. But for me, it will be a huge gain to hold my Ironman pace for a long ride. Here is to hoping!

Running: Wow, this part of my life has changed drastically. I went from running 50-60 mile weeks to 25-30 mile weeks. And, my times have dropped dramatically. I now average about a 9 min long run. Don't get me wrong, I know that is respectable, but i am used to running for speed. In the past, a long run would have been 830-845. So, I am trying to get used to my new pace and enjoy the run. I am now only running about four days a week. Program calls for 2 one hour runs, a 30 min run, a 15 min run, and a 1 1/2 hour run. Typically, I count Tuesday Foot Rx speed work as one of my one hour runs. The other is dedicated to the Thursday night Foot Rx group run. The shorter two runs are followed after cycling, concluding with the longer run on the weekend. Although, as Debi would say "My body is tired and my legs are toast, I am going to go out and give this run my most!" I can say I am doing that. Running less has increased my love for the sport all the more! Now, I cant wait to hit the pavement. :)

I have also completed my first sprint TRI of the season coming out with a second age group placement! I was very pleased to place, but disappointed in my performance. The swim I completed in 8:51 (51 seconds slower than I would have liked), with a swim-bike transition of 4 min. That is terrible!! i should have been out of transition in approx 1:30!! The bike I averaged about 16 (and for the most part, I was pleased). The run on the other hand...ugh. I did it in 2530. I felt like my legs were cement! But, it was an awesome experience and I cant wait to do it again!

Until the next post- "Race confident, calm, and free."~Adam Goucher, as said to Kara Goucher as she prepared to run Boston 2011!

Bring On Spring!

It has officially been forever since I posted here. So I will try to make my active endeavors as short and sweet as possible. Suprisingly, I actually ran well at the Disney Princess Half. Offical time of 1:45.09. Pretty pleased. Especially considering my weekly mileage has dropped drastically and I have felt my runs are not that quality over that past month and a half. There are countless stories to tell from this trip. Despite the no sleep, delayed flights, and random hotel knockings, we had a good time. I felt like a kid all over again especially since I havent been to Disney World since I was a kid. After race results were posted, I did get to see myself running out of Cinderella's castle. I offically have the worst running side ever! Looking at myself, I am extremely suprised I can run as fast as I can. Guess Jason wasnt just picking on me, I really do run funny. I got Jason a GoPro for Valentine's Day. I have a feeling it is going to come in handy for me as well.

On to Ironman-now that the half is out of the way, I think I have decided not to do a spring marthon and focus solely on becoming a better cyclist (or a cyclist at all) and training effectively for the ironman. Long few weeks ahead. But now that I am healthy (at least for now) I am ready to hit this full on. Bring on spring and warm weather and longer daylight hours! Here is to happy training!

I just found out that I got into the Honey Hive Program (Honey Stinger). Woo Hoo for being a sponsored athlete by the best tasting products there are! (yes, i called myself sponsored, because technically I am :)). No, I am not getting loads of free gear and products, but I am getting a nice discount on the best tasting energy all natural products there are. As many of you know, I hate hate hate all energy gels, chews, etc. At least until I tried Honey Stinger products. I could seriously eat everything they make like candy. And it is good for you! I can testify that thier products rock. Before the race, I had the mint chocolate protein bar and a few smoothie energy chews. Yum! About mile 8 I had a ginsing honey gel. It tasted great and gave me that extra push to the finish line for a big PR! (First one in the half in a year!) Please please please go try thier products. I cant say enough good things!!

If anyone is up for a ride this weekend give me a shout. (or run-will likely run chasing snakes practice run on sat) happy thursday all!