81 miles on carbon

Almost everyone I know was nursing their hangover on Haloween morning. I, along with my good friend LaVerne decided to take a Halloween Ride! :) This was my first long ride in several months and I was ready for it. I have a new bike, I was hydrated and had a good breakfast. The minute I hopped on my bike I knew my behind was going to complain today. I had ridden approximately 25 miles the day before and this new saddle I have is pretty darn stiff compared to nice, soft, cushy seat that I am used to sitting on. I believe this specialized ruby saddle I am riding is called a performance saddle. It is probably super light, but it super stiff! Probably 12 miles into the ride, my butt felt red and swollen. ha ha. Of course the carbon did quiet the noise from the road and I think I am really going to enjoy the new bike. However, I may be searching for a new saddle soon. I believe we spent 5 1/2 hours in the saddle, wow! We went from Ahwatukee to Laveen to Maricopa. Stopped to have lunch there and used the bathroom and then rode home and hit Pecos just for fun. What a great ride, but boy was I tired and ate all of the calories I burned. Oh well, I guess that is why we ride.. I was on a riders high for the rest of the night... and slept like an angel....

Todays Ride

Today we went out to Paradise Valley and took on some challenging hills. It was 27 miles of hills. This was probably one of my favorite routes; challenging but I knew it was strengthing my lungs, heart and legs. Exactly what I needed. One of my goals is to become better and bike handling skills along with increasing my speed. Should be possible now that I have a brand new carbon bike. :) Tomorrow is another day of riding! :)

Untitled by dtrigirl at Garmin Connect - Details

October Weather

I can't believe it has been 5 months since I have blogged. Guess I let training for the half marathon consume and hey, I told you I wasn't much of a writer, right? So, let's see if I can update my blog in a few short paragraphs:

Running: After many long hours of trying to learn  how to run without feeling like my lungs were going to explode. I am proud to say that I finished my first half marathon at Disneyland! Two hours and 41 minutes. What a wonderful experience. I am very happy that I chose this location to do my first half marathon. What a sense of accomplishment with close friends. Well, the bad news is that after the half marathon, I developed a severe tendonitis bilaterally. Since the beginning of September I have been off the running regime. :(

Swimming: Well, there is really not much to say about my swimming. I became discouraged as my swimming drills were fantastic, however when I tried to put everything together it somehow fell apart. Swimming is my nemesis and feel that you have to be part amphebian to be a good swimmer. However, I guess I need to try it again. So, November 3rd I am going to give it one last try and pray that my inner mermaid surfaces.

Cycling: My cycling adventure slowed down during my half marathon training. However, I have discovered during this adventure that cycling is my favorite of all three sports and have decided that I really want to focus on this one sport. Thus, I have invested in a carbon fiber bike. Originally it was going to be a pinarello fp3, however things didn't work out. So, I ended up with a specialized amira expert. The difference is AMAZING!! I can climb like a billy goat and I am really looking forward to working on speed work in the next few months and possibly doing my first time trial. I also purchased a garmin for my new bike which I love!!

Vacation!!

So, I am sure you are all wondering if I fell off the wagon again, nope! I was in L.A. living the good life. I was there for almost 2 weeks doing absoloutely nothing. Well, that is not necessarily true. Let's see, I ate, learned how to play xbox, went to disneyland, ate somemore, got up late, etc. You know do all the things you don't get to do when you have a real job. It was glorious!!! I, of course did not want to come home to the harsh reality of working, training, and paying bills, ugh! I really wanted to stay and live in the castle at Disneyland! Where all my dreams would come true... So, let's see, I arrived on Sunday afternoon - the 9th of May. I worked 12 hours shifts on Monday and Tuesday. No exercising as my allergies or a small cold got a hold of me.

Training with Triathletes..

April 15th - I went swimming again holding my head up high although my shoulders were killing me. I warmed up with 4 x 25's, ouch! Swimming is tough! I don't know how those triathletes do it; swimming lap after lap with 15 second rest in between. Maybe, one day I too will have super lungs.

April 17th - Today was the ladies anniversary ride - 45 miles around S. Mtn. We were also going to take pictures today at 6am. Wow, what an early start. I arrived around 0540. I was soo sleepy. The day started off  with beautiful pictures and great conversation with women who are quickly becoming my best friends and training buddies. I was concerned as I had not been on my bike for two and a half weeks. However, the wind blowing in my hair and the familiar sun kissing my rosy cheeks was unforgettable. I had missed it so much more than I had anticipated. The first 24 miles I was surprised as I was keeping a 18-20 mph pace, which is unheard of for me. Especially with my asthma - I was in heaven. Until I heard this unfamilliar crash and very familiar voice scream. My whole body froze for a minute. Then, I went into auto pilot. The next thing I knew I was dialing 911, expressing my concern for a dear friends well being. Explaining that she may have a dislocated shoulder. We were in an ambulance and off to the hospital. She currently has a broken collar bone, but is on the mend. My heart aches for her as this was an accident caused by yet another driver which ran another cyclist off the road due to not being able to share the road. :(  Needless to say, no further training on Saturday or Sunday.

April 19th - I think I was still exhausted and missed swimming. However, I did make it to pilates which kicked my butt. Wow, do I need to work on my core. It has gotten pretty soft over the last few months.

April 20th - I did swim this morning and was frustrated. I was working on slow exhales and quick inhales. Easy for the coach to instruct as he is not the one in the water! We worked on me getting my hip out of the way when my arms come down to complete my stroke. I just figured I had big hips. When I worked on this drill it messed my whole swim technique. I need to really work on this drill!! I also ran 3.5 miles in the evening. It was a very slow 3.5 miles, but I did it and I was pretty proud of myself! I think I may actually be a tri girl someday. I am also making some lifelong friends in the process!  My life is changing everyday...

Training Update

The week after my MS 150 I was like a newborn. All I did was eat & sleep. I could not catch up on my sleep and I was constantly tired; this went on for about a week and a half. I think I might have done a few yoga/pilates classes. But, I couldn't muster up the energy to go to swim classes. I am finally getting back into the swing of things. April 5th I was to lazy to get up to swim, so I have felt horrible and went to pilates. Wow, I was sore for days. April 6th - I actually got my lazy butt out of bed, late of course but made it to swim lessons, yippee! The evening of April 6th,  I decided that I needed to give running a whirl. If I going to be a tri girl, better learn to run. The next day I thought my shins were going to fall off! I developed the worst shin splints ever! The second day was worse. I was walking around work like a bad John Wayne extra. This is when I knew I needed to visit a real running store and purchase my very first and I am sure expensive "running shoes". Since I couldn't move very fast I decided to rest on April 7th. April 8th, I swam for a little bit on my own to practice my breathing technique. April 9th - I was late to swim lessons again, but I crawled out of bed! April 10th I was tired again, so I rested after working a 12 hours shift. April 11th- I ran with my new saucony's in the canal (on dirt) and was able to walk/jog 2 miles. What a difference; my shoes were so springy. Kind of like tigger, so worth the money. My feet were a little sore the next day, but no shin splints! Wahoo!

Something Amazing happened on April 14th. ----- I woke up and went to swim lessons and I began actually using my arms like pole vaults to propel me thru the water. I actually started what my coach called a 3-1 sequence. I actually was able to swim laps for the 1st time today. I could not believe it - I was like a kid in Disneyland. I didn't ever think I would be able to swim a whole lap. Now, I am swimming multiple laps. Of course I had to stop after every one because I was out of breath, but what an amazing feeling!
It is official -I am no longer afraid of the water.

Pics from my MS 150 -

                                        This picture is the 1st day with LaVerne leading the girls

Me & Laura Lee  - 1st day

Lunch time fun & yoga stretching. I think I am trying to give my chips away. lol

Waving at the camera! :)

Eww.. we have how many more miles to go? after lunch!

Day 2 - the girls that pulled me. Julie, Stef, Sarah, & me.

Our 2010 MS Ladies Team

Day -2 MS 150

At the end of our 100 mile day. I had a massage, lots to eat and figured it would be best to hold off on the celebratory beer. I figured I would be drunk with 1 beer and may not ride on day 2. I went to bed  around 10:30 with several layers of clothing as I knew how cold it was going to be. I did sleep better, but felt the 100 miles from the day before. The second  day was a lot windier, but we geared up and headed out. The moment I sat on my bike I knew I would only be doing the minimum amount of miles today which I think was 35. However, the girls convinced me again that I could do all 60 miles today. I really struggled today. There were moments when I wanted to cry and moments where I really thought my lungs were going to give up on me. The girls tucked me in a little pocket & protected me from the wind and pulled me for miles. Julie, Sarah, and Stefanie - You never once thought about leaving me. I would not have completed my goal if it wasn't for the three of you. You ladies never cease to amaze me!  Thank you!  2 days - 162 miles- 6 months ago if someone would have told me I would go from riding 15 miles to 160, I would have told them they had lost their marbles.

Well, here is to losing marbles; because not only is it possible, I did it!

Update

I have fallen off the wagon a bit when it comes to updating you about my progess, I apologize. Let's start off with the weekend of March 27 & 28th - the weekend of my MS 150. The long awaited event - Boy, was I nervous, anxious and quite frankly just ready to get the darn thing over and done with! I made some last minute trips to Wal-Mart & Landis Cyclery and headed out to the town of Florence, AZ if you can call it a town, it is very small! For those of you that know me, I pack way to much - well, why should this be any different, right? My car looked like I was moving with luey (my bike) I arrived without getting lost which is an accomplishment in itself for me. :) The girls were just about to have dinner, so I joined them and had a wonderful time. Then, the fun really began once I took everything out of my car and arrived in this circus type tent with sleeping bags all over while ladies kept arriving, wow! By the end of the night, I believe there were around 20 something women in our tent and 1 or 2 men.. lol. One of the ladies father had flown in for the event and someone's husband had also joined in the fun! I didn't get much sleep the first night as it was freezing that night!! We woke up and everything seem like a frozen blur until I arrived at the end of the day to take a shower in something called shower trucks- what.  Ok, let's see if I can give you details from the blur. I remember lining up on the start line trying to get my heart monitor up- It had slipped onto my waist! Of course momma bear was right next to me making sure I was ok & helping me with the darn heart monitor. I felt discombobulated somehow. Trying to make sure I had everything I needed and somehow just felt weighed down! We began the ride with frozen toes and smiled as if it was the best thing we had ever done! :) The day was cold & a bit windy. We all started off together and then separated into groups - some ladies did 75 miles and some were trying to achieve 100 miles. I wasn't sure what I was going to do, but my goal was to do 100. We stopped at many of the rest stops and I found myself eating shoveling bananas & protein bars in my face as quick as possible. The ride to the lunch stop was probably the most difficult for me as this was super windy. We had a paceline going and picked up many riders from multiple teams: fedex, discount tire, the yellow jerseys, and some that i don't remember. The wind was giving my asthma a run for its money!! We arrived at lunch and had a turkey sandwich, and chips.  We kept on moving slow & steady... working towards our goal. The next reality hit when we decided to do 100 miles. The last 25-30 miles I was sure that my feet were either on fire or going to just fall off.  The girls kept cheering me on saying that we were almost there; slowing the pace and making sure I was well fed, watered, and had some gels or other energy slimy sugary substance to keep me going. If needed we would stop, refuel, put our feet down and keep going. We finally arrived at the finish line - I cannot describe the sense of accomplishment I felt knowing I had just ridden 100 miles!! Thank you, LaVerne. I would not have been able to do it without you!!

Preping for my first bike event

I spent the rest of the week recovering, relaxing and stressing about my first bike event. First of all, I didn't sleep well all week, and tried to make a list of all the things I would need this weekend. Camping and biking 150 miles just doesn't seem right to me. Trying to remember your sleeping bag, along with trying to make sure you have short gloves, long gloves, extra tubes, co2 cartridges, cycling shoes, protein drinks, fruit, medicines, and energy drinks, ugh! My head is hurts and quite frankly is spinning. Anyway, I just wanted to share a few pictures with you before I finished packing and say thank you for your continued support and words of encouragement. I would not be riding in this event if it wasn't for you who were kind enough to donate to this cause. Please keep me in your prayers as I get ready for this weekends challenge as the wind has decided to come out and play. For those of you who do not ride a bike it is difficult to keep a bike still or at times upright in windy conditions. However, if the wind is blowing just right, it almost seems as if someone is giving you a small push from behind. :)  Enjoy the pics. This is from one of our training rides in January.

82 miles

I took a day off work today so I could participate in the last MS 150 training ride. I was a little apprehensive as my team leader has cycled over 200 miles this week as was not going to attend this ride. However, she assured me that I would be fine and I could use the time in the saddle. A couple of the girls I ride with on Saturday were going to be there so I was not concerned. This ride began a little around 0730 and the group started off fast & furious. The continued pounding the pedals throughout the duration of the ride. Even in some pretty strong headwinds. Sarah and I did what we could, but felt a little pushed. We finished the ride together around 1400. Sarah never left my side, thanks Sarah!!! Six months ago, I never thought I would see the day when I would be riding 82 miles and burning approximately 3300 calories. :)  The real fun started when I started hacking and couldn't stop on the way home. I knew what that meant. For those of you that don't know I am an asthmatic. It meant that my lungs were pushed to hard and now there were going to shut down. I tried to make them happy with some puffs from my albuterol inhaler. I started to worry a little when it didn't work. I came home and gave myself a breathing treatment and it worked. My lungs were able to open up. :) I was then able to soaked in some lavender epsom salt. ahh... my legs still feel like I am dragging some bricks along every time I walk, ouch! Time for some ibuprofen and bed! Thanks to all of you who called to check on me!

St. Patty's Day

While most people spent the day wearing geen and drinking green beer. My day started at 0430. I reluctantly woke up, made some coffee and put my tri swimsuit on and headed off to my 2nd swim lesson. The good news is that Phoenix is warming up and it was not quite as cold as the last time I swam. However, it was still cold. We are not in our normal pool, so things were a little chaotic. Once we were settled, Coach Bryan was determined to teach me how to breathe in the pool. He informed me that taking a breathe while swimming was not done by turning your head to the side. It was done by turning the whole the body to the side. So, guess who learned how to swim on her side yesterday? Well, I am not sure I learned how to swim on my side. I swallowed a lot of water, got a lot of water up my nose, and did a lot of coughing. By the end of swim practice, I was frustrated and convinced that I was never going to swim. Swimming on your side feels like you are drowning and somehow feels unnatural! I was given homework by my coach to do on the floor at home, ha ha! But, I am sticking with it and doing my homework!

At 5p.m. we went riding in Ahwatukee. I am not sure how many miles we rode because my cycling computer has decided to grow a mind of its own. However, I think it was about 18-20 miles. LaVerne decided that we would have a mini in-service on changing flats in front of Subway. :) Laura, Dee, and LB were going to be in a tri on Sunday, so it was important for them to know how to change tires. We all changed our front tires. Here are some pictures for you to enjoy.

Cycling w/the ladies

Every other Friday morning, I ride with the ladies in Ahwatukee. I look forward to this ride as Ahwatukee has some beautiful rolling hills. Reminds me of the place in grew up. Yesterday, I thought about staying in bed as I woke up feeling so tired and lethargic. However, I remembered that the ladies usually call me when I show up late or don't show up. I decided to avoid this and drag myself out of bed. Like clock work the girls were texting at 0725 to make sure I was just going to be late. I love those girls! We rode 25 miles and did quite a few hills for a Friday ride. I think I may be getting a little better at hills since the girls tell me I have wings when I climb hills. :) Often times I am one of the first one up to the top. What they don't know is that I just need to get it done and over with asap!

Saturday's ride with the Ladies always impresses me. We had 25 ladies show up for our group ride. Today we were going to meet Linda B. One of the ladies who is ride cross country, she started in San Diego about a week ago and is riding straight through to Florida, amazing! Yes, on a bicycle. Today's ride was mostly flats with a few little hills to warm the legs as I hear tomorrow's ride is going to be a bear! We rode a little under 30 miles and rejoiced with our fellow teammate. Below you will find a pics of Linda with our group leader, LaVerne who I like to call momma bear. She takes care of all the ladies like we were her little cubs. She is motivating, patient, kind, and giving. Everything you would expect from a true leader. Thanks, LaVerne.

Hope you enjoyed the pics, I need to get ready and get some rest for tomorrows 60+ mile ride. Wish me luck!

March 9, 2010 - My Inner Mermaid

This morning I was woken up by the the annoying buzzing of my alarm at 0420. I was thinking - am I dreaming? Why is my alarm going off so early it is not a work day and why do my legs feel like bricks!! Well, my legs felt like bricks because a few of my team members who are getting ready for a tri did something called hill repeats in Scottsdale with our team leader, LaVerne. The hill was .7 of a mile with a 8% grade. The goal was to climb it 5 times without stopping at the top or the bottom. I got up the first time and thought, "there has to be something wrong with my head".  Who climbs hills for fun!! I do!!
I found this lovely driveway halfway up, I would turn in make a u-turn; get a second wind and climb to the top. I did this 4 times. It was a great learning experience and one that will make my legs stronger.

How could I forget that today was my first swim lesson in 30 yrs. I got up slowly, made a cup of coffee, turned up the heater and changed into a very unflattering 1 piece bathing suit. I text LaVerne to ensure she was meeting me there as I am a shy girl. She said the swimming would be good for sore legs. So, I headed out the door with my swim cap and goggles. Although it was an outdoor pool, the pool was heated. Believe it or not, it was still cold. Yes, even in AZ. The swim coach was patient, made me feel comfortable and continued to give me words of encouragement.  I am no longer afraid of the water. Although, he did put me in the baby pool. :) I can't wait to go to my next lesson. I think I am on my way to finding to my inner mermaid.

Guidance & Equipment

The last couple of days I was told by my cycling team leader, Laverne, I could do anyting if I put my mind to it. Mind you, this is the woman that told me I could ride something called, "the towers" on one of my first bike ride with her 3 months ago. I had never done any climbing on my bike. She encouraged me and told me I was a strong rider; not to worry. Little did I know it was a 5 mile climb where you gain 1800 ft in elevation. I have heard some people say they are frightened when they drive this road. Needless to say, I did make it to the top after a few tears, and a push from a very experienced cyclist named Charlie (it was liking having an extra gear). The feeling of completing such a challenge was exhilarating. This is where my love/hate relationship of hills began...


I decided to order a couple of books, so that I would have some guidance on how to start running & swimming. I ordered: "The Woman Triathlete" and "Sports Nutrition". I also ordered two new pairs of cycling shorts, sugoi evolution and shebeest S-Pro shorts. These cycling shorts are for longer distance riding. I sure hope this works as my crotch is killing me after 60 miles!

I believe I have found the sprint triathlon I am going to sign up for, it is in Anthem on Sept. 4, 2010. This tri consist of a 400 meter swim, a fast 12.4 mile bike jaunt, and a 3.1 mile run. I should have already signed up, but I am a little scared. Although this does give me ample time to train - 6 months. But, I only have every other weekend free due to my schedule. hmmm... 

The Plan

I decided to start this blog, so that I can be accountable and see my progress as I start this crazy journey of becoming an athlete. Five an a half months ago I never thought I would be able to ride a road bike more than 10 miles. I wondered why anyone in their right mind would spend $75.00 on cycling shorts and why people were so passionate about sitting on a tiny seat for hours at a time. After initially learning the basics from an ex-boyfriend I was left without any direction after 2 months. Those of you who know a cyclist, know this is barely enough time to start learning about gears and how to clip in and out. Thank goodness I found a wonderful group of girls called, "the ladies". This is a wonderful group of women who are passionate about cycling, teach other women the essentials of cycling, and they ride on a weekly basis rain or shine. They welcomed me with open arms. It has been three months since I started riding with these women and I can't believe the progress I have made. These women have watched me fall over gracefully, cried over hills, and these women have continued to speak words or encouragement. I am currently riding 60 miles and at the end of this month I will try and conquer the MS 150 - 2 days, 150 miles.

For the last couple of months I have decided that I should probably try to run and swim as I am not getting any younger. Besides, I have always had a pretty flat stomach and I have recently noticed a few extra pounds in the waist area. Could this be due to age? Ugh, I am not aging gracefully! So, this is my attempt at aging gracefully! Several of the girls I ride with speak highly of triathalons and many of them have done them, so why not? A sprint tri has always been on my "bucket list". Why a 38 yr old women would even try to swim after a 30 yr hiatus is beyond me. I hate being wet and I hate being cold. Furthermore, I don't run unless something is chasing me, so this should be fun!