tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37067312909075276802024-03-13T11:04:26.243-07:00OMG! I signed up for an IronmanIronMan #2 in Training for Canada 2012. Join me on my training madness...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04180793287518773639noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706731290907527680.post-31626343775023201792012-06-24T18:52:00.001-07:002012-06-24T18:53:14.559-07:00This Week - Finding my Current PaceWeek 2 into the training zone and ensure I'm getting a good mix of exercise with yoga, swimming, biking, running, and weights for strength training.<br />
<br />
Needed to determine what my baseline measurements were to track and see improvements towards goals.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Bike</span></strong><br />
<br />
Conducted a couple of workouts at home - based on power threshold and technique. Then repeated a prior workout in <strong>Napa - Silverado Trail</strong>. Great place to do a time trial as its non-stop road.<br />
<br />
Was impressed at the improvements. And eager to improve!<br />
<br />
<strong>Comparing the workouts</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Pace is faster at <strong>17.2 mph</strong> vs 17.0 mph (need to now see how much I can click this up in 8 weeks)</li>
<li>Heart rate is MUCH lower at <strong>160 bpm</strong> vs 171 - meaning I am much more efficient in my production and use of energy. (still have 10 lbs weight to lose to help here....but greats start!)</li>
<li>Bike cadence now added to my garmin - and the average of <strong>89 cadence</strong> is right on target with my 90 goal.</li>
<li>Average Power was <strong>137 watts</strong> - first time trying to use this and determine how I stand here. My distribution shows I was using the right zones for the time trial but will need to lower for endurance training rides.</li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong>Run</strong></span><br />
<br />
Running is not my favorite thing - mainly because I'm nervous about getting injured here and not being able to compete. I spent a few months last year with little running and focused on biking.<br />
<br />
I've done a couple of t-runs from the bike rides of 1-3 miles and pace was decent. But needed to see how the pace would hold up on a longer run.<br />
<br />
<strong>Golden Gate Park with some friends on a lovely sunny day - nice!</strong><br />
<br />
Baseline data was good - average pace at 9:33 min/miles - and avg Heart rate at 162 bpm.<br />
<br />
This is definitely promising for me to get to a 9:30 pace for a marathon - with smart training and good nutrition (another area to get going on)<br />
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feeling good after this data! 8 more weeks!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Welcome, this is the feed or the IronMan Arizona Blog.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04180793287518773639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706731290907527680.post-89160139467407070832012-06-24T17:46:00.002-07:002012-06-24T17:47:27.426-07:00IronMan Canada...here I come!OMG It's hit me that I have to do another IronMan this year....and it requires training.<br />
<br />
I have somehow convinced myself that because I've already done one, that I will just be able to get on a bike and cycle for 112 miles. Or that after cycling 500 miles on the ALC ride, that I can now go at a 17 mph average pace on a long ride.<br />
<br />
hmm...yes...I know....but it's now hit me...and the training plan has been created...with goals...charts....and the excitement (and nervousness)<br />
<br />
Swim - Bike - Run = IronMan!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong>So how does IronMan Canada terrain look like?</strong></span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Swim </span></strong><br />
The swim is in a lake - which is much preferred to the ocean - and many state the "perfect temperature" as in August you've built up some warmth but still tolerable in a wetsuit. Wide beach to spread the swim start out - less washing machine battering each other. And the course is a 1 loop aspect, so no overtaking from the elites.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Bike</strong></span><br />
The bike is NOT easy. That's what I've heard and started to read about. It's a 1 loop course of 112 miles - so no seeing fellow riders. The bike elevation is 5,500 for the ride. Ouch! I can do that, but in a race format to push for speed...and then doing a marathon afterwards. hmmm....not sure on this one<br />
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Looking at the above elevation chart identifies a couple of items for my training:<br />
<ul>
<li>Hill training MUST be included (not always my fave)</li>
<li>Practice a big hill at the 80% point of the ride to simulate the mile 80 pass</li>
<li>Build my power wattage up to be able to gain speed and maximize the use of my legs, ensuring I have enough left for the run</li>
<li>**HEAT** training needed as well as the temperature gets to the 90's so being able to get electrolytes and hydrate in is key</li>
</ul>
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Run</span></strong><br />
I just found out that this is not an easy run. I thought, it must be flat as it runs close to the lake. But alas, the elevation gain is 600 feet. That is easy on a bike, but on a run....after a packed day....hmmm.<br />
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<br />
The run is an out-n-back - so you can see the mirror elevation in the elevation chart above. <br />
Going to have to practice putting in a hill at the end of a long run of 10 miles for this one. Ouch!<br />
And of course in heat (the summer means more light, but I'll only be getting the last hours, so perhaps cool weather will have settled in)<br />
<br />
So that's it - the course!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong>My Goals for the IronMan</strong></span><br />
<br />
It is my 2nd IronMan, so I have a sense of the emotional and physical turmoil...and can try and put in a couple of goals for pace and time. Of course, finishing healthy and strong is the main goal. The rest is a bonus.<br />
<br />
<strong>Staying steady to my prior IronMan pace</strong><br />
<strong>Total 14:00 = </strong> Swim 1:45, Bike 7:00, Run 5:00, Transitions 0:15<br />
(this was a flat course, so doing this on a hillacious course and in super heat will be wonderful)<br />
<br />
<strong>The best I could do (or at least can dream for!)</strong><br />
<strong>Total 12:00 = </strong>Swim = 1:30, Bike 6:00, Run 4:15, Transitions 0:15<br />
(yes this is crazy, so more of the best ultimate stretch goal)<br />
<br />
Paces needed for stretch goals - Bike at 19 mph, Run at 9:30 min/miles - yes a stretch indeed!<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Welcome, this is the feed or the IronMan Arizona Blog.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04180793287518773639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706731290907527680.post-25512571409801166152012-06-24T16:37:00.000-07:002012-06-24T16:37:22.386-07:00ALC Ride Summary<br />
The ALC Ride is complete - I've been back at work now for over a week - and life is settling into the "new normal". Sigh<br />
<br />
I'm now in the full training mode after 1 week recovery for IronMan Canada on August 25th. Yep, doing another one. And the ALC ride finally kicked me into training gear.<br />
<br />
I do enjoy looking at data and analyzing how it is changing over time (hopefully getting better, but not guaranteed!)<br />
<br />
Here is the summary from the ALC rides over 7 days. No Heart rate Monitor used - so just the top-line summary. I will also caveat that there was NOT any satellite available in a few areas - so the data below is under-estimated (e.g. I have 500 miles from my bike monitor total vs the 466 miles here)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hLAgfdsP1B4/T-eiuCC99GI/AAAAAAAAPVw/eHvWbxJBeAo/s1600/ALC_Ride_summary.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hLAgfdsP1B4/T-eiuCC99GI/AAAAAAAAPVw/eHvWbxJBeAo/s400/ALC_Ride_summary.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">My thoughts</span></h4>
I didn't have any time or pace goals for this other than to ride the whole thing. In seeing this data I am in awe of the total elevation gain - I do remember there being hills every day, so glad to see it verified. Speed is not the IronMan pace I'm going for - but something to use as a base in training. And the cadence is also decent - I'll be bringing this up in the training, but again good base.<br />
<br />
<strong>Well off to start the IronMan Canada Training!</strong><div class="blogger-post-footer">Welcome, this is the feed or the IronMan Arizona Blog.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04180793287518773639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706731290907527680.post-83666911449081667852012-06-09T16:20:00.001-07:002012-06-09T16:20:31.284-07:00ALC Day 7: Final ride to LAThe final day of the ALC Ride.<br />
<br />
Waking up on the beach was lovely but sad - all the new friends we've made - will soon be over.<br />
<br />
Photos galore of the our "tent home" for the week and some of the friends we made.<br />
<br />
Nice mellow ride today - dolphin sightings - famous houses at Malibu (FYI Leo DiCaprio is renting his place for $75k per month) - and the LA people running at the beach.<br />
<br />
And of course crossing the final few miles were moments to cherish - and smile with the person next to you as you crossed the line. <br />
<br />
Thank you everyone for your donation - $12.6M was raised by the riders in total - all the Daddy Browns give you hugs and Scoobie Doo's :)<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tdSHkqrbvW0/T9PaL3aLgAI/AAAAAAAAPU0/al3nXRCY65c/s640/blogger-image--218350146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tdSHkqrbvW0/T9PaL3aLgAI/AAAAAAAAPU0/al3nXRCY65c/s640/blogger-image--218350146.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Fi9vEMiaQbs/T9PaMgrQtRI/AAAAAAAAPU8/5agZzyaMJFk/s640/blogger-image-219433651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Fi9vEMiaQbs/T9PaMgrQtRI/AAAAAAAAPU8/5agZzyaMJFk/s640/blogger-image-219433651.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TW5OuxQ_5mI/T9PaNat1TKI/AAAAAAAAPVE/jASEcZqoVCA/s640/blogger-image--1647826568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TW5OuxQ_5mI/T9PaNat1TKI/AAAAAAAAPVE/jASEcZqoVCA/s640/blogger-image--1647826568.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TJjLtL1d_S4/T9PaOBilyqI/AAAAAAAAPVM/dz1DMSIP_X0/s640/blogger-image--1858397026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TJjLtL1d_S4/T9PaOBilyqI/AAAAAAAAPVM/dz1DMSIP_X0/s640/blogger-image--1858397026.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QayBiQw9soU/T9PaOmes5CI/AAAAAAAAPVU/VOuBOibJocM/s640/blogger-image--1804726783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QayBiQw9soU/T9PaOmes5CI/AAAAAAAAPVU/VOuBOibJocM/s640/blogger-image--1804726783.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qCgsdXqmQKQ/T9PaPMc0KtI/AAAAAAAAPVc/zMYWmqFRiQ0/s640/blogger-image--775715565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qCgsdXqmQKQ/T9PaPMc0KtI/AAAAAAAAPVc/zMYWmqFRiQ0/s640/blogger-image--775715565.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Welcome, this is the feed or the IronMan Arizona Blog.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04180793287518773639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706731290907527680.post-81530930435835764912012-06-08T20:41:00.001-07:002012-06-08T20:41:21.877-07:00ALC Ride Day 6: gorgeous love bubbleThe last full day of riding - 87 miles - and what a gorgeous day it was!!<br />
<br />
Sunny all day and ocean views...saw a pod of dolphins and the joy it brings for the opportunity to Be here in nature.<br />
<br />
Now Day 6 means that there are lots of aches and pains...lots of Benjay applied with gloves (pic) and it became normal today to hear shouts of "butt butter here!!"<br />
<br />
Took some photos of the bike stops where you see it is easy to lose your bike - but I got a fancy flag to honor Daddy Brown - and life was easier!<br />
<br />
And what would an ALC day be without some costumes!! Lucy loved the pink squirrels and Nigel preferred the Mad Max men (hmmm men in leather chaps??)<br />
<br />
Happiest moment today eating ice cream in Santa Barbara surrounded by 2000 other riders in our "love bubble"<br />
A moment of community that you don't see in the "real world"<br />
<br />
Off for the final night - a candlelight vigil on the beach where we remember our loved ones no longer with us from AIDS...I'll be thinking of Daddy Brown with his crazy spirit and kooky hair.<br />
Love you Daddy Brown.<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7l99AqOUtf8/T9LF0LrkcVI/AAAAAAAAPUA/y8vot6VLkUU/s640/blogger-image--365196981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7l99AqOUtf8/T9LF0LrkcVI/AAAAAAAAPUA/y8vot6VLkUU/s640/blogger-image--365196981.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nyWjmh-B-p0/T9LF01j-UzI/AAAAAAAAPUI/aNh_D2ewINI/s640/blogger-image--683082156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nyWjmh-B-p0/T9LF01j-UzI/AAAAAAAAPUI/aNh_D2ewINI/s640/blogger-image--683082156.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9eTeQ4BPuIE/T9LF1goLU0I/AAAAAAAAPUQ/_68FVPohKDs/s640/blogger-image-136731645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9eTeQ4BPuIE/T9LF1goLU0I/AAAAAAAAPUQ/_68FVPohKDs/s640/blogger-image-136731645.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ulPGkx0beg8/T9LF2IydHmI/AAAAAAAAPUY/v8yGHBWbD4k/s640/blogger-image-710226404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ulPGkx0beg8/T9LF2IydHmI/AAAAAAAAPUY/v8yGHBWbD4k/s640/blogger-image-710226404.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bo4iaqGz1l4/T9LF3MbqxkI/AAAAAAAAPUg/dNvoupzVi3U/s640/blogger-image-440326852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bo4iaqGz1l4/T9LF3MbqxkI/AAAAAAAAPUg/dNvoupzVi3U/s640/blogger-image-440326852.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FKZqYwCGESE/T9LF326KURI/AAAAAAAAPUo/R7yy8P_xVyo/s640/blogger-image-1099513142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FKZqYwCGESE/T9LF326KURI/AAAAAAAAPUo/R7yy8P_xVyo/s640/blogger-image-1099513142.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Welcome, this is the feed or the IronMan Arizona Blog.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04180793287518773639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706731290907527680.post-77608015312786404402012-06-08T05:28:00.001-07:002012-06-24T17:47:05.702-07:00ALC Ride Day 5: Red Dress FestHooray Day 5 has arrived...lots of people said this is the best day as we all wear a red dress and bike...the streams of red and the switchbacks we do make it look like the AIDS red ribbon.<br />
It's also only 43 miles which is much needed rest on the legs...<br />
<br />
So attaching some photos of the lines and sea of red as well as the both of us in our red dress. We were tame compared to many - faves include the Budweiser ladies (pic), and the Baywatch crew. Riding in your swimsuit? Crazy!!!<br />
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<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-A6FJem0Sqzc/T9Hv2DinKoI/AAAAAAAAPT0/oHBWdm2QH84/s640/blogger-image--1965399721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-A6FJem0Sqzc/T9Hv2DinKoI/AAAAAAAAPT0/oHBWdm2QH84/s640/blogger-image--1965399721.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Welcome, this is the feed or the IronMan Arizona Blog.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04180793287518773639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706731290907527680.post-6401591167851035352012-06-07T06:15:00.001-07:002012-06-07T06:15:31.543-07:00ALC Ride Day 4: Hills, Chickens, and 97 milesLong day on #4. Get to the bikes and a ride sheet (pic) that just makes you weep. Thought Day 3 was the last of the big hills?? <br />
<br />
So what better outfit than the Ironman Arizona jersey...all those comments from folks saying "this must be easy" making you wince!! LOL<br />
Never ending hills....(pic)<br />
<br />
So ate many of THE best food on the trip - the PB&J graham crackers (pic). These things are like crack!<br />
<br />
A long day with lots of wind - 15 mph with 25 mph gusts. And when you are leaning sideways to stay up straight and have trailers go past ...it's a white knuckle ride!<br />
<br />
But the people here keep this amazing. Chicken outfits that are amazing (pic) - imagine passerbys face on that! Long lines to cross a road (pic) creates instant conversation points.<br />
<br />
And the big highlight is HALFWAY TO LA!!!!!! Awesome!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xxvYM3Y559c/T9CpTEG7sCI/AAAAAAAAPSg/vrNMqZRgYs4/s640/blogger-image--1092712721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xxvYM3Y559c/T9CpTEG7sCI/AAAAAAAAPSg/vrNMqZRgYs4/s640/blogger-image--1092712721.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-g2wDbTw7zgc/T9CpT0kFvII/AAAAAAAAPSo/dLsl_MYXj4U/s640/blogger-image--1964632177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-g2wDbTw7zgc/T9CpT0kFvII/AAAAAAAAPSo/dLsl_MYXj4U/s640/blogger-image--1964632177.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-A-cFhaBAAb4/T9CpUmenBgI/AAAAAAAAPSw/geHrkbekgmk/s640/blogger-image--374607473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-A-cFhaBAAb4/T9CpUmenBgI/AAAAAAAAPSw/geHrkbekgmk/s640/blogger-image--374607473.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_2VvONr1-IA/T9CpVFiz05I/AAAAAAAAPS4/MZyZGjZpgts/s640/blogger-image-615127364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_2VvONr1-IA/T9CpVFiz05I/AAAAAAAAPS4/MZyZGjZpgts/s640/blogger-image-615127364.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Faly8S2vXUA/T9CpW3Q0huI/AAAAAAAAPTA/fmAawCfCXcI/s640/blogger-image-494602022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Faly8S2vXUA/T9CpW3Q0huI/AAAAAAAAPTA/fmAawCfCXcI/s640/blogger-image-494602022.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CF6ZK4Ma1tU/T9CpXTm8wOI/AAAAAAAAPTI/ODSLgAWOF-c/s640/blogger-image--188575553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CF6ZK4Ma1tU/T9CpXTm8wOI/AAAAAAAAPTI/ODSLgAWOF-c/s640/blogger-image--188575553.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MHcO6ZZkn48/T9CpbJ6mjNI/AAAAAAAAPTQ/jQCLwAja7fE/s640/blogger-image--2107161109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MHcO6ZZkn48/T9CpbJ6mjNI/AAAAAAAAPTQ/jQCLwAja7fE/s640/blogger-image--2107161109.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Welcome, this is the feed or the IronMan Arizona Blog.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04180793287518773639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706731290907527680.post-25199094468974366062012-06-06T07:00:00.001-07:002012-06-06T07:00:46.690-07:00ALC Ride Day 3: Birthday SunshineIt's my birthday on Day 3 and the sunshine came out! A lower mileage day at 66 miles, but includes the legendary "quad buster" hill - 1500 feet incline over 1.5 miles.<br />
On a normal day - fine - but on the 3rd day of cycling and camping - a tough challenge.<br />
Made it!!! And enjoyed the downhill. :)<br />
<br />
Ok what else? Sausage at 9am - gorgeous. BBQ cooked by local town. Biking part of the Wildflower course. And stopping at Mission San Miguel for the "best 4 house" (aka rest stop 4)<br />
<br />
Photos below of the fun and beauty of the day.<br />
<br />
Ended up at Paso Robles - with a luxury hotel stay. Mmmm<br />
<br />
And heard so many stories of hope, courage, and victories through HIV. My fave was Louis, a 60 year old female diagnosed 20 years ago.<br />
She's done the ALC ride for 17 years, and has always ridden - even when throwing up on the side of the road from new medications.<br />
On top of that she is also the only female woman to have completed the 700 mile Paris-Brest-Paris ride, a non-stop ride for 90 hours. Not 1x but 5x in her life.<br />
Now that puts life and courage into perspective.<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oSmBE4pLbV8/T89ii8l8MkI/AAAAAAAAPSM/IkkfamBsed8/s640/blogger-image--863920872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oSmBE4pLbV8/T89ii8l8MkI/AAAAAAAAPSM/IkkfamBsed8/s640/blogger-image--863920872.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7V0KuOocGXw/T89ijZ3EWcI/AAAAAAAAPSU/4PjZ8QmcEUE/s640/blogger-image-1714026448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7V0KuOocGXw/T89ijZ3EWcI/AAAAAAAAPSU/4PjZ8QmcEUE/s640/blogger-image-1714026448.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Welcome, this is the feed or the IronMan Arizona Blog.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04180793287518773639noreply@blogger.com1Paso Robles Paso Robles35.6412 -120.687516tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706731290907527680.post-38887154339103573642012-06-04T21:33:00.001-07:002012-06-04T21:33:37.171-07:00ALC Ride Day 2 - Carnage!!Oh man...never believe someone when they say 30% chance if rain and light winds.<br />
It means a Cat 4 storm, wind at 20 mph, and 1400 riders trapped at aid stations.<br />
<br />
It started with a standard morning (see picture) but rain came in at mile 17 and just got stronger. There was hail further up, thankfully didn't catch that. Route cancelled for most riders.<br />
<br />
Did see riders crash on uphills (don't stand up on a wet hill) and skid out on turns, and hundreds of hypothermia cases (see photo 2)<br />
<br />
Staff did a great job dealing with us all - and community spirit was a joy to see - everyone helping each other. We sheltered inside of trucks, churches, and schools. Got fed and watered. And got bused 60 miles to camp. (so only 40 miles ridden)<br />
<br />
We had 3 hours in the rain, riding and standing, took its toll on us. Not quite hypothermia but chilled to the bone<br />
<br />
Looking forward to a new day - especially as my birthday - and warm sunshine :)<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MavFq8ciG1w/T82MD53EnxI/AAAAAAAAPRo/ORaySpyBxB4/s640/blogger-image--645100619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MavFq8ciG1w/T82MD53EnxI/AAAAAAAAPRo/ORaySpyBxB4/s640/blogger-image--645100619.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tbYHYBKJXZ8/T82ME3xk7VI/AAAAAAAAPRw/NM_AZTMz8OI/s640/blogger-image-231300076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tbYHYBKJXZ8/T82ME3xk7VI/AAAAAAAAPRw/NM_AZTMz8OI/s640/blogger-image-231300076.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vbSYcO2MHgo/T82MFy--OiI/AAAAAAAAPR4/2_sgmAmLLSs/s640/blogger-image--1149913232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vbSYcO2MHgo/T82MFy--OiI/AAAAAAAAPR4/2_sgmAmLLSs/s640/blogger-image--1149913232.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-smQYplhVqtk/T82MH7kqx-I/AAAAAAAAPSA/aZMbI7jJEiU/s640/blogger-image--1917028669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-smQYplhVqtk/T82MH7kqx-I/AAAAAAAAPSA/aZMbI7jJEiU/s640/blogger-image--1917028669.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Welcome, this is the feed or the IronMan Arizona Blog.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04180793287518773639noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706731290907527680.post-33663373152235397462012-06-03T20:51:00.001-07:002012-06-03T20:51:50.124-07:00ALC: Day 1 HighlightsFalling asleep right now after 85 miles....here are some highlights on Day 1<br />
<br />
Lack of caffeine provided on the ride - no soda or coffee and by 10am this is what happened to Lucy...<br />
<br />
Nigel in the meantime entertained himself with a new friend...<br />
<br />
We did enjoy some sights together...gorgeous ocean for most of the day. Stopped a lot just to admire the views<br />
<br />
Arrived at camp, got the tent, got lost in tent city, then put it up, showered in a mobile shower (more another day on that one)<br />
<br />
And ate food!!! Lots of it (see it)<br />
<br />
Finishing the evening with a full moon at tent city...<br />
<br />
Good night! Tomorrow is 109 miles <br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MGzokcyomeA/T8wwspp0T7I/AAAAAAAAPQ8/AitcXE_O4N8/s640/blogger-image-1224526290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MGzokcyomeA/T8wwspp0T7I/AAAAAAAAPQ8/AitcXE_O4N8/s640/blogger-image-1224526290.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-am56PE0GsA8/T8wwtj-tMiI/AAAAAAAAPRE/du-UQ68Xp5g/s640/blogger-image-1215824633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-am56PE0GsA8/T8wwtj-tMiI/AAAAAAAAPRE/du-UQ68Xp5g/s640/blogger-image-1215824633.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eNJKxEd_Gmc/T8wwuRsnScI/AAAAAAAAPRM/o5IP97Itc1w/s640/blogger-image-630816412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eNJKxEd_Gmc/T8wwuRsnScI/AAAAAAAAPRM/o5IP97Itc1w/s640/blogger-image-630816412.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xcSoQA-WKzI/T8ww0M-OplI/AAAAAAAAPRU/AbFK1RSRfTc/s640/blogger-image-1459981866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xcSoQA-WKzI/T8ww0M-OplI/AAAAAAAAPRU/AbFK1RSRfTc/s640/blogger-image-1459981866.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QMnbCoKmRKs/T8ww1Oaz7nI/AAAAAAAAPRc/Phuvl48r_u8/s640/blogger-image-153711381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QMnbCoKmRKs/T8ww1Oaz7nI/AAAAAAAAPRc/Phuvl48r_u8/s640/blogger-image-153711381.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Welcome, this is the feed or the IronMan Arizona Blog.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04180793287518773639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706731290907527680.post-63352561812398349322012-06-03T05:55:00.001-07:002012-06-03T06:04:52.087-07:00ALC Ride - it's 5am!!!OMG it's waaaay too early to be up, and we have to cycle 82 miles today.<br />
<br />
The suitcases had to be re-worked a couple of times ...check out a selection of the daily hydration and energy food items.<br />
<br />
They say that you burn 3,500 calories a day ...good as I've had a cinnamon bun, ensure, red bull, and banana and it's not even 6am yet!!<br />
<br />
Photo this morning of us...we look bad...but likely the best we'll look. Lol!<br />
<br />
Okey dokey - saying my prayers this morning for the Daddy Browns of the world. May we find a cure for AIDs.<br />
<br />
Ride on!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OJuw3G1QFSE/T8tg7WqLIvI/AAAAAAAAPQg/DBOX1PUq5A0/s640/blogger-image-2133639868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OJuw3G1QFSE/T8tg7WqLIvI/AAAAAAAAPQg/DBOX1PUq5A0/s640/blogger-image-2133639868.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jEPvNxEIjwc/T8tg8J1splI/AAAAAAAAPQo/YMwqTDqnhcw/s640/blogger-image-607948554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jEPvNxEIjwc/T8tg8J1splI/AAAAAAAAPQo/YMwqTDqnhcw/s640/blogger-image-607948554.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--a0fNAq9RkA/T8tg8h5_3jI/AAAAAAAAPQw/L4tBqGvByQ4/s640/blogger-image-88342186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--a0fNAq9RkA/T8tg8h5_3jI/AAAAAAAAPQw/L4tBqGvByQ4/s640/blogger-image-88342186.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Welcome, this is the feed or the IronMan Arizona Blog.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04180793287518773639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706731290907527680.post-147126990503906172012-06-02T14:30:00.001-07:002012-06-02T14:30:48.840-07:00ALC Ride: the final prepHello everyone - going to be blogging along the way on the ALC ride.<br />
All based on quality of cell coverage - aiming for 1x per day <br />
<br />
Day 0<br />
At Cow Palace today going through the various stops...register here, safety video here, drop off bike....<br />
<br />
Cow Palace is a historic venue with JFK speaking here to Red Hot Chili Peppers....today though it's just 3,000 bikers and roadies.<br />
<br />
I think I should be nervous for the ride (Nigel certainly is, but he does have quite a hangover to get over), but I find I am actually more nervous about the packing...can I get it all in 1 bag?<br />
I'm not really known to be a light packer...<br />
<br />
Photos attached of the safety video and the packing....<br />
<br />
Going now to eat, pack, eat....sleep!!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JfSTDi4eUAA/T8qGBQBnClI/AAAAAAAAPQM/wvFAMXHgwBo/s640/blogger-image--276000757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JfSTDi4eUAA/T8qGBQBnClI/AAAAAAAAPQM/wvFAMXHgwBo/s640/blogger-image--276000757.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_4B8PPCeqJw/T8qGB1MmXmI/AAAAAAAAPQU/fS8UevcKg6k/s640/blogger-image-1397838117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_4B8PPCeqJw/T8qGB1MmXmI/AAAAAAAAPQU/fS8UevcKg6k/s640/blogger-image-1397838117.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Welcome, this is the feed or the IronMan Arizona Blog.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04180793287518773639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706731290907527680.post-84621665962893466222012-06-02T13:38:00.001-07:002012-06-02T13:38:21.916-07:00Test from phoneTesting app to blog from phone<div class="blogger-post-footer">Welcome, this is the feed or the IronMan Arizona Blog.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04180793287518773639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706731290907527680.post-10164061677622132872011-12-01T21:31:00.000-08:002011-12-01T23:06:19.624-08:00IronMan Arizona Race Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b>I've done it. I am an IronMan! </b></span><br />
Here's my story of the Arizona adventure. It's a long one but after 14 hours of a race, I've earned the right to write a long blog entry. Read it all or scan the photos, your choice.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">A year in the making...</span></b><br />
It's been a whole year in training. In learning how to swim in a wetsuit. In buying and learning how to road bike. In running more than 3 miles at a time. And of learning how to eat calories like there is no time tomorrow. But it's mainly been a journey of my mind.<br />
<br />
People ask why I signed up. For me, I set out on the journey to celebrate life. That living was better than dying. That a strong mind can overcome anything in life.<br />
<br />
So 1 year of training had rolled by and the day had arrived to compete.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>I was bricking it!</b> </span>My health had taken a setback in the past 2 months, with visits to 2 doctors a week for diagnosis, treatment, check-ups, and various medications. This obviously put a kink in my training, as well as my mindset. I felt like I was back to the start of the year when I just hoped to finish. I hoped that muscle memory would be what got me through the day...and called it an "extended taper"<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">Pre-Race Activities</span></b><br />
The days before the race were a whirlwind of activity. Registration, packet-pickup, bike pick-up, bike tune up, massage to loosen muscles, pre-race meals....Good to keep you busy for 2 days.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFHWfdrKAEw/TtMIWSu503I/AAAAAAAAMlo/qP4CLlqS3bI/s1600/ironman_registration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFHWfdrKAEw/TtMIWSu503I/AAAAAAAAMlo/qP4CLlqS3bI/s320/ironman_registration.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">registration for the big event</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I even got to meet <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Coach Troy</span></b>. "Ride like a goat" I said to him and he laughed saying I had obviously had done a few of his bike training videos. I got a lovely picture with him and Nigel and some good words of wisdom from him about the course "it's a fast course". Thanks Troy....that helps a lot.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XKlof8idyvM/TtMJBmdtLqI/AAAAAAAAMlw/bj3Z-X3Hb6c/s1600/ironman_coach_troy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XKlof8idyvM/TtMJBmdtLqI/AAAAAAAAMlw/bj3Z-X3Hb6c/s320/ironman_coach_troy.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coach Troy "Ride like a Goat!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I also ate lots of food. Nothing fancy or new to keep the stomach on an even keel. But I ate and drank often to have a storage of calories ready for the 10,000 calorie day!<br />
One of the meals was with the San Diego crazy crew. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Barrie and Steve</span></b> who had signed up with us...no that's right they were the instigators in this.....<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">I think I need to thank them really.</span></b> And the support crew they brought along, always nice to have people cheering for you to keep you moving forward.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uTw17EZqeFU/TtMKTVh9JlI/AAAAAAAAMl4/OTpkkopO42M/s1600/ironman_san+diego+crew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uTw17EZqeFU/TtMKTVh9JlI/AAAAAAAAMl4/OTpkkopO42M/s320/ironman_san+diego+crew.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Arizona Race Crew!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">Race Day Arrives!</span></b><br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></u></b><br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">4:00am</span></u></b><br />
Alarm woke me up...yeah ok...I was already awake and just waiting for the buzz of the alarm. Made up the drinks for the day (2 large bottles of CarboPro) and food parcels (Chicken tortilla wraps, cheese sticks, bananas, chocolate pretzel bars, and twinkies!).<br />
Grabbed all the bags and drove our way to the start line. Nice parking nearby and the town was starting to awake with Ironman participants.<br />
<br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">6:00am</span></u></b><br />
Oh man, those lines for the bathroom are terrible. Everyone waiting, waiting, waiting.<br />
Nigel took it upon me to point out the men's urinal and said<b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"see all these guys in the line waiting here, you know what they are doing if they aren't going over there."</span> </b>Thanks Nigel for the lovely imagery at this time of the morning.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJsmxCdCalg/TtMK56UIJcI/AAAAAAAAMmA/xQsK_Sw19-A/s1600/toilet_humour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJsmxCdCalg/TtMK56UIJcI/AAAAAAAAMmA/xQsK_Sw19-A/s320/toilet_humour.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long wait for the bathroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">6:30am</span></u></b><br />
Standing at the funnel waiting to get in the water. Not moving anywhere, but happy to not get into the water too long before we start. I was feeling a wave of panic and just closed my eyes and thought of the 2 angels on my back that are looking over me this year. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Love you Mom and Dad.</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">6:55am</span></u></b><br />
Still not in the water. Heard the gun go off for the pro swim and saw a surge in the people waiting to get in. The announcer starts to say<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> <b>"3 minutes to get in the water...go"</b></span> and everyone started jumping over the edge into the water.<br />
I jumped into the cold water...a brisk 61 degrees...and started to swim towards the start line.<br />
Aim was to stick in the middle /back section to <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">avoid the "washing machine"</span></b><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b><u>7:00am "Boom"</u></b></span><br />
The music was playing and the gun went off. 2600+ people all moving forward. An incredible moment with adrenaline going through your veins (good thing too to fight off the cold water!)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gqRJrsG7IxU/TtMa1ILbkgI/AAAAAAAAMmI/oTXAeg_dpiQ/s1600/Ironman+Arizona+-+swim+start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gqRJrsG7IxU/TtMa1ILbkgI/AAAAAAAAMmI/oTXAeg_dpiQ/s320/Ironman+Arizona+-+swim+start.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Human Washing Machine...aka IronMan Arizona Swim start</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Here is also where the adventure started. Nigel and I were intending to swim together. We were next to each other at the start but then <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Nigel started having a panic attack. No matter what we did he just could not move forward. 15 minutes went by...and then I started to panic whether we would finish or not.</span></b><br />
Nigel asked me to keep going and leave him...a final kiss and I was off.<br />
Nigel stayed and got the kayak doctors to give him oxygen.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2OmuCfdo4bs/TtMboZgzQ4I/AAAAAAAAMmQ/Xu5Mw1e7VJk/s1600/cpr-paramedic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2OmuCfdo4bs/TtMboZgzQ4I/AAAAAAAAMmQ/Xu5Mw1e7VJk/s320/cpr-paramedic.png" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medic!!! Medic!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I personally think it was the duct tape on the wetsuit to repair the gaping hole in the back....good ole duct tape. Or is it?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1oy97lK3IXU/TtMb09ebSzI/AAAAAAAAMmY/cjxIH5f0Ek8/s1600/ironman_wetsuit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1oy97lK3IXU/TtMb09ebSzI/AAAAAAAAMmY/cjxIH5f0Ek8/s320/ironman_wetsuit.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duct Tape...Magic or Machiavellian?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><i><br />
</i></b><br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">7:00 - 9:00am</span></u></b><br />
Swim swim swim...got to make the 2:20 hour cutoff. I was back of the pack and swimming to make time, make the cutoff. The sight of the sunrise was beautiful and serene in the moments of swimming and breathing every 2 strokes.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQSr9SljMok/TthNYgxyWyI/AAAAAAAAMmw/lnJHraMs2tU/s1600/2011-11-27_2026_swim_start.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQSr9SljMok/TthNYgxyWyI/AAAAAAAAMmw/lnJHraMs2tU/s320/2011-11-27_2026_swim_start.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">watch the sunrise and sunset in 1 day</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I realized I was going to make the cutoff and took a moment to pause and refuel with a gu tucked in the arm of my wetsuit. Then I came up to the ramp where you had to be pulled up.<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Man was I dizzy but I made it! </span></b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">SWIM TIME: 1:49 hours</span></b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wLfnEUo37hw/TtMd4Nj99TI/AAAAAAAAMmg/b8uJj40P4mI/s1600/2011-11-27_2026_swim_exit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wLfnEUo37hw/TtMd4Nj99TI/AAAAAAAAMmg/b8uJj40P4mI/s320/2011-11-27_2026_swim_exit.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a long way up those stairs after 2.4 miles</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Here's a fancy picture of me getting out of the water. The fabulous wetsuit strippers do their job quickly yelling "arms out" "sit down" "go and run that way"....all in a matter of seconds. I'm running in a direction towards something...still dizzy at this point.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vGDxBYPE47Q/TtMd9sqF1UI/AAAAAAAAMmo/g4JtKxAMge4/s1600/2011-11-27_2022_lucy_swim.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vGDxBYPE47Q/TtMd9sqF1UI/AAAAAAAAMmo/g4JtKxAMge4/s320/2011-11-27_2022_lucy_swim.png" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swim complete! now which way to the bike?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Get to the changing tents and it is mass carnage....there was way more naked flesh than I ever wanted to see. But it was lovely and warm with heaters to warm up the bodies. My aim was to take my time, an extra 5 minutes was fine with me to ensure that I went through the steps on my checklist<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b> (yes this is Lucy...I ALWAYS have a list)</b>.</span> Some dry clothes, food in my belly, and sun cream smothered on me...and off I go.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">T-1 TIME: 9:04 minutes</span></b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFLakA1VPoo/TthQ5HXBIwI/AAAAAAAAMnA/P6nfkdYUu2o/s1600/lucy_bike_transition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFLakA1VPoo/TthQ5HXBIwI/AAAAAAAAMnA/P6nfkdYUu2o/s320/lucy_bike_transition.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lots of bikes in the transition area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div><b style="color: blue;"><u>9:00am</u></b></div>Bike bike bike! I was going to make it...so pressure off. My goal was to take it in 3 stages:<br />
<ul><li>Loop 1 - go easy-peasy lemon squeezy and focus of fueling</li>
<li>Loop 2 - go at goal pace ~16-17mph</li>
<li>Loop 3 - decide what's left and adjust </li>
</ul>Of course plans never really "go to plan" in an IronMan. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Loop 1...stomach was not having food.</span></b> Not a good sign. I managed to eat 3 bites of chicken after 30 miles and 1 disgusting gu force-swallowed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mkdxzjydnuw/TthQvI3YIdI/AAAAAAAAMm4/79WlBalYV24/s1600/2011-11-27_2023_lucy_bike01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mkdxzjydnuw/TthQvI3YIdI/AAAAAAAAMm4/79WlBalYV24/s320/2011-11-27_2023_lucy_bike01.png" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">starting the bike ride</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">1:00pm</span></u></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Loop 2</b></span> and looking forward to the special needs bag of food. The magic of food in a bag...and THE best thing ever was the Twinkie. Glorious food of sugar and sweet...you gave me a burst I needed for the next 50 miles! Go Twinkie Girl!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KXg-qiznbqY/TtMDB3FlmJI/AAAAAAAAMk4/AOPOoddqvN4/s1600/pic_twinkie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KXg-qiznbqY/TtMDB3FlmJI/AAAAAAAAMk4/AOPOoddqvN4/s1600/pic_twinkie1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twinkies taste GREAT after 67 miles of biking in an IronMan</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I was glad about a spur of the moment decision<b> - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">ZIP wheels</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>!</b></span> WOW - these bad boys were great. They had a free spinning hub (techie talk for wheels that keep going round and round). The aero position of my tri-bike made a flat ride great against the winds that picked up in the afternoon.<br />
<br />
<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k30RxNVJ8jg/TthSmZiGbZI/AAAAAAAAMn4/MvWwIx2fya0/s1600/2011-11-27_2024_lucy_bike02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k30RxNVJ8jg/TthSmZiGbZI/AAAAAAAAMn4/MvWwIx2fya0/s320/2011-11-27_2024_lucy_bike02.png" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biking in the desert </td></tr>
</tbody></table>The<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> 3rd loop</span></b> came round and suddenly I was hungry! Ate the 2 chicken tortillas, chocolate bar, banana, Carbo drink bottle, and of course LOTS of salt tablets. The secret sauce was taking these tablets on a regular basis to ensure I did not get de-hydrated.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Body aches</span></b>...the legs felt good, but the neck was in pain. Aero is streamlined on the body but an odd angle on the neck with strain to hold that head up. I cupped my head in my hand to help - <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">and folks commented "hey don't be bored!" but it was only to keep the head up!</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">BIKE TIME: 6:53 hours</span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">4:00pm</span></u></b></div><div>Finished the bike ride! Woo hoo. I now had to do a 26.2 mile run. A bit daunted for sure! I needed to find my bag in the sea of bags, then go into the changing tent again. Took my time, made sure I put on the right gear as it was going to be in the dark!<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">T-2 TIME: 8:06 minutes</span></b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lIvQp_YUoV8/TthRfelkUmI/AAAAAAAAMnI/EUG3nZFMcWw/s1600/Ironman+Arizona+-+bike+bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lIvQp_YUoV8/TthRfelkUmI/AAAAAAAAMnI/EUG3nZFMcWw/s320/Ironman+Arizona+-+bike+bags.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Find your bag and get changed for the run</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The Plan was a 6 hour run-walk</span></b><br />
I started the run and the crowds started talking "you look great Lucy" "strong pace Lucy". Wow! what a great energy boost to have the crowd cheering me on. And thank you race coordinators to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>adding participants name to the race bib. Genius!</b></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Another great spur of the moment decision was to buy some compression socks</b>.</span> I bought them to keep me warm at night and to hopefully help keep the calf muscles a little tighter and in place to carry me through 26 miles. Those babies are what made the difference...I'm sure of it!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3RvVa6bRnEE/TthRxaF_LbI/AAAAAAAAMnQ/DGXNGqmgSHw/s1600/2011-11-27_2028_lucy_run02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3RvVa6bRnEE/TthRxaF_LbI/AAAAAAAAMnQ/DGXNGqmgSHw/s320/2011-11-27_2028_lucy_run02.png" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the run when the sun was still out</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I started to run and went for 3 minutes. Tired and mind was just saying "no way am I going to run for 5 minutes!" So I just didn't push it and said "ok Lucy if 3 minutes is what you can do, then we'll go with that" and I did a 3 minute run - 1 minute walk.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NdP61ZTweew/TthSFfQJhTI/AAAAAAAAMnY/5qkFz1crk1k/s1600/scottsdale-sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NdP61ZTweew/TthSFfQJhTI/AAAAAAAAMnY/5qkFz1crk1k/s320/scottsdale-sunset.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still running after the sunset </td></tr>
</tbody></table>As the sun set in the desert, I told myself that I had to keep it the 3 min-1 min pace up. No changing this if I had allowed myself to have a short run time. And I just kept chugging away. For 26 miles I pretty much kept doing this. The intense focus of this and using my watch to time myself kept my mind active.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>And the fans on the course were amazing!</b></span><br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Bands and music along the course, cheering fans, and the magic Dr Hoyt Icy Hot magic masseurs! mmm love you ladies for keeping the legs moving forward!</div><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J4BcfbiqVmQ/TthceaQoi3I/AAAAAAAAMoI/IHxEHgXwUTE/s1600/pain+gel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J4BcfbiqVmQ/TthceaQoi3I/AAAAAAAAMoI/IHxEHgXwUTE/s1600/pain+gel.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love you when you rub this on my legs at Mile 20!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I saw a few familiar faces along the run....Barrie early on, Nigel 3 times as I lapped him, and Steve as he was running in towards the finish line. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>The final lap had a message show up on a board from a friend "Lucy you are an inspiration" </b></span>and that helped me pick it up for that last few miles.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">RUN TIME: 5:07 hours</span></b><br />
<br />
I came in towards the finish line and felt fantastic! I enjoyed the crowds and slapped all the hands of the fans in the crowds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jv5LLDrYjEQ/TthSJ4stviI/AAAAAAAAMng/kzyw862d7_4/s1600/2011-11-27_2023_lucy_crossing_line.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jv5LLDrYjEQ/TthSJ4stviI/AAAAAAAAMng/kzyw862d7_4/s320/2011-11-27_2023_lucy_crossing_line.png" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Lucy, you are an IronMan!</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">14:06:43 hours</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">Post-Race Activities</span></b></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Oh man...the high of finishing was amazing....but I seriously crashed hard. No-one told me about this!!!</div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">I was dizzy and could not get any food or drink to settle. I staggered around and waited for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Nigel to finish (14:55 hours - impressive after the swim start)</b></span>...<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">and then threw up in a bush!</span> </b>This photo was before I was sick :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UxuiPSTytiw/TthSNV8oxxI/AAAAAAAAMno/eEHHq_gdLIk/s1600/2011-11-27_2021_lucy_finisher.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UxuiPSTytiw/TthSNV8oxxI/AAAAAAAAMno/eEHHq_gdLIk/s320/2011-11-27_2021_lucy_finisher.png" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The medal of an IronMan!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pretty much rested and rested some more. After 2 days and a great massage, the legs were fine. I rested up for the ramp up to...The IronMan Tattoo! Hooray...had been thinking what to get all year...I wanted the M-dot on the leg and something that included the Arizona.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Check out the tattoo!</span> </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1OcL_vaRKbk/TthS5i1O-vI/AAAAAAAAMoA/Amry-j9r1ZY/s1600/tattoo_lucy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1OcL_vaRKbk/TthS5i1O-vI/AAAAAAAAMoA/Amry-j9r1ZY/s320/tattoo_lucy.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">I put it on the right hand ankle...so as I pass you on the bike or run you see a flash of my Red IronMan tattoo...boo-yah!</span></b></div><br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">Another Ironman?</span></b><br />
I had to ask myself this earlier this year because you have to sign up 1 year in advance....I thought "I can always not do it, but I can't sign up later"<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>So I've signed up for Canada next August.</b> <b>Here we go again!</b></span></div><b><br />
</b></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Welcome, this is the feed or the IronMan Arizona Blog.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04180793287518773639noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706731290907527680.post-77239003307131678542011-10-02T15:19:00.000-07:002011-10-02T15:19:48.551-07:00Running after LevisAfter a big event I'm usually tired and need time to recover...but in this training mode of building mu my body I need to do long rides and runs at the weekend.<br />
<br />
So I woke up after a long sleep (lovely to catch up on the hours, but the dreams are still not very restful) of 10 hours!<br />
<br />
And decided to get out there for run. Saw a organized run ad was tempted but decided to go out on my own...getting stronger about this and good practice for me. Thought I'd explore the area and would run to the Piers along the water...felt like a good distance and some nice natural sights in there. <b>Went to Pier 39 and saw the sea lions! bark bark</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBtKGLh19Zs/TojjVC5JTXI/AAAAAAAAMfw/nq0ck6FKj2k/s1600/Google+Image+Result+for.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBtKGLh19Zs/TojjVC5JTXI/AAAAAAAAMfw/nq0ck6FKj2k/s320/Google+Image+Result+for.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Was a lovely day as well with the sun shining....made it easier to get outside.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7BbKzEXke6M/TojjHk6Pb4I/AAAAAAAAMfs/1zqBV3B0RY8/s1600/SF+Bay+Pier+Run+by+lucy1906+at+Garmin+Connect+-+Details.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7BbKzEXke6M/TojjHk6Pb4I/AAAAAAAAMfs/1zqBV3B0RY8/s320/SF+Bay+Pier+Run+by+lucy1906+at+Garmin+Connect+-+Details.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Final run was 10 miles and a 10:10 minute mile pace. Did a run-walk approach and good to know I can keep a good pace like this for longer distance....will continue to work on the speed and the distance as a combo....s<b>een a nice marathon in Las Vegas in a few weeks that looks tempting....</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DjOBRsvcRKY/Toji_FbVogI/AAAAAAAAMfo/Ed_HyIV7W0c/s1600/SF+Bay+Pier+Run+by+lucy1906+at+Garmin+Connect+-+Details-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DjOBRsvcRKY/Toji_FbVogI/AAAAAAAAMfo/Ed_HyIV7W0c/s400/SF+Bay+Pier+Run+by+lucy1906+at+Garmin+Connect+-+Details-1.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">run stats...happy there was no elevation today!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer">Welcome, this is the feed or the IronMan Arizona Blog.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04180793287518773639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706731290907527680.post-11974882049381122512011-10-02T15:12:00.000-07:002011-10-02T15:12:16.574-07:00Levi Gran Fondo - Another Century on the BooksAnother bike century on the books! The Levis Gran Fondo was in town, I had missed registration, and it was 4 hours before the transfer deadline was up.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IgFbDxWYliU/TojfIRDKuNI/AAAAAAAAMfY/679pa4CQABw/s1600/Levi+Leipheimer_s+King+Ridge+GranFondo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IgFbDxWYliU/TojfIRDKuNI/AAAAAAAAMfY/679pa4CQABw/s1600/Levi+Leipheimer_s+King+Ridge+GranFondo.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this race has cool shirts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I scoured facebook and saw a Gran ticket (103 miles) and was thinking I would go for the Medio (60 mile) race option.<br />
<br />
But I signed up for the full....and thought I'd decide in the week....when my bike trainer coach at M2 revolution sad "you are a sponge and under trained...you should get as many of those under your belt as you can before Arizona"<br />
<br />
So I guess decision made at that point...I was thinking...take it easy, don't wear the body out....and I guess I was just taken the easy route!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFzx2gTdGFc/TojaSe-AwmI/AAAAAAAAMeg/Nzdd_9A6P4M/s1600/Levi+Gran+Fondo+Bike+by+lucy1906+at+Garmin+Connect+-+Details.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFzx2gTdGFc/TojaSe-AwmI/AAAAAAAAMeg/Nzdd_9A6P4M/s400/Levi+Gran+Fondo+Bike+by+lucy1906+at+Garmin+Connect+-+Details.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Levis Gran Fondo route</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Turned up and found it was a BIG race with over 7,000 people involved, all with a mass start. So that was fun to take 15 minutes to get over the start.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l9GJ-n09i8k/TojaTt02jhI/AAAAAAAAMe8/M3ygpHfcN-I/s1600/levis06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l9GJ-n09i8k/TojaTt02jhI/AAAAAAAAMe8/M3ygpHfcN-I/s400/levis06.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7000 biker mass start</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Not that I was going for a "goal time" on this race. Let's just look at the elevation....holy cow!! race map says 9,000 and my garmin says 10,000 elevation. Either way, a lot more than my biggest ride at ~4,000.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ck5UmMOOVAQ/TojaSQK2X8I/AAAAAAAAMek/UohEjttxCnE/s1600/Levi+Gran+Fondo+Bike+by+lucy1906+at+Garmin+Connect+-+Details-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ck5UmMOOVAQ/TojaSQK2X8I/AAAAAAAAMek/UohEjttxCnE/s400/Levi+Gran+Fondo+Bike+by+lucy1906+at+Garmin+Connect+-+Details-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Goal = finish with out being road kill</span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
Had the usual hub-ba-ba-loo getting to the start line. Had 3 flat tires last week, so cleaned out my tire rims. Then checked it all the nigh before and another flat tire??? Changed t up and the tube had a hole...so 5 flats in 7 days. Jeez! One more change and good to go....<br />
<br />
The morning of went to pedal around the parking lot and my gears would not change? My chain just kept falling off. I know how to fix that one, but not the gear change?? Found a helpful van quick pronto and <b>he looked at me like I'm stupid and said "blah blah isn't connected, no wonder!" </b>To which I smiled and said "can you fix it?" Some cable thing tightened and off I go....<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Race Start</b></span><br />
Started off strong, first 20 miles were nice and easy cadence to warm things up. Chain came off from my bad gearing change, but a quick 1...2 and back on again.<br />
<br />
Then comes the tough part...7 miles of non-stop uphill. Good for a couple but then had to stop and breathe.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XllCtD8-RRs/TojaT6-bPvI/AAAAAAAAMfA/hmNPVTQ7U4o/s1600/levis05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XllCtD8-RRs/TojaT6-bPvI/AAAAAAAAMfA/hmNPVTQ7U4o/s400/levis05.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hills that never stopped</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I noticed everyone was looking at me with a weird face....<b>so I asked why..."cause you are crazy doing this hill race on a time trial bike." </b>Hmmm...agreed...Christmas pressies people...need a road bike for hills<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-38X7V_IHETY/TojaTKi2LKI/AAAAAAAAMe0/d2CGnHB17aQ/s1600/levis04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-38X7V_IHETY/TojaTKi2LKI/AAAAAAAAMe0/d2CGnHB17aQ/s400/levis04.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">getting my breath back on the hills</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
My standard pattern in biking is 20% feels great. <b>20%-40% is my mindset funky junkyard.</b> When I get to 50% I always cheer up saying "if I got halfway then I can certainly finish" and after that just keep counting the % with a happy face on me. <b>Last 20% I try and push it with all I have left.</b><br />
<br />
<b>This race was no different...the added fun was the weather.</b> In my 20-40% funky town mood the weather decided to get horrible! I mean fog you could not see more than 10 feet in front of, rain that spat at your face with, and cold that made my legs so cold I had no warmth in the muscle to move them with....uuurgggh!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XhpPmSGLdc0/TojaTAUNJ-I/AAAAAAAAMe4/FhoD_vUmQVc/s1600/levis03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XhpPmSGLdc0/TojaTAUNJ-I/AAAAAAAAMe4/FhoD_vUmQVc/s320/levis03.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the weather was not my friend....see the fog and rain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I nearly quit at the Mile 45 rest stop....so many people looked like they did...and shouts of "roads are slick and dangerous and steep....watch out" just made me scared that I was gonna die. I don't know why I kept going...just seemed like I thought "1 more mile and then you can stop" and then a "get to the lunch stop for a sandwich then you can stop"...."just get to the ocean"....<br />
<br />
Well soon it was the Mile 75 stop at the ocean and there was no rain, just wind and cold, and 1 more kick-ass hill (that I walked for a good section of). Good at least to have a nice view for a minute.....whilst I crouched behind a truck and<b> liberally applied some chamois cream (party in the pants returned for a happy biker!)</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WfX7dejM0V0/TojaS5XK5mI/AAAAAAAAMew/2Spjv5PRZbw/s1600/levis02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WfX7dejM0V0/TojaS5XK5mI/AAAAAAAAMew/2Spjv5PRZbw/s320/levis02.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some ocean views to ride along...but that weather! uurggh</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
carried on and after mile 85 knew it was time to bring it and took advantage of have a time trial bike...aero position, hammering it on the bike in a great gear and cadence...thinking "i could soo run after this"<br />
<br />
Wasn't exactly in the top group for this. I think the top finishers are in a 5 hour range and I was like 9 hours + (it could even be as bad as 10 hours!) but again my goal was to finish and feel strong. And I did. Eating all that food and resting at each stop made a big difference to how I felt at the end...a big note for me to consider as I would be doing a marathon at this point...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WtVg_X8oh68/TojaSjYyjzI/AAAAAAAAMes/EFX-qu-ZYas/s1600/Levi+Gran+Fondo+Bike+by+lucy1906+at+Garmin+Connect+-+Details-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WtVg_X8oh68/TojaSjYyjzI/AAAAAAAAMes/EFX-qu-ZYas/s320/Levi+Gran+Fondo+Bike+by+lucy1906+at+Garmin+Connect+-+Details-2.jpg" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the results from my watch</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gaB3F64faJ4/TojaSuAFLLI/AAAAAAAAMeo/NQ4k5XwMkhI/s1600/levis01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gaB3F64faJ4/TojaSuAFLLI/AAAAAAAAMeo/NQ4k5XwMkhI/s400/levis01.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at the end...loving this hair...looks great after a 103 miles!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Goal = finish without being road kill (ACHIEVED - See Sunday!)</b></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Welcome, this is the feed or the IronMan Arizona Blog.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04180793287518773639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706731290907527680.post-8674792051486142412011-09-25T22:55:00.000-07:002011-09-25T22:55:26.951-07:00Trials, Tribulations, Tears, and EcstasyA year of training is coming closer to the end and I've reached a point of reflection, especially during the adventure of the weekend.<br />
<br />
Searching on a journey of who you are and what you are capable of is put to the test in an Ironman. You have to push your mind and body beyond its limits every time you train with a new experience. <b>This weekend I experienced trials, tribulations, tears, and ecstasy</b>...<br />
<br />
Friday, I found myself looking for a long bike ride. I felt the weight on my shoulders of training on my own...the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">trials</span></b> of loneliness and solitude delivering an extra judgment in my mind needing deliberative debate. And the sleep deprivation of my work begging me to just allow myself to sleep in for a few hours on a weekend...<br />
<br />
But the group rides dictate an early start and I succumbed to the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">tribulation</span></b> of hitting up anyone I know with a bike to find a partner...and maybe even someone that likes to sleep in a bit. Alas the sleepers said no, and the early birds said yes. So off to Napa I went for a bike ride.<br />
<br />
Riding has become my joy this year...in a turbulent year filled with so much change...I have sought the feeling of a single moment of <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ecstasy</span></b> that I can get on a bike. Pedaling up 1500 feet of elevation wondering "why did I do this?" and "will this hill EVER end?"...I also feel the ray of sunshine on my face...the slight wind hitting my face...the nature around me that embraces me in an open hug to my soul...and a drum beat building in my ear from music. When the combination hits in just the right way, I feel that single moment of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>ecstasy</b></span> and am happy to be alive and to experience moments like this.<br />
<br />
The roller coaster of life means that the ride will not only have you screaming with joy but also in fear and pain. And of course I found myself in the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>trials </b></span>situation with 3 tire blow-outs on a ride...and my 650 wheel size means other riders don't have spare parts for me. Instead of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>tears</b></span>, I used my feminine wiles and with 20 miles to go and being in the back country roads of Napa...I put my faith in human kind and stuck my thumb out for a hitch-hike lift.<br />
<br />
My faith in humanity was restored! People stop to help a sweaty greased up biker with a smile on their face and a story to tell. Thank you to Paul and to Lisa, each of 2 drivers that took me as far as they could on their journey...so glad our paths crossed on this day.<br />
<br />
My Ironman weekend training can't be complete at 1 small bike ride....but the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b> tribulations</b></span> of work meant Sunday was going to be hard to get anything substantial in. How to balance the weight of 200 random strangers calling for my work and 1 person calling my mind and soul to get back outdoors into nature?<br />
<br />
I escaped with only a couple of hours left of sunlight and sought out the ocean...something about the smell of the salty air, the sounds of the waves, the way the sunlight reflects off the water....or perhaps the need to mask my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>tears</b></span> with the tears of the pacific?<br />
<br />
I made the attempt to find a training partner again in a few quick emails and text messages, but knew I was again on my own. A feeling I have all too often lately and pondering if this gives me strength or is an act of eternal stupidity?<br />
<br />
Golden Gate Park was the choice of my respite...I saw the lake and ran towards that water. My chest was heavy with all the work and thoughts of the day so when I saw a hill with a trail of steps...I felt the need to run up them...again and again. I felt every gasp of air expire from my chest and heaved for fresh air after a cycle of 5 minutes in anaerobic stage. I sensed that the intent of the fresh air was to refill my life as well as my lungs....and I kept repeating it over and over again until I felt back in balance. Many would call this training "hill repeats" or "train to finish strong" but today I will call it "expire the demons"<br />
<br />
The hill was not enough and I needed the ocean... the salty smell that was just out of reach....so I turned West and ran. When I saw a road I turned away and found myself in the glorious desertion of trees and dusty trails....the feeling of anticipation of the water brought the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ecstasy</span></b> moment back for a second time in a weekend. You can see why people get addicted to exercise if this is what you get....and as I ran passed the water and felt the sea spray hit my face...the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>tears</b></span> that had been held back from all the emotions of weeks joined in and streamed across my face.<br />
<br />
I stood still for a moment and took in the moment, reflecting on the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">trials, tribulations, tears, and ecstasy </span></b>that I have experienced this year on my IronMan journey....and with a big breath I turned around and ran back towards the car...and back to reality.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Welcome, this is the feed or the IronMan Arizona Blog.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04180793287518773639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706731290907527680.post-38906666264483196272011-09-21T22:54:00.000-07:002011-09-21T22:54:10.084-07:00Top 20% Runner - OMG where did that ever come from???Just finished a race tonight running around the city of San Francisco for the <a href="http://www.jpmorganchasecc.com/results.php?city_id=14&year=2011">JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challeng</a>e.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MxOO0sGviJo/TnrM9lKq-ZI/AAAAAAAAMb8/zMkdetFzOSM/s1600/sf+corp+challenge+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MxOO0sGviJo/TnrM9lKq-ZI/AAAAAAAAMb8/zMkdetFzOSM/s400/sf+corp+challenge+photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It's a 5k (actually 3.65 miles) and I treated it as (1) a fun time and (2) to test a fast pace<br />
<br />
I set the goal to be under a 10 minute mile pace...perhaps I was not aggressive enough...ended up as a 8:32 minute per mile pace....feel great about that one.<br />
<br />
And then I saw the results...I was placed 503 / 3168 females...which means I was Top 16%.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uwj27qB2nXA/TnrNCgbhIsI/AAAAAAAAMcA/NiYk17xUMKw/s1600/san_fran_corp_challenge_run_results_503_from_3168.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uwj27qB2nXA/TnrNCgbhIsI/AAAAAAAAMcA/NiYk17xUMKw/s400/san_fran_corp_challenge_run_results_503_from_3168.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Wow! Yes I'll concede this might be a fun corporate run, but still you always get the crazy fast pacers in any race, so I am super chuffed that I was so high in the rankings.<br />
<br />
Now I have to train to keep a fast pace...with distance....after doing a bike and swim.<br />
<br />
<b>General Training Update</b><br />
General training has picked up now. Joined a power cycling class that I'm trying to do 2x per week and also joined a swim masters class (the 1x per month in San Diego or a race was not going to cut it) and let's see what I get in the schedule.<br />
<br />
Running seems to be more fun lately - varying up routines with intervals and locations by driving to new cities and trails to explore.<br />
<br />
I'm telling myself to do more core and strength and flexibility...if I keep telling myself I might get to it...<br />
<br />
60 days to go!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Welcome, this is the feed or the IronMan Arizona Blog.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04180793287518773639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706731290907527680.post-51756209963043650572011-09-11T19:32:00.000-07:002011-09-11T19:32:22.778-07:00Big Kahuna 70.3 Race ReportAnother race under the belt...decided to do this race a couple weeks back as a pacing pace towards IronMan Arizona...which is 70 days to go BTW! Eek!<br />
<br />
Short story here...and read on for the juicy details<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Short Story </span></b><br />
Based on the 3 timing devices I used (really gotta buy 1 decent one), my estimate of times was:<br />
<br />
Swim 00:45 hours (1.2 miles)<br />
T1 00:10 hours (Beach run+)<br />
Bike 03:10 hours (sooo close to under 3!)<br />
T2 00:05 hours (standard bike to run)<br />
Run 02:20 hours (uuurggh need to work on this!)<br />
<b>Total 06:30 hours</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
This *might* be in the top 50%...or close....so pulled out a good performance. And beat my <a href="http://ironmanarizona2011.blogspot.com/2011/05/race-report-wildflower-long-course.html">Wildflower time of 8:18 hours</a> by a good margin (but must allow for 3 bike flats and a much harder course)<br />
Juicy details says more.....just keep reading.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Juicy Details</b></span><br />
<br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Pre-Race</span></u></b><br />
Waking up at 4:30am...uurgh. But I'm starting to get used to weeks of sleep with less than 5 hours a night, so this was a luxury of 8 hours! I was ready to go!<br />
<br />
Morning pre-race routine starting to become a natural instinct and not needing a checklist as much to ensure I don't forget something like helmet, suncream, etc...<br />
<br />
Routine was: Eat (ensure, peanut butter muffin), fill up bike tires, get dressed, apply lots of suncream, have transition kits and goodies in appropriate bags ready to pick up and use, get to transition, lay out the whole caboodle, chat to strangers about their race history and get excited!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-32PkCuL0eDQ/Tm1XmIj1IcI/AAAAAAAAMZ0/__6OH0M9Zas/s1600/tri05.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-32PkCuL0eDQ/Tm1XmIj1IcI/AAAAAAAAMZ0/__6OH0M9Zas/s400/tri05.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-Race set-up</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Swim</span></u></b><br />
The 1.2 mile swim was in the Pacific Ocean in Santa Cruz. I've been swimming in pools, lakes, rivers, and some inland ocean parts....but when I heard the <b>water temperature was 59 degrees...I took a big gulp</b> and tried to prepare myself.<br />
<br />
I put my feet in the water and it was FREEZING cold! My poor little footsies said "get out the water now!!" so I did and said I'll brave it in the swim start.<br />
I got into the corral for my swim wave and this was a bit different...on the horn you had to run to the water and run / dive into that ocean. <b>No time to 'warm up' just get in and go.</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ODeD0ZI9tM0/Tm1fzf15AJI/AAAAAAAAMbQ/LjdmrTzTm8c/s1600/First+Wave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ODeD0ZI9tM0/Tm1fzf15AJI/AAAAAAAAMbQ/LjdmrTzTm8c/s400/First+Wave.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swim Start...run and jump in the 59 degree water</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>OMG - it felt like a truck hit my chest!</b> <b>I couldn't breathe at all and started to panic.</b> I was trying to swim but just could not get a breath, so face in water was NOT an option. I was trying to tell myself that it was normal and that you would settle in....but it felt crazy...and took at least 200 yards before I could even get my face in the water. Then trying to get a calm side breath pattern built in took 1/4 mile.<br />
<b>Take-away: Don't enter races that have an ocean swim with water at 59 degrees!!</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ExXz1smC6h4/Tm1iHrXyaUI/AAAAAAAAMbU/eD3nwhNul5A/s1600/swim-example.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ExXz1smC6h4/Tm1iHrXyaUI/AAAAAAAAMbU/eD3nwhNul5A/s400/swim-example.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank goodness the waves were not like this!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><br />
</b><br />
The ocean swell was pretty calm...but of course after the start..I was just a little out of it...and it made me feel dizzy and sick. <b>Swallowed a bunch of water and had to stop to gag and throw up a bit. </b>uuurggh...this was not my favorite swim so far!<br />
<br />
The swim was around the pier and back...except it was a little longer that definitely played on the mindset of distance. At this point the age group behind us that started 5 minutes later had started to catch up (well at least those strong swimmers).<b> With a whole ocean and a pretty small wave group size of 50 people you'd think we wouldn't be on top of each other...wrong!</b><br />
<br />
I kept swimming off into the wide open distance and getting told to get back in line (terrible swells and sighting today) so as I got closer to the other swimmers, the inevitable swim on top of each other occurred. I'm used to this now and its now really a big deal. You swim, stop for 1 second and adjust. No malice or bad intent.<br />
<br />
But a new one happened today...one aggressive guy decided that it wasn't enough to swim on top of me...<b>he actually put his hand on top of my head...and pushed it down as he took his full swim stroke!</b> Now that was a surprise (and a little scary). I survived, swallowed more ocean water, gagged, and then carried on...of course in the opposite direction to Mr Bad Man Swimmer<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ChWrW2Ne5w/Tm1iH9qxsDI/AAAAAAAAMbY/LRBiGq9NdCk/s1600/swim-head+under+example.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ChWrW2Ne5w/Tm1iH9qxsDI/AAAAAAAAMbY/LRBiGq9NdCk/s400/swim-head+under+example.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hmmm seems like Mr Bad Man Swimmer was here too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>Final Swim Time: 45 mins</b><br />
<br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Transition 1</span></u></b><br />
Usually a transition is un-eventful (or at least we like it to be!). This race had a new twist for me. You had to run out the water on the beach (no real mats to speak of) and then run a few blocks to get to the transition area. I heard about this the night before so added some flip-flops near the each exit and used these to save my feet getting shredded. Good decision!<br />
<br />
<b>Arriving at the transition area there seemed to be a lot of water.</b> More than expected from racers coming in with a wet suit...My transition area and towel was soaked drenching wet with my socks and hat and gloves wet. Why I hear you say? <b>Turns out the sprinklers went off during the swim and the lucky people near them got drenched. That was me!</b><br />
<br />
Just did the business and got out. Think total timing was 10 minutes with the run...<br />
<br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Bike</span></u></b><br />
Right, this has been my focus area and strength for the past few months. Couldn't run so I doubled down on the bike. <b>And this was the area I wanted to really test my limits on today.</b> The route was on highway 1 along the ocean as an out-n-back course. Didn't know the elevation, but expected it to be pretty low (turned out higher than expected at 1900 feet overall but in little rollers rather than 1 big hill)<br />
<br />
Recent bike rides had me getting to 50 miles in the 3 hour mark...so I <b>wanted to get the full 56 miles in under 3 hours.</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
My plan of attack for the bike was: 10 mile warm-up easy with high cadence, then 20 miles of getting into a good 17-20 mph speed, then the back portion of the ride was planned as a negative split - as in push it hard!<br />
<br />
What happened was the first part went well, the second part went ok, then <b>I lost my bike chain and had to stop to fix it...getting all covered in grease in my haste to just get that blooming thing back on the bike.</b><br />
<br />
At the turnaround point of 28 miles there was suddenly a <b>drop in speed from 25 mph to like 12 mph...from a huge headwind. Crazy!!</b> It lasted for about 15 miles so blew my chances to get below 3 hours...but I pushed hard...overtook bikers and said "go for it!!"<b> I also wanted to learn how far I can push my bike to not destroy the legs for the run.</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P3TbkK2XFn4/Tm1nSNBEkVI/AAAAAAAAMbc/pv4Ra2DTyrc/s1600/Big+Kahuna+Race+-56mile+Bike+Ride+by+lucy1906+at+Garmin+Connect+-+Details.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="345" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P3TbkK2XFn4/Tm1nSNBEkVI/AAAAAAAAMbc/pv4Ra2DTyrc/s640/Big+Kahuna+Race+-56mile+Bike+Ride+by+lucy1906+at+Garmin+Connect+-+Details.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bike Details. Avg Moving Pace 17.5 mph</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Nothing major eventful other than this...ate a lot...stomach felt good....and chatted to the bikers about random stuff. I of course played my music tracks in my head from my list on my bike! Go "Love Shack" and "Dirty Bit"<br />
<br />
<b>Final time: 3:10 hours (close but no cigar for the target 3 hours)</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Transition 2</span></u></b><br />
Nothing eventful. Great!<br />
Time was 5 minutes or so.<br />
<br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Run</span></u></b><br />
<b>My arch nemesis of the run! Had to do this race JUST so I could see how my run is.</b> Was I going to blow up? Was I going to collapse in pain from the leg? Who knows!<br />
<br />
The leg pain had started on the bike which made me worried....took lots of pills and stretched out on the bike. <b>NOTE:</b> might be time for another bike fit, think it might be due to being in the tri position for most of the ride and the leg angle...<br />
<br />
<b>My plan for the run was to use a run-walk routine</b>. I didn't have a target time/distance for the run or walk...just had heard many folks tell me that this was better on the legs rather than pushing too hard. And that your overall pace could often be better because of the rest on the legs.<br />
<br />
So off I went.<b> I started off fast due to coming off the bike and found myself son in some 8 minute mile pacing. Wow!</b> My expectations for the run just went up! It lasted for 5 miles...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0SI98Hg3V-M/Tm1tAYf5lMI/AAAAAAAAMbk/v4eCsWkOqa4/s1600/Run+split+times.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0SI98Hg3V-M/Tm1tAYf5lMI/AAAAAAAAMbk/v4eCsWkOqa4/s400/Run+split+times.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Run splits...kept a good pace for 5 miles..so practice needed to maintain</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I found myself in a tag-game with another guy called Bill. He ran at a consistent pace and my run/walk meant we kept passing each other...so the usual banter and chit-chat occurred, helping pass the time and giving us both something to look forward to.<br />
<br />
<b>Course was a flat (total elevation 360 feet) along the beautiful ocean coast and then some inland trails.</b> Was gorgeous to take in the views of the ocean.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9d-0XIPBe2I/Tm1o_e7-N6I/AAAAAAAAMbg/DZrcEWobKJk/s1600/WilderRanchIMG_5829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9d-0XIPBe2I/Tm1o_e7-N6I/AAAAAAAAMbg/DZrcEWobKJk/s400/WilderRanchIMG_5829.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott Wilder Ranch - the view on the run - gorgeous!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After mile 5 I started to flag and my pace got slower....took in salts, Gu, banana...but just could not really get back into a decent pace. I didn't give myself a hard time and instead just was happy that I was running and going to complete the whole 13.1 miles (which was actually 13.4 miles!!) in a healthy state.<br />
<br />
<b>A surprise for me though was how many people I passed! Running is NOT my best sport, and yet I passed all these people? </b>An interesting thing to analyze when the full results come out...<br />
<br />
Watch finally broke (aka ran out of battery). Got to get a decent watch! so at mile 12 I just winged it and hoped I got my final time right.<br />
Had some fantastic supporters out there (Many Thanks Carolyn and Dan, such a huge uplift in emotion and fatigue when you see a friendly face!)<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ynl81T_rKM8/Tm1XmcBerDI/AAAAAAAAMZ4/dNLkF4oiUkQ/s1600/tri01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ynl81T_rKM8/Tm1XmcBerDI/AAAAAAAAMZ4/dNLkF4oiUkQ/s400/tri01.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final chute on the beach...yes you finish running on the beach!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>"See you at the finish line" they called out. This one line got me through the final horrible section which is to run on the beach. Yes! After 70.3 miles, they make you finish by running on the beach.! </b>Kids and families are at the beach playing on the sand so you spend your time bobbing and weaving frisbees and kids running. Then you get to look so graceful as you head into the final chute in the sand. NOT looking forward to that photo!<br />
<br />
<b>Run time estimate: 2:20 hours</b><br />
<br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Overall</span></u></b><br />
A great race overall and really proud I pushed myself to see what I could bring. Lots of learnings to take to the 70 days I have left before IronMan Arizona!<br />
<br />
Again - thanks to my supporters today - it was the smiles, hugs, and waves that got me to the finish line smiling myself!<b> (FYI - I can squeeze a supporter of two in my hotel room in Arizona if anyone wants to come and stand around for 16 hours! LOL! I'm serious!)</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jzZLR7UVgQo/Tm1Xk0yFd4I/AAAAAAAAMak/EfldBZke8o4/s1600/tri03.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jzZLR7UVgQo/Tm1Xk0yFd4I/AAAAAAAAMak/EfldBZke8o4/s400/tri03.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to my supporters today - Carolyn and Dan!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer">Welcome, this is the feed or the IronMan Arizona Blog.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04180793287518773639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706731290907527680.post-34286694450691663562011-08-28T20:18:00.000-07:002011-08-28T20:18:49.838-07:00P90X 90 Days Results are in!<br />
Here's my "wow" moment! check out the impact of doing some exercise on a regular basis....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F6YXNOJRm10/TlsEGLXjjgI/AAAAAAAAMZQ/8fqybGuC04k/s1600/p90x_-_front.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F6YXNOJRm10/TlsEGLXjjgI/AAAAAAAAMZQ/8fqybGuC04k/s640/p90x_-_front.png" width="536" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ONIhyfk067w/TlsEH-QIjcI/AAAAAAAAMZU/5poiK3Qopko/s1600/p90x_-_back.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ONIhyfk067w/TlsEH-QIjcI/AAAAAAAAMZU/5poiK3Qopko/s640/p90x_-_back.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I took these "after" photos a few weeks ago but was unsure whether to publish them....I mean one day I'm gonna get that donut belly back....but I decided for now it's proof I've got it going on!<br />
<br />
Quite exciting to see results...getting back onto the program of p90x and other exercise with 12 weeks to go to the big IronMan Arizona Race this year...let's see what the next 90 day photo looks like!<br />
<br />
I did just buy another pair of jeans yesterday...another 2 sizes down. That's a total of 4 sizes in the past 4 months and 15 pounds. Crazy expensive to have to buy these jeans again...but it's an expense I don't mind making!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Welcome, this is the feed or the IronMan Arizona Blog.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04180793287518773639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706731290907527680.post-43725420981203519932011-08-28T19:29:00.000-07:002011-08-28T19:29:29.545-07:00Sometimes it's not meant to be...I joined a group ride this weekend but sometimes it's just not meant to be...<br />
It started with 6 of us...and ended with 2. What happened I hear you say??<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cpYU0G_ffzU/Tlr5Mwf5IkI/AAAAAAAAMZM/LSANLpjaOL0/s1600/2011-08-28-Pacifica_tri_Fog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cpYU0G_ffzU/Tlr5Mwf5IkI/AAAAAAAAMZM/LSANLpjaOL0/s640/2011-08-28-Pacifica_tri_Fog.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fog, Freeways, Flat Tires, Police....all on 1 ride!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Please sing along like the 12 days of Christmas...<br />
<br />
<ul><li>No visibility from fog</li>
<li>1 broken derailer</li>
<li>1 bike chain fall off</li>
<li>1 pulled hamstring</li>
<li>1 partner turned back for the hamstring..leaving 3 not knowing where to go</li>
<li> 3 people biking on the 280 freeway</li>
<li>1 person pulled over by police (for riding on the freeway...)</li>
<li>1 flat tire...with no air pump</li>
<li>1 wife calling saying "WTF are you!?"</li>
<li>2 left to scamper back to the start</li>
</ul><br />
And a partridge in the pear tree....<br />
<br />
<b>Got to say the last 2 were laughing in fits and giggles that so much could go wrong on 1 friendly bike ride! Guess s</b><b>ome things are just not meant to be...</b><br />
<br />
Final stats were a 30 mile bike ride...and I got a good t-run in to celebrate my leg being back in the game...and the need of course to start building up the muscles. It was freezing cold in San Francisco, but having the<b> chance to run through Golden Gate park was quite a moment...felt liked I had "arrived" in the city!</b><br />
<br />
<b>Bike Ride Stats</b><br />
Nothing exciting here. it was a stop start ride the whole time. Happy that there was some decent elevation in here to make up for something....I hear a rumor I might do a race with elevation on it, so guess I better start loving those hills. uurggh!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TvMZuBtSGtE/Tlr34NPtqMI/AAAAAAAAMZE/PRWxCqNlS90/s1600/2011-08-28-Pacifica_tri_Ride.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="369" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TvMZuBtSGtE/Tlr34NPtqMI/AAAAAAAAMZE/PRWxCqNlS90/s640/2011-08-28-Pacifica_tri_Ride.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<b>Transition Run Stats</b><br />
This is more interesting...very happy to see a pace of under 10 minute miles. Will have to see how long I can sustain this pace, 5 miles was longer than I thought I could, so patting myself on the back for this one. Woo Hoo!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fVsEmxNXxsA/Tlr34qZ2pII/AAAAAAAAMZI/Mru6nzgzPRU/s1600/2011-08-28-Pacifica_tri_Run.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fVsEmxNXxsA/Tlr34qZ2pII/AAAAAAAAMZI/Mru6nzgzPRU/s640/2011-08-28-Pacifica_tri_Run.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Welcome, this is the feed or the IronMan Arizona Blog.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04180793287518773639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706731290907527680.post-40016363735742261812011-08-23T09:00:00.000-07:002011-08-23T09:00:03.994-07:00More running???WOW - That 25km kept with me for a while. I was walking like a cowboy for 2 days!<br />
It would be funny if it didn't hurt so much!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-flbn7czD8uo/TlC59hRfr_I/AAAAAAAAMSw/bddZsxkCRec/s1600/big-john-jumbo-cowboy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-flbn7czD8uo/TlC59hRfr_I/AAAAAAAAMSw/bddZsxkCRec/s320/big-john-jumbo-cowboy.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
Tip #1: Don't go from 0 to 25km in running!<br />
Tip #2: Use a roller to ease out the muscles...don't avoid the pain...it just stays for later!<br />
<br />
So I then went to the gym after 3 days and needed some cardio to get out some stress of work...but what to do?! Chose the treadmill of all activities!<br />
<br />
I went at a nice slow pace and was proud to say I did 5 miles in 80 minutes! not setting any records...but so proud that I'm back on the running game with no pain!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Welcome, this is the feed or the IronMan Arizona Blog.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04180793287518773639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706731290907527680.post-2159588581184924682011-08-21T00:42:00.000-07:002011-08-21T00:42:29.183-07:00Running is back on the agenda....<br />
I've had 4+ months of me having an excuse to not run, but after X-Rays, MRIs, and the successful treatments of Ultrasound....I had no more excuses.<br />
<br />
FYI the treatments using ultrasound, chiropractic care, and standard physical strength training were awesome and a great all round treatment system...<br />
<br />
So I found an orienteering race in a local hood of Foster City that looked interesting. There was a 5k, 10k, and 25k version. I thought "go big or go home" and signed up for the 25k version.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IxXciqrIkJM/TlC16Rykq-I/AAAAAAAAMSc/JFnTd64Y2I0/s1600/8-13_orienteering.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IxXciqrIkJM/TlC16Rykq-I/AAAAAAAAMSc/JFnTd64Y2I0/s400/8-13_orienteering.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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I had planned to walk it and use my great navigation skills to get the Bangers & Mash team to the end. But as soon as the horn went off...we were running! Oh man...25km of running?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JGtSoL41FJ4/TlC1703rJeI/AAAAAAAAMSs/WdZ9UTGaH7s/s1600/2011-08+orienteering+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JGtSoL41FJ4/TlC1703rJeI/AAAAAAAAMSs/WdZ9UTGaH7s/s400/2011-08+orienteering+05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Nah, didn't run it all...more like a run walk but still....going from no running to this was shock to the system!<br />
We ended up winning our group, so that was a nice surprise!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9qdaD6T5cqU/TlC16849ZlI/AAAAAAAAMSg/17Ib_VcPdiI/s1600/2011-08+orienteering+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9qdaD6T5cqU/TlC16849ZlI/AAAAAAAAMSg/17Ib_VcPdiI/s400/2011-08+orienteering+02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Welcome, this is the feed or the IronMan Arizona Blog.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04180793287518773639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706731290907527680.post-29620253752962710812011-08-21T00:18:00.000-07:002011-08-21T00:18:36.412-07:00Tour de Peninsula Bike Ride - photosI'm always a sucker for buying the race photos...its the opportunity to get a memory...and I like to take it, even when the photo is expensive.<br />
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So here's the 2 photos that were taken on the Tour de Peninsula bike ride 2 weeks ago.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ytz-QBbRWk/TlCwNJA5dWI/AAAAAAAAMSU/EU6XwObQ7PI/s1600/peninsula_lucy01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="419" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ytz-QBbRWk/TlCwNJA5dWI/AAAAAAAAMSU/EU6XwObQ7PI/s640/peninsula_lucy01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h6mBlJ-odxo/TlCwNy4So0I/AAAAAAAAMSY/NqNF-rCdxI8/s1600/peninsula_lucy02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h6mBlJ-odxo/TlCwNy4So0I/AAAAAAAAMSY/NqNF-rCdxI8/s640/peninsula_lucy02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Welcome, this is the feed or the IronMan Arizona Blog.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04180793287518773639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706731290907527680.post-29676069974854055102011-08-07T19:23:00.000-07:002011-08-07T19:23:30.511-07:00Tour de Peninsula Bike Ride #addicted<b>#addicted</b><br />
You know you are addicted when you need to have a road bike ride to feel good. That as soon as you put your body into position, and clip in those cleats, you feel a sense of both calmness and excitement. That the bike feels like an extension of your overall body. <b>#addicted</b><br />
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So after my mountain bike ride on Saturday, and not quite feeling this sense of calmness, I searched for another bike ride. Didn't expect to find much, and up popped <b>Tour de Peninsula. </b>I woke up at 6:15 in the morning for the 7am start and thought "I should sleep"...but that <b>#addicted</b> drive drove me to jump put of bed and hustle to the start line.<br />
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Started at 7:30am and thought I was done for, but as it was more of a group ride than a "race" it was actually fine. Many people started at the same time as me, so I joined in with various groups and met people along the way. <b>There were about 1500 bikers and I think I spoke to only 100 or so (hee hee only)</b>...here are 2 journalists I met and had a "Meet-up" lunch with.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Pzn2hCtC2U/Tj9A_c1e3eI/AAAAAAAAMRw/yk6xJMiHr8g/s1600/Tour+Penninsula+01-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Pzn2hCtC2U/Tj9A_c1e3eI/AAAAAAAAMRw/yk6xJMiHr8g/s400/Tour+Penninsula+01-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucy and some new biking friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I looked at the route the night before and saw there was a short 30 mile version and a<b> long 65 mile version. I opted to get the longer route in for a workout.</b> I had pulled a muscle in mountain biking (with the cold weather not really letting them warm up) and thought it might not be the easiest of rides, but hey, gotta get a good workout in! Or maybe this is another example of being <b>#addicted</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F829EOQMhxo/Tj9DLD8uL2I/AAAAAAAAMR0/4svxup7pWn4/s1600/bike_map.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F829EOQMhxo/Tj9DLD8uL2I/AAAAAAAAMR0/4svxup7pWn4/s400/bike_map.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map My Ride - 65 mile version</td></tr>
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<b>What I didn't know about the ride was the elevation. Oh man!</b> I'm not the best hill biker - maybe I can blame having the wrong crankset and a tri-bike vs a road bike?<br />
The route showed Skyline and I thought...does that mean we have to <b>bike all the way up to Skyline (just like it sounds...up to the heavens!)</b>. And yes it did mean I was biking non-stop uphill for over 5 miles.<br />
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That doesn't really sound like a lot, but my knee went into serious pain (the OTHER knee as well to the usual soap opera drama!) and I could not bear any weight on it.<b> So the whole 5 mile uphill was on 1 leg, leaving me in a sitting position the whole time, and using a push-down / pull-up action only!</b> Ouch! But I also saw it as a good training opportunity...this was not a race after all so I got to learn how to adjust my body, self-massage, rest and stretch, and of course bike on my 1 weaker leg.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YNvyJKzK62M/Tj9FzhRHNOI/AAAAAAAAMR4/QArpUzBko5E/s1600/bike_elevation.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YNvyJKzK62M/Tj9FzhRHNOI/AAAAAAAAMR4/QArpUzBko5E/s640/bike_elevation.png" width="465" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation of the 65 mile route. 2000 ft climb in 5 miles</td></tr>
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I did make it to the top though! And had to take a photo to celebrate!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1_920PlnXCQ/Tj9GV3E4BnI/AAAAAAAAMR8/cGV6abBAfKo/s1600/Tour+Penninsula+03-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1_920PlnXCQ/Tj9GV3E4BnI/AAAAAAAAMR8/cGV6abBAfKo/s400/Tour+Penninsula+03-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made it to the top of a long long hill...using 1 leg only!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The weather was not what I was expecting either. Usually I escape to the Peninsula to get some sun away from the city. But it didn't really clear up on this ride. Check out this photo of Canada road. Going up the mountain there were some beautiful areas of dense fog that as I biked through, I felt a wave of dew wash over me.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-poLKFTfQwS8/Tj9GrrC7xaI/AAAAAAAAMSA/76SL3F-k8Jg/s1600/Tour+Penninsula+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-poLKFTfQwS8/Tj9GrrC7xaI/AAAAAAAAMSA/76SL3F-k8Jg/s400/Tour+Penninsula+04.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Felt like SF City weather even though I was on the Peninsula!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I enjoyed the ride overall, and took the shortcut for a <b>56mile bike ride overall and had a biking time of 4:10 hours</b> but an overall time on 5 hours. Guess I put my chatting skills to good work!<br />
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Off to foam roller that knee now....and yes, my<b> #addicted</b> sense feels fulfilled. So no need to bike on Monday!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Welcome, this is the feed or the IronMan Arizona Blog.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04180793287518773639noreply@blogger.com0