Twenty-Six and Then Some

Ironman Coeur d’ Alene: Week 17 & 18

May 20, 2013

The past two weeks have been nothing but packed and exciting! I got my five seconds of fame when I was quoted in the WSJ for an article on cycling (it’s one line, but I’ll take it) and I was honored to be featured as Amanda’s runner spotlight.

Training included two 20 mile runs, a surprisingly difficult triathlon, my longest swim and ride EVER, and that one time where I almost did an entire Ironman in one weekend.

I’ll try to keep this brief…

Week 17

Mon., 5/6: Rest/Yoga

I may be resting, but I’m super pumped to have won this Vega contest. WAHOOOO vegan protein! I’ve been using their Recovery Accelerator and holy amazing, why wasn’t I using this stuff from the beginning?! I can’t wait to test the rest of their goodies.

Tues., 5/7: Run

Wed., 5/8: Swim

Thurs., 5/9: Long Run

With my weekend triathlon on the horizon, my schedule got all screwed up and I manage to convince two suckers…ehem…friends, to run 20 miles with me pre-work. This was the longest run I had done in quite a while. With my knee injury, I didn’t even get up to this mileage while training for IMAZ. I was beyond happy for the company and the fact that I had run 20 miles. My hips were complaining by the end, but I was still all smiles.

Fri., 5/10: Yoga

A few personal things came up that forced me to take a rest day and just get in a quick yoga session.

Sat., 5/11: Folsom International Triathlon

Oh yes, the triathlon that I didn’t see coming. I was so happy to see my family, my nephew and to have taken 3^rd in my age group, but you can read all about that here.

Sun., 5/12: Open Water Swim & Long Ride

Nothing like getting up early to get your open water swim on followed by 100 miles in my new SOAS race kit. I can’t get over how much I love these kits (you don’t want to hear what happened to my ass when I tried padded shorts again…)

Last year, I trained with two buddies: Ilona and Jared. I hadn’t seen Ilona in what feels like forever, so when she offered to join me on my long ride I knew we were in for a gab-fest. And that’s just what we did: cycled and gossiped. It was awesome.

When she stopped at 75 miles, all I wanted to do was call it a day. But of course, I knew I couldn’t. I made my way and completed 25 more solo miles. My trophy for my first 100 mile ride of the season? This sunburn that turned into a second degree, bubbly, oozing, sleep on a towel, gross mess:

I closed out week 17 with:

15 hours of training:
7,240 yards swimming
125.28 miles cycling
29.24 miles running
47 minutes yoga

Week 18

Mon., 5/13: Rest

I’ve never loved rest days as much as I do now.

Tues., 5/14: Recovery Run

What was supposed to be a tempo workout was turned into an “OMG my legs are so freaking heavy I hope I can just shuffle through this” run.

Wed., 5/15: Indoor Ride & Transition Run

Pretty standard, indoor trainer ride and run. Wooooo…

I also went into the city for a Luna Bar event for their new carrot cake flavor and met Jacqueline. Is it just me, or is this vending machine completely normal? In fact, it’s just a fancy version of my desk drawers. Well, way fancier, but I’m sure I stock the same quantity of Luna Bars:

Proof that I only wear my hair in top knots these days. It’s the easiest way to pretend like you care.

Thurs., 5/16: Pool Swim

I skipped a bike workout – guilty as charged! However, I hadn’t hung out with Chicken Face in what seemed like ages, so I felt like some husband and wife time was much needed (and well worth the trade-off). I’ll take a quick swim instead.

Fri., 5/17: Yoga, Core & Open Water Swim

I haven’t seen anxiety’s face around in a while, it must be my restraining order against him. Excellent.

Post-swim, I slapped on some new Nike tights for only the finest date night apparel.

Sat. – Sun., 5/18 – 5/19: My “Almost” Ironman

Saturday was my longest ride EVER! 110 miles was on the schedule, but come on now, I had to go the extra two for a new PDR and to see what it felt like. Thankfully, I rode a majority of the time with some guys from the group who kept my mind off of the fact that I was riding 112 freaking miles!

After I finished the ride I wondered how in the hell I was going to run a full marathon after that. But as Coach Paul reminds me, I’m putting trust in the taper

Sunday was another early morning with my longest open water swim ever (2.46 miles) and my second 20 mile run. When Tom and I started the run, I questioned how we would survive 20 miles in the heat. But taking it slow and steady with plenty of fuel and commiserating got us through it.

I couldn’t help but to think that over the weekend, with tired legs, I was only 6 miles short of an Ironman! I’m more excited than ever and I celebrated this achievement by eating this same braised tofu bowl three times in one weekend:

I closed out week 18 with:

15 hours and 13 minutes of training:
8,819 yards swimming
123.5 miles cycling
28.49 miles running
45 minutes yoga
15 minutes core

We are getting so close.
Happy Running!

3 Comments | Posted in Weekly Recap

30 Ways You Know You’re In Peak Training

May 17, 2013

Training comes in multiples phases, but there’s one thing that’s for sure: peak training is a beast worth noting. The key identifiers of which are easy to spot and are sure to make any outsider question how you make it as a functioning human being. Perhaps I should wear a big sign around my neck that says, “I’M IN PEAK TRAINING. DON’T JUDGE ME!” Or maybe I could provide a list of essential indicators for anyone in said state.

You know you’re in peak Ironman training when…

Your racer back tan line could be mistaken for a whale tail tattoo.
Piles of laundry are now considered your interior décor.
You go through at least three changes of clothing per day, with your work attire being the least important.
You’re so tired of eating that you actually like the idea of intravenous feeding.
This is day 39 that you’ve worn your hair in “top knot.”
You start to wonder what people do with a full 48 hours of free time on the weekend.
You questioned your coach multiple times asking, “Are you SURE this is humanly possible?”
You have a perma-ring of broken hair all around your head from the swim cap. I call it the “Halo Effect.”
Your wrists feel naked when you don’t have your Garmin strapped on. Good thing you have a tan line to comfort you.
Date night is watching old episodes of “Arrested Development” and staying up way too late: 10 p.m.
You’re 16-year-old acne has all reappeared, strategically where your bike helmet and straps hit your face.
Heels are the equivalent of ancient torture mechanisms.
You no longer feel awkward training with old men every weekend.
The complete disarray of your home makes you worried that the “Hoarders” film crew might show up on your doorstep.
Your dog no longer wants to play, but just waits to lick the sweat off of your feet.
You train solo so often that carrying on conversations with yourself for six hours straight is no longer a problem.
“Hurts so good” is your favorite phrase. So is, “SCREW YOU, HEAT!”
Your pinky has gone numb from being in aero too long.
“Hangry” is your most frequented emotion.
Falling asleep at dinner is NBD. You’ll wake up in 15 minutes and eat again anyways.
Trips to the chiropractor are the most social interaction that you get.
You start to see the “blue line” in your sleep.
When Training Peaks or Gamin Connect bugs out, you better pray no one else is in the room.
You plan your work attire based on if you can wear compression sleeves underneath.
Your foam roller is the closest thing you have to a BFF right now.
Water bottles. EVERYWHERE!
Salt caps seem to be falling out of the sky…or just every pocket.
You feel like you could eat dinner with Michael Phelps and totally keep up.
Helmets, heart rate straps and wet suits can all be found draped and drying from any shower or sink ledge. No space is safe.
Your car’s stench of sweat and lake goop is enough to never let another soul inside your vehicle.

And you love every last minute of it.

Any others to add to the list?

Happy Running!

13 Comments | Posted in Training

Race Recap: Folsom International Triathlon

May 15, 2013

After I got injured, I knew I was going to train again and achieve my Ironman dream. However, signing up for another Ironman, let alone one that was sold out and I had to buy a foundation spot for, meant that I had to watch my budget closely and I wouldn’t be able to sign up for multiple races leading up to IMCDA. Thus, I knew I wanted to do at least one triathlon before my A race, but it had to be cheap and close.

Enter the 2nd Annual Folsom International Triathlon: 1.5K swim, 40K bike, 10k run

I registered, I told my family about it, I told my coach about it so he could work it into my schedule, and that was about all the thought that went into it. Even during the week leading up to the race, I was simply considering it as a good Saturday brick workout, i.e. I didn’t look at the course, the details, nada.

Friday night I packed my stuff, we woke up and Chicken Face drove the two hours to Folsom, where some of my favorite people in the world would be as well:

Baby Kaleb’s first triathlon!

Love them!

I didn’t expect my mom, dad, sister, brother-in-law and my nephew all to come! Definitely the best part of the day <3

So where were we, oh ya, this whole triathlon thing. My goal was to get re-acquainted to the race day atmosphere, open water swimming, transition practice, and try and push it if I could. But given that I had run my first 20 mile long run two days prior, by legs were heavy and tired; I was anxious to see what would happen.

The start was pretty seamless as it was a small race. Race-day check-in, no line at the port-a-potties, body marking, and transition set-up — easy shmeezy. I also wore my SOAS race kit that I bought last year and raced in it for the first time. It was AMAZING. Zero complaints here (I’ll do a full review on the kit soon!).

But then I looked out and realized that the swim start was waaaaaay out there. Apparently, the water levels were down this year and the swim start was a solid 800 meters (or it least it felt like it) down uneven dirt and rocks. What does this mean? That post-swim we would have to run up it to the bikes for T1…and there was no man-made path. I know, first world problem, but definitely not ideal.

The Swim

We made our way down to the start where I got in the water, did my drills and got a mini swim warm-up in. You couldn’t see crap in the water, but I’m used to it now, and the temps were perfect. It was exactly what the doctor order.

Soon it was time for the wave beach start. My age group was fairly small, so we all chatted and then ran when the gun went off. The water was so shallow that I ended up running further than most as I’m sure my slow swim wouldn’t have been any faster than me trying to run through the water.

I dove in and just began to sight and swim. NO ANXIETY. I somehow found myself swimming solo. The fast people were far ahead of me and I was just ahead of the back pack. No one to draft off of, just me making my way around the buoys.

I simply found my swim zone and counted down the buoys as a way to break the swim up. Next thing you know, I’m at the finish, ripping off my cap, running up the dirt path and making deals with the devil as I beg to not roll my ankle on the rocks.

Swim Finish: 1.5K — 27:18 — 1:40/100 yard

The Bike

Transition was quick, well, except for the fact that I put on socks (hello, blister!) and I don’t have Yankz on my shoes. The bike wasn’t difficult per se, but rather it felt like roller after roller after roller…with a big roller/baby climb near the end. It was enough to keep you on your gears and feeling the difference — my legs definitely were. No spring chickens here.

The only part I can really complain about was as we neared the finish of the bike, there was a volunteer telling us to slow down and be careful as there was a 75 ft. gravel path we had to ride on to get to the road. WTF?! I felt like I was taking my tri bike mountain biking — NOT COOL! Please find a different route as this made me come to almost a complete stop for 75 feet, not only loosing all speed but any momentum.

Bike Finish: 40K — 1:24:40 — 17.6/mph

The Run

Oh silly Page, you didn’t bring your trail shoes. But how would I have known? The site said “challenging” run, but that was it. They failed to mention that it was 6.1 miles of mostly single track trail that would go UP and DOWN, UP and DOWN, UP and DOWN, in the blazing heat.

People were dropping like flies and were either verbally huffing, puffing and cursing, or just plain walking. I did not expect this AT ALL. But perhaps I have myself to blame as I didn’t do my homework. Regardless, this course was tough, but it’s intensity was multiplied by the relentless heat. My legs were heavy and I decided that my goal would be to just stay steady. Don’t over exert as it would just burn me out.

I kept it slow, I kept it focused, I dumped water on myself at almost every aid station, and I even had to walk twice up to steep climbs and down a few so that I wouldn’t fall or hurt my ankle (I really wish they told us to bring trail shoes).

The great thing about this course is that all of the athletes were in it together, telling each other “good work,” or venting together about the heat. Occasionally there would be a view that was so gorgeous it would distract you for all of eight seconds, but then it was back to the trails and the heat.

I saw my sister, nephew and brother-in-law on the final stretch in, and she shouted, “You’re third!” I coud see Chicken Face and my parents at the finish and was so happy to be done. I was not expecting such a challenging course today.

Run: 10k — 54:12 — 8:43

My body was feeling the result of the training and such a challenging triathlon, but the good news about small races is this:

Finish: 2:46:09

(The race site doesn’t have detailed results up yet…hoping for those soon)

Yaaaaaaay third in my age group. The woman who got first in my age group also got first overall and set a new course record (2:18:15 — damn!). I even hear one of the top female finishers say that this race was, “Like a mini Wildflower, but on actual trails.”

What I am excited about is to see the volume that my body can now handle. Never before would I have been able to run 20 miles, have a crazy intense Friday, then an international triathlon, followed by 3,000 OW yards and a 100 mile bike ride on Sunday. During Ironman training, endurance is the name of the game and I’m so grateful that my body if letting me do this.

Now on to the next week of peak training.

Happy Running!

27 Comments | Posted in Races, Uncategorized

Ironman’s New SwimSmart Initiative

May 10, 2013

There was big news in the triathlon community yesterday: Ironman announced their new swimming initiative called “SwimSmart.” Some people are complaining, saying that it’s making the Ironman “soft,” where as I couldn’t be more excited.

Here are some of the changes that I’m looking forward to:

A few 2013 IM events (including IMCDA) will feature modifications in the swim start. Including a pre-race swim warm-up, new water temperature regulations (if the water is too cold or too warm, the swim will be altered), and self-placed rolling starts (aka “waves” like in running races).

For those who are as lucky as I am to have open water anxiety, I was terrified of the IMCDA swim start. Formerly, they didn’t allow for in-water warm-ups and it was a mass start: you literally just run from the beach, into the water with thousands of other people. The old plan would mean that I wouldn’t be able to do my in-water anti-anxiety drills and warm-up, and I was just going to stand in the back and try to stay calm. In other words, it might have been a disaster.

But with the changes, I can do the critical warm-up and drills that I desperately needed to get my heart rate in the right place. Furthermore, it won’t be a mad dash. I’m used to waved starts, I like waved starts, I won’t have a heart attack. This is awesome.

In addition to these modified starts, there is a second phase:

The second phase of the initiative will feature a comprehensive effort to educate athletes about reducing anxiety associated with the swim portion of IRONMAN events, focusing on pre-race screening for potential health issues, pre-race training and race-week preparation. Such efforts will use all IRONMAN media platforms and will include a checklist and on-line videos. Swim-specific educational communications will begin at the end of May.

I can’t express how grateful I am for Ironman taking notice of the anxiety that open water swimming causes. For those who are complaining about this new change, try getting an open water panic attack and then come talk to me about these changes. I value life over a running start any day.

Details on the IMCDA swim start are as follows:

IRONMAN Coeur d’Alene will feature a rolling start…athletes will enter the water in a continuous stream through a controlled access point… An athlete’s times will start when they cross timing mats under the swim arch.

If you are now complaining that your finish photo won’t match your gun time, welcome to the running world. They never match.

If you can’t tell already, I am SO EXTREMELY grateful for this change. Thank you, Ironman.

Now it’s your turn: what do you think about the new Ironman SwimSmart changes?

16 Comments | Posted in IMCDA, Swimming

IRONMAN COEUR D’ALENE: WEEK 15 &16

May 6, 2013

When it rains, it pours. But I’m totally in love with the downpour that is life right now.

Alongside with a few personal things that have been pushing me, challenging me and making see things a new perspective, training has been doing just the same. Week 15 was light leading up to the Eugene half marathon and week 16 was lighter in the beginning allowing for a little recovery, followed by a new level of challenge that I haven’t felt in a while. We’re getting close folks…

Week 15

Mon., 4/22: Swim

Tues., 4/23: Yoga & Run

Pretty standard, except the run was an interval run on the treadmill which I haven’t done in a while. And yes, if we are on a treadmill next to each other, we are racing. Guilty as charged.

Wed., 4/24: Indoor Ride & Transition Run

Thurs., 4/25: Indoor Ride & Swim

Another ridiculous swimming selfie. Note the new TYR tri top I got from Left Lane!

Fri., 4/26: Run

Both Friday and Saturday were short runs with a series of pick-ups (short bursts of speed to wake the body and lungs up. These are my coach’s pre-race workouts of choice:

35′ Run @ Zone 2 with 6 x 30″ LVL8 (Zone 5a) Pick Ups (1′ Easy RI) in the middle of this run.

Sat., 4/27: Run

Shakeout run with the blogger mania that was at Eugene. So many nice runner babes that I creep but now say that I have officially met in person.

Sun., 4/28: Race Day!

13.1 miles through the city of Eugene ending on Hayward field. You can check out the entire race recap here.

I closed out week 15 with:

9 hours and 14 minutes of training:
7,000 yards swimming
36.75 miles cycling
29 miles running
45 minutes yoga

Week 16

Mon., 4/29: Rest Day & Travel Home

You’d think that because Eugene is on the west coast, it would be easy to fly in and out of. Not so. I spent the morning at a cafe then the rest of the day traveling home. When are we getting those super bullet trains in America?!

Tues., 4/30: Swim

The final miles of the race were chock-full of rollers, leaving my quads a bit chewed up. I opted to skip the run and solely swim at Club Sport. Nothing one more day of rest couldn’t solve.

Wed., 5/1: Ride & Transition Run

Standard stuff here, folks.

Thurs., 5/2: Indoor Ride & Swim

The sun was out in full force and so were all the pool newbies. What are you all doing in the pool?!?! Come when it’s freezing outside and then we’re cool. But for now, you and your itty-bitty-bikini are taking up precious lanes and I really would rather not circle swim around you. Harumph.

Fri., 5/3: Rest

Working in the city meant an impromptu rest day. Does shooting hoops at the Adobe basketball court count as cross training? (Yes, I know I’m not even close.)

Sat., 5/4: Long Ride & Transition Run

Heeeey-yo 90 miles in 90 degree heat, including climbing both Mt. Diablo and Morgan Territory. But here’s the crazy thing: I actually ate and drank enough this ride and felt pretty good. Or maybe it was my secret weapon…

Pringles might be the cycling fountain of youth on a hot day. Just trust me on this one.
What’s that? You mean you don’t take your bike through CVS to get more food too?

Sun., 5/5: Open Water Swim & Run

“Where you going?”
“Training.”
“Again?”
“Yup. See you at 1.”

3,000 open water yards with no anxiety (hurrah!) followed by the longest run that I have done in a loooong time: 18 miles. I didn’t get any great mileage in last season because of my knee injury and knowing that I could do this was a huge mental boost. However, running 18 miles as a season PDR, after a 90 mile ride and a 3,000 yard swim, plus forgetting my fuel in the car left me struggling. By the time I finished, you could pull the fork out of my back because I was D-O-N-E.

I closed out week 16 with:

13 hours and 15 minutes of training:
8,828 yards swimming
117.4 miles cycling
23 miles running

So I have to admit, I feel completely ridiculous taking so many selfies. But I train by myself 90% of the time and I’d feel like I wouldn’t have anything to post without them. So tell me A) Nah, it’s cool, keep the selfies coming, or B) Cool it with the selfies girlfriend.

Happy Running!

23 Comments | Posted in Uncategorized, Weekly Recap

Race Recap: Eugene Half Marathon

April 30, 2013

Last week, I wrote about the strict instructions I received from my coach to not race the Eugene Half Marathon. I heard him loud and clear. Sort of.

If you know me, I have a really hard time not pushing myself in a race atmosphere. I was cognizant of this fact as well as my coach’s very clear instructions, and made a decision to not necessarily intentionally hold back in the race, but to run however my body was feeling. I also kept in mind that my coach told me he would have “no sympathy” for me the next week if I pushed it too much. Got it, coach. No sympathy. Check.

Race day arrived. I managed to spill my entire bowl of oatmeal all over the hotel bed and floor (sorry) and ended up eating whatever cereal leftovers Nicole and Asia had (thanks guys!). Shorts, a tank, my now staple hot pink leg warmers, and a black ribbon to remember Boston. I was all set.

I was keeping calm to intentionally keep Nicole and Asia calm as they were running the full and gunning for BQs (I’ll let them share their stories and results on their blogs). What mindless chatter can I come up with to keep their minds distracted from the 26.2 miles ahead of them. The usual 2,497 bathroom stops ensued and before you knew it, it was time to get into your corrals.

The full and half marathoners started together (which I recommend the race director’s changing on behalf of the marathoners) and the corrals were set up a little strange. Being in the B corral, I somehow found my way very close to the start and felt a little out of place. After a few speeches, a moment of silence for Boston, the national anthem and the usual cheering, we were off. And so were my legs.

Let’s recap the race via splits:

M1: 6:59
The first mile is always a bit tricky as you are pumped full of adrenaline, trying not to get trampled, working to find your way in the pack and not go out too fast. As I navigated all of this, I didn’t focus too much on pace. However, when my mile alert when off and I saw “6:59″ flash before me, I let out a very audible, “SHIT.” Not shit because it was too slow, but because it was too fast. I quickly dismissed it and reminded myself to just run what felt like a fun pace.

M2: 6:58
Mile alert number two went off again and I ignored it, knowing that it was likely too fast, but my perceived exertion was just fine. I didn’t wear a heart rate monitor because I hate running in them when I don’t have to. They slip, they’re annoying and I just would rather not.

M3: 6:57
When the third alert went off, I’ll admit I was confused. BUT I FEEL FINE? I started to run the hill and figured that would be enough to slow me down and get me on track.

M4: 7:06
Now that we’ve got that hill out of the way, let’s just focus on being steady. Whatever that pace is. I didn’t surge, but rather slowed down a bit as I thought for sure I must have just gone out too strong. Slow and steady, Page. Sheesh.

M5: 7:22
Ah yes, there you go. Nice and steady. Oh look at the crowd! Hello everyone! I started just zoning out, listening to my music, and was just thinking about how fun the race was and how good I felt. Sure I had to stop and use the restroom, but didn’t make that a priority.

M6: 6:57
So I ran in the “zone” and then looked at my next alert: dammit! Back in the high 6s.

M7: 6:54
At this point, I started thinking about why I felt just fine running at this pace as I haven’t done this sort of run since the Oakland Half in 2012. Ironman training has some tempo workouts, but it mainly focuses on endurance, not speed. Was it the overcast weather? Clouds, running and I usually get along very well. Was it what felt like an all downhill course (I later checked the elevation and miles 4-7 are downhill). At that time, I wasn’t sure. But looking back, it was likely the perfect weather and downhill stretch that gave me the little boost I needed.

M8: 6:49
Miles 7-8 were another solid little climb, and I used it to shorten my stride, relax my hands, lighten my expression and just take the climb for what it was.

M9: 7:03
Whew, how about a little R&R from that climb. I was wondering when my pace was going to start significantly fading.

M10: 6:37
By this point, I realized that my early mile paces weren’t just me going out too fast, but that I could actually, and easily, sustain it. Doing a little math in my head (which always takes longer while running), I realized that if I could push these last three miles, I might have a shot at breaking my PR of 1:30:06 from the 2012 Oakland Half. I went back and forth in my head wondering if pushing it is going to screw me over and my coach would kill me. But then I made the justification that I had already ran this fast thus far and maybe I should go for it. All the stars seemed to be aligning.

M11: 6:39
And so the pushing began. Somewhere around this point I saw all the Oiselle girls (the only spectators I knew on the course), and their cheers gave me the burst of energy that I needed. I could see the finish line, but we looped out and onto the paved trails around Pre’s Trails.

M12: 6:38
Ugh, now that I was pushing it, the little rollers came and there was zero crowd support. The tiny rollers threw me for a loop and I could feel the fatigue starting to set in.

M13: 6:42
One more mile, one more mile, those little rollers at the end took it out of me. I kept looking at my watch try to do the math. I was cutting it close.

Final .1: 32 sec.
I entered Hayward Field but I couldn’t hear any of the crowd. I was ready to be done, looked down at my watch one last time, put my hand over my heart as I crossed the finish line for Boston, then realized that it didn’t happen. I may of blurted “mother f***er” and then some volunteer looked at me straight in the eye, pointed and said, “You did great.”

1:30:20
6/377 AG — 33/2,625 Females — 147/4,074 Overall

I got my medal, my food, and the infamous pancakes post race. The women asked me how many pancakes I wanted (she reassured me I could have as many as I wants) and I took two. I then took the fluffiest pancakes I had ever seen to a corner, sat, stretch, devoured both of them in seconds, and had a ridiculous “pancake pity party.” I just kept thinking, “If I could have only gone 20 seconds faster, I would have PR’d and finally broken that 1:30 barrier.”

My ridiculous pity party lasted all of five minutes, but thanks to what may be the best pancakes ever, I got up and moved on to the massage tent. While I was flat on the table, I reiterated to myself that I didn’t go out there TRYING to beat 1:30. My goal was just to have a fun day and that’s exactly what I did. I smiled, I surprised myself and it was a great confidence boost that I haven’t completely lost speed by training for an Ironman.

I finished the day by finding Nicole and cheering on Asia to her awesome finish! We were screaming like crazy and just so, so happy for her!

Overall, am I hungry to get out there and try to break 1:30 and get a new full marathon PR? Hell yes. That thing is old, outdated and not reflective of how far I’ve come. But as my coach reminded me after I texted him on Sunday, it’s time to focus on my big goal: IMCDA. It’s coming up quickly and I have some really intense training weeks coming up.

And for those who are wondering, he didn’t get mad that I ran faster than originally planned. However, I do believe he’ll stick with his “I’ll have no sympathy” warning.

So with that, thank you everyone for your super sweet tweets and comments, and as always…

Happy Running!

38 Comments | Posted in Races

The Eugene Half Marathon Friends & Food Report

April 29, 2013

I feel like a ridiculous Sex & The City episode right now.

I’m currently sitting in the corner of a cafe in Eugene right now reminiscing about the weekend that was and trying to find the right thing to say. There’s a fire next to me, vegan pastries and green tea in my belly and I am literally peering out the window as rain lightly drizzles over all of Eugene. The ridiculousness of my statement above is even making me gag, but I can’t help it: it was a an amazing weekend!

Let’s start by saying sometimes I wonder why I blog. I talk about myself far too much and I take painfully embarrassing selfies. But then I remember about all of the people I meet because of it and then I’m back at it. This weekend was an example of just that.

Over the past year, I started chatting with Nicole over the Interwebz as we were both training for an Ironman. We had met once IRL when she was in SF for a wedding and in that one meeting, we had decided that we should do a girl’s trip to Eugene. Through Nicole, I started following her friend Asia’s blog and that is how team NAP was born. Thus, I met Nicole for the second time and Asia for the first time ever in Eugene. Who’s ready for a four day weekend with strangers from the Internet?! (Don’t worry mom, I checked ‘em out beforehand to make sure they weren’t crazy.)

Our adventures in Eugene began with a questionable motel in (what we would later learn) a questionable part of town. This includes lovely citizens shouting, “I’m DRUNK, but I’m not high…” to her mom at 5 a.m. (we later learned that the mom had just picked up her little angle from jail that morning), an apartment complex that I’m sure was a meth house and other such gems. However, I will say that the motel was clean for what it was and was quite close to other popular restaurants in the area. You win some, you lose some I suppose.

I’ll spare you every detail, but I will say that Eugene is full of veggie and vegan friendly food (to clarify, no, I’m not vegan. But I can’t do dairy…more on that another day). Nicole, Asia and I all had similar and adventurous food preferences so we sought out different restaurants, of which, almost all of them proved to be amazing.

Our favorite: Laughing Planet.

The worst: Cornbread Cafe.

Awesome breakfast: Morning Glory.

Amazing pastries and homemade breads: Hideaway Bakery.

Vegan pizza that worried us but ended up being drool-worthy: Pizza Research Institute.

A good brewery with great outdoor space and only $4 pints: Ninkasi Brewery.

Outside of eating, we ate some more. But then again, that’s one of my favorite things to do while traveling: explore new restaurants to get a taste of the city and Eugene is definitely a city open to strange diets. Asking for dairy-free in California or Nevada still leaves people with question marks across their face. Eugene? It’s almost expected.

But I digress. After our first round of beering and fueling, we made our way to Hayward Field. I knew that Hayward Field was famous for having some of the fastest runners in the world run here, it being the home of the Olympic Trials, and was where the half/full marathon finished. But the idiot in me didn’t realize that Hayward Field is solely a track field. None of this “football in the center” crap with an all-weather track around it. Nope, it’s purely dedicated to all things track and field. Now that’s what I’m talking about!

The next morning, we made our way to meet a gaggle of runners/bloggers/tweeters for a shake-out run on Pre’s trail. Running on that trail finally gave me some understanding why people love Eugene as my super awesome view from our hotel and surrounding area left me quite confused. We soon made our way to brunch, lolly-gagging around Eugene for a bit and the expo, where we met many more new running/blogger/tweeter friends.

Post Saturday shenanigans, more resting, more eating, back to Hayward Field to sneak on the track early for another photo shoot, then off to bed early to prep for the race.

I’ll save the Eugene Half Marathon Race Recap for the next blog post as I felt this weekend with strangers earned it’s own post. Meeting people you’ve been chatting with over the past year, like Holly, from the Internet isn’t all that bad. Eugene, I thank you for that.

Some strange guy just sat down next to me because I’m sitting next to an outlet and is trying to talk to me. Maybe this is my cue to sign off.

Happy Running!

31 Comments | Posted in Travel, Uncategorized

Off to Eugene!

April 26, 2013

Prior my ankle fiasco, I signed up for the Eugene Marathon with hopes that it would be a big comeback marathon and I would smash a very dated marathon PR. But it turns out that the world had other plans for me, threw an injury my way and I was back at Ironman training.

With some very critical Ironman training weekends ahead, my coach and I made the decision to drop to the half marathon at Eugene. I was ok with this, but also asked my coach if I couldn’t do the full, then could we train for a PR in the half? He then reminded me that training for sub-1:30 is much, much different than training for an Ironman and we must focus on the main goal: IMCDA. My little competitive heart broke.

Thus, it pains me to think that I went from a full, to a half, to now a half that I’ve been given strict instructions to just use as a training run and to NOT race it. If I do aim for the sub-1:30, the recovery time would eat right into critical training I have the following weeks.

But on the other hand, my first-world problem isn’t that bad. I get to go on a great girl’s weekend with Nicole and Asia, cheer them on as they aim to BQ, meet new people, and just relax and enjoy myself.

So with that, I’m off to Eugene this morning. Let me know if you’re going to be there so I can say hi!

Happy Running!

11 Comments | Posted in Uncategorized

IRONMAN COEUR D’ALENE: WEEK 13 &14

April 24, 2013

We are 60 days out folks — 60 DAYS!!!

Aside from me being totally baffled that race day is so close and it’s consuming all of my free mental space, it’s also starting to consume all of my free time. Thus, a very delayed week 13 and week 14 recap. Plus, my other sister found out that she too is pregnant and I’m going to be an aunt again this November! Ahh, the excitement!

So let’s not waste any time — I’ll try to keep this short and simple.

Week 13

Mon., 4/8: Core & Yoga

Tues., 4/9: Run & Swim

This week was a week of watch issues. For whatever reason, my Garmin 910XT has been having a serious attitude problem lately. That run and swim marker it was supposed to get when I hit lap? Ya, it missed it. Needless to say I went on a data rant in my Training Peaks notes.

Wed., 4/10: Ride/Run & Swim

At this point in training, the volume is increasing and the workouts are just that…workouts. Another ride and transition run followed by another post-work swim. Nothing too crazy here.

Thurs., 4/11: Swim/Ride

Pretty standard.

Fri., 4/12: Long Run

Mmmmm…sweat. GROSS LOLA!

Fail. Fail. Major freaking fail. Why is that you ask? Well, don’t ever try to eat a big lunch, work all day in a cube, then run in 80 degree heat on a Friday evening. A sure-fire recipe for disaster and I had to cut my long run short as my shoes filled with concrete were no longer enjoyable.

Sat., 4/13: Long Ride

80 miles around, through and over Patterson Pass, but this time we had a new friend with us: WIND. Hey concrete shoes from yesterday! Why don’t you and the wind go hang out with someone else?! You’re not welcome here! (Ya, ya, I know it’ll make you stronger).

Post-ride, I actually brushed my hair and went to celebrate my cousin and her boyfriend’s birthday.

Sun., 4/14: Rest

I closed out week 13 with:

13 hours and 17 minutes of training:
7,800 yards swimming
103.21 miles cycling
18.72 miles running
25 minutes strength

Week 14

Mon., 4/15: Core & Lower Body

Tues., 4/16: Run & Swim <3

Mile repeats for Boston. It’s all for Boston.

I also sported my Boston jacket at work, which is a company that has a pretty strict/dated dress code (of which, I am always pushing the limits).

Wed., 4/17: Ride/Run

Getting sweaty on the trainer.

Thurs., 4/18: Yoga, Ride, Swim

More sweat on the trainer and the usual swim.

Fri., 4/19: Yoga & Open Water Swim

We’re back in open water action folks! And remember all that complaining I was doing about my swim pace? Well it turns out that open water swimming does wonders on my pace. Hallelujah!

Sat., 4/20: Open Water Swim & Long Run

We met back at Shadow Cliffs for another open water swim followed by a 13 mile long run. We were swimming a longer OW workout and despite my drills, the anxiety came back for a bit in the beginning. I just let everyone pass me, flipped on my back and just talked to myself. I gave myself time and was soon able to get ahold of my heart rate and have an awesome open water swim. Oh yes, and we can’t forget 13 miles in the California spring heat.

Sun., 4/21: Yoga & Double Brick

Just another normal load.

Mother-freaking-double-brick in almost 90 degree heat. 40 mile ride, 35 minute run, 40 mile ride, 30 minute run — seems normal enough right? HA! The heat and I are still learning to get along, and I’m still learning how to train solo. This season is much different than last as I always had a few training buddies to ride with last season. While I am doing group workouts this season, I usually end up riding alone and talking to myself for hours on end.

I struggled through the second brick, but with the help of God’s gift to cyclists (ehem…Pringles), I was able to pull through, finish strong and take pride in a challenging training day. The rest of the evening consisted of my ass planted firmly on the couch.

I closed out week 14 with:

15 hours and 17 minutes of training:
10,212 yards swimming (the most in this training cycle thus far)
101.53 miles cycling
29 miles running
30 minutes strength
1 hour and 15 minutes yoga

So there you have it, two long weeks recapped in the quickest way possible. Tell me I’m not the only crazy one with piles upon piles of water bottles? Chicken Face thinks I’m crazy.

Happy Running!

18 Comments | Posted in Weekly Recap

A Baby or A Warrior?

April 19, 2013

My dad should have been Yoda.

Yoda and I.

This is no exaggeration as his mantras are not only a regular part of my life, but are heavily scattered throughout this blog. On paper, they sound like 100 percent cheddar cheese, but when they’re coming from my dad, it’s nothing but authentic dad-isms.

I thought I had heard them all, but recently I was in a bit of a sticky situation and called my dad to get some perspective. I was ready to give up and he laid it out straight, “You can either be a baby or a warrior. You choose…It’s a choice that you will have to make every day and the good thing is that you get a choice. Now make it.”

It was a little tough love, but it was exactly what I needed to hear.

That day, I chose to be a warrior and it’s that same cheese-ball mantra that carried me through my first open water swim of the season.

I arrived at the lake early to ensure that I could get in and do my drills prior to the group swim. I squeezed myself into my wetsuit for the first time this season and slowly waded into the water to start finding my anxiety-free place.

I started by going completely under water.

Then putting my face in the water and blowing bubbles.

I proceeded by doing breaststroke to the open water swim lanes, took a deep breath and told myself, “You’re either a baby or a warrior. Choose one.”

And then I swam, talked to myself, and swam a bit more.

No anxiety.

I popped my head up after my quick warm-up and knew that I had made my choice and everything was going to be ok.

I soon met up with the group and proceeded to swim the entire open water workout without any anxiety, constantly reminding myself of my new-found favorite mantra.

Whether it’s open water swimming, clipping in, standing up for what you believe in, battling illnesses, or facing your fears, my dad reminded me that we are given an incredible gift every single day and you get to choose the outcome: are you going to be a baby or a warrior?

Once you’ve chosen your answer…the rest is easy.

Happy Swimming.

15 Comments | Posted in Life

Ironman Coeur d’ Alene: Week 17 & 18

30 Ways You Know You’re In Peak Training

Race Recap: Folsom International Triathlon

Ironman’s New SwimSmart Initiative

IRONMAN COEUR D’ALENE: WEEK 15 &16

Race Recap: Eugene Half Marathon

The Eugene Half Marathon Friends & Food Report

Off to Eugene!

IRONMAN COEUR D’ALENE: WEEK 13 &14

A Baby or A Warrior?

Past Races

Personal Records

Currently Reading

Archives

Subscribe by Email