Essentials of the High Speed Life

As I roll into another season going 100 miles an hour in every different direction, I've learned that there are some key factors that need to be attended to so I can be successful in my athletic pursuits no matter how short on time I am.  We are all busy, and challenged with juggling life while trying to squeak out time for a training session here and there.  There's a rolling priority list that seems to always be evolving and rearranging.  For me, my kids and school are at the top of that list and I try my best to manage the rest, often not so gracefully.  I realize that this is a common struggle for most of my friends and fellow athletes, and it occurred to me that to have success juggling all of this, there are some rules to live by.  You can cut a warm up short, stretch while doing homework with your kids, skip that recovery ride or learn to let it go when you just aren't hitting your marks for that days training session.  However, I have learned the hard way that there are some short cuts you cannot make and decided to share my thoughts as we enter another triathlon season.  Sleep is gold, good nutrition is essential and stress is a big hairy monster that needs to be constantly managed.

Sleep.  Ah, that delicious time we daydream about.  You're aware when you don't have enough of it, grateful when you get too much, and bitter when you lay in bed, welcoming it with open arms and it never shows.  I spend a lot of time thinking about sleep.  I have struggled with lack of sleep enough to understand you must respect this elusive gift, and learn to coddle it.  I think it all boils down to consistency, and understanding the ingredients necessary for a good nights sleep.  First off, it helps to go to bed the same time every night and wake the same time each morning.  We haven't changed all that much since we were infants.  We require less sleep but our bodies still appreciate being able to anticipate when sleep will arrive and went it will leave.  Secondly, for the most part, athletes require more sleep than most.  Get in your 8 hours.  If you can't get it in all at once, a cat nap can serve as a 'sleep snack'.  In my experience though, this nap cannot last for more than 20 minutes or it effects the next nights sleep.  Lastly, caffeine, nutrition and hydration can have a big effect on the quality of sleep you delight in. Personally, I've found that one cup of coffee in the morning is all I can handle.  Then I spend the rest of the day conscious of good hydration, and making sure to eat a nutritious snack before bedtime that includes protein.

Considering I spend a lot of time in the car, kids sports practices and walking around a college campus, I don't have the luxury of having a refrigerator at my finger tips.  This is where snacks that don't require refrigeration come in handy.  The good news is, there are a lot of options out there from bites to energy blasts to protein shakes that although are great to eat while you're training, can also be consumed as a snack on the run.  Powerbar has not only made it easy to get the types of calories needed during workouts but has made eating on the run mindless.  In addition to consuming enough water, it's important to replenish electrolyte stores with a sports drink.  I have found that coupled with adequate water intake, a sports drink instead of caffeine, helps me maintain a steady amount of energy throughout the day.  I learned the hard way that more caffeine just ends up making me more tired, more anxious, and less able to have a restful nights sleep.

Stress.  We all suffer from it, some more than others. You can feed it or learn how to deplete it's momentum.  When not well managed, it can cripple us and leave us cowering in a corner.  But when overcome, we can be left with a great sense of triumph.  In my experience, I have found that the three major factors that have the largest impact on my stress level are regular exercise, efficient sleep and proper nutrition.  Funny and frustrating how these are all intertwined, as a common theme in my life.  If I get my training in, eat well, and sleep well, I am a well-oiled machine and can take on anything!  However, if I don't sleep well, training sessions don't go well, I have trouble concentrating on daily tasks and then I suddenly find myself as a poorly functioning victim of the stress monster.  

It's simple really, it just takes awareness and some creative prioritizing.  We are all short on time, it is a scarce resource these days.  But ultimately, what we do with our time is a choice.  And it's amazing what we are capable of when we are taking good care of our bodies.  Good luck in the fast lane!

Confessions of a Late Bloomer

I remember having a conversation with my brother, at the beginning of this arduous educational journey as a single mother.  He pointed out to me, that we come from a family of late-bloomers.  After all, our father, (a retired chemical engineer) didn't speak a word until he was 4 years old and he turned out to be a smarty pants.  I've carried this simple statement with me and pondered on it often. 

I married young, had children young, and grew up in the middle of raising a child who taught me that strength comes in many packages.  I did my first ever race at age 33, am now a single mother, college student, triathlete, and most recently started taking voice lessons because when I grow up, I want to know how to sing.  So ya, I'd say I fall in the late-bloomer category.

Chem Lab.  That's my lab partner Josh who is a phenomenal athlete and in no way, suffers from late-bloomerism.

 So what is it that constitutes the order in which you're supposed to progress through life?  What is the purpose of this order, and who and what does it serve?  Is it worse or less efficient if you do things out of order? What affect, ultimately, does the order in which you progress through life have on your overall experience?

One side effect is that you end up dressing like this and having friends like these who don't see anything wrong with it.

 There seems to be an acceptable manner in which people play out adulthood.  Go to college, get married, launch a successful career while simultaneously having 2 1/2 perfectly healthy children, retire and go live out your days with your spouse in some warm place.  The thing is, decision making is hard.  Making decisions not only about your own life, but those included and affected by your life, is difficult.  Who doesn't want an outline?  So, many follow the provided outline because it's safe, it's a great recipe for success, and let's face it, it's the fairy tale.  And everyone loves a good fairy tale.  However, in all reality, many a folk discover themselves in their 40's, acquire their dream job on the cusp of retirement, have sex before love, marriage before maturity, and career before knowledge.  So,why is there this pressing need to do things in order?  What I think, is that when we do things in order, life unfolds like a delicate silk scarf.  And when one decides to do things out of order, life unfolds like an old cardboard box with all kinds of trinkets and crap wedged in the crevices of the box.  It's not neat, it's not pretty, and you never know what's going to come flying out at you next.  I know this, because I am clearly not following the standard life outline. I made a one-winged oragami bird out of that perfectly crafted outline, and just lit it on fire!

This little one provides me with matches, and regular reminders that life is fun, and funny.   And let me tell you, there's a lot to laugh at in my little world.  Especially with friends like these.

 I'll admit: it's tough being a single mom and going to school full-time.  It's scary sometimes knowing that I'm the only one responsible for my triumph or failure, that there's no one to catch me if I fall. But the fun in this is, I am charting my own course, and making my own outline while learning along the way.  There are all kinds of scribbles and arrows all over my paper, and it doesn't even resemble an outline.  It's got coffee spilled on it, a few post-it-notes, and of course, lots of random doodling.  But it's mine, and I can write whatever I want on it.  The thing is, no matter how hard one tries, your plan is never going to be perfect. No matter how meticulously stacked our papers are, the wind is gonna blow.  And really, do you want it to be perfect?  Who wants to watch a movie in which they can always predict what happens in the next scene? I've learned not only to "go with it", but to slow down, stop, and take a look around.  There are times when I do this and feel completely overwhelmed by the greatness of life, and wanna cry.  And other times, when I just get a mischievous smirk and shake my head.  Not many dull moments on this course I'm charting. I am settling in, and learning that it's not all about finishing what I've started, but taking in as much as I can along the way. I've learned that 'difficult' is a relative term, and that you can catch up on sleep, homework, and housework, but you can't catch up on being a mother.  And of course, if something scares the shit out of you, stop...ask yourself why, and then do it.  I have found that the things in life that scare me the most, are the ones that I reap the greatest reward from overcoming.

I race because I like how it feels on the other side of the finish line, much more than I like the comfort and safety of the sidelines.

 So, if there's something you want to do, but you're not doing it because you think you're too old, it'll be too hard, or people will make fun of you...I'm here to tell you: you're not, it won't be, and they will!  This is to all those late bloomers out there.  Get your arm in the air, and let that freak flag fly!

He forgot to put his game face on.  Good thing I had mine.

A little plug:  Our elite women's running team put together a running calendar to raise money for Active4Youth which supplies under-privileged children with the opportunity to be coached and run.  Please buy one!  Who doesn't need a calendar??

 "You will turn over many a futile new leaf till you learn we must all write on scratched-out pages."  ~Mignon McLaughlin

I've got a new lawnmower!

Well, actually, not a brand new lawnmower. It's a hand-me-down of sorts. So, I no longer have an excuse to hire the neighbor kid to mow my lawn. Sigh. I haven't actually "used" my new lawnmower though. It's sitting outside the patio door like a dog who rolled in poop and is in exile. It's taunting me to just start it up and take it for a spin. And the idea kind of makes me giggle, considering I've never used a lawnmower before. Never. I understand some of the basic lawn mowing rules, such as: always wear tennis shoes, avoid the pine cones (although I'm *really* curious to see what would happen if I accidentally ran over one), and of course be methodical about your lawn mowing pattern. A "wandering" pattern is the true mark of a rookie.

So, what have I been doing in place of yard work this Summer? I've raced a little and finally feel like myself after taking over a year off. If that's something you're interested in, 2010 results are at bottom of blog but I won't bore you with the details.  Email if you'd like me to bore you with race details.  I've been playing with my boys (water parks are really fun, not just for kids) and reveling in the freedom of having Summer off of school and working at Fitness Fanatics part time.  And of course, a few pictures are always worth more than my 1000+ words. what? I'm wordy.

Jodi and her parallel-parking job.  This is after numerous attempts.  Notice the wheels on the curb. Jodi, Adrianne and I headed over to Whidbey Island for the half marathon in April.  This is in front of my brother's condo in Seattle.  Out of 1500 participants, Jodi got 2nd overall, Adrianne 8th overall and I was 10th overall.  We all placed in our AG.  Good times.  Gatorade bottles work for more than just carrying gatorade.  Ask Jodi.

Jodi and I at the 12k trail run.  She took 1st overall, I took 2nd.  We even beat all the boys.  There may have been only one boy racing but we beat him. Sorry dude

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Spokane Moving Crew.  And Wolfpack.  Long story. From left to right: me, Eve Nelson, Jodi Suter and Adrianne Campbell.

"Family Portrait" This delightful photo is a real gem. This is my Spokane Family.  Starting at back left: Jason & Adrianne Campbell, Troy and Eve Nelson, Paul Suter, Aaron Scott. Bottom row left to right: Annie Warner , me (that's ginger ale ;), lil' Brooke, Jodi Suter & Haley Cooper-Scott.  Leave it to Aaron to find a yard gnome.  Make note of the grass.  Yes, this is in my backyard.

The girls.  Thanks to my dad for all of these photos

Me and the loves of my life.  My little men.

Jodi's other half, Paul.  Between the two of them, I get my rear handed to me at least once a week.

 Haley and I practicing our cyclo-cross skills.  Bri was nice enough to snap this photo of our adventure.

Off for an open water swim in Coeur D'Alene and then I'd better get to that lawn.  Up next: Trail Running Nationals (7/31) and then Lake Stevens (August 15th). Carry on!

Why do you run?

Late last night, when I was supposed to be on my way to bed, I saw a friend had posted a youtube video on Facebook (link is at bottom of post)  This video was poor quality but the message was rich.  I awoke this morning, thinking of it again.  And it inspired me to write about it.

I'm sure many of you who participate in triathlon, running or some other crazy endurance sport have been asked the question "why?".  Why do you get up before it is light in the dead of winter to pedal away on a trainer that takes you nowhere?  Why do you decide to spend hours in a pool every week, swimming back and forth as you stare at the unchanging line at the bottom? Why do you choose to run out on the streets, fending your way through traffic and pain of climbing hills and challenging terrain, to end up in the same place you started? Why do you give up your relaxing weekends to throw yourself into a race where the first leg is bound to give you a kick in the head (literally), and the rest is most certainly a promise of pain in one form or another? 

I know I have been asked before, why I race; why I train.  My answer is usually a simple "because it's a challenge that I like to overcome again and again.  It never gets old".  But upon deeper dissection, this is what I came up with:

Running gives me freedom, cycling gives me strength and swimming gives me humility.

I can put on my running shoes anywhere and take myself on an adventure that costs nothing but sweat and time.  No one has their thumb on me when I'm running.  I'm like a little girl with ribbons undone and I can't help but smile.  It is a gift.  I think the more appropriate question is "why wouldn't I run?"

Cycling.  It is the next best thing to skydiving.  If I had to boil it down to one thing, I'd have to say, my favorite part is the speed.  The best part of a ride is always the descent coupled with the effort it took to get to the top of the hill.  Flying down a hill, hearing nothing but the wind in my ears is something I will never get tired of. I feel like a dog with my head out the window of a car.  It is my reward.  The experience of riding in a pack of people, the buzz of combined energy and effort all moving in the same direction is a close second.  Directed chaos.

Swimming is a soothing yet frustrating experience.  There are days when the pool spits me out like a sour grape, leaving me shriveled and defeated.  And there are days when I have a glimpse of something greater, a better swimmer inside myself, struggling to get out.  So, I continue to immerse myself in that chlorinated bath, week after week, in the hopes that I'll have less bad days and more good.  And when I stand at the shore , waiting for the gun to go off, I feel confident that although I'm not the fastest swimmer (far from it), I am far from the weakest.  I am six feet tall, and 200lbs, in that water and I can hold my own.

Although it takes help from my coach to know what to do, understanding from my children that my time is divided as well as the willingness of friends/training partners to lend an ear to talk over a bad race or training day...ultimately, it is me, and me alone who delivers myself safely to that finish line.  And that is why I do it.  The opportunity to prove to myself, over and over again that I am strong, independent and gutsy.  Not to mention, to prove to the people who at one time or another, who have told me "you can't".  Watch me.

Watch this video, think about it and ask yourself "why?" and maybe for some of you, you need to ask yourself "why not"?  Find the reason why, white knuckle it and enjoy the ride.  I promise, you won't regret it.  Empower yourself.

SPRING BREAK!

Another quarter flew by and the boys and I are now officially on Spring break.  My life has felt like a grand parade on fast foward, these past few months. In the middle of the mach 10 parade, I took a jaunt over to New Jersey for Timex camp.  I know this post is a little delayed, considering camp was in mid-February but gimme a break.  I moved on February 1st (I do not recommend this to any single mothers in the middle of a quarter with nightclass on top of it-UGH).  I think there is an entire collection of items (including the propane tank for my grill?) that are lost.  I wouldn't be surprised if somewhere along the 9 blocks between the old house and the new house, these things fell out the back of my Subaru and are clustered on the side of the road, like kids waiting at a bus stop.  If you find a propane tank (and it's in good shape) it's mine :)

So, Timex camp.  I had a perma-grin lacquered across my face, the entire weekend.  It was held at the New York Giants Training Facility in NJ and the whole weekend was a jaw dropping, delightful experience.

I felt like the lady on a game show who wins but is completely oblivious that her boobs are flying everywhere while she jumps up and down, screaming and cheering for herself.  Ya, that was me, all weekend long (sans the boobs).  Below is a picture of our entire team.  I'm up front with the perma-grin.  Told you.  I sat there, waiting for the shutter to click before someone said "who's the girl in the front? can we get the groupie out of the shot?".  To be amongst these athletes, and to call them my team mates is such an honor.  I feel like I accidentally wandered into a board meeting at a gazillion dollar corporation and they slid a big ol' leather chair under my ass, handed me a name plate (with my name spelled correctly on it) and a gold pen worth more than my car. YA!!

 
The weekend was action packed...filled with the making our own "commercials" (to be aired sometime soon on youtube), meeting some of the Giants Players, "playing" football in the Giants indoor stadium (I didn't catch one ball but was knocked to the ground, in a chest-bump-gone-wrong), taking on Medieval Times as an entire team as well as hitting the streets of NY city together.  Oh, and I had to include the below photo of my locker with my name above it, in the Giants Locker room.  It's blurry not because of my Blackberry camera but because I was shaking, I was so excited.  That backpack had my name tag on it as well and was filled to the brim with a plethora of beautiful red, black and white TIMEX gear.  Mine is in the middle.

 But by far, the most exciting moment of the whole weekend, was the surprise arrival and distribution of the Timex Global Trainer (GPS) to each member of the team.  Since I have returned from camp, it has accompanied me on every run.  I'm in love.  How did I ever get along without this magical watch??  I've been able to tweak my training to now incorporate pace along with heart rate on the run which has been incredibly helpful, especially considering I'm coming off of an injury and my training zones are still a little wacky (wacky sounds better than slow).  The more information I have, the better.  And this baby has every bit of information a girl could ask for.  And it's extremely accurate! Not to mention, being the technically inept girl I am, it's very easy for even me, to operate.

Below is rare documentation of our team being very still.  I am at the bottom of the "I", notice I'm the only one who had to put my arms above my head to count for a whole "normal sized" person.

Timex also provided us with Vo2 max testing while at camp.  For those of you who haven't had this done on a treadmill, it's a treat :/  You want to allow yourself to get to that point that you just can't go anymore (I believe it's called "failure"), while on a treadmill without killing yourself--flying off the back.  Thankfully, someone (Keith?) shot this photo of me before I got to that point.

I was also recently notified that I made it onto PowerBar Team Elite.  This is extremely exciting, considering I have been a die-hard PowerBar consumer since I got into this crazy sport. I've been jumping up and down outside their window for years now.  I'm thrilled that they finally let me in!

As far as school, another quarter is in the books, as they say.  It went well, although it was hectic.  I'm moving forward, keeping my eye on the prize--the one that seems so far away, I'm squinting to see it.  At times, I feel so guilty as a mother; not being able to give to the boys the daily, undivided attention I once offered.  But they are so encouraging and understanding.  My little men.  I don't know who's holding who's hand, and from day to day, I think it changes. But I love the feeling of those little sweaty fingers intertwined with mine and I'm so grateful for their belief in me. 

Here's to all your Spring goals, whatever they may be.  Summer is upon us.  Get'er done!

Good ol' San Diego New Year

I don't even know how to begin this post. There are so many random, hilarious, tinkle-inducing moments that I'd like to share but fear they may be lost in translation. I'll do my best to provide photo documentation and be less wordy. Oh jeez, like that's possible. Just sit down and read.

After a whirlwind Christmas with my family and boys, I left the Christmas tree standing and barely made my flight for San Diego. Shelby and I have adopted a tradition of spending New Years together (usually Haley is in the mix as well) and so far, it happens in Spokane.  But this year, we decided to do New Years, San Diego style.  I do not regret this, or any part of it (although Haley, you really should have been there).  It will forever go in the memory books as an excellent adventure.

Shelby picked me up from the airport and somehow (I have no idea who suggested it), we ended up at the El Torito right across the street from the airport for a commemorative shot of Tequila.  Soon enough, we had a random stranger taking pictures with us.  Why does this happen?  That was our cue, it was time to head out.  We got home, stayed up late that night...and every other night after that, until I left.

The next morning, we hit the ground running, quite literally.  Case in point, below photo.  Shelby arranged a track workout so I could get my arse handed to me, like I do every other day of the week at home.  Don't let the others fool you who look like they're just screwing around.  I woulda vomited had I know them better, but I didn't want to be rude.

 That same day, we got to tour the Aqua Sphere grounds and wreak a little havoc while checking out the latest and greatest from them.  I'm looking forward to next years' wetsuit!

That evening, we were able to meet up with some of my high school friends who I haven't seen in 20 years.  The only photos we have, are very "smoky" but I included a couple anyway.  We just thought the restaurant was smoky from the BBQ.  It wasn't until I was sitting on the plane, heading back to Spokane, that I realized I hadn't taken the plastic covering off of my blackberry camera lens.  I got a good laugh out of that one.  Is anyone surprised?

 Ed, Me and Mike.  Good times.  I had to include the below photo of Shelby because she looks like she's 10 (if that) and because she has a ton of food in front of her, although she's the only one who just got a salad.

The downside of the above, spectacular evening was, we had planned on getting up early the next morning for a bike ride with Bill Holland (he built Shelby's ultra-light, Christmas ornament of a bike) and so we had to.  We showed up, smelling like recycling bins with a touch of BBQ.  However, we rallied for a beautiful tour with Bill and were better for it.  Here's Bill and I on the ride.

 Moving on now.  At some point, early in the trip, we found ourselves talking in British accents (just to each other, no other victims involved).  Mine teetered between New Zealand and London and Shelby's was more of an interesting mix between some small British village and Texas.  We amused ourselves (as usual) for hours with this activity although it gave us both headaches, it just kept peppering our dialogue.  I had to include the below, random photo because it is evidence of Shelby's ongoing struggle with depth perception (and the fact that her booster seat doesn't boost-her enough).

The night before New Years Eve Day, we ended up rallying to put on our own performance at home.  We sang late into the night (yes, just the two of us).  And the day I left, rolling my bike box out of her place, her neighbor made a comment about the band equipment.  He seriously thought we had a band.  Takin' that show on the road in 2010, folks.

For New Years Eve day, I had talked Shelby (and she got TCSD to do the rest) into organizing a 5k/10k, so I could do a road race in the nice weather.  We had to stop at the grocery store to pick up snacks and drinks on the way.  We were not aware that you are not allowed to cross the yellow line (which we didn't even see!) with a shopping cart and if you do, it locks up until someone comes and reactivates it...as in it stops and won't move in ANY direction.  I cannot even put into words the chaos we caused in that New Years Eve parking lot that day.  But the cart locked up and we could not seem to find a breath or a moment of logic to fix the problem.  We just crumpled into hysterics.  The below photo was taken after 2 separate/unrelated people had gotten out of their cars and lifted up the cart to move it out of the high traffic area.  In our defense, notice all of the water jugs.  That was one heavy cart!

After the cart debacle, we were off to the races!  It came together quite nicely.  And although an hour before the race, I still wasn't sure if I could get enough momentum going to move forward at a steady rate, I did it.  The good news is, I won my distance!  The bad news is, I was the only one running the '8k'.  I seemed to have missed the turn-around (and the big florescent, green cone that marked it) for the 5k.  And somewhere between the 5 and 10k turn around, it occurred to me.  I considered, for a moment, just going for it and running the 10k but I soon came to my senses and turned around.  Good times.  My friend Ed (from high school) and his beautiful, pregnant, Italian, wife came out and Ed rocked the 10k.

 

Here I am, finishing the '8k'.  My parents must be so proud of their baby girl.  LOL

And here are some of the other folks in their t-shirts generously donated by Timex.  They're all smiling because they saw the turn around and ran the correct distance.  Awwwlrighty then!

 New Years Eve, Shelby and I found ourselves at the Small Bar (in walking distance from her house).  Below photo, proof that it actually does exist.

 We couldn't think of a better place to spend together, ringing in the New Year.  This proved to be a stuuuuupendous idea (hear the accent?).  We met some nice friends and ended up getting the entire bar singing 'Piano man' by Billy Joel just before midnight struck.  Gloooorious times!

The day before I left, just Shelby and I went for a leisurely bike ride together.  I wish this picture better depicted what a gorgeous day it was.

 After we rode, we drove to Orange County to visit with our friend Kristi, who introduced Shelby and I.  It was a night filled with reminiscing about how we haven't changed...at all.  What?

 

The below photo, of an upside-down, un-frosted cupcake with a little bite taken out--says it all.  We're not sure who the culprit was but we walked by it and laughed for 2 days, rather than picking it up and throwing it away.  A photo, really is, worth a thousand words.

 

And that brings me to my next form of documentation.  But first, a little background: Shelby and I started our friendship by jumping out of airplanes together (she actually funded my first skydive).  It was so fitting that, during this trip, an old friend dug up and posted a video on youtube of the three of us on a disastrous, flailing, skydive.  For those of you who have done any skydiving, or still do, you'll understand what a train wreck this was.  For those of you who have never jumped out of an airplane, I'm here to tell you that there's nothing amazing or cool about this skydive but man, is it funny.  Please reserve your right to mute until we exit the plane.  We weren't of drinking age yet, and it's that's clearly apparent.  We had the maturity of 14 year olds and the presence of annoying, little sisters.  Oh well, I guess not much has changed.  And no, I hadn't discovered eyebrow shaping yet...obviously.  Watch below, if you dare.

Back to school, early morning training sessions and my sweet, lovable boys.  Carry on!

What I've been up to...

It's been a while.  I finished finals on the 10th and have been enjoying a little time off.  I made the honor roll again and I'm anticipating my special certificate in the mail so I can sit, look at it ,and giggle.  So, this is what I've been up to lately:

Jed Conklin photographed me recently.  Here are just a few of the photos:

Wetsuit, fins, and goggles by Aqua Sphere.  Photo concept: completely Jed's idea.

Watch by Timex. Helmet and glasses by Rudy Project

Swimsuit and cap by TYR.  Goggles by Aqua Sphere.

Christmas came and went.  My boys say they still believe in Santa Claus although I'm suspicious; Tabor is almost 12 and Hayden just turned 8.  This was our first Christmas with separate households, and I have to say, it was delightful.  I no longer have double ovens and a 6 burner gas cooktop, but I made a mean prime rib and was surrounded by great company.  It was a gift to have my whole family here, crammed in this little house with leaking pipes and creaky floors.  The boys were wonderful and excited as always--kids just make Christmas cool. My family spoiled them with gifts and smoochie kisses, and my dad made his traditional soup on Christmas eve. Good friends joined us for dinner and somehow we ended up dancing and singing Fleetwood Mac in the kitchen; the only casualties being burnt popovers and a melted spatula.  It was a good ol' Peterson Christmas with a splash of Nelsons. 

 

 The day after Christmas, I got up at 6am and went skate skiing.  I watched the sunrise as I drove up the mountain, and when I got there, there wasn't a soul in site.  I was able to break in the trails that crisp cold morning, all by myself.  If you haven't tried skate skiing, you really should.  It's challenging but it's great cross training for the bike and a fantastic way to enjoy winter here in Spokane.  If you're interested in just trying it, you can rent skis at Fitness Fanatics for a reasonable fee. 

Tomorrow, I'm off to San Diego to visit Shelby for a week and get some mild-weather training in. It'll be a nice little vacation before school starts back up.  Stay tuned, I hope to post some photo documentation of our adventures.  At the very least, it'll be entertaining.

Happy Holidays!! 

Shoulda Been a Water Ballerina

The week started out with Masters swim and the coach telling me I missed my calling as a water ballerina.  Huh.  Not really what one wants to hear when hoping to get faster in the pool, as a Triathlete!  However, there seems to be hope.  I will continue waking at 4:30am to swim alongside (as in the lane next to) the fast boys who make swimming look like a relaxing activity.  On Friday, I was able to put my fins and paddles on to do a few sets with the guys at their cruising pace.  Humbling experience but a fun one indeed.  I'm grateful for their willingness to take me under their wing, in the hopes that surely, I can get faster than I am now.

I also went to yoga on Wednesday night.  I needed to find something "relaxing" to do because my body is all jacked up from throwing myself full-steam back into training without considering I'm totally out of shape and lacking the  strength/flexibility in many muscle groups that I once possessed.  I didn't know what "Mysore" meant but wow, still today, my sore. 

I showed up at Yoga Shala and was greeted by my English teacher in the lobby (the woman who is responsible for getting me to come in the first place) and was informed that Mysore is "work on your own" yoga.  This gave me the giggles considering I didn't have any tricks up my sleeve to bust out while everyone else  folds themselves neatly into pretzels.  As people started showing up, my giggles turned to panic as it became clear by looking at them and the way they laid their mats out and sprayed them "just so", that I was most definitely the reject of the group.  Shocker.  Not like I haven't been HERE before.  Usually, I laugh my way through my inadequacies--an inappropriate survival tick.  Problem #1: you are NOT allowed to laugh in yoga or talk for that matter.  Considering the previous statement, suppressing my urge to giggle proved to be more challenging than originally thought.

However, I did it.  I only had a few, very short, well recovered, snorts.  There was this woman in front of me who was doing things that made her body look unrecognizable; is that her foot or her arm? Who else is in there with her?  Our instructor would go around to different people and give them tips to help them achieve their poses.  She would give me a few poses to do in succession (as to not overwhelm me) and then she'd come back and check with me.  As I sat patiently waiting for my next set of "tricks", I observed everyone.  More often than not, I forgot the steps in my poses and I'd just sit there and look like I was meditating--duh, I didn't forget, I'm just getting in touch with my Chakra.  At one point, there was a woman getting help with a handstand and I had once again forgotten what I was supposed to be doing.  So, I pulled out my only trick:  A headstand.  However, I quickly realized that my poorly crafted headstand was child's play compared to the kind of things they were doing.  As people all around me put Gumby to shame, I just stayed in my headstand, preferring the feeling of blood rushing to my head over the grunting and grimacing that accompanied trying to calmly hold a pose without shaking uncontrollably.  The lesser of two evils.  What an incredibly humbling experience.

For all of you who think Yoga is an activity you can't get your a$$ kicked in, I'm here to tell you you're wrong.  What I took away from this experience was, I need to go back many, many times.  I obviously need to work on or at least locate,  my flexibility and strength.  I'm grateful for the folks at Yoga Shala who welcomed that runner girl who can't even touch her toes...Yet.

The Climb

How has my life been reduced to a Miley Cyrus song?  I'm embarrassed to admit, the lyrics of this Disney prodigy's song actually have had an emotional affect on me (and more than once...sigh).  I take comfort in the hope that she didn't actually write it.  Moving on now...

The past couple of weeks have offered a few "climbs" but not without reward.  I'll just say this: I'm grateful for the undying support of family, friends and the inimitable love of my boys.  My youngest had his first slumber party at a friends house last night so I took my oldest (11) on a "date".  What strikes me, and never ceases to amaze me, is the love and admiration children innately have for their parents.  What a treasure.  They don't care how much money you have, what kind of clothes you wear or what your job is (or if you even have one! LOL).  They don't need you to be perfect in any way, except in your love for them (and sadly, even that's negotiable).  I am grateful that the one thing I have an endless amount of, just happens to be all they truly need from me...in addition to the essentials, of course.

I've been plugging along in the training department and have made some gains in the pool (hallelujah!).  I'm looking forward to the snow and the opportunity to get back out on the skate skis.  This is an activity I have yet to master, but it is (by far) one of my favorite Winter activities.

My parents came out for a visit, and my dad took the below photo of me running (yes, I'm running!) through Manito park.   Check out his website if you have the time.  While you're at it, you should look at my mom's blog as well.  I'm very proud of my parents.  They are talented, smart and fun to be around but more than  anything, just really exceptional human beings.  I don't think I've ever appreciated them more than I do now.

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall". Confucious

A 5k, Chic Time and a Monster Dash

The school week ended with a math and a physics test and the weekend began with my first cross country 5k with the team.  It was time.  We left the campus at 7am, Saturday morning, and I was able to watch the sunrise on the way.  Have I mentioned what a beautiful place we live in?  A huge grin found comfort on my face early in the drive and I couldn't help but let it stay. 

We got to the race, and before I knew it, it was time to start. We got a pep talk from the coaches, had a huddle, and then the gun went off.

My lungs were really angry with me most of the race. More than anything, that's where I notice the biggest deficit; my cardiovascular fitness.  My body can go faster but my lungs are screaming, "STOP!" As I ran, I sounded like a poorly tuned musical instrument that needed to be put out of it's misery: a trumpet being played by someone with emphysema.  The girls around me were probably wondering what was wrong with me.  "It's okay ladies, just leap over me if I crumple to the ground!"  However, I achieved my goal of improving my time from last week, and took 1:10 off.   I feel like I've discovered a new side to running that is really FUN! I like playing this game.  My official time was 21:48.  The number is getting smaller, and it's feeling better...so, I'm just going to continue to focus on that.  Here's a super picture of our team.  I was going to crop it, but I just couldn't do it.  Some things just need to be left the way they are. Good stuff.

I finished off the day with a long overdue dinner in the company of good friends.  A double feature and a sleepover followed...sans the lingerie pillow fights.  We woke up early this morning for the Spokane Swifts Monster Dash 5k (for adults and kids alike with a Halloween theme).  There's something powerful about being amongst a bunch of badass women in tutus.  We arrived at Manito park at 6:45am to set up, and continued to freeze our a$$es off for the rest of the day but it was worth every shiver.  Amazing day.  Stay tuned for photos on the Swifts website

Adrianne and I ended up being the "sweepers" on the course which worked out well, since I'm quite familiar with pulling up the rear these days.  Here we are out on the course, we asked some spice girls (as in salt, pepper and paprika) who didn't seem to be in a hurry, to take our picture. And for the record, we returned the favor to our photographers by taking their picture as well.

 

I was struck today by how many remarkable, strong, encouraging, positive women I have in my life.  I just want to acknowledge the women I spent the day with today, and all the supportive friends I've been fortunate enough to have in my life along the way.  I'm aware of what a gift it is, and I'm grateful for that.

I didn't die

Today I ran my first 5k since February.  I am finally back and running!  Considering my current state of fitness with my cross country coach this week, we decided it'd be better for me to run a random, local 5k before doing a team race.  And today was the day.

Let me start by saying, it's really nice to be racing again.  Regardless of how much fitness and speed I've lost or how much work is ahead of me, I loved getting up this morning, knowing there was a race on the docket. Racing is my passion and it brings me a tremendous amount of satisfaction and motivation, in all aspects of my life.  And I've missed having the physical ability to go out and just run...so much so, that I haven't really felt like myself in these past months.  I am incredibly grateful that I got to go give it what I had today, and especially excited to say, my knee felt PERFECT!!

There's not much to say about a 5k, other than, "ouch".  Because this was my first race in a while, I decided that although I was going to wear my watch, I was not going to look at my time or heart rate and just go on feel.  This was a great idea, although it's particularly sad when you come around for your second lap, thinking it's time to finish.  I came around the corner looking towards the finish line and saw the clock. I quickly realized, no matter how convinced I was that I had only one working lung and was seeing the light of God calling me home,  I hadn't run a 13 minute 5k.  So, I headed out on my third and final lap a bit discouraged and a touch slower.  There's always an upside though...I could have come screaming through the finish line, not looking at the clock--throwing my hands in the air screaming "ya baby!!".  I like to point out that things could always be worse.  Yes, I am grateful for these little things.

Now, I'll talk about my time.  Well folks, I ran this cross country course in a whopping 22:58 today.  Yes, that's right.  The fun little detail about this particular pace (7:23/mi) is that I actually ran my last half marathon (on a hilly course) at a pace of 7:22/mile, one year ago, after my Lupus diagnosis.  Shelby tells me I should not, and cannot, compare where I was then, to where I am now.  She's little, but she's wise, and she knows some things about me...well, maybe a lot of things. So, I'm listening.

There it is in print.  My baseline, my starting point.  I am grateful for a healthy, working body that allows me to run pain free.  I've been patient but now it's time.  And what I'll focus on, is that it only gets better from here.  At this point, all I've got is a working body and a motivated mind. The slate has been wiped clean and I've got some goals, not based on the past but based on what I want in the future.  And I have no doubt that I'll get there.  It's just going to take some time, hard work and a heaping dose of patience.  Game on.

Introducing: Miss Shelby Madden

So, ya'all have seen Shelby all over my blog.  As embarrassed as she'll be, I felt it necessary for a somewhat formal introduction.

I met Shelby when I was about 18.  She loaned me the money to do my first skydive.  From there, we became room mates and spent a couple of years jumping out of airplanes together and working at the drop zone out in Perris Valley, California.  Since then, we've encouraged each other to do ALL kinds of things.  I just happened to rope her into participating in triathlon.  But with Shelby, it doesn't take much to get her going on something.

Now for the reason I'm writing this little blurb.  Shelby has taken on a huge challenge and she has started blogging about it.  http://shelbymadden.blogspot.com/ Read it.  At the very least, you will be entertained.  But I'm going to bet, you'll be inspired.  There's so much I want to write about regarding how, where and when she started, what she has faced and the incredible strength and perseverance she possesses.  But, it's her story.  So, I'll let her tell it...for now.   But I might just pipe in if she forgets to mention something....

There's always an upside to change

Well, Fall is here and the Cross Country season is far underway.  I have missed the first 2 races because on the second day of school I seem to have contracted a nasty flu bug that I'm still recovering from 2 weeks later.  On the upside, I am starting to feel human again, I didn't miss one day of school and my boys didn't get sick.  I am surely grateful for that.  Below is our team.  I am second from the right.  I giggle every time I look at it.  We were supposed to look like we were on the starting line, ready for the gun to go off but I think we just ended up looking like we're all holding kitchen utensils.  However dorky our team photo is, this is a very talented group of young ladies and I am honored to call them my teammates.

I woke up early this morning to ride on the trainer before school and  I watched the sun rise out my window as I did so.  Often, I have these moments in life when I'm completely overwhelmed by the greatness of life.  This morning, while watching the sunrise as I sweat my rear off while riding my beautiful, orange Trek inside a cozy home, I had one of those moments.  I love my life! I was able to run today as well and tomorrow I'll get my butt back in the pool. I may have a different kind of "feeling" about my swim workout but I'll give it a good Tinkerbell try.  At least the folks at the Y will be entertained.  Moving onward!!

I'll leave you with a few great quotes:

 "The trick is in what one emphasizes, we can make ourselves miserable or make ourselves strong, the work is the same" Carlos Castoneda.

"Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing to do.  But to hold it together when everyone would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength" Author Unknown.

"It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, it is the one most responsive to change".  Author unknown (often misquoted as Darwin).

If you can roll with the punches, find that "nugget of gold" in even the most dire of situations, and have gratitude for the journey no matter what it brings, I believe you can't help but be truly happy.

What it looks like to get dropped by...

I'm considering temporarily changing the name of this blog to "What it looks like to get dropped by _____".  Here's what it looks like to get dropped by Sam:

But let's start from the beginning.  Sam told me he had an easy 2 hour ride to do in Coeur D'Alene.  When my friends who are in stellar shape tell me they have an "easy day", what that translates to for me is "maybe I can hang on for dear life to keep up".  And I'm always game for that.

I awoke Thursday morning to rain pouring outside.  It was such a cozy feeling to be in my big, warm bed while hearing the rain falling outside.  Then it occurred to me that I was meeting Sam in Coeur D'Alene to ride.  Crap.  I texted Sam and said "it's raining".  His response included calling me a pussy and that I should "nut up".  Being so confused by the references to body parts, some of which I don't actually possess, I figured I'd better just "nut up".  When I arrived in Coeur D'Alene, this is what it looked like:

Then I really started to feel like a wimp or the small feline he referenced when I saw Sam was out there in the lake swimming.  I took a picture but it's hard to see him.  He's the small spec off-center in the picture below.

He got ready and as we were heading out on our ride, he said "I have some intervals to do".  Oh great.  So much for hanging on for dear life.  He dropped me at the first hill we hit and that was during the warm up. Here he is, waiting for me again.
 

I had some nice quality time with myself as Sam shot off like a rocket for his intervals.  I actually laughed out loud at how quickly he was out of sight.  But Turbo always came back around to get me and it actually ended up being a beautiful day and a really fun ride.  After his intervals, Sam slowed the pace so I could hop on his wheel and I did hang on for dear life!  I got that giddy feeling in my stomach, a reminder of one of the many reasons I love to ride.  I've still got a long way to go, but I feel like I am slowly but surely pulling away from that cloud hanging over my head and coming into the warm sunshine, promising me more warmth if I just keep on going.

I am grateful for the journey, the reminder that health and fitness are gifts to be coddled and savored.  And I'm grateful for what lay ahead.  I've had a small taste of what lies on the other side of commitment, hard work, early mornings and humiliating, vomit inducing training sessions...and that is what drives me, keeps me focused even when it seems like I'll never get there.  A friend shared a quote with me today by Tim Timmons, "celebration is empty without desperation".  I like it and I believe it to be true.

Last Big Weekend of Summer

I started out this post writing down all kinds of details about the weekend.  There was a visit from Shelby, lots of riding, a wedding and a race.  I realized, sometimes pictures just speak for themselves...

Shelby would not stop talking during the above photo session. 

 

 Shelby just climbed a huge hill but she's always ready for a photo op!

 She just licked me!

 

Amazing feats of strength and balance....not achieved.

 Our last minute team.  "Gulliver's girls of Lilliput". Alternate name was "All downhill from Rick" I thought that was more fitting.  No one is standing in a ditch or on a crate. Rick swam, Shelby biked and I actually "ran".  Highlight of the weekend was getting to be on a team with Shelby for the first time.  Gotta do that again.

Shelby's shoes with Ricks, they could have fit right inside.