Starting to Pack

The packing has begun. Transition bags, special needs bags, bike gear, and so much more. 

Do Not Run Aimlessly

  One week, one day; the nerves are getting high. Life has been so busy lately but when I am reminded of the upcoming event I freak out a bit and my tummy churns. For me it's normal. I always get nervous. Doesn't matter if I am getting ready to race a 5k or an Ironman, I still get nervous.

  The above verses are in my heart to remind myself of several things. First of all to do my very best July 22 and to run the race with everything that I have. I am in no way going to come close to winning a prize like the verses say, that is not what I am implying, but I will run "in such a way to get a prize (hopefully a finishers medal).  It also reminds me not to run aimlessly but to run for God. The Ironman is a hobby, it's a sport, I know, but I can still stroke, pedal and run for God; God can be my focus. All day long I can pray for His strength and His wisdom and His mercy. It will be good practice for life, as we all need to pray for God's help every day of our lives. We need to daily ask for God's strength, wisdom and mercy.
  Most importantly the verses keep me grounded and remind me that life isn't just about Ironman or any of our other hobbies. Life is about God and His children. The verses remind me of the bigger picture, what we are really doing on earth. We are not hear to aimlessly charge here and there; we are here to prepare for eternal life with God. What greater race is there?? The race of life eternal with the most loving, forgiving, patient Father. I certainly do not want to get disqualified from this short life on earth and I don't want any of my family or friends too either.
   Imagine heaven where there will be no pain, no suffering, no death, no sorrow, no arguments, everyone will be able to see, hear, walk, run, dance, speak, everyone will be equal, everyone will be richly blessed, everyone will be friends.  Why don't we all desire it more? Why don't I get nervous about my spiritual life and the race that is determining my eternal future?
  "As Christians, we are running toward our heavenly reward. The essential disciplines of prayer, Bible study, and worship equip us to run with vigor and stamina. Don't merely observe from the grandstand; don't just turn out to jog a couple laps each morning. Train diligently--your spiritual progress depends upon it."Commentary in the Life Application Study Bible.
  The Ironman training has taught me discipline like never before. No matter what, I was determined not to miss a day of training. And when I trained it was with purpose, meaning and with a goal in mind. My spiritual life must be even more diligent and self-disciplined. God help me!!!!

Going to Miss IM

 
   Sunday I did my last longish bike. As I was driving to Gray to bike I was just reminiscing about the entire training season. So many memories, so many people, so many miles covered. Goodness, I'm going to miss it!! I cried in the car on my way to my last longish bike ride. I am full of apprehension about this thing being over. We have been thinking about kiddo number two and I know when that happens it's going to be very hard for me to do any type of training. Selfishly I have worked so hard to be at the point I'm at that it's hard to just see it all disappear. My family is more important to me but I am definitely trying to figure out a way to keep up my sport without totally going by the wayside. As you can see I'm going to have a hard time giving it up. Phew!! You might wonder why I enjoy it so much. Here is a list:

1.      I have met some great people during my training; Rich and Tina two of the most wonderful people, Swim Coach Russ, Jilly Bean, The Totman, Marianne, Seaweed Tom, Krazy Kathy, Marathoner Mark, Jim and Mark, Hot Mama Dominique, Little Powerhouse Jerry, Ta The Cyclist, Po Po Erik, Charlie the Great, Val and Walt, Andrew the politician, Anne and Roy, Mike the Brilliant, Mike the Chaser Racer, Doug, Holly and Jim, Jerry the Guy, Nicole, Energy Bunny Sue, Erica, Steve, Steve and Bob, Heather, Courtney, and the list goes on. I know I forgot someone which is not intentional.

2.      Some wonderful family and friends have supported my every effort (all the above names belong here too): Jamie, Tuck, Mom, Dad, Matt C., Mariah, Grandpa Gerald, Child Gang, Jill and Matt H., Greg S., Lori The Gimbel, Aunt Donna, Uncle Mike, Rick, Cheryl, Jessica, Jenn, my Couch to 5k Class, Greg T., and the list could go on and on.

3.      It has made me stronger not only physically but also mentally.

4.      We have trained in all weather conditions: snow, negative degree temps, hot temps, light rain, pouring rain, thunder, high wind days, gusty days, hurricane like days, cloudy days, sunny days and everything else in between.

5.      I have trained in many physical conditions: healthy, tired, sick, exhausted, overtrained, undertrained, injured, healing, painful, sore, stiff, with viruses, without viruses, with flu, without flu, stomach problems, throwing up; I think that's pretty much it.

6.      I have trained in many mental conditions: motivated, mentally exhausted and tired, hyper, unmotivated, aimless, goal oriented, happy, upset, excited, sad, teary eyed, maybe a bit grumpy :-), super stoked, but ALWAYS determined!!!

7.      Training for Ironman is the closest thing yet that I have done that requires perseverance, unwavering determination, relentless training, and no slacking. My training for other tri's was not nearly as planned out and if I missed a week here and there it was no big deal. Over 7-8 months time (6 of which were all out training months) I missed a total of 6 days due to being very sick. I trained when sick except when I had a high temperature or I was throwing up. As I mentioned in an early blog the training has been kind of like my Olympic games. It's the biggest athletic event I have ever done and I have figured out it is no laughing matter. Lots of focus.

8.      Sleep and recovery are so important and you have to make it part of your schedule. For the first time since I can remember I have been napping and enjoying it. My napping days are nearly over and I will miss them.

9.      Food, food, food. I haven't focused enough on race weight but I sure have taken advantage of eating like a horse. Goodness, I can eat alot of food. I have a feeling that's going to have to change drastically when this is all over. Yikes!!! Probably won't change until I gain lots of weight. Now I understand why some retired athletes gain weight. Totally makes sense.

10.  Countless mornings my alarm went off at 4am and even as early as 3:30am. Those early mornings were hard at first and then I just started to get up like a robot not even thinking about it. Believe it or not there is something special about early mornings.

11.  Countless nights I went to bed at 8pm and even as early as 7:45pm. Soon as Tuck went down for the night Mama would collapse.

12.  We got to welcome the day by exercising so early in the morning. We had many swims, bikes and runs that started in the dark and while training we got to enjoy the sunrise. I have so many beautiful images in my head from different sunrises I got to enjoy. Just beautiful!!!

13.  It's been alot of fun being out there training beside and racing with pro marathoners and triathletes. Karen Smyers probably wants to kill me since I yelled at her every time we passed each other in Lake Placid. We have passed by Joan Benoit out for her morning runs here and there too (We were on bikes. Only way we would have passed her). Then there have been a number of pro's at the races. Not many sports allow the average athlete such as myself to compete in the same race as the professionals. It's pretty cool.

14.  Never before have I thought it okay to take a day completely off of exercise. Sabbath has always been my day off planned training but I still usually walk or do something outside in the fresh air. There are some things that I feel comfortable doing on the Sabbath, such as hiking and taking walks. We, as a family, enjoy being active on Sabbath but I like to take the day off any planned training. Rest is just as important as exercise, nutrition, stress management, etc. You have to incorporate all of it. Sabbath is an important day to spend with God and to rejuvinate my spiritually thirsty soul. The day off leaves me feeling refreshed and ready for another busy week. God blesses us for observing His Holy day as well.  For nearly a year of Ironman training there have only been two days that I actually got on my bike and did a ride on Sabbath. In both situations I had mixed feelings thinking I sholdn't have gotten on bike and yet felt like it was fine considering the situation. I was not motivated by weather or working on killing myself.  I felt like I wasn't doing it for the wrong reasons. It's a fine balance for me to know what activity is okay for me to do on Sabbath and what isn't okay. It also matters who I surround myself with and what our conversation is. Hiking can be very strenous but I find it okay to do on Sabbath because being outside, and especially on mountain tops makes me feel as close to God as it gets.  I have run on Sabbath too but not as part of my training plan, instead just as a way to refresh my mind and get some fresh air. It's not about mileage, time or calories. Competing on the Sabbath is a big no-no for me though. I, personally can not compete and think on Sabbath thoughts at the same time. I pray during competitions but my mind is in a very different place while competing. So, long story short, I don't think it's a sin to run, swim or bike on the Sabbath but personally I'm having to be very careful about doing any of those three activites on Sabbath since they put me in race mode and make me think about the big event I have coming up. The ironman takes up too much of my thought already. I need to protect the Sabbath and keep it as a day to think about God, family, friends and those in need.

15.  For the first time in a long time I have become a little more versatile in the time of day I train. I still prefer to exercise in the morning but I have found out its okay to exercise at different times of day. I have had to swim late morning, bike in the afternoons, run in the evening. That's big for me since I use to only exercise in the morning. If I didn't get it done in the morning it wouldn't get done. With Ironman training you don't have a choice. I didn't have enough time to do everything in the morning or afternoon. Often I had to split it up and do some training in the morning then again in late morning and afternoon. I still MUCH prefer to run in the morning though. Running is the only exercise I despise doing any other time of day. :-)

16.  Gear, gear, gear. Although I don't have top notch stuff or hardly everything that is available to triathletes I have definitely accumulated pretty great stuff. Jamie and I (mostly Jamie) have researched great deals and gotten most everything with discounts.

17.  I am madly in love with my maintenance man. He is my tech man, my maintenance man, my gear man, my go-to-man for all equipment I own. Every once and awhile he even gives me a kiss or two. My maintenance man is the best in Maine and I have him all to myself. I share him with no one. He is the best kept secret. Thanks Jamie for all the changed tires, pumped tubes, seat adjustments, gear adjustments, water bottle adjustments, bike tune ups, and so much more. You are my right hand man and nothing you do goes unnoticed.

18.  Gear educator. Only Jamie knows how much I hate to change tires!!! Thanks babe for making me practice even though you had to listen to me whine and whimper. We still have some more practicing to do.  I wouldn’t have a clue how to change a tired if it wasn’t for you. Wish I could pack you up and bring you along on race day to change all my flats and fix all my problems.

19.  Free babysitting with the best sitter ever is another best kept secret of mine. My babysitter even comes with perks. He bakes bread, has been known to make dinner, picks stuff up, gardens, fixes my car, feeds my boy, loves my boy, changes my boy's very poopy diapers, takes Tucker to some fun places, puts Tuck down for naps, reads to Tucker, plays with Tucker and exceeds all expectations a mother might have for a babysitter. The cool thing is he is my maintenance man. What a handy man. Man of many trades. Love you Jamie.

20.  Backup babysitters!! Yes, I even have back-up babysitters who are totally amazing. My mom and dad have watched Tuck a number of times while I trained or raced. When I'm racing I have to have my maintenance man with me so Tuck gets to spend quality time with his Grampy and Grammy. They are so good with him; fun, active and consistent. Sometimes Tuck misses his naps when he is with Grampy and Grammy though. :-)

21.  Most importantly:

Every stroke, every pedal, every step are given to me from God. He is the reason my body is able to do any of this. He deserves all the credit. God is so loving, selfless, and patient. He has for some reason given me this opportunity. Somehow I hope this experience will glorify Him and Him alone. God is great. I don't totally understand why He has allowed me to do such an involved sport. Any way you look at it, it has definitely taken time away from God. I prayed before every bit of training so we were never separated but our one-on-one quite time was limited. I don’t' like it and I understand it's the most important thing for me to do daily. For some reason God has been patient with me and has given me the strength to do this crazy event. Some day it will all make sense. To God be the glory. I am but a feeble, mortal human who is nothing without God. God has watched out for me every step of the way and has protected my very fragile life in the water and on the road. For that and many other reasons I am so grateful.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart...Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. " Hebrews 12: 1-3 & 12

One week from now I will be packing up and getting ready to head to Lake Placid. Dear Lord please grant my family and me safe travels, healthy body’s and spiritually rich souls. Lord give me Your strength on race day because it’s the only hope I have in crossing the finish line. You and I God; I want to be on your team, God. It’s all that matters; being on Your team!!!

Peaked

  Today marked the end of my most strenuous training. The past 3 weeks have been my peak weeks with the highest miles. Matt H. and I biked the entire Lake Placid course which was 112 miles, we ran 20 miles. The following Sunday I biked 120 miles and Monday ran 20 miles, yesterday I biked a wicked hilly course for a total of 80 miles and ran another 20 miles this morning. Phew!! That's it!! Now I start to taper for race day. It's shocking that I am already starting to taper. Not long ago I had a year to train for this beast, now what's done is done and there is nothing more I can do. No matter what I do from here on out I will not get stronger or faster. If I'm stupid and push too hard though I could get slower and weaker. Now I have got to use my head and start to really listen to my body. This coming week-end I have only a 4 hour bike followed by only a 16 mile run planned. June 15 I plan on biking for only 3 hours and follow it by only an hour run or so. That will put me into pre-race week in which my training will really die down. If all goes as planned I will start to feel like a caged bear, full of energy and raring to go! It's a feeling that drives triathletes crazy. You want to train, get your energy out or race but you can't. You have to bottle it all up until race day. It's kind of a funny feeling. These next 3 weeks will be full of training but my big, long training days are complete!!! It feels good!!! Now I just need to focus on staying healthy, eating right, getting lots of sleep and tapering. 

  What a road it has been. Jamie and I were talking about it this morning and we both agree that this Ironman business will have to be put on hold for quite awhile since it takes so much time to train. We are both exhausted and ready for some normalcy. It's been hard this past year having to plan week-ends around my training, or having to go to bed wicked early to get up at the crack of dawn to train. We have missed out on alot of social times, trips, and other fun activities. I did my best to not affect my family too much with the training but it's impossible. When I first started writing this blog I mentioned how my goal was to train in such a way that my family was not neglected. Well, I wouldn't say they were neglected and I feel like I did my best but when you hit the last several months of training the family is affected and lots of time with the family is sacrificed in order to be on the bike for 6-7 hours or running for 3-4 hours. It all adds up quickly. Jamie has felt the stress too and is equally exhausted. 

  I had a sweet friend over the other night and it was so nice to be social. I haven't been able to hang out with her hardly at all but it was so much fun. I haven't been able to hang out with many people at all because I am either training, taking care of Tuck, taking Tuck to his activities, working, cooking, working, cleaning, working or sleeping. 

  I will never forget this year though and feel like it's kind of a peak year for me. Kiddo number 2 is planned for the very near future and then I have this feeling my body is going to fall apart. Haha!!! Actually, it's honestly a true fear of mine. I have every intention of getting back into shape after the pregnancy but not to this degree. This is it. Time will never be the same. Tuck keeps us so busy, I just can't imagine two kids yet. Wow, it's going to be busy, exhausting and yet wonderful. 

  Well, that's about all I have to say for now but I will continue to post before, during and after Lake Placid Ironman 2012. 

Lake Placid Training Camp

   One month from today; GAME ON!!!! Yesterday I found out my bib number is 476. When I saw my number for the fist time I got butterflies in my tummy. I can't believe this whole thing is coming together and I will actually be doing an Ironman. I keep thinking something might happen that will put a kink in the whole thing but so far the Lord has blessed me with a great training year and a great support crew. I honestly, feel like I'm living in a dream; never thought this was going to be possible.

If all goes well, one month from this very moment I should be done with the event that I trained an entire year for. All that hard work comes down to one day. I am sure during the bike and run I will have feelings of thinking it will never end but I also know it will go by in a flash. I want to savor every minute, every stroke, every pedal, every step. Not sure when I will be able to do anther Ironman.

Even though an Ironman is not a big deal to some it is to me. Figuring out how to train, be a mommy, wife, take care of the house, work many jobs and everything else in life has been very challenging. Most people train about 18-30hours a week for the Ironman but I am lucky to get in 12 hours a week. With my limited time to train and life duties this adventure has proven to be one heck of a ride. It's my Olympic event, it's my one big chance. Jamie has made it very clear that I am not to do this again for a very long time so this is it. With that in mind it really puts extra pressure on me to make July 22 successful some how. Lots of things can happen leading up to that day and lots of things can happen on that day so I pray hard the Lord will grant me a smooth race day. There is alot at stake for us. We have invested alot of time, finances and hard work into this adventure. Ironman stuff is not a poor mans sports and we are poor. :-) So, yes, we have alot at stake. Knowing that I don't have the luxury to just do another one if this one doesn't go well really adds the pressure. Some how I have got to channel this "pressure" to work for me not against me.

I guess because so much hard work and so much support from other's is invested in this Ironman distance there seems to be alot more emotions that go along with Ironman distance races as opposed to any other distance I have done. It's a funny thing. This last month leading up to race day is not only crucial physically it's also an emotional roller coaster. I am so excited about race day, so ready for it to be here and yet part of me wants to freeze time. I don't want it to be over either. Half iron distance races and shorter I know that if I have a bad race it's okay. I can sign up for another one and try again. That's not the case with Ironman. This is my one chance. This is my one shot, at least until I'm 50 or so. Haha!!! Poor Jamie on the other hand just can't wait for this whole thing to be behind us (for his very understandable reasons). Race day will only be sweet to him but I'm afraid for me it will be very much so bitter sweet. I will be one of those athletes that crosses the finish line (assuming I cross the finish line) crying like a baby. I apologize ahead of time. :-) I have had some real amazing supporters during this whole adventure and I can't thank them enough for constantly encouraging me, giving me words of wisdom, pushing me when I didn't want to keep going, holding me back when I was overtraining, and the list goes on. I will forever be grateful to you. You know who you are!!! One month away my friends; couldn't have done it without you.

This past week was the peak training week for the Ironman. Some wonderful friends of ours invited Jamie and I to come stay with them at an apartment they rented in Lake Placid. We gratefully accepted their offer only if we could provide the food. To make the trip easier my parent's offered to watch Tucker and my brother and his beautiful gal offered to watch our puppy. So with the car packed with food, bikes, Jamie's motorcycle and lots of gear we were off to Lake Placid. We arrived in Lake Placid late but got some good sleep before the training adventures began.

We started the training with a 56 mile bike. We did the bike course once and even experienced one flat tire. My friend, Matt, unfortunately got a flat but it was very educational for me. I was sorry it was an extra expense for Matt but I was very grateful for the tutorial. Our ride was successful and was followed up by a swim. The plan was to swim the entire 2.4 mile course but we ended up swimming 3.6 miles. Matt and I didn't know where to turn around and we ended up following the rowing course. We knew something was off due to time but we went ahead and did two loops of the rowing course anyway. Hey, if we can swim 3.6 miles than surely we can swim 2.4. Haha!!! The swim felt great and it was awesome being able to follow the cord underneath the water. I hardly looked up at the buoy at all. Race day I probably won't be anywhere close to the cord but I enjoyed the luxury during practice. The rest of the day we enjoyed lounging and eating a little ice cream. That night I went to bed fairly early so my body would be rested up for the next adventure.

 The next day we were off on our 112 mile bike ride. We did the first loop under 3 hours and we felt good but I knew it was a little too fast for me. I would have to go a bit slower race day in order to have a fresh marathon. After the first loop we re-fueled and road out of town for the second loop. About 10 miles away from town on the second loop I started to feel really hot. I felt like I really didn't drink enough and I know I didn't eat enough. Something to remember on race day. Otherwise the 112 miles went very well and we felt good. I was very pleased with my bike, my saddle and my attire. After the bike ride we changed into our running shoes and did a t-run from the apartment to the lake. Matt and I quickly took our shoes off at the lake and promptly dove it. It was the best feeling!!!! The cool water felt so refreshing and helped wash away the hours and hours of salt plastered all over my legs, arms and face. Once we got home, showered and ate dinner, it was time for bed.

The next morning we geared up and headed out the door for our 20 mile run. We did one and a half loops of the running course. Some how our legs didn't feel too bad after the long bike. We were able to cover the run course without any trouble and finished feeling tired but good. Now we just have to put everything together all on the same day. Yikes!!!

This past week has given me a confidence boost. Having done the course and knowing I have covered every mile of it is comforting. I know how to pace myself a bit better, I know how to fuel a bit better and I came up with a different hydration set-up on my bike which is MUCH better. I know the course, the hills, the downhills, the flats and everything else in between. Next time I'm in Placid I just have to put it all together which is going to be a whole different beast.

There are several things I have got to practice between now and July 22. I have to practice changing my tires, repairing my tires and pumping my tires. There is nothing more that I hate then a flat tire. My hand strength is so weak and it takes me forever to get a tire on and off the rim. It's so frustrating. So, I must practice for hours how to change my tire until I can do it in minutes instead of in hours. :-) I also need to practice my transitions and figure out exactly how to work quickly and efficiently. I also need to research special needs bags and figure out what to put in them.

Jamie and I want to send out a great big thank you to Matt and Jill for making this past week possible. It was alot of fun, alot of hard work and just a great experience. We also want to thank my parents for giving Tucker an exciting, fun filled time and we thank Matt and Mariah for taking care of the puppy. It takes a crew to prep for such an event!!! Wouldn't be possible without my team!!! Thank you everyone.

Sub 14 Would Be Okay...I Guess

  Ever since I started this Ironman adventure I have had alot of friends ask how long it will take me to complete the Ironman. Great question!! Wish I knew the answer. Wind, sickness, bike issues, swim issues, run issues, cramps, too many bathroom breaks, weather and so much more are all variables that can and probably will affect my time. Let's just say I have smooth sailing (which is rare) my time would be, well, I want to say 12 hours and 30 minutes BUT NO. That's only wishful thinking. Honestly I would be really happy with anything sub 14. Being a mom, working several jobs, and having limited time to train will definitely play a major role on my total race time. I'm heading to Placid to put my body to the test (especially mentally) and as long as I see that finish line I will be VERY happy!!!
  There are cutoff times for the Ironman. The swim has to be completed within 2 hours and 20 minutes. The bike has to be completed within 10 hours and 30 minutes and the run must be completed within 17 hours of the start. Realistically I will probably do the swim around 1 hour 20 minutes, the bike around 7 hours and the run around 5 hours. In my dreams I would love to do the swim in 1 hour 17 minutes, the bike in 6 hours 30 minutes and the run in 4 hours 30 minutes. The closer I get to race day the more reality is sinking in. I am becoming continually excited about just finishing the thing even if it takes 17 hours. You just never know what could happen. I totally wouldn't be surprised if it takes me much longer than I think. (Jamie is going to cringe when he hears the next part.) The problem is if I have some sort of unpredicted issue and my time is off big time then I will be dying to do another to prove to myself that I can finish an ironman in a descent time. Let's just pray really hard that things go somewhat smooth and I can at least accomplish this beast within 13:59:59 or less!!!! Sub 14 would be okay, I guess. Not exactly what I was hoping for when I first started this adventure but it is quickly becoming my reality. Could take longer but one thing is for sure no matter how long it takes I have to remind myself that few get to experience such a thing and it will be amazing just to finish!!! God give me strength!!

Some Truth and April Training

Hello Once Again!! April training is over and May training has started. April went pretty well, although I did get sick again. I missed two days of training which wasn't too bad but two days missed is two days missed. I am realizing that ironman training is very hard health wise. I am not willing to compromise my faith, my family time or my work. It's getting harder and harder and usually what goes first is sleep. There is no doubt that I am missing out on some family time too. Thankfully pretty much the only time my family notices that I'm gone is on Sunday’s when I have to do long bike rides followed by a t-run. It could be worse.

Jamie has been such a wonderful support!!! I often can't believe how selfless he is. He is truly the most amazing guy on this planet!! Jamie is helping me fulfill a dream that is only mine. Somehow he is willing to see me through it and often I have no idea why. This leads me to another point...

Ironman training is NEVER about just the athlete. Everyone is cheering the athletes on when we are on course racing but I honestly wish my family and friends could stand up on a platform and get the recognition they deserve!! This sport takes a team. When July 22 comes I want my whole support crew to get a medal. They deserve it so much more than I do. I have never felt so selfish in my life then I have during this training. So much time is scheduled around my training. Feeling selfish is a horrible feeling. I would like to thank some people by name (you can get the idea how many people it takes to train for an Ironman. Every single person has played a key role in my training): Jamie, Tucker, Dad, Mom, Rick, Cheryl, Mike T., Matt, Mariah (mac recipe), Greg T., Aunt Donna, Russ, Mike C, Jill W., Kathy, Tom, Rich, Tina, Matt & Jill H., Jerry H., Greg S., my grandparents, my couch to 5k group, my students, Rachel S., other MTC members, Sustainable Athlete, and many more.

 I want you all to understand that I do love the challenge and I am looking forward to race day but I am trying to be very open about the whole process. It's not all bliss and fun. I hate to be a Debby downer but hear me out. First of all it's incredibly hard to balance life with training. I am constantly fighting exhaustion. Weekly events have to be scheduled around my training. I can't go out with friends Saturday night or any other night of the week or I end up sleep deprived. As soon as Tuck goes to bed I have to go to bed (otherwise we all pay because I get sick) so Jamie and I have limited time together. There have been no date nights. I miss it so much. There have been training days that end in tears due to duration, intensity and/or exhaustion. I am not much of a crier but sometimes I feel like everything has been taken out of me and I am just totally drained. Training for an Ironman is not easy! Jamie often asks me if I had fun after a long ride and I'm not sure how to answer him. It's true, I have put myself in this position and it's my choice but it's not always fun. It's alot of hard work that includes alot of sacrifices. All of my long rides have been alone too which really adds to the mental battle. Last year I was able to do alot of long rides with my team mates who made it fun and enjoyable but this year it's just not working out with my schedule. Riding alone for 4 to 5 hours can be daunting and overwhelming physically and mostly mentally. Thankfully I have been able to do my long runs with a friend which has been a big help. Another thing I have noticed about this Ironman training is my health has been the poorest it's been. My good friend, Tom, said you can be fit but not healthy. SO TRUE!!! I have been sick at least once, sometimes twice, every month this winter. It's partly my fault because I have trained at too high an intensity but it also down to sleep deprivation. I am concerned about my health and am hoping to make a visit to the doctor soon to get some advice. I have cut out all desserts but it doesn't seem to be helping. Bottom line, Ironman training is thrilling and an amazing experience but it doesn't come without its challenges. There are alot of sacrifices that have to be made not only by the one training but by the entire family and friends.

Upside: the experience seems surreal and I still can't believe that I will be an athlete at the Lake Placid Ironman. It really blows my mind. It's also a great feeling to not feel intimated by long distance swims, bikes or runs. It becomes part of your identity. It gives you great confidence. It boosts my mood and helps me be a better mom (when I'm not exhausted). I have gotten jobs due to my triathlon experience and Jamie and I can use every red cent we can get. I have gained alot of experience and have learned so much about triathlons. I have also learned alot about myself and what's important in life. I have learned even more about how amazing Jamie is and how much I adore Tucker. Most importantly I have learned that imbalance is dangerous. God has to be my focus. Ironman training takes alot of time but mental training even takes more time away from God. It's playing with fire. Don't let anyone kid you. I tend to learn things the hard way. But I will tell you, God has blessed me so much during this training even though I feel like I don't deserve it. God is great!!! He gives me every breath, every step, every minute of my day and I am so thankful. God is allowing me to do this Ironman for some reason and it's a privilege. To God be the glory!!!

  April training has included 3,500-4,000 yard swims, bike rides have maxed at 4 hours outside, and runs have included anything from 7 mile runs to 20 mile runs. I had one very hard run due to only 5 hours of sleep the night before and due to what time I ate supper. It was a 16 miler which half way through resulted in me feeling very sick and dead. After a little bit of walking I was able to pick it back up and push through. What a mental ride!!! It’s not fun to run any distance feeling extremely sick. But once it was over I was SO thankful I finished the run. Great Ironman practice, so I hear!!

  May has already started and it started out great with an amazing 4 hour bike ride in Mass followed by a 4ish mile t-run. At first the bike ride was frustrating since I didn’t know where to go but it ended up great. Half way through the ride I rode up Mt Wachusett which was beautiful!! I felt pretty good on the run. Part of me felt fresh and almost as if I never biked but I did fight a cramp from the food I ate on the bike. I will have to work on that.

  Currently I am on my second day of sitting on a lazy boy with the flu. I’m hoping it ends soon since I am getting behind in my training. So, yes, I got sick in May too, already. Aaaaaa!