Round Two?

So, I realize that I never actually updated after my half ironman. The reason is that I was crushed. I should probably start this off with a race report......

June9, 2012: Boise 70.3 The day began cold. Really cold. I was up early, and my brother met me at the bike/run transition to drop my running gear and to get me on the bus that would take me to the starting line. My brother rocks, I seriously adore him. He has done the Boise 70.3 3 times, so I consider him a veteran, and it was so calming to have him there to hold my hand through the process, It really helped to calm my nerves! I had to get on the bus alone, but the ride helped me to begin focusing.

The Start/Swim: As I mentioned above, the day started out cold. By the time the race began, the temperature was 35 degrees. I had been waiting in my wetsuit(as had every other participant), but my bare feet were so frozen that they had literally turned grey and I could no longer feel them. After the race, I would discover several cuts that I was clueless as to how I got them. About 10 minutes before the professionals started, the announcement was made that the bike was being shortened because of the crazy bad weather. It was so windy out there that the aid tents were being blown over, and so cold that there was a very real threat of hypothermia. I wanted to cry. Several people didn't even bother to start the race(and several more people were pulled from the swim because of hypothermia, it was awful). As the start time for my wave came near, I got onto the cement slab that was our starting point. I was able to watch the first of the pros exit the water, which was so awesome because I have never been able to see it before. The wave before me went, and we were allowed to wade into the water. Aaahhh! Sweet relief! The water was actually several degrees warmer(around 60+) than the air outside! At the "GO", I started off with several other women. It was my first time in a mass swim start, and it was quite unnerving. I had done several open water swims, but never with dozens of other people. I am not the fastest swimmer, so I was also being passed by people from all the waves behind me. I really struggled on the swim because of this. However, I finished my swim with a time of 1:06, which was only 12 minutes longer than I had estimated my time would be. It was the first time I had done 1.2 miles in the open water, but I felt good, and wasn't even the last person out of the water, woo hoo!!

Bike: I used the wetsuit pullers to help me out of my wetsuit because my hands were so cold that I just couldn't do it. Oh yeah, there is a line of people waiting for you as you exit the swim to help you get out of your wetsuit. Probably one of the coolest things about the race! My transition time was awful, but I was finally able to get all my gear together and get out on my bike. I ran my bike to the line where I could finally hop on, only to discover that my chain had dropped! I was so cold and confused that I couldn't comprehend this, and I just stared at my bike. Finally a spectator asked me if I knew how to fix it. This finally snapped me out of it, because yes, I did in fact know how to fix it, I just hadn't been able to get my muddled brain to think. I fixed my chain(it was super easy and took only seconds), and I was off! I felt really good on the bike as I was able to get my body moving enough to start to thaw out. I downed water and a few Honey Stinger Waffles because I wanted to get to the run well hydrated and with some energy. My amazing husband and three kids were out on the bike course with signs to cheer me on. I have never been so happy during a race!! I finally came down the hill to the bike/run transition, I only had a half marathon to run, and the sun was almost shining!

Run: My transition to the run was more smooth than onto the bike, but I still struggled with severely cold feet and hands, which made things a bit slow. My parents were there at the transition to cheer me. I am so lucky to have such a supportive family. I was finally off on the run. I did my first mile in 9:45 which is a record setting pace for me! I am always faster off of the bike, and it seems so easy. Then, reality sets in, and I slow down. All in all, I managed an overall pace of 11:19/mile, which I am super duper happy with. All along the course, I was seeing TriTown jerseys(the group that i had trained with, and the only triathlon store in Idaho, they are super amazing). I did my first loop, stopping at every aid station for Poweraide, and to use the bathroom since I was so over hydrated. Near the end of the first loop, the gang from TriTown(owners, workers, and friends), were there to cheer me on and give out high fives. It was so nice to see the support from non family too. I made it to the turn around, and started on the last leg of my adventure. I was tired, but in good spirits as I knew the end was finally coming! I continued my pattern of drinking and peeing at every aid station, though I probably could have/should have switched to water. I hit one spot where I was able to see a fellow TriTown athlete(Dennis), who has been a great inspiration to me. He wasn't far behind, and it was comforting to know that there were others out there with me still, as the bulk of the athletes were finishing their race as I was just hitting the turn around. On the last long stretch, Antonio(one of the TriTown owners) rode along with me on his bike. His encouraging words gave me an extra burst of speed that was much needed at this point. Then he headed off to find Dennis. I rounded the last turn, and the TriTown crew was STILL there to cheer me on!! I seriously cannot believe the support I got from them, hanging out there until the last of the tritown group finished, no matter how long it took. I could see the finish line, and I gave it all had, I wanted to finish strong as I knew my family would be there to see me. Unfortunately, I did get beat by a few feet by an 82 year old participant(in my defense, he had been doing this for several years, I had not!!)

The Finish: Crossing the finish line was such a thrilling and bittersweet moment. I was so happy to be done, and yet still felt the weight of not having actually completed the half ironman distance. I got my heat blanket, my finishers medal, and most importantly, my son slipped his little hand in mine, and held on tight. I was able to go get some delicious food, and sit down for a few minutes to talk with my family. The weather then took another turn for the worse, and it got super windy and overcast again(it had been windy the whole day, but this got ridiculous once more). I went to gather up my transition bags, and was able to sit and stretch out while my wonderful husband went and got the van. It was such an amazing experience, and worth all the blood, sweat, and tears that were put into it. Which brings me to the title of this post. I have been contemplating doing the Boise 70.3 again in 2013. I do not feel like I have done a half ironman yet. I know, I know, I finished the race, but the bike was cut, so I didn't actually finish a full half ironman. I have been so crushed by this that I have thrown away all my training, and undone all the hard work I put into it in the first place. I am so mad at myself, but I also needed it. So, I came here to write this, and to get back on the wagon(again). I haven't 100% decided that I am doing it, but probably 85% decided. I will have to see if I can arrange babysitting for the Monday night Swims, and the Saturday swim/bike. I took lot of commitment from a lot of different people to get me to the starting line. I know that if I want this bad enough though, that I will make it happen once again.

Weight loss results

Well, I expected a lot more weight loss while training for my half ironman. After talking with several people, I have learned that so many people don't lose weight while training for strenuous events because your body needs to focus on fueling, not losing. So true!! However, here are my results. I lost 15.4lbs since January 1st! I lost several inches, though I didn't really keep track. I did go down two pant sizes, which rocked my socks off. I am healthier now than I have ever been in my entire life. My husband commented that he saw the biggest change in my body when I started riding longer distances on my bike(I was riding 50-60 miles each weekend). I am 16.8 pounds away from my goal weight, and I am happy with where my muscle is. I can actually SEE muscle on my body, it's so cool!! 5 more days to go until I found out if I have what it takes to be a half ironmom!

Getting back on track

Just in time for a road trip. This is definitely going to be a challenge! I am finally picking my lazy butt up and getting back on track with my training. I still have a little junk in my chest, but honestly, it doesn't really seem to affect me while i exercise, so I should be good.

The opportunity came up for me to go down and see a good friend while the kids are on spring break, so I decided to do it. It's a good 14 hour drive with a 5 year old, a 3 year old, and a 17 month old, what am I thinking?!? I'm not bringing my bike, but I am bringing my running clothes, and I'll be able to do my strength training while I'm there because it doesn't really require any equipment. My dear friend has also agreed to let me invade her kitchen so that I am able to stay on track with our 100 day real food challenge. I'm packing a cooler with healthy foods for the kids and I to eat on the way down there so we won't have to eat any fast food. I'm so excited, and it makes it even better to have a friend to support me and encourage me while I am on a relaxing(hopefully) trip.

Another challenge

It's no secret that I am struggling with my motivation. I'd rather sleep in an extra few minutes than get my full bike time in, or step into the frosty morning to run. I'd rather sit on the couch than go swimming at night. I'm just plain tired.

So, I decided(with the full support of my husband because this has a huge impact on him), to do a 100 days of real food challenge. No processed foods, no sugars, no white flour, no artificial anything, etc. The list is quite intense. We started this morning. The husband and I are going hard core, but will be a bit more lenient with the kids, especially while they are at school(parents bring the snacks for the oldest preschool, and the school district provides that snacks for my son). Plus, the youngest two are having their adenoids out on Tuesday, and there were promises of Popsicles and ice cream to sooth sore throats. I want them to be spoiled at their Nana's house(within reason), and not have to inconvenience her. So, for the kids, it means that within reason and while I am in control, they will be doing this challenge too.

I have already been moving this direction, though I haven't been super strict with it. I think it's time for me to buckle down and really focus. If I am putting effort into improving my health, I really need to focus on my whole body, not just getting moving. What I fuel my body with has an incredible impact on my health, and it's time I really paid attention to that. I want to be healthy, and I want my kids to be healthy. I believe that what we put into our bodies has a huge impact on our health. Food from a box is convenient, but not necessarily healthy.

Sickness

Ugh, I feel like I've been sick for weeks. Oh wait, I have been! And not just me, but the kids too. Especially the youngest. She's been scary sick lately. As if my motivation wasn't already down in the dumps, being sick and taking care of three sick kids puts me at about my breaking point.

I took a week off from training, and then this past week has been shortened workouts. It's hard to run when you're hacking up green junk. I also realize that I am using this as an excuse. I will use anything I can. I start out all sorts of excited to do something, but as the race date approaches, I lose my motivation, my willpower, my drive. I think I am just so used to sabotaging myself that it comes naturally now.

At least I am down about 12 pounds, and several inches. I may post another picture soon. Then again, I may not. I can see muscle definition in my legs and my arms, and it's pretty darn cool. I can honestly say that I have never been this fit and muscular before, which seems so strange because I used to be thin before having kids. But being thin doesn't equal being fit. I'm currently in the best shape of my life, and it's only getting better.

I'm lame.

There is no other excuse for not posting.

Yeah, I started this post a few days ago, and still never posted it. L-A-M-E.

On a more positive note....




days until Boise Ironman 70.3!

My training is coming along, I am happy with it. Nervous that I won't be ready, but that's always a fear of mine.

Today I am 30.

I got up this morning at 5:05am. Okay, I set my alarm for 5:05am, and grudgingly slithered out of bed at 5:16am. I didn't actually make it out the door until 5:40am though, after downing a cup of 2% milk and half a banana. I ran a new route this morning, well, half of it was new, and half of it was old. I needed to add an extra mile to my run, so I meandered a little differently today. I really like running through quiet neighborhoods early in the morning. I can hear my footfalls, and it's so relaxing. I ran slower than I anticipated, but that's okay. I kept my heartrate right around 150, until the last half mile or so when I had to get home before my husband left for work(though I got home exactly when he was supposed to leave, just to find him stepping out of the shower, running late). All in all, it was a good way to start the day.