Chasing Iron

go cupcake go...

I realized that some of you might not know who Cupcake is.  She's my bike!  2008 Cannondale Synapse 3.  I heart her. And today we headed to Bicycle Link to get fitted for aerobars.  Allen is awesome, hooked me right up and it was surprisingly comfortable!  I guess I thought I'd feel more awkward, but I feel great on them!  It will take some time to get used to, but I'm headed out to Silver Comet on Saturday for some nice gentle riding (well beyond the crowds).  We also got an aero bottle.  I'm riding in style now!  And of course, there are pictures.

 

this is why...

As several blogger triathletes head to Ironman, they have posted their 'why'.  The thing that gets them through Ironman - what their focus is.  It has been such a joy to read these posts, and hear all of the different stories.  I recently read XT4's post on his blog - Becoming Ironman: Again.  I thought it was such an emotional and phenomenal post and I wanted to share it with you guys in case you hadn't had a chance to read it. 

on changes...

I read Stef's post about turning a corner in training and it rang so true for me.  It's a post that's been bouncing around in my head for awhile, actually.  Today it really came to the forefront as I rode my normal Wednesday ride.  I wasn't feeling great when we headed out, but somehow, I had a lot more power in my legs than I thought I would.  The normal hills didn't bother me and I felt strong throughout my ride.  When we pulled back into the parking lot, I checked my watch.  We cut almost 10 minutes off of our time from last week, which was about a 2 mph faster average. 

I realized how much progress I've made in a very short time.  And it's not just that the actual riding is easier - it's that my overall confidence on Cupcake has grown leaps and bounds.  I am more comfortable on the downhills and don't have to ride my brakes so much.  It just feels right. 

I guess I'm starting to feel less like that bumbling, slow beginner and more like an athlete.  I'm focusing on how things feel, how to fuel my workouts, learning from my training and just generally enjoying my workouts.  I'm learning that I can let go of the self-deprecating quips to my friends because they aren't true.  I am strong and capable.  I may still be a slower pace, but I am improving with each workout.  Now, don't get me wrong, there are days when I revert back to feeling totally incapable (ahem - Saturday), but in general, it's happening less and less. 

I'm really excited about my upcoming training.  I do need to focus more on getting my runs in, which is funny because that used to be my thing.  Now, I seem to lean more towards biking and swimming.  I am looking forward to a true training schedule - one that will get me to my 70.3.   It may involve a coach, which is exciting.  I'm talking to someone next week and it just might work out.  I like the idea of having someone to answer to - it generally kicks me in the butt even more. 

iron thoughts...

Thank you guys for all of your comments on my half-iron question.  It was really helpful to get some perspective.  Chattanooga is just 2 weeks out, so I am going to hang on and see how I feel afterwards.  If I feel confident on the course, I'll look at my pace and decide which race to target.  I am going to pick one! I know that I can do this and with good training, I'll be even more confident in my abilities.  I have a good base right now and I've trained more the past few months than I ever did for my marathons.  I've also made some good strides in my weight loss efforts, which helps on the hills. 

Seeing all of the ladies out there on the course today at Iron Girl just made me even more determined to look strong out there and push through the 'suck' as Steph called it. 

Courtney posted about a 26 week challenge to take us through the rest of 2008.  (Oh, and if you haven't visited her blog, it'll crack you up!) I'm definitely game!  My goals are:

• Lose 36 lbs
• Focus on eating calories to lose weight and fueling my workouts
• Sticking to my training schedule
• Becoming more confident in my abilities, believe in myself the way I believe in others
• Continue learning to love hills, because hills are a big part in boosting my confidence

If you're up for the challenge, join us! We've got half of 2008 remaining and that leaves a lot of time for some BIG THINGS. 

Volunteer Report - IronGirl Atlanta 2008

Woke up this morning at 4AM. Yes, REALLY EARLY! But since I was picking up a friend, I had to haul it to pick her up and make it to the race by 5:15.  We made it right on time and grabbed our volunteer shirts and a marker.  Got a good squat workout on body marking! All the ladies looked ready and before we knew it, transition had closed.  I missed seeing Dee Dee to wish her luck, but did see Lauren and Christian!

We worked the bike mount line for awhile and were then whisked away to work the run course.  We were originally scheduled for transition area, but I think they were a few volunteers short, so out we went.  I was positioned at the bottom of a hill just before the one mile aid station.  It was great because I got to see every single participant and cheer for them as they went out to the turnaround and then came back.  As a BOP triathlete, I never get a chance to see the fasties in the front.  Almost every single person out there had a big smile on their face and if they didn't, it usually just took a cheer directed their way to get a smile.  Since it was just the two of us out there, we were yelling, cheering and ringing the cowbell like crazy. 

I joked that I lay in bed at night thinking of things to say.  These included 'You're already back? That was fast!', 'Take it home girl', 'You can smell the medal from here', 'Nice job Iron Girl', 'What goes up, must come down' and one that I stole from my friend 'The faster you run the faster you're done'. 

Got to cheer for Dee Dee on the run and she was looking strong, running along with a TNT runner. We continued cheering until the last runner came through and then were dropped back off at the finish.  Got to see all the ladies with their medals and more smiles.

It was a great day!!  And it really made me want to race!  So I came home and signed up for Acworth.  ;)  Don't worry, it fits into my half training just fine. 

well that sucks donkey butt....

Ok, the good news first.  I had an awesome ride today!!  We have decided to ride the 21 mile Buckhead route every weekend until Chattanooga.  Remember that awful hill that I mentioned?  I made it all the way up today!  I feel like a rockstar!  That is a tough hill!  It took about 8-9 minutes to climb, which doesn't sound like a lot, but it kicked my butt. 

One thing that leaves me totally confused is the comparison of elevation from Map My Ride to the Garmin Elevation Chart.  I've included both below -

It's so strange! I don't get why they are different?  My Garmin one shows the Hill from Hell much better.

I really wanted to use my ride today as a comparison for Chattanooga (and the potential South Carolina HIM).  Here's where my excitement and confidence starts to waver.

When I look at being able to tackle the Florida race, it's doable.  At St. Anthony's, I did better on the bike than I thought (16 mph average) and that was with not riding as much as I should have been.  Based on my St. Anthony's time, I could double it and be OK for the Florida race in terms of cutoff (as long as theirs is consistent with most other HIM races). I would be pretty much back, back of the pack, but it would be do-able.  My race calculator puts it at a 7:45. 

But when I look at my times in terms of the South Carolina cut-off, things get hairy. Which sucks because I was actually leaning towards this race. 

The rules - All participants must complete the event within 8 hours of the start of the final swim wave. Individual discipline cut off times are seen below and are listed as cumulative times from the start of the final swim wave. Event officials reserve the right to pull any athlete from the course if it appears he/ she will not complete the event within the posted cut off times.

Swim: 1 hour 15 minutes
Bike: 5 hours 00 minutes
Run: 8 Hours 00 minutes

All you fasties might want to skip over this part ;).  I filled in a pace calculator to get a reasonable idea of what my time could be. 

• If my swim is consistent with St. A's, by pace, I'll finish just under an hour.  (OK)
• 5 minutes for T1 (generous).  (OK)
• If I guesstimate the bike at a little faster than my ride pace today, it's about 4:30 (12mph avg).  (Not OK if it's cumulative and you add in the run)
• 5 minutes for T2  
• Average 13:30 for run.  (Not OK)

Puts me at a depressing 8:40.

Uh, yah.  Not so much.  I mean, I need to be reasonable here, right? Granted, I have 3 months of consistent training ahead that will make me stronger, and I'm losing a reasonable amount of weight each week (1-1.5 lbs).  But I want this to be fun!  And I don't want to sign up for a race that I couldn't complete.

Now let me clarify, I've made HUGE strides in my confidence over the past few weeks.  I used to look at it like I wouldn't be able to see progress until I was a skinny, tiny person.  But by sticking to my training, I've seen HUGE gains in just a few weeks.  I feel stronger and I have gotten a little speedier (we cut over 10 minutes off of the last time we rode this route).  I know that if I keep chipping away at it, I'll get there. 

My hubby's suggestion was to see how I feel after Chattanooga.  To go ahead and start my training program with the SC HIM in mind and see what my times from that race look like since it would be a better comparison.  I think that's a good idea.  And if it goes well, but not super speedy, I always have the Florida option. 

Danger Will Robinson...

You people are dangerous!!  ;).  Wes sent me another bike - the Scott Contessa Plasma. She's looking pretty hawt too! (the bike, not the girl...well, the girl too)

And then there's the BMC TT02 (this is the TT01, I can't find a picture of the TT02).  If there's anything I like as much as pink and black, it's red and black.  Still kind of feminine, but also a little spicy!!

 

I've actually got an appointment at my LBS - Bicycle Link for next week to get some bars fitted onto my road bike.  I want to try things out that way and see how it feels.  Next year I may think about a tri bike.  Afterall, isn't the correct number of bikes always n+1? Oh, and my LBS sells the BMC.  Hee.

I'm just about ready to register for my HIM - I've been debating between South Carolina and the race in Florida.  Had a few nerves about the Atlantic Coast Tri being brand new this year.  But really, I'm planning on racing Augusta 70.3 next year and that will be an inaugural race as well. 

Fears relating to the brand new race - it will probably be small.  Caps at 800, which seems pretty high.  But really, there weren't THAT many racers at South Carolina last year, so it's not like a huge difference.  Cutoff times aren't posted yet, but I imagine they'll be similar to most other races.  It will be wave start, so there are chances of being last.  You know, all the fears that come with back of the pack.  But really, who cares right? It's a chance to train for and race a HIM. If I like it, I'll have some awesome options next year.  It's time to get my feet wet. 

So if you had your choice - new race (flat, on the beach, brand new) or South Carolina (established, hillier, lake swim, one week earlier)?  I think I may register today (hello butterflies!)

tell me have you seen her...

So I've seen a few posts on Beginner Triathlete, but just finally had a chance to check this out on RooWorld.com.  The Quintana Roo Chicqilo.  (Don't worry, I'm just looking)

Behold the beauty. 

See - this is what I do when I try to avoid signing up for Ironman CDA.  Ha!

Team Bear Naked?

I'm sure most of you are on Active.com's email list and may have seen this.  But just in case - I wanted to pass this along. 

 
Apply to be a part of Team Bear Naked (no, dirty minds, this is a health food company!)

Real Life Product Review - SofSole Women's Performance Insole & Socks

I know you guys have been waiting with bated breath!! It's finally here! ;)  Wes received his box after me and already posted his sock review! Gotta get on the ball!

The kind folks at SofSole read about my need for some serious comfort and sent me a few things to test out.  I'm telling you, it could not have come at a better time.  I'm trying to determine what the best running shoe for my foot is, and until I do, my current shoes are going to have to get the job done.  So putting the insoles in to see what they felt like now and then in the new shoes seemed like a good plan.  And socks? Well, as you guys know, we're always on the search for the perfect pair.

The first thing I tested was the Women's Performance Energy socks.  You want to hear something funny? As I was searching in my drawer the other day for socks, I pulled out a duplicate pair to these.  Except my duplicate pair was much older than the brand new pair I had to try.  These are my favorite socks! And I was sad because I didn't know who made them.   They have held up extremely well,  just fading over time, but still as comfy as ever. 

So I put the new pair on, laced up the shoes and headed out.  I've been having trouble with the second and third toe on my left foot, the toenail always hurts after a run.  But I didn't notice any problems with these and had no blister issues. Feet stayed nice and dry!  Two thumbs up on these and I'm planning on grabbing a few more pairs.  We haven't located the sock monster yet and he keeps stealing my socks. 

For round two, I headed to the gym yesterday for a swim and decided to test out one pair of insoles for my run afterwards.  I tried the Athlete Women's Performance Insole - it's got maximum cushioning and a medium arch.

As I was changing for my run, I realized I'd forgotten to pack my socks (ironic, huh?).  Doh!  But I really wanted to get my run in, and test out the insoles, so I went sockless.  Aha! The true test!  OMG.  Can I just tell you how comfy these were?  It was like running in a brand new pair of shoes.  And I rarely run sockless, which made it even more interesting.  I can't wait to test these out on the road with my socks.  I'm sure they will feel even more comfy.  I'll be back with a note to let you know how they did out on the road.  But they fit into my shoe perfectly and I had no issues there.  This is the first time I've tried replacing the insoles, so I'm now officially addicted.

I want to try some out in my cycling shoes also, and the folks at Sof Sole said they were curious how it worked out.  So I'm going to try these in my shoes, as well as the Adapt Insoles - these are heated up so that they can mold to your foot.

we love hills, yes we do...

Don't we? 

Thanks for all the great advice on my cycling question - I have a feeling I'm actually doing what I should be then!  I went out for a ride tonight in Buckhead - it's a 13 miler, which seams harmless.  But it's actually part of the Buckhead Bellyache ride and it's a challenging ride for me right now.  I have big news though!

I didn't have to get off my bike once!! I know, silly for some of you, but last week I had to hoof it up 2 different hills.  This time, I dropped into the low gear and when I needed it, hovered over the saddle just a bit.  I guess those spinning skills do come in handy when you need 'em.  I felt smooth going all the way up!  Now, it was still incredibly hard, but I was proud when I made it to the top.  I've included the ride elevation below.  I'm just starting to learn how to read these and be able to compare.  The second one is the ride that I'm doing on Saturday.  It's the 21 mile version with the hill from hell.  Woohoo! I'm trying to get stronger for Chattanooga!

It was hot out though, and it left me feeling wonky for my drive home.  It's been good practicing in the heat, because I'm sure it'll be hot out on the run for Chatt. 

So, there are like 250 spots (and shrinking) open for CDA. It needs to close like NOW before I get any bright ideas.  This is really the only tempting race of the season other than IMFL.  I am NOT ready for that distance.  Not yet, at least.  Maybe 2010? The CDA hills would kick my butt from here to Idaho and back.

Oh, and speaking of IMFL, I am volunteering this year and can't wait to cheer.  Give me a shout out if you'll be doing it.  I know Wes is, who else?

cycling question...

Ok - I've heard that there are 2 types of cyclists.  The spinners and the mashers.  I have a feeling I'm a masher, but am trying to figure out if I'm doing something wrong.

Here are the details -

I've got a compact crank (Shimano FC-R600 Compact, 34/50) and a 12-27 on the rear. I generally ride in the big gear in the front on Silver Comet Trail (pretty much all flat), but occasionally drop to the smaller gear in the front with a tougher gear on the back on small inclines.  I like to have something to push against, rather than spinning in a really high cadence. (I don't have cadence on my bike computer, but have figured it before).  From the times I've tested it, I'm in the 90s. 

When it comes to uphills, I generally am in the bigger gear up front and the easiest in the back, or when real hills hit, I'm in the smaller gear up front and the easiest gears in the back.  If I'm going up a hill and can still have a little something to push against, I'll use that.  If it's a really impossible hill, I'll drop to the most granny combination I have and sit up and spin slowly up the hill.  If it's a really bad grade and I feel like I'm going to tip over or can't get the pedals around, I will get off and walk. The times that I've stood up on the bike, I've gotten more out of breath and it didn't seem to help. 

Is this what I should be doing? Do I just need to ride more hills and get stronger on the bike?  What about the downhills?  I usually put it in the hardest gear I have so that my legs aren't just spinning around out of control, but I also try to plan for what's ahead (i.e. if it's another uphill, I'll keep it in a more manageable gear for the impending climb). 

Help me oh wise cyclists!

motivation!

Don't worry, people, I've come through!! Here is the ring that I had made.  You can get something like this (with anything printed on it that you would like) from Etsy.  I'm really pleased with the seller that made mine!  I took these pictures without the flash, so the ring is actually a shiny sterling silver and the letters are black. 

hodgepodge...

I've had this post brewing in my head all weekend! So much to update on.  Our short weekend vacation with my parents in TN was fabulous. Things are always better when you go home!  I didn't get a ton of training in, but I did run one day and walk with my mom another.  I was going to bring my bike, but ended up not.  I probably should have - the weather was phenomenal!

My parents were kind as I latched myself to my laptop on Sunday, barely coming up for air when we had company over.  I just had to check on everyone doing CDA!  And what a show it was!!  I was itching yesterday when registration opened, but the thought of a finishing a race with a marathon kept me from registering.  I'm just not ready yet.  I was cheering for many bloggers, but one of them hit home the most.  Bonnie has a story that will motivate you beyond belief.  She completed CDA last year and went back to Idaho for more this year.  She finished the race, besting her time as well.  I'm definitely a fan and could probably use a ton of her advice. 

Also - big props to Shirley over at Endurance Sports Bar for updating the list of bloggers who were racing.  It was a one stop shop for updates on Sunday's iron progress!! 

I came home and checked the mail and my ring arrived!! It's on my right hand and although I should probably have gone down a half size, it fits on the middle finger.  How appropo.  I'm just gonna give those hills the big ole finger.  I got an email from fellow blogger Laura with a great site for bracelets.  I still may cave and order one.  How can you resist? They are gorgeous!

Speaking of Laura, I've been getting some emails from new visitors! I'm hoping to get a really great list of links to add to my sidebar, so if you are new or just want to be linked, send me a note and I'll add you to my blogroll!  I love love love getting comments and have had some really great discussions with fellow blogger triathletes recently.  It's great to hear about people who are working towards similar goals - especially combining weight loss with this sport.  I need all the ideas and motivation I can get!

Plan for tonight is a 45 minute run and then a 1950 swim.  Tomorrow is a 90 minute ride. 

Iron Dreams...

I wanted to send a big shout out to some fellow bloggers who are going after their own Iron Dreams this weekend at Coeuer d' Alene.  I have been enamored with this race ever since I saw it on Ironman Live last year.  I rarely comment on most of these blogs, but I have been reading along.  This is one of my favorite Ironman races and one that I'm considering in the future.  I can't wait to tune in on Sunday and follow all of these tremendously talented and driven athletes!

Big'un - 1234
Bolder - 1231
Greyhound - 66
GeekGirl - 2221
JohnnyTri - 713
Momo - 2116
Scottie -1045
Spokane Al - 1684
Sweet Baboo - 1064
SW Tri-Gal - 2366
Tea - 2125
T-Guy J - 290
Taconite Boy - 92
Supalinds - 1788
Iron Shane - 923
Tri Dogmom - 1857
Iron Eric - 61
Neoprene Wedgie- 879

rolling rolling rolling...

Man - you guys had some great ideas for motivation!  It was hard deciding what exactly I should do!  Stef's keywords were awesome.  In fact, as I was riding up a big hill yesterday, that's what got me through it. 

I decided to do a silver ring that could be inscribed.  It's something I can wear every day, and I won't have to worry about getting it caught up in what I'm wearing and all that.  If I do decide to wear cycle gloves, I've got a backup ;). 

Anyway, I'll take a picture when it comes.  It says 'BELIEVE. I CAN 70.3'

And all those other mantras that you offered? Those will be playing like a record in my head.  And for the really tough days? I love Steph B's - 'I'm not going out like some kind of punk b*tch!'  Lauren had some great ones too - my favorite was - 10/4/08, 70.3 = Finish = Lots of Cupcakes.  Hee.  Ain't that the truth.

In other good news, I dropped 4.6 lbs this week.  I guess all I needed was just to decide that it's really really important to me again.  And I've had some really good training days lately.  Part of what I've been learning is to not be afraid to fuel my workouts.  For so long, working out was a means to splurge or was in order to lose weight.  Now I'm learning to use those calories to fuel my workout, and then eat reasonably the rest of the day.  I haven't done this EVERY time, but I am learning and trying to make it a habit.  I have a few more lbs to go to get to my lowest, but I'm chipping away at it every day.  Soon I'll be working on weight that I haven't lost already ;)

In training news - I had a great swim Monday night.  I'm loving the 50m pool setup and trying to savor it while it's here.  We swim at GA Tech and it's only like that during the summer.

Had a ride through Buckhead last night - 13 miles. It seems harmless, right? There were some punk hills though and I just about ran out of gas around Mile 12.  I guess I need to eat more before my rides.  That, and I have learned that Nuun just doesn't get me through a workout.  But the weather was great and I had good company.  The Sorella ladies probably rode much longer, but they started and finished the same time as us.  I've heard that the Wednesday night Buckhead Ladies Ride is pretty speedy.  Maybe one day.  But for now, I'm just happy that I'm out there, pushing up those hills.  Now that I know the route, I'll probably make it a habit to ride there during the week at least once.  I can't wait to LOVE HILLS.  I just don't yet. 

We're headed out of town tonight and will be back Monday.  I've packed 2 changes of running clothes, plus swim stuff and some workouts.  I debated bringing my bike, but it'll already be a packed weekend.  But when I get back - 2 weeks til Peachtree and 3 weeks til Chattanooga.  Wowza!! And after Chatt - it's all training for 70.3.  Woohoo!!

can...

Lately I've really been thinking about how to keep the motivation going.  If I'm going to stick to a 16 or so week training plan, I've got to keep the faith.  Even on days when I don't really want to swim.  Or bike.  Or Run. 

I've thought about Steph mentioning her 'words' that motivate.  I thought about how when I was powering up one of the hills on my bike yesterday, it would be good to have something to focus on. 

So I'm going to try and find my 'words', my something that will get me through the training.  My idea is a bracelet.  Something durable enough to wear while training, and in my race.  Something kind of like this -

or this

You can inscribe them with whatever you want (found on Etsy!).

Something I've thought about -

70.3 Endure. Believe. Can. 70.3

The 'can' is from this -

Quote:

our biggest challenge isn’t someone else. It’s the ache in your lungs. The burning in your legs. And that voice in your head that yells “CAN’T,” but you don’t listen. You just push harder. And then you hear that voice whisper, “can” and you discover that the person you thought you were is no match for the person you really are

I'd love your ideas!

the people have spoken...

Well, the people have spoken.  It seems that there is great confidence in this triathlete completing a HIM race.  And I can't disapoint the people, can I?  Hehe - no worries, I'm doing it for me!!

I've been working on a training plan (based on a plan Wes shared with me) and also picked up the book 'The Perfect Distance'.  It's been highly recommended and will hopefully give me some additional insight into this distance race. 

I'll be registering shortly (by July 1) and then it'll be official!!!  Half Ironman, here I come.....

(did I just type that????).  O.M.G.

where did I leave off?...

Ok, people.  So I need to blog more.  I'll see what I can do to step it up.  Hold on tight, this is gonna be a long update.

Monday night was a 1500m swim.  I love that Georgia Tech pool.  I want to marry it.  They keep it nice and cold. 

I slacked really well on Tuesday and Wednesday,  which brings us to Thursday. After reading more about the Atlantic Coast Triathlon- I decided it was time to get my arse in gear if I was going to sign up.  This requires a two pronged approach.  First, getting my butt to Weight Watchers where I proceeded to weigh in and about pass out.  Yah, it was bad.  But it was a good day to start fresh. 

The second piece involved a good training ride.  25 Miles after work on SCT and a 1 mile runoff. 

Friday was a rest day for the Inaugural PHAT B Tri on Saturday.  It's got another name, but I refuse to type it.  I do not need any references to jolly or pudgy in my journal.  ;).  We all met up at Brian's house (Big shout out to Brian and his family for allowing us triathletes to converge upon his home).  It was awesome to have such a big turn out!!

Brian
Kevin
Mary Ruth
Richard
Sam
Chris
Wes and Dee Dee

We started things out with a 15 minute swim (once we got started, it was great OWS practice, we churned it up!). 

We had a lazy T1 where some of the boys put their makeup on (hee, kidding, you kicked my butt on the ride).  We headed out for a 13 mile ride on some great roads, where I proceeded to drop my chain.  Twice.  Yah, that was a proud moment.  It was a great ride and if I had any more energy, I'd have ridden the loop twice. 

We finished things off with some optional run loops.  I chose 2 miles and then declared completion. 

I think my body needs some adjustment to the new diet and I need a lot more hydration this summer.  It was an absolute blast and I hope we all do it again.  We finished the day out with some grillin and chillin.

Today I met up with some friends for a ride through Buckhead.  This was a 21 mile route with a few crazy hills.  I rocked most of the ride, but did have to walk up 2 of the hills because I was about to tip over.  I could walk faster up them than ride!!  I think that was one of the first times in a ride where I had to get off the bike.  One of them was a hill on Northside that just wouldn't quit, and the rode was really winding so you couldn't see the end.  I did manage the second half of it. It was challenging - and my goal is to eventually make it all the way up.

We're making it a Sunday ride until Chattanooga, so I think it should help with my confidence.  We may also do a shorter 13 miler during the week. 

the gods are tempting me...

Every time I think I decide on something...the gods tempt me.  I decided that I would wait until spring for a HIM distance race.  None of the fall races seemed reasonable for me, so spring it was to be. 

And then they announce this.  Florida.  Flat.  Shady.  Ahhh.....Is it possible? It's not, right? I mean 3.5 months.  That's crazy talk.