tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278185882024-03-14T13:49:29.363-05:00TX Runner MomTX Runner Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820410810670760913noreply@blogger.comBlogger1126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27818588.post-73158881350486073372023-10-27T15:06:00.002-05:002023-10-27T15:06:42.342-05:00Our California AdventureWe had a big London vacation all booked for summer 2020, but then...COVID. Sigh. For 2021, we were reluctant to plan any travel outside of the US. Hence, the California vacation planning began!<div><br /></div><div>The Hubs and I have wanted to plan a west coast trip for several years, especially a drive along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). And because our nephew had recently moved to Los Angeles, we thought it would be great to get in a visit with him as well. It was also the summer after my youngest turned 13, It is our tradition to let our kids pick a birthday trip when they turn 13 and well, he wanted to go to LA. Let the planning begin! </div><div><br /></div><div>We decided to start in Los Angeles and then drive to San Francisco. We wanted to take our time to see the sights along the way. We weren't quite sure where we would stop, but knew we had some key things we wanted to see:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The usual touristy spots in LA - Griffith Observatory, Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, etc.</li><li>The Funko store in Los Angeles (this was at the request of our youngest as part of his birthday trip) </li><li>Disney and Universal (at the request of both kids)</li><li>Santa Barbara</li><li>The Danish village of Solvang, CA</li><li>Morro Bay - to see Morrow Rock and the sea otters and seals</li><li>Pismo Beach</li><li>San Simeon - Hearst Castle is here, but has been closed due to Covid. We also wanted to see Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Vista Point</li><li>San Luis Obispo (SLO)</li><li>Big Sur - to see Bixby Bridge, McWay Waterfall, Pfieffer Big Sur State Park</li><li>Carmel</li><li>Monterey - to see Cannery Row and possibly the aquarium that we've heard so much about</li><li>Santa Cruz - to check out the boardwalk, West Cliff Drive, the Surfing Museum, Steamers Lane</li><li>Half Moon Bay - to see Mavericks and Pigeon Point Light Station</li><li>Marin Headlands</li><li>Golden Gate Bridge</li><li>Muir Woods</li><li>Alcatraz</li></ul><div>Unfortunately, some of the spots we wanted to see were closed either due to Covid or due to forest fires. As far as we could tell, the PCH was open the entire way from LA to San Francisco, so we were thankful for that!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>So how did it all go? </div><div><br /></div><div>It.was.awesome!</div><div><br /></div><div>Follow along for a day by day itinerary....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>TX Runner Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820410810670760913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27818588.post-10150281864657852982017-01-06T09:15:00.001-06:002017-01-06T09:15:53.050-06:00Happy New Year!!!I don't know if anyone is even checking out my blog these days, as I have been a horrible blogger lately. It seems that everyone has moved to Instagram and Facebook..including me!<br />
<br />
While part of my New Year resolution includes more frequent blogging here, I am posting daily on Instagram. Look for me @tx.fierce.mom and on Facebook at Texas Runner Mom.<br />
<br />
Happy New Year!!!TX Runner Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820410810670760913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27818588.post-14781283226638553862016-03-25T11:21:00.000-05:002016-03-25T11:21:16.916-05:00Run Houston! Minute Maid Park Race Report<div class="MsoNormal">
I originally signed up for this race, because I wanted to
work on my speed at shorter distances after the Aramco Houston ½ Marathon and I
figured this would be a good race to check on my progress. Unfortunately, my hip bothered me even more
after the ½ marathon and I didn’t really get in the quality training I had
hoped for. I did get in about 5 weeks of
decent, weekly tempo-runs. But, I didn’t
get to push my pace as much as I would have liked. Because of this, I went into this 5K knowing
that I might be able to beat my virtual 5K time of 29:59 (a 9:39 pace), but not
really sure by how much…</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuf1WREKgE0S5WiBSvOZZCQwM8NTq4aamNU-X6wKQ98FnVinl53DdDEUop9wLPiBocbD4R3347kA4mqipkOYKPSYvYUTqNOv4VUapPk0WzbOtplL4yNC2HSJAFErwFVOa4pYV1/s1600/RHMMP1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuf1WREKgE0S5WiBSvOZZCQwM8NTq4aamNU-X6wKQ98FnVinl53DdDEUop9wLPiBocbD4R3347kA4mqipkOYKPSYvYUTqNOv4VUapPk0WzbOtplL4yNC2HSJAFErwFVOa4pYV1/s320/RHMMP1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start!</td></tr>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The weather for race day was looking a little iffy
throughout the week…this is something I’ve learned to not worry about until
race day. This is Houston…if the
forecast looks one way on Monday, it is sure to change drastically by
Friday. At least 10 times. First, it was going to be a gorgeous morning,
then a chance of rain, then a larger chance of rain and then no rain. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The actual race day weather? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Cloudy, cool and extremely windy. Not too bad, but with the course going over a
bridge with two inclines, the wind could be interesting! And because it’s an out and back course, you
get to do those inclines twice. The
inclines aren’t super steep or anything, but they are just a bit of a long,
gradual climb.</div>
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I arrived early, so that I could warm up a bit before the
race and meet up with my running peep, June.
I found parking quickly, probably because I didn’t go to the recommended
parking lot…I’m familiar with the area and parked at the first lot I came to,
which I knew would be close to both the start and finish. I heard that there was quite a traffic jam getting
into the recommended lot, so I was glad I parked where I did! Once I was warmed up, I ran into a couple of
friends and we headed to the start where I ran into another running/tri peep
and finally, June. Before we knew it,
the anthem was being sung and the race was starting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgHnesuHAYwFnxEYWrRLcVE8S_6m5uYwsN4FRzmXYZuBm8kEIo-VEAnGdIw3hUa8NgKna4rdiO3_Vkxetp4a9HTYJZ3CwVclQ5B7o5vkpZshfdfqPlBK0V-lCZymc4pGtChOp/s1600/RHMMP5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgHnesuHAYwFnxEYWrRLcVE8S_6m5uYwsN4FRzmXYZuBm8kEIo-VEAnGdIw3hUa8NgKna4rdiO3_Vkxetp4a9HTYJZ3CwVclQ5B7o5vkpZshfdfqPlBK0V-lCZymc4pGtChOp/s320/RHMMP5.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and June before the race</td></tr>
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***My PSA for the day…if you are a new runner (we’ve all been
there) and you’re not sure where to stand at the start, stand in the back. Unless you’re super speedy, it’s best to
start there. I was somewhere in the
middle of the pack before the race and had to weave around people who started
out running, but slowed to a walk within about 1 minute of starting the
race. I’ve also been a run/walker…if
you’re a run/walker, that’s cool…just please move to the right side of the road
when it’s time for you to walk. It’s
common courtesy. If you’re planning to
walk the entire course, that’s cool, too.
But, for the love of God, please, please, please start at the very back!***</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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This course is definitely not one of my favorites. The Elysian bridge is known for its ups and
downs. It used to be part of the Houston
Marathon and ½ Marathon course, as well as the now defunct Race for the
Pennant. Unless you’re a runner who loves
hills, you probably hate the Elysian bridge.
I hate it. But, it’s a challenge
and most runners do like a good challenge, right? Besides, the downhills are fun!<o:p></o:p></div>
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As expected, the wind was brutal on the way out on the
highest points of the bridge. This is
where I just dug in, leaned forward and tried to suck it up. Honestly, while it sucked, the time seemed to
go pretty fast. Before I knew it, we
were at the bottom of the 2<sup>nd</sup> incline and making a u-turn. Back up the bridge we went…<o:p></o:p></div>
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On the way back, the wind was at our backs. This was so much better! I looked at my watch on one of the downhills
and I was at a sub-8 minute pace. For
some of you reading this, that’s perfectly normal. For me, that’s pretty dang fast! It helped that I was 1) going downhill and 2)
the wind was at my back! My goal had
been to finish in 29 minutes or less. I
finished in 28:45, with a 9:14 pace. </div>
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That’s a PR for me, hilly/windy course and all!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24xe-I7Y297d7s7IiB3d2Cny6YO_z0e8Gvqac_ubHnOEa7tbjEcIMYqr8p-zLM5KRZlX5CMd_w5mD33G4BWOxDj7W-T5IlUguE7JT9UelnUlLXEHngj1w9MbrNL1fEnC2mJ_F/s1600/RHMP4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24xe-I7Y297d7s7IiB3d2Cny6YO_z0e8Gvqac_ubHnOEa7tbjEcIMYqr8p-zLM5KRZlX5CMd_w5mD33G4BWOxDj7W-T5IlUguE7JT9UelnUlLXEHngj1w9MbrNL1fEnC2mJ_F/s320/RHMP4.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final time</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOYk5gV9SJ3zGEoLXaFQQb5lwfl8ojB_TBjXcVeaXaqUFyjVRxloYKpoMRb_RGrzU2Yl9wiurIcqieQGh3IZp-jrwNboHdcKT0D1Egyc8SyKX-UK4Wns5TWYZCUDPeFmWqZ_1/s1600/RHMMP8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOYk5gV9SJ3zGEoLXaFQQb5lwfl8ojB_TBjXcVeaXaqUFyjVRxloYKpoMRb_RGrzU2Yl9wiurIcqieQGh3IZp-jrwNboHdcKT0D1Egyc8SyKX-UK4Wns5TWYZCUDPeFmWqZ_1/s320/RHMMP8.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The awesome bling!</td></tr>
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The post-race festivities were great! Since the race also offers a 10K option,
those of us completing the 5K found that the post-race party wasn’t crowded at
all. There were bagels and peanut butter, fruit, water and sodas. And, Minute Maid park was open! Runners were allowed to walk around the
concourse area and even walk down into the seating area and take pictures near
the dugout.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPovSav7vK8v7qVZnJQtJygO4fKohyphenhyphenncgxEpBAuaJuIISAavRiwdqnM8EAv4rt_eNwXO5hp0Ub-PQYHg51BzkBuK-c7y_pWhDIvA95jSoNoXf6yar2BArgwlIZuJEEyLe09X62/s1600/RHMMP3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPovSav7vK8v7qVZnJQtJygO4fKohyphenhyphenncgxEpBAuaJuIISAavRiwdqnM8EAv4rt_eNwXO5hp0Ub-PQYHg51BzkBuK-c7y_pWhDIvA95jSoNoXf6yar2BArgwlIZuJEEyLe09X62/s320/RHMMP3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minute Maid Park...the field up close!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFx73wLxrmz5eeL5eL9Eyb1ztoOCzv3fno7wTsO9fMfLLmtqI6oq21-sBOI-WGjNgEJN9fsVSI3CSFd9SAHtLr_A3JTOrmYGr_eBs1_VUnax_0wMhhZhXXh61kKDdFdqO6N8My/s1600/RHMMP6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFx73wLxrmz5eeL5eL9Eyb1ztoOCzv3fno7wTsO9fMfLLmtqI6oq21-sBOI-WGjNgEJN9fsVSI3CSFd9SAHtLr_A3JTOrmYGr_eBs1_VUnax_0wMhhZhXXh61kKDdFdqO6N8My/s320/RHMMP6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I feel that Run Houston! Does a great job of coordinating
these events. I am also scheduled to run
the remainder of their 5K/10K series, which I am really looking forward to! And, I will be participating in Finish Strong
Racing’s spring running program, so I am hoping for more 5K and 10K PRs! <o:p></o:p></div>
TX Runner Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820410810670760913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27818588.post-11398359251013724762016-03-07T14:39:00.000-06:002016-03-07T14:39:05.387-06:00Blog Facelift<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve decided to give my blog a bit of a facelift. It’s been a long time since I’ve changed the
format and an update is long overdue. I
have also finally created a Facebook, Instagram and Twitter account to go with
the blog…yes, I know – welcome to the 21<sup>st</sup> century! <o:p></o:p></div>
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My poor blog has been pretty stagnant for a few years
now. I’ve had to really take a look at
whether or not I really wanted to dedicate the time to continue blogging…the
world has moved on to FB, Twitter and Instagram, lol. Let’s face it, it’s just easier that
way. What I’ve decided is that I will
continue the blog. My goal is to post
twice a week and have the blog as the central point for what’s happening with
my training, nutrition, etc. </div>
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Instagram,
Facebook and Twitter will be secondary…you might see goofy training pics, silly
memes and some weekly inspiration that you might not see here. What I don’t want to do is rely solely on
those social media outlets. You won’t
see a picture from every single workout. (You’re welcome) You won’t see
rainbows, unicorns and sunshine every single day. (Your’re welcome) What you will continue to
see is a real, normal, everyday woman trying to juggle career, family and
training – the good, bad <u>AND</u> ugly of it all! (‘Cause lets face it…life can be ugly
sometimes!) A woman who wants to set a
good example for her family. A woman who
wants others to know that if she can do this, anyone can. And a woman who is trying to be fierce.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I hope this blog provides you with some inspiration and a
few laughs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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~TRM</div>
TX Runner Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820410810670760913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27818588.post-43922254528995811322016-02-04T17:02:00.001-06:002016-02-04T17:02:22.628-06:00Run! Houston Virtual 5K ResultsSo, I missed the Run! Houston 5K at Sam Houston Race Park on new years day. Fortunately, the race director decided to offer a virtual race for those of us who were slackers on January 1. I'm using this race as sort of a baseline race...my paces have gotten pretty slow since the foot break and then training for IMTX last year. It's time to work on that! So here it is - not pretty, but hopefully it will get better with some hard work!<br />
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<br />TX Runner Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820410810670760913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27818588.post-88546703965761691172016-01-26T20:32:00.001-06:002016-01-26T20:34:53.799-06:00Houston ½ Marathon Race Report<div class="MsoNormal">
Wow, what an amazing race weekend!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>FRIDAY – The Expo<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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On Friday, I headed to the Expo for packet pick-up (and
shopping, of course!). The Expo is my
happy place – I love perusing the booths for upcoming races, cute running gear,
new gadgets, etc. And of course I love it,
because I always run into friends from the local running community.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
I picked up my packet and found a few choice items. For example, I scored a new pair of tri
shorts and a swimsuit for $9.99 each! I
also replaced my cheapie sunglasses that fell into the porta-potty during IMTX
and picked up a cute shirt from <a href="http://baysixusa.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=59_72_267_274&product_id=2468">BaySix USA</a>. I also took advantage of Luke’s Locker buy 3
get 1 free socks sale…who couldn’t use a few more pairs of running socks? I met up with my Ironfriend, Li, and we had a great time shopping! An exciting part of the expo was meeting up with
Jolene, a PR Director from Skechers. She asked me to try out a pair of Skecher’s GoRun
Forza (not during the race, of course). And she gave me a cute Aramco ½ Marathon tech shirt! I will be sharing a review of the shoes, so
stay tuned for that.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdO4XYp8UWc1WPrnCfZO7-yI5dvIK6YB4TOMeXyLedrOJ4Q2FcFLOxMHXilw5T1WVuqvcJpJoCNJrXGHccEnWWxPCmcTvBgpGz6NDnNZVNesvNfWKK4cZhLz3oc0096lPfulL/s1600/Expo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdO4XYp8UWc1WPrnCfZO7-yI5dvIK6YB4TOMeXyLedrOJ4Q2FcFLOxMHXilw5T1WVuqvcJpJoCNJrXGHccEnWWxPCmcTvBgpGz6NDnNZVNesvNfWKK4cZhLz3oc0096lPfulL/s320/Expo.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and fellow badass Ironman and training partner, Li, at the Expo...we had a great time shopping!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh324MfXSiv5Ulog_0od1WjKQ1FY61wz0G8AMKGcEWPtJqzysxWv0qssgLtAc7TSkI_ItI539CB00aY8CDJMpZ5EWYkTo9yKuuUUShkGlFY0p_NSfWO2PN5scuedly5HLZBgP2h/s1600/half93.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh324MfXSiv5Ulog_0od1WjKQ1FY61wz0G8AMKGcEWPtJqzysxWv0qssgLtAc7TSkI_ItI539CB00aY8CDJMpZ5EWYkTo9yKuuUUShkGlFY0p_NSfWO2PN5scuedly5HLZBgP2h/s320/half93.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wall of names...it's a list of everyone running any of the races this weekend!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8Ol9WwLBJHfPBBc3qhLOiXbFa4SEZ6VAPW17fZYwO3Ipf9UfKd0UZE-SEgUWuJtH1jbciowfygRhW26soAbb0C5YD6i9ufdwbogljCJunKBQN12Q3Gy2gbT6HxwTJLdFtO4N/s1600/half94.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8Ol9WwLBJHfPBBc3qhLOiXbFa4SEZ6VAPW17fZYwO3Ipf9UfKd0UZE-SEgUWuJtH1jbciowfygRhW26soAbb0C5YD6i9ufdwbogljCJunKBQN12Q3Gy2gbT6HxwTJLdFtO4N/s320/half94.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The m-dot!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEdtV2CDE65Ly5wuKusn-qpNvEa2F04imjcEIx2zmt4YWyeuURjjarnZKhSDLTbpgA_G3EW_NtftPmslX8_SqNkgxF1G_02DpE-1wVCwBD0OfxtsVIj1zNaFoP2S9VyNtCk9t/s1600/half7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEdtV2CDE65Ly5wuKusn-qpNvEa2F04imjcEIx2zmt4YWyeuURjjarnZKhSDLTbpgA_G3EW_NtftPmslX8_SqNkgxF1G_02DpE-1wVCwBD0OfxtsVIj1zNaFoP2S9VyNtCk9t/s320/half7.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My awesome new shirt and shoes, courtesy of Skechers Performance!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
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<b>SATURDAY – The 5K and The Dinner<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdjfrBt49-s9i2EyMK_0L1YY3YKY0z9Dos7iTuOe5MxcopWH-SAF58ZK49IjjGBk-bz2iTRbbjsAfCMotBo172yizlMGw-ZHN6dnB2HrFzBpLZ-tWVx03Ky6wEtDKMbfRGo9J/s1600/half92.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdjfrBt49-s9i2EyMK_0L1YY3YKY0z9Dos7iTuOe5MxcopWH-SAF58ZK49IjjGBk-bz2iTRbbjsAfCMotBo172yizlMGw-ZHN6dnB2HrFzBpLZ-tWVx03Ky6wEtDKMbfRGo9J/s320/half92.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I will never get tired of this view!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On Saturday, the Hubs and I woke up early and headed to the
ABB 5K. The 5K is part of the Houston
Marathon’s “Houston Double”. Runners who
finish both the ABB 5K and the Houston Marathon or Aramco Half Marathon receive
a third medal. Doing the 5K seemed like
a great idea when we registered, but getting up early two mornings in a row
didn’t sound so fun when our alarm clock went off on Saturday morning. But, we managed to get out of bed and head
downtown. And we’re glad we did! We met up with our fellow Woodlands Fit and
Team Beef peeps and had a great time.
The goal here for us was to take this race really easy. No point in racing the 5K when our main
priority was to do well in the Half Marathon the following morning. We danced at the start (my IMTX finisher’s
song, Uptown Funk, was on as we crossed the start), chatted it up with other
runners as we waited, then we just enjoyed the sights and sounds of the race. The thing I enjoyed most was seeing kids
running the 5k…and some of them seemed to actually enjoy it. My kids would more than likely complain the
entire time and insist that it was not fun AT ALL.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkiLSapKhbtiKzrJ6Vegfyskug5ETHZ1eM9NNZt-I87VRi3MsBpjfz6PZTO2QN8mFcuTdlFL_BMYr_khj8uQ0d2igk0aEgPXiPPyj61T9zwEG6uYPKychIrC0O3uMJfsMZW1N/s1600/ABB+5k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkiLSapKhbtiKzrJ6Vegfyskug5ETHZ1eM9NNZt-I87VRi3MsBpjfz6PZTO2QN8mFcuTdlFL_BMYr_khj8uQ0d2igk0aEgPXiPPyj61T9zwEG6uYPKychIrC0O3uMJfsMZW1N/s320/ABB+5k.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Beef before the ABB 5k</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After a day full of family stuff and the weekly grocery
shopping, the Hubs and I dumped the kids off with their grandparents and headed
out to an event hosted by Skechers and the Houston Marathon Committee. Glorious grown up time!!! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeIwkZe-_hOKlD7lw-XzpuQYR_H-mGcPC2W4v14qJGVZlgqo7whToBNc532kcx_n3_PECpAb-BkUM97sfNeDuDqxaYcEGj8zh3wPYWY-1CQerZh5sMCmkngVQJCKhUj9shprL/s1600/half8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeIwkZe-_hOKlD7lw-XzpuQYR_H-mGcPC2W4v14qJGVZlgqo7whToBNc532kcx_n3_PECpAb-BkUM97sfNeDuDqxaYcEGj8zh3wPYWY-1CQerZh5sMCmkngVQJCKhUj9shprL/s320/half8.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the finish line...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEX4hjNozsTF4ZQOONuhjiZWKA5HAu_5q2kxascb67KitF6qhiBcvNV5XFuZ_ID0v35zWCCfWW9HUOzfTbFMIPGqZP5PGE1x3Q2BIuLq5rsKxzvNU1xssHu9WwpGfdy-K3ZFiA/s1600/half9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEX4hjNozsTF4ZQOONuhjiZWKA5HAu_5q2kxascb67KitF6qhiBcvNV5XFuZ_ID0v35zWCCfWW9HUOzfTbFMIPGqZP5PGE1x3Q2BIuLq5rsKxzvNU1xssHu9WwpGfdy-K3ZFiA/s320/half9.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hubs tolerating me and my picture-taking...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pzOi2OvEX2zkOrwRZFXAJoEWHX3m5x0nV4LCtI0f4mHraiCWZCNDIs7WkmL5GXxxRPuUXC50yNk4EmKsBgBkCCLE9DaBm_4XotdoVdgEwe26PRDoDw9so71rnC410v8lIhc1/s1600/half91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pzOi2OvEX2zkOrwRZFXAJoEWHX3m5x0nV4LCtI0f4mHraiCWZCNDIs7WkmL5GXxxRPuUXC50yNk4EmKsBgBkCCLE9DaBm_4XotdoVdgEwe26PRDoDw9so71rnC410v8lIhc1/s320/half91.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to run!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It was a fun night of great food and mingling with fellow
runners, as well as some of the amazing folks who make the Houston Marathon
happen every year. We have a whole new
respect for what it takes to organize an event of this size. Incredible.
We also received cool goody bags that included Nuun, a water bottle,
some Elliptigo and Sketchers info, as well as a FREE PAIR OF SKETCHERS
PERFORMANCE SHOES! SCORE!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
<b>SUNDAY – The Half<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Finally, it was race day!
We woke up early and headed downtown.
The great thing about the Houston Marathon is that you have the
wonderful shelter of the George R. Brown Convention Center before and after the
race. It was a cold morning, so the warm
environment was welcome!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We found some of our running group friends and had time to
hang out and mentally prep for the race.
My stomach was feeling a little ick, so I headed off to medical to see
if they had any antacids. On the way, I
stopped at the church service that was just starting. I’m so glad I did, it was exactly what I
needed to get my mind right. And, I just
happened to find a Pepto tablet in my race belt…a little souvenir from IMTX. Score!
I headed to the porta potty 2x before I was finally ready to head out
into the <strike>frozen tundra</strike> cold.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGnfBZDSZ9pP5wa5XvTZfl7Tz8vgyNIfo5qk5BGv9r4BbBAzO4qzXkUaM3on0qrhrFlkjTrcdF-YaI_S5GDBzwfEtl3E9A2ja34HEgJSgsxj5HQERIkmjxN6GHe147WS79rab/s1600/half01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGnfBZDSZ9pP5wa5XvTZfl7Tz8vgyNIfo5qk5BGv9r4BbBAzO4qzXkUaM3on0qrhrFlkjTrcdF-YaI_S5GDBzwfEtl3E9A2ja34HEgJSgsxj5HQERIkmjxN6GHe147WS79rab/s320/half01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole gang...minus me. I was in the porta can line, doh!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I guess we had stayed in our warm cocoon long enough. Sigh.
As we walked out the doors of the GRB, we immediately felt the cold
breeze and air. It was cold for this
Texas girl! We walked to our corral and
promptly found our place in the pace groups.
It was go-time! The anthem was
sung, the gun was fired and off we went…a slow shuffle toward the start. I was excited to run into my friend, June, as
I shuffled along. We wished each other
good luck and I hit the porta-cans one last time before crossing the start
(yes, I had to go AGAIN). Once again my
Ironman Texas finish line song was playing…it was a sign of a great race to
come (or something like that). </div>
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</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNg5QtDXj3d84xg3VhywCju7h9XZIJYACR16QNLw8vz-nXnRbiXQwe-oQ3qfuP2FyMg9xrPRYmbf9qkzTNv6DaoEhiTug7uecaF3b6W5_UeXy6HZ5N_akYC7_RQd7MaJJ8G87/s1600/half.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNg5QtDXj3d84xg3VhywCju7h9XZIJYACR16QNLw8vz-nXnRbiXQwe-oQ3qfuP2FyMg9xrPRYmbf9qkzTNv6DaoEhiTug7uecaF3b6W5_UeXy6HZ5N_akYC7_RQd7MaJJ8G87/s320/half.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just me and 25,000 of my closest friends!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
During the first mile I was in awe of how much room we had
to run. In the past, the route seemed so
crowded. My first 2 -3 miles were always
much, much slower than my goal pace, because there was just nowhere to go. I always stressed out around mile 4 or 5
about how much time I would need to make up thanks to those first few crowded
miles. And, I noticed that I wasn’t
weaving around all the people stopping to walk.
Could people have actually placed themselves in the right pace groups?
Wow, it was really awesome. Before I
even hit the 1 mile marker, I had shed the sweatshirt I was wearing. Around mile 2, I had shed my gloves and arm
warmers. I’d regret that later.<br />
<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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By mile 4, I was sweating and wishing I had worn shorts
instead of my capris. Fortunately, the
miles ticked by pretty quickly. Honesty,
I had no expectations for this race. It seems
like since breaking my foot and then training for IMTX using HR training, my
paces have really suffered. Most of my
long runs were in the 10:40 – 11 minute pace range during my training, and I
didn’t feel like I could go much faster if I tried. Some of my shorter runs had been faster, but
rarely faster than a 10 minute pace! (Sad) But during the race, my splits were
actually looking pretty decent. I wasn’t
sure if I would be able to hold the pace the entire 13.1 miles, but decided
that I’d try. By mile 6, my average
pace was 10:22 and getting better.
Unfortunately, I lost time by mixing a bottle of Tailwind and making a
porta-potty stop (stupid bladder!). My
average pace dropped to 10:31. It took
me awhile to get back into a good zone again, but I eventually started running
around a 9:50 – 10 minute pace again. I
tried to take in the sights, read some of the signs, high five a kid or
two.<br />
<br />
My favorite sign?<br />
<br />
The one at mile 5 that said, “LeBron would be
cramping by now!”. I also really liked the ”If you walk, Donald Trump will be President.” I wore my Team Beef shirt for the race and
really appreciated the Team Beef love that was on the course. I’m new to this Team Beef stuff, so that was
a pleasant surprise!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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At some point, we made our way through a beautiful area with
a lot of shade from the trees overhead.
That’s when I really wished that I had my gloves! My hands were freezing! But, I felt happy to be wearing my capris
afterall. I was happy to be back on
Montrose again. I was even happier when
we approached Shepherd…I knew we were getting close to Allen Parkway (a/k/a the
home stretch). I ran into one of my
fellow Team Beef / Woodlands Fit friends, Mark.
We chatted for a few minutes and then went back to our own races. On Allen Parkway, I usually look for my
friends from my days in Houston Fit, but this time I just really wanted to be
done. I didn’t really look at any of the
tents along the way and just focused on getting
downtown.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
Finally! I was in
Downtown and could see the GRB in the distance.
The street was getting a bit more crowded, which made it difficult to
maintain my pace. This is definitely one
of the most exciting parts of the race – as you get closer to the finish, you
can start to hear the announcer and the crowds get thicker and thicker. There’s a steady roar of cheers as you round
that final curve – I love that part.
It’s exhilarating! And then it was
done. I crossed the finish line –
1:15:23. Not my best, but far from my
worst.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Once I made it into the GRB, I checked my phone and saw a
text from the hubby. He met his goal of
a sub-2 hour race with an awesome 1:55:57!
I’m so proud of him!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
We claimed our finishers shirts and headed to the breakfast area. On the way, volunteers were handing out ice cream sandwiches.<br />
<br />
Ice.Cream.Sandwiches.<br />
<br />
Okay, so I almost never indulge, but what the hell...I grabbed one. Yes, I had that in addition to my eggs and sausage. This might be why my jeans don't like me right now. I digress...<br />
<br />
Afterwards, we met up with some others from Team Beef and Woodlands Fit and headed outside for more post-race festivities. It was a perfect end to the morning!</div>
<br />
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<o:p></o:p><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxjjCKZi3o0rMyiR3SGLEZBE2OoZqQ0X_ExHoKcPqJqJfAl60k5xTD8W2XthwYhFRjD25_CMQtuoOp38s0ky-kJkIpUalhu35w95C6A12AjLwohZtoEZNkBxjnlOQbI697PWN/s1600/half4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxjjCKZi3o0rMyiR3SGLEZBE2OoZqQ0X_ExHoKcPqJqJfAl60k5xTD8W2XthwYhFRjD25_CMQtuoOp38s0ky-kJkIpUalhu35w95C6A12AjLwohZtoEZNkBxjnlOQbI697PWN/s320/half4.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the lawn of Discovery Green</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHD07t2efYiWbLxtm8q6gMh3Ldv48S3KPOB7kmR4CtMguYW41zwyGIypdQk1jrpUtQtSRkeBmCy0CS_-bS4vlXwPXgh8qRWLvxsUZxYXfoHlejxM57mr9oQwe0oNSCxffukEMN/s1600/half5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHD07t2efYiWbLxtm8q6gMh3Ldv48S3KPOB7kmR4CtMguYW41zwyGIypdQk1jrpUtQtSRkeBmCy0CS_-bS4vlXwPXgh8qRWLvxsUZxYXfoHlejxM57mr9oQwe0oNSCxffukEMN/s320/half5.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hubs requests better beer next year...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpvJVZWVOBerVdIH5GD0c2YYLNkH-40NvCHWH7CLk57gnsPPnM_qtEeB6nzsDIe7v9aauQmW2YB6fUES22gWmvcwIpd_fTIHBBk3cyLzT0G8XsKqZ9iDskMvczUDNXoYskRDU/s1600/half6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpvJVZWVOBerVdIH5GD0c2YYLNkH-40NvCHWH7CLk57gnsPPnM_qtEeB6nzsDIe7v9aauQmW2YB6fUES22gWmvcwIpd_fTIHBBk3cyLzT0G8XsKqZ9iDskMvczUDNXoYskRDU/s320/half6.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final results...not great, not terrible</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
TX Runner Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820410810670760913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27818588.post-80025921808778532742016-01-15T11:30:00.002-06:002016-01-15T11:31:32.655-06:00Random Facts Friday<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm baaaaaaack. Finally.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1) I am alive and well. </b> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, I know…I’ve been quite absent
from this blog for awhile now.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do plan
to resuscitate it this year and post at least once a week.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Earlier this week at the Madonna Concert...see, alive and well!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2) Work. </b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lot has happened since my last
post.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> As you know, I was laid off the week before Ironman Texas. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, I got a job!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The position is part-time, but the hours are
wonderful, the company is awesome and I actually have time to see my kids and be a part of their
activities.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The part-time budget has
taken some getting used to, but after being unemployed you sort of get used to
adjusting your budget. Dramatically.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It
may mean fewer race entries, less frequent vacations and not so many Starbucks
runs, but I am finding that it’s totally worth it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>3) The Kiddo. </b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So this past year, my Kiddo
completed her first season of gymnastics competitions.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, about a month before her next
competition, she managed to break her collarbone.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It happened at gymnastics, but she wasn’t
actually doing gymnastics (go figure).</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She was playing a game, running, tripped over her feet and fell.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To make matters worse, this happened on
Christmas Eve!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, no orthopedic offices
were open and it kind of made for a crappy Christmas.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the other hand, having the distraction of
Christmas, presents and family may have helps!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kiddo on Christmas Eve with her sling...sad face.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>4) The Munchkin.</b> My Munchkin is playing
Soccer. While the Kiddo has discovered
her love of gymnastics, the Munchkin is still figuring out which sport he
really likes the most. Right now, we’re
giving soccer a try. The fall soccer season
was kind of a washout, literally. It rained almost every single Saturday, so we maybe had 4 practices and a bunch of make-up games. He wants to play again, so hopefully the winter season will a little drier!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>5) Memphis. </b>Last November, I found out that I was going to Memphis for a work training. The Hubs and I decided to take advantage of the opportunity and went to Memphis for the weekend before the training started. We went to Graceland, Sun Studios, The National Civil Rights Museum and thoroughly enjoyed the visit! We even managed to get in a run on the Shelby Farms Greenline! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you, thankyouverymuch....loving Graceland and these Elvis sunglasses!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>6) Disney. </b>Before the job fiasco in May, we had been planning a trip to Disney World. We had paid for a majority of the park tickets, dining plan, etc., so we decided to keep our plans and go. We had an amazing time! Disney at Christmas time is even more magical. And we loved visiting the new Star Wars attractions and Disney Hollywood Studios! We also visited Universal Studios. We had a great time there, too. And the kid's loved the Harry Potter attractions there...the Kiddo was even picked for a special wand selection, which totally made her day! We also discovered that the Munchkin is a dare devil (like his Mom) and wanted to ride every single roller coaster!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying that Disney Magic!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The family at Universal!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>7) Christmas. </b>We survived the holidays, even with the collarbone break. My family takes turns hosting, so this year it was my turn. We had 32 family members join us for our Christmas celebration. It was a blast!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">The food, OMG the food...so much and so delicious! </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just one of the Ironman-themed gifts from the Hubs.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>8) New Year. </b>We had a really low-key New Year's Eve celebration at home. Pajamas, movies, board games and wine. It was nice to just hang out, especially after all the excitement and work of prepping for the Christmas Day gathering.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pajamas + a warm fire + fuzzy socks = a perfect NYE!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>9) New Year of Running – Aramco Houston 1/2 Marathon. </b>I am still running. I've been plagued with issues on my right side - tight quads and hip flexors and hip pain (again). This has really taken it's toll on my training. I haven't managed to get in as much mileage or intensity as I would have liked in training for the 1/2 marathon. It's a bit depressing. But, I can run and that makes me happy....even if this might be my slowest Houston 1/2 in 5 or 6 years. I love the Houston race, so being able to do it all is fine by me. On a happier note, the Hubs has been getting faster and faster! He's working toward a big PR at the 1/2! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>10) New Year - Triathlon. </b>I do intend to train for some triathlons this year! However, I am planning to stick with the shorter distances. Lots of sprints! I know, it seems a little pansy-ish after finishing an Ironman distance! But, I want to spend time with my family again. And, I need to get this hip issue figured out!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So that's kind of gets you caught up in what's going on in my world. Be on the lookout for more posts this year! </span></div>
TX Runner Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820410810670760913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27818588.post-24406570130046135502015-09-09T13:14:00.000-05:002015-09-09T13:30:13.567-05:00Life after Ironman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I guess I could also title this post, "What I did on my summer vacation." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life after Ironman has been interesting. Many people say they go into kind of a
post-ironman depression. After months of
training and the anticipation of the big day, there tends to be sort of a letdown,
or a “now what? “ feeling. Naturally,
there is a void! I mean, you’re no
longer spending 2 – 3 hours per day training during the week, no 6-hour
Saturday bike rides or 3-hour Sunday runs, and you’re not seeing your
tri-training peeps all week long…what do you do with all that extra time now
that the race is over?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I definitely think I had a bit of that, but to be honest, I didn’t
have time to dwell on it very much. You
see, I was laid off from my job the week before Ironman Texas. The downside? You’re about to go into the
biggest physical challenge of your life and you’re told you’re no longer
needed. Sure, it can take a toll on your
confidence. If you let it. I decided to focus on the upside. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know what you’re thinking - the upside? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I now had time to prep for and focus on the race. I packed
my special needs and transition bags (this was more time consuming than I
expected!), I went to my local bike shop
and running store for last minute gear (more than once), I attended a couple of
pre-race events, I checked in my bike, etc. Of course, having too much time to think about
what lies ahead can be bad, too. So, I
tried to balance things out – I had coffee with friends, I visited a friend and
her new baby, I had lunch with my kiddos at their school and attended some school functions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhJECz6y3xmbkVUevdvy5iOjue6cuFDorTDIRzsqDDNF_KIJbZEvbVOXS3XIFfmXzqpKrSQrkct21Ke5tGdzlX1Nmg8sxvJi578g5LbX_s8IsNRsNgMb_n-BMJSqsoSQNyh5Q/s1600/IMG_1563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhJECz6y3xmbkVUevdvy5iOjue6cuFDorTDIRzsqDDNF_KIJbZEvbVOXS3XIFfmXzqpKrSQrkct21Ke5tGdzlX1Nmg8sxvJi578g5LbX_s8IsNRsNgMb_n-BMJSqsoSQNyh5Q/s320/IMG_1563.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the kid's honor roll celebration</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIQG3Q8KXjQA1cjaOpZbob70773jq_kLxE5OtPjJmWbCY2W_DYRZZJcttxRzIGPx6zTx2qC0EPvYrxqHPTFvZnLrfn6nP4QSLFMYjmUwkRwYmFHzdq2Iz3zTsGRdgYQmjX-rU/s1600/IMG_1469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIQG3Q8KXjQA1cjaOpZbob70773jq_kLxE5OtPjJmWbCY2W_DYRZZJcttxRzIGPx6zTx2qC0EPvYrxqHPTFvZnLrfn6nP4QSLFMYjmUwkRwYmFHzdq2Iz3zTsGRdgYQmjX-rU/s320/IMG_1469.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to present projects....</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once the race was done, I stayed busy attending the kid’s
end of school year events (there were quite a few), including the Kiddo’s 4</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
grade graduation.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also tried to meet
up with friends who had been neglected during IMTX training.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking the stage at 4th grade graduation...on to Intermediate School!!!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two weeks later, the kids were out of school and summer had
begun! To be honest, being laid off was
a bit of a blessing in disguise, because I had the most amazing summer. The only summer where I’ve been able to stay
home with the kids. We planned some fun activities
(with some job searching squeezed in) and never looked back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We spent a lot of time at the neighborhood pool….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We took advantage of all the summer programs at the library…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We found cool events at our local nature center…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We checked out our first Houston Dynamo game…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We went to the beach…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We went for walks…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And bike rides...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We checked out a few movies (including the $1 Summer Movie
Club..hey, it’s cheap)…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We even took our goofy dog on walks…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We made a bird feeder and mug cupcakes…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We built a living room fort during a (weak) tropical storm…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had lots of snow cones…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And some ice cream, too…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And (I saved one of the best for last), we went to the Texans Training Camp (thanks to my friend, Vic, for the tickets!)...</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riley getting an autograph from Alfred Blue!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the Munchkin enjoying the sights and sounds of training camp</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And yes, we did see J.J. Watt up close...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall, it was the best summer ever! My kids are growing up way too fast, so spending
this time with them (when they actually still want to hang out with me) was a
gift! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So that’s what I’ve been up to. I have been running, but it has been
difficult to get in bike rides and swims with the kids at home. And that’s okay. At first, I was determined to keep training
for a couple of races in August and September…I was trying to get in a swim
with the kids at the pool and bike after the Hubs made it home from work. Then I decided that I didn’t really HAVE to
train for anything right now. I had the opportunity to just enjoy the summer
WITH the kids. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, that’s what I did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sure, I ran early in the morning, before the Hubs left for
work and did a little biking on the weekend…but that’s it. I figured I’d have more time for biking and
swimming when the kids started school, along with more time to focus on my job
search. I’m so glad that I did this,
because the races will always be there! My
kids, on the other hand, will continue to grow up and will be off to college
before I know it. Carpe diem,
dammit! No regrets here!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
TX Runner Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820410810670760913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27818588.post-88135709690429020332015-05-27T23:36:00.001-05:002015-05-29T10:11:56.642-05:00IMTX Race Report<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>* </b>disclaimer: This race report is long. Like novel-length long. I totally understand if you just want to scan it. The length is more for my benefit, because I don't want to forget anything! Plus <u>if</u> I decide to do this again, I want to know what went well and what didn't. So, grab some popcorn and a beverage...this may take awhile!</i></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pre-Race</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Wednesday, I met up with my teammates from Finish Strong Racing for
packet pick-up. We claimed our awesome
backpacks, signed our lives away and were tagged with our cool new blue plastic
bracelets. Now I had all my gear and
special needs bags, so I finished packing everything I would need on race
day. I decided that having one more tube
for my bike might not be a bad idea, along with having a few more electrolyte tablets…I
added both to my list to buy the following day.
Honestly, this stuff stressed me out.
I was afraid I’d forget to pack something vital. Although with all my checklists, I don’t know
how forgetting anything would be possible! (Can we say type A, OCD?)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3O58Ox4uS0DoGW30EhoMeV6DeSEsw_JX4qZL4Ac8MSr4ZgkGIQ8ZEPX-UIKn1vKxA1Wm71035QNzW4QyvGi2qFx2-WZWBtjFo3S_VnhyyvF683tUiF0QvXdrlJrItpIQajRXc/s1600/IMTX+packet+pick+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3O58Ox4uS0DoGW30EhoMeV6DeSEsw_JX4qZL4Ac8MSr4ZgkGIQ8ZEPX-UIKn1vKxA1Wm71035QNzW4QyvGi2qFx2-WZWBtjFo3S_VnhyyvF683tUiF0QvXdrlJrItpIQajRXc/s400/IMTX+packet+pick+up.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Various pictures from packet pick-up!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following day, I went to a seminar sponsored by Endurance
Nation. It was full of tips for a
successful race day. Very good info and
last minute tips! That afternoon, I went
to a social where I met several awesome people from the Ironman Texas 20XX Facebook
page. It was fun to meet all the people
I’d been talking to online in person. I
had also planned on going to a pre-race prayer gathering later that afternoon,
but the there was a huge thunderstorm that came through and I think it must
have been cancelled, because I walked over and didn’t see anyone. Later that
afternoon, I met up again with my Finish Strong peeps for the official Welcome
Banquet. I met quite of few people from
other countries and states! While it was
exciting to be among all the athletes, the banquet felt a bit like an Ironman
Infomercial. The new Ironman University
was unveiled, we heard from The Woodlands Township and from each of the major
sponsors – Waste Management and Memorial Hermann. The highlight of the night was getting to
meet Sister Madonna Buder. She is
amazing!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqA_IlOSuK6Be4njswLSMzkO3Chy7xeJTMRfFAyZyttIawJCz3Yt9IMbseg8EkTFQ_XjDkM038RtA-jgirEo7jIoIyZzPGCkm7TzP34DP1_ZJEF0RIts33lvIg9EG2wOF6IuOh/s1600/IMTX+banquet+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqA_IlOSuK6Be4njswLSMzkO3Chy7xeJTMRfFAyZyttIawJCz3Yt9IMbseg8EkTFQ_XjDkM038RtA-jgirEo7jIoIyZzPGCkm7TzP34DP1_ZJEF0RIts33lvIg9EG2wOF6IuOh/s640/IMTX+banquet+collage.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some pictures from the Welcome Banquet - FSC teammates and Sister Madonna</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Friday, we all met up for bike check in. We had rain every
single day for weeks and the main pathway in transition was a muddy, stinky
mess. It would be another obstacle to
overcome on race day…little did we know it would be a mud run / cyclocross / triathlon. Once we checked in our gear bags and bikes,
we went home to rest and relax. The
hubby and I picked the kids up from school, then took the Kiddo to
gymnastics. My parents met us there, so
the Hubs and I could go check into the hotel where we’d be staying for the next
two days. We had an early dinner at Grimaldi’s and went to CyclesTx to by one more tube for my bike. You know, just in case (can we say paranoid?) It felt surreal to be at the hotel for my race, my Ironman.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bike drop off...(clockwise from top left) me with Black Mamba, the mud in transition, the gear bags for the swim/bike transition and <span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">the bike all racked and ready</span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">!</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Race Morning<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On race morning, I woke up a little after 4 am. I said a little prayer of thanks that there
was no rain. Thankfully, the forecast looked
pretty good all day...whew, that was a huge relief! It was warm and humid, but that’s to be
expected this time of year in our part of Texas. I got dressed, ate peanut
butter on Ezekiel bread and a banana. I
prepped a bottle of Nuun to drink on the walk over to transition. I was a bit stressed out about my tires,
because I heard a number of bikes had flatted due to the rise in temperature
during the day during check in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Hubs and I started the trek.
When we arrived, we found that the transition area was even muddier than
it was the day before. I tiptoed through
the mud and was happy to see that my bike tires were fine! I put the Speedfill and Aerobottle on my bike
and filled each. I stuffed my bento box
full of Honey Stinger Waffles, Electrosalt tablets and even a few Pepto tablets
(just in case). I also put the extra tube into my bike special needs bag and
was done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finish Strong arranged for shuttles to take us from the HEB near
transition to the swim start, so the Hubs and I walked over and met up with the
group. It was awesome to have this
service…thank you Finish Strong!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once we were dropped off at the start, I went to body marking. I had put
on sunscreen at the hotel, so my numbers were smearing pretty easily…I wished I
had ordered the race number tattoos. Oh
well! I took two Electrosalt tablets and
realized I left my bottle of pickle juice in the hotel fridge. I had been having crazy leg cramps in the
water and wanted to do whatever I could to prevent it. I decided not to worry about it and just try
to relax in the swim. I drank all of my
Nuun and had another bottle of water. About 30 minutes before the wetsuit start, I had a pop-tart...breakfast of champions! I met up with my teammates again <span style="background-color: white;">and </span>I was
joined by my good friend and best supporter, Kelly, plus two other awesome gals
– Jennifer and Ami. Coach John gathered
the group together for an awesome and emotional pep talk and prayer. The Anthem was sung and the pros started. It was getting real, I was going to do this!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEd7SIMrgrrnuapOaO7m6kMabA5FnPquaLXWlwWMN_FQlt4BzlwzS9OLWLHc3ZUpq1gz-3gvtBVF6efl1_R2kUuhDscitcZbua-Oph_J6iiIYYU0H4fi9zfa7_XQKSK1qP1bP/s1600/IMTX+Swim+Start+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEd7SIMrgrrnuapOaO7m6kMabA5FnPquaLXWlwWMN_FQlt4BzlwzS9OLWLHc3ZUpq1gz-3gvtBVF6efl1_R2kUuhDscitcZbua-Oph_J6iiIYYU0H4fi9zfa7_XQKSK1qP1bP/s400/IMTX+Swim+Start+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the Hubs before the race, the masses at the swim start, getting hugs from friends (Kelly, Jen and Ami), the swim starting!<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATg6uiabIAVbB7jie6ZohSaDzQxNE-mMsx0sk0tX6A3OJS7rIeYTfwJPMRUpWgix3W0Kb3H3ouGK-cVx0Ec5TgUA8ShaM-dN5gPyPdeFJyHJ3KIjy7QpJKjG8raohsKTe0_GS/s1600/IMTX+Prayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATg6uiabIAVbB7jie6ZohSaDzQxNE-mMsx0sk0tX6A3OJS7rIeYTfwJPMRUpWgix3W0Kb3H3ouGK-cVx0Ec5TgUA8ShaM-dN5gPyPdeFJyHJ3KIjy7QpJKjG8raohsKTe0_GS/s400/IMTX+Prayer.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prayer and pep-talk with Coach John</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Swim - 1:33:14<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though the water had reached 81 degrees, I decided that I was
wearing my wetsuit. Wetsuit optional
(not legal) meant that I’d would be starting after all the non-wetsuit people. I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly all
the athletes were in the water with the new rolling start and the wetsuit wave
was actually starting a few minutes earlier than expected. I found my Finish Strong peeps and had fun dancing to the music as we waited and just had fun while we waited. I don't think any of us could contain our excitement. A few minutes later, it was time for us to start. Even though Coach told us to start at the
front of the way, I hung back a bit…I have a history of having anxiety in the
water and wanted to do what I could to prevent that from happening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I slowly made my way into the water and started to swim. And then the anxiety set in. The stupid, annoying anxiety that I have not
experienced in over a year. Ugh. I tried to swim a few strokes and would get
out of breath due to the anxiety. I
stopped, tried to collect myself and then started again. More anxiety.
I heard someone in a Kayak say something about needing to pull out
another swimmer. I finally told myself,
“This is NOT how your day in going to end.
Not here, not like this!” I started my silly swim mantras and tried
again. At one point, I saw the blue sky
when I took a breath…I was breathing better and my mantras turned into prayers of thanks – “Thank you God
for the beautiful sky”, “Thank you God for helping me get my head together”, and
even “Thank you God for Nuun”and “Thank you God for Gu”. Finally, I got a rhythm and really got going! Before I knew it, I could stop my mantras and
just swim. I actually began to enjoy the
swim. It seemed to take forever to get
to the first turn, but then things went more quickly. I bumped into a few people and a few people
bumped into me, but for the most part the swim wasn’t bad. And then I turned into the channel. There were so many people squished into a
small space! </span></div>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMyQa8F6RUqfGLnNbtoZ_buRa1YYwgnSns9dKYDtRPd_rHHE1Bs96pcd09sNEAe-I3hz1ovtQo2HY5-TQRrPF24vuDNAIPJLrtkvRhL3y4naN2iNhR2WraUN_B34kqHP5Mzww/s1600/IMTX+swim2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMyQa8F6RUqfGLnNbtoZ_buRa1YYwgnSns9dKYDtRPd_rHHE1Bs96pcd09sNEAe-I3hz1ovtQo2HY5-TQRrPF24vuDNAIPJLrtkvRhL3y4naN2iNhR2WraUN_B34kqHP5Mzww/s320/IMTX+swim2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The channel when it wasn't quite as crowded</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know several 1:45-ish</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> swim finishers and they didn’t seem to have issues
with crowding in the channel. When I saw
all the people, I thought that either I was faster than I thought, or there
were just more slower swimmers than previous years, lol.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I had trouble really getting into a rhythm,
because it was just crowded. Eventually
either the crowd of swimmers spread out, or the channel widened, because I
could see open areas when I was spotting and knew I could swim several strokes
without running into anyone. I only had
one issue with a swimmer…he seemed to run into my legs and then decided to
wrestle with them… I simply stopped for a second and let him move on. The channel was really exciting – I could see
the crowds each time I took a breath, I could hear cheers and cowbells. When we
first entered the channel, I remember seeing pretty yellow flowers on one side.
I tried to take all of this in and just enjoy the experience. As I passed under the bridge, I looked for my
friends and didn't see them. I found out later that I was faster than expected and they missed me. When I looked ahead, I saw the crowds and
realized that I was almost done. I
couldn’t believe it! I was almost done
with the swim…it seemed so fast! I
actually felt myself smile. While I was
swimming. And then I almost cried. I was so happy! But, I pulled my happy self together and finished my
swim. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_jvs1Fn_vHWTemlZYH6TRv1ukamCiT195Ly8zDK4Vmcg4AqHpaNKk3M-S4OnliuLeI9orCUGitqrxp0o-HTkOgerHTtQ5FTU13x7WqNjlxbypCkfHj4TrXFMy068aMyeWqPc/s1600/1045_057192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_jvs1Fn_vHWTemlZYH6TRv1ukamCiT195Ly8zDK4Vmcg4AqHpaNKk3M-S4OnliuLeI9orCUGitqrxp0o-HTkOgerHTtQ5FTU13x7WqNjlxbypCkfHj4TrXFMy068aMyeWqPc/s400/1045_057192.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only pic of me coming out of the water and my eyes are closed! At least I look happy. Notice the mud? It look a lot like the transition area.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I exited the water, I heard
Mike Reilly say my name and lifted my arms and squealed! I realized I had forgotten to start my watch
(doh!), so I had no idea of my time. A
woman getting out of the water next to me slipped in the mud, so I made a point
to walk slowly and carefully through the area.
Someone came up and unzipped my wetsuit, which was great because I
completely forgot to do that. The strippers
stripped off the wetsuit in a flash and I moved on. I waved to
my hubby, my parents and kiddos and happily grabbed my transition bag and went
into the transition tent.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Q_6rHnKsvSZHeuyih8mUXpJ5QdsNkva-Xdokj-ByWrcNb8HVF_LwXzqo_CbPOwnf6YZSNpqwzMw4I_NHxCBdyG55eOdhuD3E3LauvXvhfeMeDdmhjKMYsToHj0p8rrcJg51p/s1600/IMTX+swim+exit4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Q_6rHnKsvSZHeuyih8mUXpJ5QdsNkva-Xdokj-ByWrcNb8HVF_LwXzqo_CbPOwnf6YZSNpqwzMw4I_NHxCBdyG55eOdhuD3E3LauvXvhfeMeDdmhjKMYsToHj0p8rrcJg51p/s400/IMTX+swim+exit4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me picking up my gear bag</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">T1 - 13:34<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I saw my teammate, Nancy, in the tent which was a surprise because she
is faster than me. When I told her that
I forgot to start my watch, she commented that I must have finished in
1:30-something. I was in shock. I expected to finish around 1:45 or 1:50, but
I never in a million years thought I would finish in 1:30-something! At this point, the tent was fairly crowded
and the volunteers were pretty busy, so grabbed some ice water, changed into a
bike jersey, put glide on my feet, stuffed my pockets, and was about to put on socks when someone
reminded me about all the mud. Instead,
I put my socks in my shoes and carried them out. Started to go to my bike, then realized that
I needed to pee (I actually needed to pee when I was swimming, but I am not
coordinated enough to swim and pee at the same time!) So, I went back to porta can. As I was about to exit the porta potty, I
heard a thunk and then a splash…it was my sunglasses! They immediately started to sink into that
icky blue water. I was not going to
reach in and grab them! Oh well, at
least it wasn’t the Tailwind packets that had been in my pockets!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I went into the <strike>mud pit</strike> transition, and grabbed my bike. I ended up carrying my bike over the mud (can
we say cyclocross?). Small plastic
swimming pools had been placed near the transition exit, so I washed off my feet,
put on my socks and shoes, and was finally off.
Thank you to all the volunteers who were holding our bikes while we did
this! I as approached the mount line, I saw
my awesome nephews and then saw rest of family and friend, Jill, and was off!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuciY6hYI9euGCA1A75vLbZXVagqdxVWhE6a3kn3fM6_WRj-aB2sLRDu3SZOrnr_4RvEbSfGhDyGDm-34hl_bMRQ959lxCoJJcT0eRsJU6j3CNAc0SeMe3qtQENALULLwHSsa/s1600/IMTX+bike+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuciY6hYI9euGCA1A75vLbZXVagqdxVWhE6a3kn3fM6_WRj-aB2sLRDu3SZOrnr_4RvEbSfGhDyGDm-34hl_bMRQ959lxCoJJcT0eRsJU6j3CNAc0SeMe3qtQENALULLwHSsa/s320/IMTX+bike+out.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feet cleaned, shoes on and ready to roll! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bike - 7:31:16</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just as Coach instructed, I started the bike slow. Just as he warned, my heart rate was crazy
high (in the 150s). It took about 7
miles to get my HR under 150…my goal was to not get higher than the low 130s
(hills were the exception). People were
passing me, but I just kept it slow.
Coach had said that if people are passing you, you’re doing it
right. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I headed out of The Woodlands, I saw a friend from my small group at church, Tommy. It was great to see another familiar face!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really needed to go to the
bathroom again, so my first stop was at the mile 20 aid station. I saw my “Team Beef” friends from Woodlands
Fit, used the porta potty, grabbed a water to top off my aerobottle, then put
the water bottle in my pocket for later (exactly why I opted to wear the
jersey..although it made for ugly race photos later, LOL!). My plan was to finish a bottle of Tailwind
every hour (drinking every 15 minutes), sip on my water, eat a Honey Stinger
Waffle and take two Electrosalt tablets per hour. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJmiqMv-5lcnrAzTiF1Hkpch8M8hs2JEqdyzQy41QVJcd3RjI_UQCMXFLo0aXs9t4tTZWwwMHxABMDr-cYWfL8-Vcb2qc4ySeqOW21B4k8F8koRvAgl-f2GViW95lzgHVKft5/s1600/1045_003786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJmiqMv-5lcnrAzTiF1Hkpch8M8hs2JEqdyzQy41QVJcd3RjI_UQCMXFLo0aXs9t4tTZWwwMHxABMDr-cYWfL8-Vcb2qc4ySeqOW21B4k8F8koRvAgl-f2GViW95lzgHVKft5/s400/1045_003786.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to leave The Woodlands</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were segments on the bike with lots of sun, some with clouds
(which made it feel so much cooler), lots of headwind , lots of cross winds, a
tiny sprinkle of rain and a few patches of tailwind throughout the course. I saw quite a few people on the side of the road with flats or other
issues and each time I said a silent prayer of thanks for making it as far as I
had with no issues. Maybe I was drinking
too much, because I seemed to have to stop at every other aid station for the
porta can! (Yes, I should probably learn to pee on the bike, but I just couldn't make myself do it!) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had been having back issues
on the bike for the past 6 weeks, so that had been a major concern for me as
the race approached. Fortunately, I had
no real issues with my back. The only exception
was on the largest hill on 1486 (affectionately named Bertha by a teammate). I felt a slight twinge, so I shifted into
small chain ring in order to not have to mash the pedals so much. It seemed to help. Having the extra bottle of water in my Jersey
was nice, because I could occasionally spray my head, back and chest with it to
keep cool.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It really helped that I had done training rides out on the course. I was familiar with the route, the hills and
even when to expect the wind. Along one
stretch, someone was burning a tree. I’m
not sure if that was intentional or not, but the smoke was blowing right into
the road and the cyclists. I figured if
nothing else, it would cover the smell of my sweat for a little while! I did stop at special needs for chips and a
few sips of a coke (I had frozen it the night before)….both were heavenly. A woman who was eating a PB&J commented
on how delicious and cold it looked. I
offered her a drink and she agreed it was great! I gave the rest to the young woman who was
volunteering. Apparently, they hadn’t
had much to drink and it was pretty hot out there. Another woman had dropped her salt pills on
the course, so some of us offered our extras...heaven knows I had packed plenty!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxTMpajq_FKVNVpNyxa1KRDAuxTS4PmsShiQ8u9IpL5hMUN6cg8miVV-xfeUa-_4cIPTu6aGnR3ctSK6VpDBxSFMa84fI6Wf-p0m9J_ig22g1S8avQ9PJojGxvcRXFqT1HWI2/s1600/1045_033141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxTMpajq_FKVNVpNyxa1KRDAuxTS4PmsShiQ8u9IpL5hMUN6cg8miVV-xfeUa-_4cIPTu6aGnR3ctSK6VpDBxSFMa84fI6Wf-p0m9J_ig22g1S8avQ9PJojGxvcRXFqT1HWI2/s400/1045_033141.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite bike pic..well except for that water bottle sticking out of my back pocket!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to give a huge kudos to the volunteers…they helped with anything
and everything. There was a great young
guy who helped me mix up a couple of bottles of Tailwind and grabbed water for
my aerobottle without me even asking for his help.
All while I pretty much just stood there at my bike Amazing!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My final stop was at mile 90. We
were off the rough roads and chip seal!
It felt great to know we were so close.
There was a lot of traffic, but for the most part the drivers didn’t
look too annoyed. Some of the people
even rolled down their windows and cheered for us. There were a few small hills in The
Woodlands, but it was so good to be so close to the end of the ride, I didn’t
care at all. There were people cheering
here and there, which was awesome. Overall
it turned out to be a great ride! My stomach
felt a little iffy here and there, but probably just too much
water/liquids. I had Pepto tablets which
really helped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">T2 - 14:30<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I dismounted my bike, I saw my family. When I entered the changing tent, I saw Nancy
again and took the chair next to her.
The volunteer who helped us both was AMAZING! She dumped my bag out on the ground and went
through each item to see what I needed and what I didn’t. She poured cold water on our heads and
sprayed us with sunscreen. She was a
rockstar!!! I wish I knew her name so I
could find her and thank her. I only
know that she completed IMTX in 2013.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIZFfqvxMOaxPyaxB3-aAxp9KO_rvuVwvN_vgNTqTznF_I-HrsG7Ob7u3Rp880oloSDPYFZ2hp6IU-tuhv1mhjwRF-Q9_hboxoreVBD2gg97YngFLxVCanQSxK10IFJG2j9kE/s1600/IMTX+bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIZFfqvxMOaxPyaxB3-aAxp9KO_rvuVwvN_vgNTqTznF_I-HrsG7Ob7u3Rp880oloSDPYFZ2hp6IU-tuhv1mhjwRF-Q9_hboxoreVBD2gg97YngFLxVCanQSxK10IFJG2j9kE/s400/IMTX+bike.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off the bike, hooray! I was showing Jill that I had my good luck charm with me. :-)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-lax1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/r270/22697_10207254621589370_8163362656735585895_n.jpg?oh=80fa171b89e3af637bb890773aa1c8b4&oe=5602D34F" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="343" src="https://scontent-lax1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/r270/22697_10207254621589370_8163362656735585895_n.jpg?oh=80fa171b89e3af637bb890773aa1c8b4&oe=5602D34F" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just one of the many good luck charms I had with me...this one given to me by my friend, Jill</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Run - 6:05:23<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once I was ready, I headed out to the run. I saw my family and friends and walked to get
my heart rate down. I loved that the aid
stations were so frequent. I didn’t
always need something, but there was music and happy, smiling faces, which
really helped keep me pumped and excited.
Another nice thing about doing a race in your hometown is that I seemed
to know at least one volunteer at every aid station!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3iJtaxTh45JFywHHImfZW1bBuKPnIK-jfGs73BLacaKWuipg1543ehBV4SKZsaz4eyCaCe_3ILUf2qNFKL5_b93XjlTvbW1YR-rmMTiJt_RDzZetX4yxZHsAGv6nVmi-WDt8/s1600/1045_047543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3iJtaxTh45JFywHHImfZW1bBuKPnIK-jfGs73BLacaKWuipg1543ehBV4SKZsaz4eyCaCe_3ILUf2qNFKL5_b93XjlTvbW1YR-rmMTiJt_RDzZetX4yxZHsAGv6nVmi-WDt8/s320/1045_047543.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy to see my "Team Christy"cheer crew...the Kiddo gave me the "Ick" look and opted for a double high-five</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition to the aid stations, there
were several tri groups out on the course with loud music. There was a fun group on Lake Woodlands, South
Coast Endurance had “Hippie Hollow” which was AMAZING, CyTri had a team of
cheerleaders, and Moxie Multisport had
men in Speedos and women in Bikini’s dancing (yes I danced a little at each
loop). I saw several friends on the
course who took time to jog alongside me for a bit, always with smiles and encouraging
words. It was awesome. And, it helped to see signs that the Hubby made for me along the course.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOcdb01yMe9meDY2-y2vTBcVpqJgOa7hKIm1YxN72iVGbIWAXyIAQ7BuRsptppEKoaXnzdmn-rMg9NKQ6jnNQgnYT03P0WkVQ7dQiuLNdDAL1pbG5eZvMWYsUxab216RhFxWv/s1600/IMTX+signs+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOcdb01yMe9meDY2-y2vTBcVpqJgOa7hKIm1YxN72iVGbIWAXyIAQ7BuRsptppEKoaXnzdmn-rMg9NKQ6jnNQgnYT03P0WkVQ7dQiuLNdDAL1pbG5eZvMWYsUxab216RhFxWv/s640/IMTX+signs+collage.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few of the signs the Hubs put out on the course for me to see!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The aid stations had fun themes like the United Nations or Pirates. The most encouraging volunteer award goes to
the Pirate woman welcoming everyone to the OutRival Racing aid station. She yelled out comments (with her pirate-speak) about how strong we looked, how we
were almost Ironmen (and women), etc.
She was awesome! There was also
someone along Woodlands Parkway who was having a backyard party. He and his friends were yelling and
cheering over their fence with a megaphone. That was
hilarious!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another highlight of the run was seeing Coach Dana and Coach John
riding by on bicycles in East Shore giving lots of encouragement.
East shore had lonely, quiet areas, so that gave me a little extra energy
when I really needed it. My first loop
was fun…I just took in all the sights and sounds. Several friends had told me to try to enjoy
every minute of this race and I was doing my best to do just that. I could see
my cheer crew in front of the Marriott from the other side of the Waterway and
hearing their cheers was amazing. The
entire Waterway was filled with spectators and I was constantly hearing spectators call my name. There were a couple of
annoying out and back sections, but I didn’t mind the first time around. There was another great aid station before
the final out and back, the “Some like it Hot” station. I saw volunteers from my run club and other
people that I knew. When I made it to
the stairs (Yes, there were stairs! We went down, not up!), I saw my longtime friend, Kristi.
She ran with me until we reached my cheer section at the Marriott. I high-fived friends and family, hugged the Hubs, gave
the Munchkin a kiss and high-fived the Kiddo (she wanted no hugs from her
sweaty Mom). <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_tXbJtcJJN7l6NaCyjBjS26Zwn0HL4E3XeuwGQQhUvFc11a3P4Ox-H8aRKuIKMKsWx6qdtTpUC9Yoz5TPw_norREId4CJBGX5pQDzcyNDaGiDwss6Km1DcTjxUQ3meYZ2b_k/s1600/IMTX+Cheer+signs+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_tXbJtcJJN7l6NaCyjBjS26Zwn0HL4E3XeuwGQQhUvFc11a3P4Ox-H8aRKuIKMKsWx6qdtTpUC9Yoz5TPw_norREId4CJBGX5pQDzcyNDaGiDwss6Km1DcTjxUQ3meYZ2b_k/s640/IMTX+Cheer+signs+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute signs from the cheer squad!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfx0k0UTbmY3_PTxpqLIs2xubUZI4O9OBisPH0oLHXcYmIVEFsa3uQrWkUz8dd4PzKVLPWXatV6NU9igKOwnYNKqwjE1GzbQU206zRzOuwYScuDutAoPASKBX79lJ026hkOPnx/s1600/IMTX+cheer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfx0k0UTbmY3_PTxpqLIs2xubUZI4O9OBisPH0oLHXcYmIVEFsa3uQrWkUz8dd4PzKVLPWXatV6NU9igKOwnYNKqwjE1GzbQU206zRzOuwYScuDutAoPASKBX79lJ026hkOPnx/s400/IMTX+cheer.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mom and cousin, Debbie, giving me some cowbell!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzv_Rbs9NShr0zYxr8DBZWCrXJIAYMInd44MyQgKHvoxR7tD65ZuTLUC-P35oyPFoLYOpizgrRqiRE-Z3RqrdDyRwky3vlmfWnX1r0NlSqfMW3ZiyegKxFEZudvzaAvlFA5Sqc/s1600/IMTX+run1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzv_Rbs9NShr0zYxr8DBZWCrXJIAYMInd44MyQgKHvoxR7tD65ZuTLUC-P35oyPFoLYOpizgrRqiRE-Z3RqrdDyRwky3vlmfWnX1r0NlSqfMW3ZiyegKxFEZudvzaAvlFA5Sqc/s400/IMTX+run1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Happy to see my "Team Christy"cheer crew...the Kiddo gave me the "Ick" look and opted for a double high-five.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMR6Bk7GWO6OjAFTYO9CQxxjVQ0HheaY14td359_uVVZoK-Iwfy7ZGrdZjxURIqZHXQut-59-7_gwyeJkKLowmX9i0OlxaiccYgDhsGw1akKaGGzmXcCo8uVT2QcVTz5M_tfm/s1600/10389961_10103270952886158_4110118169141910918_n+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMR6Bk7GWO6OjAFTYO9CQxxjVQ0HheaY14td359_uVVZoK-Iwfy7ZGrdZjxURIqZHXQut-59-7_gwyeJkKLowmX9i0OlxaiccYgDhsGw1akKaGGzmXcCo8uVT2QcVTz5M_tfm/s320/10389961_10103270952886158_4110118169141910918_n+-+Copy.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hubs coming along for a little stroll</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second loop was more of the same.
One thing I noticed was that I had to stop at a porta can way more
often than I wanted to….again, maybe too much liquid on the bike? The sun was starting to get lower and the
temps started getting cooler. This
helped immensely with both HR and pace. Before
North Shore Park, I saw my friend Jerry who jogged and walked with me for a bit
and then met me again at the park exit. I
stopped at special needs, changed my socks, added more glide and ate a few
potato chips. I ate a Hammer Gel every
hour and picked up potato chips, oranges and cold water at the aid stations. The aid station on Panther Creek had
watermelon and it was insanely good! I had intended to use Nuun in my handheld
water bottle, but it just didn’t taste good to me. So I had an Electrosalt tablet each hour, my Gu and
a little chicken broth here and there.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPOqgFdanQfTTr7AEHq8NOBUWSYnPyunBd56qBY_K-OLOLzqi8qZrDbDJ_2vUB3CssNpKEhITvDwXqinHSXqhiyoN2_U7pIsR9llfO2qh2ieGHCn7R5SiHYdZjL-zC0kUkakp/s1600/IMTX+run2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPOqgFdanQfTTr7AEHq8NOBUWSYnPyunBd56qBY_K-OLOLzqi8qZrDbDJ_2vUB3CssNpKEhITvDwXqinHSXqhiyoN2_U7pIsR9llfO2qh2ieGHCn7R5SiHYdZjL-zC0kUkakp/s400/IMTX+run2.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grabbing a quick kiss from the Hubby on the 2nd loop</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the third loop, it felt great to know I was almost done. It was a much quieter loop – the crowds were
thinning and the music was gone in some areas. It gave me some time to just let it all sink in...I was almost there! Moxie was still dancing and there was an elderly lady on the patio of
the retirement home on the waterway who was clapping (I saw her on my first and
second loop, too). I saw Michele LeBlanc
from Outrival who gave me some words of encouragement. I meet
up with a friend, Richard, on path the dark path along Woodlands Parkway. We chatted a bit and managed to leapfrog with
each other the rest of the way. Seeing friends along the cours</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">e also helped make the miles go faster.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAi_ASVIG7YZ63ZKuG9bwoZxQ1KICU2OKVSvL8jZqvzrSA4Ou1ISJuAqdwegWOWkhQctYqwbLQeDWeBxMpg9BZSOrHALpT7gP0eh9Ws9fXf6GR3pPn2CT3ViYYDS_hvxqe7Lmf/s1600/IMTX+selfie+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAi_ASVIG7YZ63ZKuG9bwoZxQ1KICU2OKVSvL8jZqvzrSA4Ou1ISJuAqdwegWOWkhQctYqwbLQeDWeBxMpg9BZSOrHALpT7gP0eh9Ws9fXf6GR3pPn2CT3ViYYDS_hvxqe7Lmf/s640/IMTX+selfie+Collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a couple of friends who cheered, rand and walked with me on race day - Kristi (top) and Tammie.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After passing my favorite pirate lady, I knew I only had a 5k left. For some reason, it seemed so much longer than
a 5K. Probably because this was the longest
stretch between aid stations and it included the out and back sections, which by now just seemed really annoying to me. I
walked a lot in those final miles, and pretty much waked all of those final
two miles. Had a tiny cramp in my right
calf, which is why I decided to not worry about my pace. I also decided that I had been running so
slow that I was probably only going to shave 5 minutes off my time by running
more. Funny how you reason with yourself
when you’re getting tired. However, even
though I felt the fatigue setting in, my body still felt great. No weird aches or pains, no weird GI issues,
just a teeny calf cramp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I finally made it to the last aid station. At the turnaround, there is a bell you get to
ring on your final lap. I rang the bell
twice and started to get more excited. I
saw my coach from my first year in Woodlands Fit, Debbie. She walked with me for a long stretch along
the Waterway, which helped make that final little stretch more bearable. Once she left me, I noticed that I could hear the crowds. I was getting closer and closer to the
finishers chute and Mike Reilly’s voice! I finally ran again. The people standing there were cheering and
clapping. The next thing I knew, I was
entering the chute. I wanted to take it
all in, but it went so quickly, dammit!
I tried to high-five as many people as possible along the way. At some point I yelled something like, “Holy
f*ck”, I’m almost done!” I’m apologize
if there were children around, but the words were out before I knew what was
happening.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Q776y5MXibe6ZgZZtzbMx7wpqJB4RIawnAcD7kpqbRX3HXqjty1hOma_GeIElH96DXRQm40-m38r0gR9AJeptkBl-t7ypAdlN101pRPPezReCDMTpBNp74LiDB5gKDBHFrus/s1600/IMTX+finishers+chute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Q776y5MXibe6ZgZZtzbMx7wpqJB4RIawnAcD7kpqbRX3HXqjty1hOma_GeIElH96DXRQm40-m38r0gR9AJeptkBl-t7ypAdlN101pRPPezReCDMTpBNp74LiDB5gKDBHFrus/s400/IMTX+finishers+chute.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming down the finisher's chute...this part was a total blur!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I saw friends, but it was just such a blur! I almost went back and hugged them, but I opted
to just keep on going. Finally, I
rounded the u-turn and headed up the hill toward the finish! I continued the high fives with anyone who
had their hand out and spotted my family…I stopped for hugs, high fives and a
kiss from DH. So amazing! And then I raised my arms and galloped and
danced as I head Mike Reilly say, “CHRISTY GONZALES, YOU – ARE – AN – IRONMAN!”
I let out a scream (or three). </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MmRju5vi4VThpLcIE_wMJMrb9o3B4sYIF-DAiDRP18Kz-CxSjMxIi90W3l15irF8pf7spFJhM6zOnn_Ifdg16KGoZrfCqpSba43U27yqXclyOLlOvBRcA8xwXzqssQymmbbD/s1600/IMTX+Finish+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MmRju5vi4VThpLcIE_wMJMrb9o3B4sYIF-DAiDRP18Kz-CxSjMxIi90W3l15irF8pf7spFJhM6zOnn_Ifdg16KGoZrfCqpSba43U27yqXclyOLlOvBRcA8xwXzqssQymmbbD/s400/IMTX+Finish+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To say I was a little excited would be an understatement...This is a sample of my happy dance. If I knew how to post the video, I would!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_43SP-HAyrNPifkX0t5W5iWsgB9woTIBB4uzlWzUoFSxKyWFA8au1YNxNnjZCFoWOyRHrpvwTik4eQaSULIf0johsTWDg8rCYBpw62Y-0OpmiX2fUS8Nc-qCtzdQkhxF7ECJf/s1600/1045_065296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_43SP-HAyrNPifkX0t5W5iWsgB9woTIBB4uzlWzUoFSxKyWFA8au1YNxNnjZCFoWOyRHrpvwTik4eQaSULIf0johsTWDg8rCYBpw62Y-0OpmiX2fUS8Nc-qCtzdQkhxF7ECJf/s400/1045_065296.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I stopped my happy dance too soon, because the official finish photo is well, kinda boring, LOL.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was all so surreal. My
friend, Cheryl, was there to greet me and gave me a huge hug. I was given my medal and was walked to the next
person who would give me my hat and finisher’s shirt. Coach Dana walked up and gave me a hug, congratulated me and
made sure I felt okay (which I did!). He
walked me to the finisher’s pic area and just like that, it was done.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsHXBrMnynWe3PegxH_VCfyUGRre8AITlOwJ82_4FSP-EI3O16uXzsNxF9vJo6j11omiCRfcHwGuVBNLNOoU63srpZANtss91ziXm8VOHfS3qH4LwAnaqyjltNBSQBhNTfz_P/s1600/1045_091047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsHXBrMnynWe3PegxH_VCfyUGRre8AITlOwJ82_4FSP-EI3O16uXzsNxF9vJo6j11omiCRfcHwGuVBNLNOoU63srpZANtss91ziXm8VOHfS3qH4LwAnaqyjltNBSQBhNTfz_P/s320/1045_091047.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was an Ironman.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was perfect.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time - 15:37:57</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Afterwards, I saw my Dad on the other side of the barrier and gave him
a hug. I had to keep walking in order to
exit the finisher’s area. When I did, I
saw my friends, Tammie and Kelly. Before
long, more and more friends and family started to make their way through the
crowd. We hugged, laughed at my finish
line performance and took copious amounts of pictures. It still hadn’t hit me that I was done, but
felt great all the same. </span><br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrIBnHhzu2cDjNBIeqjZoIQvYtyy-TyWwC5sHJp7dmMy5SKDu_aQ8jD5_pB1ntnsDTRxbv38cv9mkq0AWIjqbFsmL8QrMVYANXYKnfjtlPg9KJxkbThWDeP-lIQzyqZhFKsqY/s1600/IMTX+team+christy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrIBnHhzu2cDjNBIeqjZoIQvYtyy-TyWwC5sHJp7dmMy5SKDu_aQ8jD5_pB1ntnsDTRxbv38cv9mkq0AWIjqbFsmL8QrMVYANXYKnfjtlPg9KJxkbThWDeP-lIQzyqZhFKsqY/s400/IMTX+team+christy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Team Christy"minus a few who had to leave a little early. Best.support.ever.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgv5O8YBi1WXaKLZtTJBZ-l3XFnxlNOEKeocxWWsPwSBSmQr1XjM6CJRX8eUKXQOAON0efwpHM7zBBhhPr6gZF6-mIrblg_sRX16EuvUQebSVCUrUK-EoVZejNQKQqDIK-o_i/s1600/IMTX+finish1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgv5O8YBi1WXaKLZtTJBZ-l3XFnxlNOEKeocxWWsPwSBSmQr1XjM6CJRX8eUKXQOAON0efwpHM7zBBhhPr6gZF6-mIrblg_sRX16EuvUQebSVCUrUK-EoVZejNQKQqDIK-o_i/s400/IMTX+finish1.jpg" width="327" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome coach giving congrats and checking in!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFnc3f1xULvZMpx1VW4HAzl4u2AMtRDCpqJC9Dg-TK3V6m4i5-u78WKZ-uVGs7qiVrbiSFMGkN2eeNIe8Jlfx63bpMs-6dGbMBAPTYjTxQnUZ8Ha9j_vwliF5yFQJS_i6CSXg/s1600/IMTX+Finish+Collage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFnc3f1xULvZMpx1VW4HAzl4u2AMtRDCpqJC9Dg-TK3V6m4i5-u78WKZ-uVGs7qiVrbiSFMGkN2eeNIe8Jlfx63bpMs-6dGbMBAPTYjTxQnUZ8Ha9j_vwliF5yFQJS_i6CSXg/s640/IMTX+Finish+Collage3.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sLRqL932IMiwNKwVHdNyHjXD5yBNgCxXecm8Ms3nzGxli_FRvA2DmVJYKZV9Q39dzs1oNgzM4o_R8XxF1iI9K7H7zil67OubUPp77APd-4VexWw5sjNfIVnPvVB8O8B7yoIz/s1600/IMTX+after+collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sLRqL932IMiwNKwVHdNyHjXD5yBNgCxXecm8Ms3nzGxli_FRvA2DmVJYKZV9Q39dzs1oNgzM4o_R8XxF1iI9K7H7zil67OubUPp77APd-4VexWw5sjNfIVnPvVB8O8B7yoIz/s400/IMTX+after+collage2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of post race selfies! <br />
I have the most amazing friends and family...I love these guys!!!<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mmyxPHLHp6KhsYRuiS013oGzcJCD54yDMmTcYCcdNVs6c2m96d8GCAkoiPXD8pDcgnnDpQ5zA7VPG3GI5FsQcBK3qNdkPm-g0zmPTrgFVD6WkpOBRK45pOIvgEaG5IEhfy3N/s1600/IMTX+after2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mmyxPHLHp6KhsYRuiS013oGzcJCD54yDMmTcYCcdNVs6c2m96d8GCAkoiPXD8pDcgnnDpQ5zA7VPG3GI5FsQcBK3qNdkPm-g0zmPTrgFVD6WkpOBRK45pOIvgEaG5IEhfy3N/s400/IMTX+after2.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My heart and soul...I could not have done this without these guys!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was hoping to
take a quick shower and come back to the finish line for the final hour, but
the hubby went to get my bike and the kids had had a long day. Instead, I watched the big video screen from
our hotel room and listened to the crowds while chowing down on two slices of
Grimaldi’s pepperoni pizza. For once,
the Kiddo was desperately wanting a shower and the Munchkin quickly fell asleep
with his stinky, sweaty clothes on. I
still couldn’t believe it...I had done it! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Later that night, I sat in bed and read the text messages and Facebook
posts from the entire day. Everyone was asleep and all I could think about was
how freaking lucky I am. I have an amazing support system – my Hubby, kids,
parents, inlaws, friends, teammates, coaches. I
felt thankful that I had such a great day.
Everything fell into place perfectly.
It was awesome.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am blessed beyond words. I am
pretty sure I fell asleep with a smile on my face.</span><br />
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<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-8VCrWvL6NkxZPChx0eOytwFJBDFz2GgKeMiY-Ku5ZJJtsI6Rj19ib3noauTS94dmV1nOvGlIsqdURj2c_rHSSjgSSOHqCzumP3knypDWqB795D5iyw6xXvJ3d-vpdYQEwLk/s1600/IMTX+finish6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-8VCrWvL6NkxZPChx0eOytwFJBDFz2GgKeMiY-Ku5ZJJtsI6Rj19ib3noauTS94dmV1nOvGlIsqdURj2c_rHSSjgSSOHqCzumP3knypDWqB795D5iyw6xXvJ3d-vpdYQEwLk/s320/IMTX+finish6.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
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TX Runner Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820410810670760913noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27818588.post-61777422811568542212015-05-06T13:37:00.003-05:002015-05-06T13:37:51.821-05:00Hell Month - FINAL WEEK!!!Well, last week was the final week of hell month...at least M-F. We had 3 hours worth of bike/run workouts on Tuesday and Thursday and some 3,000+ swims on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. We had a little break on the weekend with a 2:15 run and a 4 hour ride...funny how 4 hours seem so short compared to those 6+ hour rides we were doing just a couple of weeks ago!<br /><br />We did attempt another open water swim at beautiful Lake Conroe. Unfortunately, the wind made actual white caps in the water and swimming was well, not so fun. Two years ago, we had similar conditions before I did my first 70.3 and I barely managed a 500m swim. This time around, I almost didn't even get in the water. I was scared! But, not only did I manage to swim the course...and I went back a second time! We were all getting knocked around by the waves, which made swimming straight and spotting nearly impossible. I think I drank half the lake, too. After my second lap, I called it a day. Thankfully, we shouldn't see conditions like that in Lake Woodlands!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/11170338_10207025669465710_2054382045278084902_n.jpg?oh=a3faf5c337ca69b5ba09d9f98b0c5fb5&oe=55C67E82" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/11170338_10207025669465710_2054382045278084902_n.jpg?oh=a3faf5c337ca69b5ba09d9f98b0c5fb5&oe=55C67E82" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The choppy water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
As for my back, I've been to the chiropractor. It seemed to help a little, but I felt the aches and pains all during my bike rides all week. I just took my bike to the shop for a tune up, so I think switching to the spin bike in the meantime might help...I won't be in aero, which should give it time to rest. Fortunately, it doesn't seem to hurt when I run, so that's good!<br />
<br />
So now is taper! The next 2 weeks of workouts get shorter and shorter. I cannot believe that we are a mere 12 days away from race day! I am trying my best not to look at the extended weather forecasts, because there is just no possible way we will know what the weather will be like this far out. That's one thing about Texas, the weather changes so rapidly that we probably won't know for sure until the morning of May 16th!!! In the meantime, I will try not to go crazy. Taper does that to most people (including me).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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TX Runner Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820410810670760913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27818588.post-76402694616777222522015-05-06T13:16:00.002-05:002015-05-06T13:16:53.129-05:00Hell Weeks 3 & 4<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve been a bad blogger the past two weeks!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The good news is that I’ve survived “Hell Month” so
far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In week 3, I was back to following
my schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The week honestly wasn’t
horrible…my longest weekday run was 1 hour 15 minutes, my longest weekday ride
was 1 hour 25 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weekend was
tough – 100 mile ride on Saturday, followed by a 22 minute mile run and an
18-mile run on Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These were going
to be my longest workouts before race day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Both went well, but I have been noticing a pain in the middle of my back
on the right side..fortunately, I’ve only noticed this on the bike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also met up at Lake Conroe and had an
amazing open water swim!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each one of
those gives me a little more confidence about the swim on race day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/11099283_10206904556197954_1070397814439675660_n.jpg?oh=312a362382fac908d1d15047b991e041&oe=55D6800D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://scontent-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/11099283_10206904556197954_1070397814439675660_n.jpg?oh=312a362382fac908d1d15047b991e041&oe=55D6800D" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I feel extremely lucky to be able to swim in such a great location!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>Also, the temps are warming up here. I have been trying to run in the afternoons instead of the mornings, just to start getting acclimated. I ran on a trail near my house when the temps were around 86 degrees. I found it really difficult to keep my heart rate where it's supposed to be (~143) and ended up walking quite a bit to keep it there. Grrr....the joys of IM training! At least the trail scenery was nice!</o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11169885_10206973762808076_6436069483638045536_n.jpg?oh=7b6b617c0cd8ca45f9f2c6d110d252cb&oe=55D9937E" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11169885_10206973762808076_6436069483638045536_n.jpg?oh=7b6b617c0cd8ca45f9f2c6d110d252cb&oe=55D9937E" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The paved trail near my house...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Week 4 actually ended up being a recovery week. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a little surprised by this even though
we’ve<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>typically had a recovery week
every 4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> week of training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
know others who had one more really tough week and weekend of training and then
were going into taper mode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I have
to admit, the recovery was AWESOME.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weekday
workouts were still somewhat long, but not as bad as a regular week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of 2 ½ - 3 hours on my bike/run days,
I had less than 2 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The swims were
also a bit shorter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My long ride was
only 4 hours, followed by a 90-minute run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I went to see a chiropractor mid-week to have him check my back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pain during my bike ride was minimal…until
I had to come to a complete stop at a 4-way stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I started going again, the muscles on
the right side of my back tightened up so much that I thought I was going to
have to stop mid-way through my ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Luckily, it eased up and I could continue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whew!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So now we are in the final week of the month and ready to
enter the taper zone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The workouts this
week consisted of 3 swim days with the longest swim at 3,400 yard, 2 weekday
bike rides with the longest at 1 hour 40 minutes and 3 weekday runs with the
longest at 1 hour, 20 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
weekend, we will bike 70 miles on Saturday and run 15-ish on Sunday…which we
may flip/flop around to accommodate other activities!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p>I am getting really excited about the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s hard to believe that there are only 15
days left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10409379_10207007458130438_2230568663452069235_n.jpg?oh=06f77d00b8993b79ceba5c45507217cf&oe=55D935D4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://scontent-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10409379_10207007458130438_2230568663452069235_n.jpg?oh=06f77d00b8993b79ceba5c45507217cf&oe=55D935D4" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, this pretty much sums it up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">IT’S GETTING REAL!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the past couple of weeks, there have been a couple of
other developments that have made the experience even more real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, we received our bib numbers. O-M-G.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second, the wall of names at Lululemon was
revealed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So exciting!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/11139412_10207007645855131_333048821368888765_n.jpg?oh=c0401436864b2ac66da4219c6a3ac5a8&oe=55D222C8" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/11139412_10207007645855131_333048821368888765_n.jpg?oh=c0401436864b2ac66da4219c6a3ac5a8&oe=55D222C8" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My bib #!!!!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/11078227_863182727063075_8153727240582851303_n.jpg?oh=02dc43fdaece64034f3002e9db5ee44f&oe=55D2EFAB" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://scontent-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/11078227_863182727063075_8153727240582851303_n.jpg?oh=02dc43fdaece64034f3002e9db5ee44f&oe=55D2EFAB" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The window covering at Lululemon...it lists the name of every IMTX participant!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My emotions go from “OMG, I am soooo excited, I can’t wait!”
to “Oh holy hell, how am I going to do this??”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But it’s good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, other than my leg cramps in the water
and this nagging back pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But yes, I
am ready!</span></div>
TX Runner Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820410810670760913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27818588.post-65734573555579838372015-04-16T10:58:00.002-05:002015-04-16T11:15:33.394-05:00Hell Month - Week 2Well, week 2 of hell month went well considering we were busier than usual with school and non-training related activities. I did have to make some adjustments, so training-wise it wasn't too hell-ish.<br />
<br />
First of all, I just finished the RRCA Coaching Certification course in February and passed the exam last month. Yay me! But, this also means that I had to hurry up and take CPR and First Aid by April 21or else I don't become officially certified. Naturally, I decided to take on this task during the peak of Ironman Texas training (HELL MONTH)! That's me...taking on too much at once. It's a sickness. :-) So, last week I had to attend CPR training in the evening...this is an evening that I typically swim. With my work schedule, there was no other time I could swim which means that I (gulp) skipped the swim.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaavCm47C4gU17dIo0_IXDHeoLiowSo_yxrpnsQS2v2F4MQRnb8WUOGeiEKwOFo23LbXYR06nPsmJJHqUgjbGIYtytfOgTsXm76p1wziu2zlEhpe6qe8ND3zWl_EkMra9beUp3/s1600/cpr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaavCm47C4gU17dIo0_IXDHeoLiowSo_yxrpnsQS2v2F4MQRnb8WUOGeiEKwOFo23LbXYR06nPsmJJHqUgjbGIYtytfOgTsXm76p1wziu2zlEhpe6qe8ND3zWl_EkMra9beUp3/s1600/cpr.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I became very friendly with one of these!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And....my Munchkin had his 1st grade choir program on Thursday night. I did get in both of my workouts that day (bike/run), but I cut the run workout a little short because I got such a late evening start.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p296x100/22682_10206908833144875_6585291490143078065_n.jpg?oh=a8e57a4bf591c585e58db1cd682eaca4&oe=55983A10" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p296x100/22682_10206908833144875_6585291490143078065_n.jpg?oh=a8e57a4bf591c585e58db1cd682eaca4&oe=55983A10" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cutie patootie getting ready for his choir performance!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And...Friday we had to head to Dallas for the Kiddo's state Destination Imagination competition. We needed to be packed and on the road a little before 11 am, so no Friday swim. :-( But, with the weekend full of activities in Dallas, I had to squeeze in some sort of long-ish bike ride on Friday morning. So, I went to the spin room as soon as the gym opened and "biked" for 3 1/2 hours. Luckily, there was a spin class in the middle of that 3 1/2 hours, so it made the time pass more quickly. But, it was nowhere close to the 6 hours on the schedule. Sigh. Considering we on the go until almost 10 pm that night, it was the best I could do.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/11146282_10206854305701723_697544670904239843_n.jpg?oh=6e3167f85fcce18118539b989f45cdff&oe=55AC39F8&__gda__=1440489950_e15d12c29bb409501b1ced9ee4e062b0" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/11146282_10206854305701723_697544670904239843_n.jpg?oh=6e3167f85fcce18118539b989f45cdff&oe=55AC39F8&__gda__=1440489950_e15d12c29bb409501b1ced9ee4e062b0" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had the place to myself for most of my ride!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/11124489_10206856395633970_3210504900265300797_n.jpg?oh=335cde866d8e53238d8544f50c46c611&oe=55E4C638" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://scontent-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/11124489_10206856395633970_3210504900265300797_n.jpg?oh=335cde866d8e53238d8544f50c46c611&oe=55E4C638" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dallas-bound!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11150154_10206860101086604_3070150639294417290_n.jpg?oh=c880ec1673d876a6969889fd0cd199b8&oe=55A5A1B9" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://scontent-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11150154_10206860101086604_3070150639294417290_n.jpg?oh=c880ec1673d876a6969889fd0cd199b8&oe=55A5A1B9" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had no idea the DI "Social" on Friday night would be all about pin trading! So fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We had a great time at the competition, but it did consume all of Saturday. The kids were on the bus at 6 am and didn't get back to the hotel until 10 pm. The Kiddo's team didn't place, so the won't be moving on to the Global competition in Knoxville in May (it's the week after IMTX, I checked when we made it to state!). While they were all disappointed, they had a great weekend, learned a lot and made some fun memories. I hope they continue to compete in the future, since it's a great experience.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11124805_10206869549202801_4617062681156257800_n.jpg?oh=c5697e48d839c1a303537ef1446f47f3&oe=55DEBE4F" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://scontent-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11124805_10206869549202801_4617062681156257800_n.jpg?oh=c5697e48d839c1a303537ef1446f47f3&oe=55DEBE4F" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The DI awards ceremony...it was pretty packed! Crazy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Sunday, I was on the hotel dreadmill by 5 am to run 2 1/2 hours before having to shower, eat breakfast and head back home. Not the 3 hours on the schedule, but again, it's what I could fit in. I could have waited to run on Sunday evening, but we had stuff at home to do and I wanted to go to the girls night out hosted by my tri club. Priorities.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10320481_10206872976008469_4398325623062988098_n.jpg?oh=92aff42b43a77858da5092052f40524f&oe=55ACF4B8&__gda__=1436729031_a158a356811e6cc57ef4e94c5110c4e5" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10320481_10206872976008469_4398325623062988098_n.jpg?oh=92aff42b43a77858da5092052f40524f&oe=55ACF4B8&__gda__=1436729031_a158a356811e6cc57ef4e94c5110c4e5" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My view for my Sunday long run...fun times!<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11078156_10206877570363325_4679964695560225644_n.jpg?oh=a383b466ddcbb03c83c04e0f6e971cd4&oe=55AA7F1A" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11078156_10206877570363325_4679964695560225644_n.jpg?oh=a383b466ddcbb03c83c04e0f6e971cd4&oe=55AA7F1A" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The reason I had to run in the morning...so I could try out the NormaTec boots at our Girls Night Out!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So, my this week of Hell Month wasn't quite as intense - I missed two swims and shortened my long bike and long run. I hope that in the grand scheme of things, these revisions don't make a difference on race day. If anything, I hope that this will make the coming week better because I am a little more rested. This is the life of an age grouper...sometimes other things in life take priority over the training schedule. The kids are only small once, and I will admit that I've missed other things - weekly swim lessons with the Munchkin, violin lessons and gymnastics practice with the kiddo. But, some events are bigger and can't be missed - there was no way I'd miss that choir concert or DI competition!<br />
<br />
Oh and to close out the week on a great note, I won the big door prize at the Girl's Night Out - an outfit from Athleta! TX Runner Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820410810670760913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27818588.post-72351672942606169492015-04-06T12:35:00.001-05:002015-04-06T12:36:06.278-05:00Hell Month - Week 1In case you're wondering, "Hell Month" in the world of Ironman Texas training is the month of April. It's basically the last few weeks leading up to the taper for IMTX, which are typically some of the longest workouts of the training cycle. I don't think any workout from here on out is less than a hour and 15 minutes and the weekend workouts are some of the longest yet.<br />
<br />
I am happy to say that I survived week 1 of Hell Month. And, the Easter weekend was full of huge milestones (for me). <br />
<br />
On Friday, I had my first OWS of the season and swam about 2,000 meters. I was worried that I would be visited by my old friend, Open Water Anxiety, on my first OWS. However, I was happy that the old friend seems to have moved on (Thank God). I felt pretty calm and relaxed in my wetsuit and the swimming felt really comfortable once I warmed up a bit. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11136778_10206802026714781_7082049505278376410_n.jpg?oh=03d735a9168cf13394d6e1738f34f48a&oe=559C6458&__gda__=1436824654_ac5c241169e1f1af64b9e0ac7c887ee2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11136778_10206802026714781_7082049505278376410_n.jpg?oh=03d735a9168cf13394d6e1738f34f48a&oe=559C6458&__gda__=1436824654_ac5c241169e1f1af64b9e0ac7c887ee2" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big thanks to Jill for the invite to swim and thanks to Mike for being a great swim partner for all those laps!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On Saturday, I rode my first ever century ride! I met up with my peeps from Finish Strong at 6:40 on Saturday morning and we headed out at daylight for a fully supported 100 mile ride. Unfortunately, it seems like the wind is always bad this time of year and Saturday was no different. <br />
<br />
But, we survived! <br />
<br />
Unlike my 90-mile ride on the course a few weeks ago, I was not riding all alone behind the main pack. I was fortunate enough to have several women nearby and that made this ride so much easier mentally. It sucks to be alone in the back...but, I suppose that riding alone in the back of the pack can make you tougher mentally, too. But, riding with others nearby is much, much more fun!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/11102746_10206826955617988_8664371682299088741_n.jpg?oh=4a5254df2c8323f08493372808890dad&oe=55BA10B7&__gda__=1438016403_b5ce2f8c3332c2617e102a6bdb0a8ac9" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/11102746_10206826955617988_8664371682299088741_n.jpg?oh=4a5254df2c8323f08493372808890dad&oe=55BA10B7&__gda__=1438016403_b5ce2f8c3332c2617e102a6bdb0a8ac9" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This pretty much sums up how I feel on the IMTX course....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So there were hills and there was a LOT of headwind, but with the help of the support crew (especially the ones with potato chips...those were awesome!), we made it. And I noticed that I am feeling stronger! I was able to make it up the largest hill (also known as "Big Bertha") without shifting to the smaller chain ring. Go me! And, when we arrived back at our starting point, I noticed that we were not quite at the 100 mile mark (I think it was 96 and some change), so another awesome rider and I rode around the block a few times until we finally hit the 100 mark. <br />
<br />
Yes, we are <em>THOSE</em> people. :-)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11136627_10206811267305790_6434160412412275002_n.jpg?oh=e0b44c49c83a0d5f763b26b487f99790&oe=55A5EAB1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11136627_10206811267305790_6434160412412275002_n.jpg?oh=e0b44c49c83a0d5f763b26b487f99790&oe=55A5EAB1" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And then we ran the 2 miles on the schedule. Afterwards, there were libations and one awesome team member brought cold watermelon. I swear after riding and then running, it was the BEST watermelon ever! I feel very fortunate to be training with such an awesome group of athletes!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/11128168_10206826890536361_8512770870568499348_n.jpg?oh=c2cb379117b5afb7f3bcec67dc39268b&oe=55B837DC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/11128168_10206826890536361_8512770870568499348_n.jpg?oh=c2cb379117b5afb7f3bcec67dc39268b&oe=55B837DC" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what Heaven tastes like!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Hubs was kind enough to make awesome burgers and sweet potato fries for dinner (watch out Smash Burger!), so we had an delicious feast after going to Easter service at church on Saturday night. And, to make things even better...he bought some yummy St. Arnold's root beer and I had a mini-cup of Cherry Garcia for dessert. Definitely one of the perks of Ironman training!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/18211_10206813223674698_5890492840628249928_n.jpg?oh=30567a08a7c84617b7acb5b9d337c3de&oe=55B09DCF&__gda__=1438246815_bb58c0b5c36330c6418793551265de8e" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/18211_10206813223674698_5890492840628249928_n.jpg?oh=30567a08a7c84617b7acb5b9d337c3de&oe=55B09DCF&__gda__=1438246815_bb58c0b5c36330c6418793551265de8e" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More delicious yumminess!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On Sunday, I had a 3 hour run on the schedule. This was a little tougher to fit in since it was Easter Sunday. I typically get out and run around 6 am, but I wanted to be home to see the kids discover their goodies from the Easter Bunny. And then, we were getting together with my parents at 2 pm for food and the Easter egg hunt. So, I squeezed in a 16-miler between Easter breakfast and going to my parent's house...I guess it's a good thing my kids don't sleep late. The run felt pretty good considering the long ride the day before. I didn't really start to feel the fatigue in my legs until around mile 11...I think a lot of that was mental, since I was starting a part of my route that I do over and over and over on the weekdays. I am honestly starting to get tired of seeing the same scenery week after week, so I think I was just ready for the run to be over!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1798801_10206826887776292_4595542288568689618_n.jpg?oh=21b945c414c240d0029e93c57eb5b2c0&oe=55B5A42F" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1798801_10206826887776292_4595542288568689618_n.jpg?oh=21b945c414c240d0029e93c57eb5b2c0&oe=55B5A42F" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A prettier part of my long run...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We had a great Easter! I ate more than I should have, the kids loved their Easter goodies and we enjoyed spending time with family. This week will be quite a challenge...the two days that have two workouts on the schedule are the two days that I have events in the evening - CPR class and the Munchkin's choir performance. And, we're heading out of town from Friday morning through Sunday evening for the Kiddo's Destination Imagination competition, so that's going to make the long run and long ride a challenge. I am going to need to get really creative with the workouts this week...somehow, it all seems to workout (no pun intended).<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10981517_10206826889056324_1128469463096847579_n.jpg?oh=59984964816c0140386db4f7d8d40db5&oe=559AD95E" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10981517_10206826889056324_1128469463096847579_n.jpg?oh=59984964816c0140386db4f7d8d40db5&oe=559AD95E" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm so glad I didn't miss seeing the happy faces on Easter morning!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10428697_10206826890096350_8858813712867092647_n.jpg?oh=6100995588787faf1ee8c350d1b22469&oe=55A61BFF&__gda__=1437633513_93cdb33282b00f844fca69be9063083e" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10428697_10206826890096350_8858813712867092647_n.jpg?oh=6100995588787faf1ee8c350d1b22469&oe=55A61BFF&__gda__=1437633513_93cdb33282b00f844fca69be9063083e" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think she likes it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11036252_10206826885896245_5932092627778284071_n.jpg?oh=524457c3a362416322d4bfe45ed10321&oe=55A4A9E9" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11036252_10206826885896245_5932092627778284071_n.jpg?oh=524457c3a362416322d4bfe45ed10321&oe=55A4A9E9" width="291" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweet kids at Grandma and Grandpa's house! Happy Easter!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
TX Runner Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820410810670760913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27818588.post-30287995920451337252015-03-31T11:01:00.004-05:002015-03-31T11:01:49.980-05:00Training UpdateIt's hard to believe that last week marked the end of my 3rd month of training! It was a recovery week and I took the recovery a bit farther than planned. With the pains I've been experiencing in my right leg - quad, inner thigh/groin and hip, I decided to skip a bike and run workout and only swim in the last half of the week.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmlPnzR7fr-YAqVRhpoI5kNsjVS0lBfjeoolRpQPrmhuM7zsvKE6WT6UitdiNTCbkm1Tp3_BUYfjpvsAEPivo9PiCRAygll-kSrbe1insHqUGZJZU9oqIWo3fw_1hR6FtAiLy/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmlPnzR7fr-YAqVRhpoI5kNsjVS0lBfjeoolRpQPrmhuM7zsvKE6WT6UitdiNTCbkm1Tp3_BUYfjpvsAEPivo9PiCRAygll-kSrbe1insHqUGZJZU9oqIWo3fw_1hR6FtAiLy/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're getting close!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We had a mock tri scheduled for Saturday, but due to some prior commitments, I ended up starting a little earlier in the morning and doing the bike/run portion on my own (I had to skip the swim). Not a true mock tri, but it was still a solid 5 hour workout. I wish I could say my attitude was good, but I was having one of those "Why am I doing this?", "I don't wanna ride my bike or run today", "Ironman is stupid" kind of mornings. I don't have these thoughts often, but it does happen from time to time. My run was pretty solid, but my bike lacked any and all enthusiasm. It was more of a "just get this damn workout done" ride. My pace was slow and I felt sort of blah, but I finished the 4 hour ride. And, my right leg felt pretty good! I think the extra rest, while hard to do, helped a lot.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/p526x296/11064594_10206780334732495_3976393161205684918_n.jpg?oh=537ebfcbd57754a762cba12c76c7c848&oe=55B072CE&__gda__=1436744246_f0f4db5fc9c75b7721cfd9a54b95d689" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/p526x296/11064594_10206780334732495_3976393161205684918_n.jpg?oh=537ebfcbd57754a762cba12c76c7c848&oe=55B072CE&__gda__=1436744246_f0f4db5fc9c75b7721cfd9a54b95d689" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My attitude was crap during my bike ride, but at least the weather was gorgeous!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I arrived home and learned that our dryer had stopped working. Sigh. The Hubs had to go to work, so I ended up hauling 3 loads of wet laundry and the two kids to the nearest laundromat. I had no idea there were still laundromats to begin with...thank God there are! And, they no longer use quarters! The lady loading the dryer next to me must have seen the strange look on my face when I was trying to figure out where to insert the money, because she was nice enough to explain to me how to use the machine. (You have to insert your cash or credit card into a different machine and get pre-paid wash card. Doh!) As you can imagine, that made for a fun afternoon...okay, not really.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11113350_10206780426614792_2352533089266101910_n.jpg?oh=2ef052b38a739b9a683a9cdc18c27018&oe=55A23C85&__gda__=1433479827_e742990fab1e86ffa470069271c98690" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11113350_10206780426614792_2352533089266101910_n.jpg?oh=2ef052b38a739b9a683a9cdc18c27018&oe=55A23C85&__gda__=1433479827_e742990fab1e86ffa470069271c98690" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is where my quarters ended up going....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Other than some stretching and foam rolling, yesterday was a true rest day. The weather was gorgeous, so the Hubs and I took advantage of it and met my sister-in-law, brother-in-law and nephew at a nearby wine festival. I've decided that I am going to try my best to make the most of those rest days! Unfortunately, we had yard work to do when we arrived home, but at least we were still enjoying the nice weather in the process of pulling weeds. :-)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10995415_10206780427934825_9083131244846565225_n.jpg?oh=96b1939d7c254ab392b7b590c29182bd&oe=55B80708" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10995415_10206780427934825_9083131244846565225_n.jpg?oh=96b1939d7c254ab392b7b590c29182bd&oe=55B80708" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His and hers beverages...<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/11081422_10206780429294859_3882145410443739055_n.jpg?oh=8c6413a8033aa3fdd951e6c03730eaf0&oe=55BDFF2A" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/11081422_10206780429294859_3882145410443739055_n.jpg?oh=8c6413a8033aa3fdd951e6c03730eaf0&oe=55BDFF2A" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the Hubs chillaxin' at the Wine Fest<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xat1/v/t1.0-9/11088233_10206780430414887_844440643688870229_n.jpg?oh=4c8ef73488d4201dca72957890271499&oe=557159EF&__gda__=1437623015_42df2bbaa139c64014af1608da9fa283" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xat1/v/t1.0-9/11088233_10206780430414887_844440643688870229_n.jpg?oh=4c8ef73488d4201dca72957890271499&oe=557159EF&__gda__=1437623015_42df2bbaa139c64014af1608da9fa283" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This has become our tradition...Hubs goes to the festival for me, we grab some crawfish for him</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This week (and for the next few weeks), the training is really ramping up. It's going to be interesting trying to figure out how to fit everything in. All of the workouts are now over an hour, so squeezing them in before work could be difficult. I may be setting my alarm clock for 3:30 am, so I can be in the shower by 5:15 am. Yikes! And then there's the after work workout. I might be doing good to stay up later than the kids. <br />
<br />
I'm just taking it one day at a time, one workout at a time....TX Runner Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820410810670760913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27818588.post-76879447500363122762015-03-26T11:49:00.000-05:002015-03-27T10:35:46.693-05:00Ironman Texas Training Update<div class="MsoNormal">
Wow, hard to believe the past 3 weeks have flown by! I’ve already had 3 high volume weeks of
training and now I am on a recovery week again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRC57YpggLolCQc1-7oUq0EWvU75nULxCzKuaKjt0x6m__Jr0hOmzP0G_-pkQXeZ-pYNjjdsxKmQe_1H2W6YRkftPimwkgaeJ5f8_78EPIgDXjZljsMJOSjKXxhmbxREUmk3y/s1600/IMTX.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRC57YpggLolCQc1-7oUq0EWvU75nULxCzKuaKjt0x6m__Jr0hOmzP0G_-pkQXeZ-pYNjjdsxKmQe_1H2W6YRkftPimwkgaeJ5f8_78EPIgDXjZljsMJOSjKXxhmbxREUmk3y/s1600/IMTX.png" height="291" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time flies when you're having fun!!! Or when you're super busy and dead tired all the time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So my bike rides have been the most challenging to complete
lately – it’s either been cold, rainy, or both. I've spent more time on my trainer indoors than I ever anticipated. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Three weeks ago, I rode my first 90-miler. I had plans with the family starting around 4 pm that day
and our group ride had been pushed back to 9:30 due to the cold (it was 30-something
degrees...brrrr!), so I ended up starting earlier (7:30 am) on my own. (And yes, my fanny was frozen for the first hour!) I chose to ride the new paved trails at a
park near my house that are 22 miles round trip. I love the trails! They provide scenic views of the creek and
forest with restrooms spread here and there, but they are also very curvy
making it difficult to see if a pedestrian is around the corner. So, that means you take the roads slower than
usual…which means you’re on your bike longer than you’d like. At one point, I approached a pack of young teenage
girls who were chatting it up so much that they couldn’t hear me approaching…even
though I was yelling, “bike back” and then “Bike Back!” and finally,
BIIIIIKKKKKEEEEEE BAAAAAAACKKKK!” I had
to come to a complete stop and clip out of my pedals until they saw me. I may or may not have given them a short
lecture on trail courtesy. Yes, I am
turning into THAT old lady. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhhlVoXROJBqHx_HosE8ZjcKccKO54cDGUNoVTcm3DdUuOOAGFkV19apiLGcJZtuCfa-UM1ROLO4689EWAN8mVnt4LddWyem0usSR2_xYNkC2OWv3W3iz6zdm2TAAzl8MIAcL/s1600/trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhhlVoXROJBqHx_HosE8ZjcKccKO54cDGUNoVTcm3DdUuOOAGFkV19apiLGcJZtuCfa-UM1ROLO4689EWAN8mVnt4LddWyem0usSR2_xYNkC2OWv3W3iz6zdm2TAAzl8MIAcL/s1600/trail.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of one of the catch and release ponds on the bike trails</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The following week, I rode 90 miles again but this time with
my tri group. We had a route that would cover a large portion of the IMTX bike course. Little did I know, all of
the peeps who ride my pace (~16.5) were only going the 60-mile route. That meant that yours truly was bringing up
the rear. It was a bit humbling and I
may or may not have been tempted to pull over and call the Hubs to come get
me. I was mentally cursing the ride,
Ironman and my sanity. But, I finished
the ride. Fortunately, my group is
awesome and have several stops along the way where I had a chance to catch up
(only to be left behind again). And, there was an awesome rider who stayed
behind at all the turns to make sure everyone (me) didn’t go the wrong
way. It sucked, but I am so glad I did
it!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJq_mNjaGO_tbWdZBe8KUkMSpy_h-ll_3Nef295jB7tSxvKoRjHs6WhMGTxWkRLcUFJHxcHhOXQansib5m1WQqNiZ4BCJmjyClyLF6JP3W1wY16SvHotvvf0m67NWhSg9Dsqs/s1600/90-miler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJq_mNjaGO_tbWdZBe8KUkMSpy_h-ll_3Nef295jB7tSxvKoRjHs6WhMGTxWkRLcUFJHxcHhOXQansib5m1WQqNiZ4BCJmjyClyLF6JP3W1wY16SvHotvvf0m67NWhSg9Dsqs/s1600/90-miler.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost done with 90 miles!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This past weekend our training schedule called for 100 miles
on the bike. My first century ride!!! I was both excited and scared! Naturally,
the weather forecast predicted 100% chance of rain pretty much all day on Saturday
and 60% chance of rain on Sunday.
Ugh! So, rather than sitting on
my trainer in front of the tv, I decided to make a reservation at VR Cycling
Studio, where I could ride the IMTX course with minimal distractions and really
focus on getting in a great workout. So
I did that. I sat for 5 hours on my bike
in front of a monitor showing a cartoon cyclist ride a bike. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJeL5JxrK5-rO3equY74u-VMoUZd_12iyOKCBDrATaEsqRGp-EJgOyajqTWTyYkcGJTQaTytVA7WtetnDsVgIccnUKBrOJr5leyDrfGbHIgctuZ6xqAnF3wJRNZDD4Aqe_x0d/s1600/vr2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJeL5JxrK5-rO3equY74u-VMoUZd_12iyOKCBDrATaEsqRGp-EJgOyajqTWTyYkcGJTQaTytVA7WtetnDsVgIccnUKBrOJr5leyDrfGbHIgctuZ6xqAnF3wJRNZDD4Aqe_x0d/s1600/vr2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what you get to look at while riding at VR...it shows your mph, time riding, wattage (sadly, mine is pretty low)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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Mind numbing, right?</div>
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<br /></div>
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I rode 87
miles…not quite 100 , but still better than being at home on the trainer. And wouldn’t you know it…the weather was
AMAZING on Sunday. No rain. Grrrr, I
knew I should have waited until Sunday to ride!
But if I hadn’t gone to VR, I am sure that it would have rained cats and
dogs and I would have been on the trainer at home (VR is closed on Sunday).</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLe5yQDJpT1xqP2ENj7tSZewB0P1YutyOSRLfTb61BLuS6DaqT7XT-xjkeVGZBmtBmd7dx4q54elOQAIoAPdMdMDUMGqOSoJEWWyDyFIj6F6gEXx8CqXAZEVNLKroSyIM1JgcE/s1600/vr1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLe5yQDJpT1xqP2ENj7tSZewB0P1YutyOSRLfTb61BLuS6DaqT7XT-xjkeVGZBmtBmd7dx4q54elOQAIoAPdMdMDUMGqOSoJEWWyDyFIj6F6gEXx8CqXAZEVNLKroSyIM1JgcE/s1600/vr1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is VR Cycling Studio...as much as I'd rather be riding outdoors, we are really lucky to have it nearby!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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There’s not too much to report on the swim and run. I am trying to go to my club's group swims at least
once a week, because it’s fun, the people are great and it provides a
challenge. Heck, for me just going to a
group swim is a challenge…as someone who just learned to swim a few years ago,
I have always been intimidated by the “real” swimmers. On our schedule, we are now swimming between
3,000 and 4,200 yds. That’s a lot of
time in the pool! </div>
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<br /></div>
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I am a bit behind on
the running, thanks to the broken foot recovery. But, I did get in 15 miles on Sunday and the
foot felt fantastic! I wish I could say
the same for my right quad/hip/inner thigh muscle. I’m scheduled for a good sports massage next
week, so I hope that helps. I may use my
recovery week to let my leg get some rest as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p>Hope you're week has been fan-freaking-tastic!!! </o:p></div>
TX Runner Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820410810670760913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27818588.post-11488000102109158572015-03-05T13:38:00.001-06:002015-03-06T12:54:44.433-06:00Broken Foot Update....the last one. Ever. :-)<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hello out there!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is
there anyone out there?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Actually, I have been back but just not back to updating
regularly on my blog.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And by back, I mean back to training.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">IMTX training.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But, before I get to that let me catch you up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>TXRunnerMom has been a little busy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While nursing my broken foot, I swam 2 - 3 x per week with a pull buoy and I rode the spin bike 2 - 3x per week at the gym (with very little resistance). I started walking (for exercise) in late <strong>October</strong>. Oh, and I did get to go to the Justin Timberlake concert. I know you needed to know that!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10475524_10205692365413942_585534028089695945_n.jpg?oh=ac943337e410ad08c9c45b5bd4ec4b0b&oe=557B4DAA&__gda__=1433890593_2710042f5e00f7acb464469fcfbac9a3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10475524_10205692365413942_585534028089695945_n.jpg?oh=ac943337e410ad08c9c45b5bd4ec4b0b&oe=557B4DAA&__gda__=1433890593_2710042f5e00f7acb464469fcfbac9a3" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did I mention that I went to the Justin Timberlake concert?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My healing
foot ached a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> In <strong>November</strong>, </span>I started adding in a
minute or two of jogging at various intervals during my walks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, walking 3 minutes, jogging 1
minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then walking 2 minutes, jogging
1 minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, walking 2 minutes,
jogging 2 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You get the
idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did this the entire month of
<strong>December</strong> and for part of January.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> When </span>I made
it up to 5 minutes jogging, 1 minute walking comfortably, I started running straight through with a quick walk break at each mile. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We survived the craziness that is the holiday season...and enjoyed time off from work and school. Both kids received a ton of Lego sets for Christmas, so that kept <strike>them</strike> us all busy during the cold, icky days during their school winter break.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10410515_10205964080766656_1295805720588022172_n.jpg?oh=93cb90695c695c2dbec1a7941e921da5&oe=5570511F&__gda__=1434766857_501249d2807ae6070af812c3318e38d2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10410515_10205964080766656_1295805720588022172_n.jpg?oh=93cb90695c695c2dbec1a7941e921da5&oe=5570511F&__gda__=1434766857_501249d2807ae6070af812c3318e38d2" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Master Lego Builder...enjoying his Christmas goodies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1779104_10205784012745068_8992372174202489082_n.jpg?oh=d6319e3cfda397ed2aa332fc875a57e8&oe=5575F357" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1779104_10205784012745068_8992372174202489082_n.jpg?oh=d6319e3cfda397ed2aa332fc875a57e8&oe=5575F357" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids and their annual Santa picture...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In <strong>January</strong>, I decided to defer my entry to the Houston ½ marathon…I
had only built up to about 6 miles and I didn’t want to risk getting
injured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eye on the prize baby (prize =
IMTX)!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, I ran the ABB 5K
the day before the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DH and I ran it
together and it was the first time since breaking my foot that I've run more than
1 mile without taking a walk break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was slow, but it felt great!</span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/1969128_10206145591704316_2581216724237326708_n.jpg?oh=6bf6fa5208d70d251a9d05a988f39a74&oe=55708A0E&__gda__=1435501412_6d8ea70059029d7745b095bc201a487d" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/1969128_10206145591704316_2581216724237326708_n.jpg?oh=6bf6fa5208d70d251a9d05a988f39a74&oe=55708A0E&__gda__=1435501412_6d8ea70059029d7745b095bc201a487d" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the Hubs at our 5k...He was kind and stayed with when when I KNOW he could have gone much faster!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Also in January, I signed up for a group training program
for IMTX.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a little freaked out to
see that the long run for the first week on the program was 11 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the time, I think I was up to 5 miles…there
was no way in hell I was going to run 11 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, I spoke to the coach and he said that I could
gradually work my mileage (using the ol’ 10% per week rule) and that I should
be fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That made me feel much, much
better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, since then I have
been swimming 3x per week, riding 3x per week and running 3-4x per week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The foot was pretty achy<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in the beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, because of the foot, I had to remember
how to run again…overcompensating a little here and there for the foot was
causing some weird aches and pains in<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>my
knees, hip, etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1531555_10206566839915258_3187937902877113185_n.jpg?oh=02ceedf057a0ddde162f170f91adb9c9&oe=5583B413" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1531555_10206566839915258_3187937902877113185_n.jpg?oh=02ceedf057a0ddde162f170f91adb9c9&oe=5583B413" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I look like a dork in a swim cap and goggles! Doesn't everyone?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On the home front things have been busy as well!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Kiddo tried out for and made the
competitive gymnastics team at the gym where both kids take classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of this, she is now training 3
evenings per week for 3 hours each time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1506407_10205929401579698_968083230713135216_n.jpg?oh=cd1cdfb151479d9a8f17162e711c4f97&oe=55752004" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1506407_10205929401579698_968083230713135216_n.jpg?oh=cd1cdfb151479d9a8f17162e711c4f97&oe=55752004" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My gymnast...taking a break from all the gymnastics to see The Nutcracker <br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Crazy, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Munchkin
started Cub Scouts and has gone on two really awesome camping trips (with more
to come).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s also sold the heck out of
popcorn and coupon books, LOL!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> And, he won 2nd place in his first ever Pinewood Derby!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10952877_10206216059985979_7597140985734568117_n.jpg?oh=8ec0bf2fe3cb6f754675d5c1871c960c&oe=5596BFE7&__gda__=1433512066_d8df4b6e17a20e6900bbca764c1fa553" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10952877_10206216059985979_7597140985734568117_n.jpg?oh=8ec0bf2fe3cb6f754675d5c1871c960c&oe=5596BFE7&__gda__=1433512066_d8df4b6e17a20e6900bbca764c1fa553" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutest Cub Scout Ever with his prize-winning Pinewood Derby car!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">n
addition to this, the Kiddo is still taking violin, is in choir (and performed
as part of the 4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> grade Honor choir) and is in Destination
Imagination (DI).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, her DI team
recently won first place at the regional competition and will be competing in
the state competition in April!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Munchkin is still taking swim and gymnastics lessons and is also in Destination
Imagination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not uncommon for DH
and I to call each other mid-day and ask, “Okay, it’s Wednesday. Who do I need to pick
up and where today?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously, we need
a better system of tracking this stuff!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10998862_10206520100026790_8706201287374891319_n.jpg?oh=cdfc444eecb9f7d0b15a9173910ec03a&oe=558A03E9&__gda__=1435256726_590974108745b04752afd37819e8be90" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10998862_10206520100026790_8706201287374891319_n.jpg?oh=cdfc444eecb9f7d0b15a9173910ec03a&oe=558A03E9&__gda__=1435256726_590974108745b04752afd37819e8be90" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fast forward to now...it's Go Texan time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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So, that's life right now. It's busy, my house is a mess more often than not, my once manicured nails look like crap, bad hair days are becoming the norm, there are endless piles of laundry in my laundry room, I am constantly hangry, I don't get to see family and friends often, I am NOT volunteering for anything until after May 16th and we are all <u>always</u> on the go, but it's good. </div>
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Life is good. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Training ramps up A LOT over the next month, so I may not feel the same way in a few weeks. :-) My goal is to blog 2x per week - once on Monday and again mid-week. I hate not documenting this crazy journey so far, so I want to start capturing as much as I can from here on out. I hope you stick around to read some of it!</div>
TX Runner Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820410810670760913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27818588.post-3375999644007842402014-10-24T08:26:00.000-05:002014-10-24T08:38:28.535-05:00Stupid Broken Foot - Week 13Last week I had my 12-week follow-up visit with my Orthopedic. <br />
<br />
Strangely enough, you can <em>still</em> see the break on the x-ray. Apparently, this is completely normal. The Doc said that there tends to be a lag between what the x-ray shows and how the foot actually feels. And, my foot is feeling better and better (thank God). <br />
<br />
The good news - the Doc said that I can go back to a regular shoe. Up until now, my options were the orthopedic shoe (which I wear to work) or my running shoes (which I wear everywhere else). Hooray for real shoes! On both feet! Now this does not mean I get to wear heels yet (or evil flip flops), but it's a start. I can live with flats for awhile longer.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10339654_10205415711697772_4015161171853759564_n.jpg?oh=23968758fb8cb620ecd824e6db72ca79&oe=54B2DD3E&__gda__=1424409409_32a405cb551cb5e33368e2d0461d5295" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10339654_10205415711697772_4015161171853759564_n.jpg?oh=23968758fb8cb620ecd824e6db72ca79&oe=54B2DD3E&__gda__=1424409409_32a405cb551cb5e33368e2d0461d5295" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look Ma! Two shoes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
More good news - I can start including "long walks" in my exercise routine in addition to the swimming and spin bike workouts I've already been doing. But, I need to work up the mileage gradually. And, if I don't have pain after a few weeks of walking, the Doc said I can add a little jogging. Woohoo! I guess I should have asked for clarification on the Doc's definition of "long walks", because the next day (Tuesday) I went out for a 1-mile walk. I felt great afterwards, so the next day I went out for a 1.5 mile walk. That felt great, too! I did take a rest the next day and then went for a 2-mile walk on Friday. On Saturday, the Kiddo and I went out shopping and I was on my foot all day. Needless to say, I think I overdid it, because the foot has been hurting and achy since. <br />
<br />
Humph.<br />
<br />
So, this week it's swim, spin and more swim, spin. If the foot feels better by Monday, I may attempt a 1-mile walk again. Or less. Who would have thought a mile or two would be too much? Ugh. <br />
<br />
The Doc said that he really thinks I can be running again by December. After this week, I'm not so sure. But, I am trying to be patient. I've read several articles online that said it can take as long as 22 weeks for a bone to heal 100% and I do want my foot to be <u>completely</u> healed before I start IMTX training in January. Unfortunately, it looks like I am going to be starting over with the running. I <span style="background-color: white;">may</span> give deep water aqua-jogging a try over the next few weeks though, just to build up some endurance.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllCK4-oNBg_3qrnKir3dR-yOhG38kdldL-9_yhD9q4SCx5v65s3054sNn6IitKfgd7ZF_zN8ovMk_ikOtS5ql74adJSIUDJkV8bdEIeFCmfKYFbpD4_h2_ZybrsHJWdGylu1v/s1600/1aqua.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllCK4-oNBg_3qrnKir3dR-yOhG38kdldL-9_yhD9q4SCx5v65s3054sNn6IitKfgd7ZF_zN8ovMk_ikOtS5ql74adJSIUDJkV8bdEIeFCmfKYFbpD4_h2_ZybrsHJWdGylu1v/s1600/1aqua.gif" height="317" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember this lovely aquajogging gear from the hip blip of 2012? Lacy, I really do need to get this back to you!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I don't think I've mentioned this before, but I really do like my Doc! He is trying very hard to compromise with me by allowing me to do <em>something</em> without doing too much. He said the easiest thing would be to tell me to stay off my foot for 12-weeks, but realizes that this would drive me crazy. At the same time, he could tell me to attempt my normal workouts....but he realizes that my "normal" workouts (i.e. prepping for a 70.3) are not what the general population would consider normal. (Silly triathletes)<br />
<br />
This morning I was giving a lot of thought to the Houston 1/2 Marathon. Technically, if (big if) I can start running in December (really running), I might get my mileage up to 5 or 6 miles by January 18 (which also happens to be my birthday!). Technically, I <em>could</em> walk/run the half marathon. I know my finish time would suck (and live on forever at Athlinks.com), but I am pretty sure I could get'er done. However, I also know that it might not be the smartest thing I've attempted and might even cause a re-injury. With my eye on the prize (IMTX in May), I know that I <em>should</em> defer. Ugh, guess it's just something else I should ask the Doc at my next visit....decisions, decisions! And to think, I thought I'd be running by now....sigh! Patience. TX Runner Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820410810670760913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27818588.post-5203643587909403032014-10-05T22:39:00.001-05:002014-10-05T22:39:41.984-05:00Week 10 of the Broken FootSo I've hit the 10 week mark of this dumb broken foot. I've found that the elliptical makes it feel sore, so I've stopped. I figured I'd give the foot a week or two off from the elliptical and then maybe try it again. Swimming and spin are still working for me, although I did try my bike mounted on the trainer. In bike shoes. It went okay, but a little achy compared to just spinning in my running shoes on the spin bike.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/By_gfi7CIAAwY8I.jpg:large" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/By_gfi7CIAAwY8I.jpg:large" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Set up and ready to go....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10516847_10205257001770123_5103766859913633566_n.jpg?oh=358c25ddc56e3f5a8d5b6c18bf63e6e4&oe=54C94B8B&__gda__=1420711837_ef1e48b2a6fda1fef009d58b038504ba" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10516847_10205257001770123_5103766859913633566_n.jpg?oh=358c25ddc56e3f5a8d5b6c18bf63e6e4&oe=54C94B8B&__gda__=1420711837_ef1e48b2a6fda1fef009d58b038504ba" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look Ma, two shoes!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
So, onward I go! More spin bike and more swim. I swam 3,000 yds this morning, so I am almost where I was at this time last year before Oilman! Let's face it, in Ironman I will more than likely be walking a lot of the run, right? So, I figure if I just keep on spinning and swimming, there is hope! (Finger's crossed)TX Runner Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820410810670760913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27818588.post-87286787491032887472014-09-24T13:17:00.001-05:002014-09-24T13:17:53.222-05:00Foot UpdateSo in 2012, I had the <em>Great Hip Blip.</em> I haven't decided what to call 2014 and the foot injury, but I will come up with something.<br />
<br />
I had my 8 week visit with my orthopedic last week. The good news is that the foot is healing and is exactly where it should be. I can add some elliptical to my workout routine and see how it goes. I asked the doc about riding my bike out on the roads. He was a bit hesitant, but said that I could ride...if there as little to no traffic. And. There were no hills. And. It wasn't windy. Basically, he didn't want me to have to worry about putting my foot down hard unexpectedly or have to peddle with a lot of resistance. My response? Nevermind, I'll keep spinning. For now.<br />
<br />
The bad news, other than the fact that the foot is still broken, is that I still can't run. And, I get to continue wearing my sexy shoe and running shoes only. At this rate, I won't be back in my hills until 2015...so much for sexy strappy shoes at those holiday parties! But, when I go back in mid-October, he will re-evaluate and maybe, just maybe I can start some run/walk workouts.<br />
<br />
All in all, this hasn't been horrible. Unlike the hip, I know that my bone will heal and I will be running within the next month or two. And, I am able to do sooo much more that I could with the hip issues.<br />
<br />
So what have I been doing? Hmmmm....let's see:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><strong>Brazil Butt Lift from Beach Body</strong> - I can't do the lunges in the 1st segment of the Tone workout, but I can do the last two which consist of lots and lots of leg lifts.</li>
<li><strong>P90X</strong> - Obviously, I'm not doing Plyo or the other cardio workouts. But, I have been alternating between the Chest and Back, Shoulders and Arms and Chest, Shoulders and Triceps DVDs. Oh, and of course I've added some Ab Ripper X in there for good measure.</li>
<li><strong>Swimming </strong>- This has been my go-to workout since about 1 month post injury. I've gradually worked up the distance and can comfortably swim 2,500 for the first time since Oilman training last year. I'll keep building up the distance and will hopefully be ready for IMTX training in January. I was swimming only with the pull buoy (no kicking) until last week. I feel pretty comfortable with a little kicking now, but need to keep adding more as the foot continues to heal.</li>
<li><strong>Spin Bike - </strong>I've been a little lazy here, only because I am finding it hard to get to the gym for more than an hour at a time. I did spin for about 1 hour 15 minutes last week, but I could (and should) be doing more. I guess the best solution would be to dust of the trainer and bike at home, but I really, really hate my trainer!</li>
<li><strong>Elliptical - </strong>I've only had one opportunity to get on the elliptical since my appointment. I rode the spin bike for an hour and then used the elliptical for 20 minutes. I probably should have only done 10 minutes, you know, to ease myself into it. Unfortunately, the foot was a bit sore afterwards. But only a little. I'm going back to the gym tonight for more!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/7577_10205167899022610_8575084477963700554_n.jpg?oh=7325732df76b81d009ccc81e7b022124&oe=54BE6BDE" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/7577_10205167899022610_8575084477963700554_n.jpg?oh=7325732df76b81d009ccc81e7b022124&oe=54BE6BDE" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new friend - the elliptical</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My doctor explained that it would be much easier to just tell me to do nothing until the foot was completely healed. He also said that he could tell me to go run, but that my foot would not heal and I would end up being in a great deal of pain, However, he knows want to stay active and he's trying to work with me and give me some things I can do, which I really appreciate! So, I'll follow doctor's orders and take one day at a time.<br />
<br />
Some days, my foot feels great and I am tempted to do a little more than I should. But, I have to remember the ultimate goal - IMTX 2015. I want the foot to be ready to go in January, so I'll do what I have to do...even though it sucks!<br />
<br />
On the upside, I can spend more time with these silly guys....<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/s480x480/10411253_10205167925783279_5661780879215453536_n.jpg?oh=de7c91cba7de45afc72fea9f6411159e&oe=54BC8D40&__gda__=1418083926_cf0c248020c967a61bfae83eae42e2bb" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/s480x480/10411253_10205167925783279_5661780879215453536_n.jpg?oh=de7c91cba7de45afc72fea9f6411159e&oe=54BC8D40&__gda__=1418083926_cf0c248020c967a61bfae83eae42e2bb" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying having lunch with my silly kids!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
TX Runner Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820410810670760913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27818588.post-74235910588282737832014-09-18T09:35:00.002-05:002014-09-18T09:37:45.581-05:00Summertime…<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Is it just me, or did the summer just fly by?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s so hard to believe that summer is
over!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I decided that this year, I was going to do my best to make
it really <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">feel</i> like summer at
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Traffic is lighter, so I decided
to let the kids sleep in a little later than usual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, I attempted to take a day off each moth
to do something fun with the kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Plus, we tried our best to do some fun summer activities - spending time at the pool, going to baseball games, etc. We managed to see the Corpus Christi Hooks play the San Antonio Missions, plus we went out to Constellation Field to see the Skeeters play.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10645306_10205122909737906_8081750807623606964_n.jpg?oh=ba9d5b9d5d6a6e1097da1ff05dc21f2e&oe=54867F28&__gda__=1418778174_2a851d3c2f00e549ce5ef6b6086eadc3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10645306_10205122909737906_8081750807623606964_n.jpg?oh=ba9d5b9d5d6a6e1097da1ff05dc21f2e&oe=54867F28&__gda__=1418778174_2a851d3c2f00e549ce5ef6b6086eadc3" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging out at the neighborhood pool....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10269385_10205122945578802_194457724004213304_n.jpg?oh=a7666b5f610fb67782b13152a874e72b&oe=54C5ED35" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10269385_10205122945578802_194457724004213304_n.jpg?oh=a7666b5f610fb67782b13152a874e72b&oe=54C5ED35" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids enjoying a Hooks game! Who am I kidding, they're enjoying the popcorn more!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In June, I took a day off from work to see <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Big! The Musical </i>at an outdoor theatre.
We had lunch downtown, explored Houston’s tunnels, ate cupcakes and just had
fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivPELFmsMvTlHzGs-i-za7NIyWa0CuUvHyMPc6bSvdjL7CKVD-O3qsxJhDTip5M3GNas45V6b-GLNxmDN3UfH1kDR6xPzI91VguA6kzqBJFNzc5Ge0Tc_zgUS4L1SjYo7nDot/s1600/Summer+Collage+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivPELFmsMvTlHzGs-i-za7NIyWa0CuUvHyMPc6bSvdjL7CKVD-O3qsxJhDTip5M3GNas45V6b-GLNxmDN3UfH1kDR6xPzI91VguA6kzqBJFNzc5Ge0Tc_zgUS4L1SjYo7nDot/s1600/Summer+Collage+1.jpg" height="268" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the skyline, providing child labor at my office, checking out the artwork downtown</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/16737_10205122911257944_797175881600135686_n.jpg?oh=a9924decbb633a3e26482035225cba59&oe=54C26723&__gda__=1418518433_e0941c900cbd24ea8319f1cf53613f68" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/16737_10205122911257944_797175881600135686_n.jpg?oh=a9924decbb633a3e26482035225cba59&oe=54C26723&__gda__=1418518433_e0941c900cbd24ea8319f1cf53613f68" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Hermann Park, after the show</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The July outing didn’t happen, but I did manage to take 3
days off in August for some summer family fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We headed to the neighborhood pool, saw a movie (Teenage Mutant Ninja
Turtles), stayed a night at a local resort (think water slides, lazy river, s’mores,
dive-in movies….) and checked out the Downtown Aquarium for the first time
ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not exactly a Disney Cruise like
last year, but still a much needed break from the daily grind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/r270/10712745_10205122905777807_5411747812484268156_n.jpg?oh=d1c085bb3b08e3272fb63663d7b8b279&oe=54D0FF0A" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/r270/10712745_10205122905777807_5411747812484268156_n.jpg?oh=d1c085bb3b08e3272fb63663d7b8b279&oe=54D0FF0A" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Ferris Wheel at the Aquarium...don't worry, the Munchkin is just being silly. He's actually having fun. Really.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1530323_10205122906897835_3185347054707336902_n.jpg?oh=f8b8ea64402aa14286e0e812a3a7682a&oe=54C784A9&__gda__=1418064784_7922aa31a072315be6c988ec81bfcebd" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1530323_10205122906897835_3185347054707336902_n.jpg?oh=f8b8ea64402aa14286e0e812a3a7682a&oe=54C784A9&__gda__=1418064784_7922aa31a072315be6c988ec81bfcebd" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rough life, right? Having fun on the lazy river at the resort.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So now what?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, I am still patiently waiting for my broken foot to
heal. The good news is that I can walk (or hobble) more now without pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I overdo it, my foot does ache, but it’s
nothing like the pain I had the couple of weeks following the break.
That.was.brutal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had my 4 week check-up and things seem to be
progressing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be honest, I thought my
x-ray looked pretty much like the original one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, the doc said it is healing and is exactly where he expected it to
be at 4 weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/s526x395/10408782_10205122987219843_3077724708310966536_n.jpg?oh=4e1570bde9d925d6b71c3a850043c803&oe=54CD5D16" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/s526x395/10408782_10205122987219843_3077724708310966536_n.jpg?oh=4e1570bde9d925d6b71c3a850043c803&oe=54CD5D16" width="184" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the lovely pic of my 5th metatarsal with the break....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As for the workouts, I had already been swimming for about a
week, but the doc said I could now add the stationary bike, spin bike or
trainer to my routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I had to
promise not to make the tension too high…in other words, no simulating
hills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, I got it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My friend Jill and I headed to the gym last weekend and rode
side-by-side stationary bikes for an hour….Jill is recovering from a nasty fall
off her bike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s funny, because
swimming is not my favorite activity at all, but while swimming that first 25
yards, I swear I had a HUGE grin on my face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was just so stinking happy not to be working out in my living room (no
offense to Tony Horton or the guy on the Brazil Butt Lift DVD).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt the same way about the stationary bike…I
was sweating!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart rate was up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was AWESOME.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Since then, I've been visiting the spin room a couple of times per week. Not exactly exciting, but whatever.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10606480_10205089601945232_6571515732103365126_n.jpg?oh=68642a9e105e58d5e2d27019efd2dc8c&oe=54CCDD94" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10606480_10205089601945232_6571515732103365126_n.jpg?oh=68642a9e105e58d5e2d27019efd2dc8c&oe=54CCDD94" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark room, no a/c...riding nowhere fast.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I guess I’m learning to appreciate the little things. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, from here I can start attempting to transition to
wearing my running shoe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The doc was
very adamant about this being a very gradual transition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was supposed to wear my shoe for 1 -2 hours
each day for awhile and then wear it longer if there was no pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last weekend, I wore my running shoes for
about 6 hours and was okay…so we’ll see what happens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have my 8 week appointment next week, so
keep your fingers crossed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I’m lucky,
I might be able to graduate to the elliptical!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>(Did I mention that I hate and despise the elliptical?)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Maybe by then I will be so desperate to do
something other than swim and bike, I will love the elliptical?)<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<em>
</em><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So that’s where I’m at.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve worked my swims back to 1 mile and some change, I can sit on the
spin bike for a little over an hour…I’m getting there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, I am trying to do strength training a
couple of times each week, too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Still, I’d rather be running!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
TX Runner Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820410810670760913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27818588.post-80529925382766595862014-08-11T13:06:00.002-05:002014-08-11T13:12:06.613-05:00Progress....Finally! I feel like my foot is getting a teeny bit better. I've was able to walk a little more this week and without too much pain. Yippee! I even braved a couple of stores this weekend with the kiddos for back to school shopping...something I wouldn't normally do during the Texas tax-free weekend. But for the past two weekends, I just could not get out and do much walking. I was beginning to feel very behind schedule on the back to school shopping!<br />
<br />
I also braved the pool for the first time since breaking my foot. The Kiddo and I went early on Sunday morning in order to beat the crowds and pretty much had the whole place to ourselves. I was a little hesitant to get into the pool. I sat on a lounge chair, removed my orthopedic shoe and then very carefully moved to the side of the pool. I managed to slowly lower myself into the pool and land on the good foot.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t1.0-9/10603453_10204784665122002_4451694940091127056_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t1.0-9/10603453_10204784665122002_4451694940091127056_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turns out that this is my happy place right now!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I used my pool bouy, so that I wouldn't feel compelled to kick and off I went. I managed to get in 1,000 yards without much more than a bit of achiness in the foot. Of course there was a bit of chatting with the Kiddo and watching her swim (and do handstands) between the laps. But overall, I am so happy to be doing something other than crunches and weights in my living room! Honestly, and I never thought I'd say this about swimming, it felt great!!!! In fact, I may or may not have had a smile on my face as I was swimming that first 25 yards.<br />
<br />
The kiddo gave me a high five after the first lap, which was priceless. She swam 500 between her handstands and "surfing" on the kickboard.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/s960x960/10453014_10204794575969767_6628747526031866860_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/s960x960/10453014_10204794575969767_6628747526031866860_o.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little fish and big supporter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Getting out of the pool was a bit trickier than getting in. I pulled myself up onto the side of the pool and just sat there for a second wondering, "what now?" I was thankful that we had the pool to ourselves, because I kind of scooted closer to the lounge chair, grabbed my towel and shoe, dried off my foot and put the shoe on. Then, I was able to stand up. It was interesting to say the least! I guess I could have hopped up the stairs in the pool, but then I would have had to hobble my way over to our towels. I'll have to plan this part a little better next time.<br />
<br />
So, there's been some progress. It's not biking or running, but I'll take it!TX Runner Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820410810670760913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27818588.post-65882139362235433032014-08-09T22:23:00.001-05:002014-08-09T22:36:05.675-05:00The B Word<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not the one you’re thinking of…<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thinking back, the year has been an interesting one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Off to a great start with the Goofy Challenge
in January.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And not just the Goofy
Challenge, but the Goofy Challenge with the Hubs by my side the entire way!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t1.0-9/1521504_10203200049507602_237746904_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t1.0-9/1521504_10203200049507602_237746904_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun at Disney!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And then, I completed my first trail race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, I could have done the 10K as my first
ever trail race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But no, as usual I had
to jump in with both feet and register for the half marathon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a blast!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, except for the bad fall at the end that resulted in a mighty fine
looking shiner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But still, no
regrets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/t1.0-9/1897698_10203452892708524_301758345_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/t1.0-9/1897698_10203452892708524_301758345_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't look too bad...but a few days later, I had a lovely black eye! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most of you don’t know, I’ve picked 2014 as my year to get
all those pesky dental issues taken care of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Soooo….a couple of root canals, some old fillings replaced and an
extraction (and prep for an implant) later and well, I’m still in pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been taking ibuprofen on a semi-regular
basis since late May.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Definitely some
regrets here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t worry, I am seeing a
DIFFERENT dentist very soon.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And next – the dreaded “B” word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Broken.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As in bone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My foot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My 5<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
metatarsal to be exact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mirandahealthcentre.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/5thmetatarsal.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.mirandahealthcentre.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/5thmetatarsal.gif" height="320" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In case you were asking yourself, "Where's the 5th metarsal?"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How, you ask?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stupid story. Three weeks ago, I thought I was
going to have boring evening at home – the Hubs was out and the kids were at
the Grandparent’s house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the last
minute, I texted two friends to see if there was any chance at all they could
meet up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was highly unlikely, since
they also have kiddos and busy schedules, but I figured why not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And much to my surprise, they were both
available…score!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, we were out having dinner and while walking toward the
back of the restaurant, I managed to trip and fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m quite sure I looked very graceful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, it didn’t seem that bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was more embarrassed than in pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Dinner was great, conversation with friends was great...overall, a great time and no idea that I had <em>really</em> injured my foot. </span>However, the next morning I knew I had more
than a bit of a bruise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Hubs and I
went to the Woodlands Fit annual pace placement run (I watched) and I had to
hobble to the start of the run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the
way home, we decided that I would go to the nearby urgent care and have my foot
checked out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here is the result…<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t1.0-9/10482518_10204781837051302_4477116209674579492_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t1.0-9/10482518_10204781837051302_4477116209674579492_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely purple toes....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10527620_10204608520798504_7760723158136804354_n.jpg?oh=70a98935b25ad341bd52a8b2313bb559&oe=545B9D9E" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10527620_10204608520798504_7760723158136804354_n.jpg?oh=70a98935b25ad341bd52a8b2313bb559&oe=545B9D9E" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My very fashionable orthopedic shoe!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So what does a triathlete do when they break a bone?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ask how quickly they can start swimming, biking and running,
of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The doc at the urgent care
was hesitant to give me a timeline, so I was off to see an Orthopedic who
specializes in the foot and ankle on Monday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">His prognosis?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yep, still broken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
can swim as soon as I feel comfortable…my foot has been sore so far, so I’ve
been scared to even attempt to swim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And, I am scared to death of slipping on the slippery tiles surrounding
the pool at the gym.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will get there
eventually, but until then I will do some strength training.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can bike in a few weeks (I hope).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only on a stationary bike or trainer, but
it’s better than nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am hoping
that in another week or two, I will be brave enough to get the bike shoe on my
foot and ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems really unlikely
at the moment, but I’m trying to be optimistic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And running? Well, running is the wildcard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first, I was told that at around 6 weeks I
could start walking for exercise and very slowly try adding in the
running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later, I was told 3 months. No
questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, that was IF my foot was
healing properly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sigh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It means that you have a very sad, depressed
TXRunnerMom at times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It means no races for the rest of 2014.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No Cypress Triathlon this past weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No Towne Lake on Labor Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No 10 for Texas in October.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No OILMAN 70.3 in November!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That last one was the toughest to
swallow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was really, really hoping to
be able to do this one again in preparation for Ironman Texas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides, November seemed so far away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure what this means for the Aramco
Houston ½ Marathon in January just yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ll see…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What else does this mean?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, for someone who doesn’t train for marathons and triathlons,
it sucks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s an inconvenience –
walking the dog is impossible, going to the grocery store is difficult, going
up and down the stairs is a challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For someone who does (constantly) train for marathons and
triathlons, it sucks even more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means
not doing that 56-mile bike ride, going stir crazy from watching too much HGTV
and DIY TV while sitting on the couch with your foot propped up (something most
of our kind is not used to doing).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
means that instead of going into IMTX training feeling strong and fit, you hope
that you can at least not lose too much of your swim and bike endurance and
hope to have a little bit of a base built up on the run before IMTX training
starts in January.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am trying to look on the bright side…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was afraid of getting burned out by January, especially after all the
training that Oilman would have required.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Guess I don’t have to worry about that.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So far, I’ve been able to sit my arse of the couch in front
of the TV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believe it or not, this is
something I have occasionally wished I had time to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>course after about an hour of this, I begin to go stir crazy…I am not
good at sitting and doing nothing.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t1.0-9/10550873_10204611737438918_2106315698963992312_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t1.0-9/10550873_10204611737438918_2106315698963992312_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a break from all the HGTV to watch some Harry Potter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I do get to spend more time with my Hubby and kiddos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am bummed that some of our summer
activities will need to be postponed…there will be no going to Wet n’ Wild (I
can imagine hitting my foot going down a waterslide), no going to Space Center
Houston (way too much walking), limited time at the pool, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, we can still do some fun things together
– movies, making tents in the living room, etc.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And think of all the money I am saving on race entries,
coaching and nutrition!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So that’s my update.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I figure that if I can at least get some swimming and biking in over the
next few months, I will only have the running to worry about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I truly can run in late September/early
October, I can start building my base between then and January.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to believe that it will all work out.</span></div>
TX Runner Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820410810670760913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27818588.post-76813276078522930132014-07-09T21:53:00.001-05:002014-07-09T21:53:07.638-05:00Holy Sh*t!It occurred to me that I never came here to share my news....<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvh-JocF08vHTqtqxNmCSIIPVpuC4cci04HF4Uwrq4tI187TjInfHMPRHHkRuesLsSi4GAZpeUpEE-f92hu_cTOxPbsqX5ardU7zqiiC7KSy-W2y1jgxi9rEJVB-z_-o3VFTe-/s1600/register.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvh-JocF08vHTqtqxNmCSIIPVpuC4cci04HF4Uwrq4tI187TjInfHMPRHHkRuesLsSi4GAZpeUpEE-f92hu_cTOxPbsqX5ardU7zqiiC7KSy-W2y1jgxi9rEJVB-z_-o3VFTe-/s1600/register.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Know what this means????</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LgeNu9m6sPQ4pB5-N_-DLKQdP-uvoZoFqC4Vzryn8A6SaF_GLPUYhRzzbPcClGRPS5O5fyccOeMmTdFCZ054Zd8d-f4vbhrffvKqUaa7kmA9k6BpBaspbpcezMqU2YtfaGX1/s1600/register2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LgeNu9m6sPQ4pB5-N_-DLKQdP-uvoZoFqC4Vzryn8A6SaF_GLPUYhRzzbPcClGRPS5O5fyccOeMmTdFCZ054Zd8d-f4vbhrffvKqUaa7kmA9k6BpBaspbpcezMqU2YtfaGX1/s1600/register2.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How about now?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It means I'm in. I'm doing IMTX 2015!!!!<br />
<br />
The enormity of this whole thing has not hit me yet. I tend to be one of those people who just doesn't think about it.<br />
<br />
Much.<br />
<br />
I still have either Oilman 70.3 or Austin 70.3 in the Fall (with a few sprints between now and then), then the Houston 1/2 Marathon in January. And then, the real fun begins - IMTX training! Until then, I will just focus on my next race.<br />
<br />
:0)TX Runner Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820410810670760913noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27818588.post-31465167071541009132014-06-02T10:34:00.001-05:002014-06-03T13:22:33.598-05:00The Funk<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sorry for the long hiatus, it seems that I’ve lost my
blogging mojo. You see, I like this blog to be positive and uplifting, but over
the past year or so, I just haven’t been feeling all positive and uplifting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t1.0-9/10352732_10204244738824182_9124074121302529216_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t1.0-9/10352732_10204244738824182_9124074121302529216_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve been in a bit of a funk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve had a few family issues, I’ve changed
jobs, and while I’ve had some big accomplishments (my first 70.3 and the Goofy
Challenge), I’m not where I want to be physically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve let social media get to me…you know,
seeing everyone’s “perfect” lives online, when you’re life seems pale in
comparison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m envious of the “Hooray
for summer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We finally get to sleep in,
no more packing lunches….” Yada, yada.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>For my family, summer doesn’t really change anything – I still have to
get up at 4:00 AM to workout, the kids still have to be out of bed by 6 AM to
be dressed and out the door by 6:40, the Hubs and I will still be packing
lunches daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The upside?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No homework or projects…well, that’s
something, right? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
just grown so tired of the daily hamster in a wheel, rat race – the early
mornings, the commutes, the rush to fit it all in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure how to shake it off, but I am
working on it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/t1.0-9/598749_10151615818652945_1646719042_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/t1.0-9/598749_10151615818652945_1646719042_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I heard the perfect quote the other day about social media,
something I definitely need to keep in mind, “You’re comparing someone’s
highlight reel to your behind the scenes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> So </span>true!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabz_wdt952jww_jCVGLaT-oHxRG9mrfchsRuzFmC2NZBfywLx8ThqI4UH2OtBR5QszqLrBdR8UDMngZgk4-l88gGTOGWtwP9vHJzDiuTf_EJKRrfmimPQiOiL6XryawyIJodg/s1600/compare-behind-the-scenes-to-highlight-reel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabz_wdt952jww_jCVGLaT-oHxRG9mrfchsRuzFmC2NZBfywLx8ThqI4UH2OtBR5QszqLrBdR8UDMngZgk4-l88gGTOGWtwP9vHJzDiuTf_EJKRrfmimPQiOiL6XryawyIJodg/s1600/compare-behind-the-scenes-to-highlight-reel.jpg" height="231" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So tell me, do you struggle with “the funk”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do you get out of it? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had an excellent day with the kids yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent time together at the neighborhood
pool and went to the movies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
youngest, the Munchkin, declared while swimming, “I think we need to come to
the pool every time it’s sunny on a Sunday!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dude, I totally agree!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s do
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the way home from the movies, the
kids and I had a very deep, compelling discussion about…The Avengers and the ties
between all the movies like Thor, Hulk, Captain America, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very deep, indeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly, I felt a little better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt the spark…the little spark that has
been missing for quite some time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
course facing Monday morning and the re-start of the rat race diminished that
spark a little, sigh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it’s reassuring
to know that it’s still there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
Let's face it, being a parent is hard enough. Add in a full-time job, a commute, kid's activities, mommy/daddy activities and it's that much harder. But the spark still exists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whew, I was starting to
get worried.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
TX Runner Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820410810670760913noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27818588.post-86148682492056399882014-05-09T10:06:00.000-05:002014-05-09T10:13:58.345-05:00CB&I Sprint Triathlon - Race Report<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wow, it’s hard to believe that I actually
completed a 70.3 just 6 months ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
continued to run (obviously, since the Hubs and I were training for Goofy),
I’ve biked some, but I hadn’t been swimming at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt so out of practice for tri’s…the
bricks, the transitions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With CB&I
on my radar and the Hubs no longer working out of town, I was able to get back
to the regular tri-training that I was accustomed to starting in late March /
early April.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally!</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Pre-Race</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For CB&I, I checked my bike in the evening before the
race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had finally ordered an OutRival
team kit and was so excited to pick it up earlier in the week, only to discover
that the sizing is really, really small.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was no way in hell I was going to squeeze myself into it and actually
race in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, the day before the race,
I borrowed a friend’s kit from a couple of years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a completely different brand and
thankfully, it fit well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you’re
not supposed to wear something you’ve never worn before on race day, but CB&I is pretty
short and I decided I’d take my chances.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That morning, I ate my regular breakfast and headed to the
race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About five minutes into my drive,
I’d realized I forgot my phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ack!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I parked and hiked over to
the race start and set up my transition area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From there, I said hi to a few friends and attempted to find a few
others in the dark (without my phone, lol).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I
knew it, it was time to head to the start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was a bit worried, because the Hubs hadn’t arrived with the kids
yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I remembered…Saturday morning - the kids could be hard to get out of bed so early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had a talent for taking forever to get
dressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They probably wanted to stop
and get donuts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had to make the
trek from the parking lot to the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yeah, they’d eventually be there….and they were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They arrived about the time the men’s waves
were starting.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqAz2BlzZLYXluiJ5MJWVybu30S7HCFEnQE_UoRgUcn_QW3lB82sCTGbjJV98pvbaDEyVlHOycaQTEASU3K0NG-xkb4GjJfOaUBwZk7vUK0G7qJJRCluDul63lYdIrN6L0qA9/s1600/cbi2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqAz2BlzZLYXluiJ5MJWVybu30S7HCFEnQE_UoRgUcn_QW3lB82sCTGbjJV98pvbaDEyVlHOycaQTEASU3K0NG-xkb4GjJfOaUBwZk7vUK0G7qJJRCluDul63lYdIrN6L0qA9/s1600/cbi2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-race with Woodlands Fit peep, Kate. This was her first tri and she rocked it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvd0WW1FybWmUsMOboYNeeSEr7pI9FIfI1VyYvp5jkPy8nmjTyCmECQoQ0eqCM_wNZWthu7jlM9tQ6Wn-bDek98xz1Ru0O5nENiq8YPbk0nuxnNs0xPC9qW6RULyaEvdbOexc/s1600/cbi6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvd0WW1FybWmUsMOboYNeeSEr7pI9FIfI1VyYvp5jkPy8nmjTyCmECQoQ0eqCM_wNZWthu7jlM9tQ6Wn-bDek98xz1Ru0O5nENiq8YPbk0nuxnNs0xPC9qW6RULyaEvdbOexc/s1600/cbi6.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting a good luck smooch from the Hubs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3GMe8EOaqvXBP24Tc2hwOP7pDZYXJVYNqp5auVcXZSSuDLBSCNxXG6mySu-ApqmqgNgimJCNGGWHKZYufW8n4gIG5MYzLVvdjg-FmrOovxXSUikEoAh01KCwBi4-5DNjMQGM/s1600/cbi7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3GMe8EOaqvXBP24Tc2hwOP7pDZYXJVYNqp5auVcXZSSuDLBSCNxXG6mySu-ApqmqgNgimJCNGGWHKZYufW8n4gIG5MYzLVvdjg-FmrOovxXSUikEoAh01KCwBi4-5DNjMQGM/s1600/cbi7.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the fam...so good to have my own personal cheer section!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Swim</span></strong> <strong>- 12:40 (500 m)</strong></span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Finally, it was time for my wave to start (45 minutes into
the race).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to wear my
wetsuit..the air temp was in the high 50’s (maybe 60? I dunno, but it was chilly) and the water was somewhere between
72 and 74 degrees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not bad, but what the
heck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Honestly, it took me awhile to
really find my groove during the swim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
inadvertantly started in the middle of a pack of women and couldn’t find my place or pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped for a second and realized that not
many people were swimming on the inside, closest to the buoys…so that was where
I stayed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, I got going and found
a bit of my mojo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The swim went by
pretty fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sad thing about this
distance, is that I finally managed to really get into my groove at about
300m…by then, the swim is almost over!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Before I knew it, I was at the shore and climbing out of the water.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsZFrYAbKhVmyCq0WOdGlB6iGA8v18vxscct6pefzxq9a03uOkxxGTbtnznZ_y6dIFH1GNJ6tk7q1HwIIC0MSkCCokPIlg4opHeaKBlTBzPxlg_o4OcWdQsDLIItM0kWC7sHT/s1600/cbi5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsZFrYAbKhVmyCq0WOdGlB6iGA8v18vxscct6pefzxq9a03uOkxxGTbtnznZ_y6dIFH1GNJ6tk7q1HwIIC0MSkCCokPIlg4opHeaKBlTBzPxlg_o4OcWdQsDLIItM0kWC7sHT/s1600/cbi5.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the race to start...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>T1 - 2:24 <o:p></o:p></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I started unzipping the wetsuit and took of my goggles and swim cap as I ran. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For some reason, I felt a bit discombobulated (is that a word?) in T1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I almost walked past my row and when I got to
my bike, I managed to get my wetsuit off pretty quickly, but I just seemed to take way too long getting into my bike shoes and getting
my helmet on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran with my bike to
the mount line, then had trouble getting my right foot onto the pedal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I swear that I wasted HOURS getting on my
bike and going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, maybe not HOURS,
but I did waste precious seconds!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>BIKE - 34:14 (10.59 miles / 18.35 mph)</strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">FINALLY…I was on my bike and pedaling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It always takes me a couple of miles to find
my rhythm and get my heart rate under control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The bike route was shortened from 15 miles to just over 10 miles due to
local construction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ride went by
pretty quickly…the route is a great, flat out and back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My only complaint was that with the new
route, there were two no passing zones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wasn’t 100% sure where they started, so as the road narrowed a bit I
decided to be cautious and not pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Little did I know, just down the road, there would be a woman waving a
flag telling us when the no passing zone started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dang!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I could have passed back there!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Naturally, I was stuck behind someone going about 14 mph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we could finally pass, I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, on the way back – same thing, no
passing zone behind someone going 14 mph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ack!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, once we were out of the
no passing zone, I was able to make up for some of the lost time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The breeze must have been working in my
favor, because I was reaching 22 and 23 mph in some spots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Luckily, the dismount went more smoothly than the mount and I was back
in transition in no time.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">T2 - 1:34</span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nothing unusual here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just exchanged the bike shoes for my running shoes, grabbed my Garmin
from the bike, my visor and race belt and headed out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">RUN - 27:03 (~2.89 miles / 9:21 pace)</span></strong><br />
The race directors are kinda mean when it comes to the run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You exit transition, make a right hand turn
and immediately start running up a bridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, here you are, trying to get your pace and heart rate under control
coming off the bike and you have to start a little climb!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was happy to have the bridge behind me and
then turn onto a dirt path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like
my pace was good, my breathing was good…all in all, the run felt good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t as fast as I had hoped, but faster
than the last time I did this race, so I am happy for that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This course is also an out and back, so you
have to finish the race by running over the bridge again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Mean!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There may or may not have been a few seconds going up that bridge that I
wanted to throw up. The run was supposed to be a 5k, but it seemed to be a little short.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdZKQq-KubQuKx-jJVSuUEmKUE7V4_MfCrtLFy9qNaGz3jfinS3mct7g6BmwgPFSEJDT8gIWwnGPnZW50pmn22wncF5JNKkqXt_rD5_vep7GCXgNYZW2f30J4WWgq-5pc-HUC/s1600/cbi8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdZKQq-KubQuKx-jJVSuUEmKUE7V4_MfCrtLFy9qNaGz3jfinS3mct7g6BmwgPFSEJDT8gIWwnGPnZW50pmn22wncF5JNKkqXt_rD5_vep7GCXgNYZW2f30J4WWgq-5pc-HUC/s1600/cbi8.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See? I look way to happy here...of course, this is at the beginning of the run.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdU8bnX9Ud_h9oK1nGsUVerDO7b32Flz7Nvd3laWyK8swOA2bULerfXZ7U7WKjbdmoLFWssY8CpzWIQZEhIji2hvLEfURYr9FkEhS9XUbCnJvMP2ETpcwNqUflMTMdIb0len1K/s1600/cbi1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdU8bnX9Ud_h9oK1nGsUVerDO7b32Flz7Nvd3laWyK8swOA2bULerfXZ7U7WKjbdmoLFWssY8CpzWIQZEhIji2hvLEfURYr9FkEhS9XUbCnJvMP2ETpcwNqUflMTMdIb0len1K/s1600/cbi1.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the hubs!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Take-Aways</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Like any race, there are definitely things that went well
and things I could have done better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
try not to dwell on this too much, but instead, try to remember them for the
next race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s what I took away from
CB&I:</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Swim:</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am extremely
happy that I held the panic back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you
know, my swims are not usually calm and relaxed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used some tactics in Oilman that helped at
CB&I, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The swim was calm, so I
am happy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I think I need to
just deal with the fact that in a tri, people are going to be all around
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should not need to stop to figure
out what to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to swim and
strategize instead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Bike:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></strong>I know I could
have been faster on the bike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, I
need to mount and go much faster than I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is easy to practice at home and I intend to do just that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second, knowing where the no pass zones were
would have helped a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Third, for a 10
mile ride, I think I could have pushed harder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Run:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></strong>I am super happy
that my pace was faster than last time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was too comfortable (well, after
getting over that bridge).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I *think* I
could have pushed a little more and gotten closer to a 9-minute pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s what sprint distances are kind of
about, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sprinting?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pushing more than you would on say, an oly or
70.3?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Transitions:</strong> Seriously, this should be the easiest part of the race. T1 needs to be faster.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So that’s CB&I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
plan to do it again next year!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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TX Runner Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13820410810670760913noreply@blogger.com3