The Ascent to Sky Island: Mt. Lemmon

 
When life serves you lemons, make lemonade with a COOKIE of course.  Sometimes we forget about the little treasures that we have in our very own backyard.  My husband and I planned a trip 2.5 hours south to Mt. Lemmon for a late anniversary celebration and training weekend in Tucson, AZ which has one of the toughest bike climbs in the US.  It was very hard to find a weekend that we could get away for one reason or another, so we made reservations at a bed and breakfast and put it in PEN on the calendar
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I attempted this climb back in November when I was down in Tucson for the USAT Duathlon championships.  I was getting over a long bout of illness back then and just started training again.  After a 10 mile run and the race that weekend with friends from Seattle who wanted to climb Mt. Lemmon, I just did not have enough energy in my legs to push myself up the mountain so I turned back at mile 10 as they went on to the top.  Since then, I had a car accident and post concussion syndrome which interrupted my training again, and I was finally on a positive streak with about 2 months of training under my belt.

I woke up on Thursday morning with a very sore throat and achy body.  My latest "comeback" was coming to a halt either due to running in an AZ Haboob (dust storm earlier in the week) or from being around many sick children at my job which is more likely.  I was done with my work week and I spent the next 2 days in bed missing my favorite workouts, trying to kick whatever demon was trying to take over my body.  On Friday morning when I woke up, I was ready to send my husband without me, but I said, let's wait until noon and decide.  I got on my rollers for a half hour and ran for 20 minutes.  The legs held me up and so I decided I could at least go down to Tucson and would decide the next day whether I would attempt the climb.

We arrived in Tucson late Friday night at Jeremiah's Inn, a bed and breakfast that many cyclists have stayed at due to its proximity to the climb.  It turned out to be a nice little gem with beautiful views of Mt. Lemmon.  Our friend Jay met us bright and early to make the climb.  Many of our other triathlete friends were racing at Oceanside 70.3 or participating in local running races and triathlons this weekend.  The pressure was on to do something "big" to keep up with the Jones' (though I am not sure why nobody else wanted to join us for the adventure).  I was not 100% but I knew I had to tri it since we were right there!

We had less than a mile of warm up before we hit the beginning of General Hitchcock's Highway to the top of Mt. Lemmon.  The guys slowly pulled ahead as I just pedaled at my own happy pace.  The new 11/28 cassette I put on my bike was supposed to help me spin and conserve energy.  I did not really notice anything "easy" about the climb.  The first 9 miles offer no reprieve.  You are just going up, up, up (did I mention you are going up).  Around mile 6, my legs were really tired and I thought this feels no different then the last attempt and that I was not going to make it and "who would do this for a freakin' cookie anyway".  I stopped and removed my jacket which was drenched in sweat, had a quick drink and some honey stinger chewies with "natural green tea caffeine" and decided I would at least try to get past where I turned back before.  It never got easier, but I thought about my friends that I rode with last time and where I saw them.  There were always a few cyclists passing in either directions a few times an hour.  I was starting to get into a rhythm, slow, slow, slow.  I just thought about how I did not want to come back a third time to get to the top, so I would just stop and rest as needed even if it took me all day.  Once I past mile marker 10, I reached the pine trees and I could have kicked myself,  except that I was clipped in, for not making it this far last time where it just starts to get even more beautiful.  There was some relief for a few miles through Bear Canyon, but I noticed to my left something that resembled a retaining wall and road up above.  I tried not to look up.  I passed one lady and shortly after I stopped at mile 17 for a bonk bite as my energy was going down and so were my fluids.  I checked my phone and Dennis had sent me a text to KEEP GOING.  I tried to let him know where I was but I had no service.  My next stop was mile 19 where I was going to do a HAPPY DANCE at the visitor center because I thought I could get some water along with another group of cyclists, but the ranger had put a sign saying "BE BACK in 5 minutes"  Everyone was looking for water and a really nice guy was doing sag for a group of cyclists threw out a bunch of water bottles and he also said, it will be all down hill in another mile.  He saved my life.  I thought if I could get to mile 20, I would make it.  He was right, at mile 20, there was a steep fast downhill, but that was just a teaser because there were a few more ups and downs.  Dennis came back to find me as I was speeding down one of the hills (there were very few times on the ascent where I was speeding) and he turned around and rode the last few miles with me into the town.  He had gone up to the Ski Resort for a few extra miles of climbing while our friend Jay was lounging at the COOKIE CABIN.  I had mixed feeling about the down hill into the town because I knew there would be some climbing before you could enjoy the fun fast downhill home!

YES, I GOT THE COOKIE.  Or at least we bought one for the picture and took a few bites.  It took me 3:33 to ride 26 miles to 8,000 feet just to get a cookie in the town of Sumerhaven!  It was by far, one of the hardest rides I have ever done and one of the most beautiful rides.  I thought, wow, I could do this again, but then I stood up and had to get back on my bike.  The first 2 miles were a bit challenging, but nothing like the climb up.  Once I got back to the 20 mile marker, the fun descent began.  I went at a speed that I felt I could control my bike as there were a lot of S curves.  It took me less than 90 minutes to get back to the B&B.   We all sat down and shared our descent stories, rested, and hydrated.  Jay went back home and Dennis and I settled in and enjoyed the rest of our day at the B&B.

This was definitely a TEST of the MIND and the WILL.  I hit several rough patches and you could take yourself into or out of making it to the TOP.  I knew if I wanted to be a 2 Time Ironman, I had to toughen up.  I was so close to turning around in the first 10 miles.  You have to earn your bravery some times.  You don't necessarily have it with you every time you go try something hard but you have to dig deep.  I was explaining to my husband that just because you finished an Ironman in the past, you still have to earn each one.  For any locals, this was a great Mental Training Day and of course that is 90% of the race.  Hopefully my body got a little bit stronger too.

The next day, I was still not feeling great, but I wanted to get a 10 mile run in.  I looked at a map so I could make a loop with views of the different mountain ranges.  In the meantime, Dennis did his RECOVERY ride up to the 15 mile marker on Mt. Lemmon.  We would meet back at the B&B for breakfast.  My 10 mile run turned into a half marathon as I learned that just because 2 roads are parallel does not mean they are the same distance.

So even when you are handed a bunch of lemons, you can still make lemonade even if it tastes a little sour!  Who knows, you might even get a cookie with your lemonade on an Island in the Sky!

 http://www.go-arizona.com/Mt-Lemmon-Scenic-Byway/
 http://www.bikegaba.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=307669&module_id=137250
www.jeremiahinn.com/‎

CHATTANOOGA KICK OFF PARTY!

Today I hosted the Chattanooga Kick Off Party!  Let the TRAIN-ing begin.  It is great to have a small group of triathletes from my home town to share this journey with as I venture out of my state for my next 140.6!


I learned a few fun facts today as we sat around sharing experiences and plans for the future:
1.  Maybe Ironman is not as big of a challenge as I thought.  There is always something more challenging lurking around the corner if you are willing to accept it. (like races that traverse through rugged landscapes or that go on for days).
2.  If you complete 12 Ironman Races, you can compete in KONA through the Legacy Program (only 11 more to go!)
3.  We all have issues, but can we time them just right so they won't stop us from getting to the start line. (Pick a body part: back, hip, knee, shoulder)
4.  If you have a lot of money or you are famous, you can buy your way into an Ironman Race.  Maybe instead of Dancing with the Stars, Ironman will host TRI-ING with the STARS...who would you like to see on the LINE UP?
5.  If you have a big heart or you really really really want to get into an IRONMAN, you can fund-raise or donate your own money to a worthy charity to support (if you calculate the cost of traveling and volunteering a year in advance to sign up for your most desired IM, you can break even by staying at home in front of your computer and signing up for a Foundation Spot.... and it is tax deductible).
6.  If you are a PRO.....you can decide to race at the last minute.
7.  All IMITs (Ironman in Training) are fun, unique individuals with a good sense of humor.



This week was a full training week with over 15 hours of training.  I got back on my rollers working on bike technique and working on building a stronger base.  I had a few great bike rides this week including a challenging ride to place called Seven Springs in preparation for one of the hardest climbs in the US....Mt. Lemmon in Tucson.  So much work to be done, but I am now ready for the FUN!

Triathlon is the Best Medicine

When I go to the doctor, there is only one thing he can write on his prescription pad to make me feel better and that is the word "TRIATHLON".

You don't have to be able to swallow a pill and it comes in many forms like swim, bike and run.  You can take it with or without food.  It may or may not make you drowsy depending on the dose.  The side effects are mostly positive, but you must use caution so you do not overdose.

If you tri, you are likely to be happy for the rest of your life.  You may have to take a second mortgage out on your home, but your life will be full of endless adventures and hundreds of friends who share your passion.  When triathlon is running low and you need a refill, you can start feeling lethargic, lonely, overweight, undernourished and just plain old sick!  Life happens and we have to adjust how much triathlon fits at any given time, but do not let your inventory get too low because sometimes it takes a while to build the supply back to a comfortable level.

I am happy to announce that I am feeling stronger and building a solid base with 28 weeks to go to Chattanooga.  This week I was able to train at higher altitude in Prescott, AZ for a few days and work on some climbing.  My muscles are sore and my body is tired, but it is starting to feel like a good sign.  This weeks long workouts included 1.2 mile open water swim, 10 mile trail run and 61 mile bike.

If you are feeling down and need a boost, ask your doctor about TRIATHLON.  Warning:  use at the risk of feeling good every day (well almost every day)!  Studies showed that 1 out 10 people died of happiness.

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

My husband was talking about how nobody "gets him" as a lone cyclist who likes to climb.  He joined my triathlon club as my side kick and to find some riding buddies.  He is merely a cyclist (I say that jokingly as he is light on his pedals and flies past many) and they see things differently then a triathlete.  A triathlete is a very self centered athlete and must manage their energy so they can get off their bike and quickly enter a running race.  There is no drafting in a triathlon unless you are competing as a pro at an ITU sanctioned event thus it is every man for himself.  Now in cycling, you see pace lines where cyclists work together to conserve energy, taking turns leading the pack and doing the work while the rest of the line draft until a break away occurs.  Both sports are competitive, but one is more of a team sport and the other is more of an individual sport.  On the other hand, there are a handful of cyclist that enjoy climbing and take it upon themselves to find the toughest climbs in the world which are often in some of the most scenic places and amongst the most prestigious events i.e.  Le Tour de France,  Tour de Italy and even Tour de California.   It is not an easy task finding riding partners and groups that will help you work on your personal goals.  Often people will push too hard or go out too fast when riders get together.  Riding with others can make you push yourself harder then you would on your own, but it can also send you flying over a cliff and set you back in your training.

On the other hand cycling friends make riding a bike more fun when you have others to roll with.  But sometimes you roll faster or slower then the others or they don't "get you".  To be a strong cyclist whether you are a roadie, triathlete or a tourist, you must be comfortable in your own skin and committed to your own goals and not easily influenced by peer pressure.

For myself, right now, I don't have many people that I can keep up with, but when you find the person that fits, it is really nice.  I have learned that the training partner that fits you one season, may not always be the one year after year as everyone has changes that occur.  I keep going back to the idea of acceptance that is taught in YOGA about accepting where you are today and being satisfied with that.

Turtles are pretty good pacers and if we keep our eyes on the prize and we don't rush to get to the end, it can lead to success.  As I watch people take off fast,  pull ahead, and going out on a wing and a prayer (which can sometimes help), I feel comfortable holding back and waiting for my fitness to build.  I am impressed by so many athletes out there who continue to get faster and stronger, but I remind myself that I am I and I have to focus on my own body and not get influenced by the latest and greatest craze.  That is not to say I don't have curiosity for the newest running shoes and bike, training methods and the nutrition trends.  One size does not fit all in triathlon.

With that said, I am thankful to have other triathletes to motivate me to get started with a workout, even if I can't keep up with them.  Who knows some day I might be side by side with someone who seemed far out of reach or maybe I will just be out there longer enjoying my day.  It really does not matter if anyone gets me.  I am comfortable in my shell and what I can share with many people is the journey whether it was slower or faster then the next guy.  The beautiful thing about being in an individual sport is that most athletes enjoying sharing their love of the sport, so elite and novices stand united in the same room and they do "get each other".

This week was a big one for me as I have been reminded of what muscle soreness feels like and taking those sore muscles from the previous day into the next workout.   Now this is starting to feel familiar.  This week included the beginning of Open Water Swimming in 60 degree water temps, a swim lesson in the Shark Tank with feedback to work on head position and hand position out of the water before recovery and increasing stroke count.  I had a 17.5, 29, and 59 mile bike rides; 5.5, 3, and 9 mile runs, and 4 swim workouts, plus one yoga class and one strenuous hike.  All in a weeks work!  Maybe I might not understand my husband's need to climb up 20,000 feet on a bike or he might not understand the thrill of tri-ing, but together we are happily exhausted from what we love to do.  We can take different paths and come back together in the end which is exactly what will happen in just over 200 days as he will be at the Everest Climb in Bishop CA while I am competing in IM Chattanooga in Tennessee.

There is a little worry about how I am going to get stronger, leaner and faster before my 70.3 in Boulder, but with all the set backs I have to adjust my goals and keep my eyes on the prize which is 29 weeks to go, IM Chattanooga.  CHOO CHOO!  Hop on board.

Mother Nature: The Weather Report

 

Who can argue with Mother Nature, a force not to be reckoned with?  What will be, will be, but it is frustrating for an athlete that has spent many months, sometimes years preparing to peak at an event that will take place on ONE given day.  There are always risks in signing up for a race in advanced such as the health of our body, family drama, and other circumstances beyond our control.  There is no way of knowing when natural disaster will strike and we all sign disclosures agreeing that the race company has the authority to cancel our race and keep our money, yet we all check the box as we don't want to believe that fate would be so cruel.  We calculate our risk (check average temperatures, humidity, wind, and precipitation for that time of year, the terrain, altitude, elevation, etc. etc.)  and then we sign on the dotted line.  Today, most races even offer race insurance to recoup your fees if such an event happen for another 7 bucks.

Well in Arizona, weather is always a fair topic for discussion.  It is not very exciting to talk about because it is mostly the same, but people enjoy saying how hot it is for 9 months of the year and then how cold and dark it is for the other 3 (while others are buried in snow and below freezing temps around the globe).  Rarely the subject of rain comes up, however, there are a few times a year when we might consider its impact such as monsoon season or the watering of the desert before the spring bloom.  When it does rain, we get flooding in certain areas and AZ had to implement the STUPID MOTORIST LAW to stop people from needing rescued from their vehicles because they decided to try to cross a flooded wash and apparently their cars did not float and they were not good swimmers.  Amongst Phoenix triathletes, rain is a threat to our local triathlon events in Tempe Town Lake where E. Coli likes to fester and rain the day before an event can be cause for cancellation and unhappy triathletes.

So after 70 days without a drop, the forecast called for rain this weekend and the buzz around AZ was the main thing pouring down.  There was so much excitement over impending rain that makes AZ look pretty old fashioned once again.  How could one day of rain create such a frenzy?  How do the people in the Northwest survive each day?  Rain is like snow in AZ.  The roads get slippery, visibility is poor and some washes and roads flood.  There was some whining and moaning about conditions, but those who truly embrace their surroundings were thankful for the rare opportunity to run, bike or swim with the wind,clouds and the rain.

This is when your adaptation skills are tested.  Of course safety always comes first, but while everyone was waiting for the rain, my friend and I calculated the risks and managed to find a 3 hour window without torrential downpour to ride and run in.  The desert is most beautiful when the mountains are covered in layers of clouds and the rain deepens the colors on the mountainside.  The spring flowers are blooming and line the roads and the rain brings out the scent of the flora.  Cyclists in the mist:  so refreshing to have spray from the road cooling you off as you ride through the wind.  Training in the rain in AZ is so refreshing and is something that should not be missed.  For others, a well needed rest on the couch might be what was needed, but those brave enough to weather the storm were in for a treat.


Later that day and night, we did get larger downpours and the Desert Classic Duathlon which I was set to volunteer at with friends and then go on a trail run was cancelled.  Many triathletes were disappointed, but most people found a comparable plan B as Sunday woke up with clouds but turned out to be a Beautiful Day!  Triathletes should always have alternate strategies and plans for when things don't go their way.  Weather is one of those things that we don't have control of, but we do have weather.com and it is great experience to train in a variety of conditions as you never know what you are going to get on race day.

I have hit the 30 week mark before my Ironman Race.  In 15 weeks, I have a 70.3 and in 30 weeks a 140.6 race.  My base is coming along SLOWLY.  I am using Training Peaks to set up my plan and document progress which has been a helpful tool to keep me on track.  I am getting all my workouts done, but would like to be feeling stronger at this point.  It feels good to be on another adventure, although I sometimes want to turn to the last page of the book and see how this story is going to end, I look forward to moving on to the next chapter.  I continue to meet new triathlon friends to share the ride with.  Every day is an adventure.  You can look a forecast and try to predict the future, but sometimes you just don't know what you are going to get.  So thank you Mother Nature for giving us something to talk about this week.