7 Natural Wonders of Triathlon

This past weekend, I took a break for some family fun at one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world in my very own backyard, The Grand Canyon.  It took several tries over the past 3 years to get accommodations at the bottom at the Phantom Ranch Resort.  This would be a wonderful way to spend time together with my family since we are all busy going our separate ways.  We would do something challenging to bring us closer together.  I have hiked around the Grand Canyon on several occasions, but never had the opportunity to sit at the bottom for more then an hour to enjoy the beauty and take it all in.  Well, it turned out there was little sitting and most of what was taken in was during our hikes down, around and back up over a 3 day period over about 30 miles.  We came, we hiked with packs on our backs, slept in historic cabins on bunk beds, prepared our dehydrated meals, listened to ranger talks, saw some wildlife, and enjoyed looking at a clear night sky lit up with stars.  We got to experience some physical and mental discomfort as the challenging terrain tested us in more then one way.  We were all quite sore from the trek down.  My calf muscles were quivering after the unforgiving 7 mile descent down the South Kaibab Trail.  All the stretching and rolling with a magical rock, motrin, and some Dr. Hoys and calf sleeves could not remove all the lactic acid away, so the next day we started on a recovery walk along the Bright Angel Creek up the North Kaibab Trail.  It was so beautiful and we knew there were some falls up ahead so we forged on not realizing that by the time we reached the falls, we had 5 miles more to return to our cabin at the Ranch.  I was certain I had to keep moving or my muscles were going to scream some more.  The soreness continued as we shuffled back home.  We walked another mile and back to the Boat Beach to enjoy a last dinner on the beach.  The final day, we stuffed our belongings back into our packs and started up the Bright Angel Trail.  It was about 10 miles of switch backs with the steepest section over the final 3 miles.  This was another day of mental training taking already sore legs (especially calves) and add a 22 lb. pack on the back and climb steps for the next 5 or 6 hours.  We all went at our own paces and regrouped at the rest areas.  I was able to stay focused and steady.  The grade and wearing a pack slow you down.  My muscles would shorten any time that I stopped.  Our steady pace helped us pass many other tourists.  Although we had every intention of doing more hiking to prepare our muscles for steep ascending and descending, our muscles were not ready for this intensity and duration of work, so it cost a few days of very sore muscles and a funny looking gait.  On our journey, we were passed by a small population of ultra runners doing Rim to Rim to Rim, some floated by with such ease and grace and others were crouched over and suffering.  The recovery this week brought back my memory of the Ironman Shuffle that you see athletes do the day after their race, but here is hoping that the duration is significantly less!  The trip was everything we hoped it to be except for the soreness.

I composed a list of 7 natural wonders of triathlon:
1.  An inexpensive high that lasts for hours and up to several days (and it is free)
2.  A large supportive community and a lot of best friends
3.  Many new adventures (both locally and traveling to destinations)
4.  Many medals that represent the many chapters in your journey
5.  Stepping outside of your comfort zone
6.  Dreaming the impossible
7.  Achieving the impossible:  BECOMING AN IRONMAN

We often return to the places that we love the most because our experience lasts for such a short amount of time and our memory fades quickly, so we go back again and again to visit and re-enact that feeling of wonder and amazement that we found the first time.  Each time we visit, we are overwhelmed.  Only those who have been to a Natural Wonder of the World or who have experienced a Natural Wonder of Triathlon understand the feeling of AWE that comes with it.  Of course the more physical you make the experience, the more you get to explore the depths of why that particular landmark or race earned its title of "Wonderment".  Those that look in from above can only see it from a distance and admire the beauty, but those that dig into the layers will become a part of something greater.  Find the greatness in the world around you, you will be glad you TRI-ed!

The Swimmer Never Wins!

Today was the beginning of the spring triathlon season in Arizona.  Lifetime Fitness has a triathlon series and today was the kick off with 3 original distance courses.  For some reason the months of February and March are overlooked as the ideal season for triathlon and we start right as the heat moves in.  The water temperature increased 10 degrees in a week due to AZ not having the luxury of a gradual acclimatization to the heat.  We usually skip from 70 right into the 90s and 100s for our highs.  Most of us have not trained in the heat yet, but come on Mr. Heat Miser, bring it on for race day, it is almost a guarantee.  Luckily the morning stayed a little bit cool and the water was wetsuit legal.  For those doing the longer course, the heat was less kind as the day went on.  There was a nice breeze to help with cooling, but hot is hot in the end.

I was happy that this year, I chose to start with an Olympic Distance called the Marquee.  It was not a standard course with a 28 mile bike ride (3 longer than most Olympic events).  I felt good about each event, but was not certain how combining them was going to go.  The long course event went off first.  Although I was tempted by it, I was able to stick with the little voice of reason inside my head and kick off my season with the shorter distance.  It had been a while since I have tri-ed.  It was fun to get back into the spirit talking triathlon with old and new friends.

I was expecting this course to take me about 3 hrs and 15 minutes with the extra miles.  I know I was not in top form, but I was ready to see what my body had in it.  I started pushing myself a little more in training this week which went downhill as I was not feeling well on Friday and I forced myself to REST all day Friday after cutting my run in half.

After 2 practice swims this week, I was ready to have at it.  I forced myself to move up a lane at swim practice and was thankful I practiced at our 2 local open water events.  I really wanted to get my swim back and despite having poor visibility with a leaky eyepiece on my goggles, I managed to finish the 1500 meter swim 1st in my age group and 15th out of all the women.  It is important to me to get a head start from all the other people who are stronger on the bike and especially "the runners".  When I jumped in the water, I could feel my goggles were leaking, but I decided I did not want to remove the seal and make it worse.  I am getting braver and starting in the front of the swim which is nice as you don't have to get around as many people.  I could not really see to get around people any way.  I just went on blind faith because I could not see when I turned to my dominant side and then visibility started returning on the non dominant side and especially when we turned out of the sun.  Who needs HIPPO glasses when you can just fill your own goggles up with water.  It obviously did not take a toll, because you just have to suck it up and GO.  No time to stop and figure it out.  I knew the general direction, game on because nobody is going to take my moment away if I can help it.  I still enjoy playing the passing game and seeing how many different color caps I can pass.

Ok, ok, now that I got my bragging out of the way......keep in mind, THE SWIMMER NEVER WINS!  But we can try and hold the crowd off and enjoy the lead for a while.  The bike went smoothly after I worked on the swim fatigue from my legs in the first several miles.  The course was a little windy and I was able to stay focused and use the strategies I have been working on the past month with my bike coach.  I always "practice" even when I am in a race.  I managed to recoup my speed from previous seasons which has taken me a lot of weeks to get back to where I was averaging 17.85 overall on the bike today.

I was happy to finish strong and make it safely back to transition and switch to running gear using my new tri XTENEX laces (WHICH I HIGHLY RECOMMEND).  I felt ok, no nausea, no cramping.....  There were some moments I felt stronger than others.  My motto for this race which I knew would turn hot was to "RUN THE RUN".  I managed to do that, but it was at a slow turtle pace.  I am usually thrilled to be running and not walking when heat strikes.  I cannot figure out how the RUNNERS maintain a good pace and pass up the hard working swimmers and cyclists.  It is something I struggle with at every triathlon.  Today I asked myself why do I try.  Maybe I should really consider Aquathon and just SKIP THE RUN!

Overall, I felt good.  I was able to push a little bit on the swim and the bike and maintain a slow steady pace on the run.  I ate very light today taking into considerations some recommendations from Brooke Schohl, endurance nutrition expert.  I ate 1 slice of toast with peanut butter and large glass of Emergen C 3 hours prior to race and a bonk bite and large bottle of skratch and some extra salt 1 hour prior.  I drank 1 bottle of Skratch on bike and ate a few chews.  I took 2 salt tabs in beginning and middle of run and grabbed 2 glasses of water and 1 cup of ice at each aid station drinking or pouring overhead  as much as I could get down while staying in motion and dumping the ice down the back of my top.  I was not very hungry, but ate a few more chews and saved 1 Huma gel for mile 5 on the run to get me to the finish line.  The run was very slow with a 10:47 pace.

Finished 8th out of 20 in my age group.  I was pleased with how the first race went down and it is always good to have a baseline test to reassess your training and what areas need more work.  I am ready to work on RECOVERY AND PACING to train and race smarter.

Overall it was great to be back on the triathlon scene and be part of the ONE MULTISPORT Team.  Every time you looked up, you were surrounded by other ONES either on the course, volunteering or cheering you on!  Afterwards, I raced home to check out everyone's stories and pictures on facebook and attended the post race party to share even more adventures from the day.

AND YOU THOUGHT I WAS SERIOUS WHEN I SAID THE SWIMMER NEVER WINS!  This swimmer is a big winner today having the gift of being able to tri and being part of an amazing triathlon community......that is the best prize of all and a big WIN for me!

A Week in the Life of a Turtle who Tri's

The foundation has been layed and I am ready to build.  It is not rock solid as there are a few cracks, but nothing that can't be smoothed over in the next 25 weeks.  However, there is a busy spring racing season waiting for me around the corner.

Today I can reflect on the past week as it was just a "typical training week".  I have now reprogrammed my brain to wake up at 4:45 am every morning.  This week I put in 16 hours and 40 minutes of training which included 4 bike workouts, 3 runs, and 3 swims and 1 yoga class.  There are many things that did not get done.  When I figure out how to add another 7 hours to my week, I will manage to squeeze in more drills, strength training, rolling out muscles, stretching and massage to help me get to where I need to go!

Monday:
1.  Lesson on Rollers with Bicyclologist, Jeff Lockwood, worked on out of the saddle exercises both on and off the bike and the beginning of interval work.  Building comfort and confidence back up and will take it out on the road with Jeff next week.
2.  Yoga with yogi extraordinaire, Katie Daugherty at the Ranch which provides a nice way to recover, build core strength, and stretch out tired shortened muscles from a long week.  This has really helped me recover from the previous week and prepare for the upcoming week.

Tuesday:
1.  Warm up on bike rollers and then outdoors for short ride (23 miles).

Wednesday:
1.  ONE Masters Group Swim lead by Coach Klas working on technique and a variety of sets for an hour.  Still hanging in the slow lane as I am not ready to get lapped one lane over, but I think it is going to be time to EMBRACE THE SUCK very soon.
2.  ONE hour run with my friend Lucy who is tough as nails and will go adjust her speed up or down to train with me.  We did a nice warm up followed by 4-1 minute pick ups to try and wake up my anaerobic system
3.  ONE Monthly Meeting which is something I love to attend to recharge batteries in a room full or orange sharing the LOVE for triathlon and WINNING many raffle prizes, yet another FREE ENTRY to a race.  I am ONE lucky triathlete.  Even though, I am not an elite athlete, not even fast, I still feel very special when I wear my ONE kit.

Thursday:
1.  Warm Up on Rollers and then met a few people on my bike for the ride to Tom's Thumb (32 miles).
2.  Followed by a 3 mile run for a brick workout as it is almost time to TRI!

Friday:
1.  TO THE LAKE:  Nice swim at the lake despite the cooler temps.  Always a fun adventure and makes me feel very very happy to watch the sun come up from the water.  I was concerned about not feeling strong or in control in the water, but the water has been cold and I have not had good feeling in my arms.  Took me a few hours to thaw out and a NAP too!

Saturday:
1.  70 miles on my bike (which included 4 stops:  meet up with Orange Army, Group Picture, Refuel/Regroup Stop, and Lunch Stop).  Worked on standing every mile up 9 mile hill.

Sunday:
1.  Run 8 miles at Tempe Town Lake
2.  First OWS event of season, swam 2000, finished 4th master's female, felt better than Friday, but disappointed that I was 3.5 minutes away from my personal best, great baseline swim

Today marks 175 days OR 25 weeks until IM Chattanooga.  I feel good about where I am and having adequate time to prepare for this race, but I am not feeling very prepared for the short course season ahead and more specifically the Boulder 70.3 in June, but a lot can happen in 10 weeks.  My love for being around my fellow triathletes will carry me through.  When you go to an event, it is like being on an alternate planet where everyone is fit and happy.  Energy is oozing out of people's pores and spreading like crazy.  This world is a peaceful one where these alien beings scurry around in funny suits by land, water, and wheels.  All is good.  As my brother likes to say, "PEACE, LOVE and TRIATHLON".

Nothing remarkable to report.  A typical training week is a good place to be.   I must find a way to schedule in more rest and being my own coach this year, I am enjoying the juggling act of planning out my own schedule.  I guess that means that I have nobody to blame except myself when it comes to my results.  I do appreciate all the people that share their expertise with me.  I also enjoy sharing my experiences with anyone who will listen.

Time to get the hammer out and build the first floor now.  Congrats to all those who tri-ed this weekend.  Thank you for sharing this journey with me.  Now time to get some power rest and prepare for another "typical week".

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
.

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.