A week before the race I started tracking the weather, as usual. A week before the race I got confirmation that I would have Speedy back for the race. A week before the race I had a rest week and was feeling awesome. All things were falling in place and I was getting excited to race Quassy 70.3. Well, not "race" it per instructions from my coach Will, at TriHard. I was to complete as a training day staying in my zones and not pushing to hard. The Thursday before the race the forecast was calling for high of 82 but I would not have my bike back. SIGH. I have done plenty of racing and training on Gladys Svetlana Ole Reliable before, but I was spoiled with Speedy for 2 years. AND this was going to be a tough course. I finally convinced myself to stop whining and just enjoy myself. I am damn lucky to be able to race. So I gave her a good cleaning and got her ready to race.
Amy and I drove down to Middlebury, CT after her first 5k in Concord, MA (which she rocked btw). That day was hot and I tried to avoid the sun both at the race and at the expo. The energy was good at the expo and I checked in without any issue. A good meal was had a Olive Garden and then a nice relaxing night in the hotel watching the Bruins and doing my nails. wait. Doing my nails? New race tradition of orange nails. It added a little fun to my routine and got some comments. I also had to put on my race number tattoos. A much easier ordeal than standing in line on race morning!!
The day started at 5 am with my usual coffee and pb n J. Bike check in was Sat so I had only my pack to lug to the race site. AND we were lucky enough to get parking right near transition. So far the race day was going well. My race wave went off at 7:35 but race started at 6 something so I only had a few minutes in transition. Enough time to pump my tires and organize. The water in Lake Quassapaug was 72 degrees and the air temp close to 70 at the start of the race. There was not a cloud in the sky for most of the morning. It was an on beach start and I positioned myself at the back. I'd only been in open water twice this season so was feeling a bit anxious about it. It took me a long time to warm up, but once I did I felt great in the water. It was a triangular clockwise course. Coming across the lake we swam into the sun with zero visibility! That was fun. I basically sighted the swimmers in front of me. I finished strong and ran up to my bike. Quick transition and off I went.
I was careful to pace myself as I knew there was 4,000 feet of climbing and it was getting hot. I felt great on the hills and even pushed myself a little, careful not to over due it. Most of the ride the sun was beating down on my back. I handled the bottle exchanges like a pro, but still cannot pee on the bike. DARN. There were some very tough climbs, great flats, and killer downhills. It was a gorgeous course riding by farm after farm with amazing views of the mountains (maybe NY??). I was psyched at how well I descended and the energy I felt during the bike. Some of the descends where so fast I was grinning ear to ear and may have let of our "yippee". I passed many a race on fancy TT bikes with fancy aero wheels and aero helmets. It reminded me that it is very much the person behind the bike that counts the most. Sure all that fancy equipment helps but you also have to be strong! I got off the bike feeling great. Legs were ready to go!!
At this point it was about noon and the hottest part of the day. I felt fantastic in the first three miles and then dizziness and nausea hit me like a brick. I tried to run it off but was eventually forced to walk. It was so bad at one point I actually considered dropping out. I thought about all the people who lost limbs in the Marathon Bombings and who might never get to run. I thought about the lives lost that day. I thought about my Grammy Davis who we lost this year. I kept walking, running when I could. Taking small sips of gatorade, Coke, or water and eating pretzels. I started feeling a little better and was able to run most of the second half of the run. In the last mile of the course the was a half mile ascent. I started running but lost gas. My fueling had been nill on the run because of the nausea. I started bargining with myself: run to that tree and walk 10 steps. I got myself over the hill and the finishing shoot was close by. As I turned the corner I saw the park and heard the announcer. I ramped up my pace. As I made the left turn into the park I sprinted in.
I haven't walked a portion of a race in over two years. This was my worst 70.3 time ever. Looking at the data alone I am disappointed. But I still averaged 16 mph on the bike and 11 min miles on the run, with walking. My swim time was OK but not faster than seasons past. I am not sure I have ever felt this terrible during a triathlon. I have never been naseous or dizzy during a race. But I am most proud of this race in so many ways. I kept going and persevered through the heat. O and did I mention that my allergies were out of control and I started my period three days prior? I learned a lot about myself yesterday. I can finish a race in extreme heat. I need to work on how to deal with extreme heat. I love hilly courses (I may have known that already). I can do anything was confirmed. I will take that with me to IMLP. Speedy is in Boston and I'll finish my season with her.
Rev3 puts on a great race. Quassy was an amazing and challenging course. I will absolutely do the race again. It was wonderful having Amy there to cheer me on and be at the finish line. I cannot articulate how wonderful it is to not be at these races alone. Today I am mostly recovered from the heat exhaustion but battling allergies. I am feeling better as the day progresses. I look forward to the remainder of my training and next race: Ashland Olympic. ROAR.
IMLP
Monday, June 3, 2013
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Be Possible
It was July 2001 when I completed my first endurance event: Tanqueray AIDS ride NY-->Boston. We rode over 250 miles in three days. It was the first time I'd ridden a 100 miles. First time I'd done that many miles in so few days. I was hooked immediately. I loved how I was challenged and how my body responded. The theme for these rides was IMpossible. I've carried that with me all these years. The next year I ran my first marathon and vowed to never do it again. I did my first sprint triathlon two years and later and swore I'd never do an Ironman.
Next week I will do my 6th 70.3, Rev3 Quassy. I signed up for this event 'cause it would be a good prep for Lake Placid. People say if you can do this you can do LP. It will make LP seem easy, they say. This week I've been reviewing the course profiles. I knew it was going to be tough, but forgot just HOW tough. I've been in the time. Done the hills. Done the work in the gym. Done the time on the trainer. The laps. I'm ready. Just how ready....not sure.
I am fearful that I won't be as successful as I'd hoped. Not as fast. Not climb as efficient. The voice inside my head tells me its a training day. BUT the other voice tells me that I must be awesome. I must PR. It's unlikely for that to occur. It is the hilliest course that I have completed. (I think...Mooseman could be up there). The logical Kristi will win and I'll approach it as a training day. I'll be happy no matter how I do.
GOALS: Swim 38 minutes, Bike 3:30, Run: 1:45. The plan is to push the swim, go out a little harder than I normally do. Pace myself on the bike, work the hills like a training session: hard but controlled, push the flats and the descents. Work on my descending. Pace myself on the run and get a negative split. Be smart with nutrition. O and have fun! I should have Speedy back which will likely ramp my mph on the bike significantly. I've been averaging 16 on my long rides on Ole Reliable. I suspect that would have translated to over 17 on Speedy. Practice Race.
I have been feeling really great on my workouts. I ended the training block on a good note. Longest run so far: 20 miles, longest brick 85/7, longest swim 70 minutes (3350 yards), longest open water swim (and only...its been cold!) 1.28 miles. I felt strong in the water and strong on the my brick to end the week. I have been feeling faster and stronger towards the middle to end of my workouts. I feel my endurance and fitness improving weekly.
I have been fatigued all week. But I finally woke up today feeling rested. I had a good recovery swim last night. By Monday I'll be ready to start challenging myself again. I am excited to have a weekend free of huge plans. Free of an alarm clock. But I am looking forward to that regimen next week. To pushing myself beyond what I thought was possible. Seeing what I can do on this course.
Next week I will do my 6th 70.3, Rev3 Quassy. I signed up for this event 'cause it would be a good prep for Lake Placid. People say if you can do this you can do LP. It will make LP seem easy, they say. This week I've been reviewing the course profiles. I knew it was going to be tough, but forgot just HOW tough. I've been in the time. Done the hills. Done the work in the gym. Done the time on the trainer. The laps. I'm ready. Just how ready....not sure.
I am fearful that I won't be as successful as I'd hoped. Not as fast. Not climb as efficient. The voice inside my head tells me its a training day. BUT the other voice tells me that I must be awesome. I must PR. It's unlikely for that to occur. It is the hilliest course that I have completed. (I think...Mooseman could be up there). The logical Kristi will win and I'll approach it as a training day. I'll be happy no matter how I do.
GOALS: Swim 38 minutes, Bike 3:30, Run: 1:45. The plan is to push the swim, go out a little harder than I normally do. Pace myself on the bike, work the hills like a training session: hard but controlled, push the flats and the descents. Work on my descending. Pace myself on the run and get a negative split. Be smart with nutrition. O and have fun! I should have Speedy back which will likely ramp my mph on the bike significantly. I've been averaging 16 on my long rides on Ole Reliable. I suspect that would have translated to over 17 on Speedy. Practice Race.
I have been feeling really great on my workouts. I ended the training block on a good note. Longest run so far: 20 miles, longest brick 85/7, longest swim 70 minutes (3350 yards), longest open water swim (and only...its been cold!) 1.28 miles. I felt strong in the water and strong on the my brick to end the week. I have been feeling faster and stronger towards the middle to end of my workouts. I feel my endurance and fitness improving weekly.
I have been fatigued all week. But I finally woke up today feeling rested. I had a good recovery swim last night. By Monday I'll be ready to start challenging myself again. I am excited to have a weekend free of huge plans. Free of an alarm clock. But I am looking forward to that regimen next week. To pushing myself beyond what I thought was possible. Seeing what I can do on this course.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Progress!
Time check: One month til Rev3 Quassy and 3 months til IMLP. This is when time goes by so so quickly. This is the fun part. The part when it gets really hard, but the weather is good and I have buddies to train with. This is when all the months of riding on my trainer in the pain cave, countless laps in the pool, cold snowy runs, hours in the gym, and cold rides pay off. This is when I have to force myself to do that ride the day following a long brick, but when I feel surprisingly good on it. This is the fun part.
I've been out on the bike for a month or so now. April ended well. I made some excellent progress with endurance and speed. But I never felt great on my bricks. It was cold. It was windy. It was hard. It was hard to jump on the bike alone, when it was cold and all my friends were riding later. When Amy was snuggled in bed with Tootsie. It was hard riding thru the wind. But I did it. I ended the month with a 70/4 brick. I ended with a 16 mile run. Both killed me a little, but made me stronger. I started feeling a bit of progress each week. I recovered faster; both after workouts and within a workout. I could feel myself getting stronger.
I've completed my first week of the May block and am feeling awesome. My 16 mile run was less hard and a smidge faster even though I did a hillier course. This past Saturday I did a 70/5 brick on a very hilly course. Parts of it were really tough, but I ended feeling really strong! I paced myself and it payed off. I averaged 16 mph on the bike and 8:53 in the second half of the run, averaging a little over 9's on the run. I'd like to be faster on both, but this is progress and it is only May. O and did I mention that Speedy is in the hospital. We found a defect in her chainstay. So I am riding Ole Reliable the Giant rode bike. She is over 10 years old and a heck of a lot heavier than Speedy. Yesterdays workouts were tough. I felt tired, but my body performed. Today still a bit fatigued, but I killed my 7 mile run. I ran mostly trail tonight. Parts of it felt hard, but that hard that means your working hard. My legs were springy. I pushed hard on the hills and felt my lungs burn. I felt like I was flying at times. I felt like could have run forever in the late day sunshine. No fatigue on run and feeling good tonight!
I am being very careful with my diet. Clean. One (only one) beer per week and one (only one) cheat meal per week. It's game time. I want to be a clean mean racing machine. I perform better when I am a smidge leaner. I feel better when I am eating super healthy.
I feel the progress. Training is paying off. I am excited to see what happens in the next two weeks. I will end the month with a 90/7 brick and a 20 mile run. And then eat a pizza and a beer!
I've been out on the bike for a month or so now. April ended well. I made some excellent progress with endurance and speed. But I never felt great on my bricks. It was cold. It was windy. It was hard. It was hard to jump on the bike alone, when it was cold and all my friends were riding later. When Amy was snuggled in bed with Tootsie. It was hard riding thru the wind. But I did it. I ended the month with a 70/4 brick. I ended with a 16 mile run. Both killed me a little, but made me stronger. I started feeling a bit of progress each week. I recovered faster; both after workouts and within a workout. I could feel myself getting stronger.
I've completed my first week of the May block and am feeling awesome. My 16 mile run was less hard and a smidge faster even though I did a hillier course. This past Saturday I did a 70/5 brick on a very hilly course. Parts of it were really tough, but I ended feeling really strong! I paced myself and it payed off. I averaged 16 mph on the bike and 8:53 in the second half of the run, averaging a little over 9's on the run. I'd like to be faster on both, but this is progress and it is only May. O and did I mention that Speedy is in the hospital. We found a defect in her chainstay. So I am riding Ole Reliable the Giant rode bike. She is over 10 years old and a heck of a lot heavier than Speedy. Yesterdays workouts were tough. I felt tired, but my body performed. Today still a bit fatigued, but I killed my 7 mile run. I ran mostly trail tonight. Parts of it felt hard, but that hard that means your working hard. My legs were springy. I pushed hard on the hills and felt my lungs burn. I felt like I was flying at times. I felt like could have run forever in the late day sunshine. No fatigue on run and feeling good tonight!
I am being very careful with my diet. Clean. One (only one) beer per week and one (only one) cheat meal per week. It's game time. I want to be a clean mean racing machine. I perform better when I am a smidge leaner. I feel better when I am eating super healthy.
I feel the progress. Training is paying off. I am excited to see what happens in the next two weeks. I will end the month with a 90/7 brick and a 20 mile run. And then eat a pizza and a beer!
Sunday, April 14, 2013
step by step, stroke by stroke I am getting stronger and faster
Today is April 14, 2013. Less than two months til Quassy 70.3 and 3.5 months til IMLP. My work outs are getting longer, bricks have started, long endurance swims have started, and I am up to 16 miles on the run. I am feeling incremental changes in my speed and strength each week.
SWIM: This week I swam 50 minutes without stopping after a 300 yd warm up. I swam 2600 yds and averaged 1:54 min/100 yd. This is not crazy fast but is 8 sec faster pace than last week. My goal is to swim the 2.4 in 1:15 hours or faster. This means decreasing my avg pace/100 yd to 1:46 or below. I think I can do this, but it will take some work. I felt stronger and smoother this week than last.
BIKE: Spring is finally springing and I've been out on the bike four times. For the first time last week I rode on my own post-concussion inducing accident. It was windy and cold and I was terrified. I kept my focus and kept breathing until I relaxed. I managed to find my confidence and get into aero a few times IN THE WIND! By the end of the 46 mile ride my mojo was 75% back. The rest returned on my two rides this weekend. If I can ride in that wind I can ride in anything!! It is amazing how much that accident rattled my nerves and confidence on the bike. I am averaging 16 mph. This is crazy slow for me, but its April and it has been crazy windy and cold!
RUN: This week I will do a 16 mile run. Last week I avg a little over a 9 min/mile for the 14. I am hoping to do the marathon in sub 9's. This week I felt stronger on my run and worked hard to have a negative split. I achieved this. It's amazing what a little water and Clif Shot will do.
Nutrition: I am not drinking enough on the bike. I did better today, but only had two bottles and did not have my wallet with me. stupid. I am also not eating enough. I did not feel hungry. I felt dehydrated towards the end and low on energy. Will has given me a very clear nutrition plan, but I did not follow it close enough. I must be better at this next week. I have also switched to Bonk Breakers and I am wondering if they are not giving me enough accessible energy. I will try again next week making sure to consume enough calories, then make changes as needed; consulting with Will of course.
Recovery I am foam olling and using The Stick like its going out of style. I stretch. For the first time I did fire cupping after my brick last weekend. I actually think it helped with recovery!! It was really intense, however, we did it a few hours after I finished. I think we need to try in a bit later this time. I am not working full time which is glorious for recovery! So many naps.
All in all things are going well. I am dating an amazing womyn. She gets my triathlon addiction and supports in every way possible. I am one lucky lady. I am working again, about 30 hours per week. I had an interview last week that looks quite promising! I am pleased with my progressions. Super duper crazy happy.
SWIM: This week I swam 50 minutes without stopping after a 300 yd warm up. I swam 2600 yds and averaged 1:54 min/100 yd. This is not crazy fast but is 8 sec faster pace than last week. My goal is to swim the 2.4 in 1:15 hours or faster. This means decreasing my avg pace/100 yd to 1:46 or below. I think I can do this, but it will take some work. I felt stronger and smoother this week than last.
BIKE: Spring is finally springing and I've been out on the bike four times. For the first time last week I rode on my own post-concussion inducing accident. It was windy and cold and I was terrified. I kept my focus and kept breathing until I relaxed. I managed to find my confidence and get into aero a few times IN THE WIND! By the end of the 46 mile ride my mojo was 75% back. The rest returned on my two rides this weekend. If I can ride in that wind I can ride in anything!! It is amazing how much that accident rattled my nerves and confidence on the bike. I am averaging 16 mph. This is crazy slow for me, but its April and it has been crazy windy and cold!
RUN: This week I will do a 16 mile run. Last week I avg a little over a 9 min/mile for the 14. I am hoping to do the marathon in sub 9's. This week I felt stronger on my run and worked hard to have a negative split. I achieved this. It's amazing what a little water and Clif Shot will do.
Nutrition: I am not drinking enough on the bike. I did better today, but only had two bottles and did not have my wallet with me. stupid. I am also not eating enough. I did not feel hungry. I felt dehydrated towards the end and low on energy. Will has given me a very clear nutrition plan, but I did not follow it close enough. I must be better at this next week. I have also switched to Bonk Breakers and I am wondering if they are not giving me enough accessible energy. I will try again next week making sure to consume enough calories, then make changes as needed; consulting with Will of course.
Recovery I am foam olling and using The Stick like its going out of style. I stretch. For the first time I did fire cupping after my brick last weekend. I actually think it helped with recovery!! It was really intense, however, we did it a few hours after I finished. I think we need to try in a bit later this time. I am not working full time which is glorious for recovery! So many naps.
All in all things are going well. I am dating an amazing womyn. She gets my triathlon addiction and supports in every way possible. I am one lucky lady. I am working again, about 30 hours per week. I had an interview last week that looks quite promising! I am pleased with my progressions. Super duper crazy happy.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Month one done!
The month of January has come and gone. I have four solid weeks of training and one amazing recovery week in the bank. I feel like I made great strides in my fitness level in January despite starting a new job, re-starting two classes and adjusting to a new schedule. O yea, and I have been more social than ever. OYE. I have changed a few things this year on my journey to Ironman. Second time around, bigger goals, more tools, and that much more experience.
New things in 2013 that I *LOVE*:
1. I am in love with my new coach at TriHard, Will Kourosis. I love the training plan and all that encompasses it. The nutrition advice is more acute than in years past. I've been instructed to do a mental exercise every night. AND I get a rest week. REST WEEK people! I was allowed to do 3-4 workouts the whole week. (I know crazy, right?) I also got to pick what days to do them on. I felt a little off kilter on swim today, but I also had not been in the water in a week and worked 50 hours this week. I think I have a pretty strong mental game, but can't wait to see how this changes with the addition of a focus specific exercise. It has already helped with the meditation part of yoga. I am not longer making my grocery list at the end of class. HA! And volume is clearly going to be larger, it already is.
2. Another change this years rode to Ironman is my commitment to having a massage at least every two months, every month if I need it. I am thinking it will be at the end of my rest week. Today was the third time I saw the same therapist at JP Massage. He is getting to know all my tight and problem areas. He found spots today I did not know where tight: pec major/minor, some weird spot on my TL spine, and released some radial nerve tension. O and I had my psoas muscle worked on the first time. THAT was weird and kinda awesome! I really think this will be a great supplement to my training down the line when I'm really training hard.
3. Cambridge Masters. I have more swim endurance in January than I did same time last year and same time two years ago for sure.
4. I know whats coming. I got my Feb training plan today. Volume (therefore time) increases significantly over the next 30 days. I remember the first month I received with high volume in 2011 sent me into panic mode. How the heck am I going to do all of that AND work AND maintain a social life..o and I need to sleep and eat too?! This year I look mostly at one week at a time. I'll get it done. Somehow. And that somehow will make be stronger and will help me when I am tired around mile 80 of the bike and mile 18 or the run. If I can do a 12 mile run at 4 am or after working 8 hours then I can do it on race day with a good nights sleep and rested legs. If I can swim for an hour after running 12 miles and working 8 hours, then on race--->look out. One day at a time, one arm in front of the other, one pedal stroke at a time, then one foot in front of the other. All with a giant smile on my face. 'cause I am one lucky womyn.
5. YOGA. I am making a public statement that I intend to do home yoga once a week. I am ordering a DVD in the next weeks and will complete it. My hips will thank me in the coming months.
I am feeling good and super excited to start pushing myself harder. I am crazy excited to start riding outside and hope I am able to do so SOON. We've had some warm days, but they have not fallen on days that I've been riding. I know all these hours in my dark basement on my trainer will make me stronger. I tell myself that nearing the end of those longer workouts in the Pain Cave. Big thanx to Mary Workman Eggers who I stole this term from. It is totally just that---darkness, me and my trainer, pop or techno blasting my ears! I am focused in a way that I was not two years ago. Two years ago I was worried about finishing the distance. I know I can do 140.6 miles on my own power. It is a matter of how fast. What will I discover about Kristi Lynne Paradis in these next 6 months. Only time will tell.
I am ridiculously happy right now with my life. It's amazing what can happen when I focus. Is it a coincidence that its happening in the same year as training for IMLP. My last amazing year came in 2011 when I did Vineman 140.6. The drive and focus correlate not only to triathlon but also to my "other life". My confidence is amazing right now. Work is going well. Friends, family, etc are out of this world good. If January is any indication of the year to come its going to be a good one!
New things in 2013 that I *LOVE*:
1. I am in love with my new coach at TriHard, Will Kourosis. I love the training plan and all that encompasses it. The nutrition advice is more acute than in years past. I've been instructed to do a mental exercise every night. AND I get a rest week. REST WEEK people! I was allowed to do 3-4 workouts the whole week. (I know crazy, right?) I also got to pick what days to do them on. I felt a little off kilter on swim today, but I also had not been in the water in a week and worked 50 hours this week. I think I have a pretty strong mental game, but can't wait to see how this changes with the addition of a focus specific exercise. It has already helped with the meditation part of yoga. I am not longer making my grocery list at the end of class. HA! And volume is clearly going to be larger, it already is.
2. Another change this years rode to Ironman is my commitment to having a massage at least every two months, every month if I need it. I am thinking it will be at the end of my rest week. Today was the third time I saw the same therapist at JP Massage. He is getting to know all my tight and problem areas. He found spots today I did not know where tight: pec major/minor, some weird spot on my TL spine, and released some radial nerve tension. O and I had my psoas muscle worked on the first time. THAT was weird and kinda awesome! I really think this will be a great supplement to my training down the line when I'm really training hard.
3. Cambridge Masters. I have more swim endurance in January than I did same time last year and same time two years ago for sure.
4. I know whats coming. I got my Feb training plan today. Volume (therefore time) increases significantly over the next 30 days. I remember the first month I received with high volume in 2011 sent me into panic mode. How the heck am I going to do all of that AND work AND maintain a social life..o and I need to sleep and eat too?! This year I look mostly at one week at a time. I'll get it done. Somehow. And that somehow will make be stronger and will help me when I am tired around mile 80 of the bike and mile 18 or the run. If I can do a 12 mile run at 4 am or after working 8 hours then I can do it on race day with a good nights sleep and rested legs. If I can swim for an hour after running 12 miles and working 8 hours, then on race--->look out. One day at a time, one arm in front of the other, one pedal stroke at a time, then one foot in front of the other. All with a giant smile on my face. 'cause I am one lucky womyn.
5. YOGA. I am making a public statement that I intend to do home yoga once a week. I am ordering a DVD in the next weeks and will complete it. My hips will thank me in the coming months.
I am feeling good and super excited to start pushing myself harder. I am crazy excited to start riding outside and hope I am able to do so SOON. We've had some warm days, but they have not fallen on days that I've been riding. I know all these hours in my dark basement on my trainer will make me stronger. I tell myself that nearing the end of those longer workouts in the Pain Cave. Big thanx to Mary Workman Eggers who I stole this term from. It is totally just that---darkness, me and my trainer, pop or techno blasting my ears! I am focused in a way that I was not two years ago. Two years ago I was worried about finishing the distance. I know I can do 140.6 miles on my own power. It is a matter of how fast. What will I discover about Kristi Lynne Paradis in these next 6 months. Only time will tell.
I am ridiculously happy right now with my life. It's amazing what can happen when I focus. Is it a coincidence that its happening in the same year as training for IMLP. My last amazing year came in 2011 when I did Vineman 140.6. The drive and focus correlate not only to triathlon but also to my "other life". My confidence is amazing right now. Work is going well. Friends, family, etc are out of this world good. If January is any indication of the year to come its going to be a good one!
Friday, January 18, 2013
a little help from my crazy friends
I do triathlon for a lot of reasons. Many are very selfish. I've talked about those before. I want to be stronger, faster, fitter, leaner. (all incredibly selfish). Though selfish, I think they make me a better person (not the stronger, faster, fitter reasons.. the calmer Zen reasons). Better adept at able to withstand the stresses of my little life in Boston, MA. Be a better physical therapist assistant, teaching assistant, friend, sister, daughter, and lover (god willing!). I make better decisions. I hope that I contribute to society in a more thoughtful way. All this because of triathlon you ask? Yea I believe it is. Triathlon calms me and allows me to gain perspective more than any other thing I know.
The other ginormous reason I do triathlon is the for all of the amazing personal connections, friends, and acquaintances. This was not part of the plan when I set out on my triathlon journey. I figured I'd make a few friends, maybe meet a cute lesbian and live happily ever after. Instead, on Jan 1, 2009 when I joined Team EnVision it changed my life forever. I have made wonderful friends and met the most amazing people. They have taught me patience, shown courage when tackling open water for the first time or riding on a new bike with clipless pedals for the very first time. They encouraged me to do my first Ironman and celebrated when I did. They train in the snow, rain, cold, and heat with me. They make me laugh. They provide that little extra push when I need it the most. This will be my fifth year on TE and I cannot imagine my life without these ladies.
This past Wednesday I did a 6 mile run after working 4 hours, then teaching for another 3.5 hours. It was the last day of my workout week before a rest week. I was exhausted. The driving had been terrible. My patient load has been not so good. It was my job to run the swim practice this week as our coach would not be there. Though I love this TE and these women I have to be "on" as I am a leader. After a long day at work the last thing I want to do is be "on". I got to the pool and parked and just made in to the pool and was inundated by my team. Folks were inpatient to hop in the pool and it was up to me to provide the workout. It took every part of me not be inpatient and snippy. I answered questions like a good doobie and leader should. My workout was terrible. I had nothing left to give. Though I got some encouragement from Laurie and Edith I left the pool feeling rather deflated. But then I watched the team swimming the last bit of practice. I watched the laughter and banter between two new swimmers. I watched two experienced and fast swimmers complete sprints. I could not help but smile at the diverse group of womyn that were assembled in the pool that Wednesday night. I arrived home happy and re-energized.
I have met a few pro triathletes, virtually chatted with amazing men and womyn across the world with which we have one thing in common: the love of this sport. We all find a reason to get up in the early hours of the morning, workout on our lunch, or workout after work...sometimes all three, because we have that drive. We all have different fuels for that drive. Some days I forget why I do it. But Team EnVision and all my "FB triathlon friends" remind me why on a daily basis. And for that I thank you. Some of you many never know how much you influence my life. How a quote you post can get me through a workout. You are all badass and I am proud of each every one of you.
The other ginormous reason I do triathlon is the for all of the amazing personal connections, friends, and acquaintances. This was not part of the plan when I set out on my triathlon journey. I figured I'd make a few friends, maybe meet a cute lesbian and live happily ever after. Instead, on Jan 1, 2009 when I joined Team EnVision it changed my life forever. I have made wonderful friends and met the most amazing people. They have taught me patience, shown courage when tackling open water for the first time or riding on a new bike with clipless pedals for the very first time. They encouraged me to do my first Ironman and celebrated when I did. They train in the snow, rain, cold, and heat with me. They make me laugh. They provide that little extra push when I need it the most. This will be my fifth year on TE and I cannot imagine my life without these ladies.
This past Wednesday I did a 6 mile run after working 4 hours, then teaching for another 3.5 hours. It was the last day of my workout week before a rest week. I was exhausted. The driving had been terrible. My patient load has been not so good. It was my job to run the swim practice this week as our coach would not be there. Though I love this TE and these women I have to be "on" as I am a leader. After a long day at work the last thing I want to do is be "on". I got to the pool and parked and just made in to the pool and was inundated by my team. Folks were inpatient to hop in the pool and it was up to me to provide the workout. It took every part of me not be inpatient and snippy. I answered questions like a good doobie and leader should. My workout was terrible. I had nothing left to give. Though I got some encouragement from Laurie and Edith I left the pool feeling rather deflated. But then I watched the team swimming the last bit of practice. I watched the laughter and banter between two new swimmers. I watched two experienced and fast swimmers complete sprints. I could not help but smile at the diverse group of womyn that were assembled in the pool that Wednesday night. I arrived home happy and re-energized.
I have met a few pro triathletes, virtually chatted with amazing men and womyn across the world with which we have one thing in common: the love of this sport. We all find a reason to get up in the early hours of the morning, workout on our lunch, or workout after work...sometimes all three, because we have that drive. We all have different fuels for that drive. Some days I forget why I do it. But Team EnVision and all my "FB triathlon friends" remind me why on a daily basis. And for that I thank you. Some of you many never know how much you influence my life. How a quote you post can get me through a workout. You are all badass and I am proud of each every one of you.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Hey there 2013
The year ended with an athletic BANG! I participated in Miles for Marly. A fundraising event organized by CMSC (100x100). My goal was to swim 50-60 including a 500 yard warm-up. I did it, 6000 yards total! I kept pace and actually got faster towards the middle/end. WOOT. Over all I felt fantastic during the workout. It was an amazing environment. At this time pre-Vineman I had not swam more than 3,000 yards so I am way ahead of schedule and really do think I will improve my swim time this year!
My training with Tri Hard started yesterday. This week is test week, to establish my zones and baseline. This meant I would also have to do a bike test after swimming 6,000 yards. I came home after the event, fueled rested and did the test. I felt weirdly good. Today I went for an amazing 5.5 mile run. It's been a long time since I've run in the day light and forgotten how motivating the sunshine can be. I sang out loud, waved to my fellow runners and riders, glided through the snow, and bounded over snow piles. Something is clicking in my body again and I love every second of it. My workouts are not easy, by any means, but they are hard in a good-challenging way. I have regained some fitness and lost some of that early fall weight. I feel 100% ready to start my Ironman training. And I truly believe my sub-12 goal is attainable.
As I reflect back on this year most of my memories are of disappointment and challenge. I lost my job, quit another, got blown off by a girl, did not achieve athletic success as I'd hoped, I crashed my bike suffering a concussion with memory loss, and struggled financially for much of the year. Not to mention all of the disaster and tragedies that happened, far too many. It has been a long time since I'd had such a trying year. The big difference this time around is that I now have an amazing network of people who helped me get through this year. Team EnVision and all of its beautiful members are a huge part of that. In one way or another all of them, whether they knew it or not, assisted in getting me through this year. Some played a deeper role than others, some simply served as training partners that allowed me to not think for a period. I made new TE friends, as I do every year. Friendships got deeper. My non-tri friends continued to support me when I needed it most. My family was there for me. I asked for help instead of struggling on my own. My best friends got married. I found a new promising job that is local. I dated more. Some of those dates were crappy. Some ended before I wanted them too. Right now I have a budding something with someone. Someone with whom I feel my walls coming down around (those 10 ft tall steel walls 10 miles thick). Someone with whom I have already had a relationship discussion, who actually likes to talk about things! Who knows where this will lead. She may simply become a good friend, but maybe something more. The good news is that I am feeling again, more than I have in 4 years.
I have found my mojo and am back to the Kristi that was prior to getting laid off. The confident happy Kristi. I am, of course, stronger and wiser because of all of this. I would not undo any of it. I am smiling and laughing more and deeper. 2013 is going to be a good year. I can feel in all of my cells.
My training with Tri Hard started yesterday. This week is test week, to establish my zones and baseline. This meant I would also have to do a bike test after swimming 6,000 yards. I came home after the event, fueled rested and did the test. I felt weirdly good. Today I went for an amazing 5.5 mile run. It's been a long time since I've run in the day light and forgotten how motivating the sunshine can be. I sang out loud, waved to my fellow runners and riders, glided through the snow, and bounded over snow piles. Something is clicking in my body again and I love every second of it. My workouts are not easy, by any means, but they are hard in a good-challenging way. I have regained some fitness and lost some of that early fall weight. I feel 100% ready to start my Ironman training. And I truly believe my sub-12 goal is attainable.
As I reflect back on this year most of my memories are of disappointment and challenge. I lost my job, quit another, got blown off by a girl, did not achieve athletic success as I'd hoped, I crashed my bike suffering a concussion with memory loss, and struggled financially for much of the year. Not to mention all of the disaster and tragedies that happened, far too many. It has been a long time since I'd had such a trying year. The big difference this time around is that I now have an amazing network of people who helped me get through this year. Team EnVision and all of its beautiful members are a huge part of that. In one way or another all of them, whether they knew it or not, assisted in getting me through this year. Some played a deeper role than others, some simply served as training partners that allowed me to not think for a period. I made new TE friends, as I do every year. Friendships got deeper. My non-tri friends continued to support me when I needed it most. My family was there for me. I asked for help instead of struggling on my own. My best friends got married. I found a new promising job that is local. I dated more. Some of those dates were crappy. Some ended before I wanted them too. Right now I have a budding something with someone. Someone with whom I feel my walls coming down around (those 10 ft tall steel walls 10 miles thick). Someone with whom I have already had a relationship discussion, who actually likes to talk about things! Who knows where this will lead. She may simply become a good friend, but maybe something more. The good news is that I am feeling again, more than I have in 4 years.
I have found my mojo and am back to the Kristi that was prior to getting laid off. The confident happy Kristi. I am, of course, stronger and wiser because of all of this. I would not undo any of it. I am smiling and laughing more and deeper. 2013 is going to be a good year. I can feel in all of my cells.
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