Triathlons, Trail runs, and Marathons...oh my!!!

2011 Coeur d'Alene Ironman Race Report.

2011-10-26T20:15:00.000-07:00

In March of 2010 I laid on the ground after being hit by a car during a training run. I thought about my daughter and how she would feel once she heard the news. I also thought about all the months of training I put in and realized that in exactly six weeks I was to leave for IM St. George; I was broken and absolutely devastated. Two months straight I laid on my stomach only moving around when necessary. I had plenty of time to feel sorry for myself and believed I would never compete in any distance triathlon ever again. Three months into feeling sorry for myself, my friend Chris talked me into registering for a race she believe I could finish. Still hurting and sitting on a rubber donut I sat in front of my computer and signed up for Ironman Coeur d'Alene. I cried afterward...I was still in so much pain and could barely sit let alone run! How was I going to train for an Ironman? After a couple of days I called my coach, he helped me get within six weeks of IM St. George on bad feet so I had to believe Craig Zelent could help me get to IM CDA. I talked for awhile with him and we decided that November 1st, 2010 was going to be the start of my training. Finally that day rolled around and at that point eight months had passed and I was in terrible shape and I could barely walk a block without breathing heavy. I slipped on my running shoes for a two mile run; I never stopped running but I slowed down to a crawl. When I finished my legs and tail bone hurt so bad I was ready to throw in the towel. Still, with thoughts of quitting, I woke up the next morning and went for a swim and I continued from that day forward...one day at a time. Weeks passed and every week my coach gave me positive feedback while I gave nothing but negativity in return. Even though I was “winning the day” as he would say, I felt overwhelmed and my goal unobtainable. By January I decided to really quit but again Craig encouraged me this time saying, "train not for anything in particular, just train winning one day at a time." By February I was physically able to complete a half Ironman. My first triathlon of the year was coming up and it was time to compete. Ironman 70.3 Oceanside was April 7th, 2010 and I was both physically and mentally ready for that race. I made it to the start, finished, and had a great time enjoying every moment of the race. After Oceanside, I finally started to believe I could make it if I continued to put in my time, I finished the race 44 minutes faster than my first attempt. Time passes fast when you're training; so before I knew it I was packing for CDA and in the best shape of my life. My bike left the Saturday before me via Tri Bike Transport. Once I handed my bike over, the race became more real to me. At that point I was actually going to Coeur d'Alene. My children and I arrived in CDA to blue skies and warm temperatures four days before the race. Everything went smooth; my rental car was easy to pick up and my rented condo was absolutely beautiful! The following day, a group of friends and I went for a swim in Lake CDA. The water was a chilly 58 degrees and very choppy, you could actually see white caps and the weather was rainy and cold too. The water conditions weren't a major issue we swam in worse conditions in the Cove during training. Afterward, we checked in at registration, received our stylish blue wristbands and shopped at the Ironman store. The day after, we rode the run course and came across a female deer that wanted to check us out. Riding along the lake with my good friends was wonderful. I also realized I picked the right race for me and it was an absolutely beautiful course.

Race Day:

I woke up feeling ready. I knew I had trained putting my time in twice a day six days a week. The only thing left to do was to make it to the start and get it done, "one event at a time" I told myself. Regardless of my thoughts of being prepared I feared the swim, not because of the choppy water and the beat down I expected; I feared it because of the cold. The first time I did Oceanside 70.3 back in 2009, I was nearly pulled out of the race because of hypothermia. After talking to coach and women who had issues with the cold water I had a plan. So the morning of the race I made sure I had all of my swim gear and when I say all, I had a lot of stuff. I had 2 extra swim caps, not including my race cap. My one piece tri suit, a neoprene rash guard, wet suit, booties, a squid lid, and Vaseline. After putting everything on while chatting and laughing with my friends, we held on to one another as we walked down to the start talking positive to one another lifting each others spirits. We were all going to make it come hell or high water, we told each other. Finally the canon went off, we looked at each other for the last time and went in. The water was terribly cold, so cold it hurt. It didn't matter, my core was warm and so was my head. I could hear another friend in my head who completed CDA three times, saying, "the water is going to be cold and you're going to want to stop but no matter what just keep on swimming." I took her advice and swam nonstop, never stopping no matter what I kept going. I saw pink and green caps bobbing in the water but still I kept going. First loop done I re-entered the water with the same determination keep going no matter what I said over and over to myself. Once I hit the turn around buoy I began to cry in my goggles. I was going to make it, I had to. At that instant my core started cooling down and my head was stating to feel the chill, three buoys away from the finish I could feel myself shivering uncontrollably and I couldn’t straighten out my fingers. I saw life guards pulling people out and people giving up around me but NO not me! A life guard peddled toward me but I put my face down and kept going. It felt like I was dog peddling but I didn't care, I was not going to stop. One buoy, two buoys, last buoy, my feet touched, tears flowed I made it! 1:51:00

I spent 30 minutes in T1 trying to warm up, it was scary not being able to straighten out my fingers. After a long time in the warming hut and with the aid of a nice volunteer I was finally ready to ride. My teeth were still chattering when I mounted my bike but I didn’t care because I knew I was 30 minutes off the time I wanted to start the bike and I had to go! I had to peddle hard the entire time to hit every time point, there was no time to enjoy the scenery of the beautiful bike course. During the ride my Garmin was my best friend, every 15 minutes it beeped and every 15 minutes without fail I ate and drank something. On the bike I knew I needed 1750 calories, I packed 1768. I had a turkey sandwich with me; I ate half at mile 30 and the other at mile 60. I had two carbo pro/cytomax bottles 350 calories each, two Power bar caffeine chews, and two Honey Stinger Waffles. My special needs contained a bag of plain Lays potato chips and a little bottle of Coke. When I made it there after a forgettable first loop, I downed half the bag and chased it with the coke. A mile after I left the special needs area was a port a potty and an aid station. I dismounted and handed my bike to a volunteer. While I used the facilities, I asked her to fill my water bottles which saved me a bit of time. With my bladder empty, bottles full and a hardy thank-you to the volunteer, I was off. I had until 4pm to make it to mile 90; I made it by 3pm. When I finally hit the mile 100 marker, I started to cry...I couldn’t believe I made it that far! I was crying so hard a volunteer asked me if I was OK! I told him I was GREAT and hammered to the finish 7:25:26.

When I dismounted my bike my legs gave out! A volunteer caught me, took me to the changing tent and set me down. Two other volunteers helped me change while I regained some sort of strength in my legs. 15 minutes in T2, yes I knew that was a long time but I needed the rest. When I finally got up, my legs felt fresh again and I was ready to go. I must say my nutrition was so good on the bike that my stomach was settled, I was hydrated and not hungry one bit. I crossed the run out line running or Ironman shuffling and never stopped until mile 15. I couldn't get pass how beautiful the run course was and how much of a party all of the spectators were having. I stopped at every aid station and nibbled on something salty and sipped water it wasn’t until mile 14 where I tried my first chicken broth that I started feeling a bit uneasy in the stomach. Mile 15 I started feeling ill and started my run/walk regime. The stopping was taking a toll but it couldn’t be helped my stomach was tortured and my legs hurt. I continued the run walk strategy until I heard an all too familiar voice behind me saying “I’m not letting anything get in the way of my goal!” Chris D and Audrey, one of the best Sherpa’s in the world motivated me to run. I started running at mile 25 my legs were throbbing and brain screaming at me to walk! Finally, two blocks away from the finish, I could hear the people screaming and cheering. Once I turned the final corner and saw the finish line I picked up speed as tears rolled down my face. As I ran through the finishers chute, I heard my son Andrew and my daughter Amber screaming and cheering for me. I gave them both a hug then crossed the finish line 5:20:28.

I wasn't defeated by self pity, doubt, or pain. I made it to the start and got it done without succumbing to every excuse I made up in my head. Finishing an Ironman is by far one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had. It took two weeks and a tattoo for it to sink in…I made it, I actually finished an Ironman. I finished Ironman in 15:19:45, it not the best time in the world but it's my time.

CA 70.3 Ironman 2011

2011-04-03T08:56:00.000-07:00

This was my first major race in 1.7 months and it was absolutely fantastic! I can't even begin to tell you how amazing all my friends are, the people in Tri Club and the 1000's of supporters. Every call of my name gave me energy and motivation to continue forward. Love them all and won't be able to thank them enough but if you read this just know YOU are greatly appreciated!

Swim: I had that nervous excitement going before entering the water and really wanted to start so I could get it done! Learning from my last Cal half attempt I layered under my wetsuit and squid lid. I wore a surfing top under my wetsuit and a couple of caps under my squid lid, I even added in my booties. After the swim I had a nice large thermos of hot water waiting for me, WOW that was nice. Last time I was nearly pulled out of the race because I was so cold and couldn't stop shivering. I didn't want to take that chance again and it paid off. My swim time sucked as usual as I spend more time swimming away from the rocks then I did keeping the buoys on my left shoulder. I can't swim straight to save my LIFE! As for the swim finish, have you ever seen a school of Salmon swimming upstream when they're all bunched together? That's how I felt at the end of the swim, it was worse than the swim start...you actually had to swim over bodies to get out the water, insane! I was definitely glad the swim was over.

Bike: It felt good to fly during the first 23 miles on the bike...I never in my life finished 25 miles in 1:19:and some change. The second half was brutal, I definitely didn't remember the first hill being that steep 17% grade! But darn it, I REFUSE to walk a hill so up I went. Second and third I powered through passing folks as I went. Lastly, as if the climbing wasn't brutal enough the wind was insane...it felt good to dismount. What was nice about the finish was I felt good, if necessary I could have turned around and peddled some more.

Run: Since I felt so good after the bike, I had every intention of taking it home during the run. I started out good BUT at mile one started cramping in my left thigh and hamstring. I dropped my salt on the bike course and was depleted! I had to resort to a slower pace to keep the cramp at bay but NEVER felt so good on a long run after a ride. My mind was screaming pick it up! My legs was saying, do it and you're going down! I finished AGAIN felling like I could continue if I had to.

I woke up this morning and the only thing sore is the bottom of my feet and my lower back is stiff. I'm still a slow poke but I did finish 44 minutes faster than my first attempt...I'll take that especially knowing I can always improve and I had a blast!!

6 Months...

2010-09-17T13:03:00.000-07:00

Six months has passed since my accident and my tailbone still ache but in time I know the pain will subside if not go away completely. I have been trying to get back into some sort of training lately but find it difficult because I no longer believe it possible to achieve the level of fitness I had before the accident. I know inactivity can be hard on your body but I never thought I would lose nearly all that I had gained over the last couple of years. I have to come to terms with the fact that I have to start over. Running nearly 4 miles on Wednesday was great but afterward I was extremely sore! It’s going to be difficult to train every day or even every other day until my body is ready for longer and harder workouts. I’m sitting here typing wondering where to start so I can continue. In my mind I have a plan laid out for my return but when I try putting on my running shoes, bike shorts, or wet suit I doubt myself greatly. I continuously tell people, mainly co-workers they can run, ride the distance, or swim in the ocean BUT I can’t tell myself that. They often turn down my offer to run or ride with them because they feel they can’t keep up with “the triathlete”. I no longer see myself that way. I wish they knew I needed their help more than they know to give me motivation to be the triathlete they think they see. I love the sport but know it takes a lot out of your life if you want to cross the finish line without passing out and being able to walk the next day. I don’t know what it’s going to take for me to get out of this rut…to be happy in my athletic life. I realize there’s no set thing or word that will snap me out of it but I have faith it’s going to happen eventually.

Perspective...

2010-03-30T13:32:00.000-07:00

It's hard coming to terms with the fact that I can barely sit let alone compete in a triathlon any time soon. Everyone keep telling me to be grateful because it could have been worse...I am. If it wasn't for my family Andrew, Amber, and Jules, I wouldn't be in the mood I'm in right now. I'm happy I can still listen to the silly jokes of my son or listen to all the book reviews from my daughter. I'm forever grateful for all the friends that called, texted, and emailed me asking if I were OK and needed anything. Every day I'm trying to put things into perspective but it's hard. For months I woke up at five o'clock in the morning on a 38 degrees morning to swim laps in an over chlorinated pool then rush home to take both of my kids to school. Then I would return home change clothes and then run or ride for miles. After a couple of workouts in the morning I would head to work, completing every task at hand while listening to my good friend and boss criticize my desire to be an ironman, he just didn't understand. As time went on I continued in this routines, getting stronger and more confident every day. I still think of all the friends I flaked on trying to stay on the road to becoming an ironman, it's so exhausting there's truly no time for anything else. No matter what, I didn't let my children down always finding a way to spend time and talk with them both sometimes at the sacrifice of sleep. I was on a mission, I had a dream. Most people didn't understand me but a few did. I didn't put in all that work so I could tell everyone I completed an ironman it was for me and only me. It was something I could call my own, a dream, a wish, a desire and I was determined to see it through until the end. When someone takes that away from you because they're to self absorbed to pay attention to their surroundings it hurts deep. I think back to the accident, maybe if I would have done something different...no, he should have been paying attention! How could anyone understand how I feel? Eventually I'll be able to sit like a normal person for longer than 15 minutes. If I heal correctly I'll be able to resume my active life, finally breaking in my new wetsuit and hopefully swimming a few times under the big moon. But Ironman...what to do about that? That desire is still there, I don't think it will go away until I at least attempt one. Still, I have to keep things in perspective and always remember the priorities in my life. I don't know what the future hold for me, I don't know if my broken bone will even heal correctly but I must stay positive and continue to heal and not try to rush it. I only have one chance to get this right, if rushed I could spend the rest of my life in pain...that would suck! One day at a time, one day at a time.

2009 was sweet...welcome 2010!

2010-01-04T10:54:00.000-08:00

As I look back on 2009 I smile and realize it was so much fun! I made new friends and completed two half Ironman distance races as well as two long 17+ mile trail races. I'm hoping this year will be just as exciting. I'm planning on expanding my race record by competing in my first full Ironman on May 1st. I officially started training for it Dec 1st, 2009. Since then, I accumulated 316 miles of training. Cycling 157 miles, swimming 15 miles, and running 57 miles. I'm so glad I signed up with Craig Zelant, my coach, because I didn't know how to train for a full distance triathlon. I knew IM St. George was a new triathlon which is rated at one of the hardest in the nation and I needed to be prepared both physically and mentally. There will be many hills to climb both cycling and running, not to mention the 2.4 miles swim in frigid 50+ degree water. I have always had a problem keeping my core temp up during the swim so it's going to be a challenge in itself. Besides competing in my first full Ironman, I have decided to sign up for several other races taking place throughout the year, my race schedule is as follows.
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San Dieguito Half Marathon 2/14
Gran Fondo Century 3/7
Ironman 70.3 CA 3/27
IM St. George 5/1
Wasatch Steeplechase Trail Run 6/19
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I'm truly looking forward to 2010. I'm hoping to build an even stronger bond with my children and expand my knowledge in my field thus strengthening my career. I want to stay more positive, renew my friendship bonds, and enjoy life to the fullest every day. Near the end of the year and before high school starts for my daughter Amber, I'm hoping to take a trip with her to Italy...I'm keeping my fingers crossed on this one :)

IMUT here I come! (5.1.2010)

2009-12-15T11:21:00.000-08:00

I started training with a coach Dec 1st and so far I'm glad I did. I have completed training I would have never done. I knew but didn't realize the extent of my ignorance. I really needed help and if I would have realized that sooner I would have done better in the two half Ironman races I completed this year. One workout at a time is leading me closer and closer to IMUT...I'm so anxious and scared at the same time. I want to be ready, I want to see if I can make it, I want to endure and come out at the end with a smile. My journey has truly begun. Each day I grow more excited and ready. I can't express the feeling I'm felling right now because they are a bit new to me. I love triathlon, LOVE IT! I love training, even though it's sucking so much time out of my life. I just got a better bike for my daughter; it will be nice for her to ride with me while I run...the company will be nice. I'm so excited right now...IMUT here I come.

Endure...

2009-11-04T15:05:00.001-08:00

I found myself mentally wondering off while driving to work this morning. Yes I know it's not a good idea but yes, I was doing it.
Endurance I kept thinking to myself, what does endurance athlete really mean? Yes we must endure all 140.6 miles of the big race but what do you have to do to get there? All the sacrificing. I asked myself this question because during the time it took for me to train for the races I have done, my 17 year old son has been growing up and away from me. He's going through things I don't care to put down here but they're big. I realized while driving that no matter what, I must endure. I must endure all the heart ache and pain he's putting me through in order for him to endure. I don't know what the future hold for him, heck I don't know what it holds for me. As with training I must take life one day at a time and always believe that good things will happen if you put in work and have a little faith.

2010 Race Schedule...

2009-10-23T18:01:00.000-07:00

San Dieguito Half Marathon

Gran Fondo Century

Ironman 70.3 California

Ironman 140.6 St. George

Wahsatch Steeplechase

Ironman 70.3 Boulder

RnR Marathon Las Vegas

Patience...

2009-10-23T18:00:00.001-07:00

I have had one of the most adventurous, fun filled and painful years to date; I have been plagued by injury upon injury casting self doubt over every event I decide to enter this year. Once I recovered from one injury another occurred; I’m just having large amounts of bad luck. I can’t tell you everything that has been going on in my life but some things are visible for all to see. I’ve enjoyed so many high points this year, finishing my first Half Ironman distance in April to trail running in the beautiful mountains of Utah. The memory I cherish the most was trail running/walking all 5 peaks of Mission Trails in one day, completing the 18+ miles in 5 hours, what an adventure and so much fun. I mention this particular event only because it occurred after my tendon finally healed from a night time trail run I had done in November 2008.

Last night after finally feeling better after a month of no running because of hamstring issues I decided to go climbing at a local climbing gym in San Diego. While doing some bouldering I slipped, feel, and landed wrong on my left leg sending pain up my thigh. You could only imagine all the things that were going through my mind but the main one was “not again!” I set on the mat with friends standing around me unaware of the pain I was experiencing thinking to myself, I have been defeated! I climb one mountain and another is always behind it. I’m hurting badly today and have no idea what’s wrong with my leg and it’s so hard to stay positive but I must. St. George training in knocking on my door and time is not on my side…not just with training but with life in general. I have come to terms with the fact that I’m getting older and I don’t heal as fast as I did when I was 26. Patience in life, I have no choice but to have. Giving up, not a chance. Listening to the voices in my head that tell me my dreams are too big, I say silence!

A note from my very first Tri...Wildflower 2007

2009-10-22T22:06:00.000-07:00

It’s been a week since my first triathlon and I’m just now getting a grip on my feelings about it. I sit hear typing this blog and I don’t know if I desire to do another one. My imagination did not compare with reality; Wildflower was harder than I imagined it would be, truly.

The swim…

The horn went off for my wave, I made sure I was at the back because I didn’t want to be kicked, punched, or elbowed at the start. I made my way into the water swam about 15 strokes and stopped. I just couldn’t get my breath, I couldn’t find my rhythm, I couldn’t find my strength. I floated there for at least 5 minutes; I knew this because the next wave had started. A spotter on a surf board called out to me asking me if I was ok, I responded, NO I’m scared!!! He continued to console and give me a peep talk while I contemplated returning to the finish and giving up. I floated yet again for another five minutes because another wave swam pass me. I looked were I had to go then turned to look at the start, I floated there and wondered what my son, who was there, would think if I turned and swam back SO I begin my 1 hour and 7 minute swim. Yes it took me that long to swim a mile. I put my head down and counted my breaths and spotted when necessary. I was about 100 yards away from the turn around when a woman with a pink cap swam on top of me, a popped up to see what the heck happened and I spotted her doing the back stroke. I put my head down again took a couple of strokes and again, she swam over me. I looked again, this time taking a few seconds to observe her and she was swimming zig zag all over the course! I waited for her get further ahead of me and then I put my head down and started off again. AGAIN she swam on top of me, this time I said to her, I’m really trying to make it here…she screams back, “I’m trying to make it too!” Again, I let her swim ahead of me and again it happened, this time a spotter seen her and told her to come over and take a break on his board; after that I continued on. I made the turn around and by this time I was swimming for a long time so my legs began to cramp up because they were cold and I was getting tired. I continued counting breaths and finally I was finished.

The bike…

Running up the ramp to transition was a trip; I was so delirious and didn’t know what the heck I was doing or where the hell I was supposed to be going. I made it to my spot, peeled off my wet suit and commenced to putting on my cycle gear. I forgot my shot bloks which I needed to fuel but fortunately I put some in the night before I got from a CLIF BBQ. Shoes on, helmet on, sunscreen applied I ran toward the bike out sign. Of course people were hollering at me, no go this way, no this way! Still I was delirious! Finally I was able to mount my bike and start on the path. O MY GOD right out of transition was Lynch hill! It was god awful hot and that hill was god awful steep. I made it up but while going up I seen Doug coming in from the run with a smile, he screamed out, “GO LISA!” he gave me a little boost to get up that hill. After the 4th hill I seen Fatima riding in the opposite direction, going at a pretty good pace, she too scream out, “GO LISA!” again she gave me strength. Now throughout my ride I realized that I was with the slow group because the good Triathletes were up there with Fatima, I was lagging…that darn swim killed me and I was feeling the effects of it. Peddle, peddle, peddle, GEEZ when is this going to end and shite, I still have to run! During that ride, I was really questioning myself. Why was I there, why was I doing a triathlon? I really wanted to get off my bike and go home. I was tired of that shite! Peddle, peddle, peddle, hill, hill, hill, heat, heat, and more heat! Finally after 25 miles I was done.

The run…

I arrived in transition after the bike, by this time I truly believed I couldn’t go any further so began to cry. I put my sneakers and running cap on and grabbed my water bottle. I had no intentions of finishing the race, I was headed to the porta potty and then I was going to find somewhere to sit and cry some more. While walking toward the porta potties there was Andrew and Doug screaming, “Yea, you’re almost there, GO you can do it!” I gave a fake smile, got on the run course and began the final leg of my race. My goodness this race was ridiculous, how many hills did I have to conquer that day? Mile one goes by, GEEZ it’s so hot it hurts! I pop my first salt tablet followed by some water and continue shuffling along. 1.5 miles in I thought forget this shit I’m walking! I walk for a ½ mile and made it to an aid station where I downed as much Gatorade and water as I could and continued on. Mile 4 I realized I wasn’t sweating anymore and I began to worry because that’s a sign of heat stroke. I made it to the next aid station, got sprayed down with water until I was soaked that way I could cool down with the help of the nice breeze that decided to grace us poor runners with it’s presence. More salt tablets, water, and Gatorade. Mile five I meet a man and his daughter, the man explained to me that I should be proud of what I was doing because only a ½ of 1% of the world’s population could brag of doing a triathlon. That gave me energy for ¼ of a mile and again the heat over took me and I began to walk. Finally mile 5 was ALL down hill and I was able to run it, when I got to the bottom there was the gang, Andrew, Doug, Fatima, and Kory cheering me on…I found a burst of energy and ran strong across the finish line, my 6.2 mile and first triathlon was finished.

I didn’t have words to describe how I felt about my first race at the end but I told Doug I would do it again. I just came back from a Mother’s Day ocean swim, I didn’t enjoy it. It was cold and I’m tired of getting a chaffed neck. I don’t know if I want to continue this. I love riding and that’s it. I’ve lost weight and toned up a tad because of all the training and I don’t want to go back to the way I looked. For that reason I will continue the training. The next Tri is the Carlsbad sprint, I don’t know if I’ll do it. I will be doing the Camp Pendleton Sprint and Pacific Grove Olympic because those are the ones I was training for last year before I broke my wrist. I do intend to return to Wildflower only because I want to improve my time so I guess I’m saying I will continue doing triathlons. I think I may throw in a ½ marathon with Nelson and Mel, just because I like running with them.

It's been awhile and I'm missing my mojo...

2009-08-27T15:07:00.000-07:00

Since completing Vineman 70.3 I've rested, started riding like a mad woman, and start training for my first marathon.

Before Vineman I told all my friends and family I was going to retire from the sport of triathlon. Training takes up too much time, time I could be spending with my kids or on other activities. After Vineman I started to reconsider my retirement plans. I don't know, deep down inside I love the training aspects of triathlon but when I put toe to line I question myself...why am I doing this? That's not the question I'm asking in today's blog but I do need to know where my mojo went? Lately during my runs I just can't find it within myself to continue. Most days I stop mid stream, walking and making excuses for doing so. There's nothing wrong with me, yes I'm tired but not enough to stop running and start walking. Yes my knees hurt but not enough to stop and baby them. I can't find my mojo; I don't know where I left it or it left me. I didn't have it during Vineman; it jumped ship way before that and I didn't have it during CA 70.3 it was gone then too. What's up...I need it to come back, RnR Las Vegas is coming and the only mojo I have is from others. If it wasn't for my fabulous friends there's no way I would don the running or trail shoes, no way. IM St. George is 8 months away, when I signed up I had 13 months...where did that time go? Mojo come back, I need you! I have to find my mojo in time to train for that ridiculously hard IM race. Come on mojo, come on back home.

What Motivates Me?

2009-06-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

I was asked that question recently and really couldn't give an answer straight away; I really had to sit and think about it. I enjoy what I'm doing and when I don't feel any sort of joy I'll stop...

When I compete I compete for me. I'm not trying t prove anything to anyone, I'm not even trying to place...I just want that feeling of accomplishment; I know that feeling is what keeps me going.

When I wake up race morning I consider that a challenge, it's so easy to say...I can't or why bother. But to get up when it's still dark, put on a tri suit and grab my gear that in itself is an accomplishment. When that buzzer goes off, I take one swim stroke, one pedal stroke, and one foot in front of the other until I cross that finish line. When I cross it and look back on my experience I realize I had a blast! It was so much fun, regardless of the pain and mental anguish...when it comes right down to it I had a good time. That's my motivation, that's what keeps me going, that good feeling I have after a race...that feeling of wow, I didn't think I could do that.

I will continue to race as long as it's fun and after that I'll find something else that interest me and give me a feeling of accomplishment.

How I got started...

2009-04-10T17:09:00.000-07:00

Jan 17th, 2006 I got the news...Denza was dead. She was my best childhood friend and she was only 38 years old. She died of a heart attack because she failed to take care of herself. She was 350 pounds and only stood 5 foot 3 inches tall. Jan 18th, 2006 I began to run...I didn't want to die of a heart attack, I didn't want to leave my children without a mother, I had to get in shape...I wanted to be healthy.

Two months later a friend of mine asked me if I ever thought of doing a triathlon. I laughed at her out loud and said, are you crazy...I can't do anything like that! Three years later her I am...I just finished my first half Ironman and will be doing my second in 3 months. On May 1st, 2010 I'll compete in my first full Ironman...IM Utah. I don't know if I'll finish but I'm sure going to tri ;)

Recovery Nearly over...

2009-04-08T22:26:00.000-07:00

My week of recovery after CA 70.3 is nearly over. I really needed the time off; my legs were in really bad shape after the triathlon. Starting Saturday I’m going to start training for Vineman 70.3 which is July 19^th. Vineman is supposed to be extremely difficult because of the hill climbing and the extreme temperatures. My only saving grace is I live in Santee. Santee can get up to 112 degrees in the summer and I love riding in the heat. Training in high temperature as well as climbing the hills of Santee and East County should help me on the bike for the Tri. I’m going to step up my Swim training and increase my run miles. I have a half marathon in Santa Ynez, near Santa Barbara in May. Hopefully that race will help me gauge my weaknesses as far as the run is concerned. As I said in a previous blog my running has suffered due to injury but has always been my strongest in the past. I’ll keep track of my progress as I train and hopefully I’ll get faster over the next three months.

I Made It

2009-04-06T20:37:00.000-07:00

I woke up Saturday April 4th, 2009 a little more optimistic than I've been in a while, it’s been a long time since I got a good night sleep. Well rested I showered, put on my tri suit and grabbed the only thing that ever settles on my stomach on race day, an oatmeal raisin Clif bar. After checking one more time making sure I had everything I needed, I headed for the car and loaded my bike and tri bag in the trunk. Nervousness was starting to set in so I cranked the radio as loud as I could stand it, opened the Clif bar, and began to drive.

I hit the freeway going a slow 65 mph, if you know me you know that’s not normal. After about fifteen minutes of driving I caught sight of a Tri Club sticker, it was on the back of a truck carrying a tri bike so I followed it. I was extremely nervous and didn't want to think about which way to go. After about a half hour I pulled into the parking lot parking next to the truck I followed up the freeway.

I pulled my bike and gear out of the car, put on my helmet, and walked about a block. I knew I had a long way to go so I decided to ride my bike instead of walking with all the people that were in no particular hurry and had someone to talk to. I peddled slow, weaving around people as I went thinking about the swim; I had to find a way to calm myself and just get through it. I arrived in transition and was surprised to see I was the first one there and would be the first to rack my bike on the bar…a first! After laying out all my gear I headed for body marking. I still hadn’t seen anyone I knew and I was in desperate need to talk with someone. After body marking I headed back to transition and there next to my gear were 3 other women. We began to talk about how cold it was and how many triathlons we've done. Out of the four of us this was our first half ironman and we were all nervous. I decided to walk around a bit more in hope of finding someone I knew and take a bathroom break while I had the chance, surprisingly I really didn't have to go. After more walking and chatting with any and everyone I headed back to transition and there getting her stuff ready was Chris D, I have never been so happy to see someone in my life; I ran over and gave her hug.

It was finally time to get ready for the swim. We put on our wetsuits, found a place to get warm, and finally headed to the swim start. Chris kept telling me to keep moving once I hit the water, just keep moving. Before I knew it we were in and I was swimming for the start. I was grateful for the little 100 yard swim to the start, it helped me acclimate to the cold water and it also calmed me down a little. Finally it was time to go, I put my head down and began to swim, after about 4 strokes kick number one occurred, not a problem just keep on going I told myself. I continued swimming and also continued to get kicked after about 4o or so strokes it finally happened. I got kicked so hard in the face I honestly thought my jaw was broken. I came up, looked around and made sure I could still open and close my mouth; my jaw hurt but it was OK. I put my face down and began to swim. Before the swim was over I was kicked 5 times, slapped 3, punched twice, and pulled under three times. With that being said I never panicked once. The swim was over, my mind was going a mile a minute...Oh my GOD I made it through the swim, OK where's my bike...it's time to ride!

After the mad dash to T1, I pulled off my wet suit and tried putting on my riding gear. I was having a hard time because I was so cold. I put on everything I needed and then grabbed my bike. While heading toward the mount line a volunteer pulled me to the side and asked me was I cold. By that time I was shivering so uncontrollably I could barely walk straight so he took me to the medical tent. There I was treated to a chair in front of a heater, a shinny plastic blanket, a cup of soup, and another friendly face of whom I recognized...Mark Kenny. After warming up in the tent for awhile, I escaped out the back grabbed my bike and headed again for the mount line; I was off.

It goes without saying, the Marine base is beautiful; I can't believe they're keeping all that prime land to themselves. The ride was one of the most beautiful in San Diego I've been on and it saddens me to know I’ll never ride those hill again without entering a race. As I approached mile 25 I saw the aftermath of an accident, there were a couple of guys lying on the ground with Marines surrounding them. I couldn't imagine what happened but hoped they would be OK. Mile 29 or 30 I hit the first hill, I wanted to walk so bad but my pride got the best of me and I peddled my bike right up that hill cussing all the way with the other riders cussing right along with me. That hill was ridiculous so I understood why there were so many people walking it. Hill two, three, and four were tiring but definitely not as hard as the first but the last one was the longest and took a lot out of me so at that point I was spent. I was only 45 miles into the ride with 11 more to go. Finally after what seemed like an eternity I was in T2 putting on my running shoes.

At that point all I could feel was pain; I couldn’t believe how bad my left knee hurt…the pain was off the chart. I actually started talking out loud to myself saying, you can do this…you have to do this…one foot in front of the other, that’s all you have to do. I grabbed my water bottles and started running. I had only run a quarter of a mile when I stopped looked around and said to myself, this is crazy…I can’t do this! All of a sudden I heard someone screaming come on Lisa! I looked up and there was Bill, I nearly cried…it was so nice to see a person that had faith in me when I had none in myself. I started running again, I gave him a fake smile and told him I was fine and kept on running. Once I turned the corner and saw how much more sand I had to run through I stopped again, I walked through it and once I hit solid ground I began to run again. A mike in I came upon the Tri Club Love Stop aid station where I saw Ron Lane and several other Tri Club members cheering me on, giving me motivation to keep running. Still running I saw more friendly faces, Chris D, Kevin K, Joe B, Buck W…all giving me motivation to run when they themselves were tired to the bone. Finally I was at the first turn around and running back toward the start. I knew I had to turn around and repeat the two loop course and in my mind I was trying to figure out how I was going to that. I hit the second turn around and a woman scream, “you made it, you’re almost there” I looked at her and said I have to turn around. She looked at me in shock and said, “OH NO” smiled and said, “Ah heck, you can do it!” It took all the power I had in my body to turn that cone, I wanted to stop so bad I couldn’t stand it. One foot in front of the other, that’s all I have to do, one foot in front of the other. I came upon the sand again and there was Bill still smiling and still taking pictures. I handed him my extra water bottle and said I can’t do this. He looked at me with a serious face and said sternly, “you are doing it and you’re almost there…get going!” I smiled, this time for real and started running with a smile, I had to finish. At that point I couldn’t walk if I wanted too; it hurt worse to walk than to run. I could no longer extend my knee, it was locked in the bent position and the pain was nearly unbearable. I will not be defeated passed my lips and I continued running. Every runner I came upon in the opposite direction I yelled to saying, we got this, smile we’re almost done! I kept this up until I got to the turn around and by that time I was nearly in tears because the pain was making me dizzy. My feet were beginning to cramp, I was hungry beyond words…the run had to end! I kept running through the pain, yelling at each runner we got this! We’re almost there! The sand, there’s the sand I said to myself…I hobbled over it and around the bend. I heard, COME ON LISA! Bill on the other side of the river screaming…shoot, I got to run I said to myself. I started running once I hit the pavement and continued until I came upon Shawn Moran. I was delirious with pain and hunger and honestly didn’t know which way the finish line was. Hey Shawn, where’s the finish…I saw him laugh and then heard him say, “Right there!” I looked ahead and then started sprinting…I saved that little bit to give my family and friends a show; I didn’t want them to see me hobble across the finish no matter how much I hurt. I made it, I made it…I began to cry when I got to the t-shirt table, a nice lady kept asking what size do you need but I was crying and couldn’t answer. She said, “It’s OK, you did something great today, I understand…what size t-shirt do you need?” I never answered and she just handed me a small and Cami escorted me to the food tent. Cami said, “You need to eat” and so I did, five pieces of pizza and a cup of pretzels. After finishing my food, I bid Cami a farewell and went looking for my family and friends…I made it.

CA 70.3 packet pickup.

2009-04-02T16:41:00.000-07:00

Well I picked up my race packet for CA 70.3 and the cute litte green bracelet that comes with it; why in the world do we have to wear it for a full three days?

Anyway, it's on...soon it'll be time to get the party started, green bracelet and all.

Hopefully at the end of this experience I'll have something happy to write about...

Fear and Doubt

2009-03-30T09:27:00.000-07:00

As I sit in front of my computer thinking about my first upcoming Half Ironman the butterflies flutter in my stomach, my heart beats a little faster, and my finger tips began to slide off the keyboard.

I'm not ready...

I'm the slowest swimmer you could ever imagine BUT I won't give up. I continue swimming until I get to the finish line or someone says it's over and you didn't make it. If I can make it through the swim I believe I can make up some time on the bike. This is what I've been telling myself for the last month; No matter how often or how much I tell myself this the anxiety will not go away. Deep down inside I don't think my legs will hold up; I have not trained for the run portion following a torn tendon in November of 2008. I've only been running on a treadmill for 4 weeks and after the run my tendon throbs to no end. It's not the pain that is unbearable but irritating because it brings fear and doubt into my mind.

When I signed up for California Half Ironman I hoped it would be a stepping stone to something bigger...Full Ironman. With this race I hoped to overcome all fears and doubts of my abilities and to see what I'm made of, I could gauge my weaknesses and take notes of my strengths. That plan is out the window because I'm starting with a weakness, self doubt something I'm having trouble overcoming.

If I don't let fear and doubt overtakes me I will make it to the start and I will do all I can to make it to that finish line too. I refuse to give up without jus cause; I will overcome the fears and doubt I have in myself...I will.