what do you want to achieve?

Back in 2007, I was looking to try something different.  I happened to see a flyer at my local YMCA for a beginner triathlon training group that was starting that spring.  I signed up, paid my money and started to train.  My first race was a sprint distance triathlon and I asked my husband to please never let me do that again.

Flash forward 5 years and I have completed sprints, olympic distance and one half iron distance triathlon.  I have run marathons, half marathons, relays and even run from the South rim to the North rim of the Grand Canyon.



South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park
October 2010

With multisport and endurance events I have found my tribe.  We are kindred spirits ....we speak the same language.  I am always looking to the future... "What will I do next?", "What are my goals for next season?", "Where and how can I raise the bar?" 

What do you want to achieve?  In my case the goal was to try something different - to see where my limits were.  Once I had done this, I then wanted to test my previous limits and raise them.  As the years have passed, and the ante has been upped, the sense of accomplishment has been amazing!

too tired to blog...



Thursday, October 7, 2010
South Rim - Grand Canyon

I am out of the groove... between Augusta, Orlando and the Grand Canyon life has become an endurance event.  I am looking forward to the next few weeks at home with some nice recovery on the schedule. 

Note to self, less working out = less eating!!

Augusta!!!!

My first half Ironman and I l-o-v-e-d it!! Cannot wait to do the next one.  The swim was point to point and downstream in the Savannah River; the bike rocked (despite the constant rain); and the run was the best I've ever had (in a triathlon).  My finish time was 5:59:06 .... I had hoped for 6.5 hours or less and I am thrilled!! Even bought myself a 70.3 visor!

#1679 on your program, #1 in your heart!

It's almost here... my first half Ironman..70.3!!  Augusta posted race numbers (1679) and swim waves today...I am in the 16th wave starting at 8:30EST on Sunday, September 26, 2010.

Ready or not, here I come!

romance vs reality

"You are a romantic."   I AM NOT!! 

 Mary made this bold statement as I was relaying some family drama...."You are a romantic," and then went on to say, "You see things the way you want them to be (ideally/optimistically) versus the way they are.....versus Reality." 

Well shit, I say. 

I looked up the Merriam Webster definition of "romantic" (as sometimes I think I know what words mean but am not 100% certain) and this is what it says "responsive to the appeal of what is idealized, heroic or adventurous".... and there you have it.  I am a romantic. 

When it comes to family, relationships and loyalty I am a romantic... I feel that family-(ies) should be close/supportive/loyal because that's the way families are meant to be.... you know, "normal."  I want to believe that love/blood/loyalty matter because we are family/friends/married.... I assume that these things matter to both sides.  It would seem that not everyone is playing from the same script I am... didn't I learn this lesson already??

stupid people piss me off.

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance - that principle is contempt prior to investigation."    Herbert Spencer

freaking awesome weather

I took this picture as I was headed to meet Judith this morning...it is actually a picture of the full moon.  It does not look like the moon which is why I felt an explanation was necessary.  I am not a professional photographer (shocker), so I'm not sure how this happens but I like the way it looks.  I am working on developing my skill at taking pictures while riding my bike... so far, so good.

This is the moon as you might have guessed.  My picture does not do it justice ...the mist was hanging over the fields and the moon was still up while on the other side of the road....

this was going on..

In addition to major scenery, the weather has turned positively blissful and I could have used arm warmers this morning.  It's been a long time since I felt under dressed but, note to self, add a layer of clothing when heading out to ride this Friday morning.  The forecast is for even lower humidity and temperatures through the end of this week...Tennessee is truly heaven on earth right now.  

The 7th annual Cedars of Lebanon triathlon is this Saturday and conditions should be perfect....maybe even a little cool at the start of the pool swim. I love this location and this course.  If my schedule allowed I would love to be racing this weekend...instead I am working with Team Magic the event sponsor. 

I am still dragging major ass from the bike/run powerhouse workouts last weekend....I want to take a nap every afternoon.  I have heard people who are training for full Iron distance races moan about being tired; I guess training for a half makes one tired, too.  In addition to exhaustion, I brought back a nice case of poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) from Fiery Gizzard.  How does one get poison ivy through socks and shoes??