Let me apologize now for the language in this blog entry. I don't swear often. Rarely ever.........but today I'm just plain pissed off. So whatever flows from these fingers of mine.... Don't take it personally. And more importantly don't judge. This blog is for me. I know others read it, but really it's for me to look back on to and laugh at. To show my kids some day. To see where I started and where I decided to end all these races.
I hurt my leg back on June 17th. I remember the run vividly. I hit 3 miles and thought great my shin hurts. Not again. By mile 9 I was starting to run funny. Not quite a limp but close. By mile 12 my leg from ankle to hip was on fire. Shooting pains. This was only the beginning.
I now sit here over a month later with my leg wrapped in ice because it's throbbing. I have a f$#%ing stress fracture. Two days ago it was feeling better. Last night and today a different story. I drove for about 3.5 hours yesterday. I think that's what set it off. Just great I have to drive 10 hrs on Wed and again on Sunday. It's going to be a very long long drive. Then I'll limp through the pain for 3 days only to drive again. But the trip is too important not to go. It may be the last time I see my grandfather alive. Cryptic I know but true. He's has had double pneumonia for weeks. Spending many a nights in the hospital. He holds a very special place in my heart. A place that no one will ever take over. It's all his. I look forward to seeing him. Even if it's to hear him complain and tell me I do everything wrong. He's 96 and has dementia. Give him a break.
Once I get back from my trip I have a decision to make. I'll have 20 days to prepare myself for the Chicago Triathlon. An Olympic triathlon. First time I will have ever done that distance. Second, it's the largest triathlon in the World. Yes the world.. So I have a 1500m swim, a 25 mile bike and a 6 mile run. How can I not tri hard to finish? Even with not working out for 3 weeks I should be able to complete it. So Monday the 7th. I have to get back to swimming and biking. Running is off limits. It's going to be a rough week.
Until then I sit and try and decide what to do with the next year of my life. Yup I'm already planning the next year. I hope to be able to run the Chicago 1/2 in Sept. Then I'm done for the year. What's up for next year? Well I have a plan. I'm pretty sure my BIG race of the year for 2012 will be in Sept. I'll leave it at that.
Well I barely even swore......my mother would be proud.....
Friday, July 29, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Now What?
I got my results yesterday.
A stress fracture.
A BIG BAD stress fracture.
Great.
6-8 weeks of healing.
No running or any more walking than necessary
Though I can swim and bike.
But I don't feel like swimming and biking.
I lost my mojo yet again.
This always happens to me after a big race and when injured.
X-rays again on the 24th to decide if I can complete the Chicago Triathlon.
Possibly the 1/2 marathon in Sept.
Chicago Marathon is out. I would have 1 week to train for it after it heals.
I think I need a break from training again.
Looks like I'll be winging it for awhile.
I thought being 40 would be better than 39.
I was wrong.
A stress fracture.
A BIG BAD stress fracture.
Great.
6-8 weeks of healing.
No running or any more walking than necessary
Though I can swim and bike.
But I don't feel like swimming and biking.
I lost my mojo yet again.
This always happens to me after a big race and when injured.
X-rays again on the 24th to decide if I can complete the Chicago Triathlon.
Possibly the 1/2 marathon in Sept.
Chicago Marathon is out. I would have 1 week to train for it after it heals.
I think I need a break from training again.
Looks like I'll be winging it for awhile.
I thought being 40 would be better than 39.
I was wrong.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Ironman Racine Part 2
This bike course was listed as a flat ride with a few rolling hills. I disagree. It was all rolling hills with a few inclines. At one point I turned a corner and saw what was ahead of me and yelled "Flat my ass" to the girl next to me.
I've ridden much harder courses. So I just kept that in mind. We head straight through the town of Racine for the first few miles. Let me just say their roads are horrible. Patched everywhere and cracks in the pavement about every 15 feet. So for the first 5 miles I had to hold on for dear life. Not allow my water bottle that was so nicely fitted between my areobars to go flying out and smack someone. Went something like this. Boom Boom...............Boom Boom............Bang........Thud...........Boom Boom..........Boom Boom. It was a long 5 miles. Made some turns and got onto a smoother road yet you still had to watch for potholes and debris. My heart rate was still a touch high from the adrenaline and I realized I was holding a pretty good pace of 17 mph. So I played with the gears a bit going back to the small ring which slowed me down a bit but got my heart rate back to the 140's which is where I wanted it to stay for most of the ride. As my body got comfortable in areo position I just kept knocking off the miles. Little demoralizing when you hit 10 miles and then realize only 46 more to go. So I played the fraction game. Just get to 14 and I'm 1/4 done. Hit 28 and it's all down hill from here, (well not literally). By the 1/2 mark my stomach was getting a bit gurgley. Made me a bit nervous. But I was able to keep that feeling at bay. I followed my nutrition plan and was eating on the bike about every 40-45 mins. Drinking whenever I felt like it as it was so hot out.
I saw hundreds of people pass me. Some of the swim waves behind me were Men in there 20's. Let me tell you with their $7000 bikes and $2000 race wheels they just fly by. It's amazing to me how smooth they look. Like they are out for a Sunday drive. They are able to hold a pace of at least 22mph with out much thought. I passed a few myself and was able to chick a few guys. That's always nice. But other than that it was quite uneventful. Part of the route was an out and back. So I made sure to look for my Dad, but I never saw him. I figured he was on the part that I didn't double back on. We decided that by the time I was done with the bike I would be about 1.5 hours ahead of him. This includes the 30 mins that he started after me. But I was able to cut off 18 mins off my bike time. Hold an avg pace of 17.92mph. My goal was 17 and would be trilled with 18. Pretty darn close!
Flew down the last tiny hill and slammed the brakes. Hopped off and wobbled to transition. Trying to walk or run right after biking that many miles still feels weird to me. Dropped off the bike goods. Sprayed sunscreen, sprayed pain relief in a can on both my legs. Change into sneakers, decided to leave bike socks on. Hat, water bottle and off I go. Reset the garmin for running and GO.
Okay it wasn't a GO. It was more like a shuffle with an annoying limp. I was walking like those who have a prosthesis. Where you lift the leg off the ground and not bend it and pull it forward. This way I would land on my full foot and not the ball or heel which is more painful at the moment. I wasn't sure what to expect and told myself it was ok to walk the whole thing. There is a hill or two right at the beginning so I walk the first two miles. Let me tell you...........it took forever! I avg a 15:30 pace. I was hoping for a 15 min pace avg. So it was obvious to me that I would have to shuffle a bit to get that time down. So let's give it a try. Shuffle shuffle shuffle. I last about half a mile and the pain goes around the ankle up the shin and to the knee. I know enough to stop before it hits the hip. That's when I really have trouble keeping any movement forward. I walk some more and down what was probably the 6 Advil and 4th Tylenol.
This course is a double loop, out and back. So about 3.2 miles out and back 4 times. Knowing that I had gained a bit more time coming off the bike I probably had closer to a 2 hr lead on Dad. So I spent a good time trying to figure out when I would see him on the run course. I was hoping that when I started the second loop I could run into him. Then I realized that no that would be too soon. Meanwhile I met a guy who had a hamstring pull and couldn't do much running either. So we enjoyed each other's company. He was a 300 pound man a few years ago. Still a big guy but now he has done everything from a 5k to a full iornman. I was so impressed with his story. It's people like that who keep me going. We walked, talked, shuffled and at times played cat and mouse. Eventually I got ahead of him and stayed there. I did see him finish about 3/4 of a mile behind me. Nice job "Super Grover" That was on his bike jersey. I met another man 62 who lived in Cary like my Dad. Maybe they are neighbors! He was on his first loop when I started my second. I have to say the athletes and all the volunteers were wonderful. The the heat as bad as it was, everyone just tried to make the best of it.
The beginning of my second loop I saw Dave. Cheering me on telling me how awesome I was. At that point in time I was shuffling. I managed to bring down my pace to 14:30 by then. This gave me a bit of room in case a slowed even more on the second loop. After I passed him I realized that no one else was with him. Where was the rest of the family? Maybe Dad wasn't off the bike yet. That was a good possibility. So I shuffled along another 3.2 miles, took advantage of the all water, Gatorade, coke, sponges and ice. Lots of residents had hoses out spraying us down. By the time I hit 9 miles I knew that yes indeed I would finish. My leg on fire. I had developed the worst blisters I have ever had on both heels because I was walking and running funny. I looked at the garim and I am now closer to a 14 min mile avg. Well well, maybe I can push it to under 14. Now that became the goal. I ran until I couldn't run and hobbled until I could shuffle again. Another 3 Advil and 2 Tylenol with get me through. I was certain I would see my father on this last part of the course going the other way. Then I had the feeling that he never did make it to the run course. I should of seen him somewhere by now.
When I was about 1 mile away I didn't want it to end. I didn't want to be in pain, but besides that it's a feeling that I had been waiting for since my first marathon. You challenge yourself. Push your limits. Some days your invincible. Some days your miserable. You have to trust your training. Trust that come race day your body knows what to do. Trust that even with being injured, pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever. I spent 6 months training for this race. Had I not been injured I would have had a stellar performance. I felt great, my nutrition plan was perfect, it was hot but I never thought that the heat was limiting me. An injury slowed me down, but I still won.
I crossed the line and I'm proud to say that the ironman announcer even got my full name right! Thank you! My family cheered me on, screaming my name. My Dad right there with them supporting me even while he was unable to finish. I got my medal, a new hat and water. Had some pictures taken and found my husband who had tears of joy. I did it. My first Ironman sanctioned event.
I found out that my Dad got heat exhaustion around mile 35 on the bike. He stopped to get water and staggered a bit. He knew he was going down hill quickly. He made the smart decision to go the the medical tent and they covered him with ice to cool him down quickly. Heat exhaustion at it's best. At 115 heat index on the course he wasn't the only one with that issue. He made the right choice. It's one thing to be injured and push through. Another thing if your body is shutting down.
It wasn't long for us to pack up our stuff and head back to the car. I was tired, SORE but proud. The ride home was ugly. About 2 hours of being hot then cold as I still had all my tri gear on. I was gross. My blisters pounding, leg aching. Finally we get home. I go to get out of the car slowly and realize that there is no way to put pressure on my leg. I can no longer walk on it.
Got myself cleaned up slowly. Spent the rest of the day with ice on the leg. The next day called the doctor. Had xrays, shows no stress fracture. Had a MRI yesterday and will get the results on Mon. For now I take it easy.
It's was a day I'll never forget. So do I get the tattoo?
I've ridden much harder courses. So I just kept that in mind. We head straight through the town of Racine for the first few miles. Let me just say their roads are horrible. Patched everywhere and cracks in the pavement about every 15 feet. So for the first 5 miles I had to hold on for dear life. Not allow my water bottle that was so nicely fitted between my areobars to go flying out and smack someone. Went something like this. Boom Boom...............Boom Boom............Bang........Thud...........Boom Boom..........Boom Boom. It was a long 5 miles. Made some turns and got onto a smoother road yet you still had to watch for potholes and debris. My heart rate was still a touch high from the adrenaline and I realized I was holding a pretty good pace of 17 mph. So I played with the gears a bit going back to the small ring which slowed me down a bit but got my heart rate back to the 140's which is where I wanted it to stay for most of the ride. As my body got comfortable in areo position I just kept knocking off the miles. Little demoralizing when you hit 10 miles and then realize only 46 more to go. So I played the fraction game. Just get to 14 and I'm 1/4 done. Hit 28 and it's all down hill from here, (well not literally). By the 1/2 mark my stomach was getting a bit gurgley. Made me a bit nervous. But I was able to keep that feeling at bay. I followed my nutrition plan and was eating on the bike about every 40-45 mins. Drinking whenever I felt like it as it was so hot out.
I saw hundreds of people pass me. Some of the swim waves behind me were Men in there 20's. Let me tell you with their $7000 bikes and $2000 race wheels they just fly by. It's amazing to me how smooth they look. Like they are out for a Sunday drive. They are able to hold a pace of at least 22mph with out much thought. I passed a few myself and was able to chick a few guys. That's always nice. But other than that it was quite uneventful. Part of the route was an out and back. So I made sure to look for my Dad, but I never saw him. I figured he was on the part that I didn't double back on. We decided that by the time I was done with the bike I would be about 1.5 hours ahead of him. This includes the 30 mins that he started after me. But I was able to cut off 18 mins off my bike time. Hold an avg pace of 17.92mph. My goal was 17 and would be trilled with 18. Pretty darn close!
Flew down the last tiny hill and slammed the brakes. Hopped off and wobbled to transition. Trying to walk or run right after biking that many miles still feels weird to me. Dropped off the bike goods. Sprayed sunscreen, sprayed pain relief in a can on both my legs. Change into sneakers, decided to leave bike socks on. Hat, water bottle and off I go. Reset the garmin for running and GO.
Okay it wasn't a GO. It was more like a shuffle with an annoying limp. I was walking like those who have a prosthesis. Where you lift the leg off the ground and not bend it and pull it forward. This way I would land on my full foot and not the ball or heel which is more painful at the moment. I wasn't sure what to expect and told myself it was ok to walk the whole thing. There is a hill or two right at the beginning so I walk the first two miles. Let me tell you...........it took forever! I avg a 15:30 pace. I was hoping for a 15 min pace avg. So it was obvious to me that I would have to shuffle a bit to get that time down. So let's give it a try. Shuffle shuffle shuffle. I last about half a mile and the pain goes around the ankle up the shin and to the knee. I know enough to stop before it hits the hip. That's when I really have trouble keeping any movement forward. I walk some more and down what was probably the 6 Advil and 4th Tylenol.
This course is a double loop, out and back. So about 3.2 miles out and back 4 times. Knowing that I had gained a bit more time coming off the bike I probably had closer to a 2 hr lead on Dad. So I spent a good time trying to figure out when I would see him on the run course. I was hoping that when I started the second loop I could run into him. Then I realized that no that would be too soon. Meanwhile I met a guy who had a hamstring pull and couldn't do much running either. So we enjoyed each other's company. He was a 300 pound man a few years ago. Still a big guy but now he has done everything from a 5k to a full iornman. I was so impressed with his story. It's people like that who keep me going. We walked, talked, shuffled and at times played cat and mouse. Eventually I got ahead of him and stayed there. I did see him finish about 3/4 of a mile behind me. Nice job "Super Grover" That was on his bike jersey. I met another man 62 who lived in Cary like my Dad. Maybe they are neighbors! He was on his first loop when I started my second. I have to say the athletes and all the volunteers were wonderful. The the heat as bad as it was, everyone just tried to make the best of it.
The beginning of my second loop I saw Dave. Cheering me on telling me how awesome I was. At that point in time I was shuffling. I managed to bring down my pace to 14:30 by then. This gave me a bit of room in case a slowed even more on the second loop. After I passed him I realized that no one else was with him. Where was the rest of the family? Maybe Dad wasn't off the bike yet. That was a good possibility. So I shuffled along another 3.2 miles, took advantage of the all water, Gatorade, coke, sponges and ice. Lots of residents had hoses out spraying us down. By the time I hit 9 miles I knew that yes indeed I would finish. My leg on fire. I had developed the worst blisters I have ever had on both heels because I was walking and running funny. I looked at the garim and I am now closer to a 14 min mile avg. Well well, maybe I can push it to under 14. Now that became the goal. I ran until I couldn't run and hobbled until I could shuffle again. Another 3 Advil and 2 Tylenol with get me through. I was certain I would see my father on this last part of the course going the other way. Then I had the feeling that he never did make it to the run course. I should of seen him somewhere by now.
When I was about 1 mile away I didn't want it to end. I didn't want to be in pain, but besides that it's a feeling that I had been waiting for since my first marathon. You challenge yourself. Push your limits. Some days your invincible. Some days your miserable. You have to trust your training. Trust that come race day your body knows what to do. Trust that even with being injured, pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever. I spent 6 months training for this race. Had I not been injured I would have had a stellar performance. I felt great, my nutrition plan was perfect, it was hot but I never thought that the heat was limiting me. An injury slowed me down, but I still won.
I crossed the line and I'm proud to say that the ironman announcer even got my full name right! Thank you! My family cheered me on, screaming my name. My Dad right there with them supporting me even while he was unable to finish. I got my medal, a new hat and water. Had some pictures taken and found my husband who had tears of joy. I did it. My first Ironman sanctioned event.
I found out that my Dad got heat exhaustion around mile 35 on the bike. He stopped to get water and staggered a bit. He knew he was going down hill quickly. He made the smart decision to go the the medical tent and they covered him with ice to cool him down quickly. Heat exhaustion at it's best. At 115 heat index on the course he wasn't the only one with that issue. He made the right choice. It's one thing to be injured and push through. Another thing if your body is shutting down.
It wasn't long for us to pack up our stuff and head back to the car. I was tired, SORE but proud. The ride home was ugly. About 2 hours of being hot then cold as I still had all my tri gear on. I was gross. My blisters pounding, leg aching. Finally we get home. I go to get out of the car slowly and realize that there is no way to put pressure on my leg. I can no longer walk on it.
Got myself cleaned up slowly. Spent the rest of the day with ice on the leg. The next day called the doctor. Had xrays, shows no stress fracture. Had a MRI yesterday and will get the results on Mon. For now I take it easy.
It's was a day I'll never forget. So do I get the tattoo?
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Ironman Racine Part 1
I went into this race wondering if I'd be able to do it. Not the best way to show up at the starting line!
Got to Racine Sat afternoon and headed to packet pickup. Took a bit of time but after I signed my life away on the waiver forms I was off to the merchandise section. I was leery at buying anything since I knew there was a good chance I would be unable to finish. However after wandering around I really didn't see much that I wanted in the first place. That actually surprised me. So I picked up a water bottle, sweatshirt and hat.
Next up was bike drop off. Rules state that it is mandatory to drop off the bike the night before in the transition area. This was a great idea. Not having to lug your bike in and out of the hotel. The rack space was so tight that it would of been a nightmare in the morning with everyone showing up at the same time with bikes.
Checked into the hotel then off to dinner. Back to hotel by 8. Time to organize. I had everything ready to go by 9. Now I wait. And wait.....and wait. The night was rough. I didn't really sleep at all. I did have a 30 min dream about waking up at 7:37 and my Dad didn't wake me up at 5:15 when we were supposed to meet. My swim wave started at 7:30. I woke up with my heart literally pounding out of my chest. After that no sleep. Finally I turned off the alarm at 4:20 and started getting ready.
My leg was very stiff and sore. As I was limping around trying to get dressed and apply the 4 different lotions and ointment for the day I just looked at myself and thought what am i doing? I'm not ready and I am truly injured. A type of injury that could last a lifetime. Is this the right thing to do? I shed some tears and was shaking a bit with what I knew was a verge of a panic attack emerging. Right then I took a couple of deep breaths and knew I worked so damn hard for many years to get to this day. Yes I have already done the distance but not a true Ironman sanctioned event. This could be my only chance. I have to try. I have to TRI HARD. Injured or not this was my day.
Made it to transition with about 45 mins to play around getting all my gear ready. So little space so much stuff. Try putting everything you need to bike and then run in about a 1.5x2 foot section. Bike shoes, running shoes, water, towel, sunscreen, hat, transition bag, socks on and on.
This swim was a point to point swim. Nice, but now I had to walk a mile to get to the start line. Just what my leg needs walking in the soft sand barefoot for a mile. Painful? Yup. After arriving to the start area my Dad and I found Lori and shortly there after Dave and the kids showed up. I'm always so proud of my kids that they not only show up, (well really we don't give then much of a choice) but they understand that I'm focused, nervous, not my usual self and they know not take it personally. They just are quiet and watch. Got the wetsuit on and joined my wave group. I stood there looking at the other 145 women I was against knowing that I maybe the one of few who don't finish. What I realized was that because I knew I couldn't run I was more confident that I could swim and I knew I could push it on the bike. So I was almost calm right before the gun went off. No turning back now. I was off at exactly 7:30. It was about 66 degrees in the water and I was so hot from standing in my wetsuit that it felt good to get in.
There wasn't too much punching and kicking going on. Everyone was pretty respectful of space. You had to adjust somewhat the first 100 meters or so before turing right at the first buoy. The water was smooth. I had the sun on my left, buoys on my right. Perfect as I am a right side breather. It's a straight shot down the lake for about 1800 meters. I never caught up to the wave ahead of us and only about 5 men swam over me from the wave behind us. So I held my own. Making the right turn again and swam as smooth as I could never getting the heart rate above zone 2. Could I have swam faster? Oh yes a lot, but I knew I still had about 69 miles left to go that day and no time goal so why bother. Hit the bottom with my hands and stood up. It's natural to get woozy and lightheaded when you stand. Takes a minute to get your bearings. Started stripping off the wet suit and knew I had at least a 1/4 mile jog through sand, rocks and pavement before I got to the transition mat. With a time of just under 45 mins. The swim itself was probably 41-42 mins.
Took my time in transition. Wanted to make sure my leg was sprayed with medication for pain. Dry feet for socks and bike shoes, sunscreen on face, (can't do it before swim as your goggles won't stick), race belt, bike gloves, helmet, sunglasses and I'm off.
So this was my chance to make up some time.
Got to Racine Sat afternoon and headed to packet pickup. Took a bit of time but after I signed my life away on the waiver forms I was off to the merchandise section. I was leery at buying anything since I knew there was a good chance I would be unable to finish. However after wandering around I really didn't see much that I wanted in the first place. That actually surprised me. So I picked up a water bottle, sweatshirt and hat.
Next up was bike drop off. Rules state that it is mandatory to drop off the bike the night before in the transition area. This was a great idea. Not having to lug your bike in and out of the hotel. The rack space was so tight that it would of been a nightmare in the morning with everyone showing up at the same time with bikes.
Checked into the hotel then off to dinner. Back to hotel by 8. Time to organize. I had everything ready to go by 9. Now I wait. And wait.....and wait. The night was rough. I didn't really sleep at all. I did have a 30 min dream about waking up at 7:37 and my Dad didn't wake me up at 5:15 when we were supposed to meet. My swim wave started at 7:30. I woke up with my heart literally pounding out of my chest. After that no sleep. Finally I turned off the alarm at 4:20 and started getting ready.
My leg was very stiff and sore. As I was limping around trying to get dressed and apply the 4 different lotions and ointment for the day I just looked at myself and thought what am i doing? I'm not ready and I am truly injured. A type of injury that could last a lifetime. Is this the right thing to do? I shed some tears and was shaking a bit with what I knew was a verge of a panic attack emerging. Right then I took a couple of deep breaths and knew I worked so damn hard for many years to get to this day. Yes I have already done the distance but not a true Ironman sanctioned event. This could be my only chance. I have to try. I have to TRI HARD. Injured or not this was my day.
Made it to transition with about 45 mins to play around getting all my gear ready. So little space so much stuff. Try putting everything you need to bike and then run in about a 1.5x2 foot section. Bike shoes, running shoes, water, towel, sunscreen, hat, transition bag, socks on and on.
This swim was a point to point swim. Nice, but now I had to walk a mile to get to the start line. Just what my leg needs walking in the soft sand barefoot for a mile. Painful? Yup. After arriving to the start area my Dad and I found Lori and shortly there after Dave and the kids showed up. I'm always so proud of my kids that they not only show up, (well really we don't give then much of a choice) but they understand that I'm focused, nervous, not my usual self and they know not take it personally. They just are quiet and watch. Got the wetsuit on and joined my wave group. I stood there looking at the other 145 women I was against knowing that I maybe the one of few who don't finish. What I realized was that because I knew I couldn't run I was more confident that I could swim and I knew I could push it on the bike. So I was almost calm right before the gun went off. No turning back now. I was off at exactly 7:30. It was about 66 degrees in the water and I was so hot from standing in my wetsuit that it felt good to get in.
There wasn't too much punching and kicking going on. Everyone was pretty respectful of space. You had to adjust somewhat the first 100 meters or so before turing right at the first buoy. The water was smooth. I had the sun on my left, buoys on my right. Perfect as I am a right side breather. It's a straight shot down the lake for about 1800 meters. I never caught up to the wave ahead of us and only about 5 men swam over me from the wave behind us. So I held my own. Making the right turn again and swam as smooth as I could never getting the heart rate above zone 2. Could I have swam faster? Oh yes a lot, but I knew I still had about 69 miles left to go that day and no time goal so why bother. Hit the bottom with my hands and stood up. It's natural to get woozy and lightheaded when you stand. Takes a minute to get your bearings. Started stripping off the wet suit and knew I had at least a 1/4 mile jog through sand, rocks and pavement before I got to the transition mat. With a time of just under 45 mins. The swim itself was probably 41-42 mins.
Took my time in transition. Wanted to make sure my leg was sprayed with medication for pain. Dry feet for socks and bike shoes, sunscreen on face, (can't do it before swim as your goggles won't stick), race belt, bike gloves, helmet, sunglasses and I'm off.
So this was my chance to make up some time.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Something To Say
So it's been awhile. Why have I not blogged? Not really sure. I could come up with excuses, but really I just didn't have much to say.
Right now I sit and wait. 4 days. Ironman Racine.
I trained so hard for this race. That is until mid June. Then something happened. I got injured yet again. I was running 12 miles. By mile three I felt my shin pain kicking in. I had noticed twinges for about a week before that. By mile 9 I had horrible pain. For the next three miles I hobbled back to the vacation house in Hilton Head with the most pain I have ever had. Shooting pain that went around my ankle up my shin to my hip. Since that day I ran once. Last week for a whopping 1.6 miles. I hobbled, cried and winced in pain. This is not good. I would bet money that I have a severe stress fracture. Do I know for sure? Nope haven't gone to the doctors. Why? Because I know what he's going to say and I don't want to hear it.
I have been able to swim and bike with the pain. I can feel it, it aches but I can deal with that. It's my foot hitting the pavement whether it be walking or god forbid running that puts me over the edge. So training this last month got adjusted. Dropped the running and did about 85% of the swimming and biking. I'm hoping that will be enough to get me to the finish line.
Ironman rules say I can't crawl. No one can help me through the run course unless it's another athlete. No rules against walking on my hands! Wouldn't that be funny. Is it possible that I may do more damage? Absolutely. But as any athlete can tell you it's hard to throw in the towel after 100's of hours of training. Had this been any other race or if I couldn't swim or bike without shooting pain then yes I would wave my white flag.
But this is my race. The one I've thought about for years. An Ironman sanctioned event. This is the biggie. Nothing will top this for me except for the minuet possibility that someday I do a full Ironman. But with my running history and the fact that my legs just aren't what they used to be I don't think I could pull off the full version. So now is the time. This is my chance. Failing is a big possibility. But I will do everything humanly possible within the rules to get to the finish line within 9.5 hours.
My plan is adjusted. I will swim within my limits. After getting through the first few hundred adrenaline, panic stricken meters I will fall into my groove. Swim comfortably, not worrying about all the other 40 something women in my wave. There's no way I will beat any of them with this leg. After the swim bike my heart out. This is where most people make mistakes. They bike to hard and have nothing left for the run. Well I'll use this to my advantage. I might as well give it all I have as I know the run will be merely a walk. I will leave all that I have on the bike course and pray that something inside me will take over and I will finish the run.
I have an ankle brace, keniso tape, duck tape but it won't help much. The tape probably won't stick with the sweat and humidity.
Ah yes the weather. We all know when I race there's bound to be a weather issue. Right now it's a nice comfortable day in the 70's. By Sunday 86. I suppose it could be worse. No rain in the forecast. Rain would be nice on the run portion.
So here I sit icing my leg, waiting for Sunday. I'll be sitting nonstop the next 4 days. The more I keep off this leg the better chance I have at finally bring home the Ironman Metal.
Yes it's still about the medals.
(and a possible tattoo)
Right now I sit and wait. 4 days. Ironman Racine.
I trained so hard for this race. That is until mid June. Then something happened. I got injured yet again. I was running 12 miles. By mile three I felt my shin pain kicking in. I had noticed twinges for about a week before that. By mile 9 I had horrible pain. For the next three miles I hobbled back to the vacation house in Hilton Head with the most pain I have ever had. Shooting pain that went around my ankle up my shin to my hip. Since that day I ran once. Last week for a whopping 1.6 miles. I hobbled, cried and winced in pain. This is not good. I would bet money that I have a severe stress fracture. Do I know for sure? Nope haven't gone to the doctors. Why? Because I know what he's going to say and I don't want to hear it.
I have been able to swim and bike with the pain. I can feel it, it aches but I can deal with that. It's my foot hitting the pavement whether it be walking or god forbid running that puts me over the edge. So training this last month got adjusted. Dropped the running and did about 85% of the swimming and biking. I'm hoping that will be enough to get me to the finish line.
Ironman rules say I can't crawl. No one can help me through the run course unless it's another athlete. No rules against walking on my hands! Wouldn't that be funny. Is it possible that I may do more damage? Absolutely. But as any athlete can tell you it's hard to throw in the towel after 100's of hours of training. Had this been any other race or if I couldn't swim or bike without shooting pain then yes I would wave my white flag.
But this is my race. The one I've thought about for years. An Ironman sanctioned event. This is the biggie. Nothing will top this for me except for the minuet possibility that someday I do a full Ironman. But with my running history and the fact that my legs just aren't what they used to be I don't think I could pull off the full version. So now is the time. This is my chance. Failing is a big possibility. But I will do everything humanly possible within the rules to get to the finish line within 9.5 hours.
My plan is adjusted. I will swim within my limits. After getting through the first few hundred adrenaline, panic stricken meters I will fall into my groove. Swim comfortably, not worrying about all the other 40 something women in my wave. There's no way I will beat any of them with this leg. After the swim bike my heart out. This is where most people make mistakes. They bike to hard and have nothing left for the run. Well I'll use this to my advantage. I might as well give it all I have as I know the run will be merely a walk. I will leave all that I have on the bike course and pray that something inside me will take over and I will finish the run.
I have an ankle brace, keniso tape, duck tape but it won't help much. The tape probably won't stick with the sweat and humidity.
Ah yes the weather. We all know when I race there's bound to be a weather issue. Right now it's a nice comfortable day in the 70's. By Sunday 86. I suppose it could be worse. No rain in the forecast. Rain would be nice on the run portion.
So here I sit icing my leg, waiting for Sunday. I'll be sitting nonstop the next 4 days. The more I keep off this leg the better chance I have at finally bring home the Ironman Metal.
Yes it's still about the medals.
(and a possible tattoo)
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