Redemption … well, sorta.

I failed to mention that last week I attended the free women’s-only indoor TT at Cycle U. I was feeling pretty good, so I was excited to go. At Jess’ advice, I brought my actual TT bike. When I got there, there were a few familiar faces—Rhae Shaw (Cycle U,) Jenny Potter (IJM.org,) and my teammate Jess who was finishing her race (which she of course, won.)

I got all set up and noticed that the majority of the other women were on their road bikes. Oh well, I needed the practice in my aero bars. We were all (6 of us) going to race a rolling 10k course. I quickly fell to last place yet I was working super hard. It was pretty disheartening since my heart rate was skyrocketing. When it was all over, I was last and was about a minute and a half slower than the winner. Ugh. Rhae tried to console me by telling me that I get less power being in the aero tuck, but it kind of went in one ear and out the other. However, I did make this mental note, BRING ROAD BIKE NEXT TIME.

So, yesterday was my first session with my teammates at Seattle Multisport. Yesterday was also a time trial so that the coach could get a look at our current fitness. Great. Another time trial for me to miserably trudge in last place. However, I did bring my road bike so I did notice right away that I was pumping out a lot more power. This time, the course is only 5 miles and is completely flat. Yay! I am so much better when things are flat!

We get started and I just go, go, go. My chest hurts, my heart rate is through the roof, my stomach is cramping and I am sweating buckets. All the TT racers are teammates this time —Eileen, Lori and new member Tara. I take the lead from the beginning. After last week, I refused to be last. I was going to do all I could to not repeat that performance. It stayed pretty consistent—me in first, Tara in second, Eileen in third and Lori in fourth. I won! Actually, I won by about 30 seconds, which is quite a bit over a short time trial. I felt so much better about myself and it may have been just what I needed. Actually, Tim, the coach, said that I was just a handful of seconds from cracking his women’s top-10! Go me! Totally the validation I needed.

Hopefully, Tim will email the performance file soon so I can post more details. Hopefully 2010 will be a good year!

¡Felicidades Mis Amigos!

Yesterday, I was blessed to see the marriage of my good friend Jen to the love of her life, Joaquin. They are the most adorable couple! They met in grad school in California, but she is from Federal Way and he is from Madrid, Spain!

It was a beautiful Catholic ceremony, both done in English and in Spanish. I had the honor of leading prayers with Joaquin's sister-in-law. I don't have any photos because, 1. they weren't allowed really and, 2. I forgot the camera.

Never fear! Kevin and I ran home to get the camera before heading to The Canal for the reception. They served up a full-service bar and an amazing meal, followed by some spirited dancing! (For the record, I think wedding reception dancing should count towards triathlon training. For those that don't agree, I also ran 5.16 miles with the dog yesterday morning.)

Thank you so much Jen and Joaquin for inviting me to share in your special day!

Now, a Word from Our Sponsor

Hooray! So, my bike team just picked up a new sponsor, Clif, and I could not be more excited.

All of last race season, I lived off of Clif Shot Bloks, which I swear, were designed just for me. They are easy to carry, easy to digest, and easy to eat. I tried to do the whole GU shot thing when I trained for my first half-marathon, and I'm just not coordinated enough to eat them. I open them up and get sticky stuff everywhere—all over my hands, my face, and yes, even in my hair. No thank you.

So, when I discovered the Bloks, I was really excited. No more stickiness! Before I was proficient in pulling them out of my cycling pockets, I would stick them on my bike frame. During my half-Ironman run and my marathon, I stuck a few tubes of them in my sports bra for easy access.

Also, I am accustomed to eating 2 protein bars for breakfast on race days. The have been Kashi 'Go Lean' Bars, but for 2010, I'm looking forward to finding the right Clif product for me.

Thank you, Clif, for your sponsorship!!

Goodbye 2009, Nice to Meet You 2010

New Year's Eve. I've never been a big partier, and this year, Kevin and I are spending the evening at home with the pupster. I'm really ready for 2010 and to officially start training for Ironman.

Here is what else I'm resolving to do in 2010:

* Blog more
* Eat less
* Ride my bike to work more, or at least take the bus more
* Take better care of myself

Sounds fairly simple, right? It is always best to keep resolutions somewhat vague ... that way they are easier to attain.

Welp, Happy New Year!

New Attitude Towards Running?

Today is day two of running home. What? Yep, two days in a row of over 4.5 miles each.

I've never been a fan of running. I have always been slow, no matter how in-shape I was. It makes my lungs burn, makes my heart race, and all around puts me in a place of extreme discomfort.

Well, it's no secret that I'm training for Ironman, so I thought I should get back at it. But, I did some reading over the Christmas holiday and thought I'd try the advice of trying to keep your heart rate down while training. The theory says that you will get faster at that heart rate over time and will burn fat. Sounded pretty good.

Holy moly. I had so much fun. I did a 2,25o-yard swim practice at the Masters swim workout and then changed for the run home. I left about 8 pm from the WAC, where I work out. Shortly after I started my run, it started to rain. Didn't really bother me. I had a fleece vest a an iPod full of songs my friend Danielle gave to me. It was actually challenging to keep my heart rate in the 155-165 range. I almost felt like I was dancing home! Light heart rate means slow shuffley steps, but I was home in no time! So, I did it again today.

I'm so happy that I've made peace with running ... for now. Slower is better ... for now.

Totally Off Topic

So, I'm kind of having a rough day. No one specific reason, just am. The cure? 'Pets on Furniture' posts on Desire to Inspire.

How can this not make your day a little brighter?

Worst Blogger Ever

I know. I'm an awful blogger. Who wants to read a blog that is super-patchy and goes months without a post? No one. And I know that because I'm pretty confident no one has ever read this blog. That's okay. My resolution for this upcoming year is to get better at it. Not be perfect, but better. Who knows? Maybe someone will even read it.

Currently, I'm waiting to start my official Ironman training. That will start up in January. Lately, I've just been dinking around on my bike and in the pool while I gain a few 'holiday treat' pounds. I'm trying to get more structured without going crazy—they'll be plenty of time for that.

Actually, I should mention that I'm still recovering from my first marathon that I did the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend. Hardest thing I've ever done in my life. I don't recommend doing a marathon without training. It makes for some seriously long recovery time that I just don't have.

Changing subjects—

Today, I will go to spinning for half of the class and then go to my master's swim workout. Hopefully, it doesn't kill me. I am 'trying' to lose about 12-15 pounds by April so I've only consumed 335 calories so far today (3:30 pm), and usually I put away the calories pretty fast. 

Danielle and I are also working on some ideas for my 'superfan' Ironman shirt. Details to follow!