Tuff as NAILS down here!

Hot as hell, humid, hot, sticky, heavy, oppressive, soul crushing. And I am still laughing. I have to remind you, there is no ocean nearby, no wind off any waters for reprieve. I have 1/2 a mind not to even use spell check. My fingers are too tired.

But, I am doing it. I start off running in the heat. It honestly feels like an elephant sitting on your chest for the for first 30 minutes. Then you sorta get into it. Your brain cuts off and your body just goes. The danger of it has always been the same for me in this heat, the brain really can cut off and the body really will keep on going. That has been my experience in the past with this heat. I look down at my arms and realize there is no more sweat on them. Ooops, too late!

Nationals are nearby in a couple of months. Please train in heat. Please train without wind to properly prepare yourself and stay safe.

Part of me loves extremes. And I remember the days of training regularly down here. It's slowly coming back to me.

The greatest thing is happening in this area. Running and Tri-training is catching on! I am so happy for people around. They are getting fit and I love it. They are building trails and using them at all times of the day. My friend joined a group along with about 200 other people... all learning how to run a 1/2 marathon. They had a raffle and the car dealership GAVE away a car to the winner of the raffle not the 1/2 Mary! What a great idea!!!! My friend completed her first 1/2 Mary. Her husband will be doing his first tri along with his sister this July... mind you, the heat and humidity will be crazy insane. I call them- EXTREME athletes. They are in my age group.

They have bike shops down here, groups are supportive with little money nor room for snobbery. Instead they are supporting the sport thru giving away cars! I love it. They just get out there and go for it. Granted they have lakes and boats, easy access for swimming. But, you try coming from 80 degree weather 50 percent humidity to 105 degree heat and 90 humidity and training everyday.

I say... they are doing a mighty fine job. I wish them the best and will definitely keep up with their progress. I tell you what, my speed has slowed immensely since I've been down here. I am sure it will only improve my training.

Happy Racing,
Christy

Training On Hot Ground

The day after my first tri we had a trip planned. I am now training in hot and humid conditions. There are NO nice winds off of any beachy waters here. The heat and humidity sits on lungs like a heavy weight. As soon as you pour water on your head, neck, and wrists which are covered in sweat, the heat steals it away. If you think I am kidding, come on down, give a try/tri for yourself. I'm swimming in one of the pools here... even the indoor pools are hot. The heat conditions were 105 the first day I trained which was a running day.

In all actually, it may sound as if this is a complaint. No way! I have an olympic TRI comming up. What better way to prep than some good ole "hanging in there" and nutrition education. I am learning from the best... those who train in the extreme. (2-a-days just like me but crazy hot still humidity.)

I am grateful for the bike lanes I have everywhere I go back home. I am grateful for laws that protect us bikers in Denver. I am grateful for the 65 degree open water back home in Denver. And I am grateful for this heat that is teaching me some hydration lessons down here, OUCH! I wish I could find a place for my training food, though.

I have the greatest respect for these athletes and their courtesy, especially the "Roadies" who are grateful for every spin class they get and the very few times the get to gather for a group ride. I wish them safe travels on 2 wheels. They have to squeeze in their pool swims for odd times. I wish them the best. They have a great attitude.

Happy Training,
Christy

Did IT (MY 1st TRI)

With the age 43 marked on my body I completed my very first triathlon. I am actually 42. But, by USAT standards 43 this year. I did it, my first triathlon. 

It was a sprint tri and it was so much fun. All weekend I had a blast. The only time I got nervous was while I was packing at home. I was nervous I'd forget something very important.

Other than that, I felt excited and happy to be there. It felt a lot like Elephant Rock (my first century bike). I just did it. They told us when to go and I went. It was a little warm and due to my age I was in a later wave so, we got to stay in the water a bit before our start. It felt so good to stay nice and cool, calm and collected. I was so calm that I was actually helping another newbie collect herself as her nerves were beginning take hold with open water. 

The swim was amazing. Yes, there were arms and bodies all over the place. But, no one swam completely over me. It was funny and someone actually got perturbed at me. I said, "Sorry." Finally, I found my rhythm on the outside which was actually hard to get to even though that is where I started. But, it was all good as I ran to my bike although that was my slowest transition. But, I remembered the bike-store "guy". Just breathe and go thru the motions. And I did. I actually put food in my mouth which is not the fastest way to go thru transition. But, I did fine. 

Biking was great. I was a bit nervous about all the rules. And I counted my seconds every time I passed someone. I hate to see crashes and there was a bad one. Every biker hates to see it. 

Into the the 2nd transition I came and my legs felt fine. The problem was my stomach. I took in too much water with my Luna electrolytes. Don't get me wrong, that Luna stuff is the "gatorade" for me. I love it. It works for my body. But, I am learning hydration. And I took in too much water on the bike. So, I had to start off slower on the run than I'd like. But, it was all okay in the end because I had plenty of steam by end of the short 5K run which was the end of my very first triathlon! I was able to bring it in with plenty of leg strength plus some to spare. 

I had so much fun. Thanks to my family for all their support. Thanks to my husband for giving up his Father's Day for me on my first tri. Thank you to all the people who initially helped me overcome some fear in the pool. Thank you to my current team and coaches for their support this weekend as I completed my very first tri. 

Oh, I almost forgot... my time... It was under 2 hours. It was 1:52:?? I don't remember the seconds. At first I thought it was over 2 hours until Jim and I looked at the official timing. Then I realized the clock starts from the first wave. My timing chip starts from the time I actually started the race which was almost an hour later. My wave started way after the first. So, I did okay. 

Me, at age 43 not ever having been on a track team nor swim team. And I have only had a road bike for 10 months. How 'bout that? Can't wait to do it again.

I love you, Jim, Abby and Emma... couldn't have ever done it with out you! 

Thank you!

The TRI is this weekend, this very weekend. Wow! The last several weeks have been eventful. Things have popped up and have taken a lot of mental focus in the midst being mom, wife and the physical exertion of preparing for a first TRI.

Thru it all I've had the support of my loving husband and excitable kids. I have some good friends who have thrown some, "We're pulling for ya! Good luck," my way, too. Our kids have quite the schedule. Summer time can be just as hectic as the school year. But, it's fun to be with them, go on bike rides together, go to the park, take them to the Rez, and get ready for camping trips in the big tent etc. 

I am not going to make this a heavy duty blog except to say that today I am humbled. Totally out of the blue, someone I have not seen in long time outwardly preformed an act of kindness towards me. It was very kind. She was formally complimentary. She taught me a lot as we road together in a race. I learned from her. She is tuff as nails. Acts of kindness like that bring me to tears a lot of times. It was unexpected. I can sometimes expect the opposite.  

Thanks to you. Being new, I am learning much. And I learned a lot from you. 

Enjoy your training day.

Christy

11 days before my 1st TRI

Wow, can you believe it??? 11 more days until my very first Triathlon. 

I am getting really excited. I haven't blogged about it but, I was able to participate in a 100-mile fun bike race. I did very well. Felt great. Recovered easily. My legs felt a bit numb for the rest of the day. And I was happy to have a rest day following the fun ride/race. But, overall, my body was raring to go and more importantly recovered quite nicely afterwards. It was the first time I'd ever ridden with that many people. I learned to draft and I pulled quite a bit, too. Shared the load with strangers.  

Last night I watched a big brick workout up north. I watched someone do breast-stroke for sighting. That was a hint given to me a long time ago and something I can easily do. I was so glad to be reminded of that before the race. 

One nice thing about our group is that it is family oriented. I could have taken the kids and they would've had a blast.  My kids have enjoyed our family rides and I love the times we've ridden together. Both girls have bike shirts so they can carry their own food and get sun/heat protection. There are days, triathlon doesn't get mentioned. Can you believe it? :) That's important. 

These days, it's mentioned a lot... 11 days and counting. They are so supportive and can't wait to see me race. I love them and am so very grateful for their love and support. 

I have to say... one deep thought... I have been thinking a lot about giving back. Getting fit is so important. And it's good to be an example. So much goes into these races. Of course, I've not seen it yet because this will be my first race. But, I've been thinking about how to support each other thru our own abilities of training. There is so much that we can do. 

Enjoy the day,

Christy

June 7, 2009

Cousins (C, R, and E), Your Dad was a good man with a kind heart. He was down to earth and would not want to hurt anyone. The 3 of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Please know that you are welcome here anytime you want to visit Colorado. I know, it's been a while. Please do not let that stop you! Come, visit! The door is open to you! 

With Love,

Christy