Far From Om...A Yogini's Adventures in Triathlon

What Are YOU Training For?

2012-02-10T09:57:00.001-05:00

It feels like spring in Toronto. We've seen highs of 9 degrees celsius - in February! The sun has been shining, the sidewalks and roads are almost dry - and not a speck of snow... feels rather weird but at the same time it makes me think "SPRING IS COMING! SPRING IS COMING!!"

Granted, I'd be more excited about that if I could actually get out and run (or cycle) but I'll take what I can get at the moment... for the time being it's nice enough to open up the windows, sing along with the radio (loud!) and dream that I am flying along the sidewalks and roads under my own speed (instead of in my car).

Apparently we are going back into a deep freeze tonight with -20 temperatures but somehow in my heart and mind, spring is already here :)

So... with that in mind... my determination to train hard (with rehab) for my return to triathlon training is in full swing now. I've been experiencing about 50% less pain this week so I'm full of smiles and happily doing my band exercises at home and at work... getting some interesting looks from people as I practice balance drills in my cubicle... I'm now kind of optimistic that perhaps by April I will be back on the road to some degree of triathlon-related activity.

What are YOU training for?

January 2012 - A Month of Refocus

2012-01-16T11:39:00.001-05:00

Here we are in January - and all anyone seems to be talking about is their upcoming race season... I know, I know... the time flies by and we must be prepared for those early season races... I'm just jealous!

I never even imagined that I would not be running by now when this hip initially gave out last April. I figured, as time went on, that I would be running by the end of May, then the end of last summer... then Hallowe'en... then Christmas... the hopeful dates of return to sport came and went without much fanfare.

January is now here and I am officially 'not training' - I even had to cancel my coaching sessions because let's face it - I can't run or bike right now without extruciating pain. It's very frustrating. However, the good news, I guess, is that my new focus is REHAB. Serious, full-time rehab without any half-assed attempts at riding or running, since all it amounts to is another setback.

I've been told that '2012 will be a good year' by my physiotherapist. I'm not sure I really believe that as yet but I'm trying to keep an open mind. As I sit at my desk (NOT completely uncomfortable for the first time in about 2 months) I admit I'm feeling somewhat encouraged... :)

If I can sit at my desk pain-FREE by my birthday (the 26th) I will be ecstatic because that means I will be able to sit on my bike again (she's gathering dust on a wall rack and I feel miserably guilty every day when I go home and see her hanging there).

So, in the spirit of being happy for others and what they are doing... tell me: what races do YOU have coming up? Are you planning your first Ironman or your first try-a-tri or half-marathon or what..?

I shall attempt to live vicariously through your sporting endeavours... for now at least...

;)

Out With the Old...

2011-12-30T12:10:00.001-05:00

I've never understood the whole concept of celebration and partying on New Year's Eve. I mean, I get the concept of celebrating what's to come but for me, this time is all about reflection over the year that's ending.

Hard to believe 2011 is almost over. The year has flown by, as they tend to do as we age. It's hard to believe I've been rehabbing the same, nagging injury for 9 months now. It's hard to believe I have not imploded from frustration as yet... there have been many dark days when I felt alternately depressed, angry or hopeless.

I've had mood swings from elation at being able to run for 5 minutes at a time to being certain that I'm too old and broken to pursue this sport and might as well quit my training dreams and be done with it...

It wasn't a year of notable personal athletic pursuits or achievements. Very disappointing, considering how promising things were looking right up until about March 2011.

Ah well, such is life... it's times like these that have a way of teaching you to appreciate the other things that happen along the way.

As I was slogging out my exercises in physio the other day, I glanced over and saw a young woman in a wheelchair who had no use of her legs. She was smiling and happy as she did her upper body and core exercises with her therapist and she was so grateful to be able to do so successfully. I smiled with her.

I guess that was my miracle for the day. It made me feel very humble and small-minded to be bitter about my hip/groin injury keeping me from running and biking when instead, I have a lot to be grateful for in my life and I need to remember to appreciate every ounce of it.

As I left the clinic I had a bit of a bounce back in my gait and wished that woman well in my heart as I said a silent 'Thank you' to her for the lesson.

Moving forward, I really hope that 2012 brings a year of happiness and good health for all.

Happy New Year - one and all!

Seasonal Holiday Fare Has Lost It's Appeal...?

2011-12-16T12:33:00.002-05:00

So, the season is upon us again! Do you remember when you were a little kid, how it always seemed to take SO LONG for Christmas to arrive each year? Now that you're an adult, it's more like, 'It's Christmas again - already??!'

It's that time of year when so many of us over-indulge in the abundance of seasonal fare and party foods and/or gatherings and parties... and we sabotage our otherwise healthy lifestyle.

I'm curious as to whether other like-minded people choose to remain (for the most part) on their regular diet and exercise regime or whether you just let it all hang out and go to hell in a handbasket for the week or two of holiday celebrations?

For me, I like the extra time off work to put towards extra workout sessions... it's so nice to not have to worry about getting up at 5am or getting to bed by 9pm in order to be able to function at the office... and still be able to enjoy quality workout sessions as well as enjoy leisure activities.

I enjoy the extra time off work when I can play in the kitchen and create something delicious for myself and others.

As much as I loathe the thought of sabotaging my nutritional plan (which is usually pretty clean) I admit I'm not immune to the allure of Scottish shortbread petticoat tails (I grew up in the UK...) or - heaven help me - if there is a fruitcake or a Christmas pudding in the vicinity - it's all over... but I've realized this year that even those well-loved indulgences just don't sit well with me anymore.

Could it be that my tastebuds are changing for these once much anticipated once yearly special treats? Oh... a part of me is crying inside as I write this... I (sob) did not enjoy the shortbread this morning! I dutifully ate it as I had pulled it from the tin with my bare hands... but - yuk! I have no idea why this happened. I'm now afraid to go looking for a traditional fruitcake recipe or friend who baked one... in case that, too, ends up falling flat in my mouth.

I wonder whether all of my months of baking cookies and cakes for other people has finally just culminated in a general apathy towards sweets for me personally? Sigh...

I should be happy - I know! I don't pig out on these (forbidden) foods anyway - but gee - it would be nice to enjoy those small indulgences rather than just thinking 'eww... I should have had vegetables'.

So... I guess I'm going to have to start a new holiday tradition this year: gold cake sparkles on mashed sweet potato and brussels sprouts with green edible glitter... after all, there is no reason why it shouldn't LOOK festive... even though it's not traditionally found on a sweet table...

I'm getting old... (or wiser... or something...)

Hmmpf...

7th Annual Santa Speedo Run - Toronto

2011-12-14T08:50:00.002-05:00

The Toronto Santa Speedo Run is a fun event that runs every year in downtown Toronto - to the delight and dismay of many shoppers, store merchants and motorists... It's not a race... it's a 3km run through the downtown area, dressed in only a red Speedo (festive adornments are permitted).

Once again, Eric and I undressed for success (or something...) to run through Yorkville, amid the gawkers and the photographers - all for the purpose of raising funds for the Sick Kids' Hospital Toys and Games Fund.

The best part of this event? Every single penny goes to the charity - nothing is kept by the organizers or advertizers!

This year was by far the coldest Speedo Run we've ever taken part in... it was below zero and the wind felt like it bit into our skin as we rounded the corners... there were a lot of rosy cheeks this year...

A good time was had by all - as usual!

Thank you to all of my sponsors for their very generous donations to this worthy cause! (Even though I realize that you likely just like to see me make a fool of myself each year and are willing to pay for that... which I'm okay with! It's for charity, after all...)

The Festive Season is upon us! HO! HO!! HO!!!

Lost in Reflection... Again...

2011-12-05T13:21:00.001-05:00

It seems that at this time of year, we say goodbye to many around us. The holidays can be a time of celebration for many and yet at the same time, a time to remember, a time to pause and reflect and - on occasion - a time of great sadness.

Once again, I write from a place of quiet reflection. Today, the mother of one of my oldest and dearest friends, left this world.

Michelle and I have been friends for 35 years and I have known her mother since I was a wee girl of 11. As I think of Jacqueline, I remember a petite lady (not so unlike my own departed mother) who was a surrogate mum figure when I was at her house, visiting my friend. I remember her voice and her lovely German accent like it was only yesterday. I remember that she talked to me and listened when I shared things with her. I remember that she genuinely cared.

I didn't see her much when I grew into my 20's and moved away, yet she remembered me and sent me a wedding gift, along with her good wishes on the day that I married.

I heard of her through Michelle over the years and knew that Alzheimer's had claimed her, as with so many others. I cannot imagine the pain that must be felt when your own mother no longer remembers you. I lost my mother when I was just 24 years old but she knew me up until the time that she left this world.

As I sit and remember our childhood, the games we played, the TV shows that we watched and the things that we talked about while growing from grade 5 schoolgirls into pre-teens, then into teenagers and finally - into the women that we would become - wives and mothers - it seems unfathomable that Michelle and I are now close to the ages that our respective mothers were when she and I became friends so long ago.

Time is passing us by so quickly. Thirty-plus years have melded into memories that ebb and flow... friendships and relationships that have grown apart then grown back together, ultimately withstanding the test of time.

Once again, I am lost in my own thoughts as I hear those around me repeating, 'I'm too busy', 'I don't have time' - to the question, 'When are we going to get together over the holidays?' We can be so quick to dismiss time with those closest to us, thinking that we will always have plenty of time to do it... someday. Only 'someday' doesn't always arrive...

I'd give anything to be able to see my mum and talk to her and hug her close and tell her that I love her. I would bet that Michelle would say the same thing.

If you have the opportunity to spend time with loved ones - do it! They might annoy or infuriate you sometimes... and delight you at others... but don't waste the time that we have been given. Time passes quickly and before you know it - that opportunity is gone...

Feel the Love Inside and Express It Outwards

2011-11-08T10:00:00.004-05:00

It's been a sad week... I got word that a friend of mine died very suddenly while in Florida last week. Rolf had just driven himself down there to spend 5 months relaxing (not working, as in previous years) and taking some time to be kind to himself. As I understand it, he felt ill upon returning to his hotel room after dinner and called 911. He arrested in the ambulance en route to the hospital and could not be revived. He left this world so suddenly and none of us had a chance to say 'Goodbye'.

I wonder what his last thoughts were. I wonder if he knew that he was loved. I hope so.

I know that his path was not always smooth. I know that he had many experiences in his past that helped shape him and the directions that he chose were not always those that others - not in his shoes - would have chosen for themselves or for him.

As I think of him, I remember a man who smiled from his heart and it touched his eyes. He brought me flowers when he came to dinner. He made me feel 'special' whenever he was around just by letting his inner charm shine outwards. It was impossible not to like him.

He leaves behind many people who knew him and loved him - for all his quirks and successes and failures - for better or for worse - he was Rolf... and now he's no longer with us.

How many times have we known inside of ourselves that we love another person - be it a friend, lover, family member... or go a little farther outwards - to your co-workers, students, teachers, acquaintances... but never said or done anything about it?

In my yoga practice and teachings, I encourage and try to foster connection within the heart and mind. Connection with Self. Connection with Source. Many of us do this in our own ways.

Feeling the love inside of us - connecting with that inner beauty and spirit that live within each one of us - is powerful - but it can't stop there - you have to express it outwards and share it with those around you. Maybe you say 'I love you'. Perhaps you share of yourself selflessly with another, or practice random acts of kindness with no expectation of reciprocity... give a hug to a person who needs one... go for a walk and chat with someone who is having a low day... in other words, share yourself. Share your light with another's light and one by one, illuminate the world around you.

I don't believe that death is the end. I do believe that when I am ready to leave this world, I wish to be free of regrets for things not said or done when I had the opportunity. I wish to be at peace.

Be kind to yourselves, my friends. Tell those around you that you love them and cherish the time you have together.

- Namaste

Indian Summer Has Come and Gone...

2011-10-12T09:55:00.000-04:00

What an incredible weekend we had in Toronto! The temperatures were in the mid-to high 20's and the sun was shining gloriously on the changing leaves!

A fabulous time of year to enjoy outdoor pursuits - biking, running... and enjoy the changing of the season.

I hope that everyone managed to get out there and enjoy some of that beautiful weekend - in between turkey dinners... ;)

This weekend I'm looking forward to heading up to Mono Hills for some trail running (or likely a trail walk as not really running yet...) and enjoy some beautiful scenery up there!

Have a fabulous week everyone!

A Time To Give Thanks...

2011-10-07T12:44:00.005-04:00

As I was sitting at my desk today, a song came on the radio that I haven't heard in ages. When I was 15 I had a boyfriend and this was 'our' song - "Heroes" by David Bowie.

I was transported back to a time when my hair was long, all of my friends smoked (various substances), junk food was a way of life... we had house parties and field parties and went to rock concerts and later on - bars... we loitered in places because we had nowhere to go and nothing much to do - unless it was rollerskating... Swimming was unheard of, my 10-speed didn't get much use and running was something I did to get out of the way of the other girls when we played field hockey in gym class...

Thirty years has passed since that time. Where did all that time go? What happened to that young teenage girl (who thought she was grown up) who dreamed of doing something great but had no idea what that would be? All those times people would ask 'what do you want to do when you graduate?' 'What do you see yourself doing for the next 5-10 years?' - Hell - I had no clue what I saw myself doing back then... becoming a secretary, finding a husband and I supposed having children and living in a little house...? Why? - what was everyone else doing??

Little did I know then that someday I would be sitting here, writing this blog about all of the fun and exciting things that make up my life today. That young girl had no clue of all of the wondrous adventures that were to come.

I watched all of my friends get married and have children and live in houses while I couldn't figure out what was 'wrong' with me because I had none of those things. I didn't seem to fit the mould that I thought I should. So instead, I found the gym and immersed myself in bodybuilding and aerobics for a couple of decades and then some...

I watched my friends - some of them stayed married although most did not - as the years went by and spouses changed, babies were born and grew into childhood and now - adulthood...

I finally found my soulmate - at age 40. Better late than never, eh? ;)

Here I sit, 45 years old, listening to 'oldies' on the radio - feeling a little nostalgic for my youth but feeling more than anything, an immense sense of gratitude for all of the people and things that I have/have had in my life that made and continue to make it so rich and wonderful! I'm so glad that I never settled for the limited dreams of my 15 year old self...

I have a life that is filled with good people, actually great people - who continue to encourage me and one another to try new things and experience more out of life. Age is not a limiter!

I am so grateful for Eric, who is always my cheerleader. He only smiles when I take on some new task with my typical 'How hard could it be?' line...

I am so grateful to my friends and coach and training partners who continue to encourage me even on days when I feel middle-aged and slow and rather stupid for wanting to take on more...

Thank you. All of you.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Sniff... It's Over... !

2011-09-23T08:26:00.006-04:00

Yes, summer is officially over as of 5:04am today. Oh well. It's a bit too chilly to swim in the lake right now anyway... brrrr....

Onward we must go - to the season that I love - FALL! Ah, yes, the cooler, crisp air, the swirling leaves on the ground and in the air... the smell of the trails... I LOVE IT!

I admit that last week I was in a bit of a funk, thinking about the summer that was - without any racing or running... but this week, I have a whole new, fresh outlook.

I RAN. Yep! First time in 5 months!

Was it a long run? - Nope. 6 whole minutes on a treadmill

Was it fast? - Hell no - it was set at 3.8-4.5 mph

Was it a long, open stride? LOL! It was more like a tiny dog, moving it's legs in a very VERY fast trot with teensy steps!

Did it feel good? - OMG - you have NO idea how good it felt!!

It's amazing how quickly we forget what how much we have to be grateful for, especially when overachieving, OCD, A-personality types like (most athletes) us, suffer an injury that sidelines us from the activities that we love.

I feel renewed! I RAN! I was beaming as I went upstairs, filled out my Training Peaks log for my coach and then proceeded to send emails to several people. I RAN! I RAN!! WOO HOO!!!!!! I'M A SUPERSTAR! ... you get the point...

Anyway, this is not something I can yet repeat on a daily or even a bi-weekly basis at this point in rehab - but for now - I'll take it!

It's a beautiful day - get out there! :)

REV3 - Cedar Point

2011-09-14T11:58:00.000-04:00

This past weekend we drove to Sandusky, Ohio for the Rev3 races.

What a blast!!

There were about 16 of us down there from the Toronto area and a great time was had by all.

The race itself was very professionally run and no one had any complaints. Most of the racers are planning to race there again!

There were definitely some small touches by the Rev3 people that really hit home with our racers. One of which was the race numbers which were temporary tattoos! I have to admit, they look much more professional in the photos than a number scrawled with a sharpie ;) They also provided 'fun' temporary tattoos for the racers...

Bike racks are also different - you slide your front wheel into a floor rack which holds your bike upright and no need to fret about your handlebars or brake hoods hanging over the typically seen bike rack. In addition to that, the Rev3 people give each racer a nameplate at their bike rack where they are to put their bikes. A really nice, professional touch! (The pros actually got posters of themselves at their rack sites!)

I went to the practice swim in Lake Erie on Saturday morning - had to wade through 2' of MUD to get into the water - I kid you not! LOL! It was a riot!

The theme of the park is Peanuts... well, I'll tell ya, anyone who went for a dip on Saturday morning, came out looking like Pigpen!!

The water itself, although you could not see your hand enter the water, didn't taste bad and was quite pleasant in temperature. Cool but not cold. My toes were chilly and never did warm up but apparently I'm an oddity that way...

I hear that the bike course is scenic and very nice. The run course left a bit to be desired as apparently it is not very scenic but overall, everyone really enjoyed this venue.

We will be back there next September as I will be racing the half-iron distance (I deferred it from this year) and I think we'll have an even bigger showing of Toronto friends next season!

Big Summer Goal Achieved!

2011-09-06T09:08:00.000-04:00

OK, so I couldn't race at all this year and had to take 3 months off from swimming due to injury... and just got back on the bike a month ago... but that didn't stop me from wanting to set a goal for the end of summer.

This year I set my sights on swimming 2 loops at Lake Kelso (3000m) - partly because I can't run and my bike rides are still short so I wouldn't be overly tired from other training sessions but mostly - to see if I could.

Up until then, my biggest swim ever had been 2500m in a pool - and that was last summer. My longest open water swim had been about 2000-2100m this year.

I really wasn't sure about this. I'd missed some swim training sessions in the couple of weeks leading up to Saturday, so I wanted to give myself some slack. I figured at the very least, if I couldn't manage the whole thing, I could at least aim for 2600m and beat my distance from last summer...

It was a beautiful morning on Saturday - sun was shining and glinting off the water and happy athletes were enjoying their last official open water training session at Kelso for 2011.

I set my watch and off I went; checking in at certain points in the lake, in order to gauge where I was at... I hit the lap counter when I passed the beach to start my second loop. I was really not sure if this was going to be possible but decided that I would know if my times were really off at the checkpoints on the second loop. Imagine my surprise when my checkpoint times were just about the same as the first loop?! Was I going to pull it off?

By the time I rounded the bend and was making my way back to the beach, I saw Eric (hubby) and JJ (coach) standing on the beach, cheering! I shrieked with delight and then head down - swam on... by now, I was trying to preen like a dolphin for them as I swam by... 'look at my lovely stroke' - 'don't I look graceful?' - that sort of thing... LOL!

I got out of the water in 80 minutes. Not a super-fast swim time, I know... but the best parts of this were:

- I didn't feel tired - I could have done MORE! (???)
- My stroke didn't feel like it totally fell apart
- my body wasn't screaming in pain after the swim
- it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be (?? This was hard to believe)

So... 2011 summer goal accomplished. Now what?? Hmm... as I got out of the water, wanting to do another 500m (coach pulled the plug)... I thought to myself...

If I can do that... I wonder what else I can do...?

Hard to believe that 2 summers ago, I had problems swimming 25m in the outdoor swimming pool...

- SWIM ON!!

Toronto Island Sprint Tri - Tons of Photographic Fun!!

2011-08-29T12:53:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was my latest stint as a professional photographer and I got to shoot the swim and the FINISH line!

The swim is my favourite part of the race so I was thrilled to be down on the beach with the athletes.

It was SO exciting to be able to sit right in the finishing chute and shoot all of the race finishers, as I screamed and shouted and jangled my cowbell (all while wielding my camera!) - loved it!! I managed to rig the bell by attaching it to my sandal, sitting on a stool and jangling my foot up and down... hands-free, baby!!

Eric (hubby) raced and took 1st place in his age group! Very exciting!

My friend Tara also hit the podium with a 2nd place in her age group!

I'm surrounded by over-achieving, fast athletes... I have no idea what we have in common... LOL!!

The weather was a bit cool and windy (thanks, Irene...) but a good day for racing. The water of Lake Ontario was freezing, by all accounts. I was thankful that I was not racing yesterday. The poor guys coming out of the swim sans wetsuit were adamant (and quite vocal) about how cold it really was! I hope that they were able to warm up on the bike!!

In other news, I'll be shooting at the Ontario Womens Triathlon at Milton next Sunday. Who's racing??

Next up: REV3 Cedar Point - Sandusky Ohio!!

Happy racing everyone!!

Photographs at Bracebridge Triathlon Races Sun Aug 6th

2011-08-10T13:24:00.000-04:00

We were in Bracebridge on the above date to enjoy the races put on by MultiSport Triathlon Series.

Eric raced the olympic distance race with much competitive spirit and enthusiasm.

I am still unable to do much of anything so instead, I enthusiastically shot photos for My Sports Shooter (Mike Cheliak) at the races. I was apparently the only person at the race (official phographer, race volunteer or spectator) that had a cow bell with them. I say that because a) I didn't hear anyone else ringing a bell and, b) several people asked if that was me that they heard clanging one... ;)

I've got it down to a science now: I attach the bell to either my backpack (if I'm wearing one) or to my belt loop, so that I have both hands to wield the Canon and big zoom lens - and in order to ring the bell, I only have to shimmy and shake ;)

It's also a good way to get participants to look your way while you are shooting them - it's hard to ignore a clanging bell... it begs a little bit of attention... :)

It was certainly different taking photos as an 'official' photographer - I got to wear a vest! And... drum roll... no one jumped in front of my camera while I was standing/sitting and shooting the racers! Why the wearing of a loudly coloured vest makes the difference between people being considerate of the small girl with the large camera lens vs. pretending they don't see her, I am not clear... but that's okay. Come to think of it, I may just wear that vest all the time - at the grocery store, in crowds... maybe people will finally notice I'm down there!

I know, you are shaking your head thinking, 'What is she talking about?'.... well, the sad truth is that when you're only 4'10" tall, many 'tall' people just walk along, completely oblivious to those who are not at their eye level and walk right into you!! I honestly don't know how more children don't suffer injuries (we are the same size...)

Anyway... back to the race...

I missed the swim start because I was shooting the bike course. A bit sad, as I love seeing them all come charging up the beach from the water... but the bike course gave me an opportunity to see every single racer.

It was fun to see all of the racers - from the competitive crowd in the olympic distance who are so focused that they don't even look at the crowd - to the first-timers, who are either thrilled with themselves for getting out there and trying something new or terrified of the event in general... in many ways, I think seeing the first-timers is the best part. They are not yet so competitive that they forget to enjoy the experience as it unfolds. There is nothing quite like spotting a newbie in my lens, thrilled and empowered by this athletic body that they didn't know they possessed, flashing a big smile or a thumbs-up as they ride by or come running into the chute... still not quite believing that they managed to pull it off ;) Just like someone else I know...

I'm hoping to be an official shooter at the Toronto Island triathlon races next. If you are racing... remember to SMILE for the camera !!

Le Tour de Terra Cotta - Bicycle Race - Monday, August 1, 2011

2011-08-03T08:22:00.000-04:00

THIS was a really neat event to behold. I'd never witnessed a cycling race before - only triathlons and running races... it was quite something to see the peleton get closer and CLOSER in my 340mm zoom lens as they approached! At times, it felt as though I was about to get run over!! LOL!!

Here is a shot of the BIG hill that the riders had to crest as part of their looped course...

Looks like fun, huh? That's Heritage Road in Terra Cotta, ON.

There were over 600 shots in all, over about a 3 hour period. I missed the TT and intermediate 52k races, which was a shame... however I managed to shoot the beginner, youth and elite 104k races. It was a really hot day on Sunday and I applaud all who participated in this event.

For more information on next year's event, check out http://www.letourdeterracotta.com/

See you at the races!!

Ironman Lake Placid - 2011

2011-08-02T10:23:00.000-04:00

Once again, we were down in Lake Placid for Ironman. Once again, it was a beautiful day and it was fabulous to see so many athletes doing their thing on race day!!

I started shooting photos just after 6am at the swim start area, waited for the last swimmers to exit the lake and then made my way to the bike course for a few hours before heading back towards the oval to see the finishers coming in.

I was so happy to see so many friends racing this year! I think I knew about 20 people in the race so I was able to get tons of photographs of them! The one thing about Lake Placid is that it's very spectator-friendly with the looped course. If you miss an athlete the first time they come around, they will be back!

Two of my girlfriends, Maye and Cathy, were doing their very first Ironman event. Each time I saw them, they were smiling! You've gotta love that!!! They were still smiling when they crossed the finish line shortly after 15 hours after beginning the race. Way to go, girls!!! You ROCK!

It was a scorching hot day on race day. Honestly, I don't know how the athletes managed. The water temperature was 77-78 degrees on race day so wetsuits were optional. Some of my friends raced with a wetsuit and some raced without. The ones that were going for a Kona spot, raced without.

One friend had a mishap on the first loop of the bike course and fractured her clavicle. We wish Denise a speedy recovery...

Another friend (Angela) was meant to race but 1 week out from race day, had a crash on her bike and was so badly injured that she couldn't race. What a heartbreak! All of that training and planning... sigh... I guess that's part of it but... still... :(

Carmel won her age group and will be off to lovely Hawaii for the Kona race this year! Way to go, Carmel!! Some raced for 10 - 11 hours... some raced for much longer. All earned the title 'Ironman'. Way to go, everyone!!

Eric and some other friends signed up for 2012, so we have already planned our lodging for next year. I can't wait to go back! I just love that place!!

I shot 1330 photos on race day (I was out there for 14 hours, camera in hand... blisters forming on my chin - ugh!) and learned a couple of things: I need a 100% SPF sunscreen for marathon days like that; I need a much larger sun hat (I don't care how silly it looks - it's necessary!); it's a good idea to take a break and plunge into the lake to cool off periodically... but the one thing that I realized (again) on race day:

I CAN'T WAIT TO DO AN IRONMAN!!!!

;)

Someday...

A Week in Lake Placid

2011-08-02T10:10:00.000-04:00

We just recently got back from a fabulous week in beautiful Lake Placid, NY.

This year, instead of driving all the way there for 4 days of pre and post-Ironman frenzy, we went down from Wednesday - Wednesday and actually had a vacation. It was wonderful!

This year I got do something new - go hiking up Cascade Mountain. When I heard 'hike', I mistakenly assumed it would involve a trail... the 'trail' consisted of boulders up the side of the mountain... the 'hike' was climbing the boulders from the base to the top, where there was a 360 degree view of the surrounding countryside and Ausable River.

What a beautiful place!

Sadly, I didn't manage to make it all the way up to the top (this injury rehabilitation is very slow and painful but I'm grateful that I was able to accomplish something) but only got half-way up. Next year, I will have to hoof it up to the top in order to enjoy the view. Our friends made it to the top. It was a nice way to spend 3 hours with friends during a hot and humid afternoon :)

A week of biking in the gorgeous countryside, swimming in Mirror Lake... and walking about town... it was glorious! This year, I wasn't able to bike 75km like I did last year, much less complete the entire 1 loop of the bike course that I had anticipated before my injury. I went for 45-minute bike rides on 'flats' and didn't get very far ;)

It wasn't until I drove the rest of the bike course before and after my ride that I realized just how much I actually was able to do last summer. Wow. I am looking forward to going back again next year and hopefully will be injury-free and able to ride the entire loop!

Mirror Lake was as fabulous as I remembered it... fresh-tasting and warm but cool enough that you didn't overheat (unless you were racing... but that's for another post) for a lovely, long swim. I love that lake. It feels very familiar to me. I swam the loop twice (once was only 'almost' - I couldn't figure out how much farther the turnaround point was so called it - and found out later it was only another 100m... duh!!!) and paddled around for some short swims on the other days. I think I got in the lake nearly every day I was there. Loved it!!

We had a lot of friends down there during our time in LP, which was a lot of fun. Always someone to run into at the grocery store, in town, at the beach... and made some new friends too!

We are alll booked for next year, when we will be staying about a 5-minute walk to the lake. That should be great!

Sadly, thanks to the uncooperative weather of Lake Placid, once again I was not able to go up Whiteface Mountain to shoot pictures - the 2 days I was able to get away, it was cloudy and overcast which resulted in zero visibility at the summit. BOO!!! Next year I plan to get up there the first sunny day we have! I also heard that the ferry over to Burlington, VT is a must-do day trip. Again, it was rained out. Next year... ;)

Back in the Saddle Again...

2011-07-12T10:12:00.000-04:00

Woo hoo! I'm able to ride again! After 2+ months of no riding, I've missed it terribly. I finally got outside on the bike on Saturday. It was a beautiful day to ride out of Kelso, with the sun shining, a light breeze and just me on my fabulous Guru...

I was trying out a new compact crank that I had installed a couple of weeks ago, thinking that I may need the extra low gearing for a bit as I continue to rehab the groin injury... I wasn't far off the mark, so I'm glad that I opted for the change but I feel a bit like a hamster! LOL! Spin-spin-spin...

All was glorious until I fell - clipped in - and landed on a big pile of sharp, jagged rocks at the side of the beautifully pristine and newly paved road... SLAM! Wow - that one really hurt! My entire right side is covered with lacerations and bruises from shoulder to thigh. What a spaz, eh? LOL!

A nice man in a truck stopped to make sure I was okay, as I was picking small rocks out of my arm, barefoot, on the side of the road... luckily, I had a fresh pedicure so while I was covered in dust and grime, at least my bare feet looked good - ha!

I knew, of course, that I would fall - it would be inevitable that as soon as I made it outside to the open road, I would have at least one spaz cleat-related fall. It's just a really good thing that I didn't attempt this too soon - like, say, a couple of weeks ago... when a fall like that could have set me back in my rehab.

So, words to the wise: Speedplay cleats, although extremely similar to engage/disengage from pedals as Shimano, require the foot to be shot outwards to the side immediately once released - any attempt to disengage and lift the foot upwards will be futile... it doesn't release! It's probably supposed to be a safety feature or something... ;)

My second ride the following day was much less dramatic and I found a nice, quiet spot close to home where a Sunday morning short training ride can be pleasurable and empty of road traffic: an industrial area :)

Happy Trails!!

Fun Times at the Pool

2011-07-04T10:20:00.000-04:00

I hope that all of you got out there to enjoy the sun and beautiful warm temperatures we enjoyed on the long weekend.

Once again, I missed the Pride Parade (for years, I've wanted to go down and photograph... but something always seems to keep me in the west end of the city) - this year it was to enjoy an outdoor swim in Milton.

Rotary Park in Milton is a lovely outdoor 25m pool. I always manage to make friends when I'm there (or anywhere else for that matter... LOL) and yesterday was no exception.

As I finished off my swim workout, I made friends with a little girl named Julia (7 years old) - who was there with her daddy (Klaus). This little girl was amazing to watch. Her swimming still looked more like paddling and she couldn't do a whole length but she was determined to try! She was practicing flip turns. Now, personally I can't do them and have only tried a couple of times but (after much reading up on the subject) I was able to help her time her somersault in order to get the wall push-off and glide.

This little girl practiced and practiced and whenever I managed to suggest a tidbit that might help her, within 3 tries she would get it - and execute! According to a coaching source, kids are notorious for this. I still think she is a superstar. I gave her a HUGE high-5 after that :) If only I could pick things up that quickly - LOL!!

I figured she'd be tired but no - she wanted to RACE! It was SO much fun to just play with her in the water and 'race' various things like - kicking on the back with no hands - kicking on the front with no hands - breaststroke... (ok, so I waited for her and slowed myself down so she had a chance to win...) but she was such a joy to behold!

I hope that I see my new little friend again when I am at Rotary Park. It's great for us adults to remember to play in the water :)

Life is short - enjoy every moment!

Welland Races This Weekend! Who's Racing??

2011-06-22T11:05:00.000-04:00

This weekend, Welland will be hosting the array of races put on by Multisport.

Although I cannot race as originally planned, I will be there with my giant zoom lens in hand, ready to capture the smiling, grimacing and sweating faces of the athletes as they do their thing.

In honour of their accomplishments, I've baked my 100-Mile Chocolate Cake (rich and dark chocolate fudge chiffon cake topped with Belgian chocolate ganache...) I'm sure more than a few race finishers will enjoy a slab of that after their efforts - photography doesn't burn off the same amount of calories so I'll be eating an apple... :)

If you are planning to be in Welland this upcoming weekend, look for me on course and SMILE!! I'll be the tiny girl wearing Sugoi BC gear (silver-white-red-black) with the big camera lens... cheering LOUDLY!!

Happy racing everyone!!

- Sue

Let the Summer Begin!

2011-06-14T11:04:00.000-04:00

Two months of rest and I've finally got the 'ok' to attempt an easy return to swimming. I'm so happy I'm just about bouncing around the office today.

All we need now, is a clean water test 'pass' at Kelso and I'll be there with all of my friends later on this week.

YAY!!!!

Not yet ready to bike (much less run) but ... that's okay - at least I can return to swimming :)

See you out there!!

Milton Tri/Du is this Weekend!

2011-06-02T11:00:00.000-04:00

So... who's racing at Milton this weekend?

It's shaping up to be a nice day so hopefully the warmer weather this week will have warmed up the water at Kelso and people won't be blue when they come out ;)

I have never done this race for one very simple reason: I am afraid of heights. Yep. I said it. The Sixth Line hill is something that makes my stomach drop... I have ridden down it - once... feathering my brakes all the way (not as bad as riding 9km downhill into Keane from Lake Placid but... pretty scary for me all the same). I have never attempted to ride UP that hill. Somehow I don't think I could... although without trying, I guess I'll never know... LOL!

I admire anyone who likes to race this event because of the above mentioned hill. I am amazed to see racers come FLYING down that hill, with a sharp left turn at the end... and my breath tends to whoosh out as I hope for them that they don't hit gravel or sand or... otherwise crash at that turn. I'm a spaz, you see... I take that left turn at the bottom like a little old lady from Pasadena ;)

Anyhoo... this post was not supposed to be about me... was it? LOL!

I really hope that everyone who is racing this weekend has a fabulous experience and if you flat and need a tire change - may it be swift :)

I plan to be up there on Sunday morning, giant zoom lens in hand... snapping pics of the athletes. I'll be wearing Sugoi Brand Champion gear and I'm about 4'10"... so if you see a tiny girl in red/black/silver with a big camera... say HI!!

Happy Racing!!!!

A Friend's Amazing Accomplishment at Sulphur Springs!

2011-05-30T09:04:00.000-04:00

Some of you may remember that my friend introduced me to trail running last fall and I fell in love with it.

This past weekend, my friend Tina (AKA The Trail Queen, AKA Pigpen) ran her first 100 mile race (160km!!) at Sulphur Springs, ON.

Never having attended a trail race of any distance - much less witnessing those who have traversed more distance on foot than I can on my bicycle... I was intrigued to say the least.

I'd been hearing about the training plan for this race for some time and couldn't quite fathom how running 80km in training would translate to being able to run 160km on race day.

Tina and the rest of her fellow long-distance runners left the start line at 6am on Saturday morning and had until noon on Sunday to finish their 100 miles. 30 hours. I repeat ... 30 hours. When was the last time you or I did anything for 30 hours without sleeping in between??

I thought about going out on the Saturday with my camera but didn't think I'd be able to see all that much - the runners were doing 20km loops and I wasn't sure how spectator friendly the course would be (considering they were in the forest...). I was kept updated at regular intervals by other friends who were at the site and so I was well-prepared to be able to arrive on time to see Tina cross the finish line on Sunday morning.

It rained. A lot. I hate having wet feet at the best of times (unless I'm barefoot) and I cannot imagine staying outside for hours on end with wet and soggy shoes, socks and feet... not to mention some of these people would be out in the elements for 30 hours - these people are hardcore!

Friends had set up a big tent with a sign that read "Team Tina" - just near the finish line. Some had been there all of the preceding day and night... making sure Tina was okay on the trails.

I got to the finish line at 10am (with a large chocolate cake in hand - it's Tina's fave) and waited eagerly to see the last runners coming in. It was a much different sight than an Ironman finish - the finish line chute (it was a path made of cones) itself was not huge - in fact, I didn't see it right away. There were about 10-20 people milling about, waiting for their friends and family to finish their event. No tables of food or drinks or volunteers in brightly coloured shirts by the finish line... no crowds of people yelling and screaming... no music... no announcer on a bullhorn or PA system... just a quiet day in a conservation area with the sound of birdsong. It was really peaceful.

I saw a man finish, his lower body covered in mud, and then sit down immediately and have a beer with his wife. Then about 20 minutes later, a woman finished, wearing a sunny, flowered running dress with her legs covered in mud... after which she took off her shoes and walked around with plastic grocery bags on her feet :) After a little while, we saw Tina coming up the hill - arms raised in the air in victory - huge smile on her face! She was accompanied by another friend, who had been pacing her for the last lap. We all screamed and cheered her on as she crossed the finish line and then she was presented with her belt buckle by the race director and we took some photos. Hundred mile races give out commemorative belt buckles to finishers instead of medals, in case you weren't aware... pretty cool!

Tina finished her first 100 mile race in 28:44:44 -- I was watching the clock as she crossed...

A M A Z I N G

I cannot imagine what would go through your mind, on a trail for over 28 hours... sun, rain, mud... and knowing how much distance you still have to travel to get to the end... heck, I can't even stay up past 9pm without getting cranky...

Tina, you are amazing! You are an inspiration! You're a kook and that's why I love you ;)

Congratulations on doing something that most of us would not dream of doing!

YOU ROCK!!!

I hope that Tina reads this when she wakes up... sometime on Tuesday ;)

Race Season Is Upon Us

2011-05-17T15:11:00.000-04:00

... or it is upon some of us... personally I'd be happy to just get back to training...

I've now been injured and unable to train for... about 4 weeks. My emotions have run the gamut from anger to frustration to defeat... all the while I am still trying to smile - but it's hard.

I have (4 weeks later) not yet got a confirmed diagnosis. Is it a hernia? Is it a stress fracture of my symphysis pubis? We just don't know... That is the most frustrating part. Oh - and the unrelenting pain in my groin. And. Orders to not do ANYTHING - not even go for a long walk (no problem there - it hurts too much anyway...)

So... I wasn't all that disappointed to miss running the half marathon at Mississauga on Sunday in the pouring rain except that I know I could have done even better than last year and I was so excited to run it and run it well... at my new super-fast pace... sigh...

Many of my friends and training partners ran fabulous race times and some qualified for Boston as well - congrats to all of them!

What's next? Well, I have a training long weekend planned in Muskoka for the weekend after next. That should be a blast (insert sarcasm here) - as everyone enjoys the hills for running and cycling... and I while away my time in the ice cream shop in town - LOL!

Followed by... Welland triathlon weekend! Yay!! I'm very excited that a friend of mine will be doing her first try a tri at Welland and she is petrified - remember that??! I know she's going to have a lot of fun and will do just fine :) I doubt that, unlike me, she will bawl her eyes out on the drive to the race site - so right there, she's got a lot going for her and more confidence than I had! LOL!

As for me... I will wait, oh so impatiently, for ultrasound results regarding the hernia situation and if it's not that... perhaps I can enjoy a bone scan or MRI for pelvic stress fracture investigations.

Onward... luckily I have fabulous camera equipment I can drag to races and photograph my friends...

Happy long weekend everyone!

A Good Friday - in many ways...

2011-04-22T10:53:00.000-04:00

Today is Good Friday. Most of my triathlete friends are spending the day off work doing what else? Training!! Everyone's excited that the ~~sun is out~~, ~~it's warm outside finally~~ that it is not snowing... and many plan to take their bikes outside for some fresh air.

Others are running the Good Friday Road Races in Burlington (as I type). I was one of the people who entered, hoping to bust out an ever-elusive 30:00 5km but alas, it's not to be. I have a groin injury that has me sidelined. I have no idea how this happened but it was a gradual onset type of thing over the past few weeks and now... I'm told that I'm not allowed to run (no problem - it feels like a hernia) - or bike - however I can swim (with a gentle flutter kick only).

I've been consumed with frustration and misery because...

a) Eric is away - in Kona for 10 days followed by 3 days in Vegas (must be nice)

b) It keeps SNOWING!! I'm cold all the time - grrrr...

c) I've had a miserable head cold/sinus thing for about 2 weeks and I feel absolutely awful (and co-workers keep remarking how awful I LOOK too...thank you)

d) I loathe spending Easter weekend alone - something about cute bunnies, blooming flowers, sunshine, green grass, and not having anyone to spend it with - always depresses me.

However this year, I have yet to see spring-like green grass or flowers (they're probably scared to bloom in case it triggers another snow squall from Ma Nature) and although I'm alone, I've decided that I can spend my free time in the kitchen making caramel sauces, cakes and buttercream (hazelnut buttercream is delicious!). I got a little carried away taste-testing yesterday and made myself kind of sick but all in all, I'm pretty impressed with my new creations!

Besides, as I woke up this morning, I recalled that it was 6 years ago on Good Friday, that I first went out for a coffee with Eric and got to know him a little. I'd just taught a spin class and (see above about hating to be alone on Easter weekend...) I threw out to the class 'Would anyone like to go for coffee?' I never thought anyone would accept the invitation since usually it's a family day but lo and behold - Eric (the person who sat in the back row and mostly heckled the other cyclists and me) said 'Yes'. Well, we all know how that turned out... some 6 months later we were dating :) and 3-4 months or so after that, we were engaged. That was a GOOD Friday ;)

I got invited to a Saturday night Easter BBQ and Egg Hunt at the home of a very funny woman I know and it sounds as though there are going to be 12 of us, hunting for eggs somewhere in her home/backyard. I have no idea whether these festivities will be fueled by alcohol... For the occasion, I created apple pound cake cupcakes, topped with vanilla-hazelnut buttercream and decorated with handmade fondant blossoms and pixie dust. They totally look like 'spring flowers' you would expect for Easter :)

On Sunday, I'm going to Easter dinner at the home of a woman who has been my friend for 35 years and it's also her birthday so I'm making her birthday cake: apple spice torte filled with caramel buttercream and homemade dulce de lece, topped with hazelnut buttercream, dredged with caramel poured over the top and down the sides of the cake then sprinkled with cinnamon-pecan crunch. I hope no one is diabetic...

...and then... on top of all of the other things to be grateful for, this morning I watched a video of Cookie - the baby penguin at the Cincinnati zoo, who squeals with (what sounds like) delight as his handler tickles him - and I was transported to a land of laughter and joy as I watched this adorable little creature and listened to his sweet vocalizing!

I think it's going to be a Good Friday, after all :)

Happy Easter everyone! Happy Hunting... ;)

Consistency in Training

2011-03-29T12:04:00.000-04:00

I did warn you in the 'about me' section that I'm a Cat Lady... well, I was thinking about consistency in training and how that has been applied not only to myself but also to the furkids...

It's kinda cool to see the furkids in action... if I compare the various race distances for a triathlon with the kids' efforts, it may help illustrate this for you...

THIS WEEK IN SPORTS NEWS:
Consistency in training pays off!!

We're now into our 2nd full week of training and the results speak for themselves...

Polly: this kid is built for endurance - Polly started with 3.5 laps before getting winded and being forced to rest... now, after only 2 weeks of daily training, she can do 4-5 laps at a time!! Consistency in training is paying off!! She is currently training to race olympic distance. Someday she will be an IRON CAT! Perhaps even an ultra runner!

Winnie: she is all about the sprint distance event. She does one lap - HARD - then takes her rest breaks and works on her strategy for her next sprint. We are working on her level of motivation as it's obvious she can do more but chooses not to work to her full potential... with her long legs and extra height, we think she will do great things come race season! Not to mention her waterproof coat should be a big help for the swim!

Tink: she is good in the sprint distance too although she is working her way upwards from there - she can do about 1.5-2 training laps before taking her rest break. Tink tends to hold herself back so that other competitors can do their thing... for her, it's more about the 'fun' aspect of the journey of the race rather than the end result

Karuna: super-stealthy Karuna likes to pretend that 'she doesn't play' but every once in a while... Wow! Look at her go!! FANCY FOOTWORK!!! She'd be awesome at "Whack A Mole"!! When she runs a lap of the course, she STREAKS by like an elite Kenyan on her long legs... we suspect she is doing Secret Ninja Stealth Training on her own...

Jenny: she still enjoys a good quality training session, even though she now competes in the Masters' Division. She's still got what it takes and at a relative age of 60+ years, it's a joy to see her compete with the younger kitts! Her sporty new haircut makes her fast and more aerodynamic.

Elliott: another Masters' Division athlete, Elliott doesn't race as often anymore but he still knows how to rock the course whenever he feels like it. He and his twin sister, Jenny are shining examples of how a healthy lifestyle and solid nutritional plan pay off!

Georgie: small and light on her feet, she doesn't like the straight/flat courses so much - preferring something a little more technical... for her it's ALL about strategy - she'll do a quick lap for training and then she goes into 'stealth mode' - hunkering down to be camouflaged by neighbouring furniture... and then leaping out and attacking the course again when the other competitors least expect it!

Bridget: the rookie... Bridget has smaller, more appropriate (for her) training goals - number one being to increase her base level of fitness and shed some excess weight. She started out with a super-sprint distance run course (0.5 lap) but in just 2 short weeks she has built stamina and endurance and has just graduated to sprint distance, completing 1 entire lap of the course! We are all so very proud of her!! She still has a lot of untapped potential!

It just goes to show that CONSISTENCY IN TRAINING - IS EVERYTHING!!

Never give up!!

Spring is here and that means... more swimming!

2011-03-22T11:19:00.000-04:00

Not for long, though - they have forecasted 5cm of snow overnight - LOL!

I guess I'll wait a couple more weeks before I put the bike rack back on the Subaru...

For now, it's a beautiful and sunny day and I am dreaming of riding and running outside in the sunshine... enjoying the breeze as it ripples through my long, flowing golden locks... my long, shapely and well-muscled legs moving effortlessly as I traverse all kinds of terrain...oh wait - that's not me... I have short-cropped brunette hair... and I'm only 4'11"... oh well... it was a nice image :)

Race season is coming... race season is coming... not that I'm looking forward to it... much!

I've been trying to talk everyone I meet into racing at Welland this June... let's make it a party with tons of friends!! It's only an hour's drive from home and it's a friendly race. The water is warm and calm. The run and bike courses are flat. There is food at the end. That's a pretty good combination, if you ask me!

I am getting back into the swing of things now - adding back my 3rd weekly swim every Tuesday, as of tonight. It's been 5 months of no Tuesday swims. I'm not sure if I'm more excited or scared...

I've been feeling like a very unsuccesful guppy these days... I'm now the slowest in my lane on both Friday and Sunday morning swims... ugh. I'm not overly competitive... I just hate being the SLOWEST! I'm still hoping that somehow this will turn around for me before the lake is open for business at the end of May. Not that anyone can tell how slow I am in a lake but I'm starting to panic a bit about how much less I can swim in an hour now, compared to 5-6 months ago... luckily I'm not racing a half-iron distance till September 11, 2011, so I have plenty of time to build myself up again (or so people keep telling me).

In the meantime, I am trying to work on balancing out my stroke - bilateral breathing all the way... (to the bottom of the pool is how it feels some days...) but I'm continuing on this quest for a fluid and balanced stroke - no matter how frustrating this is for me. Eventually this will pay off and start coming together. I hope it's soon... it's so hard to be patient with myself...

Happy training everyone!

Spring Has Arrived! Race Season Plans Are Falling Into Place...

2011-03-15T10:55:00.000-04:00

With the arrival of spring (I know, I know... it still may likely snow some more but let me have this day, all right?) I'm finding myself bright-eyed with anticipation of spring road races and then.... yes... it's..... TRIATHLON SEASON!!!!!

Not that I'm excited or anything...

I found myself sitting on the trainer on Sunday, looking out the window, just dying to pull Lily (my Guru) off the trainer and hit the open roads... and then it snowed... again... ah well... it shouldn't be much longer before the sunshine sticks around and although it's apparently going to be a cool spring, isn't that why we have such an array of fabulous and functional clothing and accessories? ;) A few more weeks and then the bike rack is going back on the Subaru and we're off - to the races! Woo hoo!!

This spring promises to be a load of fun - with several girlfriends buying new race bikes, we are already talking about going on group rides - I can't wait!!

I just put some of my race season together with my coach today and so far, it looks like it's going to be lots of fun this year! I'm not going to be doing two half-ironman distance triathlons but that's fine by me... my right shoulder, although much better than it was at the end of last season, has hampered my swimming mileage so I'll just continue to rebuild slowly and keep on doing what I'm doing...

Here's my lineup for 2011 thus far (I'm SO excited!!):

Friday April 22nd - Good Friday 5k

(I dream of pulling off a 30:00 5k - a very lofty goal for me but this year, with or without bunny ears, I will attempt to do this to the best of my ability... I mean... what's the worst that could happen - I don't WIN the race?! ROFL!!!!! Exactly... ;)

Sunday May 15th - Mississauga Half Marathon

this will be my 3rd time running this event, which has a start line 800m from my front door - you have to love that! It's a nice course, close to home and usually there are many friends and acquaintances out and about on the course (and DOGS!!!) so it's a favourite race of mine...

Saturday June 25th - Welland Sprint Tri

no half-iron distance (this year...) but I vow to knock the socks off my race finish time from last year ;)

Saturday September 11th - Cedar Point Half-Rev Tri

my "A" race for the season... I still have lots of time to prepare for this one... it promises to be a fun road trip with hubby and another nice couple that we know have signed up as well so we will have some friends there :)

So... what are YOU racing this year???

Book Review - Born to Run

2011-03-04T09:40:00.000-05:00

Have you read this book??? It's AMAZING!! I can't remember the last time I read a book that had me avidly turning the pages, dying for more... diverting my attention to the internet to do some extra curricular research on the various people mentioned within those pages, smiling, laughing and even crying as I read!

The book is really well-written and talks about elite ultra runners, tribal runners, running legends... the beauty of the human spirit and the fact that anthropologically, we were 'born to run'.

After reading all about strengthening feet (I'm a yogini with a PASSION for feet - just ask my students!!) and various footwear and their relative attributes - for good or evil... I've now got this hugely renewed desire to RUN... fast... slow... uphill... tempo... in rain, sleet or snow... as long as I'm RUNNING...

You know where this is going, folks... I WANT TO RUN AN ULTRA!!!!! OMG - how much fun would that be?!!

In case you didn't figure it out, I have OCD... welcome to life with someone who takes in everything exciting in great gulps of delight, wanting more, more, more... usually immediately ;)

Obviously I am not ready for this... yet... at least not while my training is geared towards triathlon (I'm a TRYathlete, you know!) but someday... when I have greater endurance and stamina... I really want to do one... somewhere really cool - like in the mountains or somewhere... I've been checking out some of the really neat-sounding races all over North America - my friend, Tina the Trail Queen is going to be SO excited that I'M so excited... because, like me, she's an Aquarian and has a good deal of OCD herself when it comes to things she's passionate about.

So anyway, I guess this wasn't much of a book review, per se but the experience of reading this book has done SO much in terms of revving me up, renewing my desire to become a more efficient and gentler runner and ENJOY THE JOURNEY without so much fixation on the destination.

Once again - another yogic lesson :) See? They're everywhere! That's the beauty of universal truths...

Anyone else done one of these or want to?? I want to hear your story!

- Sue

You Know It's Cold When...

2011-02-23T12:03:00.000-05:00

... your teeth are sensitive to the cold air outside

... your water bottles freeze

... the tips of your ears are painful and you wonder about frostbite

... gels become sludge and GU chomps become... unchompable...

I was out for my long run in beautiful, picturesque Inglewood on Sunday morning after my swim. Such a pretty little village from which all roads seemingly go uphilll. I was excited to be there because the sun was finally shining and it's such a pretty place! I was also excited to be there because I was on a character-building mission: to run hills on my LSD run.

I've decided that now I'm starting to build some speed and strength on my run, I owe it to myself to frequent hillier locales for my long runs. (Actually until now, I've been too afraid that I would have to walk most of the hills and not be able to run them, so I've put it off...) No more copping out by running the relatively flat streets around my house (not very scenic anyhow) or quietly creeping onto the treadmill at the gym for a long session of boredom-induced fantasy life. Nope - I'm headed for the hills!

It was actually a lovely day for a run. Lucky for me, before I hit the trail, I stuffed a few "Honey Stingers" (something I picked up in Lake Placid in the summertime - really yummy!) sport chews into my mouth and washed them down. I started off with about a 3k warmup on a 'flat' trail - of course, that was more like an agility course, because of the water, snow and ice which was solidly packed but broken up by oh so many foot and pawprints and downed tree limbs... so I hopped from place to place, trying not to break an ankle as I nimbly leaped over tree branches and super icy patches. After about 20 minutes of constantly telling myself to relax so that I wouldn't be as likely to injure anything if I went down, I'd had more than enough fun, so I ended up veering off my chosen path and going due north for a long, steady climb towards Forks of the Credit Road.

Wow. That was pretty miserable. I ran on the soft shoulder, facing oncoming traffic but it was ssssooooo..... ccccc-cold... I trundled along, looking lovingly at the outside of Flapjack's and trying to come up with a good reason to scrap my run and sit inside for warmth (and maybe a few pancakes...) but I wasn't in the mood to invent a reason to quit, so I went on. Slowly. Steadily. Uphill.

By the time I hit Forks of the Credit Road, life was looking up and I had hit the small rollers part of my route. I have no problem climbing a hill when I know that I get to descend on the other side :)

Right about then, I realized that I should really be eating... and imagine my delight to find my GU chomps (favourite fuel of choice) had frozen so hard that the only way I could describe them was as a lozenge. UGH! I sucked on a couple, trying vainly to run my frozen tongue around my mouth and the lump of stuff in my mouth - to melt it... so I could have a drink to wash it down and then spent about the last 5k of my run vainly trying to pick the sticky bits out of my teeth with my still frozen tongue. Not my finest hour. I think I was muttering aloud at that point. I gave up at that point, and instead just focused on drinking my icy-cold slushee - I mean, my E-Load, that I had carefully packed in my Fuel Belt...

Winter running is an acquired taste, I think. I've spoken to several people this year who will not run outside. They have been doing all of their training on a treadmill. While I like the treadmill for certain shorter training sessions, nothing bores me faster and makes me want to scream aloud, than thumping along going nowhere for an hour or more... We are so lucky that we have such pretty places to run that are within a 30 minute drive from home: Inglewood, Caledon, Terra Cotta, Milton, Niagara Escarpment... just to name a few.

I'm going to have to figure out a way to keep my fuel from freezing... clearly, having it in a fuel belt or fanny pack doesn't work, even though I wear them next to skin to provide warmth... Maybe it's time to try wrapping them in wool socks inside my carriers? Anyone else got any good ideas??

Happy Trails!

Race Report: Robbie Burns 8k - January 23, 2011

2011-01-24T12:30:00.000-05:00

Each year, I like to do something 'fun' for my birthday - usually a birthday challenge kind of thing (although not as extreme as Jack LaLanne's birthday challenges... may he rest in peace...that man was amazing!)

This year, following 3 months in physio for my shoulder, I knew that it wouldn't be a swim challenge so instead, I signed up for the Robbie Burns 8k in Burlington, ON, trying for a PB in a running race.

I woke up at 6am to -29 temperatures and windows that were covered in ice. Oh, goody!!!! I sat in bed, eating oatmeal and cuddling a warm cat, wondering what my coach would do: suck it up and run or bail...

I waited... no emails granting permission to stay under a warm duvet seemed to be forthcoming... drat!!

Just to be sure, I fired off a tentative email at 7 am, sort of a 'conversation opener', to see if my coach would then suggest that taking a pass would be okay... the response was something like, 'dress warm and have fun!'. Oh. Okay, then... so I got up and starting putting on my many layers of clothing for the fun event.

Several layers later (about 4 to be exact...) and 3-5 frustrating bathroom breaks later (when was the last time you had to pull down 4 separate layers and get dressed again... sweating and roasting inside your clothing... only to finally get it all back together and realize you have to go again because your bladder recognizes that it's cold outside...????) it was time for the race to begin.

By then, I admit, I was bouncing around like the Happy Pixie... dancing to my iPod tunes at the start line and generally doing whatever I could to get the blood moving... I didn't hear a start gun but apparently there was one - and we were off!

It was fun to see the runners wearing kilts (over tights) and tartan accessories all around me. It was horrifying to see one man who was wearing ultra-short nylon running shorts with bare legs! I have no idea how he survived that - it looked painful!!

It took less than 2k for my glasses to fog up and then freeze, so that I literally couldn't see 2 feet in front of my face... I tried peering underneath them but it was uncomfortable, so not relishing having to explain that I broke an ankle because I couldn't see the road conditions, I pushed them off to the top of my hat and ran without... experiencing for the first time the feeling of icicles on my eyelashes - that was interesting...

Each time I glanced at my run pace it hovered around 6:25-6:35/km... I was still kind of on track... but I couldn't run without breaks yesterday - it was too cold and my asthmatic lungs protested too much!!

I don't recall 8k feeling like such a long way before yesterday but by the time the route hit Lakeshore Drive I was comfortably numb (or at least my lungs were...).

Two Ventolin breaks plus 2 more just to catch my laboured breath, and I could see the finish line. Yay!!! I hit a 5:45/km pace as I dashed (your definition of 'dash' may differ) across the finish line and then spent a few minutes doubled over sucking wind through my frozen balaclava before going to find Eric - who missed seeing me crossing the finish line - and then getting a bowl of hot oatmeal to warm up.

The Burlington Runners put on several races each year and I've done their events 3 times now. My first ever 5k was the Good Friday Road Race and although it was the hardest thing I had EVER done at that time, the race organizers did a superb job and there was a ton of swag to give away at the end for door prizes. I won a book at my first race!

Yesterday didn't disappoint: I won another door prize !!! Yay!!!!! As I ran down the auditorium aisle to pick up my prize, the guy just ahead of me, after accepting his, turned around and BAM! The hard, sharp plastic of the casing of his prize hit and scraped me across my eyelid and upper cheek. This is the problem with being 4'11" tall!! 'Regular' sized people just don't look down and I can't remember the amount of times I've been walked into, struck in the face by random elbows, or just not SEEN... because I'm the size of an average 10 year old kid. OMG - that hurt! Luckily he missed the eyeball itself... so I guess I got TWO door prizes...

Once again, the Burlington Runners put on a lovely race with great swag and a good feast afterwards. Way to go!!

Oh yeah - my finish time... was not what I had hoped (52:00) but instead was 55:37. Not so bad considering I had to stop 4 times... and still a PB for me (I've never run an official race of any distance at a pace under 7:00/km) so that was kind of neat :)

And for those of you that know me... this was the THIRD race event where I DID NOT STOP TO PET DOGS; In addition, I did not get passed by most of the walkers in the event and I actually PASSED a few people (other runners!). All in all, it was a good day. I'm so glad I didn't bail!

Stay warm, everyone!! Spring is coming... one of these days ;)

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait... Patiently or Impatiently

2011-01-19T08:38:00.000-05:00

I'm quite possibly the most impatient yogini/yogi that I know! I've been this way since I was a child... I have memories of 'Patience is a virtue, Suzan', being said in my mother's stern voice - ugh! Someone make it stop!!!

'Am I ever going to get any faster?' - this is all Eric (hubby) ever hears... as I look up at him with a sad face. Dreams of finishing a race in the mid-pack finish times falling to the floor...

Running has only been my friend for about a year or so now... we had a relationship back in 2008 but we spent some time apart (I was seeing more of my bike and my physiotherapist...on my off-work hours) but we got back together again when I hooked up with JJ (coach) and I have been very happy about that. But... I am a slow runner. I dream of being able to run 10k in 60 minutes. That 6:00/km pace eludes me. Not by a few seconds mind you... by about a minute per km!

We (well, JJ...) decided (and I agreed!) that I need to work on shorter and faster runs for my training for 2011. It sounded okay at the time although I worried that without long slow runs I would put weight back on... and I didn't really have a clue how doing shorter runs would pay off... I began seeing things like 'tempo run' in Training Peaks and no matter how many times I tried to understand what that means (I never did any speedwork in my running clinic back in 2008... I was just focused on getting in the prescribed mileage - at whatever speed I could run) I just could not grasp what I was trying to accomplish.

Last week, I had an epiphany after reading an old Runners World article and the lightbulbs going off in my brain nearly blinded me! A tempo run is a lactate threshold run!!!! How simple! Why this never sunk in before I do not know... other than I never heard the words 'lactate threshold' which what registered - finally!

Armed with this newfound clarity, I went to the MacMillan running site and downloaded some cool pace charts to get some ideas of what I was trying to 'hit' in terms of pace on various runs. I was so excited, I wanted to go out for a run - RIGHT NOW!! I didn't though... it was a bike night.

Then, in the midst of all this excitement, I opened my big mouth to JJ, and admitted that I wonder if actually hold myself back mentally (afraid to run out of steam before the end of the run), and could perhaps (gasp!) go faster than I do on my training runs...?

Lo and behold, I saw a prescribed pace show up in Training Peaks this week! LOL!!! I was terrified! HOW could I possibly hold this pace that looked so fast to my terrified brain, for an entire 10 minutes??

No one could be more astonished than I was last night when I finally got up the courage to check my pace at regular intervals throughout my tempo run. Oh. My. God. I AM GETTING FASTER!!! Wheeeeeeeeeee!!!!! Not only was I able to 'hold' that prescribed pace for 10 minutes but I held a pace that was 20 seconds faster than that! The best part? I could have kept going longer!!

Is my running body finally adapting??? I think it IS!!

Well, after all those months (3!) of whining about how much I loathe speedwork because it isn't helping my stumpy legs run any faster, doing the runs but not feeling that I was seeing any results... feeling like I'm doomed to be a one-speed runner... the work is paying off.

I couldn't be happier!!

Maybe I will actually run a 60 minute 10k sometime this year :) Look out Boston... I'm coming to get you in... let's see... 2050??

Happy training everyone!

Winter Run Season Has Arrived

2011-01-13T11:54:00.000-05:00

Winter running has it's own set of criteria - stay warm, stay hyrated, stay fuelled...

'I'm a rubber duck - you can't break me' - That was my mantra all through Timberman 70.3. I thought that it would be reserved for race day but apparently it's an effective all-season training mantra too.

I found myself muttering 'rubber duck ... rubber duck... ' under my breath during my long run on the weekend - in the freezing cold, as I tromped through snow, puddles... and my (stupid) iPod ran out of battery power halfway through my run. I was SO cold on Sunday... it felt like I just couldn't get any warmth to my body even when I tried feebly to pick up my pace... People on the sidewalk probably wondered if I was all there, as I trundled past them 'rubber duck...rubber duck'... with my lips all blue and icicles on my eyelashes...

Little did I realize until about 2 hours later, when I could not warm up even after 2 large cups of herbal tea, food, a hot bath... that I was actually very dehydrated and after I chugged some Gatorade and fruit juice and water... and soup.... I started feeling less like a human popsicle. Between my coach and my nutritionist I have now been set straight and I see the light: I need as much as, if not more, hydration and salt for my winter runs as summer. Wow. Don't I feel stupid... (hangs head in shame)

Wintertime has finally arrived in the Toronto area - goody! It is so pretty to look at the snow... and on a mild day, when the snow is on the ground and the sun is shining - I adore going for a long run... but when it's dreary, grey, and the wind-chill is colder than -14, I'm not quite as enthusiastic.

I've been trying out my vast array of winter running clothing items to see which are the warmest (I don't know about you but I have an area between my navel and mid thigh, that wraps around my body and no matter what I wear, this area FREEZES!!) on these longer runs out in the elements. Under Armour cold gear compression tights are pretty good as a base layer. Mizuno Breath Thermal tights are very cozy although strangely they were not enough to keep me warm on the weekend. Sugoi Firewall 220 tights seem pretty toasty, though I only wore them for a 30 minute run this week. This weekend, I am kind of hoping to try out some Helly Hanson silkweight longjohns under the Firewalls... as long as Eric remembers to bring me a pair from the store :)

Thank heavens I have OCD about my sock collection - I have a substantial array of SmartWool running socks and those are my favourite socks of all time - all year - any season ... cool in summer... warm in winter - you can't beat that!! Inside a pair of water-resistant Nike Triax trail shoes - perfection!

Here's hoping that my long run on Saturday finds me toasty, warm (but not overheated), properly hydrated, adequately fuelled, with happy and dry feet and plenty of battery time on my iPod so I can go back to singing aloud off-key and not just muttering to myself...

I figure I should have this all figured out by around spring... at which time the climate and my needs will change - again.

Happy winter running, everyone!

173 Days Til My First Race of the Season

2011-01-04T09:29:00.000-05:00

December seems like it was a blur of baking, work, food, Christmas lunches and other assorted tidbits - like me getting my Canadian citizenship a few days before Christmas and then going to apply for a Canadian passport. I've lived here for 35 years... it seemed like a good time. I now hold dual citizenship.

As for the whirlwind of of the holiday season... I was sick. The entire time. Yep. Christmas day I leaped out of bed (sort of) and went for an hour run (before I could change my mind), then made blueberry buttermilk pancakes and then promptly went back to sleep for the day. Eric went out to a movie. The next day Eric went back to work. I remained in the house... mostly in my pajamas...until yesterday. In beween, I ran on the treadmill, rode my trainer, slept and watched movies. Lots of movies. Mostly horror.

Now that I've watched Saw I-IV (twice each!), 1408, some others that I don't remember (they were that good) and going out to see Black Swan yesterday - I'm ready to morph into 'Athlete' Sue again. Maybe if I say it out loud frequently enough...?

Back to work today and it feels like I never left the place (or slept) - LOL!

Welland races are in 173 days... eek!

Is it 'normal' to feel so sluggish at the first of the new year? Ugh!!

Perhaps I should start wearing some spandex or compression gear to work each day (layers or something) to remind myself that I - AM - A - MACHINE...

Yeah... that could work...

Santa Speedo Run 2010

2010-12-13T08:51:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, December 11, 2010, about 50 or so of my friends and I... disrobed for charity and ran through the streets of upscale Yorkville, to raise money for The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. It was the 6th annual running of the event.

We donned our red Speedo bathing suits and favourite decorations (personally I'm a HUGE fan of bells on my running shoes - 5 bells on each shoe this year!), Santa hats, mittens, etc... (yours truly had not been feeling well since Thursday, so this year I wore a big, furry Santa hat and a scarf to try and beat the cold).

Somehow, the camera buff forgot to load her memory card!!! AAAARGH! That's because I've been too busy baking, no doubt... I have flour up my nose, clogging my brain cells... sigh... I got a couple of shots on my iPhone but as you can imagine, they are not stellar... oh well...

There were possibly hundreds of people around town who were honking car horns, filming us and photographing us as we ran by, waving, smiling and singing 'Jingle Bells'... even the homeless gentleman cheered for us as we went by...

This is the most kind-spirited group of athletes you could hope to meet! If you are in the Toronto area, come and join us next year - it will be an experience you will never forget!

A good time was had by all involved and we raised over $34,000 for the Toys and Games Fund at the hospital!!

Way to go, everyone!!!! See you all next year!!!!!

Yes, Time for Another Reality Check

2010-12-08T10:15:00.000-05:00

I haven't been at this sport for very long and certainly don't consider myself to have been an athlete (quote, unquote) for very long at all... I have been asking around amongst my other athletic friends as to how they view themselves this time of year (ie. off-season...) in terms of their fitness levels because quite frankly, I've been really in a bad funk...

...I feel lazy, fat and cat-like in my desire for slothful pursuits... running seems interminably hard at the moment, I'm not swimming because of a shoulder injury and the only thing where I'm seeing any improvement is my cycling.

The scale is not all that friendly these days although not quite downright scary... which is a plus... I guess...

So, I'm curious... does EVERYONE feel this way after their big 'A' race and a successful race season...ie. like they've potentially gone to seed? It's a horrifying thought, isn't it? What if my beautiful Sugoi spandex outfits don't fit properly next year?? What if I'm mistaken for SANTA when I put on my red speedo on Saturday and run through Toronto, to raise money for the childrens' hospital?? (Ok... so that's an exaggeration... I'm not going to be mistaken for Santa... but maybe a plump-ish Elf...)

Naturally, I've been laughed at by Eric because apparently this is 'normal' but geez, how is a girl supposed to know what's 'normal' when she's never been through it before? AAARGH... it's like race day all over again ... 'It will all come together on race day'... sigh...

My other friends that I canvassed all pretty much echoed my thoughts - they feel 'less fit' and aren't doing very much in terms of training compared to the warmer months leading up to and including race season.

I guess I should be 'enjoying' this lull before my workouts ramp up again in - what - March/April...? I have no clue when they begin to ramp up, quite honestly... I just check Training Peaks and go from there... the rest of the time I'm blissfully ignorant about the process although I admit I am getting far more interested in really understanding how this works! Maybe then I won't over-analyze everything...
So, as I was cleaning up my blog pages today, I came across a post from February 2010 (because, clearly, at that point in time, I was having a case of the blah's and needed a reality check). It seemed quite fitting for how I've been feeling lately, so I thought I'd revisit some of those points and then bash my head on the wall a few times till it sinks in that progress is being made but it's not always linear...

Then and Now:

Then: In October 2009, I was running 2:1 intervals
Now: I am doing steady runs nearly all of the time

Then: Christmas 2009, I was running 9:1 intervals
Now: See above point

Then: February 2010: First ever steady 30 mins run
Now: Just surprised myself with a 50 mins. steady run

'Patience is a virtue, my girl'... yes, that's what my mother always used to tell me when I was little. Ugh... sometimes it's hard to be patient.

Onwards...

Upcoming Events for 2011

2010-12-08T09:25:00.002-05:00

July 3, 2011 -- Welland Half-Iron Distance Tri

Sept 11, 2011 -- Rev3 Cedar Point Half-Iron Distance Tri

GUESS WHAT???? I FINALLY received my Timberman Medal!!!!!

2010-12-06T13:16:00.000-05:00

Sorry for shouting but if you've been following along... my race was on August 22, 2010... that's about 3.5 months ago... I've gotten progressively more bitter about it as time dragged on...

So... needless to say, after receiving many back and forth reponses from Ironman, including: ' it will ship in 2-4 weeks', 'it will ship in 3-5 weeks', 'we received a shipment but there still weren't enough', 'we are still waiting for additional shipment', 'it has been shipped', 'it's been shipped 3 times we are not sure why it is not reaching you... what is your address again?'...

I then find out that the mailing company they use 'can't ship internationally' - Wow! How inconvenient for me, eh?

After firing off several increasingly irate emails to the organization (I mean, really, 3.5 months after the event I still didn't have a medal???) guess what arrived in my mailbox??

No, really... GUESS...

I didn't get a medal....

I GOT THREE MEDALS - each mailed separately, 2 of the 3 had a mislabelled address... they all arrived within a day or two of each other...

(In other news, earlier this year, my husband received an award for SOMEBODY ELSE who had placed in her Ironman race...her FIRST NAME was similar to his LAST NAME... so we can see why that was confusing to the people mailing stuff out...ahem...) Come on, guys... all that money that you collect in race fees, and you are wasting it on preventable inefficiences like this? Shaking head...

Anyway... so now I have 3 Timberman medals and unless Ironman is trying to send me the message that I finished the race 3x slower than the 'average bear'... I now have one at the office for inspiration every time I think I can't do something... one on my bedpost... and one in my bag - to show every single person who will stand still long enough!! YEAH!!!

Glub, Glub, Glub...

2010-12-06T12:47:00.001-05:00

I attended a swim clinic hosted by NRG yesterday in Toronto. (No, I haven't swapped coaches - JJ is now part of their coaching team...) What fun! I got to see myself on underwater video and while by no means do I resemble Dara Torres (sadly...) I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't look like a drowning guppy!

We had 5 coaches on deck for around 18-20 people so we had tons of personalized attention and it was really well-organized from start to finish.

It was my first swim in about 6 weeks since my physio said 'no swimming till we fix your shoulder' but I got the go-ahead as long as I promised to work on technique and not mileage.

The best parts for me:

- I got to see myself on video and will be able to download it later for my (and others' viewing pleasure... my husband might like to see it, although he too will likely be sad that I don't look like Dara Torres... I mean... have you seen that woman?? Wow!)

- I learned which part of my stroke is the culprit for my shoulder impingement and it's not the part I thought! (I thought it was my 'pull' but in fact it's because my right elbow is too high during recovery and I'm pinching things that way...) - that alone was well worth the 4 hours!

- I got to work on bilateral breathing which is far easier for me than I remember... and should help with my shoulder... plus I was able to find and practice (believe me it will take a lot more practice) a not-so-high elbow recovery that did not cause me to squeal in pain under the water.

How cool is that??

I met some really great people who were also attending the clinic - some had just come back from Ironman KONA... and some had done some really cool races, like Ironman Cozumel and Escape from Alcatraz! Wow! Yes, I am very impressed :)

It's so much fun to live vicariously through others' race experiences and adventures... especially when I know that I'll never be fast enough to qualify for Kona (I guess there's always a coffee tour...), I'll likely never acclimatize to heat sufficient enough to race in Cozumel (there's always snorkeling...) and Alcatraz, while it sounds like a blast - 51 degree water temp is a definite 'No &%# way!!' - I'd dunk my face and come up with icicles on my nose!! Then my lungs would surely implode and I'd have to hope that the sea lions took pity on me and dragged my sorry and unconscious a$$ to shore! LOL!

But, I digress...

This was all to say that if you live in the Toronto area, I'd highly recommend checking out NRG for when they host these training clinics - they are well worth the money and time!

'Tis the Season...

2010-12-02T09:36:00.000-05:00

.. to be jolly... or FEEL chubby and jolly... I guess... ugh... somehow it's always easier to see yourself in the buff when you are tanned from being outside than when you are as pasty white as the snow... ever notice that??

LOL!

Luckily, there is an abundance of beautiful technical warm winter running gear on the market (and I seem to own quite a selection - ahem) so that there is (sometimes, let's face it: sadly...) no excuse to get out there and tromp around in the snow, sluch or ice...

Is it just me or does everyone feel the desire to stay inside and cozy during the months of November and December? I think the lack of sunlight has a lot to do with my state of mind which is more bear-like than human... ie. it's dark - therefore, I should be sleeping!

I'm training for speed on the run... I know that my coach knows exactly what he's doing but to me, (and bless him for not strangling me as I vent my frustrations with this part of the training process) this feels like the 'tablecloth trick' that was my first 70.3 race -- how can these little, short and painful runs possibly translate to anything good over the long-term? I just don't get it. I've been running for a couple of years now. I have a run pace that I like to call: 'run' - vs. the pace I call: 'walk'... the notion of having several different run paces for differing race distances just baffles me... honestly!

I sort of 'get' how it works but my body and brain have not yet caught up with each other, so most of my tempo runs feel disjointed, awkward, and I feel like the out of shape kid that can't keep up... ya know what I mean??!!

I'd better get used to it... I've signed up for the Robbie Burns 8k run to commemorate not only his contributions to society but my own (ie. my 45th birthday - EEK!!!! 45!!!???? Good Lord!!!!!) and hopefully, I will pleasantly surprise myself and pull off another 'tablecloth trick' at that event ;)

Hey -- it could happen...

On Dasher... On Dancer... On Suzi... oh wait - she's down... she slipped on that patch of ice over there... ouch - that looks painful...

Getting REVved up for 2011!

2010-11-22T14:26:00.000-05:00

I just officially signed up for one of my races for 2011: the Half-Rev at Rev3 Cedar Point, September 11, 2011. That's a half-iron distance in case you didn't know... it's at Cedar Point amusement park - which is pretty neat if you have a family (our cats don't enjoy roller coasters...) but if you HAVE kids... I think it's a great venue!!

Just on a whim, I signed Eric up today as well - it's his Christmas present! Imagine his surprise when he got the confirmation in his INBOX... LOL!

It should be a good time. I know a couple of people who raced it this year and aside from the WaVy conditions of the water, it sounds like it's going to be a nice venue. Race day apparently there were 2' swells but the day before they were closer to 5'??? EEEK!

Of course, newbie swimmer that I am, I'm a little daunted by less than perfect water conditions (read: not too cold, not too wavy, not too murky...) but I'm determined and more than a little stubborn when I want to do something so... I vow to NAIL that swim - come Hell or high water! (how fitting, eh??) Just kidding... actually it might be more than just a 'bit' daunting but I do love a challenge...

...so next summer I guess I'll have to practice swimming when it's windy, possibly cold and not-so-perfect... Kelso isn't going to cut it... I guess I'll have to hit Lake Ontario (ugh... it's sooooooooooosssssssoooo... Cccccooolllddd...) but hey - if I can get used to it... just think how much stronger I'll be (as a person)... or something...

Once again I shall proudly write 'Quack' on my hand and keep on reciting my race mantra: "I'm a rubber duck - you can't break me!"

It's 293 days and counting... or, if you prefer, it's actually 41.857142 weeks...

...tick...tick... tick...

- Sue

Santa is Coming... Santa is Coming...!!

2010-11-12T09:18:00.000-05:00

'Tis the season to be... cold and shivering while we wait for Santa... LOL!!

Yes, folks - is that it's time once again for the 6th Annual SANTA SPEEDO RUN!! Yes, that's me (above) with my husband after we ran through Yorkville dressed in a RED SPEEDO... with about 50 of our new friends...in order to raise money for the Toys and Games Fund for Sick Childrens' Hospital in Toronto.

It's a worthy cause and I love that 100% of the proceeds go to the fund - no administration costs :)

If you are local, why not sign up as a runner, come out to cheer... ? If you are not in the area, stay tuned - I will post photos after this year's event as well :)

This year, the event is on Saturday, December 11, 2010 1:30pm leaving from Hemingway's. Check it out!!

If you would like to sponsor me, you can click here...

http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=1038243&langPref=en-CA

HO HO HO

Re-Shaktified and Back in the Game

2010-10-18T12:19:00.000-04:00

I just spent the last 5 days in the beautiful Berkshires region of Massachusetts. Ahhh... the mountain air and crisp chill of the mornings and evenings... it was heaven!

I was at Kripalu Center, studying with my teacher, Shiva Rea. The training module was Chakra Vinyasa and it was eye-opening on many levels.

I hadn't realized how much I was missing that sense of community that I rarely encounter in my day to day life. Time at Kripalu always renews that sense of completeness within me.

I started out the week in a state of exhaustion - physical, mental and spiritual. I wasn't sure that I was actually going at all until a couple of weeks ago when I decided I needed to attend the training and not put it off for a year. For a few weeks, I'd been dragging myself back and forth to work, training and teaching... experiencing little to no joy in my everyday existence. Luckily, I decided to go with my gut instinct, which was to attend Kripalu.

Once again, I met 'strangers' on Monday, who, by Friday, were friends, kindred spirits, brothers and sisters on the path... I am profoundly grateful.

We started our group sharing with me opening up to the fact that I felt completely spent - with nothing left for myself or for others. I was feeling completely flat. I didn't have my voice... but was content to just smile at others most of the time without wanting - or being able to offer - deeper engagement.

Days began at 6am with chant and meditation, followed by 3 hours of physical practice, lunch, then more tuition in the afternoons before and after dinner. The days were long and my sleep was not as long or as restful as I would have preferred.

We worked with marma points to attain deeper release in asana. I can't wait to share it with my students and friends tonight!

I learned to abandon my inhibitions and chant like no one is watching (not easy for a girl who is always off-key when she sings...) and experience the powerful vibrations that only mantra provides... this will be incorporated into my daily practice from now on. This is exciting :)

As the week went on, I had the privilege of being in the presence of one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard: Benjy Wertheimer. He and his partner, Heather, together with John de Kadt and friends, were at Kripalu for a concert on Wednesday night. Shiva talked Benjy into helping us (her students) access the shakti within. It was magical. When Benjy sang/chanted the Sri Raga, I was spellbound. I cannot remember ever being so moved by live music. My heart opened up... My spirit began to sing...

By Thursday morning when we had our Fire practice (that's a type of practice designed to ignite your inner fire... it doesn't involve Smokey the Bear...) I was a new woman: we experienced sahaja yoga in the morning and danced with abandon a la spontaneous trance dance... I never wanted it to end.

Friday came and following a vigorous 3 hour practice, I was back in my car, headed for home in a driving rainstorm. Sweet, renewing rain - how I love you!! So many people seem to shrink from rainy days but for me, I come alive -- like a little daisy that's wilted until the rains come and once again I can spring forth, renewed and refreshed!

Now, I'm back home and after a day of regrouping... I've discovered that I'm now truly back in the game. Although I didn't wake up in time for my 6:30am swim session, I had a fabulous 2 hour spinning session with the triathlon club and emerged sweating, tired and... rejuvenated! I think I'm ready to begin anew...

Bring on winter training... !!

If A Tree Falls In The Forest...

2010-09-29T09:31:00.000-04:00

... I shall bound over it, like a graceful gazelle... or mostly likely... trip and try to make a quick save ;)

I've begun a new love affair. It consumes me. I dream about it. It exhilarates me like nothing ever has before. It's like a drug. It must be the real thing. I've discovered trail running.

I have a friend... let's call her Tina... well, we may as well, since that's her name... Tina the Trail Queen is what I call her, although affectionately I call her Pigpen. She is an ultra runner. She enjoys training runs of 30-40k+ (that's an easy day for her...) so that she can race 80k trail races. She just completed the Haliburton Forest race and did very well... this was her second 80k race this summer. She aspires to do a 100-mile race in 2011. I cannot fathom how she does what she does and does it so well... but I'm beginning to understand how that love affair got started for her...

Tina took me out for a trail run (my very first) a couple of weeks ago. It was a day when, after 5 days of extreme emotional stress (we had a very sudden and unexpected death in our family), I just needed to get out and spend some time with a friend. Some might have taken me out for coffee... Tina introduced me to the trail.

This was a week after her 80k race and so she said she needed a 'recovery' run. OK... I'm slow but figured that my pace might suit her needs... so we hit the trail at Hilton Falls in Milton, ON. We talked and ran (slowly) for about 1:25 but deducting the bathroom stops, it actually was about 1:15 in total. Until then, all of my 'long' runs had been based on 10 and 1's... this was something very new... (especially since I was only supposed to run 30 minutes that day... oops!)

I will never be the same.

Is it just me, or is there about 100% more available oxygen on a trail? I felt like I could have just gone on and on... pure magic!

Imagine my delight to see that now JJ is adding 'trail run' to my training schedule! I hit that same trail again this past weekend and did the loop in 1 hour (no bathroom stops this time). It was the first time I had ever been scheduled a 'steady run' for an entire hour. I actually did it!! By the end of the trail, I felt like I could fly... my stride opened up... I had a huge grin on my face for most of the time... like a happy labrador retriever loping along in the leaves...

I haven't yet attempted anything 'technical' (I'm pretty clumsy, anyway...) but I think that I'm going to be enjoying this love affair for a very long time to come...

Timberman 70.3...The Rear View

2010-09-07T12:16:00.000-04:00

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to 'close' a race course...? Welcome to The Rear View...

Race Day - August 22, 2010:

I got up at 3am. This wasn't in the training plan !

The swim was actually my best open swim ever! No panic! Did maybe 5 mins - if that...of breaststroke.. the rest was all freestyle. Very good swim for me ;). Some poor woman from my wave was afraid of drowning and doing sidestroke!?. I offered her my feet she was too scared... Kept my eye on her. She made it :)

Transition 1. Lol!! All laid out. Perfect. Came in. It was raining... I was prepared and my clothes were in a garbage bag to stay dry. Put shoes on grabbed bike ran out. Shit! Where are my glasses??? Volunteer held bike I ran back in. Found oakley's where I had dropped them. Yay. Ran out... Glanced down --Aaargh!!! Forgot to pull bike shorts on over my run compression shorts!!! They were in the garbage bag so I didn't see them... Back I went again... By now I had my own cheering section... I was laughing my head off...

Bike out... Omg why weren't my legs working!??? Big hill at 10mi. I had to get quads firing and get warmed up... Slogged on... At 10k, First sharp left turn I slowed right down... And wiped out. Aaargh!!! Ow!!! Nice police officer helped me up... Shit shit!!!

Walked 10' to avoid everyone else that flew around the same corner easily and nearly took me out ... Got back on... Front wheel messed up--bang!!! Again! This time in the path of oncoming traffic!!! Could not disengage feet. Lying in middle of road one leg in the air...Same nice police officer... 'what happened this time?!'. I don't know!!!! I'm a spaz!!!! Almost burst into tears... Didn't. Why bother? Lol!

Got back on. Carefully and afraid. Seriously questioned whether I should just call it off. Kept going.

Saw Chrissie (Wellington) on her way back in.. She didn't wave or notice I had blood running down my leg and gravel in my arm... She was in a hurry ;)

Marsh Hill. 9% grade. 1.2km. No #*&^@&*^ way!. Not even on a bet!!! Walked up. That was hard enough!! Sigh...

Kept going very discouraged ... And so it continued.. For 5 slow and hard hours... Gears were acting weird. Shifting large to small ring - 9/10 times chain dropped... Aaaaargh!!!! On and Off the bike to fix the chain... and so it went... on... painfully... ;)

Got passed by many... Ok... Most... fine - nearly ALL... But saw some good people busting their butts for charity and who weren't giving up :) I didn't give up either.

When I walked the other huge hill on the way back I paused to scream and encourage the people who were riding up it while I had a gel. There were NO spectators on that stretch and they needed the encouragement :)

I seriously was scared of a DNF on the bike - I made it within 30 mins...rode small ring more than large. I was so tired! My right knee felt like it was seriously injured...I honestly thought I'd be off training for a while after my race day but I kept my cadence up and metered out my effort... Followed all of JJ's instructions Even splits!

Came in to T2 just thankful to be on feet I couldn't fall off ... I have no clue why that transition was nearly 8 minutes!!??? It felt quick!! I think I blinked and lost a chunk of my life...

Off I went. First 5 km was spent trying to convince legs to RUN. They were just too tired. Not sore. Just not firing... Second 5k a bit better. Started cookies and cola at aid stn. It helped.

Third 5km was HELL. Felt like 10km. Ugh. Pissing rain. Free shower. Yay. The nice lady with '70' on her calf was 10k ahead of me. Bless her. She smiled encouragingly. I slogged on...

I knew the last 6km would be my best. My hips unlocked and finally I was running. A bit ;). Lol. So close but time running out pardon the pun. 45 mins for 5k that had extra walk breaks... I trundled on...

I decided with 3 mi to go that I didn't care about the medal. I was going to finish it with or without a medal :) and that was just fine!!

Eric came to meet me on the course. He was worried... Lol. I did warn him I'd 'be a long time'...

Finally - there it was. The chute! Sprinted laughing my head off like a child and it was over!! Lol!!!

9:17 -- OMG... I never want to be that long on a course again! Unless it's a full Ironman!! Lol!!

But. Not broken! I didn't quit. Wanted to... it felt futile at times... Anyway finish line photographer had left within 20 minutes of the course closure (thanks for that...) and ... Drum roll... They ran out of official 70.3 medals?!!. I got a sprint medal from the race the day before... Oh well!!! Lol!!!

How do you run out of medals at an IRONMAN race, when you know who is registered!?? Lol!!!

The Good:

The race venue is INCREDIBLY beautiful.
The race volunteers were better than GREAT - they were FANTASTIC! Still smiling and encouraging and standing out in the rain while us slower athletes raced at our own pace :)
There was FOOD at the end of the race - yes, I kid you not...! I actually had plenty of food waiting for me... that's a FIRST.

The Bad:

The finish line photographer abandoned his post before the course was closed (very disappointing)
The race organizers did not have sufficient 70.3 medals for those who were racing the event

The Ugly:

My finish time was 9:17... -- ROFL!!!

End result: I am a superstar ;) Never in my dreams would I have imagined that I could do what I did - whether in 6 hours, 9 hours or 12... I have pushed my internal boundaries and conquered!!

What's next...? NO - not Ironman!! I'm getting excited looking at all of the other 70.3/half-iron distance triathlon courses for 2011...

Life is good.

Huge waves of gratitude go out to the following:

JJ Neely, my coach -- You rock!! You trained me and prepared me for this HUGE event in my life and I DID IT!!

Steven Hill, my physiotherapist -- You rock, too!! It's been a long road of trying to get me 'balanced' but I finished the event (albeit slower than the average bear) UNbroken!!!

Tara Postnikoff, my nutritionist -- for arming me with all of the knowledge I needed to fuel properly and stay healthy and fit throughout my training and racing this summer!

Eric D'Arcy, my husband, partner in crime and father of my furkids -- Honey, next time you have to wait for me to finish on a course, in the pouring rain, or scorching sunshine... hungry, thirsty, trying to take 'decent' photographs... just remember one thing: THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!! LOL! If it weren't for you, I would not have taken up this insane sport in the first place!

All of my friends from FMCT who were there with me in New Hampshire and made me feel as though I had won a GOLD MEDAL when I returned to the rented house we stayed in, with loud cheering, applause, hugs and champagne!!

All of my friends from childhood, from the Mississauga Triathlon Club, the staff from the vet clinic and from my workplace - WSIB -- you all encouraged me to go for it and live my dream...

THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU for making my life so much richer!!

- Shanti

Timberman - Bib Numbers and Swim Wave Start Times Posted

2010-08-12T09:15:00.000-04:00

It's official: I have a bib number for Timberman -- it's 690.

My swim wave goes off at 7:20am -- Wave 6 out of 18 in total...
My biggest concern right now is how many of the people in the 12 waves that start after me, will attempt to swim over or through me on their way...? I feel kinda sick... I imagine this will pass as soon as I chew on some Tums or something... or better yet, perhaps I shall meditate on this... like a good yogini.

I was actually feeling pretty 'level' today until I read the blog post of another athlete competing in the same race who had noted that bib numbers and swim waves were posted (it hadn't even occurred to me to check the site...). Once I saw my name in print my stomach dropped to the floor.

This is real.

Oh. My. God.

Well... I guess now at least I can plan my swim strategy (stay the HELL out of everyone's way...) and at least now I can approximate the clock times of the cutoffs for the various events. I'm sure once I'm actually racing I will not be lucid enough to actually do the math in my head so I'll likely be wearing 2 wrist units - one watch with race timer plus one Garmin HR monitor wrist unit... at least the tan lines will be even...

Does everyone feel this alternating sense of dread/excitement before their 'A' race of the season or is it more of a 'first-timer' thing...? I wonder...

Training in Lake Placid - July 2010

2010-08-10T10:33:00.000-04:00

Training in Lake Placid... during Ironweek... I was excited and more than a little nervous...

This time last year, I was unable to do any training myself, as I was plagued by injuries... this year was a whole different experience. I got my own little taste of what it would be like to train and race on that course.

I was scheduled to swim 1 loop of the swim course, ride 1 loop of the bike course and run part of the run course. I had my nutrition plan in place and was all set for the adventures to come.

We arrived Thursday afternoon with back spasms from the drive from Toronto... oh goody... That was the day I was scheduled to swim. We checked into our rooms at the dorm and then went over to Mirror Lake - Eric had a short bike ride and I had my swim to do. It was about 5pm by the time we reached the beach.

One thing I learned while at the lake... just talk out loud and drop the name of your next race and someone, somewhere... has done it already or is signed up as well - and conversation begins :) I met some great people who did Timberman 70.3 last year and got lots of feedback on the course. I was so happy to meet people who've done it before! That's the problem with having to drive for 10 hours to get to your 'big race' of the season... you really don't know what to expect... I've been scouring blog reports for months, trying to glean some details. This was valuable information!

I got into the lake, briefly remembering that last year, I swam about 200m filled with panic and dread that I was, indeed, going to drown before I hauled my a$$ out of Mirror Lake.

From a distance (ie the beach) it did look like kind of a long way to swim... once I got into the water, it seemed like much farther! The submerged cable did wonders for my self-confidence... I had a road map for where I was supposed to go - oh joy! I learned that once again, if I can see where I am going, I'm fine... but force me to sight frequently to stay on course or fog up my goggles so that I can't see and it's a whole new ball game...

Mirror Lake is the nicest lake I have ever swum in. The water temperature was perfect - a little cool so that you don't overheat, but fresh, and tasted good in the mouth. It was a great swim! Took me about 56 minutes which isn't fast by any means but I didn't panic. I took a couple of breaks and composed myself a bit here and there but for the most part - it was a lovely swim!

With that done, I was feeling better, more limber, and ready to tackle my single loop of the bike course the following morning, bright and early.

How can I put this simply for the folks who've never been to Lake Placid...? ALL ROADS APPEAR TO GO UPHILL. Seriously, I'm not kidding. I started my ride, in cool weather, overcast and drizzling and stopped and got off my bike twice in 15 minutes because I was certain that my front - and then my back - wheel, must have been rubbing... there could be no other reason for me going so slow... or so I thought! Even when you are on your bike and the road ahead looks flat... IT IS NOT. It is a cruel, optical illusion of Mother Nature.

I bumbled along in my own way, dreading and muttering out loud the entire time I rode the 9km descent into Keene in the rain. It was cold and my hands went completely numb so that I couldn't even feel the brake levers I was trying to 'feather'... whenever I thought I had finished the nerve-wracking descent and it was over, I'd see another one of those signs that shows the truck taking a nosedive down a big steep hill... ugh...

After that, I started to enjoy myself - the scenery was fabulous! I rode along the highway with the river at my right side and just found myself filled with gratitude that I was able to experience all of this under my own pedal power. It was a very powerful experience.

The short version was that I ate and drank nearly everything in sight and talked to myself a LOt... but was not able to finish the entire loop due to muscle fatigue. Sadly, I called it at about 75km... my back spasms were back with a vengeance and I was really reluctant to push it too far and suffer a setback for my training. I called Eric to come and get me... and when he picked me up, he drove along beside me as I did my run off the bike...

I ran the following day... again - all roads seemingly go UPHILL... but at least it's pretty :)

What did I learn from this experience? First and foremost, I have a huge amount of respect for those that race that IM course - it is TOUGH! It also reminded me that patience is a virtue and I cannot and will not rush my own journey to a full iron-distance race. I had dabbled with the idea of training for a full iron-distance for 2012... after that reality check, however, I'm thinking maybe 2013-2014...maybe...

Secondly, I am stronger than I thought! I wonder how far I can ride on that course in a year from now when we return again in 2011 to cheer on our friends...?

;) Life is GOOD

Lake Placid Ironman July 2010 - A Spectator's View

2010-08-10T10:06:00.000-04:00

For the second consecutive year, I was treated to the sight of athletes participating in the Lake Placid Ironman. This year, I knew about 6 people racing, including my husband, Eric. Race day was so exciting to witness! I stood about 3 feet behind the wetsuit strippers so I had fabulous shots of the athletes readying for the swim start, the frenzy of them storming the beach afterwards, and flopping down to get stripped. Those 'strippers' really put a lot of gusto into their jobs!! Everytime I saw a wetsuit and resulting spray coming my way, I had to drop the camera lens down and turn my face away - LOL! I managed to get photos of everyone I knew except for Eric... I think he exited the water during a particularly large crowd of swimmers and I missed him...

The bike leg is always great to watch - many fabulous photo ops and I saw Eric go by twice so that was great and I got some terrific shots of him!

The run course... I saw Eric going out for the run... gave him a kiss for good luck and then I hung around to see Tara Norton (fabulous pro athlete from Toronto) come into the finisher's oval prior to taking my seat at the Finish Line.

Last year I didn't get much opportunity to see the fastest finishers, as I was volunteering on the run course until quite late. This year, I decided I wanted to witness those people who finished in under 11 hours... it was so great to see them coming down the chute! I witnessed smiles, elation, tears of joy and one racer in particular who was so taken by the moment as she came down the chute, she literally stopped for a moment, taking it all in before she crossed - it gave me goosbumps!

Eric crossed the Finish Line looking perky and relatively fresh! I was so happy to see him looking so great and strong!!! When he came running through the chute, I could hardly believe it was him - the poor guy's been plagued with injuries for months - but he looked amazing! So proud of him!! By then, I was wearing a plastic bag (aka 'poncho') just to keep warm - it was freezing!! I was the yellow plastic-clad maniac jumping up and down in the bleachers, screaming, 'Go, Eric!!!!'.... he didn't see me... he forgot where I was going to be... I admit, when he didn't see me, my heart sank... I was so disappointed that we didn't even make eye contact...

He crossed the line and the vanished from sight. I figured if he didn't remember to look up where I said I'd be, he might not remember to come back and meet me there either... so I tried going looking for him... that took a good half hour and a lot of frustration - other people had seen him but I couldn't find him! Finally - there he was!! I felt so proud of him - what a fabulous accomplishment!

Congratulations to all of the finishers at Lake Placid Ironman - you all ROCK!!

Timberman 70.3 - 13 days and Counting...

2010-08-09T10:19:00.000-04:00

It seems really hard to believe that in 13 days, I will be in New Hampshire, and getting ready to race at Timberman 70.3. I still can't get my head wrapped around this... I keep flashing back to a year ago, when I was barely swimming 25m without a rest break, or running 1 and 1's for 10 sets... and trying to remind myself that I'm different now. My brain hasn't quite caught up yet...

Yesterday, I went out for (what I think was) my last long ride before the race. I say 'think' because, clearly, I have no real clue what is really going on... and at the moment I'm kind of too tired to really care... I just follow directions. LOL!

I would have thought that by now, after 10 months of training, that I would 'get it' and figure out what is going on... but obviously not... it still feels like a magic trick when I pull off a good training day! Yesterday's nearly 4-hour bike ride on what turned out to be a very blustery day was a complete surprise: I felt good! I didn't know I could do that!! LOL! I know, you'd think that with all of the training and consistency I've been maintaining for 10 months, it would be a no-brainer but once again - MAGIC! ;)

This has been an amazing journey of self-discovery unlike anything I've embarked upon before. I still find it completely fascinating that my body adapts to the training demands and keeps getting stronger (next year, I will hope for 'faster'...) and carrying me forwards when my brain seems to think that it's game over.

I'm still not sure if I'll be fast enough to make all of the various cutoffs at the race. I 'should' be able to make them... barring any unforeseen circumstances (that's life, right?) but I have to keep reminding myself that I CAN DO THIS. Whether or not I can do this within an allotted time, I'm still not sure... all I can do is TRI... ;)

So now I guess the tapering begins - or soon, anyway... I'm a little nervous. The mood-swings alone are enough to make me question my sanity. Last week, in a period of 24 hours I experienced nervousness, panic, apathy and extreme excitement - oh great... now I'm turning into a bipolar pixie... wonderful!

At least this week, I have the task of baking and decorating about 100 cupcakes for various functions. That should keep the brain occupied...

Happy Training, Everyone! Summer is not yet over!!!

- Sue

Who Are YOU and What Have You Done With My Husband?

2010-07-19T11:29:00.000-04:00

Well, as of yesterday, Misery Boots moved out... Village Idiot made a brief appearance (which I dutifully ignored) but now, in place of both of these, it seems that THE HAPPY PIXIE has moved into my house. It's an improvement, believe me!!

... it dances
... it sings
... it tra la la's countdowns to Ironman race day... Sunday July 25th ( in days and hours)
... it makes me wonder about the wonders of pharmaceutical sedation...
... it stays up late, watching YouTube videos of (what else?) IM races...
... it sends me email links to videos above... saying 'Wow - look how motivating!!!!'

I'm not sure which part is the most motivational for me: the guy puking on the bike as he rides; the people collapsed and seemingly unconscious in the middle of the course; the guy carrying his bike on the bike leg; the people being taken out on stretchers... the girl hooked up to an IV... the list goes on... yes, mighty motivating!! LOL!! At least no one filmed swimmers getting attacked by sharks or anything...

Strangely, The Happy Pixie doesn't wear elf boots or jingle with bells ... it looks like my husband and yet... it is not... it can't be... ? The Pixie behaves like a 4 year old waiting impatiently for Santa Claus to arrive...

As exhausting as it is having a pixie living in my house... I'll take it!! ;)

Countdown to IM Lake Placid:

5 days and several hours... (I'm not mathematically inclined...)

GO ERIC GO!!!!!!!!!

We're On the Road to Lake Placid...

2010-07-16T09:07:00.000-04:00

Eric is doing his first Ironman this year - Lake Placid - July 25th. You can probably imagine how much fun this journey has been for both of us... or perhaps you can't...

Apparently, all of the angst and fallout (for me - the spouse) is 'normal' so I guess I now know what I'm in for in the years to come... ;)

These Things I've learned:

There are apparently 2 alter egos at play here: Misery Boots or Village Idiot. There does not seem to be an in-between (ie. 'husband')... Seriously, I do joke about these things but it's true... it's impossible to get my usually helpful and kind partner motivated to do anything unless it involves IM. Highly frustrating! Most of the time he's just busy training, busy working or busy sleeping... the rest of the time he's complaining about training, working or lack of sleep... wow - what fun!!

We keep in touch via email. Why? Well, because whenever I do get a phone call, most often it's from Village Idiot... ie. completely unintelligible!! This familiar sounding, yet nearly impossible to comprehend, voice on the other end invites me to dinner, or suggests an activity and then in the next breath or so, tells me why it's not possible... usually these phone calls occur while I'm busy at work or at home - trying to get in a nap or get my own training done...

The preferred responses I've developed consist of:
'I'm busy'
'I'm going to bed'
'I'm going out now - see you later'

It might sound harsh but it's a heck of a lot better than letting loose my frustrations and then BOTH of us being miserable... Village Idiot is to 'out of it' to notice that I'm frustrated... Misery Boots - well, he just wants a fight! LOL!!

My coach filled me in on a little secret: There's IM Eric and then there's Eric... not the same thing... (no kidding...)

Luckily, I'm an only child and quite content to go about my own business and activities - for the most part. I've learned that IM Eric won't help me clean the house, stock the fridge with groceries or help me store the furniture that I cannot put in the storage locker by myself... he will not allow me to quietly nap when he's home unless it falls within his daily routine... I will be SO glad when IM is over!!

Now, of course, the budding IM is on a taper pre-race and so he has a wee bit more energy and is excited about all of the 'spare' time he will have to spend with - ME! Sounds nice except that... I'M TRAINING FOR MY HALF-IRON ON AUG. 22ND... Coach JJ tells me that I have to 'FOCUS' and put everything into this to prepare for my BIG RACE - so from now on, it's ME that will be living and breathing my H-IM training... I hope he enjoys himself keeping the house running smoothly while I have my own personal pre-race meltdown...

Payback's a bitch... ;)

Heatwave !! (You're singing it, aren't you??)

2010-07-12T08:41:00.000-04:00

Whew!! It's been SO hot the past week or so and I see on The Weather Network that this week will hit nearly 40 again... yuk! I don't understand people who thrive in heat and humidity at all... I feel like a little wilted daisy, dying for water and shade and too exhausted to help myself...

My training last week was pretty dismal. I skulked around from air-conditioned car/house to shady spot... my runs looked like zig-zags from tree to tree... crossing the street as required. I even considered running on the spot under the shade of one particularly large tree in order to satisfy my coach's 30 minute ROTB requirement a week ago Sunday! LOL!

My weekday workouts were terrible. Lack of breath (asthma) playing a large role in my desire to do nothing but sleep in a cool room. I barely ate enough to fuel myself because I just feel too tired to eat. Goody!

On Thursday night, I swam at Professors' Lake in Brampton and realized that I do not like feeling overheated while swimming any more than I like feeling overheated on the run... I couldn't wait to get out of my wetsuit and cap - my body and head felt like they were broiling... ugh! I also realized that it's hugely important to me that my goggles don't fog up - I NEED to be able to see where I'm going! It messes with my brain when I can't see! Guess I'd better pick up a spare pair of Sable Water Optics goggles before race day!

One good thing came out of it, though... I figured out that if I'm swimming a 'loop' in a lake, I will just keep swimming for 'home'... no matter how long it takes... whereas, if I'm swimming out and backs in the lake, I'm far more likely to cop out and get out early (in other words, it's all MENTAL).

I also realized that I really WANT to become a good enough swimmer so that on hot and humid days like that, I have the ability to swim without a wetsuit!

Finally, the weekend came and I was psyched for some 'real' training with the break in the humidity that was promised.

On Saturday I swam my first 'loop' at Kelso. I was so excited! My sighting really sucks and the more I sight, the more disjointed and horrible my swim stroke becomes... I realize this is a learned skill. Instead of worrying if I was going the right way, I just swam... and it felt great! The water was just perfect: cool but refreshing - it felt wonderful!

Apparently, I have a choice: I sight more often and go the right way but waste precious time regaining my stroke... or I sight less, enjoy the swim and glide along and waste precious time going off-course... hmm...decisions, decisions... right now I'm favouring the 'pleasure' factor.

I'm starting to dream of being able to swim TWO loops at Kelso before they close it down on Labour Day... I wonder if I can... ?

Bike training was good this weekend. On Saturday I rode from Kelso and found some flats and rollers along the way. Very enjoyable! It felt like I had a headwind for the first 45 minutes and my speedometer reflected it... wow - I felt so slow compared to last week! I'm starting to not feel intimidated by the rollers that I encounter along the way... progress :)

On Sunday (yesterday) I decided I'd do my bike and run training in Inglewood. Lovely little spot... plenty of parking, nice little General Store, the rail trail (flat and shady run/bike trail for my LSD run ) and a lovely bike shop to walk around in as a reward after training... somehow, I forgot that it's all HILLS in Inglewood... duh... having a shorter bike session, I figured it would be a fairly easy ride, until I remembered that where I parked is surrounded by hills and it's the only way out - LOL!

I was pleasantly surprised that I managed to get up and down all of those hills I found without needing to stand (my knee won't take it...) and without injuring anything or more importantly - without blowing up. A month ago this would not have been possible...

Every time I see a hill now, I wonder if it will be like that at Timberman. Then I figure it may well be so I'd best figure out how to get my butt up and down it safely ;) I can't get over the difference my new rear cassette has made! I can actually keep my feet pedalling up some of the more steep and short climbs... I also realized that sometimes a hill looks way more scary than it actually is... some of them looked downright menacing until I was zooming up them without super-human effort... (note: your definition of 'zoom' may differ).

The run on the FLAT (ie. EASY) trail could not have felt harder! Holy cow... I know I have to teach my body to run while tired... but ... seriously??? That was UGLY. My pace felt like a shuffle and I was so hot that I ran out of fluids and had to stop to replenish near the end. I wondered when it would be over. UGH. I fear that Timberman will be something like that... although the run is not flat... at least there will be Aid Stations on the course... one cup of water for me, one cup of water for my head... that should help... right??

Ah well... it is what it is... My race is now about 6 weeks away... OMG - MY RACE IS ONLY ABOUT 6 WEEKS AWAY???!!?!?!?!

(Gulp)

HAPPY TRAINING, EVERYONE!

Welland Sprint Triathlon - June 26, 2010

2010-06-28T14:59:00.000-04:00

We had a busy weekend - Eric and I were in Welland for both of our respective races. What fun!

I raced the sprint on Saturday and Eric raced the half-iron distance on Sunday.

I've been thinking back on my race experience in point-form, so here we go, pithy remarks included:

Pre-Race:

- got up 4:45am and had breakfast and started my hydration routine per Tara's instructions...

- we left home at 6:20am and drove to Welland to the race site
- I entered 'Race Mode' during the drive... ie. iPod on, ignored distractions and didn't do anything other than close my eyes visualize a strong race
- upon arrival, I set up my transition area and got marked, etc... visited the potty... and moved like a girl in a trance, mostly... 'shell-shocked' comes to mind...
- saw my friend Cathy but I was kind of 'in the zone' and had to tell her that because she looked worried that I might start to freak out or something ... ;)
- all of a sudden (it seemed) I had to go down to the water for the swim start
it was a time-trial start so we had to line up according to bib number - I was 160
- had a couple of 'aren't we happy and dry and we haven't hit the water yet' shots taken with Cathy and then it was time...

Swim:

- got to the dock where we were to enter and ! Saw my friend, Paul - who just happened to be photographing the race! Woo hoo!!! BIG smile :)
- got in the water (no time for a warmup swim and my usual 'relaxation' routine in the water... ) and then waited for them to call my number
- we were going at :05 intervals... either people weren't listening, or don't know how to count... but I got bumped and shoved as I was readying to start my race (isn't the point to NOT have that happen??) anyhow... off we went...
- 50m in, I realized I'd forgotten to start my watch... fixed that and kept going...
- nice water in Welland - kind of clear... green... doesn't taste bad... I was noticing all of this as I watched the other swimmers pass me... oh well, keep on chugging... wow - the scenery in Welland is pretty...
- one lady was on her back doing the backstroke already... hope she did OK...
- got to the first buoy and another lady was waiting for the kayak as I asked her if she was okay... (asthma attack) - I would have waited with her but the kayak showed up so I swam on...
- first buoy was to my right and by now I was trying to figure out why I couldn't breathe...?? Literally... 3-5 strokes and I was back to breaststroke (Aargh! Maddening! I can SWIM now... I should not have needed to do that... grrrrrr!)
- it was weird... I wasn't afraid of the water... I wasn't afraid of the other swimmers (let's face it - most of them were already out of the water... LOL... ) so perhaps it was the heat and my asthma was acting up or else it really was mental anxiety... I am still trying to figure that one out... welcome to OCD, folks ;)
- kept going in my disjointed way and finally got out (I had figured on 20:00 - and it took me 21:00 - for 750m... I know... SLOW... oh well... when I got out, I was smiling and for once, able to immediately get upright and run a bit instead of spit out seaweed and water and look and feel like the swamp thing on the way to transition... PROGRESS :)

Bike:

- being clumsy, I was praying I wouldn't get tripped up with my cleats and injure myself again... grabbed Lily (AKA The Green Goddess) and we were off... 30k of 'flat and fast roads'... welcome to Welland :)
- waved to the photographer and gave him a big smile and anyone I passed on the bike got words of cheerful encouragement
- tried smiling and waving at the people already on their way back (they weren't smiling or waving back...too focused) and shouted out whoops of delight to the obviously fast cyclists as they whizzed by me - almost finished as I was just starting... I'm sure they (like many) thought I was a lunatic
- I couldn't believe my eyes when I glanced at the speedometer and was hitting 28.5 kph and even higher at some points... who was doing that? ME?? Wow!! Haven't seen speeds like that - EVER! Cool! Physio is really helping!!!
- had a fabulous ride... my average was 25.8 kph and for me, that was ultra-fast
- even better... NO PAIN ... just a smooth ride and felt strong - YES!
- I figured 1:30 for the bike... in fact, it took me 1:09 what a nice surprise!

Run:

- here is where it all fell apart (yeah, the one part I was NOT worried about...)
- first time ever, I had major GI issues on the run - oh my lord...
- Firstly, I would like to say that the amount of volunteers on the course was wonderful - they were smiling and cheerful
- I would also like to say that it would be helpful if when you asked one of them something of great importance, like, "where is the nearest bathroom?" someone actually had an answer!!
- so, there I was, almost doubled over in agony, trying to run but more like a shuffle, desperately muttering to myself that it was over - I had to get to a bathroom NOW - no -- 5 MINUTES AGO!! I was so afraid that I would have to wait the entire 7.5km to find a bathroom and I was just about ready to cry

Entered Door #1: outhouse with bucket (no, I'm not kidding!)
- no paper
- lots of flies and insects
- no light
- I nearly wept... honestly...

Entered Door #2:
- I continued my shuffling... another km or so... saw a (up there on the hill... could it be???) Porta John - oh joy!!!

So... following the wasted time during the 'misery shuffle', the entrance and somewhat hasty exit from Door #1 and then followed up by Door #2, I tried desperately to figure out how long I'd been out there... my Garmin was in 'Race Mode' - great... except it wouldn't show me how long I'd been on the run course... aargh!

Gertrude was nattering away about Timberman and how it's all but an impossibility that I will finish it... I got so sick of the noise I (yes, I really did...) said 'Shut up, Gertrude' - out LOUD... there was no on around to hear but me... and somehow it worked... HA!

It was the longest 7.5km run of my life. My pace was averaged at 7:33/km - so I was out there almost an hour... good lord!

Wrap Up:

This was my first sprint tri - not only of the season - it was my first sprint distance tri EVER. Previously, I've raced try-a-tri's and one very memorable olympic duathlon (from Hell). So, I really didn't know what to expect when I put all 3 sports together for this distance plus, I took all last year off racing because I was in physio...

So...What Did I learn?

- to carry tissues in my pockets - I might need them!
- to put a bag or something over my shoes in transition so that if it rains (and it did) my running shoes will not be sopping wet when I put them on for the run

The biggest thing I learned:

I can be on a course for 2:36 (yes, it really did take me that long to do a 'sprint' - we can't all be fast...) and at the finish line, I can still be smiling and perky and NOT BROKEN! Woo hoo!!!! Consistency in training, a great coach, hard work, good physio and proper nutrition - YAY!! Oh - and a supportive husband... he was my support crew on Saturday :)

In fact, when I pulled my pictures from the race, I noticed that I was smiling when I exited the swim, smiling on the bike and smiling at the finish line... I think that sums it up. I had FUN. I didn't quit. I did something I'd never done before...

and...

I'm ready for more...

Bring it ON!

** Pictures to follow **

Game ON!

2010-06-17T11:50:00.001-04:00

Wow... time flies... my first triathlon is in less than 2 weeks' time... EEK!!!

I've just spent the past week on the 'Rehab' list... my left knee is giving me problems. NO - not NOW!! I've got too much bike training to do!!!

Isn't that always the way..?

By last Friday evening, I had resigned myself to the fact that, in fact, I may not make it to Timberman 70.3. The best laid plans and all that crap... It was a sad realization but truthfully, I just don't know when it will be down to the nitty-gritty of whether or not I have to pull the plug if I'm injured and cannot complete my necessary training to get me up and down those darn hills....

I'm such a dweeb... I was so focused on the 'clear blue waters of Lake Winnipesauke' that I forgot to note that it's a HILLY course!! I no longer fear drowning. I am not afraid of a long run - even in the heat of summertime. However, I do fear for my knees as I try to stomp my pedals to get up hills amidst mutterings, groanings and prayers for not blowing out my knee during the ordeal... damn, damn damn...

Lunatic Ravings:

What if a new rear 12-27 cassette is not enough to get me up the hills? What if I'm just not strong enough yet?
What if this is as good as it gets?????
what if I climb up but am scared to zoom down the other side?
what if I fall?
what if I have to WALK my bike up a hill if my knees are screaming at me?
What if I set my race goals too high??
What if I can't complete my training... will I have let my coach (JJ) down?
Will Eric be disappointed in me?
What was I thinking, signing up for this stupid race, anyhow????
What if...?

Finally, I got GERTRUDE to shut the hell up (yes, I have JUST named that raving loony-tunes LUNATIC in my head: Gertrude... I don't know why... it just suits her.... perhaps I like the sound of 'Shut UP, Gertrude' said out loud... I don't know...) If Gertrude is your name or the name of someone you love, I apologize - it's nothing personal ;)

Anyway...

After much reflection, I decided that no matter what happens at Timberman or whether or not I actually get to start that race as planned, I'm in the best shape of my life at this time. I've gained strength and endurance and more than anything else - I'M HAVING FUN!! I can swim now! I can honestly say that I love to run now!! I'm still afraid of getting stuck in my clipless pedals but... aside from that... I enjoy riding my bike through the country!!! It's all good. LIFE IS GOOD.

I've had 3 visits to my favourite physiotherapist and spent plenty of time in his clinic watching FIFA games while doing my exercises and therapy ;) It's official: I enjoy watching soccer far more than any other team sport on television... not only does it move quickly enough to hold my attention but I can easily spot the ball on the field -- a definite plus! Maybe I'll start photographing soccer games.... but, I digress...

I was talking about my bike training... or Gertrude... or rehab... or something...

Last weekend a bunch of us went up to Muskoka for a training weekend. It was tons of fun! Everyone had their bikes and were out and about, running and cycling the hills of Muskoka.

I took my trainer and rode inside to avoid any further issues with my knee. It wasn't that bad, actually... there were no mosquitoes inside the cottage...

It rained most of the time on Friday and Saturday... Sunday morning was hot and brilliantly sunny. Naturally, I got a horrific sunburn... LOL!

The water is Muskoka (Lake Mary, to be exact...) was lovely - and COLD! Brrrr!!! Holy cow... I figured I'd be okay in my wetsuit and swimcap but within 15 minutes of swimming I had a horrible brain freeze (ice cream headache...) and that was enough fun for me... spent the rest of the time frying myself on the dock...

I hope that it will be warmer than that in New Hampshire!

I got some great shots of Eric (hubby) and friends and will post some of those a bit later...

A good time was had by all!

Now, this coming weekend, I am hoping for sunshine and a pain-free knee so that I can get some much-needed endurance training in! Wish me luck!!

The Little Engine That Could...

2010-06-09T13:32:00.000-04:00

Well, for me... it's ALL about the bike...

My swimming skills are coming along - I can swim in the lake without panicking... My running is pretty good, too and I have no complaints.

My biking, shall we say, is lacking... I lack endurance, strength and possibly more than anything else: time in the saddle. I know... that's what training is for... thanks for the heads up... however I am finding myself sorely lacking in self-confidence when it comes to my bike skills.

Obviously this has to change. NOW. Yesterday, in fact...

This coming weekend we are going up to Muskoka to ride the hills - I don't know if they will be alive with the sound of music... but likely they will be alive with the sounds of one small triathlete screaming "Wheeeeeeeeee!" on the downhills and grunting and muttering aloud to herself on the uphill climbs... I foresee a large amount of prayers for personal safety and for mental calmness... Should be a nice weekend... let's hope for NO KAMIKAZEE SQUIRRELS OR CHIPMUNKS...

Last year when the tri club went to Muskoka, it SNOWED. Yes, you read that correctly... SNOW. How weird is that?!? I have photographs of snow falling on the wetsuits hung out to dry...

I have my orders - I mean, my training schedule all set up for me - complete with maps and everything. It's my biggest scheduled week of training to date. I hope I can complete it all!

I have swapped my rear cassette for a 12-27 so I have a couple of extra climbing gears. Will it be enough to allow me to pedal my way to new heights? We shall see, I guess... only one way to find out...

I have my mantra for the bike training:

I think I can...I think I can...I think I can...

How to Become a More Confident Open Water Swimmer

2010-06-04T13:05:00.000-04:00

Hope you're not expecting some fabulous training plan... no... just more of my blithering thoughts.. ;)

This really works though... I was the test subject, so I can say that in all honesty.

JJ (coach) knows I'm nervous about open water swimming. I recognize now that I can go the distance (in the pool) but it still feels different in the big, open space of the lake and I've been working on mental calming techniques so I don't panic.

Last night I showed up to Kelso and was told 'I have someone I want you to swim with - she's new and has never been in the lake before'.... um, okay, I thought to myself... wow... this should be good...I'm pretty pathetic and he wants me to help someone new..?

I met my new swim buddy (Lorraine) and we waded into the lake together. I showed her how I go in slowly, get my face wet (and proceeded to splash her ...lol) and go under and blow some bubbles for a little bit to get acclimatized. I assured her that although you can't see anything in the water because it's cloudy, it tastes far better than a swimming pool and in a wetsuit, it's a no-brainer to float around if you feel tired.

We swam a little bit of breaststroke and chatted. She is just about to do her first try-a-tri on Sunday at Milton. She has only been swimming for a year and is self-taught. It was her first time in a wetsuit and the first time being in a lake.

I wore my "Nemo" swimcap and so I was easy for her to spot as she swam along... we took our time and a few little breaks along the way while we practiced sighting and staying on course...

Outcome:

The 'newbie' swam 1000m! Imagine my delight on her behalf! What a trooper!

She thanked me for swimming with her and helping her feel so comfortable for her first open water swim and was so excited that she had found her first 'coach' (Who? Me???). It was I who thanked HER... together, we swam without fear of the open water. We built our confidence and enjoyed the experience together.

Hard to say who benefited the most from that teaming up of like-minded souls: Lorraine or me...

JJ, smart coach that he is, knew that with someone else to think about, my own fears would take a back seat... way to go, JJ!

I can't wait to see Lorraine again and hear about her first triathlon - I'm betting she ROCKS the swim leg!! Woo hoo -- you GO, girl!!!

Hypoallergenic Diet - Week 1

2010-06-04T12:50:00.000-04:00

I've been feeling decidedly sluggish the past few weeks plus I had gone through a 1-2 week bout of horrible GI issues that left me feeling... well... pretty awful...

When I discussed this with Tara from HEAL Nutrition, as always, she had plenty of helpful suggestions and time to listen to me obsess about the fact that 'my weight is up' and 'I know it's just a number but..'. blah blah blah... how she manages to do this without a trace of exasperation is something to be admired :)

I queried whether a cleanse might be a good idea at this point and we discussed this for a while and came up with an action plan that I can follow and not impede my triathlon training.

I usually do a cleanse about 2-3 times per year. In the past, this has involved the purchasing of a herbal cleanse kit from my health food store and swallowing umpteen herbal capsules per day for several weeks and hoping to have enough energy to continue with my regular activities while I 'detox' and get massive headaches, skin breakouts... etc... on a couple of occasions, I wasn't even able to keep up with my regular yoga practice because I felt so yukky.

This time, however, I'm following a dietary cleanse approach. It's a hypoallergenic diet: no gluten, no dairy, no sugar, no caffeine... and I'm expecting to follow this for at least 3 weeks.

Note: I am allowed GU Chomps and E-Load for my long training sessions in the heat... but other than that, I'm sugar-free, baby!

I asked if Eric (still training hard for IMLP) was planning to join me on this food adventure... his response (after reading about all of the dietary exclusions): 'What? Are you trying to kill me??'. Hmm... guess not...it's to be a solo journey.

I made lunch plans with a friend earlier this week and told him about the dietary exclusions; he asked if perhaps he should just eat ahead of time and meet me for a glass of water...?

Have we really become so enamored with gluten/dairy/sugar-containing foods that we are 'lost' without them..?

Actually, I'm feeling wonderful! I started on Sunday and have not felt sick at all. No headaches, either! That was my biggest concern (I suffer from migraines). I feel good, completely satiated by my allowable food choices and have had plenty of energy to spare for my training sessions. In fact, this week's training sessions have been of really good quality and I'm happy to be going into the weekend endurance bike sessions from this place :)

My sleep is better and I awaken actually feeling rested for a change. It's been quite a while since I could say that... plus I have no GI disturbances, which, as all athletes and non-athletes alike will attest... it can sideline us really quickly...

It's been a great first week (I'm in Day 6 of my cleanse) and I'm looking forward to the upcoming weeks. BONUS: weight loss of 3.5 lbs :)

I made a promise to myself that I would make a note to remember that when I cut gluten out of my diet I feel better in general. Not knowing enough about it (yet- although having OCD, I'm sure I will research it to death until I learn all kinds of things... ) I am not sure whether the general feeling of better health comes from the exclusion of gluten or sugar themselves, or the other additives and ingredients that go into gluten or sugar-rich foods and products...

Hmmm... food for thought... ;)

Summer is Here!!

2010-05-31T11:18:00.000-04:00

SWIM:

'Everyone into the pew-ellll....' or lake, as the case may be! I swam in the lake at Kelso (for the first time this year) yesterday morning and could not have asked for a better reintroduction to open water! Usually, I get in, make a face, start freezing to death, get nervous, get water on my face, get even more nervous and promptly have an asthma attack as I start to swim in the icy depths... yesterday none of that happened!

It was an incredibly beautiful weekend and the water at Kelso (on the side of the boat launch - not the public beach) was just lovely! True, you can't see anything in that body of water but it is pool-water warm and tastes great in the mouth (unlike pool chlorine and bromine).

I splashed about for a short while, to the rock wall and back, as I watched, mesmerized, as the other athletes swam around the lake... I asked one of the lifeguards how far it was and he guessed it was about 1.5-2 km.... OMG - that's what I have to swim at Timberman!! Funny how things change... in the pool 2000m doesn't seem that bad anymore but outside... it looks HUGE!! Luckily, as I look ahead in my training schedule, JJ has me scheduled to gradually increase my time spent swimming in the lake...

Oh - and the raving lunatic inside my head? She was QUIET the whole time! :)

It's going to be a great summer of swimming outside - I can just feel it!

BIKE:

You know, some people just shouldn't be allowed to ride expensive, beautiful bikes... I am one of them... clumsy and awkward on a bike... ugh... I try and try not to feel nervous and create tension in my body but... I'm a KLUTZ!

I went out for my first outdoor ride on the long weekend and this weekend, continued to build some time in the saddle.   I missed my riding group by 5 minutes so it was a solo ride - which I don't mind because klutz that I am, I'm terrified of taking out another cyclist at a stop sign...

The weather was hot at 9am and off I went. Great thing I have the Garmin Edge 705... it slices, it dices... it calculates altitude, descent, speed, cadence, heart rate, calories, power wattage - to name a few... oh - and of course - it has a GPS and map feature... which I apparently don't know how to use properly... so I have this expensive 'speedometer' on my bike... I'd like to say I'll take some time this week to read the instruction manual but it's kind of large...

I followed a route that I hoped I could follow back to my car because I did not have 3 hours to be lost on a bike... other appointments...   It turned out to be a great route! I found my first 'fast' descent of the season and didn't freak out. Whew. Then, of course, that same lovely descent became my first 'hard' climb of the season on the way back. I stayed in my saddle, hung on hoping to hell I would not tip the bike over on the way up and after what seemed like a long time (I'm sure it was not - it was a little hill!!) arrived at the top, heart pounding and looking forward to an easy spinout for my legs...

At this point, I considered consulting my GPS, map-equipped bike toy to plot an alternate route back to the car... I looked down to see a nice yellow background on a map, with a small red line that said 'Credit River' ... that was IT. Wow! So helpful!!!! LOL! Needless to say, I retraced my steps (or pedal strokes...) instead of venturing off.

I was feeling pretty darn good when I hit the turnaround point and thought to myself "I will just unclip my right foot and turn the bike around and off I go..." - you know what happened next: BANG! My left foot stayed clipped in the whole time. I had to take my shoe off... "Quick release" my a$$....   bike was okay... I was sore... oh well... almost time to quit anyway... rode back, freshly mown grass blowing into my face (I am allergic to everything in nature...) and finished up my workout.

Yesterday's ride was even hotter... my legs didn't seem to have much spring in them compared with the day before... hitting 90-95 rpm was difficult... all still seemed to be going fairly well, aside from the wheezing in the heat... came to a stop sign - unclipped in plenty of time... and BANG! Down I went (again?!) - man, that one hurt -- left foot still safely clipped in... bike overhead and handlebars jammed into my chest... nice... the nice people in the pickup truck stopped and asked if I was okay...

Dusted myself off and kept going... decided that 'any idiot on a bike can do a turnaround into the other lane to turn around and keep going... stop being a wuss and practice!!' You would think by now I would know how to do this but each time I try, I fail... miserably. I'm just too nervous I guess... I summoned courage, pulled out a teensy bit to give myself a wider turning radius - and saw a HUGE truck bearing down on me... BANG!!! So much for cat-like reflexes... this time BOTH feet were stuck and I couldn't go anywhere but down. This time the truck stopped as well as another passerby to make sure I was okay... 'yes, thank you'...

So... it's really great that I have this terrific, beautiful, built-just-for-me custom Guru but honestly I'm too much of a twit to ride this bike... I'm terrified of breaking her... or my arm... as I land on it - or my hip - for the hundredth time... the lunatic is positive that I will crash and burn at Timberman on the bike course... I can't climb... I can't go fast... my bike handling skills suck... I can't even control my own feet! Please, Lord, I need the courage to continue this quest for athleticism and muzzle her or at least prove her wrong!!

RUN:

It's hot out there and it's allergy season (with a vengeance). Other than that - running is going well! (I know... what, no 20 minute tirade on the run training..??) LOL!!

Get out there, gang! It's gonna be a beautiful summer!!!!

Mississauga Half Marathon - A Huge Success!

2010-05-17T10:01:00.000-04:00

What a perfect day for a long run it was yesterday! Sunny, warm, a bit of a breeze and just a gorgeous day all-around!

I was somewhat surprised at the amount of clothing that many of the runners had on in the morning... it was about 11 degrees celsius at race start... hope no one overheated! I dressed appropriately in far less than I would usually wear (imagine my surprise that I got it right!? - LOL)

The first 3-4 km was rife with negative self-talk that I couldn't make stop... highly annoying, since it was drowning out my playlist!! Damn that pessimistic woman in my brain!!

I saw some friends near the start, some of whom were ready to run their first FULL marathon - I was so excited for Sandra, in particular... remembering December 2007 when we almost tied for last place at a local 10.8km race! Look at her now! Go, Sandra, go!!

I just settled in and trundled along... looking for dogs... debating in my head whether I needed or 'should' stop for a potty break each time I saw an opportunity...and mentally 'racing' the race walker I kept running into... I finally introduced myself to her (Janet) and was able to pace myself off her for most of the race... I cannot imagine walking as fast as my run pace... pretty cool!

The kilometer markers seemed to fly by yesterday... last time I ran Mississauga, I remember seeing 7km and thinking: oh my god... how much longer will this take??

My mental outlook improved hugely when I hit the 10km mark at a record-breaking (my records may not be hard for most people to break.. by the way...but it's all about personal bests...) 1:10!! Wow! I had shaved a good 5-8 minutes off my typical 10km time! That was encouraging!!! At that point, I promised myself that no matter what my finish time was, I'd just run my fastest 10km ever and would celebrate that, regardless.

There weren't as many dogs along the course but I made friends with a lovely chocolate lab puppy named Madison, whom I stopped to hug and pet twice :) Her 'mummy' was very encouraging too! :)

It was wonderful to see spectators, outside, waving and cheering... and for once, each time I saw a race photographer, I didn't have to worry about 'putting on a happy face' because I actually felt strong and happy throughout! Here's hoping at least one of those shots is a 'keeper'... I have a scrapbook to maintain... :)

The course was changed this year and needless to say, I'd been completely oblivious to that fact till I realized I had NO IDEA where the FINISH line was... my Garmin died ('memory full') about 1km from the finish line so that was no help at all... "Who moved the finish line?" was foremost in my mind!!

Finally... the finish line popped out of nowhere and before I knew it, I was sprinting through the the chute... woo hoo! I ran a 2:29 (that's about 20-25 minutes faster than my best prior half marathon) and I didn't feel the least bit broken afterwards!

Post-race, I was met by two of the most wonderful women I know: Betty-Lou and Janette (who not only are fabulous longtime runners and friends but recently joined my Yoga for Athletes and I'm so glad I've had an opportunity to get to know them!) who passed me water as we sat on the grass before waiting for the shuttle back to the start line. A large lunch followed and then a bubble bath and a 3.5 hour nap for me... It was a PERFECT DAY!

Lessons Learned:

I can muzzle that stupid voice that lives inside my brain - I am not a loser... I can do a lot more than I give myself credit for
Learning to drink Gatorade in training was a big help and it was a very welcome sight on the course when I got overheated and knew sodium deficit was the most likely culprit
Consistency in training pays off in HUGE dividends! I know that most of you already know this... but I have to keep reminding myself!

The most surprising part of the day for me (apparently Eric already believed I would do this yesterday...) was that my 'Dream Goal' of running a 2:30 half-marathon was achieved! 'Already??!' is what that lunatic inside keeps asking...yes, apparently, already... now what??

'Now what?' indeed... in 6 weeks I will do my first triathlon of the season at Welland.

But first... I have to don my new 2XU wetsuit and plunge myself into (what I anticipate being) freezing cold Lake Kelso on Saturday morning and fight off the mental panic and asthma attack that usually paralyze me at the start of an open water swim in early season... Maybe I'll wear my goldfish swim cap for good luck...

Congratulations to all of the runners & walkers at the Mississauga Marathon 2010 -- each of us stepped up to the challenge and did something great!

Race #2: Mississauga Half Marathon - May 16th

2010-05-12T08:55:00.000-04:00

Well, race season appears to be getting into full swing now! Too bad Mother Nature doesn't seem to have received the message that SPRING should have SPRUNG and hung around for a little while longer than, say... 4 days??

Last week I saw temperatures hit 26 celsius... this week we have frost warnings.... there is something rotten in the state of Denmark...

Anyway, now that I no longer have ready access to warm winter running clothes but I can quite easily grab a pair of breezy shorts and a singlet as I fumble around in the dark... that can only mean one thing: It will be a brisk run on Sunday!

Having only run 3 half-marathons (and only 1 was run well), I'm really looking forward to Sunday's event as a measure of how far along I am in my fitness journey. Actually, I was questioning my coach why I didn't get more of a taper this week, since I had a half-marathon to run on Sunday... at which point he reminded me that I'm training to be a 70.3 triathlete ... and need to learn to run while tired...(kind of like at Timberman...?) and then it kind of hit me: OH MY GOD - I'M GOING TO BE A 70.3 TRIATHLETE!??!!!

Somehow, I still haven't gotten my head around this... I just fumble along in my training sessions, never really looking all that far ahead (because it's only going to scare me...) and really have no concept how this will play out on Race Day (ie. 'A' Race... Timberman).

It should be interesting...

Happy Training and Racing, Y'all!

- Sue

Never Underestimate the Power of Determination

2010-04-29T11:57:00.000-04:00

So, if you've been following this blog, you know that I'm a fairly newbie swimmer - having just learned to swim 4 years ago...and still battling my fears and memories of near-drownings...

My last posting recounted my efforts to swim 2300m as programmed by JJ (my ever patient coach). I did not quite succeed. I swam 2100m. My greatest distance to date.

Last week, during my endurance swim workout (they are every Tuesday night...if you frequent the Milton Leisure Centre, you will see me in the 'medium pace' lane, splashing about...striking up conversation with anyone who will speak to me... most of them aren't interested in chatting during their :10 rest breaks... ) I again tried to hit the elusive 2300m mark... but once again, due to a combination of factors, I didn't quite make it.

Bathroom breaks while swimming really irk me! Last week, once again, I did not actually spend the entire 1:15 in the pool... my session was punctuated by several bathroom trips... aargh! Oh well... I just kept swimming and focused on quality rather than quantity.

But... this week - I was on FIRE! I got there early, watched the junior swim team do their thing and spent time chatting with their coaches on deck... identifying effective techniques of the catch and pull phase that I could hopefully put into action... for the 2200m program I had for this week.

I anxiously awaited the 'ok' to jump in and was off and swimming... one bathroom break (it was warp speed!) and 1:14:25 later... I had completed a swim distance of (drum roll please...) 2500m!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I doubt that any 10 year old child who just received a new puppy could have been any more excited than I was... 2500??? Holy cow!!! My big distance was 1000m at Christmas - 4 months ago!?? There was no one there to witness this momentous occasion... even my lifeguard friend, Erin, had left...

I called JJ, and when he answered his cell, I stressed that he must 'hold the phone away from your (his) ear' and then let out a huge WHOOP of delight at my accomplishment!! Poor guy... he had NO idea what he was in for when he took me on as a client... LOL!! He's learning, though... ;)

At a time like this, there is really only one true way to celebrate: with a delicious cupcake frosted with luscious buttercream.... mmmmmmmm.... I do enjoy swimming!!

- never underestimate the power of determination - each of us is capable of achieving so much more than we give ourselves credit for... it's an amazing thing, this gift of life!!

- Shanti

The Golden Fin Award Goes To...

2010-04-14T08:32:00.001-04:00

Perpetual Child... that's me ;) I am an Aquarius, after all - we are known for this quality... as well as personifying the 'fine line between genius and insanity' bit... (seriously... look it up)

I have loved this silly swim cap since I first saw it last year and vowed that one day I would wear one!

When I saw it last night, in the display case at the community pool, I decided that I would 'reward' myself for swimming my greatest distance to date, by donning that swim cap for my 'victory lap'.

I was meant to swim 2300m (a lofty goal for me although I was not nervous - I actually believed I could do it, so long as I didn't waste any time - the swim session is 1:15 in length).

I arrived 45 minutes early, and sat down to watch the junior swim team at their practice... I love watching these kids - they amaze me! After watching flip turns on GO-Swim on my lunch hour, I was avidly watching these youngsters to see if they were doing what the woman on the the video was recommending... and trying to figure out if I could do that without getting water up my nose.

Somewhere between my spectator spot and the pool, I lost my earplugs (aargh!!! I have a tube in one ear - I can't swim without a plug) and wasted precious minutes retracing steps to find them again...

I jumped in and, vowing not to panic about finishing and end up thrashing my way through, I systematically followed my swim plan. This was the first time that 10 seconds actually felt like enough of a break after a drill... this was promising to be a good session ;)

The pool was quiet last night - only 4 of us at the busiest point in our double-wide lane - and it dwindled to 2 of us for the last 30 minutes. The sun came in through the windows and it felt glorious to be swimming in clear, cool water with the sun on my face.

I saw my 'pool buddy' Angela and found out that she is training for her first Ironman - IM Arizona in November 2010! Wow!! I am so excited for her! (This is the same girl that I vowed to beat in a 25m freestyle race SOMEDAY... I should mention that it's a friendly competition that exists only in MY mind) Oh darn - I wanted to talk to her about IM but... arrrgh - look at the time!!! Sorry - gotta swim!!!

Eric (hubby) was scheduled to come and meet me (I was certain I was going to swim 2300m and wanted to celebrate afterwards!) and he was there - waving from the upper deck as I just kept swimming...

Three bathroom breaks later... I knew that I was not going to reach that goal of 2300m... (Why does my bladder always seem to be roughly the size of an egg when I am in the pool???) there simply was not enough time left and the lifeguard was going to haul me out soon if I did not exit willingly... I could see the masters swim group gathering on deck for the next session. I kept my head down so as not to make eye contact with anyone and I sped up my stroke and squeaked out an extra 100m, thereby reaching a new swim distance of 2100m - my longest swim to date. Ha - I broke my 2000m record!

It was disappointing but since I did hit a new record distance, decided that 'half' a celebration was better than none, so I showered and changed and then donned the 'GOLDEN FIN AWARD' cap to meet Eric in the lobby before we went to dinner. I explained that each time I swim a greater distance than ever before, I will proudly wear my 'reward' cap. Sadly, I did not get to wear it in the pool...this time...

The staff at the leisure centre in Milton likely think I'm a nutjob and they are probably right... but life is short and meant to be ENJOYED!!

- just keep swimming
- glub

A Body in Motion...(Don't Stop! Don't STOP!!)

2010-04-13T11:59:00.001-04:00

I have just experienced a week from Hell. I spent 5 days flat on my back, alternating ice and heat, downing Advil or Excedrin, depending on the day, hoping and praying that the debilitating back spasms I was experiencing would STOP! so that I could get on with my BUILD CYCLE...

Imagine my surprise when, last Monday, 10 minutes before my athletes arrived for their yoga class, I bent down to about knee-level in order to put a bag of candy on a shelf and POW! I could not straighten up again...

Tears rolling down my face, I greeted the 'stiff' athletes who look to me to help them get limber and flexible...and thought... how I wish I were inflexible like you!!

It's interesting to note that when one is a yoga teacher and very flexible, others think that this means no such experiences as noted above... Unfortunately, my experience is just the opposite. I am what is known as a 'hypermobile' individual. All those years of practicing gymnastics and yoga from childhood onwards... yes, I'm limber... and yes, it's true, I don't really have to stretch out much the way other runners and athletes are encouraged to do by coaches and instructors (including myself!!)... it doesn't benefit me anyway...I'm already loose and limber... perpetually... problem is, when your ligaments are loose, there is really nothing holding you together.

I call it 'Broken Dolly Syndrome'. You remember Dolly, don't you? She was made of paper or cardboard, and her limbs and head were held to her torso by those grommet things that allowed you to move them around... and if they were too tight, she didn't move very well and if they were too loose, they spun around? Well, that's how I function around my core area... my stabilizing muscles don't fire when and how they are supposed to and I end up falling apart. (Note: this does not preclude me from doing deep yoga poses... or evoking envious glances from others who wish they could bend as easily as I... just don't ask me to try to run, bike or swim without screaming).

Last year I did not race and barely trained at all. I spent all of last summer with my physiotherapist, who taught me techniques and exercises for stabilizing my mid-section so that I don't look like I'm doing the Hula every time I walk, run, swim, etc... I thought all of my troubles were gone for good... sigh... wishful thinking... I had forgotten my main trigger...

I seem to be fairly typical in that my experience is very similar to that of other hypermobile individuals (my heart goes out to them)... but the (typical) athletes that I encounter have a much different view, as do my co-workers at the office. 'You're doing too much!'. 'You need to rest!!'. 'Maybe you are overtraining...?' 'You need to take some time OFF'. It all sounds sensible but the sad truth is that my biggest downfall and precursor to being immobilized by these flare ups is: INactivity! Yes, you heard me... what did I do to bring on this horrendous period of disability? Simple... I spent extra time in bed, resting, for about 3-4 days, in order to cure a respiratory bug... how frustrating is that?!!

The only way for me to stay mobile is... well... to keep MOVING. No marathon movie sessions on the couch, or lounging around in bed with the papers or curled up with a good book... if I expect this body to function optimally, I have to keep it in forward motion... (I think I feel tired just thinking about that...)

Well, I do have an interest in endurance sports... and they do tend to keep you moving for an extended amount of time... (especially when you are slow like me...). I guess should plan to be involved in endurance activities for a long time to come... (as I begin to ponder all of the wonderful adventures upon which I can embark in my future...half-marathons, marathons, cycling trips, IM... wow... the options are many...).

Here I am a week later and almost as good as new... ready to begin building upon my fitness again... my body seems happiest when running... I'd better give it what it wants...

First Race of the Season - Around the Bay - Hamilton, ON (15km)

2010-03-29T13:38:00.000-04:00

This was the first time that I ran any part of the Around the Bay (ATB) course. As mentioned previously, I was doing the first part of the relay with Eric. We each ran 15km. I got the first and flat part... (the 'easy' part...) he got the hills...the Grim Reaper... and the glory of running across the FINISH line...

I had FUN! I can honestly say that the first 12km flew by as I trundled along, casually glancing at my heart rate every now and then to make sure I was within my race plan for effort and also adhering very strictly to the nutrition plan I had set out for the event. This has never happened before! I wasn't hungry, or dehydrated, or weak or shaky... and had no headache during or afterwards! WOO HOO!!! Hmm... note to self: PLAN AHEAD (race plan and nutrition plan) - IT REALLY WORKS!

Not to mention, at NO point in my 15km run did any part of me feel 'broken' or in agonizing pain... my lungs did not threaten to explode... and I did not once utter my former mantra, 'This is stupid...this is stupid...'. Hmm... note to self: CONSISTENCY IN TRAINING PAYS OFF!

At one point somewhere between the 12km potty break and the finish of my 15km leg, I looked down, freaking out that I was 'late' to meet Eric at the exchange point and all because I 'had' to stop for a potty break... (I was positive it was past 2 hours at that point...) and saw 1:41 on my watch...I was actually EARLIER than I thought! Me? Run faster than I thought I could?? Oh yeah!! What a nice surprise!

The crowd support was really great! People came out onto their front porches (some still in bathrobes) with bells, clappers, pots and spoons (the little ones got into it too!), so I continued on, waving at children... singing along with my playlist...and oh joy of joys - there were dogs to hug and pet!

For once, I did not stop for EVERY single dog that I saw on course but I still managed to call out to them and only stop when I had to reign in my run pace a couple of times. The rest of the time, I managed to time my walk breaks perfectly so that I could cuddle the dogs of Hamilton :)

Following that, I waited for Eric to cross and then we went out for brunch. I think I ate everything in sight! There was nothing left of my 'snack bag' after the race and although I was positive I could not eat all of my omelette, hash browns and toast I managed to finish that too! LOL!

My final finish time (depending on source...) was likely somewhere between the GUN time: 1:53 (7:19/km pace) and GARMIN time: 1:48 (6:59/km pace). Either way, it was a solid effort, consistent and right on track. I could not be happier! This should set me up for a comfortable finish at the Mississauga Half Marathon on May 16th.

Next year I plan on training to finish the entire 30k distance of the race. I mean, how hard could it be, right??? (stop laughing... I know it will be HARD)...

Tonight, I will welcome new and returning yoga students to my Spring Session - Yoga for Athletes program - more than a couple of us ran yesterday - some did the entire 30k... I think we will enjoy a Long, Slow and Deep stretch tonight ;)

Race Season is Upon Us - Race #1: Around the Bay 15km Relay

2010-03-24T13:03:00.000-04:00

In 4 days' time I will be in Hamilton for the Around the Bay race - as the first man in the 2-man relay team "Tri Hards" -- Eric is doing the second part of the race... (he stepped up to help me when my original relay partner had to drop out). He is a fast runner. I am not. This should be interesting!

Last year I signed up for ATB and was really thinking I could train and be ready for it... I wasn't... I was completely sidelined by injuries... I sold my registration and bib...

This year - I am READY! Figuring 30km distance was going to be too big of a hurdle for my training, I opted to sign up for the 2-man relay. I was planning on doing the second half of the race (complete with HILLS, the Grim Reaper and the glory of running into Copps Colliseum to the sound of cheering voices... having only sat in the stands and watched the other runners until now, I was SO looking forward to that!

That was until a few weeks ago, when JJ pointed out that I have 'plenty of time to train hills' and said he'd rather I do the first part... oh, okay... I'm a bit bummed because according to the race site, I get to board a bus to the FINISH LINE (which I am not allowed to cross) while I wait for my partner to finish the race with all of the pomp and circumstance that goes along with the finish line... grrrr! So... I wonder, how do I get my medal? Does Eric get presented with an extra one that he can just hand off to me, 'Good job, Bear'...? Wow - how anti-climactic is that?!?

I know, I know... I'm a yogini! I'm not supposed to be competitive... sigh... okay, so I was psyched to run hills and meet the Grim Reaper that I keep hearing about... and run down the chute to the finish line... instead I think it will just feel like another 'long run' for me... as I board the bus and get dropped off to wait for Eric to cross... there's always next year...

Ah well, I comfortably ran the distance last weekend so I know I am prepared... and I'm still excited... though not as much... which means I have to focus more of that excitement on the anticipation of all of the fabulous DOGS I can meet, greet and cuddle on the course! I hope it's a nice day!!

Just Keep Swimming...

2010-03-17T12:57:00.000-04:00

Apparently all that time I've been spending in the pool really IS paying off! Last night I was scheduled to swim 1800m (which struck a bit of fear into my heart, worrying that I would be able to get it in during the 75 minute public swim) but instead, I surprised myself and swam 2000m!

To date, this is my greatest swim distance - I couldn't be happier! It's double what I was swimming at Christmas! Woo Hoo!!

Which of course, leads to the following questions in my mind:

- I wonder if I can swim 2500m by June 2010?
- I wonder how far I'll be able to swim by Christmas 2010?

However, the above questions are still being trumped by the biggie:
- I wonder if I'll be able to do this in OPEN water??!?

New Beginnings...

2010-03-16T12:49:00.000-04:00

Spring is a time for rebirth and all things new... to celebrate the onset of spring, I'm embarking on my new NUTRITION plan from my helpful nutritionist, Tara.

I can honestly say that the lengthy questionnaire I had filled out with symptoms, moods, etc... along with my food journal sheets... provided more detailed feedback than I had anticipated! In response to that plus our initial interview I was presented with a great Nutrition Plan just for me (including vitamins and supplements) plus a Daily Food Plan ! Nearly 14 pages in all... which would have been even more fun to read had my hard drive not crashed in the early A.M. and forced me to read all of this detailed documentation on the 2" screen of my Blackberry... LOL!

Some things never change... true to form, I looked at the caloric intake suggestions for various days (based on my activity levels) and was (!!)immediately taken aback by the HIGH number of calories I apparently need in order to fuel properly for my training! Wow!! My first question... 'I won't GAIN weight, will I?' was met with good humour... after having recently (in the past 6 months) lost 26 lbs. to get back to my former 'fighting weight' I'm now struggling with fluctuating numbers on the scale... welcome to OCD, people! It doesn't help that I'm only 4'11" tall... or that in my own distorted mind, I'm still 'pudgy'... if anyone has a cure for short legs... this would solve a lot of my body image problems .... ;)

I've already started adding E-Load to my pre-workout regime and GU Chomps for my long runs and to my delight (and amazement, to be honest) I'm noticing a HUGE difference in the quality of my training. Don't laugh, please... I mentioned at the beginning of this blog that I was really hoping to stick with whole foods and not 'engineered' sport aids... which was unrealistic and now that I know my body needs more SUGAR and SALT (and I keep reminding myself that SUGAR and SALT are not dirty words) I'm noticing improvements by leaps and bounds... who da thunkit?

Anyhow... moving forward, I vow to adopt the attitude that strength and power are more important than the numbers on my scale... if that also translates (as I suspect it will) to a greater amount of lean muscle mass then I will indeed be a happy camper... um... I mean... Triathlete ;)

The new list of vitamins and supplements ran up a bill equivalent to a week's worth of groceries -- I can hardly wait to see what these nutritional aids will do for me! Seriously... I'm not being sarcastic here... I really am excited to reap the predicted benefits of taking things to support my personal nutritional profile. It will be great to have more energy, boost my immune system (which is sorely lacking in stamina right now) and recover better following workout sessions.

And speaking of workout sessions... this week my coach, JJ, programmed in an 1800m swim session! This will be my BIGGEST swim ever! I can hardly wait to see how that plays out... I figure... even Aquaman had to start somewhere, right?

...Glub...

Spring? Is that YOU??!

2010-03-09T10:03:00.000-05:00

Oh joy oh joy! The sun is out in Toronto and the days are getting longer! Nothing is as sublime as seeing the sunrise over the lake on my way into the office each morning! The only thing missing on a morning like this, is my camera... although if I had packed it... I would have been very late for work this morning!

The furkids are loving the weather too... windows are open at home and their whiskers are twitching with the smell of spring in the air!

Running is beautiful this time of year... the sun glinting off the water... people out on bikes enjoying the day... and DOGS - everywhere! Nothing cheers me up the way meeting dogs on the run does! Whether it's a training run or a race, I always stop and introduce myself and give a few pats or strokes (sometimes a kiss...)

It will be a wonderful week for running and biking outside! I can hardly wait!

Recovery Week... A Time for (Active) Rest & Rejuvenation

2010-03-05T08:52:00.000-05:00

It sounds so NICE, doesn't it? 'Recovery Week'... ahh... or even better... 'Active Recovery Week'... brings to mind images of beaches, ocean waves crashing against the shore... salty spray... tanned, fit bodies running along the beach, swimming in the open water... or perhaps frolicking in the park with a dog... or many dogs...

BANG (the bubble bursts)

Back to reality... Toronto weather... not too bad but no nearby ocean... mind you, the sun is out longer each day and that makes me want to go outside and PLAY! I dream of riding my bike to work, along the lakeshore... nay - I even daydream of the day when I can RUN to work (25km - ha!) However, it's 'recovery week'... and on top of that I have an ear infection and no energy...so I can't... grrrrrr!

I know it's important to rest and heal the body... I know that... and yet... the child inside is screaming 'I'm BORED!!!!!!!' I have millions (perhaps trillions?) of endorphins inside of me screeching for blessed release... and they have nowhere to go... and instead have festered inside me into a ball of frustration.

I'm supposed to be on a recovery week and I couldn't even complete all of the (short and sweet) workouts I was given thanks to a respiratory infection that knocked me down flat after my long run last Saturday. Workouts that should have been 'easy' have felt incredibly hard to complete and .. consequently - once again, my mind focused on the 'lack' of accomplishment this week and the nasty little self-doubting tape replays itself... sigh... will I ever be free of that nagging little voice inside that can't seem to remember that I'm no longer the kid that no one would pick first for their team? I've got to squelch that little nag once and for all, one of these days. Maybe I'll name her and then give her a decent burial someday...

Activities I once would have gladly bailed on in favour of a good book now feel as though they would be my salvation! I feel ridiculous reading my words out loud but it's the truth. I've found myself in a cloud of anger several times this week because I was frustrated and sick and unable to do the things I wanted to do... and then I remembered to meditate...

Amidst all of the negative thoughts and emotions I've had this week, I'm reminded that I need to remember to be grateful for this moment. How many people in the world would love to have my 'problem' - boredom... instead of hunger, or poverty, or disease...? It's so easy to lose sight of the bigger picture, isn't it? In the big scheme of things, how much energy and time is wasted on such things as frustration, anger... boredom... in our lives when we have SO much for which to be grateful? I forget sometimes. I need to take that time for active rest and rejuvenation to remind myself... hey - guess I did accomplish something this week! :)

I'm Getting Fitter... Woo Hoo!

2010-02-23T09:47:00.000-05:00

Well, I just completed a VO2 retest on my running. This time I did something differently and instead of doing both sports (bike and run) at the same time, I split them up with the hopes that if I approached each test individually, on separate days, my effort level might be higher for each sport. In addition to that, I had an updated resting metabolic rate test (RMR) performed so that I can send those results to Tara (my nutritionist) for my upcoming food plan.

My resting HR is 56 bpm which is about what I thought... and my HR zones have changed up somewhat... interesting that whether I'm in Z2 or Z3, I'm still burning quite a bit of fat (yeah!!!)

My metabolic rate was the most surprising of all... My RMR has increased by (are you ready for this?) 600 calories per day!! Holy cow! No wonder I've been feeling hungry!! LOL! The weird thing about my body is that at rest, I don't burn any fat calories. How annoying! In 2 years of being tested, I have had 1 test where I was burning fat calories at rest but now I'm thinking that was likely the 'blip' and that the 0 fat cals. burned at rest is my natural state... more incentive to keep moving, I say!! I'm still burning quite steadily during activity and my metabolism has obviously sped up quite a bit since my last RMR test in December 2009... guess I'd better count my blessings ;)

I admit that it was quite gratifying to be able to run at a faster pace for my test this time around... I got up to 7.5 mph (that's fast for me!). I wonder if I can get fit enough for 8.0 mph in 3 months' time or maybe... 8.5 mph? That would be pretty cool ;) Something to look forward to...

Now we are at the start of another new training week and I'm entering Block 6 of my training schedule... at first glance, my workouts look brutal... it will be interesting to see how it plays out this week! Wish me luck!! :)

With Thanks - and Recommendations ...

2010-02-16T12:18:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day came and went and while I consider it to be more of a Hallmark holiday and don't celebrate it per se, it made me think of love and gratitude for those in my life.

We all know people who provide support throughout our athletic (and LIFE) journeys... I wanted to share a few of mine and express my gratitude for each... (you can find links in the LINKS section)

MY COACH:

JJ Neely (Milton, ON) -- without him, I would have little to no direction in my training schedule and would not be accomplishing half of what I'm doing right now!
Getting a coach was the best thing I could have done for myself!
The ongoing support and direction is invaluable to me -- Thanks, JJ!!

MY BIKE SPECIALIST:

Ian MacLean (Milton, ON) - IMFIT and Younique Cycles
Thanks to Ian, a Guru dealer, I enjoy a wonderful ride and comfortable fit on my (teeny weeny) custom Guru road bike and soon... my custom (teeny weeny) Guru TT bike
In addition to building me my awesome ride, Ian does all of my VO2 testing as well - and has state of the art equipment for same - I see him every 4-6 months for repeat VO2 tests for bike and run and take that information away with me so that I can train based on my heart rate (HR) - this has transformed my training and helped me to reach new heights of fitness - Thanks, Ian!!

MY PHYSIOTHERAPIST:

What can I say? Without a great physiotherapist in my corner, I'd be a mess! LOL!
I'm so grateful to the therapists and staff at Kings Cross Physiotherapy in Brampton, ON for keeping me 'upright and smiling' throughout my athletic endeavours - Thanks, Steve!!

MY NUTRIONIST:

Tara Postnikoff (HEAL Nutrition) and I have just started our journey together towards a healthier, well-nourished for sports training and racing SUE
I'm a vegetarian (lacto-ovo) and was really hoping to do this whole training thing on whole foods but within 4 months of beginning this journey, I'm realizing that it is extremely hard - so now I have to learn more about sports aids and how and when they are most effective for my needs
I'm excited to have someone in my corner who can really help me to understand my nutritional needs for my new lifestyle and adopt best practices for me
I look forward to less bonking and more energy for my workouts and events! Thanks, Tara!!

MASSAGE:

Who doesn't need a good massage during their athletic life?
I'm grateful to Peter Volkes and Angela Nardella at Optimal Health and Performance in Brampton, ON, for helping me with the things that I just can't do for myself and for giving me license to RELAX and let someone else take over... Thanks Peter and Angela!!

TRIATHLON CLUB(S):

FMCT (Fletcher's Meadow Cross Trainers) - Brampton, ON

I have made many friends in the club and cherish those friendships
if I had not joined this group I would have missed out on many great experiences!
we have a lot of fun together and enjoy training and playing together!
group spin classes; coached swims; group runs, rides... FMCT has it all
road trips and group socials are a big part of this fun group!

Mississauga Triathlon Club - Mississauga, ON

if it were not for this group, I would not be swimming now... I owe them a HUGE 'thank you' for welcoming me to their swim program when I had just taken learn to swim lessons and was incapable of swimming a decent 25m of ANY stroke (other masters' swim programs turned me down!)
whether you have been swimming your whole life or are just starting out (as I was) this group will welcome you and provide you with top-notch coaching - there is truly something for everyone!
great people who enjoy the lifestyle and training as well as the social aspects :)
coached swimming, coached spin classes and more...

MY HUSBAND - ERIC:

I can't leave him out - he's my biggest supporter through all of this and has been since we met 4 years ago!
Eric's belief in my athletic abilities far outweigh my own but I'm starting to really enjoy my personal sports accomplishments and am glad I have him on my side and we can motivate each other (Eric is doing his first IM at Lake Placid in July 2010)
Thank you for not laughing out loud when, 4 years ago, (terrified) I was incapable of swimming even 5 meters in a lake without sputtering and panicking
Thank you for embracing the fact that your wife will likely always scream "WHEE!" on her way down a big hill and you will hear her laughing in the distance
Thank you for understanding that a faster course time is less important to me than petting and loving all of the dogs along the course!
Thank you for encouraging me to keep trying and for loving me enough to let me spread my wings and fly!
Thank you for being you xoxo

Progress is being made... week by week :)

2010-02-09T08:43:00.000-05:00

Sometimes it's hard to recognize your successes and it can be so easy to begin replaying those old tapes in your head...you know the ones I mean... the out-of-date, meaningless messages of inadequacy and lack of self-confidence tapes...

This past week was challenging from the perspective of health issues (nothing major - more just niggling, annoying things that kept me from doing the things I wanted to do) and the resultant mental noise (chaos) that stemmed from that.

I found myself questioning my abilities and wondering if I was able to continue the progression I'd been seeing thus far or if I'd hit my limits with how far I could go with my training.

On Sunday, I was actually disappointed that I 'only' swam 1500m. I'd been hoping for more. My husband (Eric) just laughed!

So, in an attempt to quiet the demons in my own mind, I looked back over the workouts I had completed from the time I started with my coach (JJ) in October 2009...

Time for a REALITY CHECK:

In October, I was swimming 700m on my Tues night 'long' swims... and running 2:1's
At Christmas I was running 9:1's... long swim was 900m....
By New Year's Day I was swimming 1200m
On my birthday - January 26th - I swam my first 1500m and then within a week, hit 1650m at the pool on Sunday...
I'm now able to run 30 mins steady and my long runs have increased to about 90 minutes in length while I train for the Around the Bay (2-man relay) on Sunday March 30th.

WOW - when I look back, I guess I am accomplishing a lot!! I really hope I can stay positive and recognize and celebrate my successes without worrying about the 'wanting more'... it will come... when the time is right. Yoga has taught me that much! :) Keep moving forward... or, in the words of Dory (Finding Nemo) "Just keep swimming..."

Proof that life can get better after 40...

2010-01-26T09:48:00.000-05:00

Proof that life really can get better after 40:

I got engaged to Eric... then married him!
I took up running and met great new friends at the Running Room
I completed 2 half-marathons
I learned to swim
I swam in the pool, the lake and the ocean - and didn't drown :)
I surfed in Costa Rica (I had wanted to do that since I was 5 years old!)
I swam with the green turtles in Mexico
I got my first road bike and learned to ride clipless
I joined a triathlon club and made new friends
I joined a second club - and made even more new friends
I started yoga training with Shiva Rea and met some fabulous new yogini friends at Kripalu
I learned to laugh at myself in a wetsuit
I did a couple of small triathlons (and survived the swim leg!)
I came in dead last in an Olympic distance duathlon – and survived to laugh about it!
I upgraded my Trek road bike to my custom Guru
I took up photography as a serious hobby
I reconnected with my old classmates via Facebook and at our high school reunion and it was wonderful
I got a triathlon coach
I signed up for a half-iron distance race: Timberman 2010
I’m currently training for same... and each week I surprise the heck out of myself with my abilities (who knew??)
I got accepted into the Sugoi Brand Champions program
I started volunteering with the kids’ triathlon program and felt my heart open to these amazing young people (ages 7-13) who are doing all of the things that it took me 40 years to start doing...

All this in 4 years...??

On this day, my 44th birthday (!) I am completely blessed with great friends and family and looking forward to see what the rest of my Fabulous Forties have in store!!

The journey continues... how exciting!!

Welcome to My Adventures in Triathlon...

2010-01-09T11:53:00.001-05:00

I am Sue. Sometimes known as 'Bear' (as in 'Yogi/Yogini Bear') and I blog under the name of Tribear. It's a play on words to be sure since I aspire to be a triathlete but also, I just keep on trying... to do my personal best in all that I do... Welcome to my adventures in the world of triathlon!

I've never considered myself a natural 'athlete'. Growing up as an only child, I did not play sports and did not swim or go to camp where I might have been exposed to those activities. Instead, I practised gymnastics (mostly after being enthralled watching the Olympics on TV) and yoga (thanks to seeing Richard Hittleman's yoga show on TV when I was 4 years old). Those activities seemed to come naturally to me, whereas team sports, swimming, running or anything involving a 'race' did not.

Just before my 18th birthday, I joined Gold's Gym and became immersed in the world of bodybuilding. My life revolved around the gym, my workouts, my weight, the aesthetics of my body... by the time I was about 33, I was pretty tired of the whole thing... I mean, how many hours a day can a girl obsess about her weight, the foods she puts in her body, how big her biceps are... the inside me was crying out to be heard over the din of the outside distractions in which I was so involved... I stopped looking at my outer self in the mirror and began looking inwards with a more dedicated yoga practice.

I met my husband just before my 40th birthday. By that point, I was spending many hours a week in a studio, teaching yoga and pilates and group fitness classes - BodyPump, BodyStep, BodyFlow, Aquafit... he liked to be outside - running or biking... Hmm... not relishing the thought of an existence on the sidelines, cheering on my spouse while he competed in events... I decided to finally learn how to swim, take up running and buy a road bike. How hard could it be, right??

Obviously, it was and IS much harder than I thought it would be! LOL!

My 40-year old body was used to weight training for body building aesthetics and studio aerobics - not sports that required linear forward motion like running! I persevered through 3 learn to run clinics at the Running Room before I was able to actually run 5km. By this time, the other girls I had started running with at the beginning, were training for a half-marathon distance... oh well.. I kept at it and eventually ran my very first half-marathon in 2007. I don't think I have ever smiled so wide in my life as when I crossed that finish line, upright and smiling! It was well worth the runs on the cold winter nights and getting lost on my long runs and getting laughed at because I ALWAYS stop to pet EVERY dog that I see when out on a training run - or in a race!

Learning to swim at age 40 has also presented many challenges for me - most of which are mental. I nearly drowned twice when I was child and those memories unfortunately stayed with me... I can still remember 2 years ago I would panic at the 22m mark in the 25m pool... because at that point, I was sure I could not make it to the wall... it seems so laughable now but at the time it was a huge hurdle to be conquered!

I've been swimming for 4 years now (yes, I'm 44) and this week I finally was able to swim 100m repeats (told you it was a slow learning curve...) and was just thrilled to bits to be able to tell my coach that I DID IT and completed an endurance swim of 1000m without freaking out. Of course, he already believed that I could do it... but I was not so sure of my abilities.

I love riding my bike! I adore long rides through the countryside, looking at the farms and enjoying nature. I am scared of heights and scared of going fast downhill and although I still tend to say a quick prayer for safety at the crest of a hill and still let out a loud 'Whoo!!' on the way down... there is NOTHING like feeling the wind rushing past my face as I laugh and enjoy the ride! It's completely aligned with my yoga practice - to go with the flow of life... not fight against it!

For me, my own greatest personal yogic lessons come from participation in sport. This is where I encounter the most negative self-talk, the most lack of self-confidence in my abilities and where I am learning day by day that if I keep on trying and push those out-of-date self-imposed boundaries of mine... there is NOTHING that I can't do!

For some, revelation and self-discovery comes on the mat...for me, it comes when I'm swimming, riding or running.

I just signed up for my very first Ironman 70.3 event - Timberman - and this coming year promises to be full of adventure and self-discovery! I'm so excited!!