I’ve completed 4 of my 5 races, raising 40% of my $5,000 for the National MS Society and AARP says I turned 50. I’m doing my part but I could use a little help with some fundraising…..please please please… https://secure.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/CASBikeEvents?px=4472818&pg=personal&fr_id=29976
I am nearly 2 months away from my first Half Ironman (nervously bites nails) and in the heart of my training, which is six days a week. I’ve seen the sunrise everyday for several months and can’t sleep in even if I try! The good news is I’m getting stronger, faster and more confident everyday….and I’ve got to see the sunrise daily for several months! I actually like to be up early but on the flip side I can’t stay up late to save my life…
Some days I get the pool all to myself! Lap swimming is where you put in the time, work on your technique and swim until you are a little stir crazy. However, it can be quit relaxing and nice to be cool instead of sweat running into my eyes. It is a more comfortable environment than open water swimming (OWS) which makes it ideal for the majority of my training. There is a lake near by that I get my OWS in every couple of weeks, there really is no comparison to the OWS experience and it doesn’t freak me out like it does some people.
Trainer ride streaming movies
The past four weeks my training schedule got a little more intense and is getting even more intense from here on out. My long rides are getting longer and I’ve been tweaking my bike fit. I have a road bike (I don’t have a TRI bike) that I attempted to fit aerobars on unsuccessfully. That was a painful process and multiple trips the bike shop to have Al the bike fit guy tweak things. I made the executive decision to scrap the aerobars and have everything put back the way it was. After that my first ride out the gate was heaven compared to the misery I endured trying to make those bars work. I had been able to stay close to home and ride the trainer for some of my rides. Luke would keep me company and I could stream movies to make the experience tolerable. I do much prefer to have the wind in my face riding out on the road.
I have some wonderful people in my life helping me through this process.
- My husband Dave, who is wonderful, supportive and my biggest fan. I know I’m a lucky girl and can’t say enough about how wonderful Dave is (yes, I said it again….because he is).
- My coach Kandi who always has my back. She knows exactly what to say to settle my nerves, give me a push at just the right time and respects my goal of finishing within regulation and a smile on my face!
- Besides my dog Luke, my running partner Gail and I have pounded more miles together than just about any other person I’ve ran with…ever. When I embarked on my #5500050 year her comment to me was “What races are you doing because what you train for I train for!” I should also mention Gail isn’t doing any of these races but is willing to run the pace and distance that my training plan calls for and is willing to train during the time when I need to. If I needed elevation training Gail trekked it up the mountain at O’dark thirty to run at elevation with me! I couldn’t ask for a better person in my life than Gail.
I also want to give a shout out to my best friend from high school Jen who unknowingly gave me some inspiration recently. Jen did a little trek of her own hiking portions of the Pacific Crest Trail & John Muir Trail for the better part of 4 weeks, clearly challenging and rewarding. One day last week while out on my training run and not feeling very inspired I received a text from her that read “Up and over Forester today. Got caught in a big storm yesterday. Wish me luck! Love you guys!” That was the exact moment I needed a kick in the pants to complete my workout. Two days later Jen was summiting Mt Whitney! I’m so proud of her, I can’t wait to hear more about her trip.
In addition so many have shared words of encouragement and supported my fundraising journey. I am appreciative of all the love and I’ve enjoyed sharing my story with so many that will listen. My fundraising is coming along and as I mentioned I am currently 40% of my $5,000 goal. If you’d like to help out, I’d be so grateful. Here is the link to my Bike MS fundraising page. https://secure.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/CASBikeEvents?px=4472818&pg=personal&fr_id=29976
I’ll continue to train and check in soon. Take care all!
Purple Runner Girl 