So life has got in the way of my updates unfortunately :( And lots to be documented in the coming days to recap and plan. Today I am amazed by all I have consumed. And I am still eating. Here's what it has looked like:
Plain Bagel with Nutella (out of PB this am)
2 packs Clif Shot Blocks
Honey Stinger Waffle
Snickers
2 bottles Donkey Piss (aka Ironman Perform)
Apple-Watermelon Vitamin Water
Smart Water
Numerous bottles of H2O
Banana
Watermelon/Grapes
Kettle Cooked Salt & Vinegar chips
Recovery Drink
Chocolate Milk
2 Cheeseburgers with Fixings & handfuls of Pirate's Booty
Handfuls of Multi-Grain Cheerios
2 bowls of Pasta with Spinach
PB being eaten now
And it's time for bed so I guess that will make me stop eating?
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Grateful for the Added Inspiration
I have some really great friends! I can't express how much the little comments, emails, texts and surprises have really helped me throughout the IM journey. Sometimes on a tough day, a little happy thought makes all the world of difference.
Yesterday I received a great gift - purple handle bar tape to give some flare to my bike! Ruth saw I asked Roomie about her pink tape because I was thinking of purple, and just got this for me out of the goodness of her heart. Lucky to have her support, and whenever I look down I will think of her and draw strength on July 22 from knowing that :) Inspiration again - so giving and it means so much to me. So excited to cheer her on as she embraces triathlon herself now!
My friend Liane made me an awesome IM basket. She put together fun stuff I use/need in training from gels to samples to a headband and a book. It was such a surprise and so thoughtful. She rocks, and is undertaking her own huge challenge of biking across the US for MS, another cause very close to my heart. On days my legs hurt, I think of her and how she gets only 5 days off in 2 months. That's inspiration. She will be an Ironman next year too, and I can't wait for her to accomplish this ride and that race!
The Art of War was a Christmas present I'm just now reading. This was the book Chrissie Wellington read before her first IM. She is a triathlon icon, and said it helped her prepare for the challenge. As I write this, I'm watching the 2011 World Championships and Chrissie, and of course welling up with tears at the stories and awe that is the Ironman. Thanks to Erica for giving me that extra inspiration :) I purposefully waited to read it until closer to race day, and it includes a lot of good lessons and mantras. Just getting started so lots to take in. Erica has been one of my biggest supporters since we became friends, and I'm lucky to have such an awesome cheerleader to have fun with! So happy to have her in Placid with me for this whole experience, couldn't imagine it any other way.
And that is just some of the great gifts I've received - from bike sensors for my GPS and many other things from Doreen, a Spinervals DVD from Roomie/Jen, a gift certificate for turning my BIB# into coasters from Tara, and so many other goodies/gear from my family and sister.
Not to mention the amazing people who are actually making the trek to Placid with me - much more on them later ;) But it is amazing to have my family, Mike, Erica, Amanda, and Amy and Joe there.
So today I'm feeling much gratitude for the spectacular people I have supporting me - who have supported me from the day of registration last July and the start of official training in Dec. Thanks for it all, you guys rock my world, and I love you long time!
Yesterday I received a great gift - purple handle bar tape to give some flare to my bike! Ruth saw I asked Roomie about her pink tape because I was thinking of purple, and just got this for me out of the goodness of her heart. Lucky to have her support, and whenever I look down I will think of her and draw strength on July 22 from knowing that :) Inspiration again - so giving and it means so much to me. So excited to cheer her on as she embraces triathlon herself now!
My friend Liane made me an awesome IM basket. She put together fun stuff I use/need in training from gels to samples to a headband and a book. It was such a surprise and so thoughtful. She rocks, and is undertaking her own huge challenge of biking across the US for MS, another cause very close to my heart. On days my legs hurt, I think of her and how she gets only 5 days off in 2 months. That's inspiration. She will be an Ironman next year too, and I can't wait for her to accomplish this ride and that race!
The Art of War was a Christmas present I'm just now reading. This was the book Chrissie Wellington read before her first IM. She is a triathlon icon, and said it helped her prepare for the challenge. As I write this, I'm watching the 2011 World Championships and Chrissie, and of course welling up with tears at the stories and awe that is the Ironman. Thanks to Erica for giving me that extra inspiration :) I purposefully waited to read it until closer to race day, and it includes a lot of good lessons and mantras. Just getting started so lots to take in. Erica has been one of my biggest supporters since we became friends, and I'm lucky to have such an awesome cheerleader to have fun with! So happy to have her in Placid with me for this whole experience, couldn't imagine it any other way.
And that is just some of the great gifts I've received - from bike sensors for my GPS and many other things from Doreen, a Spinervals DVD from Roomie/Jen, a gift certificate for turning my BIB# into coasters from Tara, and so many other goodies/gear from my family and sister.
Not to mention the amazing people who are actually making the trek to Placid with me - much more on them later ;) But it is amazing to have my family, Mike, Erica, Amanda, and Amy and Joe there.
So today I'm feeling much gratitude for the spectacular people I have supporting me - who have supported me from the day of registration last July and the start of official training in Dec. Thanks for it all, you guys rock my world, and I love you long time!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
I get by with a little help from friends.
No joke, this was the most challenging mental day I've had in awhile, perhaps all of training. I literally thought I was going to throw up. That's twice this weekend, haven't really had this feeling until this weekend. And I felt that way for a good few miles. It was hot, real hot - 90-94 hott. It was sunny, limited shade on the second half of the ride. I was exhausted, so fatigued. My legs felt ok, not too painful or sore. But my body was beat. My legs were done about 10 miles to go. My butt...well it hurt all day and I am chaffed in places that are no fun. And now 3 ice baths in a week, not too shabby.
I almost started to cry at one point, which sounds so silly. I wanted to give up with 40 miles to go. But I kept pedaling, kept telling myself other people are fighting cancer and horrible diseases. That this will be over soon. That this is what distiguishes you as a future Ironman.
Had fabulous company, thank goodness. I needed it bad today. Training partner of course Doreen, and Dave an excellent cyclist and TNT friend. On many hills, he preached "every hill has a rhythm, every hill has a pace, now TAKE IT!" His enthusiam was not completely contagious unfortunately, but was definitely inspiring and motivational at times I needed it. "Relax your upper body, the power comes from your legs." "Increase your cadence, downshift, use your aerobars." "You missed the turn!" And then there is always the way too personal talks of where you are in pain/chaffed/showing of body parts. You definitely lose inhibitions in triathlon training. The little mantras are helpful, more than you think, and important to remember from here on out to race day. I'm thankful for having heard them, for having a coach today. I always love riding with so many of my cycling friends. I love learning. I am lucky to have them, and they make it so much more enjoyable.
While I was struggling, my partner had a fabulous day and was thrilled her first century was a great one. We even saw a fellow Placid friend for a few miles, it is nice to commiserate with others going through the same struggles.
So at mile 60 on the verge of tears, I made a choice. Dave told me when I thought I was going to ralph that persevering through the heat and pain and continuing on is what makes you an Ironman. It's how you survive the 17 grueling hours. It's what makes you standout as a person, and challenges you to be strong in ways you didn't think you could. To push your body to it's limits.
This was by far the most challenging training weekend I've done. And I feel pretty damn accomplished. 18 miles and 100 miles. Both alone I consider admirable and amazing for anyone. And that takes nothing away from any shorter distances, all of which are respectable. I always try to respect any training and race, all can be challenging to different people.
I am exhausted, and just need to keep this up a little longer. While this may have been the first time I felt intimidated by making the bike cutoff for Placid, everyone is right that I was on tired legs and will have a nice taper to prepare for race day.
In the words of my friend giving advice for the big day, race your own race and pace yourself. I sound like a broken record, but trust the plan. And don't forget to smile and enjoy it because that is why I do this stuff. For the love of the game.
And the great friendships and challenges that come with the territory. Now, time for sleep and some recovery!
I almost started to cry at one point, which sounds so silly. I wanted to give up with 40 miles to go. But I kept pedaling, kept telling myself other people are fighting cancer and horrible diseases. That this will be over soon. That this is what distiguishes you as a future Ironman.
Had fabulous company, thank goodness. I needed it bad today. Training partner of course Doreen, and Dave an excellent cyclist and TNT friend. On many hills, he preached "every hill has a rhythm, every hill has a pace, now TAKE IT!" His enthusiam was not completely contagious unfortunately, but was definitely inspiring and motivational at times I needed it. "Relax your upper body, the power comes from your legs." "Increase your cadence, downshift, use your aerobars." "You missed the turn!" And then there is always the way too personal talks of where you are in pain/chaffed/showing of body parts. You definitely lose inhibitions in triathlon training. The little mantras are helpful, more than you think, and important to remember from here on out to race day. I'm thankful for having heard them, for having a coach today. I always love riding with so many of my cycling friends. I love learning. I am lucky to have them, and they make it so much more enjoyable.
While I was struggling, my partner had a fabulous day and was thrilled her first century was a great one. We even saw a fellow Placid friend for a few miles, it is nice to commiserate with others going through the same struggles.
So at mile 60 on the verge of tears, I made a choice. Dave told me when I thought I was going to ralph that persevering through the heat and pain and continuing on is what makes you an Ironman. It's how you survive the 17 grueling hours. It's what makes you standout as a person, and challenges you to be strong in ways you didn't think you could. To push your body to it's limits.
This was by far the most challenging training weekend I've done. And I feel pretty damn accomplished. 18 miles and 100 miles. Both alone I consider admirable and amazing for anyone. And that takes nothing away from any shorter distances, all of which are respectable. I always try to respect any training and race, all can be challenging to different people.
I am exhausted, and just need to keep this up a little longer. While this may have been the first time I felt intimidated by making the bike cutoff for Placid, everyone is right that I was on tired legs and will have a nice taper to prepare for race day.
In the words of my friend giving advice for the big day, race your own race and pace yourself. I sound like a broken record, but trust the plan. And don't forget to smile and enjoy it because that is why I do this stuff. For the love of the game.
And the great friendships and challenges that come with the territory. Now, time for sleep and some recovery!
Saturday, June 9, 2012
One Week, Two 18 Milers and 2 Ice Baths
As I sat home on a Friday night, cleaning and mentally preparing my my run today I thought who else might be in too. I thought of some friends, of course my training partner in crime and other buddies I ride/race with. I thought of my crazy friend biking across the US, wondering where she was sleeping that night :) These athletes are all amazing, and I continue to be inspired by them and am truly blessed to have them in my life as friends now.
I read some of The Art of War. Chrissie Wellington read this before her first IM so naturally it seems logical to do the same :) This was in the intro and I had to crack a smile:
How fitting and I know everyone will enjoy that. I love being Asian (as do so many of my friends love that I am haha).
Had another shocking good run, my second 18 miler just 6 days after the first!!! This is a huge personal accomplishment for me - as my longest run prior to this training was 14-15. As my coach told me, no need to run a marathon during training unless you want. And I didn't. I wanted the first marathon I ran to be at the end of my first Ironman! Call me crazy, but that is the truth. Was tired during at the end of course, but refueled twice and tried to drink and eat enough. Felt nauseous as I started my final 4.5, that wasn't pleasant but subsided in 2 miles. Saw some familiar faces along the way, always helps give a boost. Finished on a high note, and feel good about it.
Best part was as I neared Manayunk and saw all these kids biking and telling me "on your left" (not doing this fuels my riding rage). Then I see adults coaching them and the kiddies running. I run to catch up to this one little girl (let it be noted she was ahead of me but I was running significantly slower since this was only mike 10 and I was conserving energy!). I ask what she's training for and she tells me a youth triathlon. They were so stinking cute, and made my turnaround there extra fun.
The only bad thing was the need for a bathroom break 6 in so my first pit stop was a little longer than I wanted it to be. My stomach failed me again. Rats. Playing with what I can eat before a long run has been frustrating, but now i know to KISS - keep it simple, stupid. Eat white and it's alright. No wheat, no raw veggies, no spice, limited fiber and protein. Bland. Fun. I envy people with steal stomachs, those were the days.
Mental prep for a training run, something that probably doesn't make much sense to many I understand. But it's necessary for me, to keep nerves down and build confidence during these last few tough (most challenging) training weeks. I rolled out my legs and convinced boo boo to rub my left hammy that I somehow pulled this week on a ride. Excuse to grab some ass? ;) Seriously, it is pretty awesome that we both know about the body and muscles for this kind of crap. It is also nice to have company these weekend nights I feel a little lame with bedtimes of 10-11 and having 1 drink. Prank texting other friends we know are drunk has been amusing though.
Tomorrow is another big day, a century. 100 miles. Not my first, but certainly much hillier than MS and a lot different on tired legs from today. But it is an organized ride, French Creek Iron Tour, and I get to be with friends. So we'll take the pace as needed, enjoy the scenery, and hope that my butt and groin hold up as this saddle is not feeling so hot. Had no time to switch/replace it either this week, unfortunately, time to suck it up.
The end is in sight, just need to stay the course. Follow the training plan, and start making the race day plans. Trust the work. Keep trusting your coach, he does know what is best. These are my mantras.
This is the stuff champions are made of, right? :)
I read some of The Art of War. Chrissie Wellington read this before her first IM so naturally it seems logical to do the same :) This was in the intro and I had to crack a smile:
 |
| "The Art of War is quintessentially Chinese: wise beyond its pages, cryptic, simple, wonderfully profound - and at its root, pacific. |
Had another shocking good run, my second 18 miler just 6 days after the first!!! This is a huge personal accomplishment for me - as my longest run prior to this training was 14-15. As my coach told me, no need to run a marathon during training unless you want. And I didn't. I wanted the first marathon I ran to be at the end of my first Ironman! Call me crazy, but that is the truth. Was tired during at the end of course, but refueled twice and tried to drink and eat enough. Felt nauseous as I started my final 4.5, that wasn't pleasant but subsided in 2 miles. Saw some familiar faces along the way, always helps give a boost. Finished on a high note, and feel good about it.
Best part was as I neared Manayunk and saw all these kids biking and telling me "on your left" (not doing this fuels my riding rage). Then I see adults coaching them and the kiddies running. I run to catch up to this one little girl (let it be noted she was ahead of me but I was running significantly slower since this was only mike 10 and I was conserving energy!). I ask what she's training for and she tells me a youth triathlon. They were so stinking cute, and made my turnaround there extra fun.
The only bad thing was the need for a bathroom break 6 in so my first pit stop was a little longer than I wanted it to be. My stomach failed me again. Rats. Playing with what I can eat before a long run has been frustrating, but now i know to KISS - keep it simple, stupid. Eat white and it's alright. No wheat, no raw veggies, no spice, limited fiber and protein. Bland. Fun. I envy people with steal stomachs, those were the days.
Mental prep for a training run, something that probably doesn't make much sense to many I understand. But it's necessary for me, to keep nerves down and build confidence during these last few tough (most challenging) training weeks. I rolled out my legs and convinced boo boo to rub my left hammy that I somehow pulled this week on a ride. Excuse to grab some ass? ;) Seriously, it is pretty awesome that we both know about the body and muscles for this kind of crap. It is also nice to have company these weekend nights I feel a little lame with bedtimes of 10-11 and having 1 drink. Prank texting other friends we know are drunk has been amusing though.
Tomorrow is another big day, a century. 100 miles. Not my first, but certainly much hillier than MS and a lot different on tired legs from today. But it is an organized ride, French Creek Iron Tour, and I get to be with friends. So we'll take the pace as needed, enjoy the scenery, and hope that my butt and groin hold up as this saddle is not feeling so hot. Had no time to switch/replace it either this week, unfortunately, time to suck it up.
The end is in sight, just need to stay the course. Follow the training plan, and start making the race day plans. Trust the work. Keep trusting your coach, he does know what is best. These are my mantras.
This is the stuff champions are made of, right? :)
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Dedicated to the weekend work
My weekend was a good solid training weekend. And I was pooped out from it. My leggies are still a bit sore, but it's a good sore and I'm proud of the hard work I put in!
Now, I may seem pretty boring these days because training is what I eat, live, breathe, and sleep seemingly. But it's pretty amazing to me what I keep pushing myself to do. The most exciting part of my Sunday was a classic ice bath thanks to Mike.
Saturday was an Open Water Swim Clinic run by TWiley Sports (my coach). Swam 1.5 miles, opted to not shoot for the full 2. Luckily, there are 2 more and I plan to build to 2 on June 16th and 2.5 on July 7. For open water, 1.5 was my longest so I was pretty proud of myself. My shoulder was sore early last week from the crash, and thank goodness it felt pretty good on Sat. The first open water swim for me each season is a little stressful, mostly because swimming isn't my strongest and open water is challenging. But went pretty well so that's good. Definitely will not be a fast swim, but that's ok and expected. As long as I can finish in 1:30ish! I feel like my swim is getting slower and slower, but my Ironmen friends tell me that's normal and just wait until the taper...hopefully that is the case.
The bike was another adventure. I had the brilliant idea to bike up at Nockamixon which equalled 4 loops around the lake. Four was too many for me. Just got boring, and it is not exactly an easy loop. And in the middle of the second loop, I of course got a flat tire. And it was the rear. After successfully getting the tire off and changing the tube, the trouble started when we inflated my tire with CO2 and couldn't get it back on the bike. Finally did, and the wheel was not sitting on the skewer correctly. After waiving off a few cyclists, this nice man stopped and helped. I was the one who discovered the problem on the spring being in the way of the fork of my bike. Thank goodness my partner was kind enough to share her second CO2 we ended up needing. Just broke up the momentum, and took 40 minutes with our delays. Good practice, but now the plan is practice in faster time (by the pool). The bike ended up being a solid 74, and we felt good when it was done. A loooong day, and we didn't get home until after 6. But I was in good company and it was a good day :)
My run was surprisenly good! I was nervous about my first 18 miler ever. Especially on little recovery from Sat. Thankfully the Meatball helped me roll my legs out Sat night, and I tried eat well. Got a late start because I fell asleep after eating my normal PB bagel. Apparently I didn't get enough recovery sleep. Set out to to 3 separate 4-6 mile loops by my apt, with home being a checkpoint to refill fluids. Tried to minimize the time spent there. A loop around town, and the other 2 on the trail. Luckily had company for a couple miles at the end of the second loop that helped passed the time. A nice ice bath helped speed up recovery. Was very proud of myself for getting through it on my own.
Since I haven't posted my schedule in a bit:
Week of 5/28-6/3
Monday 5/28: 2 hr easy bike
Tuesday 5/29: 1200 swim (optional swim) & 45 min run (was a tempo workout, but didn't do after the crash)
Wednesday 5/30: 1:15 aerobic bike
Thursday 5/31: 2500 swim & 60 min run
Friday 6/1: OFF
Saturday 6/2: open water swim 1.5 mi & 75 mile bike
Sunday 6/3: 18 mile run
Week of 6/4-6/10
Monday 5/28: 1:10 bike
Tuesday 5/29: 45 min run & 2500 swim
Wednesday 5/30: 1:10 run w/ tempo
Thursday 5/31: 2500 swim & 75 min ride
Friday 6/1: OFF
Saturday 6/2: 18 mile run
Sunday 6/3: French Creek Iron Tour - 100 mile bike
My weekends are comprised of looooong workouts, and preparing/recovering from them. But it's all for the greater good of IM and what is ahead in the next 7 weeks and counting. On the verge of greatness and doing something so incredible for myself I can barely put it into words!
Now, I may seem pretty boring these days because training is what I eat, live, breathe, and sleep seemingly. But it's pretty amazing to me what I keep pushing myself to do. The most exciting part of my Sunday was a classic ice bath thanks to Mike.
 |
| First ice bath since the Scrantastic days, 2.5 bags of ice. |
Saturday was an Open Water Swim Clinic run by TWiley Sports (my coach). Swam 1.5 miles, opted to not shoot for the full 2. Luckily, there are 2 more and I plan to build to 2 on June 16th and 2.5 on July 7. For open water, 1.5 was my longest so I was pretty proud of myself. My shoulder was sore early last week from the crash, and thank goodness it felt pretty good on Sat. The first open water swim for me each season is a little stressful, mostly because swimming isn't my strongest and open water is challenging. But went pretty well so that's good. Definitely will not be a fast swim, but that's ok and expected. As long as I can finish in 1:30ish! I feel like my swim is getting slower and slower, but my Ironmen friends tell me that's normal and just wait until the taper...hopefully that is the case.
The bike was another adventure. I had the brilliant idea to bike up at Nockamixon which equalled 4 loops around the lake. Four was too many for me. Just got boring, and it is not exactly an easy loop. And in the middle of the second loop, I of course got a flat tire. And it was the rear. After successfully getting the tire off and changing the tube, the trouble started when we inflated my tire with CO2 and couldn't get it back on the bike. Finally did, and the wheel was not sitting on the skewer correctly. After waiving off a few cyclists, this nice man stopped and helped. I was the one who discovered the problem on the spring being in the way of the fork of my bike. Thank goodness my partner was kind enough to share her second CO2 we ended up needing. Just broke up the momentum, and took 40 minutes with our delays. Good practice, but now the plan is practice in faster time (by the pool). The bike ended up being a solid 74, and we felt good when it was done. A loooong day, and we didn't get home until after 6. But I was in good company and it was a good day :)
My run was surprisenly good! I was nervous about my first 18 miler ever. Especially on little recovery from Sat. Thankfully the Meatball helped me roll my legs out Sat night, and I tried eat well. Got a late start because I fell asleep after eating my normal PB bagel. Apparently I didn't get enough recovery sleep. Set out to to 3 separate 4-6 mile loops by my apt, with home being a checkpoint to refill fluids. Tried to minimize the time spent there. A loop around town, and the other 2 on the trail. Luckily had company for a couple miles at the end of the second loop that helped passed the time. A nice ice bath helped speed up recovery. Was very proud of myself for getting through it on my own.
 |
| Not including my stops to refill fuel or brief stretching. Pretty happy! |
Since I haven't posted my schedule in a bit:
Week of 5/28-6/3
Monday 5/28: 2 hr easy bike
Tuesday 5/29: 1200 swim (optional swim) & 45 min run (was a tempo workout, but didn't do after the crash)
Wednesday 5/30: 1:15 aerobic bike
Thursday 5/31: 2500 swim & 60 min run
Friday 6/1: OFF
Saturday 6/2: open water swim 1.5 mi & 75 mile bike
Sunday 6/3: 18 mile run
Week of 6/4-6/10
Monday 5/28: 1:10 bike
Tuesday 5/29: 45 min run & 2500 swim
Wednesday 5/30: 1:10 run w/ tempo
Thursday 5/31: 2500 swim & 75 min ride
Friday 6/1: OFF
Saturday 6/2: 18 mile run
Sunday 6/3: French Creek Iron Tour - 100 mile bike
My weekends are comprised of looooong workouts, and preparing/recovering from them. But it's all for the greater good of IM and what is ahead in the next 7 weeks and counting. On the verge of greatness and doing something so incredible for myself I can barely put it into words!
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