Family Matters

So I bit the bullet and signed up for my first standalone marathon, the Nike Women's Marathon in San Fran on October 20.  Decided, as I always said, that this would be my first on it's own marathon.  And that I'd do it with Team In Training.  Felt drawn to do this for my Uncle. 

When I do TNT events, it's not just about blood cancers but rather for all people I care about who've been impacted by cancer.  By doing my piece of fundraising, I know I'm helping to make a difference.  Same goes for when I fundraise for AHA and MS.  These are my three passions.  But for now, the focus is cancer because of Uncle Willie.

My parents hosted a family get together for Uncle Willie and his brothers and family.  It had been years since I saw him and his kids, my cousins, and I had never met his brothers.  It was so nice to see everyone, and celebrate Uncle Willie as a family while everyone was on the East Coast.  Mom got this great pic. 

Extended fam with Uncle Willie in the middle, celebrating life together.

Family is so important.  And it gives us purpose.  Celebrating time together.

Feeling like I have even more purpose now to do Nike.  I signed up in honor of Uncle Willie, to tackle my first "legit" marathon - and what better way to feel driven for the event then to dedicate it to people you love.

My TNT friends are like another family, and feeling pretty blessed to have them.  It's been really nice to be reminded of this, even more than I always am through signing up for Nike.  I've started my list of everyone who has been touched by cancer to run each mile for them.  How can you not go on when you are running for people who might not be able to?  Not possible. 

Grateful for our short bbq to spend time with this family.  And to making the most of time we have together.  And hoping there can be some more quality time together while we are able to take advantage of it. 

Life's too short so "celebrate we will, 'cause life is short but sweet for certain."

Now, run.  And know it's for so much more than just a race.

And, use that in all of your training, for those who might not be able to do what you do.  This will help me continue to drive to get back into the groove, and force me to stay there.

These are my thoughts...time to take care of business some more.

A Purpose-Driven Life

Sometimes we all need a smack in the face, a reminder of why we do the work we do.  In life, work and our personal lives.  It can be easy to lose sight of things in everyday life.  But reminders serve to give us purpose in life, in all of those areas. 

We just wrapped up a big week of Heart Association events.  One of my favorite and personal big events was Home Runs For Heart.  The mission piece we highlighted was the story of one of my good friends, Derek Fitzgerald.  I've heard his story so many times, but it still chokes me up.  Last weekend Derek asked me to join him on an organized bike ride as part of his TNT and IM training, and we shared a long 67 fun-filled miles together.  And last night Fox aired a piece on Derek they filmed just after HRFH.  Of course almost made me cry.  And watching it today was just the reminder I needed as to why I work for the AHA, why I got into non-profit.  This is why I worked at LLS.  Fundraising has always been a passion of mine since grade school when I got involved with MS.  While not easy, it is extremely fulfilling to be reminded that work I do is raising life-saving money to fund research and education efforts.  And during the craziness of the past weeks, I needed a big reminder of this. 

Also recently my family received the extremely sad news that my Dad's cousin, my Uncle Willie, has terminal cancer.  Uncle Willie was like a brother to my Dad growing up, and as they had us kids they just grew apart as their lives became busier and busier.  Two weeks ago we got the news as my parents drove back from Golden.  It was found very late, lung cancer, that has metatisised to so many places and now his brain.  This has been a wake-up call to my parents and the family.  Life's too short.  Now, my parents are making up for lost time with Uncle Willie, and helping him to make the most of his time left by crossing off a few bucket list items.  Cancer freaking sucks.  And this is the wake-up call (that I didn't necessarily need a reminder for) that cancer, like heart disease, doesn't discriminate for them.  But reminded me of my purpose.  Also a reminder that we need to do more to fight these terrible diseases.  That my work is never done. 

The non-profit life has defined so much of the person I became in my 20's.  I've met amazing people, who have forever changed me for the better.  They are constant reminders of purpose for my life.  And sometimes it's good to be reminded of the people who impacted your life. 

These are two examples of why I started training for triathlon.  To honor and remember survivors and those who have lost their battles to illness.  So on those tough days, I'll be sure to dig a little deeper this season for Derek, Uncle Willie, my Dad, Granddad, Pop-Pop, Aunt Stella, Mrs. Remley, Mrs. Massimini, Mr. Mestichelli, Mr. Donovan, Aunt Sandy, Curt, David, Steve, and the so many other people I can and will think of. 

Remember your purpose and use it to find extra strength when you need it.  A wise woman told me this was a great reminder of why we train just a couple weeks ago, and I guess I just needed my own personal reminders of my own purpose to embrace it (thanks).

How Andrea Got Her Groove Back

2013 training has been interesting.  Ironman training kinda ruins you for future training, shorter trainings never seem long enough and that can turn into frustration.  While it might not be perfect, I think I'm finally on the right track.

Two weeks before the St. Luke's Half Marathon I ran my longest run since last summer at 14 miles, and for once in a long time felt pretty strong.  Had a couple good training runs mid-week as well.  Race day came up fast.  While long run-wise I was on track, my actual training was not up to par.  Lack of speed work, barely getting in 2 runs per week, slow times...recipe for disaster.  But I tried to adopt the attitude to just have fun and not put so much pressure on myself on race day.  It went fairly well, not a PR, but not my worst time by a longshot.  I smiled and cheered for friends and thanked volunteers.  The posse all had great races, and I couldn't have been happier to share in all of that.  And I got to run with a TNT friend for a lot of the race, Jackie, who totally kept my spirits up and me focused. 

I was reminded to always respect the race distance.  A lot of people have asked if 13.1 miles was not enough.  In theory, yes of course in comparison it seems a lot shorter.  But, I have always been of the school of thought that you should always respect the race distance because each distance is challenging in it's own way.  It's true.  My lack of speed prep was apparent on race day, and the last 3 miles my legs were shot.  But I dug deep and of course forced myself to continue on.  To everyone, some race will be very challenging.  And I totally respect that.  St. Luke's was a good reminder to me to respect every race I do.  While I could muscle one out most of the time, to actually race well always requires training and a plan.  We all need to be grounded sometimes.

A week later I did a 38 mile ride, my longest to date which again seems like not enough.  But the hills were a challenge and I really enjoyed it, with good company of course (Doreen).

While I might not have done great with a plan consistently this year, I'm reminded of how challenging training for any distance can be when life gets in the way.  But the best thing is that I'm enjoying it, and know I'm finally getting out of that funk and moving on to better things. 

Time to get back on the horse.  Not sure what snapped me back into action, even though it has been gradual.  Maybe the warmer temps and sunshine.  Maybe I just really needed some down time, and my body was trying to tell me.  Who knows.  All I know is Andrea is finally getting her groove back, and it's about dang time.

Reflecting on 2012

2012, the year I became a man, an Ironman.  I have meant to post something for weeks.  Motivation to get back into action has been tough, training and mentally-wise...but I've realized it's because a hell of a lot happened in the past few months.  I think my body and mind needed some down time. 

2012 was a ridic year for ACG, but probably the best of my life (with other huge life accomplishments aside).  July 22, 2012 is a day I'll never forget, but 2012 the year also physically included PR's in the half marathon and Olympic distance tri, and one of the best MS rides of my life.  Not only did I complete a lifelong goal before turning 30, but I also had a huge year professionally.  Challenges arose of course during the same exact time of my heavy training (naturally).  But that's life, everything seems to happen at once, right?  I believe we are given only what we can "endure" so it must have all been dealt to me at once for a reason.  It's hard to even reflect on all the emotions I felt last summer, but it was stressful, challenging, emotional, and spectacular all at the same time. 

My Ironman journey made me really get to know myself again.  When you embark on something like this, you need to be at peace with learning a lot about yourself...some of which you may not like.  I was not always easy to deal with, I was cranky and could get angry/emotional extremely easy.  My loved ones knew this all too well.  But, on the flip side, I learned that I can "endure" a hell of a lot while multitasking my career, relationships and other life responsibilities. 

Most importantly, I learned that I do really like the person I've become.  Sure, I have many shortcomings and imperfections, like anyone else.  But I know that if I put my mind to something, I'll figure it out one way or another.  "I am vindicated."  I embraced my passion for life and people.  I love that I wear my emotions and heart on my sleeve.  I learned that I'm kind of gross ha, and I really don't mind that!  I like that I'm not a prissy girl, I'm an athlete.  I like playing the professional businesswoman during the day, and really like getting sweaty and dirty after 5 pm to push myself to my limits.  I know I've met some truly incredible people as a result of my life's path, most recently through triathlon/endurance sports and my non-profit work.  And I wouldn't trade any of that for the world.  They enrich my life in so many ways, and have made me a better person.  Some have become my best friends, and I love you for loving me for me. 

2012 was full of up's and down's, but closing it out the up's so outweigh any of the down's...they just made me a stronger person.

"Endure"...I keep using that word because 2012 taught me that this is really a mantra for me.  It's been on my Road ID as a quote, with TCB of course.  But it's a way of life for me.  Natually, in training and Ironman, this is the definition of "endure" to me.  But also in my personal life and career.  You need to "endure" to come out on top, to achieve your goals.  And the journey is never really over because there are always more goals and accomplishments to achieve.  But going through the process is what makes everything so rewarding.  I "endure" it all, and will continue to do so.  When things are/get tough, I can push through.  "Dark clouds may hang on me sometimes, but I'll work it out."

My blog may be far less exciting now, and I'm sure I won't have too much exiting to post.  My year of the new journey is over, but now different adventures begin.  2013 will include some new goals, mostly focusing on pushing myself in different ways, working on speed, faster PR's and a Half IM.  Here's to hoping all goes well, and that Placid will be back on my radar for 2014...yes, feeling a huge draw back to that magical place.  And to making new, wonderful memories all along the way. 

2012 is a year I'll never forget, a huge milestone year in my life.  And I'll never be the same because of it.  And I'm just fine with that :)  I'll "endure" what is to come in 2013 and beyond. 

I'll be sure to "celebrate...'cause life is short but sweet for certain".

Ramblings of an Ironman

Some random thoughts I have...distorted perceptions of reality I have come to embrace, here they are:

After months of fighting the penis/dick knees and a permanent racerback on my back, I have come to kind of like my sweet, strange tan lines.  I feel like this is a real tan. 

I secretly love (not even just like) when I get a "chain tatoo" on my calf from my bike.

Snickers and M&M's are totally great cycling snacks.

I now hate Gatorade and prefer "donkey piss" aka Ironman Perform.

I feel like I could fairly easily ride a Century ride most weekends.  (Well, maybe not in the offseason!)

An hour workout seems short...

I sometimes feel a little slackerish on Saturday and Sunday afternoons when my workouts are well over and I'm doing something relaxing now.

I feel the need to fill all water bottle cages, even if it is a short ride.

2400 feet of climbing seems like NBD.

I feel more sore and tight now than last summer?

It was delightful to get drunk after one beer.  I still feel like more of a lightweight than previously...which is kinda awesome.

Ironman training = a great ass.

I'm skilled at the art of air hankies, sometimes ;)

Coming off the high

My last day in Placid was filled with packing, an Olympic sports simulation and tour of the ice rinks, walking around town and shopping, and QT with some fam and friends.  It was a beautiful day last Wed, and of course was the day to leave, sigh.  Wanted to go to a watering hole or paddle board or hike or swim...anything outside. 

We got in the car to finally leave town, and I got quiet.  Mike knew something was up and asked what was wrong.  I just said I'm really really sad to leave Placid.  And I was.  I still am.  Driving off was really difficult, and that may sound childish like I don't want to leave vacation, but I did feel immediate sadness.

Sad because I simply love it there.  It is beautiful, serene, fun, and now filled with a very special memory of my first Ironman - something that will never be tainted and always extremely special as one of the biggest days in my life.  I loved Placid before I ever knew I would be an Ironman, from working the marathon up there.  I loved it when I went up to train in May.  And now I love it that much more.

I mean heck it is a place filled with greatness.  How can you not be in awe thinking about the 1980 Winter Games?  "Do you believe in miracles?!?!"  Fantastic memory and of course movie.  And the '32 games also hosted in this magical place.  You see the Legends of the Oval, and tour the Olympic facilities and feel the power of the Olympics.  Call me nostalgic and yes I love the Olympics, but that is something amazing.

And we, as Ironmen, get to be on these grounds to compete in an endurance race beyond so many of us.  To test ourselves with 2700 of our "closest" friends.  Oh and don't forget that our last yards of the Ironman are run in the Olympic Oval, to finish the race we set out to start at 7 am.  Nothing short of amazing.  Not to mention, this year's IM was right before the 2012 Olympics.  I got chills thinking about it.

But the IM aside, the scenery is beautiful and there is just something about that place I loved from the first day I ever arrived there.  I felt similar about Hawaii, Scranton (laugh if you will, but it felt like home for college), the Outerbanks, and Estonia. 

AND not only was I very sad to leave Placid, in the days since I've been home and settling back into "real life" I have become more sad.  Sad that the experience is over, for now.  To devote so much time to this huge personal goal and have the day itself be such a big high point in my life is...wonderful, fabulous, indescribable.  And now it's over.  Talk about your adrenaline dump.  Mike says he was worried this would happen, and I was a little too.  But how do you prepare for that?  I don't think I could've. 

This takes nothing away from my day and accomplishment, it couldn't.  It is just a little sad.  Is this normal?  I'd like to think so.  I asked my IM friends and coach.  Verdict seems to be in my favor, that I'm not crazy (despite what you may think!). 

What next?  Who knows, I'm not too worried about that.  No, there will not be an IM next year.  My boyfriend, family, friends, myself, and especially my wallet need a break.  Maybe some other tri's, maybe a marathon?  Don't know yet.  Maybe gymnastics?  Yes, you read that right.  More on that later, Mike Massimini style. 

Monday was the icing on the cake.  Back to work after being off to recoop last week.  I think it just made me really feel it.  I'm ok, don't get me wrong, just wish I could always relive that day.  Good thing I have amazing people to remind me how proud of me they are :)  And waiting on pictures and videos!  And the wonderful gifts I got and things people have done for me.

Coming off the high and having the adrenaline dump are real issues, but I'm fine.  I'll get over it.  I'll have that next thing in to focus on.  But nothing will replace this experience and Lake Placid will always be a special place in my heart, and I will always love both and treasure July 22, 2012. 

So I never published this...don't really know why...but as this "depression" as I called my IM letdown last for awhile...longer than I anticipated.  Probably longer than a month.  But all is well of course.  I think just having dedicated the better part of year to an incredible goal will do that to you.  Reading what I wrote then brings me back, and I will never, ever forget the incredible journay I took.  How could I? 

"Finish Line Fever" is a real thing, folks.  People may think we triathletes are nuts, but I gotta tell you there is nothing quite like it.  It's our drug of choice, and I'm blessed to have experienced it...and will again, hopefully in 2014 ;)

Feeling IM Love

Have had some really great congratulations - emails, texts, FB messages, phone calls, vm's, and even some beautiful gifts.  The experience was gift enough! 

Thank you to all who have reached out in one way shape or form!  It is all wonderful. 

Tonight, some of my tri buddies had a party/dinner for me and Doreen.  Thank you Ashley and Tara, for hosting us :)  And to Derek, Ken, Bridget, and Caitie for coming to hear about our experiences and share in the excitement.  Ash is the best and so creative and made us a fabulous cake!

This was just tonight.

The day after the race, my parents and friends gave me cards and beautiful jewelry that I love.  I have been wearing them everyday since the race :)  A reminder to me of the experience, and has been so great as I have a rough introduction to reality this week.  I LOVE them - thanks everyone, and especially Mom, Dad, Aunt Mimi and Jean Ann!

The other surprise this week was when my neighbors and good friends decorated my car!  Samantha, I'm guessing this was mostly you (but didn't want to take any credit away from Sam).  Thanks for telling me that the world needed to know about my accomplishment, and that I'm an Ironman ;)  

Can't say it enough, thanks to all of the selfless things to all who have done something for me, I continue to be moved!