2nd Chances

I've been here before...

2011-04-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

First of all, thank you to all of you who've stopped by my blog or sent me emails recently to check on me! I'm still around, despite having neglected my blog! Thank you as well for all the amazing comments on the slideshow I posted in my previous post... I cried more than a few times reading them all :)

It's an all too familiar place. Life has had a way of challenging me on many levels, over and over again. I wouldn't be who I am today if it wasn't for the discovery and growing I've done, so for that I'm thankful.

As I approach the 10th anniversary of my brain surgery, (and 6 years since I quit smoking), I had really high hopes that this year would be epic. I'd face the marathon again, tackle my first 70.3, and I'd live happily ever after. What? This is my story, I can end it however I want to, no?

Well, everything was great. My long runs were getting long again, the ice and snow were finally starting to melt, my eyelashes were freezing together less often. I got home from an 18 mile run a few weeks ago, happy. It felt like a good run, confidence was increasing. An ice bath, just because. 2 days rest, then out for an 8k, immediately I felt that something was wrong. Calves felt awkward, tight, things hurt... and by the time I got home, I could barely walk.

The next morning, things were worse. The pain, a grim reminder of my stress fractures, but this time,my right leg. Hobble into the sports clinic the following day, she felt confident that it was muscular, and not a stress fracture, and that I could hopefully try a run in a few days, as long as there's no pain walking.

Today, 3 weeks later, there's still pain... walking. It's a lot better than it was, but of course, I've had to rethink my plans. Having missed too many long runs, I've come to grips with the marathon winning, again. Thankfully, I've learned to set myself up well for disappointment in life. It's a crappy way to think and live... but if the disappointment happens, at least I was prepared for it and it wasn't a surprise, if it doesn't, consider it a bonus.

I'll do the half in Ottawa rather than the full, and fingers are crossed that the 70.3 will be my last big hurrah, here. Then, I'll working on the 'happily ever after' with a one way ticket for two, to Atlanta!

Have I succeeded in not turning this into a pity-party post? :P One last note, to all the racers headed to Boston, enjoy your moment, and reward!!

Believe. Inspire. Motivate. Dream.

2011-01-11T12:49:00.000-05:00

My journey has forced me to believe. Needed an incredible amount of inspiration. Required motivation, beyond words. Developed my ability to dream.

In response to my post here, about explaining 'our passion' to others around us that might not 'get it', and while cleaning up a pictures folder on my computer, I tapped into my creative side.

You have all helped me believe, are a constant source of motivation and inspiration, and have given me dreams... so consider yourselves included in the thank you. I heart you all.

I debated about posting this... anywhere. I wasn't sure if I wanted to, but realized that the purpose of my blog is to help others believe. Believe in change. Believe in themselves. Maybe inspire someone, and motivate a few. The feedback I got after posting this on Facebook yesterday, was, more than I imagined, to say the least. Let's just say, I needed more than a few kleenexes. So, thank you, as well, for giving me the courage to get this out there.

I just couldn't stand it anymore!

2011-01-01T23:48:00.015-05:00

While it's the end of 2010..., I look forward to the new beginning...

Highlights of the past year include:

first century ride - check
first Olympic distance triathlon - check
3rd place AG finish in a Try-a-tri
250,000m milestone in masters swim, with a heartfelt speech from coach, and certificate from Mira
Employment benefit allotment wasn't completely used up in the first six months of the year... (and I still had some left over!!) No out of pocket expenses for therapy due to injury! (knock on wood, please!)
Combined mileage goal of 4000k reached! (2917.7k bike, 950.7 run, 238.8 swum)
I decided to tackle the marathon again after my last attempt, so let's hope that 'take 2' in Ottawa, on May 29th, 2011 will end up differently.
Melanie vs. 70.3!! Half Iron distance, here I come! Race picked out, Welland on June 26th, 2011, just waiting on registration to open up!

This afternoon, I headed out for my first run of the year. It had been raining all day, and unseasonably mild. I was feeling rather lazy, getting out the door later than I had planned. I convinced myself that an easy 5k would be a good start to the year, and better than nothing at all. While a blank slate can be refreshing, looking at spreadsheet with a 0 in my YTD column didn't feel right. It's been ready to be filled in weeks ago, anxious for 2011 to get here. It was time.

Soon after leaving the house, I was already feeling better. I also noticed people in cars looking at me, probably thinking that I was 'one of those resolutioners'. You know, the ones who commit (don't get me wrong... I hope they also succeed!!!) to making this the year. The year that they lose weight, or start exercising. Little do they know, this has been a part of me for a few years now (and I hope many to come!!). It's my stress relief, my independence, my freedom.

As the song Today by the Smashing Pumpkins started playing on my iPod, I started singing along as I usually do. "Today, is the greatest, day I've ever known..." Just then, I stepped in a huge puddle, disguised by the darkness of the night... socks soaking wet. Still, today, the first day of 2011, the beginning of my brand new journey, my first entry into my log was an amazing 10k. I say that makes it a really, really, great day.

As seen on the Multisport Canada's website... Why, yes! YES IT IS!! What are your goals for this year?

How do you explain it?

2010-12-28T16:50:00.000-05:00

Hi, my name is Melanie, and I'm addicted to... (clearly, blogging is not the right answer here, sigh.)

We've all been called crazy, right? Given a quizzical look when you mention a planned or completed workout? How many times have you been asked, why?

Christmas eve, while helping my best friend clean up after dinner, said "You'd better be eating dessert tonight, especially since I know you're probably up to something crazy again tomorrow anyway. Nothing surprises me anymore." She then finished off by saying "...sometimes, I think you're addicted."

Another time, she has asked if I was becoming obsessive because of the heart attack that Terron's dad suffered... I told her I was "crazy" well before that happened. She nodded in agreement.

Without trying to sound like a sleazy salesperson, I let her know that I'm having fun, and that is of utmost importance, always. I'm challenging myself beyond my wildest dreams, and doing things because I can. I've been on the other side of that fence, not being able to do the simplest of things, because I couldn't. It sucked. Further, I told her that triathlon, running, swimming, cycling don't define me, but they sure make me a happier person. I let her know that no, I won't win races. I'm not, and won't be paid for any of this, but I am 'compensated' by a much stronger sense of independence, freedom and confidence than I have ever known! Can you imagine the therapy I'd need if I didn't have this in my life!?

Do you have people in your world, that are outside of 'our bubble'-- in which we all have common goals and passions, that just "don't get it"? Do you bother taking the time to try to justify it? And if so, does the glazed look in the eye of whom you're talking ever go away?

My 8%

2010-11-15T15:22:00.001-05:00

My 8% was my right temporal lobe, removed over 9 years ago. With it, went something irreplaceable.

I've struggled with the fact that many years of my seem to have vanished... been lost, since surgery. I don't remember a lot of my high school years (perhaps a good thing), and sadly, Terron's early years. His first milestones... steps, words, etc. are all left to my own imagination, and pictures. It crushes me.

I recently reunited with an elementary school friend of mine, on Facebook. After moving as a child, about 10 years of lost contact, I got the chance to see her, during the period of time that I was having seizures. Now, another 10 years later, I've even seen pictures of us, and our kids playing together... I might as well be looking at a strangers' pictures, because looking at us doesn't bring back the memories.

Why I'd expect the following to be different, I'm not sure...

Yesterday, I participated in the Etobicoke Masters swim meet, the first of the season. While not as exciting to me as triathlon, or road races, still fun to cheer on the people that I swim with each week, and a good way to see how I'm doing. Much more relaxed this time than last year, being my second meet... or so I thought.

I arrived at the Etobicoke Olympium, a little intimidated. I knew my events though, because I had selected them, so I knew I'd be fine.

Into the water for a quick warm up, trying to get a feel for everything new, I calmed down relatively easily. Over the next few hours, I swam in 6 events, PR'ing in each of my individual swims, and placing in age group!

1st place -- 100m free 1:29.72

2nd place -- 200m free 3:16.93 2nd place -- 400m free 7:02.25
2nd place -- 50m free 40.08
3rd place -- Mixed 200m free relay
3rd place -- Mixed 200m medley relay

Last night, I got a call from one of my very best friends from high school... and quickly told her about my morning.

C: "Where was the meet?"
Me: "Etobicoke Olympium"
C: "Really? We swam there, remember?"
Me: "We did? When? Why?"
C: "For a swim meet, in school. Remember?"
Me: Silence...then "I did a meet in high school? I was on a swim team then? *sigh* No. I don't remember." Hmmm, wonder if I was any good??

My 8% seems a whole lot bigger somedays...

I'm Changing...

2010-11-04T23:02:00.000-04:00

"You know what? You're changing, you're becoming a different person..." Tracy Morgan's voice told me so last night once I finished my run using the Nike+ GPS app. But I didn't necessarily need him to tell me that, I know I have. Many of the things I do today are also reminders of just how much I, and things, have changed.

I thought I smoked because it was stress relief, but brain surgery for what doctors figured that was partly stress related. Guess that smoking thing wasn't working out so well... Thankfully, I quit, and started to run. I then rode a bike, and got into the pool, because there was a period of time that I couldn't lace up, and run. All of this became my new stress reliever.

Last year, I joined a local Masters swim club, and immediately started tracking my mileage towards a Million Meter Challenge. Well, last night, during a tough swim set, I hit a milestone, 1/5th of the way to 1,000,000 meters. 200,000 meters swum, 200 kilometres. By me. While the number may be insignificant, or irrelevant, the achievement, for me, is monumental.

You see, 10 years ago, at 23 years of age, already a mother... I needed to be closely monitored. Watched while having a bath. To make sure I didn't drown in there, if I had another seizure, which was likely to happen, as many days I had 30 or more.

That I am able to, without a second thought, swim in a lake, or lap after lap in a Masters' session with other swimmers and triathletes, is simply awesome.

Each time I hit the road, hop on the bike or get in the water, I try to remember that someone else can't. Someone else won't. There was a time I couldn't, a time I wouldn't. I don't take any of it for granted. I promise.

If I put it here, it must be real, right?

2010-10-26T20:13:00.002-04:00

I've taken things slow, started back from scratch twice when I needed to.

I've trained smarter. My stress fractures, a blessing in disguise... forcing me to cross-train.

After a lifetime of hating it, I eventually fell in love... it was all about running, usually 5 days a week. I've learned runners don't all come in one shape, or one size. I understand that perhaps my body isn't designed for running that many days a week.

I've learned to listen to my body, take rest days when needed.

I've had to remind myself that bones heal stronger than they were before.

I know that running is much mental, if not more, as it is physical.

I know that when I want something bad enough, I will do whatever I can to get it. While I wanted to be a marathoner back in 2009, it wasn't my day. Not because I didn't want it, but because my body wouldn't let me fight anymore to get it. I came close, dammit, 6k shy of the finish line.

So, looking ahead 7 months... 215 days to be exact, 2 years and 2 weeks later...

I will have my second 'first' marathon... with the hopes that this one will end differently.

May 29, 2011.

Deep Breath.
Ready, set, go. Let the training begin.

No Air.

2010-10-25T17:00:00.000-04:00

Almost another month has passed since my last blog post, another unintended hiatus... sigh. I've missed blogging. I've missed getting my goals out there (there's a biggie coming up, post coming soon...), and being held accountable. I've missed jotting down my thoughts, the many that swirl around in my mind as I head out for a run, especially lately.

A few weeks ago, I got a call from my best friend... "mom" was in critical care, another bout of pneumonia... could I come stay with her son overnight while she and hubby went to the hospital. The next two and a half days, as she stayed by her mother's side, I was busy with building blocks, diaper changes, warming up bottles, taking her dog for a walk, and nap time (for the baby, not me).

I thought about all of you strong, running moms, pushing a stroller while logging your miles... You see, when Terron was that age, I never would have thought about a run. My, how things have changed.

Oh, how I wished I had brought my running shoes...

Sunday morning, I saw a Facebook update that Marathonman Rick had suddenly passed away while out for a run, and about 30 minutes later, a text from the hospital, "mom" had passed away, too. While she may not have been my biological mother, she has been a "mom" to me since I moved here about 17 years ago.... Wow, talk about a Thanksgiving to remember, two lives taken far too soon.

It wasn't until the following day that I had the opportunity to run. No planned route, no distance in mind. Just run.

Within the first kilometre, memories came flooding back, tears streamed down my face, the sadness I held in while trying to be strong for my friend poured out. I ran.

In an almost cruel twist of fate, the song No Air started playing on my ipod... I don't remember the last time that song played. I could only think of "mom's" final breaths, as she struggled to breathe. I felt like I was running on clouds, like they were both helping lift me a little to make my footfall light, and silent, both with me at that moment. I just ran. Thinking. Crying. Remembering.

From bike to cruiser

2010-09-29T21:52:00.000-04:00

While you may have thought I had completely abandoned blogging, I haven't. I've just been holding onto the last of the nice weather, and enjoying it all while I can. While I have lots that I've wanted to post and catch up on, I simply haven't sat down to do it. For now, I'll start with my latest adventure...

Never a dull moment.

I signed up to do the Tour de Greenbelt on Sept 25th, my last "supported" ride (we'll get to that later), another 100k.

Having friends that have previously done this ride, it came highly recommended that we park away from the start, ride over to pick up our kits, and start ahead of the crowd. Good call, because the first few km were on a narrow, fairly popular paved trail. Lots of walkers, dogs and young children enjoying a cool, crisp, fall morning.

We had picked up a map, which had the written directions for all 3 routes, but the map failed to show the 100k route. It didn't seem important... at the time.

The three of us rode for about 13k until the routes split... I was heading north, they continued east. My surroundings were beautiful, the colors of the leaves spectacular. Eventually, I arrived at my first rest stop, an unsuspecting girl sitting in the back of a van, seeking shelter from the wind, reading a book. I was the first to arrive, which didn't really surprise me, as we did leave early, and no one caught up or passed me. I used the porta-potty, and laughed as she thanked me for the short visit, having just seen a farmer walking a cow moments before.

I continued, making a mental note of street names on which I'd need to turn, as the wind had blown a few signs around. Turning west on Herald Road wasn't supposed to be the end of my ride...

Let me set the scene.

No... not the real sign posted, thankfully ;)

Single lane traffic, tall trees with colored leaves, some having already fallen to the ground, along with acorns. Cars speeding by, kinda scary given the lack of a shoulder on the road, and, are you ready for it? Gun shots heard nearby. Yep, gun shots. I'm a small-town-turned-city girl. Still, not sure I've ever heard a real gun-shot. While I then started feeling a few raindrops, I would not be seeking shelter in there, no matter how much rain would fall, for fear of being mistaken for a target. That, my friends, would be my luck.

I sailed down a hill, through an intersection, gun shots becoming more distant, and finally resumed pedalling with an upcoming ascent. CRUNCH.

My chain had slipped off the gears, and suddenly, my feet were no longer even able to push forward. I quickly unclipped and hopped off my bike, to find that my chain had gouged out a piece of my frame, while wedging itself between the frame and my crank. Tried as I might, it would go back the same way it came. A group of cyclists rode on by, courteous nod as they passed.

According to the written directions, there would be a left turn, then a rest stop.... somewhere, on that road. Again, without the 100k route map, I had no visuals to go by.

I decided it was time to call the SAG number on the map... this was a first. After telling the person that answered that I had broken down, and my approximate location, she asked if I could walk to a rest stop. Me: "Umm, can you tell me about how far away it is from where I am?" Her: "No, I'm not sure how far it is. But there is support there, so if you can start walking, maybe someone will drive by later to pick you up"

Stunned silence. Maybe? Later? maybe!!!

Finally, one guy stopped and asked if I was ok. He went to work on my bike, trying to free my chain. Requesting permission to flip it upside down to try again proved futile. I told him that the silver lining in all of that it wasn't a simple task for him either, making me look like an idiot. He confirmed that I had "...done a good job" jamming it, and that the whole crank would need to be removed. I recounted my phone conversation, he chuckled, asked him if he could let the rest stop personnel know I was stuck if he found, and stopped at the rest stop.

Cars continued to whiz by. Cyclists, too. Time to walk, I guess. It was almost 2 kilometres to the next major intersection, which doesn't seem like a long way considering.... but in cleats, on fallen sticks and acorns, it's far enough.

A female police officer opened her car door, and stepped out, as I approached. After telling my tale, she texted one of the coordinators, soon followed by a phone call, which produced the same responses... "Someone may be able to come pick her up later." This time, both of our eyebrows raised a little. She was there directing traffic for the cyclists at the busy intersection, and was off duty in approximately 30 minutes. She offered to give me a ride back to my car, as long as I didn't hold her liable for any scratches on my bike! Ha! Who would I be to argue?

This would be my first time riding in a police car, and not even having to get into trouble! I'd be getting a ride back to my car, into the warmth, instead of waiting for a possible ride back, sometime...later.

Of course Terron's response was "Whoa, mom! What did you DO!" when I called him to tell him where I was!

I couldn't thank her enough. While I had planned to ride 100k that day, I only managed close to 57k. It worked out in the end, because it allowed me more time to get to the bike shop for the repair, and head downtown to meet a very special friend. More about that soon, and many more things going on, so stay tuned! In the meantime, I'll be catching up with you! Thanks for sticking with me!

By the way....yes, I was very lucky. This story could have had a very different ending. I think about that nearly every time I come back safely from a ride, how fortunate I am. I don't take it for granted.

Hills, and tears, and kilometers, oh my!

2010-09-13T20:56:00.004-04:00

"It may not add years to my life, but it adds life to my years" -- Peter H.

There is one day of the year that is more of a celebration to me than my birthday. It marks the end of the old me; the beginning of the new me. It's the reason I am who I am, do what I do, and the premise of my blog. Sept 12, 2001, I had brain surgery to remove part of my right temporal lobe because of epilepsy. Prior to surgery, I wrote a letter to my then almost 3 year old son... just in case. I still don't have enough tears to reread it, maybe one day, but just happy that it wasn't needed then. Those years were hell on earth, but in a sick sort of way, I'm glad I went through it. A life-changing event like that really makes you change, fast.

I remember the days following surgery, X's on the calendar for each day that passed without a seizure. Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and yesterday, I celebrated 9 years! Years! I'm able to bathe without someone watching over me again; in fact, a few weeks ago, I swam across the lake without worry. What better way to celebrate life than by living life!

Last year, I marked the occasion with my first 100k bike ride. This year, I figured I'd tackle the real century, 100 miles, not the metric century.

That is a long way to ride!

I signed up the Ride for Karen because I know a few that had done in last year, and heard great things. The following description made me a little nervous, but, go big or go home, right?

"In the long course, cyclists will embark on a 160 km / 100 mile ride through the valleys and farmlands north of Toronto. While scenic, the 160 km ride is a difficult undertaking even for a seasoned cyclist and acts as a suitable metaphor for the strength that Karen showed in her tireless battle with Breast Cancer."

I arrived to the parking lot, scanning faces for someone familiar. One cyclist from my Tuesday group mentioned that he might come if an injury didn't flare up... I never did see him, but did see his truck in the parking lot from where we ride on Tuesdays. You're busted!

Announcements were made, instructions given for us to line up in one of 3 groups. 35k/hr, 30k/hr or 25k/hr. Ummm, I moved back, back, back. First time tackling this distance, not a race, let's have some fun with this! The weather had looked iffy all week, a beautiful, clear, sunny forecast everyday for about a week, except Sunday. Of course.

Within minutes of starting, I was chatting away with Heather, another cyclist I had just met while in line, embarking on her first century. Taking a mental note of each other's jersey for the beginning of a long day. We starting in a group of about 15, that quickly separated into smaller packs. The wind heading northwest separated everyone a little more. That, and the start of the hills. I knew there would be some... that was only the beginning. I saw a jersey ahead of me in the distance, at this point, I was riding alone, in an area I never knew existed. I wanted to catch up, and soon after, I did.

Peter saw my shadow behind him as I stayed in his draft for just a little bit.. I told him that I worked hard to catch him! I moved ahead, beside him, where we chatted over the next few kilometers, before he mentioned that he'd need to make a side-of-the-road-pit-stop. We both talked about our "stories", he was celebrating 15 years (I hope I remembered that correctly) since his heart attack. He shared with me the quote at the top of my post. It stuck with me for the remainder of the day, and will for a very long time.

Soon, I arrived at the first rest stop, about 53k into the ride. Boys peeing along a chain link fence with their backs turned, four of us girls all looking at each other, searching for a place to do the same. Thanks to the row of strategically placed tractors, with their huge tires and rims, we each our own stall, with privacy because of the size of tires, and something to hold onto. Definitely a first for me!

One last stop at the table for... yet, another cookie, and to refill my water, I left a few minutes after Heather's group. Their jerseys were almost always within view, but the gap didn't seem to narrow much, until I hit the 'marsh'... very familiar territory. You'll notice a bunch of circles on the map. Funny thing about this route, and one of the reasons I was so interested in doing this, because it hits one of my old running routes, and two of my usual riding spots! It was fantastic to see lots of new stuff too though! Trees are already starting to show their fall colors... so pretty.

Met up with Heather and her group again, as we counted down until lunch. Oh, we knew we were close, but it seemed like hours since the last stop. Ahead, a big climb, but right before it, finally... a sign pointing us left into a park. Ahhhh, food. More cookies, sandwiches, and a flushing toilet! Bonus! Already feeling the salted crust on my face, but otherwise pretty good considering this was already 4k more than I'd ever ridden, and I still had another 50+ to go!

Riding in the pack really made the last stretch a lot more tolerable and enjoyable. We all seemed to groan in unison with each hill that awaited. If Toronto is considered flat, I think we found most, if not all the hills! There were a few doozies. There was one... where we actually stood at the top of to rest, while pondering the next descent and climb. Killer. One went, the next one about 10 seconds later, repeated until we reached all crested the next climb. Ow. At about 125k into the ride, it seemed a bit cruel.

Until then, we had perfect weather. Wearing arm sleeves turned out to be perfect, because I just slid them down when the sun came out, and pulled them up when it peeked back behind the clouds. It rained for about 10 minutes at about 130k, and while the clouds for the remainder of the ride looked threatening, we got off easy.

Arriving back in the parking lot, crossing the blow up finish line after 160k, I thought about all I had seen since leaving the same place earlier that morning, and how much of a celebration it was to me. I choked back tears and felt the sting in my eyes as I explained to Heather why I was there...

The day after surgery, first time realizing I still had hair! Priceless!!

I still wonder sometimes what the doctor did while in there... but I'm not going to spend a lot of time thinking that. I'll just continue adding life to my years :)

What should I do to celebrate 10 years?!

Finally here -- Milton Women's Olympic Race report

2010-09-10T09:27:00.000-04:00

For the few days leading up to the race, I had my fingers crossed, and a little chant going through my head. Please, no injuries. Please, no family emergencies or deaths. Just please. As I arrived in the parking lot, my eyes scanned familiar surroundings, this time as a participant.

While at the registration table, waiting patiently for the end of a conversation, the race director looks up and said I looked familiar! It had been 2 years earlier that I registered for my first multisport event, on a whim, as something fun to do on my 31st (on the 31st) birthday. I smiled, and briefly explained that it was my 3rd time paying for his race, but my first time participating. I intended to get my money's worth from the day.

I was there, having that conversation. I was already one step ahead.

My goal at the end of last year, after really getting hooked on triathlon, was to work my way up to an Olympic distance tri this year, then a half Ironman the following year. Yes, I take baby steps, and have learned that this works best for me.

I set up my transition, twice, because of a little mix up with the racks, and quickly found the rest of my team! It was the girls that seemed to stick it out this year... seemed fitting that most of us signed up for this women's only race to close the season, including a 62 year old first timer! I heard it was a race to the end as well! So proud of her!

Lavender swim caps all headed down to the water, 21 of us registered for the Olympic. I was among them. Awesome.

SWIM:
After gingerly navigating the rocky bottom, I did a quick warm up to assess the water. 1500m, a 2 loop course, with a quick run through a few pylons on the beach, before starting the second.

Two ladies quickly led out the small group, myself a short distance behind.
I was passed once, but kept the leaders all within my sight, I was feeling good. 4th out of the water... I was doing the race!

BIKE:
I was happy that the race was on the Sunday, and not the previous day. A few local triathlons had turned into duathlons due to very choppy water caused by high winds, unsafe for the swimmers, as well as the kayakers. It even grounded the air show! While nowhere near as bad on Sunday, the headwind seemed ever present for the climbs, making the descents with a tail wind, fast! I felt ok on the bike, but it definitely wasn't my best effort. Some km's passed by fast at 1:24/km, one at 3:15/km... ouch. Overall, only 2 minutes slower than the bike portion of my Olympic aquabike in June. . but I'll take it, considering this time I was following it with a 10k run.

RUN:
Oh, the run. Sigh. It's all starting to make a little more sense to me.

I decided to go with the compression calf sleeves while in transition. Lately I hadn't needed them, having great runs off the bike, but I listened to my gut, and slid them on while in T2. 4 loop hilly course. I remembered those hills from when I volunteered a few years ago.

Not even the sleeves helped.

First loop was brutal. I felt the sting in my eyes, I was near tears. I walked. Most of it. I stopped to stretch. Walking hurt. Wow, 9.5 more kilometres of this. I was there. I was trying to remember that. A runner passed me on one of the outs, and asked if I needed a gel. I thanked her, declined, but asked if she had shins that wouldn't burn. She didn't have a spare set.

I finally made it to the turn around, 3 more to go. This time I was able to muster more of a run. This time at the turn around, my swim coach, who had come to cheer us all on was there, and asked if I was ok. I shook my head, and carried on.

Third loop was feeling a little more comfortable, finally smiling a little. I was here.

Not hard to have a negative split type of run, when the beginning sucks so bad. My final loop was, of course, better. Had the whole run been that way, I would have finished much sooner. I may even have been in time for a finishers medal! Seems that there was a problem with the ordering, they were short on medals, so I'll be getting mine in the mail.

3:09:33, a little longer than I had hoped, but I fought for it. I met my goal for the year, completing the Olympic distance... and am still moving forward. It's been quite the year for me where triathlon is concerned. I'm looking forward to new goals for next year!

This weekend will be marking a 'special' anniversary, which to me, is far bigger than my birthday. I will celebrate, by living life, and doing something I never thought I would! Post to follow.

Hello Oly!

2010-09-03T13:15:00.000-04:00

There are so many things going on in my head these days. From the 31st of August (my birthday), until later in September, (Terron's birthday), several days in between are marked my various monumental anniversaries.

In some sort of way, all three changed my life (and Terron's)... I'll be "observing" two of the three over the course of this long weekend!

Two years ago, I had an idea to do a duathlon on my champagne birthday. I rode, I ran, let's do both! At that point, I was still 'scared of the swim' to try a tri, but always thought it looked cool.

Unfortunately, a few weeks before, I found out I had healing stress fractures, so I decided to spend my birthday volunteering at the event, sporting my not-so-sexy air cast, instead. Within the year that followed, after having no choice but to get into the water for recovery, I got bit by the 'tri bug' and once again registered for the same race, this time a Sprint Triathlon.

That time, I missed the race because Terron's dad suddenly passed away the night before.

If the third time is supposed to be the charm, I will be doing the Milton's Women's Olympic Triathlon on Sunday, my longest tri so far, and my goal race for the year! The race, on the 1 year anniversary of my son's father's passing, no doubt reminds me to make the most out of my life, something I've been trying to do for several years now, after another major upcoming anniversary. Life is far too short, and we know not when our day will come.

None of this would have been possible though, if it weren't for another anniversary, this time a happy one, that I celebrate on Sept 6th. 5 years since I quit smoking! Best.Thing.I've.Ever.Done. Never been so proud to be a quitter at something, which trust me, is not something I often do!

Having been inspired like never before this past weekend, I'm excited, and ready! Both my masters swim, and tri coaches will be there cheering 4 of us on too!! Guess I have to be ready!! Have a great long weekend everyone!

At peace

2010-08-23T00:44:00.001-04:00

With only 9 days to go before one of my past goals slips through my fingers as incomplete, I realized today that I was completely at peace with it.

It's not to say that I am happy with things that I set out to do, but cannot. I'm not letting myself off the hook, not setting a precedence, not accepting of failure, and not saying it'll never happen.

I was about 27 when I started running, never thinking I'd be hooked. As the distances increased, from my first 5k, then 10k, half marathon, 30k... I thought it would be an amazing goal to run my first marathon at the age of 32, the age at which my dad ran his first, and only marathon. Well, in 9 days, I will be 33. Goal: FAIL.

But, it's not a total loss. If you don't know what happened the day I attempted to cross that goal off my to-do list, you can read about it here. I'm not sure that I'll ever write as emotional a post as I did that day, only hours later. It was probably the best thing I did all day! The funny thing is, I read it, almost as if it's in the third person, as if I'm reading someone else's account of a race gone bad.

I learned a lot about myself that day, and unexpectedly, got a lot more than I could have asked for. Even without the right to call myself a marathoner, even without the finishers medal, bigger things happened.

I learned that I can push through more pain that I'd ever like to feel again, for something I chose to do, willingly. I learned that I don't give up without a fight. I learned that while I do have a stubborn streak in me (read: walked, limped, hobbled, cried from when the pain set in at 8k, reaching 35.98k, when I finally turned off the Garmin, and sat on the curb, sobbing), I eventually come to my senses (read: stop before doing more permanent damage. 8 weeks off, including crutches, walking cast, lots of frustration. Would hate to know what the outcome would have been if I had continued, if I even could!)

After all this, and 9 days before failing at my goal, I'm at peace! There were days that I took it pretty hard, but I'm over that now. I've heard comments, but they don't sting quite as bad. I've taken the above lessons learned that day, and carried them forward in other parts of my life.

I was forced into a pool, and onto a bike as part of recovery, and got bit by the tri bug hard. LOOK! I even placed 3rd in my AG in the Welland Try-a-Tri earlier this summer! Never being even close to this in a running only race, leave it to me to completely miss the awards ceremony, and have to get my bronze medal mailed to me!! It's been a fun, and interesting journey! Wonder if I would even have ventured here, had it not been for the injury!

I've taken baby steps in the 'tri world' too, learned a lot, and have my goal race for the season coming up on Sept 5th, my very first Olympic distance triathlon. Let's hope the story ends differently this time, and perhaps for the next time I run the marathon distance. I'll never say never!

Toronto Island Sprint Tri Race report -- maybe it WAS the cookie?

2010-08-17T23:00:00.001-04:00

Oh! Hello there! Remember me?! Don't ask, because I won't tell, yet.

Funny thing about living somewhere is that you tend to take things for granted, I know I have. While I've lived in Toronto for close to 16 years, it took a triathlon for me to get to the Toronto Island.

After the rough day at the Muskoka tri last month, I was looking for a race that would work with my available weekends, before my Olympic tri on Sept. 5th... this was it!

I woke up at 5:20am, roused myself out of bed, and wiped the sleep from my eyes. I chose to do this. I enjoy this. I really do.

Gear on, car packed, I made it downtown in no time. I found expensive parking (grrr) next to the ferry terminal, picked up my race kit, took advantage of a flushing toilet restroom in the hotel, then stood in line with a large group of triathletes for the ferry.

The thunderstorm and rain forecasted for overnight hadn't materialized, so while it was cooler down by the water, the humidity could still be felt. Took the time on the ferry to braid up my hair so it wouldn't be one giant frizz ball by the time the race was over.

With a 9:20am wave start, I arrived in plenty of time for transition, and snagged a sweet spot right on the end of a rack, half way between the bike out and run out. I knew of one other girl racing, so as the transition area continued to fill, I scanned faces until I finally saw her. A little frazzled from having missed a ferry, taking a different one to another part of the island, having to hurry; I listened as she vented while setting up transition... all set, time to head down to the water.

Not only have I never been to the Toronto Island, I also haven't swum in Lake Ontario. Ever. As we got out to the beach, the thing I noticed right after eyeballing the green and orange buoys, were the waves. The sound also caught my ear. Huh, quite a bit more wavy than I had expected. The effort in our stroke didn't seem to pay off with equal movement, as we were constantly being pushed back to shore, but I convinced myself that we'd get an awesome push home...

9:20am, horn blast, and here I am, starting another race! My fourth tri of the season, 6th ever... it sure beats paying for a race, having to volunteer instead, in an air cast, on my champagne (31st) birthday!

As expected, a tough swim, but 750m (plus transition) done in just over 16 minutes... here comes the fun part!

Flat, 10k loop, done 3 times... my fastest ride yet, finishing the bike in 56:35. A little nervous with the upcoming run (this was, my longest sprint tri to date) I fought the negative voices in my head, and was determined not to let them win.

Quick transition to run, time to finish this race. A two direction, out 'n back course, done twice, with plenty of water stations, it was the only time I took a few moments to walk. Took a few sips of water each time, poured the rest on my head to cool off... run on. A funny thing happened...while yes, I was passed by several fast runners, I also did a bit of passing myself! What burning calves? I was feeling great despite the humidity, and that I was running off the bike, which historically has always given me such problems! 7.5k done in 45:42, with a total time of 2:02:17. Completely elated, I waited for Karly to finish!

If I had to run another 2.5k for the Olympic race distance, I could have.... so to say I'm quite a bit more confident, with less than 3 weeks to go, is an understatement!!

Sarah, maybe it was the cookie at Cameron's birthday party the day before!! :)

Time to start making my rounds again, to see what you've all been up to!

A funny thing happened..

2010-07-29T11:33:00.001-04:00

Somewhere along the way, my idea of fun really changed. Big time.

In my mind, I had thought to do some sort of comparison.... what was fun to me then, and now. Sure, hanging out with friends, watching a movie, etc, those were/are all fun. But that was it. I really had no goals, no passion, nothing that I really worked towards! Looking back, life as the 'old' me was really boring!

Now, I'm not suggesting everyone go have brain surgery to start enjoying life. DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME! While I'm thankful for everything it's done for me, there are easier ways...

Suddenly, my idea of fun includes running around the track doing drills, swimming in a lake at which everyone else cringes their noses, or spending hours in shorts that make me look like I'm wearing a diaper, on a hard seat, pedalling distances that people often think is too far to drive! While none of these things define me, I love that they have become a part of me.

I was itching to do a long ride, and after the character building weather conditions for the 75k Ride for Heart in June, I had my fingers crossed. I couldn't possibly have luck so bad, that I'd have to do that twice, would I?

Sure, I could map out my own long ride, but running and riding have given me the opportunity to see so many things that I otherwise wouldn't. In one of my race kits, I had a brochure for "Le Tour de Norfolk", a supported, recreational type of ride. I did one last year, to celebrate 8 years since my brain surgery, and my last seizure... this time, I registered... for fun!

Tried explaining this to a close friend of mine from high school... she knew the 'old me'... and isn't sure she'll understand the 'new me', and that's ok. She just shakes her head, rolls her eyes, and laughs at me a lot, all in good fun.

The ride was about 2 hours away from home, so another early morning. I went down alone, which is also quite significant for me. I wasn't often the type to try new things... especially if going solo. Once there, I picked up my map, and my complimentary Tim Horton's coffee!! WHOOHOO!!! Chatted with a few friendly cyclists, was given my instructions, and pointed in the direction of the ride start.

So I headed in that direction...riding slowly up the hill at approximately 8:15a, even though the ride started at 8:30. I'd already seen some cyclists make their way up there, so I sort of anticipated seeing a cluster of people waiting to start... that never happened, so I just continued, seeing someone waaaaaaay out in the distance.

I had signed up for the 100k ride, so my instructions were to follow neon green arrows painted on the ground. There would be three, one ahead of a turn, one at the turn, and then a confirmation arrow afterwards. Got it. Green.

It became very apparent to me, early in the ride, how important seeing those little arrows would be! It wasn't until about the first rest stop, that I ended up seeing, and riding close to others, that had obviously started earlier than be, because I hadn't been passed by anyone!

Truth be told, the alone time was kind of nice... with plenty on my mind recently, unfamiliar surroundings were perfect for me to get 'lost in my thoughts'.... fingers crossed that I would literally become lost throughout the day!

I can be a little cynical at times. For example, when the arrows steered me onto Spooky Hollow Road. Really, how bad can it be. Not a cloud in the sky, wide open corn fields, cute country homes, with friendly farmers waving as you pass them, what's so 'spooky' about this?

As I sit here, and type out this post, I have goosebumps, the hair on my arms and the back of my next are standing on end. From the wide open fields, a slight turn right to a heavily wooded area, a sharp descent, and suddenly the air has a distinct chill. The sounds coming from the woods, eerie. I remember looking back and over my shoulder a few times, thinking that I was no longer alone, but I was, I think. A climb out, and finally some warmer air, and back to the sunshine... For some reason, this part of the ride stuck with me, and I googled it when I got home... and found this story. Maybe I won't be so quick to judge street names anymore!!

The rest of the ride had a few more gently rolling hills compared to the beginning, and I completely missed the second rest stop, as I crossed and intersection and made a turn. Feeling good, and having plenty of fuel and water, with only about 25k until the third and final rest stop, I pedalled on.

Couldn't help but giggle as a much older lady stopped to admire my ride, as I filled up the Speedfil with more water and the final stop. "Oh my, bikes sure are different from when I used to ride..."

In the last 20k, I learned that a chocolate-covered protein bar, tucked into one of the pouches on the back of a cycling jersey, on a hot July morning, with sunshine beating down on my back, and body heat radiating off of me... is a difficult thing to eat while riding! It's also nearly impossible to stay clean, during said process. I spent the few minutes following that, licking my fingers, so as not to get the white bar tape on my aerobars disgusting. Lesson learned.

I also saw something cross the street in the distance, a fairly big something, and as I passed by an opening in the field, saw a deer, that stopped to watch me pass. Crowd support! Awesome!

Neon green arrows! Yes! I'm still on course...

The last few kilometers clicked by, with more people around, as we met up with cyclists that were doing either the 40k or 75k routes.

Rolling into the parking lot, I had covered 102k in about 3h45, and burnt more than 1800 calories!

Pasta lunch, followed by a guilt-free ice cream made for a perfect ending to an amazing day! Ahhhh, the things I do for fun! :)

Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time! -- Muskoka Sprint Tri Race Report

2010-07-26T16:18:00.000-04:00

There's good news, and there's bad news. Since I'm not going to take the time to poll which one all of you want first, I'll just go ahead, and spill it all.

I signed up for the Muskoka Sprint Triathlon after learning that one of the guys from my masters/triathlon club was too... it seemed like a good idea at the time. A Saturday afternoon race, when the Sunday was already double-booked!

With a 4pm start, there was plenty of time to make the 2+ hour trek north the same day. I had been nervous of the possibility of melting with the temperatures we've been having recently, but quickly found out that it was cooler up there than it was at home! Bonus!

Picked up my kit, pink swim cap for wave 3 start, timing chip, and body marked before setting up transition, still with plenty of time. Bumped in Marlene a few times, who was doing the run leg as a relay... still working on getting her to become a triathlete! *wink, wink*

With still more than 2 hours to go, we walked into town to get some food. A slice of pizza may not have been the best choice, but it was close, a familiar chain, and with a few hours to go before starting, figured would be ok. Heading back to transition, from across the street we hear this guy's voice... yelling out at us, unsure of the words, because I wasn't really listening. Turned to look, it was one of the managers from the days when I worked in the office, his wife was racing today! YAY!

Most triathlons I've done have had a triangle shaped swim, so you enter where you begin... this one was a little different. With about an hour before the start, we headed to find the swim start... the gravel road seemed endless. Not many people there yet, and not much to see, still unsure how the swim start would be with a few narrow stairways, and no beach area. Headed back to transition for one last restroom break, get my wetsuit, goggles, and cap to turn right back around and make the walk back.

Deep water start

SWIM: Wetsuit on, crap, sunglasses are on my head, hoped I'd be able to catch Jay on my way out of the water to get them for the bike and run. Into the water for a quick warm-up and to assess the water, and soon into the water with Karly, my co-worker's wife for our wave start. Had contemplated wearing the wetsuit with the heat and humidity, but while treading water for a few minutes prior to starting, I was happy to have it on!

Stroke, stroke, stroke, swim, swim, swim, I got into a groove, and just went. Easy, straight line from point to point, no worries about turning the corner at a buoy. Race announcers said they didn't care if we were on the left, or right of it, so none of the usual crowding, so that was nice for a change. Eventually, I caught up to, and passed a few swimmers from waves 1 and 2, and found myself at steps climbing out and running up to transition. Grabbed my glasses from Jay, high-fived my co-worker, and continued onto transition, where I saw Marlene.

See me there, climbing the stairs? 2nd out of the water for my AG, catching up to a few from previous waves!

Bike: Heading out onto the bike, I was prepared for hills. I had overheard some racers who had previously done the course, and was also warned in both the pre-race letter, and by overhearing others about some bumpy roads. Having been worried about hydration, I've been experimenting with some e-Load electrolyte recently, and decided I'd use it for race day. As per the packet instructions, I poured two packages into a 1.5L bottle of water, shook it up, and poured it into my 40oz. Speedfil. Started drinking a bit early on while getting settled into a groove... and it wasn't long before I started having some mild discomfort in my stomach. Yuck.

The best part of the 20k ride was at the 10k turn-around. Not only being I was now heading back, and half way done the ride, and getting closer to finishing, which at this point was a good thing considering how I was starting to feel... but because a good running friend of mine, Tina, and her husband were waiting there to cheer me on!! With a hairpin turn, it took everything I had to muster a smile, a quick wave, stay with the rubber side down, and dodge the other cyclists. It gave me such a boost!

The mild discomfort soon turned to sharp, stabbing pains. Being tucked into aero for most of the ride, other than some decent inclines, seemed to be the most comfortable, but didn't prevent me from vomiting twice. Ewwwwwwww. Somehow, and I'm quite proud of this, I managed to keep my bike and myself clean. I was feeling worse as time went on... and was starting to get chills. Finally back at transition, quick shoe change, remembered to take off my helmet ;) and I was headed towards Marlene, who was standing waiting for her relay partner, in front of the run out. High-fived her, and told her not to kick my ass too badly on the run... she's speedy!

Run: Oh my, where to start. As I rounded the corner past the parking lot where I parked, I knew I was in trouble. Heavier breathing while running was causing my already-twisted-into-a-knot-stomach to hurt even more. I'd run, then slowed to a walk, wincing in pain. 2 loop, out 'n back hilly route, a challenge, indeed, on the best of days. On a bad day, as I was having, made to seem worse. In my head.. 'Here comes Marlene, gotta run!' So I did! Apparently it "worked" as she mentioned in her race report that I appeared strong! Ha, looks can be deceiving! I totally fake smiled as I passed the race photographers, too. Both Karly and Marlene passed me between the last hill, and the last few hundred meters, I just kept chugging along, hurting.

And done... finally.

So yes, while it was good news that I finished, I have even better news! One of two things happened. Either, I finally had no burning or pain in my shins/calves during the run!!! Or I just focused on my stomach much more, and didn't realize it! Regardless, it has restored my confidence, so I'm looking forward to what's next already! :)

Right after I crossed the finish line, I took in some more water, was told I looked yellow, given Gatorade, and got a banana. I'm not sure that I was dehydrated, and wouldn't understand how if I was, since I drink lots of water, everyday. Maybe something to do with the e-load? Who knows. I've never had any issues with it before...

In any case, it took me until late Sunday night to be back to 'normal', whatever that is... and I'm quite sure that an afternoon race start is not something I'll rush to do again, even though the event was well-organized, scenic, and fun!!

Finish time: 1:36:33 -- a PR since it's my first sprint with these distances, I'll take it :)

Ignorance is bliss...

2010-07-21T23:22:00.000-04:00

Ok, so you might think I'm talking about ignoring all of you, since I haven't been around to your posts recently (Sorry!!) Or... maybe even my blog, since I haven't updated in more than a week... oops. It's certainly not because I have nothing to talk about, in fact, it's the opposite! I just haven't had the time, life happens!

I'm talking about ignoring myself, my own worst enemy!

Since my two triathlons last year, having burning shins in both, it's been in my mind. I'm not naive that training for anything is not only physical, but mental as well. The latter is the one that often proves more difficult of the two. A constant struggle. I tend to give in to the voice in my head.

Two weeks ago at the lake, during our tri group practice, I had a milestone swim, followed by a good bike ride. As I packed up my bike, I got my calf sleeves out of my bag. I had a great run with them on during my triathlon just the week before, let's see if they worked again! Coach suggested I try a brick run without, just to see. Suddenly, it was like losing a security blanket.

I did just a short 2k run with another girl, and while the shins started to burn towards the end, I didn't give in. I chose to ignore it. I knew I wasn't pushing an injury, or risking another, so felt it safe to push on. I wasn't going to listen to the voice or the pain, wasn't looking for an explanation of why it happens, and wasn't going to speak a word about it while running.

This past weekend, I had a tougher mentality as I headed out for my brick run, and didn't give it a thought! I just ran, and could've gone longer!

I'm doing my first Sprint Triathlon of the season on Saturday afternoon. Yes, afternoon. I'll be packing my newfound toughness and stubbornness with me, in case I need to do some more ignoring during the race!

A Series of... Interesting Coincidences!

2010-07-11T23:57:00.000-04:00

Yet another example of how small the world can be at times!

There are a couple of players in this story --> J, D, S, T(erron), and I(Me, moi, yours truly). Let's begin.

Saturday morning, 6 of us met at the lake for our OWS, and group ride... up to this point, everything was... normal. D and I were the only two going long again. He suggests we swim 8 buoys, after a brief pause, another 5. He looks out in the distance, sees a blue one among the straight line of whites, and says we have to go to that one, just to say we did. Reaching that blue buoy was not only the furthest I've swum in the lake, but left only one, single buoy before crossing the lake completely! That'll be for next time :) D then said we swim the whole way back straight, no stopping. Done!

A huge milestone, happy, leaving me near tears at how much freedom and independence this all multisport stuff has given me back, and represents, since seizures! Still hard to express in words, not sure I'll ever find the right ones... although constantly on my mind.

Oh, and in case you're wondering... no, I didn't continue my swim up the road and into the parking lot! Ooops :) I was so beyond ecstatic, that I forgot to stop my Garmin when we were blabbing on about our swim to the others, who could no longer see our yellow swim caps in the water, and waited for us!

D and I have previously talked about the TriKids series of triathlon before, when I mentioned that Terron was doing one a few weeks ago. He had wanted to register his kids, but it had already sold out. This weekend was another, for which we had both signed up our kids. D wasn't going to be riding, because he was heading out to the race site with the kids for the kit pick up and orientation. With this being Terron's third, and about 60k away from home, I told D that I wasn't going to bother going on Saturday, only to be back there again on Sunday, but let him know that the orientation would be worth since it was their first time. He asked what my son's name was, and left, as we hit the road for a ride.

Terron has been looking very forward to this triathlon in particular, because he knew from before school ended for the summer, that his friend J was participating! Being the same age, I was a little worried that he'd get a little competitive, especially if in the same wave, (and hopefully not disappointed), so I had a little chat with him yesterday afternoon, and he said he understood. Good.

Last night, sitting outside with some neighbors, my phone rings with an unknown number, but definitely someone in the area. Saturday evening, shouldn't be a telemarketer, right? It was D... who started by saying "I didn't know Terron was in J's class!" It was then that it hit me....

D, is J's DAD! I have been swimming and tri training with my son's friend's dad for 8 months, and had no clue! I then found out today, when I met S, D's wife, and J's mom, that she coached Terron's volleyball! Funny now, how all the faces and relationships came together!

Now, here's coincidence number two for this weekend!

Arrived at the race kit pick up table, Terron was body marked, had a few minor things on his bike tweaked, setup his transition, then had hours to wait before his wave start. As I sat down next to him for a moment, finishing my coffee, I noticed his race number, 558! Light bulb moment, quickly checked my iPhone for previous pictures -- 558 was my last race number from just two weeks ago!! How awesome is that!? Terron put up his hand for a high-five, and said we were meant to be triathlon buddies!! LOVE IT!

We ran into other friends, cheered on their 3 triathletes, and had the best 4 year old cheerleader-but-not-so-distant-future-triathlete helping me count down Terron's laps on the bike!

Safe to say he left it all out on the course today? He did awesome, and PR'd by over 5 minutes!

Balance... and other random stuff.

2010-07-09T15:02:00.000-04:00

Balance: My goal for 2010 was to continue what I had started in the latter part of '09... cross-train, and find a better balance to avoid running injuries. Well, given the pie chart showing my activity so far since the beginning of the year, I'd say I've stuck to the plan!

Drills: Speaking of injuries... I was a heel-striker, proven over and over again by race pictures, which likely contributed to at least one round of stress fractures. Suggested by my doctor, I bought The Pose Method of Running book by Dr. Romanov and read it cover to cover. While I didn't necessarily follow all the drills, I definitely tried to visualize it all a lot more when I finally got the ok to run again. Now, each Wednesday, the triathlon club meets at the track for a structured workout -- something completely new to me. A newbie to speed work, intervals and the track. We generally go through a warm-up, strides, intervals, cool-down and stretching, but with the recent heatwave and insanely high humidity, coach decided that it wasn't a good idea to do tough intervals, so we did a bunch of drills instead. All drills from the Pose Method book, which encourages forefoot running! I think it's awesome that coach focuses a little on this considering my past!

Swimming: Yesterday, I ~~invited myself,~~ ~~offered to skip masters~~ invited myself, when a friend that I trained with last year, and still ride with sometimes emailed me about the lake in which we train Saturdays. It almost sounded like she was going alone (even know I'm sure she's smarter than that...) so, I told her that I'd be up for a lake swim rather than the pool on a hot night. Wow, did that water warm up fast since Saturday! Not as refreshing as I thought it might be, and I certainly didn't need my wetsuit (other than the fact that I prefer it because of an icky weedy patch...ewwwwww)! Swim done, we headed out to meet some other friends for a drink ;)

Triathlon: Terron will be doing his third triathlon on Sunday! 200m swim, 8.4k bike, 2.5k run! GO Terron GO! I have a new triathlon goal, but am not quite ready to put it in writing, yet. Oh! I was also sent this local newspaper article from last Saturday! That's me! :D

Bring on the weekend!

Get lost!

2010-07-06T15:29:00.000-04:00

Thursday morning, being Canada Day, I was all set to ride. I checked mapmyride.com to get an idea of where I wanted to go, packed my bike up in the car with plenty of water, remembered my sunscreen, and headed out to my usual Sunday group run parking lot. Different scenery for a ride. Timing was perfect, because I ended up there just as some were coming back from an early morning run... so chatted for a bit before heading out.

I had an idea of where I wanted to go, wanting to ride about 60k. It wasn't long before I deviated from the plan, and just kept heading north. I made a mental note that I wanted to avoid this same street as the street was buzzing with people setting up a street festival, and soon had a decision to make as I came to a fork in the road. Take a busy-ish highway, and hope for a paved shoulder or turn back around. I chose the latter... back to the original route. Bumpy ride due to construction, on a fairly busy street, so I decided to head north again at the next major intersection. I rode, and rode, until most streets were becoming sideroads, and not paved. Time to check the map app on my iPhone to see where I was at... Ummm, check out the intersection! Time to move.... fast!! hahah

I went a little further, then decided it best to head back to the last known-to-me road, this was getting a little hillier than I had hoped today.

Headed west... it was at this point I wondered if I would be disproving the theory of the earth being round! I was at the top of hills that looked the like road ended, and at the bottom of hills that looked like mountains! I also realized that the good part about not knowing the route ahead of time, is not knowing about the hills to come. Turns out, it can also be the bad part!! Ha!

Kept going and going, and soon realized that, once again, most of the cross streets to head south again were once again gravel. Where am I?

Finally found a relatively busy, paved road, that was heading south... I think. I stopped at the first safe place I could to once again pull up the map app, which took forever to repaint on the screen! Ummm, how far away am I that I'm no longer 3G signal!? eeeek.

At last, a familiar intersection from a friend that lives nearby! I'm all the way over here!? South, then eventually back east, on what I thought was the road from which I started. I came to this sign, and couldn't help but stop and take a picture as I giggled. With all the unfamiliar sights and roads I had travelled so far, seeing a sign for Nashville almost didn't surprise me. Was I still in Canada?! We have a Nashville here?

I soon found out that I was not on the road that I needed to be on, in fact, I had no choice but to ride through the street festival. Yes, the one I had hoped to avoid. Looped a little through a neighborhood, and finished my 60k!

I've seen more things because of cycling and running! Sometimes getting lost, and letting the roads take you where they may (as long as you're safe) is a pleasure!!

Goal check, and AMBP giveaway!

2010-07-01T00:44:00.000-04:00

Here we are, half way through the year, already! I haven't even gotten out of the habit of typing the year as 200..... I always end up having to backspace to correct it to 201...! Might take me a while yet! Ugh.

I know many of you have pure running mileage goals, I stopped doing that sometime last year, as I found that I was more prone to injury, and spending more time in the water, I figured a combined mileage goal would be better suited for me.

In January, I decided 4000. Four thousand. Quatre mille. 4000km, combined total of swimming, cycling and running. Forward motion. Movement, powered by my very own body.

As of tonight, I'm happy to see that I'm pretty much on track.

Cycling ytd: 1441.6k

Running ytd: 420k

Swimming ytd: 104k -- realizing that I've swum 100k this year, priceless!

Combined ytd: 1965.6!

I've done 2 half marathons, a 30k relay, an 8k, a 10k, an Olympic Distance Aquabike, and a Try-a-Tri, and 3rd place AG finish in the last two races! And very thankfully (please everyone, knock on some wood for me now??), I've stayed relatively injury free. I've lost some weight after discovering P90X and the Insanity series. I am happy. :)

Tomorrow being Canada Day, I'm hoping to start making a dent into the second half of the year's mileage, and am heading out for a solo ride in the morning. Cannot.wait. After 5 consecutive weeks of a race or event of some sort between Terron and I, it almost seems weird to not be preparing for something this weekend! I won't lie by telling you I didn't scope out races nearby...

Thanks to those that entered the Anti Monkey Butt Powder giveaway, and to Robin Leedy Associates for giving me the opportunity to try it (review here) and for allowing me to host a giveaway to two readers!! Interestingly, the girls seemed more interested in this one :) Wish I had a bottle to give to all of you that were interested!!

For the girls...

Leana! Preparing for Ironman Canada at the end of August, no doubt this will come in handy!

For the boys...

Big Daddy Diesel!

I will be forwarding both of your email addresses to John, so that he can follow up with you both to get your bottles!

Happy Canada Day to those of us north of the border, and Happy 4th of July to my southern friends!! Stay safe!

On a roll! Welland Give-It-A-Tri Race Report

2010-06-28T23:56:00.003-04:00

This is just not something that happens to me!

While standing around the parking lot after our OWS and bike ride a few weekends ago, I was asked by the soon-to-be-first-time-triathlete that I'm training with if I'd join her at the Give-It-A-Tri in Welland this past weekend. Checked out the website once I got home, saw that the course was fast 'n flat, and not yet sold out... sold. I was in.

I remember the nerves of being a first timer. As I hopped out of the pool on Thursday night, Coach called me over, saying he needed to talk to me, told me to take care of her, and share with her everything I know. Glad to.

With a 10:30am start time, I had plenty of time to make it there, but was happy to have gotten there early, as I snagged a parking spot directly across the street from the transition area, and the bike in/out. Inside the arena to get body marked, bib, race cap and shirt, and my transition area setup. Met up with Hayley, whose husband was already out on the course rockin' his duathlon, and helped her get ready, as I answered questions to the girl next to me -- it occurred to me then, that I was in their shoes last year. It's nice that I'm able to be the one to answer the questions this time!

Headed down to the water, barefoot, to collect the timing chip, and get ready. GO TIME!

The Swim:

Time trial start, 5 seconds apart, by race bib number, so a long line along the path, all of us donning yellow swim caps with a race number, athletes scanned everyone's head for their numeric spot in line. As I stood, I scanned the faces of everyone to find and wish Hayley a good race one last time. Somehow, faces can have a marked resemblance when their heads are covered a cap, eyes hidden behind goggles, and bodies in a wetsuit. I finally found her, frantic wave, thumbs up, the line started to move. The time span from the start, race number 501, seemed to pass by quickly, even though I don't tend to get nervous. Edged into the water, treaded water when I was deep enough for a few seconds, as the girls ahead of me went, waiting to hear "558, go". I got into my groove quickly, and started passing swimmers ahead of me. Calm, clear water, feeling awesome.

Swim: 400m, 8:23 (**pure swim time**), 19/150 overall! -- Run from the water to Transition 2:34, T1 2:28

The Bike:

I love the bike, I love my bike. I love riding, because it makes me feel free, and strong. I also discovered that it's kinda fun yelling out 'on your left'. Flat 5k out 'n back, residential street alongside the canal, definitely conducive to a fast ride. In fact, my fastest ride. I counted only being passed by 3 men! Whoohoo! Not much else to say here... but wait! Have I mentioned that I love riding my bike? Oh, I have. Ok, let's continue then.

Bike: 10k, 19:55, 22/150 overall, 30.1 km/h T2 1:19

While in T2, I heard "Come on Mel, looking strong". Ummm, clearly she must be talking to someone else, that's not Hayley, she'd be on the bike by now... who else would know me, here. But she was looking directly at me. Sugoi Brand Champion clothing. Hmmm.

*On a side note, I finally took advantage of being a Sugoi Brand Champion last weekend, and ordered a tri top and shorts, hoping it would arrive in time for this weekend's race. Of course it would arrive today :( Oh well, next race!

Bike racked, shoes switched, helmet and gloves off, start running towards the run out, she's still looking at me. Then it hit me. Andrina! DUH! All the clues were right there, she had just finished rocking the Sprint tri before me, and whether she stuck around to see me or not, whatever! What a boost to have someone cheer me on! High-five as I passed her, thanks girl!

The Run:

Oh, the dreaded run. Yes, it was the run that started my triathlon journey. Yes, I have run some halfs, a 30k, 36k of a marathon, but I was dreading this measly 2.5k run. Silly, I know. I discovered during the two triathlons I did last year, that my calves burn something fierce when running off the bike. I've been training lots, and doing some short bricks time permitting. Tentative to think about or try longer distances yet, for fear of the run, but I really want to. Really bad. Aquabike is a good alternative, but the anticlimactic finish is kinda weird. First tri of the season, let's see where I'm at.

I had bought some 2XU compression sleeves a few months ago, but haven't yet worn them. Cloudy day, super short distance, no chance of worse tan lines than what I'm already sporting. Perfect day to test them out, right? What's the worst that can happen, right?

Started my run, and just kept going. Walked for a few seconds at the water break just to down a few sips, and just kept going. Huh. A few hundred meters from finishing my run, I crossed paths with Hayley, who was smiling from ear to ear. So far, I was doing my job :)

Crossed the finish line, didn't see a clock, dunno if there even was one... so I had no idea what my finish time was, other than what I had on my Garmin.

Run: 2.5k 13:38 5:27/k. Let me repeat that. 5:27/k.... I NEVER run that pace! 73/150... damn, there are some super fast runners!!

**whether the compression sleeves really worked that well, or I wanted them to work, or training... whatever. I am stoked with this.** Psssst, I ran a 5:27/k pace. ;)

Stretched a little while waiting for Hayley who crossed about 6 minutes later. Her kids came rushing over, letting us know that we HAD to wait around for the awards because their dad has placed 2nd in his AG in the du! The drizzle had started, so the awards ceremony had been moved into the arena, where we headed in to get some food. The next 10-15 minutes, I spent between the arena, transition to get dry clothes, looking for Hayley and family again, and the results board which had nothing listed for my race. Bib number random draws were being held, which seemed to wrap up the event, so everyone was dispersing. Figured I would too, despite having no idea how I did. Weird.

I headed back to transition to gather the last of my belongings, and was thanked by the girl that had been next to me. "You have no idea how much you helped me" she said. Awesome! I think I also convinced her 3 year old to sign up for a triathlon, when I told him that my not-so-little-boy will be doing his third in a few weeks! heehee

In the car, quick stop for coffee, I hit the highway just in time for the downpour. Home, checked online for results, still nothing posted. Shower, put things away, a bite to eat, and a nap. Results were up!

Check.This.Out.

34/150 Overall WHAT!?

3/16 W30-34 !!!! ME!!!!!

My second race, in less than a week, with a 3rd place AG finish!

Stuff like this doesn't happen to me! It's pretty awesome. For me!

I know it's a small event, I know the distances are small, and know that the streak won't continue as distances get longer, with the field more competitive... so I'm extremely proud, and will take it while I can! I'm used to results from road races, where I'm comfortably in the middle of the pack, and nowhere close to AG awards!

I'm told that there were probably age group awards for the Give-It-A-Tri. Did I miss it while out of the arena putting my stuff away? Not sure, but hopefully not. I've written to the race director to see, no response yet. What a bummer if I missed it! Without seeing results anywhere, I had no clue!! **edit** Just got a response back from the race... there was an award ceremony, and I missed it! Boooo! They've let me know that they'll bring it to a future race, so I just need to let them know. Can't believe it.

The Anti Monkey Butt Powder giveaway ends Wednesday at 6pm EST.

Made me a believer

2010-06-25T12:52:00.000-04:00

Bullet point friday!

Flip turns scared me when I joined masters. I'd never been shown how to do them, hate the feeling of getting water up my nose, didn't want to crash into anyone or get in their way, and was a little scared of the dizziness or what would happen post-brain-surgery (not because of any doctors' warnings... just my own fears). It's also why I had a hard time getting back on a roller-coaster in January when Terron and I went to Orlando. It was the first time in more than 9 years.... nothing happened on the roller-coaster, surely a flip turn should be fine too. Coach became more.... 'coach-like' this week, at the beginning of the summer masters session saying touch-turns were no longer accepted. Almost all triathletes panicked, as mastering flip turns certainly won't help in an open-water, lake swim triathlon. I've nailed it. I hit all of yesterday's flip-turns... even during the 1050m endurance set! I've broken through 'my flip turn wall'. He made me believe that I could do it, that I'd be faster on the turns, and that breathing would eventually get easier.
Aquabike pictures are in!

Considering less than 10 years ago, I needed to have someone 'monitor' me while having a bath because of the drowning risk during my seizures... swimming 1500m in open water, without fear or a second thought, it epic!

Homestretch... right before coming into transition, and the anticlimactic Aquabike finish!

Thankful that I had the VIP Ride for Heart picture taken before my ride!! My lips may have been a nice shade of blue, I would've been wearing a few more layers, completely soaked, looking like a drowned rat, too cold to smile. ;)

Tomorrow is my first triathlon of the season! Last weekend I did the Aquabike -- swim, bike, no run. One of the girls from the tri group will be doing her first Give-It-A-Tri tomorrow, and asked me to do it with her!! Sure, why not!? I figure it'll give me a good idea of where I'm at with running off the bike, given the burning of my shins that I usually get. Bike is supposed to be flat and fast, and sigh, rain is in the forecast. Hoping to get some longer course tri's in this season... this will give me a good idea of where I'm at.
Don't forget about my Anti Monkey Butt Power giveaway!

'Saved my butt' giveaway!!

2010-06-23T13:58:00.004-04:00

Irritated? Itchy? Burning? Red? Discomfort? Yes, yes, you can buy eye drops if these were symptoms you were experiencing with your eyes... but what about your, uh, butt?

There, I've said it.

Cycling this year has been a little interesting. I've gotten a new bike, been out on the roads since February because of an unusually mild winter, and have had my 'character built' on more than one occasion. I've ridden in less than ideal conditions, including hot, humidity, and pouring rain, which only seem to make the friction of clothing on skin worse.

When I was contacted about testing out the Anti Monkey Butt Powder, I giggled at the name, googled it to make sure it was something legitimate, and once I sent my reply, hoped it would arrive as I looked at the forecast for the 75k Ride for Heart I recently did. As promised by the weather forecasters, it rained, a lot. Turns out that the package didn't arrive in time (no fault of theirs... crossing north of the border always takes more time, just gotten used to it), but was probably the last time I'll ever have any chaffing! It's not just for cycling either, check out the website to see other butt-busting activities it's being used for!

The lightly fragranced powder contains calamine and talc, and really work their magic! I have used it on every ride since, having setup permanent residence in the side pocket of the bag I use to carry all of my triathlon stuff.

$5.95 for a 6oz bottle, or $29.95 for a 6-pack, definitely worth it! I checked the websites for two local running stores which I go to often, neither seem to carry it, so I may end up having to do some research or buy it online somewhere once I run out -- because I will be getting more!

The only drawback that I've found, is that my cycling shorts are black. Obviously, the power is white.... so it does tend to leave a bit of evidence, a trace of a white around the inner thighs of my shorts where applied. Otherwise, definitely two thumbs up from me... thanks for saving my butt!!

Now it's your turn to save your butt! I've got two bottles -- one of the original Anti Monkey Butt Powder for the guys, and Lady Anti Monkey Butt Powder for the girls!!

Contest rules: I'll be using random.org to choose a random comment, deadline is next Wednesday, June 30th at 6:00 EST. For entries, please leave separate comments for the following:

I've been struggling with self-doubt lately (see previous post). What mental training tips, or mantras do you use that help power and push through the negative thoughts and demons?
Let me know what you need 'your butt' saved from!
Follow me, or let me know that you already do!
"Like" their facebook page!
Go ahead and link this giveaway, and let me know that you have too.

Ok... going now. We just felt an earthquake! Um... I'm in Toronto! Holy cow!!!

Unfinished Business -- Guelph Lakes I Aquabike Race Report

2010-06-20T23:05:00.001-04:00

I am full of self-doubt. I question my abilities constantly, and sell myself short consistently. I'm aware of it, but have a hard time not doing it. I'm just an average girl, with results to prove it. You'll see ;)

Here's how I changed 'I CAN' into 'I AM', then 'I DID!' Grab a drink, take a seat... it may be a long one, but I think I've turned a corner :)

A year ago, entering the pool for the first time to do some laps during my recovery from stress fractures, 50m left me breathless.

Looking through race sites about a month ago, I stumbled across today's race, Guelph 1, which offered an Aquabike. 1500m swim. Gulp. Enter self doubt. A small voice in my head tried really hard to make me believe I could. The louder, much stronger negative voice shouted. It kicked and screamed! I had the entry form filled out, credit card number entered, my mouse hovered over the submit button. The negative voice was winning.

I quickly sent an email to my Masters coach, for his thoughts. The response was the following: "Give it a try if you want. Remember, have fun!"

Not necessarily exuding with the positivity I was secretly hoping for... but I hit the submit button anyway. I wasn't going to let it win, again.

I left the house this morning by 5:30am, arriving at the race site about 90 minutes later. Still no nervousness, no butterflies; this is one good thing about few expectations. I quickly found my rack in transition, found a spot for my bike, dropped my transition bag, and headed down to the registration area.

Seeing the lake, I smiled. First multisport race of the year! It's good to be back. Oh, how I've missed it! Got my race number, my chip, my barbie-sized t-shirt :( and my purple swim cap.

Got body-marked... love this part!

...then back to transition to get setup. Still no butterflies. Once done there, wetsuit on, I headed down to the lake. I always try to get in a bit of a warm up in the water. What will I expect once in there? Weeds? Other ickyness? How cold is the water? Better to get over it ahead of time.

First thing I noticed, no weeds! I wish our weekly OWS's with the tri group were here! Went out a few minutes, turned around and headed back with about 5 minutes to spare before the start of the race. Looking at the buoys, I realized there was one in the distance I hadn't yet seen, and it seemed far!

Despite having colored swim caps, based on estimated finish time, it's the equivalent of starting corrals in a road race. People kinda go... wherever. It was a mass start, and the rainbow of colored caps around me were random. It was pretty crowded, so it quickly became a game of dodging arms, elbows, legs and feet, and finding a spot. Got into a groove pretty quickly, and just kept my arms and legs going. Rounding the first buoy was what I picture 'Black Friday' to be like at the store opening hours, with a hot holiday item that everyone's child desperately ~~needs~~ wants for Christmas. Barely moving, people everywhere, all trying to get to the same spot. Rounding the second buoy with much the same, now heading back to shore. It was during this stretch that I remember thinking... I will be so happy at this point in the next loop! It was a two loop course of 750m, with a short run on the beach in between. The guy running beside me turned to me and said, "I've never been punched, hit, grabbed and kicked so much, are we ready for more?" Haha. I was. Settled back in a steady pace, stroke, stroke, stroke. As I approached the furthest buoy again, I remember thinking I'm really doing this! I'm quite sure I was smiling, too. I've never come out of the water feeling as confident as I did today. I just swam 1500m in the lake! For those of you who don't know how epic that is for me, read this.

Swim: 1500m 17/32 overall, 3/5 AG 33:30 T1 3:05

Run up the hill, back into transition, race number, sunglasses, helmet on. Feet dried off, socks and shoes on, unrack bike, head out of transition.

First thing I noticed as I headed out on the bike was the headwind, shocking, I know. At least it wasn't raining, given my history so far this year! Actually, there was nothing but sunshine (and am a wee bit sunburnt on my shoulders now! Forgot to reapply sunscreen after my swim....ooops). Quite a few rolling hills, but feeling good... just happy to not be riding in the pouring rain. The ride was a 40k out and back, with a few turns, and hills. With about 6k left before the turn-around, climbing a bit, a girl passed on my left, and said "We'll get some help on the way back!" And with that, she was outta sight. It was the part I was most looking forward to, the tailwind!! It was here that I made up a lot of time, in fact, catching back up to that girl. I was pleased to still be passing people right to the end! Approaching the dismount line, I unclipped ran, back into transition, re-racked my bike, and reached for my phone. How weird. My race was done. No rushing for T2. No switching my race number from back to front, no putting on running shoes. No finish line to cross, no calling out of my name as I approach. I was prepared for it, since Big Daddy Diesel had mentioned it in his race report too... it really is very weird. Almost like something was missing. Like it was unfinished.

Bike: 40k 17/32 (Again!! Consistent! haha) 1/5 AG (WOW!!! I just noticed this now!!) 1:25:17

Final stats: 2:01:50 18/32 3/5 AG

Sure, there may have only been 5 in the W30-39 AG, but I'm still very proud to be in the top 3! Was told by another athlete to stick around for the awards! HUH! Never had to do that before! It wasn't until waiting about an hour for them to start, then another hour to get through them all... that I found out that for the Aquabike (only), they only award Top 3 Overall, not AG. Booo. With the field as small as it is, I understand, but for this proud-to-be-the-middle-of-the-pack girl, this is probably the closest I'd get to getting an award! Oh well.

What an amazing adventure today was. I never felt like I had no business being there. Awesome.

Product review and giveaway coming soon...stay tuned! :)

First time for everything!!

2010-06-18T02:06:00.000-04:00

I got the pre-race email today for Sunday's Olympic distance Aquabike! I'm getting super excited!! Few things are going through my head right now...

No run following the bike, ride hard! No need to save anything for the run! There is NO run!
Last Saturday's OWS we covered 1600m, 100m more than the race course. I CAN DO THIS!
Swam a timed 1500m Tuesday night at masters (pool), in 27:50. I CAN DO THIS!
Thanks to Big Daddy Diesel, I know that there's no "finish line" to cross with the Aquabike event, no exciting finish to look forward to. Once I'm back in transition from the ride, my race is over. I'm ready for that.
The lake in which we do our OWS every Saturday is pretty weedy -- coach said if I can swim there, I can swim anywhere.
Swim cut-off time is 1h 10 min. I CAN DO THIS!
Never done one, and there doesn't seem to be many available. The good -- automatic PR! The bad -- not many available, will have to work on those bricks, and the shin-burning-off-the-bike-only thing.
I'm racing this one alone. I know no one there... I'm all grown up.
The swim is two loop course, with an exit from the water, short run along the beach before heading out again. Means staying closer to shore... bonus.

Olympic swim will be in waves of estimated finish time, rather than age. I think I like this better!

Under 23 min- red
23-25 min-     royal blue
25-27 min-      white
27-29 min-      baby blue
29-31 min-      purple
31-33 min.-     yellow
33-35 min.-     pink
35+ min. -       green

I'm thinking yellow?? but I already have a swim cap that color... hmmmm. Any thoughts?!

Hope you all have a great weekend... and to those of you racing, have a great race!! Wanted to also give a special shout-out to my friend Jerry, who will be doing marathon #4 of 26 (+1 Ironman) series!! You rock!!

living life

2010-06-16T20:02:00.001-04:00

Tuesday evening my ride was a little different from most others I've recently had. You see, the sun was shining! The wind, while there, wasn't gusting! I wasn't going to be frozen to the bone due to the cold and wet weather I've been riding in as of late! I felt great, rode hard, and had my fastest ride yet! All these wet, soggy rides have been referenced by others as character building. I think my character is a few layers deep by now.

After my ride, I stopped by a grocery store, picked up something 'to go' and headed to masters, which runs from 8:30-10p. We do, however, have access to a few lanes from 8p for those that want a bit of a longer swim, which I've never done.

Sitting in the car, eating my pseudo dinner, coach pulls up and sees me sitting there, and waves for me to come out. Busted. Hanging my head a little, I got out of my car, ready to explain that I'd be in after a while, still dressed in my cycling shorts and jersey.

Coach: "Mel, are you OCD about working out or something, you coming back from a ride to swim?"

Me: "Not OCD Ian, I'm living life, and loving it!" As my face begins to glow...

He knows about my history of seizures because of forms I've filled out upon registration, my dizzy spell in the pool one night which freaked me out, and my bit of fear of flip turns. (Upcoming post about this too, by the way). But I now had the opportunity to tell him a little more. He now actually saw the bumps on my forehead from the screws, he asked questions about my surgery, and I explained what all of this means. This, the cycling, swimming, running, all represents the freedom and independence during the years when I couldn't do anything. Already a mother, I couldn't have a bath by myself for fear of drowning, crossing the road alone endangered my life, and cooking muffins resulted in burns to my fingers when I took the tray out of the oven, mid-seizure, without oven mitts.

I'm feeling and hearing the wind around me as I cycle (cautiously, of course) alongside cars. I'm running... away from a life of no passion, no goals, and towards pushing my mental and physical limits, trying new things, and meeting amazing people. I'm swimming, without a constant fear of drowning from seizures, I'm in the middle of a lake! I have a life again!

Swim workout was the following: Warm-Up: 200m free, 200m kick, 200m pull, 300IM

Main Set: 1500m timed set -- 27:50! HUH! I never thought I'd be able to swim that long in a steady set!! HOLY COW! 300m easy, 150m alternating free/choice, 4x25m, up free, back IM order, 8x25m free sprints

Left the pool, confidence boosted having covered the distance of this Sunday's race. Coach was standing outside of his car, and called me over.

Coach: "Mel, you impress the hell out of me, girl. Now that I know what I know, I cannot tell you how much of an inspiration you are. So, it's kind of like a miracle you're here."

He went on to stroke my ego just a little more, and explained that he's been wanting to submit an article in a local newspaper featuring some of the women in the club, specifically one lady who started with the masters at age 59 unable to swim a length two years ago, and is now part of the tri club, and will do her first this year. He asked for my permission to include a write up about me.

It's heartwarming, to say the least, when I get this kind of feedback. I never thought my story would touch anyone, and it wasn't really until I started putting my thoughts into words that I realized how insignificant these activities are to one person, how they can be taken for granted, but what they represent to me.

I don't expect people to understand, and it really doesn't matter. One of my best friends from school, thinks I'm crazy, and would be the first to tell you that the "old Mel" would not have been doing ANY of this.

I'm just glad that I am! :)

Bottle 'the moment'

2010-06-15T14:09:00.000-04:00

Terron being inspired to do a triathlon because I did is flattering; I couldn't be more proud. That he enjoyed it so much last year, and couldn't wait until the series started again this year made smile, while being asked to cross the finish line with him this time, made me cry. Here's how the day went down.

Transitions had to be setup by 9am, even though his wave wasn't starting until 12:50p, so once we were setup, we left the race site to ~~deliver bagels and coffees~~ visit a close friend and her husband who live close to the race site, and play with their 8 month old for a while! Once back, we had just enough time to see Terron's old bike cross the finish line! A few years ago, when Terron outgrew one of his bikes, we gave it to a friend of ours for his son. Sunday, he and his cousin did their first triathlon this weekend, congrats Zach and Charlie!!

Terron's grandmother and uncle arrived about 30 minutes before Terron's wave was called to line up for his swim start. His nerves started to kick in, and it was then that I realized that the apple really didn't fall far from the tree. We'll leave it at that for now, as thoughts swirl around in my mind for another blog post.

He was most concerned about the swim, so as others do for me, I tried to reassure him and calm him down before he went in. There was a bit of an 'incident', but nothing that really needs to be elaborated, and didn't involve just him... no biggie. We raced outside to see him in transition getting ready for his ride, and thankfully, this time he remembered not to hop onto his bike before the mount line! We rushed over to one of the turn-arounds, watching him as he looped around.

Without knowing exactly how many laps he had to do, and listening to other parents nearby yelling to the kids, "only 2 more laps", "last lap!" I assumed that they were in the same wave, and headed over to the transition area to watch him get ready for his run, after yelling to me that he wanted me to give him back the gatorade bottle that I was holding onto from before. Unfortunately, he had about 3 laps to go, so we missed them... sorry T! As he dismounted his bike, I handed him his gatorade as a volunteer grabbed his bike to re-rack it! Nice!!

Off on the run, we headed over towards the finish line, which is was next to the field where three laps would need to be done. Once again, just like mom, I could see he was struggling with the run a bit. I let him complete a lap of the field on his own, then ran down the hill to join him as he approached. My intention was just to encourage him a little, and then join him for the finish line... he said he needed me, and wanted me just to keep running with him, so I did.

Little banter going back and forth, he found his finishing kick, and together we crossed the finish line. Looking back at the pictures that I took, and the ones from the race, something about his smile.... wish I could bottle up the moment and keep it forever.

Congrats Terron! You did amazing!! He's now already registered for triathlon #3 on July 11th :)

fill in the blank...

2010-06-12T17:15:00.000-04:00

I'm ________ in the rain.

If you guessed singing, as in Gene Kelly's 1952 Singin' in the Rain song, that is incorrect. If you guessed riding, as in cycling, for the second weekend in a row, in the pouring rain, then yes, you'd be correct. By the end of this summer, I should have at least more confidence riding on wet slick pavement, and will have hopefully perfected how to dress for these conditions. What I won't have if this continues, however, is a tan line as my 'badge of honor' for the season.

Terron will be rockin' his second triathlon tomorrow! His first was a tribute to his father, who passed away only 3 weeks before. Took a little convincing, but he did great! I have no doubt he will again tomorrow; I'm already so proud of him! And this year, he wants ME to cross the line with him! I will likely shed some tears...

Today, I went to pick up his race kit after my tri club's swim/bike workout. I was, once again, soaked, and cold to the bone from the above mentioned cold, wet ride. The guy in line behind me was nice enough to cover me up with his umbrella as we stood in line, outside in the rain. We started talking about triathlon, transitions, marathons, injuries and bikes, and the Ride for Heart jersey I was wearing. Slowly, others around us were engaged in our conversation, and I was the 'experienced mom/girl' that was answering all the other parents' questions! I was 'the girl'! And I loved it! When did I become that girl!?

Next weekend is my Olympic distance Aquabike. 1500m swim/42k bike. I have to say, swimming in open water every saturday with the group, rather than just pool swims, has really built up my confidence! I'm not as claustrophobic with the weeds, my sighting is getting marginally better (thankfully we were all given yellow 'team' swim caps, making it easier to spot everyone else), and the distance has been covered! Today, we swam out one buoy further than last week, which brought our distance to 1630m! After our swim, as we were trying to figure out, if, in fact, we did go longer today, I realized the benefit of having the compare tool in the Garmin Training Center (click image to enlarge)! Today's swim was the blue line.... YAY!!

Between Terron and I, this will be our 5th triathlon weekend. It's also #2 for having to spend an evening in the hospital the day (or two) before, to say goodbye to someone. This one not as sudden as last time, and at least it was peaceful, with family there. Sad, but 92 well-lived years.
Thank you blogger for adding a preview button! I dig it!

i MUST be stronger!!

2010-06-06T22:50:00.008-04:00

Wanna know how I know? Well, I'm sure, because today's Ride for Heart didn't kill me! What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger, right? Seriously, I hope that's the 'worst' ride I'll ever have to do. Ever!

And before I recap everything from today, I don't mean worst because of the event, or the organization. In fact, I have nothing but positive things to say about all of that!!

I checked the weather report one last time before heading to bed, and set my alarm clock for 4am, which was completely unnecessary, because I was awoken by the wind and rain at 3:25am. At that moment, I was hopeful, but sorta dreaded getting out of bed. Of course, I did anyway. I had been looking forward to this day for more than a year, maybe the rain would stop before the 6:45am start time. Or not.

Grabbed my usual breakfast, found an extra layer to wear. Under Armour Cold Gear tights to wear under my shorts, and a Cold Gear hooded long sleeved shirt for under my jersey, and a jacket over top. It is June, right? I got down to Exhibition Place, in the VIP parking lot at about 6:15am, rain coming down sideways, wind a pretty steady constant, with strong gusts just to make it 'interesting'. Hmmm, this'll be fun. I didn't pay attention to wind direction at that point, in hindsight, I think I'm glad I didn't.

I checked my bike, checked my bag, had a pre-race picture done, grabbed a drink and heard the announcement that the 75k riders should make their way to the start line.... collect my bike, and I was headed to the starting area. It was at this point that I realized that I had made a mistake already. I packed my full-finger gloves, and my shoe covers, but the rain had let up, so I decided not to bother. As I glanced around, comparing my clothing with other riders, I was already more layered than many riders, and I'm notorious for overdressing, (and later regretting it), so I decided to go as I was. Ah well.

Somewhere today, on one of their print-ads, I saw something along the lines of: We close down two major arteries of traffic, to open up many others. Being able to ride on two of the city's busiest highways is really want got me wanting to do this ride, before it became about much more than that.

As we started to roll forward, I realized that it was raining more than I thought it was, and much more windy, and as I watched the flags, realized that I'd be getting a strong cross and headwind for the first 30k. Lovely. Oh, did I mention that a good portion of the first 30k is a fairly steady climb, with some decent grades?

I stopped for the first time at the top of the climb, at approximately 30k, where I saw Ken, from my Tuesday night ride group! Until that moment, I had a fleeting thought of doing only the 50k route rather than the full 75k due to the conditions, but didn't want to be the first to say it. As we started to roll again, we had a reprieve from the wind, and were finally going downhill, my spirits picked up... slightly.

We stopped again at 41k, where I snapped this quick pic. Notice the raindrops on my helmet and glasses? Hard to tell, but my jacket was soaked, and can you tell that I wasn't at my 'happiest-ever' moment? haha. I didn't even try to muster a smile. Had I worn the shoe covers and full-finger gloves, maybe I wouldn't have been cold to the core. Chilled to the bone.

Time to turn around and repeat that climb... ugh. Pedal, pedal, pedal... huff, huff, puff.

The climb up for the second time didn't seem as bad, maybe I was already numb, and having someone to ride with likely also helped a bunch! Once again, stopped at the rest station for another banana, and realized it was downhill with a tailwind form here. SWEET! That part was fun... a little white knuckled at times though, hitting 50+k/hr on slick, wet roads, with riders going from side to side without paying any real attention to faster cyclists coming on their left. Very pleased that the ride was without incident for me, although I did see a few that tipped over before unclipping, etc. Finally onto the westbound stretch of road, still windy being close to the water, but the homestretch.

Then the finish. Loud music, awesome volunteers as we entered the party area. Including rest stops, ride was done in a little over 3 hours. It wasn't a race, wasn't timed, other than by my Garmin, and considering the conditions, I'm pleased to have completed what I started.

We had some food in the VIP area post ride, where Ken also admitted that he might have cut the route short too had he not met me at that rest stop. Picked up some goodies, and finally into my car to stiffen up drive home.

Showered, then tried to nap, which was unsuccessful, but woke up to this. Mother Nature, you can be a real b!tch sometimes.

Once again, thank you from Terron and I for all the love and support!

Ready to roll

2010-06-04T10:58:00.000-04:00

A year ago, while using crutches to get around post-marathon, I remember being disappointed that the stress fractures were still too fresh to participate in the Ride for Heart. I just thought it would be cool to cycle on one of Toronto's busiest highways for a few hours for a good cause. Just a few short months later, that same cause was now very close to our hearts, with the sudden heart attack and death of my son's dad.

While I anticipate Sunday to be hard enough (more emotionally than physically); riding 75k, in memory of someone so young, that gave me the best son in the world... I hope Mother Nature doesn't make it more difficult. So far, it's calling for 70% rain... ☹

Again, a huge thank you to all of you for your support, kindness, encouragement, and generous donations. With your help, I'm proud to have raised $1260 so far, crushing my initial goal of $500! AWESOME!! It's been an interesting year to say the least -- I've felt, faced and dealt with things I certainly didn't anticipate this early in life, and just hope that I'm doing all I can to support Terron. The ❤ I get from you all is so greatly appreciated, so once again, Thank YOU!

what a difference a week makes!

2010-06-02T01:43:00.001-04:00

Brave and crazy... that's what we were called when 4 of us from the tri club slipped into our wetsuits just over a week ago for our first OWS. After a week of very warm scorching hot, unseasonably humid weather, the water had certainly warmed up, as we entered the water for the second time. With one open water swim already under my belt this year, having already gone through the usual panic of the unknown (first time swimming in this lake), freak out over weeds (didn't really grow up doing much lake swimming, so I still find them icky).

Swam out to the first buoy with even breath, feeling comfortable as I got past the weeds, where we gathered to discuss our swim. 'The boys' had planned to go out 5 more buoys... which seemed sooooo far out there. In fact, without my glasses or contacts in, I couldn't see it. Gulp. With the Olympic Aquabike in just a few short weeks, which will be a 1500m swim, my longest ever, when coach's eyes met mine, and asked me what I wanted to do, I said I was going with "the boys!" GULP! I had said it out loud. That made it real.

And swim with the boys, I did! This gave me the opportunity to test out my new Garmin 310XT, which I recently picked up, after a few weeks of issues with my 305. Having a waterproof watch, more geared towards triathlon and multisport, with a recent firmware update to more accurately track GPS points while swimming seemed more logical than replacing it with the same model, or urging it to work any longer. I am a data junkie, it was, in fact a gadget that got me started with running, afterall.

We got out to the third buoy, stopped for a second to make sure we were all good, and continued on another two, at which point we agreed to continue on a little further. The boys were so great, making sure I was ok, which I was; and making sure I was wanted to continue, which I DID! Out to the seventh buoy, I hit what I thought was the lap button on the Garmin to get our half way point distance, but later found out I had hit stop. Oops. So while I had a pretty cool trace in the water on the 'out', the 'back' is a pretty straight line until I realized my mistake. How cool is that, though?! We figure that we swam approximately 1300 meters, possibly more, but with the race distance at 1500m, this gave me a much needed confidence boost!

May has been a pretty great month for me training-wise!

Highest swim month -- 24k
4k shy of my highest bike at 261.5k

Highest run month since my stress fractures at 85.44k and 7+ hours of strength training/Insanity.

Ready to see what June has to offer!! :)

By the way, I noticed a few new followers, thanks for stopping by!! I'll be off to check yours out soon!! :)

Flyin' Solo -- TO Women's Half Marathon Race Report

2010-05-31T10:15:00.000-04:00

I've posted before about habits of registering for races... sign up well in advance, as soon as you can, knowing that you risk injury, changes of plan, etc? Or wait to know that you'll be healthy/able to race, and risk it selling out? What do you tend to do?

As 4 of us sat around the table in our San Francisco house rental, having just completed the Nike Women's Half Marathon, we agreed that we'd wait until we got home, and check with the other girls that had already left. A few emails went around a few days later, we all decided to register, which I did immediately. Got my confirmation, and the next email I got was Jackie, saying it was sold out! No one else from my running group got in, I must have gotten one of the last slots! Having DNS'd this run last year as it was only a few weeks after my 'almost marathon' and last round of stress fractures, I was just stoked to be toeing the line yesterday.

As I was thinking back though, counting the HM's I've done, I realized that this is the first one I'm wasn't running with Ann!

I arrived at Sunnybrook park with plenty of time to spare and got parking near the start/finish line. Thankful for knowing tall people, I quickly found a group of friends from the local running store, and saw 'the cowbell'... it cracked me up!

Only a few short weeks ago, we had flurries as I drove up to the lake to meet our tri coach. In the last few days, we've broken weather records for heat, and have had temperatures higher than Las Vegas! With no time to get used to the humidity and warmth, I was thankful that this race was in a park, occasionally given shade by the trees! It was HOT!

The race started on time, through the narrow pathways of a park in which I've never been. The one thing that my 'new active lifestyle' has provided me is seeing many city sites that I've never seen! It was 3 out 'n backs, and at the middle of it all is where the firemen were stationed, so we passed them a few times ;)

I'm the type that prefers running with a fuel belt, so that I can drink when I need it. I rarely use the aid stations in races because I have my own, but yesterday, while I still had my own hydration, I did grabs cups of water on the way by to pour over my head. At one aid station, I poured the cup of water on my head given to me by one of the volunteers. She then raised her other hand, holding more water, and pretended that she was gonna pour it over me too! She said, "if you can, i can too, right?!" I laughed and said "of course"! Soaked, and nicely cooled off. Awesome.

To give you an idea of how hot it was.... I got this chocolate bar at approximately 19k... took it out of my fuel belt pocket just after crossing the finish line... it had melted. Oops.

I felt like I was in a decent groove, my pace stayed pretty consistent, playing cat 'n mouse with two girls in purple shirts. A funny thing happens when I run with Ann. For me, 18k seems to be when I start slowing, and struggling a bit, but it's when Ann fires up her turbo engines... we have yet to finish a race together!! I wish I had her finishing kick! I smiled, though, as I wasn't feeling as crappy as I normally do in the final few km's!

Heard the cowbell from afar a few times, but the final time near the finish line was such a boost! I laughed as I rounded the corner and saw him, quick hug and a high five, and picked it up until I heard Patricia and a few others cheering me into the finishing chute. This is my second race now getting a necklace as a medal, have to say, I love it!

I crossed the line in 2:10:26. Not a PB, or a PW, and a few minutes faster than the much less humid half I did just a few months ago!

Considering I did this one alone, with no one to try to keep up to, I'm very happy! Post race brunch, relaxed in the afternoon, and headed over to Masters swim in the early evening for just the warm up to loosen up the legs (I may have stayed for the entire workout, but he was focusing on kicking drills... uh, no thanks haha!!). I'm feeling GREAT today!

Bring on June!

Bits 'n Pieces

2010-05-28T10:22:00.000-04:00

Triathlon, to me, anyway, seems to have 4 disciplines; one that's hidden, but oh so important. It comes first, even before the swim!

Organization!

I have a little corner of the room, dedicated to my 'stuff'. My foam rollers, a yoga mat, my chin up bar, a basket filled with my fuel belt, gels, insoles from shoes removed to accommodate my orthotics, heart rate straps, you get the idea. I also had a few bags. One bag was dedicated to swimming, which held my pull buoy, a water bottle, my timex watch to count my laps, towel, sandals, and on most days, my swim cap(s) and goggles.
Saturday, as I got ready to hit the lake for our OWS, followed by a bike ride, and a short brick run, I gathered what I needed into a larger bag. Wetsuit, check. Towel, check. Swimcap, check. Goggles, check. Garmin, check. Cycling jersey, check. Bike shorts, check. Socks, check. Cycling shoes, check. Cycling gloves, check. Helmet, check. RoadID, check. Sunglasses, check. Sunscreen, check. Running shoes, check. For a race, I use the iPhone app, Tri-✔List to ensure I don't forget anything. Maybe I need to start using this when I head out to train for more than one discipline at a time!

Tuesday evening, I planned on riding, having a bite to eat, then head to masters swim. I had the best of intentions; really, I did! The ride was a little hilly, hot, sticky and humid, but awesome! I did a longer route with another guy, and when I got back to the parking lot, first, got a round of applause from a few that had stuck around. That made me smile :)

Off to a coffee shop with one of the girls, to laugh, rehydrate and refuel, and catch up on life... I left there with just enough time to get to the pool, and with about 5 minutes to spare, a random though crept into my mind... cap and goggles... are in.the.other.bag. Crap! I thought I had everything; but only had bits 'n pieces of what I needed. I ended up skipping my swim that night... justified it that by the time I would've gotten there, the warm-up would have been over, they'd be into the main set, and I didn't want to risk getting dizzy again. Coach agreed with me on Wednesday night, at the track, as I explained my absence for the previous night, that I had done the right thing. Phew.

So, now I'm down to using one bag, and one bag only. Let's hope this keeps me a little better prepared and organized. Anyone else have any tips and tricks?

Tonight, I'm heading over to pick up my race kit for the Toronto Women's Half Marathon. Firemen, and chocolate, oh my! I missed this race, in it's first year, last year because of injury, but made up for it when I was selected for the Nike Women's in SF. I'm dedicating this run/race to a special friend, a very strong woman, who has had her share of difficulties lately. Not sure what to expect with 30C/86F temps, but it's sure to be a fun!! This also begins a 4 week long stretch of weekend events.

5/30- TO Women's 1/2
6/6- 75k Ride for Heart
6/13- Terron's first tri of the year :D
6/20- Olympic distance Aqua/Bike

Good luck to all those racing this weekend!

milestones!

2010-05-24T20:51:00.002-04:00

To someone like me, this week could possibly have been epic. Someone like me, who hated running, but tried it and got hooked. Someone who didn't cycle or swim much but had little alternative when I got stress fractures from running.

I was seriously humbled the first time I showed up to the pool, on crutches, to swim a few lengths. In my mind, I felt that I was a runner, surely I could swim. 50m left me breathless. I joined the masters swim team back in November, and coach had told about a website for Canadian Masters swimmers, called the Million Meters Challenge. Always up for a challenge, I've been diligently tracking my swimming mileage not only for myself, but for my club. No, no, I'm not there yet, but I did reach the first milestone of 100,000 meters, which at one time seemed so impossible!!
Saturday, myself and 5 others from the tri club met at the lake for our first outdoor water swim. Friday evening, as I was getting everything together, I considered whether it might be necessary for a sign taped to my wetsuit or swim cap!! Other cyclists saw us getting our wetsuits out, and commented on our bravery, and that we might be amoung the first to hit the water this season. Surprisingly, the temperature wasn't as bad as I thought, but it didn't take long for the panic, and phobia of the weeds to kick in. It's almost like I feel claustrophobic when I see the weeds... I hate 'em. After a few hundred meters, I got past the worst and finally regained my confidence and comfort, and actually felt great... we'll be in there every Saturday, so I'm hopeful I won't go through this every time. First OWS for the year, done! We followed this with a hilly, somewhat fast, and awesome bike ride, and a 1k brick run.

Sunday, I ran with the group in the morning, 10k through a conservation area. It's been a while since we've run there, and I was reminded at how much the paths and hills are a metaphor of my life. The seizures and smoking were bumps in the road that eventually led me to running and tri-ing! I'm just following it to see how far it will take me... I also finally managed to talk Jay into riding with me, so an easy 20k ride in the afternoon, during which I hit my 1000th km cycling so far this year! Sweet!!

Today was a holiday for us, and with nothing but sunshine all weekend, including a heat alert for today, we headed out for another ride this morning at the marsh... where I typically ride on Tuesday nights. When I got there for my first ride in February, I noticed a few new signs along the usual route, on two roads specifically. Broken Road. Right. They might actually be worse than last year, patch work repairs, pot holes everywhere, etc. In my mind, I always think about 'broken girl (and boy) parts' when I see the sign. Today, I finally stopped to take a picture, and had some photoshop fun ;) Owwwwwwww.

Let's just say that the bike short tan lines, that just recently faded from last year, have returned!

Not some magic pill....

2010-05-20T18:59:00.000-04:00

I came across a facebook thread a few weeks ago, on a friend's wall, that really hasn't left my mind.

It was this friend, who by posting his workouts and results, inspired me to try P90X myself, which I started in December. I've had a membership to the gym, which is across the street, but really have a hard time staying motivated and committed to going; I get bored. I've tried following various plans, worked with a personal trainer, it's just not for me. I finished the 90 days, which was an accomplishment in itself, because I stuck with it. I'm now on week 2 of Insanity, and just as motivated to complete it, because I enjoy it! That's what it's all about, isn't it? Finding things that work for you... whatever it may be.

My friend posted a quote... as he often does. Positive, motivating, uplifting, and encouraging... to which some guy commented sarcastically. A few people came to his defence, and the whole conversation kind of turned to the topic of Beachbody, and how it was a fad, like some magic diet pill, blah, blah, blah. He was totally negative and quite condescending, really... and I just remember reading this, eyebrows raised. He, himself, was in the fitness industry!

I can assure you of a few things: It's not a magic pill that I take that has helped me lose 14 lbs. The pool of sweat that I need to mop off my hardwood floor, in which my hand slipped while doing a push-up (almost resulting in breaking my face), is from Insanity; not a magic diet pill. The weights that I lift with P90X are far heavier than any bottle with magic pills. The confidence, strength, endurance and pride I now have in myself cannot be sold in a pill form. My 1100 meter endurance set, my longest set yet during Tuesday night's swim, also wasn't made possible because of a brightly-colored capsule. A pill doesn't get me off the couch and force me to the pool, onto my bike, out for a run, play a DVD, or make me want to eat better. I do all of that. Me.

We live in a society where obesity is an epidemic. We're also a generation of convenience, looking for the simplest, quickest and easiest answers, including, but not limited to losing weight. Most of you who read this blog are athletes. Runners, cyclists, swimmers, triathletes, etc.... You know the hours that are spent training. Goals are being set and met. Whatever it is that you do, you're not taking the easy approach! All of the hard work you're putting in, those early mornings, the late nights skipped, the good and bad workouts alike... be proud of that. If our efforts, our desire to better ourselves could be bottled, wouldn't the world be a different place? Keep on keeping on.

There, maybe now having posted this, I can put that guy's negativity outta my mind... for good. :)

Our moment.

2010-05-18T07:04:00.027-04:00

Often, it's the little things that mean the most... Terron knows what can instantly move me to tears, and is finally starting to realize the things that he should never, ever say to any woman. Finally.

Sunday afternoon was the former. We were heading to the pool to get some laps done to prepare him for his up-coming triathlon on June 13th, the week before my Olympic distance Aqua/Bike.

Riding in the car, his hand reaches forward to lower the volume of the music, blaring from the song just played, that we both like and to which we were screaming at the top of our lungs singing.

"Mom, for this year's triathlon, I don't want you to be the one that takes the pictures. I want you to cross the finish line with me. And I'm not going to accept the 'mom' excuse that you gave me last year (said, as he rolled his eyes)... that it was my moment, and that you want me to enjoy it. I want it to be our moment." WOW.

Guess I'll be handing over the camera to someone else this year... and I look forward to 'our moment'. Lucky mom? Yes, I know so.

Something Spectacular!

2010-05-17T12:46:00.000-04:00

Typically, horoscopes mean nothing to me... I read them purely for entertainment, but yesterday's was interesting... and kinda gave me chills.

"Your goals and ambitions will seem to move a little bit closer this week – or are you moving closer to them? Either way you will have good reason to believe that you are on course to create something spectacular."

Is it weird that I naturally thought about this statement in the context of triathlon, or being active in general? Funny how life changes...

My weekend went a little something like this.

Saturday: Met the tri group at the lake... wetsuit, check. bike, check. Swim cap, check. Goggles, check. Warm clothes for after, check. Towel. DOH!! Maybe it was because I kinda had a feeling we wouldn't REALLY be swimming anyway. Email was sent out the Friday evening that if the air temp was less than 14 degrees, we would not be swimming. The high for the day was 16, so there was no way it would be that warm at 8am. Phew! We opted for a short little run down by, and around the lake, while waiting for others to show up for our ride. After confirming our planned route, and discussing a few safety things for a few of the newer riders that haven't been out since last season (or longer), we were off. The original plan was to kinda go in pairs since there were four of us... so I stayed behind, who I will, from now on, call Inspiring-V. She started swimming 2 years ago, at the age of 59, and has decided to take on triathlon. This lady rocks!!! She wanted me to pass her when we were stopped at a light, so I kept it slow, but kinda lost her on a hill, but waited for her at the top. Same thing on the next hill. Coach K caught up to me, as he had been at the back, and told me just to go on ahead, push it a bit, and have fun. So I did! Eventually, I was joined by another rider in our club that had gotten a late start. He really had me pushing my pace... He's a lane 5 or 6 swimmer, I only recently graduated to lane 4... So I haven't yet talked to him much. He told me that last year he did a Half Ironman on a whim with another masters' swimmer, working towards doing the same a little faster this year, and Ironman Canada next year. So, when he asked me about my experience so far, and goals, he nearly grabbed both brakes when I gave him the ultra brief version of 'my story'. People's reactions are priceless!

Sunday: Met the running group for a run, and had the shortest, quickest warm up EVER! Nothing has ever gotten my heart rate this high in such a short amount of time. Walking out of the parking lot, towards the street, 8 of us chatting away. All of a sudden "LOOK OUT!!!" A Canadian Goose was flying directly towards us, just slightly higher than we were tall, hissing... a protective hubby and daddy. We all screamed, and ran, as it chased us!! It took a few minutes for the shakes of the adrenaline to go away, as we eased into our 10.5k run. I then picked up Terron from his grandmother's, and took him to the pool for some lane swimming of his own since his triathlon is less than a month away!! Later on, I hit the pool for my own masters swim... where the following conversation took place:

Coach: Next year, we'll have you doing an Ironman!

Me: Hahaha, no. Maybe a half Iron next year, but Ironman! No.

Coach: Nah, you'll be Half Iron ready by the end of the season.

It'll take a lot of work, and it's still a goal for me, for next year, but I've learned along the way to never say never... hell, look at my life, and what I'm doing!! It is nice to have someone believe in me (and there have been a number of you...so thank you, you know who you are), and be challenged, and train with those that have similar goals!

Maybe these ARE all little baby steps along the course of something spectacular!!! Maybe I do have good reason to believe!

What is your "something spectacular?"

Breakfast and Lunch... THANKS TO YOU!

2010-05-14T13:10:00.005-04:00

Yes, I will be able to eat because of you! A warm breakfast, and a hot-catered lunch! I am one lucky blogger to have so many awesome friends that care, and that want me to eat!! Yesterday, I was sent an email, with my invitation to some red carpet treatment, as a V.I.P, because that's what you've all made me! My original goal when I started fund-raising for the Heart & Stroke Foundation's Ride for Heart next month was $500. Well, that goal was CRUSHED within a few days, so I doubled it, and you've helped me reach that goal too! I just wanted to give you all a VERY HEARTFELT THANK YOU and tell you how much I appreciate the support and encouragement; I am completely overwhelmed. It will be an emotional day for me I'm sure, I'm tearing up as I type this, but you'll all be with me that day :)

Also, GOOD LUCK to all those racing this weekend! I might need some luck of my own! Tomorrow is the Tri Club's first OWS (open water swim). Just to remind you, I live in Canada.... well north of the equator ;) Last Sunday, as I drove to meet my running group, snow was falling just north of where I live, and a little chime in my car alerted me that the temperature had dropped to 1 degree C... with a picture of a snowflake. It's not warm here yet, people! Hope I don't end up being a human-popsicle! Haha Guess I better try on my wetsuit soon too... wonder how much easier it will be to get on after losing 14 pounds... just hope it'll still be tight enough! Happy Friday! :)

Round and round she goes!

2010-05-13T09:15:00.003-04:00

Last night was such a night of firsts! I hit the track for the first time (other than for a few warmup laps before bootcamp a few years ago), for the first run workout of the brand-new triathlon club! I have a feeling this summer is gonna rock!

The awkwardness of anything new wasn't present, as all but one swim with me in the Masters swim club... we've all seen each other in bathing suits and swim caps; we were far more covered up for an 8:30pm outdoor run, in the chilly evening air ;)

I never participated in the track team at school... remember, I hated running back then. I've never had an actual coach, or structured track/run workouts. I've read your posts about speed work, Yasso's, the track... but never really did any of that myself. In fact, you guys may have even scared me a little.

Coach K took us through a series of warm-up exercises, followed by running-specific drills, strides, and intervals. It was fun, and totally different than heading out for a run, at the one speed I seem to stick to!

This is new to everyone, coaches included, so after the run we stood around chatting for a few minutes about what the coaches' plans are, what Saturdays will be like, where we hit the lake this weekend for our first open water swim, followed by a bike ride. Guelph 1 was also discussed as a possible race to join as a team, to which one guy said he had already registered as it's one of the first of the season, and didn't want it to sell out. So, of course, I checked the website promptly when I got home.

I've posted in the past about my burning shins. Only happens when running off the bike, on both my road and tri bike. Haven't quite figured that out yet, but so far, it's kinda been a limiting factor when considering triathlon distances because it sucks to have to walk the entire run, frustrated, because of the pain. Until last night! They're offering an Olympic distance Swim/Bike, no running!! 1.5k swim, followed by a 42k ride. WHOOHOO! I checked some of the other events/dates, and soon realized that this is one of the few!

I went through the rational reasoning "typical Mel stuff". Got excited, then started questioning myself. Spoke to Jay, who encouraged me, and who said I should sign up! Still questioned myself, so I asked him if I should email my swim coach to see what he thinks about the swim distance! He said yes, sarcastically, and that I should also post it on my blog, because I'll listen to all of you, instead of him anyway. Huh, guess we've been through this a few times. haha I'm registered! June 20th, I'll be doing my first Swim/Bike, and won't have to worry about the burning shins, yet!! :)

**runsher, thank you for your comment yesterday! I'd love to give you my thoughts, and lessons learned, but can't find an email address for you! Email me at mel[dot]2ndchances[at]gmail[dot]com... otherwise, I'll do a blog post soon! Thanks!**

How BIG is it?

2010-05-11T10:40:00.000-04:00

Sometimes, even with the best of intentions, things come up that derail you. I'd been doing well with my eating, the P90X & Insanity workouts, and running/cycling/swimming was all going well.

Then, I strained a tendon on my left ankle a few days before my 10k, so I rested more, iced lots, and held off on the Insanity (lots of plyometrics, jumping, etc) workouts, and managed to complete the race. Last week, I came down with a nasty chest cold, so once again, more rest, no use in tracking my calories because I was barely eating.

Having all but written and handed in the cheque for the triathlon club, I figured it was a good time to give myself a fresh start, rather than try to jump on the moving train that was going just a little too fast for me to catch up. Besides, some run/ride/swim days were changing around a bit anyway. I've decided to restart the Insanity series, following the intended 60 day schedule, without the longer P90X workouts for right now (I'll still mix in some weight training days as time permits). Shorter workouts, focusing on cardio, endurance, and shedding fat, as triathlon season quickly approaches.... I'm in!

Speaking of triathlon, Terron is registered for his first triathlon of the season... before me!! For those of you who haven't been around for long, triathlon is no longer just about the sequence of swim - bike - run to either of us. IT'S MUCH BIGGER THAN THAT! For me, post brain surgery, it's about freedom and independence, both of which were taken away while I had my seizures -- a difficult thing for someone who is already a mom. For Terron, I believe it's become part of his healing.

After I completed my first tri last year, the trash-talkin' started with "...if you can do one, then so can I." So I signed him up, for the day after his 11th birthday. Game on. The evening before what would have been my third triathlon, and 2 weeks before Terron's, his dad passed away suddenly of a heart attack. He no longer had the desire because his dad wouldn't be there to watch, but I assured him it wasn't true, and together, we made this t-shirt to ensure that his dad would be with him the entire way. He crossed that finish line proudly, and has been looking forward to this year's triathlon season ever since. June 13th will be the first of the year! Go TERRON!

Decisions, decisions

2010-05-09T21:17:00.000-04:00

Remember when the most difficult choice was which colored crayon to use? Remember waiting for the finger to point in your direction, or for your name to be called when teams were being picked? This time the roles are reversed! I'm the one picking the team!

I sorta saw it coming in the fall... having a few options to choose from coming into this triathlon season. Well, it's decision time... and I wish it was as easy as eeny, meeny, miny, mo!

Last year, I stumbled across a local running store's triathlon clinic, registered immediately, and got bit by the "tri bug". Made some great friends, many of us doing our first triathlon together, and have stayed in touch with many throughout the winter, and have already hit the roads with them this spring on a few group rides. Lots of laughs, encouragement; it's comfortable.

In early November, as the temperatures started dropping, becoming far too easy to stay curled up in the blanket on the couch in the evenings, I knew I needed something to keep me motivated to continue swimming. While watching one of Terron's swimming lessons, I noticed a group of adults getting ready to get in the pool following his class-- a Masters swim team, and recognized 3 triathletes from the above mentioned clinic! Awesome!

Joined the masters, and have absolutely come a long way. Well, turns out, that all of coach's talk of creating a Triathlon club wasn't only talk! A triathlon coach has been hired, an Ironman himself! By the way, the fall/winter session of Masters wraps up at the end of June, summer session will be separate and runs for approximately 8 weeks.

Here are the options I came up with the Pro's and Con's:

Option A: Masters swim + NEW Triathlon Club

Pros: much closer to home, Masters swim twice/week, Saturday lake swim/bike session, Wednesday track run session, Sundays would be free'd up to continue building my running distance with my original running group, Tuesdays would still be free to ride with last year's tri group, people training for varying distances -- will likely find people that will want to go for long rides! I do too!!, triathlon team runs from May (now) until mid-sept.

Cons: Two separate membership fees, kinda expensive (but manageable), first year (could be a pro or a con, depending on how it all goes)

Option B: Masters swim + Last Year's Tri clinic

Pros: less expensive, LOVE the group and the clinic instructors, guaranteed hug from D whenever I need one :)

Cons: Both Saturday & Sunday are "scheduled" -- would need to move my long run to a weekday, and would be running it solo, 30km each way as opposed to 1km for the track and pool & 12k for the lake and parking lot from which we ride), Clinic swim night is a local pool during their regular lane swim - can get a bit crowded, clinic only runs from mid June-end of August.

Option C: NO masters swim + NEW Triathlon Club

Pros: less costly plus same pro's as Option A

Cons: **and this is a biggie** no coached swim (lane) until Sept, dependant on lane swim practice on my own, and I know I don't push myself as hard, and get really annoyed.

This past Wednesday and yesterday were supposed to be "free" sessions, just to meet the coach, and get questions answered, etc. before committing. Well, Wednesday night was cancelled due to thunder and lightning, and yesterday morning, still windy, cold and rainy... I arrived at the parking lot, without my bike. I've had a miserable chest cold, still have it, barely a voice, stuffy nose, and have rested most of the week. The intended ride was crazy short, so it hardly seemed worth packing the bike into the car, and with not feeling well, I was happy enough just heading out to meet the coach and help me with my decision.

Spoke with him a bit about my previous triathlons, mentioned to him my burning shins while running off the bike, and by then, they'd waited long enough to see if anyone else going to show up, enough standing around and shivering, so they were off. I overheard a conversation between the coach and the one other girl that was riding that made me smile, made me think that having him as a coach is gonna be awesome.

Sorry, I know its a long post, thanks for sticking with me... See what goes on in my right-temporal-lobe-removed-brain-of-mine when making decisions! Gah! I'm 99.9% sure that Option A it is, what do you think?

Hope all you mommies out there have had a wonderful Mother's Day! :) It was a year ago today that I DNF'd my marathon due to injury.... wow, did I learn a lot about myself that day, getting my roses from my son in the med tent instead of after crossing the finish line. Reading that race report earlier today made me cry the same tears I did last year, but realized the doors its since opened. It's hard at times trying to place myself, and the emotions I felt, as I wrote that post.... wow.

...gadgets and gizmos a plenty

2010-05-06T22:51:00.000-04:00

When I walked out of the Apple store exactly 3 years ago today, I was carrying the bag that contained the Nike+ ipod kit, my mind swirling with ideas and hope, gung-ho to 'try' something I'd hated my whole life, the very next day. I hoped that this new "thing", this "novelty" would at least last a few weeks... Never, did I imagine what that impulse buy would lead to! My first run, on May 7th, wasn't easy, but it was the beginning. It's my 3 year runniversary!

I'm reminded of Ariel's song Part of Your World (and apologies in advance if anyone now gets that song stuck in their head... heehee) in the Little Mermaid.

I've got gadgets and gizmos a-plenty

I've got whozits and whatzits galore

You want thingamabobs?

I've got twenty!

But who cares?

No big deal

I want more

Garmin, gels, heart rate monitors, Body Glide, double-layer socks, training plans, clipless pedals, pace, triathlon, race bibs, masters swim, aerobars, fartleks! These are all words that have become part of my regular vocabulary, of which I knew nothing about before!

I've traveled to San Francisco for a race, I've made life-long friends through Nike+, some closer than imagined, meeting quite by chance, and finding out later -- some far, including a visit from Damian in Australia, with another meet-up in the works! Recognizing fellow bloggers at local races, and following their updates and journey through facebook. I've crossed finish lines for distances that I once thought were impossible, and been inspired by so many amazing people. I learned more about myself during my DNF at my marathon one year ago this weekend, but heard the words from my father that I had waited a lifetime to hear. I've challenged myself more both physically and mentally on this journey than ever before. I nod, smile, and am quite proud when people ask if I'm crazy, I used to think "they" were too :)

Who would have thought that a $40 little gadget could get someone like me, doing all these things! Huh!

Small Wins

2010-05-04T15:41:00.000-04:00

Since my surgery, I really started celebrating small wins. 1 day since my last seizure, 1 week, 1 month, 1 year! Same thing with quitting smoking. Those two anniversaries are coming up later in the year, but this weekend, I had other small wins!

Let's do this in triathlon order, just for fun :)

Swim: Sunday evening I headed over to the pool for masters swim, to see how the legs would feel after the 10k race. After the dizzy spell I had a few weeks ago in the pool, I've been a little scared to do the flip turns, and to elevate my heart rate too much in the water... and my coach was supportive of that. Figured it was time to give it another shot though, and I'm happy to report that I nailed almost all the turns, and had an awesome swim.

Bike: Saturday, I got the bone-head of the day award. Seriously. It could have been a whole lot worse, though, so that's why I consider it a small win. Sigh. Met last year's triathlon group out at the marsh for a short, easy spin, hoping to stay dry and beat the rain, which thankfully we did. This was the first time I had packed up my new bike in the new car, so my whole process was changed. Back from the ride, front wheel off, leaned it up against the back tire of my car. Bike into the hatch. Get caught in the middle of a conversation, completely distracted, make plans and confirm directions for coffee. Get into the car, turn it on, into reverse, drive. CRUNCH. The front tire of my bike had still been leaning on my car tire, and now 3 spokes were broken. F*&K! As Doug mentioned, it coulda been worse... if it was the back wheel, it would have been attached to my bike, and that would've sucked even more. I was also lucky that it didn't fly up at all and scratch the car! Drove to the bike shop immediately, pouty lip as I walked in holding the tire, explaining what happened.

That bone-head move cost me a new set of tires, because it wasn't just the spokes that were broken. Ugh. I left the bike there for a tune-up while I was at it, so I'll be picking it up tomorrow. By the way, for those of you who requested a picture, and haven't yet seen it on facebook, here's my new ride ;) 6 new tires within a week. Ouch.

Run: Just the fact that I was able to run Sunday's race after a sore ankle earlier in the week, and felt good enough to finish is considered a win. But someone else got a incredibly major win... so I will dedicate this one to him. If you remember from my race report, I mentioned a runner that collapsed and had a heart attack, which left me quite shocked, sad, crying, and unable to get it out of my mind. Well, a friend of his contacted me via email through my blog yesterday, to get a bit of info and to give me an update. He's currently in hospital recovering, and has been given a second chance. Doctors had told him that the race was one of the best places to be because of the prompt medical attention he got! I am so so happy for him, and hopes he continues to recuperate!

What small wins have you or are you looking forward to celebrating?

Sporting Life 10k Race Report

2010-05-03T09:22:00.003-04:00

We all know too well that preparation for race day is one thing, but race day sometimes has a mind of its own. This race report and blog post had several opportunities to take a different turn. Let me explain.

As of Friday morning, I was preparing to not start this race, listening to the body, while nursing a tender ankle. I made an appointment for later that evening, hoping that some ART would help. As I walked in, she mentioned looking at my chart to see that the last time I was there was in August, and thought for sure I had given up on the whole running thing!!! She was pleased that it wasn't the case :) She felt the aggravation and tightness in a tendon that wraps down under the ankle bone, went to work on it. Iced some more that night, then off and on Saturday, but was feeling fantastic. I emailed Mark and texted Jackie to let them know that I was running!

As with any race, I didn't have any expectations. Yes, I know it's good to have goals... but I really haven't much luck with injuries -- so I'm just happy to be out there.

Mark, a high-school friend, who ran 38 minute 10k's 'back in the day' signed up at my urging at the end of March when a group of us got together for dinner. The last race he did, which we did together, and was my first race, the 10k Zoo Run in Oct, 2007!

We met at 6:30am; giving us plenty of time to find parking near the start line, porta-potty stops and whatever else might be needed. It was as we started chatting that I wondered which direction this blog post may go; if any of the rookie mistakes might rear it's ugly head. Mark received his new shoes by mail (same kind he's used in the past) on Thursday, he assured me that at least he's walked around in the mall with them. New shirt, new shorts. So the whole about not trying something new for race day was completely thrown out the window. At least he had his usual breakfast!! Phew! Um, Mark, you also mentioned you've run 3 times since February? heehee

Standing next to the Sporting Life building listening to the announcer, watching the streets fill up to eventually 14000 runners, scanning faces, I spotted familiar t-shirts from Andrina's facebook pictures from the last race we both did in April! I recognized her, so headed on over to finally meet her!

We headed towards our starting corral, where I saw Candy from my triathlon clinic, standing just a few feet from the rest of my running group, who had parked at the finish line and taken a shuttle to the start. I also spotted Marlene walking with her Montreal half marathon mylar blanket super-fast-running-cape??? towards her corral, but saw her too late to get her attention. Race starts, we shuffle towards the start, I'm timidly starting to find my run, hoping that the foot won't start acting up like it did suddenly during my run on Tuesday. We settled into a comfortable pace, my short legs working hard compared to his long ones. At around 4k, we separated. I giggled when I had to stop on the side momentarily to retie my left shoe lace, remembering the words of the announcer before the start of the race, who suggested double-knotting laces. Figures.

Then, again, thanks to blog pictures, I spotted Chris and his girlfriend Kim, so once again, introduced myself, chatted briefly; another blogger meet-up! Don't want to spoil any upcoming blog posts for him, let's just say I don't know how he does it!

The next part of the race is something I've heard and read about often, but never seen. A volunteer in the middle of the road, directing us towards the left side of the road, to avoid a group of people, surrounding a runner down, laying lifeless in the middle of the road, getting CPR. It hit me hard, especially with what happened in Sept with Terron's dad. I cried, and had some trouble breathing there for a bit.... I haven't gotten the visual out of my mind. I'm not sure what's happened, but I really hope he's ok.

Spotted Candy ahead of me, chatted with her for a few moments, and realized just how good I was actually feeling! Considering the ankle, the humidity, and what I'd just seen, I was feeling great! I crossed the line at 58:36, not a PB, but definitely satisfied!

Met the rest of the group post-race, got Mark's bag from bag-check after a bit of a scare when they thought it was lost, then onto breakfast! The finish line for this race was SO much better than last year! It's apparent that they listened to the feedback of the runners, and recognized the frustration of finishing in an old fort, with only a narrow chain-link fence to exit. YAY!! I hope they keep it this way, it was awesome!

Making the call

2010-04-30T09:09:00.001-04:00

There are a few companies and people that have profited from my adventures in running, and now triathlon. Shoe companies, more than one, until I finally found "the one". Under Armour, I ♥ you. And, I certainly cannot forget my chiro/sports medical office. Dr. M, my first doctor when I started this little adventure, was one of Jay's former football teammates. I really didn't expect to see him quite as much as I did with random injuries, and we used to joke around that I was paying for his daughters' schooling, as he and his wife were starting their family. He got an amazing opportunity, and moved to another clinic, a private, high-priced, executive type of place, but left me in the good hands of one of his colleagues. Saw her for quite some time after my "marathon" and stress fractures...

A few weeks ago, Dr. M called us to have dinner, since our what-seemed-like-weekly-visits are so far in the past, it was time to catch up on life! It then dawned on me as we were talking about football, running, and triathlon, that I also haven't seen Dr. L! History has shown that I'm usually approaching my $500 benefit allotment for the year by now! It's the end of April, and I'm just now going to make my first call of the year. (hope she's still there, as I know she was trying to start her family last year too!)

Sunday, I met the group for an easy 12k, and felt great. Tuesday, I headed out for a morning run... Mel vs. the wind. Felt good, decent pace, sun shining, wind blowing. About a kilometer into the run, a little tenderness and tightness around the ankle bone on the inside of my foot. I ran, then walked, then ran, then walked, then couldn't really run anymore, so walked the last 3k home, which didn't hurt. I couldn't even get into a bit of a jog to cross at a traffic light. It's better, but I'm quite sure that I won't be racing the Sporting Life 10k on Sunday... a race that I absolutely love. There's something about running down the middle of Yonge St in Toronto, with 10,000 other people. A net downhill race, looking behind you seeing a sea of people, following or chasing you down.

Um, Mark, my friend from high-school, who I may have had a part in convincing to sign up... :) Sorry!!

In more positive news, I picked up my very first brand-new vehicle yesterday! For those of you that have followed me for a while, you might remember posts about me being late or unable to run with my group because of my car, or Marlene, worried about being late to meet you for lunch, because of it's temperamental desire to start! Now I have to decide if I'm going to invest in a roof rack thing for my bike rather than putting it in the hatchback. Anyone know of any other options for a 2010 VW Golf?

Have a great weekend everyone!! I won't tell you how many unread posts I have in my reader right now, but it's more than ever...!!! Sorry!