Well, winter has arrived in Alberta with such a vengeance that I was forced onto the treadmill... I mean forced..... it was -31C without the windchill..... so pound and sweat replaced shuffle and shiver! My friend Paul in Virginia is laughing as he layers up to go running in 45F weather.... WIMPS! lol.... I need to find a rich guy in New Mexico who has a condo I can use to train from when this happens!
I think the treadmill will be my option until at least the end of the week..... it doesn't get much better according to the weather channel... At least my trusty Kestrel likes the draft by the picture window..... and the pool is warm.... and the hot tub is warmer!
On a positive note, the treadmill more realistically mimics New Orleans with the warmth, but I feel like I am running like an old lady.... wait... I am an old lady! HA! So I guess all I have to remember is the water bottle and it's all good.... and shorts are nice!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
WINTER
Well, whether we wanted it or not, winter is here, there's snow and now rain.... great..... should make for an interesting run tonight.... look for my Obituary!
I decided to try something the other night as an experiment..... shiftwork doesn't lend itself well to consistent training, but it does bring out my creative side.... since I was working at 8, and that meant a cold -20C dark run at 0500, I thought I would try the treadmill and a masters swim back to back, both of relatively high quality..... it actually worked... until yesterday when I had some movement issues in the abductors lol.... today is fine, and it proves that you don't necessarily have to be young to be stupid!
Now, looking forward, I see my coach wants me to get to the track at 0730 when it opens on Tuesday, do some 1K repeats in 4:00 and actually still be breathing and get to work by 0930... I wonder if he's been breathing in thin air or smoking something odd? LOL..... I think he forgets that although I am losing weight (24 pounds so far) and in no way do I resemble a woman approaching 51, there is still a little too much junk in the trunk to get those times out of me.... but I will humour him and hope to come through alive... am I going to die? Stay tuned....
Other than nearly wetting my pants looking at that workout, this week has gone remarkably well so far.... the runs are easier, the swimming is feeling powerful (even did a bunch of IM dials, not pretty!) and the bike is making me sweat.....
Does this mean he wants me to go fast? I was hoping to fall over the finish line in New Orleans still alive! I am optimistically hoping to be under 150 lbs by then and go under 6 hours if all goes according to Hoyle.... click those shoes, Dorothy, grab the dog and hope for the best!
As always, M
I decided to try something the other night as an experiment..... shiftwork doesn't lend itself well to consistent training, but it does bring out my creative side.... since I was working at 8, and that meant a cold -20C dark run at 0500, I thought I would try the treadmill and a masters swim back to back, both of relatively high quality..... it actually worked... until yesterday when I had some movement issues in the abductors lol.... today is fine, and it proves that you don't necessarily have to be young to be stupid!
Now, looking forward, I see my coach wants me to get to the track at 0730 when it opens on Tuesday, do some 1K repeats in 4:00 and actually still be breathing and get to work by 0930... I wonder if he's been breathing in thin air or smoking something odd? LOL..... I think he forgets that although I am losing weight (24 pounds so far) and in no way do I resemble a woman approaching 51, there is still a little too much junk in the trunk to get those times out of me.... but I will humour him and hope to come through alive... am I going to die? Stay tuned....
Other than nearly wetting my pants looking at that workout, this week has gone remarkably well so far.... the runs are easier, the swimming is feeling powerful (even did a bunch of IM dials, not pretty!) and the bike is making me sweat.....
Does this mean he wants me to go fast? I was hoping to fall over the finish line in New Orleans still alive! I am optimistically hoping to be under 150 lbs by then and go under 6 hours if all goes according to Hoyle.... click those shoes, Dorothy, grab the dog and hope for the best!
As always, M
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
that darn coach.....
I love my coach.... I love my coach..... I love my Torture Trainer..... NOT...! I swear I must be his worst nightmare, because I belong to a gym with a pool and hate like hell to pay to swim anywhere else..... but he puts my swims on days that the pool doesn't jive too well so I just swap stuff around....
Last year I couldn't wrap my head around running more than 20 minutes, this year the magic number was 40.... but now I guess I should set a new goal... like running to Billings Montana! I ran 60 mins this morning and it really felt good, so I guess that one is out the window...I feel like I am at the same place speed wise and endurance wise as last year, so nowhere to go but up!
If you want to look at a great cause, check out www.ironmanforkids.com a website to help raise money for kids with trisomy 13... he and buddy Dave rock! Racing for others is just the ultimate!
So hopefully I can SBR my way to a sub 6 in NO.... keep me in your thoughts.!
As always, the Ironchick Michele
Last year I couldn't wrap my head around running more than 20 minutes, this year the magic number was 40.... but now I guess I should set a new goal... like running to Billings Montana! I ran 60 mins this morning and it really felt good, so I guess that one is out the window...I feel like I am at the same place speed wise and endurance wise as last year, so nowhere to go but up!
If you want to look at a great cause, check out www.ironmanforkids.com a website to help raise money for kids with trisomy 13... he and buddy Dave rock! Racing for others is just the ultimate!
So hopefully I can SBR my way to a sub 6 in NO.... keep me in your thoughts.!
As always, the Ironchick Michele
Friday, November 21, 2008
now it's N'awlins!
Thanks to my friends Patty and Paul, I am registered and training for IM 70.3 New Orleans. After last year, I was hesitant, as I have had the worst year of my life. I had to have my beloved dog Lucy put to sleep, I had numerous panic attacks, then my whole world imploded. People don't really know what to say... you can't see crazy, right? lol
Fast forward to now.... life is humming along fairly well, and except for kidney stones (make them give you morphine) life is also pain free. Well, except for what Mark makes me do in my training sessions! I swear that man looked harmless at the pool last year..... he's a sadist in need of new victims! Pick me, I want to be fast!
I have also lost 18 lbs and still shrinking, so wish me luck, keep reading and remember..... pain is temporary... the satisfaction of putting your life back together and doing a 70.3 is forever
Fast forward to now.... life is humming along fairly well, and except for kidney stones (make them give you morphine) life is also pain free. Well, except for what Mark makes me do in my training sessions! I swear that man looked harmless at the pool last year..... he's a sadist in need of new victims! Pick me, I want to be fast!
I have also lost 18 lbs and still shrinking, so wish me luck, keep reading and remember..... pain is temporary... the satisfaction of putting your life back together and doing a 70.3 is forever
Sunday, August 3, 2008
I still have a pulse
Still trying to figure out this SBR stuff.... from my past, I know I can be successful up to and including racing at world class level in my age group. Somehow, this year has decided to be my ultimate trial. Did turning 50 suck the desire out of me? Did something in my brain tell me "you are not worthy, you're past it, it's gone, get the rocker"? I don't know. All I know is that panicking in the swim has become the norm rather than the exception, and last week at Sylvan Lake absolutely devastated and debillitated me. It completely unhinged my confidence to life my life in any way shape or form. I couldn't face work, I couldn't face outside, and I couldn't face my training. I have a consult with a psychologist to see if I need to see someone in general, or a sports psychologist. I may need to see both. All I know is that life can't go on like this.
I have always had the feeling I could do anything I wanted, and my life thus far has proved it. I have done 59 triathlons, succeeded at my job, and had the satisfaction of creating quilts I love for people I care about. So why am I sitting here doubting my ability to hop on my bike and ride out on the Henday? Why do I dread running, the one activity I could always pull on my shoes, hit the road and do? I don't know.... I hope I can get some answers.
While I wait to see what my next step may be, I have to thank a few people for always, always always being there for me. My friend Sherry, who is the epitome of positivity, energy, friendship, good vibes and always being there.... she has a busy life, a great business, a fantastic husband and the best outlook of anyone I know. For always being my rock from 3200 km away, I love you Sherry, when (notice I didn't say if) I come out of this scary cloud, you can take some credit for giving me a gentle kick.
My boss Dale, who has always told it like it is. We get along because we are straight with each other. I wasn't always nice, I certainly haven't always been easy to deal with or manage, but he has pushed back when necessary.... guided me through the maze, encouraged me in everything, listened to me rant, and watched me cry in frustration and hurt. I think we now have come to a place that's level, respectful and positive. I am constantly learning every day to pick the hill I want to die on.... not everything is worth the fight, even if it's not right. You rock, boyfriend, and no matter what happens in my life, you have a great place in it. My work is one place that I can shine, though the last few days of total exhaustion have made me more of a TV program expert than a sales expert.
My mom... though
I have always had the feeling I could do anything I wanted, and my life thus far has proved it. I have done 59 triathlons, succeeded at my job, and had the satisfaction of creating quilts I love for people I care about. So why am I sitting here doubting my ability to hop on my bike and ride out on the Henday? Why do I dread running, the one activity I could always pull on my shoes, hit the road and do? I don't know.... I hope I can get some answers.
While I wait to see what my next step may be, I have to thank a few people for always, always always being there for me. My friend Sherry, who is the epitome of positivity, energy, friendship, good vibes and always being there.... she has a busy life, a great business, a fantastic husband and the best outlook of anyone I know. For always being my rock from 3200 km away, I love you Sherry, when (notice I didn't say if) I come out of this scary cloud, you can take some credit for giving me a gentle kick.
My boss Dale, who has always told it like it is. We get along because we are straight with each other. I wasn't always nice, I certainly haven't always been easy to deal with or manage, but he has pushed back when necessary.... guided me through the maze, encouraged me in everything, listened to me rant, and watched me cry in frustration and hurt. I think we now have come to a place that's level, respectful and positive. I am constantly learning every day to pick the hill I want to die on.... not everything is worth the fight, even if it's not right. You rock, boyfriend, and no matter what happens in my life, you have a great place in it. My work is one place that I can shine, though the last few days of total exhaustion have made me more of a TV program expert than a sales expert.
My mom... though
Thursday, March 13, 2008
if it can go wrong.... it happened here
I know it seems like ages since I wrote on my blog, and trust me, it has been. So much has happened that I can't believe I am still here writing, still in New Zealand and still sane.....
Race day dawned with the threat of some light showers in the forecast, but the water in Lake Taupo was absolutely wonderful.... no wind, not a ripple, temperature perfect, and 1200 triathletes nervous and wanting to get going after months of training....
Being a moderate swimmer at best, I situated myself at the back of the pack, and not being really comfortable in a long sleeved wetsuit, I had done a short warm up so I wouldn't panic for the first 500 meters of the swim, which is normally what happens. To make a long story short, the swim was the fastest Ironman swim I have ever had, and it went off without a hitch. No one bothered me overmuch, no bumping, and I had the comfort of being able to see the bottom of the lake for all but 70 meters of the swim... the water was that clear.
When I got out of the swim, I made my way through the long transition to the bike area, approximately 400 meters up some stairs and across a road, all carpeted, got my cycling shoes on and put on my helmet and shades, exited the transition and headed out on the highway for a two loop, 180 km total bike. All those trainer rides were going to be put to the test! The only thing those trainer rides did not prepare me for was the weather, and it got nasty quickly....
About 60 km in, the rain started falling, albeit lightly, and the wind started to blow lightly but steadily.... not a bad thing, as the ride back into Taupo would be with a tailwind... and on the second loop that would be very welcome. I rode well through the first loop, passing some of my buddies and supporters by the motel on the main drag, and headed back out on the second loop feeling pretty fine and really confident. Riding up the only real hill on the course for the second time, I passed two more from our group, the drivers that brought us from Auckland, and they buoyed me with their yells and hoots of encouragement. The rain and wind seemed to have died down, and the second loop seemed to be going as well as the first.... or so I thought.. when I turned onto the long straightaway that led out to the turnound at Reparoa, the wind and rain decided to open it up full throttle... I got cold very fast, and it is the first time I recall ever praying for a hot flash!! I swore they must have moved the turnaround, and prayed that the trip back with the tailwind would offer some relief... no such luck.... itt was horrible, and by the time I got to the second transition, I was in serious trouble. My lips, feet and hands were purple, and my skin white... the medical people took a look at me and wanted to check me over before going on. My core temp was 32C, normal is 36.2C, so they pulled me off the course.... no run for me, no Ironman finish this time...
The good news is, nothing I could have done would have prepared me for this, I learned a few things about racing in the rain, and I had a great swim. Also, four of the people in our group qualified for Hawaii in October, and I am truly happy for them. Pretty neat to know how dedication can pay off!
Part 2 of my tale of woe in the next installment.... hint.... it has something to do with LOSING THINGS!!!!
The almost Ironwoman
Race day dawned with the threat of some light showers in the forecast, but the water in Lake Taupo was absolutely wonderful.... no wind, not a ripple, temperature perfect, and 1200 triathletes nervous and wanting to get going after months of training....
Being a moderate swimmer at best, I situated myself at the back of the pack, and not being really comfortable in a long sleeved wetsuit, I had done a short warm up so I wouldn't panic for the first 500 meters of the swim, which is normally what happens. To make a long story short, the swim was the fastest Ironman swim I have ever had, and it went off without a hitch. No one bothered me overmuch, no bumping, and I had the comfort of being able to see the bottom of the lake for all but 70 meters of the swim... the water was that clear.
When I got out of the swim, I made my way through the long transition to the bike area, approximately 400 meters up some stairs and across a road, all carpeted, got my cycling shoes on and put on my helmet and shades, exited the transition and headed out on the highway for a two loop, 180 km total bike. All those trainer rides were going to be put to the test! The only thing those trainer rides did not prepare me for was the weather, and it got nasty quickly....
About 60 km in, the rain started falling, albeit lightly, and the wind started to blow lightly but steadily.... not a bad thing, as the ride back into Taupo would be with a tailwind... and on the second loop that would be very welcome. I rode well through the first loop, passing some of my buddies and supporters by the motel on the main drag, and headed back out on the second loop feeling pretty fine and really confident. Riding up the only real hill on the course for the second time, I passed two more from our group, the drivers that brought us from Auckland, and they buoyed me with their yells and hoots of encouragement. The rain and wind seemed to have died down, and the second loop seemed to be going as well as the first.... or so I thought.. when I turned onto the long straightaway that led out to the turnound at Reparoa, the wind and rain decided to open it up full throttle... I got cold very fast, and it is the first time I recall ever praying for a hot flash!! I swore they must have moved the turnaround, and prayed that the trip back with the tailwind would offer some relief... no such luck.... itt was horrible, and by the time I got to the second transition, I was in serious trouble. My lips, feet and hands were purple, and my skin white... the medical people took a look at me and wanted to check me over before going on. My core temp was 32C, normal is 36.2C, so they pulled me off the course.... no run for me, no Ironman finish this time...
The good news is, nothing I could have done would have prepared me for this, I learned a few things about racing in the rain, and I had a great swim. Also, four of the people in our group qualified for Hawaii in October, and I am truly happy for them. Pretty neat to know how dedication can pay off!
Part 2 of my tale of woe in the next installment.... hint.... it has something to do with LOSING THINGS!!!!
The almost Ironwoman
Thursday, February 28, 2008
The Time has Come, the Walrus said...
Less than 24 hours to the start of this, my third Ironman, my first in NZ. I am only a little nervous, and of course that happened at the race briefing while listening to all the things I could do wrong and get disqualified for.... then I thought "hey, I'm too scared to draft and too dumb to block!! I would never swear at a volunteer, I have been one many times, that's just rude!!"
All the training is done, my gear is in the appropriate places, all that's left is to enjoy supper with my tri-buddies here, have a short swim for more wetsuit familiarity, and try to get some sleep tonight!
Speaking of my tri-buddies, the best thing I did was sign on to travel with this group... the knowledge and expertise is overwhelming!! We have Blair, who owns a bike store in New Plymouth NZ, doing all our mechanical things, Dan, the cute little Aussie who helps Blair, drives the vans and generally just makes you feel like you're the only one that matters come race day, Lisa, our massage therapist (SO worth the $$) and of course Ken, the ramrodder of this whole thing. How a man can do this race tomorrow and still lead this expeditions with total calm is amazing.... he has done this race 14 times, won it twice, and is the veteran of 52 Ironmans, that might have something to do with it!
The weather tomorrow is calling for rain, but who knows, and besides, it will rain for everyone if it happens. I will splash, peddle and gasp to the finish no matter what the weather is.
So tomorrow, anytime after 10 a.m. PST think of me, log onto the website http://www.ironmanlive.com/ and track me if you dare.... I will be thinking of all my pals at various stages, my dad throughout, as well as Chris, fighting the good fight!!!! Thanks to everyone who has supported and followed me on my journey... I will be an Ironman when next I post...
As always
Michele
All the training is done, my gear is in the appropriate places, all that's left is to enjoy supper with my tri-buddies here, have a short swim for more wetsuit familiarity, and try to get some sleep tonight!
Speaking of my tri-buddies, the best thing I did was sign on to travel with this group... the knowledge and expertise is overwhelming!! We have Blair, who owns a bike store in New Plymouth NZ, doing all our mechanical things, Dan, the cute little Aussie who helps Blair, drives the vans and generally just makes you feel like you're the only one that matters come race day, Lisa, our massage therapist (SO worth the $$) and of course Ken, the ramrodder of this whole thing. How a man can do this race tomorrow and still lead this expeditions with total calm is amazing.... he has done this race 14 times, won it twice, and is the veteran of 52 Ironmans, that might have something to do with it!
The weather tomorrow is calling for rain, but who knows, and besides, it will rain for everyone if it happens. I will splash, peddle and gasp to the finish no matter what the weather is.
So tomorrow, anytime after 10 a.m. PST think of me, log onto the website http://www.ironmanlive.com/ and track me if you dare.... I will be thinking of all my pals at various stages, my dad throughout, as well as Chris, fighting the good fight!!!! Thanks to everyone who has supported and followed me on my journey... I will be an Ironman when next I post...
As always
Michele
Sunday, February 10, 2008
The men behind the mission
Hello faithful readers!
From time to time someone will ask me how I stay motivated to train through the winter, even when not doing an Ironman in the spring.... I have to admit that there are times when I would rather whine at the weather channel than bundle up and boogie out the door, but I always think of a few people who have influenced some of my decisions, and a few people who keep me going.
First off, the people who say "I could never do that" are wrong... they could if that was their goal in life. I don't consider myself at this point to be anything more than a mid packer at best... but I am out there doing it when so many don't. They are the people who make me more determined to finish, to show them that dreams can come true, and that is this almost 50 yr old can huff and puff my way to a nice tshirt, they can too, if that is THEIR dream.... just do it!
The people that keep me going, however, are some of the people who are firmly entrenched in my life, and others who have crossed my path for whatever reason. The motivation for getting out there every day and racing has always been in part, and always will be, my late dad. My dad was always so proud of my athletic endeavours, though he said virtually nothing to me. He was a very quiet, hardworking, non complaining man who was an exceptional athlete in his youth... a baseball standout and a fellow who reportedly could race with the best.... even in workboots!
After my dad passed away from the complications of multiple myeloma in December of 2000, I felt his presence in every race I did. At that time, I was miserable, married to an unsupportive spouse whose goal in life seemed to undermine my success in anything I did, and not racing... I was also a lot heavier, out of shape.... and signed up for Ironman Canada. I decided that since for the last 15 years of his life walking a block was a struggle because of a deteriorating spine, I would get into shape and let him see me doing what he couldn't. I am convinced my dad is up in heaven, sitting in a leather recliner and watching hockey with Rocket Richard. In the off season, he watches me race. So.... I joined Weight Watchers and started training with a lot more dedication, and the funny thing was, every time I felt like stopping, I felt like my Dad was sitting on my left shoulder shaking his head.... I ran through a lot of fatigue, and my Dad sat on my shoulder the whole way through Ironman that year.. I pinned a cloth rose on my shirt to remind me of him, and to push myself through what he could never imagine doing. When I crossed that finish line in Penticton in August of 2001, my Dad did too. My feet bled, my legs hurt like hell, and I thought I would never be able to sleep enough ever again... but I did it. Shortly after that race, I sized his wedding ring to fit my finger, my mom having given me the ring just before he died... I never take it off.
During a conversation with my Mom a few weeks ago, she said if my dad was alive now, he would be on the plane with me and sitting on the sidelines cheering, no doubt embarassing me by telling everyone in talking range which was his kid. So Dad, you'll be perched on that shoulder and doing another Ironman soon.
The other person I will be thinking of during my race on March 1st is my friend Chris. When I feel tired and whiny, I think of my friend... he is 30, tall, handsome, funny.... and fighting for his life, undergoing chemo and a stemcell transplant to beat Hodgkins disease... I have visited a few times, and his spirits never flag. How on earth can I complain, how can I quit when putting one arm over the other in the lake, climbing another hill on my bike or putting one foot in front of the other on the run is so inconsequential and easy compared to his race? I will be wearing something yellow on race day, the colour of hope for cancer patients.
So guys, though I'll be half a world a way from you, Chris, and even farther from you, Dad, you guys will be the men behind my mission, the inspiration for Ironman #3, and a big part of why I will succeed, no matter how fast or slow. You will both be crossing the finish line holding hands with me....
Til then, do something for someone who can't, just because ... YOU CAN.
Michele the Ironchick, LaGrange, or just plain Mitchell
From time to time someone will ask me how I stay motivated to train through the winter, even when not doing an Ironman in the spring.... I have to admit that there are times when I would rather whine at the weather channel than bundle up and boogie out the door, but I always think of a few people who have influenced some of my decisions, and a few people who keep me going.
First off, the people who say "I could never do that" are wrong... they could if that was their goal in life. I don't consider myself at this point to be anything more than a mid packer at best... but I am out there doing it when so many don't. They are the people who make me more determined to finish, to show them that dreams can come true, and that is this almost 50 yr old can huff and puff my way to a nice tshirt, they can too, if that is THEIR dream.... just do it!
The people that keep me going, however, are some of the people who are firmly entrenched in my life, and others who have crossed my path for whatever reason. The motivation for getting out there every day and racing has always been in part, and always will be, my late dad. My dad was always so proud of my athletic endeavours, though he said virtually nothing to me. He was a very quiet, hardworking, non complaining man who was an exceptional athlete in his youth... a baseball standout and a fellow who reportedly could race with the best.... even in workboots!
After my dad passed away from the complications of multiple myeloma in December of 2000, I felt his presence in every race I did. At that time, I was miserable, married to an unsupportive spouse whose goal in life seemed to undermine my success in anything I did, and not racing... I was also a lot heavier, out of shape.... and signed up for Ironman Canada. I decided that since for the last 15 years of his life walking a block was a struggle because of a deteriorating spine, I would get into shape and let him see me doing what he couldn't. I am convinced my dad is up in heaven, sitting in a leather recliner and watching hockey with Rocket Richard. In the off season, he watches me race. So.... I joined Weight Watchers and started training with a lot more dedication, and the funny thing was, every time I felt like stopping, I felt like my Dad was sitting on my left shoulder shaking his head.... I ran through a lot of fatigue, and my Dad sat on my shoulder the whole way through Ironman that year.. I pinned a cloth rose on my shirt to remind me of him, and to push myself through what he could never imagine doing. When I crossed that finish line in Penticton in August of 2001, my Dad did too. My feet bled, my legs hurt like hell, and I thought I would never be able to sleep enough ever again... but I did it. Shortly after that race, I sized his wedding ring to fit my finger, my mom having given me the ring just before he died... I never take it off.
During a conversation with my Mom a few weeks ago, she said if my dad was alive now, he would be on the plane with me and sitting on the sidelines cheering, no doubt embarassing me by telling everyone in talking range which was his kid. So Dad, you'll be perched on that shoulder and doing another Ironman soon.
The other person I will be thinking of during my race on March 1st is my friend Chris. When I feel tired and whiny, I think of my friend... he is 30, tall, handsome, funny.... and fighting for his life, undergoing chemo and a stemcell transplant to beat Hodgkins disease... I have visited a few times, and his spirits never flag. How on earth can I complain, how can I quit when putting one arm over the other in the lake, climbing another hill on my bike or putting one foot in front of the other on the run is so inconsequential and easy compared to his race? I will be wearing something yellow on race day, the colour of hope for cancer patients.
So guys, though I'll be half a world a way from you, Chris, and even farther from you, Dad, you guys will be the men behind my mission, the inspiration for Ironman #3, and a big part of why I will succeed, no matter how fast or slow. You will both be crossing the finish line holding hands with me....
Til then, do something for someone who can't, just because ... YOU CAN.
Michele the Ironchick, LaGrange, or just plain Mitchell
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Test your Limits....
During the training and planning of this, my third Ironman, I had so many tests to pass, so many roadblocks to get over, and so many things to just set aside, that I look back and shake my head. When I first started working with my coach Mark, I had been relatively sedentary for five years. Part of this was due to a really nasty hip injury, and part of it was because I let others control my life. Any of you who have known me for any length of time may find this hard to believe, but it took a lot of courage to decide that since this is one of the things that makes me happy, and with the big 50 approaching, I had to at least give this a shot.
Rewind the life of LaGrange; since I was a kid, I ran competitively in fits and starts. I was a pretty good middle distance runner until my mid teens, when the fun things in life took over... partying, exploring life, working to make a living, my career in the military, morphing into civilian life and working for a big corporation....just to name a few. I ran competitively for many years, competing internationally for the military and placing in my age group in nearly every race I ran. I got into triathlon by accident.... serious abdominal surgery made it too exhausting to run as much as I needed to be a top age group runner again, so I crosstrained by necessity.... it was either that or take one step forward and two steps back. My success came relatively fast, as my running background made me someone to fear as soon as I hopped off my bike and pulled on my runners. I usually placed well in my age group, went to a few world championships and enjoyed the experience (read: got my ass kicked but had fun!) then found my niche.... I loved the training and racing that Ironman entailed. I completed two Ironman races and then suffered a serious fall that dislocated my hip and threw my whole pelvis so far out of alignment I couldn't run 20 minutes without pain. Two years of inflammation, cortisone shots and strengthening exercises got me to a point where I could begin to believe it might happen again.... Thanks, Dr Boyko, you saved my ass... literally!!!
But this AGE thing... I let it rule my training until I realized that the biggest limiting factor was something I stared at in the mirror every day..... ME. The beauty of triathlon in general and Ironman in particular is that the only person you are really competing against is yourself... Yup, the girl in the mirror controlled the destiny of the girl in the water, the girl on the bike and the girl in runners.... as soon as I started not giving a rat's behind what others thought about me travelling half way around the world to chase my dream, it was like waking up and having my life back..... still, I had to convert this new belief in Lagrange into some results.
Since the swim has always been my weakest sport, I had to get comfortable with the idea that I was never going to catch the people who swam since they were kids. Won't happen, but it doesn't mean I can't narrow the gap. Believing in myself, getting in the pool 4 times a week and working on my technique and endurance has given me enough confidence that when I walk into Lake Taupo at 0700 on March 1st, I know I will be able to pull off the best swim on MY day. I hope it's around 1:10, but if it's not, no panic, there's always that run!
Bike training has been the biggest challenge... I am training through a Canadian winter to race 180 km in a New Zealand summer. I have ridden so many hours on my bike trainer watching TV in my living room that I may go into shock unless someone puts a TV in front of me in New Zealand with a hockey game playing! Yes, Rob, I will be logging onto TSN to check out the NHL scores and making sure your beloved Leafs are winning! And of course, my Oilers are always on my mind ... hey, isn't that a song?
Coming from a running background and always having that ace in my back pocket might lead you to believe that my running is just a breeze.... remember those painful 20 minute torture sessions? I truly believed those would never end.... the biggest hurdle I had to get over was running for any length of time.... I psyched myself out of running so many times that I would be going out in the dark to get it done.... and surprise.... it got done! I am now over 2 hours at a stretch.... a far cry from that 20 painful minutes... I am not fast, but I don't care.... I am steady, I am determined, and on March 1st, even though I have heard it before, I think this time when I hear my name and "you are an Ironman!!" in Taupo, it will mean so much more than the other two (and they mean a LOT) because I know that I have overcome obstacles, the biggest one being ..... my limits were set by me... and now I know I HAVE no limits.....
I have the greatest co-workers, the greatest friends, and the greatest family anyone could ask for.... even though I know many of you don't understand my obsession and probably think I am a little off center for doing this, your belief in me has revved up my belief in myself. When I am racing in 6 weeks, through 3.8 km in the water, 180 km on two wheels, and 42.2 km pounding the pavement, each and every one of you will be in my thoughts... you helped me garner the courage to follow my dream.... rock on!
LaG
Rewind the life of LaGrange; since I was a kid, I ran competitively in fits and starts. I was a pretty good middle distance runner until my mid teens, when the fun things in life took over... partying, exploring life, working to make a living, my career in the military, morphing into civilian life and working for a big corporation....just to name a few. I ran competitively for many years, competing internationally for the military and placing in my age group in nearly every race I ran. I got into triathlon by accident.... serious abdominal surgery made it too exhausting to run as much as I needed to be a top age group runner again, so I crosstrained by necessity.... it was either that or take one step forward and two steps back. My success came relatively fast, as my running background made me someone to fear as soon as I hopped off my bike and pulled on my runners. I usually placed well in my age group, went to a few world championships and enjoyed the experience (read: got my ass kicked but had fun!) then found my niche.... I loved the training and racing that Ironman entailed. I completed two Ironman races and then suffered a serious fall that dislocated my hip and threw my whole pelvis so far out of alignment I couldn't run 20 minutes without pain. Two years of inflammation, cortisone shots and strengthening exercises got me to a point where I could begin to believe it might happen again.... Thanks, Dr Boyko, you saved my ass... literally!!!
But this AGE thing... I let it rule my training until I realized that the biggest limiting factor was something I stared at in the mirror every day..... ME. The beauty of triathlon in general and Ironman in particular is that the only person you are really competing against is yourself... Yup, the girl in the mirror controlled the destiny of the girl in the water, the girl on the bike and the girl in runners.... as soon as I started not giving a rat's behind what others thought about me travelling half way around the world to chase my dream, it was like waking up and having my life back..... still, I had to convert this new belief in Lagrange into some results.
Since the swim has always been my weakest sport, I had to get comfortable with the idea that I was never going to catch the people who swam since they were kids. Won't happen, but it doesn't mean I can't narrow the gap. Believing in myself, getting in the pool 4 times a week and working on my technique and endurance has given me enough confidence that when I walk into Lake Taupo at 0700 on March 1st, I know I will be able to pull off the best swim on MY day. I hope it's around 1:10, but if it's not, no panic, there's always that run!
Bike training has been the biggest challenge... I am training through a Canadian winter to race 180 km in a New Zealand summer. I have ridden so many hours on my bike trainer watching TV in my living room that I may go into shock unless someone puts a TV in front of me in New Zealand with a hockey game playing! Yes, Rob, I will be logging onto TSN to check out the NHL scores and making sure your beloved Leafs are winning! And of course, my Oilers are always on my mind ... hey, isn't that a song?
Coming from a running background and always having that ace in my back pocket might lead you to believe that my running is just a breeze.... remember those painful 20 minute torture sessions? I truly believed those would never end.... the biggest hurdle I had to get over was running for any length of time.... I psyched myself out of running so many times that I would be going out in the dark to get it done.... and surprise.... it got done! I am now over 2 hours at a stretch.... a far cry from that 20 painful minutes... I am not fast, but I don't care.... I am steady, I am determined, and on March 1st, even though I have heard it before, I think this time when I hear my name and "you are an Ironman!!" in Taupo, it will mean so much more than the other two (and they mean a LOT) because I know that I have overcome obstacles, the biggest one being ..... my limits were set by me... and now I know I HAVE no limits.....
I have the greatest co-workers, the greatest friends, and the greatest family anyone could ask for.... even though I know many of you don't understand my obsession and probably think I am a little off center for doing this, your belief in me has revved up my belief in myself. When I am racing in 6 weeks, through 3.8 km in the water, 180 km on two wheels, and 42.2 km pounding the pavement, each and every one of you will be in my thoughts... you helped me garner the courage to follow my dream.... rock on!
LaG
Saturday, January 12, 2008
No Turning back now!!
Hi all;
Well, this has been an exceptionally busy, exciting and scary time all in one. My coach had me training more this week than any other before in my life, seriously, and I finally put the finishing touches on my trip, so everything is finally in place.
When I decided last January to sign up with Lifesport and coach Mark, I never dreamed that this trip would truly come to fruition. After getting so sick in the spring, I gamely raced all the races I had planned, though slowly, and on July 3rd, signed up for Ironman NZ.... step one. I could always back out, still can (as if!!) but kept at it. My training increased, I applied for my passport, booked a homestay near Auckland, did some road racing and got comfortable with the idea that I really was going to do my third Ironman.
After much gnashing of teeth and some very blue air above my head, directed mostly at the passport office, I got the application all finalized, and on December 28th I reserved my flight through Orbitz.com (great deals). I am looking forward to some time in San Francisco on my way home, I have friends there to phone, might even venture into the city! Step two.....
I got an email from an ex-pro named Ken Glah (google him and look at his site... awesome) offering his services for ground transport, and on Wednesday my passport arrived and I booked through Ken for a week near the race site... get this.... a studio with spa, buffet breakfasts, transportation for the week, some dinners included, bike mechanic, it goes on.... when I venture on my next trip, I will definitely be exploring a package with Ken and Jan again! We will be going on course tours and swimming in Lake Taupo daily, which is a block from my studio... **sigh***.... the life.....
Well, this has been an exceptionally busy, exciting and scary time all in one. My coach had me training more this week than any other before in my life, seriously, and I finally put the finishing touches on my trip, so everything is finally in place.
When I decided last January to sign up with Lifesport and coach Mark, I never dreamed that this trip would truly come to fruition. After getting so sick in the spring, I gamely raced all the races I had planned, though slowly, and on July 3rd, signed up for Ironman NZ.... step one. I could always back out, still can (as if!!) but kept at it. My training increased, I applied for my passport, booked a homestay near Auckland, did some road racing and got comfortable with the idea that I really was going to do my third Ironman.
After much gnashing of teeth and some very blue air above my head, directed mostly at the passport office, I got the application all finalized, and on December 28th I reserved my flight through Orbitz.com (great deals). I am looking forward to some time in San Francisco on my way home, I have friends there to phone, might even venture into the city! Step two.....
I got an email from an ex-pro named Ken Glah (google him and look at his site... awesome) offering his services for ground transport, and on Wednesday my passport arrived and I booked through Ken for a week near the race site... get this.... a studio with spa, buffet breakfasts, transportation for the week, some dinners included, bike mechanic, it goes on.... when I venture on my next trip, I will definitely be exploring a package with Ken and Jan again! We will be going on course tours and swimming in Lake Taupo daily, which is a block from my studio... **sigh***.... the life.....
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
The Value of the Coach
As much as I complain about Mark being a sadist, I have to admit that he has taken me to places in training I would never have gone on my own. Case in point: Sunday, my schedule called for a relatively long run in the morning, and after a 5-6 hour "rest" period (which is when you get to fit in the rest of your life!) another short run. After the first run, I thought "there is no way I will be able to haul my aging fat white butt out that door again!" He proved me wrong.... the short run that evening was actually comfortable and relaxing!!!
This will be the longest training week in my life.... but seeing how it is put together leaves me in awe..... and tired! All teasing aside, I have found that organizing two a day workouts has made me prioritize my life, get rid of the trivial things, not worry about things that really have no consequence, and manage the time I have to get the most out of all facets of my life.
I know that when I get to New Zealand, I will feel confident in my ability to start, execute and complete my Ironman on March 1st. When I am standing on the shore of Lake Taupo at 0700 in my wetsuit and goggles, I will be ready to put all that training into action to the best of my ability now. A year ago, I couldn't have said that.
Along the way, I have had the support of a fabulous family, an unwavering group of friends, and have met new people who have enriched my life and given me confidence. Anyone who knows me well will understand that.... this has been a tough year for me healthwise, but my family, my friends and my coach have given me the courage to bounce back, keep training, accept things for what they are, and carry on. I don't have enough room in this post to thank them all.... but I will get to it eventually!
So in this post, thanks to Mark for all the time he has spent answering my questions, making up my workouts and giving my valuable feedback, giving me the confidence to keep going. This racing season I wasn't fast, but I was THERE.... LaGrange is BACK.... and turning 50 this year will give me a whole new set of competitors, and hopefully this racing season will see me fitter, faster, and smiling crossing more finish lines....
Till then, signing off saying Carpe Diem... seize the day.... the world is your oyster!
This will be the longest training week in my life.... but seeing how it is put together leaves me in awe..... and tired! All teasing aside, I have found that organizing two a day workouts has made me prioritize my life, get rid of the trivial things, not worry about things that really have no consequence, and manage the time I have to get the most out of all facets of my life.
I know that when I get to New Zealand, I will feel confident in my ability to start, execute and complete my Ironman on March 1st. When I am standing on the shore of Lake Taupo at 0700 in my wetsuit and goggles, I will be ready to put all that training into action to the best of my ability now. A year ago, I couldn't have said that.
Along the way, I have had the support of a fabulous family, an unwavering group of friends, and have met new people who have enriched my life and given me confidence. Anyone who knows me well will understand that.... this has been a tough year for me healthwise, but my family, my friends and my coach have given me the courage to bounce back, keep training, accept things for what they are, and carry on. I don't have enough room in this post to thank them all.... but I will get to it eventually!
So in this post, thanks to Mark for all the time he has spent answering my questions, making up my workouts and giving my valuable feedback, giving me the confidence to keep going. This racing season I wasn't fast, but I was THERE.... LaGrange is BACK.... and turning 50 this year will give me a whole new set of competitors, and hopefully this racing season will see me fitter, faster, and smiling crossing more finish lines....
Till then, signing off saying Carpe Diem... seize the day.... the world is your oyster!
Friday, January 4, 2008
EXCITEMENT!!
Hello all!
Thanks to my friend Sherry Novak (love ya!) I have created my first blog to chronicle my adventure of a lifetime! I am leaving for New Zealand on the 16th of February for six weeks to race Ironman New Zealand on March 1st in Taupo.
Even though I have done two Ironman races before, both were in Canada, so this will definitely be a change. Training for a summer race over the Canadian winter has been a challenge, but with the help of my torturer, er, I mean coach, Mark Overton of Lifesport, I feel confident that this will be my best Ironman experience ever....
Stay tuned for pictures, rants, whining and anecdotes as I embark on the last leg of this journey!
Michele
Thanks to my friend Sherry Novak (love ya!) I have created my first blog to chronicle my adventure of a lifetime! I am leaving for New Zealand on the 16th of February for six weeks to race Ironman New Zealand on March 1st in Taupo.
Even though I have done two Ironman races before, both were in Canada, so this will definitely be a change. Training for a summer race over the Canadian winter has been a challenge, but with the help of my torturer, er, I mean coach, Mark Overton of Lifesport, I feel confident that this will be my best Ironman experience ever....
Stay tuned for pictures, rants, whining and anecdotes as I embark on the last leg of this journey!
Michele
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