recap of June adventures

Wow. Tomorrow is July 1. Where did June go? Quick recap of my June adventures:

ROT Rally with Amy...what a blast! I've always heard about this...and heard the motorcycles themselves but this year I went to it. Amy has been a few times because, well, Amy is cool and she LOVES a parade! And this is essentially a very long parade of motorcycles. It was so neat. So loud. So outrageous. So Austin. Men, women, kids, dogs... Classy motorcycles, over-the-top motorcycles, neon motorcycles... Seriously, such a fun evening as we watched the motorcycles come up Congress, turn around (right in front of us so we got to see them twice!), and then eventually park in the middle of the street. A repeat event for 2010!

Obviously...an Ironman in Coeur d'Alene was part of June, too...if somehow you missed that then you have missed my last week of blog posts. Either get reading or ignore them! (Oh, and I sort of signed up for CDA in 2010, too!)

And, finally, last Saturday I went hot air ballooning with Blythe. I know. Completely random. Completely fun. We were at a T3 happy hour and she got the message inviting her and suddenly I was a part of the adventure. I did have an "is this safe?" moment but that quickly left my mind since Blythe has such good sense and I seem to be all about living life to the fullest these days. It was something that I made a note not to tell my family until I had landed safely on the ground! Anyway, as if we were in training again, Blythe and I were up around 5 and headed to north Austin with her friend Tim who is part of a hot air ballooning group (club?) here in Austin. Lots of technical talk when we got there...were the winds in the right direction, were the winds too strong, were enough crew members present...I had no idea! After a small balloon (like the type you have for a birthday party) was launched and observed for a few minutes, the aeronauts decided that a flight was going to be okay. So we set to getting about four balloons ready to go. The balloon has to be laid out and then inflated. The basket has to be positioned and checked for safety measures. And passengers have to be briefed on what to do. Blythe and I were busy holding ropes, carrying stuff, and basically doing whatever we might be skilled at doing. I got to hold the ropes as the balloon was inflated...it's tougher than it looks! Advice from Tim: if your feet to leave the ground, let go the rope. Check! After maybe 30 or 40 minutes we were ready to lift off. Blythe and I got to be in a balloon together with a great pilot. I never once felt nervous...only that good excitement when we were about to leave the ground.
While balloons look very graceful when you're up on the air, the take-off and landings are a little awkward and rocky. But while you are up there - wow. The views are awesome. The sounds are nearly non-existent...except for the barking of dogs - why is that the only real sound that you can hear?! And the whole thing feels very easy and calm. I learned that there are fields of crops right here in Austin. Don't know what rock I've been under. And that under the right conditions, a balloon can land in a space as small as a cul-de-sac. Not quite the right conditions on Saturday! After about 45 minutes we saw a good place to land...essentially a field that backed up to new housing development. We bent our knees to brace the touchdown and bounced along through the field. Then Blythe & I were instructed to hop out so that we could help guide the balloon up and over a little fence for a better ultimate landing spot. Again, advice from Tim: if your feet start to leave the ground, let go. Luckily, it wasn't an issue! After we packed up the balloon and loaded up the van which our great ground crew (the "balloon chasers"!) had driven to meet us we made our way back to the school where our trip began. But our adventure was far from over. Apparently, when you have first-timers on a hot air balloon ride it's a tradition to initiate them as aeronauts. So with champagne and a prayer and some mimosas Blythe and I became aeronauts on Saturday...well, sort of. We don't have licenses to fly this sort of aircraft, but in the spirit of things, we are aeronauts!

Who knew I'd be a biker chick, Ironman, and aeronaut all in the month of June?! I guess life will continue to surprise me in all sorts of fun and wonderful ways. July, I'm ready for you!

final race post...promise!

Okay, I'm more tired of writing about IM CDA than I was doing it which is a sign that I need to finish! (Sorry for dragging that on for so long!) But I can't sign off without some reflections about the training and the day and some BIG TIME thanks to a lot of people. I won't try to list everyone here by name because I will leave someone out by accident and that will be bad!

Reflections...where to begin on this one. As much as it sounds like a cliche, I am not the same person as I was when I started training for this Ironman.
- I like the person who I am more than I did before...dare I say that I think I am a better daughter, granddaughter, friend, colleague, college counselor than I was before?
- I am more confident and also a little more laid back about things as a result of this (note: I said "a little"!)
- I am more willing to take risks and set goals...even if I don't meet them...even if I think I might fail...even if it means possibly experiencing hurt along the way. If we don't reach high, how do we ever know what we were meant to be in this life?
- I was reminded that I absolutely LOVE being part of a team
- I am more humble about what we can do with our lives and I am more determined to live life to the fullest...and then share that joy with others
Yes, I have new muscles and some new skills, too...but the internal changes are what I treasure the most.

And gratitude for...
- family and the way that they support me in so many different things that I have done. I know that my choices don't always make sense to my family, but usually they find it within them to support me anyway and I really appreciate that. Really I do.
- friends...I've often wondered where I'd be without them, the "family we create for ourselves" which I need because I don't live around any family. Like my family, I am sure my friends have thought I was crazy from time to time for choosing things like training for an Ironman but they have not questioned and have only supported me. (Or they've asked the essential questions like what this is adding to my life, etc...) If anyone wonders how far love and friendship can carry you, an easy answer is, "At least 140.6 miles" in my case!
- T3 teammates...I owe so many individuals in T3 so many words of thanks that I could spend an entire training season offering words and it still wouldn't be enough. So I will say that I will cherish this memory of IM CDA '09 forever. And each one of you who was part of my training or race day, whether you were racing or cheering in Austin or in CDA, needs to know that you impacted me in a really profound way. I can easily say that I learned something from each one of you. That I was humbled by you on a daily basis. And that I was inspired by you every moment of the way. Seeing the faces of our T3 cheerleaders on that rainy day in CDA was always a bright spot for me and, in my opinion, they deserve the medal that I got for sticking it out and essentially finishing up 60 IMs that day!
- T3 coaches...Chrissie (in the picture on the right), Logan, Suzanne, Mo, and Charles (in the picture below), I've said it before, but y'all are simply the best. I know I relied on some of you more than others, and that I probably didn't take full advantage of your individual areas of expertise as best as I could have. But what you provided for me in terms of skills, advice, and encouragement was exactly what I needed. You never made me feel like I was asking a dumb question or that I was being a nuisance even when you had SO many of us to take care of. You made me feel like I really could do this crazy thing. And you were always tuned in to make sure that I wasn't pushing it so hard that I might risk not enjoying the journey. You calmed me down in my moments of freaking out. And you celebrated all of us - as a team and as individuals - after our adventure was over. (And all of this while some of you were racing yourselves!) We/I will never be able to repay you for your dedication, time, energy, and genuine concern. I know it's your job but you do it with love. We know that and that's what makes it mean something to us. So, I hope that as a team...and maybe even as individuals...made you proud out there.
- my heath and my ability to do things like this...yes, completing an Ironman is not easy on your body...neither is the training. And since this triathlon thing seems to be something that I'm really incorporating as part of what I do and how I live and who I am, I'm truly grateful that my body seems to be handling it well so far. And that I have the resources do to it. I'm thankful for having a relatively injury-free training season (thanks to Praveeta and Performance Wellness for all of the TLC). And I'm thanking my body now by not pushing it back into intense action quite yet!

So there it is...Ironman Coeur D'Alene 2009. I've left out a million things and thoughts I had along the way (lucky you, I've forgotten a thing or two!). And I'm sitting here not really wanting to finish this post in the same way that I didn't really want to finish the run. But I know this experience will stay with me forever because "It was good. And nothing good is ever lost. It stays part of a person, becomes part of one's character." And if I don't finish, I can't look ahead for what's to come...and I've still got a lot of life to live!

Memories in pictures (thank you Gordon, Amy, and others...)

me with my training buddy, Blythe...I'll miss you longer than it took me to complete this Ironman! Joe, I appreciate all of your support and advice, too... Don't forget to come back and visit us!!!

Chrissie and Amy who have been by my side, too, and who helped two rookie IM-ers stay calm in the days leading up to the race...>>>>


friends in the days leading up to the race... Laura, thanks for being a great housemate and for taking care of SO many of the details. You made it much easier...what will I do next year without you?

...and some friends after the race...

race report - phase 7: the run!

I was warned that funny thoughts would cross my mind during the Ironman. But I think that the most humorous by far was thinking as I headed out of T2, "Yeah! I get to run a marathon now!" This was my first marathon and I was excited about it. Okay, maybe I was most excited to have made the bike cutoff and to be off the bike. Whatever, I kept telling myself I was happy to be running. And I was!
The temperature was probably in the 50s by the time I started my run and the rain was beginning but I was in good spirits so I didn't mind (yet!). I saw T3 folks immediately as I started my run, and I must say I was a tad envious of those folks who were on their second loop as I was starting my first. No matter - they deserved to be there, they had biked faster! My legs felt awesome and the first mile flew by. Literally, 9:50...time to dial it back that was no pace if I wanted to stay strong the entire run. Mile 2 - 10:00...a little better but still too fast. This is what I had joked I would do so I really tried to settle into a better rhythm. And I think between miles 3 and 16 I did. I found myself really enjoying the course and loved seeing so many teammates out there. I had a blast cheering them on as I passed them going out as they were coming back. This was a great thing about the course overall...LOTS of times for us to see and support one another. I have to say that each time I saw blue I got excited and hoped that it was a T3er because there was a certain energy in knowing that my friends were out there with me. I also liked the course just as a running course. Granted, I could do without the hills in the neighborhood that seemed to last FOREVER...but otherwise it was a really nice run. Scenic. Varied terrain. And a ton of support. There was one little girl in particular that I just wanted to hug each time I saw her. She made a point of saying everyone's name as we came through and said, "You can do it!" Then there were the folks along the lake who were dressed like hippies and handed out peace sign necklaces and sometimes serenaded you with a song with your name in it. They really made that lakefront bearable because by the time I was headed back into town for the first time the wind and rain were really picking up.
As I approached town again, I saw Kimberly and John (and Grace and Emma!) and gave them a thumbs up. Apparently I looked okay to Kimberly: "In a steady rain, in the low 50s, etg just ran by us in great spirits. She's finishing her first loop headed back into downtown where she will eventually finish after one more loop... Watching her do this is amazing. So many people are struggling, the weather is horrible, and she's just trucking along. In her words, 'I'm still moving forward.' They are handing out blankets to runners, we're wearing 4 layers of clothes and freezing and she's facing, after a trip through downtown, at least six miles of running along a lakefront before she swings back this way. But again, she's in great spirits, cracking jokes, waving and smiling. She's doing it!" All I can say is that looks can be deceiving! I was feeling the distances at this point as witnessed by my comment to Amy as I came back into town, "I'm ready for it to be over!" She said the best words, "One more loop and it will be...you can do it!" Right, one more loop...I can do this.
Thankfully I had put a long sleeve shirt and some gloves in my run special needs bag because my arms and hands were really cold at this point and I just didn't think I'd have the patience for a garbage bag to ward off the rain or a silver space blanket wrapped around me like a cape! The wonderful volunteer at the special needs station helped me get my new clothes on. I felt like a 5 year-old because I was shivering and couldn't do any of it by myself. Again, God bless these volunteers, I know they weren't any warmer than us! As I headed back for my second loop I saw Nancy who ran a few steps with me after giving me a much appreciated hug. Had to hit another port-a-potty...must have been hydrating VERY well on the bike because I seriously had to pee an unexpectedly high number of times! (And I wasn't just using it as an excuse to stop!) My deal with Chrissie (and myself!) had been to run the first 16 miles. Secretly, I thought I might be able to run the whole thing, but as triathletes we have to be flexible:) Anyway, I was steady for the first 16 miles but I have to admit that when I saw the 16 mile marker I felt a little bit of relief and I think I even let myself walk a little right then and there. (Chrissie joked that next time she's telling me to run 26.2 miles before I walk!) I had been walking through aid stations when I needed more water but I always picked it back up as soon as the tables ended. After mile 16 I became a little more lenient with myself. But I was still running most of the time. I was inspired by my teammates who were headed back into town for the last time...as long as I kept moving that would be me before too long. And I was inspired by my teammates who I saw along the lakeside headed in my direction. Some looked steady and strong; others looked like they were fading. I wondered what I looked like but decided a smile could hide a lot and maybe convince my legs that they still felt great so I tried to have one for both friends and for me!
Probably the best part of that leg of the run was my time with Dionn! I was surprised to come up on her but welcomed the comradery on the course. We agreed to walk the last big hill together and then pick it up after that. We exchanged stories about being surprised by our friends and family on the race course...we both got teary. And I will forever remember this part of the run because of Dionn. I have to admit that my legs welcomed the rest but more than that, Dionn helped me remember why I'd come out here in the first place.
You see at that point along the lake, I knew that I sort of had a "make it or break it" decision to make. I could put my head down, go into a zone, and really focus only on my time goals. Or I do what I had set out to do from the beginning. Enjoy the rest of the day. Live into the fact that I was doing an Ironman. Continue to see friends and teammates. Decision made...without a second thought my heart told me what to do. My head questioned it later (I'm not going to lie). But my heart spoke up and said, "And at the end of your life, Elizabeth, what are you going to remember - a time on a clock or precious memories with friends?" No brainer.
As we turned at the turn-around I remember thinking...we're almost there and part of it is downhill! The neighborhoods seemed endless again but I knew that with every step I was getting closer. I collected a peace sign necklace from a volunteer. I thanked the little girl who had been so nice for the entire run. I made sure to make eye contact with teammates. And I made sure I made one more pit stop before heading onto Sherman Avenue. As I crested the last little hill by the library, the volunteer said, "Finishers to the far left" and I said, "Yep! That's me!" I'm sure he could tell by the slow pace I was keeping!
I think at that point my legs went into auto-pilot mode. I made the turn onto Sherman and since it had just gotten dark there was both a figurative and literal light at the end of the tunnel. I remember thinking that I should ditch my water bottle and Nuun container with my Thermolytes for the photo finish but I was afraid I'd get a penalty so I hung onto them. I also remember thinking that I had it in me to "sprint to the finish" but I resisted that temptation and instead tried to soak up all that was going on around me. I failed miserably at that seeing as only a week later I can only remember the details of the last few minutes. I remember smiling so broadly that I am sure I looked quite foolish. And I remember seeing Amy and Chrissie on my left...Amy paced me into the chute. And then I saw Kimberly and John on the right. And that's when the tears pooled in my eyes. I wanted to stay in that moment forever...but I had to cross the finish line to hear "Elizabeth, you are an Ironman!" So I kept going.
I have even fuzzier memories of what happened after that. I remember a volunteer asking me what size shirt I wanted. I remember another volunteer taking my timing chip (while I was explaining that the strap was mine!). And then I saw Amy. Who gave me the biggest hug ever. (YES! A mega hug from a self-proclaimed non-hugger...LOVE YOU, Amy!) And then Kimberly and John were there. And we were all talking and smiling and on the verge of crying but no one was really crying.
Pictures...more hugs from Chrissie, Laura, Michelle, Charles, and others who were around...although most (smart!) people had gone home right after their race finished since it was so darn cold! Thankfully Amy and Chrissie had my warm clothes and Laura was there to tell me what we needed to do. Somehow we made our way to the bathroom where I changed - grabbed 1/4 of a bagel on the way and that was about all I could handle. Dry clothes, grabbed our bikes, took them to TriBike Transport, and hobbled back to the house. Some people were still racing and I felt terrible for not sticking around to see them finish. But I needed to get warm. (Found out later that it was in the mid-40s when I finished...no wonder I was cold!)
Some happy debriefing with Amy and Chrissie...not enough stretching...an almond butter and honey sandwich with two bread heels (my prison break sandwich according to Laura!)...a shower...and then bed.
Only to wake up at 5 a.m. the next morning...seriously?!

race report - phase 6: T2

Another full wardrobe change for me! This costs me a little time to change clothes completely but it helped me start the bike warmer than I would have had I swum in what I was going to bike in. And as far as the run goes, I like to run in running shorts and a tech t-shirt so another change was necessary. Yet another wonderful volunteer helped me and pretty soon I was out of the changing tent...much faster than T1.
And my legs felt surprisingly good so I was excited to start the run...

race report - phase 5: bike

112 miles...hills...some flats...plenty of technical parts...plenty of spectator friendly parts...and plenty of really remote parts. The longest part of the Ironman by far - and the part that usually feels the longest to me. Except on this 112 mile bike ride. I think that I started off in such a great mood that I was almost carried over the first loop by my smile and happiness. The first 56 miles really did fly by. Saw LOTS of T3 teammates on the route - mostly going past me or doubling back on the out-and-back course. I think that kept me going, too. There was great energy out there.
As for the course, well, the hills that I practiced on the computrainer became very real. I had driven the course a couple of days before but when you're in a car, there's a very different reality to the hills! The groaning of the car engine that I remembered became a groaning in my chest and in my legs but I muscled through.
On the first loop there was a guy singing "The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music" as we climbed the first major hill. Those of us around him expressed a mixture of laughter and annoyance! I thought it was sort of funny...at least for a little while.
More than anything on this first loop, I was happy that the weather was holding out, that I'd somehow managed to dress appropriately, and that so far there were no technical or nutritional problems. Quick pit stop before I headed back out on loop 2 - the wonderful volunteer who held my bike for me said, "Wow...that was fast!" My reply was, "I need all the extra minutes I can get on the bike...no dilly-dallying for me!"
Saw Kimberly and John on my way back into town and then the T3 cheering squad when I hit downtown CDA. What a lift in my spirits to see these familiar, supportive faces again. (And seriously, how you can be in a bad mood when someone like Amy jumps out and sings show tunes to you?! I laughed so hard I cut my lip on my aero bottle straw! Seriously....she was an amazingly wild cheerleader that day...hence...no voice for Amy now! But there's more to come about ALL of our cheerleaders...a full post of their own is on its way.) I was feeling strong - mentally and physically - as I started on the second loop. I was aware that the temperature was dropping but still felt comfortable...and said a little prayer that the rain wouldn't start while we were still biking. Was conscious of my nutrition & happy that I was staying on top of it. And I made a mental note to spin my legs wherever possible to get them ready for the 26.2 mile run I had in front of me. I was doing well on time so I began to relax about that a little...but not too much.
The hills seemed tougher this time around - no surprise - and I was especially thankful for the extraordinary volunteers who were there with emotional and nutritional support. Only took water from the aid stations but the enthusiasm of the folks there always gave me an extra boost of energy. Got a side stitch somewhere along the way and popped a few Thermolytes in hopes that something was "off" in terms of my electrolytes. Not sure if this or time solved the issue but by about 3/4 of the way through the second loop I was free of the pain. Yeah!
As I approached town again my spirits were soaring. I was finishing the bike with plenty of time to spare to the cut off and I laughed that at one point during training I was honestly fearful that I would miss the bike cut-off time. I had averaged just below 16 mph which is strong for me for a ride like this, especially with headwinds as we came back into town. Thank goodness for all of our winter riding in the chilly, windy Austin weather in January and February (and March!). Rolling back into transition I had a HUGE smile on my face and when the nice volunteer said, "Need anything from your bike?" I quickly said, "Nope! Take it away!" I was relieved to be finished but I have to say I never hit a breaking point while I was on the bike when I just wanted to dump it on the roadside. I had been MUCH happier for those 112 miles than I ever thought I would be...nice feeling to carry into the run with me. Little did I know how much I would need those good feelings although the rain as I exited T2 should have been a sign of things to come!

race report - phase 4: T1

I would not normally include a long post about T1 but this one will forever be special to me. First, I was so glad to be out of the swim that I nearly jumped into my cycling shoes right away! Second, in an Ironman you have changing tents with chairs and awesome volunteers who help you undress, dress, make decisions, etc... Whatever you need, they will help you with it - sunscreen, rolling up your arm warmers so it's easier to stick your damp arm into them, putting on your race belt. Danielle from Wisconsin warmly welcomed me into the tent and then helped me get rid of my swim gear and put on my cycling gear. She was a HUGE help and a real sense of calm for me. In about 2 minutes less than I had anticipated, I was headed out to my bike. Carefully ran across the basketball course in my cycling shoes, wool socks, T3 jersey, arm warmers, tri shorts, sunglasses, and helmet. Had my gloves in my back pocket just in case.
Focused on getting to my bike and starting on that long portion of the race, I do not know how I heard the voice that I heard saying, "Elizabeth!" But I heard it and look to my right and to my amazement there was John Works...and to his left, Kimberly. Talk about shocked. I said something like, "What are you doing here?" And Kimberly responded, "You're doing an Ironman. We came to see you!" Tears. Yes, I wasn't even on the bike yet and I had tears in my eyes. Quickly forced them to stay in my eyes - I couldn't start off 112 miles in tears! But I think that the first loop of the bike passed so quickly because I was still in shock!
Throughout the day I saw Kimberly and John and later discovered that they were updating folks in Austin about my progress. Here is Kimberly's first post to them:
"Hi everyone. John and I drove up (from Montana) to see Elizabeth compete in and complete her Ironman. We wanted to surprise her and well, I think we succeeded. The swim finish was mobbed with people but we thought we saw her come out of the water and so we ran over to where we thought her bike might be. The absolutely unofficial watch on my arm said that she came out of the water about 8:14 which is amazing. Her transition time was faster than I think she expected as well. We think she got on the bike around 8:21. We saw her and yelled and screamed as she was heading toward her bike and then we ran to see her at the beginning of the course. She, of course and as you can imagine, looked like she was having an absolute blast, smiling and calm and studly. The weather right now is beautiful, although I think her start this morning was chilly and windy. It's supposed to be partly sunny with rain predicted later on in the day. Hopefully, it will hold off until the end of the bike.
She'll do a loop on the bike so we hope to see her again and then we'll try to get ourselves in place for the finish. The city seems mobbed with people, and everyone seems to be more clued in to how to navigate everything, but we're learning. Mainly, it's just very exciting to be here watching her do this. Yay for Elizabeth!!!"

As usual, Kimberly was too generous to me...and what it meant for her and John to be there is beyond words.

race report - phase 3: swim

Those of you who know me know that I LOVE to swim (usually the best part of any triathlon in my opinion). Update to this statement: I do not really love to swim in mass Ironman starts! Chaos. Washing machine. Thrashing. Survival. Call it what you want, it was a mess! And even a little bit scary. Even though I was in the company of Matt, Jim, Liz, Blythe, and Laura, as soon as we all rushed in the water with the other 2,000+ participants I felt very alone. I know, it's weird to feel alone when you have bodies pressed up against you so tightly that you are like sardines in a can. But I felt very alone. And the first 1/2 of the first lap was only about trying to carve out a little space in which to swim so that I might get into some sort of rhythm. Every time I thought I'd succeeded someone would grab my ankle or shoulder and pull or push me back. I prayed that I wouldn't get pushed under! I knew that being under the water and the sea of neoprene that we were creating would not be a good thing.
Pretty early on I felt a little panic creeping into my chest. I wasn't breathing well. The chop was creating 1-2 ft swells so every time I turned to breathe I got a face full of water. At one point I wasn't making any forward progress and in a moment of treading water to let a few people pass I had to have a little talk with myself: "You know how to swim. You are not going to drown. Put your head down and start swimming again." Funny. After that, I was okay. Not loving it but okay.
The back side of the loop was MUCH better and I actually found some smooth water to swim in and settled into what I know as my swimming rhythm. I finally felt normal in the water for the first time all day. Finished the first loop in 35 minutes - which sort of surprised me...I thought it would be slower due to all of the thrashing around. Quick jaunt across the timing mat and I was back in the water for loop 2 - determined that it would be faster. It was certainly a lot calmer - everyone had spread out by then - but it ended up being 1-2 minutes slower. What?! Oh, well, I was out of the water...and for the first time ever in my (brief) triathlon life, I was thankful! Up to the wetsuit strippers...one of my favorite parts of these triathlons...grabbed my bag and headed into the T1 tent.

race report - phase 2: race morning!

Woke up to an overcast day but no rain...yet. It was just below 48 degrees and really wouldn't get much warmer as the day went on. Laura and I ate breakfast around 3:30 a.m. - you need time for it to digest and for all systems to get going. Cereal with a banana for me. Tried to munch on some toast, too. Am thinking I need to figure out a way to eat more next year. (Oops...guess that cat is out of the bag...I've signed up for CDA 2010!!! But that's another story for another time!!!) After breakfast, I gathered my stuff, listened to part of the "Pump it Up" mix that LAL and Christy had made for me (thanks, guys!), put on my swim stuff and then my comfy pants, compression socks, long-sleeved T3 tech shirt, red Nike slip-ons, and my T3 hoodie (these were the clothes I wanted at the end of the race...and, oh, how I needed them. After 14 hours with the rain coming down for the last part of it and only 50 degree weather I needed something to warm up!).
We headed to the race site...got body marked before going in. And then fixed up our bikes. Added water to our aero bottles, pumped up our tires, re-checked our Bento boxes, re-set bike computers, etc... Quick trip to our swim-to-bike bags and bike-to-run bags to add last minute items like Gus or water bottles. And to double check that everything we left there the night before was still there! I haven't heard crazy stories from this year but at other races people have been known to mess with other people's stuff - removing arm pads on bikes, etc... I know. It's insane to think that people do that, but apparently they do. Clearly I wasn't enough of a threat to anyone to tempt strangers to mess with my stuff!
Final bathroom run. And then to the transition area where we checked out the ladies transition tent for future reference. Found Joe, Logan, Jim, Booher, and Sunday and it felt good to be with them. We ended up putting our wetsuits on together which was relaxing.
Guess this is a good time to talk about nerves. I'd been pretty calm since I arrived at CDA. I'm not sure why. I'm usually a nervous wreck before something like this but for some reason my nerves were under control this time. I even had the composure not to worry about what hadn't happened yet - like bad weather, etc... Maybe this Ironman training has done something to me in making me ready to handle whatever comes my way?! Well, that might be stretching it but I was glad to be in the place that I was. I was the excited sort of nervous in the days leading up to Sunday. And Sunday morning was really no different except for that the nerves had become butterflies in my stomach and I could feel the adrenalin pumping as soon as we started walking down to the race site. Just kept breathing and trying to use the energy that was all around me for good. It's really easy to get sucked into other people's emotions when you are surrounded by SO many emotions. For that reason, I was really glad to have so many teammates around. I find comfort in familiar faces and they were certainly a calming force for me that morning...thank you, thank you, T3.
When we got kicked out of the transition area (around 6), Laura and I went in search of Amy and Chrissie so that we could give them our morning clothes bag. So long hoodie, pants, T3 tech shirt, compression socks, and red Nikes...see you at the end of the day. That was a weird thought!
We found Blythe, Jim, Liz, and Matt so that we could start the swim together. Our plan was to at least go rushing into the water together so that when we got kicked we would know that it wasn't anyone doing it intentionally! Little did we know the mass start, the choppy water, and swimmers behaving badly would foil our little plan after the first couple of strokes. Still, it felt good to stand on the beach among friends.
Standing on the beach as the helicopter hovered over the CDA resort and as the national anthem was sung, I was surrounded by what looked like a beach full of upright seals as 2500+ people on Neoprene found their places. Laura and I giggled a little. And then my stomach jumped into my throat and I must have gotten very quiet because Blythe turned to me and said, "Are you okay?" I said, "Yeah...I just need this to start." Liz was all smiles - a veteran among us she said this part always made it feel real to her. Yes, it was very real. The floating Ironman in the water. The crowds on the beach. And then the cannon. The rush into the water. And we were off...

race report - phase 1: pre-race

I will try to make this as painless as possible...and as succinct as possible...and maybe as humorous as possible for those of you brave souls who actually read it. Warning - I know that I will never capture the emotions or feelings from that day adequately. I'll apologize in advance if I fail to thank everyone who deserves my thanks. If you had anything to do with me becoming who I am today either as a person or as a triathlete, I owe you a bucket full of gratitude. That being said, let me begin...
I have to take you back to the days before the race because I discovered that doing an Ironman is not just about race day. (Okay, I knew that...and I would need to rewind about 6 months to really capture it...but you can do that in my blog!) The energy around an Ironman is far more than just that day. It begins with registration on the race site (where you pretty much sign your life away as you collect your bib number and other items for race day), collecting your bike if you've used a service like TriBike Transport, getting your athlete wrist band, strolling around athlete's village, buying some gear pre-Ironman and praying that purchasing it doesn't jinx your race (we decided there was a difference between buying IMCDA gear and wearing it before we'd actually completed the race!), and, for us T3ers, hanging out with our teammates. It involves practice swims and double checking your bike and going for a little jog just to make sure that your legs still know how to run. It means trying to make your surroundings in your new "home away from home" as comfortable and relaxing as possible so that you can be in a good state of mind before the big (final training) day. It means surrounding yourself with friends who lift you up and who can calm your nerves when they start to get frayed. It involves driving the race course. And planning out nearly every meal so that you make sure you are getting the food that you need. Watching the weather reports. Which sort of deteriorated before our eyes - and then got a little better when we discovered that it was only supposed to rain in the afternoon/evening. At least we had a chance of being off the bike. (Rain + bikes is never a good combination...especially not when steep hills are involved!) Each day it seemed like there wasn't that much to do and yet suddenly it was dinner time and we were settling in for the night again. Thursday through Saturday flew by. Amy and Chrissie arrived to keep us company and keep us sane as non-racers on this particular day. And suddenly it was the night before the race.
For us, this meant dinner in our comfy CDA home (chicken, broccoli, sweet potatoes...and then chocolate milk before bed) and watching a little "Ghostbusters" - yes. An easy viewing, don't have to think much, will make you laugh distraction for Laura and me. And then early to bed...because it was early to rise the next day.

home again, home again

I promise, a race report is coming but I had to share what I returned to at school today because it gives you an idea of how much love and support I have from my St. Andrew's family. I am a seriously lucky girl - the kind of lucky that leaves you thinking, "what in the world did I ever do to deserve this sort of love?".
I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive returning to work today. I know that sounds weird but it's the sort of feeling I used to have when I returned from camp and re-entered the real world and all of my friends and family there. A return to reality is just another signal that a wonderful moment in my life has ended. I know there are more around the bend but I am the sort of person who likes to hang on to each good memory for as long as possible...maybe that's why I still have my IM CDA bracelet on. (How long can I get away with that?!)
Anyway, as I drove into work I was greeted by signs on the driveway and then a decorated door to my office. And I found myself in tears.
My colleagues and friends were so wonderful. They wanted details about the day and they listened patiently as I told them way more than they probably really wanted to know. And then I read their emails and heard about them sharing the moments of watching me cross the finish line on their computers with their families. And I got all teary-eyed again.
I guess people experience their emotions at different times and I find that my tears about this incredible event have been mostly after the fact. Hearing Gran say, "Hello Ironman" instead of "Hello love" when I called her yesterday. Having my colleagues tell me that they were proud of me and give me congratulatory hugs and gifts. Receiving flowers from Lucy and my "St. Andrew's family". Getting voicemails from my mom and a blog post from my dad. It's all been overwhelming in that really sweet way.

quick update from an Ironman

I realize I've missed a couple of days of posting...not like me! But I was a tad busy on Sunday...for 14 hours and 5 minutes I was busy so there wasn't a lot of time for blogging! Oh, but I did become an Ironman that day!!!! And that has given me PLENTY to blog about. So stay tuned for a race report. The day was incredible...magical...unbelievable... And so much more. I feel a HUGE amount of respect for what I did, for everyone out there on the course on Sunday, and for anyone who has ever done or attempted an Ironman. I am so proud of my teammates. I owe so many thanks to so many people but that will be a separate blog entry. Headed back to Austin today and with some airport time, the composing will begin! You can only imagine the race report from a day-long race...and a life-changing event!

my thought for Sunday

It takes seventeen muscles to smile and forty-seven muscles to frown.
Conserve energy.

here we go...

It's funny to be sitting on the porch of our wonderful, cozy house here in Coeur d'Alene, ID knowing that tomorrow I'll be running past it with a stretch of miles still before me. Bags & bike are in transition. I made sure my legs & arms remembered how to swim, bike, and run. Spent some time with friends in small but wonderful spurts of time. Soaked up the goodness of my teammates and coaches. Gave a little love out in return. And tried to just take it all in and enjoy today. Tomorrow will be a very different day. Unlike anything I've known. I have been oddly calm and peaceful about all of this. I'm overwhelmed (in a good way) about the day tomorrow. I have so much respect for what we're about to do and for what we've already done. We are ready. We've got an AMAZING support group here...seriously, we are so lucky. I can't imagine this without all of the T3 love. We will be surrounded...we will be encouraged by one another...and we will celebrate with one another. What a great day we have ahead of us. Unpredictable. Challenging. Full of lessons. Gratifying. Rewarding. Not unlike training, so,yes, we are ready. Godspeed Ironman athletes & gratitude for everyone along the race course.

(your) friday quotation(s)

This week the appropriate thing to quote is YOU!  All of you who have sent me inspirational words or thoughts for the Ironman on Sunday.  You are wonderful; I am incredibly fortunate to have you in my life. And your words will be with me on Sunday...may they inspire some of you at sometime in your lives, too.  

You.  Can.  Do.  It.  

Believe. That carries the energy to believe you can do anything you set your mind to.  

"Life is only meaningful when we are striving for a goal." (Aristotle)

"It's not what you do but how you do it."  (John Wooden)

Run, etg, run!

Keep smiling, even when you'd rather not, because you are doing something amazing...something that very few people will ever even contemplate doing.  I will keep my fingers crossed that race day is one of those perfect exercise days where everything internally and externally just comes together perfectly.  

Go, girl...go, girl...I'm so very excited for you and will have you in my prayers as you participate in this adventure of endurance, courage, and trust.

It's okay to fail.  It's not okay to fold.  

Success if 97% preparation and 3% execution. 

If we are persistent enough, we can do the dreams.

On the other side of fear is freedom.  

Thanks for the links to your crazy adventure this weekend. Be careful and good luck!

To serve, to strive, and not to yield. 

If not in this lifetime, in which one? 

I'll put your name on a prayer flag and hang it out - like your students did for me.  It'll lift you up and carry you through the rough places. 

Don't go out too fast!

And so many sweet, sweet notes from family and friends that are too personal to put on a blog.  But one wonderful image from Gran (who does not normally talk like this):  "Elizabeth, I will be thinking of you and your coming race.  No, those are not angels on your shoulders - just Mommy and Gran."

You all are wonderful.  You will be with me every step of the way.  Thank you for your support.  Thank you for your friendship.  Thank you for your love.    

CDA...here comes T3!

Yeah! Safe arrival in Coeur d'Alene! Caught up on a little sleep on the way here & so I've felt energized this afternoon...although I'm very sleepy tonight! Laura was a gem & picked Liz, Chris and I. We drove directly to the expo to get race stuff , including our bikes. Happy to report that all is well with the Kuota...we'll see how it's working when I take it out tomorrow.  Our house is awesome and adorable (I'll post a picture as soon as my computer will pick up the Internet...grr...).  T3 dinner and group photo (again...pictures when I get back on my computer). Then home again, home again to get a good night's sleep! More later...good to be here.   

the devil is in the details

My new theory is that getting ready for an adventure like doing an Ironman is so involved, so complicated, so (dare I say it) stressful that it's a way to make the actual day feel like a sigh of relief that you've made it that far and now all you have to do is swim, bike, and run. Okay, over a 100 miles of that but still...
The point is that I never thought that this part of it would be so complicated! I will be relieved to get to Coeur D'Alene tomorrow to stop fretting over which socks to pack or whether or not I should swap out a short-sleeved t-shirt with a long-sleeved t-shirt since it's in the 60s in Idaho. I keep hearing Miss Dollie's words, "If there's something you forgot, I can tell you how to get along without it." That works for a lot of my packing...and not for other parts that really would be difficult to get along without. I'm trusting my lists though. I'm trusting my "attention to detail" nature. And I'm trusting that if I forgot something crucial, I will be able to figure it out. We are going to an Ironman for goodness sake. There will be LOTS of gear around. Not that I'm game to spend more money unnecessarily or try out something new for race day, but it does give me a little comfort that all would not be lost if I forgot something.
And with that...I'm off to throw in a couple more items and zip up the bags. Early a.m. flight to Spokane tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing T3 teammates at the airport before I go and to being on a flight with some of them. Soaked in some T3 goodness this morning at core, at breakfast with Erin, and at track practice where Karen and I observed the great work of our teammates as we waited for Carrie to bring us some cool shirts for CDA. A final hug from Jess was the icing on the cake. And I know the goodness will continue when we land in CDA and the group begins to gather over the next few days!

practice what you preach , elizabeth

Inevitably when you take on something like an Ironman race no matter how much you try to call it an "event" to take the focus off of the idea of a "race" with times and splits, etc... the topic of goals eventually comes up. Whenever anyone asks me what my goals are, I proudly exclaim (usually with arms up in the air): "To finish and have fun!" I think it's a great goal...especially for my first Ironman!
But I think I always knew that I'd probably have some sort of time goal somewhere along the way, too. I'm just enough competitive with myself to do something like that! And I've seen myself progress enough in certain areas to be curious about what I could possibly accomplish. So about two weeks ago when I met with Chrissie to talk about the race, she helped me think about some goals. And since then I've talked to Logan and Suzanne to get their two cents about goals in general - and specifically. And I finally put mine down on paper, trying not to hyperventilate along the way (I kind of did work myself into a tizzy last Tuesday but was calmed down by some friends - thank you, friends). I'm not sure why I found that process of putting goals down on paper so terrifying. My reaction took me completely by surprise. It's not like I'm making them public - actually, I've shared them with 3 people total. (Beyond general statements like, "I think I'll finish between x hour and x hour" to help people track me.) It's not like there's any shame to falling short of any or all of the goals. Really, completing the training and heading to CDA to complete the race and then completing it on Sunday is/will be an achievement in and of itself. So why the big deal about the goals that I put down on paper?
Because I have this strong perfectionist streak in me. And at times like these it doesn't serve me well! So the temptation is to change the goals to all be within reach so that I won't risk failure. I know this seems ridiculous because there is nothing remotely close to failing if/when you complete an Ironman. But thoughts like this almost sent me back to my Word document today to readjust the goals.
But something stopped me.
And it was my own words.
Each fall as I meet with seniors to talk about their college lists, I encourage them to have "reach" schools on their lists. (And "stretch" schools and "likely" schools.) Schools that are BIG dreams. Schools that they probably won't get into but WOW if they did, how wonderfully surprising it would be. Schools that represent courage to reach even if you fall short. Schools that make you vulnerable because you know that you might be disappointed by their answers for you. I reason with students that the world is not going to end if they hear "no". That they are not any less valuable as people if they don't get something that they've reached for. And that it's a good lesson to go after something that you really want, even if you don't achieve it. At least that way, you don't live in a world of regret.
Damn it's difficult to listen to yourself.
I'm a little scared to keep the reaches as ultimate goals. I'm even nervous about the stretch goals I put down on paper. And even the likely goals humble me.
But I'm going to be bold and courageous and leave my goals as they are.
If I've had the courage to come this far then I need to have the courage to keep the reaches, be delighted with the stretch goals, and be thrilled with the likely outcomes on Sunday...even if I fall short of a reach or a stretch. I won't have disappointed anyone else. I won't have let anyone else down. And the truth is that if I give it my all in terms of heart and energy, I won't have let myself down either. I think I will regret it if I don't go for it. Onward to my goals, with slightly shaky hands I reach up to them.
P.S. "elizabeth" and not "etg" is intentional...sometimes I need to be stern with myself!

one reason I love my job

Are there many places where you can go for a year-end meeting with your boss where you talk about yourself and your life 70% of the time and your job 30% of the time? Lucy was (and always has been) genuinely interested in my life outside of work. She cares for her "employees" as if we were her friends and/or children. I'll never forget my first year at St. Andrew's when I'd only been here about 6 weeks and Gran had to have emergency open heart surgery. Because we weren't sure whether or not she'd make it off the operating table (hard to believe we ever doubted that with Gran but the doctors did not paint a pretty picture...clearly they did not know Gran!!!), I was waiting in Texas to see how things went. Lucy came into my office first thing that morning and said, "Why are you here? You need to be with your family. Come on, I'll take you to the airport. Don't worry about anything here. We'll get someone to go on the Pt. Aransas trip for you and someone will cover for your other jobs. Family is important." Two days later I did leave for California, where Gran was recovering, and never once did Lucy say when to be back. She only said to stay in touch and give her love to my mom.
Again today, much like a mother would be, she was super excited about my training, my new friends, and the basic fact that I had time for something other than work. I think she was glad to hear this not only because she cares about me (she's known me since I was 8!) but also because I was pretty convinced that if I threw my name in the hat last year to be Head of Upper School permanently and happened to be chosen, I would not have had a life. Guess since I chose another road, I also chose to really have a life!
Anyway, as always, I left the meeting with Lucy feeling more and more grateful that 13 years ago she basically created a job for me. I've done LOTS of different things at St. Andrew's - everything from coaching to teaching to admissions work to community service to college counseling and interim Head of Upper School. I've really grown up as an adult at St. Andrew's - certainly as a professional. I've always felt grateful to have a job that I look forward to going to each day - a job that I feel like is meaningful. Work is hard no matter what you do, it's a blessing if you can really enjoy it, too. The students, my colleagues, the families...they all make my work better than it would be at another school.
This spring it occurred to me that while I have no family members here in Austin, I have two wonderful "families" - St. Andrew's and T3. And to feel like I'm a valuable member of both "families" fills my heart to overflowing. Again, what a lucky girl I am.

making my lists and checking them twice...and three times...and four times...

For those of you who don't really know me and have not clued in through reading my blog, I'm a tad type A. A tad OCD about certain things. A tad responsible. A tad...okay, A LOT...attentive to details. So while I'll leave the videotaping of my room the night before IM CDA to other teammates (don't laugh...it's been done...I have proof!), I am going to confess about my lists. (For many of you reading this, don't even pretend that you don't have them, too!!!) My lists for CDA are in an Excel document with 6 tabs:
1) complete list (white)
2) TBT or Tri Bike Transport Bag (orange)
3) CO or Carry-On Bag (yellow)
4) CK or Checked Bag (blue)
5) WOP or Wear on Plane (green)
6) Nutrition Notes (red)
(I wish I could see my mom's face as she's reading this...she used to joke that she didn't know where I came from as this is NOT quite her system of organization!)
Anyway, the lists are super-detailed, covering everything from running shoes to specific hats and quantities of Gus of a specific flavor. This might seem overkill. I'll tell you next week what I think. But for now, it's super helpful and it's one little thing that I have control over.
And that's the funny thing about triathletes, I've come to learn. You have to be sort of detail-oriented, type A to think that this sport is something worth doing for any length of time and with any success (not necessarily in a race! but "success" in terms of even showing up for a ride with the right gear...details). But you also have to be really flexible. Anything can happen. On any given day. To any athlete.
And that is where I'm finding comfort in my lists right now. I cannot control the weather next Sunday (or any day!). I cannot control whether or not I have a flat at mile 73 on the bike. I cannot control how many times I might get punched in the face or side during the swim. I cannot control the course that I will run to take me into the finish chute next Sunday. But I can make sure I have what I need to get there. I can make sure I have the shorts that are most comfortable, the water bottle that will work best, the Infinit that I need on the bike, the right sunglasses and goggles...and clothes that make me happy for the days leading up to it and the moments right after I finish. And while it might lead to me packing and unpacking bags to check and double (and triple and quadruple...) check things, it makes me feel calmer. Pretty easy way to calm someone, I think.
Last thing on my list tonight...SLEEP...off I go!

slightly different weekend...and feeling a little overwhelmed (by good emotions)

...for the first time in a long while, I wasn't riding my bike today. Sort of odd not to fix nutrition bottles on a Friday night. And then to grab my wetsuit, goggles, and swim cap this morning and head to Barton Springs instead of making sure my helmet, bike shoes, etc... were in the car ready to go. Had a good swim with Blythe, Liz, Jim, Joe...and saw Erin, Natalie, Justin, Tom, and Chris. Finally figured out how to get my wetsuit in the right place - yeah, it helps when you pull it up ALL the way. Seriously blonde moment for the past...okay, it's embarrassing...5 months. I was wondering why everyone kept saying theirs was so hard to get into. Now I get it! Anyway, it felt so much better. My arms used to get exhausted within the first 200m and this time they felt good the whole time. I still prefer to swim without one but I'm grateful to feel more comfortable in this nice one that Praveeta has lent to me for CDA. A solid 45 minutes in the water, and we were headed to Whole Foods...at such an early hour we weren't sure what to do! So we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, and then Liz and I took a quick trip to Title 9. I mean, it was right across the street. Managed to find a couple of items there...and not repeats of things already in my closet...and some cute dresses - girly stuff, fun! And then it was off to grab my bike to take to the PTC to leave it for Tri Bike Transport. That scene was hysterical. It was a bubble wrap fest. Seriously, the guys from Tri Bike Transport are going to laugh when they walk in and see all of our bikes...they look like someone has wrapped them up for Christmas. Pedals off. Frame wrapped. Extra bag packed. Check, check, and check. Bye-bye, bike!
Lunch with Laura who was sweet and carved out time in her weekend to see me before she left town and I went to CDA. Laura's been so awesome about supporting me through different tris - she's a great colleague but more importantly a wonderful friend. Anyway, I wish this IM were here in Austin just so folks like her could see what my craziness these past 6 months has produced! (Saw more T3 folks at lunch...so nice when Austin feels smaller than it is because circles of friends overlap.) Followed lunch up with a couple of errands and then headed home for a much needed nap. Not sure why I was so tired today. I did relatively little compared to what I normally do, but I was pooped. Anyway, felt good to do laundry and put my legs up. Got up in time to catch up with folks on the phone (and hear about Amy's great bike ride! go, Amy!)...and then went to a movie. Been a long time since I've done that...it was fun and funny (laughed really hard!)...and feasible to catch something other than a matinee since we just have an 8 mile run tomorrow. A single digit distance...where did all of the double digit runs go?
I'm getting oddly nostalgic about all of this. In fact, I got a card from my mom and Gran today and when I opened it I started crying. That caught me totally off guard, to be honest. And Praveeta gave me the sweetest angel (that I put at the top of my entry today) and two cards (that I have not opened but will in CDA). Thank you, Praveeta...for ALL of the support, the wetsuit, and the good care. And Katy and I had a conversation on Friday about how amazing this whole thing was going to be and that made a little teary. And Erin has made these awesome robots for us, and when I saw the picture of the whole bunch of them I almost started crying thinking of our team out there in CDA...a true army of support these little blue robots! Thank you, Erin!! Mine (#191) is in the picture on the right...maybe Alisa (#239 - and also the birthday girl on June 21!) and I are coming in together?! And Logan (#908) and Charles (#1050) are already taking their naps by the time we come in?!
And then I tried to answer the IM CDA Taper survey that Jane and crew sent out but I had to stop because I got all choked up. Guess it's good to be dealing with some of these emotions here in Austin rather than saving them up for CDA and next Sunday. But I'm starting to think that I better work on my gameface because I'm not sure this typically calm, collected gal is going to be able to hold it together if I get emotional.
Not emotional in a freaked out way but emotional in an overwhelmed by the magnitude of it all way...maybe my body will ache just enough so that I can't get too emotional?! That's it, a positive thought if I feel pain. Maybe it's giving me something else to focus on. HA!
Well, no use in worrying myself about this...it will be what it is. I'm amazed that we've all come this far. I'm excited to see how we all work together - the T3 Robot Army! And I'm hoping I can give support instead of only soaking up support from others...want to be a giver, too. On that note, going to give myself some sleep for our last run together before CDA. Funny that the next time I hit the trail it might be for a walk...or a light jog...with no particular goal in mind...yet.