This past weekend I returned to the site where my Ironman career began, Clermont Florida, to compete in the Great Floridian. I was excited, as I have always enjoyed racing in Clermont-the only non-flat area in Florida!

My recovery from Rev3 South Carolina went well, and I was feeling even stronger for GFT. I continued to stay inside as much as possible to steer clear of fall pollens. In the past 6 weeks the only time I was outside on my bike was the race in SC. I headed to FL on Wednesday with the race being Saturday. Traveling alone this time I knew I would have plenty of time for R&R and just “chilling” pre-race.

The cold front that hit GA hit Florida too, sadly, with record low temps and very high winds. Thankfully I packed warm cycling clothes at the last minute which were much needed for my ride Thursday. Sleeping in, naps, and eating were pretty much my day.

Friday I did a little morning jog at the race site, and then hit the USAT training center for a short swim in their gorgeous outdoor pool. Friday night I went over my nutrition plan with Michael as I was determined not to get in the dehydrated state that hurt me in Louisville. I was ready to roll.

Up at 4:30 Friday morning, drinking my First Endurance Ultragen and eating breakfast I was nice and relaxed. I headed…

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Categories: Triathlons

I had been really looking forward to racing the Rev3 Half Ironman in South Carolina! And equally excited to see-and meet Trakkers teammates. My teammate Kiersten was flying to Atlanta and we would make the easy drive to Anderson together Friday afternoon.

My recovery from Ironman Louisville went very well. I bounced back quickly and was able to get in a solid block of training, and was really feeling better than before IMKY. My biggest obstacle-as always-allergies. For that reason (since they suck all of my energy), for the past month I did ALL of my cycling inside. It was more important to get strong workouts than enjoy the sunny weather. I was still feeling the negative effects of the beautiful ragweed running, but hoped it wouldn’t do too much damage. As race week approached though, the allergies worsened.

Then, another big stress hit. My husband’s mother, who had been ill, became gravely ill a week prior to the race and we learned she would not get better. Needless to say it was not the best week, and my focus was not on racing. Cris insisted I still go to SC with Kiersten, as he planned his trip to New Mexico.

Kiersten arrived Friday morning and we hung out at my house for a few hours before hitting the road. During the drive she began to experience the true joy of the south as she began to experience an allergic…

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Categories: Triathlons

Double run days are an excellent way to add some run mileage safely. I recently discovered another great use for them. Let me set the stage….

You’re at mile 4 of an Ironman, and every muscle in both legs cramps due to severe dehydration, and you spend the next 15 miles running (and I use that term loosely) in crisis mode. At mile 19 you can no longer lift your legs and you’re forced to walk-a slow painful walk. As you near the finish you know with absolute certainty that you do not want to walk across the finish line, and you use all the strength to muster up some semblance of a run

THIS is the point that all of those 2^nd runs comes into play. You recall the physical feeling of starting a 2^nd run, the stiffness in your legs for the first few (or few hundred) steps. But you also know that if you stick with it, the legs will keep moving and loosen enough to run. Granted, at this point of IM Louisville it was far worse, but it was similar enough to be psychologically useful.

Thinking back to this was the one thing that assured me I could “run” across the finish. Now, the next step is to find a new and improved use for the 2^nd run for the Great Floridian Ironman in 5 weeks. Today’s 2^nd run was the start. Stay tuned…..

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Categories: Triathlons

Huge shout out to my amazing Sponsors for whom I am so grateful and helped me get through Ironman Louisville!!!

Kestrel-best bike ever!!! I had such a smooth slick and comfy ride in Louisville

TYR: The Torque rules, and the Orion goggles are the perfect open water race goggles!

SBR Sports: Stuff keeps me “chaffe-free”. Did discover new places to use it-note for next time

First Endurance: Hands down, best nutrition products I have ever used: before, during and after

All3 Sports: Fit me perfectly on my Kestrel and always take care of any race/training needs, and though I didn’t have the perfect run I had the perfect run hat from All3!

Recovery Pump: can’t say enough about my boots! Every nap in LOU was in my boots and my legs were so fresh race day

Last, the people who have become my extended family-my Trakkers/Rev3 teammates. I am so honored to be a part of this team, and the support I receive each and every day-through every up and down, can never be put into words. Thank you all

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Categories: Triathlons

Not really sure where to begin here…this was my third trip to Ironman Louisville. I love the course, the climate, the people-it has all the good elements for my strengths, and I have been looking forward to coming back since 2009. In this crazy season of missed races and many illnesses I was going in with as open of a mind as I could have, and no expectations other than to enjoy the ride.

We headed to Louisville a day earlier than normal, on Wednesday, to get away from the stresses at home and have more time for me to sleep and relax pre-race. We chose to stay right at the finish line (one of the reason I love IMKY is that everything is so convenient). And come to find out when booking rooms, the Hyatt has “hypo-allergenic” rooms! It was perfect.

Thursday morning Cris and I went to a nearby pool for a swim. I purposefully do not get in the Ohio River before the race. In fact, I don’t even go near the river-with my allergy magnetic body who knows what would jump out of the river and land inside me! The pool was perfect and after the swim we did a 30 min run around the reservoir right there. Next we drove to the middle loop part of the bike course where I rode an easy 50 minutes. Back to shower, eat and to the expo to…

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Categories: Triathlons

I have written in previous posts about Synergy Release Sports, and Dr Hatrak-or whom I call a “Miracle Worker”. He was the one who (after multiple failed attempts with other providers) made a correct diagnosis of my injury last year, and got me running again after a 6 month layoff.

I know I have been a biomechanical mess for years. One of the key issues was a significant leg length discrepancy, which has required me to wear a lift in my left shoes, orthotics for run shoes, and shims in cleats on cycling shoes, for the past 12 years.  Another key issue was my back and pelvis, and after months under his care, these areas are better than they have ever been. My massage therapist-who has known me for years, affirmed she has never seen my back in better shape.

These changes have made a world of difference in my health, training, and comfort. But the CLINCHER, the true sign for me that he works miracles, is that now, after 12 years, I no longer require any lift in any shoes-casual, dress, running, or cycling. I am EVEN! I don’t think I have ever been called “even” in my life!!

I tell you this all of this to “share the wealth”. If you are in the Atlanta area, or are willing to travel in seek of resolution to frustrating problems, come to Synergy Release Sports! Dr Hatrak has developed his…

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Categories: Triathlons

Several weeks ago I asked ML about having my own “training camp” in preparation for Ironman Louisville. I had looked at my work schedule and found a block of days to take off so I could have a 5 day block to train, eat and sleep. The time we picked ended 4 weeks prior to the race which was perfect.

I anxiously awaited the workouts ML would create. I didn’t learn my fate until Monday of that week (with camp beginning Wednesday). I knew it would be a good indicator of my strength and fitness. I also knew that proper fueling would be key especially with the heat in Atlanta. So, for those of you who may want to do your own camp-here’s how things played out.

Let me preface by saying one of the best things was to be able to train with 8+ hours of sleep rather than 5-6. I could still get out fairly early, but feeling much more rested.

Wednesday began with a 90 min run with 3×20 min blocks at descending pace (marathon, half marathon, 10k). Solid run, and though I would not call myself a “heavy sweater” by any means, I don’t think I have ever been that drenched following a run. Then it was off to the pool for a straight swim alternating speeds by 100. The day’s workouts ended with a 90 min spin to loosen the legs.

Thursday morning it was…

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Categories: Uncategorized

I am convinced that one day I will star in an episode of House, but until that day comes it is up to me to play medical detective at times. That is what I have had to do the last few weeks as things were going from bad to worse and all medical tests were 100% negative/fine/showed nothing. My plans of racing again this year were slipping away, I was growing more tired and weak, and subsequently my mood more depressed. At the same time, I knew if I didn’t race again this year that it was ok-I had faith that “things” would work out in time. So I was prepared to roll with it. In the meantime, it felt as though I was being poisoned and each week was getting worse and worse.

Somehow this must be allergy related-everything this year has been. Would I EVER acclimate and build any kind of immunity??

I made another visit to the allergy doctor last Tuesday (6 days ago), armed with a long list of symptoms and all that has occurred for this whole year. He listened, and once again assured me that the allergy shots are NOT causing what I was feeling. He could also tell I was pretty dejected. Thankfully he didn’t rush me out the door, but we explored every idea and option. That is what led us to the steroid inhaler.

For the past 4 years like clockwork…

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Categories: Triathlons

I think 2011 should be known as the “Year of Upheaval”. No, I am not in Lubbock preparing for a Sprint tomorrow and Half Ironman on Sunday; I am here, in Sharpsburg GA, sitting on my couch in my Recovery Pump Boots, but I am NOT sulking. I had a brief “sulky” moment when my doctor GROUNDED me. Yes, grounded-like sent to my room, or in this case, banned from getting on a plane. But then my fight instinct kicked in and all is good. And, because BSLT has such an awesome Race Director, I am able to roll my entry to 2012 so I WILL be there doing the Sprint/Half thing.

So, after the green light to forge ahead with the plan3 weeks ago, things got a little rougher-how long is this going to go on?? This prompted my doctor to say “No race”, which I know is the smartest decision. Murphy’s law-started feeling better at that point!

Still working toward a Half Ironman in 2 weeks-but I have also learned to write everything in pencil. And we’re forging ahead with the big Ironman build for the next 2 months. I am very excited as this is my FAVORITE time of year: Ironman Training time. Loving the workouts planned (thanks ML), and even going to work in my own little mini camp-super excited!! Mentally I am strong and ready to go-saying a lot of prayers that the physical part…

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Categories: Triathlons

So, this “comeback” thing?? It did not start off in the best way possible, but I am looking at it as a good thing-more motivation.

I decided not to race Rev3 Knoxville (sadly) because it was still difficult for me to breathe outside at times. But, the couple of weeks following were improving, so we picked a local Half Ironman for me to do on June 4 (since I was unable to travel to Rev3 Quassy….another “sadly”. I did not advertise this decision: Cris and ML knew about it of course, as well as my trusty confidant (yes Kier that’s you!). I was excited to race-it was a new race for me, but one I had wanted to do, a hilly and notoriously HOT course, and easy travel. I won’t go into the details, but the day did not turn out the best, but I believe that I made smart decisions, and all in all, it was good to go through the race motions again. The week leading up to the race was filled with “health stresses” which I think contributed to the day. But, everything is a learning experience, and always useful.

During the race, my thoughts were a bit haywire since things were not up to par. The thoughts started with “I am never racing again”, and went to “I am not racing again this year” and ended with “I don’t know what to do”. On the drive…

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Categories: Triathlons