Truth, Lies and Ironman Lake Placid

Truth:  Lake Placid is a magical place.

If you've ever been fortunate enough to visit the Big Island during the Ironman World Championships you have probably felt the spirit of the island.  It is something tangible, but not physical.  It permeates your being and engulfs you so that you are one with the island.  I have been to the Big Island twice when my husband raced in 2009 and 2011, and it is a completely amazing, magical experience.

Lake Placid gave me that same feeling.  Goosebumps.  An eerie calm.  Reflecting on why this place, this beautiful, secluded, quiet little mountain town would feel the same as a far-away island I came to the conclusion that when the community embraces a particular culture, they become one.  And when you are lucky enough to visit that place, if you allow yourself to be drawn in, you too will feel that spirit, that oneness.

Welcome to Lake Placid!

Lake Placid was home to the 1980 Winter Olympic Games.  These games are particularly famous in the United States for the last second goal scored by the US Hockey team in the finals, winning them the gold medal.  It was known as the Miracle on Ice.  When you visit Lake Placid, you feel that miracle.  That winning spirit.  That love of country and sport.  It was truly a magical place.  Being there, I wanted to race hard and fast and give everything of myself.  Winning is in the culture, and it is celebrated.

Checking out the hockey rink!  Go Team USA!

We arrived in Lake Placid after a long flight and several hours in the car.  It immediately reminded me of every little Colorado town I visited on summer vacation as a child.  Main Street was lined with touristy shops and restaurants.  Local ice cream parlors and candy stores.  A Christmas shop.  Team USA gear and souvenirs.

We settled into our hotel which was the absolute best location for the race.  We could walk into Mirror Lake from our hotel.  We were steps across the street from TriBike Transport, the expo and transition.

View from our hotel room overlooking the swim course.

In the last couple days leading up to race day we explored the run course on our bikes, we swam in the lake and we drove the bike course.  We were both completely in awe of how beautiful it was and progressively got more and more excited about race day.  On Friday we met up with some Team HPB teammates for dinner and drinks.  It was so much fun to put faces with the names!  We interact on our team page daily, but I had not yet met these ladies.  They were ready to have some fun on race day!

Ski jumps in the distance!!  INSANE!! 

 On Saturday afternoon we checked in our bikes and gear bags and grabbed an early dinner in hopes of being able to get at least some sleep before nerves took over.

Efficient gear bag check in!

RACE DAY!!

Lie #1:  The swim is so easy!  You just follow the cable!

Let me dispel a myth for you.  Yes, there is a cable.  It is 5 feet under the surface of the water and approximately 5-8 mm thick.  Yes.  I measured.  Maybe it's because 40 is drawing ever nearer, or maybe I just lack patience but I did not find it 1) easy or 2) convenient to follow the cable.  And to be very honest, if you did swim right on top of the cable, you would swim straight into every single buoy spaced 100 yards apart.  The course is a rectangle, and straight as an arrow.  Just follow the buoys!!

When we did our practice swims the sun was out and the reflection off the cable under the water was so distracting that when I tried to look at it, I actually got a headache.  On race day it was overcast so I had a hard time even seeing the cable 5 feet deep as it was too dark.  On top of which there were 3,000 people and 12,000 limbs causing quite a stir in the water.  Bottom line... yes, there is a cable.  No, I did not waste my time trying to find it and swim on top of it.  I wanted out of the water in under an hour and focusing on the cable rather than my turnover would have slowed me down.

Exiting the water in 5th!

So, back to the swim!  Lake Placid, like most Ironman events now, is a rolling swim start.  I lined up front row and was into the water seconds after the cannon went off.  The first loop was pretty straightforward.  Everyone was swimming about my pace so for the first 1700 yards or so I got on some good feet.  Then I picked it up a little as we headed back toward the dock.  I ran out and under the banner right back into the lake on the other side.

Second loop was all about dodging slower swimmers in their first loop.  My coach had me practicing water polo drills in the weeks leading up to race day and this actually came in very handy when I had to swim through a very narrow passage.  Swimmers would be lined up 6-8 wide and I was not about to waste precious time swimming out and around every shoulder-to-shoulder pack I came across.  So I would just pick my head up and haul ass right between a selected two.  I KNOW this is not fun for them, having me glide over the top of them, but I promise I did not have physical hand to face/body contact with anyone.

Swim:  59:18, 5th Place

Running into T1:  4:41

 I can't say enough about the Ironman Lake Placid bike course.  It is my favorite bike course of all the races I've done.  The first 30 miles are screaming fast and the back half of the loop is climbing.  After a loop through town you head out and do it all over again.

I LOVE MY BIKE!!!

One of the things we've practiced over the last year is descending.  There is a 10k descent into the town of Keene about 12 miles into the bike course (and then again before mile 70).  The descent is not technical but there are 3 very steep parts, and in the latter half the road surface is not the best.  When I approached this descent I talked to myself as I have throughout training, reminding myself to be confident in my skills, concentrate on my execution, and stay composed.  I tucked low, pedaled hard, and absolutely crushed the descent.  I approached 50 mph max speed which was a huge rush! Compared to the fraidy-cat I used to be, I was laughing and having fun.  Of course it helps to be on the Dimond which handles beautifully.

Cruising along the river with Hope.

I had my best bike race yet.  Unlike Wisconsin, Arizona or Texas over the last year, I had no trouble hitting and holding my goal watts for the day.  Once I hit the final 20 miles, I started watching the clock and realized that I was going to be just on the border of 6 hours.  I did everything I could to make sure I came into T2 under 6 hours... I beat it by 7 seconds!!

Bike:  5:59:53, 7th place

Adjusting my race number belt on the way out of T2:  2:10

The run course is what makes Ironman Lake Placid such an honest course.  It is two loops with an equal number of miles climbing as descending.  You start out descending toward a long out an back along the river, turn around and then climb about 4 miles with two very steep segments back into town, tackle a shorter out-n-back segment and then do it all over again.

I knew this course wasn't going to be about pure speed, but rather strength.  And that's where I shine.  I am not the fastest runner out there, my open marathon PR is 3:32 and there are plenty of girls who run faster than that after swimming and biking.  But my trail running background and ultrarunning experience allows me to hold steady when the going gets tough.

Starting the climb on loop 1.

Team HPB Coach Alyssa was on course at the base of the big climb heading back into town.  It was great having her there as a reminder to keep running.  I got to see some of my teammates in this section and I tried to cheer them on to the best that my energy level would allow.

Out on the run course.

Toward the end of the first lap I passed my husband.  He looked to be in a bad place but I didn't slow down to find out.  He cheered me on as I went by and I didn't see him again until mile 24 as he was heading out for his second loop.  Turns out he had to rest for about an hour to rehydrate after spending 8 miles throwing up.

In the finish chute!

Run:  4:16:38, 9th place

Two things I'm most proud of from this run- though I started in 7th and finished in 9th, I actually passed several women who came off the bike ahead of me.  And I ran my second fastest Ironman marathon on by far the hardest run course I've ever raced.  Yes, there is much work to be done, but I am seeing progress which feels so good.

Ironman #17 in the books!

Ironman Lake Placid:  11:22:40
9th place age group
20th female overall
174th athlete out of 2799

Lie #2:  IV fluids make you feel great!  You recover soooo much faster!

I'm not sure how I ended up in the medical tent.  Meaning, my electrolytes were fine (they checked) and I was only mildly dehydrated (yep, checked!).  When I finished, the volunteers caught me and walked with me through the chute.  I was feeling pretty weak and they sat me down outside the med tent.  Best I can guess my blood sugar was a little low and after a moment they decided I would be best served by the medical staff and wheeled me into the tent.  I was laid down on one of those 3-fold beach chairs.  They were monitoring my vitals and asking me questions.

At some point the chair became uncomfortable because I was too tall for it, and the chair was digging into the back of my legs so they sat me more upright.  This turned out to be the wrong move because my blood pressure dropped and I got really nauseous.  Before I could pass out, 5 medical volunteers lifted me onto an inverted bed to get the blood flow back to my head.  They immediately got an IV started and eventually I started to come around.  After a while I was able to start eating and drinking and once I could stand and walk on my own they pulled the catheter and let me go.

Knowing what I do about physiology and fluid balance I am going to play the bullshit card and say that if you recovered "so much faster" after IV fluids then you probably didn't need them in the first place.  And I hope I never need them again, it was a miserable experience that I have no intention of repeating.  I continued to eat and drink throughout the night but on Monday morning I felt the same as I did after every other race I've done.  Tired and sore.

Olympic torch lit at the finish line.

After we showered and ate dinner we headed back down to the finish line for the final hour.  There is so much energy and excitement it reminds me again of all the things I love about this sport.  Watching people meet challenges head on and never back down even though time is running thin is inspiring and brings tears to my eyes every single time.

Moving into the next phase of training my motivation level is at an all time high, though I still battle the demons every day that want me to feel envious.  On Monday, I took photos of my Team HPB, Smash-Dimond and Dimond Team teammates who stood on the podium and collected their slots to Kona.  I listened to Mike Reilly ask athlete after athlete how many trips they had made to the Big Island.  Some qualified for the first time, in their first Ironman the previous day.  Others had been 5, 8, 12 times.

The irony is not lost on me that I finished 20th female and 9th in my age group.  That shows the depth of talent I'm up against.  Had I been one year older, I would have battled for 3rd place and could be heading to Kona in October.  Though I am genuinely excited for them, in my quiet moments alone my heart aches just a little bit.  Rather than cry, I am using this as fuel for my fire.  Because one day... ONE DAY... I will be the one on the podium and I will be the one heading to Hawaii.  Until that day there is an endless amount of work to be done and improvements to make and I'm up for the challenge.  

I (heart) Lake Placid!

Special thank you to my husband who has supported me and cheered me on every. single. day.  He sees me on my best days and my worst days and always reminds me to work hard and have hope.  Thank you to ALL of the volunteers at Ironman Lake Placid, particularly the medical crew.  Volunteers make our day possible and I felt like we had 3000 pairs of eyes on us throughout the day making sure we were safe, well fed, hydrated and encouraged.  You are truly appreciated.  The medical staff was amazing.  The nurse working on me was from New Jersey and had driven up on her day off just to volunteer.  She was strong and caring yet took away all my fears and made me smile.  I hugged the doctor as I left the tent and only after did I remember that I was sweaty and smelly and gross.  She didn't even flinch.

Thank you to my coach, Hillary, for preparing me so well for this challenge.  I am so thankful to benefit from your knowledge and expertise.  Without you my goal of Finding Kona would not be within reach.  Thank you to my teammates from TriScottsdale, Team HPB, and Smash Dimond Women's Tri Team.  I am constantly inspired by your efforts.

#spokescat announcing my race on Facebook.

Thank you to my #bff!!  Knowing that you love me for me and still cheer your heart out on race day makes me want to work harder!  I love getting back on social media at the end of the day to see what #spokescat has been up to.  Your support and enthusiasm mean the world!  P.S. I hope B is prepared cause when I do qualify, I'm flying you guys to the big dance.  Wouldn't be the same without you there.  Hopefully we're not, like, 70.  I'd rather you not have to push each other around in a wheelchair.

Everyone should have a #bff like mine.  But she's mine, you can't have her.

Interview with Jennifer Wentzel: Prospective IM Athlete

Triathlon is a selfish sport.  Though relays exist, a majority of competitors race individually.  Against the clock, against their own best self, and against everyone else in the field.  As the sport grows in popularity, the level of narcissism increases.  Watching someone new to the sport tackle their first big race, or reach a new goal in training reminds me of how great the sport can be.  The innocence and joy they experience is infectious and keeps me motivated and inspired.

One such person is my Team HPB teammate, Jennifer Wentzel.  (Team HPB is the team of athletes coached by Coach Hillary Biscay and Coach Alyssa Godesky).  Jen is by no means new to endurance sports.  She actually thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail a couple of years ago (more on this later...).  But she is new to Ironman, and she will be tackling her first iron-distance triathlon this November at Ironman Arizona.

I got to know Jen over the last year just chatting over our team page.  Hiking the AT is on my bucket list and I was so intrigued by how someone my age made this incredible journey happen.  We have a lot in common.  She is an animal lover.  Her dog Georgy (aka: Bear) hiked the AT with her.  She works the night shift as a trauma-ICU nurse.  She is hard working, and maintains her night-shift schedule even on her off days which means that much of her training is done solo, and sometimes in the middle of the night.

When I finally met Jen in March at our team camp I discovered that she is also opposite of me in many regards.  She is soft spoken and laid back to my more boisterous, demanding nature.  She is fun, and quick to smile.  She never backed down from a challenge or looked in the least bit flustered (unlike myself who cried 3 times in the first hard workout...).

Last fall, I encouraged Jen to sign up for Ironman Arizona- she was ready to take on the next challenge and was deciding on a race.  It is a great course for a first time and selfishly, I'd get to watch her cross the finish line and vicariously live that moment again through her eyes.  Jen chose to sign up with the Ironman Foundation fundraising team which gives back to several charities within the community of each race.  (For example, Ironman Arizona will give to local animal shelters and youth athletic organizations in the Phoenix area.)  She wanted her experience with Ironman to be about more than just herself (this is sooo Jen).

I have fundraised on multiple occasions, once for the Alzheimer's Association (my grandfather was afflicted with this horrible disease) when I ran the Chicago Marathon and again for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure.  Fundraising is a humbling experience.  It can be very intimidating, or embarrassing even, to ask people for money.  But I have been blown away by the generosity of friends and strangers alike when I have asked for donations.  People want to give.  We have the resources and often when we feel a connection to the person asking, or the cause itself, we don't hesitate to open our wallets.  This is how it is for me when I have people asking for support, and when I got to know Jen, I felt compelled and wanted to help.  I asked Jen if I could interview her and help get the word out about what she is doing and see if I can help her rake in the last few dollars that she needs to reach her goal. 

Me:  Tell me about yourself.  What's your background... sports history... how did you get involved in endurance sports? 

 Jen:  I'm originally from New Jersey and I grew up with 3 much older brothers in a sporty household. I played soccer and baseball from a very young age and added sports like field hockey and basketball as I got older.  I played field hockey through college and when I graduated I continued to run for enjoyment and to keep in shape.  I have never been a big racer- maybe a single race or max two a year.  My running was always just a solo adventure for myself- exploring neighborhoods and local trails.  

It wasn't until I met my friend Emily, who would later become my Appalachian Trail partner, that I discovered long distance trail running and triathlon.  We met at University of Virginia Medical Center as nurses and immediately realized we were simpatico.  We began running trails together and making up crazy workouts to challenge each other.  She had built a bike from a beautiful De Rosa steel frame that was too small for her, so she gave it to me so that she would have a partner to ride with.  Soon after that she convinced me to sign up for my first tri- the Patriot's Sprint Triathlon in Williamsburg, VA.  I ended up racing that and an olympic the year after before getting sucked into the ultra running trail scene for a few years.  

M:  How did you get started in triathlon?  When/ why did you decide to join Team HPB?   Why do you want to do an Ironman?  

J:  After my brief stint (my one sprint and one olympic tri in 2009-2010) I spent some time away from triathlon doing long distance trail running and then preparing for and thru hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2012-2013.  When I finished the trail I moved to California and realized I had landed in the perfect location to return to triathlon.  The weather is beautiful all year round, I had a great pool nearby and plenty of bike friendly roads to train on.  

I was working with my old coach who trained Emily and I for the AT for about 5 months getting ready for my first 70.3.  During that time I rediscovered Hillary's blog and became totally obsessed with it.  I went back and read every single entry from 2006 on and was so inspired by her journey and diligence.  She just has this amazing energy that even translates through writing.  I wrote her my first ever fan letter (not kidding) and she wrote back!  We emailed back and forth and she was willing to take a chance on a newbie and help me reach my goals and beyond.  

Jen with Coach Hillary and the team at Tri-Camp after tackling Mt. Lemmon.

Last year we really focused on getting through the 70.3 distance and by the end of the year I was so inspired by my teammates just crushing it that I knew I had to go for the full 140.6.  I never want to stop pushing myself and a full Ironman definitely seems like a good way to push my limits! 

I first heard about Ironman racing as a teenager and it sounded like a completely ridiculous, unattainable feat.  In my mind I somehow equated it to going to the Olympics in a sport.  It wasn't until I did my first marathon in my 20s that I even really thought about it again, though to be honest it still sounded completely unattainable.  It wasn't until a friend of mine signed up and raced Ironman Couer d'Alene in 2011 that I knew a real person who had completed the race.  I followed along with her training like a complete stalker, gleaning knowledge from everything she did.  During her race I was working at the hospital but had the Ironman tracker up at work the entire time. I got the whole nursing staff to cheer along with me, ecstatic when she made her goal of going sub-14 hours.  At this point I had done only one sprint and one olympic, but it was the first moment that I thought "Ok, this might actually be a possibility."  It would be another 2.5 years before I was able to get back to training for tri's, but from that moment in 2011 it was on my bucket list and it never left the back of my mind. 

M:  How is training going?  What do you like best/ least?  Is there anything about IM training/ lifestyle that surprises you?  

J:  Training is going well overall.  I definitely have exercise ADD and have always made sure to mix things up as much as possible while still pushing towards specific goals.  Triathlon has fit so perfectly with that mentality.  With three different sports and the variety of challenges Hillary gives me I am never bored. 

I love having breakthroughs come out of no where after having struggled through a workout a few sessions in a row- it shows all my efforts are really working even if it takes time to see results.  I think the thing I like least is having to juggle priorities at times.  I am so in awe of the people who do every single workout on their plan day in and day out, but I am not that person.  News flash: I miss workouts.  Not a lot, but it happens.  I try not to berate myself too much and just move on, but sometimes family or work comes first and I just try to focus on the next workout and keep my spirits up.  Brett Sutton wrote this great blog about age-groupers being incredibly hard on themselves that really helped me refocus and change my thinking a little bit.  But I have still done a 4am "make-up" workout :) 

M:  What is Team IMF?  Why did you enroll in this program?  

J:  TEAM IMF is The IRONMAN Foundation’s fundraising triathlon team. Basically triathletes sign up for a specific race and then commit to fundraising $3000 for The IRONMAN Foundation's Community Fund.  The Fund gives money to local nonprofits in the community the race is held.  This has been a totally new experience for me, having never fundraised before, but I loved the idea of giving back to the community and getting a chance to race IM Arizona in the process! 

Showing off the Team IMF kit!  IMAZ here she comes!

M:  So my favorite tidbit about you is that you thru-hiked the AT.  This is on my bucket list and am completely in awe of your accomplishment.  What made you want to attempt this?  Why do you think you were successful in completing the trail?  Are there any lessons that you took from that experience into your life, and how does that influence how you approach IM training?  

J:  When I met my trail partner in 2009 we immediately realized we had a similar background prior to nursing.  I had been a backpacking guide for 5 years and she had been a rock climbing guide and backpacking/glacier crossing guide in Alaska.  We had extensive outdoor resumes and we often talked about her lifelong dream to hike the Appalachian Trail and mine to hike the Pacific Crest Trail.  After a few years of bringing it up regularlyl we both hit a point in or lives and careers that we realized "Wow, we could really do this!"  

We started planning while she was living in Germany and then we both moved to Tucson to live and train together for about 4 months before we hit the trail.  We did a ton of long hikes and trail runs,  planned by our coach Wendy Mader, along with a lot of strength work to get ready to climb all those mountains. I think our having a lot of experience on extended expeditions really helped us mentally because we knew what we were getting ourselves into.  

Physically we were able to prepare ourselves to immediately start knocking out 20+ mile days starting day 1, which was huge.  When setbacks came (and many did!)  we were able to stick together as a team and move forward.  I know a lot of people hike the trail alone which is awesome, but the bond we shared and the way we pushed each other through those 6 months was incredibly important to my hike.  Plus having my dog there kept morale super high because he is adorable and always ready to either defend us or smother us with kisses!

As far as lessons I took from the experience...I think enduring even when things are not going at all like I planned was really crucial.  It also really renewed my faith in humanity.  There is a saying "the trail provides", but it is because of the amazing people who support the trail and those who hike it.  We had endless trail magic, from free rides to the hospital and vet to snacks appearing on the trail just when we were out of food (this happened multiple times!).  As a trauma nurse I see the bad side of people more than I would like, so seeing such generosity and kindness was so uplifting.   

Jen on the AT.

M:  As trauma/ ICU nurse, how do you balance work, training, life?  Does training positively or negatively impact your work in any way?  

J:   I am a ICU nurse, specializing in Surgical-Trauma ICU.  I work night shift (7pm-7am), which brings it's own unique challenges to training.  Day to day it actually works really well for my training because getting up at 3pm feels a lot easier than getting up at 3am would to get my training in!  It also matches my natural schedule, which is a night owl.  The problem comes with racing because I have to switch my schedule around a be ready to go at 7am (when I'm usually going to bed!)  I am learning how to balance it, but it is tough on my body to switch back and forth.  

I think training mainly positively impacts my work.  After I workout I feel healthy, strong and clear-minded.  I feel like I am practicing what I preach as well- if I wasn't working out and eating healthy it is hard to tell other people to do so!  

I have had to find a balance with my work day workouts though- I noticed if I do over 2 hours of training before work I hit a tipping point in which I don't get enough sleep and I'm overtired at work.  When you are titrating life-sustaining drips, monitoring very sick patients and making critical decisions it is important to be awake and alert!  Hillary has done a great job balancing that for me and keeping track of my schedule so I can crush myself in training when I have a few days off and do more recovery or intervals when I am on a long stretch of work.  

Gettin' it done on the trainer.

M:  How is fundraising going?    

J:  Fundraising is tough!  I am terrible at asking people for money and hate badgering which makes me ill suited for this!  However, what TeamIMF is doing by giving back to these communities that host these huge events is amazing.  When I read through all the different charities they contribute I knew I wanted to be a part of it.  I am a big animal lover and they give to local shelters and rescues.  A big chunk of the fundraising also goes to youth athletic organizations which I think is an awesome way to give back and encourage kids to be active and even get involved with triathlon themselves!

M:  With 6 months to go, are you feeling prepared?  Do you have specific goals for race day?  

J:  Right now I am focused on a 70.3 I have coming up next month- Challenge Williamsburg.  I have two main goals this year- a specific time goal for the 70.3 distance and to finish IMAZ, hopefully under 13 hours.  I feel like I have a lot of endurance work to get up to the distances required of the full.  Most of my current work revolves around the half distance and getting speedy at that level so it will be a shift to try to do it all for twice as long!

First ever podium finish!  Great start to the 2015 season for Jen!

M:  Is this experience different from what you expected?  If so, how?

J:  Yes.  It is harder!!!  No specific workout is harder than I dreamed, but the culmination of so much work so consistently over time.  Before this past year and a half I worked out, but nothing near this extent.  If I was really tired I would take a day off, or maybe run 30 minutes and was good.   No longer!  It has been a big mental change to learn how to keep motivated and keep pushing as the days, weeks, months go by.  Luckily, having such an inspiring team and coach helps me a TON with that.  Also, seeing results and watching my times drop and my strength increase really helps drive me forward.  I even have my goal 70.3 times written on my bathroom mirror to remind me of what I am working for every day! 

M:  Do you have any mantras that get you through difficult sessions?  

J:  YES!  Oh my, I have so much positive self talk to get me through sessions.  When I have to do my swim TT I literally stand at the end of the pool staring down the lane for 30 seconds and pump myself up.  Sometimes there is singing involved (especially if the pool is empty!) and mostly I just tell myself it is going to hurt but the effort is what will make me faster and stronger down the line.  The pain is temporary!  When I was hiking and when I'm running I sometimes say "Strength, Endurance, Power" over and over again and I feel like I can kick any trail/ run's butt!

Jen with Bear.  

M:  Someone once told me in regards to the marathon, you're either one and done or you're hooked for life.  I have found the same to be true of Ironman racing.  Which category do you think you will fall into?  and why?

J:  This is a tough one, having never raced an Ironman yet, but I can definitely say that I am hooked to triathlon for life now.  The tri community is full of crazy, hilarious, endurance people who tend to be a bit obsessive about things and I LOVE it.  I tend to go all in to things I'm super passionate about and having finally found a sport that fits my exercise ADD, my love of travel, and my lifestyle.  I am hooked.  So far I love going balls to the wall during olympic distances and testing my endurance with the 70.3s, so I can't wait to see what the full distance is like!

M:  I entered the sport of triathlon with my (now) husband.  We made a bunch of friends who were also racing IM.  After a few years, everyone moved on to different endeavors and we noticed that we were the only ones still racing.  We miss them so much!  Joining Team HPB has been a huge boost to me because I feel like I have a family, a support network of like-minded athletes who cheer me on, make me laugh, and share the pain of training and racing, goals accomplished and missed.  What has been your experience with Team HPB and how do you feel your experience would be different if you were training under your own plan?  

J:  OMG TeamHPB has been AMAZING!!   As someone who trains almost exclusively on my own, I can not say enough how important the support I have gotten from the team has been.  I don't have any local tri friends and though my boyfriend is an incredible race sherpa, he is not interested in triathlon for himself.  So getting those nightly cheers from Hillary after she reads my workoutlog and hearing the ups and downs of my teammates training and racing is so motivating for me.  When I am really struggling through a workout or even contemplating not doing one I swear I have a little voice in the back of my head that says "Well Hillary would just get it done" or "Mary would crush this workout or die trying".  I'm not above using some peer pressure to get it done :)  Though I have to admit meeting all you Team HPB rockstars at camp in March was a little intimidating as a tri newbie, but on the whole it just makes me want to train so much harder so I have a better chance of keeping up next time!

M:  What's your favorite food?  

J:  Pizza!!!  Thin crust, thick crust, doesn't matter.  If you throw in breadsticks I'm over the moon!  (Girl after my own heart!!!)

Thank you for reading and getting to know Jen.  She has been an inspiration to me, knowing how dedicated and hard-working she is.  I am so excited for November to hang out with her again and watch her tackle IMAZ!  I need 100 people to click HERE and donate $15.  That's it!  If you feel inspired to give more please do so, every dollar helps!!  The donation is entirely tax-deductible and you'll be helping to support non-profits within MY community here in Phoenix.  THANK YOU for your generosity!!  I'll share updates from Jen along the way and I encourage you to check out her personal blog.  Aside from the AT, she has done several other incredible hikes!

The Final Chapter: Ironman Arizona 2013

Yeeoooowww.   Yeeeoooooowww.   Yeeeoooooowww.

The distressed cry woke me from the deepest sleep I'd had in weeks.  My husband, who had been sleeping in the guest bedroom so as not to infect me with whatever funk he had contracted the week before, was also awakened by the screaming and met me in the hallway.  We watched, helplessly, as our oldest kitty collapsed at the top of the stairs.  My 15 year old, Zorro, had somehow made it up the stairs which he rarely attempts anymore, but he knew he needed our help.  He left a trail of vomit and diarrhea in his path and as I scooped his limp body into my arms, his eyes, unable to register mine, rolled slightly back. 

Oh my god.  Oh my god.  This can't be happening.  Zorro, hang on baby.  Mommy is here.  Oh my god.  What do I do?  We have to help him.  This can't be happening.  He can't die.

Everything was happening so fast, and suddenly his life was flashing before me.  I ran down the stairs and grabbed the karo syrup from the cupboard.  I wrapped Zorro in a towel and held him in my arms smearing the sticky substance on his gums and tongue. 

Please, baby, hold on.  You can't leave me.  Please don't die.  Mommy's here. 

I threw some clothes on and continued to plead with him as my husband backed the car out of the garage.  I called a friend and skilled veterinary technician, EZ, and asked her to leave her nice warm bed to meet us at the hospital.  My husband drove like we were in an ambulance, and thankfully at 1 AM the roads were pretty empty. 

EZ was there waiting, and we rushed Zorro into treatment and started working.  IV catheter.  Blood sugar level.  Fluids.  Antinausea meds.  IV metronidazole.  We worked and sat with him while he received his infusions for an hour or two until he stabilized.  I flushed his catheter, wrapped him up and took him home in a more stable condition than he'd arrived in.

My husband retreated back to the guest room for what few hours remained of our Friday night.  Zorro preferred to sleep on the floor, so I made a nice bed of my best fleece blanket and watched as he curled up.  I lay in bed, half asleep, but jumping out of my skin at every little noise. 

I can't lose him.  I'm not ready.  I need to get through this weekend, and the holidays.  And I promise, I won't let him suffer, but please, God, don't take him from me yet.  Please, just a little more time.

I woke with a headache on Saturday morning and found my baby sleeping quietly where I left him a few hours before.  I curled up on the floor next to him and stroked his fur.  I got ready to go, and wrapped him up to head back to the hospital.  In a few hours we were checking into our hotel for Ironman Arizona, and Zorro would spend the day on fluids and then be picked up that night by EZ who had agreed to stay with him and the boys at our house for the weekend. 

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This was the start to my Ironman race weekend.  By the time we dropped off our gear bags and bikes, checked into our hotel and got dinner, I was exhausted, emotionally drained, and couldn't even really think about racing.  It seemed really trivial now, and I was more worried about getting done so I could get home to my baby.

Race morning dawned.  I choked down half a waffle and a bottle of orange juice on our way to transition.  We went through our normal routine, filling our tires and water bottles, tracing our steps through transition and going for a warm up jog.  Finally it was time to get our wetsuits on and begin the walk toward the swim start. 

There was a time in my life when I was an avid church goer.  One of the sermons that has stuck with me over the years was about sacrifice.  The pastor talked about when you're hurting or in pain (physically or emotionally), rather than ask for your pain to be relieved- you should offer it up as a sacrifice so that someone else might be relieved of their pain.  On Saturday I dedicated parts of my race to people that are important to me, and on race day, I was blessed with a clear mind and a full spirit.  And as much as I'd like to give you a dramatic play by play of the race, there is surprisingly little to say.  It was an amazing day.  I had no expectations and I can honestly say that for the first time ever, I never once thought about what I was doing- I just did it. 

I swam.  I swam the same way I've done week after week after week for the last 6 years.  I went out hard at the start, got some distance, settled in and swam relaxed and comfortably for 2.4 miles.  I got out of the water just as Mike Reilly was announcing we were at 61 minutes.  As much as I'd like to break an hour in the swim, there's something comforting about being able to swim 1:01 in my sleep.  There's little effort involved, and it's a beautiful start to my favorite endurance sport. 

IMAZ Swim:  1:01

I had a little trouble getting out of my wetsuit, but once I finally did I flew through transition.  I grabbed my bike and jumped on to start the longest part of the day. 

Normally during the bike leg of Ironman I go through stages.  I feel good, then I feel bad, then I mentally fight to stay in the moment, and then I feel good again.  On Sunday, I had the absolute best bike ride of my life.  Not just because it was my fastest (it was), but I can honestly say that rather than sit back and wait to get off the bike and start running... I raced the bike.  I pushed from the start.  I paid close attention to my nutrition and I nailed it.  I never went through a bad patch, and though my math is shaky in the middle of a long race, I am 99% sure I even splitted all 3 loops. 

Shortly after hitting the beeline on my 3rd loop, I was passed by 2 teammates and my training partner.  I was so excited to see someone familiar and we ended up back and forth the rest of the way.  By the time we arrived back in transition I realized that I hadn't even been looking forward to getting off my bike.  I was having fun riding my bike! 



Taking in a little fuel on my HOT new bike!  Bike time: 5:27

I cruised through transition, slipping into my running shoes as the volunteer grabbed my helmet.  A minute thirty and I was out on the run course. 

I didn't have a plan for the run course, I just ran it how I felt it.  Having fueled really well on the bike, my energy levels seemed stable and I was able to just top off the tank every mile at the aid station.  I didn't begin to feel hungry until much later than usual, and when I did I began walking through the aid stations to fuel more. 

The spectators lining the course were amazing and I loved the energy.  It was so nice to see everyone smiling and high-fiving.  And I had several people shout for me to run for Zorro which boosted my spirits.  The new 2-loop course seemed to fly by and before I knew it I had passed mile 21 and was cruising the final miles of the race course.

IMAZ Run:  4:27

It was only then that I looked down at my watch and realized that I was going to be within 10 minutes of my best race.  I ran on clouds the last 3 miles.  Turning the corner on Rio Salado I was grinning ear to ear.  The crowds were loud and Mike Reilly was calling people to the finish.  I had done it, again.  This race, this distance... it's not a given.  There are so many things that can go wrong on race day.  When everything goes right, and all the pieces fall into place, it's an amazing feeling of accomplishment.  I raised my arms high as I crossed under the banner reading 11:02.  Only 8 minutes slower than my previous best time... I had proven to myself that I am not a one trick pony.  I was thrilled.

I chatted with some friends who were at the finish line, and eventually hobbled off to find some food.  My husband, who had flatted (and subsequently crashed) on the bike course came into T2 about 10 minutes behind me, and wasn't able to run more than about 12 miles.  He gutted it out, and I watched him come through to finish just after 12 hours 30.  We had known ahead of time that I would probably finish ahead of him, but I was thankful that I didn't have to pass him on the run.  Though he had caught me on the bike and was back and forth with me during the second loop, when he crashed and gave up 10 minutes on the 3rd loop of the bike course he never caught back up.  Knowing he was out there and seeing him a couple of times on the run lifted my spirits, but if I'd had to run past him... it would have been really tough for me to do.  He's my inspiration.  He's the one who taught me to run well, and feeds my passion for running.  I may have given up and walked it in with him.  But every time I saw him, he told me to keep pushing, to keep running, to keep giving it my all.  And I love him for that.   

On Tuesday after the race, we went to the doctor and had his Achilles tendon fixed.  Or hopefully fixed.  We'll find out once the boot comes off and the recovery period is over.  But it is my deepest prayer and hope that he will be able to run pain free again.  Needless to say, we are both ready to put 2013 behind us.

I am so thankful to have capped off my year of the Ironman with a perfect race.  I am already enjoying my off season, and I look forward to starting fresh in the new year.  I have learned a lot about myself this year and I am ready to set some new goals for 2014.  I am proud that everything I have accomplished so far (in my lifetime) has been entirely by myself.  I am proof that hard work can garner results.  I am the unlikely athlete.  The one who never played sports.  Always on the sidelines.  Many people are much faster than me, but I have achieved my goals by my own effort.  That feels really good.  I am excited to start working with a coach in January- for the first time ever in my life!  I am hopeful that she will be able to extract the best that I have to give.  It is going to be a wild ride.

There are a few people that deserve a little recognition.  Nate Snell from Endurance Rehab has been my physical therapist for several years.  I have a standing weekly appointment and he challenges my strength and has crafted this amazing endurance vessel. 

Thank you to Matt Tonkin, our manager at Cadence Running Company, who not only partners with us to make our business successful but is a great friend.  He has been encouraging me for months- believing that I was going to have a great race at IMAZ.... and he was right!  I guess it is the coach in him that allowed him to see my potential even when I could not. 

Thank you TriScottsdale, the best and most fun team of people involved in the sport!  I am honored to represent.  Together with my team mates, we took first place in the club competition at Ironman Arizona.  Go Team!

And lastly, a huge thank you to Paraic McGlynn at Cyclologic.  If you know him, he needs no explanation.  If you don't, Paraic is a bike fit genius... and that is an understatement.  I have worked with Paraic over the last couple of years and have always appreciated his skill.  When we had everything stolen after Tahoe, he squeezed us into his packed schedule to get us dialed in on our new rides.  I know for a fact that I rode so well on Sunday because of his efforts with me and my new bike.  It's fine to have a smokin' fast bike, but if your fit is off and you can't distribute power while maintaining a comfortable aero position for 112 miles, you might as well be riding a cruiser.  My bike is freakin' awesome--- but only because Paraic made it so. 

Making final adjustments at Cyclologic.

   
Thank you to everyone who has inquired about Zorro since his illness a week ago.  He is at home now, and stable.  He was diagnosed with diabetes 2 months ago, and is not regulating on insulin very well.  I know that he is on borrowed time.  Anyone who has loved a pet like family can understand how difficult it is to watch him get old and decline.  I adopted Zorro when I was a senior in veterinary school.  I was on my radiology rotation and he came in with a mangled leg.  Despite his injuries, he would lay in our laps and purr.  He was 6 months old at the time, and needed a home.  I took him in, paid the surgery resident to amputate his leg and he's been my little kitten ever since.  He is the sweetest, gentlest soul and I will be devastated to say goodbye to him.  But it is not his time yet.  Thank you for your thoughts over the last week. 
 

Inspiration: In Unassuming Form

As part of the Trail Runner Blog Symposium, I was asked to reflect on someone who inspires me in the trail running community.  At first, I was a little disappointed we wouldn't be tackling another controversial topic.  But then, I smiled, thinking about the person who most makes me want to run.  Run 100 miles, that is.

I can't remember the first time I met Eric Glass.  It's like I've known him forever.  I often joke that 'he's the little brother I never wanted', cause that's how I see him.  As family.  When you've grown up and moved away, your family expands to include the friends you surround yourself with and I'm glad Eric stumbled into my life.

Family hanging out and hiking at the Grand Canyon.

How does he inspire me?  When he sets a goal, he runs and runs and runs and doesn't complain and doesn't over-analyze.  He doesn't worry about every minuscule detail and whether or not he's done enough track workouts or hill repeats.  He thinks about his diet 90% of the time, but allows himself room to celebrate and enjoy life.  He puts in the work during training so that on race day, it's not a question of if, but how.  He makes me believe that I, too, can run 100 miles, a lofty dream I've had since the day I saw him run his first 100.

Getting a little rub down between loops at JJ100.

Stretching.  Keeping it loose at JJ100.

When Eric signed on to run the Javalina Jundred in 2010, I was first in line to be crew chief.  I wanted to be drill sergeant and crack the whip when need be.  Turns out, I was the one to be schooled.  I was first to witness the power of positive mindset, and attitude, and conviction.  My experience, crewing and pacing for Eric at JJ100, was my first lesson in what is really required to finish 100 miles and what a beautiful thing it is to witness someone, completely in their element, doing something extraordinary. 

Eric and crew finishing up JJ100. 

Pride, strength, commitment.  And a few great friends to help you along.

Eric moved away last winter, to blend with the family of the girl he loves.  I miss our chats about training over beer and pizza.  I miss having a running partner that doesn't care if it's 4 AM or how many laps we run around Tempe Town Lake.  I miss having someone I can call and say, 'let's go hit the trails'.  But even from across the miles, he inspires me and makes me want to be a better trail runner.  To go for my goal, even if it's lofty.  I just pray that when it's my turn, I'll complete 100 miles with just as much grace and strength as he did.  And if all goes right, he'll be there to run the last 1/4 mile by my side.   




Toasting to a good day on the trails, North Rim Lodge.