The Finish Line

like the new mat?

...is only a step away. Or 4 weeks, but I'm not really counting. Looking forward more and more to tri racing again.  I've been thinking a lot about preparation. I've waited until the last minute for everything, with one exception - swimming. Well this time, swimming is getting pushed under the mat. I've always been a procrastinator in life. I now procrastinate getting out the door for my morning run before work. It's so hard to step over that mat, yet so easy to come back to it.

Not including the IM preparation last year, I've never really "trained" for a triathlon. What I mean, is I've never had any standard structure in the way I've had with swimming. My first race? I think I ran twice before it. My first Olympic? I had done one 5 mile run and a couple of 3-4 mile runs. My first Half ironman? I had one 10 mile run, one 6, and about 30 miles a MONTH for 3 months leading up to it. Yeah, things changed a bit during IM training as there was no faking the preparation for a race that long.

The Kermit vs Cookie Monster battle is about even. Rachel vs The Navy? Not even close. This is something I'm still learning to live with and yep, it's tough. I know these mini sessions of leaving port are to prepare the crew, but they are also preparing the families. At least I get to prepare for the "coming home" celebrations a bunch. Those are fun. I am glad to have this man:

to keep me company...for life. :) We got some good quality husband/wife time in before he left. We road together on Monday and Tuesday last week before his ship was sailing on Wednesday. We had some rainy tandem adventures on Saturday night - being the stoker is not advised in the rain. 

afternoon coastal ride with kyle and kermit.

After he left, it was back to business for me. I've been showing up on the running front lately, but just short quick runs. Nothing long or hard, as I don't want to bust onto the scene and bust up the body. And convincing myself to run long is not easy, as it's hard enough to convince myself to run. 

Riding has been awesome. I had my longest week since St. George and it felt great. Three rides on Cookie Monster, two on Kermit, and the miles were about equal. Kermit was brave and road with the she-devil on Fiesta Island during her interval workout. 8 laps later and I'm wondering why I fell for the peer pressure. Ended up being a great workout though. I won't divulge her coach's secrets.

Sunday was another crit on the monster. Super early morning and very cold race (33 degrees at the 7:00am start in Ontario, CA). Warmed up a bunch with Lynne and we were off. She was busy working all race (and won a prime) and I settled in trying to block and help as much as I could, but an army of one doesn't really work in road racing. I was in perfect position going into the final turn and super long road to the finish. Lynne took a lead out for me and I broke away to the finish. 3rd place - there were 2 ladies in the break and no one would organize and work to catch them! Anyway, it was a fun race, a learning experience and a pretty high HR effort. (191 average, yikes!)

ridiculous medal - dude without a helmet

I got home, but felt unsatisfied with only 10 miles racing in 28 minutes. Steve, Erin and birthday girl Candace were going on a long ride, so I jumped on Kermit for a fun adventure up north and felt great! I really forgot how much I loved Kermit. I love the ride, I love the position, and I love consistent power effort of tri riding. And the margarita and tacos after were a bonus! (Thanks steve and erin!)

Got peer-pressured into masters swim this am. 3,300 yards. My swim cap broke. My ND Sioux cap. My cap that I used for many fast swimming occasions (Conference champion, nationals, under my neoprene at IM). Seriously distraught.  At least it was sunny. And I'm working on getting another one before they become extinct.

So, onward to the finish line of each day.

40 days

Got an email from TCSD yesterday offering a comp entry to the Seal Sprint. I emailed back and was the first to respond. Entry = mine. Nothing like a free race to put a little jump in your step. I didn't even know the date of the race - checked out the website; 40 days. So here it goes. (No, I don't have plans to visit the desert, and yes I'll be drinking water and eating along the way - I ain't no saint).

new shoes and capris

Today I laced up those new shoes I bought a while ago. And put on those "compression" tights Kyle gave me for my birthday and the bright pink socks from my mom. And finished it with a red tank and pink visor - I look like Valentines Day threw up on me. And I ran. (and I may have just enjoyed it)

I kept myself in check - it has been a while and I really don't want to overdo it. But I had to do it. And so it is - my little 40 day challenge. I'm writing a little training plan for myself - trying to be conservative (because injuries suck) but consistent, and setting some goals along the way.

In other news, I road last week with some ladies who actually trained over the off season. This was promised to be "an easy ride" on the GWL. Right, I'll believe that when I see it. Anyway, in the alone time I had off the back, I put together the bio's of my riding partners.

The Three "Bears"

Not really bears, but they each have "animals" inside. First we have the she-devil. The instigator. The lady who will keep inviting you, and then threaten your life if you don't make it out. Don't be fooled by her appearance; she has a devil inside - and her drive for the sport is amazing.

Second, is the energizer bunny. If you read her blog, you wonder where she's storing all this energy between juggling kids, job and hubby. She and the she-devil are on serious instructions to stay at 190 watts. I'm just barely hanging on and I'll put in my peep "hey ladies, what are you at?" (both respond 215, oops!) - yeah I know who you report to, and I'm telling. Reel in the lines.

Lastly, the Mountain Lion. Haven't seen this lady in months, primarily because she's been on the back country mountain trails or skiing at some exotic resort. Her husband won't let her go alone, and he was out of town. So she traded in her mountain steed for the skinny tire road version. She claims she "doesn't have her street legs" but we all know of what's to come as she's darting ahead on the first hill with the ipod jammin'. We didn't see her the rest of the day.   

I had been on the GWL twice this winter. Once, when I forgot my right shoe, and another time with the MCS racers. I miss it. It was hard, and I went on their "easy" day, but it was a good day of suffering as the ladies in front kept it chatty.

Clockwise it was, not usually my way of choice, but we took the skyline truck trail on the way down, and wow - what a much nicer and easier descent. How have I not done that before?

Tea and conversation with the devil. Always a great time. Look out for these ladies this season.

Random News:

1) MCS Racing is in full stride. Boulevard was tough and last weekend Kyle, Lynne and I raced at the V-Day crit in Brea - rough go on both races - crashes and junior blockers ruined our chances at glory. Pictures and race reports may come later.

took a picture of my scrapbook - bought jack in 2005 before the age of digital cameras

2) Sold Jack the Jeep. Kind of a sad day for me. He was the first car I purchased; he brought me to CA. He's in a good home now, where the owner is going to replace that bad rear end.

3) Work has been crazy busy. Went to the wind tunnel on my day off today to help with bike positioning and swapping of parts in between trials for this Brazilian dude. Did a Bike Fit clinic last week and our fitting appointments have been booked solid.

40 days though - Kermit vs Cookie Monster - a dual for Rachel's time in these upcoming weeks.

Take a look at me now.

Just a little 80's love ballad about my run fitness:

How can I just let you walk away. Just leave without a trace.
Your the only one who really knew me at all.
So take a look at me now
Cause there's just an empty space
There's nothing left here to remind me
Just the memory of your race.
Take a look at me now
You coming back to me is against the odds and that's what I gotta face.

Yes, a little mellow dramatic.  I'm trying to find that inspiration, but it hasn't come.

2010: I trained. I raced. Then I rested. Next I got engaged. Then I had surgery. I worked. Oops I crashed (again). Then I got married. Followed by honeymooning/thanksgiving/x-mas/birthday. Now I...

am in a middle ground. Trying to find the inspiration.

I started to ride my bike. I started to swim. I continue to enjoy my warm bed over the coldness of the morning. I bought new running shorts. I bought new running shoes. Yet, I haven't run. (actually, once, last Thursday - we are starting a new run from MCS - nothing like a work outing to force you back at it...I had anxiety all day leading up to the run. 6:00pm - join us!)

Looking to find that spark again. Really I just need to sign up for a race and get my butt back in gear.

But maybe I don't need that tri spark anymore. Poor Kermit has been neglected since May, really. Partially because his saddle is DEAD (like ouch, I'm sitting on rails...with no padding - hmm, 5,000 miles may do that to a saddle)...but mostly because Cookie Monster has been stepping it up lately. 

The perks of having 2 perfectly fitting, completely different bikes.  Kermit got a ton of love in early 2010, and I think it's time I show the monster what a little racing is like. Give him some glory at the finish line as well. (Technically speaking, Kermit has never crossed that line).  The monster has had to deal with life as the commuter bike... sharing a rack with those "service bikes" that show up to Moment all beat up and looking for love. It's sad really. He'll get excited about the .6 miles (yes there is a period in front of that 6) to work, and dread that uphill .6 on the way home. 1.2 miles is all he's had to live for.

2011 is a year of changing for the Monster.

Not only will he stay the commuter, he'll toe the line. So I've been on the brink of "in shape" for a while now and I think I'm finally cracking it. Before (off season) I'd be scared to punch it, or use a match, because I'd blow up, HR would explode, and I'd stumble my way back home. Now that I'm seeing gains in fitness, I'm able to stick with my riding buddies (sometimes) and actually put in some effort for the group (if only the moral booster- hey at least my HR is low enough to speak).

It's been fun becoming a roadie. Especially with a sweet support van/team car/mothership!

Loading the mothership. She fits 10 bikes/8 people

So getting ready. First race is a road race in 2 weeks. A hilly road race at "elevation." I haven't been know for my climbing skills...but I'm trying to change that. We previewed the course a week ago, and after getting over how cold it was, I realized that I still have a ways to go. But I'm not so scared to put a little bit more out there every time I get on my bike.

freezing with my friends at boulevard...even after the ride! ninja man is the hubby. :)

Today we had a 5+ hill repeat challenge at the tidepool hill at Cabrillo NM. Free waterbottle to all who complete. Wednesdays are paceline/skills practice, Thursdays are hill repeats, unfortunately I work Saturdays, so I miss the big group rides, but try and make up for it with hard Sunday rides. Friday, I went to pilates. OMG, didn't remember I had hips until then. Wow, talk about needing a lot of work.

So take a look at me now.

Honeymoon!

Alright, so a month later I'm finally getting to it. :) Kyle and I went on a California Adventure for our honeymoon. You can read all about it on our Wedding Blog and check out some of our pictures. We had a great time traveling around CA. Thanks to everyone for the great wedding gifts to help support our trip!

Wedding Bells!

So I got hitched! :) Kyle and I tied the knot on October 16, 2010. To see more pictures visit our wedding blog: Wedding At the Sea, or see my facebook page.

Only to fall back down

Familiar? It just so happens that I haven't written in 3 months. Then I write. And talk about the accident. And what happens? I crash again. Same shoulder. 2 weeks before the wedding.

It's just so stupid. Life and random chance. So here it is:

Thursday night I was following Kyle on the pacific hwy as we were going up to Hillcrest to meet some of his friends. I looked away for a second, hit a bump, look back and I'm heading straight towards a giant curb. I scream. Slam on my brakes (I tend to over use my front break). Fly over my handlebars. Almost land on my feet, and then I look up. A fricken telephone pole. Right there. Right shoulder straight into it. Tears.

So that's it. Bethany and Chris come to pick us up. They put the bikes on the top and what happens next? They run over my front wheel. So my bike survives the crash, but not the car ride.

Frustrated? Yes. It's not nearly as bad as last time, and last time wasn't nearly as bad as Erin's. I think I'll be fine for the wedding (for dancing at least)...and hopefully for the honeymoon. Climbing! Tandem riding (although I can make kyle do all the work there).

Planning is coming along. Missing Kyle already. He's out to sea until the Tuesday night before the wedding, which is also the same night my mom gets in.

Don't crash your bike.

It's just so stupid. Life and random chance.

Almost Married!

So the last post was my engagement. :) That was almost 3 months ago. What have I been up to you may ask? Nothing. Well nothing on the triathlon front.

It's weird for me to write this, but here it goes. I got burned out. Ironman took away any triathlon life I had left. I trained so hard and with so much focus for one race and one date. For nine months. I have postpartum.I did a few races, (Carlsbad...which I didn't even report about! -won my AG) and SDIT, but with very limited training in between. After Carlsbad I found out I needed to have surgery for my Crohn's Disease, so after that, and the recovery (with no activity allowed) I got complacent at doing nothing.

2 Surgeries in the last year hasn't made my life any easier (both issues have come back) and it makes me wonder why I pay so much for healthcare when modern techniques don't seem to be working. Getting myself healthy and happy should be priorities, but instead have been pushed under the rug because of work and life.

So what have I been up to? Work. Ready? - Within a day we were told we were going to move the shop. And we had to be out in 5 days. An entire bike shop. With 3 years of (forgive my vulgarness) *shit piled into every nook and cranny. Oh, and the last day happens to be less than 2 weeks before the race that we happen to put on. Oh, and the owner and his fiance who also happens to work here are then getting married 2 weeks later. Oh, and yeah, then I'm getting married 2 weeks after that.

Great Planning.

Suffice to say I didn't get much ME time during that time (now). Much less sleep, Kyle, exercise, good food, family, friends, relaxing or anything else time. It was work.
One of those work related events was the San Diego Triathlon Classic. One of my favorite and least favorite times of the year, somehow we pulled off another great race. It was another year, another successful event that went and out-did itself again. Thanks to our hard work. It's great to see so many people out there racing and having fun. Enjoying the fruits our our labor. Unfortunately one of my best friends got hit by a car during the race. After beating Macca out of the water. I have never felt so sorry for someone and so helpless. She is strong and is a fighter. She's having shoulder surgery soon and has a long road to recovery. She is in my thoughts always. Best of luck with your recovery, Erin.
As a race director, you love to see happy volunteers, like this young lady above who handed out finishers medals all day! (Thanks to all my awesome volunteers!)

And you hate to see what happen to Erin, happen. You feel bad for the guy who cuts their foot on a rock in the water. You rush to get an ice pack for a lady who slipped on the sidewalk. When I heard that it was Erin who was hit, I couldn't stop crying. I somehow had to pull myself together to make sure the rest of the race was holding together. Get more cups to that far aid station! Who's getting the awards to the stage? Where's the pizza? Make sure there are volunteers at bike out! All while she is the only person I'm really thinking about. Watching Steve ride back to transition was heart breaking.

For all who care; it was the driver's fault (obviously). He did a u-turn through cones onto the bike course. She hit the driver's side rear door and broke the glass. She has a grade 3 shoulder separation. She's been a swimmer her entire life and this will be the longest time she has been out of the water.

Obviously I have a little personal experience with a similar injury. (although mine was way less severe, and I was at fault). But I'm back.

So Fri-Sat of the race I had a 41 hour day. It was crazy. I went out to wine steals with Erin M after the race and had a blast. Sunday morning I woke up early and swam under Erin H's name at the Sharkfest. It was fun to get back into the ocean. Without a wetsuit! I some how managed to swim the one.whatever miles across the San Diego Bay in a decent time. I actually exited the water with the lead swimmers...and I walked across the finish line. Little did I know that if I had ran, I would've won. It didn't matter anyway, I disqualified myself for racing under another person's name. (as a race director, you'd think I'd know - well I did, but it meant a lot to me to race for her).

What else? Planning a wedding. It's going to be a small ceremony on Sunset Cliffs and reception in our back yard. Basically a celebration with our family and friends and a big party. It's hard planning a wedding on a budget and with a 3 month time period, but I've somehow made it work. Hopefully it comes together on our big day. Kyle is out to sea until right before, so that'll be interesting as well. Such is the life of a soon to be navy wife. :)

So it's been a crazy month...only to get more crazy once the guest start to arrive in less than 2 weeks! Bachelorette party is 2 weeks from today. Contact my sister for more info. Sure to be good times.

Here's a look back at this summer.Kyle singing the marriage license. Kyle cooking his finest (oatmeal) on a (very hot) trip to J-Tree. Mission Gorge climbing.

We also went to Big Bear/Holcom Valley/Lake Perris over Labor Day weekend. I had 2 days off in a row, so we took a vacation up there. Beautiful country. We climbed, bowled, went down an alpine slide (awesome!!), swam in a warm lake (finally!), climbed, and got closer.

So it's not all bad. :) I have a great fiance helping me along the journey of life. I've learned that running, biking and swimming didn't define who I was and it's okay to take a break. Even if it's half a season. I will be back. Don't get me wrong, I miss Kermit dearly. He's currently at the shop waiting his turn patiently.

I've learned that work cannot dominate your life or it will become your life. I am back on track and moving forward. Very much looking forward to some "me" and "us" time on our Honeymoon!

Looking forward to being beautiful inside and out on our day. I LOVE my dress. :) Looking forward to the craziness that is to come...because it's all good! Looking forward to celebrating with my family. Most of all, I'm looking forward to spending the rest of my life with my best friend Kyle.

Engaged!

Kyle John Wills, (baby beluga, my sherpa, my best friend, my favwit) proposed to me on Sunday afternoon, July 4th, 2010 at the lighthouse on Cabrillo National Monument.

Kyle had 4 days off for the holiday weekend and no duty days. This NEVER happens. And of course, I had to work the entire weekend, besides Sunday, when the shop was closed. Kyle gave up his weekend for me...and the lack of a capable climbing partner. Friday I left work a little early since I worked Thursday on my day off. We went to Mission Beach for one of his co-workers birthday. We road our bikes down and had our own fun and even jumped in the ocean. Saturday I sherpa'd him to a bike race in Mira Mesa, then I worked and went out for girls night.Sunday morning we slept in and had a lazy morning for once. Again, this NEVER happens. We managed to get our butts out of bed around 11 to accomplish something. We had no firm plans but to get out on our bikes. We headed to the end of Point Loma for some hill repeats on the tidepool hill. I've done this ride a thousand times (MCS shop ride), and he's gone a couple times by himself...but we've NEVER gone together!

He'd never been to the lighthouse so we rode up there and got off our bikes to check out the view. Apparently Coronado was the only town that could afford to pay the sun to shine. It's been a pretty gloomy summer in San Diego, but today it was different.Then he was down on one knee and asked;

"rachel anne gordon, will you marry me? I will love you forever, but you have to promise me you'll never slow down."

Of course I said yes (and I promise) and he slid the ring on my fat finger (we just got done with a sprint finish to the guard shack) and looked for someone to take a picture.I was glowing. It was a gloomy day, but we were both smiling brightly. To "seal the deal" we went down the tidepool hill and climbed back up. No slowing down. :) I professed, "I just got engaged!" to a couple of random cyclists along the way.
I had invited our friends over for a BBQ so it became an impromptu engagement party for us. :) As always, good conversation and great food. Jake, Erin, and I (and kyle and katie this year) stayed late and again watched the fireworks from the rooftop.
I called work and asked to switch days, so Kyle and I could celebrate our engagement. We drove out to Idylwild on Sunday night to climb on Monday. We had a blast enjoying each others company, out in the forest, hiking, climbing, camping, eating, and swimming.I am so excited to spend the rest of my life with my best friend.
P.S. The ring is GORGEOUS! I can't stop looking at it. (He ain't bad, either!)

SDIT report

Alright, I know everyone is looking forward to the engagement story...but I started working on the SDIT report last week and am finally getting around to finishing it. Ring post to follow soon. Promise. :)

Here it goes. Racing. After 2 months of "recovering." I gave it all I had and here's how it went down.

Training for Ironman: Endless months of dedicated work
Training for SDIT: what?

Packing for Ironman: A week ordeal. Checklists galore
Packing for SDIT: 9:30pm Sat night, also a bit race morning

Pre-Race Ironman meal: Spaghetti
Pre-Race SDIT meal: Velveeta Shells and Cheese

I signed up for SDIT way back in January I think. I did it so I'd have something after Ironman. Because I knew I'd have no focus immediately following the date that I had been looking forward to for over a year. May 1st. I can't tell you how many times I verbalized that date. But what's beyond that? I knew that I'd struggle to get back, and that this race would be okay to "fake my way through" to make sure I didn't completely fall off the horse...although I came close.

Sunday morning came a relaxed wakeup call. The race is 1 mile from my house, so I set the alarm for 5am. Kyle dropped me off at transition and he drove downtown (separate start and finish areas) and biked back to where I was. I set up my transition area and went out for a quick spin on Kermit to make sure he was shifting okay. Well he wasn't and the chain dropped. Serious point of frustration. Black fingers. Getting ready with the Tri Flo. Long T1 run causes for stuck wetsuits.
Pre-race picture with Erin. Similar one from last year. Erin and I did a quick jog to the porta potties at the swim start, back to transition, into wetsuits, back to the swim start, back to transition for anti-fog for the goggles, back to the swim start. Good enough warmup for me.
Unfair transition areas and far away porta johns really make you think as a race director, this is what not to doThis picture will forever make me laugh. Having a bad day? Break out this pic. Apparently, Brian hadn't figured out how to use Amy's camera. Laughs all around.
In the water for our 7:15 start. Behind the men 60+, Clydesdales, and Challenged athletes. Thank you Koz. I got to the line, put my feet up behind me, and floated till the gun went off. Surprisingly, the swim was uneventful. The waves were 5 min apart, so I had clean water for about 150 yards before I started weaving around the pack ahead. No pink caps in sight, I must do this all by myself. I was alone the entire time and didn't have Colleen there this year to guide me through, as she was up in Idaho for IM CDA.

Out of the water, delusional as usual. I hear my name many times...I know this is going to be a great race. All doubts gone. I love local races. TCSD is great and with all the swim coach volunteering I do, I've developed a reputation and I've met alot of people.
Into T1 I begin to rip of my wetsuit. I stop to take off the bottoms, as I know I have a long run in front of me to get to my bike, and when all the water drips out of the suit, it's glued to me. Taking it off earlier is always better.

So it's Kermit's time to shine. This course is my "home course" as our weekly shop rides from Moment Cycle Sport follow the route. I know every bump in the road, every pot hole, every hill and descent. I know where to shift. I know how hard to push so I don't blow up. I know this course.

I drank an entire aero drink of water and 3/4 of the bottle of powerbar endurance drink. In 50 min. I drink alot. Having the straw right in front of me, it's very easy and tempting to drink, and I'm also very used to it.

Before the dismount line I decide I'm going to try something new on race day. Thoughts I know I shouldn't have, but what the heck...I'm out here having fun. I slipped my feet out of my shoes and pedaled to the line on top of my shoes. I attempted a leap off the bike and smiled as I landed firmly on my feet. I didn't fall! Woot!

Into T2 I felt pretty good. Put on my running shoes and race number and I was out. I knew there was 1 girl in my AG (Christina Jackson, would've been 4th pro...seriously? she won the desert tri as well) who passed me at the very beginning of the bike. She was the only one. So, running. I left the garmin at home (last minute packing? It was charging overnight...oops) but I think it turned out to be a blessing. I was focusing solely on my lean, technique, turnover and hangin on. From the pictures, it looks like I was barely hanging on. :)

I kept getting messed up as to where I was in the run. 2 miles only? Wait, wasn't that the 4 mile sign? Sweet! I asked a guy what time of day it was and somehow calculated that I may make it under the 2 hour mark. So I put my head down and dug deep.

Thoughts through my head...wow where is this coming from? You have Ironman legs remember? Remember, this is less than 1 portion of the run in St. George...and there are NO hills. Turnover. Breathe. F'ing go!

The build up to the finish line is great. Random homeless man who always comes out and cheers your number, tourists wondering what's going on, and then the line of spectators. I have no memories of seeing or hearing anyone. Again, delusional. I look horrible in every picture. I crossed the finishline and felt relieved it was over. Any longer and I may have walked to that line.

1 other girl in my AG passed me in the middle of the run and I couldn't remember seeing any others. Besides that, there were A LOT of 30 year old's passing me. Tough AG for sure. Results were posted, and who knew?! Under 2 hours and a podium spot!

Shout out to all my training buddies who had great days. Noko, Jake, Erin, Stacy and Beth...who showed up to her first Elite race. (One less 30 year old passing me on the run). Thanks always to Kyle, my favorite sherpa.TLC kids. Thanks Coach Brian for trying your hardest to motivate me the last 2 months. We both went through a post IM depression I think. :) It's good to be back.

begin again

I can't believe it's almost been 2 months since St. George. (And a month since the last post). I've been pretty uninspired. This blog has been primarily about my triathlon journey, and there hasn't been much of either lately. Till last week.

First, lets take a quick peek back at what's been going on.
Previously I've been:Climbing at the new (awesome) gym with Kyle.Cheering on my favorite new road racer. (and doing a little racing myself!)And winning cash money baby! (well..a check'll do)We've been cooking, cleaning, organizing (and messing it all back up again). Kyle took me out to Mission Gorge for an outdoor climbing session one afternoon. Friends had a going away camping part at Lake Cuyamaca for Evan. I've been uber busy at the shop. And I've put a lot of time into swim lessons. (Not to mention, still volunteering for TCSD).

I started coaching under Brian at Triathlon Lifestyle Coaching. It seemed like a good fit for me since I'm all about swimming smarter (with better technique!), not harder. As the swim coach, I give technique lessons to the clients and offer private one-on-one sessions as well as group open water swim technique based clinics. It's been going really well and I'm looking forward to my next (sold out in 36 hours) clinic on July 8th. I got a lot of positive feedback from my first session and look forward to hosting them all summer long. Email me for details if you'd like to get a group of friends together for some swim instruction! rachel@triathlonlifestylecoaching.com

As for the training. It went a bit like this:
Brian would send me a plan. I'd think about doing it. And all of a sudden it was the last day of the week and nothing got done - besides a lot of floating around in the hot pool at the Y - swim lessons! I road my bike a couple times. Kyle did his first Great Western Loop (and I was holding up the rear). I missed Cookie Monster (Parlee) but I found myself back on Kermit. I ran 4x (now 5 after the race today) since my marathon at St. George.

* Random 2 mile run a couple weeks ago.
* 3 miles at the aquathlon (racing...and wanting to die!).
* 3 mile and 2 mile sessions this week as "race prep." Those two runs actually gave me confidence for the six I had to run today, as they both were a bit quick (for me).

I have been using the Garmin sparingly (with no HR monitor...in fact, I can't seem to find it at the moment) and not uploading it...sorry coach. I've been swimming in the ocean. I raced the Pier to Cove race only to get my butt kicked this year. I swam the first aquathlon, and did the entire swim/run for the 2nd (without a timing chip...I really didn't need to know that run time) Masters workouts? Hmm, I showed up to noon masters last Thursday. Sprint day?! Seriously, off the blocks, sprinting. 8x100. Fastest 100? 1:08. I'm sorry to all my non-swimmer triathlete friends and clients. I do not mean to cry about my "slow" times, but that is damn slow. I have no speed. I have this uber long ironman stroke that can go on forever (probably at a 1:10/100 yards pace)...but I just couldn't get the turnover or the lungs to survive the workout. Epic fail, but I had fun doing it.

So I was thinking last night about my impending race today. Okay, I've put in a solid week of work. *insert laugh* A run on Mon and Tues. Great Western Wed. Moment Ride (SDIT prep) and masters swim on Thurs. Absolutely nothing on Fri/Sat...not because I was resting, but because I didn't have time! (Huge ANNIVERSARY SALE at Moment Cycle Sport this weekend...ends Tomorrow! - stop by)

So much dread, so much expectation, so much unknown. What I did know? It's going to hurt. What I didn't know? How good I actually felt!

So I'm "back" sort of. I'm back to running. I won't say enjoying running. But not really dreading it...we'll call it feeling accomplished. I'm back on my bike, and back in the water. Just in time for summer. I'm finding myself back on a path that hopefully will become consistent training.

Race report to come soon. I promise...I'll begin again.