Tuesday, May 25, 2010

An alternative to 31 Candles!

I love how us crazy work-out-aholics celebrate birthdays. Last week started with an awesome climb up Mt. Palomar. We were celebrating Randy's 56th! AND yes, he beat me to the summit.
That was just the first workout of a solid 330mile bike week! Besides the palomar ride everything was pretty short. However, the goal was to come home completely spent. Mission accomplished! The past two weeks hurt way more than long ironman training weeks usually do. I needed to some sense of "speed" (relative of course for any endurance athlete) and reteach my heart to pound harder when I'm on 2 wheels. Rational- Kansas70.3!!! I seriously can not wait! My race schedule is coming together a bit last minute these days...but it just keeps me on my toes and makes me appreciate every chance I get to test myself.
When my birthday rolled around yesterday, all Coach C had on the plan was masters swim. The legs needed a day off! Hux delivered an awesome swim set. The theme: 3....1.... I really wanted to turn 30, but he wouldn't let me get away with that. And a monotonous set of 100s really is never appealing to me. He delivered, and we were all trashed at the end. (if you'd like to copy the workout for your own use and celebrate a bit after the fact, here's how it goes. Read down. The sets of 3x100 are on 1:20-or whatever your base is. The 1x _____  are fast on base +10. ENJOY!)
 I wasn't ready for 30 last year, but now I am. Plus, I'd kind of like a repeat of last year. In many ways it was amazing! and in many, it was....well not so amazing. 30's, I'm ready for you now. What better way to start off this new year of mine then with smiles and swimming!
Seriously, I feel so blessed to surround myself with those who share my passion for heath, happiness...and speed ;)  Thanks to my lane mates for celebrating with me. 5k in 75 minutes...that's my kind of birthday swim!
and thanks Hux for your awesome work with the camera. Is this picture for me, or you? Hot TYR suit, huh!!!
Birthday cake, or birthday swim? I choose the latter. When I passed on both beer and cake there was an entire table of our sports finest to give me an earful. Note to self: don't sit next to Huddle if you want to decline a beer while at an ale house ;)
May is a big month for birthdays. Sunday we gathered to celebrate. Happy birthday Jeff (jeff-stop staring at your wife's chest and look at the camera! ha), Billy, and Paula! Have I mentioned how lucky I am to be surrounded by such amazingly inspirational people?!?!?!?!
It's going to be a fantastic year. I can feel it....

Monday, May 24, 2010

Back in San Diego....and....

So I never got around to that St. George II post.  But the rest of my time there included more tough training, and one LONG action packed day of spectating/cheering!  Coach Paul let me jump in their car with the Lifesport team, and we set up camp at the highest point on the course. Once Kate and Katya went flying by I was off for a nice 2+ hour run. It was awesome. 4,000ft of elevation, open trails, mountains/hills galore.
Post race included another beautiful exploration run, and a quick (freezing) swim with the TYR crew.
But, every fun filled training week must come to an end. St. George was beautiful, however I couldn't wait to get home. Up and over the mountain and we were back in S.D.
On this trip I also learned I'm not the only triathlete addicted to gum. I do however go through a pack faster than my traveling companions!
I wonder if Orbits would consider sponsoring me?!?!?!?

Saturday, May 8, 2010

St. George...the newest Home to Ironman!

Last week I escaped San Diego. I couldn't resist the opportunity to play Ironman sherpa, train my fanny off, and enjoy some spectacular UT views. Before we could take in the views Katya and I had to get there.
Yes that is what a car looks like when 2 female triathletes go on a road trip. (boys would enter in the picture soon enough, so we were kind enough to make room for the beer).When traveling to Utah, remember it's a BYOB kind of party...
The morning after we arrived in St. George I jumped on my bike, eager to explore this beautiful (but VERY windy) training ground....with the help of some arm written directions.
It is so gorgeous out there! I eventually made my way down to the swim course (about 20 miles away from town and T2). I spotted Lori, and enjoyed a quick pre-race cruise with her. Then back to exploring!
I enjoyed a few solid days in the saddle out there. I also thought I'd jump into the lake to for a few open water swims. Turns out the water was well below my temperature allowance. The local pool sufficed for a few 5k swims.
What about running you ask? Well, this was my view while I hammered out 20x400 on the track.
I wish I had a video of the final 4 laps of this track workout. The wind was HOWLING, making this the toughest track session to date. It felt like a strength workout as I battled the winds, and it took everything I had to hang in there with my desired pace for all 20. I said I'd stop at 12, then 16...then with 4 to go approximately 200 second graders entered the track. They had a "elementary track meet extravaganza" later that morning. The kids took it upon themselves to line the track and cheer me on for the last 4. I couldn't stop and disappoint the kids! Maybe I didn't have a training partner for this workout, but man these kids sure did fill that motivational void!

Just remembering that workout makes me exhausted. So, that's all for now ;) More St. George pics to come.