Listen to your body – Avoid bigger problems later and Physiatrist – what the heck is that?

Most people fall into the following category of deny, deny, deny and ignore their issue because it will go away on it’s own.  I’m guilty of this too but I don’t let it go too long because I have to practice what I preach.

I do understand why everyone wants to ignore their issue.  It’s inconvenient, it will probably cost money, there is the chance you will be told to stop doing something you love, and what if surgery is recommended.  Oh my gosh!  When I talk with people that have some orthopedic problems and it’s impacting their workouts, I often hear they don’t want to go see someone because they are afraid they will be told they can’t run/swim/bike, or whatever their activity is.  Ironically, they usually aren’t doing much of the activity anyway or not very well because of their injury or issue. 

Hmmmm, they won’t go see anyone because they are afraid they will be told not to do an activity.  They aren’t currently doing the activity because it hurts.  Anyone else see the logic in this?  I’ve lost count how many people I talk to that do this.

Here’s my thoughts, ok warning, I might be getting on my soap box, because I say this so often to people.  When something starts hurting or going wrong, you first try and figure it out yourself.  If you are an active person you should be able to tell the difference between muscle soreness and a pain that shouldn’t be there.  I would take maybe 2-3 weeks on my own to figure it out unless the pain is so bad it stops you from doing the activity.  I want to caution from taking months before getting a doctors opinion.

At the very least go find out what is causing the problem!  Often if you wait a long time it’s much harder to recover from whatever the problem is and you may cause more damage that can’t be fixed.  So, go find out what the problem is!  I have two doctors that are my first go to when something comes up.  90% of the time they tell me what the problem is and then help it get better.  It’s rare they tell me to stop running, biking or swimming.  They may tell me to back off for a day or two, but they treat lots of athletes and totally understand about time lost from training as well as getting them back to full activity safely. I go see them at the early sign of any problem, plantar fasciitis, shoulder issues, hamstring and glute issues, my list is long.  All of these could have caused major down time and other problems but most were taken care of by doing my homework of stretches and preventive exercises and a couple of weeks seeing them for ART or whatever therapy they prescribed for me.

It’s a lot less time, money and pain in the long run than if I’d waited until things were really bad.  I always listen to what they say and do what they say, even if I feel better and feel like I can do more.  They have their reasons for backing you off a bit, sometimes things have to calm down or heal and you may feel better, but if you continue at the same level you’ll just make it worse and take longer to recover.

My take away is find out what the problem is, what treatment options there are, what if you don’t treat it, and make an educated decision on what your game plan is.  If you don’t treat it odds are you are going to be in pain during your activity, you’ll make it worse in the long run, your body will compensate in other ways causing other problems.  Nothing good will come from this.

If you teat it quickly, most likely the time spent in treatment is shorter and it doesn’t have to impact your training, competitions or daily activities.  Ok, along these same lines, I have developed a network of different doctors and massage therapists I use depending on what issues I may have.

I am fortunate working as a Personal Trainer and Fitness Director I learn a lot about different avenues and ways of treating orthopedic issues.  What works and what doesn’t.  It’s amazing what’s available but how is the general public supposed to know about any of this?  That is so unfortunate and frustrating 

After my hip replacement, over 4 ½ years ago, the range of motion in my right hip was never that great no matter how much I worked on it.  I’d reach a point in stretching or activities and it wouldn’t go any farther and there was some pain.  I thought that maybe it was the prosthetic or something and that’s just he way it was.  It didn’t stop me from doing anything but it made it difficult to do deeper squats or get a better aero position on my bike.  One of my Physical Therapist friends recommended I talk to someone he works with, a Physiatrist.  I’d never heard of one before.

Here is a link to explain what they do: http://www.lvhn.org/our_services/key_support_services/rehabilitation_services/5_things_you_should_know_about_physiatrists

They work as part of a team, with orthopedic doctors and physical therapists for people who have movement problems or pain in their joint, doesn’t matter if it’s from an injury or arthritis.  I made an appointment.

I met with her and she evaluated my range of motion in my right hip.  She then did an ultrasound on my right hip.   This is not my ultrasound picture but I was able to see mine and watch everything she did, fascinating!

She could see that there was some Bursa sacs (cushions the joint, holds synovial fluid, when inflamed is called Bursitis) that were inflamed and she saw some scar tissue as well.  She then injected the inflamed bursa sacs, I think with a saline solution, and was able to break up some of the scar tissue with the needle.  I followed up with some deep ART to further break up the scar tissue with another doctor for a few weeks.

Now my right hip is awesome!  No more mobility restrictions and no pain!  I’d had the pain and restriction since the surgery so about 4 years.  If my friend hadn’t mentioned it I would never have known about a Physiatrist and this treatment.  This goes back to what I say over and over.  Ask questions and ask everyone, never stop asking.

I look at it as what do you have to loose?  Once I was told about a Physiatrist, what were my options..  If you don’t go, nothing changes.  If you go, nothing changes, or, something helps.  If you can’t afford it or your health insurance doesn’t cover it that’s another issue.  I will say, you need to make your health a priority.  When you get older you will want to be able to move as best you can.  What you do now will affect that. 

Trust me as you get older it doesn’t get easier.  Your joints won’t always work as well as they do now or recover from activities as well as they do now.  It really doesn’t take that much, but it is a big mind shift for most people.  I see it all the time.

I have a client that is extremely tight and is an athlete.  He doesn’t include stretching and he’s starting to get issues in his joints from always being so tight.  He wants a fix overnight.  He didn’t get this way overnight so you can’t undo it overnight.  He needs to do some consistent stretching throughout his week and get a deep tissue massage if not some ART to relieve things quicker.  So far his choice is to do nothing, which is severely limiting his activities.  Running, biking and rowing are very painful and swimming is not one of his favorite things to do.  I’m waiting for the light to come on, he can get back his mobility and be pain free, but as with everything it doesn’t come without doing some work.  Nothing in life is free.

For me it seems so simple.  Ignore the problem and it will get bigger and eventually stop you from activities you love and may end up with a surgery you wouldn’t have had to get if you took care of the issue sooner.  Address the issue, find out what the problem is and deal with it before it becomes a bigger problem.  OK, I’ll get off my soapbox now.

Take care of yourselves!  That goes for your body and mind.  There is not a magic pill or overnight cure, I wish.  You get out of life what you put into it and you have to work for your rewards.  This applies to your body as well as most everything in life.

Race Day - Florida Ironman 2015

11/7/15        Saturday         

Panama City Beach Florida Ironman RACE DAY - I AM AN IRONMAN!

Wow, I did it!  It’s very surreal to me.  Me? I did this?  It was hard, but it wasn’t hard.  I was so fortunate to have so many friends and people I knew doing the race and come up to cheer everyone on.  Not once was I nervous, I was too busy having fun.  I had no expectations because I’d never done an Ironman before.  The year went by so fast.  This race was here before I knew it.

I don’t think it was possible to have any more fun than we all did.  For me it included all the training with friends, the Half Ironman in Augusta and continued even with the drive up to Florida Ironman.  It was so crazy busy with all we had to do to get our gear and ourselves ready for the race plus knowing so many people and wanting to visit and see them all.  Every minute was packed busy but I did take time to enjoy each and every moment.

The weather was beautiful, of course, up to race day.  Then it got hotter with a lot more humidity and some fairly good size waves/rollers in the ocean.  Such is life on race day, right?  Nothing I haven’t trained in so it was not a problem.  I had my Base Salt!

We almost got our car towed with the bikes on it, had fun shopping for stuff at the Super Walmart and I really enjoyed shopping at the Ironman Store and giving them whatever money I hadn’t already spent for this race.

Our condo worked out perfect, which was on the beach about ¼ mile from the event.  3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 girls, couldn’t have worked out any better.  Dinner at Dee’s Hang Out, which we had found last year when we were here volunteering.  Small, hole in the wall with exceptional food.  Got to see Brian Smith’s “I’m not racing” dance, which should be on YouTube.  

Friday night before the race Shelley and I made an early dinner in the condo.  Yummy Salmon (Shelley’s recipe was delicious!) rice and asparagus.  We were very happy with out dinner.  Got to bed early and slept the best I’ve ever slept before any race.  Still not nervous about anything.

Race day!!!   Got up early and headed to transition with everyone else.  There were 2800 people doing this race.  It is well organized and I never had a problem getting where I needed to go, finding bathrooms or anything else.  Dropped our Morning Clothes bag off and we are ready to race!  Still not nervous, kind of odd but I’ll go with it.  So busy having fun with friends, who has time to be nervous!  Shelley and I are photo bombing Lisa before the swim start.

Ironman does a rolling start and you are supposed to line up according to how long you think it will take you to complete the swim.  But when we went to get in line it was already so long we couldn’t get to where we thought we should be.  So we started back quite a ways.  I’m not sure it made any difference because I still would have been in the middle of so many people.  The start goes pretty quick.

There is a video and we look like ants as the swimmers get in and spread out.  It’s impressive to see so many people getting in.  Of course, now that it’s race day, the ocean is no longer flat.  When it’s my turn to get in a large set of waves come in too, figures.  Oh well, such is life in the ocean.  I am fortunate to live by the ocean in Jupiter, FL and get to swim in it often so the waves really aren’t a problem, just go under them.  Then on to the buoys, along with thousands of other swimmers. 

What an experience!  I thought I’d be super nervous trying to swim with that many people.  It’s never fun in the beginning of a race , even in much smaller events, you can get beat up.  For some reason I had no problem, I did learn how to swim defensively pretty quick so I didn’t get hit or kicked in the head.  I did collect a few bruises but nothing too bad.  It’s not hard to see people swimming around you so it wasn’t hard to be aware of what was coming as far as people swimming over you or swimming very aggressively.  It wasn’t as bad as I though it was going to be.  I never found anyone to draft, darn it, and had to dodge a lot of people swimming crooked and slower.  There were big rollers coming through but nothing breaking on us and one short area was choppy until we turned to head back to the beach.

It was two loops for the swim.  We had to get out and run a short distance on the beach and then swim back out.  They had us swimming at an angle out to the first buoy after our first lap.  With the waves coming in it was very difficult because the angle kept us in the break zone.  So I swam out under the waves and then headed to the buoys, a little less effort.  A lot of people lost their goggles, I think in the waves coming in.  Might help to wear them under the swim cap and I always keep an eye over my shoulder on the waves coming in on top of me.  On to the bike.

I did take my time in transitions, why the heck not, it was my first Ironman and I had not a thing to prove.  Someone is in there pretty much doing everything for them if you let them.  My helper even tried to put my socks on for me.  If there is a next time I’ll let Shelley and Jeraine give me lessons on a quicker transition.  Got my bike and was off.

The bike was great.  Not a lot to see but that was ok.  Always interesting to see what goes through your mind as the hours pass.  What songs, ideas and everything else.  I never pushed myself out of my comfort zone because I didn’t know what to expect for the run.  Never having ran more than 20 miles and after a 112-mile bike.  The only time on the bike I was a little stressed was the last 12 miles.  I had been warned; every year it’s the same, strong headwind!  But it’s only 12 miles and then it’s over so get small and do it.

So far I feel great, off my bike, into T2 again taking my time , like it’s a spa visit or something.  Off to the run!  I see Julie and Matt cheering me on and Julie ran with me a short way.  So wonderful Matt and Julie there!  I started my run/walk, 2min run, 30sec walk.  The people that live there are all out blasting music and cheering along with other supporters.  Very loud and very fun.  Everyone calls your name, because it’s on your race bib.  At first I look to see if I know them and then realize they are reading my name off my race bib.  I will say if you acknowledged anyone on the sidelines more people jumped in to cheer you on.  So I waved and smiled to everyone along the way.

Larry caught up to me after the first half of the first loop and said he would run/walk with me.  That was so incredibly helpful to have someone to talk to.  Then we met Carlos from Mexico who was having a hard time with the humidity.  It was a very hot and humid day and night.  Luckily we train through all that in the summer so just another day in our world.  And we have Base Salt!  I do think it’s a life saver in the endurance events.  We also caught up to John who was having a touch time because of chafing, ugh! 

Having people with me on most of the run made it the best run ever in a race for me.  I ran faster than usual and didn’t really feel bad at any point.  I never say that in a run.  The aid stations were about 1 mile apart and were very well stocked with everything you could want all through the night.  I was impressed.  All the port-a-potty’s also were stocked with toilet paper throughout the whole race, very nice.

Okay, last 3 miles.  John is behind us, Larry went on ahead (he is really a good runner), so it’s Carlos and myself for the last 3 miles.  It’s dark and we are running through a neighborhood that seemed like it took forever to get through.  There were a couple of times where we didn’t see any other runners coming or going.  At one point I had to check and make sure I was still on course and didn’t miss a turn.

Finally we turn onto the last mile!  So exciting!  At ½ mile to go Carlos asked if I minded if he sprinted from there.  Of course I didn’t mind, go Carlos!  Then I came to the finishing chute, people lined up on both sides cheering and giving high fives yelling your name.  Super bright lights that your are funning towards for the finish.  It is an indescribable feeling., you cross the finish line and hear “CRYSTAL LEWIS, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!!”  Super awesome!  I know I couldn’t have smiled any wider. 

I thought I would be so much more emotional during the race but I was having so much fun I wasn’t, until after I crossed the Finish Line and a volunteer came up and hugged me.  Then I cried super happy tears.  Sara, Shelley’s daughter, was there with my after race stuff, she was so nice to come back to make sure I had it when I finished, so very much appreciated, thank you Sara.  Julie and Matt were there to see if I was ok and if I needed anything.  I was ok, tired, but ok.  Thank you Matt and Julie for looking after me; love you guys! 

I did it, me.  I am just like everyone else, I am not a super athlete, I have arthritis and orthopedic issues, just like everyone else.  I have everyday life issues, just like everyone else.  It’s very surreal; I still can’t believe I did this.

I will say this; I did the training.  I managed the arthritis and orthopedic issues.  I took care of myself during the hard training.  The race was hard, how can it not be for that time and distance.  But not once did I feel that it was too hard or not doable.  Not once did I have to talk myself over a bad spot.   I went into this race with no expectations other than that I knew in my heart I would finish it no matter what.  I never had any anxiety or nerves.  I knew I was going to have a good time, no matter what was thrown my way.

One of my friends, Erica, who is an amazing athlete, told me the day would go by fast.  It’s odd because I was out there 15 hours and 26 minutes and it went by fast.  All of my friends finished and finished well.  I had no doubt they would.  Even though they finished well, two of my friends ended up in medical after the race.  One with hypernatremia and the other with inflamed lungs.

This race had a 26% DNS/DNF rate, which was one of the highest ever.  I did forget to mention that it was not a wetsuit legal race and many were not prepared for that.  The water was warm.  We swim in the ocean all the time without a wetsuit so it was not a problem for us. I did buy my wetsuit last year specifically for this race, rather ironic.  They did allow you to wear a wetsuit if you wanted but you had to start in the back about 15 minutes after the other swimmers.  I think about 800 chose to do this.  I would have loved to wear my wetsuit but was ok without it.

I also neglected to mention that there as a very bad red tide going on in the previous weeks leading up to the race.  Something happens where there is no oxygen in the water and it kills off the fish among other things.  The red tide was mostly gone but the water smelled like dead fish and I think we all drank more than normal because it was so crowded in the swim.  Almost everyone I talked to had some sort of stomach issues or cramps.  I did starting out on the bike and off and on throughout the whole race.  I had lots of tums, Skratch rice balls and chicken broth, which all helped settle my stomach.

Talking with others after the race a lot of people told me it was their hardest Ironman they’ve done and some had done 3 or 4.  The after effects of the Red Tide certainly didn’t help.  The bike was fairly flat and I think people used to hills are used to getting a break downhill.  There was a couple rolling hills.  And it was hot and very humid.  Again, it was all conditions that I train in all the time.  Now had it been cold I probably would have suffered on the bike.  I haven’t ever been on my bike in anything under 60 degrees. 

And just like that it’s over.  The year flew by, lots of fun, lots of new friends and lots of new experiences.  Not one regret.  It is the strangest thing, you are used to your training schedule and seeing your friends every week.  It’s almost like working your way up a cliff and there is nothing after that.  What!?!  What do I do with my time, what are my friends doing? When is the next on? Plus you’ve put all the effort into training you want to keep some sort of base, right?  There is definitely an IM withdrawal problem.

I never had any desire to do one, until my friends did it with me.  One thing I learned through all the years is never say never.  I said I’d only do one and be done.  Hahahahaha, now we are talking about Vineman in 2017.  I said only if the group does it.  Who am I?

I AM AN IRONMAN!!!!!!!

Thank you to everyone who supported encouraged, cheered and those that did this race with me; Rophe, Trish, Krissi, Carl, Larry, Jeraine, Lisa/Brian, Lisa R, John, Rex, Steve, Erica, Alicia, Julie B  JZ and those I met at the race too.  I’ve always said when I go to a triathlon no matter how big or small, it’s hundreds or thousands of friends you didn’t know you had.

Shelley Flowers – All of this started from an off-hand comment.  Blessed to be your friend, you enrich my life, thank you.

On Your Mark:  Matt & Julie Gofoth and Zac, thanks for all the support, training and friendship.  Love you guys!  Thanks for getting me on a bike I love and getting it super comfortable.

Integrated Medical Systems – Greg, Lisa and Nicole, I could not have made it through the training without you.  Thank you for keeping me in once piece and always making me laugh when I’m there.

Wahoo Masters, Linda Bostic – thank you for the effort and work in making shirts for us and always being the best cheerleader.

Lakin & Sara Flowers for getting my bike and tri gear out of transition (and Krissi’s friend  Katrin)

All my friends, new and old.

 

 

A special thanks to my husband, Shane.  As everyone knows you have to have an understanding spouse and family to do the training you need to.  The crazy training hours, early to bed, early to rise and I wasn’t able to go to as many of his races this year.  He did everything he could to help me achieve this goal and I so appreciate the effort and sacrifices he made for me.  He even hung my Ironman Florida flag in front of the house to greet me when I got home from a short trip to California.

Looking forward to the next adventure :)

The race is just a side effect.

11/3/15        Tuesday         The Race is Just a Side Effect

All the long hours of training are done.  I do love taper, I actually have time and energy in the day to do other things :)

I’ve made new friends, got to know some friends better and enjoyed my old friends as well.  It’s been one heck of an adventure.  We leave tomorrow morning, bright and early for the 8-9 hour drive to Panama City Beach.

Lots of time, money and planning have gone into this race.  It’s not just a commitment for the athlete but their family as well.  You even have to sacrifice some time with your friends because of training or lack of time in general.  The reason I signed up wasn’t just for the sense of accomplishment, although if you can complete an Ironman you can do anything, right?  That is pretty powerful in itself.  The main reason is because of the triathlete community and how incredibly supportive they are (and fun). 

Every person has his or her own individual story.  Whether they finish on the podium or they are the last one in.  It’s indescribable to complete something you never thought you could.  It doesn’t matter if it’s a 5k race or a full Ironman.  You did it.  I often say that this sport/training is my sanity.  Life throws things at you that aren’t always pleasant.  The training, the people and the support help me get through when things are tough.  It’s not that I even have to talk about problems, but it somehow helps put things in perspective and you can usually go on a deal with issues in a more positive way.

I’ve so enjoyed ever part of the journey, every training mile and every new milestone.  But most of all I’ve enjoyed the people.  Our master’s swim coach made everyone Ironman Wahoo shirts for the race.  A local church had a special blessing for all of us competing in the Ironman Florida race.  That was pretty special.  I really feel like I have my bases covered now.  So many people have told me good luck, many of these people I don’t even know, but they wish us the best.

The closer I get to the race the bigger smile I have.  I’ve enjoyed this so much; the race is just the side effect.  I’ve done the work.  I will do this.   I will finish this race.  My run will be extremely social and I bet my cheeks will hurt from smiling so much.  Whatever the conditions are I will deal with it.

Shelley has offered her van and Isabela and Gillis have let us borrow their nice 4 bike rack.  Shelley and I are driving up with Krissy and Jeraine.  (I hope Krissi can make it, she had a last minute work issue and may have to work tomorrow morning, it would not be the same without her driving up with us.) 

It will be a fun drive up with the girls.  I’m looking forward to it and all that will follow through the drive home Sunday. 

I can’t believe the race is here, this year has flown by.  See you on the other side :)

It's all about the journey

9/30/15        It is all about the journey.

I just completed my second ½ Ironman race.  I was never going to do another one, funny how things turn out.

Last year I was so strong in my training and racing.  This year it seems like it’s just managing one issue after another.  I’m not complaining, it’s just a different mindset.  So far no injuries and that’s really the goal besides enjoy the heck out of the journey.

I went up to Augusta, GA last weekend for the 70.3 Ironman.  I went up with friends that I don’t get to see very often.  I met them swimming, biking and running.  You see a lot of the same people so you get to know them.  I love that.  Generally triathletes are pretty great people, very supportive and friendly.  It’s one of the main reasons I do triathlons.  I drove up with my friend Krissi and caravanned with Carl & Larry.  I met Carl through Krissi and ocean swims.  It’s the first time I really met Larry.

Larry was like a brother from another mother, we were very much alike.  We had a great time driving up, I didn’t know it could be as much fun as it was.  8 Hours went by fast.  We met up with some other friends for dinner; again people I know but rarely get to hang out with.  What fun to get to know everyone.  They are all very good athletes but are also there to have fun.  For me that’s what it’s all about, the race is a side effect.  From the moment I left to drive up until I got home it was just non-stop fun.

It’s a great race.  I think it’s the largest 70.3 in the United States if not the world.  3500 signed up, 2700 actually competed.  Its well-run and a really fun course.  It’s a beautiful area; you get to swim in the river, with the current.  I think someone said they threw a can in and it made it to the exit in 40 minutes can’t go wrong with that.  I loved the swim.

It’s an odd start, you go out on the dock and you can start in the water (if you hang on to the dock because of the current) or start from on top of the dock.  By the time my wave got onto the dock, I immediately hopped in the water to acclimate.  It was a little chilly but I didn’t think it was too bad, I don’t remember the actual temperature but high 60’s or low 70’s.  Most everyone had wetsuits on which is great for buoyancy but can feel very restrictive which is not always good at the start of the race.

So I jump in the water, get my face wet, get water down my suit, bit of a shock but I’ve been in colder and didn’t think it was too bad.  I don’t like to be cold and I don’t like cold water.  I had 15 seconds from the time I jumped in to when our wave started, very little time.  I heard the gun and off I went.  I was on the right closest to shore and from the minute I started I didn’t see anyone else in my wave.  Usually I’m kind of in the mix of things because I’m an ok swimmer but not the fastest.  I decided I wasn’t waiting around I was going!

I always look for people to draft and I did see a couple of girls ahead of me with the same color cap but I was pretty much on my own.  I did catch one girl and she stayed beside me much of the way but I finally passed her the last ¼ mile.  We caught up with the last wave and lots of other back markers from previous waves.

That’s a whole other issue, trying to pass slower swimmers and really just being aware of them so you don’t run into them.  Made it to the Swim Out with the other girl right on my heels.  I loved the swim, 4^th in my age group.  I like in water start much better than running into the water.

Also first time I used the wetsuit strippers.  Brilliant!!!   They rock!  Got to my bike and discovered I was on top of a red anthill.  Yikes!  There were red ants everywhere in my gear and shoes.  I had to take extra time to try and get the red ants out of my shoes and helmet.

Finally, I get on the bike and off I go.  We drove the bike course the day before, which I’ve never done at a race.  I’ll bike it but when it comes to driving it, it seems too long, which is so funny.  It’s a beautiful course.  It’s one big loop thru South Carolina.  We cross the river and it’s a lot of rolling hills, horses and just beautiful green country.  It did help that I’d just seen the course the day before.  I knew where I was and more or less what to expect.  My friends Krissi and Carl passed me at some point.  Always fun to see my friends on the bike and they are really good on the bike.

It’s challenging for a flatlander but down hills are super fun!  We did have a headwind on some of the uphill climbs but such is life.  I enjoyed it even if my legs didn’t.  For some reason I couldn’t get into the right gear for the climbs.  Didn’t think far enough ahead until the last 20 miles.  Finished the bike and into transition and more red ants.

Once again took extra time to get the ants out of my shoes and hat.  Then to the Port-A-Potty to pee, boy did that feel good.  I hate to take the time but it was a must.  I spent way too much time in both my transitions but not the end of the world.  Off to the run!  Saw my friend Steve as I was running out.  Met him when he first started doing triathlons.  He’s come a long way.  Now it’s time to get my mental game into the run, which is the hardest thing for me.  The run, not the mental game.

The weather has been perfect all day, overcast and just a minor amount of misting on the bike.  My toes were cold on the swim and the bike but nothing major.  It was a bit warmer on the run but at no time was I overheated.  I forgot to leave my sunglasses in transition so ran the whole way carrying them.  The run course goes thru the downtown area and lots of people were out to cheer us on.  That always makes the run so fun.  I knew my run wasn’t going to break any records for me so I find ways to pass the time and enjoy it.  I talk to people, I look around and sightsee, I daydream and try and keep my run form where it should be.  I'm pretty sure I had an ant or two in my shoe biting my foot but I wasn't going to stop.  I can't believe they were alive, how did they not get flattened while I was running!  Darn those red ants!   Let’s not forget the miracle salt licks we learned about yesterday.  I can’t believe I forgot to mention that.

What’s the number one rule on race day?  Never do anything new that you haven’t tried in training.  So what do we do?  Try Base Salt licks because the rep was so compelling at a seminar we attended the day before.  We figured what could it hurt and according to the rep it will cure upset stomach, fatigue and every thing else.  On the bike it’s one lick every 5 miles and on the run it’s one lick every mile.  So funny, at least 3 or 4 of my friends were doing it too.

I have to say it’s the best my stomach has felt in a triathlon.  Not bloated or burping or anything.  I think the Base Salt licks and the Carbo Pro had something to do with it.  Got thru the run ok until just after mile 10.  It’s less than 3 miles!  My legs were tightening up so that slowed me down for the last few miles.  I was ready for it to be done.  A lot of it’s mental too, if you get it in your mind that you are almost done then your body says ok, shutting down now.  Finished, finally, just 4 minutes longer than my first Half Ironman. 

Had some yummy pizza and a massage from two girls at once!!!  Can’t beat that.  Cleaned up, went to dinner, waited way to long to eat.  So tired too.  I should have eaten sooner but I get distracted talking with everyone there, it’s so fun!  The weekend went by so fast.  I can’t believe I did a second Half Ironman.  My husband reminded me when I did the first one, he was making signs of congratulations for me to see when I got home, I cried crossing the finish line, it was a huge deal for me.  This time it was just a training race.

Not trying to minimize the effort but I had done one before and now I’ve been training for a full do putting in longer runs and bikes so just not as big a deal.  It’s so funny how your perspective changes.  I still remember my first time I ran 5 miles.  It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.  What a huge effort hat was.  Now look at me J

Larry emailed that he has done 9 ½ Ironman and this was the most fun, start to finish.  It’s the journey and the company.  It’s accomplishing things you never thought you could.  It’s the support of your friends, making new friends and seeing people overcome unimaginable things.  Everyone has a story.  I always say that this sport is so life affirming.  I wish I were better at putting these feelings into words because it’s priceless.  I also say the actual races are filled with lots of friends you didn’t even know you had.  I know people think I am a crazy person.  Every triathlete I know gets what I’m saying, I wish I could bottle this feeling or knowledge and be able to give it to others.

There isn’t anything you can’t accomplish if you don’t let you mind hold you back.  6 weeks to the the full Ironman Florida.  I can do this!

You are what you eat?

Oh man!  I know better but I still do it.  I eat food that is not good for you.  I know the consequences but I still do it.  Who doesn’t have their favorite junk foods they love?  Every now and then I splurge on one of mine and last night was one of those times.  As a result my sleep wasn’t the greatest and my workout the next morning was awful!

In the morning I had an early morning track workout planned.  Ugh!  I had to literally peel myself out of bed, so sluggish.  Very unlike me in the morning.  I usually wake up just before my alarm, looking forward to the day ahead.  I made myself get up, my stomach was not happy.  So I took a Pepcid AC and ate half a banana and half a Bianca’s Brazilian Protein Bite.  Ok, felt a little better.  Off to the track.

Got there and ready did a little warm up and ready to go at 6:00 am  The first 20 minutes wasn’t so bad but then it all went downhill.  Stomach was upset and my workout just tanked.  Could not keep up any sort of effort.  I did get in about a 40 minute workout in, stretched and headed home.

Next up was supposed to be a weight/gym session.  What was I thinking!!!  Ugh again!  I didn’t get vey far, did not have any stamina or strength and my stomach was not happy!  So I made breakfast.  Now I feel better and will get back to my weight/gym workout this afternoon. 

Geez, seems like way to much drama for me this morning over eating junk food the day before.  I have to remember two things.  Don’t eat so much of it at one time and remember what the after effects are!  I need to put that saying on something and then hit myself in the head with it when I decide to eat badly

It is rare I do eat that badly and it’s such a lesson on what food can do, or not do for you.  I truly believe so many people don’t realize how bad they feel on a daily basis because of their diet.  Food affects you greatly!  You don’t have to spend a lot of money or follow some crazy diet.  Just try and cut out sugars, and processed food.  Eat what nature makes not processed.  Whole foods are good.  And you can never eat enough veggies.

You will get to a place where you crave veggies if for some reason you can’t get your daily dose.  When you clean up your eating you will notice how much better you feel.  That will help you make better decisions.  You can eat other food that may not be the best choice, just don’t eat it as much or as often.  You will be amazed how fast you change what good, healthy food you actually will look forward to eating.

Getting my brain back in the game

Well…..  certainly not the beginning of my training season as I thought it would be.  My job ended up taking 60+ hours a week.  Every aspect of the owner’s life is pure chaos and she doesn’t know how to operate any other way.  I, on the other hand, am the exact opposite.  I can deal with chaos but usually have a plan in place to minimize it where you can.  I finally had enough of the unnecessary craziness and hours put in that were just silly.  So as of March 1^st I am unemployed.  My poor husband is stressed over it but I’ll figure something out. 

This last week I was able to get most of my training in but it kicked my behind!  I am using a Triathlon coach, who is really good and spot on about what I need to do to get better.  I’ve been adding gym workouts to correct some imbalances and get overall stronger.  Plus I started running backwards!  That’s hard.  I love all the information my coach sends me, the videos, write ups, suggestions.  I am an information junkie.  It’s a lot to take in but taking it one thing at a time.  It will all come together.

My brain has not been focused on my training because of my work and it’s a bit of a shift to get it back in focus.  It’s not all about just putting in time running, biking and swimming, if you don’t’ have the brain and mental toughness on board forget it you wont’ get very far.  I always say that; yes you have to do the work but the mind is more than 70% if the total equation.  That part fascinates me.

I was told when I did my first triathlon that I would get addicted and do more. HA! I said, no way!  My first triathlon was super hard and I hated it.  Fast forward a couple years, hip problems and discovering swimming and I do a relay where I do the swim part of the triathlon.  Ok, loved it.  Then I decided I could do the swim and bike part of the relay and get someone else to run for me.  Ok, loved that too.  My hips kept deteriorating to where the bike was even hard.  Had my surgeries, rehabbed and started back with triathlon relay doing the swim and bike.  It took me a little longer to get back to the run, very hard but I finally did it. 

About 1-½ years after my surgery I finished a Half IronMan at Amelia Island.  I never had so much fun competing ever!  Smiled all the way through it.  I’ve always done competitions to do the training, stay in shape and socialize while I do it.  The events were just the side effect of it and I didn’t like them.  The Half IronMan was tough but I did it and was crying as I crossed the finish line.  You never know what someone’s journey is or what he or she has been through.  After that I was hooked.  Once thing that endurance training teaches you, is that you can do more than you think you are capable of, in every aspect of your life.  Once you stop telling yourself you can’t do it then there is nothing to stop you from doing it, whatever it is.  Very empowering.  I wish I could bottle that and sell it, I would be rich J

There are so many people that have it tougher than I do and I see them out competing or overcoming whatever problems they have and I can only hope that I would do the same, no matter what the problem was.  I look at it and think: well what are your choices.  Do nothing, sit around and say oh poor me.  Or do something and say wow, look what I can do.  We are all just people trying to get through life.  Why not make it the best that you can?

Open Water Swim Clinic - Another day in paradise

I conduct Open Water Swim Clinic's for people that are afraid or have anxiety about open water swimming.  Most triathletes don't like the swim.  The swim is my favorite part, I would like it to be longer.  It's the smallest part of a triathlon :(

I swim in the ocean often.  As I may have mentioned I live in South Florida near the beach which is usually warm, clear and beautiful.  There are also a lot of other people in the area that like to swim so I never have to swim alone :)

I often find myself helping out people that are very anxious in the water so I decided to do clinics to help people conquer their fear of open water swimming.  There are techniques and tools you can use for this.  The open water swim can be the most fun part of the triathlon, plus there are numerous open water swim events throughout the year that can be lots of fun too.  I teach people how to turn it around from fearful to fun.

This morning I had two ladies that are signed up for their first triathlon in Key West.  Today was, for one lady, her first swim in the ocean and she had a wetsuit on (no anxiety there, right?)  Yikes!  She did amazing.

The water was beautiful, not too cold, actually perfect temp.  Fairly clear with some swells.  The ladies did amazing.  Each of them had breakthroughs about swimming in the open water and are looking forward to more!

I am so lucky to be able to share part of their journey, one of the many things I love about triathlons.