Race Day!

I woke up to thunder and lightning at 5:00 this morning. I saw the flashes through the window and the air filled with the sound of rumbling. Uh, oh. Not a good start to a triathlon race day.

We are trying to finish wheat harvest so a rain delay would set us back some. We didn't get much more than a heavy sprinkle but that will keep the combines out of the field for a few hours today. On the other hand we need all the moisture we can get. But for a triathlon, with lots of swimmers in the water and out on the open prairie on bikes, lightning is not your friend. After turning on the TV and checking the radar on my laptop I thought we should be alright and the storm would be out of the area by the 7:30 start time.

1st Place 50+ Age Group!!

How did we get so lucky? The air temperature was in the mid 60s, the wind was almost non-existent, and the clouds stayed around long enough to keep us cool. It doesn't get more perfect than that!

I arrived in plenty of time to stake out my transition spot at the end of a rack. For some reason they set the racks up on the parking lot this year. The rocks and gravel were not going to be fun to run through from the pool. I tried to pick a spot as close to the grass as I could then spent some time kicking rocks out of the way.

Casey A. was there and Yolanda R. was part of a team. Several other people that I know were setting up their bikes too. When you start to go to more events you meet more and more people. After a while you feel like one big family. The down side is you compete against the same people again and again, but actually you are competing with yourself. Right?

Traci W. and Claudia B. came to watch and cheer us on and I can't tell you how good it feels to hear a familiar voice calling out from the sidelines, giving you encouragement and pulling you through the finish line.

Out of the water without drowning.

Finally it was go time. We lined up on the pool deck in number order and waited our turn to start. This was a serpentine swim with 10 second start intervals. I thought about lowering my expected swim time so I would start sooner, but changed my mind. I didn't want the pressure of being passed by those behind me. I was still passed by some, but I held my own and even passed one swimmer. It wasn't pretty and I struggled a little and had to do the back stroke for a little while. But my back stroke is almost as fast as my free style so it really wasn't a loss.

When we got to the end it was all I could do to hoist myself up out of the water and onto the deck. My arms felt like jelly and I was afraid I would fall back into the water. But I made it and headed for the transition area. Claudia, bless her heart, handed me my glasses (I had forgotten to take them off before going to the pool!) and I tip toed to my bike. No rocks were going to slow me down! I know putting on socks takes a few more seconds but I'm not quite to the point of going without. By the time I left on my bike I was ahead of last years race by almost a minute. Yessssss.

Headed out on the ride.

What can I say about the bike ride. My Garmin said the wind speed was "0". I believe it! At least for the first half. I felt a slight breeze on the ride back but not enough to affect my speed. I felt like I was really flying! I was pushing up most of the hills and really pumping on the way down. I even passed a few people! But some of the fast guys that didn't turn in swim times or signed up late whizzed by me like I was standing still. Over all, I was pleased and I knew I was faster then last year by a little bit. I kept looking at my overall time and thinking "If I can get back to transition before 1:00 I can lower my time a little.

The transition from biking to running is difficult for most, awkward for some, and down right ugly for the rest. I usually fall into the last category. But today the transition didn't feel too bad. I was able to run from the start and maintain pace for quite a distance. I still had to walk from time to time but I tried to keep near my goal pace of 11:30. Don't laugh, that's about all I can manage on a regular run let alone at the end of a triathlon. I sucked down some power gel before the water stop and that seemed to help. It's always interesting to run around the zoo because you never know what you are going to see. Or hear in this case. As we ran by the lion enclosure the big cat was cheering us on with his roar. How cool is that!

On the last stretch to the finish line I looked at my watch. Wow! I was really going to lower my time from last year quite a bit. I tried to pump harder but that just made me tighten up. So I tried to relax and let it flow and run smooth and easy to the finish. Easier said then done!

Thumbs up!

I've never been to a big race with thousands of people running elbow to elbow so I don't know what it's like to finish in a crowd. But there is something to be said for finishing on your own with no one around you. I could hear Traci and Claudia, but also so many others cheering me to the finish line. That is a feeling that takes all the pain away for a few moments. I more and more realize the importance of being a spectator. I understand why so many family and friends of Boston Marathon runners were crowded at the finish line. God bless each of them for their support for their loved ones and grant them strength as they now fight to recover what was lost.

As I crossed the line I hit my timer button. 1:34:20! I had lowered my time by just over 3 minutes. Just finishing with a smile is winning, but to improve is like adding whipped topping to a fudge sundae. MMMMMM good. After catching my breath I felt fine and even now my legs are not tight or sore. We'll see how I feel in the morning! Last year they didn't have times available until the next Monday but they must have figured out a better system and they had the results within the hour. Incredibly, I finished 1st in the 50+ age group! Yes, there was more than one. They also have my time listed as 1:34 flat. I'll take it. Now I wish I would have ran a few steps more.

Finished and smiling!

Another big race is in the books and I proved that it wasn't a fluke. I can do this and I can get better. I have so many people to thank but I'll just sum it up by saying I have the most wonderful network of friends that provide me with amazing amounts of encouragement and support. My Hubby is proud of me but still thinks I'm crazy. Without strength from God and the gift of a healthy body I would be sitting on the front porch watching this parade of life from the sidelines. I don't want to watch that parade. I want to be in it. Heck, I want to lead that parade! Anyone want to join me!?

The Triathlon Song

Today is a rest day before the Big Pool Triathlon. I'm not scared or nervous like I was last year. Now I know what to expect. And I know what to expect out of myself. I think I'll do fine. I hope to better last years time a little and finish with a thumbs up and a smile. Just finishing is winning!

I didn't train as long as last year but I'm farther ahead in my abilities, especially on the run. This was only an 8 week program and I did miss more workouts then I should have, but I don't regret any part of the past 2 months. I did what I could when I could and that's all I can ask from myself.

The excitement level isn't the same this year either. I'm looking at this as more of just another race instead of a mile stone accomplishment. But it is an accomplishment and I shouldn't lose sight of that fact. Tomorrow I'll be swimming 400 meters, biking 12.5 miles, and the running a 5K. I'm pretty darn proud of that.

But today as I have a little time on my hands, I decided to have some fun. A tune started running through my head so I put some words to it, added a few pictures and put together a short video. So for your enjoyment, I present, "The Triathlon Song".

See you all after the race!

Tri Practice

Last night was another Triathlon Practice put on by the local Recreation Commission. I can't express how much these sessions help with transition training and overall confidence for the upcoming race. The distances were relatively short (125 meter swim, 6 mile bike, 1 mile run) but that's fine with me. Actually, I would love to do this distance once a week just to keep fresh. It's long enough to work your body but short enough to fit into a busy schedule.

I was horrible in transition and I'm not sure why. I fumbled with my watch strap and lost time there. I also discovered that I don't like Gatorade on my bike ride. It was just too sticky sweet. It was suggested that I cut it with water so I will still get the electrolytes but not the heavy syrup taste. I may have to try that.

The temperature as we started this practice was 100 degrees. I'm crazy, not stupid, so I didn't go all out on the run but my bike ride was fine. I've been watching the forecast for Saturday and so far it's favorable with low wind and a break in the extreme heat. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

It's harvest time for our farm so I'm being pulled in multiple directions. Keeping the harvest crew fed and fitting in workouts is a juggling act and I've gotten pretty good at juggling. It also means that my Hubby most likely will not be at the race this year. That's OK. He'll be cheering me on from the field. But it would still be comforting to see him there to catch me at the finish line. I can't believe it's almost race day. Only one more swimming workout before the race so I'll compete with what I've got. I'll finish. The final countdown is here! 3 days till race time!

That's Why!

After wondering what the heck I am doing and doubting myself and my efforts I came up with the real answer this morning and it's the same as it's always been. Because I can.

Yesterday I went for a 5 mile run and really felt pretty good about my effort. I ran the first 2.5 miles at a nice pace and finished the second half at a more leisurely pace. But 5 miles is a long way for me and it took right at one hour. I asked myself what I would be doing if I wasn't out on the road for that hour and a host of little things popped into my head: switching the laundry around, pulling a few weeds in the yard, reading my book, (and the most likely) surfing the net. All of these things I can and did do later in the day so what pressing matter would I be addressing if I skipped my run. Since I'm off for the summer I can honestly say, not a thing. So why not run. I always feel better and like I've accomplished something.

This morning I went for a swim at the Y and as fate would have it I was in a lane next to a man doing therapy in the pool. He would walk sideways, backwards, forwards, then sideways again. I don't know what injury he has but he was moving, slowly, but moving. Then I headed out for a 2 mile run and there were more people on the trail hobbling and limping, struggling with the motion of putting one foot in front of the other. It doesn't take being hit over the head that many times to get the point. I do this because I can, in support of those who can't through donations and race fees for various causes.

I came to the realization that if I am going to need therapy for anything physical I want it to be because I was doing something active. Not because I let my muscles atrophy and my joints stiffen. When I feel aches and pains I want them to be because I pushed hard in a workout, not because I did nothing and let my body decay.

But most of all I want others to see that you can move and be fit and enjoy life at any age and at any level. It's never too late to start and you are never too old to try. I do this because I can and thank God for that privilege. I'll try to remember that when the workouts are hard and I'm covered in sweat.

Why Ask Why

It was about 2 miles into my run when that little voice started to whisper in my ear.  "Why are you doing this? What are you trying to prove? Who are you trying to impress. You're slow and not good at any of this." It's hard not to listen to that voice when you are struggling through a 3 mile run in 90 degree heat.

I started with a 600 meter swim that went alright. I felt more comfortable in the pool and even practiced the lane changes required in a serpentine swim. I'm not sure why I'm struggling when I was able to swim 900 - 1000 meters with ease at the indoor pool. The water in the pool is not heating up very quickly either. The 100 degree days coming up should help that a little.

Then after a slow transition I started on my run. I finally bought a hydration belt and this was my first run with a water bottle on my back. It was hard to get used to the flopping up and down on my back and tightening up the strap just make it press against my stomach and make me feel uggg. I really wasn't doing too bad through the first 1.75 miles. But then that voice started talking to me as I struggled to get a rhythm going on that last mile. I had to walk way too much and didn't feel good at all. The belt pressing against my belly didn't help. I love having the water to squirt on my face and shoulders and the few sips I took were welcome. Something else I'll just have to get used to I guess.

"Why are you doing this, you aren't any good at it." Truer words have never been spoken. I'm not good at any of the disciplines. I'm an OK swimmer, a fair cyclist, and an awful runner. Add it all together and you get a really bad triathlete. As my feet shuffled along I had to really think hard to answer this question. I guess I'll use the standard response. "Because I Can." This is a hard race for me and knowing I can do something even though it's difficult only makes me stronger.

"What are you trying to prove?" I'm trying to prove that last year wasn't a fluke. That I am actually capable of completing this race with a smile and a thumbs up. I also want to prove that just because I'm in my 50s doesn't mean I have to sit on my tush and watch the world go by.

"Who are you trying to impress?" OK, I'll admit it. My ego really enjoys the positive comments directed my way. But as for impressing anyone, well, I know what I do isn't worthy of too much awe. Those who know what this is about are sure not impressed, and those that don't aren't really sure what it takes either. I guess "impress" is not the right word. I would say I'm trying to encourage and inspire others to at least try something out of their comfort zone.

I finished my run with a lot to think about. There are only 5 more hard workouts scheduled before the race and I will try to make the best of each one. The runs are not getting any easier so I'll have to enjoy the swim and ride as best I can and survive the 3 miles leading to the finish line. Why am I doing this? Good question. I'll let you know after the race.

Stop and Smell The... Sunflowers

The road less traveled.

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our training schedule we forget to look around us. We worry about mileage and time and refueling and pushing ourselves to the limit. But this morning, I took my time on my ride and run and had a little fun along the way.

Yesterday evening the gang at the Holcomb Rec had a Triathlon practice to help participants get ready for their upcoming event. It's a fantastic way to get a feel for transitions and what it will be like on race day. The distances were wonderfully short: 75 meter swim, 4 mile bike, .5 mile run. Just enough to get your feet wet so to speak. I like these practices to work on  my transitions, laying everything out just as I would for a race. It lets me see what I need to organize better and how I can get through with more confidence. It's better to realize you have forgotten something now then on race day.

Turtle Power!

I felt really good throughout and managed a pretty good time. That's not to say I'm fast, but for me the pace was better then expected. No sign of the muscle cramps that plagued me after the bike to run transition last year. I've very thankful for that.

This morning was beautiful and my plan called for a bike/run brick. With barely twelve hours to recuperate I knew I would have to go a little slower. So I decided to take the opportunity to really look around and stop and appreciate the world around me. With my phone in my pocket I set out on my ride.

The first thing I noticed was the sunflowers. They were beautiful and in full bloom. The area has been blessed with a little rain this spring and the native flowers are loving it. The road I was on is lightly traveled and I really enjoyed the downhill stretches. Flying down the hills is one of my favorite things about riding!

The Rocket!

I came across some snakes (thankfully dead) and a few turtles (thankfully alive). I stopped and let one of them cross in front of me on his way to who knows where. He sure took his time about getting across the road. Then I was back at the Zoo and ready for a 3 mile run. I tried not to walk and managed pretty well even after a 10 mile bike ride. But then I noticed the lions out enjoying the day so I stopped and said hello.

A little later I saw the "Rocket" and just had to stop. The Rocket is a piece of playground equipment built in the 1960s when America was caught up in the space race. I haven't climbed up inside since I was a young girl but I remember it was the highlight of any trip to the zoo. What the heck, I'm always up for an adventure.

You know how sometimes the things from your youth that you remember as huge turn out to be actually a little smaller in real life. This was no exception. I barely fit through the openings and struggled to stand upright at the top.  As I stood on the top level I imagined how many thousands of children had stood in the exact same spot. Did they think they were one step closer to the moon? Did they imagine blasting off to unknown worlds? I know I did when I was little.

I'm at the top!

After crawling out of the Rocket and starting on the last leg of my run I realized that this was one of the most enjoyable runs I have ever done. My total time was awful because of my side trips, but the actual time I was running was not a bad pace at all.

I'm not going to miraculously get a lot faster in the next ten days before my race. I know that. I accept that. But I do want to enjoy the experience and finish strong. Training hard is key to accomplishing that goal. But it shouldn't take the place of appreciating all that is around us and the many blessings given to us. I'll push hard when I need to and when I can, but I will also strive to take some time and smell the sunflowers.

Love the downhills!

Thunder and Lightning

Last night was a first for me. I participated in an evening "Glow Run". I also watched lightning all around and wondered what the heck we were doing out there.

A few weeks ago a friend asked me if I would be interested in doing a Glow Run to benefit the local volleyball team. Each player was supposed to line up some runners and pass out flyers to spread the word. What could I say but yes. Her daughter is starting to go to a few runs and I wanted to help her out so I posted the information on a few Facebook pages and hoped for the best.

The race was at 9:00 in the evening so I hoped the temperature would be down. But I didn't know how to eat or go about my day. I ended up just eating normal but a little early in the evening and I actually took a nap mid-afternoon. Of course that could be because I had two grand kids wearing me out all morning. I didn't feel really good or rested and wasn't expecting a lot out of myself. I'm usually in bed by the time I would be finishing this race.

Kate H came to run as did a few of my neighbors. It was a great surprise to see them all there. Some of the really fast young men in the area were there too so it was going to be fun to see the run. The route was three laps around the school and parking area then a lap around the track so I knew I would be seeing them as they passed me by. Usually when you are slow you only see them leaving you at the starting line. The first guys passes me by after one lap. That's humbling.

The temperature at race time was 93 degrees. Not good. And a storm was moving in. Also not good. We started the race and a few streaks of lightning could be seen in the distance. At the end of lap one the lightning was getting closer with flashes every few seconds. I really thought they would stop us after lap two and end the race. I was sort of hoping that would be the case because I was out of gas after two miles.

I had to walk a few jags on mile three but as I neared the end the lightning was getting pretty steady and a lot closer. I tried to kick it in gear to finish as fast as I could but my high gear isn't a lot different from my low so I did the best I could. As I ran the lap around the track to finish I though "this is crazy!" Running in an area where there are metal bleachers and tall light polls in the middle of a lightning storm is not good. I finished, and along with everyone else got in my car and headed home.

Going to bed right after running three miles is not easy so I took a little time to cool down and unwind. The rain hit hard about an hour after the race finished. My body didn't like running at night but that could have just been the heat. All in all it was not my best run. But I'm going to look on the bright side. I didn't get struck by lightning!

So Darn Hot

This week has been a challenge, both for working out and for the weather. It's hot and windy again today but with everything else that I need to do this weekend today was the only day I could work in a big tri workout. With my race in only 2 weeks I need to get a few of these under my belt.

As usual it's hot and windy. 103 degrees and a 25 mph south wind don't add up to fun, or safe conditions for a long hard workout. At least not for me. But pool hours being what they are this afternoon worked out better then this evening. I loaded up the bike and packed up my gear and headed to the pool.

For some reason swimming the Big Pool is hard for me this year. Or at least it feels hard. I had to stop at each 100 and even side stroke a little bit just to finish my 400 meters. But then I looked at my time and even with stopping to hang on the end I was still right at 11:00. I think if I swim there a few more times I'll get it down but today my breathing and cadence was all out of whack and I felt like I was flailing instead of swimming.

I hopped out of the pool and got my bike off the rack. Doing this type of brick doesn't give you a true feeling for transition because you have to do so much more then during a race: unlock the bike, get it off the rack, open the car, get everything out, etc. In a race you would already have done that but it's not an option at a busy public pool. I decided to do laps around the zoo due to the wind. Even in the relative shelter of the trees it was hard going against the wind. I did 6.4 miles and decided to call it enough even though I had wanted to do at least 9 miles. Dodging cars and smelling hot animal manure does not make for a pleasant ride.

I hopped off my bike and had to take time to rack it and chain it down, changed my shoes and started walking around the zoo. It was extremely hot and I had no intentions of running any kind of distance. I"m crazy, not stupid. I carried my water bottle with me and sucked down a gel pack and did the best I could. Running in short spurts was all I could do in this heat. Slow and safe.

Overall I'm happy with where I'm at in my training. I have a 5K tomorrow evening and then another hard week, then a taper week. I may not be blazing fast but I'll get it done. Each workout can only make me better. If it just wasn't so darn hot.

It's a Really Big Pool

It's hot out today. I mean really hot. Like 110 degrees hot with a 25 mph south wind. Not the kind of day the Chamber of Commerce puts on a post card but the kind of day we have more of then we want. The best place to be on a day like today is in the pool, and we happen to have one of the biggest right here in my town.

The Big Pool lane swim area.

The "Big Pool" is, well, big. Really big. Built by local citizens back in the 20s they got a little carried away and didn't know when to stop digging. Now the 50 meter lap swim portion with 8 lanes doesn't even come close to taking up a lot of space. The new filtration system is working beautifully and the water was clear but cold. It takes a little while for the sun to heat up 2.2 million gallons of water.

I swam slowly just to get a feel for the distance. It's easy to panic and think you are never going to get to the end after only swimming in 25 meter pools. This followed a 3.5 mile run this morning. I walked the last bit of the run because I caught up to some neighbors who I don't see often. I will always change my routine to make time for family and friends. Besides, I was pooped anyway!

If you are ever in this area stop at the Big Pool. It's big. Really big!

Epic Weekend!

Looking back I can't believe it's only been two days ago but so much has happened in a short amount of time my head is spinning. Sorry folks, this is going to turn into a long post but the short version is I ran my second 10K of my life and bettered my time then rode a day section of Bike Across Kansas for a beautiful 57.5 miles. But the experiences and memories are much greater than that and deserve a proper telling.

Saturday

This part of the story really started three years ago when I entered my very first race; the Longhorn Stampede. It has grown to one of the bigger races in the area with over 175 entrants this year. The first year I walked the 5K with a friend with a little jogging thrown in. Since there were very few in my age group I placed second. I was hooked. Now I can't count how many races I've entered and the medals collect in a box in my work-out room. But I will always have a fond spot for this race.

My training program called for a 5 mile run this weekend so some crazy impulse in my brain made me check the 10K box in the entry form. What's another extra mile? I've only run one other 10K and that didn't turn out too well. I really stressed my IT band and had to stop running for a few months last fall. So what the heck was I doing signing up for another one? I really don't know. The farthest I've run (and I use that word loosely, it's more like intervals/survival mode) is 4.5 in the past 6 months. This was going to be ugly.

Winning isn't everything, but it is nice.

An older gentleman that has run for years has started coming to a few events to run with me. Dennis is a very fit 67 year old guy with a slow steady running style. We run about the same pace but he has much more endurance. I was happy that he wanted to run this race since it is one of my favorite. We started out fine and kept side by side for the first 4 miles. Then I started to lag. I could tell he was much stronger so I encouraged him to go on and I would be fine. He reluctantly did but he didn't pull too far ahead. I think he was holding back so I wouldn't be all alone on the route.

That's right. All alone. I was the last person running. I could hear the course worker picking up the direction cones and sign arrows behind me as I passed. That's a little disheartening. But I kept checking my watch and I was still maintaining a somewhat decent pace, even with a few walking jags thrown in. I passed the last water stop and they had everything packed and ready to close down as they handed me the last cup of water. (sigh) I was feeling pretty bad about my running and my effort, but I couldn't have run any faster. That was it. That was all there was.

Then, with a long trip around the block to go, Yolanda R. rounded a corner and started running with me. What an angle! She had just set a PR in the 10K (actually she set the course record for her age group!) and had come back to encourage me to the finish. Suddenly my feet didn't feel quite so heavy and my legs pumped a little faster.

As we turned the last corner and hit the long stretch to the finish line, there was Dennis. He had finished and turned right around to come run with me. Wow. I was humbled. I knew he was worried about me but I guess he doesn't know that I'm a turtle. I'll get there eventually. I'll finish.

Remember those 175+ runners at the race? Everyone of them was cheering me on as I neared the finish line. I tried to run fast and look smooth but it was hard. I really wanted to walk, but NO WAY was I walking with everyone cheering for me. This was my hometown race and most of those people were my friends and neighbors. I was smiling from ear to ear which is something I can't explain. To hurt that much and feel that good at the same time is something I think only runners can explain. I finished and finished strong. I ran the best race I could and actually improved my time from my other 10K so, woo hoo, a new PR to boot.

In the whirl wind of activity after the race I talked to many people and in the process lost track of Dennis. He's still new to the race scene and is a little shy so he left. At the awards presentation Yolanda received a jacket for placing 3rd overall for 10K women and 1st in her age group. Gina G., another great friend placed 1st in the 50 and over division. I knew when she turned 50 I was in trouble. But low and behold, I placed 2nd in our group. Yup, only two of us, but I'll take it with a smile. The surprise was Dennis finishing 2nd in the 60 and over division. Yup, only two of them, but I picked up his medal for him and took it to him later that evening.

Ready to Ride at BAK in Sublette

The look on his face when I handed him that medal was priceless. Shock, followed by humor, then pride. He knows there were only 2 runners, but he is as proud of that medal as anyone can be. He was smiling from ear to ear and showing it to everyone around. I know the feeling. I showed my first medal to everyone I met! Before the evening was through he came up to me and asked if I was doing the race in a few weeks at a small lake in a neighboring town. I told him it is the same day as my triathlon and he thought a second and said "Maybe I'll go do that one on my own. I've always wanted to run the lake." I think he's hooked.

Sunday

Now to switch gears, literally. Another crazy brain impulse back in February made me sign up for a one day section of the Bike Across Kansas. It happened to be going very near my town and the distance was manageable at about 55 miles. I picked Sunday's ride so I could do the race on Saturday. Gina G. made the same decision so we were running and riding together all weekend.

Traci and I just gabbing away the miles.

Neither of us had done anything like this before so we didn't really know what to expect. Claudia B., Traci W., and Casey A., have all done it before but we were newbies. Still fresh (???) from our 10K runs we headed to Sublette to pick up our rider packets. If you have never seen 800 bicycles in one place, plus riders, tents, campers, and support vehicles you just can't imagine what it's like. Every type of bike and rider was present and  a tent city covered every green space of lawn at the local high school. We found Traci and made our arrangements to meet in the morning and she looked tired but OK. She is an expert cyclist and biked across the United States last year. (To read about her amazing adventure check out her blog)

Then we found Claudia and her husband and they looked tired. They had fought typical Kansas wind most of the day and were ready to crash. They had camped out the night before and storms in the area made sleeping difficult. Marty has only had a bike for 5 weeks and is trying this adventure for the first time. He's crazy by the way. Since home was only a short drive away and we were coming back in the morning the light bulb turned on over his head and they rode back home with us to get a good nights sleep.

Gina is as crazy as the rest of us!

Have I mentioned wind a few times? I'm sure I have because we have a lot of it. When we signed up for the ride we knew we would have to take whatever weather came that day and make the best of it. We watched the forecast and crossed our fingers. God must have been listening and been in a gracious mood because the day was absolutely spectacular! After the 25 mph headwinds the riders faced the day before this was a gift from heaven.

Gina, Traci, and I along with Traci's friend Sue who rode with her through part of the cross country journey last year headed out with Claudia and Marty not far behind. I have never had such an easy ride in my life! Not that there was a tailwind, there was no wind at all! We talked and laughed and watched the miles fly by. I rode beside Sue for a while and got to know her and pointed out interesting things along the way. She is from Washington state and has never been in this area before. Quite a change from water and green trees. I felt like I could have ridden forever. My saddle said otherwise, but the rest of my body was having a great time.

We stopped at the SAG stops and had cookies and brownies and visited with other riders. Then we would get back in the saddle again and pedal on down the road. We rode past the largest wind farm in Kansas and not a blade was turning. With 800 cyclists going the same direction it was a steady stream of bikes along the highway. With little traffic, great company, and no wind it was one of the most enjoyable rides I have ever had. It ended way too soon as we pedaled the last hill into Dodge City.

Sue, enjoy this rare Kansas day.

Gina's friend came to pick us up and I felt like I was missing the ending of a good movie, like we should be going on with the rest of them. We were tired but excited and so blessed to have spent such an amazing day with wonderful people. The rest of the group is on the road again today and have 400 miles left to go by the weekend. The wind is picking up and the forecast is for above 100 degree days the rest of the week. How did we get so lucky? To pick a day to ride in February and have it turn out so perfect is a miracle. I know I can't do the entire ride because of harvest. Plus I've never camped out in my life. But the though lingers in my head today and I wonder. For now I'll thank God for the beautiful day and the new friendships that have been formed. Be safe out there and keep pedaling! Fair winds and no flats!

Ride, Boldly Ride!

Yesterday was a perfect bike riding day! After a day of cold and clouds, and another of strong Kansas wind, we were blessed with a calm day with mild temperatures. And it just so happened that Yolanda R. and I had picked this day for a ride. How great is that!

Last Saturday at the Hoof it to Health race Yolanda mentioned that she was on her own this week and would love to come and ride with me. I'm always looking for riding partners so we made a date. The long range weather forecasts are not always correct so when planning that far in advance it's risky. I kept watching the weather sites and I thought we might be OK. It turned out fantastic!

Yolanda has a heavy hybrid cross trainer and that works for her. She has some dirt roads to ride just to get to the pavement so that bike makes sense. Yolanda is a very good runner with many 1/2 marathons under her belt and I knew her endurance would be fine.

Where to ride, hmmmmm. The forecast was for a north wind so I wanted to head north first and get the hard part out of the way and a tailwind on the way home. But there really was NO WIND! My Garmin said 5 mph, which is nothing in our part of the world. We started out in the cool morning air and just marveled at the wonderful day we had been gifted.

Yolanda R. and I still looking good after 30.25 miles!

We stopped a few times for water and snacks and to strip off clothes when it got warm but we kept a nice pace and before you know it we were back at the start with smiles on our faces and a record 30.25 mile ride for Yolanda! I haven't ridden that far in a long time either so I was pretty pleased with our day. After we ate a light lunch at Subway we parted company. I just couldn't believe how beautiful the day was after the really crumby weather we have had. Maybe someone upstairs wanted us to have a great ride!

I did discover a few things on this ride. I really love being part of the running/riding community in this area. I have met so many wonderful people and found so much support. The positive vibes at the races and rides is like an adrenaline rush. I've found that I really like vanilla energy gels. I have never tried them before and bought some on a whim. Needless to say, I stopped in at the bike store on the way home and bought a bunch more!

Finally, I learned that I enjoy seeing the pride others feel in reaching new milestones and reaching goals that they once thought unattainable. I'm so happy for Yolanda in her new record distance and new confidence that she can ride, boldly ride, anywhere she wants to go. I love seeing first time runners finish with a fist pump and a smile splitting their tired faces. I enjoy hearing all the details and stories about races and rides that have pushed even the toughest athletes to their limits. Sharing their journeys makes my own seem more worthwhile.

Today is a rest day with a big weekend ahead; a 10K at the Holcomb Stampede and then one day of the Bike Across Kansas. The weather may not be as nice for that ride as it was yesterday, but the company should make the miles fly by as we ride, boldly ride.

Crazy Weather

Today was down right chilly. The high was 59 degrees with overcast skies and a chance for rain. That's a far cry from our normal 90 degrees and clear skies. Any rain would be appreciated but the air was too cool for me to run after my swim. I'm crazy, not stupid. I could have run on the treadmill but that just doesn't seem right in the summer time.

So I swam and finished 1000 meters with a little problem. The first 400 was in 10:17 so I'm really happy with that. The problem you ask? Well, my goggles keep fogging up at around the 700 meter mark and by the end of my session today I was swimming blind. I had heard whispers about spitting in your lenses but I didn't want to do that if they were just pulling my leg. But after posting the question to my Running Friends group I got a resounding answer. SPIT! Who knew? So now if I spit in my goggle and someone looks at me funny I can let them in on the scoop.

Tomorrow Yolanda R. is going to drive up and meet Claudia B. and I for a bike ride. I hope the wind stays down and we have some fun on our ride instead of surviving an ordeal. I think her speed is comparable to mine, but she has so much endurance. We'll see what happens.

As for the weather, it's supposed to be in the 90s next week. Crazy.

Stronger Every Day

Today was a brick ride/run. I was not optimistic about getting it done because when I went to bed the wind was blowing at about 28 mph. It had been blowing all day and didn't show signs of stopping. But when I awoke it was quite. Almost dead calm. Woo Hoo!

I sprung out of bed, or what passes for springing at my age, and hurried through my Cheerios and chocolate milk. A few pumps of air in my tires and I was on the road. The ride went smooth and I tried to push myself on the uphill parts. My thighs are not happy with me for that but they will get over it and be stronger for it.

I started out on the run and had to walk way too soon. But with intervals and my watch keeping me on track I finished with a decent pace despite all the walking. No one said it had to be pretty, just cross the finish line however you can. 

Early morning rides and runs are the best. The day is just starting and the air is still a little cool. I'm making progress and getting stronger. At least I think I am. Doing an event is fun, but the journey to get there is what makes a better person. Lord, make me the best person I can be.

I'm BAAAACK!

It has been a week to remember, or forget, depending on your point of view. A week ago our house was struck by lightning. Actually it struck the junction box in the yard and followed the wires into the house. We lost a lot of electrical appliances but worst of all WE LOST OUR INTERNET ACCESS! It's amazing how much we rely on that little connection. All we had was our phones and I was not going to blog on that thing.

So I've spent the week calling repairmen, scheduling technician visits, and replacing fried equipment. Thankfully I'm off work for the summer and was able to devote the time to getting the house up and running again. It also means that I have time to train and no excuses.

Swimming has been good with my time and endurance right where I want them to be. My last timed 400 was faster than last year by almost 2 minutes. My riding is going fine and when the weather cooperates I get a good workout in. The run has been a surprise. I'm actually improving!

Claudia and I taking a break on a beautiful morning.

On Friday the weather was beautiful so Claudia B. and I went for a ride. She filled me in on all the details of her triumph at the Tyler Texas 1/2 Iron Triathlon. She placed 1st in her age group and yes, there was more than one entrant. I love riding with friends, it makes the miles fly by.

Saturday  was the Hoof it to Health race in my town. I have no illusions about being fast, but I did run the fasted 5K I've run in years! No walking and a nice pace added up to a personal improvement of which I'm very proud. I can do it!

So today I did 4.62 miles. Walking was involved but the first half was not too bad. I've taken a big step and signed up for a 10K next Saturday. The only race strategy is to survive. It will be a challenge but I can get through it.

This weekend promises to be exciting and challenging. The 10K on Saturday is leading up to a ride on Sunday as part of the Bike Across Kansas. I'm only doing one day and it's only 50 miles. I can't believe I can say ONLY when talking about that much distance. My, how my thinking has changed.

I'm running again almost like in the old days and everything else is coming along great. I think I might actually do alright at this year's triathlon. I'm Baaaaack!