Tiara Tri, (because you can never have too many crowns!)

Yesterday was the 3rd Annual Tiara Tri and I'm proud to say I've participated all three years. It's an all women's race in El Dorado State Park and I love being able to share this event with my friends.

Cara, me, and Kate all smiles with our Tiaras

Kate H. and her friend Cara C. were also doing the race so we left in the wee dark hours to get a good spot on the rack. Turns out everyone else had the same plan and the racks were almost full when we got there. This race has exploded from less then 60 entrants the first year to over 100 this time around. We wedged our bikes on the rack and checked in and got our lovely body markings. They put your bib number on your arm and your age on your leg. I am notorious for looking at that age number as I scope out all the really fast looking old ladies.

We went down to the water and were happy to see the marker buoys were much closer in this year. Last year the swim was a lot longer so things were already looking up. As usual I sized up the ladies in my group and only saw a few but the ones I did see looked pretty fit. Rats. But I would give it a good try and see what happened.

They started in three waves and with this many entrants it was crammed and legs and arms were

Over 100 women all sharing a huge dressing room.

everywhere. You can plan you swim all you want but when you get in the mix it's all about staying above the water and not getting smacked or kicked. I ended up having to keep my head out of the water for the first third and by the time the pack thinned out my heart rate was too high to manage a good freestyle stroke rhythm. So it was scissor kick all the way to the shore and off to the transition area.

The bike was the same course and wasn't any smoother this year then last. Also, the hills didn't get any smaller and the speed bumps didn't get any lower. I managed to pass quite a few on the ride and was feeling pretty good about my pace.

I sparkle!

The run is the run. I know I'm not a good runner and never will be. One of the ladies in my age group passed me and she was looking way to fresh and relaxed for me to ever think about staying up with her. But I didn't see the other ladies pass me so I was hopeful. I finished pretty strong and was happy with my pace.

Turns out I was 4th in my age group. Apparently the other two really fast ladies blew by me on the swim and I never saw them again. Dang. Oh well, that's the way racing goes. It all depends on who shows up and who stays home on any given day. This year they gave string bags instead of place medals so I didn't miss much. Come to think of it, the finisher medal was pretty small this year and the crown was smaller too. Hmmmm. I hope they fix that for next year because I'll be back for my 4th crown. A girl can never have too many tiaras!

I'm Not Alone!!

It's easy to feel like you are the only one battling through issues but I learned recently of another athlete in our area who has Rheumatoid Arthritis and is not letting it stand in his way. While the majority of RA warriors are women it does strike men as well. Most think of arthritis as an old person's disease however RA actually strikes most often in the 20's and 30's. This athlete was hit at the age of 17.

Let me tell you, he is amazing! I've watched him run for years and thought how smooth he was. He makes it look effortless yet all the while he's been fighting through the pain, fatigue, and swollen joints. He's a private man and doesn't share his story with many but when I asked him about it he showed me his hands. Unmistakable.

His philosophy is simple. "Someday I may not be able to do this, but today is not that day."

I'm humbled.

Triple Threat Triathlon Series

This was a new series in my area and of course I had to be part of the fun. It consisted of three triathlons three weeks in a row, each one a little unique. The prize for doing all three was a really nice jacket. How could I pass that up? The bonus was three triathlons within very short driving distance and a chance to hang out with some really awesome friends every weekend. The hidden bonus was I actually saw improvement from week to week.

Race 1: Reverse Tri at Scott City

First race finished.

Holy cow, this one had me worried. It was run in reverse order with the run first and swim last. Yikes! I totally suck at the run and was so worried about being exhausted that I would be worthless on the bike and flounder in the water. But it really worked well and the transitions were actually easier. You were taking things off not putting things on. The only down side for me was my shoulders really tightened up as I rode and the swim stroke was pretty painful. I even managed to maintain my normal pace for each segment. Finished with a smile as there were no age group awards.

Race 2: Double Triathlon at Holcomb

Second Race Finished

This triathlon give you the option to finish a mini sprint and then do it again, backwards. So you can swim, bike, run, run, bike, swim, to complete the double. I'm crazy, but not that crazy and only did the first part. The distances are 225 swim, 9 mile bike, 2 mile run so the single is pretty doable. Since one of the ladies in my age group did the double it bumped me up to second place in my division. Woo Hoo!

Race 3: Arkansas Trails Triathlon at Garden City

Third Race Finished!!

I was really looking forward to the swim part of this race and dreading the run. The Big Pool in Garden City is huge by pool standards and I lobbied hard to get a perimeter swim to simulate an open water swim in a clear water environment. Those who were leery of lakes and murky water could see the bottom and those who didn't feel strong enough to swim in a lake could get that feeling and still have the side near enough to grab if they needed. Each lap around the pool is approximately 200 meters so twice around the pool was a perfect distance. The bike was the normal route through the Sand Hills and back. But the run was scary for me. It was a 4 mile run through trails along the Arkansas River. The sand was loose in many areas with lots of hidden rocks and uneven gullies. I took my time and survived. I finished 3rd again, just out of the medals behind the same two ladies. But I finished.

Final Thoughts

It was a fantastic turnout for this series. Over 25 people took up the challenge and completed all three races. It points out the popularity of this sport and the desire of people in our area to try new things and step out of our comfort zones. Many others participated in one or two of the events and all three races were well attended. I'm in awe of the fast people and inspired by everyone who steps up to the start line. The positive energy that flows at events like this is like nothing else in the world. I hope this series continues to grow. It's unique and fun and has brought me many new friends. That's a win in my books.

Triple Threat Triathlon Finishers. (I'm at the far left)

Big Pool Triumph for Carol, the Iron Mom

Iron Mom

Sometimes you witness such a feat of courage and demonstration of determination it brings you to tears. I was blubbering like a fool at the Big Pool Triathlon as I watched my friend and neighbor, Carol S., conquer her fears and limitations and finish the race with a fist pump and a gracious smile.

After my problems with the race organizers last year (Read the end of last year's post) I did not sign up for this race but wanted to go and cheer my friends along. I remember how important those shouts of encouragement were to me and wanted to pass that along to others. Then I found out my neighbor Carol was going to participate and I knew I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Let me tell you a little about Carol. When I moved into this neighborhood she was one of the first people that I saw running up and down my street. After stopping her and introducing myself I found out that she was training for a 5K. She's a little older then me and not the typical image of a runner. Carol looks like anyone else our age: a little rounder then we would like, not as graceful as some, and not a natural athletic frame. But don't let any of that fool you. Inside she has a heart of gold, a will of steel, and more determination and grit then most "athletes" will ever posses.

When Carol messaged me and asked for advice for the upcoming race I was so excited for her. Talk about stepping out of her comfort zone! She signed up for Tri Training classes and LEARNED TO SWIM! Can you imagine signing up for a tri and not knowing how to swim? But that didn't stop Carol.

Determination and Guts. Go Carol Go!

For the 4th year in a row the weather was absolutely perfect for the race. Carol was pumped but nervous. I had never been a spectator before and I can't tell you how excited I was for all my friends doing the race. It was so special to be able to give them each a word of encouragement and a thumbs up and not have those butterflies in my stomach to contend with. Carol's husband and son were there as her support crew. Let the race begin!

Just before the start Carol confided her fastest swim time to me. It was going to be slow but she was determined. If she could get through the swim the rest was going to be OK. As she started down her lane I felt like I was pulling with her on every stroke. She knew she could flip to her back and rest when she needed to but when she was on her back she didn't move forward very much. Her freestyle was good, but she just didn't have enough time to build up good technique or endurance. She was struggling. This swim is a 400 meter swim in a 50 meter pool so each length was grueling for her. Swimmer after swimmer left the pool until there was only Carol.

Keep rolling!

She was exhausted and only half way through the swim. She took long rest breaks at the ends and struggled through the laps. But you should have heard the cheers from the pool deck as she made it to the end of each length. I went to the end and even though Carol had her earplugs in and couldn't hear a thing she saw the thumbs up and gave me a nod. She took a deep breath and headed down the lane again. And again. And again. I was so proud of her for not giving up. For not giving into the exhaustion. For not abandoning the goal. I was in tears when I went back to her family and I think I startled her son who I had just met when I gave him a big hug. After watching her struggle through this long ordeal of a swim there wasn't a dry eye in the place. The cheer that went up when she climbed up that ladder was as huge as I can remember for any participant at this event. Her husband held her steady and helped her take off her goggles, cap, and earplugs, then gave her a huge hug. What a support crew! I couldn't help it, I had to give her a hug too. When she looked at her watch she was so happy. She had cut 7 minutes off her previous time!

After composing herself she was off on her bike ride. By then the fast riders were already on the
return leg of the ride and headed back to town. When Carol rolled back into transition she had chain grease on her legs and was worried about her bike. Seems she had a little mishap at the turn around and put her foot through her derailleur. But she calmly put on her running shoes and took off for the 2

Proud and Strong. 

laps around the zoo. By then many had already finished. They can all take pride in their accomplishments and deserve respect for their efforts. But we all knew Carol was still out on the course. Another friend went back to find her and run with her to keep her company. I ran/walked with them a short way as they started the second lap around the zoo. She was as determined then as she was before the race. She would finish this. Turtle Power!!

When she neared the finish line the spectators were cheering and crying and celebrating the biggest victory of all. Carol is now a triathlete. "Iron Mom" is the title she prefers. No matter what you call her you better believe she is a hero. Taking on a triathlon is daunting for most athletes and taking on that challenge in your later years is hard. But how much more so when you don't know how to swim. I have nothing but admiration for Carol. Her husband was practically bursting his buttons with pride. I'll never forget her determination to finish that swim and prove to herself and everyone else that she can do anything. Absolutely ANYTHING!!! Congratulation Carol. You are Iron Mom.

Summer Update (It's All Amber's Fault!)

Friends make the miles fly by.

I was planning to ride half of one day of Biking Across Kansas. I figured I couldn't pass it by since the route this year went right through my home town. Even right past some of our farm ground! It was a no-brainer. But the full day was scheduled to be an 80 mile ride with much of the later miles over a busy highway with no shoulders and lots of hills. This chick doesn't do hills.

My nephew Eric M. from across the state has started riding and decided to do this ride as a bucket list challenge. He played football in college as an offensive linemen so he's a boy with some size. He is also very strong so I knew he would leave me in the dust. It's a good thing my friend Amber M. was willing to ride along with me to keep me company. The plan was to meet early Sunday morning at the start and ride the 28 miles to my town and then call it a day. But it was a beautiful day with a slight tailwind and Amber kept saying, "let's keep going!" So we did.

Amber has been a wonderful friend from almost the first race I ever ran. Somehow we connected and kept seeing each other at the races. Then I found out that she works for an educational cooperative that services the school I work in. Who knew? I'll never forget the day I first saw her in my building. The halls were filled with students and when Amber saw me she said "Hey, you sure look different with your clothes on." We had a good laugh about that and we all look different with our civilian clothes on.

Had to stop for a hug from Claudia.

We took off at first light and soon Eric was a speck in the distance ahead of us. I kept reminding Amber that we were on a tour, not a race. So we took our time and talked and talked and peddled away the miles. We went past our farm and we shared notes about farm life (Amber's husband is a farmer too). As we passed near our good friend Dan K.s house he came out to meet us. He was watching all the bikes go down Main Street and wishing he could join us. Maybe someday Dan!

A few more miles took us by Claudia B.s house and she and her husband were sitting on lawn chairs on the side of the road watching for us. Can you believe it! All my activities have brought so many people into my life that I can't imagine not knowing. The circle of friends just keep getting bigger and bigger and everyone of them is a positive influence on my life.

We pulled into my home town and it was still pretty early in the day so Amber said, "Let's keep going." I called my hubby to make sure he could pick us up along the road if we went farther then planned. I could almost see him shaking his head at our crazy ideas and agreed to pick us up when we got tired.

Eric and his favorite Aunt!

Heading out of town was like heading into uncharted territory. I've driven this road a thousand times but never ridden it on my bike. But the tailwind kept pushing us and we kept talking and laughing, and the miles just flew by. Eventually we got to a rest stop and checked our mileage. Amber's previous long distance ride was 35 miles. We were way beyond that and she was smiling from ear to ear. "Let's keep going!" OK Amber, whatever you say. I did decide to put a halt to our ride at the next little town because it was starting to get warm and, honestly, I was only planning a 28 - 30 mile ride. My saddle was not happy and I'm a wimp. But when we finally stopped at the next SAG stop we had 56.8 miles on our bikes. A record for Amber and a pretty wonderful day out on the road.

Hubby picked us up and we talked and laughed all the way back to the starting point and dropped
Amber back at her pickup. And somewhere during that day I agreed to do the Rock-n-Roll 1/2 Marathon in Las Vegas in November. I'm still not sure how that happened, but when Amber says "Let's keep going" apparently we keep going!

My nephew Eric managed the 80 miles and then some to make it an official century ride for him. Amber set a new distance record on her bike. And I found a new goal to work toward and have another adventure on the horizon. What can I say. It's all Amber's fault!

Amber and I sweeping the medals in the "Masters" division at a race in 2010.

Running With My Daughter

This past weekend I had the wonderful pleasure of finally doing and event with my daughter, Lyndi. She lives across the state from me and has a busy life with family and work and like so many younger women, no time to train. So when she invited me to do Running With The Cows I jumped at the chance to share the morning with her. That it was scheduled for Mother’s Day weekend was an added bonus. That I would get to see my granddaughters was just icing on the cake.

Because of work and family Lyndi doesn’t have the time to workout that I do. When do you fit a workout in between work and Girl Scouts, commuting and dance lessons, husband and housework? Many women have to put their own goals on hold as their families grow and activities get in the way. She does what she can when she can which is all anyone can do. I certainly don’t mind going slow and walking is just fine with me. Plus, the finishers received a cowbell. How cool is that! Sign me up!

The forecast was for rain but the morning was perfect; a little chilly at the start but just right at the end. The race features a ½ marathon and a 5K and in just 6 short years has grown to a major event. Over 1500 runners did the half and over 500 the 5K. Not bad for a little town. We followed the cow signs out of the starting area and then a simple out and back on a rolling course. We talked and visited and stopped to take a picture or two and spent a wonderful morning out on the road. Best Mother’s Day present she could have given me!

One of the big draws of this run is the amazing feast at the end. They have everything from the standard fruit and power bars to pizza, cinnamon rolls, muffins, protein balls, and bagels. They even had a concoction of homemade noodles, pulled pork, and green grapes. It sounds strange but don’t knock it until you try it. Yummmmm.

We didn’t break any speed records but enjoyed our time together. It’s not how fast you move, but that you move whatever you can, whenever you can. I’m so proud of my daughter for fitting in her workouts between family and work obligations and making a commitment to fitness. I was so happy to get to spend some time with her doing something healthy and active. I hope she calls me up more often and invites me to do a few more events with her. As they said at the race, “Just keep mooooving.”

Half Marathon RUN

Yolanda, Meghan, and I,
Proud 1/2 Marathon Finishers!

I’ve been able to say I’ve completed a half marathon for a while now but I have always added the caveat that I’ve WALKED the 13.1 miles with only a few running bits thrown in. As of this weekend I feel I can say I’ve RUN a half marathon. I ran most of the first 4 miles and quite a bit after that. If I go back through my Garmin data I could get exact figures but I’m confident in saying that I ran at least 5 miles. I don’t know at what point that becomes enough to move from the walk to run category, but by the powers vest in me by, well, me, I declare it a RUN!!

The OKC Memorial Marathon/Half Marathon is an amazing race with unique community support and an atmosphere that begs runners to return year after year. Last year’s run was filled with drama as well as emotion with storms delaying the start by almost 2 hours. I walked 13.1 miles with my good friend Claudia B. and finished with a smile. This year I was to walk with Betsy G. a friend from high school. Several from the area were doing the run as well including Meghan M., Yolanda R., Dan K., and several others from my Running Friends group. It’s a party and we don’t mind making the long drive to OKC to be part of the fun.

Unfortunately Betsy found out the day before we left that her mother needed to be moved to the big city for more medical attention and needed to be with her. I absolutely agreed but realized that I would be walking by myself this time. I adjusted my thinking and decided to take the opportunity to really enjoy the day and make connection with the wonderful people in the neighborhoods that make this such a special event.

Always ready with a glass of wine.

Meghan, Yolanda, and I drove down Saturday morning and aside from forgetting to look at the fuel gage and thankfully finding a gas station quickly the ride was smooth. Saturday evening we shared supper with Kate H. and her sisters (Kate is coming back from an injury but her sisters were running the 1/2) and got to bed by 9:00. 4:30 came around awfully fast! We woke to perfect weather: temps in the mid 50s and overcast with a slight breeze. Not a thunderstorm in sight!

We wished each other luck at the starting line and promised to meet up on the other side with a smile. Since I’ve been feeling better and was full of energy I decided to run the first 3 miles. That part is through mainly business and commercial areas so there aren’t as many spectators along the way. It’s not until we get into the neighborhoods that the fun really begins. So I kept up the pace and amazingly finished the first 4 miles with only a few walk breaks, mainly on uphill portions of the route.

One of the first characters I came across was a lovely older gentleman sitting at a small bistro table with a bottle of wine smoking a big cigar who was willing to share a glass of bubbly with anyone who wanted to stop. I didn’t share a drink but did stop to take our picture. So many of the neighborhoods play music and post signs and offer water, pretzels, fruit,

Bouncing along with Tigger.

and encouragement. It’s a party all through the middle of the race. I stopped to take a picture with a cute little guy in a Tigger costume who was bouncing all over the place. And of course I had to get a picture of the gorilla waiting for us at Gorilla Hill. This group goes nuts! Music, people in banana costumes, fruit, cheering, and all of this well into the run with as much enthusiasm for us slow people as for the fast people who went by much earlier.

One little guy caught my eye as he held a sign that said “Free Cupcakes” He looked a little sad that not everyone was stopping to take his cupcakes so I HAD to stop. I thanked him and bit into the treat and it tasted so good at mile 9 that I think I groan and he started to chuckle. That made my day!

Gorilla Hill, Party Central!

The last part if the race is back through business areas but the crowd support is still amazing. When I got to the finish line chute the sidelines were packed with cheering crowds who didn’t care if you were fast or slow, running or walking. They were there to thank the participants for supporting their city and the Memorial. To them I say, You’re Welcome!

When I stopped my Garmin I realized that I had set a new PR. I can only imagine how much faster my time would have been if I hadn’t stopped to take pictures and eat cupcakes and dance with a cute little Tigger, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I ran more than I thought I would, stopped to enjoy the sights and sounds, and made a mountain of new memories. Today I’m sore and my hips are not happy but I will be back next year and maybe this time I’ll stop and have that glass of wine and hope for a cupcake or two as I RUN another half marathon.

Finished and smiling!