A little something I wanted to share with everyone.  When I was in FL I shared a condo with 4 other girls and 1 guy (Jay). Poor Jay got roped into being a Sherpa for 5 girls. So here is a peom he wrote from the eyes of a sherpa, being traped in a room with 5 girls. Hope you enjoy and get some laughs.

 

THE BALLAD OF AN IRONMAN SHERPA

 

After months of training, their day was here, But for a sherpa, a time to fear.

       

             As a warning . . . This tale may seem to be quite unreal, But hang with this group,

you’ll soon know the deal.

October 31st, the day we left for the feat, When the rest of the world all went Trick or Treat.

To Ironman Florida, in Panama City Beach, Where 17 hours is the mark you can't breach.

On the drive, every ache and pain felt through the year, Came back with a vengeance as the race, it was near.

We arrived at Boardwalk Resort, all in Room 6- 0 -0 - All so excited, stress running low - not!

 

There were signs on the walls and flowers in a vase, And mountains of food to get through the race.

See you must never look in the fridge of an Ironman freak, It would scare you to death, it's

not for the meek.

 

It was soon time for dinner, chose Hammerhead Fred’s. Came back at 8 - still late for bed.

 

Up the next morning for an early swimming gig - All walking past the mirrors thinking "Does my ass look big?"

 

It’s hard to believe what they next sought out to do, A 112 mile car ride just to see what they’d soon go through.

 

Then they came back and began to soak one by one. it’s what these people do, it’s what they do for fun?!?

 

Now time for dinner and they all started to cook. Something called quinoa - but it looked like gook.

 

They looked at the schedule to see where in the morn they must be, Upset when they realized the pancake breakfast would not be gluten free.

 

They started to pack their bags, a nerve-wracking chore, As their gear began to overtake the entire condo floor.

 

Green bags and red bags, yellow and blue, Bottles and tickets and still they were not through.

 

 Helmets and goggles and wet suits to find, And soon they were exhausted and began to unwind.

 

 Off to the pre race talk went the newbies like they’re supposed to do. When they left the others laughed so hard I think they turned blue.

 

Then another soak and then time for bed - They all seemed on edge, but I think it was dread.

 

The next morning, last minute supplies – to the nearest store, And Dunkin’ Donuts coffee was the sherpa’s next chore.

 

The girls thought about dinner - roasted chicken - their pick - Slow down, its only lunch, these girls are sick!

 

Then the girls started tossing their hair around all as a team. And talking about something they called Hoo Ha cream?

 

"I put it here, I put it there," is what they all did say. With this much estrogen flowing - stay out their way!

 

 Soon it was time to take the bikes and bags to the start. So they loaded down the Sherpa, like he was a baggage cart.

 

The newbies had their check lists - they went to the extreme. Their walls and doors were covered - crazy it did seem.!!

 

With not much sleep, they awoke; now time for the race, To conquer the course, all fears to face.

The day would consist of swim, bike and run, And yes, don't forget, they do this for fun.

 They endured the aches as well as the pain; they endured the wind, but thankfully no rain.

As I watched the race, waiting for the day to be through, I raised my cup of beer in a toast –

Now that ’s what smart people do.

 Everyone finished, they all crossed the line, with smiles and tears, happy with their time.

 

The night was tough, but there was one last chore, up at four for the finisher’s store.

 

The finishers entered at a fervent pace, Forgot their pain, this the real race.

 

You see, if you finish you HAVE to purchase the swag, whether a jacket or a shirt, even an Ironman rag.

 

As a Sherpa, you think you are finally through, When there is still one more job that you must do.

 

To massage their legs, yes, it’s quite insane, as they scream "It hurts good" ‘I can take the pain."

 

 To bed they go, their time away almost done. They all have their medals, they all have won.

 

See, it’s who they are, it’s part of their soul, to reach the finish, the ultimate goal, To struggle and fight, to do all they can, To hear the crowd cheer,

"You are an Ironman!"

 

By: Jay Bernath

The Race of my Life

Wow where to start, I had an amazing race and it all came together for me. Leading up to the race was another story though...

Wednesday morning it was Florida bound with a good friend of mine. When we arrived in FL is was time to get down to business. We registered right away to get everything we need. After we got settled in the condo it was time to get a bike ride and swim in. And this is where everything started going down hill. 5 of us girls decided to bike the run course to check it out. About 3 miles in my bike started to not break right and as I decided to break to stop to see what was going on all of a sudden my tire blew. This was a breaking point for me. In the past month I have had 3 flats and this bringing it to 4. I just couldn't believe this was happening. After 5 of us tried to change the tire we couldn't get it. For some reason neither of us could not get the tire over the rim. After almost 20 mins of trying some guy came out of his house to help. After he tried as well we didn't have any success and he offered me a ride back to the condo. To speed things up, when I got back I asked 4 different people for help and finally the 4th person was able to get the tire on the rim. At this point I thought my race that hasn't even started was over. I locked myself in my room and had a break down, because it I get a flat on the course there was no way I thought I could get the tire back on.  I was hoping to swim but with how long everything took with my bike it was just going to have to wait till Thursday morning.

Thursday it was up early and the wetsuits were on. Staring out at the water I knew this was not going to be good. There were about 20 of standing on the beach not believing the waves we were seeing. Well someone had to just go for it so I took off for the water and next thing I knew I was being smacked by waves and the current was not friendly either. After about 15-20 mins trying to get past the breakers this was the breaking point were I knew I was going to have to be ok with a bad race. As you can see things were just not in my favor but I was determined to push through and just go with whatever the day gave me on race day. The rest of the day was getting things ready to bring down to transition on Friday and look at my bike to see if I could figure out what was going on with my breaking that made my tire blow. After all that it was time to relax. And relax was exactly what I did and needed. I really had to refocus on my for Saturday and set different expectations based on the way things were going.

Friday the day before the race was a little busy in the morning and early afternoon. It was up early for a swim, the water was a lot calmer. It was then off for a bike ride to check things out one more time. The breaks were working good and I felt a little more comfortable. Then it was time for a short run.  It started to look like things were finally starting to turn around for me. I did one final check of my transition bags and my bike, then it was time to drop them off.

 Then it was time to relax for the rest of the day. I honestly think I could get use to this relaxing thing. ;) As the night approached I got my last min things together for the morning and tried to get some sleep.

IRONMAN FLORIDA
4am came fast but I was awake and ready for the day. 4:15 am it was time to head down to drop off the special needs bags and pump the tires. Being so close to the transition are and start line I was able to head back up to the room to relax for almost an hour before it was time to head down to the start. Jordan and my father-in-law stopped by the condo to wish me luck and walk down to the start line with me. With out my knowledge they arrived later then they had planned the night before, because they hit a deer while driving down. I'm just thankful that they are ok. (He was very sweet to not tell me before the race, so I didn't worry).
As we waited on the beach to go into the start area it was nice to see so many friendly faces. There were so many people there I knew to cheer a bunch of us on. It was finally time to get into the starting area and say my prayers and find my spot on the beach for the mass start. Based on the waves (which were not to bad) and current I tried to find where I wanted to be and waited for the gun.

The Swim
BANG the gun went off and instead of everyone running into the water we all took our time and worked our way past the breakers from walk. After that is was game on, the usual kick, hitting and pushing with people trying to get their place in the water.

The swim is a 2 loop swim, when you finish the first loop it is back onto the beach for a 100 yard run back down the beach then back into the water.  The first loop was very crowded and the once you got out into the ocean there were also so nice size waves. I just focused on myself found my stroke and just kept swimming. Coming back in was a lot easier then going out. You could use the waves and current to you advantage.  The second loop they made you get in the water and swim diagonally out to the buoy. Which made it a little hard with the breakers and current. At this point point were more spread out which was nice as well. As I started to make my way around the first turn buoy I started to feel a little sea sick. This is one thing I was hoping wouldn't happen. All I could think was swim faster and get out of the water. As Nemo would say "Just Keep Swimming" and that I did. I exited the water in 1:21. I just had my fastest Ironman swim!!!!

T1
Out of the water and to the wetsuit strippers then under the showers to rinse off and into T1 I went. I rinsed off enough just to get the salt water off my face. With that being said I was still covered in sand from getting my wetsuit off. Oh well nothing I could do now. I grabbed my bike bag ran into the  changing area, put on my bike gear then it was off on the bike.

The Bike
As I got on the bike I was noticing how much sand I still had on me. How well it was time to forget about the sand and get down in the aero position and pedal away. There is nothing exciting about this bike course. It was flat and all the trees and roads looked a like. All I could do was find a comfortable  pace on the bike and keep pedaling. There was definitely wind out there sand it seemed like every direction was a head wind, but it was doable. The only thing I could not believe we're all the penalties that where being handed out. Every penalty box I was was full of athletes. With that being said I had to focus on myself and just race my race. About mile 80 I was to that point where all I wanted to do was get off the bike. So pedaling I kept on.  As I started climbing up the bridge back to the coast I happened to look off my right and in the intercostal we're 2 dolphins. That put a huge smile on my face ( I love dolphins) and from that point I know I was going to have a great rest of the race if I could just pace myself. As I reaches the dismount area I glanced at my watch and I just saw I did a 5:55 bike!!!! My fast bike ever in a distance race.

T2
I passed my bike off to the volunteers and grabbed my run bag and into the changing area I went.  I put on my running stuff and off on the run I went.

The Run
As I ran out on the run there was Jordan and my father-in-law yelling and cheering my. As I started my run I already new I was going to be doing a 5:1 (5 min run, 1 min walk) doing this I was hoping I could keep a consistent pace. As I started adding up all my times I figured out what I needed to run to break 13 hours which was my goal that I kept to myself.  I knew I could do it after crunching numbers if I didn't fall a part on the run which has happened in my past two Ironmans. I knew my nutrition was was on point. Nothing compared to Wisconsin but there were a lot a people lining the roads partying cheering everyone one.  It really helped keep your mind off the pain and on the goal. I saw a lot of friends that were spectating out there and all their cheers were amazing and helpful. Half way through the run I saw Jordan and my father-in-law again and I stopped to talk to them for a seconds as I was talking to them Jordan said "babe if you do the same pace for 13 miles that you just did you will break 12:30." I looked at him, smiled and laughed a little and said "don't count on it" I knew I have paced myself well and I was feeling as good as I could for only having 13 miles left. As I took off running again all of a sudden Jordan ran up next to me a said "12:30" smiled and turned back around.

As I rounded another corner there were all my friends yelling and screaming for me and I won't forget Kate saying "Tracey you are having the racing of your life!!!!" From that point I knew I couldn't disappoint anyone. I was just happy that I was going to break 13 hours, but now I put more pressure on myself and set a new goal with 10 miles left. I had to break 12:30. As every mile went on I would recalculate my finish time with an estimated pace I knew I could hold and I was always a few minutes over 12:30, put I just kept on pushing forward. I started alternating chicken broth with my nutrition and  focused on the finish. With about 2 miles left I calculated it again and then I realized I could really break 12:30. I tried not to get over excited and stuck with my run/walk plan even though I was so close in. It was working so I just stuck with it. as I rounded the 2nd to last turn and I heard a familiar voice. My friend Kate who was spectating was walking to the finish line as I yelled her name she ran over and ran with me as saying nothing but encouraging words that once again will never be forgotten. As she slowed down to let me keep on running to the finish line I looked at my watch and I knew I did it. I had the finish shoot all to myself and enjoyed every minute of it, because I just had the RACE OF MY LIFE!!!!! I broke 12:30 which I never thought could have been possible.

As we walked back to the condo Jordan broke the news to me about hitting a deer. He was so sweet to not tell me about it so it wouldn't affect my race. We got to the condo relaxed and ate some pizza then it was back down to the finish line to cheer on some other friends finishing and watch the final finishers come in. Watching the final finishers cross the finish could be the best part of an Ironman,

Sunday was a day a relaxing on the beach and that is exactly what I did. Nothing was better then enjoying the beach and reflecting back on an amazing race that will never be forgotten. Since I decided to take 2013 off from ironman racing I couldn't;t be happier then ending on that note. I can't thank my husband enough for all the support he has giving the past two years while I trained for Ironmans. I can honestly say he is the best supporter anyone could have. With out his support I could never have done any of the Ironmans I have done. Not only do I have the best husband I have the most supportive family ever as well. I am truly blessed with amazing people in my life. I hope all my family and friends know that none of this could be possible with out there support and help. Even a simple text goes a long way. Thanks you all for being there for me and supporting me in my journeys so far. Even though I have no plans to do an Ironman next year doesn't mean that I won't be racing other races. =) Thanks again I have the most amazing supporters.

Ironman Florida
Swim:  1:21:20
T1:  7:40
Bike:  5:55:34
T2:  4:18
Run:  4:58:57
Total:  12:27:49

Sprint National Championships

 

What I was hoping to be a fun weekend of racing turned into a weekend of stress. All I could do is just keep pushing forward. It start out with not being able to fly into Burlington and had to find another place to get into that I could get out of as well because of the flight loads. I finally decided that Boston would be my best bet. I got into Boston no problem and enjoyed a 4 hour car ride to Burlington. Finally getting into Burlington around 2:30 pm I picked up my bike from Podium. Getting into Burlington later then what I wanted to there was a lot I wanted to get down that day so I could relax the day before the race. After a few adjustments on the bike, It was off to get into the water to get in a short swim. The water was nice and was not as hot as these GA lakes =) After a short swim it was off to pick up the packet and then time to drive the bike course. I am really glad I drove the bike course. The roads were really bad with lots of holes and a lot of sharp turns. It is a technical bike course so seeing it a head of time was really going to help.

The next day I was up early to ride the run course to see what it was like. I had to get an early start since the Olympic Distance was that day and I wanted to get down before they started their race. After seeing the race course I was really excited about it. It is a flat course except for one nasty hill right from the start. For the rest of the day it was just time to relax and cheer on my friends doing the Olympic distance. See them race was really getting me excited for Sunday!

Sunday couldn't come soon enough, but it was finally here. I was in a later wave start and my wave didn't go off till 8:24 but I was still up early to get down to transition to set everything up. Then it was back to my hotel to relax some more before I had to go to the start. Around 7:45 I finally headed down to the water and ran into a friend that was there cheering us on. I talked with her for a little and was also able to see 3 of my friends in earlier waves leave out on the bike! After that it was time ti focus and get myself ready for the race. Finally I was in the water and I did my normal prayer, and a few mins later the horn went off.

All I can really say about the swim is that I swam. I am by far not the best swimmer. Maybe one day I will get better, but until then I am your middle of the pack swimmer always getting hit and kicked. Because I am never a fan of the swim I try to stay away from everyone and just try to get to the end and that I did. Out of the swim and through transition I was out on the bike. This was the first time I was nervous about the bike. I know it's not ideal, but I really didn't have a choice I was racing on 808s instead of 404s. I was just hoping the wind wouldn't pick so I wouldn't get blown around and I could have a good ride.

I really had a great bike!!! I finally averaged 20 MPH on my bike in a race!!!! I just tried to relax on the bike and ride like I own it. I kept telling my self to just keeping push and never let up and that is what I did.  I also wanted to say thank to Allen for cheering me on up the hill that I started to slow down on. Coming back into town and making the final turn back into transition I was excited that I made it back with no flats and I didn't get blown over on the 808s. Coming into transition I was still feeling good and it was out on the run.

Leaving out of transition I started the run and there it was that "nasty" hill only .1 miles into the run. Just as you are trying to get your legs warmed up from coming off the bike it's like BAM hello hill! =) All I can say is I tried. I tried and tried to run up it but it was ether waste all my energy on the never ending hill or conserve some of my energy for later. Conserve some of my energy won. I walked about 1/4 of the hill. Finally up the hill the rest of the course was flat for the most part and it was time to find my groove. My groove didn't come as fast as I wanted it to. Finally around mile 2 I was finally feeling it and I was finally running the pace I wanted to.

An hour and 21 mins later I crossed the finish line having a really good race for myself. Even though I had a great race for myself, there were still a lot of girls faster then me in my age group. I knew this was going to be a tough race and one of the toughest Sprints I would race this year and that it was. Everyone was out for blood and everyone wanted to make the US Team. With that being said as of right now I didn't make the team. As much as I wanted to be on that team I am still happy with my performance and I know I still have a lot of work to do. As it stands right now there are 7 people that are in position to get a roll down spot if for some reason someone that did make the team doesn't want to go or can't go.  And guess what??? I am one of those 5!!!

So this is how it works. All of the people that made the team will get an email saying they made the team and they will have a few weeks to give a yes or no if they want to compete at Worlds next year on the US team. If someone says no, then they go down the line of the people in the role down position. So if I had to guess it could be about a month and I will know for sure if I get a chance to be a part of the US Team. Oh and did I mention that Worlds next year is in LONDON!!!! Let's see what happens.

I also want to say Thanks to Podium from bringing my bike up to Burlington and a very special thanks to Allen Heaton from all the work you did on my bike last min to make things work right, don't know what I would have done without him there. Also even though they were not there they are still my biggest cheerleaders and I couldn't do any of this with out the support of my husband and my family. I also have amazing friends that keep me going as well when I need it. I really truly believe I have the best support team one could ask for and amazing GOD that gives me the strength to be able to do all this.

Now that Nationals is done it's time to refocus and get ready for Ironman Florida in 2 1/2 months!!!!

Don't have any pictures yet from the race but once I get them I will post some here as well.

It's All a Mind Game: Ironman Texas

Ironman Texas was a great experience and I am so glad I did it even though the results were not what I was hoping for. I knew I could pull together a good race if everything would fall into place. Even though it seemed everything fell into place there were things that got the best of me that day and there were lessons learned.

I got into Houston Wednesday morning and straight from the airport it was of to check in for the race. I was so excited about this racing and getting to the expo I knew I was going to have to keep myself in check and not let nervous energy get to me. After getting checked in I figure it was a perfect time while it was still early to drive the bike course...yes ALL 112 MILES of it. After driving the course I got even more excited about this race. I knew I could have a good bike. I am use to training on hills and this course was mostly small rolling hills with some flat sections. I was ready for it! The rest of the day I was able to relax and just enjoy myself at a friend's house that I stay at for 2 nights before heading to the hotel. I can't thank Misty and Mike enough for opening up their house to me. It was nice to stay away from all of the Ironman stuff to keep my nerves in check.

Thursday, was a little busy. I went for a nice easy run to keep my legs loose and then went to go pick up my bike. Thanks Podium Multisports for bring my bike and taking such good care of it! After getting my bike I took it for a short ride to make sure the wheels were good and everything was shifting fine. Which it was!!! Thursday night was also the athlete briefing which I hate going to but I always know I need to go. I find myself getting nervous when I get around all the athletes. It's amazing to see that your body and mind will feed off other people's energy and it is usually nervous energy at these events and that is just what I don't want to feel. After the briefing I went back to my friends house and got all my gear ready to be dropped off tomorrow.

Friday, they had a practice swim in the lake and the water temp was 80 degrees. As crazy as it sounds I was still debating on weather to wear my wetsuit or not. It is a wetsuit optional swim. I did the practice swim without the wetsuit to see how I would feel. Oh and the water...not so clean. The water was warm but really gross. As you put your hand in the water you couldn't even see it. All I could think was don't swallow any of this water. After about 15 minutes in the water I had enough. After the swim I went to get all my stuff to move over to the hotel so I was close to the race site. After checking in and picking up my mom from the airport it was then time to drop all my transition stuff off and drop the bike off. After everything was dropped off it was off to the airport again to get Jordan. For the rest of the day it was time to relax and have a nice dinner then it was off to bed early for a long day tomorrow.

RACE DAY!!!!!!
Alarm clock went off at 4:30 am, man that early. Woke up feeling well rested and feeling like I was ready to rock, and off to transition I went. I pumped the tires and drop of my special needs bags and  met up with Mike and Sandy. Thank God for my mom and Jordan who drove us to the swim start so we didn't have to walk the .8 miles like everyone else was doing. At the swim start we got body marked and when I heard the water temp was 81 degrees the wetsuit stayed in the car. This was going to be a big test for me in my swim. I had the confidence in my swim to do the distance, it was the kicking, hitting and push I was worried if I would be able to handle it without the wetsuit. With that being said I was ready for it and I knew I would get through it without the wetsuit! I said my good byes to my mom and Jordan; and said good luck to Mike and Sandy, then it was time to get in the water. Before I got into the water I said my prayers and the confidence was there... IT'S RACE TIME!!!!

Getting ready for the swim

THE SWIM:
I got into the water with about 5 minutes till the gun went off so I found a spot on the dock to hold on to and just decided to wait there until I heard them said 1 minute. With that 1 minute. warning it was out to the middle of the lake to start treading and before I knew it the gun went off!!!!!

 I started swimming with my head out of the water like always do just to get going. Once I found my grove and felt it was safe that I wouldn't get kicked in the face, my head went in. For me it was a rough swim I felt like I just couldn't get in the right spot to find that group to latch on to and draft. I felt like I was just getting pounded by other swimmer that caused me to drink more lake water then I wanted to with how dirt it was. I knew I just had to keep my confidence up and keep pushing forward and I round the first turn buoy. As I rounded the second turn buoy and started heading toward the channel all of a sudden all I could smell was skunk. Not sure way the water smelled like skunk, but all I could think about was how this water was going in my mouth and this can not be good. Onward I pushed and I was finally to the channel and it felt like the swim start all over again. I felt like I was in a washing machine the whole time and I had about 1000 meters to the swim finish. The channel was so shallow I could see people waking. I know I wouldn't wanna touch the bottom of that thing, who knows what's on the bottom. With the stairs in sight I finished as strong as I could and finished my first Ironman swim without a wetsuit!!!

T1:
When I came out of the swim even though I had my watch on I wasn't sure how long my swim was, but I was glad to get out of the water and I was feeling good and ready to get on the bike. I fumbled a little bit in transition trying to get all my bike stuff on and I'm not sure why, so it could have gone a little smoother. Out of transition I went and off on the bike I was.


THE BIKE:
I knew it was going to be a long hot bike, but I was ready for it. I was excited about this bike course and I was ready to rock it. After a few miles I was already settled in on the bike and ready for the journey. Compared to Wisconsin I felt like I was always around a lot of people so I knew I was going to be careful of the draft zone. The sun was also starting to beat down and the heat was begin to rise. As mile 30 was approaching I was excited, because it was time to bike through the National Forest and it was all shade for about 7 miles!!!! From then on the miles kept on ticking away and i knew I was at a good comfortable pace. This was going to be a great race!

As I past mile 50 I was starting to think that I wouldn't see Jordan and my mom for sure on the bike since I haven't seen them this far. (I told them not to worry about finding me on the bike, because it looked like it would be to hard to navigate around). Sure enough a few miles later there they were driving past me waving!!!! It brought a smile to my face. Then the dreaded mile 70 came and something happened. I went from feeling good to feeling sick. I wasn't sure why. I knew I was taking in my fluids and now when I sit down and think about it, I'm think it could have been all the lake water I took in. I felt like everything I was taking in was making me feel worse. All I could think about is this couldn't be happen, as I started to slow my pace down, now all was thinking about is how I wanna just drop out and I can't finish. The athlete in me told me to keep pushing so I did. The last 40 some miles were the longest miles of my life. It was getting very hot out now and I wasn't feeling good and I was struggling to take down my nutrition. Every time I saw Jordan and my mom though it put a smile on my face and I knew they would keep me going. As a dismounted the bike there they were again cheering and yelling for me and I knew I could still do this.

 T2:
At this point from feeling sick I was happy to be off the bike. When I got into transition I sat down in a chair and relaxed for a min and took my time getting all my running gear on. Once I felt ready to take on the run. I put a smile on my face and out on the run I went. I was ready to try to take on the heat and hopefully not feel any worse then I did now.


THE RUN:
As I ran out of transition I saw my mom and Jordan, and a little further down I heard another friend of mine yelling my name. Thanks Emily for cheering me on as well. I loved seeing you.  I was actually feeling a little better and my legs felt good (most likely because the last half of the bike was slow from not feeling good lol). I was ready to take on this run.

I looked at my watch and started calculating times and I knew I could do this I could still beat my Wisconsin time with even feeling sick on the bike. The first aid station was almost right out of transition I took advantage of that right away and got water and cold sponges. Those sponges were awesome!!! It was already really hot and I knew it was going to be a long run when I started not feeling well again at mile 6. I was taking in water and infinite every aid station but nothing was helping. I knew from this point I was going to take it one mile at a time. Finally, at mile 8 I saw my mom and Jordan again and that helped a little I decided I would stop and walk for a little a talk to them while they walked next to me. A few minutes later I knew I had to run again. For the rest of the run it was a battle with feeling like I was going to throw up, but I couldn't. With walking a lot of the run course I talked to a lot of other athletes and decide if I am going to finish I just need to take my time and I'll just enjoy it and take it all in.

With that being said as I started the 3rd loop I started feeling worse. I think I walked most of that loop. As I past mile 25 (which I thought I would never get to) it was time to just put that smile on my face no matter the time, because once again I AM AN IRONMAN!!!! As I crossed the finish line I was thankful for those catchers that day and as I went to get my medal I stopped and was speechless. Chrissie Wellington was standing in front of me and put my medal around my neck!!!! All the pain and suffering was worth that moment.

WRAP-UP
Overall it was a tough and hot day and I finished!!!! This day a a day of mental games that I knew I could beat and I did. I learned a lot about myself that day and know where I can improve and what I really need to focus on for my upcoming races. I am ready to get back to training and start focusing on Ironman Florida. I am still bummed about my race and I am considering signing up for Ironman Louisville, because I feel I want to prove myself sooner then Florida so we'll see what happens. Until I decide it's time to rest and get ready for sprint nationals.

All I wanted to do was lay in the tub, thanks to Jordan for helping me out.

Two of my favorite signs that my friend Misty made. Thanks for all the amazing signs!!!!

Fun Filled Racing Weekend

What an amazing weekend I had! It was a fun filled weekend of racing and celebrating my birthday. Saturday started out early when I ran in Race for Riley. It was the first time I ran this 5K and loved every minute of it. It was the perfect morning for a 5K, but got hot fast. With Riley starting the race I was off running and feeling good. I felt good and kept a good pace for me throughout the whole race. The course had nice rolling hills with a downhill finish and I crossed the finish line in 24:35! For me that is a PR and the best part about it.... I took first in my age group!!! What a way to start the weekend. After some whiffleball and hanging out with my husband for the rest of the night I also had to get ready for my next race in the morning.

Sunday I had my first triathlon of the season! Again it was my first time racing Spring Fling Sprint Triathlon and it was another well put together race and enjoyed it as well. Wetsuit swim, rolling hills on the bike and a flat run! The morning started at 3 am when I had to wake up to drive to the race, getting there with plenty of time I was able to stay relaxed and calm. When it was race time I was still relaxed and I felt ready even though I haven't trained at all for short distance. The swim went well not what I was hoping for but I knew I was ready to kick it in on the bike. I pretty happy with my bike overall and felt good getting off to head into the run. I was really happy with my run since it only took me a min longer then what I did yesterday. Overall I had a really good race and had another PR for this distance of a race. Not only did I PR I also finished 3rd in my age group!!! What a way to celebrate my birthday with 2 podium finishes and a celebration with some friends that night was well!!! Not a bad way to start my racing season!

Misty and I with our hardware from Spring Fling

Oh and 3 weeks till IRONMAN TEXAS!!!!!!!

NATCA Convention in Denver

This past week I was in Denver for the NATCA Convention. I had never been to Denver and let me tell you I loved every min of it. For most the week I was at the Convention until 5 or 5:30 but for most mornings I was able to get myself out of bed and get some training in.  I did run all around downtown Denver and saw a lot of interesting things. One of the things I found while I was running was Coors Field

Along with the Convention every night they had something planned and had a blast with everything they had for us at night. I must say the all time best was the Closing Events. They had it at Mile High Stadium and I don't think any convention could top it.  We got to go down on field level and see the field, went into the visitors locker room where they had NACTA football jerseys made with Presidents and Vice Presidents names on them. They also had a mechanical bull, dueling pianos, and band, and much much more. They also brought us out into the stand where they had a firework show for us! It was such a fun night.

 I also got a chance to see boulder for a few hours with Jordan. We went to Boulder National Forest and did some hiking and also I found some rocks to climb. We also went and did some honey wine tasting. I had never had honey wine before and it wasn't that bad at all.

on top of the rocks I climb at boulder

Even though this trip was for our union and it was busy with convention stuff I still had a great time and got to see some stuff. I am glad I got the chance to go and hope I can go to future conventions.

all the Atlanta Center people that were there

Jordan and I at the NATCA Reloaded event with Coors Field in the background

Pike County Century and Publix Half Marathon

I'm a little behind in the blogging but 2 weekends ago I had an amazing and fun training weekend. I did my first Century of the year on that Sauturday and enjoyed every minute of it. It was the first time doing the Pike County Century and I will do it again. It was a great way to kick of the season with a beautiful ride. Overall I was pleased with myself with the way the ride went. There were ups and downs and struggles, but I pushed through it all and finished with a great century ride.
With tired legs and all but good training I ran the Publix Half Marathon the next day. By far it wasn't my best race, but I went into it to just have fun. I wasn't expecting any amazing time but I was still happy with my time of 2:09. With my PR only being 1:58 I was pretty happy with that time. This could have also been one of the hottest Publix Half Marathons so far. As much as I hate running in the heat I need to get use to it because Texas is going to be nothing but HOT. Overall I had a great training weekend and I am counting down the days till Texas!!!!!

I GOT A NEW BIKE!!!!

Say hello to my new bike Little Pink

I have had the bike for a little over a month now but have been waiting to blog about it. I got a really good deal on her and I am soooo excited to start my racing season on my new bike! When I first got it I was having a lot of gearing and shifting problems and I think we finally got her straightened out. I am still having some minor issues and hope to get those last few worked out soon. Or I should day they better get them worked out soon. My first Ironman of the year is in about 6 weeks!!!! Other then the gearing and shifting problems I am in love with the bike and look forward to take it out every time.

First long ride on the bike