Missing you

Lungs burning...Quads screaming...Ponytail dripping with sweat...Side stitches... Throbbing toe nails... Blisters...Racking up the mileage... Wanting it to be over...Wishing it would never end...Hills..Headwind...Speed sessions and Long runs...I miss it ALL!!

It has been 6 long weeks of no running and I'm itching to get my run on!  I have done the time and I want to be cleared to hit the pavement (well, Treadmill honestly, but you know what I mean!).   I am hoping this will be the week that sees me tying up laces again...I have my fingers crossed!
In hopes that I will be struggling to get my running legs back soon... here are some of my favourite running pics!

SV and I at UMC'09  (notice the iPod and Speakers taped to his hand...awesome!

Dr. Peggy and I running stride for stride @ UMC'09

Loving the crowds enthusiasm in Budapest 2010

Laguna, CA

Getting ready for some speed work with SV in Tucson, AZ

Worlds in Auckland, NZ...last run.

Go Big Or Go Home!!

Wow, what a whirlwind!!  We've been home 4 weeks and just finding a few minutes to sit down and catch up!  Hope everyone is healthy and happy and ready for the craziness that is the holiday season!

NZ and OZ were amazing!  We packed as much as we could in the 3 weeks that we were there.   There is tonnes that we could have done but I am totally happy with everything that we managed to do and see.  We were slowed down by my sore foot... going for long hikes was out of the question, but I'm not much of a hiker so maybe that was a good thing.  

The highlight of the trip was Bungy Jumping...something I wasn't sure I would ever be able to make myself do...seriously, jump off a platform 134m above the ground with only an elastic "band" around my ankles...crazy!  This was the most nervous I have ever been in my life.   Started in the morning as we talked about the craziness we were about to experience...was amplified on the bus as they played video of people jumping... reached full swing by the time I stepped onto the gondola high above the little river.   The butterflies in my stomach were going mach 9...so intense. 

I stood near the edge to watch our friend Big Tom and SV jump...so great to watch them go, hear them scream and see the pure pleasure on their faces as they were pulled back up into the gondola. 

The guys at Nevis Bungy were awesome, kept me laughing and chatting up until it was time to jump.  It happened so quick..one second I was taking baby steps to the edge of the platform (absolutely NO foot pain!) and the next I was free falling towards the ground!  I screamed louder than I have ever screamed in my life!  No other way to describe it other than the BEST experience I've ever had....so incredibly overwhelming, amazing and unbelievable!!  It took a couple of hours before the adrenaline of the event wore off.  We finally stopped saying "Wow" and "Awesome" and crashed for an afternoon nap!  

It was very hard to leave a beautiful country that was just getting ready for summer and come back to the cold and dark (seriously, pitch black by 4:30pm) of Ontario, but it was great to be back home, surrounded by our kidlets, friends and kitties...it's always great to go on vacation but nothing beats your own warm bed and the smell of coffee in your own kitchen!

I finally went to get my foot checked out, it still hurt and I needed to find out exactly what was wrong.   I needed to figure out how long it would be until I was back to normal.  Turns out, I fractured the base of the 5th metatarsal.  The good news... it had already started to heal, much to Dr. Jenn's amazement (I guess walking around for 2 weeks on a broken foot isn't usually recommended).  

The bad news, I became the "proud" owner of an air cast for 6 weeks (no cute fall/winter boots for me!) and I missed out on some glorious fall days of running.  3rd X-Ray scheduled for the 20th so keep those fingers crossed!

Nevis Bungy--Holy F'n'F!!

Love this race pic (yep that's the broken one about to hit)

My "boo boo"

Ugh

"Sweet As"

Life is amazing...so many beautiful places and people in this world, I am so glad to be able to see/know so many!

Our NZ trip is in full swing.  Enjoying all the sights and events.  We have 11 days left and I am looking forward to some of the adventures we have planned, especially the bungee jump (check out http://www.bungy.co.nz/the-nevis/the-nevis-bungy this is how SV, Tom, Ashley and I are spending our morning tmo...what a way to start the day...YAY!!!!)

Our week in Auckland went quickly.  We did the run course our first day and I was happy that it was a flat one, lots of turns but mainly around the waterfront; very pretty.  We did the bike course twice before the race.  The first ride, was windy (50km/hour) which made for some incredibly tough sections and scary descents but the next ride the winds were calmer (only 30km/hr) and I was able to get a better sense of what it was going to be like on race day.  The course was great, a few good climbs and descents in the 20km loop (2 laps) only the 7km section back to town in a headwind was challenging.  

We didn't get in the ocean to swim before race day, we opted to swim in the pool instead, the cold air and low water temperatures didn't excite any of us!  

Watching the elite men's race was exciting;  pouring rain, gusting wind and the thrill of watching them  put it all on the line.  Definitely gave me inspiration as I watched them all push themselves to the limit; man can those guys run/fly!!

Race day the weather was cool but sunny.   After several days of rain I was pretty happy that we were going to have the sun!  Competing at World Championships you start in a wave with only your age group.  Very nice to start with only 98 women!  Jumping into the water was shocking...the temp was 14 degrees Celsius.  We were off in less than a minute and I was out front...SV said he could see me out front from the start which is pretty cool.   I wasn't prepared for how choppy the swim was...a few large mouthfuls of salt water... poor sighting and the cold temp didn't make for a very fast swim time, but wasn't much I could change.  I came out of the water fourth in my age category and I felt pretty good.  

The run to transitions was long, running to the end of the wharf then back into the transition zone to the bikes.  This made it fair for everyone as there was a huge transition area (3000+ athletes competing).  The wharf has several rail tracks (similar to what you find in the city for street cars) which the race organizers covered with blue carpet.  The carpet I believe was intended to make the area safer/more even...unfortunately it disguised the tracks and I rolled my foot as I was running to transition from the swim-bike.  The first time I hit one, I swore, the second time I hit one, I swore louder!   I seemed ok so I kept going.  

 I had a pretty good ride. The wind was not a factor until 13km... it was a LONG 7km back to town with the headwind, but the cheering from Ashley and Cat at the turn around was a nice boost.  I saw SV on my second loop...he was on the 7km headwind section and for the first time in a race he didn't look like he was flying (that's what a 33km/hr headwind will do to you I guess).

 During the ride I realized that something was up with my foot.  When I stood for climbs I had pain on the lateral side of my right foot.
Heading into T2 was the worst part of the race...the long run up and down the wharf and trying to avoid any of the rail tracks in my bare feet was very painful.  I tried to run on the inside of my foot/big toe and tried to not focus on the pain, but I knew then that something was wrong. 

 I want to say I considered stopping.  Honestly though, there was no way I was stopping.  I had come too far and it was only 10km...I could do it.   

The first two kilometres of the run were a mental battle...the sane part of my brain was telling me to 'Stop, something is wrong and it is ok to just pack it in'.  The other part (you all know that part) was telling me ' I have come all the way to NZ, that I am not a quitter'.  I wanted to place top 10 in my age category and I kept thinking that the foot was already messed up so I may as well keep going.  Obviously, this competitive side of my brain won the battle.
I convinced myself to not focus on the pain...to get through the first loop and to use the cheers from all the spectators to keep me moving forward.  It truly is an amazing feeling to have so many people yell "Go Canada", "Looking Good Canada", etc.
As I started the second loop of the run I saw Ashley and I was pretty sure she yelled "Bring it home!".
This gave me a huge push... I decided I had already done 5km, I was finishing the next 5km, and I had better get it done faster (the longer I was out there the longer it was going to hurt).  I focused on the people in front of me and catching them.
I am happy to say that I did not get passed by any women on that run...but I did a lot of passing!  Coming into the finishing area was a great feeling.  I had no clue how I had placed...I was pretty sure I hadn't made it on to the podium, but was hopeful that I had placed in the top 10 in my age category.   In the end, I placed 9th in Women's 35-39! 

I was able to watch John and Dave from Gravenhurst race each other to the finish line and unlike Budapest, I was there to cheer SV as he ran to the finishing line looking super strong.  (He had a stellar 38th placing in the Men's 45-49!).

I am still not sure how I got myself to keep going...is it determination or stupidity (I oscillate when I think about it).  It's been a challenging few days post race...the 4th/5th metatarsals are sore and possibly broken but I have been resting/icing/elevating as much as possible, and the swelling and bruising has gone down significantly.  I have been swimming a few times to keep active but man do I want to run, lol!

Thanks to everyone for the support and encouragement leading up, during, and after the race...You are all the best people a person could know!!

Biking in NZ!

Cheering in the rain!

Elite Men's Top 3

Heading out to lap 2

Pretty Colours

Our view in Queenstown, NZ

It's Time!

That's right... bags and bikes are packed...the "To Do" list is all checked off... the proverbial "hay is in the barn".  After a whirlwind of a week, all that is left is to get to NZ. 

 I am excited and overwhelmed all at once. Not sure what to expect but I have heard so many fabulous things about the country that I know I am going to love it.   Excited to do one last race of 2012...both SV and I were feeling strong this week as we went through our last few intense workouts, no matter what happens on race day we are going to give it 100%!  (in our Team Canada gear!!)

Thanks to everyone for the support and encouragement.  Send those positive vibes our way as much as you can.  I am sure we will have some fun adventures and I will keep you updated as much as possible!

I'm going to leave you with the song that I have been singing over and over in my head...thought it was kind of fitting!!  http://youtu.be/sENM2wA_FTg

Time Flies

October 2nd...crazy to think that summer is officially behind us...the trees in Muskoka have taken on the breath-taking beauty of fall and there's a chill in the air, even with the glorious sun shining! I love autumn in Muskoka, so beautiful, but I was hoping it would stay away for a little while.  After such an amazing summer it is hard to move on, all I can hope is that winter is going to be just as great!

 I took a couple of days to recover from Centurion and found my way back to the pool and although I am not feeling strong in the water at least I am feeling "less sloppy".  SV and I have been keeping the training consistent with the arrival of fall.  It can be hard to stay motivated this time of year, as it's "off season" for most people, but I keep focusing on how hard those 2+ hours are going to be on race day (ITU Olympic Age Group World Championships- Auckland, NZ)  if I don't get my workouts done now,  and that has helped keep my butt moving.

 On Sunday SV and I did our "Killer Brick Workout",  a workout that I didn't think could get any more challenging.  Man was I wrong.  This workout toasted me...I was shattered at the end of it, but wow did it feel good to put in an all out effort.  Only a few more hard workouts over the next 2 weeks and then it's taper time...that's right 2 WEEKS until we are off to NZ!  Hard to believe a year ago we were just thinking about how much fun it was going to be, and now it's almost time!

Today I received some great news...extra motivation to keep working hard all the way to NZ .   I am honoured and humbled to have been selected by Triathlon Ontario as the 2012  Age Group Female Triathlete of the Year.  I am extremely appreciative of everyone who has pushed me to do my best throughout the triathlon season here in Ontario. Here's to hoping I can take all this positive energy with me all the way to the finish line in Auckland.....what a ride.

 Muskoka Colours

 SV ready to ride

Centurion Canada

SV and I took part in the Centurion Canada event yesterday.  It was a beautiful day for a long ride and the route through the Collingwood area was nice and challenging as always.   This race was hard to get excited for,  I was dreading it actually.  I know in my athletic past I have been on my bike for a lot longer than 160km, but that was a few years ago and as it turned out this summer, we just didn't get out for many long rides.  Since coming back from the huge bike week in AZ in early May, we did a handful of 100+km rides...the last one being in late June.  I tried to think of this race as a long group ride with a bunch of strangers but I was prepared to suffer  because of the lack of training.  SV was going to try and get into the fast group and hang on for as long as he could.  I thought we would be able to stick together for the "neutral rollout" but once the horn went off... Mayhem...5 miles of people trying to get to the front and slamming on their brakes while screaming "SLOWING"...I am not a cyclist and I am not your typical type A personality but those 5 miles were the worst for me...it was kind of like being in traffic on the 401...crawling a long for no reason then speeding up and having to slam on the brakes...but if everyone could just be chill and drive at a reasonable pace things would be fine.  My HR was 150 or above for that whole 5 miles and all the while I was thinking of the first climb we would be hitting at the end of those 5 miles and it was a nasty one.
It turned out to be an interesting day for me.  I lost sight of SV during the first nasty climb but knew he would have a great day.  I started experiencing slight cramping in my calves at 10km, not a good sign, but I made some adjustments and was better.  Eventually I heard Andrew H and we spent the next 90km together in a pretty good group, it was awesome to watch Eon D'ornellas ripping up the road and keeping the group in good pace and etiquette.
My body on the other hand wasn't having the best time, my quads started protesting at 42km.  I tried to massage and stretch them the best that I could and for the most part did pretty well at staying ahead of the cramping.  The race has a  King of the Mountain portion, which you hit at 120km(ish)  it is at this point that the group I was in broke apart, people really start to suffer. I felt pretty good going up that climb and once I got to the top had to push hard to catch a group of men in front of me...my quads were angry and they recruited my hamstrings to try to make their point clear...my legs were hating me, lol.  At 140km I realized how quiet it had become, the social chit-chat was gone, people had their heads down and were slowing.  For me though this was the point I just needed to be done..I kept talking to my legs telling them that they weren't allowed to cramp. I encouraged those I was passing and I just tried to get each km done as quickly as possible....the best moment came when I saw the caution sign for the decent back down into the valley...best 4km ever..top speed was 88.2km/hr on the downhill, WOOHOO!!
In the end, although my legs were cramped and angry with me, I was proud that I pulled out a strong ride with the little training I had done for it.  I placed 3rd in my age category and I stayed the same amount of time behind SV as I was last year.  (SV suffered out there too with quad and hamstring cramps but managed to stay with a strong group and earned a 15min PB!)
This is us at the finish line where kidlets and friends were waiting, Happy to be done!

BB and SV's Excellent Adventure...Take 2

Bags are pack...I was able to pack lots into the panniers, learned that tip from my mom!!   

I'm excited to be headed east once again...I have been dreaming of those lobsters for a year now!!

We have no "plan" just taking it one day at a time...figuring it out as we go...seeing what we see and deciding what we want to do each day...I think we may try to hit Lake Placid again, SV is wanting to swim the Ironman course again, but this time I think we will rent some wetsuits....no way I could fit those bad boys in the panniers, lol.  I will update you from along the road and the camera is packed so I hope to share as much of the adventure as possible....Keep your fingers crossed that this year really is excellent...no fires this year!!

New Challenges!

I love how life can keep you on your toes and push you into new things, things that if given the chance you would talk yourself out of.  This past weekend I was able to witness several of my athletes throw a blanket over the voices...the ones that would tell them they were crazy or that they couldn't possibly finish an Olympic distance triathlon...they rose to the challenge and accomplished great things.  I get goosebumps thinking about how they faced the unknown distance and every single one of them crossed the finish line with a huge smile on their faces!  

So with all of them in mind,  I forced myself to click the "register" button for my first 70.3 race.  I had been "persuaded" by two lovely ladies to do my first Half Ironman distance race a couple of weeks back, however,  I wasn't sure if I really wanted to do it...I have done Ironman and Ultraman and I am quite comfortable at the Olympic distance these days....but after watching so many of my athletes face the unknown this weekend I knew that I had to follow their lead.  Time to step outside of comfortable and do something I haven't done before.  I have that nervous excitement, the  slight dread, the "what have I done" feeling, but at the same time I am pumped for a new challenge.   SV is going to be right there with me and it is great to know that we are going to go through this together.  Looking forward to long training days and of course beers at the end!  (SC and JC get your butts registered!!)

Mark D...completing his 1st Olympic (Type 1 Diabetic)

Ashley B. Rocking the run on her first Olympic Tri

Shane W. completing 1500m swim, 7.5 weeks after first swim ever

Janny V. completing her 1st Duathlon in 60-69 age cat.

UltraPossible Team that inspire me everyday!

Smiling

I can't believe it has been nearly two months since I posted on this site,  not because I haven't had anything to blog about, but because I haven't had a chance to sit down and collect my thoughts.  Life has been full speed ahead since May and in all honesty I am loving the whirl wind!  I took a huge leap at the beginning of May, making a goal a reality... UltraPossible is alive and growing (www.ultrapossible.ca). I have surrounded myself with some of the most amazing people and the energy that's been created is overwhelming.  I am excited to say along with Coach Brent and Coach Steve that we are putting together an amazing team and program.  We are helping our athletes reach their fitness goals and creating a fun environment for people to learn and excel.  I can't help but be pumped.  Nothing better than waking up each day loving what I do and looking forward to what is going to happen that day...yes I am busy and at times I forget what I walked into a room for, but I have to admit that I am loving it!
This past weekend I did my first tri of the 2012 season.  The Gravenhurst Tri is one of my favourites, from the steamship boat ride to the swim start, the beautiful bike course and the killer run. It is one that I love to do but always suffer on.  Once again, it was a steamy hot day and although there were a few things I could have done better, I am happy with how my race went.  I haven't been swimming nearly enough, but my swim time was around where it should be. I felt pretty good on the bike and although I could have been stronger, I am pleased with my ride. My run was a struggle for sure, as I think it was for everyone. That run course is a tough one---lots of hills on a road with many deer flies and lots of sun (very little shade out there).  It ended up being a 10km run where I bargained with my quads, trying to bribe them to not go into full blown cramp.  I never felt that I was running strong, just trying to get to the finish. (I was very surprised to see that I ran a 4:12/km pace).
I found myself smiling through the entire day...I was able to race with several of our athletes as they completed their first triathlons, longer distance or improved their times.  I was overwhelmed by how many of our athletes gave up a beautiful weekend to come down to the race site to volunteer and support their teammates and other athletes.  The energy the UP athletes gave out there was amazing and I am so proud to be part of it.
This pic is from race day...thanks Jo for making this for me and thanks to all my family, friends and athletes who are keeping a smile on my face!

Hi My Name is...

Barbi and I am an addict..not "that" kind of addict... I have a few things that I just can't seem to shake wanting (and not sure that I want to): these are all things that I love and can justify "needing" more of; shoes ("I don't have a pair with this heel, strap, colour"), Lululemon ("Perfect for teaching classes in") and pretty underwear (no justification...always needed and appreciated!)
My other addiction began at the age of 20...I remember phoning home and asking my mom if I could get my first tattoo, to which she replied "It's your body, do what you like"  What a great response.  To this day, I go back to that response whenever I am considering getting a new tattoo...it's my body, so why the heck not!
I know not everyone is a fan of tattoos and that is understandable...I love them and each one of my tattoos has a certain meaning to me. I don't regret any of them as they are all from different points in my life.  When asked what I will think of them when I am older, I am confident that I will still love them, besides  I doubt anyone is going to  look at me and say "she would be a hot 80+ year old if she didn't have all those tattoos, lol!)  If nothing else when I am older it will be a story for me to tell or good mental exercise as I try to remember when/where or why I got these tattoos!
In the past few years, SV and I have been adding to our "body" art...something else we love to do together!  There is something about hearing the tattoo gun that gets my pulse racing, making me feel giddy and thinking about where to put the next one.
 Recently we found ourselves a great tattooist, Alex Maddock (check out some of his work here: http://www.facebook.com/alex.maddock.9 or here http://www.facebook.com/thetattooshoppe).  Alex is a very talented artist and so attentive to detail.  I am a huge fan of his and am happy to have had 3 tattoos done by him in the past several months.  I love how I can mention what I am thinking to him and he will take it to a level above and beyond what I was thinking.   I had been considering a larger piece...most of my tattoos aren't really out there, you wouldn't know that I have 11 tattoos...I was nervous about whether or not I could "rock" the shoulder/arm look but Alex reassured me...brought my idea to life and after some nervous energy and 5 hours on his table...I now have a shoulder/arm tattoo that I am in love with!
Thanks SOOOO much Alex!! (Just hoping my mom isn't regretting her "It's your body" response!)

Ouch!

That is the best way to sum up my first race of the 2012 season!
SV and I headed to TO for the Sporting Life 10km Race...this has become one of my favourite races and we try to do it each year...although we did skip it last year to partake in some UFC fun.
I always love heading to the city and there is something so awesome about running down Younge St with only the sound of feet pounding on the pavement!
This year the race sold out, no race day entries allowed as they had reached their cap of 22,000...truly crazy to think that 22,000 people were all up bright and early to start a 10km race!
SV and I arrived early enough to check our bags and do a light warm up run...it was cool and rainy...perfect running conditions really.  We stood together at the start line, with friends Troy (who would end up 12th overall) and Doug (who finished 84th).  As we stood in the corral it was fun to try to see the entire crowd...so much nervous energy...but we weren't nervous...more dreading the amount of hurt we were about to inflict on ourselves!
SV and I are good running partners.. pretty evenly matched. We try to stick together for as long as we can, not holding each other back or waiting for the other... I think many couples enter races together and have the intention of running together but one partner is usually stronger than the other and at times feelings might get hurt if they are left behind...or so it always seems to go.  It's great to stand at the start line with my best friend and training partner...knowing that we are both trying to run our hardest, getting to the finish line strong, motivated to stay together but also knowing that one of us will be stronger, not being upset when one pulls ahead...instead of getting defeated or upset, we are able to use the others strength to keep pushing hard and find each other at the finish.  I love how we support each other!
We shared a quick kiss before the horn went off, wishing each other good luck and then we were running...the first 2km are chaotic...people everywhere, but we managed to stay side by side... then I realized SV wasn't beside me and that made me slightly nervous...the first 4 km is pretty much a downhill and SV runs quicker downhill than I do...maybe I was going a little too hard at the start...but I had stopped looking at my watch after I saw a 3:33 for the first km...I decided it was better not to look again lol!  I felt strong through the 5km point, pretty relaxed and comfortable...by 6km I was having some left quad pain...I didn't focus on it but by 7km I was thinking that if I backed off a little it wouldn't hurt as much and I would find SV and we could run through it together...I was pretty sure I was going to break 40 mins, which was the goal, so why not back off a little...again I didn't focus on that, split second to decide and then I picked someone ahead of me and focused on trying to close the gap between us.  I am happy to say that I felt I really "raced" this one..I normally start conservatively and don't try to out sprint anyone at the end...this year I was with 2 other girls and I did my best to sprint in those final meters to the finish line...I know it wasn't pretty but I was proud of myself for pushing hard from start to finish...and I was able to take a whopping 2 seconds off my time.  I had two men thank me for pushing them because they were just trying to hang with me....guess they didn't want to be beat by a girl in a pink skirt and arm warmers, lol!
SV came in less than 30 sec behind me...also having a really strong race (over 35 seconds faster than the previous time) despite the pain in his quad after an encounter with the neighbours wiener dog!  Both of us were happy with our efforts and how strong we felt!

I am pretty happy with the start to the season, I have never fancied myself a runner...just something I did while swimming...so I am pretty happy with my overall placing..I was 144th out of 21,723...14th women overall (of 12542) and 4th(of 1324)in my age category!  SV was 175 of 21,723...159th male (out of 9169) and he placed 15th out of 824 in his age category!

Training Camp...AZ Style!

I am in love with Tucson...this was our 3rd year heading down to train and it turned out to be a solid 9 days of fun/training.  Our friends Big Tom and Tracy came with us...Tom is going to Worlds this year too and was excited to get some training in...He and SV called us "Team RumRunners".
 I put together our training plan before we headed down...this way there couldn't be any changing the schedule when we were tired/sore (or had drank too much rum).  I am happy to say that we stuck to the plan...there was some grumbling, dragging of feet and "love/hate" relationship moments between the  3 athletes and the coach (including myself,  I found myself wondering what I had been thinking!,lol).
The weather was perfect...slightly warmer than other years and we took advantage of the sunny skies and hot temperatures.  Big Tom, SV and I all had one workout where we suffered but we supported each other through the low points and it ended up being a great team week...got all of us excited to travel together in October when we head to NZ!
This is the fourth time I have headed south in April to train and I love the fitness that I come home with...it  amazes me how strong I feel when I come home from a week of training outdoors...imagine how wonderful it would be to live in a place that training outdoors year round (in a comfortable climate) was a reality...hmmmm...maybe one day!
We racked up just over 22km in the pool, over 700km on the bike and 45km of running...Very happy with the way my body responded to the training camp, felt stronger each day despite the accumulating fatigue and soreness.  Had a couple of PB moments in workouts and other than my "girlie bits" not wanting to be on the bike another day I felt like I could have kept it going.  First race of the season is this Sunday, totally excited to be toeing the start line again and regardless of what the clock reads I am going to celebrate a great few weeks with some Eggs Benedict!!

 SV and I heading out for Ride #1

 Big Tom and Sv 

 SV and I...around mile 15 on Mt. Lemmon

 Big Tom and I after Gates Pass

SV and I getting ready to do speed work!

"Free to Fail"

"Free to Fail". I wrote those words once on a "psych up" banner in University.  Many of my teammates were upset by these words and wanted me to take them off....to write something different. Luckily I had two coaches that knew what I meant and encouraged me to "keep it up there".
I think too many people read these words...focus on the word "fail" and miss the meaning; If you are too afraid of failing you miss out on ever going after a goal. You end up doing nothing(these are the "I can't moments"..."I should have but").  Once you realize you have nothing to loose...nothing to be afraid of...when you are truly open to anything.... THAT'S the moment greatness happens.
I have used this quote many times in my life and before every race I have done as a triathlete. I am going to give my best because I'm "Free to Fail".  I don't think of what will happen if I don't do a specific time, or finish in the place I think I should.  I do this for fun.  I do this to be me and to experience some amazing places and races.  If things don't go perfectly, I don't consider it a failure.  If nothing else I learned something about myself..... met a new person, or have an entertaining story to share with friends/family after the fact.
This week I witnessed one of the athletes I coach have a "Free to Fail" moment.  Char called me over to tell me she had just registered for her first Olympic Triathlon race.  I was so proud and excited.  She asked me what the swim distance is for this race....she has just started working with me in the pool.  She is motivated and working hard towards her goal for sure.  At that moment of realizing it is a 1500m swim....500m longer than she is currently comfortable swimming..... she gave the perfect chuckle, smiled and got excited.  In that moment...the one where many would come up with an excuse, back out, or freak out...she focused on what she CAN do to make sure she is successful.  No other option....GREATNESS happened.

My Sister!

This Monday April 16, 2012 my big sis is running her first Boston Marathon...to say that I am proud of her is an understatement!  I wish that I could be with her in Boston to cheer her on and give her support as she competes in the famous marathon...but even though I can't be with her physically I will be sending her positive vibes all weekend and know that she is going to be great and have a wonderful experience.
Things with my sister, Kim, weren't always this way...we used to fight like cats and dogs...while doing the dishes no less (there may or may not have been an incident with a knife and a frying pan)...but over the years we have grown up and grown closer together...to the point that she is the closest person in my life. We are each others biggest fans and I know that she would be there in a heartbeat just as I would be for her!  I love her with all my heart and I am so proud that she is accomplishing such a great goal/dream.

Oh and Kim...one last thing....I thought maybe you could add a song to your playlist...the same song you played for me back in 1992...when you phoned to tell me you missed me...the song that brought us together and made us friends!  (click the link to watch/hear)
Love you!!

My Sister

Challenges.

 I find the sport of triathlon so amazing... many things  can occur that are outside of my control,  I have to take each day, each race, as an unique moment in time....sure it would be great to do this sport in a bubble, where every day/race the conditions (water, road, wind, stomach/body) are exactly the same...I guess that would be one way measure your improvement or skill.  However, I find the unknown is the part that gets the butterflies fluttering....that possibility that anything can happen and being excited about what challenges could be put in your way.  That unknown is what used to motivate me toward different race distances...could I do an Ironman?...could I really bike 180km and then run a marathon?  Could I go faster at the Ironman distance?  This uncertainty of what I could or could not accomplish is what led to registering for Ultraman...could I really compete over 3 days (10km swim, 419km biking and 84km of running)....it was probably the best and worst year of my life...the 6 months leading up to that event was a roller coaster, emotionally, physically and mentally...but through it all I kept Ultraman at the front of my mind...using it to help get me moving forward and knowing that even if I wasn't able to do everything that I had planned to do training wise, the fact that I wasn't giving up was just as valuable for my "training" as any long bike ride or run.  I went into that race under trained and not 100% ready compared to where I thought I would be when I registered the year before but I altered my plan...focused on breaking the swim record and just trying to get to the finish line...realizing that life had happened and rather than beat myself up for not doing everything that I had planned to do, I was happy with the fact that I had made it there and having the opportunity to make a dream a reality.  In the end it was one of my favourite race experiences of my life. I met some amazing/inspiring people and was able to spend 5 days with 3 of the best friends any girl could ever ask for.
I no longer have that need for the unknown in terms of distance...very happy knowing that I can/have done the Ironman/Ultraman distances, but now I like the challenge of finding out how hard I can push myself...the uncertainty of knowing if I can push myself to the point  that my lungs feel they are going to burst...trying to find another gear/speed and pushing myself to the point that it hurts like hell and holding on, not giving up regardless of what challenges come along the way.
So even though I no longer do the "ultra" distance events, I continue to focus on reaching my goals knowing that anything is possible and even if something unexpected happens,  all I have to do is adjust, modify my training and realize that it is an opportunity to improve in other areas, an opportunity to push myself in a way I may have overlooked  All of this has been helping me this last week as I have been faced with the challenge of my body protesting when I pushed too hard...I have adjusted my training and have given my body the rest that it was demanding and even better than that, I didn't beat myself up for missing workouts or get stressed that race season is quickly approaching...I have been looking at this as just another challenge...one to overcome and more importantly to not give up.

24 Hour Relay

24 Hour Relay...Kids vs. Masters.... an interesting idea and fundraiser.  This past weekend the MUSAC swim club tried to race each other around Lake Muskoka...which by bike is a great ride!

Our masters team started out with 6 of us hitting the pool against the 23 youngsters...the youngsters quickly took the lead...but we noticed that they were all excited and playing around in the pool...while we rested between our legs... man some of those youngsters had staying power...one particular little guy (8 years old) was still up and playing around in the water at 1am and back at it at 6am!!

In the end, our Masters team had 17 people participate in the 24 hour time period, with 5 of us staying the entire 24 hour time period.  I swam 11.5km in the 24 hour time period (doing 200-1500m at a time depending on the time and number of people).  First time in my life that I have ever swam 1500m at 3am....the Masters team chipped away at the distance, in the end we completed 83km around Lake Muskoka, pretty impressive and even better because we crushed the youngsters, much to their disbelief!  I am almost back to normal after spending 24 hours on the pool deck and we are already strategizing for next years 24 hour relay!

Lake Muskoka--Masters (black) Kids (red) 

Just a little tired and dreading going back in the water..(20 hours done)

I LOVE my bike!

I was able to get out and ride this week...last day of winter SV and I did our first outdoor ride of 2012...such a great treat, especially when our first outdoor ride of 2011 was on April 9th...crazy to have such amazing weather in Muskoka at this time of year!  

It was awesome to come back from CA and get out and ride! I have done 3 rides so far,  today we were able to get in 90km and other than some sore bits, my legs felt good...really good...the winter trainer riding must be paying off.  I know it is still early and we are going to get some more unpleasant weather, but I am going to take advantage of every moment I have to spend some quality time with my bike and love the fact that I was able to wear shorts/jerseys in March!

My favourite view!

 Smile says it all...Love being on 2 wheels!

 Drafting SV

Shorts and Snow....Awesome!

Swim and Run (wishing we could bike!)

Day 4 in Laguna Beach...we have been enjoying some gorgeous weather and some amazing food.  The kidlets are loving the area and we have been keeping busy every day!
SV and I have hit up the Laguna Beach High School Pool and have done some great runs...after running here for  9 days, I am going to be strong on hills...or dead...one of the two!  Lots of cyclists out riding, it would be a fabulous area to ride (maybe one day)

Little Voices

It seems that spring is slowly arriving... We had 2 days of bitter cold followed by a sunny gorgeous day that lifted spirits. I love this time of year, everything is beginning to wake up and come alive. I am excited for training, awaiting that first outdoor ride, running outside in shorts and being able to sit on a deck and enjoy a morning coffee or an evening glass of wine!
Race season is quickly approaching and the warmer temperatures help get my butt in motion, knowing that each day is one day closer to a starting line.  I'm excited to race again this spring/summer...my 2011 season was pretty light, but it is looking like this summer is going to be a busier one...which excites me but  also causes the little voice deep inside to say "Oh crap"...that little part of me that dreads the hurting, the part that doesn't want to do the hill repeats/ speed work, go on the fast pace times for the swim workouts or do the killer brick workout that SV loves to do.  That is the part that makes those tough workouts even more challenging, a constant struggle with my mind to keep my body moving and to move harder/stronger/faster!  Luckily, I am more stubborn then that little voice in my head...I don't give up easily and I love to make myself hurt....I find comfort in putting on my "good" workout gear, putting on my socks and shoes (left foot first of course!) and blasting my angry music to help block that little voice...that voice  doesn't stand a chance with the likes of Rage Against the Machine, Nine Inch Nails, Korn, Godsmack, Nirvana and Foo Fighters!
So while we wait for the warm weather to finally stick at home, we are off for a week to the Golden State, a great hilly area, which means we are in for some killer runs and some great outdoor swimming....all my good workout gear is packed, angry music at the ready because although we are there to have some fun with the kids and have a fun vacation...it wouldn't be a great vacation if SV and I didn't kick our own asses with some insane workouts and I am hoping that the beautiful scenery and pounding surf can help quiet that little voice while my lungs threaten to burst!

Suffering

Legs burning, lungs ready to burst...contents in your stomach dangerously close to staining your shoes...This week SV and I brought the speed/threshold/hill workouts back into our program... those workouts that you hate with a passion while doing them, but  end up calling a "great" workout  a few hours after they are over!

We are beginning to think about the upcoming race season and which races we want to toe the line at, other than Worlds of course... and what better way to get motivated than to kick our own asses on the trainer and treadmill....suffering together is what helps get me through these tough ones!