Well Happy Late New Year!!
All the holidays had past since my Half Iron Distance Tri in November which basically meant little to no training. After Christmas I started back running a little in preparation for the Half Marathon in Houston January 17th. I had taken off after Christmas till January 5th to be with family.
The brother and Sister and their families all met up in East Texas for a late Christmas with our mother who has been in a nursing home since 2005. We all got to see her January 30th for a little late Christmas. Mother didn't look that great but we still all enjoyed the visit. The following day we all said our good bye's.
I got back to work on the 5th then got a call that mother was rushed back to the hospital and wasn't doing well. My sister, brother and I talked the next couple of days on what was best for our mother. That Thursday I made the trip back up there to be with them and the decision was made to move mother back to the nursing home under the care of Hospice. Friday she was moved into a nice larger room where the family could spend time with her. The following Monday evening Jan. 11th our mother past away peacefully in her sleep.
We spent the next few days making arrangements then having the funeral Friday the 15th. It was about that time that someone mentioned to me "don't you have a half marathon coming up"? I said yes it is Sunday. The question was asked "are you still going to run" I responded "Yes in memory of mother".
Well I did just that and one of the sweetest moments during the run that Sunday January 17th morning was when I was approaching another lady running who had a bib on her back. It read "Running in memory of ****** born xx-xx-xxxx past January 11, 2010." As I read it my eyes teared up. As I got next to the lady I patted her on the back and gave her my condolences then said, "I lost my mother the same day and I am running for her" We both had tears in our eyes then we went on our way.
I knew I wasn't going to set any personal best but I did know what I had ran in 2009 and that is what I had my eye set on. The weather was perfect and the crowds and volunteers were amazing.
I did finish the event and I did finish 2 minutes faster than 2009. I try to keep a possitive outlook in life and I understand while there are days that may seem like they couldn't get any worse there is always something good. Like our mother, yes it was a sad day for all of us, but it was a great day for her since she was no longer in pain or suffering! It is those types of thoughts that keep me going whether I am swimming, biking, or running.
January has come and gone. I getting back into my routine with my nutrition and exercising.
I look forward to more events in my near future!
Until then,
Keep TRI'ing
Monday, February 8, 2010
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Little Bummed
Well my first Half Iron distance triathlon has come and gone, even knowing how good it felt to finish and knowing I finished under the cut off time apparently the event time keepers lost my time or it didn't register?? I emailed the RD but never heard anything back. There were others who came in after me and their time was posted so I don't know what happened. Nevertheless I know how I did and am proud of the accomplishment.
Now that Tri season is over for the year I am now focused on my running. I took a couple weeks off and just did a little gym time. Now I have to really push and get my butt in gear.
This year has flown by and now time to prepare for next year. January Half Marathon in Houston with hopes to enter the Half Ironman in Galveston in April (I think)
Now that Tri season is over for the year I am now focused on my running. I took a couple weeks off and just did a little gym time. Now I have to really push and get my butt in gear.
This year has flown by and now time to prepare for next year. January Half Marathon in Houston with hopes to enter the Half Ironman in Galveston in April (I think)
Monday, November 9, 2009
My First Half Ironman
My First Half Ironman
Iron star Ironman 70.3
November 8, 2009
My day started at 4 AM, got up and had toasted a bagel with peanut butter and small glass of milk. I had packed up everything the night before. Finished my breakfast, showered put on sun screen then was off to Lake Conroe. Got to the parking area topped off the air in my tires and walked the half mile to body marking. Get this!! While standing there getting my marked I got nailed in the back by a canoe, yep you heard me right. Apparently one of the shuttle golf cars was coming through and the guy on the back was holding a canoe and the driver wasn’t paying attention. I was ok, just scared the poo out of me. Got marked then went to set up transition. I racked my bike and lay all my stuff out on a towel (believe it or not I didn’t forget anything), I proceeded to the tent to get my timing chip. Then back to transition to get ready. About 20 minute till start I put on my wetsuit then headed down to the swim start. When I got there I ran into a friend, we chatted a minute then wished her luck and got in the water for a quick warm up.
The Swim 1.2 miles in Lake Conroe:
The first wave began with the ladies 34 & Under, then it was my group. We started 5 minutes after. This was my first time to swim in a wet suit and I have to say it makes a world of difference. The swim went well, I am no speedster but I had a good solid pace and was happy with the swim. Coming out of the water the volunteers were helping and they said something about watch for the brick, well when I looked down I busted apparently didn’t realize my equilibrium was jacked up and I fell down. Kind of funny, I think I said something like “I sure hope they don’t have that on film”. I started pulling my wet suit off and then the volunteer “strippers” (wet suit strippers) pulled it the rest of the way off. I made my way to transition where I saw Diane, Valerie, Joe and Austin. Then I heard someone yell at me and I looked over and it was my buddy Teresa and her husband Scott. I really appreciate them taking time to come out.
T-1 Transition: Transition went well for me, was a little unstable from the swim but managed to get everything and get out on the bike.
The Bike course 56 miles:
Started off pretty good, a lot more hills than I have experienced before but made it to the half way point in decent time. I believe it was about mile 32 or so when I was riding and thinking, thinking about my family. Thought about our Dad and baby sister who had past in 2007, thought about my family and friends who were back at the start waiting on and then my eyes just filled with tears thinking that my middle girl wasn’t there. I miss her so much. It was a nice moment out on the open road, but I had to keep pushing. At mile 37 I met my match, this hill was brutal. I made it up about half way and just had to walk the rest of the way up the hill. I was passed by a young lady, she made a comment going by like “good job” or something like that which I heard often. We played leap frog for a few miles then crossed a railroad track which was rough, lost one of my water bottles, she made said wow that was an experience, then we chatted for a few about this being both or our first Half Iron and how we were just trying to enjoy the experience. Eventually we parted ways and then I remembered someone in transition earlier in the morning mention that the last part of the bike course was the worst. About 5-6 miles from the finish we hit two more big hills. I was able to make them then it was mostly down hill or flat to the finish. It was nice seeing the family and friends again, dismounted my bike and walked into transition.
T-2 Transition:
Changed socks and shoes had a pack of Gu and filled up my water bottle and proceeded to the run portion.
The run course 13.1 miles:
Started slow with a walk / run plan, mile 2'ish on the main road I was running and heard someone call out my name driving by, looked over, it was one of my friends from work. I continued on and around mile 3 I got the worst cramps in my quads, started walking again to work them out, then proceeded with walk / run. While walking I could feel what felt like blisters forming on the balls of my feet, but it didn’t hurt when I ran, problem though was when I ran I kept getting cramps, but I kept pushing. Around mile 6-1/2 a friend from work who was participating caught me, turned out she had 2 flat tires but was still doing outstanding considering. We chatted a little bit then started running until I got cramps at which point I wished her luck and she moved on. The rest of my run was about the same. Walk / Run / Walk / Run. I knew based on my goal what time I had to finish each portion. I had a good idea that I accomplished both the swim and the bike within the goal so I had to complete the run course within 3 hours. As I winded my way through the neighborhood finishing up the course and I could hear the announcer. I knew my time was close, I knew I needed to step it up. As I exited the neighborhood I heard the announcer thank everyone for coming out. I thought NO WAY, I missed it. The volunteers kept yelling go, you got it, doing great, almost there. Then I saw everyone there to see me, cheering me on, I gave a couple high fives as I went by then I saw the clock. It was 7 hours 58 minutes so I pushed myself and as I got into the chute the announcer called my number and said “you made it”. They took my timing chip, I bent over, eyes filled up with tears of enjoyment. I did it. I finished my first Half Ironman within the time limit. This was an experience of a lifetime.
Until next time keep TRI-ing.
Iron star Ironman 70.3
November 8, 2009
My day started at 4 AM, got up and had toasted a bagel with peanut butter and small glass of milk. I had packed up everything the night before. Finished my breakfast, showered put on sun screen then was off to Lake Conroe. Got to the parking area topped off the air in my tires and walked the half mile to body marking. Get this!! While standing there getting my marked I got nailed in the back by a canoe, yep you heard me right. Apparently one of the shuttle golf cars was coming through and the guy on the back was holding a canoe and the driver wasn’t paying attention. I was ok, just scared the poo out of me. Got marked then went to set up transition. I racked my bike and lay all my stuff out on a towel (believe it or not I didn’t forget anything), I proceeded to the tent to get my timing chip. Then back to transition to get ready. About 20 minute till start I put on my wetsuit then headed down to the swim start. When I got there I ran into a friend, we chatted a minute then wished her luck and got in the water for a quick warm up.
The Swim 1.2 miles in Lake Conroe:
The first wave began with the ladies 34 & Under, then it was my group. We started 5 minutes after. This was my first time to swim in a wet suit and I have to say it makes a world of difference. The swim went well, I am no speedster but I had a good solid pace and was happy with the swim. Coming out of the water the volunteers were helping and they said something about watch for the brick, well when I looked down I busted apparently didn’t realize my equilibrium was jacked up and I fell down. Kind of funny, I think I said something like “I sure hope they don’t have that on film”. I started pulling my wet suit off and then the volunteer “strippers” (wet suit strippers) pulled it the rest of the way off. I made my way to transition where I saw Diane, Valerie, Joe and Austin. Then I heard someone yell at me and I looked over and it was my buddy Teresa and her husband Scott. I really appreciate them taking time to come out.
T-1 Transition: Transition went well for me, was a little unstable from the swim but managed to get everything and get out on the bike.
The Bike course 56 miles:
Started off pretty good, a lot more hills than I have experienced before but made it to the half way point in decent time. I believe it was about mile 32 or so when I was riding and thinking, thinking about my family. Thought about our Dad and baby sister who had past in 2007, thought about my family and friends who were back at the start waiting on and then my eyes just filled with tears thinking that my middle girl wasn’t there. I miss her so much. It was a nice moment out on the open road, but I had to keep pushing. At mile 37 I met my match, this hill was brutal. I made it up about half way and just had to walk the rest of the way up the hill. I was passed by a young lady, she made a comment going by like “good job” or something like that which I heard often. We played leap frog for a few miles then crossed a railroad track which was rough, lost one of my water bottles, she made said wow that was an experience, then we chatted for a few about this being both or our first Half Iron and how we were just trying to enjoy the experience. Eventually we parted ways and then I remembered someone in transition earlier in the morning mention that the last part of the bike course was the worst. About 5-6 miles from the finish we hit two more big hills. I was able to make them then it was mostly down hill or flat to the finish. It was nice seeing the family and friends again, dismounted my bike and walked into transition.
T-2 Transition:
Changed socks and shoes had a pack of Gu and filled up my water bottle and proceeded to the run portion.
The run course 13.1 miles:
Started slow with a walk / run plan, mile 2'ish on the main road I was running and heard someone call out my name driving by, looked over, it was one of my friends from work. I continued on and around mile 3 I got the worst cramps in my quads, started walking again to work them out, then proceeded with walk / run. While walking I could feel what felt like blisters forming on the balls of my feet, but it didn’t hurt when I ran, problem though was when I ran I kept getting cramps, but I kept pushing. Around mile 6-1/2 a friend from work who was participating caught me, turned out she had 2 flat tires but was still doing outstanding considering. We chatted a little bit then started running until I got cramps at which point I wished her luck and she moved on. The rest of my run was about the same. Walk / Run / Walk / Run. I knew based on my goal what time I had to finish each portion. I had a good idea that I accomplished both the swim and the bike within the goal so I had to complete the run course within 3 hours. As I winded my way through the neighborhood finishing up the course and I could hear the announcer. I knew my time was close, I knew I needed to step it up. As I exited the neighborhood I heard the announcer thank everyone for coming out. I thought NO WAY, I missed it. The volunteers kept yelling go, you got it, doing great, almost there. Then I saw everyone there to see me, cheering me on, I gave a couple high fives as I went by then I saw the clock. It was 7 hours 58 minutes so I pushed myself and as I got into the chute the announcer called my number and said “you made it”. They took my timing chip, I bent over, eyes filled up with tears of enjoyment. I did it. I finished my first Half Ironman within the time limit. This was an experience of a lifetime.
Until next time keep TRI-ing.
Monday, November 2, 2009
What got me started....
I think as with most people, when you reach certain stages in life you do different things for yourself. Some buy a motorcycle, some buy sports cars, etc. Well for me I was turning 40 in 2007. Not a real big deal to me other than just another number, I mean I don't let it bother me like some people do. Well the year 2007 wasn't such a great year for me, just coming off a divorce in 2006 and back to living the life of a single dad, staying busy at work, I was going going going all the time.
I have always struggled I guess with weight throughout my life. Not to extreme but always hefty. I think my highest weight was somewhere around 240-250 at 5'9" that put me in the obese area.
Anyways, back to what got me started. In 2007 I was about 240# and couldn't run a 1/4 mile to save my life. January 2007 we lost our sister, she was 34, very overweight and had lots of medical problems. 3 months later our father passed away, he had many medical problems from COPD to Heart disease. Our mother and father both went into a nursing home right after Hurricane Rita.
So as I said 2007 wasn't the best of years, so after our father passed I started thinking about myself, my children, my health and started going back to the gym and working on eating better. I started walking, then walk/running short distances. An employee of mine talked me into doing the Houston Aramco Half Marathon. I figured what the hell so I signed up. I kept training more or less off and on, then they had the Kick off Party and 5K. This was the first 5K I had ran in 20 years. It didn't take me long to find out I wasn't near ready for the Half Marathon. I did finish it in 32'ish minutes.
I did have a blast which gave me a taste of running events. So I started stepping up my training. Continued to eat right and also lost weight.
I have completed numerous 5K's, few 10K's, two half marathons, few sprint triathlons and I love it. When the opportunity to sign up for the Half Ironman came around I jumped on it. I will be doing the Ironstar Ironman 70.3 this coming weekend Nov. 8th
As the title of the blog reads "Tri4Me", I do this for me, I chose to start these things to better my health, I compete only against myself. I love the environment of running and multisport events. Probably one of the best parts about it to me anyways is "EVERYTHING" is possitive. Whether you are first, last, skinny, fat, ripped or just mediocre, the people that surround these events motivate you, inspire you, support you. Volunteers are amazing, spectators are amazing. It gives me chills just thinking about it.
I enjoy doing these things for myself and if it helps me to be healthier for my family and gives me the feelings of accomplishent then I am happy.
I have always struggled I guess with weight throughout my life. Not to extreme but always hefty. I think my highest weight was somewhere around 240-250 at 5'9" that put me in the obese area.
Anyways, back to what got me started. In 2007 I was about 240# and couldn't run a 1/4 mile to save my life. January 2007 we lost our sister, she was 34, very overweight and had lots of medical problems. 3 months later our father passed away, he had many medical problems from COPD to Heart disease. Our mother and father both went into a nursing home right after Hurricane Rita.
So as I said 2007 wasn't the best of years, so after our father passed I started thinking about myself, my children, my health and started going back to the gym and working on eating better. I started walking, then walk/running short distances. An employee of mine talked me into doing the Houston Aramco Half Marathon. I figured what the hell so I signed up. I kept training more or less off and on, then they had the Kick off Party and 5K. This was the first 5K I had ran in 20 years. It didn't take me long to find out I wasn't near ready for the Half Marathon. I did finish it in 32'ish minutes.
I did have a blast which gave me a taste of running events. So I started stepping up my training. Continued to eat right and also lost weight.
I have completed numerous 5K's, few 10K's, two half marathons, few sprint triathlons and I love it. When the opportunity to sign up for the Half Ironman came around I jumped on it. I will be doing the Ironstar Ironman 70.3 this coming weekend Nov. 8th
As the title of the blog reads "Tri4Me", I do this for me, I chose to start these things to better my health, I compete only against myself. I love the environment of running and multisport events. Probably one of the best parts about it to me anyways is "EVERYTHING" is possitive. Whether you are first, last, skinny, fat, ripped or just mediocre, the people that surround these events motivate you, inspire you, support you. Volunteers are amazing, spectators are amazing. It gives me chills just thinking about it.
I enjoy doing these things for myself and if it helps me to be healthier for my family and gives me the feelings of accomplishent then I am happy.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
My First Blog
Well this is my first blog. I wanted to create this not only to share/track my experiences in my (mid-life crisis) events but also hopefully gain words of encouragement and support from the multisport world.
I am no writer so you may have to just read between the lines sometimes...
Sooooo..... Here we go.
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