Having just read my blog, I realized, "Dang, it's been some time since I have posted!" Since I have last posted I have gotten a new job (career, actually), had my heart broken (again--no surprise there), completed my second marathon (exactly 6 months to the T after my first one on October 11th 2009), and did St. Anthony's for a second time in Florida. The past six months (It's freakin' June already!) have gone by quickly, but boy, they have been a great six months.
After I completed and PR-ed the EXTREMELY hilly St. Louis marathon in 4:32 on an 80 degree sunny Sunday on April 11th, I knew I wanted to tackle my first ultramarathon in October, and of course Racine, my first half-ironman was ahead of me as well on July 18th. The St. Louis marathon hurt. like. hell (it's supposed to, right?). I literally could not walk for the next three days, and my back went out a full week later. Ouch. I loved it though. I left every dang thing I had in my legs, heart, and soul out on those 26.2 grueling miles. I cried crossing the finish line, of pain and happiness and joy. I wanted more.
I took a whopping 2 weeks off before racing an Oly in St. Petersburg Florida with TNT. Having lost my timing chip, the swim was shortened, and having been a mentor with 8 mentees/newbies on the course, I committed myself to having fun and helping others enjoy his/her very first triathlon. I helped a fallen biker, and ran in an injured teammate, and walked with and encouraged several others along the way. I never had more fun at a race.
I returned from Florida with Racine looming in my somewhat near future. The struggle to find a plan that now fit into my what comes first now career at Planned Parenthood and my waning social life became overwhelming. I spent an entire weekend crying and debating...Do I want to do Racine? Do I have to do it? Do I want it bad enough? I had to sit and remember that I have been moving, training, racing, on a schedule for now three consecutive seasons with NO off season due to the timing of St. Anthony's (training starts in December...my season ends in October--whooppeee). Since I started racing, I went through ending a three year relationship with someone I thought I would marry, I finished a Master's Degree, moved into my own place,went through another 9 month horrible relationship/breakup, and started a new job. After a long weekend of debating--I gave in--I would do Racine--I felt I had to. Of course I am going to do Racine--it's the next step...it's the next progression in my triathlon career. The next three weeks I spent training. I started liking my trainer, but started to hate swimming, and loved running even more. One night grilling and talking with my good friend Rob, and that was it...I realized BOOM...I do not want Racine. I don't want anything to do with it. It was a crash of a moment. I had spent 72 hours on the phone and in person with friends weeks before debating...but nope...not this time. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I don't want to do a half-ironman. Who cares if I don't do one? I certainly don't So it's not in the cards right now for me--SO WHAT. I look at Achilles, and I sneer, and I stuff my chlorinated bathing suit into my drawer. I will come back next year for sure. But for now, I want to run. My heart (and feet) belong running marathons and ultras.
Since making that decision, I looked up my plan for my first ultramarathon. It doesn't start until August 2nd. In the mean time, I am following a marathon training plan until the plan starts, and signed up for Pilates reformer classes--something I have always wanted to try. I am focusing on strengthening my core, strength training, and focusing on a goal to hopefully qualify for Boston over the next 2 years. I found balance and peace, and my love for running. I recently joined DePaul's gym again (thanks alum discount!), and it's funny...that is where it all started. I am running on the same treadmills in which I was only able to run for 7 minutes (SEVEN) 3 years ago, and now I am running 7 minutes x 47. Crazy.
I am now in a job I absolutely love at Planned Parenthood, and have free time for dates (this has been admittedly fun), friends, quiet time, and an extra flow of cash 2 days a week as a hostess at a little Scottish pub in the city. I have found myself at Millennium Park enjoying the free music, at art fests and street festivals, and realizing all that I have been missing here during my busy summers training. I have always hearted Chicago, but now I am really finding out why, AND I am still training, and finally balanced and happy.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Looking Back
Most people say, and I would have to agree, to not look back unless you want to go that way. Today, I broke that rule, and I think we all need to. Let me explain.
I was on the bus (yes...the bus seems to be somewhat of an inspirational place for me these days) looking out at the lake, the sun, and the ice glimmering off of the water, I began to reflect back to June, July, and August, when I was marathon training. I began to think about all of my friends who had an amazing race year last year. Some of us took on our first ultra marathon, some of us took on the race of all races--Ironman, some of us signed up for Ironman, and some of us took on marathons for the first time, and some of us took on triathlons for the first time. It was a great year. Now some of us are battling injuries, either as a result from an amazing 2009, some of them new, caused from the beginning of an early season, and we are forced to sit on the sidelines. The key word is sit. We (and I) hate to sit, hate to hear "You cannot." If you know me well enough, if you tell me not to, I will. I am one determined woman (or stubborn--call it what you will ;) ), and sometimes it's not a good trait, and I sense many of my good racing friends are just like me. Not being able to run right now due to an ankle injury is torture to me, and all I want to do is keep pushing the date up to when I can run.
When I was reflecting this morning, I suddenly remembered to remember, closed my eyes and did just that. I took myself back to the warm summer mornings when I would hit the pavement with some of my Element friends, I remembered the runs when it was just Jeremy and I--me constantly asking "what neighborhood are we in now?", I remembered the multiple 5am weekday runs Jessica Katz and I went on, and I recalled the amazing, crying-like-a-child-because-I-was-so-happy 20 miler I completed, right on my marathon goal time in August. I remember the laughs, the tears, the sweat, the joy of getting up and just going it all alone--my favorite times of running-- of just letting my mind wander for hours and hours as the power of my own body and my own will pushed me forward. I remembered the countless miles I put in for months, fighting the equally as countless excuses as to why I don't want to run, but still did.
I remembered waking up before the sun, but getting outside just when the sun was rising against the skyline and the lake and reminding myself "this is why I do this, and this is why I am so lucky." I remembered coming home from my runs, feeling this immense sense of accomplishment and pride, no matter how trashed my legs were. I remembered running through the times when I thought I couldn't go any further, and I remembered the runs when I was forced to walk, but knew that the next day was a new day. I remembered turning the last corner before the finish line of the Chicago marathon, and thinking "Oh. My. God. I did it. I am here. 26.2 miles later." And cried.
I remembered just how amazing I am.
I know many of us are still recovering, whether it's from injury or from a successful and hard season. I know it's easy to get caught up in the moment, of right now, of wondering "how am I going to reach the next goal?" Do yourself a favor. Remember. We seem to forget so easily where we have been, and what the experience has done for us, and how much we have accomplished. Take a few moments, close your eyes, and take yourself back to the days of training, of working towards your goal. Remember the journey, the sacrafices (oh there are so many...), the sweat, the time spent in your running shoes, on your bike, and in the pool, and remember how much that all paid off in the end. I know as endurance athletes we are constantly moving, constantly training for something, and constantly have a goal to work towards, causing us to lose sight of what really matters--what got us where we are, what got us to the point of being able to do any of this. Just take a moment, relax, sit (yes, I said it), and reflect, because you know what:
You are damn amazing and awesome and extraordinary.
I was on the bus (yes...the bus seems to be somewhat of an inspirational place for me these days) looking out at the lake, the sun, and the ice glimmering off of the water, I began to reflect back to June, July, and August, when I was marathon training. I began to think about all of my friends who had an amazing race year last year. Some of us took on our first ultra marathon, some of us took on the race of all races--Ironman, some of us signed up for Ironman, and some of us took on marathons for the first time, and some of us took on triathlons for the first time. It was a great year. Now some of us are battling injuries, either as a result from an amazing 2009, some of them new, caused from the beginning of an early season, and we are forced to sit on the sidelines. The key word is sit. We (and I) hate to sit, hate to hear "You cannot." If you know me well enough, if you tell me not to, I will. I am one determined woman (or stubborn--call it what you will ;) ), and sometimes it's not a good trait, and I sense many of my good racing friends are just like me. Not being able to run right now due to an ankle injury is torture to me, and all I want to do is keep pushing the date up to when I can run.
When I was reflecting this morning, I suddenly remembered to remember, closed my eyes and did just that. I took myself back to the warm summer mornings when I would hit the pavement with some of my Element friends, I remembered the runs when it was just Jeremy and I--me constantly asking "what neighborhood are we in now?", I remembered the multiple 5am weekday runs Jessica Katz and I went on, and I recalled the amazing, crying-like-a-child-because-I-was-so-happy 20 miler I completed, right on my marathon goal time in August. I remember the laughs, the tears, the sweat, the joy of getting up and just going it all alone--my favorite times of running-- of just letting my mind wander for hours and hours as the power of my own body and my own will pushed me forward. I remembered the countless miles I put in for months, fighting the equally as countless excuses as to why I don't want to run, but still did.
I remembered waking up before the sun, but getting outside just when the sun was rising against the skyline and the lake and reminding myself "this is why I do this, and this is why I am so lucky." I remembered coming home from my runs, feeling this immense sense of accomplishment and pride, no matter how trashed my legs were. I remembered running through the times when I thought I couldn't go any further, and I remembered the runs when I was forced to walk, but knew that the next day was a new day. I remembered turning the last corner before the finish line of the Chicago marathon, and thinking "Oh. My. God. I did it. I am here. 26.2 miles later." And cried.
I remembered just how amazing I am.
I know many of us are still recovering, whether it's from injury or from a successful and hard season. I know it's easy to get caught up in the moment, of right now, of wondering "how am I going to reach the next goal?" Do yourself a favor. Remember. We seem to forget so easily where we have been, and what the experience has done for us, and how much we have accomplished. Take a few moments, close your eyes, and take yourself back to the days of training, of working towards your goal. Remember the journey, the sacrafices (oh there are so many...), the sweat, the time spent in your running shoes, on your bike, and in the pool, and remember how much that all paid off in the end. I know as endurance athletes we are constantly moving, constantly training for something, and constantly have a goal to work towards, causing us to lose sight of what really matters--what got us where we are, what got us to the point of being able to do any of this. Just take a moment, relax, sit (yes, I said it), and reflect, because you know what:
You are damn amazing and awesome and extraordinary.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Injury (ies) (ies)
It's been quite sometime since I have posted, and I actually have some down time, so what better way to use it than to post about injuries. Hmmppph. I recently found my happy place with marathons this past fall, however, they do not like me...yet.
Let's go back to the fall of 2009. The marathon was the ONE race I told myself I would NEVER EVER do. Having been a smoker for 10 years (and having quit 2 years and 26 days ago :) ), and I absolutely hated running, why would I want to run 26.2 miles? In 2009, I knew that I had to face the race in order to personally feel prepped for my IM in 2011 (next year...EEEEPPP!). While I won't drag you through the upper teen runs I did every week, I will tell you I absolutely fell in love with running. Getting up at 5:00am (and sometimes 4:30am) to run along the Chicago lakefront in the summer was an amazing experience, and always a great way to start my day. I was doing great...I was biking and swimming as well since I was training for the afore mentioned Chicago Tri. I think the cross training really helped keep me injury free. I was no longer cross training after the Chicago Tri, and like clock work, on September 18th, 4 weeks from the marathon, I ended up injured. Very injured.
I ended up with plantar fasciatis in my right foot, and also had patella tendonitis, achilles tendonitis, and EXTREME calf tendonitis in my left leg (It took Pierre my massage therapist--yes that is his real name--40 minutes just to soften the fascia in my calf). I received Astym 4 times (google it if you don't know what it is--I LOVE it, and it hurts SO good...), sonic therapy and massages several times, and attended PT like I was the one getting paid to attend. I was NOT missing this marathon, and I was NOT missing my 4:30 goal time. Luckily I was never told not to run, but to take it easy.
Race day came, and believe it or not, ran completely pain free...except for a nagging blister on my pinkie toe at mile 23. Ouch. And let me tell you...that built up my mental 6-pack. I ran through the pain, crossed the finish line alone, and cried tears of joy alone. The Chicago marathon was handsdown the best, most amazing race I have ever done. The crowd was heart touching and wonderful. I saw my mom at mile 25, and I couldn't have been happier to see her pom poms and her camera, and feel her hugging me at my charity tent, crying tears of joy that her "baby actually did it." I am usually a music person--I love music--when I at home, reading, etc., music touches my soul. I listened to my iPod for a total of 20 minutes during the race; otherwise I just took all of the magic in. And that's what it was. Magic. My grandma was attached to me the entire time in a photo of her and I...she is how I got through the race. I still have that pin in my house on my shelf, to remind me everyday how very much I miss her, and how I was able to put my heart and soul into something and accomplish it. I am sure this is a reminder that will be needed for my first HIM (this year) and IM.
I finished the marathon in 4:39...9 minutes slower than what I wanted. Amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better race. So I signed up for St. Louis. It takes place EXACTLY 6 months after the Chicago marathon, on April 11th 2010. To many I am crazy and an idiot. To me, I am again injured, and of course thinking I am crazy and somewhat of an idiot.
I went to the doctor last week and she told me I need to lay off of running for 1-1.5 months due to ankle tendonitis in my right foot. To anyone who is a seasoned runner, this is HORRIBLE news. I LOVE to run. It's my release after a bad day, it's my emotional escape, it's my escape from reality, it's what I do 3-4 days a week. It's what I do for 30-40 miles/week. I am currently debating on whether or not I want to carry through with the STL marathon. 3 months after STL, I have my first HIM--my longest and most awesome(est) race thus far. 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.2 mile run. Wala.
I planned on running the STL marathon in 4:15...a PR of 25 minutes. My eventual goal is to qualify for Boston. I was on track for my time, doing 2 speed workouts a week (Max threshold half-mile repeats and Yasso 800s, and long runs at race pace - 5 seconds. As soon as I took myself to the pavement for my 14 mile run on a balmy and foggy 35 degree Sunday, my ankle decided it had a enough, and I was at my PT's office again last Thursday.
I cannot help to wonder, will the injuries ever cease? Before the Chicago marathon injury, I suffered IT band syndrome before my first tri in 2007, in my left leg. I know, and I have been told, my left hip bone is higher than my right, which will cause multiple problems (and obviously is). I have spent thousands of dollars to help "fix" me, and to help condition myself for what I consider to be my hobby, my life--racing. I get upset to think I will constantly have to battle some type of injury any time I wish to run a marathon or train for long distances, but I guess I should remind myself what I do is NOT normal.
I have never ever had to back out of a race due to an injury, so the next few weeks will be crucial, emotional, and definitely difficult. However, to quote Dean Karnazes, there is a magic in the misery. Just knowing I can do it may have to be enough. Just this once.
Let's go back to the fall of 2009. The marathon was the ONE race I told myself I would NEVER EVER do. Having been a smoker for 10 years (and having quit 2 years and 26 days ago :) ), and I absolutely hated running, why would I want to run 26.2 miles? In 2009, I knew that I had to face the race in order to personally feel prepped for my IM in 2011 (next year...EEEEPPP!). While I won't drag you through the upper teen runs I did every week, I will tell you I absolutely fell in love with running. Getting up at 5:00am (and sometimes 4:30am) to run along the Chicago lakefront in the summer was an amazing experience, and always a great way to start my day. I was doing great...I was biking and swimming as well since I was training for the afore mentioned Chicago Tri. I think the cross training really helped keep me injury free. I was no longer cross training after the Chicago Tri, and like clock work, on September 18th, 4 weeks from the marathon, I ended up injured. Very injured.
I ended up with plantar fasciatis in my right foot, and also had patella tendonitis, achilles tendonitis, and EXTREME calf tendonitis in my left leg (It took Pierre my massage therapist--yes that is his real name--40 minutes just to soften the fascia in my calf). I received Astym 4 times (google it if you don't know what it is--I LOVE it, and it hurts SO good...), sonic therapy and massages several times, and attended PT like I was the one getting paid to attend. I was NOT missing this marathon, and I was NOT missing my 4:30 goal time. Luckily I was never told not to run, but to take it easy.
Race day came, and believe it or not, ran completely pain free...except for a nagging blister on my pinkie toe at mile 23. Ouch. And let me tell you...that built up my mental 6-pack. I ran through the pain, crossed the finish line alone, and cried tears of joy alone. The Chicago marathon was handsdown the best, most amazing race I have ever done. The crowd was heart touching and wonderful. I saw my mom at mile 25, and I couldn't have been happier to see her pom poms and her camera, and feel her hugging me at my charity tent, crying tears of joy that her "baby actually did it." I am usually a music person--I love music--when I at home, reading, etc., music touches my soul. I listened to my iPod for a total of 20 minutes during the race; otherwise I just took all of the magic in. And that's what it was. Magic. My grandma was attached to me the entire time in a photo of her and I...she is how I got through the race. I still have that pin in my house on my shelf, to remind me everyday how very much I miss her, and how I was able to put my heart and soul into something and accomplish it. I am sure this is a reminder that will be needed for my first HIM (this year) and IM.
I finished the marathon in 4:39...9 minutes slower than what I wanted. Amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better race. So I signed up for St. Louis. It takes place EXACTLY 6 months after the Chicago marathon, on April 11th 2010. To many I am crazy and an idiot. To me, I am again injured, and of course thinking I am crazy and somewhat of an idiot.
I went to the doctor last week and she told me I need to lay off of running for 1-1.5 months due to ankle tendonitis in my right foot. To anyone who is a seasoned runner, this is HORRIBLE news. I LOVE to run. It's my release after a bad day, it's my emotional escape, it's my escape from reality, it's what I do 3-4 days a week. It's what I do for 30-40 miles/week. I am currently debating on whether or not I want to carry through with the STL marathon. 3 months after STL, I have my first HIM--my longest and most awesome(est) race thus far. 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.2 mile run. Wala.
I planned on running the STL marathon in 4:15...a PR of 25 minutes. My eventual goal is to qualify for Boston. I was on track for my time, doing 2 speed workouts a week (Max threshold half-mile repeats and Yasso 800s, and long runs at race pace - 5 seconds. As soon as I took myself to the pavement for my 14 mile run on a balmy and foggy 35 degree Sunday, my ankle decided it had a enough, and I was at my PT's office again last Thursday.
I cannot help to wonder, will the injuries ever cease? Before the Chicago marathon injury, I suffered IT band syndrome before my first tri in 2007, in my left leg. I know, and I have been told, my left hip bone is higher than my right, which will cause multiple problems (and obviously is). I have spent thousands of dollars to help "fix" me, and to help condition myself for what I consider to be my hobby, my life--racing. I get upset to think I will constantly have to battle some type of injury any time I wish to run a marathon or train for long distances, but I guess I should remind myself what I do is NOT normal.
I have never ever had to back out of a race due to an injury, so the next few weeks will be crucial, emotional, and definitely difficult. However, to quote Dean Karnazes, there is a magic in the misery. Just knowing I can do it may have to be enough. Just this once.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
The "Why"
As I sat on the bus this morning, I got to thinking about the “why?” Everyday we swim, bike, run, attend yoga, pilates, physical therapy, spinning classes, or whatever physical activity we each decide to do that day. Some of us get up at 5:00am, sometimes earlier, or some of us wait until after work to release our fury on our activity of choice. It’s become part of our being. It’s like breathing—this desire to run during the sunrise, or bike indoors to the thoughts and songs of ourselves on our trainers.
The biggest and most important race of my life is a short 3 days away. During my runs, I have been left with plenty of time to think about my life, the life of others, and about life in general. I have worked harder towards this race than any other race I have done. I naturally wake at 5:00am every morning, whether I want to or not, my body is ready to go at the same time every day. I have mentally and physically pushed my limits, pushed through walls, and have defeated my fear of long distance running and my belief I would never run a marathon. I cried at the end of my 20 miler 3 weeks ago because I did it—I cried because running is a sport in which you use your own legs, your own power, your own ability to get across that finish line. There is to team in running. Only U (you) and I.
As I watched Chicago go by outside the bus window this morning, I realized we (myself included) too often forget the “why;” we forget the journey. We sometimes get caught up with work, school, our race pace, our times, and we forget why we are in our saddles, why we are in our Brooks or Mizunos, or in our bathing suits 6-7 days/week. We too often don’t take the time to ask ourselves “why am I doing this?” We wake up on too many mornings and seem to forget how lucky we are; we have the ability to use our bodies to do such amazing things—we forget that we CAN. I recently read a touching article about Jenny Crain in the November issue of Runner’s World. She was an Olympic qualifier until she got hit by a car 2 years ago while crossing a street on a run, and now she struggles to walk 50 feet and cannot remember anything from before the accident. The article and her life reminded me how very quickly everything can be taken away.
I know life gets busy—between trying to balance work, family, friends, school, and training, sometimes it’s hard to come up for air, and sometimes very difficult to see the light at the end of a very long tunnel. It helps during these times to know your own “why.” The “why” is what pushes you through every day; the “why” is the journey—what we all should revel in every single workout.
What is my “why?” On Sunday, my “why” is my grandmother. I run in honor of the 20 years she suffered chronic Alzheimer’s. My fuel, my why, is the last good bye and I love you she said to me 2 days before she passed away—those last few moments she remembered who I was. My “why” everyday is in honor for those who don’t have the opportunity to have a “why,” like Jenny Crain. My “why” everyday is in because crossing a finish line teaches me more about myself than any other book or professor. My “why” is because pushing myself to my absolute physical and mental limits is what makes me feel strong enough to take on and change the world.
What is your “why”?
The biggest and most important race of my life is a short 3 days away. During my runs, I have been left with plenty of time to think about my life, the life of others, and about life in general. I have worked harder towards this race than any other race I have done. I naturally wake at 5:00am every morning, whether I want to or not, my body is ready to go at the same time every day. I have mentally and physically pushed my limits, pushed through walls, and have defeated my fear of long distance running and my belief I would never run a marathon. I cried at the end of my 20 miler 3 weeks ago because I did it—I cried because running is a sport in which you use your own legs, your own power, your own ability to get across that finish line. There is to team in running. Only U (you) and I.
As I watched Chicago go by outside the bus window this morning, I realized we (myself included) too often forget the “why;” we forget the journey. We sometimes get caught up with work, school, our race pace, our times, and we forget why we are in our saddles, why we are in our Brooks or Mizunos, or in our bathing suits 6-7 days/week. We too often don’t take the time to ask ourselves “why am I doing this?” We wake up on too many mornings and seem to forget how lucky we are; we have the ability to use our bodies to do such amazing things—we forget that we CAN. I recently read a touching article about Jenny Crain in the November issue of Runner’s World. She was an Olympic qualifier until she got hit by a car 2 years ago while crossing a street on a run, and now she struggles to walk 50 feet and cannot remember anything from before the accident. The article and her life reminded me how very quickly everything can be taken away.
I know life gets busy—between trying to balance work, family, friends, school, and training, sometimes it’s hard to come up for air, and sometimes very difficult to see the light at the end of a very long tunnel. It helps during these times to know your own “why.” The “why” is what pushes you through every day; the “why” is the journey—what we all should revel in every single workout.
What is my “why?” On Sunday, my “why” is my grandmother. I run in honor of the 20 years she suffered chronic Alzheimer’s. My fuel, my why, is the last good bye and I love you she said to me 2 days before she passed away—those last few moments she remembered who I was. My “why” everyday is in honor for those who don’t have the opportunity to have a “why,” like Jenny Crain. My “why” everyday is in because crossing a finish line teaches me more about myself than any other book or professor. My “why” is because pushing myself to my absolute physical and mental limits is what makes me feel strong enough to take on and change the world.
What is your “why”?
Friday, September 18, 2009
And the problem was...
a tight calf and achilles tendon, and a completely effed up left hip. So this explains why my right foot went numb in the middle of the Chicago tri, and why I ended up crying more tears of pain than happiness from cramping...
So here I am, 3 weeks and some change away from the biggest race of my life yet and one of my steps towards being an iron(wo)man: the Chicago marathon, and I am now in physical therapy 2-3 days a week for Plantar Fasciitis, overtight muscles in my right lower leg, and a jacked up left hip. I woke up on Monday after an amazing 14 mile run on Sunday with extreme pain in my right heel. I knew right away what it was. I did some yoga Tuesday and Wednesday, and after some convincing, made it to Accelerated to visit with a Physical Therapist on Wednesday. I found out that day how very much this race means to me.
Lindsey did her normal "thing" to check for injuries: measurements of my legs, hips, feet, my uneven legs (yes, one is longer than the other), and reminded me that my hip strength isn't all that. She checked my right foot closely, and hit it with some vibrating metal contraption, upon which I made a face and yelled "ouchiiieeee" (okay, I just said ow). She looked up at me and gave me the "ooohhhh sh*t" face...like "This is NOT just a muscle issue." She pulled over the machine to the table and said "we are doing an ultrasound RIGHT now!" My heart fell. The idea of not running this race NEVER ran through my head. My runs have been vastly improving, my endurance is what it has never been before, and I have finally learned to push through my walls. I am assuming the rush was because I put my foot down about running the race (pun intended); I was NOT not going to run the marathon, no.matter.what. She told me I may have a stress fracture, and if I did, the ultrasound would HURT. I cringed as she ran the handle over my foot, but luckily, it never hurt. No fracture :).
I had my first day of PT today--I am to do 4 exercises a day at home--3 for my calves/achilles/ankles, and 1 for my hips (gotta love the monster walk--I better get a firm butt out of this). I am to meet with her 2-3 days/week until the marathon. She spent most of her time rubbing, pulling, stretching, giving me heat therapy via ultrasound, and evaluating. I could get used to this. She put me on a Power Plate Vibration machine for about 10 minutes as well. It vibrates (duh), which forces the muscles in your legs to "work" without you moving. In a non-scientific explanation, the vibrating forces the muscles to not only loosen up, but also strengthens them as they try to stabilize themselves during the vibrating motion. The vibrating also removes toxins from the body via better blood circulation, so hopefully it's "cleaning out" my legs. I am sold. Next: Sports massage from Pierre at the Old Town location before and after the race.
I know the injuries could be worse, and I am not in a TON of pain. I can still run and I do still have two legs, so all in all, I am a happy camper. I had a rude awakening yesterday when I heard a phone call taken by a good friend who is a PA. One of her breast cancer patients (who has stage 3 or 4 cancer) was found on her floor after lying there for three days, too weak to move, and had to be admitted to the hospital. I heard the call, and though I don't EVER take my health for granted, I realized how very special our "kind" is. We can get up in the morning and run 10 miles like it's nothing, we can swim a few miles and laugh about it, and we can bike for 6 hours and recover in 2 days.
So be it, I am injured, but it's curable. I will run the marathon with all my heart and soul, and it will be for and in honor of not only my hero--my grandmother--but also for and in honor of those who have no choice--who cannot run, or even walk, because of circumstances out of their control.
Injuries happen, they suck, they will make you angry, cry, scream, hurt, moody, sleepy, and grouchy. But guess what? You still can.
So here I am, 3 weeks and some change away from the biggest race of my life yet and one of my steps towards being an iron(wo)man: the Chicago marathon, and I am now in physical therapy 2-3 days a week for Plantar Fasciitis, overtight muscles in my right lower leg, and a jacked up left hip. I woke up on Monday after an amazing 14 mile run on Sunday with extreme pain in my right heel. I knew right away what it was. I did some yoga Tuesday and Wednesday, and after some convincing, made it to Accelerated to visit with a Physical Therapist on Wednesday. I found out that day how very much this race means to me.
Lindsey did her normal "thing" to check for injuries: measurements of my legs, hips, feet, my uneven legs (yes, one is longer than the other), and reminded me that my hip strength isn't all that. She checked my right foot closely, and hit it with some vibrating metal contraption, upon which I made a face and yelled "ouchiiieeee" (okay, I just said ow). She looked up at me and gave me the "ooohhhh sh*t" face...like "This is NOT just a muscle issue." She pulled over the machine to the table and said "we are doing an ultrasound RIGHT now!" My heart fell. The idea of not running this race NEVER ran through my head. My runs have been vastly improving, my endurance is what it has never been before, and I have finally learned to push through my walls. I am assuming the rush was because I put my foot down about running the race (pun intended); I was NOT not going to run the marathon, no.matter.what. She told me I may have a stress fracture, and if I did, the ultrasound would HURT. I cringed as she ran the handle over my foot, but luckily, it never hurt. No fracture :).
I had my first day of PT today--I am to do 4 exercises a day at home--3 for my calves/achilles/ankles, and 1 for my hips (gotta love the monster walk--I better get a firm butt out of this). I am to meet with her 2-3 days/week until the marathon. She spent most of her time rubbing, pulling, stretching, giving me heat therapy via ultrasound, and evaluating. I could get used to this. She put me on a Power Plate Vibration machine for about 10 minutes as well. It vibrates (duh), which forces the muscles in your legs to "work" without you moving. In a non-scientific explanation, the vibrating forces the muscles to not only loosen up, but also strengthens them as they try to stabilize themselves during the vibrating motion. The vibrating also removes toxins from the body via better blood circulation, so hopefully it's "cleaning out" my legs. I am sold. Next: Sports massage from Pierre at the Old Town location before and after the race.
I know the injuries could be worse, and I am not in a TON of pain. I can still run and I do still have two legs, so all in all, I am a happy camper. I had a rude awakening yesterday when I heard a phone call taken by a good friend who is a PA. One of her breast cancer patients (who has stage 3 or 4 cancer) was found on her floor after lying there for three days, too weak to move, and had to be admitted to the hospital. I heard the call, and though I don't EVER take my health for granted, I realized how very special our "kind" is. We can get up in the morning and run 10 miles like it's nothing, we can swim a few miles and laugh about it, and we can bike for 6 hours and recover in 2 days.
So be it, I am injured, but it's curable. I will run the marathon with all my heart and soul, and it will be for and in honor of not only my hero--my grandmother--but also for and in honor of those who have no choice--who cannot run, or even walk, because of circumstances out of their control.
Injuries happen, they suck, they will make you angry, cry, scream, hurt, moody, sleepy, and grouchy. But guess what? You still can.
Monday, August 31, 2009
The Chicago Tri
I know I STILL need to post about St. Anthony's but here is my entry about the Chi Tri while it's fresh in my head.
I put my tri shorts on backwards at 3am. And didn't realize it until 40 minutes before my start at 9:32am. Luckily the rest of my day didn't follow that mindless track it was obviously on at 3 in the morning! I typically wouldn't post on what most (including myself) would consider a pretty amateur race, however, I feel I owe it some reflection because I tested myself mentally and physically the most I EVER have in a race. Let's go back to the taper weeks before. I got sick 2 weeks ago, and stayed home from work with some flu symptoms. It continued until about Thursday, and I was well enough to fit in my 17.5 mile marathon training run with some of the Element-ers that Saturday. True taper week: felt great, but then slightly sick again on Wednesday--a cold, the sniffles mostly, but not feeling 100%. Come Friday, I was feeling 100% finally, and made the conscious decision to, for the lack of better terms, go "balls out" on Sunday because I feel that I never have taken myself far enough, mentally or physically, in a race. I wasn't feeling not nearly as ready as I wished. I had to turn my focus over the past few months to my true "A" race--the marathon, and studying for my exit exam for my Masters has certainly taken up a lot of my time as well. I know deep down I could have trained harder and I had so much more gusto to pull out of myself, but either way, I knew that I wanted to give every ounce of my heart and strength on Sunday, and I did.
Saturday night I had some chicken for dinner---I am not a pasta gal before races, so I always stick to trusty game:). I was in bed by 10:00pm but could not sleep for the life of me. Every noise in my apartment that I typically hear every night kept me up, and my mind just kept running. I was thinking about the race, school, work, the marathon, my schedule this week--you name it, I thought about it. I finally fell asleep for 2 hours, however those 2 hours of sleep were filled with a couple nightmares and restlessness. The alarm went off at 3am, and I was out of bed and getting ready. I ate my breakfast--1.5 bagels with peanut butter, a banana, and some water. I put my race clothes on (yes...I did put my tri shorts on backwards at this point), packed up my stuff, and met some people at Belmont to ride down together.It was VERY cold in the morning, and I spent 4.5 hours mingling and amping myself up for the race. I ate breakfast again 2.5 hours before my start, consumed some Powerade, and sipped on water (which I should have been gulping--this would become clear in the run). I started the swim at 9:32am with my carrot Jess Katz, and fittingly took off to some Lady Gaga playing in the background :). I let the large crowd ahead of me take off and spread out before I started my stroke, but once I did, I was in the zone. I had the best swim of my life out there. I was lucky to hear Katy Otto screaming my name along the wall, and I put myself into the "you can do it" state of mind. When I swim, I completely lose track of time. This being said, when I saw the swim start, I thought it was the swim exit, and gunned it. I was swimming super fast, and my form felt amazing. I was passing people in my group and other wave starts. I heard myself say over and over "you are passing people and not being passed!" Then I looked up only to see the swim start...again. OOOPS! That being said, I continued swimming, but didn't stop my pace. Granted I had to stop a couple times because I was run over by the male group of green caps, and I had to readjust my pace, but all in all, I gave it ALL I had, and the open water...ppssshhh I win!
T1 was a little slow considering the run in is a quarter mile from the swim. I grabbed my bike, exited, and was on my way to a VERY windy and rough bike. The first loop went by fairly quickly, however going north was like being stuck in a wind tunnel that did not let up. Then going south, I felt like the wind shifted somewhat at certain points--I felt like Forrest Gump thinking about the rain that seemed to be blowing sideways and coming from every direction. The second loop was bruttle, and as I spotted some fresh blood splattered on the pavement, a reminder of what I was doing. There were times where I was giving my everythingwhen it felt nearly impossible, literally yelling at myself and screaming to keep going, and I was only going 10mph uphill. My right glute muscle started hurting pretty bad, and I tried to use some of the tips I learned from Stacee in the 2 computrainer classes I have taken in order to allow my left leg to do most of the work. Going back south, I found myselft cruising at 26 mph more than once, in which at this time I tried giving my legs a small break. My nutrition was timed out on the bike...every half hour take a tablyte, and every 45 minutes eat a gel. I was drinking water throughout the bike as well. I did everything accordingly, however, I am definitely investing in Infinit for the bike next season so I can get my electrolytes and carbs from just one bottle to make my life easier. Oh and also purchase a more efficient hydration system so I don't have to reach for my down tube anymore.
My T2 time was decent, but was in DIRE need of some body glide which I didn't end up finding upon searching other people's transitions (Yes, I was desperate). I chaffed my left underarm very badly on the swim, and was in A LOT of pain (and still am). I took off on the run, which started off good. I was running around an 8:35-40 pace to start which I was happy with, and Cristina Gomez joined me when I started to slow down due to an aching achilles. She stayed with me for about 10 minutes, but then I had to do what I HATE doing...I had to stop to stretch out my right leg and to walk off some of the pain. I walked for about a minute and started running again. It HURT. The real pain started around mile 2. I stopped to stretch my hamstrings and achilles up against a tree when I realized both of my quads had charley horses. No joke, I was one of "those" runners who was screaming on the side of the path while stretching. I stopped maybe around 8 times to stretch throughout the run, but mentally forced myself to keep running, and only stopped to stretch--I didn't want to walk. I stopped on a hill where I did a downward dog pose around mile 4.5, and completely lost it. I have never felt this much pain in my entire life in my legs. My right leg was completely numb since mile 2 (it felt as if it fell asleep--it was tingling and I couldn't feel my toes), and I started bawling and screaming while I was stretching. I sucked it up after about a minute of the most painful stretching and continued to run with tears running down my face--I was writhing in pain, but ripped everything I had out of me to finish the race. I talked to myelf at certain points, and kept telling myself to "man up" and to keep going. I did.
I finished the race, not with the time I wanted or the age group placement I would have liked (nor the smile on my face I usually have), but with the knowledge that I put my all into this race, and into fighting my pain and not giving up. Something with my nutrition went wrong somewhere--more water, more electrolytes (my face was COATED in salt after the race) were most likely needed. There are some people who have a bad race, and come up with every possible excuse as to why they did not finish how they wanted. I am not that person. If I know I did bad because I didn't put my all into it, or it just wasn't my day--so be it--I will say it. We cannot have them all. Today was not that day for me. I can honestly say this triathlon took my heart, my soul, my passion, and everything I have been doing for almost 2 years now. I was at its mercy, and would not have had it any other way.
So to those of you who have had days like mine--where cramps, or weather hinders your desired time or placement--always remember that you won the race against yourself, and that you can walk away knowing you gave it your all. In the end, that is all that matters.
Finishing time: 3:31
In the words of Mike: LFDT!
I put my tri shorts on backwards at 3am. And didn't realize it until 40 minutes before my start at 9:32am. Luckily the rest of my day didn't follow that mindless track it was obviously on at 3 in the morning! I typically wouldn't post on what most (including myself) would consider a pretty amateur race, however, I feel I owe it some reflection because I tested myself mentally and physically the most I EVER have in a race. Let's go back to the taper weeks before. I got sick 2 weeks ago, and stayed home from work with some flu symptoms. It continued until about Thursday, and I was well enough to fit in my 17.5 mile marathon training run with some of the Element-ers that Saturday. True taper week: felt great, but then slightly sick again on Wednesday--a cold, the sniffles mostly, but not feeling 100%. Come Friday, I was feeling 100% finally, and made the conscious decision to, for the lack of better terms, go "balls out" on Sunday because I feel that I never have taken myself far enough, mentally or physically, in a race. I wasn't feeling not nearly as ready as I wished. I had to turn my focus over the past few months to my true "A" race--the marathon, and studying for my exit exam for my Masters has certainly taken up a lot of my time as well. I know deep down I could have trained harder and I had so much more gusto to pull out of myself, but either way, I knew that I wanted to give every ounce of my heart and strength on Sunday, and I did.
Saturday night I had some chicken for dinner---I am not a pasta gal before races, so I always stick to trusty game:). I was in bed by 10:00pm but could not sleep for the life of me. Every noise in my apartment that I typically hear every night kept me up, and my mind just kept running. I was thinking about the race, school, work, the marathon, my schedule this week--you name it, I thought about it. I finally fell asleep for 2 hours, however those 2 hours of sleep were filled with a couple nightmares and restlessness. The alarm went off at 3am, and I was out of bed and getting ready. I ate my breakfast--1.5 bagels with peanut butter, a banana, and some water. I put my race clothes on (yes...I did put my tri shorts on backwards at this point), packed up my stuff, and met some people at Belmont to ride down together.It was VERY cold in the morning, and I spent 4.5 hours mingling and amping myself up for the race. I ate breakfast again 2.5 hours before my start, consumed some Powerade, and sipped on water (which I should have been gulping--this would become clear in the run). I started the swim at 9:32am with my carrot Jess Katz, and fittingly took off to some Lady Gaga playing in the background :). I let the large crowd ahead of me take off and spread out before I started my stroke, but once I did, I was in the zone. I had the best swim of my life out there. I was lucky to hear Katy Otto screaming my name along the wall, and I put myself into the "you can do it" state of mind. When I swim, I completely lose track of time. This being said, when I saw the swim start, I thought it was the swim exit, and gunned it. I was swimming super fast, and my form felt amazing. I was passing people in my group and other wave starts. I heard myself say over and over "you are passing people and not being passed!" Then I looked up only to see the swim start...again. OOOPS! That being said, I continued swimming, but didn't stop my pace. Granted I had to stop a couple times because I was run over by the male group of green caps, and I had to readjust my pace, but all in all, I gave it ALL I had, and the open water...ppssshhh I win!
T1 was a little slow considering the run in is a quarter mile from the swim. I grabbed my bike, exited, and was on my way to a VERY windy and rough bike. The first loop went by fairly quickly, however going north was like being stuck in a wind tunnel that did not let up. Then going south, I felt like the wind shifted somewhat at certain points--I felt like Forrest Gump thinking about the rain that seemed to be blowing sideways and coming from every direction. The second loop was bruttle, and as I spotted some fresh blood splattered on the pavement, a reminder of what I was doing. There were times where I was giving my everythingwhen it felt nearly impossible, literally yelling at myself and screaming to keep going, and I was only going 10mph uphill. My right glute muscle started hurting pretty bad, and I tried to use some of the tips I learned from Stacee in the 2 computrainer classes I have taken in order to allow my left leg to do most of the work. Going back south, I found myselft cruising at 26 mph more than once, in which at this time I tried giving my legs a small break. My nutrition was timed out on the bike...every half hour take a tablyte, and every 45 minutes eat a gel. I was drinking water throughout the bike as well. I did everything accordingly, however, I am definitely investing in Infinit for the bike next season so I can get my electrolytes and carbs from just one bottle to make my life easier. Oh and also purchase a more efficient hydration system so I don't have to reach for my down tube anymore.
My T2 time was decent, but was in DIRE need of some body glide which I didn't end up finding upon searching other people's transitions (Yes, I was desperate). I chaffed my left underarm very badly on the swim, and was in A LOT of pain (and still am). I took off on the run, which started off good. I was running around an 8:35-40 pace to start which I was happy with, and Cristina Gomez joined me when I started to slow down due to an aching achilles. She stayed with me for about 10 minutes, but then I had to do what I HATE doing...I had to stop to stretch out my right leg and to walk off some of the pain. I walked for about a minute and started running again. It HURT. The real pain started around mile 2. I stopped to stretch my hamstrings and achilles up against a tree when I realized both of my quads had charley horses. No joke, I was one of "those" runners who was screaming on the side of the path while stretching. I stopped maybe around 8 times to stretch throughout the run, but mentally forced myself to keep running, and only stopped to stretch--I didn't want to walk. I stopped on a hill where I did a downward dog pose around mile 4.5, and completely lost it. I have never felt this much pain in my entire life in my legs. My right leg was completely numb since mile 2 (it felt as if it fell asleep--it was tingling and I couldn't feel my toes), and I started bawling and screaming while I was stretching. I sucked it up after about a minute of the most painful stretching and continued to run with tears running down my face--I was writhing in pain, but ripped everything I had out of me to finish the race. I talked to myelf at certain points, and kept telling myself to "man up" and to keep going. I did.
I finished the race, not with the time I wanted or the age group placement I would have liked (nor the smile on my face I usually have), but with the knowledge that I put my all into this race, and into fighting my pain and not giving up. Something with my nutrition went wrong somewhere--more water, more electrolytes (my face was COATED in salt after the race) were most likely needed. There are some people who have a bad race, and come up with every possible excuse as to why they did not finish how they wanted. I am not that person. If I know I did bad because I didn't put my all into it, or it just wasn't my day--so be it--I will say it. We cannot have them all. Today was not that day for me. I can honestly say this triathlon took my heart, my soul, my passion, and everything I have been doing for almost 2 years now. I was at its mercy, and would not have had it any other way.
So to those of you who have had days like mine--where cramps, or weather hinders your desired time or placement--always remember that you won the race against yourself, and that you can walk away knowing you gave it your all. In the end, that is all that matters.
Finishing time: 3:31
In the words of Mike: LFDT!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Team in Training
Where do I begin...Well, I guess from the day I sat in on a Team in Training meeting. After my first season of triathlons and burnout, I knew that I wanted to try joining a club or a team for some moral support. My best friend Becca's mom was just diagnosed with Non-Hodgekins's lymphoma, so I thought, well, I want to join a group and want to help out her mom, so maybe I should look into Team in Training, the country's largest endurance sports group that fundraises and trains together. I went to a meeting in early September where I learned about Team in Training, heard inspirational stories, and heard about my racing options. I would train with a team and coaches two days a week, and train on my own the rest of the time. We would help eachother fundraise and race together for one cause in Florida. We would be eachother's moral support, and sometimes physical support. I loved what I heard, so I signed up. I have not looked back since.
I was nervous. I have NEVER fundraised before, let alone having to fundraise $4,200. I grabbed some TNT paper and envelopes, and some change boxes and walked out wondering if I could actually do this. Luckily, I had a contact at TNT who let me open my website early. My website consists of a picture of Becca's mom, her story, and my goal, and a scale of how much money I have raised so far. It was so difficult staring at the scale--I had so far to go and no clue what I was doing. However, what I did know is that I was no longer doing this for myself...it was for Debra. If there are days I don't want to get up, I think of her. If there are days when my body aches and I have too much to do, I think of her pain compared to mine. Training became almost easier and something I had to do because it was no longer about me. I had a goal, a purpose, and it did not just involve me anymore.
I met my team at our first kick-off meeting, and had the chance to speak to my mentor Erin for the first time. She is really sweet and very easy to talk to, and I have turned to her so much for support and could not have a better mentor. I missed the first group training because I had gotten utterly and completely lost! I could not find the UIC pool for the life of me, so I spent my training time looking for the pool. I was upset, but knew I would meet them again on Wednesday, however, that did not happen. UIC did not have TNT on their schedule, so training was cancelled and everyone went home. I FINALLY met my team and training on Saturday at Athletico for a group run and stretch clinic. We all sat down and discussed fundraising matters and I received an award for fundraising over $100 within the first month and for having the most creative webpage. I met Jessica, a really sweet girl who I ended up running and stretching with that day. We got to talking about bikes, training, where we grew up, and since then we have become TNT buddies, and have decided to room together in Florida. We ran outside as a team in freezing temps, and then I went to breakfast with Jessica afterwards. I knew after that day that TNT is what I needed--I needed to train with a purpose other than myself in mind, and I need others in my life who share a common goal and lifestyle as me. I finally found it.
I guess I should start with discussing fundraising. I had my first fundraiser on October 4th at Barley Corn in Lincoln Park. I charged $35 at the door, and I only received $10 a head for LLS. I didn't expect but maybe 20 people to show, but I ended up with a little over 50 people showing up. I raised $470 that night...a small dent in my fundraising efforts, but a huge reminder that this is possible. I was a little sad I only received $10 a person, so I looked for other ways to raise money. I sent out close to 100 letters to coworkers, family, friends, and anyone I knew in the neighborhood who could help. I started asking local businesses if they would put out a change box for their customers. I started off with two at Nancy's Pizza and Al's Beef, as the owner is Debra's friend. I held another fundraiser in January--a happy hour. $5 at the door got you $2 beers, pasta, and beer for 3 hours, and I received the $5 and the tips. I raised $316, which at this time pushed me just over my half-way mark. I had a great turnout, having marketed my fundraiser with the "Three-hour long" as opposed to the Subway "$5 foot long." People still tell me they think of me when they see Subway commercials :). I was on a roll, but knew I had to host a HUGE fundraiser with a raffle and silent auction in the suburbs--where most of my support would come from since Becca's family resided in Tinley Park and the surrounding area, and that is where most of my family and friends live as well.
I decided to plan a huge party at Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park. I invited just over 100 people, and started contacting places for raffle and silent auction prizes. I received items from the Chicago sports teams, a private accessory party, 3 wine parties, golf certificates, massages, cooking classes, and a few other small items. Only 3 people RSVP-ed, which needless to say made me nervous. I showed up at Bourbon early to get set up, and the room was amazing. I had beer, wine, and food included. I charged $35 at the door, and I was able to keep $25 of it, and then had to pay Bourbon $300 no matter what. Before paying Bourbon street I ended up making $2700...it was a huge success. My dad was so sweet and hired one of the guys who plays music at Potbelly's to play, and he was great! Everyone loved him! I ended up having a great turnout, and was so impressed with everyone's willingness to purchase raffle tickets and to even give me more money at the door. Upon leaving Bourbon street, I counted my earnings, and realized "Wow...I did it." I was $200 shy of the $4,200 I needed.
To this day, I have raised a little over $4500, and I still have a few checks to cash and change boxes to collect. My personal goal is $5000, in which I think I will reach. After numerous letter campaigns, follow up phone calls, and fundraisers, I accomplished what I never thought I could.
So the friends and the training...the best part. Every Wednesday, TNT meets at UIC at 8pm to swim for an hour, and every Saturday morning at different locations to swim, bike or run. This past Saturday, April 4th, we did a great brick workout up north. 80 minute bike ride and a 20 minute run. I got to ride my new bike, Achillies--a Felt F85 road bike with Shimano 105 components. He is amazing! I do have to say though that at this point biking will be my weakest leg since I have only been clipped in a few times and out on my real bike about 4-5 times (thanks to the Chicago weather being less than ideal).
I tear up talking or even thinking about my team. Every Wednesday that I hop into that pool, if I am tired, if I feel like I cannot...I still do. Every Saturday when I am tired and just want to sleep in, I don't. I get up and meet up with everyone to train. Yes, we have all had our share of mornings when we were out too late on Friday and didn't show on Saturday, but the majority of us are always at training. We all have had our respective fundraisers which have been so fun. This past Saturday I attended a beer pong tournament at Mickey's, and had a blast! We all support one another, and spending the money is not an issue since we all know where it is going. Everyone is so kind and so genuine, and I feel so grateful to have met so many great friends through TNT.
I recently purchased a triathlon jersey for the race...I could wear anything I want, but I feel the need to represent why I am doing this, and what I have been working so hard towards for the past 4 months (a year a half if you count all of my last races preparing for my first Oly). I leave in 2 weeks and 3 days, and I get chills and goosebumps just thinking about it.
I am now addicted to fundraising. I recently signed up for the Chicago marathon with the Chicago Area Runners Association. I will train with CARA, and raise money for TEAM CARE, a team for the Alzheimer's Association. I have to raise a minimum of $262...small potatoes to what I just raised. I am excited to begin that journey as well. The marathon is a whole other ball of wax that I will blog about once I begin training. The marathon is in preparation for my Ironman title in hopefully 2011.
I was nervous. I have NEVER fundraised before, let alone having to fundraise $4,200. I grabbed some TNT paper and envelopes, and some change boxes and walked out wondering if I could actually do this. Luckily, I had a contact at TNT who let me open my website early. My website consists of a picture of Becca's mom, her story, and my goal, and a scale of how much money I have raised so far. It was so difficult staring at the scale--I had so far to go and no clue what I was doing. However, what I did know is that I was no longer doing this for myself...it was for Debra. If there are days I don't want to get up, I think of her. If there are days when my body aches and I have too much to do, I think of her pain compared to mine. Training became almost easier and something I had to do because it was no longer about me. I had a goal, a purpose, and it did not just involve me anymore.
I met my team at our first kick-off meeting, and had the chance to speak to my mentor Erin for the first time. She is really sweet and very easy to talk to, and I have turned to her so much for support and could not have a better mentor. I missed the first group training because I had gotten utterly and completely lost! I could not find the UIC pool for the life of me, so I spent my training time looking for the pool. I was upset, but knew I would meet them again on Wednesday, however, that did not happen. UIC did not have TNT on their schedule, so training was cancelled and everyone went home. I FINALLY met my team and training on Saturday at Athletico for a group run and stretch clinic. We all sat down and discussed fundraising matters and I received an award for fundraising over $100 within the first month and for having the most creative webpage. I met Jessica, a really sweet girl who I ended up running and stretching with that day. We got to talking about bikes, training, where we grew up, and since then we have become TNT buddies, and have decided to room together in Florida. We ran outside as a team in freezing temps, and then I went to breakfast with Jessica afterwards. I knew after that day that TNT is what I needed--I needed to train with a purpose other than myself in mind, and I need others in my life who share a common goal and lifestyle as me. I finally found it.
I guess I should start with discussing fundraising. I had my first fundraiser on October 4th at Barley Corn in Lincoln Park. I charged $35 at the door, and I only received $10 a head for LLS. I didn't expect but maybe 20 people to show, but I ended up with a little over 50 people showing up. I raised $470 that night...a small dent in my fundraising efforts, but a huge reminder that this is possible. I was a little sad I only received $10 a person, so I looked for other ways to raise money. I sent out close to 100 letters to coworkers, family, friends, and anyone I knew in the neighborhood who could help. I started asking local businesses if they would put out a change box for their customers. I started off with two at Nancy's Pizza and Al's Beef, as the owner is Debra's friend. I held another fundraiser in January--a happy hour. $5 at the door got you $2 beers, pasta, and beer for 3 hours, and I received the $5 and the tips. I raised $316, which at this time pushed me just over my half-way mark. I had a great turnout, having marketed my fundraiser with the "Three-hour long" as opposed to the Subway "$5 foot long." People still tell me they think of me when they see Subway commercials :). I was on a roll, but knew I had to host a HUGE fundraiser with a raffle and silent auction in the suburbs--where most of my support would come from since Becca's family resided in Tinley Park and the surrounding area, and that is where most of my family and friends live as well.
I decided to plan a huge party at Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park. I invited just over 100 people, and started contacting places for raffle and silent auction prizes. I received items from the Chicago sports teams, a private accessory party, 3 wine parties, golf certificates, massages, cooking classes, and a few other small items. Only 3 people RSVP-ed, which needless to say made me nervous. I showed up at Bourbon early to get set up, and the room was amazing. I had beer, wine, and food included. I charged $35 at the door, and I was able to keep $25 of it, and then had to pay Bourbon $300 no matter what. Before paying Bourbon street I ended up making $2700...it was a huge success. My dad was so sweet and hired one of the guys who plays music at Potbelly's to play, and he was great! Everyone loved him! I ended up having a great turnout, and was so impressed with everyone's willingness to purchase raffle tickets and to even give me more money at the door. Upon leaving Bourbon street, I counted my earnings, and realized "Wow...I did it." I was $200 shy of the $4,200 I needed.
To this day, I have raised a little over $4500, and I still have a few checks to cash and change boxes to collect. My personal goal is $5000, in which I think I will reach. After numerous letter campaigns, follow up phone calls, and fundraisers, I accomplished what I never thought I could.
So the friends and the training...the best part. Every Wednesday, TNT meets at UIC at 8pm to swim for an hour, and every Saturday morning at different locations to swim, bike or run. This past Saturday, April 4th, we did a great brick workout up north. 80 minute bike ride and a 20 minute run. I got to ride my new bike, Achillies--a Felt F85 road bike with Shimano 105 components. He is amazing! I do have to say though that at this point biking will be my weakest leg since I have only been clipped in a few times and out on my real bike about 4-5 times (thanks to the Chicago weather being less than ideal).
I tear up talking or even thinking about my team. Every Wednesday that I hop into that pool, if I am tired, if I feel like I cannot...I still do. Every Saturday when I am tired and just want to sleep in, I don't. I get up and meet up with everyone to train. Yes, we have all had our share of mornings when we were out too late on Friday and didn't show on Saturday, but the majority of us are always at training. We all have had our respective fundraisers which have been so fun. This past Saturday I attended a beer pong tournament at Mickey's, and had a blast! We all support one another, and spending the money is not an issue since we all know where it is going. Everyone is so kind and so genuine, and I feel so grateful to have met so many great friends through TNT.
I recently purchased a triathlon jersey for the race...I could wear anything I want, but I feel the need to represent why I am doing this, and what I have been working so hard towards for the past 4 months (a year a half if you count all of my last races preparing for my first Oly). I leave in 2 weeks and 3 days, and I get chills and goosebumps just thinking about it.
I am now addicted to fundraising. I recently signed up for the Chicago marathon with the Chicago Area Runners Association. I will train with CARA, and raise money for TEAM CARE, a team for the Alzheimer's Association. I have to raise a minimum of $262...small potatoes to what I just raised. I am excited to begin that journey as well. The marathon is a whole other ball of wax that I will blog about once I begin training. The marathon is in preparation for my Ironman title in hopefully 2011.
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