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I am feeling well rested & ready to go this morning! I actually even feel like I can start working out again this afternoon as my body isn’t really that sore from Sunday. While my knee was giving me trouble during the run portion, it doesn’t hurt a bit today… so I feel confident that I didn’t do any damage to it and can resume my normal activities. I think I will aim for a 4 mile run this weekend (up from 3) and just increase my mileage weekly from there. I’ve also noticed lately that I can go faster without it “clicking”… so all signs are pointing in the right direction.
So along with signing up for the Augusta Half Ironman in September, my other two goals this summer are to get a new bike (yay!) and possibly find some small sponsors in exchange for blog & advertising exposure. I’m already getting hooked up with the nationally recognized runner trainer that I will talk more about tomorrow which will bump my game up big time. It’s all exciting stuff!!! If you know of anyone who might want to see a sponsorship proposal, drop me a message on Facebook. Like I said yesterday, I am waiting until next year to take on the full Ironman… I just think it’s the smart thing to do. The race I’ve tentatively picked out for that is the Ford Ironman Florida, which I’ll have to sign up for ASAP after this year’s event in November b/c it sells out in a matter of days.
It’s so nice to have fun things to look forward to… I think that’s what life is all about. 
This week I’m also going to put a big focus on my book, as that’s been pushed to the back burner for the last little while. I feel like with each experience I have my story grows. I just need to put that same focus & energy into it as I have my athletic pursuits.
I don’t care how much you love your family, riding with a 32′ long RV for 7 hours in questionable weather… with a little caffeine added to the mix… and you will test even the most solid of relationships. 
By the time we got into the French Quarter last night we were ready to scratch each other’s eyes out. I faintly recall yelling at my dad that I wasn’t 5 years old anymore in front of the restaurant we ate dinner at. Not to mention the mild hurricane we slept through last night… or I should say they slept through, b/c unfortunately I was in an area that sounded like a constant ice machine was firing off. My mom says around 2 a.m. I yelled, “I can’t take this anymore!!!” 
It’s good times in the Prowler. Today we’ve been able to laugh about it all, especially since we know we don’t have to spend much time together for the next few hours. My parents are heading off to the French Quarter here in a few minutes (about a 15 minute drive), and I am going to chill out and catch up on my rest. I am meeting a triathlon group from Columbus at 2:30 for a practice swim, then we are all taking our bikes to check them in to the transition area. After that, I’m going to catch a ride and have dinner with the group before coming home for an early bedtime. Should be a great day!!! The weather is fantastic, but the wind is still pretty heavy. It’s nice to know that by this time tomorrow, I will have a real hurricane in my hand!
Today is a big day… b/c I find out at noon EST (11 my time) whether or not I got a slot in the October Kona Ironman World Championships via their annual lottery. Between that and competing in New Orleans this weekend, there’s a lot of excitement and anticipation in the air. I realize that my chances of winning a slot in the lottery are very small, but it’s still a possibility. If I don’t get in, then I will fall back on Plan B and find a slot in another Ironman. Either way, I’ll cross that bridge after this weekend… one thing at a time!!
We will be heading out to New Orleans here in the next hour or so to brave the storms that are also heading this way. There will be some tornadic weather in Mississippi and Alabama around lunchtime/early afternoon, but hopefully we will get through it before it becomes too bad. I’m sure there aren’t too many things scarier than driving a 32′ RV through severe storms. What would normally be a 5 hour trip to NOLA is probably going to be more like 7 or 8. Good times!!!
Honestly, I don’t care how long it takes us to get there… I’m just excited to be going somewhere. Like my mom said last night, sometimes you just have to get about 100 miles away from home in any direction. True that, sista.
I have been sitting here for about 20 minutes trying to think of something to say… but I got nothin’. I’m speechless. Maybe it’s b/c I am pressed for time this morning since I am heading off to work a golf tournament all day. Or maybe it’s b/c all I can think about is the race on Sunday. I didn’t get much sleep last night because my head wouldn’t turn off. I keep having visualizations of myself in the water, on the bike and during the run. Mostly positive. All a little overwhelming. But most of all, very EXCITING. I promise to write more tomorrow when I have more time to sort through my thoughts. Today is my “Friday”, so that is something to be pumped about!!!
Weigh-In Wednesday #54 – 148.8
I had my last appointment yesterday with Dr. Fagan at Fagan Sports Medicine, and she was very pleased with my cartilage. She said it didn’t sound like Rice Krispies anymore. She literally had a smile on her face the whole time, I could tell that she really felt confident that I was going to do well on Sunday. I did have a tiny pocket of inflammation left right on my meniscus, so she recommended getting a small injection right on the site to get rid of the last of it. I asked her if it would affect my ability to feel pain, and therefore hurt myself without knowing. She said that it would not mask pain sensations, so I will be able to clearly tell when I am pushing too hard. That was a huge relief! The only purpose it serves is to get rid of unnecessary discomfort. Without going into too many details for the faint of heart, the shot itself was pretty intense. She poked around to find the exact spot (probably the most painful part of all), numbed it, treated it with freezing agent, then gave me the injection… which I still felt. All I have to say is – damn, that hurt. But it was worth it. I’m just a tad sore from the shot today, but I know it will go away in the next day or two.
Tonight I am doing my “last chance workout”, as they would say on The Biggest Loser. Since I didn’t have the luxury to taper off like most athletes, I’m taking advantage of every reasonable second to prep my body and confidence levels. I’m going to do a moderate swim/bike/run to practice my transitions. Tomorrow I will probably squeeze in one more solid strength session & light pool workout, then I’m officially done till Sunday morning. However, there is a tri group from Columbus, GA practicing in Lake Pontchartrain Saturday morning that I plan to join for mental purposes. While the swim portion is the shortest (1.2 miles of the 70.3), it is definitely the hardest psychologically for me. Once I step out of the water portion, I know that the rest of the race will be much easier.
Which makes me come back to a very simple point: this injury, despite all of the bad, has actually done one important thing for me – it’s made me a stronger swimmer. I’ve spent waaaaaaaaaaay more time in the pool than I would have otherwise. Who knows if I would have had the discipline to get where I am at this moment if I hadn’t of hurt my knee 9 weeks ago. Just something to think about.
I’m having a hard time controlling my excitement for this weekend, so you guys are going to have to bear with me for the next 7 days. I am already stalking the weather, and as of today it looks like the high for New Orleans on Sunday is going to be 75 degrees & sunny. WOW. If it stays like that, then it will be perfect racing temps. This is also about the time where I pat myself on the back for getting a full body wetsuit, as it will be in the 60′s that morning and I’m sure Lake Pontchartrain is reeeeeeeeeeeally cold.
As some of you may have already seen on Facebook, my run yesterday went as well as could be expected. As long as I stay around a 12 minute mile, my leg is fine and pain-free. If I try to go faster than that, I experience some popping in the cartilage… which is not good. It will be hard to go at that pace since I’m used to 9 minute miles, but slow & steady wins the race this time around. I was talking to my future brother-in-law yesterday evening, who happens to be a physical therapist, and he said it is just a matter of conditioning and time before I can get back to my normal speed. However, that is not likely to happen before Sunday. Since I will have just gotten done with a 2 1/2-3 hour bike before hitting the road that day, I doubt I want to go much faster than a 12 minute mile anyway! And, if necessary, the option to walk is always there. The race cap-off time is around 7 hours and 40 minutes if I remember correctly, so as long as I cross before then I will get an official finisher’s medal. But in the worst case scenario and I can’t finish, then I will be happy & content with what I could accomplish that day. It’s just a matter of what I can & can’t do.
We had an amazing family dinner last night of short ribs, broccoli salad, wheat berry salad and cucumbers with greek yogurt. Honestly, I could have only eaten the ”sides” only and had a well-rounded meal… but since my dad slaved over his “egg” for hours I did have a small piece of short rib (and it was faaabulous). I never cook, but since I have a strange obsession with broccoli these days I was more than happy to chip in. I mixed toasted sesame seeds & cashews, EV sesame seed oil, garlic, yellow raisins, and salt & pepper along with the raw broccoli for a bowl full of YUM. I got the recipe off of MyRecipes.com (where Mike happens to edit the online videos for). I’m so lucky to have such a health-conscious family who cares about what they put in their bodies. I have learned by example, no doubt.
Last night's family dinner. One of my favorites yet!
While in Dothan last weekend, Misty and I watched Sex & the City 2 in our hotel room one night while falling asleep. Like most people (or women, I should say), I loved the TV series but the movies left little to be desired for. The second one was especially painful but I have to admit still fun to watch in parts. Anyway, one of the absolute worst scenes in SATC2 was the karaoke scene where they sing “I am woman, hear me roar!” while in Abu Dhabi. And if you haven’t seen it, then yes, it’s as bad as it sounds. In what could be one of the worst segways EVER, I can relate to this scene. I woke up this morning realizing that I am 100% woman, no “girl” remains. I think this is the first time in my life I’ve been able to say that. All during my 20′s and even the first year or two of my 30′s, I’ve felt “young” at times. Of course I’ve had brief moments of really owning myself and true acceptance, but never in the way that I do now. I am now a woman through and through – someone who supports herself, loves herself, and accepts herself. And that’s one of the best feelings EVER!!
Yesterday was such a busy day and fun in so many ways. It started off with my last physical therapy appointment with AJ & Chelsey. I asked them about a week back what I could give them as parting gifts for all they have done for me. Chelsey requested sprinkled donuts, and AJ requested a tarot card reading. Easy wishes to fill! So I marched in there yesterday with both. My last session with them was rewarding & scary all at the same time. AJ left me with words of caution for the run portion of New Orleans next weekend. He said that if I feel any pain at all, to stop immediately and just walk it. I agreed. Chelsey left me with lots of laughs & smiles, like she usually does. She is an inspiration to me in so many ways. Thanks guys for all that you’ve done for me!!
From about lunchtime on yesterday I worked an event called “Racin’ 4 Kids” put on by the hospital that I work for. My main duty was to take photographs, but I also did a handful of other jobs at the same time. The first portion of the day was documenting some of our cancer patients visiting with racecar drivers and doing some laps on Barber Speedway. They even got the honor of meeting Patrick Dempsey, who has had intimate experience himself with cancer through loved ones. He was so nice, thoughtful and patient. While I never officially met him myself, I got to witness his caring nature in action. I will never forget his grace. Last night was the formal dinner portion of the event at Barber Motorsports Museum which went off without a hitch. It was the perfect night with coworkers and friends, for one of the best causes ever.
Today I am heading to a local state park (Oak Mountain) to get some swimming in as well as some triathlon transition practice. I’ve been cleared for all exercise as long as it doesn’t cause me any pain. I can’t wait to get out there and play in the sunshine!!!
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- My last day of physical therapy with AJ & Chelsey. :)
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- Sprinkle donuts & tarot cards – my therapist’s last request. :D
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- My favorite photo that I took of Patrick Dempsey.
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- Dempsey Racing Logo
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- The logo I made for the event!
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- Andrea & C-Man at Racin’ 4 Kids
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- Me & my friend Melinda!
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- Kitty & Courtney
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- Barber Motorsports Museum
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- Wynne, Beth & Andrea at Racin’ 4 Kids
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- The most awesome interns ever!! :D
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- On the Barber Speedway simulator. :D
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- Beth on the simulator!
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- High five for the ladies who put on Racin’ 4 Kids!
If you or someone you know is doing/going to the New Orleans Half Ironman next weekend, will you please message me on Facebook? I am looking for friends to carb load and celebrate with! I only know of one other person from Columbus, GA going as well but would like to find several others. Let me know! I will be there Friday-Monday.
I am looking forward to being in town this weekend, even though it will still be pretty busy. Friday afternoon & night I will be working an event for the hospital (and will possibly meet Patrick Dempsey!!!), then Saturday morning through lunchtime I may attend a workshop called “Second Saturday” for women going through a divorce. It’s at the Crestline Mt. Brook library from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and costs $45. I’m not really sure if it’s “for me” since they seem to talk a lot about financial & family issues… but I might check it out anyway. Honestly, the only real difficulty for Mike & I is the changing of our relationship. We lived pretty independently from each other financially so none of that is going to be a problem to separate. I wanted to put the information out there regardless b/c it seems like a great workshop if it’s applicable to your own situation. I think they are offered all around the country.
Besides those two things, I plan to do lots of exercise outdoors since I will be cleared for all exercise after Friday. Theoretically you are supposed to start tapering for a big event two weeks beforehand, but since I’m behind the game I’m taking advantage of the nice weather and my ability to do normal training. I will start to taper off Tuesday or Wednesday depending on how I feel. Since I’m not going for time goal, I think it’s OK to extend my workouts a little longer. Can you tell that I’m getting really, really, really excited??? I LIVE for this. Get me out there!!
Also- please do a little voodoo dance for me until April 15th… I really want to win a lottery slot for Ironman Kona in October. Trying not to get my hopes up since the odds aren’t in my favor, but it is still a possibility…
Weigh-In Wednesday #53 – 148.2
There’s a lot of real change & potential change swirling around at the moment in almost every facet of my life. Maybe this happens to everyone during the onset of spring, but I feel like it’s happening more than usual this year. While some of it is hard, I believe it is all for the best and pulling me in the right direction. I find exercise to be especially comforting during times like these… it helps to keep me grounded and positive. There is nothing better than a good sweat session while listening to some awesome tunes. If only for a moment, it takes me away from the real world and provides solid quiet time. It also helps me fall asleep better at night and get the rest that I desperately need.
While at physical therapy yesterday, I got two thumbs up on the Half Ironman next weekend. After my last session this Friday, I can run on my own!! I asked them their honest opinion on my ability to finish, and they said that my knee shouldn’t be a factor at that point. The only thing I will have to fight through is the fact that my body isn’t conditioned to do the distances at the moment, but they feel like I will finish because of my strong will and personality. I took that as a compliment. Someone else told me yesterday that I looked “strong”. That also gave me a confidence boost. I am indeed strong, stronger than I’ve ever been in my whole life.
I feel like right now I’m going going going at every second of the day… but it’s a good thing. The distraction is welcome, because I fear that if I’m left alone with nothing to do for too long that I will start to feel lonely and a little sad. It is strange being in a temporary house, even if it’s with my parents. I miss our cats. I miss Mike. But I know we are doing the right thing, it’s just all part of the emotional process & healing. Onward & upward!!!!
Well, gosh dangit, I lost the push-up contest again. But, I did increase the number I could do to 7 (8 if you count my half push-up). Vero did about 28 half push-ups, and Brandi did 22 semi-full ones. I think for May’s contest we should have a push-up judge, and our noses need to touch the ground, back and necks flat with butts tucked in. I’m pretty sure I’ll still be the weakest one, but at least we will have an accurate number for all of us! I love doing this once a month as it pushes each of us to get stronger and stronger. After we finished Vero & Brandi took off on their daily run, and I waved them off sadly in the distance. I will be joining them again very, very soon! However, I will probably do my own thing until after New Orleans. Right now I’m doing what’s right for me & my body.
But, I did increase the number I could do to 7 (8 if you count my half push-up). Vero did about 28 half push-ups, and Brandi did 22 semi-full ones. I think for May’s contest we should have a push-up judge, and our noses need to touch the ground, back and necks flat with butts tucked in. I’m pretty sure I’ll still be the weakest one, but at least we will have an accurate number for all of us! I love doing this once a month as it pushes each of us to get stronger and stronger. After we finished Vero & Brandi took off on their daily run, and I waved them off sadly in the distance. I will be joining them again very, very soon! However, I will probably do my own thing until after New Orleans. Right now I’m doing what’s right for me & my body.
It’s shaping up to be a beautiful day outside! I once again have a ton of work to knock out in the office, but am optimistic that I can get it all done. This is my last week to attend physical therapy as well, which is exciting and sad all at the same time. I’ve become really good friends with everyone at Champion Sports Medicine and it will be so weird to not see them twice a week. I’m going to make my last day extra special though & bring a surprise for AJ & Chelsey (my PT & trainer). Sprinkles may be involved.
April's Push-Up Contest!
My mom & dad's house.
