Real Ryder Spinning

Tonight I finally took a spin class in Los Angeles.  I love spinning and don't get to go as much as I'd like since now I usually spin on my trainer rather than in a class.  I have tried to make it to a class several times since I've been working in LA, but never made it in time or had issues with a gym membership in another city or whatnot.  Anyway, I left work early to workout with two AKPsi friends at Real Ryder Studios in Brentwood.  It's a spin bike that leans and turns so you work more muscles.  It also has aerobars, which is missing on most spin bikes.  I was uncomfortable not having my bike shoes, and extremely distracted by the girl in front of me who was bouncing all over the place because her seat was too high and her tension too low, but it was still a good workout and I can definitely see the appeal.  Here is a demonstration video, but there is no talking so it's pretty boring.

Coeur d'Alene Excitement

Yesterday, I was glued to my phone all day getting Facebook and Ironman Live updates on my friends racing in IMCdA.  I remember last year thinking how Nick would be out training for hours and I could easily waste away those hours catching up on my DVR, doing laundry, lunching with a friend, etc.  I used to marvel at the concept that he just went out and rode 80 miles while I spent 50 minutes on a spin bike and tooted around the house all day. Sometimes I think about that when I'm out riding -- how now I'm spending 6-8 hours on a bike while my friends and family are doing their thing on the weekends.  So yesterday I thought it was ironic that I was out prancing around at PRIDE in San Francisco while my friends were tearing up that course (they all kicked ass!).  Although I am an extremely emotional person, admittedly, I don't get feelings of being proud of others (or myself) very often.  But yesterday, I felt like I was bursting and beaming with pride and inspiration and awe at how amazing these people did out there.  


One of the guys we "picked up" in our swim at Shadow Cliffs last Tuesday placed 2nd in his AG and 5th overall for the Age Groupers.  He finished in 9:26!  I feel like I just swam with a celebrity because I am in awe at such greatness. And, my cheery, bouncy, rock star, hard core, bubbly swim coach/friend/the other pea in the pod, Sedonia, completed her 4th IM and finished in 12:37!  Our run coach, Carolyn, placed 10th in her AG at 11:26.  I won't bore you with all the stats, but everyone did great.  Even those that had a hard day, STILL did great in my book.  Because they persevered and they pushed through it and they crossed the finish line!  I only hope I can make them as proud in November as they made me yesterday.   

Holy Hills

We have swam in the snow, biked in the rain, and ran in the hail.  There's no such thing as canceling workouts because ANYTHING can happen on race day.  But, today was historical because our swim got canceled.  Why?  Because a very large group of disabled kids were fishing in Lake Del Valle.  No, really!  Not only were there too many boats out for us to maneuver through, but way too many haphazard fishing lines.  Since we were going for a ride after the swim, we just changed to bike clothes and began our challenging ride.  The last time I climbed Mines Rd, I only got about 8 miles up it.  And, it was snowing.  Today, I made it up 20 miles.  And, it was beautiful.  Mentally and physically I had a good day.  Mechanically, I did not.  Only 22 minutes after starting the first climb, I heard a hissing coming from my back tire.  Yes, another flat!  This time I could feel the air poking out of my tire.  Luckily, not even 30 seconds later our roaming SAG drove up.  Suzi wasn't riding so she offered to let me ride on her back wheel instead of us trying to patch my tire with a packet of Gu or $ bill or whatever else we could find.  So after an exchange of wheels, I am off again.  I reach the top of Del Valle and realize that my back brake is way too far away from her wheel.  I manage to get down the long hill ok, and then start climbing Mines Rd.  It's a steep road and I am having trouble getting my gears to shift on her cassette.  Basically, I can't go into the lowest gear and this is a really hard climb!  Between the brake issue and the gearing, I stop and wait for SAG again.  Luckily, Coach Mike and Lorraine showed up not too long after and Mike has all the tools to fix anything!  So he gets my brakes working again and does all kinds of magic so that my chain no longer jumps and I'm good to go.

The rest of the climb was good.  It was a 5 hour ride and unfortunately, I lost about 40 minutes due to my bike issues, which means I rode alone the rest of the day.  And, I was bummed I only got just over 40 miles under my belt instead of the 60 I was supposed to go.  But, I was just so happy at how much easier this was to do than in March and again in April.  I didn't have to stop because I was tired.  I stopped because of bike problems or to wipe sunscreen that was dripping in to my eyes (which I will gladly take over frozen digits any day)!  

On the way back, someone in a big white work truck threw orange peels at me.  Really?  It actually hurt and formed a big welt on my arm.  Embarrassingly, I actually cried because it stung so much.  I guess even something as innocuous as an orange peel hurts when it hits you as you are moving 20mph.  A few minutes later, Emily rode up to me and asked if someone through oranges at me.  They got her, too.  And, Dana.  And, Kristy, and Eddie, and Nick. 

But besides all that, we finished, we jumped in the lake to cool off, and we picnicked.  And, it wasn't until we downloaded data from GPS tonight that I learned I went 4000ft in elevation today.  And, for that, I am celebrating!

Shadow Poop

Part of my blogging includes writing about things I'm grateful for (see blogs on Sports Basement, TNT, Nick, Coach Nicole, etc.).  Today's post is about the Orcas at Shadow Cliff.  Shadow Cliff is a regional park that is only about 15 minutes away from Nick's house.  It's a little beach park with lots of running trails and a man-made lake.  The beach is full of goose poop (bet you didn't know that duck and goose poop actually smells did you?), which is why we call it Shadow Poop, and there is a roped off area with a super long swim lane that anyone can swim in.  However, for those wanting more open water experience, you can join the Orcas, which is an open water swim group.  We can only swim certain hours, have to get certified (to make sure we won't drown out there), we are required to wear a yellow cap (received after getting certified), to check in/out on a sign up sheet, and we can NEVER swim alone, which means waiting around to find others to swim with you.  It's like a game of pickup basketball.  "Hey, can I swim with you guys?"


The lake isn't very big (80 acres), but there are 3 routes we can do depending on how long we are supposed to swim that day.  And, the water is warm enough that we don't need a wetsuit anymore (although I probably should be back in mine since that's what I'll be wearing in only 36 days).  Eeek!


Anyway, after yesterday's swim I just realized how grateful I am to be able to have this practically in the backyard.  Yes, it full of poop (gives it character, right?).  And, supposedly will give you a weird skin condition when it starts to "grow" things later this summer (yeah, I'll probably stick to the pool then).  And, it is always crowded with BBQs, and crazy baptisms, and families that reserve their tables with bigass watermelons starting around 8am. But, it's convenient.  And, training for an IM is pretty much the opposite of convenient. So this means I will embrace the duck poop!     

Using The Secret to Get a Flat Tire

I've been a little concerned that I haven't gotten a flat tire yet while out on the road. I have gotten more comfortable with changing a flat, but every time I have changed one, it happened to be before we rode, or while sitting in my house, or during one of the boot camp or bike clinic trainings.


So I had a flat yesterday from what I assume was a bunch of grass and rocks I walked my bike through after Tri For Fun.  Since I was at home when I changed it, I tried to find the leak, repair it, and put it back in.  I had a flat again 5 minutes later so I went for a second round and changed out the tube.  My anxiety over dirty hands is why I don't like changing flats.  My teammate, Emily, has made it her signature look to take all the dirt and grease and rub it all over her face when she's done changing hers.  And, I actually think I would almost rather have it on my face than my hands for some illogical reason.    

Anyway, despite having dirty hands, I truly have been "asking" for a flat out on the road.  I don't want my first flat to be during Vineman or Ironman.  And, if I didn't get a flat before the race, I was going to blow through some C02 cartridges for practice.  Of course, because I have talked to several people about this over the past week, I put my request out there to the Universe and the Universe delivered.  I got my first flat today.  I was actually excited.  Thankfully, there was a shady spot across the street to change it. 

My first cartridge started leaking so I blew through that one.  Luckily, I figured out the trick for the second one and was able to get back in business.  But, not even 5 miles later, I felt something again!  This time I was super bummed because we were climbing Calaveras and I was doing really well on the climb and I didn't want to stop and break my mojo.  It was 90 degrees today.  I was sticky and had dead bugs all over me.  And, there was no shade.  But, I have no choice.  We pull over on the side of the road and this time Nick does major inspection of my tire pulling out all kinds of bits and pieces from the outside of the tire.

I changed my tire for the 4th time in two days and finish out the ride. And, when I got home, I decided it might be time for me to re-read The Secret and finish my vision board that I started, but never finished, a good six months ago!

Tri for Fun

For the past 24 years, On Your Mark Events has been hosting the the Tri For Fun series every summer at Shadow Cliffs in Pleasanton.  It is a sprint tri without a timing chip.  I ran two Tri For Funs last year and the Tri For Real (maybe 3/4 Olympic with a timing chip) because they were...fun.  Generally 50 percent of the people registered are doing their first triathlon.  More importantly, the event is made up of over 50 percent women.  When I was at Escape from Alcatraz a few weeks ago, I was disappointed at what a sausage fest it was.  This really is a male-dominated sport and I think the women come out for Tri For Fun because it's not competitive.  Anyway, you don't have to have a fancy bike, an aero helmet, or even a tri top.  People ride in their old or borrowed bikes, in bathing suits or t-shirts, and are just there to enjoy the day.  There is a clock at the finish, but it's not timed so they joke that you can go run wherever you like and no one would know but you.  

For the past year, I have been encouraging my dad to sign up with me.  I think he is a little reluctant about the open water swim.  Last weekend, we compromised and agreed we would sign up for 5K together.  I knew that if I just got him to the park, he would see how non-intimidating it was and that might change his mind.  So I proposed that he come out to the event and meet me on the run course, which just happens to be a 5K.

The swim went ok.  It was so short, I don't think I found my rhythm.  I was out of the water in 9 minutes and it only took me 3 minutes to transition (much better than last weekend).  The bike was only 11 miles (oh it feels so tiny) and I was done in 39 minutes.  Two minutes for transition and then I met Dad and we ran the course in 40 minutes, which was great for my pace since it is a hilly run.  Most importantly, this was the first time I had actual proof of my improvement over the past year.  Of course, I *know* I have improved, but this was tangible.  Last year, I would be ok with the swim and the bike and then all the women would pass me on the run (meaning I was at the tail end).  This year, men were passing me, too, which means despite their 5 or 10 minute head start in the waves, I closed the gap.  And, I even managed to pass a few men myself!  Plus, you can't argue a number on the clock with a 10 minute difference. 

So it was a good day for me and I got to spend some time with my dad for an early Father's Day and maybe he just might me for the whole thing later this summer or next.

It All Started In Canada

Next weekend a few of my friends will be participating in Ironman Couer d'Alene.  I tried to make it work to be there for the race and be the best cheerleader I could be, but with my work and travel schedule, I just wasn't able to make it happen.  It got me thinking about IM Canada and how that was really the catalyst for me.  There is something magical about Penticton.  The cute town, the friendly people, the roadside fruit stands, the wineries, the mountains, and the beautiful lake make it nearly impossible to not fall in love with this little gem!  I danced and partied in the streets with Mason.  I got riders to clip out as they went by to show me their legs or to smack their asses.  

I found Robin on the bike with a very stern face as she climbed Yellow Lake and I finally got her to smile.  I made friends with an old lady who just got a kick over and over again at my signs. 

I was inspired by 81 year old men crossing the finish line.  I teared up at every participant that went past me with a prosthetic.  I felt the heartbreak and the anguish of Nick's teammates that did not make the bike or run cutoffs.  And, I was amazed at my boyfriend who got injured at Mile 1 and then proceeded to walk 25 miles and still managed to finish with 40 minutes to spare (I will be lucky if I end up having 4 minutes to spare).  

And, since I was thinking so much about Penticton tonight, I watched for the umpteenth time the 2010 official video.  It's 8 minutes, but it truly captures the day.  Seeing the final finisher just gets me every time.  Plus, there are a few shots of Kristie, Janice, and Phil on the bike and Helen and Mason in one of the crowd scenes. 

  

Tempe won't be magical like Penticton.  It's far from quaint.  And, there definitely aren't any roadside fruitstands or wineries on the Beeline.  But, I will get to pass Sun Devil Stadium 9 times. :)

Times Four Plus Some

Today I finally completed in my first Olympic triathlon.  Considering the Olympic tri I did as "training" back in February took me 5 hours, I set a realistic goal for 4:15 and an ideal goal for 4:00.  After arriving, I found Carl, who had been talking to me about signing up for my first tri for the past three years!

I hate waiting for it to begin.  I had a lot of nervous energy.

The swim was a deep water start, which is the same as Arizona.  So this was good practice for getting hit and kicked, getting stuck between two swimmers and trying to find my way out of it, etc.  Before the start, I turned to my right and recognized Molly, the author of one of the blogs I am following, standing next to me.

Somewhere in the middle of the pack

Because it was two loops, we were getting caught up with the boys on their second loop, which was just more good practice for me in fighting my way through it.  But, I got out in close to 18 min so at that point, I knew I was going to reach my swim goal. The short little run on the beach was extremely disorienting coming out of the swim since all the blood rushes around.  

It took me awhile to find my rhythm again after I jumped back in.  So I don't know what happened on the second half of that swim, but my sighting was super off.  Or maybe it's just my eyesight is going bad.  I was sighting, but on the wrong thing!  I was so off course, it's not even funny.  I know people joke, "just follow the person in front of you," and I distinctly remember seeing someone far away from me and thinking, "wow, they are really off course."  But, as Jim Carrey says in Liar Liar, "It was me!"  Needless to say, I did not have a negative split and was out of the water and across the transition in :39.  

Still uncomfortable running barefoot

I wanted to get through T1 in less than 5 min, which I did.  I figure I have to get faster at everything else before I nail down fast transition times.


So then I was off on the bike.  

It's a fairly flat course with one climb and a few tiny rollers.  I gave myself 15 minutes for the climb and made it up to the top in 10 minutes.  And, throwing in the Sun Devil connection, at mile 20, I turned in to the neighborhood where Pat Tillman grew up.  A few minutes after that I saw a girl out for a run wearing a Pat's Run shirt.  And, then a few minutes later, I was passing his high school.  Anyway, my goal for the bike was 1:45 and I made it in 1:37.  


I was hoping for a 3 min T2, but I ended up taking 4.  I have no idea what the heck I was doing.  I swear half that time was in walking my bike as I cannot run in my bike shoes.  From there, I was on to the run.  

I knew it would be the challenge for the day.  My run has SOOOO much room for improvement.  I didn't really get my run legs until around the 2.5 miles in to it.  I was hoping for 80 minutes and it took me almost 88!  Pathetic.  My left heel was really bothering me so I just went within my limits, and by that point, I knew I was going to get under four hours so I was ok with it.  
I crossed the finish line in 3:53.  

And, after crossing it, all I could think about was that in five months I have go do that again times four and then some!  It was a good day; it gave me the notch under my belt that I was looking for; and, it boosted my confidence on my biking abilities, but it also reminded me of how much work I have left to do!   

Feels Like 8 Months Ago

My team is out riding 100 miles and climbing 8000ft today.  It is a workout that I was just NOT looking forward to.  A former coach took every possible hill in the East Bay and put it all together to create an informal century ride.  This ride is in the calendar for mental toughness reasons because at this point, we all know we are physically capable of 100 miles.  However, as luck would have it, the Silicon Valley International Tri is this weekend.  So, I granted myself a guilt-free hall pass.  I cannot ride 100 miles today if I expect to race tomorrow.  Instead of crying on those hills, I rocked out to great music in spin class (I haven't taken a Saturday spin class since probably Christmas break), did a short 10 min jog to loosen my legs, and then got in some good stretching.  So now it's 11am, my workout is done, Nick is out riding with the team, and I have the whole day to myself to play (just like 8 months ago)!  

Coach Nicole

Despite all the coaches I have through Ironteam, I also have one very special coach named Nicole. Last year, I started working with Nicole on a professional level to address some career-related items.  Nicole helped me discover the answers to questions I already knew the answers to, but didn't know how to reach deep inside to find.  And, while doing triathlons isn't exactly career-related, based on some exercises we did together, one of my homework items was to sign up for my first triathlon.


Over the course of the next few months, she would drop little hints about how animated I was when I talked about all this silly triathlon business.  And, after I posted pics on Facebook of IM Canada, she slyly commented, "So when are you doing yours?"  Dang....she is good!  She knew I was going to register for an IM before I knew!  


So over the past 18 months or so, we have built this friendship.  And, every conversation I have with her, whether it be through some official coaching capacity or via a friendly telephone call, she continues to enlighten me.  She manages to always put things in perspective for me; when I express frustration, she reminds me that not even a year ago, I hadn't even completed a sprint tri.  One day she commented how much the mind holds us back from doing things, but then once we do them, it's the mind that says, "Oh, that!  It was no big deal."  It's something I think about almost every weekend!


I'm pretty darn lucky to have a head coach, a swim coach, a bike coach, a run coach, a conditioning coach, and a few other coaches mixed in.  But, I'd say this career coach of mine is just as critical to my journey as all my team coaches.  Sure, maybe she isn't telling me what kind of swim drills to do or how many miles to run, but she did give me the tools I need to be empowered in all aspects of my life, including taking that first step to sign up.


This weekend I'll be competing in that first tri again (except I'll be doing the longer distance).  And, in recognition of that, I wanted to pay tribute to a very special person who encouraged me to take those first steps that then snowballed into such a copious undertaking.  So while this blog entry was intended to thank Nicole for playing such a pivotal role in my professional (and later personal) life, I realize it is only fitting that I also promote her and share her with all of you.  Whether you are questioning job fulfillment, considering a career change, or if you manage a team of people and you'd like help them build greater job fulfillment, check out www.thelinkedteam.com. 

Rain Rain Go Away

Yesterday I finally got to ride one of the loops of the Vineman course.  The Vineman course was great.  It really is an amazingly beautiful ride.  The course if full of rollers, and since I'm not much of a climber and I'm really comfortable descending, it suits me well.  Anyway, the weather, on the other hand, was pretty awful.  It rained.  And, when the rain stopped the strong headwinds came.  And, when those finally stopped, it began to pour!  What happens when you ride in the rain?  Well, for starters you get wet (and getting wet is probably the part that I mind the least).  The rain collects on your helmet and drips in your face (Jen wore a hotel shower cap over her helmet, which I thought made her a genius).  Water starts to slosh around in your shoes.  You can't ride too close to the person in front of you, unless you want to get dirty water from their wheel flying in your face.  A trail of dirt from your own back wheel leaves a lovely streak on your butt.  And, somehow that dirt even manages to get inside your pants. (how does that happen?!?!)  The sand and street crud flies up and gets all over your water bottles, which makes drinking really fun.  And, lastly, your bike just gets filthy!