Ringing in 2019...what are my goals?

Last year I waited a month before I shared my 2019 goals. I had watched an interview with a woman who shared that she always waited a month before she declared her resolutions. She explained that she took the first month of the year to reflect on the past year. What worked, what didn't and what she really wanted to change. Last year I embraced that suggestion...other than the fact that I call them goals and not resolutions.

For 2018 my word of the year was "work"...going to work, doing school work, and working out. It may not seem like an inspirational word but it was so much of who I was in 2018. I had to balance my life between work, school work and workouts and I think I did pretty well. Looking back on 2018 I planned and hosted some incredible events at work, I held a 3.89 GPA while working towards my doctorate, and completed 13 endurance events. I don't know what my word will be for 2019, I just know I still have a lot of work to do!

I am going to assume that a majority of you know what my #1 goal is for 2019? It will take place 208 days, 4 hours and about 47 minutes from this moment on July 28, 2019.It is my goal to be standing on the edge of Mirror Lake where I will start and finish the Ironman Lake Placid. I have been working towards this for the last 2 1/2 years, as my coach and I mapped out my course.

Of course from this goal every other goal will stem from for 2019. It will take dedication, work, sacrifice, and commitment. As the picture says to the right, my competition isn't other people it is myself. Knowing that I will be training, working and going to school I can't waste time, I need to stay focused.

2018 was good for me. I accomplished a lot and did a lot but I want 2019 to be better. What will it take? This next month will be a time of reflection and putting things into motion. What worked for me last year: morning workouts, heading to work, and then school work at night, will it work for me in 2019. Will it be enough? I am not walking into 2019 naive but I need to do it my way. I also know setting up a schedule may take a few trial and errors until I get it right so my full set of 2019 goals will have to wait and I will get them posted no later than January 31.

I have 365 blank pages to write my book for 2019. Every day a new chapter...a new adventures. I look at 2019 as a new adventure, a new challenge and I don't like to walk away from those.

Looking back on my 2018 adventures I completed:

3 half marathons (PR'ing two of them)
1 full marathon - Philadelphia (so much fun)
Was invited to and competed in the USATriathlon National Championships - Sprint Triathlon
Won first in my age group at the Cazenovia Olympic Triathlon
PR'd the Tipp Hill Run in March (one of my favorites)
Completed another Gillie Girl Sprint Triathlon
Completed another Cayuga Ride for Heart Health Ride - 50 miles

But a few of the highlights in no particular order...
PR'd another Turkey Trot - 4 days after completed the Philadelphia Marathon (I was so cold and my legs were tired...but I did it)
In October I completed the Eastwood 5 miler (another one of my favorites) and PR'd the race by 12 minutes.
In December I completed It's a Wonderful Run in Seneca Falls - surpassing my goal and completed the race with sub-10 minute miles

And finally -- September I completed the Ironman Lake Placid 70.3 -- What a feeling!! You could say I PR'd this race...compared to my attempt at the Ironman Syracuse 70.3 from 2012 (still holds a special place in my heart)!!

I am proud of my accomplishments in 2018. I have so many people to thank who helped me get to this point...too many to list but know I carry you all in my heart! 2019 will be my year! I look forward to what it will bring! I know it will be a lot of work but I am ready to take it on!!

I hope you all have a fabulous New Years!! I look forward to cheering all of you on to your goals!!

Be Safe

Keep moving forward!!

PS: Since I started writing...Lake Placid Ironman is now...208 days 4 hours 5 minutes and 51 seconds!!

Facing New Challenges

Over the years since starting this blog, I have shared with you that I would be as honest as I could be with my blog and share with you the good and the bad. Following my surgery 2 ½ years ago my nutritionist/nurse practitioner told me that my diabetes was in remission. Yes, I left the hospital without any medication and have not taken any since the days prior to the surgery but at any time my body could have a negative response and it could come back at any time.

Every few months I have to have my blood drawn to have my B12, vitamin D, iron, and A1C levels tested to name a few. Over the last year, my A1C levels slowly started to climb. My nutritionist started to talk about adding medication back into my routine. Oh how I did not want that to happen. Therefore, I asked if we could wait a few more months and she agreed. She indicated that I would have to have my blood tested again in December and along with my A1C, they wanted to check my iron levels too.

So just before Christmas, I went in for an appointment to find out the results of my blood tests and talk about some additional concerns I had been having. I will admit I was scared to death; I did not want to go back on medication for my blood sugar levels (did I say that already?). Well I ended up with some good news and some not so bad news…or maybe I should say I do not know how to take it news…

I will give you the news about the A1C first, which my nutritionist did not lead with…had me a wreck the whole time…my blood sugar levels dropped significantly!! Thank you Jesus…all is good on that front. On the other front, my nutritionist was very concern about my iron levels. After the surgery, my iron was fine but about a year ago, the numbers started to drop. So my medical team instructed me to start taking an iron supplement. I started to do that but the levels did not come up so then I had to increase the amount I was taking. Obviously, it is not working and they are concerned. Not knowing exactly what I can do to make this better, they are sending me to Cayuga Hematology/Oncology Association…do not let the Oncology scare you…it is just the specific work these doctors focus on. I am going to them for the hematology. So this appointment will take place in mid-January 2019 and at this point, there is not much else I can do but continue to take my iron supplements and wait to see what these doctors have to say. I will keep you updated as soon as I hear anything.

The next thing is the concern I brought to my appointment. I will not go into too much detail but I have been having many GI issues. I cannot pin point if it is a certain food that I am eating or something else. I had a long talk with my nutritionist about this, she consulted with my surgeon, and this is the plan: starting tomorrow, December 31, I will begin an elimination diet. I will eliminate gluten and sugar for three weeks. Keeping a record of what I was eating these two items seemed like they could be the culprit. My nutritionist and surgeon were kind enough to let me start this after the Christmas holiday. I also have an appointment with a Gastroenterologist later in January.

Of course all of this is happening at the same time that my Ironman training will begin to rev up on January 1^st. Of course I might as well get this all figured out now instead of later in the season. I know that I could be in a lot worse of a situation and I am not asking for sympathy, there are just a lot of unknowns right now as I face the beginning of 2019. Some of this will be out of my control, so I will focus on what I can control and look at this as another challenge. Some may say you might as well make some lemonade out of the lemons that I have…provided I do not add any sugar to it in the next three weeks!

Keep moving forward!

Breaking 10 minute miles and Trying something new

 So two weeks ago I shared with you that I was setting a goal for myself to try and complete a 5K by holding my miles to 10 minute miles. The last time I could run and hold a 10 minute mile was in 2001, 17 years earlier...for so many years I never thought I would ever see that time again.

Saturday, December 8 I had a plan to complete the "It's a Wonderful Run" in Seneca Falls. It is one of my favorite runs. The race begins after sun down, and if it is cold and snowing it adds so much to the event. Well this year I was not disappointed. It was cold and as the sun set the snow started to fall.

I will admit that this race is very crowded and even though they try to separate everyone into estimated times most people line up where ever they want. So the start of the race is usually spent dodging people and trying to get into a rhythm. Things were going well but I didn't know if this race would be the one where I would accomplish my goal.

 As the miles went by and my watch announced my time I was very surprised by what I was seeing but still didn't know if overall my average would be 10 minute miles. As I approached the Main street I didn't care about the people around me, I wasn't competing against them...I was competing against myself and the clock. Well I looked in the mirror that morning and saw my competition. By the time I finished and checked my time, not only did I meet my goal, I actually exceeded it!! I ended up completing the run in 30:56 which was an average of 9:48/mile!!

I was so excited...I couldn't believe it! I never thought I would exceed the goal that evening and I felt great the entire race!! I am hoping that this momentum continues!!

So this week I had one more race to complete in order to close out 2018!! I signed up for the Dash to Distillery 5K in Cazenovia. I was stepping out of my comfort zone to run this race. I have never done a trail race before and I was nervous because I am a Klutz who has been known to break ribs by tripping and falling on uneven sidewalks!! The trail brought you hills, down trees, mud, snow, ice, and everything else in between. I discovered it was easier to just go through the puddles and mud than try to go around it.

I am definitely not turning my road shoes in for trail running shoes but I had fun. It was not easy but I went in without any expectations. I just didn't want to fall and hurt myself! I am happy to report I accomplished that goal and finished the race covered in mud!!

At the race I caught up with friends and met a few new ones too. I will probably do it again but with the goal of just going out and having fun. Some days that is all you need.

Keep moving forward!!

Can I break 30 minutes???

It's been two weeks since the Philadelphia Marathon and I have spent this time enjoying some recovery. That doesn't mean that I have been sitting on the couch but taking it easy just a bit.

Four days after the marathon I did the annual turkey trot near my home in Massachusetts. It was sooooo COLD that morning. I started running and I felt great post-marathon. I ended up PR'ing by a minute compared to the year before. I don't know if I have naturally gotten faster or was it just so cold I wanted to finish as fast as I could!!

Ten days post Philly Marathon, I was back in the City of Brotherly Love for work. I was excited to head out for another run through the streets of Philadelphia. I headed toward Kelly Drive to run

along the Schuylkill River. I decided I needed to show the City of Philadelphia that Rocky has nothing on me. I had to run up the stairs of the Art Museum of Philadelphia aka the Rocky Steps. The sun was just coming up over the city and I headed up the stairs. Made it to the top and it was a perfect view of the city.

Prior to the start of the marathon I joked to my friend Mary Lou that when I was done I would run up the stairs. Of course that didn't happen...it was hard enough getting up the stairs of the shuttle bus never mind the Rocky Steps. So I had to do it during this trip!!

 The last update was this past Saturday I did a virtual 5k which was a fundraiser for my friend Meghan who is raising money for the Ironman Foundation as she trains for Ironman LP. I ran the race in the afternoon because I had to attend a funeral in the morning. I felt great as soon as I started running. I don't know if it was all the emotions I was feeling, that I needed to run them off, or my joints were looser in the afternoon compared to morning runs. But I finished this 5K in one of my fastest times in quite a while.

When I saw my time it brought me back to 2001 when I was training for my first triathlon. At that time I could run a 10 minute mile. I remember because I was working in the Athletic Department at Syracuse University. It always worked out that I could run a quick 3 miles at lunch, show and get back to my desk within an hour. It has been almost 18 years since I have seen a consistent 10 minute mile. Since that time there has been injuries and the struggle with my weight that slowed me down. I never stopped trying but I never thought I would see a 10 minute mile again! It's taken over 2 years since my surgery but I have finally seen that time again.

My next question is can I run under a 10 minute mile during a 5K??? I have another 5K race on the calendar next weekend...will it happen?  Sometimes I hate adding that pressure of finishing in a certain time because you never know how you will be feeling that day. However, I think I may try it!!

Keep moving forward!!

Philadelphia Marathon

On Sunday, November 18 I completed the Philadelphia Marathon. This was my 4th marathon and I really enjoyed the race. I highly recommend this event and encourage everyone to put it on their run to do list.

Heading into this race I didn't know what to expect. Following the 70.3 half Ironman that I completed in September I got into a mental funk. Physically I was fine, I knew I could run the miles but the last 9 weeks of marathon training, mentally I hit a wall. I struggled to complete my long runs. My coach told me it was my body telling me that it was tired but I needed to suck it up and dig down deep in order to finish this marathon.

I did not set any sort of time goal for this race, I just wanted to enjoy it and cross the finish line. I travel to Philadelphia so often for work but never have the time to really explore the city. I was looking forward to touring the city while running 26.2 miles and I saw so much of it!! We ran in and out of Center City, Old City, Penns Landing, South Philly, University City, by the Zoo, along boathouse row, thinking of Grace Kelly along Kelly Drive and into Manayunk. Thank God for the crowds in Manayunk! What a great area. So many people were out cheering us on and enjoying a cold, but sunny, Sunday morning. Manayunk is the home of the 20 mile turn-a-round and by the time you get there you are excited to see that turn-a-round sign and the crowds energize you to finish the last 6 miles!!

As I had shared earlier, I struggled mentally with my marathon training. So I decided to lean on those people in my life who have been there for me so many times before. Each mile I thought of these people and said a prayer for them. What I realized as I created the list I ran out of room. There are so many people in my life that I love and respect, who inspire me to keep moving forward. I realized how blessed I am that I couldn't fit them all into 26.2 miles. I ended up listing more than 1 person per mile (but said a prayer for each of them each mile) and then had to list special shout outs after I hit the .2.

I started with my family; my mom (how I miss her), my dad, Ann, Kevin, Suzan, Danny, Debi, Connor, Jennifer, Meg, Molly, Matt, Carson, and Caitlin (you got your own mile...mile 8 in University City). I then went to my extended family...the Kolano clan...you took up a lot of room and miles...thank you and I love you all! And yes, Lauren, you got your own mile...number 14...at that moment I was running by the Rocky Steps at the Art Museum of Philadelphia!

Mile 15 started my shout outs to so many friends...Stacy & Karen; Moira & Meghan (2 of my oldest and dearest friends); Liz & Karen (KP); Kim Buck (with me during my first marathon), and Emily Haff,

Mile 19 - Cheryl Cook, the Bear, your support and friendship means the world to me. I am looking forward to the next 7 months of Ironaman Training with you!! Mile 20 - Mary Lou, the best shirpa and wonderful friend...thank you for coming to Philly to support me! Mile 21 - Mary & Shawn Ryan from the first day we met, your support was greatly appreciated! I am so thankful for your friendship!

Claudia & Lisa -- Mile 22...at this point I felt the blisters but nothing compared to what you have gone through. Cancer Sucks but how you both hit it head on, has inspired me!

Pat & Emily Costello thank you for your love and support.

Mile 24 was dedicated to my awesome colleagues @ IC...I so enjoy working with and learning from all of you. I actually wore an Ithaca Bombers shirt during the race!!

Mile 25 was dedicated to all those runners who came before me...who blazed the trail for all of us, Kathrine Switzer and Joan Benoit Samuelson...you have done so much for this sport and the women who enjoy it.

Mile 26 was dedicated to my coach Kristen Roe. Thank you for all of your support and for believing in me. Especially during the training for this race...I know I whined a bit...but I got it done!

I added a line for the .2...My first marathon coach, Brendan Jackson, while training with Team In Training, told us the 26 miles were for everyone we were training for at the time. The 26 miles were done to help find a cure for cancer...but the .2 was for us to enjoy. Brendan that .2 was dedicated to you. Oh how I and so many others miss you!! On so many runs I search for you in the crowds or listen for your cheers. Although you were called home way too early...I know you are forever on every running course and trail!!

As I shared earlier I ran out of miles but doesn't mean I stopped thinking of other important friends...Nikki Ann, Kellie, Beth L, Cindy M, and Deb A...you all inspire me so much!! LUNAR Friends...I have so enjoyed getting to know you and I love all the positive support!! And Curt thank you for your friendship and support, I have truly enjoyed getting to know you!

Now that the race is over...I now have a month to relax, RECOVER, and enjoy the holidays before training starts for the Lake Placid Ironman. The next month I will keep my base and let my body rest a bit! This race was great...I looked forward to completing it and I so enjoyed Philadelphia and the great crowds along the course. I didn't PR this race but I crossed the finish line...I did well but a port-a-potty stopped past mile 20 slowed me down...I blame it on that!

Another quick race story...at the start they sent the runners off in waves. Slowly the corals moved forward. As I got closer to the start line, I finally looked up and standing by the start line on the announcer stand in front of me was Bill Rodgers, Meb Keflezighi, and Desiree Linden! What a great surprise and a nice start to the race!!

I will also share...throughout the 26. 2 miles I kept thinking about having a cheese-steak for dinner...and yes I did get one. And it tasted soooo good!! Philadelphia thank you for such an awesome experience!! I just checked another state off my list!!

Making a Comeback!!

I promised myself in January that I would write a blog post at least once a week. I designated that one day to be Sundays. I was doing really well until I took a break over the summer but now I am trying to work on this promise again.

So this week included some work travel, early morning runs, a discovery and a bit of a comeback.

The last three weeks, since the 70.3 have been rough. Some called it post race depression others said it was my body trying to recover. I called it a funk...no matter what you call it, it wasn't fun, I had to learn to listen to my body and give it what it needed. On some days all it needed was rest. For the first time this weekend on both Saturday and Sunday I felt like I was back to my old self.

Earlier this week I was in DC for week. I had some meetings and an event so I had to get my run in very early. I headed out of my hotel not far from Dupont Circle and headed to the National Mall. I headed out long before the sun came up and was back to my hotel just after it came up. I ran through Washington Square, George Washington University's campus, by the White House, and down to the Mall. It was peaceful so early in the morning. Somewhat the calm before the storm since there was so much happening up on the Hill that day. I love to go out for runs in large cities early in the morning before there is too much traffic and the tourist leave their hotel rooms. It's also nice to check the workout off the list before the day begins!!

I also discovered something about myself after looking at a pattern of events in my life. What I discovered really shouldn't have taken rocket science but sometimes I have to be hit over the head in order to figure things out. Post bariatric surgery I was told by the nutritionist that I need to limit the intake of sugar. I need to read labels and make sure that I am not taking in more than 10 grams of sugar per item of food. Prior to the surgery I was NEVER a BIG sweet eater. Sure I loved oatmeal cookies with raisins but who doesn't? I never craved chocolate or other items like that I was more into chips and pasta. Since the surgery I rarely eat pasta and I never have a desire for chips. However, for some reason I am want sweets and desserts. If I give in it is hard to stop. Lately, I have been giving in a lot and I need to stop. The pattern that I discovered is, if I end up eating food full of sugar or eat too much sugary foods I end up sick the next day. As a result it is affecting my workouts. The food isn't affecting my workouts based on the lack of nutritional value it is affecting my morning workouts. Due to the fact that I don't feel well after eating too much sugar, I don't feel like working out in the morning. I need to avoid eating this evil and make a commitment to this goal.

I have always worked at making this blog an honest place...honest with myself and honest with you. So here is my goal. For the next 31 days (the month of October) I will avoid candy/desserts and start reading the food labels again. I can't afford to miss my morning workouts because of my stupidity when it comes to my body's reaction to sugar. Tomorrow is Day one and October 1!!

So for the last three weeks I have been struggling to get back into a groove since completing the 70.3. My body has been tired and my runs have not been going well. This weekend I finally felt like myself again. I ran the longest I have run since the 70.3 and it felt great. I was hoping for a sub 12 minute mile overall. It didn't happen but I was happy with how things went today. I think I am back! I was getting nervous that I wouldn't have gotten out of this funk or "post event depression".Tomorrow I am back on the bike and it will be nice to spin the legs on the bike trainer.

I wanted to share this picture with you. It is one of the ones I ordered from the Ironman 70.3 Lake Placid. This picture was taken right before I entered the Olympic Oval to make my way to the finish line. It made me laugh and excited all at the same time. You can't tell from this picture but both feet are actually off the ground. My friend Cheryl is running along the street next to me cheering me on. I was telling her to stop or she would make me cry before I entered the oval. As I yelled that too her the photographer, sitting on the ground, began to laugh and had to stop taking pictures!! It was a a great day!!

I have been so naive...

It has been two weeks since the Lake Placid 70.3 and I have been so tired and not feeling 100%. I have not been able to figure it out until this weekend when my coach and a friend of mine both said that I could still be recovering from the race. I found this strange since I was still able to workout without being in pain and I thought I was recovered the Wednesday post race when I could stand-up, sit-down, and move without my body hurting. Obviously I was wrong.

As many of you know I now am faithful to my morning workouts but that has not always been the case. I had to train myself to get up in the morning. Well lately I have been hitting the snooze button too often or falling back to sleep after the alarm has gone out. I have been questioning this rut that I have been in fighting the alarm clock. However, when I think about it, it started after the race.

I have been completing my workouts but I have been fighting being tired or wanting to do them at all. I have put some workouts off, bitched and moaned about doing them, but I have gotten them done...just not with a lot of flash and flare.

Today I woke up very sick, stomach upset, and not feeling well at all. I ended up back in bed for another 2+ hours and by the time I got up the last thing I wanted to do was eat let alone go out and run 14 miles. I waited a few hours, had some toast and attempted a run. I didn't get the 14 miles I was supposed to but did complete 5 miles.

I am not expecting praise for this workout. I just had a learning moment this weekend. My body needs time to recover. I need to let it do its thing...I just hope it decides quickly that it is recovered and ready to go...I have things to do!!

This picture is an example of when I put off and bitched and moaned about a workout. I had to do six 1/2 mile repeats. Oh I did not want to do them...didn't get them done in the morning so I had to dig down deep and get them done after work. I did it...didn't enjoy it...but I did it. Now they are back on my schedule for this week...UGH!!!

What I did over my summer vacation...

I know, I know...I haven't been around. I started this blog at the end of August but never finished it. I need to get more consistent in my writing. I took a bit of a hiatus over the last three months. I promised I would write every Sunday but between school, work, and training by the time Sunday arrived I was too tired to write even if I had a lot to say. So since May what have I done...I have accomplished a lot this summer and I will share that with you.

June Half Marathon

1. Half Marathon in Virginia (June 2) - It was not a PR but I knocked another state off my list. I finished in 3 hours but I was ok with that because it was a very hot and humid day and one of the first I had faced for the season. I was training in very cool weather so this day threw me for a loop. It was a nice course and I finished my 15th half marathon.

2. Training in Lake Placid (4th of July) - I went up to Lake Placid for a little R&R from life and added in some training. I swam, biked and ran in the beautiful area I call Heaven. It was a very HOT trip to LP but I so enjoyed it.

Lake Placid

3. Gillie Girl (July 15) - participated in one of my favorite triathlons in the area. It is a fun day to be with friends who are competing and volunteering. Always a good time. I finished 8th in my age group!

4. Ride for Cayuga Heart Health (July 21) (50 miles) - Second year I did the Ride for Cayuga Heart Health. This year I did the 50 mile ride. I was happy with how the ride went. I finished the ride in 4 hours...had a few hi-cups along the way...dropped my chain and had some leg cramping but I managed to finish and I was happy. The leg cramping was a sign of my nutrition...a sign saying I needed to work on that. 

5. Two years post surgery - This summer marked two yeas post surgery (July 26). The honeymoon is over and the hard work has begun. My weight is down but I am stuck in one spot on the scale I would love to lose 15 more pounds and it is hard. The surgery fixes the stomach but old habits and negative talk don't go away...you need to work at it!!

2 years post surgery

6. 50 mile ride around Skaneateles Lake (August) - This ride was an accomplishment. This ride accomplished two things...I completed another 50 mile ride and I did something that terrified me. I rode around Skaneateles Lake (and all of its hills) by myself and I survived. I was so nervous but I did it!!

7. Cleveland August 12 - I competed in the USA Triathlon National Championships - Sprint. It was a fabulous weekend and I had such a good time. I was happy with my time and how I felt. The weekend intimidated me with all the athletes around me but I look forward to someday going back!!

8. Cazenovia Triathlon August 26 - 1st in my age group - yes you read that correctly. The Cazenovia Triathlon was my second triathlon in 2001, which happened to be the Caz Tri's first year. This event holds a special place in my heart. I have always done the sprint race but this year I decided to do the Olympic Distance. It is a tough race but I did it and came in first in my age group...why...because I showed up!!

Waiting for the race to start - post warmup

Age Group - First Place

Lake Placid Ironman 70.3 - Race Recap (1 week ago)

Finished!!

I promised myself that I would finish this tonight (1 week later).

One week ago I completed the Ironman 70.3 in Lake Placid! One week after the race and I am still walking 10 feet off the ground. Things that have surprised me as a result of last weekend; I am still hungry every day. The sore muscles went away by Wednesday but I have been soooo TIRED!! I need extra sleep and that has been throwing my daily schedule off! Below is a race report or a review of the whole weekend. So many emotions!

On Sunday, September 9, I completed the Lake Placid 70.3 Ironman. Not an easy feat but one I have been working towards since 2012. I crossed the finish line of another 70.3 in 2012, the Ironman 70.3 in Syracuse, but did not officially finish due to the fact I did not complete it in 8 1/2 hours. It was a rough day but that is behind me now and today I am a totally different person.

I digress...Let's not focus on the past let me tell you about my day in Lake Placid, also known as my happy place or the most magical place on earth. How can it not be, Miracles happen here!!

As I said this finish has been 6 years in the making...after crossing the finish line in Syracuse, knowing what a rough day it was, I said I was one and done. But deep down inside I knew I had to prove to myself that I could do this. Yes, it took 6 years, 1 bariatric surgery and a lot of soul searching but it happened. Two years ago when I had my bariatric weight loss surgery in 2016 I knew what I wanted and I put this distance on my radar. Of course the good Lord wasn't going to make this easy...he was going to make sure I earned that medal!

Leading up to race day, I had to continuously convince myself that I could do this race. I was not the same person I was 6 years ago. I was a stronger athlete and person. I knew I could handle the swim, that has always been the easy part for me, but I had to get through the bike course. And of course Lake Placid and the Adirondacks are not flat. Every triathlete has a strength and a weakness, my weakness is the bike. I can do the endurance, I am just not fast or a strong climber. I struggle so much but I was determined. I needed to be off the bike and through transition 5 1/2 hours from the time I entered the water in order to have a comfortable run. To say I was terrified about all of this was an understatement. If I completed the bike in the time I told myself I knew I would have plenty of time to complete the run as long as there were no huge disasters.

As the day of the race grew closer I looked at the weather forecast every day, several times a day. And it was changing constantly. At one point they were predicting 50% chance of rain, which would not have gone in my favor. This of course was out of my control and there was nothing I could do about it. But the weather God's had different plans and the rain was reduced to a 10% chance but the low was going to be in the 30s. So the packing plan for the weekend and race day changed. I had to bring extra layers and be prepared to be very cold.

On Friday I headed up to Lake Placid with my friend Mary Lou ready to attack this race (or at least that is what I kept telling myself). My plan was to pickup my race packet, do a little shopping, have diner, and try to relax and get a good night's sleep. Packet pickup was quite calm. Things went smoothly as I saw my race number in print for the first time. Things were getting real.

After a great night's sleep Saturday was upon me and my pre-race plan was to commence. First things first I had to get a quick run in to loosen the muscles. I also see this a great way to burn off some anxiety. Step two and the most important thing on the agenda...PANCAKES DAY!!! The morning before a race, I indulge in pancakes. It is a treat for me but most importantly it is a high carbo loading meal for the next day. I only make pancakes before races so I look forward to this morning and so far it hasn't disappointed me.

Following my pancake breakfast I headed out for a quick ride. I needed to go through my gears and make sure everything was working smoothly. During this time I was waiting for two other friends to arrive in Lake Placid. My friend Cheryl and Emily. Cheryl was arriving in the morning so she could join me as I racked my bike in transition, went to the athlete meeting and took a ride (in the car) around the bike course.

It can be quite intimidating to enter transition, seeing the 1000s and 1000s of dollars worth of bikes and how confident other athletes look compared to how I feel! Everything thing we did that Saturday, we checked off the list and put me one step closer to the starting line! Oh how nervous I was becoming!! It was getting colder and as I said earlier I had to rethink the race plan to include several layers!!

My wonderful friends kept me calm and laughing. They have been in my shoes before and they knew what I was feeling. I am so grateful to them and all that they did for me.

After an evening of dinner, getting everything ready for the next morning, and my friend Emily arriving...the morning was finally here. It was 33 degrees outside, the coldest start in Ironman history...40 years of this race and I have to pick one of the coldest starts. The water temperature was above 70 degrees and the lake felt like bath water. I got into my wet-suit, and started my warm-up in the water. Once I got into the water I didn't want to get out. Thank God the organizers let us stay in until our swim time was ready to go.

At about 7:40 my corral was ready to enter the water. I started to swim and found myself on the cable, I didn't want to be there but somehow it happened and I just stayed there. By the time I hit the first turn in the water I looked at my watch and I was there in less than 20 minutes...I thought something was wrong with my watch. I finished the 1.2 mile swim in 40 minutes. I was in shock. Even though it was cold I decided to use the wet-suit strippers to get out of the wet-suit easily. From the swim exit to transition was about a 1/4 mile run. This run is included in your transition time and knowing how many layers I had to put on, this transition could take me some time. In the end I was out of transition in less than 10 minutes which was great.

Cold or Terrified??

Swim warm-up

So in less than 50 minutes I was out on the bike. I was facing 56 miles of long climbs, long descents, cold temperatures, and being a bit nervous. Before the race started my friend Cheryl looked me in the eye and said "things in motion, stay in motion". This became my mantra as I climbed the hills. One by one the miles went by me and before I knew it I was beyond Keene Valley and at the first aide station. I had gotten through the large climbs that I feared and the very long descent into Keene. I knew there was a lot more to come but 1/3 of this ride was over!!

As I continued my mantra, I found myself relaxing on the bike and actually feeling pretty strong (for me). The things I had to focus on was taking in my fuel. Things were going well until the last 90 minutes of the ride. I just couldn't eat anymore peanut butter sandwiches...since the bariatric surgery I have had to become creative in how I get enough calories into my body. The stomach wasn't feeling well but I rode into transition in the time I wanted to finish the bike. On to the run!

I was getting nervous again. This is where I lost it 6 years ago and my stomach was not feeling great after the bike. The one good thing going for me was I had 3 hours to complete the run, which is what I wanted. For the first hour of the 13.1 miles I sipped water and ate a few pretzels at each water stop. Once I was beyond those first 5 miles the stomach was settled and I could focus on finishing the run...8 miles to go. One by one the miles went by. With three miles to go, Mary Lou, Cheryl, and Emily were waiting for me. Cheryl started to run with me and instructed me to hold the pace I had and focus on the finish. I had two big climbs ahead of me as I went into town, a mile out and back and then into transition! At that point I think I had about 45 minutes left in my allotted time. I looked at Cheryl and told her I was doing this and off I went!! I walked up the hills, headed out on the brief out and back and caught up with a guy from Canada. He was getting confused about the half marathon distance miles vs. Kilometers. After talking with him and explaining where we were in miles I was heading to the finish line. I had less than a mile to go!! As I hit the corner right before I entered the Olympic Oval...there was my friend Cheryl cheering me on. At that moment the emotions started. My goal was to finish, finish strong, and I didn't care if it was 8 hours, 29 minutes and 59 seconds...I finished, feeling strong, and with 4 minutes and 10 seconds to spare!! I earned that medal they wrapped around my neck!!

It was a great day, cold but a great day. I owe so much to these beautiful women who were there to cheer me on, to be my sherpas, and to be my personal photographers!! I am blessed to have them in my life and on my side.

I took the picture on the right with my snapchat account. This is the filter that came up near transition. I found it fitting. Yes, to some this goal may seem crazy but the feeling you get when you accomplish it is priceless...now it is my goal to make this dream a bit bigger!!

This rock is right by the swim start of the Ironman course in Lake Placid. I have been to Lake Placid too many times to count but I could never bring myself to take a picture by this rock. Until now...the 70.3 is behind me but the full Ironman is in front of me!! in 10 1/2 months I will be back on the start line ready to attack 140.6 miles. It may seem crazy but I am ready to attempt it!!

Swim, bike, run...things in motion stay in motion!!!

Bring it on!!

(Sorry for the long length)!

Keep moving forward

This week there have been ups and downs; stress and peace; but through it all I kept moving forward as best I could. For the last two weeks I have been dealing with my car, the check engine light continuously flashed at me despite my mechanic working on it. For most of last week I did not have my car. On Wednesday I left for a work trip in a rental but picked up my "fixed" car on Friday thinking all was well. Instead 5 hours after leaving the garage, the check engine light reappeared. Of course it was after 5 pm on the Friday of a three day holiday weekend. What could I do. My plan was to head out of town for the weekend so the only thing I could do was rent a car in order to head the place where my heart always is located...Massachusetts.

On Friday morning I got up to get my workout done before I left for work. I didn't want to worry about it knowing I was still dealing with my car. It wasn't the most intense workout of my life but I got it done! Knowing what happened at the end of the day I am so glad I got it done!

   My work trip took me to Buffalo this past week. It was a quick overnight but a very successful trip. It was our first alumni event in the area since I was hired 5 years ago and it was a fabulous time. Getting to know many of the alumni at the event I ended up going out with a few and stayed out much past my bed time.I had a fabulous time but I also knew I had to finish some school work and get a run in the next morning before leaving Buffalo. The school work did not get done that night but it did get done early the next morning and so did my run. I had a fun run through Buffalo and headed to the canal near Lake Erie. It was a beautiful morning and even though I was tired I got it done. About half way through my run I started to smell something really good. What am I smelling I thought to myself. As I looked around, across the canal, was the General Mills plant. At that moment I looked forward to turning around and heading back to breakfast! 

This past Saturday I got out on the road for the second time this spring. I went for 21 miles and although I am still not the strongest cyclist I felt great throughout the ride. My average speed was 14.3 miles per hour and I was out for 90 minutes. I will say that compared to years past I have gotten faster but still not lightning speed! As soon as I hear about my car today, it is my plan to get back in the saddle and on the road again!

I will share this with you while out on the road on Saturday I started to have a bit of anxiety. I was thinking about the Half Ironman Lake Placid I am registered to complete in September. I started to have my doubts about whether I can do this or not. I was supposed to complete the Tupper Lake Tinman in June but decided to defer my entry until next year. Knowing my travel schedule for work in May and June I knew I wouldn't be ready. Now I am questioning my ability for Lake Placid. I know I can do the swim, and the run...it is the bike that scares me. I have two sprint and one Olympic distance triathlons on my calendar for this summer. I am excited for those but September is giving me anxiety. I know what you are thinking that is 3.5 months away...doesn't matter. I also know I should be having this conversation with my coach but I thought it would be easier to get it out there first. Don't worry I will keep you updated. I am not planning on backing out but I am nervous!!

Since this blog is also about my post bariatric surgery life, I will tell you I am still struggling with the scale but I am working on it. It hasn't gone up but it hasn't gone down either. I don't know if I am ready to accept that this is where my body wants to be. I also looked back on my May workouts and discovered that I have added strength training to my workouts twice each week of May. I am always shooting for three but I am happy with my consistency. 

I would also like to share that dressing rooms play with your emotions as much as the scale does. On Saturday I went shopping. I had to return a dress that I had ordered online. This is where it all begins...I ordered two dresses, both the same size. One dress fit perfectly and the other was too tight. Why? So I headed to the store and decided to try on a few more...I brought 5 dresses and a few tops into the dressing room. The first two dresses didn't fit...your emotions start playing games with you. I tried on the third dress, same size as the first two and it was too big. I actually had to go down a size. The next dress was a petite and it fit like a glove. Thank God I didn't listen to the first two dresses. In regards to the tops I brought into the dressing room. They were all smalls because I could not find mediums in the ones I liked. In the end this shopping trip was a huge success. So the scale is not moving but clothes size are moving. However, I can't get cocky...the next trip could be totally different.

Running through Buffalo

Biking is good!

Dressing rooms play with your emotions

 

Frustrated...ugly habits

I try to keep this blog focused on my workouts, endurance events, and life after bariatric surgery. However, sometimes you need to vent and when you are frustrated about life it can effect your workouts and how you react to it. I realize that things could be a lot worse and I try to see the bright side of things but I am having trouble.

On Wednesday, May 16 on the way to work, my check engine light started to flash. According to the car manual, if the light is flashing you should bring it to a mechanic right away. I called the shop where I bring my car and they took my car immediately . At the end of the day I picked up my car and thought all was good. Until Friday, May 19 at 4 pm...the light came back on again. I brought my car back to the mechanic right away and left it for him to check. This was the start of commencement weekend at the college where I work, and I really did not want to deal with this.

To make a long story short it is Tuesday, May 22 in the evening and my car is still not fixed. Supposedly it took some time to figure out the problem, then parts haven't been delivered, and blah blah blah...to get me really frustrated the repair shop has not felt the need to call me at any point to give me updates. I have been contacting them every day and today I called at 4:30 pm to find out the part wasn't delivered and they did not work on my car at all!! But did they call me...NO!!!

I am single with only one car. I have depended upon my friends and colleagues to help me out this week and I am grateful for them. However, when you are single and your car doesn't work, you feel totally alone! I don't like to ask for help but I need to get to work!

The reason I am sharing this is due to my stress, being tired, and having time constraints my workouts and being  mentally present around food has suffered! When I am tired and stressed old habits come back...food becomes my comfort. Throughout the weekend because of my work schedule (All day Friday, 16+ hours on Saturday, and 9 hours on Sunday) I was drained and exhausted. I did not complete my workouts and the only thing I got done was 35 minutes on the bike trainer on Sunday.

I have jumped back in as of Monday, a 3 mile run, followed by 45 minutes on the bike trainer on Tuesday and I have felt great. The problem is I am still using food as comfort to get through all of this. I am embarrassed to admit that but lying won't get you any where especially lying to yourself. I am traveling overnight for work, a quick trip to Buffalo, starting tomorrow. Let's hope I can relax a bit and not worry about my car for some time. Eating my way through things will not fix my car. Fingers crossed I can pick up my car soon. I need to go grocery shopping...I need some fruits and veggies!!

Keep moving!!

Always pack your sneakers...and other news!

I apologize that I missed last weekend's post (May 6). I got home from a work trip and I was exhausted. I started the blog but fell asleep before I finished. I attempted to write this on May 13 but once again back from another work trip and too tired to think!

Running through Princeton

Over the first 13 days of May I traveled for 10 of those for work! I am happy to report, besides the trips being successful for work, I packed my sneakers and went out for run workouts in five different areas which includes; Ashburn, VA; Newark, NJ; Rochester, NY; Newton, MA and Princeton, NJ. Even though I am traveling for work I can still fit my running shoes into my suitcase. It is always an adventure to run in a new area. In fact it is one of my favorite things to do. Map out a new course, get up early (before the tourists) and see a new regional area in a totally different way! How I sight-see is by running through cities, sometimes before the sun even comes up.

On Sunday, May 6, I had a long run on my training schedule. I had to do 6 miles since I had run a half marathon the week before. I mapped out a course and headed out the door of my hotel. I had a few hours before I had another alumni event to attend. While I was running I was thinking about my friends who were running the Mountain Goat 10 miler in Syracuse. I was also thinking about my friend/coach Brendan Jackson and all of his words of encouragement spoken and written. I still couldn't believe a year had passed since we lost him...and just like that a cardinal flew in front of me and landed in a tree that was passing. A beautiful deep red cardinal who arrived to encourage and cheer me on. Many have said a red cardinal can represent the spirit of a loved one coming back to check on you! About a mile further down the road, I saw another cardinal and at that moment I said...thank you Brendan and thank you Mom for checking in on me...it was a good run!

So the day before that long run I got some great news that I need to share with you! On May 5, I was waiting for a work event to start. Our guests had not arrived but we were setup and ready to go. So I took a moment to check my personal email. I received an email from USA Triathlon that stated the following:
"Congratulations Maura! With your finish at Gillie Girl Sprint Triathlon, USA Triathlon would like to invite you to the 2018 USA Triathlon Sprint Age Group National Championship in Cleveland, OH on August 12"

I couldn't believe it. I read it over and over again...I never would have imagined this in my past! I called my coach right away but still couldn't believe it! I checked my calendar and it was clear...it is blocked now as I will be traveling to Cleveland, OH this summer! That evening I got to my hotel room and I registered for the race! I am so excited for this journey, humbled, and a bit empowered! I look forward to sharing it all with you!

So it is now time to give you a little update in regards of my personal challenge to add strength training into my weekly schedule...

The Week of April 29 - I lifted 3 days during the week
The week of May 6 - I lifted 2 days during the week
The week of May 13 ... so far I lifted today...it's only the beginning!

Just remember Keep Moving!!

A lift, a PR, in honor of a friend, and remembering another.

So for the most part this week has been like any other. I got on my bike trainer, got in the pool, and did some running. The big difference in my weekly workouts was, I actually added strength training 3 times this week. This was huge for me. I know so many others love to lift heavy things but I would rather go out for a run.

Recently I purchased a few additional weight training pieces of equipment and set them up right in the middle of my living room. I figured if I could see it every day, there was no way to avoid it. So far so good. I am optimistic about what this week will hold. I have some work travel on the schedule but I will not let that stop me.

By the end of the week I traveled to Northern Virginia to get ready for another half marathon. I had registered for the National Women's Half Marathon in DC. The race was scheduled for Sunday (early) morning. With that in mind I was planning on following my normal pre-race strategy! My pre-race strategy included an easy run on Saturday (2.3 miles) followed by yummy pancakes.

Since my surgery their are very few times that I eat pancakes. The times include a visit to a sugar shack on Ithaca College's campus and the mornings before my endurance races. I keep the rest of my diet prior to the race very simple and bland but the pancakes seem to help. I look forward to the "treat" and so far I have felt great the day of the race. I don't know if it is the pancakes or not but I like to give them credit ;-)

This Sunday was half marathon number 14 for me.

Prior to Sunday my last half marathon was held in Florida in January. At the end of that that half marathon I had taken 13 minutes off my finish time and I was excited. I have to admit I didn't know if I could do that time again. I went into today's race without any expectations but I did set a goal hoping it would happen.

I wrote down a time and put it in my phone case. I didn't know how the day would go but I thought I would shoot for something. It was a beautiful day, except for the wind. The temperature during the morning was 47 degrees but with the constant wind along the Potomac River it was sooooo cold. It took forever to warm up and even when the race was over I couldn't get warm.

The race started and I just wanted to get moving to warm up. I might have gone out too fast but I was able to hold up the pace for a while. Around mile 5 my watch froze up. It had displayed a message about my heart rate. I didn't pay much attention to it but about a half mile later I looked at my watch and the same message was there. I started pushing buttons and realized that my watch had stopped. I got it going again but now I was off about .5-.6 miles. So the rest of the race I had to run based upon how my body felt. And I was feeling good. I continued through the course passing by monuments and landmarks that brought back memories from when I lived in the DC area. As I got closer to the finish I started to kick things up a bit. I crossed the finish line but I still didn't know my official time. I went to the timing tent after I finished and my time was posted...my official time was 2:21:21!! I couldn't believe it. That is the time I wrote down and I took a minute off my time in Florida! I couldn't believe it and I was soooo happy!!

Another thing about today. I was running in honor of a friend. My boss, my colleague, and my friend Claudia. Two weeks ago she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. This news devastated all of us at work. She is a young, strong, and "healthy" (well...that is for you Claudia) individual that we all know will fight this tooth and nail! On Thursday we did get some good news about Claudia's fight which made us all optimistic and gave us something to smile about. Today I ran for her. I added this note to my phone holder, and kept in the window so I could see it throughout the race. Just keep showing up Claudia...and remember no one fights alone!!

Tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of when my friend and first endurance coach; Brendan Jackson was called home to heaven. Thoughts of Brendan carried me through this race today! Brendan you coached me through my first marathon in 2005 and you never stopped. And no matter what the race, if you were officially coaching or not, you were always there with an encouraging word or pushing me along. You believed in me when often I couldn’t see it myself. There isn't a training run or a race that I don't hear your voice whispering in the wind! "Let's Go Maura D!" I look for your face in the crowd! And although you are no longer with us on earth I know your spirit is still alive all around us. I miss you!!

Have a great week everyone ...and remember Keep Moving Forward!!