60 Mile Ride/30 Min Run Brick from the Dam Loop

We did it! We survived our first "Dam Loop" of the season!

This route is not only feared for the relentless hill climbs throughout the 58+ miles of riding, but for me, it's the fact that we literally ride the perimeter of Austin hitting damn near every suburb along the way. Somehow, we start in Circle C and end up wwwwaaaayyyy up North near Anderson Freakin'Mill--only to turn around and ride most of 360 covering Great Hills, Davenport, Westlake, and Lost Creek back heading back to Travis Country and Circle C via Southwest Parkway. Seriously, I don't even think a Realtor trying to show houses on a Saturday would cover this much ground!

Fortunately, it was a glorious day for a bike ride and I found riders that I could pace with throughout the morning. A large pack of us started at 8:30 and by the time we reached the 25 mile mark at 620, most of that pack had separated from each other. The T3 gang regrouped at Walgreens and I took off with pack #2 that included Shawn, Clarence, Elizabeth, Jen and Dionn. Jen, Dionn and I hung for the rest of the ride and it was awesome--in a challenging, encouraging way. We helped each other up the hills, but D definitely wins the polka dot jersey for her climbing today. I tried not to draft so I would intentionally drop back a tad so that I wasn't sucking their wind. I almost suggested that the three of us do a pace line, but wasn't sure if they were up for it--especially since there was so much hill climbing. 

We missed a turn in the Anderson Mill hood, but quickly back tracked and found our way. D, Jen and I were definitely a good mix today both mentally and physically. Overall, I'm so pleased with my efforts out there. We averaged a little over 16 mph, but that includes a few stops and slow downs at lights and stop signs. Of course, it all includes the climbing. I never felt completely spent physically (mentally I couldn't wait to get off the bike and run).

Once we threw our bikes in the car (and enjoyed a 10 minute transition), D and I took off on our 30 minute brick run. Of course, we took a hilly route :-) We joked that now we know why it's called a "brick" because that's how your legs feel when you begin running! We started comfortable and I gradually picked up my pace throughout my 31 minute jaunt. I ended at 3.84 miles and an 8:11 overall pace for my brick run. The good news is that I was feeling better and better the longer I ran...I certainly could've kept going, but wanted to save my legs for tomorrow's 18 miler!

(Plus, I wanted some of Yvonne's cookies before they disappeared)

It was a successful deposit into the Ironman bank and I'm feeling good~~~

8 Seconds--More than a Bull Riding Competition

Carrie Barrett's 3M Half-Marathon Results

OK--not that it matters in the grand scheme of life, but it does matter to my pride and integrity.

When I finished Sunday's 3M Half-Marathon, my Garmin read 1:32:54 when I stopped it.

However when official results were posted, I was credited for a 1:33:00-1:33:01 race (depending on which results you viewed). Thrilled with my PR and 8th place age group finish, I was still perplexed as to why my Garmin was so off from the official time. Did I stop it at some point on the run? Did I start it late? Am I that bad at timing? Am I imagining these PRs?

The same thing happened last Fall at the Marine Corps Marathon so I was beginning to think I'm crazy in the head...

Until the Official Photos were published this week:


That's me stepping on the mat in what clearly reads on the Official Gun Time clock as 1:35:15. (FYI--I beat the Nike Shirt chick who is all in black just behind me) :-) See previous posts...

Now, if you scroll back up to my official results and look at my Gun Time, it reads, 1:35:23



The difference?! 8 FREAKIN SECONDS!!!

Or, a 1:32:53

Or a 6th place age group finish!


Again--not a big deal in life, but it solidifies in my mind that I am not a cheater or liar.

I did OFFICIALLY break my 1:33 goal mark (even though someone hasn't changed the official results yet) :-)

3M Half Marathon: Testament to Just Hangin' On!!!

I’m laughing as I look at my mile splits from yesterday’s 3M Half Marathon. Anyone would look at those numbers and say, “What the hell kinda race were you running?!” It is a true depiction of enduring peaks and valleys. Let the schizophrenic race begin!


The Start
It was 5 minutes before the start of the race and I was still in the porta-potty line. At this point, I had let Shawn, Richard and Thon go and hadn’t met up with any of the T3ers I was hoping to pace with during the race.

Fortunately, they held the start of the race for about 10 minutes (I’m sure it had to do with the hundreds of people still in line and not little ‘ol me, but I’m eternally grateful just the same.)

As with any race start, there’s really no clear entrance into a corral so I just forced myself somewhere in the middle of the pack. It wasn’t exactly where I wanted to be, but I was just thankful that I wasn’t running feverishly to catch up with the field with toilet paper stuck to my shoe or anything.

I ran into Lindsey in the crowd…She told me the T3 pace pack was looking for me. Damn… I was looking for them too, but all I really had a clear view of was the pack of people’s butts directly in front of me. Don’t throw a 5’ tall chick in the middle of a pack of thousands and tell her to look for one person. Unless I can recognize shoes, it’s not going to happen. Oh well…we struck up pleasantries before the race and met a new T3 dude behind us. Damn—they’re everywhere these days.

Gun finally goes off and the roar of “Eye of the Tiger” was heard throughout the Gateway Parking Lot. Not sure if it was inspiring or laughter inducing at this point. I waited over 2 minutes to hit the start line and my watch.

The Early Miles
I was that runner that I make fun of…I shot out of the gate like a thoroughbred. Nervous tension, no doubt. Plus, I was hoping to clock a 7:20 for the first mile and until you’ve been running for a while, there’s no way to tell how fast you’re going until you hear the beep of the first mile…BEEP…7:09 --oops!

As I ran by one group of runners in the first mile, I heard them talking about “people like her” (referring to yours truly) who start off fast and run out of gas by mile 2. I wanted so badly to stop and turn around and say something egotistical like, “Wanna Bet?” but I had to stay on pace J This mission didn’t allow for self-defense.

Ran by Alisa, Katy and Vegas who wished me good luck. Of course, Katy told me to chase down those boys!

As usual, the early miles clicked by so fast and before I knew it, I was flying down Mesa and Spicewood Springs and enjoying the wonderful downhill portion before crossing over Mopac and enduring Phase 2 of the race. Saw some friends and heard random “Go Carrie’s” along the course. Breathing hard, but under control at this point. I was near threshold, but felt it was sustainable (at least for a while). Of course, I was also fully aware that I was at Mile 4 of a 13 mile race.

Saw some friends along the course…Tom and Monica (thought about breakfast with them afterwards and wishing I was there at that moment!) Chris informed me that the T3 crew was just up ahead. Finally, I was catching them, even though it wasn’t really necessary to do so. Saw David and Muna who were encouraging as usual.

The Middle Miles

We hit Anderson and the Shoal Creek neighborhoods and I was still feeling strong. My average at that point was a 6:57! Holy Moly—a sub 7:00 min mile average and I’m almost halfway done! Surely I can hold this pace for 6 more miles. Surely my body and mind will hold up. Surely… Why is my right leg numb? I noticed this at the Marine Corps Marathon. My right leg starts to go numb every now and then. It’s as if my quad is dead and I have to consciously tell myself to lift it. On the verge of a cramp? Paralysis? Definitely a different feeling than the left leg, but just keep moving…

Took my 2nd of 3 gels at Mile 6 and grabbed a quick drink. Heard a quick, “Hey Barrett” and glanced to my side to see Tom and Kevin—two of my pace rabbits. “I finally found you,” was about all I could say. Turns out, that would be the extent of our conversation during the race. We were all suffering and expending as much energy to running as we were to just remain focused on the next five miles.
We passed the relay exchange area and I felt a surge of jealousy for those people who were done! Made the turn onto Burnet Road for the long stretch that isn’t nearly as flat as you’d think. I heard Kevin behind me and just tried to keep a steady pace…My watch beeped…7:15…What?! It feels like I’m running a 6:30! A little discouragement crept in…It was getting harder to maintain pace and I could feel a slight cramp coming on from the last gulp of water.

“What are you doing?!” I thought to myself as I pulled over to the side of the road and started walking. I cracked. I was into my 9th mile and hitting the dark side quickly. I must’ve walked for about 10 seconds before I snapped out of it. Kevin had passed during that short span. I remember thinking that I would have so much more fun if I just slowed down and waited for Shawn. At the same time I thought, “You’ve got a PR to beat today. Do it!” And the light flipped and I ran.

I started running again in a bit of a haze…Right leg hurting, ego breaking, breathing all out of sorts…just in time to hit the “hills” of North Loop. This is the most difficult (in my opinion) stretch of the race with a couple of final climbs. Part of me knew this which is why I felt slightly self-defeated. I hit the hills and walked again. “God Damn It, Carrie! You did it again!! You blew up!” (Gotta love my inner voice. She’s so kind sometimes) I seriously thought of sitting on the curb and waving to people as they ran up the hills.

And then, as quickly as I wanted to quit, I wanted to run again. It was as if some little booger kept turning a power switch on and off in my body. I wasn’t that far down and could still conceivably PR if I put together a stellar finish.

Enter Nike Shirt Chick.

Final Miles

With one final power gel ingested at Mile 10, my eyes caught the little black streak. This woman reminded me of, well…me…That is, if I felt strong, powerful and invincible at that moment. She was short and petite, but looked like she could whoop your butt if she had to. I was going to let her try because I needed a good butt whooping for those final miles. I caught her as we turned onto Duval and began the final stretch. We never once acknowledged each other verbally, but we were certainly connected stride for stride. At this point, I’m not even sure if we were competing against each other or running FOR each other. We both needed the support and extra push and we were both using it for all it was worth.

I saw Steph and baby Audrey as I was heaving up the final hill at 42nd Street. More than once, spectators shouted “Go Nike and Ironwoman!” I had my “Dot the M” shirt so I assume she was sporting some Nike apparel. She pulled ahead as we made the final turn for the last mile. I was so grateful and yet so spent. Only one more mile to go…just get past the football stadium. Some crazy second wind had swept me up and I was so thrilled to have caught the wave only for just a few more minutes. My average pace was getting faster and faster, but my body was hurting

Finally, the end was in sight and I could see the Finish Line and Coach Gilbert. I so badly wanted to be done!! Guess what? I clipped Nike Girl in the final meters to finish in a 1:33 flat (according to the official chip time). My garmin said 1:32:54!



Observations:

As usual, I worked too hard in the beginning and left myself virtually NOTHING at the end...no pride, no energy, no NOTHING. My nervous tension and wanting to catch up to the T3 people certainly caught up to me.

In the end, it was a PR by 1min 10 sec, which is fantastic, but I feel like I worked way too hard for that time and am definitely capable of a smarter faster race (not MUCH faster, but definitely MUCH smarter). Starting a bit slower could’ve alleviated some of the walk breaks that became necessary when I was struggling to umm...live. However, I must give myself some props for battling the demons and not giving up when the evil voices kept getting louder and louder. I don’t know where that final surge came from, but it is testament to endure the peaks and valleys of any race! (and give thanks to chicks in black Nike shirts who look like they might be around the same age as you)

Check out these humorous (and horribly inconsistent) splits:

Mile 1: 7:09
Mile 2: 7:14
Mile 3: 7:00
Mile 4: 6:51 --gotta love the downhills!
Mile 5: 6:48
Mile 6: 6:48
Mile 7:7:07 --uh oh...numbness in leg
Mile 8: 7:07
Mile 9:7:33 --walk break and crack in ego
Mile 10: 7:48 --ego crushed. I want to lay down
Mile 11: 6:45 --enter Nike chick
Mile 12: 6:48
Mile 13: 6:43 --enter finish line

3M Half-Marathon PR

It wasn't pretty, but I eeked out a Half-Marathon PR even after walking for small portions of the race!! A hearty thanks to everyone out there cheering today and a very special thanks goes to the chick dressed in black wearing the NIKE shirt. We started running together at Mile 10 and she gave me a renewed energy that was not there. We didn't look at each other. We didn't speak to each other. We did, however, keep each other going during the last three miles. She was my saving grace during that run that almost broke me!!

Here we go again:  My watch says 13.2 miles at 1:32:54 and the official clock has me at 1:33:00! Either way it's about a 1 min PR for me.

Congrats to everyone that ran including Hubster who posted a PR shattering 1:43! 

What's One More Thing?!

Effective today for the next three weeks...I'm unofficially changing my blog name to:
Tritoaccomplisheverything.com

In addition to my regular work at the ad agency (God Bless the Austin market for not slowing down too much), I'm also working on my little "Dot the M" project, training for the Ironman, trying to be a good friend and wife, and reuniting with my sketch comedy troupe "Gag Reflex" for two shows on Valentines Day at Center Stage Austin (formerly Arts on Real)!

If you're looking for something fun and quirky to do in Austin on Valentines Day, come see "Gag Reflex" perform some pretty darn hilarious and downright silly (if I do say so myself) sketch comedy. It ain't Broadway, folks, but it's a hoot. The next three weeks are going to be interesting with rehearsals about 4-5 nights of the week. That means I'll be getting very creative with my training schedule as well. (i.e. double morning and/or lunchtime workouts). I hate working out at lunch because I hate getting ready all over again.

It's a lot, but I'm looking so forward to every minute. How fortunate am I to get to pursue my two biggest passions at the same time?! Endurance training AND comedy. Holy Cow! As I've mentioned before, Ironman and comedy have a lot in common since both involve a tremendous amount of risk and a tremendous amount of reward. Both involve a great bit of improvisation, and both require a sense of humor. Hell, I laugh at myself every day at the pool. (If I didn't, I'd cry). :-)

With all of that going on, I also apparently think I'm studly enough to attempt a PR at the 3M Half Marathon this Sunday morning. My current Half-Marathon PR is a 1:34:00 in 2007. I'd like to say that I'm "perfectly capable" of beating that, but my legs just haven't been firing much since the marathon in October. That being said, I did a solitary mile repeat workout at Zilker yesterday morning and knocked out 3 x 1 mile repeats in 6:56, 6:51 and 6:46 respectively, with a 2min rest in between. Add a mile warm-up and a mile cool-down and that made for a pretty respectable 5-mile workout after a good 2700m morning swim at 5:45am. I'm hoping to run about a 7:00min pace for the entire race.

Actually, I don't give myself enough credit for the swim yesterday. I hung in my lane pretty well without killing myself and banged out 2 x 200s at around a 3:50 each. Slow to most of you swimmers? uh--yeah...BUT, it's downright speedy for me as I've never posted a 200m under 4:00 with any regularity or without gasping like a beached whale afterward. A little endurance and strength just may be creeping in through the waves. Of course, swimming is also like golf. You can have a hole in one on one shot and then hit it in the sand trap on the very next shot. That's what keeps you coming back for more!

So, with enthusiasm, excitement, and a little "performance anxiety" (sorry guys), I enter into the next three weeks like a child who wants more, more, more! The good news is that hubster and I also have our first vacation of the year booked on Feb 19th with a little trip to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico...

More, More, More!!

Weekend Ironman Training

Saturday 50 Mile Ride

 know this is only the beginning, but I was actually looking forward to yesterday's 50 mile bike ride. It's one of my favorite routes on Fitzhugh Road. Interesting scenery, challenging climbing, and fewer cars who's mission it is to run you over.  I swear, our routes on Slaughter Road scare me sometimes. Do you think it has anything to do with the name of the road?? On the way back, you lose the road shoulder and cars are passing within inches sometimes. 

I headed out with a nice solid pack of T3ers and we managed to stay together for most of the ride, albeit a red light or two would hold some back at times. We stopped just a couple of times to make sure our "group" was still in tact, but everyone was looking and riding strong!  We ended up finishing the route in about 16.5 mph, which is perfect for that route and this time of year. 

I rode Jane's Tri bike and while we're about the same size, I definitely have to do some saddle height adjustments. I was pretty sore and achy when I finished...classic sign of being in the wrong position on the bike. My quads and hams were like jelly and my back and shoulders were really tight. Ah...can't wait to get my damn bike back so that I can stop inconveniencing others.

Sunday Swim/Run Brick

Today was T3s annual 100x 100 class!  Sets of 100m repeats, with the goal for some completing all 10,000m or 6.2 miles!! That was so NOT my goal because I had to run as well today, but I managed to get in 5,000m or 3.2 miles of swimming, which far exceeds anything I've ever done before. Even the Ironman swim is "only" 2.4 miles. Take that Ironman...Too bad I can't use fins in the race! I'm sorry I missed the entire class because as I was leaving, Coach Mo was on the pool deck making pancakes, eggs and bacon! I grabbed a pancake with peanut butter and banana on my way out of the pool...happy with the way my morning had started :-)

I got home at 10am in time to start my 11 mile run. I guess I'm a glutton for punishment because I actually started down Exposition and did Mt. Bonnell and Scenic before heading to the trail for the rest of the run. The awesome news is that I averaged 8:15's  overall for this challenging run! I was definitely getting tired at the end, but that has everything to do with nutrition (or lack thereof). I didn't bring any gels with me, so the last two miles were a bit hazy even though I kept the pace. 

Unbeknownst to me, Little Miss Runner Pants was taking some photos at the pool...Here are a few of those!

Watch out Michael Phelps!

That white cap and blue goggles are *SEXY*

Such a wonderful day to start the morning!

On Newstands Everywhere! (Or Somewhere, I'm sure)

Check out the January 2009 edition of Inside Texas Running Magazine. They published my Sunmart 50K Race Report (that originally appeared on this blog). Plus, one of the photos is me sporting the super-popular and very in-demand "Dot the M" shirts! I hope to be able to sell them someday soon!

I NEED THIS

Talk about killing two birds with one stone!! My running Coach Gilbert from "Gilbert's Gazelles" would be so darn proud!



An official Gazelle Bicycle!!! Being an official Gazelle helped me become a faster runner. I wonder if riding a Gazelle would help me to become a faster cyclist?!

On a related note: I want to give special thanks to my T3 Teammates Allison and Jane B. for being so generous with their bicycles. My Guru has been off being repainted since early December and Allison let me borrow her ultra-sweet Cervelo roadie for the last month. Alas, she rightfully needs it to kick ass in a road race, so Jane has generously stepped up to the plate to lend me hers for the next couple of weeks. Thanks Ladies!!


I heard from Zane at Jack and Adam's today, and while my bike colors will remain the same (despite my recent disgust with Ohio State), the paint scheme should be the newer 2008 design. So...if everything is done correctly (fingers crossed), my bike will look something like this:

The Sound of Silence

This past Saturday, T3 had their first official group ride of the Ironman Coeur D'Alene training season. It also coincided with our Erin Lahr Memorial Ride, an 8 Mile Loop of Silence around the South Mopac Loop. While it was a day that most of us would've chosen to ride indoors because of the cool air and 30mph headwinds that greeted us on the way back to town, the power of the group was impossible to deny. The power of the silence and respect was even more dominating.

Erin's husband Jeff spoke a few resonating words before we took off and I was blown away by his spirit, energy, and gratitude at such a small gesture. He was grateful for our "tribute," but encouraged us to be loud, boisterous and have fun once the 8 mile loop of silence was over. That is, afterall, what his wife would've wanted.

Well...we took him at his word and we were definitely loud and boisterous, but I don't know how much *fun* we were having. Those headwinds coming back into town from Buda were brutal. My 18+ mph coast down south was followed up by a few sub 10 mph stretches into the wind. I didn't go all the way to Kyle, but did end up with 43.5 miles that day that included the Memorial 8 Miles(plan called for 40) and a whopping overall average of about 15.5 mph :-)

So Jeff, at your request, I was definitely loud and boisterous, but forgive me for the curse words! I hope you're wife would've wanted it that way too :-)

Below are a couple of pics of the ride (courtesy of Jeff Lahr):

Erin's husband Jeff poses with some of the crew

Quite a powerful sight to see photos of our peleton

Strange Phenomenon

Week one of Ironman Coeur D'Alene training is in the bag and it feels great getting back into some semblance of a routine. I definitely feel a lot stronger and a lot more confident this year than I did at this time last year. Maybe it's because I just don't care as much and I'm in it to have fun, as opposed to torturing myself for the next six months.

My body is responding well to the sudden increase and hours in intensity and I'm adjusting to the new sleep schedule (or lack thereof). For all intents and purposes, all systems are a go!!

Except....for one strange phenomenon...

I got ready for work on Thursday morning and as I was drying my hair I noticed random pink streaks in my hair!! I swear...I have no logical explanation for this UHC...Unidentified Hair Color! I didn't eat anything weird, I didn't try a new shampoo, I didn't highlight my own hair.  The only thing I can think of is that I did wear a pink swim cap to swimming class that morning, but I don't think that is the culprit. You'd think that my hands, face and entire head would be pink.

Strange indeed....

If you follow me on Facebook, you also know that I updated my status and made mention of the "pink steaks" in my hair...Yes, I spelled it "steaks" instead of streaks! So, a lot of people may have thought I looked like this:

Alas, it wasn't so tasty looking. I pretty much look like a Cyndi Lauper wanabee, which would be cool if "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" wasn't 25 years old! A couple of days have passed and the streaks (not steaks) still remain, but appear to be fading slightly.

I'm embracing it and am convinced that they are there to make me look faster! Also, if things don't go so well at Ironman and I'm out there past dark, at least I won't need a glow stick! Look for the chick with pink hair!!!!  (Just don't start singing "Beauy School Dropout!")

NEWEST MEMBER OF THE PRESIDENT'S FITNESS COUNCIL

Remember when you were in Elementary school and you were forced to participate in those obligatory horrific Science Fairs? For a right-brained, song and joke writing fool like me, any type of scientific hypothesis followed by the ridiculous (and mostly obvious) conclusion were pure torture. I think I did my Science Fair project on Solar Energy. That is to say, the sun is hot and can cook things if left in it for extended periods of time. We had an ultraviolent lamp in our house (I don’t know why either) and I held my arm under that thing for hours on end to prove my point. Sure enough, I had a watch tan to prove it (I also probably failed the class and created a massive melanoma risk in the process), but that was the 80s and no one cared about over-exposure to UV rays.

Suffice to say, I didn’t think science was really relevant to my daily life. I was either chasing boys (beating them up) or playing sports. I wasn’t all that concerned about photosynthesis.

That leads me to my TRI TO BE FUNNY HERO OF THE MONTH

(new feature that I just made up).

When I was home at Christmas, I got to spend time with my cousin Shelly and her family, including 14-year-old, 8th grader Jessica. When I moved away from Ohio over 10 years ago, Jessica was a pre-schooler. She’s now at least 5’6” tall (towering over me by at least 5 inches) and one heck of an athlete…Soccer is her spot du jour, but judging by her height and strength, she’d also have no trouble making a spot in the WNBA or replacing Kerri Walsh on the Pro Beach Volleyball circuit someday (even though her Dad may have something to say about that).

When I saw them on Christmas Eve, they were excited to tell me about her Science Fair Project (Well, her Mom was anyways). Jessica’s chosen topic was:

Which Sport, Soccer or Basketball,

Will Burn More Calories in a One Hour Practice?

Look at the force of that kick! I hope that other girl is wearing a cup! :-)

BRILLIANT!!! Now THIS is good stuff with REAL purpose! We’re so used to reading and hearing about the obesity epidemic among our youth, but no one is bragging about the kids who are fit and understand the importance of an active lifestyle. Believe me, until about 8 years ago, I underestimated the importance of being fit and healthy. That’s why I’m so passionate about it now and so proud of Jessica’s insight and passion for sport.

She wore a heart rate monitor for both sports and concluded that:

1.) Longer endurance sports (soccer) burn more fat calories because you’re in your lower HR Zones

2.) Shorter Bursts of effort (basketball) burns sugar calories because you’re in your higher HR Zones

Both forms of exercise are, of course, beneficial to your overall heart health, but one hour of soccer did burn more calories overall. Her entire report was well written and well cited, but the few quotes that really stood out to me were:

“A women’s heart rate is generally higher than a males because of the stress women carry (Rinzler 45).” (AMEN SISTER!!!!!!!!!!)

“The heart is imperative in the survival of the body.” (Yes, I would agree)

“Also, when the body intakes more calories then what is being burned it results in weight gain.” (I know that all too well)

“The reverse is true if the body burns more calories then what is being eaten. This will result in weight loss.” (She makes it sound so darn easy)

"Generally a man and woman consisting of the same weight average cannot take in the same amount of calories and still weigh the same. A man’s muscle mass helps burn more calories than women. Typically, the men are bigger which results in more muscles to feed. A man can intake over 10 percent more than women and still weigh the same (Rinzler 32). "
(and that is precisely why women have more stress than men!)

"Fat can however, be good for the body because of the nutrients it carries." (Yay!!!)

"Although, too much fat is fatal to the body because it can cause diseases that can eventually hurt or kill the body." (Boo!!)

Congrats Jess and nice work! I don't know what your teacher gave you on the project, but your creativity alone earns an A++ in my book!!

(Now, stop growing so that you don't accidentally step on me like a bug)

It's Only a Game Folks

This pic is one of my all-time favorites from our wedding reception. We have the most amazing group of friends in Austin who made the trip to good 'ol Columbus, Ohio for our wedding in May 2007. Who knew that the friendly Ohio State vs. Texas rivalry in the photo would play out on the big screen again last night in the Fiesta Bowl!? It was certainly a heartbreaking experience for me as my team lost (as per usual) in the last 16 seconds, but it was still an amazing and exhilarating game to watch.

Through the penalties, lead changes, injuries, field goals and missed tackles, neither team gave up, even though the game plans for either team probably weren't going as planned. Both teams were coming off long breaks and probably weren't in the best shape with their post-season and post-holiday fitness regime. Texas certainly made adjustments at half-time and came out on fire! OSU adapted and finally got the ball in the endzone. In the end, it took perserverance on the part of the Longhorns to get the win with seconds to spare.

As I enter into week one of 24 weeks of Ironman Coeur D'Alene training, I kinda feel like the players from last night. I'm entering a little "out of sorts" and a tad out of shape. I'm still thinking about last season and haven't given much thought to this "game." My head and heart are trying to wrap themselves around this moment. Two days in and I'm already having to improvise and make adjustments to the schedule. Rain and a sinus headache kept me away from both of the morning workouts so far this week. I improvised and did an hour long track workout last night before the game started. After a 2.5 mile warmup, I banged out 6x800s on the track between 3:12-3:15. I've got a huge client presentation after work tonight that will keep me from evening spin class. You know what that means? It means that I heat up the oven after the meeting, throw the tenderloin in and spin my butt off on the trainer while the pork is cooking. It might be a missed tackle, but it's not the end of the game.

Like the players last night, I'll make the necessary adjustments, miss a few more tackles, have a couple of penalties, and lose the lead every now and then. I also know that at the end of this, I'll emerge successfully and on top.

Now, why in God's name couldn't the Buckeyes do that?!?!?!?

And So It Begins!!

So I tried the 10-day Master Cleanse on January 1st and lasted all of one day.  By the 12th hour of drinking nothing but lemon juice, cayenne pepper and maple syrup, I felt like I was on the show "Celebrity Rehab."  My head was freakin' pounding, I had cold sweats and I finally ended up puking my guts out.  You're supposed to drink nothing but the above concoction for 10 days. The goal is to clean out the toxins in your vital organs and break some of the cravings that you possess. By the end of the night, the only thing possessed was me. 

I was hoping to rid my body of all the crap I've been feeding it lately, get a fresh start on the New Year and drop a couple of pounds before Ironman training. Well...I dropped a few pounds all right, but I think I also almost lost a spleen in the process! Not for me...I love food too much and I also love exercise. Endurance exercise and not eating do not go hand in hand.

Since I got that (and everything else) out of my system, it's officially on to the business of 2009!

Race Calendar so far leading up to Ironman Coeur D'Alene in June:

1.) 3M Half Marathon on 1/25 (can I break my PR of 1:34?) I haven't done a lick of speed work since October, so it's not going to be pretty. My goal is to just lay it out there and see what happens!

2.) 1/2 Ironman in Galveston, TX or Oceanside, CA in late March: Oceanside is sold out, but I'm trying to swindle my way on the roster. Nothing fast...just a good solid training race for Ironman.

3.) MS 150: Two-Day bike ride and closer to 190 mile ride from Houston to Austin in Mid-April  with Shawn and TriGreyhound,. I was going to do the Boston Marathon that same weekend, but a weekend on the roads with Greyhound was too good to pass up! 

4.) Wildflower 1/2 Ironman in Monterey County, CA: The Woodstock of triathlon falls the first week of May and I'm looking so forward to this tune up for Ironman. I've heard it's one of the hardest races, but also one of the best. I look forward to sleeping in a tent with 3000 other nutty triathletes.

5.) Cap Tex Tri: Not sure if I'll do this Olympic distance or not, but it will fall Memorial Day weekend and it's a mile from my house.

6.) Ironman Coeur D'Alene:  Who knew Idaho would be home to Austin's T3 on June 21st, 2009? I can't wait to do this race and watch hubster complete his first full Ironman. Actually, he may be watching me finish...Who knows who will finish first?! Either way, it will be a wonderful day as we begin this journey together!

Training officially kicks off January 5th and I've got the next 24 weeks outlined practically day by day, thanks to my T3 coaches. Through it all, I resolve to not take my shit too seriously. For heaven's sake, it takes all of the fun out of it! Of course, I'll do the work, but the reason I enjoyed my first Ironman so much is because I met and was able to train and travel with some wonderful people...and laugh a lot. ( I only cried once during the whole training process). I was in awe today when I showed up at our team meeting and was told that we now have over 70 people on the T3 team training for this one specific race. That told me several things:

1.) This triathlon thing is catching on.

2.) There are a lot of stupid crazy people in this town.

3.) Hubster and I are two of them.

4.) I've got lots of new people to start annoying (and introduce to Tritobefunny.com)!

5.) I've got over 69 other people to beat!! (Just kidding...sorta) :-)

So beginning today, there are no more lame excuses--except for the Ohio State/Texas game tonight...

So, beginning TOMORROW, there are no more lame excuses!!

It's going to be a great year...and that's a better feeling than any Master Cleanse!!