Keep Posted

Now that Ironman Florida is over...I will be returning to my old Blog. I will try to keep it updated with what's new with teh "Haustein / Goal" clan through-out the year.

When I decide which race I am doing next, I will again begin my Blogging of the sport.

Until then...please keep checking out our blog at:

http://goalhaustein.blogspot.com/

See you on the other side.....

The Final Night & Day

After the awards dinner, there was a HUGE party at a local club "Spinnakers". I have NEVER been to such a big club. Corey and I only stayed for about 2 hours. I danced the entire time...but had to leave before my legs were completely gone!

(above) That's right...it's Michael Lavato and me making all the women jealous on the dance floor! That man can dance!!!

(below) A "Congratulations" kiss from Mike Reilly...the "Voice of Ironman". He is such a great guy!

Corey and I on the beach this morning. Enjoying some time together. (Walking off some pain.)
My Ironman Tattoo. The story? I swore to my sister about 5 years ago that "I would get a tat after I complete an Ironman". I kind of figured I would NEVER do an Ironman...therefore never get a Tattoo!!! Hmm...never say never! This was fresh...the tat is red and blends into Pink. The crown is yellow with white accents.

Jason (my tattoo artist) and I post tatting....(is that a word??) YEP it hurt. Jason said it was the "girliest" Ironman tattoo the shop has ever done. The guys at Oxygen were awesome!

Still Basking in the Glory....

How perfectly fitting is this shirt??? Corey bought me this finisher's shirt. It was like Zorrell called up and said; "Michelle, what would be the perfect Finisher shirt for you?" Helloooo.....Swimmer, biker, runner, and a Margarita glass! Click on the picture and you will see, they are all there!

The glory continues...Mike Reilly told all of the "Newby Ironman" to stand up and I got a huge cheer from the staff. They all gave me cheers and the double Ironman Point. Yes, I think I was the last Ironman still standing!

AND, they had a special finish line highlights, and there I was on the big screen! Again, LOUD cries from the staff and the VIP section!!! This is fun, I am soaking it in. You are only a first timer, once....

A few race photos

I am an IRONMAN!

Michael Lovato watching the race








THANK YOU everyone for you support through this amazing journey. I was so touched to hear how many of you called Corey for reports, left phone message on my phone, on my blog, in my email. Words can not express h

ow much it meant to me. Several times during the race I was alone...but I never felt alone. You are all so wonderful, and I blessed to have friends and family as wonderful, supportive, encouraging, and loving as all of you. Thank you for being there for me!!! I will never forget my first Ironman....

I am an Ironman

First of all....THANK YOU everyone! I am truly amazed and humbled by all of you following my Ironman journey. It was an amazing experience, one that I will not forget, and I sure to repeat!

This morning, I feel good...not great, but I did put in 140.6 miles in yesterday (10,700 calories!!!) The balls of my feet hurt (which is causing me to walk a little funny) and my knees are a little tight, but besides that I feel pretty darn good. I am going to go for a swim a little later today. The results show that I was 96 (over-all!) out of the water...and 116 (in my age group) off the bike. I ended up finishing 114 out of 127 in my age group. Not too bad for my first Ironman. There was a full page of DNF's (did not finish) the bike!

The day...my perspective

Woke up at 5:00 am after an amazing night's sleep. I was really surprised that I slept so well. Corey woke up with me and made me pancakes. Met Kelley at 5:45 and we walked down to the race center. Got my bike totally set-up and got body-marked. Got a ton of "good-luck" hugs from staff and friends and yes, even fellow athletes (that were strangers). At 6:30 am we headed down to the water...

The Swim

My projected time for the swim was 1:45 - 2:00 hours. I have found a love for swimming, but didn't realize how fast I was. (Those dumb, do nothing drills really do something!) The pro's started at 6:50 am...and the rest of us age-groupers started a 7:00 am. Once the gun went off, I walked into the water and across the LONG sandbar (probably about 50 yards into the water...no exaggeration.) Took a dive in and started the swim. My goal was to be done with my first loop in an hour; knowing that I have a tendency to do negative splits on the swim.

The first loop was crazy. I was lucky, since I was passing people, I didn't have a ton of people crawling over me, elbowing me, or kicking me as they went by. I was able to pick my line and go for it. To properly picture the swim, picture putting 200 people in a standard pool and telling them all to swim. It was literally the agitation cycle of a washer! My only casualty was a kick in the nose by a guy whom was Breast Stroking, instead of Freestyle. VERY ANNOYING! And getting kicked in the face by someone wearing FINS! Can you say illegal???

I rounded my first loop and saw that I had done it in 46 minutes!!! SWEET! AND I felt GREAT! Back into the water my second loop, which was much easier. I decided to swim on the inside of the buoys, and then head out to round the corner buoys. I was able to swim 100 -200 yards at a time without anyone getting in my way. It sure does feel nice to be able to open up and swim. During my second loop, I saw Katie Burke, and was able to say "HI" and she promised me a Margarita after the swim. Informed me that the boys were behind me and to "Keep Swimming!" Around the second to last buoy I saw Tim, the Swim course director, and I said Hi. He too said no socializing...get to swimming.

I got out of the water in 1hour 26 minutes! An amazing time...I could have swam more. It was incredible.

The Bike....

The bike was NOT the swim. I was thrilled that I had gotten onto the bike course an hour ahead of time. When I first got onto the bike and pedalling down S. Thomas, I was nailing my race pace, and my legs felt great! THEN...the winds hit. I can't even express to all of you how strong of a head wind we had. It slowed me to 14 mph, and I was giving it all I could give. It truly hurt. The winds were a NE wind. The first half of the bike ride STUNK.

If it weren't for all of you that were cheering me on and support me for the past 6 months; for my husband who has put in so much time (and $$$), my children whom were very understanding, for my parents and in-laws that have given time to watch the kids, my coaches for pushing me and always filling me with positive thought, my friends and their encouragement, my team-mates and making the long trip, and not letting down the NAS Staff...I would have called it a day around mile 40. The first 40 miles I had the following repeating in my head "This is a really stupid idea..."

At mile 48 we picked up our special needs bags. My bags had all my nutrition needs; Hammer Gel, more sports legs, additional salt tabs, and most importantly FOOD. With my crazy stomach, I had to make sure I had the right foods (very planned out) for the ride. Well, the volunteers couldn't find my bags. SO, the last half of the race (62 miles) would be done without food, gels, salt tabs or Sports Legs. I was scared...then I remembered what Paula Newby-Fraiser said to me; "If something doesn't go right....deal with it " So, that's what I did. I couldn't do gels, but the aid stations had oranges and I knew my stomach would tolerate that, plus the Vitamin C and natural Sugars would give me the boosts I needed. 62 miles of oranges....

At around mile 55 we hit our only tail-wind. AHHH the glorious tail wind. It lasted 10 short miles, but enough to make you think "I can make it". We made another turn, and we hit the worst portion of the course...40 miles of head-winds and roads that were so rough, you thought you were riding cobble stone. It took so much out you physically, not one athlete was doing GREAT. We were all tired of the winds, the rough long boring roads.

Ironically, miles 75-95 were my best. I loved being on my bike, and knowing that I was DOING an Ironman. The thought of not making the cut-offs were behind me, as I took in the moment. (Many moments.) I was already planning my next IM...maybe Canada, maybe Madison???

Got off the bike earlier than expected (thanks to the swim), but spent more time on the bike than I thought I would. My over-all bike time ended up being 7:48:48. We had anticipated a 6 hours / 30 minute bike time. But, with the winds and lack of nutrition...I was fine with the time.

Finally, the Marathon...

Had a very fast transition. Took in some Hammer Gel (thankfully I had some in my T2 bag.) and off I went. Corey and Dee were both there cheering me on. I informed Corey that I had not had any food and just had my first Hammer Gel (similar to Gu) in 62 miles. BUT, I was going to do this run!

I felt good coming off the bike; but it only lasted a short while. I kept a decent pace the first 13.1 miles. I walked / ran and kept a 16 minute mile pace. I attempted to eat some solids (cookies and bananas), but my stomach was not having any of it. I threw up what I attempted to put in it. (This was not good...)

The second half marathon, I had enough. BUT, Corey was there to cheer me on, again. As was Katie Burke (she was working the Run Special Needs), and of course my wonderful CDA Iromman Director, Andy. All of them had smiles on their faces and cheers telling me "I was going to make it!" I had 4 hours to do the second half.

I was in tears, my body was shutting down, I could only sip Chicken Broth, and more than a few ounces and it too would come right back up. It was at this point, that I started to allow myself Cola. Every aid station, the Cola went in...and didn't come out. It kept me going.

Corey walked with me off and on, cheering me on and at times, just being a silent partner. My right hip was hurting, my head was pounding, and I was having dry heaves. PLUS, I was starving. My pace dropped to 20 minute miles...but I kept pushing on. I started to set mini-goals. I would walk for 10 minutes, run for 5...then push myself to run to the next aid station...or maybe just 5 more minutes. Then entering the park, the goal was to be out of the park no later than 10pm. (That would put me at mile 21 at 10pm...giving me 2 hours to do 6 miles.)

I made the goal of 10pm. I was out of the park at 9:55 pm. Then, the port-o-potty hop started. How could I have to go to the bathroom so often with nothing in my stomach??? AND, I could barely hold myself up, non the less, hover over a potty. But I managed.

The end result???? A Marathon time of 6:44:13

The FINISH

I ran down the mile long shoot. Andy Emberton was the first person I saw standing there cheering for me. He had tears in his eyes, and I could tell I made him proud. I quick HI and a Hug and I was off. The next person was Sabina Milbrath...she came out and started running with me, telling me that Kelley (one of my training partners) was at the end waiting for me. I was almost there!

The next thing I heard was Mike announce Steve Fraser from Post Falls Idaho...Steve finished right ahead of me...

Then came the song..."Sweet Home Alabama". One of my favorites...then the announcement

"From Post Falls Idaho, your Coeur d'Alene Ironman Volunteer Director, MICHELLE HAUSTEIN....You are an IRONMAN"

The crowds were great, at the finish line was the North American Staff....Several friends from companies that rep (Fuel Belt, Zoot, 2XU, Base) friends, and of course...Corey.

The finish couldn't have been more perfect! Final Time - 16:18:49

4:20 pm Michelle off the bike onto the run. She is 1 hr. ahead of schedual. 112 miles on the bike in 7 hrs.

Michelle is in good spirits even though they lost her special needs bag. She had no solid food for half the bike. She was unable to repleanish her foods on the bike. She ate oranges for 56 miles.

While doing an Ironman she is still and will forever be Michelle. I lover her so much and am so proud of her. By tonight she WILL be an Ironman

Race day 11/1/08

6:30am race day. Body marking Michelle. Race starts 7:00am












Michelle 6:45am, ready for her warm up swim.








8:20am Michelle finishes her 2.4 MILE swim in 1 hour 20 minutes. 15 minutes faster then she planned. She is such a stud. Excited to be done with the swim and know on to the bike for 112 miles.






8:40am, Michelle on the bike out of transition. She is planning on a 3:30pm off the bike on to the run. I will keep you updated. Please check on MyAthlete.com to fallow her progress. She is an amazing woman.

Corey's first Blog - Race Day Eve

Race day eve dinner at Pineapple Willies on the beach.









Michelle's bike racked and ready for race day. T minus 12hrs. She is excited and ready for a beautiful day.










Michelle with Joe at breakfast. Joe is the oldest Ironman participant at this years race...79 years young. When asked, why do you do Ironman, he responded with "I wanted to start racing before I got old..." We all should aspire to such a life... (He started doing Sprint triathlons when he was 65!)

How to Track Me during my Ironman

Well the time has finally arrived....It's PCB Ironman time! Tomorrow morning at 7:00am I will take the first strokes to my Ironman goals...swim, bike and run. Tomorrow starts a new chapter in my life, one that I hope I will learn from and cherish for years. One that will demonstrate strength (mind and body), determination, and persistance! How can you track me? EASY....



1. You can track me via the Ironman Live web-site. This is updated through-out the day and it will give you updates on what's going on, and if you plug in my race number you can see when I have completed the swim, out of transition and on the bike, and then the run. This system will only track me when I hit timing mats. (Swim, transition, two on the bike, and two on the run.)
http://www.ironmanlive.com

2. My Athlete - this is a GPS system that I will wear on me during my bike and run. I am part of a special test marketing group. It will update every two minutes!!! Plus, it is all done in conjunction with google maps. So you can see where I am at during the race. The link is: http://track.gtxcorp.com/Public/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fdefault.aspx%3fp%3d2&p=2

If this link doesn't work - you can try the following link on your Mac / PC (username & password is ma1): www.myathletegps.com/track


If you are connecting and tracking by a PDA / Blackberry or iPhone:
www.Myathletegps.com/mobile (same user name & pass-word)



3. Last, but not least...this Blog. Corey will update the Blog when he can...but he will be working on the run course from 1 - 6; and then will be at the finish line waiting for me at some point!



Lastly, thank you for all of your support and well wishes. I am so excited to be doing something I never dreamt of doing. I hope I don't dissapoint any of you....

My bib number is 2201



Michelle

Almost here

I am sitting here in my condo...alone. Corey left to the expo with Kelley; he was bugging me, so Kelley asked him to help him with his gear. We are suppose to drop off our bikes, T-1 and T-2 bags today. Tomorrow morning we drop off our Special needs bags.

Our T-1 bags contain anything we need for our transition from the Swim to the Bike. Mine contains riding needs (helmet, jersey, racing number, shorts, socks, bike shoes,etc. YES, I do have 2 sets of Oakleys in their...not sure which ones I will want.) It's really nerve racking...if I forget to put something in it...I am without it.

The T-2 bags are for our Bike to Run transition. Running shoes, hats, long sleeve shirt, etc. Again, anything you may need or want for your run.

The winds picked up today...and with it my anxiety. I was fine all week, and now it has set in. The time is almost here. It's depressing and exciting. I have really enjoyed this journey, and I really hope I have done enough. The best thing I can do now is relax and play it as one race at a time. Take the swim...survive it and get out. The better my time, the more time I can bank. Go for the ride and replenish and store. I have broken my ride down so I am doing something every 5-10 minutes. If I can get off the bike 7 hours, then I will have banked more time for the run. AHHH the run...my strategy is to meet the cut-off times. That's it. Run a little, walk a lot, and make the cut-off's.

God, I am nervous! It's probably a good thing that Corey took off. I have my lists made of what goes where and he keeps helping and moving things. He is organizing my stuff behind me. If you know Corey, then you know exactly what I am talking about. I really do love my honey...he is the best when it comes to taking care of me.

Well, I best getting back to getting ready for my race. Stay tuned...I will have race information on here later. On how you can check me with MyAthlete and via Ironman Live.

LOVE YOU ALL!

Michelle

Day 3 & 1.2 mile swim!

It was a pretty nice day today. We started with breakfast with some of the North American staff. Then I went out for an easy swim. Ending up doing the entire swim course (just one loop), so I got in a nice 1.2 miles. I was only suppose to be out there for 30 minutes, but the water was so nice! I took it easy and stopped at each buoy, and took in the area.
After our swim, Corey and I had lunch with Julie (another NAS staff person whom I adore!) I had the best Grouper Sandwich...Yummy! Then I went out with my men and drove the bike course. You know, 112 miles is a LONG WAY! We had fun driving the course and I am really glad I did. It's not totally flat as we were told. There are about 20 miles of nice rollers and two nice hills we have to climb. There is one section that is desperate need of repair, but we calculated it to be only 15 miles. No shoulders on the course, and it is open to traffic. SO, it will be fun! NOT boring!!

I came back home and Corey was hanging out on the beach with Kelley and Sabina. We are now in our condo, getting ready for dinner. Tonight is the welcome dinner and athlete meeting...tomorrow the count-down really begins!


We had a morning breakfast with some of my favorite Staff of NAS. From Left; Grahm(owner), Paula Newby-Fraiser (Winningest Ironman in history, and CEO of NAS), Heather Fuhr (2nd in most Ironman wins & my coach), Michael Lovato (yes...the man that I LUST over...oh he's also a Pro), ME, and Jimmy Ricatello (yes, he's grabbing Michaels boob! He is also a former Pro-MTB racer, Xterra and current head referee for USAT)

That's Scott with Fuel belt. He just came in from a swim and was telling me how big the BatRays were.








Picture of BatRays! There were 4 of them playing in the waves, near the shore line!


Kelly Milbrath (one of my team-mates and training partners) and I on the beach.

First Swim...

Some pictures from this morning. We were finally able to do a practice swim. Just adjusting to Ocean water, the temp and siting.

HURRY UP! I was very anxious to get into the water. My team-mates were taking their sweet time. Oh well...

Here we go! We got into the water and it was so nice and warm! It's about 70 degrees. I was very happy. Could have done without the salt water taste...but the water was warm and calm. The entire swim I was telling myself, "it's only 7 ft"

Done with the swim! It was GREAT, I could have stayed in longer, but was dragged out...had to head-off to packet pick-up.

Day 2 at Ironman

Here are a few pictures from earlier today. I will blog more later...

I found hermit crabs during my morning swim! (I thought my Allison would like these.)

"I went to Ironman Florida and all I got was Crabs..."

Me at the front of the line for packet pick-up.

I am weighing in...don't ask how much. I have to remember that I had a week of down time.

Katie and I! Katie is not only one of my Captains for Ironman CDA...but her husband (Paul) is racing with me as well. He's my Ironman-Hubby. For awhile, Paul and I were spending more time with each-other than with our mates!

Reunited with my bike! Mark took good care of it...now I am off to ride!

I am heading to ride the run course with my team-mates. Will blog more tonight!

First day in Florida

We have arrived in Florida safe and SLEEPY! Last night was a real adventure...everything from possible delays to a "Chatty Cathy" sitting in front of us on a Red-Eye flight. Who the hell takes a red-eye and then expects that the people sitting next to her want to talk...and the people sitting behind her want to hear it?

We arrived and took our time getting to the Condo. It was a fun drive, but boy is Florida FLAT. It is unbelievably FLAT! My friend Julie Doray (her hubby works for ironman and she came with to cheer me and a few of her other friends on) offered to ride a moped next to me during the race and read to me so I wouldn't get too bored on the bike course. For some reason I don't think boredom will be my problem!

Here are some photos of our first day in Florida - Panama City Beach to be exact! Stay tuned; we will update all of you daily!

Here I am Blogging all of you! This will be my position as I type each day and keep all of you posted on my events. On Saturday...you will need to replace me with Corey!

ME! The water is SO warm! I can't wait to dive in. The beaches are amazing. I have never felt sand so soft and so WHITE! I was looking out into the water and I could picture myself swimming. Tomorrow I take to the water for my first practice swim.

View from our Condo. We are on the 4th floor and it is beautiful! The Condo is tiny, but I have to remind myself that it is larger than a hotel room would be.

Corey and I on the beach. The winds are CRAZY today, but I have been promised that they are going to die down tomorrow. We took the opportunity to take a walk and check out the area. I was able to touch base with several of my friends with NAS, saw where the transition area would be, swim start, etc.

We are off to dinner with my swim coach and some of my fellow CDA Tri-mates. Stay tuned for more!!!!

Fun with Traveling

Gotta love traveling. I am sitting here at SEATAC International airport waiting for Delta to make up their minds if we have a delay or not. Corey and I started our journey to Florida this evening in Spokane. Took a quick flight to Seattle and now we are waiting...

Our plane was suppose to take off at 10:15 pm (2215 hrs)...then got delayed to 11:40, then back to 10:15...now we are looking at 10:30. It's a ton of fun...kind of like a game. What time will be next???

More later...once we actually end up on the East Coast. No stress....thanks to planning ahead and having extra days to travel. I have to say; this was a smart idea on our part. I don't have to be there until Wednesday, Thursday at the latest. LIFE IS GOOOOD! Bring on the IRONMAN

My Mom is WONDER-WOMAN!!!

My mom completed her first half marathon yesterday in Napa Valley (Calistoga area). I can't express how impressed with her I am. Her course was a trail course with tons of natural elements involved. Steep hills, climbing over rocks, and having to take on the distance. She is incredible! She stopped smoking, started eating better, and is now being more physically active...words can not express how proud I am of her! WAY TO GO MOM!!! I hope I can make you equally proud next week.

Another Day down...

Another work-out into the log books. Did a road ride yesterday on Corey's Kestrel. Yes, he is taller than me and the bike is a little too long for me....but it worked to get out some of the restlessness out of me. I do have to say...I now TOTALLY know the difference between a $2,000 road bike and Corey's. It's probably best that Corey didn't offer me his bike sooner or we would currently be in-debt $10,000 on a new Road bike for me.

Although it was too long in top tube that baby is SWEEEEET. I sneezed and it reacted. A few times so quickly it scared me. Plus that bike is SEXXXY. Yep...looks like we will be shopping new Road bikes for Michelle! ;o)

Last night I got schooled on sprints by my boy. I have always been able to out sprint him, but we are both getting older...and one of us is getting slower. I have never been a sprinter; and that boy is fast. After he taught me a lesson on how to sprint. I challenge him to go longer with me. So, we took off around the block. I forgot that my son can run a 6 minute mile (up to 3 miles). DARN THAT BOY!! I do have to say, he has BEAUTIFUL run form. He looks like he's floating. I wish he enjoyed running more; he is a natural.

Swam today...the last of the long swims. Another one down...only a few to go. Nothing major to report, but felt I should write something. No new dreams, no new fears, just going through the motions until next week.

Let the Dreams Begin

I guess that title could mean a multitude of things...but it truly means, let the dreams begin!!! Saturday night I had a dream. I have a feeling it was the first amongst many that are to come in the next 11 days.

My dream was that I started the race, and was met by "Tim the Swim Guy" at the beach. (Tim's a great guy, and one of FAVORITE English men. TOTALLY Funny!) For those of you that know Ironman, it's never a good sign when the Director of one of the three events and the Race Director meet you at a timing mat. It means "I'm sorry, but your race is over... turn in your timing-chip. There is always next year."

Well, in my dream, I get out of the water and there is Tim, Justin (Tim's buddy and VERY cute!), and Ben, the Florida Race Director. I looked at the timing clock and saw that I had swam 2.4 miles in 1hour 34 minutes. So, I was confused. It was at that moment, Tim told me that I didn't tag the 3rd buoy and I had to hand over my chip. I was DQed. I was SHOCKED! Touch the 3rd buoy? Are you serious?? When has that ever been a part of the race?? He informed me that it was written in the Athlete Race Info. packet and I should have read it.

Let me tell you, I spent most of the day yesterday organizing and reading my Florida Ironman binder. It is so beautiful with dividers (Travel info, Course Maps, RULES, etc.), Plastic Covers for the maps, Information on vendors...and HIGHLIGHTED IMPORTANT race information and rules!!! I also spent a large majority of my day researching the Internet for peoples race experience in Florida, studying the tide charts and several weather web-sites.

Last night's dream came thank you to my "MAC-daddy". He keeps on putting it in my head that the Volunteers are not what they are here in CDA. (Well, of course not, I AM the Volunteer Director here!!) So last night I had a dream that I was on the Run (made it through the swim!), and there weren't any Aid Stations. I wasn't really hungry, and was feeling great, but Mac and Corey (Corey will be helping Mac with the run course in Florida) caught up to me an made me sit down for a Meal with them. I kept telling them I had to go...there was a cut-off I had to make. But both of them were more concerned about me eating enough and getting in my protein!! (I think this may have come from my BF-Jenn, who is ALWAYS worried about me eating.)

So, there they are. Two very important dreams. What have I learned???
1. Make sure to read, then re-read the Athlete's Rules put out by NAS for Florida. (Rules do change!)
2. Make sure I bring food on the run...and run fast so I can stop and have dinner with Corey and Mac if I need to!

Good-Bye My Friend...

Today was a sad day...I had to say good-bye to one of my best-friends. We have spent a lot of time together over the past 6 months, logging many miles, sharing in a lot of smiles, some tears...today my beloved Planet X was left at Vertical Earth. She is heading to Florida on Monday.

I know, a little dramatic...but it's true. I have spent a huge amount of time on her this past 6 months. If I had time, I could go through my logs and tell you exactly how much time...but a rough guesstimate would be anywhere between 14-25 hours per week. (Depending on my long ride schedule.) That's a lot of time with a bike.

At first I thought it was nerves. This is really happening...the race numbers came to us yesterday, the bike is being shipped out Monday (bike shop is closed on Sunday, so had to be dropped off today), and the tapper. BUT, as I examine it more, I find that I am not nervous, but this over-whelming feeling in me is SEPARATION ANXIETY! Every morning I wake up and the first thing I see (even before my kids) is my road bike. She sits there in the room, smiling at me, begging me for another ride. "Let's go play with the boys..." she whispers to me. Now, she sits alone, with the other bikes she has gotten to know so well...in a shop, waiting.

I didn't have time to wash her, didn't have time to clean the chain one last time, didn't have the chance to spend a few more hours alone with her. I was able to talk to her this morning and let her know that we were done. Our training together is done, and now we head into our big event. I told her she was ready, and when we met up again in Florida, I would take her to the Condo, give her a nice cleaning, lube everything up. (OK Corey would do all this, but I would watch and sooth her.) We would be together again, in a week. I told her that her good friends would be near by (Steve's Kestrel, Paul's Orbea, Mike's Trek, Kelly's Specialized...) and to not worry. The big show was coming.

Now I am left with my goggles and running shoes. I will spend a few hours on Corey's bike, and even possibly my Mountain Bike, just to keep the blood flowing in my legs. But, now, more bonding with the Newtons.

I am ready...it needs to be my new mantra. I AM READY...I AM READY...I AM READY!

Racer #2201

Today I got a number...I am Ironman Participant #2201. Today, for some reason, it became so very real to me. I am sitting here with a horrible head-ache, with every reason to go to bed...but I can't. I go from crying out of frustration that I haven't been able to go out and train to nervousness that in a two weeks I will be racing. Competing in what many people think is insanity. Proving to myself that I am capable of doing 140.6 miles under 17 hours. Showing my husband he married a determined woman, demonstrating to my parents they raised a strong person and to my children that anything is possible.

As I sit here typing, I fight myself in self-doubt. What if I haven't put enough time in to my training? What if I don't make a cut-off time? What if I get stung by a Jellyfish??? Seriously!! I know I have put the time in. I know I am strong in the water...hell, I swam 2.5 miles on Wednesday in 1hour 35 minutes. I am a great cyclist; 100 miles and I still have energy to want to do more, but I have to hold back. I worry about the run. Have I done enough running?

Tomorrow, I am heading out for a run. A short run, but a run non the less. I have been in bed for two days now. RESTING. I literally couldn't get out of bed today...but I can't handle another day down. Tomorrow I run. Even if it's just a quick 6 miles...I need to run to have my confidence back. To know I can. Tomorrow I run for me. Not for training...but for me.

A Gift from Corey

Sounds sweet doesn't it??? Well, this amazing gift my husband could have kept! He was a dear and shared with me his cold. Right now is NOT the time for me to get sick; but from what I hear, I am right on schedule!

Had a 60-80 minute run scheduled for today. (I am already stressing about the Marathon portion of the event...so missing this run is not ok!) I know what had to be done, and what advise I would give others if they were in my position, but I had to hear it. SO, I placed a call into the world's best Coach, Huddle. And, he said exactly what I thought he would "Don't run". He told me to stay home, drink and rest. I was already at the Trail Head waiting for Kim, so that was out of the question.

Since I was already out there, his instructions were to not allow my HR to get above 110 bpm. Then he proceeded in the pep talk that I am ready and that this is not a huge issue...but if I don't rest now and I push it, it will become a big issue.

My main thought is that I am suppose to send my bike away on Sunday. I have to get in a long ride tomorrow. It will be my last on my bike before Florida. SO, the goal today is to rest, drink and get myself better. I will not be sick!!! I can't be sick.

Call into Camie...

Another day down and only a few left ahead of me now. I am sore...not sore as in oh my aching muscles...but sore as in "Oh S**T I really did hurt my shoulder!" I fell while in Moab out on Klondikes Bluff. (Yes, it is a ride that all beginner Mountain Bikers could do, but isn't that the way it goes?) I landed on my behind (on a tree, which slowed down my fall and my final resting spot was a cactus.) and caught myself with my wrist. In the process, my left shoulder hit the tree I was crushing. I was sore, but thought nothing of it. (OK I did complain...which I hate to do...to my Erin)

After today's swim, I am thinking something of it. I have put in a call to the worlds BEST Massage Therapist (Camie Roth) and she can't see me until next week. Guess I will have to deal with the pain, and try to take it easy. Which I don't do very well. Luckily I only have two more swims this week. One is a race specific workout the other is a easy 30 minute workout.

I did a long easy swim (2.5 miles) and followed with a quick short bike ride. The shoulder truly flared up during the ride. Which doesn't make me feel (mentally) good about this little situation I have put myself into.

Guess I will just have to see what happens!!! I think I can swim with one Arm...they're called "drills"!

17 days / 21 hours Left!

Sitting here at my computer finding ANYTHING to do besides heading out on my bike. Day 2 of the great tapper and the race comes closer each day.

Last night, it was finalized that Tri-Bike Transport will be able to transport our race bikes to Florida for a small fee ($250 round trip). Transporting the bike on the planes would have been over $300 each way! Little scared to put my beloved Planet X on the cargo truck next Monday, but it seems this is the best way to do it. Away from my bike for a week...more anxiety!!!

It rained last night and I need to go out for a 75 minute Ride (followed by a run)...and I have no desire to do so. My throat hurts, and I am tired...ok now I can add I am a babbling baby to the mix as well.

Well...off I go. Now or never...then it's to Precision Fitness so Sam can torture my abs.

Heading home from Moab

It's always sad when you have to say good-bye to friends that you no longer see on a daily basis. But, throw in saying good-bye to a wonderful week, a beautiful location, and experiencing so many memories and it makes it soooo much harder. Back to reality...back to REAL training.

This past week has been hard. I have had to alter my training schedule and that has really messed with my psychy (spelling???). I was able to get in three GREAT swims, and obviously some killer MTB rides, and one short road ride, but my running fell short. I ran on Tuesday and tried to run on Thursday...but nothing to "blogg" about. We did go on a nice hike in Arches and I ran part of that trail. I guess what has happened (or not happened) is behind me and now I move forward.

Corey and I are driving home from Moab at this exact moment (ok..he's driving, I am blogging). The snow has finally stopped...and now we are in FLAT nothing around I-15. It's actually worse than I-5 for those of you that know I-5.

Back to training...prepping for Florida...bring on the tapper!

PS - My boy (Michael) secured a 9th in the Kona Ironman. The man ran a 8:34 and STILL got a 9th position. The winner...8:14!!!!

Return to MOAB!

What to do when you are three weeks out of an Ironman race and heading into your most challenging week of training? GO TO MOAB!!! What else???

Yes, this was already planned, months ago...and we headed out of town (just Corey and I) to Corey's favorite place on earth. We loaded up four bikes (One massive down-hill, one single speed Mountain Bike, one full suspension and one Road Bike...OF COURSE!)

We headed out of Post Falls at 10:00 pm...and at 3:00 am we found ourselves safely snuggled up next to a 1940's fuel pump at Melrose Montana. We were DARN close to running out of gas. We get 335 miles to a tank...we were at 334. The bar with the fuel pump was not open and so we slept until someone arrived. Lucky for us a "local" arrived at the pump at 6 am and was fueling and we were able to get some gas ourselves!!! YES...

We rolled into Moab on Sunday at 5:00 pm...met up with our friends from Sacramento {The Brandts (Jon and Jenn), the Upchurches (Mike and Erin), the Conwells (Chris and Allyson), Joe Carpenter and James Donely}. AT Last...with our friends in Moab...let the fun begin!!

Have I done enough??

One day closer to a tapper. As I was on my bike yesterday, it occurred to me that this journey is almost over. It's sad really...and scary! I hope I am ready. Yes, it's been tiring, but not as painful as expected. There have been several days that I didn't want to train or felt I was too busy...but the training got done. Have I done enough???

Everyone I have talked to has mentioned how exhausted they are, how sore they are, how DONE they are. I don't feel that way. I did a 5 hour 90+ ride yesterday with my "men" and was tired last night. But, not drop dead tired. I was still able to go for a short (10 minute) run, go to Costco, then the store, make dinner, do dishes and do a load of laundry. When asked if I could go out and run a marathon after my ride; my response was "Yep, I could, but I don't want too."

Am I exhausted? I think I might be. But another part of me just wants to have a glass of wine, or eat bread! (My stomach doesn't like breads or pastries lately) My kids say that my fuse is short, but I still have energy to do stuff. Although my house is a mess, and it doesn't seem like I get as much done in a day as I use too. I don't feel exhausted. I have energy...or at least fuel in the system.

Am I sore? NO! Not at all. I was a little yesterday off of the bike, but not even Spa or Tylenol worthy. This I think scares me the most. Shouldn't I be sore? Even a little?? Does this mean that I am not pushing myself hard enough? Will I be able to make the run???

Am I done with all this training? With some things, yes. But, I love riding my bike and I have found a LOVE for the water that I didn't know existed. I love swimming...it becomes very relaxing and almost puts me into a meditative state of mind. The run...I will get through. Which is kind of funny, since this was the one area I thought was my strongest. I think I am sad that the training is coming to an end. What will I do with 20 plus hours a week added into my life again? What can I train for next? Have I trained enough??? Should I have trained on my Optional days off that I took? (If it said "optional day off" I took the day off. I hope this doesn't bite me in the butt!)

Is it wrong to already be planning Arizona 2009? Yes, that will be #2 if #1 is successful. If for some reason #1 is not...than that will be ATTEMPT #2~!

Have I done enough??? Am I ready? Shouldn't I be more sore??? Shouldn't I be THINNER!!!! Am I being realistic that I think I can do this Ironman thing? How many people will I have disappointed if I do not succeed? Corey has taken so much time off for this trip, the kids have seen less of me since my training began, my in-laws, parents, friends and neighbors have all joined in on the quest. I have had people support me in so many ways. Will I be able to face the Ironman Crew if I fail? What will they say at Ironman CDA if I don't make it to the finish line? What will my tri-team say? How will my friends that are racing with me feel? What about my coaches that have put so much into this race and training me?

GOD....I hope I have done enough!

Just One of those days

Ever have just one of those days? A week full of amazing work-outs and then BAMMM it hits you...no desire to train. Just wanting to do nothing....but you know you should! There's an Ironman in the near future...not that far away.

Yesterday was my anniversary and so my Corey (yes that's My Corey...I am very possessive) and I went out on a Bike Ride. (I had some training to do...) We went out last week and for the first time in my LIFE I dropped Corey. It was great. (Although now I think he may have let me drop him...) We were cruising, he let me set the pace and I turned around and he wasn't there. NOW, yesterday, we rode side by side. Just cruising a nice 20 MPH pace. On the way back, with nothing being said, he started to speed up. The nerve of him challenging me like that! We hit 28 mph and I couldn't keep it going. We had gradually been increasing our speed (he pushed, then I countered and back and forth) over a 10 minute time period. I got dropped...it sucked. COREY'S BACK! If you have ever ridden with Corey then you know that he is not human.

I got my ride in and followed it with a Swim. A GREAT Swim. One of those swims that you go "Dude I ROCK in the water". It was a swim that I decided my new name should be NEMO. I was able to swim, flip turn and swim some more. 2 hours of just swimming. Very Zen like. I was able to plan for my upcoming trip to Moab, my grocery list for the week, which races I would like to create over the next two years, and what changes I need to make to my funeral outline. (There should be no questions about what I expect at my funeral)

Then we come to today...suppose to do a 7 mile run. Didn't happen. Cleaned my car, organized my business cards, emailed anyone I could. A run, I did not. Corey said it was my body telling me to rest...I think it's me being LAZY. Now tomorrow I need to run and swim, I can't leave that section blank in my training log. It just wouldn't be right.

The weather is actually perfect for a run, but now the sun is setting and it's too dark for me to run, and leave my daughter home alone. Guess it will be a long day tomorrow..slamming down the trainings.

5 Weeks to GO!!!!

A Cold Morning Swim...

Fall is here! I got up this morning ready to take on my Wednesday open water swim with the world's most fabulous swim coach...Dee Fraiser. Got in the water and discovered that 63 degrees is COLD . It was a balmy 42 outside, so I figured the water would feel warm. My body told me something different.

So Dee (dry in her Kayak) lead the way out to the "dark part of the water" (deep...) and said "let's go long". I couldn't swim more than 300 yards without stopping. I couldn't get my breathing right and my strokes felt so short. It stunk! Not wanting to give up and call it a day...I stopped a lot. Finally, I discovered how truly cold I was...dizziness set in.

Have you ever tried to swim and spot while dizzy? Let me tell you...it's like 10 shots of tequila in you and trying to ride a bike. Not a good combination. At that point I told Dee, I think it's a pool day. She agreed. SO, as lame as I feel, and only getting in about 30 minutes of swimming...I am now off to Peak to follow the black line at the bottom of the pool....

We'll try another lake swim on Monday. At least the sun is suppose to come back and make me feel like it's warmer outside.

Ramblings of a soon to be Ironman....

Every day I open my email to the same questions.."how's your Ironman training going". Well, with 38 days left until IM FL 08 and the same questions appearing over and over everyday...I decided to take on blogging. This way, I can track what I am doing, and so can you!

Now, let me warn you...I have never had a blog before, just a personal journal. And, at times, I can't even follow my own thoughts. SO, this could be a trip into the Twilight Zone for many. (Or the new question may be When are you going to start Psycho-therapy? Although that was recommended when I announced I was going to train for Florida.)

When I first registered, the main question was WHY? I guess I should start with that.

I guess my answer is Why not? I have done Marathons, Ultra Cycling, Mountain biking, MTB Racing, X-terra, Duathlons, Adventure Races, 12 hour races, 24 hour races and many other events...so what else can I do? Every challenge we put ourselves through; mental, emotional, physical, financial...makes us stronger. This will either make me stronger...or Kill me. (Just kidding mom! I promised her I would stop if I thought I was going to die.)

I need to prove to myself that I can. I work with amazing people on the race circuit, and every IM I work...I look at the field and know I could do that. This just proves to myself that I can.

For my kids...yes...that seems cliche I know. But it's true. The first time I crossed the Marathon Finish Line, my son was so proud! I could see it in his eyes. When I use to live in California and would be training for "what-ever event was coming up", my kids were the ones motivating me to get out and run or bike. And now; when I hear that both of my kids brag that their mom is going to be an Ironman, I can't help to smile and feel proud.

I am competing For ME - I guess if it all comes down to it. I am doing it for me. Yes, selfish as it may be, It's all about MICHELLE. A friend of mine and I had a discussion a few weeks ago, and she laid out her priorities. She listed them as Her family, her friends, and her job. And I told her that I was far more selfish. I come first in my life...then my family, friends, job, etc. (as normal people list them). She was a little shocked. But it's true. I come first. If I am not happy, then how is the rest of my family going to be happy? If I don't feel fulfilled, how am I going to lift the spirits and encourage my family and friends to strive for the impossible? If I am not in charge of my life...how can I expect to be in charge of two wonderful children's lives?

Hell...I guess I am also doing it for bragging rights. This is a big one. How many people do Ironman distance triathlons? Yes, it's not like it was in the 80's when it was truly only the elites and crazy doing it. But there are still far less people challenging the IM course than racing in a Marathon. I think I should find out the stats for that!

It's a self-centered thought...but when you are cycling for 5 hours alone with no-one to talk to...this is what you think about!