Penelope's Pitstops

Nothing a little pixie dust can't fix . . .

2012-01-29T20:25:00.000-08:00

Today was the Inaugural Tinkerbell Half Marathon at Disneyland. And, of course I just had to do it. And, I HAD to dress like Tinkerbell - duh!!

Plus, this was going to be the first big thing I got to do since my 5th knee surgery!!It turned out to be a beautiful day at Disneyland.

The race started @ 5:45 a.m. and it was a bit chilly, but the day was predicted to have a high of around 82 degrees. So, we were not worried. Even though it was 48 degrees at the start, there were people who were dressed like it was 4 degrees below!! They had long pants, gloves, hats & goose down parkas. "Heat stroke" was what I was thinking.

Oh - and the WE is me and my Beckies: Becky C & Becky Lee. We were all dressed alike in our beautiful Tink outfits. As were the 1,000s of other women - and some men.As it turns out, there were about 11,000 women and approx. 900 men!!! Like the announcer said, "Smart men!"

There were men dressed as Peter Pan, men dressed as Tinkerbell, men dressed as "other types of fairy-type characters." It was not boring, to say the least.

We walked most of the race - due to the fact that I have not been running. Although we did some running & some flying - we are pixies, after all!

Anyway, the day went great!! We spread pixie dust all over everyone to bring them peace & joy & happiness. I got to the finish line & felt like I could do another 5 or so miles.

And - I had no knee pain. It was a nice to feel that way after a half marathon.

Maybe it was the pixie dust!!!Whatever it was - I will take it.

Can't wait 'til next year!

Bring on the green!

Much Peace and Love,
TracerX

Here I go again . . .

2011-11-26T18:54:00.001-08:00

Last weekend I went to a very scary and exciting place - no, not just in my mind, but a real place. I went to Tempe, Az. Which is not only home of the ASU Sun Devils, but once a year is home to Ironman Arizona. Place where I did my very 1st (and only) Ironman.

One of "my boys" - who shall remain nameless - decided it was a good idea to go volunteer at IMAZ. Now, I had already been thinking of making the journey to Tempe in order to cheer on some of my friends from the book. And, there was going to be a book signing, too (can't pass that up!). P.S. - Order the book & read it . . . it's pretty dang good.

So, it made sense to go ahead and volunteer. I could cheer friends, hang out with my boys & get a cool free t-shirt. It's a win-win. Oh, did I mention - get to see some pros race?? That is also fun.

So, what the hell is so dang scary about going to Tempe? Well, anyone who knows how Ironman registration works knows that if you volunteer you get to have the privilege of standing in line early the day after the race in order to sign up for next year's race - the privilege to sign up & to pay $682.50, to be exact! Now, this is a great opportunity, as these races sell out fast. Those who volunteer get to sign up before it goes to the general public/online registration.

This pretty much guarantees "the volunteer" a spot for the following year.

Still not scary? What? That amount of money - hours spent standing in line - getting to do an Ironman next year???

Oh wait . . . back that thang up. Say what?? Why would a woman such as myself, who just had her 5th knee surgery, whose doctor told her running was bad for her - sign up for yet another effing Ironman?? Not a sprint-distance tri!! Not an Olympic-distance! But a full-blown, "Let's train for months & have to run & end up doing another LOOOOOOOONG-ass Ironman race!!"

Who did this to me? Whose idea was this? Vit? Pimp Daddy Jay-Z? Or was it H.R. PufnStuf and Big Dave? (my vote is those 2 SOBs)

But - cold, hard fact is that I am the culprit! I stood in that line & I paid that money - and now, I am officially signed up for IMAZ 2012.

And, I have a ton of my boys who are doing it with me. Let the party begin.

P.S.: The race sold out in less than 10 mins.

That's it for now . . .

Much Peace & Love, TracerX

The 5th time's a charm ? ? ?

2011-10-29T21:02:00.000-07:00

Yes, a question mark. And I know it may sound bizarre, given that I've had four knee surgeries already. Three of them have been ACL reconstructions. Yet somehow I doubt that this truly is the last knee injury and/or knee surgery I am going to have.

I will say that it is getting old - the "it" being me (LOL) - that I am having this "every-other-year" knee injury that requires surgery, I think this time in particular due to the fact that I was just running on the treadmill. I was running approx. 11-min. miles when I felt a small pop and pain in my left knee.

This was not the gut-wrenching, sickening kind of "pop & pain" that I've had with the other knee blowouts, so naturally I thought not a whole hell of a lot about this incident. Three out of the four knee injuries have been traumatic in origin - the other was sheer stupidity! I mean, what 42-year-old broad races a 12-year-old track runner? Starting from a sprint position? Who does that shit? (she says, raising a hand in the air shyly, slinking back hoping not to be seen)

No trauma and no stupidity.
Now I'm just perturbed.
It's all in the genes.

The usual ensues with a doctor visit (we think it's just a meniscal tear).

I continue to train. I continue with my new addiction - Crossfit. (this is to help me gain strength for my tri's)

I have even cut back on my running and . . . gulp - I have dropped out of one of my favorite triathlons - The Santa Barbara Triathlon (long-course).

After 5 weeks of waiting it out, the pain was not going away.

Hello again . . . it is now 10/29/11 and I have since had that MRI on the left knee AND have had surgery!! A week ago. It went great!

As it turns out I tore my medial & lateral meniscus AND my ACL!! That makes #4. But I refused to go through the ACL surgery. So, just clean up the meniscus & we are done.

Another quick side note - end of Sept., I tore The ACL in my right knee. Maybe because I was favoring the left knee?? So, that made #5.

Five torn ACLs on two knees!! Three on one knee. These are great odds! I am going to strengthen my quads & try my best to take care of these wittle knees o' mine.

Enough for now . . .

Much Peace & Love, TracerX

Aloha from the Big Island . . .

2011-10-06T07:42:00.001-07:00

So very excited to leave a damp, cold and rainy day in Los Angeles to hop on a plane for Kona. Coming to the Big Island for "vacation" - at least that's what Vit & I told our spouses - when in reality we were here for The Big Show!! In our language "the big show" is The Ironman World Championship. The mother of all triathlons . . . here on the islands. However, the original Ironman did not take place on Kona, but rather on Oahu. Okay, enough history - these posts are short and sweet, because after all, I'm on "vacation."

So, uneventful flight - layover in Honolulu - then on to Kona. NOTE: major weather change from L.A.!! Warm, balmy & breezy. In fact, one might say - downright tropical!

Car rental, hotel (Hilton Waikoloa Village) where I have to completely unpack and feel "moved in" and then it's down to the venue to see some of my friends. Ya know - Chrissie, Crowie, Rinnie, etc.

Of course none of them is around, but we did find out about a gathering that was being thrown by Macca a/k/a Chris McCormack. So, after getting our "sea legs" about town, we grab a bite to eat and head out to find this so-called party.

After giving up and getting ready to turn around, lo and behold - we see the Clif Bar flags on the outside of the house!! We have made it.

This is basically about 20 or 30 or so people hanging out, drinking beer & chatting with Macca.

I walk in and find him (like I do). I give him a copy of my book - well, the book of which I am one the subjects, You Are An Ironman, by New York Times writer Jacques Steinberg - and I sign it for him. Thanks to my wonderful friend Vit, we find out Macca is signing more books in town the next day and I tell him I will be by for a "book swap": one of mine for one of his. "Sure," he says.

It's on. So we hang out - like we do - and then realize that Terenzo Bozzone is also at the party. So I go up to him - like I do - and give him a hug (he just had achilles tendon surgery and can't race) and we chat for a long while & have a beer!

I have new friends!!!

My first day in Kona is grand so far. My hubby, Vit & I are rollin' with the big dogs. Let the party continue!!

Aloha for now. Got the Underpants Run to do - that shall be a blast.

Much Peace & Love,
TracerX

Two, two, two firsts in one . . .

2011-05-13T21:55:00.000-07:00

My first flat tire during the race & my first (and hopefully last) DNF! I know you're asking yourself, "In which race did this occur?" and, "Say it isn't so?"

Well, my faithful followers (speaking of which - Pendong, where the hell are you???), it was Wildflower. I came back to redeem myself for missing last year and not doing the Long Course, and this is what I get?

Technically I should have stayed in bed - er, the sleeping bag. I was not feeling well at all. But because I am a-"SS" (studette or stupid) - I got up to do this race. Let's face facts, I had an axe to grind with this course. I needed to see what the fuss was all about. What is this thing they call "Nasty Grade" that I had to climb on the bike? Or how horrible is this run? Steep hills that are sooooo steep that one must walk? Ha! I say.

Or not . . . I started the race with an extremely stuffed-up nose & a very tight, congested chest. I hurt. But I could not back down. Of course I was PISSED! Why the heck did I have to get this now? Don't answer.

The swim was rough - a lot of wind. Of course it was windy & choppy. Why wouldn't it be? Me not feeling well = tough swim. LOL

The bike ride was good, believe it or not. I was feeling strong. My legs felt strong, but my chest wanted someone to rub Vick's Vapo-rub all over it. Oooh, and take off my aero bars to replace them with a humidifier. Can you imagine?

At any rate, the bike ride went off without - wait, with only one hitch: the flat tire. Cruising down a nice hill where I had to brake a bit, and felt the sickening feeling of the back tire swerving around. Luckily, there happened to be a support tech fixing another rider's flat tire - which makes me wonder: was the evil Dick Dastardly out there throwing nails on the course?? Hmmmm.

Yeah, I know it's a cartoon, but life can be like a cartoon (so says I). And, I was riding Penelope Pitstop - and you know how Dick feels about her.

Ya know, Nasty Grade wasn't even that bad. And I found out later that the support guy put my tire on and it was rubbing on the wheel some . . . so, technically that ride was harder for me than others! LOL, again.

It did hit me at mile 53 on the bike that I was feeling really crappy. I knew I was not going to be able to do the run. So, after a "come to Jesus" talk with myself and a few tears - I decided I was going to have to quit the race.

I flew down Lynch Hill right into T2 and saw my running shoes.

I decided I would just go ahead and put my shoes on and give that dang run a try (this is the "S" for stupid).

I got everything on and started to run out of T2 when I saw my saving grace, my athletic supporter, my editor . . . my husband! I ran and hugged him, crying and asked him to tell me it was OK to quit!!

He said it was OK. Lola said it was OK, too.

And that was that. My race was done. DNF.

Now it was time to go watch my Vit & Pimp Daddy Jay-Z finish this race.

I guess I will have to wait 'til next time. Third time's a charm, right? See ya next year?

You'll just have to wait and see . . .

Much Peace & Love,
TracerX

Donkey shins . .

2010-12-30T15:39:00.000-08:00

Darling, donkey shins. In other words, THANK YOU! Thank you to all of my peeps. My friends & my family.

My wonderful family who had to put up with so much - all my time away, the meals that I did not cook (well, I don't really cook that often to begin with - but still)

I have two teenage girls who really enjoy having their mother around. They consider me one of their best friends - (sound of palm of hand slapping face) - wake up!! Who has teenage daughters who "enjoy" hanging out with their mom? Unless mom is taking them shopping for something, right?

In reality, my girls are amazing! They have been very supportive of my training. They have helped with cleaning & cooking and grocery shopping. They are incredible. My loves, I thank you with all of my heart! I could not have done it without you! I want you by my side always - ALWAYS!

Friends . . . a multitude of them - all of whom are phenomenal. But Lola stands out as simply "outstanding". She wasn't only there for her husband Vit, but she did double duty by being there for me, too.

There were the pick-ups from the long bike rides (like the time we got lost, rode over 10,000 ft. of climbing, 8 hrs. of riding, ran out of water) or when we really were just too exhausted. The trips she made to El Pollo Loco to get us BRC burritos & Diet Cokes. Ooooh, the baking of the delicious muffins. The warm blankets while we watched triathlons on T.V. (and, she let us WATCH the triathlons!) Coming out to the races & not just being there to watch, but run around & take pictures, ring that cowbell & scream her head off.

Even as I write this, I get all misty-eyed thinking how important it was to me for Lola to be there in Arizona. I really was on pins & needles waiting for her to get there two days before the race. I was way more at ease when she finally arrived. She didn't feel good - but she was there!! I thank you with all of my heart & yes, I could not have done it without you!

Then there is my editor, who happens to be my husband. Again, without him I could not have done any of this. I can basically apply everything I said about Lola & apply it to my hubby - minus the muffins & BRC burritos. But, he did have the binoculars & walkie-talkies so he and Lola did not miss a thing.

He got all the perfect photos, the "woo-hoo's" & high fives as I went running or riding by.

He was also instrumental with the foot massage, neck massage and my oh-so-important popcorn & Fudgsicles!! Don't ask . . . lol.

And, of course, there is Vit. What can I say about Vit? He is to me what Samwise Gamgee is to Frodo. He is THAT important. I could not have grabbed that golden ring without him supporting and pushing me the entire way. The only difference is . . . I kept my golden ring - I did not throw it into the fires of hell! Ya get what I'm sayin'?

Much Peace & Love,
TracerX

I am an Ironman . . .

2010-11-23T19:34:00.000-08:00

It is official. I did that 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride & 26.2 mile run in Tempe, Arizona!! This indeed makes me an Ironman. Well, that and the fact that I did it in under 17 hours - 15:07:38 to be exact.

At this point I am sort of dreading writing a race report. Mostly because I'm afraid that I will get off track with all my details. Oh, what the hell . . . here goes everything.

I had slept fairly well, which surprised me. I thought I would be a bit more nervous and not get much sleep. Set my alarm for & woke up @ 4 a.m. Vit & I had decided to get down to to the transition area a bit after 5 a.m. Even though it opened at 5 & we are totally neurotic & usually get there right when it opens . . . we decided to "loosen" up a bit. After all, our bike & run gear was already down there. I got myself dressed. Made my peanut butter & pumpkin butter sandwich. I had been concerned with having to eat - with other big races I have a tendency to be anxious, so choking down a sandwich was going to take a bit of time. As it turns out, I was very hungry & managed to chow that sucker down!! G-Money sent a text saying he was going to Starbucks & did I want anything? Want anything? From Starbucks? This is an Ironman!! Not a leisurely Saturday morning meeting with friends. Good God, man.

Actually, I was concerned with just how calm I was feeling. With a few more things to gather, I was ready to get down to transition.

Down at transition I had a few thing to put in my bike & run bags that I had forgotten. Went to the Porta-Potty for the 1st time. Put air in the bike tires. Found G-Money, who had managed to lose his timing chip - already?

Then it was time to get in line - again - for the Porta-Potty.

I am sure I've mentioned in past blogs the importance of #2 prior to a race? Well, let me say it again . . . way important!! One of the last things I want is to be in the water with my wetsuit on and have to take a . . . well, you know. It brings a whole new meaning to "dropping the kids off at the pool."

Thank goodness I was able to drop the children off at the pool several times!! I felt so much better.

Then it was time to get slathered up with the Body Glide & get the wetsuits on. I gave my kisses to my family & friends & headed for the starting line.

The jump in the lake was a really moving experience for me. It literally was "jumping in with both feet" - this was the culmination of all my hard work, anguish, time away from my family, healing of my injuries & my victories. I gave Vit a hug and wished him luck. I welled up & let the tears flow for a few seconds. I did not want to stand around too long thinking about how cold the water was or that it was 3 feet or so til I hit the water. And people seemed to be procrastinating. So off I went. Done. In I was. I started swimming toward the start line. I knew where I wanted to position myself. I also knew that I wanted to take in every moment. The way I was feeling & the way the clouds looked. It was kinda dark & overcast. People were everywhere - in the water, out of the water. I looked up at the bridge and out of the kajillions of people, I saw my daughters!!!! I was so filled up with joy - I spent the next 15 minutes blowing kisses, waving & saying "I love you" in sign language - that I forgot to be nervous. Basically, the cannon fired & I just swam.

The swim was uneventful, other than I swam a little to the right, then a little to the left, then back to the right again & so forth. Just trying to get away from some of the masses. Kinda worked. At any rate, when I got out of the water, I had a hard time running into transition because my feet were like blocks of ice. My T1 time was a bit long, but I was not concerned.

Onto the bike, feeling good. Saw the family & friends. I would like to say that the bike was as uneventful as the swim, but no such luck!! Major wind. Rain. And even some hail thrown in for good measure. But the WIND!!! WOW. It was strong.

Out on the Beeline Hwy., it was like being on another planet. Riding uphill at 18-20 MPH, turning around expecting to fly down fast & being hit hard with wind and rain and 10-13 MPH. Suffice it to say, it was windy. Really windy. Did I tell you how windy it was?

Sidebar: Friday the 19th, 2 days prior to Ironman, they held a Q & A with some of the pro triathletes who were participating at IMAZ, one of them being my role model, Chrissie Wellington. I was determined to get a picture with her. So, I made sure to ask a question . . . get noticed, ya know?

As the session came to an end, I positioned myself to get behind where the pros were sitting. I told Vit to have that camera ready! The time came, I was ready & sure enough I got to talk to Chrissie & I got my picture with her!! It was so amazing to talk to her. She put a fire in my belly & calmed me all at the same time. She is super cool.

And, because of my conversation with Chrissie, I was able to put the "wind" in perspective. It was windy & rainy & hailing on all of us. So I just had to keep reminding myself to enjoy everything about the day.

But still, it was windy.

After my 7 hours & 2 mins . . . I was off that bike. And, rather than racking my bike myself - some amazing volunteer just took it! Honestly, I just let that bike of mine go. Ran over, called out my race # to another amazing volunteer and ran into the changing tent.

There were so many people just changing outside the tent. The place was packed. I needed to get inside that tent.

Thanks to yet another amazing volunteer, I had a spot inside the tent. (She had asked me if I wanted to change outside, which I had to decline, as I needed to get naked from the waist down. Nudity is grounds for being DQ'ed in Ironman.)

I left T2 feeling pretty good. After all, I only had one more leg of my Ironman to complete - just a little 26.2-mile run.

The minute I came out of the transition, I was hit with a wave of good wishes. Everyone telling me, "Yeah, Tracy!" (my name was on my bib) and "Good job, Tracy!"

It felt so great. I was a rock star! Look at me - I am gonna run a marathon now! After the paparazzi left me alone and the autographs were signed - I was off. That probably set me back several precious minutes. But I knew I could make that up with my lightning fast run time . . . oh my god, I am getting tired of my own bullshit.

I did have fun. The run was not so bad for the 1st 10-11 miles, at which point my body just decided it was done running. So, we walked. And my body & I decided to keep at least a 4 MPH pace. I did what I could do. I counted my steps. I pumped my arms really hard. Talked to anyone who would listen to me. And, wondered how I was going to manage to run down the finishers' chute.

Somewhere around mile 25 - I figured it out - I was almost done. I could start running. And so I did. I managed to run the rest of the way . . . got near the finishers chute, made that left then another left & there I was - tears streaming down my face, the biggest smile, my arms thrown up in the air . . . I was high-fiving everyone.

I wanted to soak up every minute of this moment. The noise, the lights, Mike Riley announcing my name . . . I was an Ironman! I crossed the finish line & had someone reach out & pull me over to them. They said, "You did it! I knew you could do it!"

And, I got a big hug & kiss from this person. It was the cherry on my sundae - Sunday!!

That person was Chrissie Wellington. She had returned at the 14th hour to greet the folks who took twice as long as she did.

She remembered me . . . me - TracerX!! I was over the moon.

The following hugs & gallons of tears that were shed by myself, friends & family afterwards were the best ever.

For those of you who have done an Ironman, you know this feeling. Overwhelming emotions. It all culminates here - at the finish line. Months of training, knee surgery agony, time away from my family - it is so worth it, right NOW!!

So, after all that is said & done . . . there is no way I am doing another Ironman.

Until, Ironman Cananda in 2014.

I guess that will be a whole other blog!!

I'm also trying to concoct a way to get really fast so I can qualify for Kona.
Any ideas???

So, that is it for now?? See ya soon.

Much Peace & Love,
TracerX

My insurance policy . . .

2010-11-20T17:46:00.000-08:00

This is what is has been all about. This day. November 21st. Well, it is actually Nov. 20th, but tomorrow is what it is all about. I have done all the training, eaten all the right foods & not gone to the after-work happy hours.

So, time to put a smile on my face & put my head down and get this race done. Become the Ironman that I have been training so long to become!!!!

Well, I've got my jammies on, my bike is in transition, run & bike gear bags are where they belong. Now all I have to do is sleep - ha ha ha.

This photo is "my insurance policy" - my training calendar for the past year. It is what I have to keep in my mind tomorrow. I've got this. I can do it. (That's what Chrissie told me!!!)

Much Peace & Love,
TracerX

Dear Lord, is it over yet ? ? ?

2010-10-30T18:04:00.000-07:00

I must admit, I am tired of training!!! There, I said it. And I am not taking it back.

Of course having said that, I am sure when we hit taper in a week, I am going to hate it. I will be antsy & feel a need to get out there a do something. I also know that when IMAZ is over and my body decides to it can move again . . . I am going to want to get back out there & train. For what? I don't know.

There are a few half marathons in 2011 & some tri's to do, but no IRONMAN! I guess that is a good thing? Or not? It could be something akin to postpartum depression. Just a complete let down. All the training & hard work - the day comes & goes - and then what?

No more fanfare. No more, "When is your Ironman?" No more, "Wow, you look amazing!" - well, ok the last one will still stay around!!

All I know is that I will have to keep myself busy. That means that Vit will have to suffer as well. Sorry, Vit. But you know we stick together like glue! I should also apologize to Lola. Ooooooh, maybe I will bug her to train with me??? (she is cursing me at this point)

Back to me being "over" this training . . . I think I am ready to do IMAZ. Like, let's go. Get 'er done.

This past week, training was rough. Vit & I did a century last Sat (10/23), the Santa Barbara Century. It was 9,600 feet of climbing with steep grades. VERY STEEP. It was the toughest ride I've ever done.

The following day was the Los Angeles Rock N' Roll 1/2 Marathon. I was pretty sure I was going to just have to walk this sucker due to my back & my rubber legs from the bike ride.

As it turns out . . . I PR'd. Who'da thunk it? Not me!! My Garmin was 2:18 and change.

Officially I was 2:21:35. That accounts for my trip to the Porta-Potty @ mile 8.5 to take a major #2. Yes, it took me 3 minutes. Do you know how hard it is to get sweaty compression shorts back on? It's probably like trying to hold onto a greased-up pig. (I have no idea, I just imagine that would be hard.)

Anyhoo, I basically kicked ass! I surprised my own self. I was pretty dang thrilled, too.

Needless to say, it took a few days to get back to walking like I didn't just get off a horse. And, my workouts were a bit "short" - "non existent" - "recovery-like" -
which is okay. Right?

Yes, it is.

From here on out - I am going to get my training done & then taper & then get my ass to Arizona to knock this bitch out.

That's right, I said BITCH! - love/hate relationship that we have.

Well, that is it for now . . . looking forward to the part of IMAZ that includes Chrissie Wellington, Chris Lieto, Andy Potts & Matty Reed. Big names!! I can't wait for them to pass me on the bike & run. It may give me the kick in the bike shorts that I need.

For now . . .
Much Peace & Love,
TracerX

T-minus 1 month . . .

2010-10-21T20:17:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that there is only one month to go!!?? I have not posted the "T-minus" every month because it was kinda just "not really real".

Somehow, today - one month out - it seems very real. I was looking at my training plan & I am down to 4 weeks of training left. WOW. And, some of those days near the end are taper days.

I won't know what to do with myself on a taper day?

Anyway, on our "T-minus" days . . . Vit always sends out an email letting us all know that it is the 21st of the month. And, we all go back & forth with emails about whatever is going on, etc.

Today was no different. "No, no, no, wait, stop. Can we delay it a little?" "Maybe the four of us can ask them to push the date back." "It's like childbirth, boys. There is no going back. This thing is coming whether we like it or not!"

This goes on & we all laugh.

After work today, I came home & did my back exercises . . . got on the couch with my blankies & proceeded to fall asleep. I asked my daughter to wake me up so I would be ready when Vit came to pick me up for our swim.

She woke me up . . . I told her to call Vit & tell him I was calling in sick - cuz I was way comfy. Obviously, I had to get up & get ready. And, yes I did kinda complain a bit & rumble about how comfy I was & that I would be very satisfied to stay on the couch.

WELL - Vit just started to laugh. Of all the days - T-minus 1 month - I want to just take a "pass" on my workout. Really?

After all the emails today back and forth & I want a pass! HA HA HA. It is one month to IMAZ. It was very funny. Really.

Got the swim done. Felt great.

Now time to get back to my blankies & couch . . .

Much Peace & Love,
TracerX

Step on a crack . . .

2010-10-08T20:02:00.001-07:00

- and they broke their mama's back! That's how it feels anyway. It is not really broken - at least I don't think it is?

So for the past few weeks, Vit & I have been training like mad men(women).
We've been finding new and exciting things to keep us occupied for the 6-plus-hour bike rides - like riding to Santa Barbara & stopping for a little lunch & then taking the train home. That was a nice departure from the mundane & boring. And, this past weekend we had a 7-hour ride that turned into 8:05. We made a wrong turn on our route & ended up (and I do mean UP) going 15 or so miles the wrong way, only to hit a road closure & have to go all the way back!!!

We ran out of water. (Thanks to the Asplundh guys for helping us out & filling up our H2O bottles). We tried to get arrested so we could get a ride back in the CHP car ("Too much paper work," said the officer) - but to no avail. So, turn around & head back out . . . make the correct turn, finally get cell service & get our asses picked up!! After 8-plus hours & 10,756 feet of elevation gained - we were cooked! Note here: THANKS, LOLA, FOR THE PICK UP!!! You rock!

Back to my back: A small tweak to my right sciatic during a bike ride & 2 injuries at work - #1 injury: doing the splits on a wet floor - unintentional, of course. #2 injury: having to catch a patient who fainted & lift him into a reclining chair. There were 3 of us girls in a small area when he went down & we had to catch, lift & pivot! That would be the straw that broke my back.

It is not really "broken" - I am in really bad agony. I am trying physical therapy, Bikram yoga (until the doctor told me not to do any stretching or twisting) & ice. Oh - not to mention pain pills on my bike rides!! Don't worry, not heavy duty narcotics, just the mild stuff that keeps me from getting off my bike, crying & wanting to toss my sweet Penelope over a cliff.

I finally went to see one of our doctors at work. He took X-rays & ordered some Prednisone (that makes me CRAZIER than normal) and says I need to schedule an MRI.

Now we know from a previous post that I have back pain . . . but this has been the worst I've had. So much so, that I took H.R.'s advice & have decided to take 4 days off training! GULP. Well, some swimming. But let's face facts - I am in a lot of pain, I am feeling "blue" due to this & I have to halt my training 6 weeks out of Ironman.

This makes me one ornery gal.

But, after a nice discussion with H.R. Pufnstuf, I was reminded how important it is to get to the starting line of Ironman in one piece & healthy. No matter how hard it is to miss sooooooo many workouts, the fact remains that I have a lot of training under my belt.

The other fact remains: that if I have to WALK my 26.2 miles, then so be it. I am going to complete the son of a bitch!!!

Because I have worked hard & know that I can do it. And because I have the support of my family & friends.

I have to know that even though this sucks shit right now, I will get through it. Even though I have some days where I just question whether I really want to or not? Is it worth it? Have I done all of this to get to the starting line in horrible misery with my back?

I sure as shit hope not.
Really, that's all I can say.
Thanks for listening & reading.

Oh, and one more note . . . I do not believe that this was caused by my children stepping on a crack!

Much Peace & Love,
TracerX

132.3 . . .

2010-09-19T17:10:00.001-07:00

No that is not my current weight, thank you very much. I am, due to my intense training schedule, under that number at this time.

Rather, that is the number of miles that Vit & I rode on 9/11!

We had a 5-1/2 hour training ride on our schedule, but since we were going to La Jolla to do the La Jolla Rough Water Swim on Sunday, we thought "Hey, let's just ride the bikes there on Sat., swim on Sunday & call it a weekend?" We also had a 3-hr. ride on Sunday, but we just rolled that into the long ride! It turns out that La Jolla is kinda far away . . .

I am not going to give a rundown of the entire ride . . . just would like to say that it was a very nice day. We got to ride through Palos Verdes, which is some beautiful coastline!! I felt like I was in Northern California. Gorgeous.

We also got to ride through Wilmington, not so gorgeous. But, still full of its very own sights & sounds!!

We eventually made it to Oceanside - 8-1/2 hours of saddle time - total of 132.3 miles!!

My longest ride ever!! Vit's, too. We thought it was a really good training ride in preparation for IMAZ.

Oh, and the swim on Sunday was good, too. My hubby kicked butt. So did Vit . . . I did pretty good, even though I did cheat & wear a wetsuit. I guess technically it was not cheating, but I do not officially get a "time" for the swim. I really didn't care, because this was a training swim for me. And I plan on wearing a wetsuit for my Ironman. I felt no need to swim in butt-ass cold water just because everyone else did!

It was me & one other woman who wore a wetsuit - okay, she only had one leg.
Alright, so the physically challenged woman & I wore a wetsuit. I still don't feel bad!

Overall the weekend was a fun one. A really great training weekend.

We decided that this is the type of training weekend that we like - a lot. It takes us away from what can sometimes be "mundane" training. It adds some spice - some variety.

That's it for now.

Much Peace & Love,
TracerX

What comes around, goes around . . .

2010-09-01T12:28:00.001-07:00

Remember how I was so excited about running "all 10 of my miles"? Well, not so much anymore.

My knees, mostly my right, have taken a very strong stance on this whole thing. They have decided that running those miles was not so fun for them & they are pissed!! In fact, walking is an issue for me. It is more like "gimping" - an audible thump, thump, thump with my right foot. When I stand up, I have to take a second to get my knee to cooperate with me. It is quite painful.

My workout today was supposed to be an hour and 20 minute run. There was no way!! So, I decided to go to the gym & do the Precor elliptical - that lasted half an hour. OK, next. Treadmill with incline - no running. That also lasted half an hour. Very painful. It will have to be aqua-jogging for the remainder of the workout.

"Frustrating" is the word that comes to mind.

"Scared" is the other word that comes to mind.

"Worried" is yet another word that comes to mind.

If this is what happens with 10 miles, what will happen for 26.2? I may not be able to run all of those miles . . . let alone walk.

There is also the little matter of all the training that I still have to keep on doing.

What am I doing to my knees? Nevermind - I know that answer. Screwing them up - A LOT!!! Like, knee replacement time.

Just let's wait til after Ironman. Please.

Actually, how about we wait for another 30 or so years!!

Maybe it will be time to stick to smaller distances and/or aquabikes!

For now, I will have to take my Ibuprofen, ice & rest when I can.

Aquajog & walk. Maybe try some trail running. Or break my runs up into smaller runs.

Oh, and I am going to see the orthopedic surgeon tomorrow for an exam & some x-rays.
Update to follow. All I know is this sucker hurts!!! Grrrrrr . . .

Much Peace & Love,
TracerX

Cocktails & Cupcakes . . .

2010-08-29T15:33:00.000-07:00

That is what I am renaming the Santa Barbara Triathlon. I know it doesn't convey the sense of a triathlon with the name "Cocktails & Cupcakes"(C&C), but it might attract more people???

Well, in my head (scary place to be), that is what I call it!

Yesterday was the C&C Triathlon, which I did for the first time in 2008.

Back then it was called the S.B. Triathlon. Well I am happy to announce that this year I managed to shave approximately 10-11 minutes off my time from 2 yrs. ago!!! It would have been more, if not for the yucky swim conditions & the resulting ultra-long T1 time.

It was a foggy morning, air temp in the upper 50s. There were three of us there to race: me, Vit. & H.R. Pufnstuf. And, we had the wonderful spousal support of my hubby & Lola . . . and a new "jock strap", The Queen! She was über-excited to be there to see the throngs of people who thought it was fun to get up at the crack o'stupid, swim in cold water for a mile, ride hills for 34 miles & then run 10 miles!

I think she was excited to NOT be doing it. Please note that The Queen has done a few sprint tri's & is still a newbie. We are working on her . . . Mwahahahahaha!

Vit started his wave at 7:15. Between that time & my wave - 7:45 - the wind picked up & it was nasty cold. When it was my turn in the water, I was really more concerned with being so cold out of the swim that I would not be able to function. I should have been more concerned with the choppy, nasty, ucky waves that were slapping me in the face for the entire swim!! O.K., I am slightly dramatic . . . it was really only 2/3 to 3/4 of the swim! Seriously, it was a difficult swim & definitely was more demanding of my energy. I was 6 mins. slower on the swim. And it wasn't just me: everyone of my peeps - Vit, H.R. and me - was slower!

When I got out of the water, I felt beat up . . . not really tired, but like, "Who the hell pissed off the ocean god" - Oceanus is his name . . . I think - "& made that swim a churning stew of hell?"

I got over that & made it to T1 . . . where I was FREEZING my ass off. I had a lovely time wrestling with my arm warmers and socks to get them on my body. My hands were little icicles. I actually had a really fun time with Lola & The Queen looking on & taking a ton of pictures of every facial expression imaginable. I kept thinking that my time in transition must be bordering on "way too friggin' long." As it turns out, it was!! Like 5 mins. or so. Hilarious! I love that.

The bike was as wonderful a roller coaster of ups & downs as I remember from last time. I did take extra care on the downhills & rode strong in the saddle on the ups. I managed to shave off 2 mins. from before. Not as much as I'd hoped for, but I felt strong. And, that is really all I can ask for. Well, I would like some diamond solitaire earrings!!

Off the bike onto my favorite part - the run. My T2 time was about the same, no biggie.

The special thing on the run for me . . . a first of firsts . . . I ran - RAN - all my miles!

I have never, ever, ever done that. Never ran 10 miles. Never ran 6 miles. Never really ran consecutive miles without walking some of them. Never. Ever.

And, I felt mostly pretty good.

I was quite thrilled to see Vit early on in the run, which meant he was hauling ass. He was having a great day & I was happy to see that he was almost done!

Son of a bitch!

I mean - I love that guy!!!!!!

H.R. was a bit further back, but he looked happy & strong.

All in all, I took 15 mins. off my running time from 2008. w00t w000t!

Now if we can get back the extra-long time from the swim & T1 . . .

My final time has not been posted, but I know I was somewhere around 4:43-and-change-ish.

Happy to be done with all this mishigas - it was time for . . . say it with me . . .

COCKTAILS & CUPCAKES!!!

That's right. On to lunch with everyone & then dessert, baby.

For now, I am resting after a 500-yd. swim this morning & a rest day tomorrow - then back to the Ironman training. I believe we have 12 weeks to go!! I get goosebumps just thinking about it.

So for now, keep on keeping on . . . wear your helmets when you ride & remember to always laugh at your friends in front of their face! Not in a mean way, but in a "life is too short, let's have some G-D fun!!" way.

Much Peace & Love,
TracerX

Vineman Aquabike 7/24 . . .

2010-08-22T18:49:00.000-07:00

Yeah I get it, it's been about a month since I did this race, but I must tell you how I did. And, how much fun I had. I think I had fun because I knew I did not have to run 26.2 miles after the 2.4 mile swim & 112 mile bike ride!!! Not that it wasn't nerve-wracking for me! And not to say that it wasn't difficult - only it was kinda nice to know that when I got off that bike - I was DONE, baby!

So, here is a little race report:

Got up nice & early, had a bit of coffee & a peanut butter sandwich with agave sweetener. Made sure I had all my gear ready & we headed down to the Russian River.

It was a kinda cold, muggy & misty morning. I get into transition and set up - the usual - except for the running gear!! Then it was time for the Porta-Potty line . . . more than once. I hate that freaking line. I would love my own private bathroom with aromatherapy candles & running water with nice-smelling soap! Right? I know, I would never come out - the race would start & I would be on the pot, sitting there reading Triathlete magazine!!

Anywho, the water temp was supposedly around 68 degrees & I had decided on a sleeveless wetsuit. My wave went at 6:55 a.m., and let me tell you . . . my wave went @ 6:55 a.m. The race organizers really were on the mark with their start times. We got in the water & off we went!! Everyone was hootin' & hollerin' about, "Yeah, let's go!" and, "Go get 'em!" and then the gun goes off & we start swimming. As you know, this involves hitting, kicking & gnashing of teeth. You are gonna get hit in the face!! Deal with it!!! Apparently, no one told the guy in front of me . . . baby! And, I did apologize.

The swim went well. I felt strong, I found a nice line & just swam. There were parts of the river that were shallow & people were walking. I stood up once to pee. I just can't pee & swim at the same time. I did start noticing my arms getting cold on the 2nd loop of the swim. But other than that I was good.

Out of the water, I ran into transition & I was absolutely freezing! Shaking, teeth chattering, frozen-to-the-bone COLD. I managed to get my wetsuit down to my ankles, but I had to get my arm warmers on 1st! Then off came the rest of my wetsuit. I was able to put all my gear into a bag & pass it off to my hubby, so I did that. On the bike, we were able to mount at the bottom of the hill. No way that was gonna happen for me without falling over. I was way too cold. So, I walked up the hill, got on & off I rode.

Not much to say about the bike. Nice scenery. Rolling hills. Roads that were not that great. A couple of hills - Chalk Hill - two times. And some rolling hills just for fun. It did start to warm up, but never got really hot. I did, at times, feel like getting off the bike & asking someone to give me a neck massage. That's normal, right?

I also felt like getting off my bike & putting on ten layers of chamois. My girlie bits just needed a break. But, I pressed on & finished strong. In fact, coming down the finish "chute" I was up out of my saddle because I was excited to be done & I wanted out of my saddle. There was a woman in front of me on her bike & my husband thought I was trying to beat her to the finish line. I did not even see her!!

The only issue I had with this Aquabike was we had to dismount 20 feet before the finish line and run across with the bike. After all, there was a full Ironman going on & others had to do the run! So it felt a bit "uneventful" crossing the finish line. On the other hand . . . I was done.

And that felt good. As a matter of fact, I felt good. Not too beat up. I even tried to do a bit of running back to the car . . . eh, not so much.

Overall, the race went well. The support along the course was fantastic & luckily the day was not terribly hot.

Overall, very happy to have this under my belt. Very happy to have my hubby there along the way to support me - and, of course, the support from friends & family back at home.

OH, let's not forget the best part of the day . . . the 32-oz. beer at the end!

CHEERS.

Much Peace & Love,
TracerX

Let me take you down . . .

2010-07-24T20:47:00.000-07:00

because I went to Strawberry Fields! Well, it was actually a sprint triathlon, but it was Strawberry Fields all the same. A bunch of us had decided it would be fun to all get together & do a triathlon. Most of my peeps signed up for the Olympic distance, but seeing as this was my first tri of the year AND I am just starting my official IMAZ training program, I signed up for the sprint. This was gonna be fun!! Vit, G-Money, H.R., Wriggle Worm & Help Me were all gonna be there.

I was my usual excited & nervous all at the same time. I am not a huge fan or even a small fan of ocean swimming. So, that was not thrilling me. The swim was only 400 meters. In reality, it was only approx. 300, at best. But, the water was cold & I ended up swimming the whole time with my head out of the water. The entire swim took me 5-plus mins. with the run up the beach into transition taking 4-plus minutes all by itself. So, it appears as though my swim time is over 9 minutes!! Oh, well. I felt like I was finally getting used to the cold water - it was time to get out.

Got my bike, out onto the course & felt pretty good. It was just barely over 11 miles. That took me 38 mins. I was happy with my ride because I felt nice & strong. Hell, it's 11 miles . . . even I can push it a little bit!!

Back into T2, got my running gear on & off I went . . . again, I was feeling pretty good. When I exited the transition area I saw Wriggle Worm (who had on his "game face") and Vit as they were coming into T1 for the Olympic event. I was so excited. I tried to give a little high five to Vit. I missed. When I turned to continue my run, I caught an edge on the concrete aggregate on which I was running & I hit the ground - HARD! My visor fell off, I scraped my hand, my right knee, my right hip, right side - basically. Spectators around me gasped & asked if I was okay. I jumped up & said, "Oh, I do this all the time!"

In actuality, I felt kinda disoriented. I thought I ripped my tri shorts & was mostly concerned about that. When I looked at my right hand it was just a big ball of dripping blood. I did not know if I should cry, stop or what???

I saw my hubby & Lola, showed them what happened . . . and decided to just do the 5K run. I had enough adrenaline on board that my hand did not hurt until after the race.

So, I rolled my hand into a fist & was happy with my 12 min/miles. For me, this is good.

My overall time was slower than I would have liked, but given that I did feel good & did have a potty break - I am gonna take it & shut up. Good job, me!!!!

Much Peace & Love,
TracerX

Set up like a bowling pin, knocked down gets to wearing thin . . .

2010-07-05T17:53:00.000-07:00

Dude, every time I get one step closer, I get knocked back down. I hate to sound like a whiny-ass titty baby (WATB - for future reference) BUT, it just pisses me off.

I had this great training schedule planned for the 4th of July weekend. I was going to start out with a nice long bike ride on Saturday, then have a big, long swim on Sunday, followed by the usual 4th hoopla & then another ride on Monday. This would set me up for the four weeks out from my Aquabike. I had this all planned out and I was feeling good . . . until 2 a.m. on Saturday morning!!

That's when I was struck with a nasty stomach bug. I thought I was dreaming that I had a horrible stomach ache & had to puke - when in actuality, I DID have a horrible stomach ache & I DID puke!!

Oh my goodness, was I in pain. Then a few hours later . . . came the other end. You know what I'm talking about. And NO, I am not sorry about the visual!!!

Needless to say, all my training plans flew out the window (with the exception of an hour-and-a-half on the bike trainer with Vit that we did Monday).

I was sad that I had to miss a 75-mile ride with G-Money & Wriggle Worm on Sat morning. :-(

Whatever this viral bug was/is . . . it really kicked my ass - hahahaha - seriously.

Ya know, I know that some people have a lot of other crap (hahahaha again) that they go thru in their training & I wonder if they feel the same way? I don't feel sorry for myself, but it does get me down a bit. Because the progress is there, then I feel like a roll backward.

Just frustrating. But, gotta keep pushing forward & keep looking at my goal - yeah, I say it A LOT . . . and I will keep saying it. For myself, mostly.

Thanks for listening & reading. Time for me to trot along now (that's for you, Vit).

Much Peace & Love,
TracerX

I am such a mental case . . .

2010-06-27T13:19:00.001-07:00

When I first decided to do a triathlon I just thought there would be a swim, a bike & a run. No big deal, right? Well, I've since found there is a 4th aspect to triathlon, which is nutrition. The longer distance you do, the more attention you need to pay to what you put into your body relative to your output; you will burn more than you should put back in to your body.

I really only did sprint triathlons until I jumped up to the Santa Barbara Long Course - I completely skipped an Olympic-distance event altogether (by the way, I am way off course of my thought process here, but bear with me . . . ) so my nutrition did have to change somewhat. It mostly had to change because I was essentially training for an Ironman, but I wasn't "training for an Ironman"! I was just hanging out with some of my favorite people on the planet, who happened to be actually training for an Ironman. So, if I wanted to hang with them . . . then this was what I had to do!

Thus I learned that nutrition was a major part of my triathlon life & I had to pay very close attention to it.

What I did not really have to pay close attention to was the mental aspect of all of it.

For instance, let's say Vit & G-Money had a 6 a.m. training swim of 4,500 yds. Well, I would much rather sleep in or maybe just swim 3,400 yds instead . . . after all, I was not training for anything in particular.

Don't get me wrong; I did 6-7 hour bike rides, swam & even did long runs. But there were definitely days I would take a "pass."

Well, now there are no "passes" to be had. There are no sleep-ins & no short swims. There is only hardcore, nitty gritty, teeth-gnashing pain & suffering!!!!

O.K. . . . maybe not so much all pain & suffering, but let's face facts: some days are just downright tough. Some days require all of my concentration to remind me of what my "big picture" is: What is this all for? I signed up for this & I need to be enjoying every minute of it. The good - the bad - the ugly.

Recently I read in one of my triathlete magazines that we should work on "quieting our mind" - this way our muscles can focus on working. I have been able to do this. It works pretty well. Except for the one tiny problem that I have . . . I can't seem to shut my mind up for very long!! I pretty much talk constantly to myself - both out loud & in my head. I will sing songs to myself. I will tell my legs to keep on moving to get up the hill. You name it & I tell it to myself.

When I get really ticked off, go ahead and try honking at me . . . I dare ya!

Seriously, the 5th aspect of triathlon is fo sho the mental training it takes to get to race day - let alone what it takes on race day. I have never done a full Ironman but I have done a 70.3. And there were parts of the race where I felt like I was going a little cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs.

Today I trained indoors on my bike with Coach Troy. We rode in Louisville, Ky. It was a lovely day. We rode 3 hours, 26 minutes for a total of 75 miles. (Sure wish I could do that on the street!) My BFFTPFL Vit was out of town so I was on my own, which is good training since he will not be by my side during my Ironman. It started out a bit shaky, eased up, then I had to pee, got OK again, I tried to quiet my mind, that lasted a few minutes, tried different hand positions, peed again, drank, took nutrition, etc. In other words: I really had to mentally push myself to get through this one. I did it & felt really good in the end. (Well, not "the end" - if ya know what I mean . . . )

I know there are going to be a lot more days like this - especially as the training really starts to increase. I am still unable to run due to that dang ankle injury, but I am doing physical therapy & started aquajogging. Keep your fingers crossed.

I am going to be paying close attention to keeping my mind quiet & working on my mental training. I can see that it is ULTRA important, so it will be worth the investment of time - and in my case, energy - to work at SHUTTING UP!!!! and just training.

Let's get to it . . .

Much Peace & Love,
TracerX

Haiku - actually a LAIKU ("like" a haiku) - to you. . .

2010-06-12T17:05:00.000-07:00

Let's do the Mud Run
I made it just half a mile
Then I rolled my ankle.

I missed the dirt hole
only to roll into another dirt hole
where I rolled my ankle

It all happened so fast
I could not believe what just occurred
Landed hard on my knee

Got up took two steps
Realized quick it was not gonna happen
Said just go without me

Turned quick on my heels
Had to go against the other runners
To make it outta there

The tears started to roll
Been two straight years in a row
This run has injured me

I have taken an oath
To never return to this race again
Except as an enthusiastic spectator

There are things to do
Much bigger fish that I must fry
To get to Ironman Arizona!

Much Peace & Love,
TracerX

OMG, Where has the time gone? . . .

2010-05-31T10:47:00.000-07:00

I don't think I can even re-cap what has happened since my last post, which was Sunday 4/25. On Monday 4/26, I woke up to get ready for work. Did the usual - ate breakfast, got my lunch ready, took a shower. After my shower I had a bit of time, so I sat down on the couch to use the computer for a few minutes, when all of a sudden I had a feeling of being "really, really" tired . . . and that is all I remember!

I had a period of 30 minutes of no memory. Next thing I recall, I was in the E.R. @ Holy Cross Hospital & a nurse was sticking a needle in my arm to draw blood. I do kinda recall being in the waiting room & seeing a television & asking, "Why are there two guys and two telephones on the TV?"

So, I guess what happened is I just passed out . . . ??? My hubby found me with my head back, mouth open & just out like a freaking light. He got me up, into the bedroom, got me dressed & into the car . . . to the E.R.

He did not call 911 because apparently I was responsive, even though my speech was slurred, I was seeing double & could not walk.

I don't even want to get into the whole entire thing - suffice it to say that after 2 1/2 days in the hospital, tons of expensive tests & consultations with different doctors, all they found was an "cortical irritation in the left frontal lobe." That is what the EEG showed. So, not really quite a seizure, but not quite sure what the hell it is?? They decided to put me on a medication that helps with migraine headaches - which I do get - and also is for seizures.

The good news: the treadmill stress test I did was so normal that the doctor was just bored waiting for my heart to do something exciting. Way too normal!!

So there was no stroke, no other cardiovascular disease & no electrolyte imbalance.

I personally believe that it was stress. I suppose you know that stress does kill. Or maybe, like Vit says, I just needed a 3-day nap. In the hospital.

After all, when we got back from Italy, I had horrible jet lag for over a week. Then we had some family "issues" & finally there was the loss of a really great person in my life.

What do you mean, stress? I did not feel stressed. I felt fine, in fact. Or maybe I needed a 3-day nap - in the hospital.

GO BIG OR GO HOME!

Since then I have felt fine. No other episodes. I have been trying to listen to my body. When it is tired after work - I will take a little nap & rest before my workout. (By the way, I did take the week off of workouts per doctor's orders . . . )

I am trying to train smarter, take my vitamins and eat really healthy - even if that means drinking that green powder crap that gives me gas!

There is so much more to talk about, but for now . . .

Much Peace & Love,
TracerX

On a countdown to Wildflower . . .

2010-04-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

Vit & I have been training like mad men for next weekend. Yesterday we rode 51 miles to McGrath State Beach. Nice little ride that is mostly flat-ish. I like this ride because it is a lovely olfactory experience. I especially love the cilantro that grows in the Santa Rosa Valley, then the sweet smell of strawberries & next is what I believe to be broccoli - or maybe cauliflower? - whatever it is, it just fills up your nose with a delightful array of smells. As we ride, the strawberries are about 15 feet from us - separated by a concrete ditch. I just want to jump that sucker & grab some. I also imagine having some farmer come out and fire a shotgun in my general direction - so I just stay the course with my head down and enjoy the smells.

The only issue I have with this area . . . a freakin' head wind that is coming from the Channel Islands area. Oh well, good mental training. "Oh no, I really like to keep my head down, pedaling my little legs as fast as I can & only go 13 miles an hour! Really, I do!" . . . NOT. Again, mental training is just as important as the physical aspects of training.

Today we did a triathlon. I like to refer to it as the Porter Valley/Granada Hills Sprint Tri.

We swam at the country club pool (shhhhh - we snuck in), drove back to Vit's to hop on the bikes for a 16.60-mile ride, and followed that with a 3-mile run. I believe it was a PR for both of us.

I know we had a PR at T1 (Vit's house) - where he brewed up some coffee for my personal consumption & I had to wait for my wonderful hubby to bring over a jacket for the ride.

It was a good prep to get out the tri outfit and do a little "race" in it to make sure all will work well - fingers crossed.

Next, the bikes were dropped off for a tune-up & overhaul to make sure they are ready for next week.

Now it will just be up to me. I am nervous about this course. I hear it is a hard & hilly one. My wave does not go off until 9:30 or so. Which puts me on the bike somewhere after 10 a.m., and then the run at approx. (good Lord willing) around 2 o'clock-ish. I can only hope it is not very hot. Running in the midday heat can be no fun. BUT - again, it will be a good mental training regimen for IMAZ, right?

I also worry about people having to "wait around" for me to finish. Stupid, I know. But it is my silly thing. So, for all y'all who have to wait for me, please bring some comfy shoes, extra food & water so you are comfortable at the finish line.
And, thanks for being there for me!!

Wish me luck. I am just going to do what Vit said: "Just pretend it is another training day."

I will do my best, Vit.

Race report to follow.

Much Peace & Love,
TracerX

The medal is covering up his black coq . . .

2010-04-11T15:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, you heard me right. Poor Vit wears his new beautiful jersey he bought in Italy - in the Chianti region - which is why there is a coq on it. A black one at that. And if you look at the photo, you can see what I'm talking about.

Technically, the word for "rooster" in Italian is actually gallo, but that does not work as well for my purposes! I mean, it's me we're talking about.

Well, not much else to say here.

Oh, well, o.k. - Vit & I did the Breakaway Ride today in preparation for Wildflower. It was a tough 62 miles of loads of hills.

It was cold & windy & threatening to rain, but thank goodness, it never really did. I was not looking forward to going down Decker Canyon if it was rain-slicked again. (See How's about a white-knuckle kind of ride? from February 28.)

All in all, it went well. It took us approx. 4:42:42. Approximately.
And, I was happy with that time, given I've been on vacation for 12 days and had the worst case of jet lag since my return.

Next weekend Vit & I will get another long ride in before Wildflower & then start to taper.

For now, that is it. I have lots more to blog about - like the Italy trip - but am super tired right now.

Much Peace & Love,
TracerX

Blood, sweat & tears . . .

2010-03-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

that has been the recipe from which my workouts have been made these past few days. This is no problem if I am by myself, but when I throw my BFFTPFL (maybe not after today?) in the mix, it makes for a crappy training day for both of us! Probably because mentally when I am down, I am bringing others down, too.

So, I try to stick to myself - don't talk, keep my head down & just ride. Except there is NO communication with my riding buddy. Not just small talk, but the basics: safety issues, what the goal of the ride is, etc.

"Hey, I'm gonna roll thru this stop sign!"
"Hey, how about we do a few more repeats on this hill, cool with you?"
"Hey, I am just down in the dumps right now, thanks for bearing with me."

I simply failed both of us by not doing these things!!

Back to my recipe . . .

There are so many stories of people who conquer triathlon training & Ironman. They overcome big hurdles. Prosthetics for extremities, heart transplants, cancer - you name it, they are out there, they have done it! These folks are amazing, heroic even.

But what about the 45-year-old with the raging hormones that she has only moderate control over? Medications, acupuncture, meditation - even working out: all the things that are supposed to be done, still do not stop the bleeding . . . do not stop the uncontrollable crying while riding up hill repeats . . . do not stop stubborn-ass pride from getting in the way of talking to your best friend!

Now, I do not want to minimize the amazing folks who overcome the major curve balls that life has thrown at them. But I think that this issue of hormonal imbalance needs its day in the sun.

And, I do not feel sorry for myself or anybody else. WE are out there giving it our best. Even when our best feels like a shitty training day or even a shitty race.

I just think I would rather say,

"Wow, I am really tired today because of my lung transplant"

instead of,

"Fuck, I am tired today because I am bleeding like a stuck pig & have really bad cramps"

It just sounds better, right? You don't go to do your Ironman and say, "I'm crying because . . . that guy passed me on the bike? People at work are stupid? I am letting my training partner down? Hell, I don't know WHY I'm crying?????"

I did learn that even though I want to stay in bed, cover my head & shoot some people dead . . . that I will just muddle on through these "monthly" inconveniences. Even if I have to stop at the park, go in the bathroom & just sob!

I also learned that I better just talk to my BFFTPFL and let him know what is up. And that, maybe, I should have a training day (or 3) that I just do all by myself.

And, I learned that if my little monthly visitor decides to join me at IMAZ, I will go ahead & follow my recipe & do it with blood, sweat & tears!!!

Perhaps you think this is a pity party. Maybe it is, but I do feel better writing about it. I do feel better knowing that Vit will be there through thick & thin. Whether he likes it or not!

Mi dispiace, Vit.

Well, here comes the rain. I am glad I got that ride in!!!

For now . . .

Much Peace & Love,
TracerX

How's about a white-knuckle kind of ride?

2010-02-28T14:03:00.000-08:00

I have never been to the infamous "Rock Store" (RS) in the lovely Santa Monica mountain range. So it was understandable then when Vit mentioned doing a ride on April 11th that was part of the ToC - stage 8, to be exact - I jumped on it. It is one of the Breakaway Rides.

The problem for me was that I had never been to The Rock Store!! I had this idea in my head that you rode up this major hill & it "topped" out at this really cool hangout.

I was wrong! Not about the major hill, but about the fact that The RS is just sorta in the middle of the hill! You continue past RS, and that is when the "real" steepness begins!

Now, it was not horrible, but I was working hard, fosho.

I was very excited about the fact that in a couple of months I would get to watch the ToC fly by me. I was searching for places to park the car & wait for Lance and the rest of Team RadioShack go by, a spot for me to scream & yell & run alongside the bikes so I can be on TV, hee-hee-he. Seriously, look for me with a pink tutu on my head!! Tracer Gaga, baby.

Anyway, back to the ride: We started off on the "warmup" part of the route and did one loop of the ride. (ToC riders will do 4 loops, totaling 109 miles.) This was just a bit of getting my feet wet on these hills; I do not want any surprises on the Breakaway ride. And since Vit has been to the RS - without me!!!!! - I really just wanted to ride with him. Even though he did the ride with another woman, he is still my BFFTPFL (Best Friend Forever Training Partner For Life!).

The ride went well. It was very scenic & there were a ton of other cyclists on the road. We crossed over Kanan Road & continued along Mulholland Drive to Decker Canyon aka Route 23/Westlake Boulevard. Decker Canyon is a 2-lane canyon road that is narrow, steep and technically challenging to the cyclist - especially if the road is WET. Since we had a torrential downpour yesterday, it was wet! This is where the "white knuckles" come in. I was "feathering" my brakes, going as slow as I possibly could & trying to shift my weight to the back of my saddle.

I felt the back tire slip just a bit. And at one point I felt like I wanted to have brakes on my pedals . . . like I just wanted off this scary-ass roller coaster ride! Some chick/dude rolls right past me as if we were cruising on the beach. She/he came up on me so fast that it scared the crap outta me - not literally - I felt like I lost my focus a bit & really had to get my head back in the game of making to the bottom still on my bike without any road rash on my ass!!!

I had to remind myself to relax my shoulders. I was getting some neck pain.

By the time we made it down to level ground, my hands were shaking & I really needed a Valium and a cocktail! I settled for a gel & water . . . for now!!!

The funny part of this whole thing? I signed up for the Breakaway 62-miler that will take me around the loop TWICE. As you may know, that will be TWO times I have to go down Decker Canyon.

Pray for me, people!!! Pray that the day is beautiful & dry. For if it is not????
I am getting off my effing bike & walking my butt down the hill - TWICE!

I have attached the download from my Garmin for your viewing pleasure.

So, for now . . .

Much Peace & Love,
TracerX

p.s. Happy safe cycling to you!

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for Untitled

So far behind . . .

2010-02-23T20:39:00.000-08:00

I must apologize for such a long time gone. There has been a lot going on since my last post. I have been training, working, taking care of my family AND doing some races!

I also went to Las Vegas with The Girls, for a 50th birthday bash; came home with bronchitis and no money. BUT - I had fun!!! I cannot discuss it, of course.

I did the Inaugural 13.1 Marathon on January 10 and I had a PR!!! (personal record) Yay, me! I also had a blister on my toe - but I had a PR!

There was more training in there . . . then I did Surf City Half Marathon on February 7 and I had a PR!! A new PR. Yay, me! No blister this time.

In all this running stuff I am experiencing some "new" pains. For instance, right calf tightness - painful - all the way down to my achilles. Not sure if it is my running style - I think that's what they call it? Also, some hamstring pain & right-sided iliotibial band problems. Mostly muscle pains. Normal? Not sure . . . I am not really a "runner."

Oh, well. I am going to consult a running coach. (Will let ya know how that goes . . . )

Then I did the Tour de Palm Springs. I rode the 56-miler in 64.93 miles. It was a beautiful day. No wind, and snow on the mountains. Very nice. I will think about doing the century next year.

Oh, did I mention I had a sinus infection? Well, I did. So, I had to go on antibiotics & missed a week of training.

And, when I started feeling better . . . I actually took an extra 2 days of recovery! That is a HUGE step for me. I sure as shit hope it helps. I can't keep being sick.

So, back to training now. Getting ready for Wildflower Long Course on May 1. Scary!!

In the meantime, I am planning a trip to Italy with the family & close friends Vit & Lola. It will be a blast.

That's all folks!!!

Much Peace & Love,
TracerX

Took a whole lotta tryin' . . .

2010-01-03T13:38:00.000-08:00

- just to get up that hill!!! But, I am movin' on up. So what if I am still oh-so-slow! I mean, to the point of wondering, "Am I ever going to get faster going up these effing hills?"

But, maybe that is not the question to ask myself. Maybe I need to ask, "Am I getting any stronger?"

Well, coming back from knee surgery & I am 6 months out . . . I think, "YES," I am getting stronger. But, stronger SINCE surgery. I want stronger as if I never HAD surgery!! hahahaha.

I just need to keep on training like nobody's business. I have signed up for the Palm Springs Bicycle Tour. The 55 miler - not quite ready for that century!!

So for the time being, I am going to keep my head down, my ass in the saddle (or out, whatever is called for) and the wind at my back! At my back . . . Ahh, if only! A girl can dream, can't she?

Much Peace & Love,
TracerX

Gobble, gobble gobble . . .

2009-12-21T06:53:00.001-08:00

Or should I say, "ho, ho, ho". . . because - let's face facts - it is 4 days away from Christmas!!

Where does the time go?

So, let's do this . . . my first triathlon in 7 months, my first triathlon since my knee surgery, 5 months post-op.

I did the Turkey Tri at Bonelli Park. It was on 11/29/09. Let's do a "dream sequence" a la Wayne's World. do-dil-e-do . . . do-dil-e-do . . . do-dil-e-do

I slept pretty well the night before, but as usual, I had to get up at the "crack o' stupid" to get there & pick up my packet. Oh, and because I am neurotic about getting to transition to set up. More so on this day because I was a bit anxious since it had been a while.

I got my packet, set up my area & got my wetsuit on to go check out the water.
Well, to my surprise, the water that was supposed to be 62 was a balmy 58!!! Didn't seem so bad until I tried to put my face in and actually swim. Oh, and the fact that there was SNOW on the mountains!!

But, I don't want to get ahead of myself. Let me talk a moment about my emotional state.

I was not really feeling too nervous - unless you count the fact that I pee'd in my wetsuit about 15 times! I was actually excited to be there, to support Vit & Pimp Daddy J-Z. . .screaming & clapping every time someones's "wave" started.

Time for me to go. I got in the water and made several attempts to swim with my face in the water, take strokes, kick, etc. BUT to no avail!! I found my heart rate shoot thru the roof. I felt as though I could not get any air. My wetsuit was choking me. My husband said to kick my legs for a bit to get warmed up. I just could not do it.
I looked over to see a woman roll on her back & just lie there.

I have never had to do that in my short triathlon career, but today . . . it was the perfect thing to do today.

So, I rolled over on my back, kicked my legs like crazy, looked up at the sky & told myself to relax, take a deep breath, roll over & friggin'- swim - beyotch!! "You got this!" "It's not like you haven't ever done this before!" "Just because it is freezing doesn't mean anything!" "Swim now, woman!" "It is only half a mile!"

Once I had made this decision, all bets were off. I went ahead & just did my swim.

Got into the transition area (after a lovely run up a hill) jumped on the bike and took off.

It was a 14 or so mile bike - all of which was like riding with lead legs!!! It was not terrible, just felt like I was dragging my bum. Bike done.

T2 - time to run. Down stairs!! My knee(s) loved it. Just as much as they love to run in the first place. Thank goodness it is only 4 1/2 miles.

I had on my beautiful new Garmin that my hubby got me for my birthday. And, I was excited that it buzzes when you reach each mile. AND, it tells you your time for that mile. I was sure my miles would be 13 to 14 min. each. So, I was thrilled when the first mile was 12 something, mile 2 was 11:48 & mile 3 was just slightly faster than that. The last mile was back to 12 & change. I was in a decent amount of pain with my knee - the one I did not have surgery on!! It was hurting a lot. Thanks so much to my good pal Vit, who managed to show up for the last bit of the run & he ran with me & gave me lots of words of encouragement.

Finally, the finish line. It was over. I was thrilled to do it in 2:13 . . . since my goal was 2:20.

All in all, I was happy to have done the tri, finish it & feel pretty good.

Until the next day!!! I felt like I had been hit by a Mack truck. I was very sore. But within a few days I was feeling better. Lots of stretching, hot baths & Ibuprofen!!!

In the past month I have continued to train. I have some big goals that I have set for myself. I have registered for Wildflower Long Course & IMAZ, again. And, for fun I have signed up for a bunch of 1/2 marathons. I am sure there will be more but I will decide as things come up.

Everyone have a joyous holiday season & a happy new year. Here is to an injury free 2010!!

P.S.: the director of Wayne's World was a woman whose name is Penelope.

Much Peace & Love,
TracerX

I am here to pump (hands clap) . . .

2009-12-01T20:47:00.000-08:00

you up! This means that I have started a 6-week program titled "one hundred push ups."

The challenge was "thrown down" by Pendong!! I - along with some of my favorite boys, Vit & G-Money - was ready, willing & able - sort of - to accept this little challenge.

After all, I did just complete my first triathlon in 7 months . . . my first one since my knee surgery. So, why not give these push ups a try?

Wait, go back . . . you did a triathlon? Why, yes I did. I did the Turkey Triathlon in San Dimas.

I promise to write a race report soon, but for now, I gotta run.

So for now. . .

Peace & Love, TracerX

I have been thinking long and hard. . . .

2009-11-01T11:37:00.000-08:00

during my walk today, given that it was hot, my knee hurt & I was trying to break in some new shoes and ended up developing a freaking blister!! Make that "blisters"!!

So what does this have to do with thinking?? Well, first of all, when you are out there having a "not-so-great" workout, your brain (well, my brain anyway) goes through several versions of how things should be and how you should feel about those things. Second, anyone who does any kind of long workout, be it an Ironman, a marathon, a century ride or a long training day, knows that you have lots of time with YOURSELF!!

So, here is my brain on this particular walk:

"Oh, God, I just started & this knee brace is bugging the shit out of me . . . if I can't keep this little tag tucked in, I am going to just stop & go back home. Uh, no you're not . . . stop your whining and walk! It is hot!! This sucks! O.K., I am going to walk for only 30 mins. & have my husband come pick me up! O.K., I am feeling pretty good, Bob Marley is doing it for me . . . so I will keep going . . . OMG, this hill is so steep!! What the hell is your problem . . . stop being a wuss & push thru this & get up the hill . . . fine, but I am going to sit down on this person's shady wall & have some water. Oh, great, here comes some lady who is cruising pretty fast . . . hurry up, get off your ass & look like you "got this". . .

Am I getting a blister??? I really need to hit the pavement more. My feet think they are princesses who just get to lie around & not have to work, Well feet, you are wrong!! Screw you, blisters! I should have my hubby come get me. After all, I do have a half marathon to do next Sunday . . . having a blister will not be good . . . Oh yeah, just rely on your husband to come pick you up! You have only been out for an hour. Fine. Besides, what about Vit & Lola?? They are having a really tough time right now, so why don't you just suck it up & keep going? What the hell? Why are you getting all choked up & starting to cry?? Duh . . . my heart is broken because Vit & Lola had to make such a tough decision to put sweet Stewie down. That just sucks shit. No matter how you look at it, it sucks. What do I say? What do I do? You asked Vit how he was doing!! Dumbass, of course he is not doing well . . . shut up & just keep going. I have no words other than I love Vit & Lola and whatever they need, they can just ask. TIME!! It will take time. Doesn't time heal all wounds?? It does, mostly. But sometimes it seems that days, weeks, years will go by & something will happen and now the pain comes back. What the hell is that all about?

Look at this water running down the hill. Lots of it. It just runs right over the leaves, pine needles, Jack Daniels bottle that some dick threw out in the street. Nothing can stop it. Wow, what a metaphor for how we feel when we are sad. It just rushes over us. Hard to stop. Tears just rolling down our faces. It just has to happen. Hey, life is not always peaches & cream. Well, it is . . . but sometimes those peaches are rotten & that cream is curdled!

Oh lordy, lordy . . . is this walk over yet?? I am definitely getting a blister. Look, it's Balboa Blvd. Ooooh, I am getting close. An hour and 38 mins. I'm hungry. Ya know what, I am gonna stop, sit on this bus bench & eat my Accel Gel. Enjoy the cars going by. Life is pretty good. I see Stewie in my head . . . he is running & tussling around with other dogs. He can walk & run & piss and shit all by himself!!! He is really happy. And, he gets to hang out with Jerry Garcia!! Not to mention Janis Joplin, my grandpa, my grandma, my other grandpa . . . lucky dog. Some people say that we have to be baptised & accept Jesus Christ as our Lord & Saviour in order to get to heaven. But I think that is crap!! Stewie was not baptized and I"m not sure how he felt about Jesus, but I do know he is in heaven . . . so there!!

Time to get off the bus bench . . . get to the gas station to go pee. I am out of water. I'll get some at the gas station. Ooooh, The Black Eyed Peas. I can really boogey to this. I better not sing too loud. There may be someone behind me who hears me & thinks I am crazy. Hell, I think I'm crazy. I am having a full conversation in my head. Other people MUST do this?? Right?? Who cares.

Thank goodness my bladder is empty & this nice cold water tastes so good. I can keep going for sure. I wonder if Vit did his run?? He is probably done. Good for him.
This street is all up hill . . . ever so slightly. I am really hungry now. Let's see, it has been over 2 hours of walking . . . I still have a mile & a quarter. Hey, honey, can you come get me??? I am done.

No, I do not feel that bad. We all need a lift from time to time. I worked hard. It's okay to ask for help. That's what makes life so great. Yes, it does suck shit sometimes, but there is nothing that can't be done with the help of family & friends. Or even strangers for that matter.

Oh good, here is my hubby with the car. 2:14:31. Burned over 830 calories. Not sure how many miles I did, but I feel good. Thankful. Blessed. Tired. I want ice for my knees!!

Well, that is the 2-plus hours in my head. I can barely handle it. I appreciate your time & patience.

I guess I wrote this today to just let everything out. My sadness, my frustration, my elation . . . and whatever else.

So, I have iced my knees & fed my stomach and I am lying on the couch watching football. And I know that my next workout will be different. However that looks. Because it is life and things change all the time. For now, I am done thinking so damn long & hard. Let's go Eagles.

And for Vit & Lola & Dynamite . . . all the love you have for Stewie will forever be in your hearts & he is looking down on you sending all his doggie love. He knows how much he means to you, to all of us who knew him & love him.

Much Peace & love, TracerX

First and foremost, I'd like to thank God. . .

2009-10-09T20:37:00.000-07:00

Next, I'd like to thank the throngs of fans - both of you - who wanted me back - the two of you who wanted me to post something new on my blog.
I feel so wanted, so missed. Oh, it does feel good indeed.

So - let's just do a short recap of the past - gulp - three months: I am now almost 14 weeks post-op!!!! Time does fly.

I had resumed my swimming 3 weeks post-op, started biking approx. 6 weeks post-op & still no running. The biking was "no out-of-the-saddle" type of biking. I was to stay seated. Which I did. I was even doing hills - in my granny gear, but hills all the same.

So this was going along pretty good . . . until the end of August, at which point I developed some abdominal pain with "rebound tenderness" in the right lower quadrant. Well, you know what that means, right? Yup, you guessed it . . . appendicitis!

So, I went to my doctor, who sent me to the E.R., where the surgeon ordered a CT scan of my abdomen. They took me down to get the scan, the tech asked me if they told me that it was a "contrast enema CT?" HELL, NO!! They failed to mention that I needed to have a TUBE stuck up my butt & have my abdomen filled with a few liters of fluid!!!

At this point I am going to err on the side of decorum and not describe this feeling to you!!!

Anyhoo, the test was not 100% conclusive so they admitted me to the hospital for observation, kept me NPO & decided to let me go home the next day with a diagnosis of chronic appendicitis. In other words: "We're not sure what the hell it is; come back if the pain comes back. Have a nice day."

After a couple days rest at home, it was back to getting back to getting back to working out!

Swimming, biking & some very short walks. Until the itchy, watery eyes & sore throat hit me. Then it was the chest cold - to bronchitis & a dose of antibiotics. Lots of Dayquil, Nyquil & Kleenex. That bug knocked me on my behind!

After a couple more days of rest at home, it was back to getting back to getting back to getting back to working out!!

Here it is Saturday the 10th of October & this past week I've gotten a decent amount of working out done. Here is a rundown:

10/3-swam & walked 5 miles.
10/4-swam 2,400 yds. & rode 19 miles.
10/5-rest day
10/6-swam with Masters . . . good strong workout!
10/7-back on the trainer for a session with Coach Troy. "Enter the Red Zone - Anaerobic Training" Yeah, that was tough.
10/8-hiked 5 miles. That was tough, too.
10/9-swam with Masters . . . yucky slow workout!
10/10-hiked/walked over 7 plus miles.

Well, those are a few of the things that have happened in the past few months.
OH, one more important thing . . . I am now the proud parent of an 18-yr.-old!! That's right, my firstborn baby girl turned into an adult. Eighteen yrs. old!! Yet again, time flies.

Oh, and one more thing . . . I would like to thank Vit, Lola & my hubby/editor for being some of the best people in my life!! The best support a gal could ask for!

Peace & love, TracerX

No holding back . . .

2009-07-15T19:11:00.001-07:00

KNEE SURGERY SUCKS!!! Especially the 4th knee surgery. . .the 2nd anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction on my right knee.

Let's back up: in September 1998, during a karate competition, I tore the ACL and medial meniscus on my left knee. Six weeks later I had reconstruction of that knee. A year later almost to the day, in September 1999, I tore the ACL in my right knee during karate class. (I got mad because a kid who was 'way taller than me punched me in the chest, so I threw up a beautiful roundhouse kick to the head, planted my knee back on the ground & that was all she wrote.) I originally was scheduled for surgery six weeks later. I ended up getting a nasty cold/bronchitis so I had to reschedule. I waited until January 2001 for the reconstruction of my right knee - pretty much the same procedure as the doctor did on the left.

All was well in my little knee world until March 2007, when I tore the medial & lateral menisci on my left knee. I was so disheartened. After all, I was scheduled to do my very first triathlon in April!!! The doctor went along with my grand plan to rehab the hell out of my knee . . . do the triathlon . . . then have the surgery in May.

So that is what I did. When the doctor went in to operate on the left, he found a LOT of arthritis and osteochondral defects in my knee. Bad news for me. Running was not my friend & he said I really should not be doing it.

Needless to say, I was not great at heeding that bit of info. But, I was diligent about really strengthening my quads and stretching & I even started aqua jogging, which is much easier on your joints. Good for my horrible back & my horrible knee.

Again, things in my little knee world were . . . well, just o.k. After any long run I would get a swollen, painful left knee. It eventually would get better within a week. The cause of this was the osteochondral defects that I had. But whatever - I can deal with that. Just keep aqua jogging, hit the trails & run on hard surface only when I was racing or really had to do a long run.

I mean, I had to train . . . I had IMAZ coming up in November. Remember - my very first Ironman-to-be??

Or not to be?? It is not a question really, but rather a concrete statement that my doctor made after we found out that indeed I had torn my ACL - during the Mud Run - see my last post.

So, on July 6th I had a re-do ACL reconstruction with a medial & lateral menisectomy & chondroplasty!!! They also removed a staple that was still in my knee from the last surgery. That involved a saw blade, hammer & chisel! No, I am NOT kidding!! I have the bruise to prove it.

Overall, the surgery went very well. They found some arthritis, but not as bad as in the left knee. So, guess what? This right knee of mine. . . now with 2 ACL surgeries, is my good knee!! ha ha ha

Yeah, I'm not really laughing.

Well, I am being a good patient - despite what some of you may think - and everyday I am getting better. It will be a long rehab, but I am in for the long haul!

IMAZ 2010, here I come. See you there.

Much peace & love, TracerX

Talk dirty to me . . .

2009-06-14T06:31:00.000-07:00

I am so very overdue for a post here. And I really mostly need to talk about my fun day in the mud!!

Not only was June 6th, D-Day, which of course stands for "Vit's Day" - his 40th to be exact - but it is also the day our troops invaded Normandy. AND, it was the day that my buddies & I did the Camp Pendleton Mun Run!!

Not quite the same as invading Normandy, but trust me, there was one part that felt like HELL (more on that later).

It was a really fun day. We had these great matching t-shirts for the 9 of us who did the run & a few of our support team who also wore them. The shirts showed a big yellow smiley face with a camo bandana around the head & mud splattered on the face. The back of the shirt read, "A race only a mudder could love". The shirt was white, of course - well, at the beginning, anyway.

So, we headed toward the run with the possibility of rain looming over us. That in and of itself is not a bad thing for a mud run, but I just did not want lightning to ruin our day. As it turned out, we got no rain - only nice cool weather with a touch of sun peeking out every now & then.

B-Meister was down from Washington, along with his beautiful wife, Southpaw Mama, who happens to be Vit's sister - and a gaggle of their friends. B-Meister was very patriotic and carried the American flag with him for the entire race. He even passed it off to a volunteer to hold while he went thru the mud. (By the way, the volunteers are the Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton!)

Most of us girls stuck together during the run/walk, even though one of our gals was injured. T2 sustained a foot injury a few weeks back & could not run on her heel. So, she had finally had enough after mile 4 and ended up dropping out. (sad face)
She was a total trooper for those 4 miles! I can't believe she even started the race.

We had so much fun. Until IT happened. It was mile 4 1/2 at the second mud pit with a 6 ft. wall to go over. I hoisted up Lola & Southpaw Mama over the wall & then got over myself. I threw over one leg then the other and was going to turn around and lower myself down - given that I have a bad back & knees - but I started to slip so I just had to jump down. 6 feet of wall plus another foot or so of mud & water & me landing with my right leg hyperextended. I felt and heard that sickening pop that I have had two other times in my life, when I blew out my right ACL & a year later, blew out my left ACL. I knew that I had done something very wrong to my knee.

I tried to take a step and was unable to. I waited until Lola & Southpaw saw me. They came back and helped me out of the mud pit.

I tried to shake it off & tell myself that I just "bruised" the bones in my knee.

Needless to say, I just had to finish the last mile & a half. So I did. We got some great pictures in the last long mud pit where you have to crawl on your hands & knees. That felt good - NOT.

But with the kind helping hand of a handsome Marine, I made it over the last little hill, ran into the finish chute with my buddies Lola & Southpaw.

We had Vit, B-Meister & gang there to cheer us on at the end. It was one big dirty family. No more white shirt.

I had to tell my hubby that I hurt my knee. He took me over to the medical tent for some ice & an Ace wrap.

Keep in mind that at that time I was still in denial about my knee, despite the amount of swelling that was going on. It was time for a beer & a change of clothes.

A walk back to the car, El Pollo Loco & a nap was what was needed before we went to dinner for Vit's B-day.

Despite the injury, I will be back next year for the Mud Run. Maybe I will get help going over the wall - I will definitely take it easy next year.

For now, I must focus on healing, keeping myself strong & getting back to my training.

for now . . . Peace & love, TracerX

Let's get back to basics. . .

2009-05-31T18:53:00.000-07:00

Just a week of review for some "not-really-training-for-IMAZ" training:

5/23: Rode for 2-plus hours with Vit. We did hills, hills & more hills. It was fun.

5/24: Walked/ran/hiked for 2 hours with Lola. Nice little workout.

5/25: Rode with Vit & Pimp Daddy J-Z. We did about 34 miles. A nice easy ride since Pimp Daddy has not been riding much. Still, a good ride all in all. Then Vit & I lifted.

5/26: Swam approx. 2,000 yds. I even beat Vit to the wall a few times - a rare occurrence, one I will relish.

5/27: Water walking with Lola. Do not let this exercise fool you; it is a tough workout AND it is easy on your joints.

5/28: Yet another ride with Vit. We did more hills . . . about 20 miles' worth. Boy, are my legs feeling tired!!

5/29: Swam . . . okay, I'll come clean - we did approx. 1,000 yds. until I talked the coach into letting us quit practice early to drink beer. So the 3 of us swimming took our coach out to eat & have a beer.

I love corruption. I am so good at it. hee-hee

5/30: Went for a 7.30-mile walk with Becky C. Nice & casual . . . ya know, just us girls gossiping.

5/31: Oh, and I end my 9 days in a row with an hour swim & another ride with Vit & Pimp Daddy J-Z. I had a headache & was extremely hungry, so I only lasted 1:45 and change. Then got back to my car only to find out I locked my key in there. So I had to ride the extra 2 miles home!!!

I ate toast & eggs. YUMMY.

Well, tomorrow I rest. Finally.

So, for now . . .

Peace & love,
TracerX

Let the insecurities begin . . .

2009-05-20T12:01:00.001-07:00

I am not a Marine battling for my life & my country. Nor am I someone battling cancer. I do not have to battle an abusive relationship, or drug or alcohol abuse . . . maybe an addiction to training. BUT, hey - I know I'm not the only one.

So why is it that when I get a call from a writer for the New York Times - to follow me for a story about the leadup to Ironman - I get worried that I am just a 44-year-old, plain suburban mother, married with two teenaged girls, who averages 15 miles per hour on her bike? That I feel like a pimple on an elephant's ass?

Seriously, are there not hundreds of thousands of people just like me trying to get by in life & train for an Ironman, too???

This is where the insecurity lies: that I am a nobody! Average Jane! Who would be inspired by me and my training for an Ironman?

And the answer comes to me: Perhaps other Average Janes or Joes. Perhaps some of the people I work with who think it is "insane," but who have a certain respect for me knowing what I am doing. Or maybe my daughter's friends who think I am "awesome"!

What does it all mean, Basil?

Maybe that I need to just accept it that I am signed up, gonna do the training & do my best to kick some Ironman ass!

And by "kick ass," I mean, "get to the finish line with some semblance of a huge smile on my face & try to do 'the running man' down the finish-line chute!
My daughters get really embarrassed by my dancing when I do it . . . so I thought it would be appropriate. I may just forget &/or fall on my face. We shall see.

Well, gotta get going - tons of errands - then dinner with Vit & Lola.

Much peace & love, TracerX

Girls gone Wildflower. . . .

2009-05-04T19:07:00.000-07:00

Or in my case, GIRL gone to Wildflower.

I had a different title, but I forgot what it was. I saw this saying on a T-shirt the past weekend at "Wildflower".

So, I got back the other night after having spent a lovely weekend with the boys. Again, it was just me & my boys. It was not too bad, but I did miss Lola, who had a nasty case of lymphangitis.

I had decided to take a bunch of testosterone (I know, I have enough already . . . ) and just get up to the triathlon & camp like a real man!! That included eating dinner at Big Bubba's Bad BBQ, having it rain on us, setting up my own tent, farting & belching. All of which I managed to do very well. I also got to share a tent with G-Money, & my hubby was O.K. with it. He even really likes G-Money.

Well, Friday night of the weekend was a bit of a restless night - no, not because of G-Money - because I just have a difficult time sleeping when I am camping. OH - and also because Vit's bro-in-law, B-Meister, snored louder than a cat in heat.

Anyway, got up early Saturday & had a great breakfast made by Vit, gathered my gear & took off to the transition area. This was going to be my first-ever sprint triathlon done on trails using a mountain bike. I was nervous & excited. I had done some riding with the bike to get used to the gears, etc. And since this was a .25-mile swim / 9.7-mile ride / 2-mile run, heck, I was just gonna have fun.

I racked my bike like they told me, got my gear in order, chatted with some of my fellow 45-49-year-olds & even had the dumb chick (bitch) that knew everything tell me that the bikes were racked wrong & it was triathlete preference - coughbullshitcough - but she really was trying for a podium spot & has been doing this for 10 years .. . . blah blah blah . . . you get the picture. I told her not to give me any attitude, just explain how she wanted my bike & hers to be placed, since I was just here to have fun and was NOT "going for a podium spot." She did settle down & it was off to the swim.

It was a fun swim start, but I felt so cramped in. I did O.K., felt decent when I got out - thank God, because we had to run up the boat ramp to transition, boogied thru that & jumped on the bike & took off. The bike was 9.7 miles and I had a complete blast!! I just felt good and was having fun! Now onto the 2-mile run. Back into transition, change & get out . . . and up!! STAIRS??!! I love Vit for these little tips he keeps hidden from me. Oh, well - it's only 2 miles & I just go. Again, thank God it's only 2 miles.

I ended up with a total finish time of 1:23:09. And - I had a really fun time! Met a nice lady that I ran with to the finish line & just enjoyed the race.

I reunited with Vit & B-Meister & we hung out in the spectator stand to watch the pros finish.

Andy Potts redeemed himself with an overall win. Nice job . . . and he looked good doing it - I mean he really "looked good."

And I got a picture with him:

He is super nice. Did I mention that he is really good-looking??

After the pros came in we made the long haul back to the campsite to watch the rest of the "age-groupers" run through the campground - it's around Mile 9 for them on the run. I got a great picture of G-Money, who was kind enough to stop & pose.

And, as it turned out, G-Money finished in under 6 hours!!! A PR for this course for him . . . go G-Money!

Saturday night we all had a nice spaghetti dinner & went to bed early. Keep in mind that B-Meister & Vit had a race to do on Sunday.

Sunday morning we all woke up, packed our gear & headed down to the race. I got to be the photographer for the day. I was busy running all over the place to get the best shots I could.

Here is a good one of Vit & B-Meister -

Vit took a minute-plus off his time from last year, & due to mechanical difficulty, B-Meister had to DNF. BUMMER . . . but I must say he took it very well. When he finally came in off the bike he decided to do the 10K run anyway . . . just for the workout aspect of it. Good for you, B-Meister!! Way to get it done!

All in all it was a great weekend with great friends.

I will be going back next year . . . maybe a longer distance?? The long course perhaps?? We shall see. But I will be bringing Lola with me next year. And my hubby, too.

Quite frankly, I love my "boys," but I want some estrogen with me next year. Missed you, Lola.

Here are me & my boys:

Well, that's all she wrote . . .

Peace & love,
TracerX

Oh, by the way - I podiumed with a 4th place finish in my age group!

Hills?? Nobody mentioned hills to me. . .

2009-04-09T17:39:00.001-07:00

1857 07:22:17 TRACERX W45-49 61/78 39 1325 39:46 2:06 5:10 59 1814 3:37:26 15.5 3:52 70 2:56:04 13:27

O.K., I'm a little late in getting this race report done. But, hey - I had to go on a mini-vacation with my family over spring break and then I went right back to training. Well, not RIGHT back.

It did take a week-plus to recover. So, without further ado . . .

It was a cold Saturday morning in April. I had slept well the night before, but the alarm went off at 3:30 a.m. Oh-so-comfortable in bed. . . but, I must get up because I am one of those neurotic people who must get to the transition area pretty much the minute it opens. And, I might add, I am not the only one!

So - up I go, get dressed, try to eat & call Vit to ask him a question. Well, guess what? He's not even up yet! GET UP, VIT . . . you're one of the neurotic ones, too. Let's go!

We load up the car with the gear and it's off to the race we go.

With my husband & Vit's wife, Lola, in tow, we get down to the parking area & take off on the bikes to the transition area. I'm feeling pretty good. Only mild anxiety at this point. I think the outfit Vit is wearing is keeping my mind off my fear, with his compression socks & his camouflage shorts. (Thanks for the laugh, Vit. You always cheer me up.)

Into transition, find my rack, locate a nice spot where I can't get my gear thrashed by some dumb chick who shows up late & feels it is her prerogative to fit her bike and her gear into an area that is already filled. It is one of my biggest pet peeves when people do that. BIG.

I'm happy to be near some really nice ladies. Most of them are veteran 70.3 triathletes. All of them are super nice . . . until the dumb chick who shows up late and decides that she'll stuff her bike into a space that doesn't exist. She knocks off the helmet that's on the bike & feels obliged to tell us all how the bikes need to be stacked! Well, kiss off, bitch! (I didn't really say that, but I did think it.)

Now that my area is ready, Vit & I head out to find G-Money & H.R. Pufnstuf. Oh, and to check out the competition. ha ha

After a chat with my friends I'm ready to put on my wetsuit & pee. Yes, pee on myself, in my wetsuit. If you do tri's, you'll understand. If not - well, you might find that gross. Sorry!

The really funny thing is that I REALLY have to pee . . . a lot! So when I finally let loose, at first there's a nominal amount running out the bottom of my wetsuit. Then, it's a large amount forming a pool of urine around me & running across the asphalt. I have to tell the ladies I'm talking to what I've done. The comments they make are not of disgust, but instead they say things like, "Great! That means you're hydrated!" & "Oh, you must be warm!"

I'm still a bit embarrassed, especially for the woman sitting on the ground next to me. She didn't get it in her direction. Once the line moves forward, it's kinda funny to see other women having to stand in my "pee puddle." hee, hee

Enough!!! On to the swim. My group of white caps - Wave 13 - enters the water to swim out to the starting buoy - only 100 yards or so - I'm excited more than nervous. I know I have to "just keep swimming." And that is what I do! I have a really nice swim. Find a nice clean line without a ton of people to crawl over or hit in the face, etc. I do get kicked in the face once, causing my goggle lens to be dislodged from my eyeball. No biggie - I'm able to get it back on without a problem.

Out of the water & into T1 . . . I run into the transition, grab my gear, make a decision to take off & try to get my gloves & arm warmers on while I ride. Which I manage to do, thank you very much. I probably look a little silly.

The first 10 miles I feel like my legs are made of lead. I push on & finally find my groove. At mile 29-ish, I need a pee break, take it at a porta-potty (the one with the Marine yelling the entire time, "Ooo-rah!").

When I get back on my bike, when . . .
what to my wondering eyes should appear? A rather steep hill that would require a small gear!

I don't get discouraged . . . I'm excited to just take the hill as it comes. "Live in the moment," as Vit says.

I have fun with that hill. I talk to other people, watch them go by me, watch them as I go by. Watch one gal hit the curb & almost tip over! Glad she doesn't. I don't think I can stop because it will be too hard to get started! Nice altruistic me . . . thinking about others.

Onward & upward . . . the rest of the ride is uneventful. Except for the head wind that we all have the last 11 or so miles back to the beach. It's just time to put my head down & keep pedaling.

Back at the transition - into T2 - and I cannot run with my mostly new shoes & cleats. I just cannot do it. I also have some horrible back pain. So, I stop in the transition area, take off my shoes & walk at a moderate pace to my area to get ready to "run." I think I will just take my time & not really care about my time. (As it turned out, I learned later that my T2 was faster than T1!! Go figure.)

As I head out for my "run," I'm experiencing a great deal of pain in my right low back with every step, so it's time for some medication. Take some, do my walk/run, hit the wonderful sand, for quarter of a mile (x4) . . . all I have to say is YUK. What a pain in the butt.

By mile 1, I have to take more medication - yup - I'm doping!! But I don't think it helps my performance at all. (Although I did my run/walk in 2:56:04, which is my best half-marathon time.)

It's two loops on the run, so I'm happy to see all my boys - Vit, H.R. & G-Money. I'm also thrilled to see some great friends on the course out there with their big smiles, cheers & kisses.

(Thanks for coming out, Big Daddy D, VAD & their nephew. It was nice to see all your smiling faces.)

Overall, I end up having fun on the run. The support crew, AKA volunteers, are awesome, the woman with the dog who keeps encouraging me & the stoners in front of their house with their cowbell, all keep me going.

When my two loops are done I get to make the left-hand turn into the final stretch to the finish. Oh, boy, does that feel good. I see my hubby, tons of people cheering for me & coming over the finish line feeling delirious & having H.R. there to put my medal around my neck. "What are you doing volunteering?" I think. Even though he's done and finished the race . . . I'm a bit loopy. Vit is there. G-Money, too. And there are hugs & kisses all around. I'm extremely happy to have my 1st 70.3 under my belt!!

What an amazing feeling. One I won't forget - until the Alzheimer's kicks in. Seriously, great feeling. Plus, I got a medal.

OH! - did I forget to mention the blisters? Yes, I got two beautiful blisters on the bottom of each foot. Those were no fun. They squished with every step.

Also, I told everyone after the race that I did not think I would be able to do the Ironman. I said it was going to be too hard & I was going to be unable to deal with it. Everyone said not to think about it, just enjoy the moment.

It wasn't 'til dinner - well the cocktail part of dinner - that I was ready to go do Ironman!! Yeah, baby, let's do it! IMAZ November 22, 2009, here I come!!

Well, I think that is all I have to say . . . except a special thanks again to Lola & my hubby. You two are the best jock straps!

Sorry it took so long to write this, but hey! I've been training for my Ironman.

Much peace & love,
TracerX

Note: Photos will be added soon.

How about a quickie? ? ?

2009-04-05T21:40:00.000-07:00

I finished my first-ever 70.3 Ironman on Saturday!

I am sore, sunburned & have two big blisters . . . one on the bottom of each foot.

So, suffice to say that I will write a complete race report as soon as I return from my wonderful family getaway to a lovely spa & resort in Avila Beach. I am looking forward to a nice, relaxing mineral hot springs with a deep tissue massage!! Oh, my . . . it sounds so good.

The quickie is that I am done blogging for now. Good night & talk to ya soon.

Peace & love, TracerX

p.s.-let me give it up for my boys: Vit Tornado, G-Money & H.R. Pufenstuf who kicked butt at the triathlon! Way to go boys.

It's off to the races I go. . . .

2009-04-02T20:31:00.000-07:00

Well, the time has come. Only tonight & one day to go . . . T minus 31 hours. Can that be right?

So, Cali 70.3 here I come.

Gonna set a PR!! (That is the good news.)

Gonna have to deal with gnarly back pain . . . That is the bad news.

Gonna be surrounded by friends & my husband. That is the fantastic news.

So, the time has come to get to bed.

I will have a race report next week for y'all.

Peace & love, TracerX

Doctor, doctor! Gimme me the news . . .

2009-03-23T18:35:00.001-07:00

As you may or may not know, I have some pretty bad, kinda severe back problems. I have been battling with them since last August when I found out (after the Santa Barbara Long Course) that I had a sacral fracture. I did that triathlon in lots of pain!

I was told not to run while the fracture healed, not to ride out of the saddle, and go ahead and swim but no flip turns. (Thanks for that last one, doc, since I don't freakin' do those anyway.)

So, I abided by the rules and got that sucker to heal. I had an MRI taken of my lumbar spine & my sacrum - that's how I found out it was fractured. It was also noted that I have severe degenerative disc disease at L3-4 & L4-5.

Which translates to bone-on-bone, no cushion, disc dessication & arthritis!!! I know, I know: hang up the damn running shoes & just ride the flats, right? The problem with that? . . . I DON'T WANT TO DO THAT. I want to keep on training & racing even though it is really kicking my ass! Well, my back, actually, which then radiates down to my butt cheek & hamstring. Especially with the running.

So, just walk . . . right? Yes, that is a possibility, especially given that I am not really a runner anyway. . . it just means I will be that much slower during the "running" portion of my triathlon - also known as My Quest Not To Be The Last Person To Cross The Finish Line.

Are these all crazy thoughts? Maybe, but it is how I feel. . . but I do suffer after a training run/walk.

So today I went back to see Dr. Steve for some updated radiographs of my lower back & sacrum.

It still looks crappy!

Again, I was told that running is not that good for me.

Again, I feel like crying & feel like I really picked a bad sport to fall in love with.

Again, I decided that I don't want to do that. After all, I am signed up for my first Ironman! Remember that is what this blog is all about! My road to Ironman. . .

So - keep taking my anti-inflammatories, go to physical therapy, ice my ass, take narcotics & alcohol together. . . ooops - maybe not that last part, but it sure does help. There's nothing like a Darvocet & a Bloody Mary. ****kids: don't try this at home.

K - that's all for now. . .

Peace & love, TracerX

I'm back in the saddle again. . .and again. . .

2009-03-18T19:39:00.000-07:00

So, if you read my blog about my new accessories, you will know that I got a new saddle. Well after approx. 90+ miles it was quite clear that my saddle & my "girlie bits" were not getting along. So, back to the cycling store - Helen's - to try something else.

Again, they were extremely helpful . . . and I ended up with a Selle Avant saddle.

I rode for just over an hour tonight & so far, it seems to be working wonderfully. The girlie bits were very happy & I was able to get in the aero position, which I could not do on my long ride 3 days ago!!!

I will put it to the test this weekend with another long ride.

Peace & love, TracerX

You give me fever . . . fever. . .

2009-03-14T17:09:00.000-07:00

. . . when you infect my inner ear. Oh my, what does it all mean? It means I had just gotten over a cold/bronchitis . . . had a good week or so. . . then started having headaches, dizziness & nausea. NO, I am not pregnant!! On Wed. I started with the low-grade fever, so I went to the doctor & it turns out I have otitis media.

I was put on antibiotics & am very pleased that this can be over soon. No swimming for a few days, though.

Now, the problem with all this is that it has put a little crimp in my workouts. Not so much the walking or biking, but the damn swimming!! Puking in the pool is not a pretty sight. Not that I did throw up in the pool, just really felt like it.

I guess I'm writing this because I'm feeling nervous about my upcoming 70.3. I feel like my training is not where it needs to be.

Maybe it's just that I have only 3 weeks left. And, I am going to ass-u-me that it's normal to feel some anxiety.

That's all I really have to say. Oh, except that I had a really great hilly ride this week. It felt good. . . oh, wait - maybe that's hope that I detect?

Peace & love, TracerX

America's Next Top . . .

2009-03-08T13:55:00.000-07:00

Mountain Biker??? NOT! I feel positive that I will never be America's Next Top Model or Mountain Biker. Maybe just plain "Cross-Training-Mountain-Biker-Who-Is-Not-Very-Good-At-It" would better explain my situation.

Also, I have not been mountain biking in about 20 years. Which begs the question: why today? Well, let me start at the beginning: I went out yesterday to Helen's Cycles in Santa Monica & got new pedals & a seat for Penelope. (OK, the seat is really for me.)

I also got a nice, new pair of triathlon bike shoes!! Carbon fiber!! And the best part? They didn't cost an arm & a leg! Those I bought at Cynergy Cycles.

Let me say that I had incredible assistance from the general manager at Cynergy!

I also had amazing help with everything at Helen's from a sales assistant named Joe . . . he is their triathlon specialist and was oh-so-helpful. I also bought new tires - or so I thought - for Penelope. Joe offered to have the new tires put on, but being the big girl that I am . . . I needed to do it myself.

So I got up this morning & headed for the garage to put on my new tires. Well, I found out I only bought 1 tire!! OK, I'll just start with that on the back, since the front tire wasn't really that worn.

This is my first time putting on a new tire. I have my cup of coffee, my bike pump & my new tire. I am ready to rock n' roll!

Boy - it would have been easier to wrestle an alligator! Not that I've ever done that . . . I just imagine that it would have been.

So, I get the tire on with the tube in it & start to pump it up. Huh, what is that hissing sound? OH, it is a hole in my freakin' tube!!! Not to panic, I have another tube available . . . I get the new tube out of the box & proceed to use it, when I discover it is the wrong size - it's too big! (that's what she said)

So, now I am stuck with 1 tire & 1 tube. Now how am I going to get my ride in???

Wait just a minute . . . I can use my mountain bike!! (actually not mine, borrowed from a friend.) But a bike ride is a bike ride.

I get ready & somehow wrangle my husband into going with me . . . he is a mountain biking expert, after all. Alright, he used to ride a lot 20-plus years ago, but he is still a great resource & he can identify my body if I fly off a cliff. A win/win all the way around.

I really only have one thing to say: mountain biking is way different than road biking!

I can't navigate creeks with difficult rock crossings. I can't get the gearing right going up a hill & when I do it feels like I am pulling too hard on the handle bars & popping a wheelie up the hill. My center of gravity is all off. And falling hurts like a son of a bitch!

I ended up taking two spills causing a nice big hematoma on my knee, a painful hip & a banged-up elbow! Lucky for me no one saw me fall.

I had to walk across a couple of creeks with a difficult single track & walked up one big hill. I still feel like I got in a decent workout. Just a bit banged up.

Oh, one more thing to say: No more mountain biking until after the 70.3. Then I have to keep it up for my Wildflower Sprint Triathlon. I only need to manage 9 miles on the bike portion, but I don't know what the route looks like. So I will be doing a lot more practice.

Well, it is time to go soak in the tub!

Much peace & love, TracerX

p.s. Helen's Cycles offers 20% off on accessories for L.A. Tri Club members.
Cynergy is 15% off. I was very happy with my discounts. Thanks LA TRI.

Only 5 weeks to go til California 70.3.......

2009-02-28T15:40:00.000-08:00

and I am feeling kinda nervous. After my wonderful ride last Saturday . . . then a nice long swim Sunday morning, followed by a 60+ minute walk, I ended up getting a freakin' cold!

- which has turned into bronchitis & has caused me to miss an entire four days of training.

So, I feel like I am starting from scratch . . . it's a bitch getting sick & being old. OK, I am really not that old. But all the same, I have 5 weeks to just keep plugging along!

I am going to try to make a time prediction for my 70.3 (my 1st one ever!!):

1.2-mile swim: 40 mins.
56-mile bike ride: 3:35:00
13.1-mile run: 2:45:00

Well, that adds up to right about 7 hours!! YIKES . . . seems like a long time, but I want to be realistic. So, what the heck . . . at least I'm doing the sucker.

OK - that's it for now.

Peace & love,
TracerX

Here are a couple of pictures for clarification.....

2009-02-25T20:02:00.001-08:00

TracerX & her Trek Madone named Penelope Marshmallow Creampuff Pitstop

For my good friend Pendong...this is a picture of Penelope.

Hey kids - cover your ears, there may be some foul language . . .

2009-02-25T08:41:00.000-08:00

F#$@ son offa B@#*% . . . . OK, got that out of my system! Why do I have to curse, you ask?

Well, as you may or may not know, the ToC (Tour of California) came rolling thru our wonderful state. And due to the fact that I love guys in tight shorts & shirts, I wanted to see the tour fly right by me. So Vit, H.R. Pufnstuf & I decided to ride the route, or at least Stage 7, from Santa Clarita to Pasadena. Well, actually just to the top of the climb at Angeles Crest Highway.

So Vit & I started out in Granada Hills & rode to Sierra Canyon & San Fernando Road to meet H.R. (he drove his car out there - thank GOD). We took off from there to Soledad Canyon to ride uphill and see the tour come by. (We were several hours ahead of the game, but I know Lance Armstrong, Levi Leipheimer & the gang were much faster than me, so I needed a head start.) We got to Sand Canyon and Vit had us turn right.

What a beautiful ride up Sand Canyon - the homes are gorgeous, lots of space for horses to roam & it was a beautiful day. So we continued upward - we even rode past a sign that said, "Angeles National Forest." It was just a matter of 11-plus more miles of hill climbing to get to Mill Creek Summit.

Or so I thought.

We were supposed to be riding up to 4,900 feet, give or take a few. So, here we are riding along up a nice steep hill, then down a bit, then up some more. And I'm talking kinda steep here. I am only cruising at 5-something MPH on Penelope.

Slow enough to notice mile marker 12. And 12.34. And 12.75, And so on. Now I start thinking to myself, "Self - does this seem right to you?" But I ignored my Self & started another long downhill roll. Now I know something is wrong. Why the hell am I going down again? Where is all the snow??? Where are all the people who want to see the ToC?

Where the hell are Vit & H.R. Pufnstuf?

And, why the hell is it hot out here? Aren't we gaining elevation?

Well, I drop on down to my boys, who agree that something is wrong, given that we are back in the FRIGGIN' San Fernando Valley (basically) at the Wildlife Waystation!!

F@#$....F#@%...F$#@!!!!!

It is NOON. They start at NOON. But we can't make it back in time because we have to climb out of this hellhole!

It took me a good little while to adjust to the fact that now I was just on an average little training ride. That I would not have that thrill of the peloton speeding by me. To shout, "woooo hoooooo!" or to run alongside some rider clad in tight shorts & shirt. I was pissed!!! Dang it!

I had to get over it. I mean, there are times in a race where you feel frustrated, tired or that you just don't have it in you. You need to mentally pull it together & get your mind around what you are doing in that moment!

(Oh, I sound like I know what I'm talking about. I like it.)

Back to the ride . . . we basically went back the way we came. Made it back to Carl's Jr., where H.R. Pufnstuf's car was parked . . . ate lunch, discussed what the heck went wrong (yes, both Vit & H.R. had directions for the ride) & I hitched a ride back to Granada Hills. Vit was a stud & rode back the 7 miles. I was spent - my thighs were done - plus, we needed to get back to watch the ToC.

That was just salt in the wound. So many signs, literally, that we missed . . . like: where was the writing on the ground that all the fans do in chalk? Of course - the snow!? And all the people who come out to watch??

F#$%.....F#$%.....F@#$

Sorry, that is it.

Now some stats, according to Vit's Garmin: we rode 53 miles (45 for me) & climbed 7,600 feet (approx.7,300 for me) . . . no wonder I was spent - major climbing!!

All in all, I had a nice day with my friends.

Peace & love,
TracerX

It's been such a long time...no see

2009-02-13T14:47:00.000-08:00

Hello all (all 4 or 5 of you)...I just wanted to say the The Surf City Half Marathon was a blast. No rain this year. It was the perfect temperature, sunny with beautiful ocean views!

My final time was: 2:59:06 Pace: 13:40. That is 6 mins. faster than my time last year.

Well, that is all for now. There are lots of updates & I will get to all that a bit later.

Peace & amp;love, TracerX

I'm gonna need a gallon of K-Y to ease into this . . .

2009-01-31T17:49:00.000-08:00

. . . that was my response to Vit when he told me - like he always does - that I needed to "ease into it" when we were trying to run some hills.

I am sure y'all know what K-Y is - !!?

If not, go to your local proctologist for an exam. Or watch Deliverance and see what happens when you don't have any!

I digress . . .here are a bunch of workouts that I did. I threw in some new stuff like trying a spinning class! That was tough . . . I was shvitzing by the end of class.

I tried the class with a colleague . . .he is Fine. No, really - he is Fine!

Let's see what else . . . Oh! I did a nice bike ride in the RAIN. By choice, I must admit. Vit was not happy with me. He wanted to turn around - girlie man - but I was having fun, so we rode on. We were soaked to the bone & filthy dirty - and we hadn't even started the ride!! ha ha . . .just kidding, Lola.

Again, I digress. Here is the week (plus) of workouts:

1/19: Rest day

1/20: Took a nice hour-long ride outdoors to ride the hills around my house.

1/21: GULP . . . I did nothing - get off my ass, Pendong.

1/22: Ran 6.5 miles. O.K., ran 3.5 & walked the other 3 w/friends. BUT, we did a big ol' hill!!

1/23: Swam 2,100 yds. & lifted.

1/24: Rode 57.48 - this was the ride in the rain. It rained from Granada Hills to LAX. We did continue on to Huntington Beach. Just when the ride starts to look pretty & the ocean is off to the right, we had to be picked up. No injuries, flats, etc. It was just time to get down to Carlsbad so Vit could pick up his race packet. He & some of his family & friends were going to do the Carlsbad Half Marathon the next day; I had to take my PALS course. Bummer.

The ride around LAX is nasty & scary & just no fun. I don't recommend it.
Also, Wilmington is no pleasure cruise either. Too many potholes which equals a massive headache for me! AND, nuts & bolts in the street. I thought I was at Pep Boys. If you're gonna steal a freakin' car tire, take the damn nuts & bolts!

1/25: Ran 6.8 miles of trails near my house. I did this after my PALS course. I needed a tension release.

1/26: MONDAY!!!! My rest day . . . I love you, MONDAY.

1/27: Vit & I took a nice 5-mile brisk walk. It was very windy & we headed up a lovely long hill.

1/28: Swam 2,150 yds. & lifted.

1/29: 55 mins. of shvitzing spin class at The Ride.

1/30: Well, this was supposed to be a swim & lift day, but NOOOOO. Instead, I had to deal with some wonderfully idiotic jackasses at work. I ended up doing, basically, a 12-hour shift. It was not a horrible day, but I did, at one point, want to beat the crap outta someone. AND, I like the guy . . . but boy, was he a "male genitalia"

Again, again, I digress . . .

Finally, today, 1/31, the end of the month - Vit & I rode hills for a couple of hours. It turned out to be a nice day.

I do need to give a shout out to my Vit for his patience & friendship. He is a tolerant kinda guy.

Most days.

Seriously, THANKS VIT.

Also, to his wonderful wife, Lola, she is just as amazing! Thanks to you both.

Well that is all, folks.

I am off to do the Surf City Half Marathon tomorrow with Lola, Becky G, & G-Money.

Peace & love, TracerX

Just another manic Monday, followed by a bunch of other stuff . . .

2009-01-18T15:50:00.000-08:00

Mon. 1/12: As usual, Monday was my rest day.

Tues. 1/13: SICK

Wed. 1/14: SICK

At this point, I am not a happy camper! I do not like missing out on training - let alone "just laying around doing nothing." I feel so helpless & pissed off all at the same time. (Yes, it is possible!)

Back to the training . . .

Thurs. 1/15: 51 mins. with the wonderful Coach Troy doing my Spinerval session, then lifted for 1/2 hour.

Fri. 1/16: Ran 1.25 miles on the treadmill, then swam 2,050 yds.

Sat. 1/17: Got to go on a great bike ride with two of my favorite guys - Vit, of course, and my buddy G-Money! G-Money is the best! He is such a talented athlete - the guy was a golf pro. He kicks booty in a triathlon and runs ultramarathons - well, you get the picture. He is a stud. Much like Vit & Pendong & Big Daddy. AND, G Money is an all-around nice guy. Much like Vit, Pendong & Big Daddy.

So, back to the ride: we rode 47 miles in just under 4 hrs. We did some hills, Woolsey Cyn. & Mulholland & got some flats & some rollers.

All in all the day was beautiful & I had two handsome men to ride with!

Sun. 1/18: Swam 2,750 & r/w 4 miles.

Well, that's all, folks.

Peace & love, TracerX

Tonight after swimming, I was standing in the shower with water running down my body....

2009-01-16T20:17:00.000-08:00

Sorry, no picture attached!! But it hit me that I am signed up to do an IRONMAN this year!! WTF did I do? Seriously? And, I paid for it!!!

I had a bit of an anxiety attack, which I'm sure I will have plenty more of in the future.

So back to the shower (still no picture).....I just sorta stood there thinking, "Can I do this? Can I sustain 14, 15, 16 hours of a triathlon?" YES, of course I can! I mean, "I think I can"? Right? And, I was not really sure what part was freaking me out: the swim with a couple thousand of my closest friends - who, by the way, are punching & kicking me? Or is it the 112-mile bike ride, where I get to pee on myself & my sweet Penelope? Or is it the 26.2 miles of running/walking/crawling? (Yes, you are allowed to crawl; it's in the official "Ironman rules"!! Tanks God for that.)

I think it is the run/walk/crawl-that is causing my high anxiety. OH - and the nutrition aspect of it all. * * * note here: I am definitely experimenting with different sources of nutrition. Right now I am trying Hammer Sustained Energy. I will let you know how it goes.

Well, I just decided not to dwell on it & move forward & take it one day at a time!
Wish me luck.

So, that's it for now.

P.S.: I was wearing my swimsuit in the shower, as I had just finished a 2,050-yd. swim workout!

ha ha

Peace & love, TracerX

A week of workouts...

2009-01-11T20:55:00.000-08:00

Well, I am going to make this short & sweet. Let us start with:

Mon. 1/5: NADA-rest day

Tues. 1/6: Rode the trainer for 47 mins., then lifted. Just a note here: I like to follow Mark Allen On-line training.

Wed. 1/7: I walked the dog for 30 mins. - pretty pathetic, I know. BUT, Vit & I were supposed to swim & he called to say he was sick...I just decided that I needed Vit with me to swim (not really, but it was a good excuse!).

Thurs. 1/8: Did a 6 mile run...aka run/walk.

Fri. 1/9: Lifted, then swam. I had a 3,500-yard swim workout planned, but when I got ready to get in the pool, I realized that I had no swim cap!!! Suit - check. Goggles - check. Cap for my long hair - NOT!!! So, I tried but there were just too many hairs flying around. I kicked, did backstroke, breaststroke etc. And, I was just getting too pissed off. I managed 800 yds.

Sat. 1/10: Coach Troy & his Spinervals to the rescue: I did "Hillacious" for 62 mins. then "Suffer Fest & Threshold Test" (sounds fun) for 58 mins. This was followed by a 31 min. run - again, please read that as "run/walk".(r/w)

Sun.1/11: Swam 3,100 yds. and ran 4 miles. r/w

Oh, and here is a picture of me & my beagle, Stella Blue. Yes, she is named after the Grateful Dead song.

It was a good week except for my training buddy, Vit, being sick...get better soon Vit.

Time to go....peace & love, TracerX

Sorry I have been a blog slacker...

2009-01-07T13:55:00.001-08:00

I want to wish you a Happy New Year!!
Vit & I have been training & we did a nice hilly ride on 1/1/09. I promise to post a blog with all the details of my training. Soon..I really mean it, but for now, please accept my Happy 2009 wishes!

Peace & love, TracerX

Yes Dr. Steve, there is some training going on...

2008-12-29T18:33:00.000-08:00

I had decided that Jan. 1st would be my training start date, I am doing my 1st 70.3 in April-it is the Ironman 70.3 California in Oceanside, so I figured I would officially start with a new year!

BUT, I have been keeping up with a "loose" bit of training & Dr. Steve was not satisfied that I have not outlined what exactly I have been doing!
So, here goes: Mon.12/22-rest day
Tues. 12/23-an hour of "Spinervals" with Coach Troy.
Wed. 12/24-couple mile run on treadmill & upper body strengthening..oh, then I baked some pumpkin bread & drank Bloody Marys with Lola & Vit!!!
Thurs.12/25-Christmas Day-time with my family.
Fri.12/26-only managed 40 mins. on the trainer.
Sat.12/27-ran trails-slowly I might add-w/Vit & his sister & bro-in-law. According to bro-in-law, we did 7 miles. ***note here:I am sore!!! Remember, I am not much of a runner.
Sun.12/28-swam 2,000 yds. then hit the gym for some core work.
Today 12/29 is Monday & I rest.

Happy now Dr. Steve? May I have my small glass of red wine?? Doctor's orders! (not really-I just wanted a small glass)

Peace & love, TracerX

How I learned a lesson from my Zensah....

2008-12-28T15:43:00.000-08:00

I know what you're thinking..."that is not the correct spelling of sensei." I am not even sure how to pronounce Zensah??!! Zens aaaahhhhh Zen sah or does it in fact sound like "sensei", which is pronounced...sense eh. As in..."Does that dude riding his bike without a helmet make any sense, eh?"

So, back to the picture of my Zensah compression leg sleeves. God bless my red, white & blue legs! These were bought because a training buddy, Big Daddy D, sent an email telling all of us that for 1 day only you could go to the Zensah website & get 50% off the compression socks. And being that I am currently running a completely non-scientific experiment on compression socks, I jumped on the offer. I own 3 pair of compression socks from different companies: CEP (my fav so far), 2XU (they slip down at the top of my calf) & Sugoi (the size that is supposed to fit my foot is about an inch too big from toe to heel). So, I decided to try the "running compression leg sleeves", and since I already owned wht., blk., & grey socks, I would try to get some color in my triathlon wardrobe. And, because I am a member of L.A. Tri Club, I would give blue & red a spin. So, I ordered 1 in the blue & 1 in the red.
*****I was under the impression that it was a PAIR!!!***************I should have had 4 sleeves, not 2**********

When they finally arrived in the mail I was perturbed by their mistake...so, I called Big Daddy D, who also had received his "compression socks"...same thing, he only received 2 socks, not 4!
Now one would ass-u-me that socks/sleeves come in pairs?? No? NO!

Well ,that is my lesson learned...full report on the compression sleeves to be posted at a later date...I am still gathering evidence. I mean, I've worn them, but not actually run in them yet. I think that is the point.

Peace & love, TracerX

Christmas is coming & I refuse to get fat!!!(gotta sing that part)

2008-12-21T12:50:00.000-08:00

Hello all, well all 3 or 4 of you, it is almost Christmas & I continue to train as much as possible.

Vit Tornado & I had a lovely 2 hour ride yesterday...it was a balmy 40ish degrees outside. I was dressed appropriately, or so I thought. My face, ears & hands were pretty cold...so, thank God for holiday hours at Sport Chalet, where we made a pitstop...get it..pit stop..o.k. that was bad. Anyway, I was able to get a head/ear cover & some silk glove liners!!! Way better. Do you know where a girl can get a warm tuna & sausage ciabatta with curly fries?

Well I digress...back to the ride: we did lots of hill riding w/some hill repeats thrown in for fun. I am hoping to one day be good at climbing hills...as my friend, let's call him Pendong, says: you gotta climb hills to get strong! Well crap, I couldn't even walk up stairs later that day. Don't know how strong I'm getting, but I am persistent!

All in all it was a good ride. Vit thought it was a punishment day, but no, it was just a climbing day. I know, it's easy to be confused between the two.

So, today Vit & I swam today....about 1,700 yards for me. It was windy & "balmy" again this morning. And, later I did a 6 mile walk that took 90 mins.
Let me explain...I have pretty bad knees & a bad back, so my docs. think it is best not to "run"...so, I try to walk more & reserve my runs for the triathlons.

NOTE: I can probably walk faster than I run!!

Well, speaking of getting fat, I am now baking homemade chocolate chip cookies...too good to resist. I called Vit & his wife-let's call her Lola-to come over for milk & cookies, but Vit is in his jammies doing laundry..so, my husband called him a W.A.T.B.

OK-time to go...peace & love, TracerX

Happy Holidays..oh & yes, you still need to train

2008-12-17T22:03:00.001-08:00

Well, I have my good buddy back by my side. Yup, it is my favorite training partner, Vit Tornado!!
He did Ironman Arizona aka IMAZ just a month ago. So, I had to give him some recuperation time. TIMES UP....to be honest I think he was going a bit stir crazy. So, last week was a busy work week & my "work-outs" suffered. I rode hills one day-only for an hour.
So, this week we have some crazy so-cal weather. Yes, all of it...snow, wind, cold & rain. I did say SO-CAL....where is is warm & balmy??!!
So, Vit & I hit the inside trainer w/one of our favorite "Spinerval" DVD's by Coach Troy..did an hour of Hillacious then braved the cold (so-cal cold) & walked a couple of miles.
It felt so good to be exercising (training) that I went shopping for a smokin' hot outfit for my Christmas Party.
Well, again, time to sleep...probably one of the more important elements of my training.
Much peace & love, TracerX

Help me!!! I am so confused??

2008-12-09T21:58:00.000-08:00

This is a trial..so, bear with me. It was brought to my attention that it would be great to blog about my training for IMAZ 09. That is Ironman Arizona on Nov. 22, 2009. I will have to get back to you on the calculation of the exact days, hours, minutes & seconds of my countdown. THE countdown to my very first Ironman!! 2.4 miles swim, 112 mile bike ride & 26.2 run.
I don't know if there are enough days, hrs.,mins. for me to train. YIKES.

So, I better get to bed...gotta get my sleep...so I am ready to train, instead of sitting on my butt blogging!!

Peace, TracerX