The Humbled Cyclist

Something has been up with my cycling mojo, and last week wasn't good.  I was off my game.  Granted, there was a lot going on and I was preoccupied with my daughter, but cycling always grounds me.  This being said, my riding performance last week was humbling to say the least. I fell down on three successive rides. The falls were not graceful and were not in some grandiose or exciting fashion such as a dramatic crash, a pothole or an errant animal darting out in front of me. No...I've fallen over while completely stopped or coming up to a stop.

Now, I've heard that a successful blogger is able to poke fun at themselves, well I suppose this is my time. A little self-deprecating humor is good for the soul. And in this case I just have to laughi!  It's so ridiculous it is really kind of funny.

I know I've mentioned once or twice that my favorite discipline in multi sport is to ride my bike. The bike leg of a triathlon is always a no brainer, as I enjoy the training. So far this year I have logged 2,900 miles in the saddle.  My goal is to cover 6,000 miles by the end of the year.  This is my fourth year as a serious cyclist. My point? I have enough experience that I should know how to come to a stop without landing on my ass on the pavement!

Last Saturday was the first.  The dawn's dim light greeted me as I loaded my bike and gear into my car.  It was 6:30am and it seemed the rest of the neighborhood was still sleeping. It was eerily quiet, except for the birds singing their morning wake up call.  I hummed along, to a song I had listened to the night before which was stuck in my head. I chuckled to myself as I knew the tune would likely be with me the entire day. It was.  My mood was light and I was looking forward to my weekly group ride.

It was with a group of experienced cyclists whom I've learned a great deal from through the years. I respect them and their ability.  Near the end of the ride we were approaching a 4-way stop, and I shifted to a faster gear in preparation for gaining speed after the intersection.  I literally was not gauging how close I was to the cyclists already stopped and had to stop short while still clipped in to my pedals, leaned the wrong direction and went down.  Everyone rushed to my aid and I could feel the redness creep to my face.  I was mortified. This hadn't happened to me since my beginner days.

The very next day I was riding with a group of triathletes.  Different dynamic, as we ride without drafting.  I was more relaxed than I had been the previous day, as there was no wheel to wheel pace line.  While we still rode in a group, the triathletes were spread out, almost as if each of us was riding solo and in aero position.  Fast.  Just the way I like it! At the 30 mile point, three of us decided to get in some additional mileage and kept riding. About 20 miles later we stopped at a parking lot to refuel and discussed directions home. I was pulling up next to the other ladies thinking about grabbing a Gatorade from a nearby store when BAM....down I went.  WTH??  Again, mortified.  This time a huge bruise and a scrape on my left knee, and a "crunch" sound as my head collided with one of the girls' pedals.  I lay there stupefied, until they helped me up.  What was the matter with me?  Two days in a row!

I  took a few days off from cycling. Monday was a necessary rest day spent with my daughter during and after her surgery.  Tuesday I swam and got a massage, as my neck was painfully stiff.  Wednesday was a swim/run day. Thursday I had a 50 mile ride with two other cyclists planned.  As you can imagine, I hadn't slept well all week and had a dull migraine headache. Still, I was determined to proceed with the ride. We chatted as we prepared to ride.  I put my helmet on then climbed onto my bike. As soon as I clipped in, I leaned the wrong way and went down.  I said out loud "are you honestly, seriously kidding me with this?" I hadn't even gotten out of the parking lot. Hell, I hadn't even started pedaling yet. Blood formed over an immediate bruise on my right knee.  I was going to look lovely in shorts this weekend.

What's that expression...bad things happen in three's?  Am I done with the falling down phase? I vote "yes".

It gave me pause, along with painful scrapes and bruises.  What the heck was my problem?? Was I getting to cocky?  Can girls be cocky?  Hmm....maybe I should call it "over confident" instead.  That sounds a bit more appropriate for a woman.  Perhaps it's a matter of being distracted by my thoughts or lack of balance during the three incidents.  Who knows.  What I do know is it's embarrassing.  Hugely so. To unceremoniously fall on the ground in front of other cyclists.  Not to mention passing motorists. (I know, you're laughing.)   Maybe it's the Universe's way of reining me in and reminding me I'm not invincible.  If that's the case, then I suppose I should be grateful it was three tip overs bruising mainly my ego, and not a horrendous crash.  Knock on the proverbial wood.  I think I've gotten the message.  The Universe has taken this girl's ego down a notch and brought me back to earth where I belong.

Yesterday I had a 100 mile ride planned.  I was nervous as I drove to meet the group.  I arrived and at least 30 cyclists were warming up at the meeting place. Great.  I only had 5 hours of sleep the night before and had eaten less-than-desirable-pre-race-nutrition at a party I had attended. Hot dog with ketchup, mustard and relish (and a bun!!!), cupcakes, etc.  Emphasis on the etc.  Not food I typically fuel my body with.  As a result, I was not feeling very enthusiastic about the ride. I was tired and my tummy hurt. I had the "let's get this out of the way" attitude.

I made it out of the parking lot without falling, and with the group as large as it was we cruised along at 24mph so the adrenaline was kicking.  I am happy to report the ride was fantastic!  Great company, great weather, no Michelle falling down!  Dare I say I have my mojo back?

Going forward I need more sleep, good nutrition and hydration and have to remain vigilant.  As I finish typing this at 12:30am on Sunday, I am hoping it makes sense.

Next time you ride with me, give me wide berth at stop signs.  Hopefully the good mojo is here to stay and I'm back on my game.  Time will tell :)

Two big events coming up:  RAIN (ride across INdiana), July 13, 160 miles in one day.  Terre Haute, IN to Richmond, IN.  I'm hoping to finish in 8:45:00.  Next event is Ironman Steelhead 70.3 on August 4 in Benton Harbor, MI.  1.2mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run.

I got this....

Peace, out xoxo

Swim

I sit at the edge of the pool with my feet gently swirling the cool water.  The pool is quiet, with no other swimmers present. Just the way I like it. There is only the lifeguard perched in her chair, her face pensive. She is probably wondering if I'm ever going to jump into the water. I ignore her and return to my thoughts, my legs continuing the slow circles. I have a 3800 meter workout ahead and I intend to take my time. My swim time is precious. The long lengths of the pool are measurements of my gratitude, time to reflect on my day/week, time for decision making or to simply sort through my jumbled thoughts. I pull my goggles over my eyes and slip into the pool. As I glide through the water I relax.

Prior to beginning my transformation into a triathlete several years ago, I was a runner and a cyclist. I got my start in multi-sport by competing in the duathlon, which is a run-bike-run race. I was soon itching to take multi-sport to the next level, the triathlon, or swim-bike-run.  How hard could that be? I just had to re-aquaint myself with swimming. Which I thought would be a piece of cake.

I swam competitively when I was younger. My stroke of choice: the backstroke.  To me, everything about gliding through the water on my back was poetic.  Rhythmic, fluid motion sluicing through the water, eyes to the sky. When I raced, I loved the adrenaline. I thought translating that, even after all these years, to triathlon would be a natural progression.

Boy was I in for a surprise. Triathlon swimming is a world apart from straight competitive swimming. The tricky part about swimming in a triathlon is, one has to swim forward as throngs of other swimmers are volleying for the same spot in the same body of water. You do not have a lane to yourself, but you are in a pack.  There is kicking, splashing, and on many occasions you either swim over another swimmer...or they swim over you. The only time I would utilize the backstroke would be if I was in a panic and needed to catch my breath.  Fast freestyle is the name of the game in triathlon.  

This is where I was immediately humbled.  I had to learn how to correctly swim freestyle. Basically, this meant I had to start over. Learn the basics.  I sought the assistance of a swim coach, and for $30/lesson I did just that. She put me in basic training. Drills, drills and more drills. To say it was frustrating wouldn't do the experience justice.  Once again, I was asked to be patient.  I hung in there, did the drills, and eventually swimming freestyle became natural to me. Breath and movement. I likened it to practicing yoga.  I graduated from the pool to open water swimming, then three years ago I took on the triathlon.  I was immediately hooked. I am content when training for a race. And it all starts with the swim.

When I swim today, it is a pleasure. It relaxes me and stretches out my tired muscles.  Of course there are days, like today when the swim is only relaxing for the warm up and cool down, and sandwiched in between is hard work.  But I love it.

It is a metaphor for life.  Sometimes I just have to get back to the basics.

A Day in Paradise

I awoke from the dream startled by the sound of the alarm.  "Ugh" I grunted hitting snooze and willing myself to return to the same spot in the perfect dream I had been enjoying prior to being pulled from it too soon by the bleep of my iPhone.  I drifted back into slumber, this time dreaming about baseball.  What the hell...I don't even like baseball.  Cruel twist of irony as the previous dream had involved someone who loves baseball. I contemplated trying again to recapture my place in the happy dream. Admitting defeat I figured I might as well get up.  I looked at the clock. 6:30am.  My kids are teenagers, which means they probably wouldn't emerge from the room they are sharing for several hours. The condo was peaceful and quiet. I thought perhaps I'd make coffee then head out on my bike (of course I brought it with me). We are on vacation. Spring Break. a.k.a self-imposed triathlon camp. I need to look at this trip as such because admittedly, with the cold dreary weather at home I have been a bit of a slacker recently. With my first 1/2 Ironman race quickly approaching I can not afford to revel in slackerdom. Time to move it, move it.

I padded to the window and peered through the blinds.  The sky was clear and in the early dawn was dark blue.  I opened the window and could hear the surf pounding the shore.  Heaven on earth.  Warm, sunny Florida.  I chuckled to myself remembering the kids had a snow day just last week.  The temperature here in Gulf Breeze promised to be 78 degrees. Ahhhhh, I'll take it. I come alive in this climate, and especially when I am in such close proximity to the water. Another day in paradise.

Decision to ride made, I dressed quickly, slathered on sunscreen, filled my water bottles and crammed tissues and gels into my pink Fuel Box.  I pulled on my pink cycling shoes, grabbed my helmet and was out the door.  I felt exhilarated. As I've mentioned, I am at home in the saddle.  My bike is an extension of me. I didn't have to leave a note.  My peeps would know where I went (the missing bike would be a dead giveaway, wink...wink).

I pedaled out of the parking lot with a smile on my face.  A few minutes later I reached the end of the little town and entered the protected National Seashore area of the island. The cars thinned out. I gazed ahead and the road appeared endless. It was lined with pristine, white sand which was dotted with tall grasses. The Gulf was to my right and white-capped waves slowly danced along the shoreline. I could smell the salt in the air as the sun warmed my shoulders. Occasionally I would pass a parked car and when I glanced at the water I would see a small number of people fishing along the beach. Otherwise it was just me.

It was beautiful.  I rode fast to get my heart racing, then back down to a lower zone for interval training. Perfect. I listened to Sweet Disposition on the playlist I had compiled for the ride (with one ear, the other ear free to catch the sound of cars approaching).  Safety first. A smile played on my lips and I felt as if I could ride all day.

I stopped briefly to take in the scenery and while I refueled I felt at such peace listening to the surf and enjoying the sunshine.  It was so quiet.

I rode for two hours, and reluctantly returned to the condo on the beach.  My daughter was awake and we took a long walk, chattering happily.  Perfect.

I found myself wishing I could start every day this way.  But back to real life soon, as the kids have school on Monday. But that's ok, as life is good. In the meantime I am content with slowing down, appreciating the little things and enjoying the time we have together in this beautiful place.  We are so blessed.

Peace,
Michelle

Countdown to Ironman Kansas 70.3

I have exactly twelve weeks until my first race of the season.  To some, that may sound like a long time.  Three months.  But when training for an Ironman 70.3 race, and one that is dubbed "a tough race", twelve weeks really isn't an abundance of time.  It's creeping up on me.  And while I have been training since January, I'm feeling the pressure to kick it up a notch.  I will swim 1.2 miles, then bike 56 miles topped off with a 13.1 mile run.  I want to be ready.  I WILL be ready!

I absolutely love the sport of triathlon.  The fact that I'm able to compete in long distances races is still something that gives me awe.  If you had asked me five years ago to consider covering 70.3 miles all at once I would have laughed!  Probably in your face, while telling you that you were crazy.  Not today.  I live for a challenge, and when one presents itself to me I'll take it.  In sports and in life.  Fear is a liar.  The challenge on my horizon is Ironman Kansas 70.3 on June 9, 2013.  Bring it.

Kansas is a prairie state, and with prairies come wind. This will play a factor in all three disciplines.

The swim is rumored to be in rough water, due to the winds. "Rumored" is an understatement, as every single person I've talked to who has raced Kansas has told me so.  I'm a little bit nervous because we have had a very cold pre-spring so far which means I will have limited open water swim training. Admittedly, I am not experienced in rough water swimming so that is another challenge.  I am hoping to be able to log some hours swimming in open water during April and May, but we shall see what Mother Nature has in store. For now, it's the pool 3-4 times a week.

The wind will affect the bike and the run as well, however I will have such conditions to train in the next twelve weeks so I'm not overly worried.  And you know how I love to ride and run.

As I write this, excitement is seeping from my pores.  I love race season!  My coach and several friends raced this weekend, and while cheering them it became real that race season is on!  It may be 27 cold degrees outside today, but spring has sprung.  It's going to be a great year! As the time ticks by, I will keep you periodically informed of my progress!  Thank you for following along in the fun.  Let's do this!

Peace out,
xoxo

Why Do I Do It?

"It".  Such a little word, but when packed with so much meaning "it" becomes enormous. Why do I race triathlons?  Why do I find it fun to ride a bike for 3 hours? Why do I work on myself every day?  Why do I mentor other women?  Why am I embarking on a new career at 45? Why do I drop anything I'm doing to help my children? Why (or how) do I keep such a positive attitude, even when the going gets rough?  These are just a few of the questions I'm occasionally asked by others and I ask myself every day. It's a running dialog I have with me. (smile)

I do it all because I have the ability, the drive, the dedication and the love in my soul.  I've wasted enough time in this short life.  The time is now to reach for the stars. And at age 45, I am finally finding me and making sense of it all.  Up until recently I was surviving on autopilot (just surviving...not living) but today I am making use of the body and the mind I have been blessed with.  And I am embracing all of my flaws, because they're part of me. This is not to say I'm holding on to them. Recognizing my defects, then interpreting the role they've played in my life and letting them go is all part of "it".  I emerge stronger in the process.

Life can get so crazy.  It seems I am constantly on the move. Work, training, kids, a household to run and a social life to try to keep up with. How do I keep "it" all together?  It's not easy sometimes but I just keep on keeping on. What other choice is there, really?  I make use of what I've got and every day becomes another step toward my dreams.  Anything is possible, I truly believe that.

The main component that keeps me grounded is to practice morning meditation. I am very spiritual and that's the key for me. If my spiritual condition is strong and first in my life, then everything else is cool.  I'm not necessarily talking about religion, but spirituality.  My method of meditation is to read a daily reflection then practice a yoga flow concentrating on what I've read, and sometimes just one word of the reading. Or I might meditate on my blessings and what I am grateful for that morning.  I let everything else go.  This centers me, calms me and builds me up from the inside out.  Perfect.

It works.  My day is not quite right if I skip my morning yoga and meditation. It's amazing how happy I am when I do so.  Any sadness or worry I might be feeling dissipates when I am concentrating on growth and gratitude. If I am strong on the inside then I am in turn strong on the outside and armed to take on the day's challenges.  Mentally and physically.

I hope you find peace in your heart today.  I know I have.

Namasté

Stone Cold Swimming

I'm going to try to put a positive spin on this blah day in Indiana. Today is not a day you would typically associate with swimming. Skies are gray, snow showers abound and it's cold.  I know, I know...it's February. Typical February weather. But like a lot of midwestern triathletes, I'm over it.  Bring me a sunny, 70 degree day thank you. Is that too much to ask?

I have to remind myself on days like this that spring is just around the corner, and Spring Break (I'm capitalizing it because it's that important) for my kids is only a month away.

You might be wondering what all this has to do with swimming. I'll get to it I promise.  My assigned workout today was a run (Fartlek...fun!) and a 4,000 yard swim.  At the risk of sounding whiney and wimpy, I just flat out don't like being cold. And when it's really cold I don't enjoy putting on a bathing suit and going to the pool.  Sure, the pool is indoors and sure, it's heated...but the locker room is not. It's like a walk-in freezer in there. I'm not a cold temperature gal...give me heat! (Remind me of that if we have a repeat of last summer when temps hovered in the high 90's-100's). You should have seen me in the locker room, it was ridiculous.  I stood in the frigid room a good 10 minutes weighing the pros and cons of taking my coat off, then undressing.  Again, not a fan of being cold.  But alas, I got undressed and I shivered into my tri suit, got over myself and swam.  Of course I enjoyed it once I warmed up.  Whine session now complete. Workout done.  Happy girl.

Now for me to be so wimpy is way out of character. I'm a girl who will hurtle herself down a Colorado mountain on a mountain bike at top speed. I will bungee jump, and I rappelled straight down a 75 ft drop without a second thought then took pleasure in my adrenaline rush.  But the cold, forget about it. To put it into perspective, I don't even use the hot tub on my patio in the winter because freezing my ass off in the snow on the way to and from the hot tub is just not worth the 10 minutes in the heat.  Call me crazy. Isn't cold weather ideal for hot tubbing for most people?  I guess we all have our quirks.

Tomorrow I am picking up my coach...my good friend from the airport. She is returning from a week in Puerto Rico where she was visiting her hot latin lover, who happens to be an athlete and a doctor. They spent the time swimming, biking and running (among other fun hot weather activities. Wink.).  I am happy for her...she deserves the happiness she's found.  But I have to be honest, there is a teensy green tint to my complexion.  Not sure what that's about...envy?  It's not a feeling I like to indulge in, but I guess I am. Just a teensy bit.  That being said, seeing her will give me a little ray of sunshine. Always does. And maybe a little inspiration to escape to a warmer climate myself!

I could find a way to enjoy this....

Even positive people have to grumble once in awhile.  Thanks for indulging me!  I'm sure I'm not alone in my quest for spring to arrive. See you soon!

Peace out,
xoxoxo