Mexico Vacation is About to come to an End

Sadly, i am getting ready to leave Mexico. Paradisus is a wonderful place to train!  Other than road biking, I got most everything done that was scheduled. 

I will miss my 50 yard pool! Except the fact it didn't has a line on the bottom and I hit my head on the wall! Shocker to everyone that knows me!! 

Ocean open water swimming is different than the lake! It was very ruff the whole time we were here. Good training!! Wish I could have gotten the whole 2.4 miles in but it was just too ruff, plus I think I got bit with something....Shari, if you are reading this I didn't get bit with anything. There is nothing to be afraid of in the ocean!! 

  My one and only nap!! Thanks Nancy for taking this very attractive picture of me! 

One of the great trainers in the gym!! They were so encouraging and keep they keep the gym spotless!  I just wish they would use the orange towels...they were my favorite! (I use one for my Saturday early morning spin class during the off season)

Since food is such a huge part of IronMan training, I thought I would share some pictures! 

I'm very thankful I didn't need the ambulance that I passed on every loop I ran!! 

             Just a few fun pictures!

It will be good to get back to my training buddies. Gets very lonely doing this by yourself. Good bye Mexico!  Until we meet again! 

Training in Mexico and a 100 Days to Go

I was just informed that it was 100 days to IromManChoo. How can that be possible? Time is ticking way too fast!! I think I'm going to throw up. Plus I'm on vacation in Mexico and trying to keep up with training!!! 

Training on vacation has been going well, but the heat is taking a toll on this 50 year old. Even though the fitness center is airconditiined it is still warmer with higher humidty than in PA. I have completed most of of workout and haven't taken a day off. The 2nd day we were here I had an 80 mile ride and 3 mile run. I spent 4 hours on the spin bike. The trainers here have been wonderful. The one did tell me I was not aloud to drink anymore tequila during my four hour ride. I told him I was not a tequila girl. I didn't think I would make it after the 2 hour point but I worked through the demons and made it. I will say that I have the worst saddle sores that I have ever had. The spin bikes are not made for a short person. I had a 16 mile run scheduled for Sunday.  I got up late and it was hot!! Was hoping to start by 8:00 but I didn't wake up until 9 plus I had to eat breakfast. I ran the mile loop around the resort. At mile 5 I didn't think I was going to be able to run another 1/2 mile. I told myself just make it to six then go inside to the treadmill. I took a salt pill and it made a huge difference!  Lesson learned!! Im sure people thought I was totally out of my mind. I would have to agree with them! I did get some strange looks!! I just kept running the loop. I even had it in me to do the "Laura" for the last few minutes of the run!  16 miles done!! 4 hours and 14 minutes. It wasn't pretty and it wasn't fast but I made it!!

       During the last lap of my 16 miles. 

 I was going to take a nap but my two training buddies back in PA did a swim on top of the 16 miles, so I did what I had to do.  Put the black speed suit on and go to the beach.  I didn't swim long due to it was really ruff and I was beyond exhaughested. I even got a little sea sick. Another lesson learned.  Take ginger pills before a swim when the water is ruff. 

         

 

Century Ride Conquered!

The Roger's Century Ride has been on my calendar for a few month. It would be my first century ride (100 miles), starting in Northeast, PA and ending in Niagra Falls, CN.   After last weeks rides, I was not too nervous about it, but I still didn't know what to except after being in the saddle that long. (I did had a good idea what body parts would a little bit sensitive.). If you ever thought of doing a century, the Roger's Ride is a great first one!! Lots of stops to stretch, snack and potty! Plus it is fairly flat and beautiful! Roger has the trip down to a science and it couldn't be more organized. (Coming from professional travel planner that says a lot!) Most of the roads I felt very safe.  Riding through Buffalo, NY was an good city experience and it was nice to do it in a large group. 

            Mile 75 Near Buffalo, NY

Two highlights of the trip were coming across the Peace Bridge. They closed a lane for us to ride across the bridge!  What a view!!! I wish I could have stopped and taken a picture. Also, coming into Nigara Falls was amazing. There was a rainbow waiting for us! 

    Shari, Kevin and Laura in Niagra Falls

      First Century Ride - June 4, 2016

After a short 2 mile run we decided to treat ourselves to a delicious meal at a  restaurant called the Skylon. It was a rotating dining room 775 feet above the falls. 

             A Toast For a Great Ride!!

What I learned on my first century ride:

Body parts may go numb at some point, but the pain will resurface.

There are many terms and hand signals  used in a group ride that I never knew: stopping, slowing, breaking, pole..... just to name a few. Only one hand signal was conterdictory in my book - when you put your hand on your head. In scuba diving it is the sign of ok after you jump off a dive boat and in cycling it means you need help and for the van to stop. I will try not to confuse the two! 

At the 90% point in most of your training your demons will start talking and tell you that you will not make make it. Mile 90 was my breaking point. I wanted to stop riding and call an uber. (Is there Uber in Canada?) Everything hurt and my brain was in a fog. But, the feeling you have after you push yourself through the last 10% is amazing!  

The most important lesson:

Don't stop in the middle of the road.....

          Roger's Century Ride 2016

Turtle Tattoo - Longest Ride to Date

I have been dreading today for a week.  A 70 mile bike ride from Meriden, PA to Moraine State Park and back.  I couldn't sleep.......what if I fall over.....what if I was the one everyone had to wait for......what if I have to pee......what if I have to walk my bike up a hill.....What if I get a headache,,,,Everything was going through my mind!!   The last thing I said to Bryan before I left was "Keep your phone near you incase you have to pick me".  The stress was at a high level.

The ride started at Shari and Kevin's house at 7:30AM.  We rode to Harmony, PA to meet the group.  I wanted to throw up, but I put on my big girl pants and got on my bike. (At least I had 2 shoes for this ride.  The last time I went to ride, I was missing one bike shoe. Some how I had a shoe in each of our cars. Still can't figure that one out.)  The ride to Harmony was great.  I didn't realize at the time it was mainly downhill, until later in the day!  We got there early and had a little break before the hell began. 

The good news:  I didn't fall over, I didn't have to pee, I didn't walk my bike up the hill and I didn't have a headache.  The bad news:  I was last most of the time and people had to wait for me.  I hate when that happens!  That is when I made the revelation that my turtle tattoo was on my body, not only due to I love sea turtles and wanted a old school, black ink, tribal tattoo, but it is my reminder that I swim, bike and run like a turtle.  I will say I am getting fasters, but I just can't keep up with people that are younger or who have been doing triathlons for years.  I was a late bloomer in my athletic endeavors. I get that and embrace it, except when people have to wait for me.

The ride ended up being 71.3 miles - 6 hours and 18 minutes. (that included a few stops) with 4750 feet of gain.  That is a shit load of gain, especially for a 50 year old's first really long ride.  I did get a great lesson from Joella when we got to Moraine State Park.   I'm sure if I remember everything she told me, I will get stronger and faster.  Always something to work on. 

I do think Shari tried to kill me at one point.  She turned the wrong way to go home and we pedaled and pedaled and pedaled up a huge hill.  (I did have a thought that I may have to walk my bike up).  Shari beat me up the hill (shocker) and  she was on the phone.  All I heard was "Hollie is going to kill me". We were a little lost.   Long story short, we had to go back down that hill and turn and go up another huge hill.  This was around mile 54-57.  Anyway, I didn't die, but I was wearing out.  Shari did have a "too close for comfort" close call with a car pulling out of a model home.  She is very lucky that she got stopped.  It could have been tragic. 

We made it back to Shari's house and she said "do you have your running shoe?".  I proceeded to say, I don't have a run and there is no f.....way I was going to run. So I put my bike on the back and the truck and went home.  After I was home for 10 minutes, I put on my running shoes and ran/walk 2.5 miles.  I check with Joella and I was supposed to run,  It was slow, but wasn't was bad at I thought it was going to be. 

The journey of IronMan is amazing.  I never knew my body would ever put up with what I am doing to it.  Each and every day I am shocked what I can do.  Even it is slower than a turtle, I finish what is on my plan and get up the next day and do it all over again.  Today's ride was a high point, due to I came home in one piece.  Next weekend is my first century ride (100 miles in a day).  Look out Niagara Falls!  Here comes the Iron Curtain!! 

First Open Water Swim of the Season with My Girls!

Not everyone was excited as I was to get in the water at Porters Cove - Moraine State Park. The water was warmer than expected and the sun was shining!  We got in one mile this week! Can't wait for the next open water swim.

This is my favorite pictures, so far, of our "Iron Curtain".  In four months we will be in Chattanogga!!! Time is flying!! 

When Hot Flashes Come In Handy!

Saturday was the Mars High School Band 5k/10k Race.  Since our company is a sponsor, we thought we should make an appearance.  It was your typical spring day in Western PA.  Cold, gray and rainy.  Both Bryan and I were doing the 5k. (It was his first 5k, with no training of course).  I don't consider anything I do as a "race".  I think of it more as a "Personal Goal Event".  My personal goal was anything under 30 minutes.  My time was 30:13 - 14 seconds over my person goal, but it was a PR for a 5k.  (I have only done one other stand alone 5K). Bottom line is that I suck at running! The best part was I didn't get cold!  I even took off my raincoat during the race.  Everyone else seemed to be cold......Not Me!  Thank you menopause! 

                                               Laura, Share and I with our new hardware!



The Mighty Moraine Man Spring Sprint was on Sunday.  Once again, it was cold, gray and rainy.  My personal goal was to beat my time last year of  1:47:55 and to not mess up my Garmin in triathlon mode. This was the first "Personal Goal Event"  I was using my Garmin.   Me being me, I practice about 20 times pushing the correct buttons days before the race.  The water was around 63 degrees.  I think I was the only crazy person that did an open water swim before the race.  I wanted to get the fear of the cold water out of my head.  Everyone was dreding the cold water and the swim. I got in with some friends and did a good warm up.  The water felt fine, cold but manageable and my swimming was stress free.  Got to the staring line with no sign of any anxiety.  The horn went off and in I went.  The first 10-15 seconds were fine, then it went down hill.  Couldn't get my breath, went off course, stopped a few time......it was not pretty to say the least.  By the time I was half way done, I settled in and got into my grove.  I was almost done, when some random guy in a wetsuit and hood floated in front of me.  I T-boned him.  Startled me to say the least.  He was not in my sight line at all!  I guess he got off course and was backstroking or just floating on his back trying to get on course.  Needless to say, I had more stops in that swim than I think I have ever had and it ended up more worst swim ever.  (That really pisses me off......I love to swim, I love open water and I wasn't a bit cold!  WTF!!)  Anyway, I get out of the water (pushing the correct button (yeah me!) and get to T1.


There is the guy that I T-Boned!  He looked like one of the safety divers!  I really need to do something about that side boob issue!


               I was really trying to look happy! 

I thought I better put on a jacket and/or glove for the bike portion.  Neither one of them would go on since I was wet and I didn't have a dry towel, due to the rain.  I just said F it and threw everything on the ground and got on my bike (and pushed my button!!). The bike was uneventful.  I just need to be more aggressive and pass people when I can.  I have to stop thinking that person is stronger than me, so she will pass me anyway on the hill.  While on the course, I did notice that a lot of people had jackets and gloves on. I kept thinking, I am going to get cold!  Nope!  Not me!  Temperature felt fine! Made it back to T2 and once again pushed the correct button!  I'm sure people that didn't understand why I keep saying, Push The Button, Push The Button out loud thought I was totally crazy. T2 went quick, changed shoes (elastic laces are the best!),  put on my new orange hat and off I went leaving transition saying, Push the Button, Push the Button!

                You can see my mess in transition??

The run was uneventful, other than all the people passing me, due to I totally suck at running.  (I think I already stated that fact!)  The finish line came at 1:46:09.  I did make my person goal and I did push my button at the correct times!  Of course me being me, I was disappointed at my swim time and thought I should have been able to get a little better time on the bike.  I came in 2nd in my old lady division. And yes, there were more than 2 crazy old ladies!  There were 3!


Of course I had to do the "Laura" - Strong/Fast Finish to the End!


  Can you tell I was thinking about pushing the button??


               Push the Button!  Push the Button!!

After the race I talked to a bunch of people and they said they froze in the water.  I heard that some people were even disoriented.  I kept saying, I wasn't cold at all!  I guess the moral to this post is sometimes hot flashes are a good thing!  After about 5 years of having them, this is the first time I was "joyful" to have numerous hot flashes in a morning!!  Let's just hope they ease up in September for IMCHOO.  I don't think it will be cold in TN!

              

When you are really tired....

You know you're really tired when you get home from a swim, open the wine refrigerator and think.....I'm going to pick a wine that has a screw top....it will be easier than getting the corkscrew out!