Weekend Update

Friday, I met up with Jen and Lindsay for another open water swim after work out at Lake Ann. We just did about a mile and called it good, since I had to get home to shower up and spend an evening with Jake and some friends that live just a few blocks away. Was nice to just hang out for a night...maybe this is what life will be like in about 2 weeks? Saturday morning I got up early and went to a swim clinic out at the Gunther's. I wanted to go and get some last minute 'tips' for Madison. Was a good clinic, as we talked a lot about agressive swimming techniques, where you can avoid agressors by how you stroke and position your body. Also, how to handle "grabbers" and strategies for the entire swim. Saturday evening, I met up with the girls at the Twins game (Heidi, Angie, Emily & Andrea) and watched a pretty uneventful game. Was OK, as I think we were gabbing the entire time, and maybe saw a few plays. We had our IronJen rally hats on, trying to get the Twins going - didn't work. They lost 2-0.

Sunday I got up early to go cheer on Stacy at the Minneapolis Duathlon (and Jim/Heidi, Leann, and a few more). Met mom, Jon & Laike, too. Stacy rocked out the course! Holy crap! The first 5K, she rocked out with a 8:30 min/mi average! She so would have smoked me! She had a strong bike (we didn't get to see her bike, as we were playing on the playground with Laike) and she looked great in her last 5K as well! She definitely had a great race and I'm so proud of her! 

 
This afternoon I spent some time on the trainer in the basement and I interjected some 'runs' around the block every 30-45 min of spinning to see what the leg felt like. (Don't worry....just some easy comfy runs - once around the block and back on the trainer again) Good news is that the leg (and back) seemed fine. No pain, a little bit of 'ghost leg' going on, but not bad. I just had to check it out and see how things felt, as I haven't ran for over 1.5 weeks here. The other good news is that my foot numbness has been (knock on wood) pretty much gone for about 1.5 days now. I minorly can feel a little tingle, but only if I am consciously thinking about it. I think tomorrow's appt with Dr. Dave we may get away with no cortisone injections...we'll see what he says. I really don't want a big needle in my back...not fun. My other activity today was monitoring Val and Jonny in their respective Ironmans today. Val is kicking some BUTT in Louisville and I'm so proud of her! She's about 6 miles from the finish and her splits for EVERYTHING have been so strong! I'm projecting her to finish at 13:30-14:00 if she holds strong. I am so very jealous of her right now... Jonny hasn't posted any run splits yet - swim was strong and first half of the bike looked good too, seemed to have slowed on the second half of the bike, so will have to get the scoop on that (weather? course? mechanical? bonk?). Hopefully the run goes well (Canada only posts 2 run splits, so it takes a while). Taper officially starts tomorrow, however, with my modified workout regime this past week, I'm really looking at that I'm going to have a slightly extended taper. Which is fine. The countdown begins!

Positive Attitude...Check!

Tuesday was kind of a 'blah' day for Jen...after getting the disc news the day before, my mind started racing around what this means for me post-Ironman. I was just mentioning to Noelle a few weeks ago how excited I was to get through tri-season and get into the Fall so I could meet up with run club 1-2 nights a week again and reconnect with those friends. That just hasn't fit into my workout schedules this season, and I miss them! I'm just hoping that running is still going to be in the equation for me, as that would knock out run club...and potentially future triathlon seasons. (Now you see why Tuesday was 'blah'? These thoughts were not very fun for the day running through my head)

 

But...attitude has bounced back from that minor derailment. Pep talks at spin Tuesday night helped and sending Val & Jonny off to their respective Ironmans this weekend (Louisville & Canada) was good too. I am trying to emulate Val's attitude (she's been struggling with a bum knee all season - doing her fair share of pool running) and only hope that I can approach IMWI in the positive / happy manner that Val sees things going into the big race. She is the most amazing person and I am so glad we're on the same 'team'! (Go Team!) She's gonna rock this weekend, I just know it!

I go to see Dr. Dave again this afternoon...the leg numbness has been going down (I think?) and so we'll have to chat about if we want to schedule up a cortisone injection next week or not. Right now, tingling is super-minimal in the toes & shin and I can feel it when I am thinking about it (to validate if it is there or not). So, I think that the icing and exercises are doing their job (I hope)! I'm icing my back as I type - super religious about that. I even travel with my ice (ice in the car driving to work, ice at work, ice on the way home from work...you get the picture).

I picked up my "IronJen" visors last night. They turned out super cute and I can't wait to see them on all of Jen M. & my friends and family out in Madison! I additionally picked up an Under Armor white compression shirt at the sport shop to go under my TCMC tri top, in the event that race day is 'chilly' - in lieu of using my arm warmer sleeves (that don't match my uniform) or throwing on my Flying Pig jacket (although it is pink...). Gotta look good on Pink Lightning!

Battle of the Bulge(s) & Pool Running

Today was the official 'reading' of the MRI from Friday...got some good news and some bad news. Bad news is that L4 and L5 discs are both bulging. That's right, two of 'em. Good news...they are not herniated. The goal is to keep them that way!

 

So, what does that mean? It means Jenny needs to get the current swelling down (that is pinching that sciatic nerve, causing my numbness) and keep it down. That involves icing, exercises I have to do 10 times a day, making sure my workouts don't irritate it (anymore than it is), and Dr. Dave's ART treatments (Active Release Technique).

Still ix-nay on the unning-ray (no running). If things don't progress in the next week here...potentially there could be some steroid/cortisone injections that we may try. But...that is not for sure yet.

So, in that tone, I spent an hour and a half in the pool today (I think that's the longest I've been in that pool for a LONG time...just HATE the pool). I ended up swimming a half mile, then running in the pool for 15 min. Repeat this 3 times. Next 'running' session I have in the pool I need to remember my iPod. Boring! On a good note, my half mile splits were sitting pretty stellar...and consistent. Got that going for me, I guess. Lake Menona better watch out!!!

I found some really good Les Brown quotes today, to put things in perspective for the coming weeks here:

"If you put yourself in a position where you have to stretch outside your comfort zone, then you are forced to expand your consciousness." "Just because Fate doesn't deal you the right cards, it doesn't mean you should give up. It just means you have to play the cards you get to their maximum potential." "Wanting something is not enough. You must hunger for it. Your motivation must be absolutely compelling in order to overcome the obstacles that will invariably come your way. Anytime you suffer a setback or disappointment, put your head down and plow ahead." "I advise you to say your dream is possible and then overcome all inconveniences, ignore all the hassles and take a running leap through the hoop, even if it is in flames."

"Safe & Easy" Weekend & Heidi Rocked!

Saturday I got out for a nice & easy ride to see how things were a' moving in my lower appendages. I ended riding about 40 miles out to Elm Creek from my house and back. Leg felt pretty decent, numbness was minimal (still present, but not too bad).

 

I then went to Pam's for Sarah's going away party with the other TCMC'ers. Is gonna be sad for when she leaves...was fun to train with her this year. Many of the party goers headed out early, as they were either racing at St. Paul or going to go cheer in the morning.

I got up early with my "Go Heidi" sign and headed over to St. Paul. I was going to go swimming during 'warm-up' to get some open water time in...but it was a bit chilly this AM and I parked a long ways away. So, opted to be solely a spectator.

Heidi was all revved up, she was in stellar form. Mags, Andrea, and Emily showed up too, to round out the cheering section. Heidi ended up smashing her expected finish time by almost 10 minutes! She rocked out on the swim, had a strong bike (2nd in age group) and went sub-30 on the run! Way to go Heidi!!! Next year, we will be working on transition techniques...(wink, wink). Easy time to shave off, girl!

During the race, I started to feel a few 'nervous' twinges....I think it was being in the 'race atmosphere' and knowing that in 3 weeks - that atmosphere (times 100) will be in Madison. It is coming up so very fast! Not officially a 'panic attack' for the counter, but I feel a few coming on. After the race, I went home and did another medium bike ride for the day - went about 30 miles this time. Again, leg felt pretty good (slightly numb, but not bad). Let's hope for a good week of biking & swimming...

MRI Time

Well, didn't quite anticipate that I'd be sitting in a MRI tube yesterday afternoon...but that is where I ended up. After hearing of my lovely condition (specifically it is either a bulging disc or herniated disc putting pressure on my sciatic nerve), I called around to a bunch of orthapedic doctors to see about getting a definitive diagnosis (MRI) to know what exactly I'm dealing with - with 3 weeks out of Ironman. Additionally, mom and dad are a bit concerned (as parents are), especially with dad having disc problems in his back ever since I can remember.

So, the earliest I could get in to see someone was Aug 31st...most of them were booked into late Sept! So, at my appt with Dr. Dave, I pretty much asked for the MRI referral "now", versus waiting for a week or so to see how therapy worked out. In a nutshell, if there is to be any treatment beyond Dr. Dave trying to get the inflamation down...I'd need an MRI first. So, to speed that process (IF it comes to that), I wanted that MRI in my back pocket. Time is a ticking!!!

So, ended up I got in yesterday late-afternoon and sat in that tube for about a half hour. Man is that thing noisy! At least I got headphones and could listen to some tunes. I even got a CD with all my images on to take home (see img above). Kinda cool huh? Well, I am NOT medically diagnosing myself, but there does seem to be a few little 'bulges' that could be the culprit of this sciatic numbness...but what do I know? We'll see on Monday, when I have my appt to see what the actual deal is with this stuff.

In honor of this fun injury, I ended up not going on the last 'century' ride with Noelle and Cindy (today) up to Noelle's cabin and staying home. I didn't want to push anything and risk further injury, this close to the race. In addition, I didn't want to be in the middle of nowhere (a.k.a Rush City) and have to call mom and dad to come pick me and Pink Lightning up.

Instead, I am going to go out for a ride this afternoon around here...maybe 30 miles or so - and am contemplating trying to get an open water swim in this weekend too (I just hate that pool!). We'll see. Tonight there is a TCMC party that I will probably swing by for a member that is moving away. And tomorrow I plan to go out and cheer on Heidi (and Suzie) at the St. Paul triathlon!!! Heidi's gonna rock!

Interject More Drama...Seriously?!?!

"Thou cold sciatica, cripple our senators, that their limbs may halt as lamely as their manners.” 

                                                                                                            – William Shakespeare 1564. 

So, to keep viewers interested up until the very end of TV shows and movies, writers interject late breaking drama to their story lines. Will the hero/heroine actually overcome, said, interjected drama? Oh... you must stay tuned to find out! Whatever! Well, why would this journey of mine be any different, right? 3 1/2 weeks from IMWI, why wouldn't we want to put on a little test for our future 'IronJen'? Let's just see how tough she really is.... right? OK, let me fill you in. 

For the past week (or so) I've had some numbness (twinges) in my left leg when working out. Thought it was probably just some sort of pinched nerve or something or other. Had my massage this weekend, hoping to work it out. It doesn't 'hurt'...is just like your leg is about to fall asleep. (Not very conducive to physical activities prevalent in Ironman training, needless to say). So last night at spin, I was just not doing well. Our set just sucked for me...my leg was numb and hence I could not 'spin' very well and was just muscling through the sets with my other leg (basically). To make a long story short, I ended up in some back seizing pain by the end of the night - pointing fingers to the fact that Jen has some disc issues going on in her back. So, back in to see Dr. Dave today - just got home from said appointment. Confirming I have a disc injury causing the numbness I've been seeing and some of the lack of strength in that leg. Lovely! So...what does that mean? I'm not supposed to run (for now) and only swim and bike (non-aero) as my leg numbness permits. Plus back exercises and therapy to get that disc back into whack. If in the next few weeks things don't improve (or if they get worse), I have to go in for an MRI and see what the deal-e-o is. So...I guess my last few weeks of training here are going to be interesting. Don't get me wrong, I WILL be doing Madison...I guess I just have to leap over a few more hurdles before I get there. Gotta.Make.It! Al...most....there...

Coming Into Final Stretch

So, recovery week is over (boo hoo!) and the final stretch is drawing near. In the next 2 weeks I will be putting in my final deposits into my fitness bank for withdrawl on Sept. 13th. It can be said that there's very little - if any at all - fitness to be gained or developed after the next 2 weeks of workouts that I have before taper. I think that's almost true right now - but I will attempt to squeeze a bit more out of this lemon, I think.

Since my fitness peak is here, I decided this weekend to work a bit on my mental fitness, as well. Besides a day full of homework yesterday (yuck!) I added a little 'light reading' to my list after seeing the girls out at the beach on Friday. I showed up for our swim and all lined up on towels were the girls with the following books "Becoming an Ironman" and "Born to Run". Prepping themselves for Madison and Louisville.

So, I went over to Borders on Saturday and picked up "Becoming an Ironman" too, to read some stories of Ironman finishers and their thoughts going into the race. (Again, at this point...I don't need any training books telling me how to train or eat, etc...) I just thought it would be a nice little 'pump you up' book and maybe I'd glean some real-world advice from these racers for how they approached and handled race day.

It's funny too, to think about being at one's 'peak' in a cycle like this...I flash back to when I swam in High School and my coach (Mr. Sholund) told us during one of our taper periods before Sections that this will be the fittest that we will probably ever become. Now I don't know if he meant for that build/taper cycle or not...but I have to disagree after this past year of training. I think I'm a bit 'fitter' than I was when I was 17 years old at the CHS pool. It's silly the things that stick in your head from almost 15 year ago! Yikes!

Open Water Swim, Massage Day & Party

Friday, I met up with Val, Jen, Jonny, and Erin at Lake Ann to do an open water swim in the lovely heat (whew! it was warm out - especially in the wetsuits!). I must say...these swims are SO much better than pool swimming. Pool swimming just gets so boring! Back, forth, back, forth. At least in swimming in the lake, you get to practice sighting and trying not to inhale nasty, dirty water. We had a pretty good swim...swam across the lake beach-to-beach twice, which I'd estimate at a little under 2 miles. See my Garmin output of the swim...cool huh? The only thing that sucks is that the Garmin doesn't track distances correctly in the water for some reason. I think the output here for this swim said we swam almost 4 miles. Yeah, right! 

 Then I went home, watched a movie and hit the hay. Jake called and said that he was almost set to fly out on the charter to their hunt in the Alaska wilderness (I think they were 700 miles north of Anchorage, somewhere). After chatting with him briefly, I slept for 11 hours! Wow...must have needed that. I was going to get up early to get in a run before my massage - but the sleep was much more appealing (obviously). So, I slept in a bit. 

 Then Mike came over for a massage...been trying to fit that in since Madison. Much, much needed...my left leg has been feeling a bit numb (kinda like it is about to fall asleep?) when running in the past week. Weird! Hopefully Mike worked out whatever was pinched and that will go away. 

Later, I went out for a long run - about 16 miles today. Was nice out, overcast and breezy. Legs felt pretty good on the run and I finished 'er up just before it started to sprinkle. Talk about timing! Tonight I'm heading to a party with the TCMC crew over at Val's house for Jen's birthday. Should be fun to hang with everyone again (not on bikes)...recapping Madison stories and chatting with everyone getting ready for their respective Ironman races coming up. (We really are a weird bunch when you get us all together...) Ha ha!

Recovery Week

So, since I've been back from Madison - it's been recovery week. Yeah! For those not into triathlon training, your training plan builds up (time and intensity) for 3-4 weeks and then you get a recovery week after that to allow your body to rejuvenate and get ready for the next round of weeks that build up again. After this week, I only have 2 more tough weeks before 'taper', which means I'm ready to rock and roll for IM! (Exactly 1 month away!!!! Augh!)

 

Not too much to report... Monday, I took off from training after the Madison weekend. Tuesday I was going to go to spin, but was feeling a bit 'out of it' at work (tired, light headed) and decided to skip it and went home to nap and then went to the gym with the hubby later in the evening to run and lift. Wednesday, I had 'core' at Jonny's. The rest of this week is fairly 'light', and should be good for getting me set for next week's workouts. Goal is to get as much rest as I can.

Back from some GREAT Training in Madison

Friday, Cindy and Noelle and I headed over to Wisconsin on Friday and would be meeting up with about 10 other TCMC people I train with for the big weekend of Ironman-fun. On our way, we stopped at Devils Lake State Park and decided to do a long open water swim across the lake and back. Doug, a guy from our June training class joined us too. My GPS seems a bit off....saying we swam 6 miles. It was more like 2.5 - 3 in my opinion. 

 

After that, we headed to the hotel, the girls did a quick soak in the hot tub, and then it was bed time for the next day's festivities of biking the full course (112 miles of F'ing hills! Pardon my french) I, unfortunately, couldn't sleep. Probably will be similar to the night before the race...so emulation techniques were working. Noelle & Cindy got up early to go meet Doug and Jake (another training class member) and get out on the roads early for the bike. I was waiting for the later TCMC crew that was doing Perkins first, then the ride. Which worked out good, as it was thunder storming in the morning. After brunch, we decided we'd hang until 10:00 until the storm passed through town and then hit the road. Noelle and Cindy were waiting for the weather to subside too...and were going to possibly join us, but then decided that they would run instead and do the bike tomorrow. So we got split up. Sounds like they had a good time. 

The ride was tough! We headed out in the rain to Verona (called "the stick"). It only rained for that portion of the ride (about an hour). So we were all very wet and dirty. Once in Verona...then it is 2 40-mile loops and then back into Madison. Loop #1: First half of the loop to Mt. Horeb went well with no issues...we were all pushing it (more than we should) and the heat was starting to pick up with the humidity. The second half of the loop encompasses 3 of the 4 hills (bitches) that make the course famous. Man! Did those SUCK! As bad as I remembered from last time, however, I think the humidity added to the "can't breathe" sensation that really over-powered me on those guys. But...I made it. The group met up in Verona for some cool beverage refills and to encourage the crew before we headed out for loop #2. 

Loop #2: Jen made really good friends with the front ring (gear) and attempting to keep her legs moving and loose. At the hill in Mt. Horeb (bitch #1) I heard a familiar sound from my rear tire....ppssst! Darn! Flat! Luckily...Jonny and Russ were behind me and stopped to get me all changed up in no time flat (was a pesky piece of wire that pierced my tire/tube). Jonny had to 'push' me to get started again because we were in the middle of the hill....but got 'er going. The second half of the loop has those darn bitches on them...and I was thinking I might have to walk those suckers. Got to them and decided to mentally give them hell and made it up all of them (panting, huffing and puffing...mind you). 

I really hope the 'fans' on that last hill don't expect any verbal confirmation of their presence from me on race day - cuz all they will get is breathless panting and snot. Seriously. Did I mention that it was hot (oh, and windy on some good stretches)? OK...just checking. Finally, we made 'er back to Verona with the crew. One person had 'bonked' a bit back and we had to call Noelle and Cindy to be her sag wagon to get her home...but the rest of us had only 16 miles back on the stick to call 'er a day. Home James! The ride back wasn't too bad, as the sun was starting to get lower and temps were dropping. There was a good hill on that stretch on the way back that is a little sneaky devil, but we all made it back. Tired, but all with smiles. We did it!

After that, we packed up our stuff, headed to the hotel to shower (is about 9 PM at this point) and went to grab a bite to eat before bed. Jonny said that in his 16-17 rides on this course...this was by far the toughest conditions he's seen (rain, wind and temps) and encouraged us all that if we could survive this today - we'd be fine on race day. AWESOME! Confidence booster. That night, I again couldn't sleep...(you'd think that with 9+ hours of biking for the day a body might be tired). So I went down to the lobby for about an hour to read. Sunday morning, we got up and had a bite then off to the terrace to run. We ran one loop of the course for about 13 miles. Again, a warm day out...but at least it was overcast - which was better than the day before. Val, Erin, Mike, Kat, and I went out and gallowayed (5-and-1's), which was nice. Erin was our 'tour guide', as she went to UW Madison...was fun to hear what the buildings were and little 'facts' during our run. After the run...back to the hotel to shower and head home. 

  

Cindy and Noelle were still on their bike, so I had one of the vehicles and headed home solo. They called during the ride home and said they had run into some issues with one of their fellow bikers 'bonking' after loop 1 and they didn't get in all the mileage they had hoped for....which sucks. After I got home, I unpacked, took a 'sleeping skittle', and attempted to blog until it kicked in. It kicked in fast, as this blog entry was a little 'funky' as I read it...good thing I didn't publish it. ha ha! I then fell into a coma to get my body the rest it was dying for. Ahhhh.....recovery week begins!

Going to Mad Town...

Well, spent last night packing up all my stuff for heading out to Madison today. I still cannot believe how much "stuff" there is for triathalon. I guarantee you that my car will be STUFFED full when I go over next time for Ironman (since you have to pack everything...just.in.case!). Oh...did I say "next time"? It is getting close!

 

I'm finishing up coffee here, putting the last of the luggage in the car and heading out. Gonna swing by the grocery store briefly for bananas and cash - then head over to meet Noelle. We are meeting up with Cindy and Margarita and then heading out together over to Wisconsin.

Plan is to stop at Devils Lake for a swim before getting into Madison, so hopefully the weather will hold out for us. Can't wait to try out the new Garmin! Should be back Sunday with lots of stories (hopefully good ones) and probably pretty sore and tired. I'm Off!

Into Long Week #2...

Well, we are about mid-week into week #2 of 20+ hr. training. Am still alive. Tired, but alive. Yesterday, I was going to run prior to spin class and Jim & Heidi decided to join in on the fun with their little 'Ironman-in-training'. We talked Mike into it too....sucker!

We ran around the lake next to spin class out in Maple Grove. Jim and I were sporting our new Garmins - just like twins. Jim & Heidi (a.k.a. speed demons) played nice and kept a 'slower' pace than they would have liked for the sake of Mike and I. We ended up running 5 miles at about a 8:30/mi pace. Nice little warm-up for 2 more hours of spin after that.

I got home to the neighborhood 'Night Out' deal in full swing on the street in front of our houses - this is twice in about 3 days that I've showed up to these little neighborly events all sweaty and gross from 3+ hour workouts. They officially think I'm nuts, I'm sure. Oh well...

This morning was core in the morning with the crew and tonight a little swim at the club while the hubby lifts weights. I have to start getting packed up for this weekend - as I leave Friday with a huge crew to go out and train all weekend in Madison. Should be a fun weekend, and the culmination of this massive week with the following planned activities:

• Friday - core class in AM + open water swim of roughly 2.4 mi on our way to Madison (~IM distance)
• Saturday - Bike the WHOLE course - 112 miles (possible brick run afterwards? TBD)
• Sunday - Run half the course (1 loop) or so for 13-ish miles with possible bike loop afterwards before heading home

I'm pretty sure that by Sunday evening, I'll be zonked. But then my week is done. Rest on Monday...Yeah!!!

Busy Weekend

On Friday, I biked about 30 miles out by my house and then Cindy came up to stay at my place for our long ride on Saturday morning. Ryan came up and met us too and we all took off for C-town (Cambridge). We rode up to mom and dad's, where they made us some good grub (pancakes, eggs, sausage, etc.). Yum! The ride was pretty windy (20-30 mph winds/gusts) so we were having a heck of a time getting up there. The way home wasn't any better...seemed like we couldn't catch a break. But, that's good training. All-in-all, we did 75 miles - my legs were dead by the end, so attempting to round it out to 80 wasn't going to happen. When we got home, I had a nice package on my doorstep... I ordered my Garmin from a different website on Friday morning, it was shipped and delivered in less than 24 hours! AWESOME! 

 After the ride I took a nap and then got ready to head down to Owatonna with Heidi and Angie to see an exhibit put on by our friend from college, Scott (we swam and were both art majors together). He is now a successful design director for Beyonce's clothing lines. He was displaying dresses he had designed for her, ad campaigns and design sketches he has done at the show. Was amazing! (see Star Tribune article). Was so GREAT to see him! After the reception, we went to "Bubba's Bar" and had a beer and then went over to Scott's parent's house for a bonfire and a little more time to converse and hang out with him and other alumni friends. 

 

Dresses Scott has designed for Beyonce

Sketches a la Scott

The Girls at Bubba's Bar

Sunday, I met Noelle and Cindy out at Lake Harriet for our long run. The plan was for about 15 miles. I had my new Garmin charged up and ready to go. We ended up running Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles - then back to Harriet. After about 10 miles, Cindy and I were spent. I think the windy bike ride on Saturday wiped us out. So we decided we'd walk another loop of Lake Harriet for a few more miles on our feet and call it good.

Long training week #1 done: 21 hours total, very tired. Now, on to long training week #2! Woo hoo!