Having spent hours upon hours this past weekend with my own thoughts, Brene Brown's words were stuck on a loop that I couldn't shake.
"Vulnerability is our most accurate measure of courage."
And, that of the original definition of courage, which is "to tell the story of who you are with your whole heart".
Got it.
Everything about triathlon makes me come alive and my heart sing. Pushing my body to places I never imagined possible is a very vulnerable place to go, but it's where I thrive, and it is the story my heart has to tell. In order to live the life of my dreams, it's required to let go of parameters, judgment and doubt. Not only that, but it's also required to adopt the belief that I'm worth the life I crave.
Easy, I got this.
Willingly or not, vulnerability sometimes sucks. Leaving ourselves open, virtually unprotected leaves the door wide open for a LOT of REALLY GOOD things, but we can't selectively let only the good in. Life is meant to be lived in full abundance, not only abundantly good. So, along with the good, comes some bad, hurt and struggle.
My point is not to bring to light that life isn't all wine and roses, but to remind you (and myself), that it's not supposed to be easy, you are always stronger than you think, and to have belief that it will be worth it. Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.
7.27.2013
When life hands you peaches...
First of all, if life hands you peaches, you already know you're one up on the lemons. Which brings me to the second thing you should be grateful for, Peach jalapeño margaritas! Seriously. You can thank me later. If life hasn't dropped a box of peaches on your door step, find some.
Why peaches, you ask? Well, here's the thing. Sometimes it can feel like you were given a big box of lemons, which can be a little overwhelming. What can I possibly do with all this sourness? Do I have enough sugar? But, have you ever thought that maybe, just MAYBE, it wasn't lemons to start with? Chances are that you might have been given something more like peaches. Sometimes even ripe peaches need a little time off the tree until they're perfectly edible. And the possibilities from there are virtually endless.
Sometimes I find my self reacting before I know what's really in the package. Instead of being reactionary and trying to fix the problem right away, it just so happens, that sometimes the best thing to do is take your time to figure it out. Take a step back so you can see more clearly, take a deep breath and trust that you will know exactly what to do and have all the tools to handle whatever it is. Another good thing about peaches is that they freeze well too. So, you can cut them up into smaller pieces, put them in the freezer and deal with them a little at a time. You see, it's also important to realize that you don't have to figure it all out at once or come up with the perfect divine solution right away. Start with trusting yourself, your instincts and your intention and move forward. Yes, you do have to move, that part is up to you...but the margaritas can be helpful if you're stuck.
When life hands you lemons, you have the ability to turn them into peaches. Just make sure to keep some tequila, lime and jalapeños around for the occasion, and please invite me over!
PS. Washington peaches are now in harvest, how convenient!
Why peaches, you ask? Well, here's the thing. Sometimes it can feel like you were given a big box of lemons, which can be a little overwhelming. What can I possibly do with all this sourness? Do I have enough sugar? But, have you ever thought that maybe, just MAYBE, it wasn't lemons to start with? Chances are that you might have been given something more like peaches. Sometimes even ripe peaches need a little time off the tree until they're perfectly edible. And the possibilities from there are virtually endless.
Sometimes I find my self reacting before I know what's really in the package. Instead of being reactionary and trying to fix the problem right away, it just so happens, that sometimes the best thing to do is take your time to figure it out. Take a step back so you can see more clearly, take a deep breath and trust that you will know exactly what to do and have all the tools to handle whatever it is. Another good thing about peaches is that they freeze well too. So, you can cut them up into smaller pieces, put them in the freezer and deal with them a little at a time. You see, it's also important to realize that you don't have to figure it all out at once or come up with the perfect divine solution right away. Start with trusting yourself, your instincts and your intention and move forward. Yes, you do have to move, that part is up to you...but the margaritas can be helpful if you're stuck.
When life hands you lemons, you have the ability to turn them into peaches. Just make sure to keep some tequila, lime and jalapeños around for the occasion, and please invite me over!
PS. Washington peaches are now in harvest, how convenient!
7.14.2013
What IS
I've actually been sitting here working on my long-over-due race report from Pacific Crest. Though there were quite a few highlights from not just the race, but my travels to Bend, it's not what I feel compelled to talk about.
Yesterday, I signed up for a SUP Yoga class, and though I was very excited when I signed up, I realized once the day arrived that I wouldn't be able to squeeze in my bike/run training before...which is what I usually prefer. I mean, what better way to end a hard day of training than a good yoga session to get things loosened up, add a little muscular endurance and nothing can beat my favorite pose, Shavasana.
As it were, I just couldn't make it work...so I'd start my day with Yoga and end with my bike/run, which would also fall smack dab in middle of the days heat. Deep breath.
I knew there had to be a reason for all this and I needed to just let go of my perception of the "best way" to get things done and not just try a different way, but believe that it could potentially be better. Breath.
Let me just say, SUP Yoga surpassed my expectations! Thank you Bridget Shae and Ila Yoga!
It was definitely a challenge, but you really can't beat the serenity of practicing on water. Magical. Seriously.
Though I was still a little unsure of how the rest of my day would unfold, I revisited my intention for the day, and carried the belief with me that there is a chance this would be better than I imagined. It was. At first I felt a little sluggish during my warm-up, but I really tried to just stay in the moment and accepting of what IS instead of over thinking. Starting the day with this mindset from yoga, ingrained it into my thick skull and translated seamlessly to training.
.JPG)
This view didn't hurt either.
My expectations so easily put parameters on everything, which in turn, limits the outcome.
I am tired of living a limited life, aren't you?
Today, I give myself permission to let go of my expectations, to live beyond my parameters and accept that what IS, is so much more than I planned.
Onward. XO
Sarah
PS. I'd like to start every day this way, if anyone is interested in teaching a 4am yoga class, I'm in!
Yesterday, I signed up for a SUP Yoga class, and though I was very excited when I signed up, I realized once the day arrived that I wouldn't be able to squeeze in my bike/run training before...which is what I usually prefer. I mean, what better way to end a hard day of training than a good yoga session to get things loosened up, add a little muscular endurance and nothing can beat my favorite pose, Shavasana.
As it were, I just couldn't make it work...so I'd start my day with Yoga and end with my bike/run, which would also fall smack dab in middle of the days heat. Deep breath.
I knew there had to be a reason for all this and I needed to just let go of my perception of the "best way" to get things done and not just try a different way, but believe that it could potentially be better. Breath.
Let me just say, SUP Yoga surpassed my expectations! Thank you Bridget Shae and Ila Yoga!
It was definitely a challenge, but you really can't beat the serenity of practicing on water. Magical. Seriously.
Though I was still a little unsure of how the rest of my day would unfold, I revisited my intention for the day, and carried the belief with me that there is a chance this would be better than I imagined. It was. At first I felt a little sluggish during my warm-up, but I really tried to just stay in the moment and accepting of what IS instead of over thinking. Starting the day with this mindset from yoga, ingrained it into my thick skull and translated seamlessly to training.
.JPG)
My expectations so easily put parameters on everything, which in turn, limits the outcome.
I am tired of living a limited life, aren't you?
Today, I give myself permission to let go of my expectations, to live beyond my parameters and accept that what IS, is so much more than I planned.
Onward. XO
Sarah
PS. I'd like to start every day this way, if anyone is interested in teaching a 4am yoga class, I'm in!
6.17.2013
THE VIEW
This past week, I was looking forward to utilizing some of my frustration to fuel some really good training. BUT, it's a recovery week for me...so instead I had to actually deal with my emotions - ugh!
What better way than to get outside and play! I planned most of my adventures based on taking in my favorite local views - Saddle Rock (twice), Skyline, Wenatchee Heights and Lake Chelan (also twice)...throw in a couple easy rides, TRX and Hot yoga, and I was one happy girl! Did I mention a ton of organizing....clothes by color? Or by season? Or both? Ha!
Oh, and to finish it off, the view at family dinner!
Taking this time is essential for me to maintain perspective. I'm so grateful that I have a long ways to go, because I'm really enjoying this journey!
What better way than to get outside and play! I planned most of my adventures based on taking in my favorite local views - Saddle Rock (twice), Skyline, Wenatchee Heights and Lake Chelan (also twice)...throw in a couple easy rides, TRX and Hot yoga, and I was one happy girl! Did I mention a ton of organizing....clothes by color? Or by season? Or both? Ha!
Taking this time is essential for me to maintain perspective. I'm so grateful that I have a long ways to go, because I'm really enjoying this journey!
6.14.2013
PMA
Sometimes, in life, things go according to plan. Or, so I've heard! Is it ever plan A?
This past weekend I (with family in tow), traveled over to Boise, for a little racing!
Physically heading into the weekend, I was feeling pretty amazing. Mentally, not so much. Let's just chalk it up to having a rough week, at the wrong time!
It's been since Wildflower that I've done a race, so I was anxious to see what my training had produced and to catch up with some Wattie teammates again!
Even with all the excitement, I felt like I had a black cloud over my head that I just couldn't shake.
Black cloud or not, I was determined to race well, and have fun. I did my usual race prep routine, and it helped a little, I just had to have faith that it would all come together.
Since my wave didn't take off until 12:39, I had plenty of time to calm my nerves and get amped up! As soon as the gun went off I was feeling AMPED and ready! All was going well, until I hit the first turn buoy, when the reservoir suddenly felt like a washing machine. The buoys seemed to be moving, or was it just me? It was hard to say, since every time I tried to sight I was smacked in the face with water - ugh! No biggie, I told myself, just relax and KEEP SWIMMING. I couldn't wait to get out of the water and on to my bike...unfortunately, that was nearly 40 freaking minutes later!
DON'T panic!
It felt amazing to get on my bike! This race, my plan was to push the bike, and it felt great! Yeah, it was hard, but I felt strong and just tried to keep a good rhythm. As I came into T-2, I had made up for my poor swim and then some. But I also knew something wasn't quite right.
My stomach was starting to get a little unhappy the last few miles of the bike, and I was hoping if I stayed relaxed and ignore it, it would just go away...but, it got worse :( Every time I tried to pick up my pace on the run, well, it wasn't pretty. Between potties, I just tried to keep moving forward, I kept telling myself that anything could happen...I knew I was losing time, hopefully it wasn't too much time. As I was being passed heading out to the 2nd lap, I knew I should have been able to stick with her, but my stomach was not having it...ugh! I just tried to stay relaxed and as things kept coming out of me, I tried to find something that would stay down and keep my energy up. For the most part, I stuck with the usual stuff, but by mile 8 I opted for Coke and it tasted SOOO good! Seemed to be just what I needed, the last few miles I felt like I could actually run, finally! Sadly, it was too little too late, but enough to hang on for 3rd OA and 2nd AG AND a spot to Vegas!
Though I am disappointed I have to be honest, I was able to accomplish my 2 goals for the race. #1 race the bike & #2 qualify for Vegas. Mission accomplished :)
Now time to recoup and get ready for my next big training block - yeeeehaw!
Thanks for your support!
XO
Sarah
This past weekend I (with family in tow), traveled over to Boise, for a little racing!
Physically heading into the weekend, I was feeling pretty amazing. Mentally, not so much. Let's just chalk it up to having a rough week, at the wrong time!
It's been since Wildflower that I've done a race, so I was anxious to see what my training had produced and to catch up with some Wattie teammates again!
Black cloud or not, I was determined to race well, and have fun. I did my usual race prep routine, and it helped a little, I just had to have faith that it would all come together.
Since my wave didn't take off until 12:39, I had plenty of time to calm my nerves and get amped up! As soon as the gun went off I was feeling AMPED and ready! All was going well, until I hit the first turn buoy, when the reservoir suddenly felt like a washing machine. The buoys seemed to be moving, or was it just me? It was hard to say, since every time I tried to sight I was smacked in the face with water - ugh! No biggie, I told myself, just relax and KEEP SWIMMING. I couldn't wait to get out of the water and on to my bike...unfortunately, that was nearly 40 freaking minutes later!
DON'T panic!
It felt amazing to get on my bike! This race, my plan was to push the bike, and it felt great! Yeah, it was hard, but I felt strong and just tried to keep a good rhythm. As I came into T-2, I had made up for my poor swim and then some. But I also knew something wasn't quite right.
Though I am disappointed I have to be honest, I was able to accomplish my 2 goals for the race. #1 race the bike & #2 qualify for Vegas. Mission accomplished :)
Now time to recoup and get ready for my next big training block - yeeeehaw!
Thanks for your support!
XO
Sarah
6.02.2013
This is NOT one of those days
WOW - I seriously can't believe it's been so long since I've written...or since Wildflower!
Not much has been happening in my life, other than life.
But, something BIG is about to happen, in one short week, BOISE 70.3! Which means, my anxiety is on the rise, making every little thing frustrating and/or annoying. Ok, not EVERYthing, but close. Yesterday I was doing my last "tempo" ride before Boise and I noticed my saddle was a bit lower than it should have been. I figured it had just slipped because the seat post clamp was loose, I was right! However, when I pulled it out, it came apart (it's 3 pieces), and even though I had done this a million times, I couldn't remember how it went back together! So, I called for back-up (coach), and as soon as I had him on the phone, I figured it out (of course). Then, as I was putting it all together, I dropped one of the pieces into my frame and couldn't get it out!! UGH! Once I got it out, I dropped it again! Nice one, Sar-Bear! Once I finally pulled my sh!t together, 15 wonderful minutes had passed.
Deep Breath.
It wasn't long before I settled back into my groove and into my workout. All was going well, until I had to pee. The first spot I found, I was just about to go, when I saw a snake tail about 2 feet from me, and back on my bike I went. Since there was virtually NO traffic, I decided to just risk it and go on the side of the road. No biggie, until I looked down. Yup, I was so worried about traffic that I didn't notice the "water shed", had puddled right under one of my feet. Awesome.
Despite a few minor set-backs, by the end of my ride I was back to HAPPY and loving that even the least scenic ride around here is still gorgeously located right along the Columbia River.
Enough about that, what's been on my mind since a friend perked my up on my Terrible Tuesday, is what she said to me. "Someday you won't be able to do this, today is not that day".
When I bumped into her, I was headed for my trainer and a ride that in the description stated "this will be pretty hard" and I was not motivated AT ALL. Not only that, but I was frustrated that I wasn't motivated, thinking to myself, maybe I don't have what it takes! With that one little sentence, my whole perspective immediately shifted. After all, it was JUST a workout, and it was only going to take about 1:10, and if that's my biggest problem today...when did I start being so ungrateful and full of self doubt!?!?
It's so easy to lose perspective. Just because your motivation is waining or you don't feel 100%, isn't detrimental, it's actually part of the process. If we didn't face these challenging times during training, how would we overcome them in a race?
An article I read refers to this as "THE GRIND", which starts when training gets tiring, painful and tedious..and the point which might be most important in training. Concluding with "The Grind may not be very enjoyable, but do you know what is less enjoyable? Not achieving your goals because you weren't willing to do the hard work."
http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/page/toolbox/?id=89592#.UauPGWRATf
So, you don't have to enjoy it, but I encourage us all to embrace it!
It won't be easy, so make sure you're prepared for battle when the time comes!
Here's some tactics I use to get up and go:
Inspirational blogs/posts from my AMAZING WATTIE INK teamies - they are relentlessly positive and motivating! Find someone or something that inspires you and don't be afraid to read it every day.
Inspirational videos - watching some of my triathlon or track heros throw down in big races, like this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLKqnvDl_rE
Inspirational songs - usually something like: Don't Give Up, Noisettes; Even if it Breaks Your Heart, Eli Young Band; I Made It, Kevin Rudolf; Kill Your Heros, Awolnation.
Bribery - haha, YES, I'm not above bribing myself. But make sure it's specific, and something you can control "Don't give up on yourself, even if your pace is falling off, give all you have on each specific effort." The reward be anything you want. Since I don't have a lot of $$, my favorite is a new song download :), but I've also used a recovery treat, pedicure, massage...or whatever I've been putting off because I felt I "didn't deserve it"
Know that you're not alone this battle, we ALL have our own "GRIND" to get through. Know that you are deserving of what's on the other side and never, never, never, never give up.
Onward,
Sarah
XO
Not much has been happening in my life, other than life.
But, something BIG is about to happen, in one short week, BOISE 70.3! Which means, my anxiety is on the rise, making every little thing frustrating and/or annoying. Ok, not EVERYthing, but close. Yesterday I was doing my last "tempo" ride before Boise and I noticed my saddle was a bit lower than it should have been. I figured it had just slipped because the seat post clamp was loose, I was right! However, when I pulled it out, it came apart (it's 3 pieces), and even though I had done this a million times, I couldn't remember how it went back together! So, I called for back-up (coach), and as soon as I had him on the phone, I figured it out (of course). Then, as I was putting it all together, I dropped one of the pieces into my frame and couldn't get it out!! UGH! Once I got it out, I dropped it again! Nice one, Sar-Bear! Once I finally pulled my sh!t together, 15 wonderful minutes had passed.
Deep Breath.
It wasn't long before I settled back into my groove and into my workout. All was going well, until I had to pee. The first spot I found, I was just about to go, when I saw a snake tail about 2 feet from me, and back on my bike I went. Since there was virtually NO traffic, I decided to just risk it and go on the side of the road. No biggie, until I looked down. Yup, I was so worried about traffic that I didn't notice the "water shed", had puddled right under one of my feet. Awesome.
Despite a few minor set-backs, by the end of my ride I was back to HAPPY and loving that even the least scenic ride around here is still gorgeously located right along the Columbia River.
Enough about that, what's been on my mind since a friend perked my up on my Terrible Tuesday, is what she said to me. "Someday you won't be able to do this, today is not that day".
When I bumped into her, I was headed for my trainer and a ride that in the description stated "this will be pretty hard" and I was not motivated AT ALL. Not only that, but I was frustrated that I wasn't motivated, thinking to myself, maybe I don't have what it takes! With that one little sentence, my whole perspective immediately shifted. After all, it was JUST a workout, and it was only going to take about 1:10, and if that's my biggest problem today...when did I start being so ungrateful and full of self doubt!?!?
It's so easy to lose perspective. Just because your motivation is waining or you don't feel 100%, isn't detrimental, it's actually part of the process. If we didn't face these challenging times during training, how would we overcome them in a race?
An article I read refers to this as "THE GRIND", which starts when training gets tiring, painful and tedious..and the point which might be most important in training. Concluding with "The Grind may not be very enjoyable, but do you know what is less enjoyable? Not achieving your goals because you weren't willing to do the hard work."
http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/page/toolbox/?id=89592#.UauPGWRATf
So, you don't have to enjoy it, but I encourage us all to embrace it!
It won't be easy, so make sure you're prepared for battle when the time comes!
Here's some tactics I use to get up and go:
Inspirational blogs/posts from my AMAZING WATTIE INK teamies - they are relentlessly positive and motivating! Find someone or something that inspires you and don't be afraid to read it every day.
Inspirational videos - watching some of my triathlon or track heros throw down in big races, like this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLKqnvDl_rE
Inspirational songs - usually something like: Don't Give Up, Noisettes; Even if it Breaks Your Heart, Eli Young Band; I Made It, Kevin Rudolf; Kill Your Heros, Awolnation.
Bribery - haha, YES, I'm not above bribing myself. But make sure it's specific, and something you can control "Don't give up on yourself, even if your pace is falling off, give all you have on each specific effort." The reward be anything you want. Since I don't have a lot of $$, my favorite is a new song download :), but I've also used a recovery treat, pedicure, massage...or whatever I've been putting off because I felt I "didn't deserve it"
Know that you're not alone this battle, we ALL have our own "GRIND" to get through. Know that you are deserving of what's on the other side and never, never, never, never give up.
Onward,
Sarah
XO
5.13.2013
The most fun I've had being HOT and DIRTY. Well, almost...
It's been over a full week since racing Wildflower Triathlon, so I thought I'd walk down memory lane for a few. Join me?
Leading up to the race, I was feeling strangely pulled together. You know that feeling like, what the HELL am I forgetting because this seems too easy!? Turns out, I didn't actually forget anything, which can only mean that my guardian angels worked their asses off that week. Hallelujah. Thank you.
My workouts all went well, though I was experience plenty of my usual pre-race tightness. I headed to Cali on Wednesday, so I would have plenty of time to decompress and enjoy being out of town for a couple days. But Wednesday I woke up feeling awful! My joints ached, I felt nauseous and had a headache. Nice. I tried to keep up with my calories, but only barely and only because I knew I HAD too. Travel only seemed to make me feel worse, and by the time I arrived at my hotel in Paso Robles at 11pm, I was feeling worse. I kept telling myself to NOT PANIC, there was plenty of time to pull myself together. Or, so I hoped.
10 hours later, I woke up feeling like myself again - except every time I tried to eat. UGH! I spent the morning mostly being lazy, but managed to run to the store, put my bike together and head to the lake by 1pm to pick up my packet and take a dip in the lake. This is when things really turned the corner. As I arrived, there was almost no one around. Not the massive crowds and caos that I'd anticipated. WHEW! I snagged my race packet and strolled down to the lake to hopefully loosen up, and to see what this Blue Seventy Helix was all about. The wetsuit was amazing, it fit perfectly! I still don't understand how it can be so incredibly snug, yet comfortable at the same time. I don't really need to understand, but I most certainly appreciate! As I did my short 15 minute swim, I felt better and better - quite unusual for me, since swimming generally isn't my "sanctuary". Anyway, I left the lake feeling GREAT! AND excited to race in a couple days!!
Uh-oh, Friday already!! My morning was again, pretty chill. I took my bike out for a spin through the vineyards around Paso Robles, it was stunning, and so peaceful! Most notably though, after my ride, my appetite returned! I spent the rest of the day steadily working my way through a pretty significant pile of food supplies. In the afternoon, I headed up to the lake again.
.JPG)
Most of my WATTIE INK teammates had arrived, so I was anxious to meet them and get my bike dropped off. As I walked down the path to the lake, I ran into my first Watties - Paul Brown and Gerry Foreman. It was like meeting long lost family! Shortly after, I met a few more of my family (team) before heading up to my car for a quick nap before our team pictures.
After dropping my gear, I took a quick peak at the expo, where I actually met Kristin Mayer (Betty Designs)!!!!! There we were @ Wildflower in the middle of NOWHERE California and she and her hubs were working their own both at the race expo!! I couldn't believe it was really HER - I tried to casually look at the swimsuits I dream about and had no idea what to say, really, so I intrudcued myself, a quick chit-chat and took off before I tried to say something funny...that wasn't. But seriously, it was really her, and I still can't believe it!
.JPG)
Haha, if only that was the ONLY moment like that I had during the weekend. NOPE!
After that, I went to track down Wattie, to pick up my HELIX wetsuit and podium shirt. And BOOM, there he was! As he sorted through shirts, just casually said, "oh yeah, and that's Heather". I peaked in the door, and sure enough, there was HEATHER JACKSON, just resting up. And I found myself again speechless - absolutely shocked it was really her! I don't know what I expected, but I'm just going to tell you now, she's a REAL person ya'll! Just then, Paul Brown returned and saved me from one more second of awkward silence! The rest of the night was pretty uneventful, I left the lake around 6:45, grabbed a quick sandwich on my way back to the hotel, made sure everything was laid out and ready for the morning, set my alarm and counted myself to sleep.
Race morning - YEEHAW!! As usual, I gave myself plenty of time to get to the race, arriving and parked by 6:15am, 3 hours before I was set to start.
But, before I knew it we were off!! I had a decent swim start, it was pretty typical of me, still not the most confident swimmer, but at least I didn't panic! Did I mention how AMAZING my new wetsuit is? I L.O.V.E. it! Blueseventy Helix. Get one.
It was already time to bike :) I landed my flying mount, and was off!! There is a pretty good climb right from the start, which allowed me a great opportunity to pass a LOT of people - let the fun begin! Rolling hills usually make it difficult to establish a rythm, but I managed to settle in pretty quick and the miles just clicked on by. And BOOM, I was staring up Nasty Grade...if you haven't done it, spoiler alert: it's NASTY!! Not only that, it was well into the 90's with a nice hot head wind. I was warned to keep my RPE in check due to the difficulty of the run, but that is NOT my strength. Basically I pushed until I was literally too hot to push any harder. My head felt like it was on fire, the beating sun and lack of adequate ventilation made my helmet an absolute oven. For a second I started to worry, but since the only way out of this was to finish, I just tried to climb faster to minimize the amount of time I was out in the heat. Logic.
Once I hit "T2", I had recovered. It felt SO GOOD to run! I was loving it. Until, of course, I hit the climb between miles 3-5. It sucked. My run began to osilate between walking and jogging, while my heart rate only continued to soar. Not only that, my stomach started to feel ill, and I started to get chills. DON'T PANIC. Stay calm. Carry on. I didn't feel like I could keep anything down, but I knew I had to try. I forced down a PowerBar Gel and some water and shuffled onward. I have had so many big races go so terribly wrong, and all that played in my head those 2 miles were the words of my coach - "you deserve a good result, go get it". Between miles 5 and 6, I started to recover and by mile 6 I was feeling good again. Since it was so hot, I decided I better be a little conservative still. Until about mile 9 I ran well under where I'm usually comfortable racing, but I just couldn't hold back anymore! With only 4 miles to go, I poured it on and felt GREAT and I was having fun! It did help that Eurostar was there to get me through the last hill!!
People were cheering that I was the 1st AG female finisher - seriously!?!? I don't think the announcer had time to notice, he was too focused on trying to pronounce Wenatchee...3 tries and still wrong!
Post race was just as surreal - hanging out with my Wattie teammates. All I can say is, I want some of their awesomesauce!
.JPG)
After awards, I had to get my butt out of town to catch a few zzzzs before heading to the airport at 4am. It took me less than 5 minutes to dismantle and pack up my bike - RECORD! By the time I arrived at my hotel in SanJose, it was after midnight. Ugh. 4am came too fast, and just like that, I was already home and whlole thing was over.
Even now, it's hard to believe that it actually happened, I had a good result at a BIG race. I couldn't be more grateful! HUGE thanks to my family, coach Jason Jablonski of SET Coaching, Gale Fruit Company, Wattie Ink, all my teammates, and sponsors: K-Swiss, Power Bar, ISM Saddles, Blueseventy, Speedfil, Reynolds, Scott, Kask & Fuel Belt.
Sweeeeeet reward!!
.JPG)
Leading up to the race, I was feeling strangely pulled together. You know that feeling like, what the HELL am I forgetting because this seems too easy!? Turns out, I didn't actually forget anything, which can only mean that my guardian angels worked their asses off that week. Hallelujah. Thank you.
My workouts all went well, though I was experience plenty of my usual pre-race tightness. I headed to Cali on Wednesday, so I would have plenty of time to decompress and enjoy being out of town for a couple days. But Wednesday I woke up feeling awful! My joints ached, I felt nauseous and had a headache. Nice. I tried to keep up with my calories, but only barely and only because I knew I HAD too. Travel only seemed to make me feel worse, and by the time I arrived at my hotel in Paso Robles at 11pm, I was feeling worse. I kept telling myself to NOT PANIC, there was plenty of time to pull myself together. Or, so I hoped.
10 hours later, I woke up feeling like myself again - except every time I tried to eat. UGH! I spent the morning mostly being lazy, but managed to run to the store, put my bike together and head to the lake by 1pm to pick up my packet and take a dip in the lake. This is when things really turned the corner. As I arrived, there was almost no one around. Not the massive crowds and caos that I'd anticipated. WHEW! I snagged my race packet and strolled down to the lake to hopefully loosen up, and to see what this Blue Seventy Helix was all about. The wetsuit was amazing, it fit perfectly! I still don't understand how it can be so incredibly snug, yet comfortable at the same time. I don't really need to understand, but I most certainly appreciate! As I did my short 15 minute swim, I felt better and better - quite unusual for me, since swimming generally isn't my "sanctuary". Anyway, I left the lake feeling GREAT! AND excited to race in a couple days!!
Uh-oh, Friday already!! My morning was again, pretty chill. I took my bike out for a spin through the vineyards around Paso Robles, it was stunning, and so peaceful! Most notably though, after my ride, my appetite returned! I spent the rest of the day steadily working my way through a pretty significant pile of food supplies. In the afternoon, I headed up to the lake again.
.JPG)
After dropping my gear, I took a quick peak at the expo, where I actually met Kristin Mayer (Betty Designs)!!!!! There we were @ Wildflower in the middle of NOWHERE California and she and her hubs were working their own both at the race expo!! I couldn't believe it was really HER - I tried to casually look at the swimsuits I dream about and had no idea what to say, really, so I intrudcued myself, a quick chit-chat and took off before I tried to say something funny...that wasn't. But seriously, it was really her, and I still can't believe it!
.JPG)
After that, I went to track down Wattie, to pick up my HELIX wetsuit and podium shirt. And BOOM, there he was! As he sorted through shirts, just casually said, "oh yeah, and that's Heather". I peaked in the door, and sure enough, there was HEATHER JACKSON, just resting up. And I found myself again speechless - absolutely shocked it was really her! I don't know what I expected, but I'm just going to tell you now, she's a REAL person ya'll! Just then, Paul Brown returned and saved me from one more second of awkward silence! The rest of the night was pretty uneventful, I left the lake around 6:45, grabbed a quick sandwich on my way back to the hotel, made sure everything was laid out and ready for the morning, set my alarm and counted myself to sleep.
Race morning - YEEHAW!! As usual, I gave myself plenty of time to get to the race, arriving and parked by 6:15am, 3 hours before I was set to start.
But, before I knew it we were off!! I had a decent swim start, it was pretty typical of me, still not the most confident swimmer, but at least I didn't panic! Did I mention how AMAZING my new wetsuit is? I L.O.V.E. it! Blueseventy Helix. Get one.
It was already time to bike :) I landed my flying mount, and was off!! There is a pretty good climb right from the start, which allowed me a great opportunity to pass a LOT of people - let the fun begin! Rolling hills usually make it difficult to establish a rythm, but I managed to settle in pretty quick and the miles just clicked on by. And BOOM, I was staring up Nasty Grade...if you haven't done it, spoiler alert: it's NASTY!! Not only that, it was well into the 90's with a nice hot head wind. I was warned to keep my RPE in check due to the difficulty of the run, but that is NOT my strength. Basically I pushed until I was literally too hot to push any harder. My head felt like it was on fire, the beating sun and lack of adequate ventilation made my helmet an absolute oven. For a second I started to worry, but since the only way out of this was to finish, I just tried to climb faster to minimize the amount of time I was out in the heat. Logic.
Once I hit "T2", I had recovered. It felt SO GOOD to run! I was loving it. Until, of course, I hit the climb between miles 3-5. It sucked. My run began to osilate between walking and jogging, while my heart rate only continued to soar. Not only that, my stomach started to feel ill, and I started to get chills. DON'T PANIC. Stay calm. Carry on. I didn't feel like I could keep anything down, but I knew I had to try. I forced down a PowerBar Gel and some water and shuffled onward. I have had so many big races go so terribly wrong, and all that played in my head those 2 miles were the words of my coach - "you deserve a good result, go get it". Between miles 5 and 6, I started to recover and by mile 6 I was feeling good again. Since it was so hot, I decided I better be a little conservative still. Until about mile 9 I ran well under where I'm usually comfortable racing, but I just couldn't hold back anymore! With only 4 miles to go, I poured it on and felt GREAT and I was having fun! It did help that Eurostar was there to get me through the last hill!!
People were cheering that I was the 1st AG female finisher - seriously!?!? I don't think the announcer had time to notice, he was too focused on trying to pronounce Wenatchee...3 tries and still wrong!
Post race was just as surreal - hanging out with my Wattie teammates. All I can say is, I want some of their awesomesauce!
.JPG)
After awards, I had to get my butt out of town to catch a few zzzzs before heading to the airport at 4am. It took me less than 5 minutes to dismantle and pack up my bike - RECORD! By the time I arrived at my hotel in SanJose, it was after midnight. Ugh. 4am came too fast, and just like that, I was already home and whlole thing was over.
Even now, it's hard to believe that it actually happened, I had a good result at a BIG race. I couldn't be more grateful! HUGE thanks to my family, coach Jason Jablonski of SET Coaching, Gale Fruit Company, Wattie Ink, all my teammates, and sponsors: K-Swiss, Power Bar, ISM Saddles, Blueseventy, Speedfil, Reynolds, Scott, Kask & Fuel Belt.
Sweeeeeet reward!!
.JPG)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)