Tri Tuesdays

It's back!  After a two week hiatus of the 'tri' related theme I'm bringing Tri Tuesdays back.  I know you've missed it and have been desperately searching my blog for the theme.  Okay... that might be exaggerating just a tiny bit.

So, on the agenda - triathlon gear.  I realized last week as I was packing for my marathon race that MOST of my athletic apparel can be considered 'tri' specific.  As a comparison I have about 8 pairs of triathlon shorts (really just spandex with a little chamois on the inside) and a grand total of 3 pairs of running shorts.  Granted, of those 8 pairs of tri shorts I only have 1 or 2 'racing' pairs.  The same is true for running shorts - I only have 1 pair that I race in.  BUT... my POINT and what I was thinking as I was packing was - why can't my tri shorts be running shorts - they are during my tri training?  

Naturally I immediately jumped on the idea and proceeded to pack about 4 pairs of tri shorts to either run in during my week down in Phoenix OR race in on Saturday.  You never know what outfit will suit the day.  Of course the packing included the Newton kit I got back in August - it worked for me through 140.6 miles... why not 26.2?  By the way, I'm still waiting for a Newton endorsement and the chance to represent them in Kona... .... ...

Obviously (given the picture I just posted the other day) I didn't end up wearing tri shorts but my point is that I COULD!  And here's why I 'would' (and almost did) in bullet form:

• Elastic leg grips keep the shorts in place - leading to less chaffing as you run.
• Spandex material keep the shorts in place - leading to less chaffing as you run (I'm sensing a theme).  Yes, there are several 'running' short options that are spandex material but I have to say that most of those are bootie shorts which I'm not totally comfortable sporting in a race.
• Spandex material CAN be flattering (this is sort of irrelevant but thought I'd point it out).
• More coverage - tri shorts are usually longer than your typical running short in case you're worried about that.  See the second bullet point.
• Really nice tri shorts (like the Newtons/Louis Garneau pair that I'm wearing above) have a high waist and don't have a drawstring.  Drawstrings, after 26.2 miles tend to bruise me so I like shorts without drawstrings.
• Side pockets that fit snug to the body for storing gel packets.
• Compression.  Many tri shorts tout compression capabilities - better blood flow which can prevent the onset of cramping and delay muscle fatigue.  I don't know how 'good' these shorts are because I haven't tested any of them BUT they can't hurt.
• No inner liner!  I really dislike running short liners and the pair that I wear during races don't have a liner.

Now onto tops.  Athletic tops are pretty universal.  I've noticed that tri specific tops, however, usually have back pockets similar to cycling jerseys whereas any pockets found in running tops are usually zippered and located on the side - more something to store ID, keys, or an iPod instead of multiple gels, Cliff bars, or an entire gel flask.  Another important difference between tri and running tops would be the material.  Tri tops tend to wick water much better since they are typically worn IN the water first.  Some tend to be almost swimsuit like.  

Take, for example, the Orca top I wore for the race this past weekend - it has two pockets in the back where I could easily have stored my gel flask and the swimsuit like material kept me cool as the temperatures increased throughout the race, drying almost immediately when sweaty.  The conclusion - tri tops are pretty superior.

• Higher coverage in front (to keep everything in while bent over during the bike portion of a tri) - in case this is important to you.
• Different material that wicks water faster.
• Rear pockets to stash all of your possessions.
• Usually a built in bra-top since it's a top that you'd wear for swimming, biking and running without changing in between.  Please note that these tend to suck which is why I still wear a sports bra BUT it has potential to be a good thing.

Focus on the rear pockets folks!

So my point, if there actually was one - triathlon tops and bottoms can be worn for running... running tops and bottoms can't be worn for triathlon (or at least not 'well' and not for the entire race).  Logic would suggest that triathlon apparel is more universal.  Looks like my next shopping spree will be here or here or... here (since we no longer have a local tri shop) instead of here and potentially here.  But in reality I like all athletic apparel so whatever strikes my fancy is probably going to end up in my dresser - regardless of it's designated sport.

Qualified!

I know you're all expecting a full race report and I will get to that in the coming days but I wanted to send this quick update:

I qualified for the Boston Marathon!

My unofficial time (results haven't been posted) was 3:30:11! I had a great race with even better support from Gabe.  And the kicker... If the official time is 3:30 and some change that would be a 22 (almost 23) minute PR.  My previous best was Portland two years ago at 3:52:54.

One More Sleep

Am I nervous?  Kind of.  Am I excited?  Most definitely!

Tomorrow is the big day.  At 7 AM I will be running my little tail off chasing down an 'epic' (shout out to this girl and this girl for permanently ingraining 'epic' into my vocabulary) personal best and a BQ spot.  Strangely, it doesn't really feel like it's all going to go down tomorrow.  I think largely because the race is so tiny.  I looked the other night (not sure why I never checked this sooner) and last year only saw 100 participants in the marathon race. SUPER TINY!  

A bonus for minuscule races - no expo.  Although I love looking at all the gear that I don't really need, I'm thankful that I don't have to wander around a gigantic room of vendors inevitably standing/walking for too long and tiring out my legs.  Instead I'll be lounging in my hotel room, feet up, typing away at this computer (since I'm working today too), getting the rest that my body will need.  Packet pick up?  It's tomorrow right before the race.  I keep checking the website to make sure I have that information correct.  I still feel like I'm missing something.  Obviously I'm not, it's just nerves.  Nothing more to do than sit, hydrate, eat, sleep, and crush it. 

Taper Tuesday - Belated

Source

So I missed the actual day but I blame being on the road... although currently I'm stationary so I'm not technically 'on the road' but... okay, whatever, moving on.

Round two of 'Taper Tuesday'.  The past week has been crazy.  Monday (last Monday) we got snow... which was okay because I took Monday as a rest day (Nookachamps 10k followed by 15ish miles equals one tired girl).  The rest day, however, lead to Sicky McSickerson.  I went to bed that evening with a sore throat and congested sinuses.  I loaded up on apple cider (I swear by it) and popped Alka Seltzer Cold and Sinus tabs (my Mom swears by it) and then went to bed.

Tuesday I was still sick - boo - and there was still snow on the ground - double boo.  Now normally I'm not a 'I hate snow' kind of gal and I would suck it up and run in it.  But being so close to my 'A' race I didn't think that was wise.  Not to mention I ditched my pair of YakTrax last year thinking that if it ever snowed enough I would either just take a rest day or hit the gym.  Well... now I had to hit the gym.  Rats!  

As many of you know I loathe the treadmill.  It's boring.  There's nothing you can say to make me change my mind.  I can't watch TV to distract me because either 1) it's on a channel that no one wants to watch anyway or 2) I can't stand commercials and there are way too many of them.  Similarly, I don't do well with music because again I get bored (hence the reason I don't train WITH music).  But I had to get it done.  So I sloshed my way over to my tiny gym and got on the treadmill - knowing that I had to at least get 3 miles in and was just going to go by feel.  HARD!  I made it 4 miles (supposed to do 5) and called it quits.  My lungs felt congested, I was bored, and way too hot.  

Wednesday - still snow, still lingering cold - and on top of that I had my last key workout - 8 miles with 3 x 1 mile repeats at 5k pace.  Crap!  Back to the treadmill I go.  This time I grabbed my iPod with my Ironman mix on it and just focused.  This was a MUST workout and there was no skimping.  I warmed up for 2 miles and then hit it.  Cranked that baby up to my 5k pace and held on for dear life for the entire mile.  Then it was two minutes of much needed rest (grab some water, walk for a few seconds, and ease back into a faster pace).  By the third time I had my music cranked to maximum - blowing my eardrums out.  I was dripping sweat, starring at the floor in front of the treadmill and angrily pounding out the mile.  I'm pretty sure I had a determined angry look on my face and I got more than a few odd glances from my elderly gym mates.  

After that last mile it took all of my remaining energy to finish out the 8 miles.  Cool down?  Can't I just do that in the shower?  But I sucked it up and in the end I was proud of myself for my determination.

Thursday was another day on the treadmill since the snow had now turned to a solid sheet of ice.  Luckily my cold had abated for the most part and I ran a steady 4 miles (I wasn't going any farther).  Sure... I was 'supposed' to do 5 on Tuesday and 7 on Thursday but that just wasn't happening so why stress over it?  I'm in taper.

Then the weekend was upon me.  Normally that doesn't mean much but this last weekend it meant hours of driving and trying to squeeze in my last 'long run' (12 miles).  Friday - up at 5, on the road by 6 AM, in Sacramento by 9 PM.  LONG A** DAY!  Saturday, change of plans.  I was 'supposed' to head to Lake Tahoe to visit Lindsay but the night before they got a foot of snow which meant that the pass in between Sacramento and her was set for mandatory chains.  So instead, hit the coast, weaved along highway 1 and added all sorts of time to my direct trip and landed late that night in Barstow, CA.  Sunday, Barstow to Lake Havasu, pit stop at the lake for a 12 mile run that ended up being only 10.5 (didn't want to start doing laps around the parking lot just to get the extra mile and a half), back in the car and headed to Phoenix.

Voila.  Now it's race week which means, hydrate, hydrate hydrate, then dehydrate in the sun, take in a few sites, work, and run around the maze-like neighborhoods of the Phoenix suburbs. Sorry for the lack of pictures.  I'll get my act together soon(ish).

Taper Tuesday

I realize that normally (all two weeks of it) Tuesdays are dedicated to all things triathlon BUT since I'm now in the final weeks of my marathon training I thought I'd take the opportunity to talk taper-y instead.  I was so ready for taper last week after my last 20 mile run!  Other than the irritating side-stitch I had from the Hammer gel (I ran out of GU... poor decision) it was all I could focus on.  Just to be DONE!

Let's recap shall we?  I started this training way back in September.  September 19th to be exact.  That was only 3 short weeks after my Ironman race.  So basically I haven't stopped training.  And I'm ready.  I'm ready to stop training and race this thing.  Arizona Desert Classic - BRING IT!

My plan (Pfitzinger 18 weeks with 55 mile peak) was awesome!  The execution of the plan... pretty close to flawless.  It's been a tough go but I have to say I've seen the results.  All of the 'important' days I've pretty much nailed.  And by 'important' I'm referring to the following:

8 Miles with 4 @ 15k pace
9 Miles with 4 @ Marathon pace
10 Miles with 5 @ 15k pace
11 Miles with 6 @ Marathon pace
15 Miles with 12 @ Marathon pace - did during the Seattle Half Marathon
12 Miles with 7 @ 15k pace
9 Miles with 5 x 1000m @ 5k pace
17 Miles with 14 @ Marathon pace
10 Miles with 4 x 1200m @ 5k pace
10k race - Nookachamps Winter Runs 10k race report to come

Yes, that is a lot of key workouts and yes I nailed them all!  I think I'm most proud of the 17 miles with 14 @ marathon pace.  I went into the evening before nervous, like I was 'racing the next day' kind of nervous.  When morning came the weather was nasty.  It was downright pouring.  For those that live outside of the Northwest I'm sure you're assuming this is a common occurrence but in all reality a 'downpour' with fat droplets of rain is not really all that common.  I've been quite lucky in the past to have skipped long runs on days where it's nasty.  There was no skipping this run though.

Gabe and I hopped in the car and distributed two water bottles on my route.  Once back home I loaded up my handheld gel flask (jerry-rigged with an elastic strap for easy 'hand holding') with a few GUs and then headed out into the rain for my 3 mile warm-up lap around the house.  I felt heavy, and running even at an easy pace felt hard.  My only thought was 'just see what you can do'.  If I gave it my best shot then that's all anyone could ask.

So proud - just finished making my elastic strap for my gel flask.

This thing was a life saver - no 'opening' of gel packets while running AND the space to dilute the gels.

Back at the house I dropped off my ear warmers and my gloves since I knew the next 14 I would be working hard and those things would only irritate me.  I jumped off the front steps, made my way to the main street and then hit it.  I chose an out-and-back course, mimicking what I would be doing in the race, and ran from my house to Fairhaven along the waterfront and back.  It's not the flattest course as you have to come up from the waterfront to State Street to get you into Fairhaven but it was close enough.  

I can't tell you what I thought about during this run because I don't remember all the details.  I remember wanting desperately to reach the turnaround point and sucking back all the water that was stashed there as I walked for a brief period.  I remember struggling coming back on State Street when faced with an incline and repeating to myself to just make it to the top, put your chin down and grind it out and then it's a slight downhill.  I remember hitting the second water spot and again taking a brief walk to get all the water down.  And I definitely remember those last miles as I ran up Squalicum Parkway and how that road seemed so much longer than before.

Soaking wet post run (you can't really tell but I'm drenched).  I also hate wearing hats... because they make me look like a boy.

It was a tough day, mentally and physically and it was only a training day!  In the end I was all smiles because I had run the 14 miles at a 7:56 pace.  I had nailed it and I felt ready for this marathon.

Now, as I sit here typing this, I know I'm ready for this marathon.  I've done the time and the mileage.  Taper is a time to rest and mentally prepare for the big day.  Snow and cold be damned (yes, I'm starting to get a cold but am fighting it with all the apple cider and zinc cough drops that I can).  Boston via Phoenix is calling!

Champagne Cupcakes

That's it - I'm out!  Just kidding!  There's no way I'd stop making cupcakes just because I've finished my list of 30 (for those just joining I was determined to bake 30 different kinds of cupcakes over this past year). I will be taking a much needed hiatus though.  My waistline will thank me later.

First off, excuse the lame picture.  I hurried through what I 'thought' would be artistic and holiday-y but basically failed and then the cupcakes were devoured before I got another photo opportunity.  Back to the cupcake - for the final shebang I decided to go with Champagne Cupcakes.  Original for an early New Years/Holiday party - I know.  But really, what else says New Years like champagne, sugar, and a little bit of sparkle?  I'm pretty sure this girl and/or this girl would have my back on that comment.

So, let us proceed.  I modified this recipe substituting 1/2 cup of plain yogurt for sour cream (simply because I didn't have sour cream in my refrigerator and I'm too lazy to walk the half block to the grocery store).  I also did not make a champagne filling.  No, I wasn't lazy on this one just didn't have the time.  I was baking these bad boys within an hour of having to be present at said party where these were to be eaten.  And lastly, I did not put pretty little 'Pastel Dragées' as decoration on the top.  Sadly, the Haggen near my house only carries red/brown/green/multicolored sprinkles - the hillbilly version of 'dragées'.  So instead I sprinkled my cupcakes with a bit of cane sugar and called it 'sparkle'.  I think it worked although you can't tell in the above picture - another reminder of my failboat. 

And that's a wrap.  30 cupcakes all while being 30 years old.  At some point I'll summarize it all on a page for you with nice little printed recipes.  Some of them are definite keepers.  The ones that weren't I may toss out and come up with new recipes to test.  There has to be an oreo/brownie/cookie dough cupcake in my future.  Suggestions?

Tri Tuesdays

My marathon training is coming to an end (TAPER!) and so the logical next question I ask myself is 'What triathlons am I going to do this summer?'  The answer - I have no idea.  On the radar:

May
Mt. Rainier Long Course Duathlon (not a tri...but close) - May 6, 2012

June
Oliver Half Iron - June 3, 2012
Subaru Victoria Half Iron or Olympic - June 17, 2012
Padden Triathlon (sprint) - June 23, 2012
Pacific Crest Long Course - June 23, 2012

July
Clear Lake Triathlon (sprint) - July 7, 2012
Desert Half Iron - July 8, 2012
Rev3 Half Iron or Olympic - July 8, 2012
Subaru Vancouver Half Iron or Olympic - July 8, 2012
Ocean Shores Half Iron - July 14, 2012
Ironman 70.3 Lake Stevens - July 15, 2012
Chelanman Long Course or Olympic - July 21, 2012
Whisky Dick Triathlon - July 29, 2012

August
Troika Half Iron - August 5, 2012
Subaru Sooke Half Iron or Olympic - August 12, 2012

September
Lake Stevens Olympic - September 8, 2012
Grand Columbian Half or Olympic - September 15, 2012

October
Ironman World Championships (SPECTATING!!!!!) - October 13, 2012

Lake Samish Triathlon - date unknown

Obviously I'm not doing all of these, nor do I really know if I'm doing ANY of these but this list is basically what I have to choose from.  I know folks doing Oliver again but am kind of leaning away from that since it's so early in the season.  I 'may' want a break from training and I 'may not' be totally ready to get in the pool just yet.  Others are doing the Pacific Crest race at the end of June but that conflicts with the local short course race up here that Gabe is set on doing.

And then there is the cluster in early July.  Don't race organizers know there are several weekends to hold races?  Do they ALL have to be on the weekend of July 7th/8th?  Let's coordinate folks!

So yeah.  I need to figure this all out and I'm a bit overwhelmed by the options.  Here's what I'm leaning towards:

Mt. Rainier Long Course - May 6, 2012
Padden Triathlon - June 23, 2012
Clear Lake Triathlon - July 7, 2012
Ocean Shores Half Iron - July 14, 2012
Whisky Dick Triathlon - July 29, 2012 (only for the name)
Lake Samish Triathlon - if it's in August
Lake Stevens Olympic - September 8, 2012

But this could all change.  Suggestions?  Other ideas?  What races are you doing?

Republic of Tea

I LOVE tea.  I could drink tea all day - oh wait, I already do that.  But I don't love ALL teas.  Like fruity flavored teas - no thank you.  But I <3 me a good herbal tea.  And I've found recently that there is no better herbal tea than all flavors of Republic of Tea's Wellness Teas.  Or more specifically all of the 'GET' teas that I've tried.  AND... thanks to the gift giving over Christmas I received these lovely variations.  SOOO EXCITED!!!  I haven't tried 'Get Gorgeous' or 'Get Charged' yet but I do know the other flavors seen below are excellent.  My favorite being 'Get Relaxed'.  The Vanilla Almond... eh.  Not my favorite but it's kind of soothing so it'll do.

Thanks C & D for indulging the habit.


Do you drink tea?  What's your favorite?  I'm also partial to the Numi and Yogi brand teas but I'm still counting the 'Get' teas as my favorite.

Loot

To be more decked out and a total gear head in the new year is my goal.  Okay, not really but I have definitely scored big over the past couple months - thanks to my own spending habits and the gift giving that is Christmas.  First, let us all remember the awesome deal that I scored on these outfits.  Woot!

Those bad boys were soon followed up with these.

There is an explanation - I swear.  I formed a blister on one of my long runs from a sock that was a bit too big (the ONE time that I stray and wear different socks!).  Then I proceeded to pay for that decision over... and over... and over again because there aren't enough rest days built into my plan to heal.  So I purchased these on a whim while at REI buying another ear warmer (Gabe kept stealing mine...or I kept stealing his...either way).  I don't know if they did the trick or if it was the massive surgery I inflicted on my toe but blister be gone.  One thing I did notice about these socks was that I felt the cold air more.  Makes sense - gloves vs. mittens... creepy toe socks vs. real socks.

Then we get to Christmas.  CEP compression socks, Amphipod Xinglet, and a Road ID.  Triple Woot!

Last but not least, these Curly Laces just showed up in my mail box today.  I've only ever tried bungee laces but I couldn't resist the neon colors (well... and the standard black).  I'll let you know how they hold up.

What new gear have you recently got?  Is it sad that I'm excited about shoe laces?  Is there such thing as too much compression?  I think not!

Holy Tweet

Alright, I pulled the trigger... I joined Twitter!  That rhymes by the way.  Now I've opened myself up to hashtags and @ signs and another arena where I can be rejected by the masses.  For some reason I'm totally nervous!

Here's an insight into my neuroses - I spent a large amount of time deciding on a name.  Friend Gina and fellow Tweeter - @sheTRIsALL3 (yes that name sounds a bit sketch Gina) - threw out several options via text.  Things like triCakes... crap, I can't remember the rest.  But basically they all related to triathlons, running, or cupcakes.  None and all of which define me - if that makes sense.  Which is why I didn't go with any of them (sorry Gina).  

I wanted to capture the endurance athlete in me.  This includes triathlons AND running at the moment but may include other things or neither in the future so I didn't want to limit the name to anything tri or running related.  Nor did I want to limit myself to a name that highlighted my addiction to cupcakes.  Lastly, I wanted to get hip with the Twitter terminology which lead me to this awesome page - the Twictionary.  A perusal of this list lead me to 'Twerd'.  Sounding much like 'turd' but better, it simply means a 'Twitter Nerd'.  YES!  That will be me!  Slap 'enduro' on the front and you've got an endurance nerd who uses Twitter...and hence @enduroTwerd.  It's a start folks.

Lastly, I spent another large amount of time trying to upload a picture to my profile.  It really shouldn't be so hard.  Of course it's not, but that was AFTER I realized there was a size limit and my camera takes ridiculously large photos.  I was tempted to use one of Gina's pictures she kept sending me on my phone - that will show her to get me to join this thing!

So, if you're reading this and you too are on Twitter then please follow me so I don't feel so lonely.

Tri Tuesdays

New thing - talk about triathlons (or tri related things) every Tuesday.  I wonder if I can pull that off and how long it'll last?  No harm in tri - ing..ha ha...get it?!

Well, first things first.  My old coach brought to my attention that Central Oregon is trying to make a bid to bring in an Ironman event.  Here's the blurb:

We are seeking the support & enthusiasm of triathletes to help us win the bid to bring a full Ironman to Oregon!

The Oregon Sports Authority and Central Oregon Visitors Association will be submitting the bid to bring the Ironman Triathlon to Central Oregon.

The bid is due at the end of January 2012. Our chances for a successful bid will be significantly enhanced if we can demonstrate strong interest and support. Please sign our petition to document your enthusiasm & support to bring a full Ironman to Central Oregon beginning in the fall of 2013.

Background & Impact

One of the most recognized endurance events in the world, the Ironman consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run. Ironman's qualifying series includes 28 events throughout the world, leading up to the Ironman World Championship held every October in Kona, Hawaii.

An Ironman event could bring more than 10,000 people to Oregon over a period of several days, generating significant tourism impact for our state.

Please sign this petition today and pass it on!
 
Now I don't know exactly what town they're trying to get it to (I'm hoping for Bend, Oregon) but I do know that anywhere in Oregon would pretty much make for a killer Ironman event.  It would be incredible to have one in the Pacific Northwest and I would definitely consider it a 'must do' race.  If you all agree then go sign the petition here.  Or you can click the widget that I'll add to my right navigation.  Either way - support the Pacific Northwest!

For those that are somewhat opposed to large corporate events here are my two cents - Ironman events are well organized, have an immense amount of support, bring revenue to the communities they reside in, and in my experience have been great events (I've done Ironman 70.3 Lake Stevens x2 and Ironman Canada).  Sure, there are others out there that have 'iron distance' events (140.6 miles is hard and an accomplishment any way you slice it) but the amount of support that those organizations need to pull one of these events off flawlessly seems a bit of a stretch - I don't know from experience so don't quote me on this.  I'm sure it can be done and done well but why not support something that is a known entity?

What Does the Future Hold in 2012?

2012 came up and surprised me.  I don't think I'm prepared for a new year.  Everyone is posting their resolutions/goals and I'm coming up short.  Given that, this list is more of a 'work in progress'.

Run a sub 20 minute 5k
My current PR I believe is 22:06 and that was last year while training for Ironman (aka not speed training).  I think this is pretty attainable.  Fun with the Fuzz here I come!

Race
I typically focus on a handful of big races each year (Half Irons, Ironman are prime examples) and the training consumes me.  I just want to race this year.  Shorter and faster - those will be the focus for both road running and tris.

Ultra?
Baker Lake 50k???  Maybe.  I'm not holding my breath for this one.  We all know how my ankles handle trails.  But I've heard this course is gorgeous, it's right in my own backyard, and everyone else is doing it. :)  Yes, I'm a sheep when it comes to certain things...what can I say?

Finish out my 30
I still have until February 14th to knock a few things off my '30 While 30' list (first half, second half).  I'm not confident I'll get them all since items #1 and #18 have consumed me - see above goal of 'race'.

Make a name for myself in the blogosphere
I'm enjoying blogging and I'd like to get better at it.  By 'better' I simply mean - post about things that are interesting to people, post more frequently, and figure out the little hidden secrets to blogging (like titles, writing styles, naming pictures, etc...)

Go all 'Young House Love' on my kitchen
It's going to be a mess but I think we're ready to finally tackle the challenge of a kitchen remodel.  I don't care if it's done in fits and starts (that's the way we roll over here) but I'd at least like to get it reorganized and rip out our awful sink that is chipping.  

Well, I think that's a good start.  If I come up with something amazing I'll let y'all know.