Today, my back aches, my calves are screaming and my feet are really sore. I guess moving so much slower uses your muscles differently. And of course, it was such a hilly course, my gluteus muscles are reminding me that they were actively engaged all race, ha!
I had a great time Sunday and it ended what has been a long and memorable marathon racing season. Cowtown was #10 total and #4 in as many months. Between marathons and ultras, I’ve been in constant marathon training since August of 2010. The longest break I’ve taken is one week.
Declaration: It’s time to rest. No more long distance running for me until training for Chicago. (BTdub, I’m running Chicago) I’m counting half marathons as distance running too. Giving these legs a well deserved break.
Ha, ha, ha, I actually managed to type that with a straight face.
Look carefully; I wrote was that there will be no more distance RUNNING.
I’m registered for the Shiner GASP in early May. It will be my first 100 mile bike rally. And what better place than the heat, wind and hills of the Texas Hill Country? I’m really excited about this opportunity; it should be a lot of fun! In August I’ll ride 100 miles for Hotter N Hell. (last year I did the 50) I'm really excited to make cycling more of a focus in my training this summer. I have a lot to learn and I'd like to be a stronger, more powerful cyclist.
But that’s not all.
I’ve been keeping a secret. My theory is, if I don’t share it, I can always back out. But with just over a month to go, I guess this is really happening. Gulp, here it goes.
Confession: It all started last summer on a particularly long, hot bike ride. I’m sure we’d been baking in the sun for a few hours when Gretchen and I stared talking about triathlon. I’m scared of the water y’all. Like, wolverine scared. Polar bear scared. Biking and running I can do. Swimming? No thank you. So she says to me, “You’re fit. Go for it.” And maybe it was dehydration but I went home and registered. For my first 70.3, Ironman Lonestar. Go big or go home, right?
Oh gosh y’all, it makes me feel sick just typing that. So now you know my secret. (which isn’t so secret if we are IRL friends on FB, Heidi outed me when she registered a few weeks ago, ha!)
The past few months have been filled with swimming drills, hours on the trainer, wetsuit shopping, bike fittings, coaching sessions and spending lots and lots of money. Triathlon is spendy!
Confession: I’m excited but I’m also pretty sure I’m going to die from fright during the swim. (people KICK you, did you know that? And sharks, don’t get me started on sharks! And jellyfish!)
But what a way to go.
32 days.
Have you ever registered for something that scared you to pieces? What was it?
Wow!!! Exciting races to look forward to....and a 70.3 to boot? Awesome! I'm no swimmer, so have the utmost respect for anyone who attempts that bad-ass combination :)
ReplyDeleteAhhh!!! I have to admit I kind of wondered if this was in the works for you, from all your cycling tweets and so forth. I have no swimming skills (only learned at all as an adult) so any form of tri is unlikely to ever be in my future. Enjoy the breather from focusing on running!
ReplyDeleteSo excited for your 70.3! You don't mess around!
ReplyDeleteWOO HOO! You are way too good at keeping secrets from us although it did seem like there was some super secret tri training going on ;)
ReplyDeleteSo excited for you. Can't wait to hear more about it!
K, I've wanted to email you so many times! You are an inspiration to me!
DeleteThought if you hadn't seen this already, it might be helpful: http://www.nomeatathlete.com/open-water-swim/
ReplyDeleteYou're so brave & inspiring!
Oh I just love Susan Lacke - she's the best! And I don't know about brave, more like a death wish, ha!
DeleteDaannnnggg 70.3! Get em!
ReplyDeleteIm with you on the swimming part, I dont really know how to swim (I guess doggie paddle doesnt cut it these days) and I would have a panic attack just thinking about the kicking and sharks.
You are going to do awesome at the 70.3. I have not a doubt. There are some tri community open water swims coming up in North Dallas. LMN if you want deets. My club, Negative Split, hosts the first one in March at Pier 121.
ReplyDeleteAnd it's out! Woo hoo! You've got this girl and I am so excited to cheer for you from afar. You're going to do great!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm so bummed you're running Chicago, purely for personal reasons because I will be away on my honeymoon and won't be able to head down there to cheer you on!!! :(
I have no doubts that you will rock that race! And I am not surprised that you signed up...you are an amazing athlete and never fail to inspire me!
ReplyDelete:D you are going to be REALLY REALLY FINE. i promise.
ReplyDeleteI am sure your body is excited for the long distance running break. But glad you can still enjoy some short distance running! =) You are going to do awwesome in your Ironman!!
ReplyDeleteScared to death of my oly tri late this summer. OWS is my polar bear. Swim in pool= piece of cake. Swim in ocean water = scaredy cat. I'm sure we will both do just fine. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited and trilled for you! 70.3 is huge but you will ROCK it!!
ReplyDeleteAnd I love your view on some rest for your IM and Chicago. 13.1 is still a long way to run and our bodies need rest! With that and cycling, I see Chi ago as your best race yet!
I get scared every time I register for a half marathon. But, I have a feeling you can DO this! I think Racing with Babes is doing that Tri-- don't hold me to it, but I know she's been training and hers is in Texas. You will rock it, I just know it! P.S. I miss you on the twitter!
ReplyDeletePeople "kick" you and grab at your ankles, but it's FOR REAL not as bad as you imagine. The first time someone grabbed my ankle it was for a fraction of a section, and I kicked em off. No problem. It's only as terrifying as you make it out to be. I've done 3 sprint tris, and live to tell you that it's not as bad as you think.
ReplyDeletePeople "kick" you and grab at your ankles, but it's FOR REAL not as bad as you imagine. The first time someone grabbed my ankle it was for a fraction of a section, and I kicked em off. No problem. It's only as terrifying as you make it out to be. I've done 3 sprint tris, and live to tell you that it's not as bad as you think.
ReplyDeleteThat is rad. And as long as you've done some open water swims before the race, it shouldn't be so scary. You're tough - just kick back.
ReplyDeleteI love it. You are going to have an amazing experience at IMTX and you are going to learn that you are even stronger than you ever thought. I admire anyone who takes on a tri because I am with you....the water is not my friend!
ReplyDeleteI am SO excited about Chicago!! We are going to show that city a little taste of Texas running!!!
Yesssss!!! I am so excited for you! And don't think of it as an opportunity to get kicked, think of it as an opportunity to kick others :)
ReplyDeleteKidding, it will be GREAT!!
I saw this coming with the wetsuit shopping. But also because I already think you're an Ironman!! You're so tough and determined. There's nothing you can't do. So excited for you! And just kick them before they can kick you first! ;)
ReplyDeleteBrilliant! This is great news! I think a 70.3 is *exactly* what you need right now! (not kidding... it will feel great after all those long, slow runs)
ReplyDeleteYou can do anything! You inspire me to pieces! I'm excited for you :)
ReplyDeleteOmgggg you big secret keeper you! I'm SO excited for you! I'm hoping to do a 1/2 ironman in 2013! Can't wait to hear more, you will rock this!
ReplyDeleteTexas Hill Country is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI would be afraid of the jellyfish and sharks also. I don't like going in any water that fish or plants live in.
Wait! Did we discuss you running Chicago? And how we're totally going to hang out?!?!? I will be at a wedding that weekend which is why I didn't register, but I am not leaving until Saturday AM!
ReplyDeleteYay, the secret is out!!! I am excited for you, but wish I was gonna be there, too! You will kick butt, no doubt!
ReplyDelete