Weather.... or not

I won't make you wait for my next blog.  Here is what was sent to UCP.  Only readers of my blog will get the "pre-release".  Enjoy!

View of olympic swim

Sprint and supersprint location

In my short 3 year experience competing in triathlon, I have never had a “wet” race.  (Knock on wood!  I have 2 more races to go this year!!!)  Roads have always been dry, weather has been decent.  There have only been two races in my career where I thought it would be a miserable weather day.  This past Cleveland triathlon was one of them. 

Around 1 or 2 am, the thunder started to roll.  Now, I love a good rainstorm as much as the next person, but not when I have to wake at 4:30 and the dog is hopping on the bed then off the bed, on the bed and off the bed, nails click-clacking on the hard floor in an echoing room trying to escape her terror.  My mind started wandering in my half-asleep state as to how I was going to manage the fast downhill on the eastbound shoreway with rain on my brakes.  I wasn’t concerned about anything else.  I’m already wet on the swim, and a rainy run would be refreshing.  See, I’m one of those people who would rather watch their kids grow up than go on a rainy training ride and wipe-out.  I ride my bike on the trainer in the basement instead.   Needless to say, I don’t have much experience riding in rain. 




View from E 9th towards Lakeside

On the commute downtown, the roads were remarkably dry.  I was quite surprised and giddy!  Everything was coming together.  I couldn’t even believe it when I was getting blinded by the sun on my swim.  “Ok!  The rain is past us,” I thought (incorrectly)!  However, on the bike, fighting the hills and the wind, I was too distracted to notice that the sun had disappeared.  It wasn’t until the 3^rd loop on the bike that I realized it wasn’t my sunglasses making the sky dark; it was going to rain. Oh how I prayed that I could make it into transition before it hit…

I received the news that bad weather was coming as soon as I dismounted the bike and I couldn’t help but feel concern for those still trudging up the shoreway with the wind and hills.  I’ll be honest though, I was relieved to be off of the bike.  I saw the clouds.  I knew what was coming…  Fortunately, the good Lord had mercy on my soul and saved the downpour for my run, which actually felt quite nice!



The wet, lonely finish line

I must admit, though, that I was disappointed when I crossed the finish line. I felt great the entire race, I had a great finish placement, I thought, but it was missing.  The patio party—the celebration of teams—the camaraderie…   I look forward to the party on the patio after the race every year.  Listening to the teams cheer for each other as they cross the finish line, watching the smiles, witnessing what victory really means…  This year, it was nothing but a damp and empty quiet that filled the space.  Transition was already being cleaned up and people were asked to leave due to the possibility of bad weather.   Results for the Olympic race would not even be posted. 
While storms thankfully did not happen, race companies are put in a tight spot; risk bad weather if people stick around, or risk decent weather if they’re asked to leave.  It’s a tightrope and I’m glad I didn’t have to be the one to make that decision.  It’s hard to turn down a party!



The only limb left to write on

Even though the ending to the Cleveland Triathlon fizzled at the race, you can still celebrate what was accomplished.  Thousands of dollars were raised, those with UCP continue to make strides (literally and figuratively), and you can revel in your accomplishments!!! 

I will see you next year!  Until then, I leave you with a little poem…

“Weather… or Not”

Whether or not you wanted to wake
Whether or not you swam towards the lake
Whether or not you were caught in the rain
Whether or not you raced until pain
Whether or not there were cheers at the end
Whether or not you are now on the mend
Whether or not at the line you did cry,
You did it ‘cause you were Inspired to Tr





Wind--the day before

Post-race haiku

I finished my race
Only rain was on the run
Time for a shower.

I want my results
I think I did REALLY well.
I'll get back to you.

If being interviewed by the Plain Dealer is any indication, I think I did more than just ok....

Thank you for your prayers.  We had a thunderstorm around 2 am but nothing but WIND and clouds all morning until the run.  Thank you, Lord for answered prayers.  No rain on the bike, raised $1000, successful race, family showing up to watch and cheer you on--what more could you ask for?

I greatly appreciate your generosity with donations, patience with my plastering of facebook, and general support as I tri. 

I'll post results as soon as I know them.

Packing Day Haiku

It's packing day.  At the end of taper week I just want to jump out of my skin.  Workouts are light and short, and I'm just not used to that anymore.  So, to control myself, I've written you a little haiku...

I am packing up
For the Cleveland Triathlon.        (that's tri.ath.lon, not tri.ath.a.lon by the way)
Excited to race.

Dear Lord, please no rain.
It's been so dry this summer
I don't want to crash!!!

Yes.  Any little prayers you want to send my (and our, collectively) way will be welcomed.  Prayers for cool weather, dry conditions, no wind, and safety are highly encouraged.  Thanks!

Too poop-decked to pop.

This past week I spent my time training (as usual) and playing "Shipmate Suzie" at VBS.  (Your humble blogger is on the right.)  More pictures will come later. 

I'm so tired, I can't even think straight.  So, to pacify your blog-reading desire, here is my latest entry for UCP Cleveland. 

http://www.ucpcleveland.org/2012/07/27/guide-to-an-enjoyable-race/

Eight days to go!!!!  I'm at $625.  Can I get to $750 $1000  in one week?????

One month to go...

In one short, little month, The Cleveland Triathon will be history.  I always find it amazing how events, when planned, seem so far off:  Graduation from high school * Wedding Planning* Pregnancy* Waiting for your child to sleep through the night for the first time (especially this one!)*

Setting goals is a good thing.  It shows you where you want to go.  Planning for the event tells you how to get there.  In the blink of an eye, it's time.  Fortunately, I still have 31 days to train for my next two events and to raise some extra cash for UCP.

I never thought I would reach $500.  That was my goal.  I bombarded facebook (sorry, guys) and made a special note to everyone who donated.  (Thank you notes are coming, BTW-I'm waiting until the race is over, then I'll send them out.)  The goal was reached.  That means it's time to set a new goal:  $1000. 

Mark Zehnder, race inspiration

I'm trying to set up a challenge.  I would say I'd cut my hair if I reached it, but for those of you who have known me for a long time and have seen me recently, you know that's already been done.  I'd do it again, the result just won't be that dramatic.  I'd say I'd sign up for a full ironman distance, but that's a few hundred dollars in registration fees.  (That's a lot of money, plus travel expenses.  I need pre-planning for that.)  If you have any ideas, send them my way.  Shameless plug--> if you want to donate, go here


In other news, I'm pleased to report that this girl who is a self-proclaimed math nerd who usually despises writing (for a grade, that is) had her first blog posted to UCP.  Cleveland Triathlon picked it up, then Pacific Sports (the race company that puts on the tri).  Hooray!  Be on the lookout for two more of them!

Finally, to post race results from the Tri-tech Olympic distance: 

Total Time = 2:27:17
Overall Rank = 72/223
Age Group Rank = 1/4
Swim= 21:44 for 1500 meters 
           (01m 27s / 100meters)
T1= 1:40
Bike= 1:15:03 for 24.8 miles 
          (19.83 mile/hr)
T2= 59sec
Run= 47:53 for 6.2 miles
         (7m 43s min/mile)

Great race and perfect weather.  I'm pleased.  Race report can be found here .

With all that said, I hope you have power and air conditioning.  The storms around Columbus have really made a mess the past week.  Fortunately, we were only without electricity for 4 hours on Friday, June 29, but many are still out.  Frequent lightning storms have not helped the situation.  Stay safe and thanks again for reading!!!

Where do your great ideas happen?

Growing up, I loved to wake up and stay in bed.  I think my mom thought I didn't wake up until 10 or so, but I'd just lay there for an hour or so... just thinking.  Thinking about nothing... thinking about everything... just letting my mind wander to wherever it wanted to go. 

Fast forward 20 or so years--

I would love to wake up and lay in bed for an hour to collect my thoughts.  My firstborn is an early riser and loves company.  He is our alarm clock.  I now have to find a new time/place to do my thinking; just let my mind be consumed with randomness or sometimes very focused thoughts. 

The gym.  The long bike on Saturday.  The long run on Sunday.  This is my "now" spot for my brain time.  (It's not my "new" time but my "now" time for thinking--I've been doing it for years.)

Today I had a great thought for my blog in a secondary place.  The shower.  I had it all planned out.  Exactly what I'd write in my blog tonight.  HOWEVER (there's always a however), I couldn't tell you what it is.  I forgot my great idea. 

I do have news, though.  I received an email from Beth and Tammy from UCP Cleveland and asked if I could be a guest blogger until after the Cleveland race!  It was just one of those messages that brighten your day.  I feel really honored that they would think of me to do that.  Golly! 

In other news, 3 more races are in the books: Warrior Dash, Deer Creek Olympic, and Steve-o's Wendy's Tri.  Very productive races.  I'll leave you with the pics and finishing times.  One week until C-bus Olympic, and 6 weeks until CLEVELAND!!!!

Warrior Dash:

Time: 30:53 for 3.4 miles (9:08 min/mile)
age group rank: 7 of 1408
overall rank:      227 of 7680 overall









Deer Creek Olympic:  (LMFAO theme)

Time: 2:37:13
swim - 26:29 (1500m)
T1     - 1:31
bike  - 1:19:24 (24.8 miles)
T2    - 1:17
run   -48:30 (6.21 miles)

3rd place AG!

And... as extra motivation for these races, 4 fantastic people donated to UCP!!!!!!!!!!!

A lot can happen in one month

Wow.  It's been over a month since I've last posted.  Usually, by the time I get to settle into my thoughts I'm too tired to write something coherent. 

Since I've last posted, my racing season has begun.  It started on May 5th with the Capital City Half Marathon, where I ran a personal best of 1:43:25 for 13.1 miles.  The weather was perfect: overcast, cool, but a tad humid.  If I knew I was going to feel so good, I would have pushed it harder.  I suppose that's what next year is for...

At Cap City Half race expo enjoying some bubbly.

Also happening is the finishing up of school for my kids.  My youngest just today magically turned into a kindergartener.  How did that happen so fast?  My eldest turns into a 3rd grader in one week.  It's a good thing I'm STILL 29 and not getting any older.

The full brunt of racing season gets underway on my sister's birthday 6/2.  Warrior Dash!  So much fun!  It's a 3 mile race with lots of muddy obstacles, climbing walls, hills, streams, logs, a beat-up old cars to climb over.  The next day is my first tri of the season at Deer Creek State Park. 

For your inquisitive minds, I've posted my race schedule in case you want to join me or just cheer me on from your comfy bed. 

6/2 Warrior Dash
6/3 Deer Creek Olympic Triathlon
6/24 Columbus Olympic Triathlon
8/5 CLEVELAND OLYMPIC TRIATHLON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
8/18 Age Group Nationals Olympic Race  (if I do really well, I could go to London!)
9/5 Rev3 Half Rev Triathlon

Also, I've picked up some neat widgets: my workout tracker so you can see my progress and a mileage tracker.  It will take me a little bit to input my info from the beginning of the year.  Bear with me.

Enjoy!

Still working on that "change" thing

So it's been a month since my new running shoes (128 miles on them already).  If you're a runner or a walker, you know how important it is that shoes fit your foot well.  Well...

I think I'm tormenting the poor staff at Road Runner Sports.  I've come in at least 5 times in the last 6 weeks.  I'm becoming quite friendly with the staff, although I think they secretly hide when I walk in the doors.  D helped me first in February.  (Names removed to protect the innocent parties.)  Great guy.  I've talked to him before.  After purchasing from him, I had to return my shoes.  Then E helped me out.  This time I came in on a Tuesday afternoon when no one was there.  She knew how to do it: she brought some shoes and I helped myself to the shoes and the treadmill.  I came away with a different pair.  These are so-so.  At first, my toenails turned purple.  (This is not a good sign.)  Then I removed my insoles and used the ones that came with the shoe.  Much better.  Now my toes on the other foot are bluish.  Eh.  Oh well. 

I went back last night and the staff started laughing when I walked in the door.  Ok, they weren't laughing.  They were jokingly asking why I was back again.  Hello?!?  Door prizes, food, and BEER!  It was a VIP night with good deals on shoes and apparel, and since mine could be better, I jumped at the chance to try something else.  Again, another shoe purchase.  I have yet to try this pair on a run.  I ran 13 today, and you don't do that with new shoes.  You start small.  I have 90 days to return them if I have issues-I've got time.  (famous last words).  Anyway, a little plug for Road Runner Sports (even if I didn't win a door prize).  I have never had better service by any company.  I feel like every person I meet there is a friend.  (and thanks J, A, and R for last night's help!)

So, with the events of shoe shopping in my recent past, I found this video of the first woman to run the Boston Marathon.  Now, I'm not an outspoken "women are the same as men in all cases" type of person.  God made us different for a reason.  HOWEVER, I'm all for the women pioneers of "life in general" who help demonstrate what we are able to do.  So with my new shoes and one month until my half marathon, I leave you with this video: 

Kathrine Switzer  (look for a little blue box to pop up and click on it)

Change is good, right?

I am Lutheran.  I'm not ashamed to say it.  If you didn't know me, but ran into me on the street and we talked, became friends, grabbed coffee every once in a while, you'd know it; even if I never told you I was.  "How on earth would I know that?" you might ask.  You'd figure it out. 

I HATE LOATHE CHANGE.

Change, on the grand scheme of things, is good.  Great, even.  When it comes to important matters, change can be the thing that makes me become a better person, a more experienced person.  As a Lego Ninjago episode puts it {thanks to my dear children}, I can realize my full potential.  Change can be amazing!  Unless I need new running shoes.  Ugh.

Just ask my mother.  I dare you.  Ask her if she enjoyed taking me shoe shopping when I was younger.  Wait.  Don't do that.  You'll get more than you bargained for.

I'm not picky-I'm precise.  If I'm going to drop money on an item that is supposed to enhance my running experience, not injure me, and that I'll be wearing for 350 miles over 4 months, they better be good.  They should be an extension of myself.  The latest pair I purchased is not.  I feel as if I'm running in the shoe boxes themselves.  After 2 years in the same model shoe, after buying as many as I could on the internet until I couldn't find them anymore, it's finally time to move on.  Change is hard.  I hate change.  Here ends the tribulation section of my blog for the day.

Trials have been coming in the form of illness.  They've been attacking everyone in the family.  Even the GBO (Great Bald One) had a cold and he never gets sick.  Two workouts have been missed in three days this weekend, but it's ok.  That's why I work so hard normally--just in case I need to miss a day.  Hopefully this past episode is our last of the winter.  Did you hear that, Winter???  Huh?  Did ya?????

Now to my favorite of the quartet--Triathlon.  I had the privilege of attending the kick-off event for Team UCP of Greater Cleveland.  Yummy food, excellent people and inspiring stories filled the event.  I'm very excited to be a part of this team.  I met and had a paparazzi moment with Beth Lucas (Development Director) and Tammy Gibson Willet (Mgr of Foundation Relations & Development).  They liked me so much they even gave me (and everyone else) free jewelry!!!  It won't come off until the after the event (or in case of emergency). 

On my fabulous bracelet from UCP are the words, "Inspired to TRI".  How fitting.  You can come up with your own meaning of it in its context.  I have about 5 of them.  The one I have to be most bold and daring about is being inspired to try to raise funds.  This little idea is extremely challenging to me, but I must try.  Be ready to get a personal facebook message from me...


Finally, Triumph.  I'll get back to you on that when I get different running shoes....this might take a while.

Winter is tough.  It can be depressing with the lack of sunshine, having to stay indoors (or move most workouts indoors), and cabin fever.  This winter has been odd.  It's been very mild (most adults don't mind this), rainy (yuck), and predictable (mild during the work-week, cold on the weekends).  For my children, this has been horrible.  My youngest has been asking for snow since June and she has been very frustrated.  Also, when you need the kids to burn off some energy, you can't have them go outside to play in the 40 degree rain. 

I'm the kind of person who likes things seasonable.  I like my summers hot, my winters snowy and cold, and my springs and falls nice.  Last year was really relaxing being able to do 5,6,7 mile runs in the falling snow.  It's quiet, no one is out driving, and it's great to come home and cozy up for hte rest of the day by the fireplace.  That hasn't happened this winter, but Steve-o and I have been taking advantage of being able to run outside in the less-than-freezing temperatures (which is also nice). 

The winter is also a difficult season for a triathlete.  Races seem so far off, motivation is lacking, the pool water seems extra cold...  but I had a little lift yesterday.  I received an email from USA Triathlon (the regulating body of the sport in the US).  Last year's Cleveland Triathlon finish qualified me for the Age Group Nationals (it's a race) in Vermont!  To be invited, your placement must be in the top 10% of your AG (age group) in a race that is submitted to USAT.  Not to be picky, I should have been invited the prior year also, but who knows what happened.

Hmmm.  Should I go?  Shouldn't I go?  It's neat to qualify.  Yet, it's also a kind-of backhanded invitation.  Sure I qualified from that race, in that location, in that time, with the competitors who were there.  Going will prove just how fast the FAST people REALLY are!!!  To put it another way, someone who was fast enough to get there will still have to come in last.  On the other hand, to let my mind run wild (and this will most likely not happen), the top people in each age group in Vermont will compete in the world competition in London in 2013.  Ooohh!  Butterflies!

So that's my good news thread.  I've been invited to Vermont!  I'd like to go, but I do have to consider the timing of the race:  August 18.  2 weeks after Cleveland.  3 days before my oldest's 8th birthday.  5 days before both kids start school (I think).  3 weeks before Rev3 half-iron distance tri (that's  almost double the length of an olympic triathlon).  What an exciting way to start another school year.....

Let's get this party started!

It wasn't too long ago when I received a friend request from a family member who I haven't seen in years but thought about often.  Now, if you are familiar with my family, both sides are rather large.  On my dad's side alone, I have 20 first cousins (with my sister and myself, that's 22).  When you add in my father's cousins and their offspring-I believe that's "second cousins"-it adds183 more (or so--I lost count).  And that's only on his father's side. Needless to say, we have a Zehnder army.  And, just to be fair, my mom's side, while smaller in comparison, has it's very large populace, too.  (Shout out to the Hebens!)

In this army there was one cousin who said no sentences, but spoke volumes.  This cousin was Mark Zehnder.  Our fathers are first cousins and we lived nearby.  With family all over the country and a family so large that I don't know half of them, having a cousin relatively my age and within 30 minutes was actually pretty rare.  Mark was the youngest of 5 kids and was physically very rigid with cerebral palsy.  As I said previously, Mark was very communicative with his eyes, smile, and vocal sounds.  He was very effective at getting his point across.  It was Mark who friended me on facebook. 

I was amazed that I was friended and apalled for not looking him up myself.  "Friend" accepted and we sent a few messages back and forth. 

****

Several years ago, I started training and racing in triathlons.  I had this dream since I was a teenager working at Clague pool; I wanted to race the Cleveland tri.  A good friend I worked with, Andy Schmitz, did it every year.   He ran cross-country, was a great swimmer, and I just assumed he was great on the bike, too.  There was no way I could do it.  Andy was (is) a rock star!

Fast forward about 20 years, now a stay-at-home mom with the ability to train thanks to daycare at the gym, I give it a go an the indoor tri at my gym.  Nothing too challenging: a 10 minute swim, 30 minute bike, and a 20 minute run.  I told myself if I placed high enough (top 5 women), I'd sign up for the Cleveland tri finally.  Well, I did better than that, so I registered!

Little did I know what I'd see when I was there at the race.  Moms, dads, friends, teamed up to support, race for, and sometimes WITH their kids living with cerebral palsy!  I didn't know Team UCP of Cleveland was the official charity of this race.  It now had a new meaning.  Let me just say, if you have never experienced pure joy and excitement, just "people watch" at this event.  It will blow you away.  The cheers, the support, the struggles on some parents' faces as they pull their child in a boat during the swim, pulling them on the bike, pushing them in the stroller all the way to the finish line...  I dare you to come!

I kicked myself for not knowing the charity and not donating.

I suffered regret the second year I raced as I knew the charity, but felt the "woe-is-me, no one will donate" self-defeating talk.

***

This year will be different, I told myself.  I was "friended" by Mark!  I had no excuse.  Mark was an inspiration in what he could accomplish.  Certainly, I could put stuff on facebook and bug my friends and family to donate... then IT happened.

Mark was having some issues in the fall which seemed to stabilize.  "I need to register for the Cleveland tri.  I'll do it tomorrow."  That happened a lot.  More issues happened with Mark's health.  "All right.  I need to register.  I'll do it now."  About that same time, unknown by me, Mark tied on his dancing shoes in heaven. 

The donation page is up.  But keep in mind, I do not race in his memory.  I race in his honor.  He showed us what is possible and exemplified God's joy and love through his eyes and smile. 

I invite you to follow my blog as I train yet again for the Cleveland Olympic distance Triathlon, this time, with a purpose greater than my own.  Six months to go....

If you feel it in your heart to donate, please go here.  If not, please pass the message on...

Here's a little video from last year's race to show you the excitement.