How Sweetie Pie Helps in Triathlon

Now...now...get your mind out of the gutter.  Sweetie Pie has nothing to do with intimate relations in the night.  However, there could be some scientific literature based on the topic.

Sweetie Pie is our crazy family dog.  She is a 5-year old Basset Hound and has given me numerous grey hairs that haven't come out with Clairol.  Despite her naughty ways she has been a part of the triathlon effort and I wanted to share her contributions with you.

1.  Picking up poop piles in the front and backyard.  I'll do this before I run as a way to warm up the muscles.  The stooping and collecting make for a nice low-back and hamstring stretch.

2.  Cleaning pee or puke stains on the carpet.  I'll do this with some consistency.  The repetitive forward and backward motion with my arms as I scrub with Resolve make for a nice upper body dryland swim drill (keep your elbows high for maximum efficiency).

3.  Excellent speedwork training when going for walks.  Hard effort running when squirrel or rabbit scent is obtained; recovery during bouts of sniffing (or eating) goose poop by the retention pond.

4.  The dog pissing me off when grabbing food off counter, terrorizing the cat, scaring small children, and peeing on floor when excited.  I channel my anger into a good interval session on the bike.

5.  The dog calming my nerves before a race when she is curled up in a ball on the couch looking at me with her big, brown eyes- the blood pressure is coming down already!

6.  Running around neighborhood in sprint-like fashion when Sweetie Pie escapes the house in search of rabbits in the woods- another good speedwork session.

7.  Sweetie Pie is a great companion for the kids and spouse when I need to go on 5 hour bike rides.  While she isn't Nana the dog from the Peter Pan movie, I can't complain.

Sweetie Pie is one of many who have helped me along my triathlon journey.  I am grateful everyday for her existance and feel confident she will continue to facilitate my training.

Our Sweetie Pie nuzzling up against Kona, our cat!

Marimba or Zipp disc wheel

As a Mom, we all make tough choices and sacrifices for our kids.  I confess, being a triathlete and Mom can wreak havoc when my selfish triathlete side wants to purchase a decent wetsuit (current one has holes, but well-patched) over purchasing new drum sticks for my son or a Yankee candle for my daughter's latest school fundraiser.

Recently, I was informed of a "great deal" on a Zipp disc wheel- for a limited time only.  Many thoughts raced through my head at this potential opportunity to purchase this "great deal." 

I thought of the pros- faster bike split, "limited time only" price, intimidate the competition, and- did I mention- faster bike split.

I thought of the cons-great price but still dang expensive, will have to work more to pay off, no disc wheels in Kona, and I need (or want) other tri gear such as wetsuit, aero helmet and some nice bike shoes.

During my days of stewing over what I should do, it was brought to my attention that my son's percussion skills would benefit greatly with a marimba in the house. My son is a developing musician who actively participates in marching band, New World Youth orchestra, ISSMA, and IPA.  Like any athlete, a musician must practice and train regularly to improve and succeed. The tools needed to become a good musician are not cheap.  So... I was faced with a dilemma- disc wheel for me or marimba for child.

My selfish, triathlete side really wanted this disc wheel.  I thought to myself, "I work my tail off daily to be a better athlete- why not facilitate the process by purchasing this extra bit of speed." But, my motherly side swiftly kicks me in the butt and reminds me that my hobby should not take priority over my kids' basic needs- food, shelter, and extracurricular activity expenses.  The fantasy of my child pursuing his passion and making a productive career in music trumps any piece of tri gear- no matter how great it is.

I thought about my Dad and the years of spending his weekends, early mornings and evenings taking me to and from swim practice.  I thought about the many weekends my Dad sat in the bleachers to watch my full-day swim meets.  We, as parents, make sacrifices because we adore our kids so much. While I love triathlon and all the great training and competition that it encompasses, the best joy I get in life is being a Mom, who enjoys triathlon on the side.

 Reid and my new triathlon purchase:  a beautiful marimba!!!

I've only got a year!

October 10, 2012
I've got a year to prepare!  My goal of qualifying for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI has finally been realized-but not without some struggle and a little luck.  Family and friends that know me understand this has been a goal of mine for years. 

Over the last year I had trained diligently with the goal of qualifying on Sept. 9 at Ironman Wisconsin.  I had succumbed to a frustrating calf injury in Spring, 2012.  Sidelined for several weeks but determined to not throw in the towel I healed up okay and continued.  By July, I was on track only to injure my IT band because of a poor decision to buy a different brand of running shoe (lesson learned).  Angry with myself, but not sidelined from training, I continued and felt ready to have a great race in Wisconsin.

If you suffer from periodic insomnia, like me, you know how frustrating it is when lack of sleep toys with your emotional and physical state.  Days before Wisconsin, my insomnia kicked in and violated my Kona dreams and plans for qualifying. Determined to not let this jeopardize me, I did my best to relax and rest the best I could.

First, let me tell you that all the preparation in the world doesn't mean you still won't make dumb mistakes.  On the morning of the race I left my timing chip at the hotel.  The panic and tantrum I had in front of my husband and friends is quite laughable now, but at the time I was beating myself silly for the stupid mistake.  The energy I wasted with my anxiety did not help psych me up.  Fortunately, I was able to get a new chip by the swim start- problem solved.

If you've done triathlon for any length of time you know that many of us will pee in our suits while wading in the water before the start.  For me, I'm not sure if it was nerves or cold water, but I couldn't pee! That sucked, because it doesn't feel good to have a full bladder while swimming/biking/running.

Despite the pesky inconveniences leading right up to the cannon going off, I was ready.  My swim and bike went well- no major complaints.  My transitions were awful slow- had to use the Port-a-Potty, drink my Ensure, and the arm warmers were a real bitch to put on (Madison was chilly)!  Going into the run, I knew it would hurt- and it did.  My IT band was a constant nag and I'll think twice before wearing compression sleeves.  I felt my feet tingle and it seemed I wasn't getting proper blood flow (maybe I should have worn compression socks).  At any rate, I finished the race feeling so happy to be done but weary because I struggled so much during the leg and saw so many females passing me.  Fortunately- and this is where luck was on my side- I scored first in my age group and a qualifying slot to Kona.  My time was not stellar (11:02:00) and I wouldn't have qualified in some of the other age groups, but I did it nonetheless!!  My bib number was #777- maybe that is how I "won" the jackpot.

Anyway, I am writing this blog to help me (and maybe others) to overcome the obstacles that limit us from success.  I want to take the next year, as I prepare for Kona, to work on my weaknesses.  By October, 2013, It is my hope that my weaknesses will be my strengths.  For me, I will work on:

• Running- improve speed, power, and a willingness to embrace running.
• Strength- to reduce injury and help with running and biking (learn to love squats/lunges)
• Relaxation (ability to stay calm under stress)- prepare and prevent issues; manage them sanely when they come
• Sleeping habits- overcome insomnia episodes when under stress (positive or negative)