Bagon

The Yangon domestic terminal is state of the art in comparison to the Bagon terminal. Tiny, old but efficient.  Without checked bags we are off the plane and on our way in minutes.  

 With our wad of kyat wade through the mane eager taxi drivers. The one we select has a passenger who is a tour guide- convenient 😏. He pitches us en route to the Aye Yar River Resort in a day of touring.  All bookings btw done on Agoda- best app for international bookings.  Book, pay and easily stored with maps for navigation. 

 

Early check in and I was ready to sleep... jet leg! But we headed out and spend the morning on foot and car seeing a few of the nearly 1000 pagodas and temples.  Just amazing... they are all over in the grass, fields and along the road.  Some really small and others massive... the 

16 hours in Yangon

16 hours in Yangon ... a try at the blogger app.  No pics.. just thoughts 

Getting from my brothers to HK Intl airport is painless.. modern, efficient and a comfortable train ride. Yangon airlines was passable (barely) and now that we are on Air KBZ I've upgraded my opinion of Yangon Airlines.

Arriving into Yangon is impressive as you approach a brand new international terminal. Modern design and beautiful.  Navigating is quite easy and we soon found the $ exchange. Suddenly out 16 $100 bills turned into $2,600,000 kyat.  2 x 3 inch piles of bills.  Crazy... next stop with our wad of cash and was the SIM card and whamo we have cell service. 

The 10 mile taxi ride took nearly an hour due to rush but traffic. The time change is -90 min from HK.  How is that for a new one.  By the time we arrived at the Chatrium Royal Lake Resort I was famished and exhausted...the plan to seek out a place for dinner soon was killed and we found ourselves in the hotel Restaurant and a lavish buffet where you selected raw fish, lobster, meat etc to be grilled as well as copious other options of which some were questionable but most very good.  So far my impression of local wine is quite low.   We feel into a deep sleep by 8:30 with full bellies and enough drinkable wine to feel good.   

The 5:20 wake up call was not necessary as we are still a bit jet lagged and had been up for a bit.  A lavish breakfast included was wasted on me but the coffee was strong and flowed readily.   Onto the dometic airport for our flight to Bagon with a very friendly driver who commentated the entire drive and we undrtstood little of what he said.  We nodded and smiled and toward the end hear "Trump"

But am still unclear if the context.  This terminal is quite old, although ornate, and bustling. Noisy, busy and chaotic. And into Air KBZ and cat piss comes to mind. They were quick to serve breakfast- bun with a mayonnaise and mystery spread, pink cake with frosting and a chunk of dark chocolate.  Wishing now I'd enjoyed the omelette and fresh smoothies. Coffee is warm and instant. 

 Let the adventure begin! 

Running the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim (R2R2R)

day before- we are good - lets just look from up top

The last big effort of the year.... topping of my 50th with R2R2R  48 miles down the grand canyon across up and back down and back across and up again.   1 day!  I'll give the story now and at the end- my advice on gear, what we would do differently etc

Our group of 6 was only 4 due to an scary illness in Heidi so they could not make the trip (boo).

We drove SD to GC Friday- 8ish hours and were at the SK (South Kaibob) trail head by 4pm and this was both of our first look at the GC.  My gut dropped...it was so stunningly beautiful and hard to fathom we would someone get to the bottom and across and back.  It was a bit like, nevermind, lets just sleep in and do a day hike.

perspecitve on the climbing

SK trailhead has no parking and no cars allowed, although we bypassed the Buses Only to check out the trail head, as did 20 other cars.  The proper parking is 1/2 mile down the road.    From there we went to check out BA (Bright Angel) trail head where we planned to come out. This has lots of parking, hotels, food establishments etc.  If you plan to exit the trail at BA I would highly recommend staying at the trail head so you can finish and get home.  But these book up fast...   Any spot at the BA trail head would work well http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/lodging/bright-angel/

We stayed at the Yavapai lodge which worked well for us.  Family room and we had a king and bunks so Jen could stay with us. http://www.visitgrandcanyon.com/yavapai-lodge  2 miles from BA and 4 miles from SK.  We took a taxi to and from without issue.

ready to roll at 4am

Once we finished totally freaking out admiring the view we headed to check in.  My pack was packed and ready to go meanwhile John went shopping the previous night and was still trying out his options.   Much like an Ironman we were laying out and pacing gear and Jen arrived.  Let the party begin, We packed, laughed and all had a bit of nervous energy.  We downed Melatonin around 7 and Jen and I knocked back a glass of wine for good measure.  Lights out by 8.

what are we doing today

The 3am Ironman alarm went off and it was go time!  We brought lots of food so we fueled up on protein pancakes (cold) with nut butter and coffee.   3:40 met Jason out front and called the taxi and he was there within 5 min.  NOTE: cash only.  Temp was 46 and comfortable.

4:00 at SK trail head and off we went-  we have a 20 min stop about 2 min in due to sunglass loss down the slope but John found them.  On we went.

SK descent is steep, pitch dark and technical.   Headlamp a must and Jen and John had hand held flashlight which I recommend too.  Jens was great- super light and a  strap. Nathan Zephyr. Mind you I am not a trail runner and am a terrible descender so my goal was safety first and stay on my feet.  This is why I will never be an Ultra runner- my skills suck and before you say " you can still learn" , please cut me some slack, I am 50 and was a swimmer for good reason - can you say uncoordinated.   Every time I work on my trial descending skills I end up face down and bleeding....

We hit Phantom Ranch around 6:45 and the sun was coming up.  We ditched our jackets (behind a rock). We descended in Tech T.s , shorts, compression socks, ear warmer, trucker hat and gloves.  As the sun came up and were were on the GC floor it is breathtaking and the most amazing sight I have ever seen. It still brings tears to my eyes.  Stunning!

I also realized my legs were killing me not fresh and it was going to be a long day.  We jogged the next 8 miles across, South to North is a gradual up hill and while John and Jen were doing great I was already struggling- my periformis was throbbing and my legs were plain tired,   Jen and I managed to keep a steady conversation from the beginning and it was fantastically fun!  I HIGHLY recommend bringing someone who can chat for hours upon hours and laugh alll day long.

And now the 5 miles up the NR (north rim) steep and slow but again stunning.  Every time you look around it is breathtaking. It was surrel. I was hurting a lot- hot spots on feet (despite band aids and body glide) were sore.   We met a great group from Alabama who was on the same R3 route and hiked together for a bit. Good stories about their journey and some good smack talk about LSU vs Alabama.  I had imagined there would be no one else around but you see people off and on all day, except in the pitch dark when you would LOVE to see someone.

OMG we are only 1/2 way

At the top of NR I was considering calling it a day.  My periformis  was sore and I was the weak link, holding up Jen and John. They convinced me to keep going, we would hike/walk and they were okay with the pedestrian pace. I was ready to hitchhike back, find a bar and call it a day.  But then it occurred to me that I would have  get to come back and to the full R3 another time, so I was in. NR was cold and we tried to get in and out and not really think that we were only 1/2 way LOL.  7 1/2 hours to NR.  Every stop is about filling bladder- I DO NOT recommend the camelback with the disc opening.  Sure it works great in your kitchen sink, but try it 20 + miles in, at a fawcet that blasts water at firehose pressure and while it is attached to your pack.  NOT so easy any more.  I'd like products to be tested when the person is fatigued, at altitude and wonky than we can say things like "seamless" "easy"

And down we went, it felt "good" to be going down vs up and we continued our chatter of any and all topics . The views never quit, just when you think I've seen it all you see it from a different perspective and ooh and ah all over again.  And when I was really hurting all the time at this point I would look around and lose my breath. At the bottom it was foot triage time- 4 blisters and hot spots, This was the first of 4 triage moments for me.  R3 I used 11 band aids, duct tape, body glide and then just suffered.

Jogging back was not happening for me- between the periformis and the feet it was power walking and Jen was okay with that. We merrily chatted our way across the GC.  In what seemed an eternity we finally made to back to Phantom Ranch.  There is a Cantina there cooking up food and at this point you would pay $100 or $1000for anything that was not in your pack, but they are closed 5-8pm for campers only.  We were too slow to get real food... although we did not plan on it anyway.

Sunset, headlamps on and the climb out.  I have to say I was miserable due  to my feet, the pace was slow but it was just painful.  Thank you Jen for the conversation and fun!  John had run across and waiting and hour for us as he did not want us to ascend alone.  Thank you honey! He wanted a nap mid run and he got one.  And up we went, and up and up and up. 20 min in Jen and I saw a Mountain Lion- no joke and for sure.  It was on the ridge and when our headlamps shone on his eyes he bolted.  That was terrifying...

The never ending trail takes you down to the river first which is really confusing and caused near screaming and a lot of consternation debate amongst us and finally back up and up and up.  Everyone says the climb out is never ending.  You think you get it but it really is never never never ending.  You keep thinking one more switch back. We climbed in t's most of the time and maybe the last hour in longsleeve.   John was a bit ahead and makes a turn and says we are out!  no way, it become unreal - are we done really?  Relief and happiness and 34 degrees.  WOWZA!!!

No medal, no announcer, no finish line- just the pure satisfaction that we did it! 18 hours which was our worse case scenario.  I did not plan to walk so much but so be it.  We finished and I have ZERO desire to go back.  One and done is good for me.

best fuel option!!!

Notes/thoughts/comments

• Only crazy ass M'fers would do this more than once or even once, but well we fit that bill.
• plan for the worst- we planned for 18 hours and hoped for faster but no avail - we had enough for 18-22 hours
• walking/hiking you burn less calories so we consumed less
• don't descend with 3liters of water- you only need 1/2 L for the descent and keep your pack light as possible on the way down
• you only need 2L option due to frequency of water- for this time of year. If it was 100 degrees you need more

  

  the pack I used 

• go with 2L bladder and collapsible bottles as back up (in case some water is turned off)
• mix your calories as you get tired of the same food - my favorite for the day was the nut butter- not too sweet and dense in calories
• we "saved" the gels and those were not what we wanted to consume on the hike out- but alas only option
• caffeine pills saved us
• I would reverse the run and go down BA - 2 miles longer and less steep an thus "easier" to descend in the dark.  Coming up is brutal anyway - I'd rather just get it done, mind you I have not done that so maybe the steepness is just not worth it.  The downfall of this is finishing at SK there is NOTHING so you are waiting in the cold for a taxi and it took 20 min at 10pm
• Go in April/May- similar temps to what we had BUT you have 3+ more hours of daylight so you are not ascending totally in the dark.   
• Training- I felt woefully under trained or maybe just fatigued from a long season. I'd do at least 4, 5+ hour trail runs on technical terrain up and down with your pack loaded up- the extra weight changes your gait and adds to the load
• Duh- wear your proposed shoes AND socks on those runs-  due to Ironman I was not able to do that and I paid for it.
• Hiking poles- Jen brought a pair and we did not expect to use them but we did and LOVED them- we each took one- easy to run with and use when hiking 
• Wear shorts with pockets for easy accessible food/pills etc.  Have a hydration pack with pockets you can access without taking your pack off
• More weighted stair sessions-  5 or 6, 2+ hour sessions with a weighted pack.
• Bring food in case you are not up for the pizza /beer option.  We were freezing, tired and just wanted to get clean and warm.  I had made enchiladas and brought some wine/cider. We cleaned up and had a picnic in our room.    

Love you honey- never again 

OMG we made it

Just like anything - there are A LOT of opinions...this is mine. 

That's a wrap

2x 70.3's and 3 140.6 and a few other random races should, I say should, be a solid season but NO I have one more tiny ok big ass  event on the books.  Big as in 48 miles of running through or should I say down and across and up and down and across the Grand Canyon.

Saturday, we are doing R3 or R2R2R ( Rim to Rim to Rim)  As most people ask next, all in one day? Yes in one day (or at lease we hope)  48 miles and 20,000 (yes 3 zeros) feet in elevation- 10k up and 10k down

The sordid story is not all the sordid....really the topic was broached early this year as what should we do for my gulp 50th birthday.  We came up with R3 and it seemed was perfect- My birthday fell (10/21) on Friday and we would do it the next day.  Well then I decided I really wanted to race in Kona this year and had to do 2 IM's do get there as I did  NOT get the job done in Canada.  So 3 Ironman races in 11 weeks and my birthday  was 2 weeks post Kona and that just seemed nuts. But 4 weeks Kona ?  Yes still nuts but less nuts.  If you dont really think about it, it is less nuts- trust me.

We reached out the the R3 Queen (Smashfestqueen) for her guidance as she has knocked this bad boy out 3 times.  We needed training plans.

Mine was- train for Kona and add a few 30 min stair sessions. Whereas John's was building up more miles and had many more stair sessions with a 30lb pack + some long runs.  I did my long runs in Whistler, CdA and Kona. What is as stair session?  Head to Swami's where there are 140 stairs to the beach and you go up and down for said time.

The first time I did 30 min, post a 90 min run, it was not bad at all, until the next day and the day after.  My calves were totally wrecked. OMG.  So table that and train for Kona.  I crammed my R3 training in after I " recovered" from Kona, ha ha and before it was time to "taper" for R3.

Basically I chilled for a week and started climbing stairs, not really thinking that I had just done an Ironman or 3.  My culmination in training was last Tue with 25 min run, 2 hours of stairs with 27lbs and a 20 min run.  I woke up Wed thinking I am a badass as I feel pretty good.  Now Thur I was paralyzed....Good ol DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness)

So we are now tapering, cramming, packing and still trying to figure out how to carry 4500 calories, 3 liters of water and stay warm in the AM (30 degrees) and comfortable in the canyon with the least amount of weight.

It is looking like this.

Salomon Running Vest with 2L bladder and 2 1/2 liter collapsible bottles
1200 calories carbo pro
1200 calories YUM butter
10 x HUMA gels
2x Boba Bars @390 calories each
2x The Perfect Cookie @ 400 calories each
6x The Right Stuff for sodium
Caffeine pills

Can you say hello 1970's split running shorts
I can tell you know- if the fashion police are in the GC this weekend
I am busted...it will be hideous 

NUUN

Hoka Challenger ATR shoes
CEP Compression socks
1970's "race ready" running shorts
tech t
long sleeve tech t
cycling jacket
ear warmer
trucker hat
head lamp
gloves

First aid kit

And there you have it....

We are driving out Friday AM to the Grand Canyon- meeting Jen and Jason there.. wihs us luck! 

Level 5

As my good friend Kim likes to all turning 50.... reaching Level 5.

One of the aspects of being a triathlete is that you "age up" on January 1.  Once the calendar turns you become whatever age you will be on 12/31 of that year.   So for 10 + months I have been 50 in triathlon years that is.  The first time I had to answer the "how old are you?" was in March at my first race this year.  I did gulp a bit and say 50.  I have had 50 scrawled on my calf 6 times before my birthday.  So the actual day did not change much, other then well I am 50.

I decided that 50 is really halfway to 100.   You may laugh but my Grandmother lived to 99 and my Aunt is currently 99, so it is within my family genes for sure.   Time will tell.....

learning to drink from the bit valve

The day was about as perfect as I could have hoped. Starting with a gnarly trail run/hike with John and the dogs (on very tired legs from a session of stair climbing the day before)  Coffee at Lofty, while I do love that place I am over the "massaged humanely treated almond milk " that is a $1.50 add on and the sheer attitude of pretentiousness of that place.  We have shifted our local coffee allegiance to Coffee Coffee, more "North County" coastal attitude with better seating and real people.

thanks mom for the cake and candles

We wrapped up the day with party.  No surprise party ( I foiled that early on), no black tombstone decorations, just a great night with good friends and my parents.  As ideal as it could be.  We had the food catered so it was easy!  Bought and drank a lot of wine.... You can tell it is the off season for my triathlete friends, as the wine consumption was nearly double of any other get together.   And the Vons cake (which I requested as I LOVE the buttercream frosting) was demolished. It was a nice with so many of my dear friends - the kind of night that just makes you feel so fortunate to have so many amazing people whom I consider to be my friends.

Cannot wait to roll this baby

While I am not a super "gifty" person my parents like to give at birthdays and especially the big ones.  My mom had reached out to Les for some ideas.... Surely she did not expect the disc wheel or Di2 shifting for the road bike ideas but my loving husband sold them on the disc. No memorable jewelry  but a gift I LOVE and will surely use for years!   Cannot wait for 2017 O'side..... the whop, whop, whop of the disc rolling on my bike!

Onto 51 and still feeling more like I am 40.

Kona 2016

real photo from Kona swim start

This has taken tooooo long to write…and has been in progress for weeks- so I am finishing it and putting up.

This is NOT a typical race report, so don’t expect the riveting information about what I was wearing, eating and drinking with detailed splits and power numbers.  Big sigh of relief from anyone reading. 

A year ago the goal was to qualify early, IM Texas, recovery, take a small break and do a focused Kona build and try to FINALLY nail this race.   The fractured metatarsal threw a hammer wrench into that plan. Superseal did not happen, Oceanside was a cram session and the build for IM Canada went okay.  I came up short in Canada or truth be told, ran too darn slow and missed the slot. So the long Kona build from May that was pushed to July was still not happening.  So we hurried up,rested, trained a bit, and tapered and I qualified in Coeur d’Alene.  Sweet!

UP run fun with D3powered

7 weeks for a not so ideal Kona build.   More recovery, training and tapering in a short window.  Along the way sometime before Canada I had a major setback with my metatarsal, one that the 1^st Dr put me back in the boot and the 2^nd Orthopedic suggested surgery, so I cut running to every other day, used the bone stimulator and raced 2 Ironman races.  Foot seems to be 90% ok  Last Orthopedic apt, Dr says, “just  keep doing what you are doing”  Okay…. 

D3 Crew

Going into Kona I was not sure if I was under trained, still recovering or in a sweet spot.   Hard to say…. I can say 3 Ironman races in 11 weeks makes packing and planning easy, not much to re-do each time.

For me, Kona is the week of Kona and that was all I hoped for.  So much fun seeing so many friends from all over, running into competitors and friends every day, doing the casual taper training, eating great food and swimming in my favorite bay every day. 

My coach and other D3 athletes were in town and we had some good comradery at the Underpants run and doing a bit of “group” training.  Next the kids, my sister and Mom arrived Friday and that make the usual pre-race jitters say at bay as I was so excited to hang with them. 

dinner with friends 

Before I knew it, it was 3am on Saturday and I was once again drinking coffee and making banana pancakes for the big show.  I was calm and excited to get going…. Every time I do this race I feel like I know 10 more people, which makes more familiar faces, more friends to hang out with and waiting on the pier is just a big reunion. 

Add caption

7:05 and we are in the water, treading water and waiting for the magic cannon.  I enjoyed the swim, was never out of my comfort zone and was pleased to finally break an hour and take the AG win (in the swim) in Kona.   The bike was hot, windy and hard- hello, it is Kona.  I have ridden in better and worse conditions so no much to say, other than about 25 miles in I knew I was not all there.  I decided to not yell and scream and the Power meter, to not curse the wind, to not wonder why I do this sport, but to enjoy the ride and be thankful I am in the very race I worked so hard and sacrificed to be in.  I did that for the most part, definitely dropped a few F bombs in the head wind. 

My 83yo mother...what a trooper

Seeing my family on the course was grounding and good reminder about how much I have to be thankful for.  Love and support goes a LONG way! 

The run started rough, gee what a shocker.   While I was trying to find my cadence and deal with the next 25 miles I realize I was in between the lead scooter and Jan Frodeno (who was on his way to winning the race)  Helicopters, motos, screaming people as I am plodding along.  I was trying not to start crying as I realized he was finishing and I was on mile 1.  Instead I was thinking, how cool is this…. the IM World Champ is running alongside me, okay blowing by me, but you get the picture.   On to Alii drive and I found my legs and settled in for a long ass slow run that ended in the dark the marathon.  One mile at a time… around mile 7 I lost a gallon or so in the porta pottie and tried to be positive and think about how much lighter I must be now.  

My love and #1 fan

LOL  I was hurting on my way to the Queen K when I saw Michelle S and I nicely shouted “fck me” and she was great and said. “be grateful her are here” Thank you!  Attitude adjusted and off I went.   It was a long time and the sun may have been setting when I came out to the energy sucking lab that was as least 5 miles long and I was headed home.  It was not pretty and this is where I generally quit the sport, which I did, and I swear off Kona, which I did and convince myself that the strip of highway I am running on is indeed hillier than any other competitors.  

I spied or heard John in the near dark and he was his every so awesome cheerleader and I was not very nice.  He told me Riley and my sister were just up the road, which in my diminished brain state, meant a few hundred free not 2 miles, so I focused on being really mad at John for lying to me and came to an aid station asked for broth?  The Japanese tour group manning that station said “brof?”  Yes I say “chicken broth?”  Response “no cheeeken”  I say soup “oh yes soooop”   And before I knew it I crested the hill to Palani and soon found Lisa and Marcus who kept me company for a bit and then finally Riley and Kathleen, went by coach and onto the most magic part of any triathlon- the finish line on Alii Drive!  

Finish line pic with Riley - hugs

When you take as long as I did that day it is dark, yes, it is, so you are running toward the light, toward the “voice of Ironman” and the red carpet which makes me cry every time. 

Kona # 5 did not disappoint, okay the race did, but the week was magical and having my kids, sis and 82YO mom to hug at the finish line is what life is all about!  

Post IM SUP with kids and my sis 

cheeeken"h manning that station said "he hundered free not 2 miles, so I focused on being really mad at John for lying to me

Riding what "everyone" else is riding

2 years ago I switched bikes from Felt to Cervelo...now part of that decision was driven by sponsorship but I had a choice among a few bikes.   I remember when I was deciding and chatting with a few people, I frequently heard "don't go with Cervelo, everyone has one."   Around that time I was here in Kona and I had minor bike issue that needed working out.  Felt was no where on this Island thus I was forced to go to the "Ironman" bike shop, wait in line, leave my bike and pay for the service.  I recall watching by the giant Cervelo set up and seeing 4 techs there cranking out tune ups and service on a Cervelo.  I was jealous.  I than recalled seeing them at many NA Ironman races and took that into consideration.

Today I was glad I own a Cervelo. Again some minor issue needed addressing and I rolled up, filled out a "VIP" ticket and 90 min later my issue was fixed and they had done a once over to make sure everything is in working order.  While I had a full tune up from my trusty mechanic at Nytro prior to leaving, my bike was on a plane and I have seen those bikes tossed around.  It is a piece of mind, knowing all is well!

I have used  Quarq power meter for 6+ years now and love them.  Again, it is a popular PM and not the newest, flashiest etc but it works! I was sold on the Stages when I bought this bike and it was nothing but problems. Not only did it scratch my bike, it dropped power, was inconsistent and the customer service was not all the helpful.  I eventually returned it and went back to Quarq.   Sometime between my last ride in San Diego, in pouring rain, travel and some work on my bike, my power was not reading.   I though it was okay when I rode Sunday but later realized I had picked up Sarah's PM and was recording her power- that is a whole other story as she is much smaller than me, thus power is much lower, so I was freaking out that I had lost all my fitness.... OMG- only to realized it was NOT my power.     (can we say Ironman brain)

John called customer service and they were extremely helpful and once she realized where we were suggested we go to the Quarq tent when they opened.  I may have been a bit hysterical when I got there and the tech says "are you Julie?"  had all the info, the asked me to leave my bike and after some troubleshooting and realizing it needed a firmware update and  they did not have the right tool, instead replaced it with a new power meter.  When Rory called me he says " we are not taking any chances in Kona"  DONE!  Customer for life!   I've had athletes I coach have issues with Stages and  Garmin Vector and maybe they have worked them out- not sure, but I am sure Quarq works and stands behind their product. AND they are in Kona!  

Hanging in Kona

So I landed on this magical island Friday evening, after taking a not so short flight with a 3 hour layover in HNL, vs the non stop on Alaska on Sunday.  Worth the extra travel time to get her Friday at 6:15.  Sun is setting as we depart the plane into the tropical air.  Found a fellow D3 athlete in HNL and killed the time eating and chatting. Then found more friends on the plane to Kona.  I was thinking back to my first time here in 2007 and I knew maybe 2 people. And now I see friendly faces in airports, on the street and around time.  It's like old home week!  I am so awesome ;)  totally kidding

Without my sherpa loving husband I had to manage the bike bag, duffel and briefcase - but did so without grace but with ease, mostly.    Got the car and onto the Kona Reef.   Office closed, random phone next to it and I call and hear the woman so who, what is your name?, when is your arrival.   That feeling of sheer dread is pouring over me that I may not have a place confirmed for the busiest week on this Island, even though I have a confirmation number and an email confirmation that she says means nothing to her. It is not 7:30 or 10:30 my time, well past the I turn into pumpkin time and I am starting to lose it as in cry on the phone.  I am looking at my van thinking can we live in this for a week?  Will I have to sleep in it tonight.  After a LONG wait she comes back on the phone and gives  me a unit # and a code for tonight.  She then tells me to go to the office at 10am and they will "try" yes try and sort this out.

I fitfully went to bed.  As the office did not open until 10am ( welcome to HI)  So I headed to the Ho'ala Ironman Training Swim.  This is a great pre- race swim if you can get here by Friday. It is 2.4M and is the Ironman swim, finish is a bit different but you get the 1 loop LONG swim.  Water start and relatively mellow.  It is a good reminder of how far out we go.  Sensational water- so warm and clear. Sheer heaven.

I came back and worked on my bike,  after I hit Lava Java for coffee and my favorite Island style macadamia nuts.  Yummmm.   I was fogging up the glass on the office window "let me in"  LONG strory and 90 min later it was sorted out....some issue when I changed my reservation to arrive early.   It was locked, cancelled, moved - who knows BUT the saint in the office got me our ocean front condo, and I only cried once.   Got my bike built up and hit the Queen K with Sarah, another D3er and it did not disappoint.  Lovely on the way out and hello WIND on the way back, welcome to Kona.

BEST EVER

pancakes with bananas and

Did a HOT run on Alii but loved it!  OMG I love this place.   And on Saturday it is still pretty mellow.... quiet streets without the crazed athletes.   Food shopping ($250 for a $125 worth of groceries-  Kona pricing)  and went to ugh Wal Mart, after going for my mom when she was sick, I swore I would never go t this store again, but there I was.  Buying bikes for kicking around town and for the kids to use on race day. Rentals are $100 a day and mopeds are $300 for 2 days. So for $109 each I got the f'ing heaviest bike you can imagine but it rocks!  

I was wiped out and laid low on Saturday....Sunday there was a random 10K which I did NOT do but was psyched to have the streets closed for my run.  Waking up with the ocean crashing, drinking Kona coffee on the Lanai- this is what Kona is about.  Great run and off to pick up John!!  

Walmart special $109

We settled in and went out exploring on our bikes- no expo, no madness just pineapple at the farmers market and a killer dinner at the Fishhopper with some old friends and new friends.   Sheer heaven!  

Monday hit the swim early and another majestic AM in the ocean- ton of fun with Kevin and his go pro - I was so excited I went and bought out and used it this AM.  Seems I was off on the settings so I video the inside of my swim top the whole way out, stopped it to view the fish, started it in my top and stopped it to view the dog on the SUP, resumed in my top and stopped it for the Coffee Boat.  My career in video needs help, just saying.    Dinner that night at On the Rocks in the sand with more friends from Smash.....we all met at camp in March and here we are on the big island sucking down Mai Tai's  not really, eating Kale Caesar with fresh Mahi Mahi and loving life.

smash girls and a betty

Riding, running and swimming with John and friends makes this place magical.  It's a slice of heaven each day.  Tue it gets real...seems like 9000 more people, expo opens and registration - when the wrist band goes on and you pick up another $800 back pack, it is GULP, this is a bit more than a Hawaiian vacation.  More and more really thin people, time to start freaking out about weight- I know I know but it's hard not to feel fat on Alii this week.   Man should have done that juice cleanse last week, where is my 6 or 12 pack hiding.

My weight neurosis is so bad that when I did the Gatorade Sweat test I made the nice tech (female) come into the tiny hot changing tent and take my weight. She was so nice and understanding when I told her I could not look at the scale :)

And BTW John knocked out 28 miles runnning on Alii Dr on Monday!   R3 training

Kona moments...
1- the couple who rang up $1611 of IM World Championship Merchandise  and the card was declined- guy goes nuts yelling at the cashier.....
2- the women I registered with and I ask if she is ready?  " its in God's hands now"  Wow, how big are those hands anyway?
3 - 4 inch MDot tatoo with 6 race logos tatted below it- what happens next? tatoo that says "see front" for the next 6?
4- Bike porn...wow just wow-  I definitely need a $15,000 bike
5- so many products that are "guaranteed" to make be faster, fitter, stay hydrated and fueled well- I'm planning to try them ALL on Saturday and new shoes - why not?
6- No matter how fit you are, you are fat in Kona

Kona

When you utter the word Kona to a triathlete they immediately assuming you mean Ironman World Championships- Kona.   To triathletes Kona is the Super bowl of our sport.  It is the biggest professional race of our sport with $150,000 awarded to the male and female winners as well as Championship for the top amateurs around the world who have qualified.

In my 10 years as a triathlete this will be my 5^th time on the start list.   I feel privileged and honored.  Sacrifice, hard work, commitment are just a few of the words that describe the journey to this special place.

For those going to the “big dance” as it is so nicknamed, it is an amazing week of warm island winds, Lava Java, rubbing elbows with the pro’s, the amazing sponsors, the give always and the sheer fun of  Ironman week.   There are 1000 #kona posts a day on Instagram and Facebook.  The people here are proud, have earned it and want to share the experience.

8 years ago not going to Kona was different.  There was no #Kona16, no daily updates/photos and check in’s the Lava Java.  If you were at home, you went about your day and on Ironman Saturday you logged into your laptop and followed along.   In 2015 and 2013 when I was at home, Ironman week was a daily reminder that I was not there, I was not in Kailua Bay, I was not riding on the Queen K, I was not drinking Kona coffee and eating macadamia nut pancakes at Lava Java and it was tough.  Whether it was due to injury or just not going fast enough I was not there and it hurt.  One more photo and I was going to scream.

I am honored to be part of the 2016 Kona Ironman World Championships and I cannot say that my FB and Instagram will be dark this week.  I will be soaking it all up and capturing as well.  So for those who don’t want to see it, take a break from Social Media, as I promise you a good portion of the other 1999 athletes will be photo documenting their week as well

Yoga

I have a love/hate it seem sacrilegious to say hate relationship with Yoga.  I have tried to commit to this relationship for years... But here is the truth, I just don't like it.

I have tried Bikram, who really likes Bikram, Hatha, Vinyasa, Iyengar,  Ashtanga...you name it and I am either too hot, too bored, too challenged, too confused, too stiff, too sore, too b

I do admit that I feel better after yoga and I feel even better after Hot Yoga.  So I decided when my Coach said I had to to commit to yoga 1x a week for the last 8 weeks and ramping it up to 2x a week for the final Kona build.  Here is the deal, I may as well do Hot Yoga to help with heat acclimation.  We have had the mildest summer, as in heavenly temps, low of 65 and high of 75. Sheer paradise but not ideal when training for a hot race.   We had 2 days of massive heat this week, as in 104 on Monday, what the heck? and 95 on Tuesday.  But, alas, I am tapering thus no epic sweat fest rides or runs to "practise" melting on the Queen K my hydration and nutrition in hot temps.

Here is my 8 week yoga summary.  ITS OVER!!!    OK more to share...

1-  I will NEVER I know never say never but I am sure take Yoga Teacher Training so I wish they would stop selling it at the end of every class
2-  I "like" Core Power Hot Power Fusion, if I have to pick a yoga class.  102-108 degrees and steamy.   It is the same class every time - so I know when we get to tree pose  I am 1/2 through the class and at pigeon we are at 45 min.  I like that know.  Not that I am counting the minutes, okay really I am .
3- The room, floor and people don't have that "hot yoga BO smell" because it is lululemon encinitas kind of yoga
4-  The locker rooms are nice!  Showers are plenty cold, because who takes a hot shower after HOT yoga.  Clean floors and I can hose down- I don't know HOW people stroll out of HPF and get in their car.  I am still dripping sweat as I drag myself into the locker room- OOH, yuck - the idea of getting in my car.  
5- I did acclimate.  When I started I needed 2x 20 oz bottles of fluid and I had to take at least one break, as in walk into the AC lobby and contemplate leaving.  This AM- I had 1x20oz bottle and felt great at the end of class.
6- When I started I did child's pose at least 10x to prevent from passing out.  Today I only did it when instructed.
7 - I wish I could tell you I am better at yoga, but I am not.  I still am a falling tree on my left leg.  I refuse to really do chair pose as my quads are generally tired and this is "recovery" not my workout for the day, eagle bound airplane just does not happen and standing splits is just cruel.
8-  I am no longer angry when I go.   When the instructor tells me to stay on my mat, emotionally,  I do for most of the class.  I still wander off a bit but try to "stay present" for the 60 min.  I no longer hurl mean thoughts at the accomplished yogi's or the chipper instructors.
9- I just cannot get into Savasana when it is 105+ degrees and I am laying in a soaked towel of my own sweat.  I do a bit more stretching.
10 - I like it when the mirrors fog up as I don't want to watch ME doing yoga.

Will I continue?  ha ha ha ha ha.... I used my last class on my punch card and the person who checked me in asked if I wanted another 20 card pass?  I smiled and thought no f'ing way. I am done with this for a while  and said not today, I will get it next time, which I can assure you will be in 2017!  

(some) people suck

As in the people who burgled our house (not robbed) burgled ....yes on Monday I went to swim at Masters and had a long ride to make up, after my week of "fun" in Cabo.  My ride was challenging and I tanked my run due to fatigue... 19 days from Kona it is better to error on the side of conservative.  

As I drove up and opened the garage I noticed all the cupboard were open.  First thought, John was frantically looking for something, yes I have seen this before.  Next, the door to the house is open, that rarely happens and the side garage door is open.  I am more pissed at his recklessness, at this point as I glance up and realize both road bikes and 3 sets of wheels are gone. BUT John had moved the bikes into the bedroom when I was traveling so I thought he must have done that again.

I call the dogs and they sheepishly came out.  Red flag #1.  I walked in the house and all the drawers of my desk were open.  Back to "what was John looking for" and then I see my "trainer bike" is not on the trainer and I see all the drawers open in the bedroom and it hits me.... FUCK we have been burglarized.    Mild or major hysteria sets in and I call John.  I am wondering through the house realizing what is gone and I am in disbelief.  Our gate was propped open and clearly they grabbed and ran.   The aholes took my FAVORITE pillowcase (yes I have one)  and filled it with my entire jewelry box and lots of other misc items.   As I wandered around I see they took our check books and get this the 4 pairs of running shoes new in boxes, sunglasses, the hydration vests we ordered to try on for R3 and more..... The list is over 75 items.  It is surreal and I wish it was a dream.

There is so much more to say.....but I don't know who stole from us and if they ready my f'ing blog! They knew our patterns and knew what to take.  They bribed our dogs with french fries and left us feeling violated, angry, scared, sad, and more....... The last 3 days have been about building walls in every sense.  We will be living in a fortress, both virtually and physically.  I dare those bastards to try again, ok not really.

All I can say is that sure it is stuff and that can be replaced....what feels horrible is not feeling safe in your own home, wondering who did this, knowing someone pawed through all your stuff.   I go to sleep worried, wake up in the middle of the night scared and burst into tears a few times a day.  I am so thankful for my friends and the support. The outreach from so many offering bikes, wheels  and anything triathlon related is amazing and why I live this community.   Knowing we are loved means so much.  From bringing us dinner,  to an offer to simply keep me company in my house while working and reaching out with support, I feel the love and thank you all!

We are fine and will move on....but for now!  Fuck sums it all up 

3 Ironman races in 11 weeks

I've had a few people ask me how to you rest, build, taper and race so many Ironman's in 11 weeks. 



 Well, considering this is a first, we are entering into uncharted territory- I leave this so my coach to figure out. 

Post IMCA I had 4 weeks to CdA. 

-Week 1:  only real training was a 30 min recovery swim and 2x cruiser bike rides in Vancouver. The rest was travel, dog walking and a work trip. I do eat a lot the first few days post race - after one gluttonous meal I try to get back to my clean eating but the calorie intake is high.  

- Week 2: was 19 hours but a lot of very aerobic training.  
Swim: 3 masters swims - 4100-4500 yards each
Bike:  2 really easy 3 hour bikes, 1 hour spin and a 5 hour ride with 3 hours of IM watts and 1 hour of 85%. 
Run: 3 runs 
1st run was Tue (9 days post IM) 45 min and legs felt good,  Thur 45 min run and Sat was my  "long run" of 1:35 
Yoga: 2x hot yoga

- Week 3:
Swim: 2 x 5k masters swims and 2 x recovery 30 min swims
Bike:  2x 2 hour bike sessions with a some short intervals
Run: 4 runs 1x 35 min with pick ups, 1x30 min ez, 1x 22 OTB, 1x45 min
Yoga: 2x hot yoga

- Week 4 Race Week
normal race week- 4k masters on Monday and the rest was 45 in bike with pick ups, short runs and swims and 1 hot yoga

Bam! there you go! 

Post IMCdA
This was a bit more focused.... Post race I ate a steak and mashed potatoes- yes I did.  It looked good and I went for it!

I have been in the Normatec Recovery Boots every day min 30 min and if possible 2x 30 min sessions
Deep Tissue massage on thursday followed by Epson Salt bath

Mon: travel day - OFF
Tue: 30 min ez swim and 30 min spin
Wed: 90 min ez spin
Thu: 45 min swim
Fri: 4k swim, 1 hour hot yoga and 10 min pool running
Sat: 2.5 hour ez ride, body weight strength work and 20 min pool run
Sun: 4500 y masters and 25 min pool run with intervals 

I have a roughly outlined schedule from coach but we are going to stay flexible to see how I come around. 

Tomorrow i finally get to run outside!  I am pool running on days I am not outside to build on the run but not take the beating.  BTW I really DISLIKE pool running.  Yes I have a waterproof iPod, but it is just plain boring.  For more on pool running and how to do it?  here is a great article.  

My body feels pretty good, except my feet.  I had to go to the Dr and he removed on toenail and lanced the other toe, which is now infected, and the nail will drop off soon.   Today is the first day they don't hurt just siting here.  I started soaking them in epsom salt and putting bacitracin + bandaids on.  

Next priority is shoes!  Thank you to Dan Beaver, owner of Cadence Running in Glibert, AZ for reaching out to me with some suggestions.