Colleen...YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!!

just go here.....

2008-09-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

ok...so I don't know why the two blogs...it's TOOO exhausting now that the Ironman is done. So, please just check the original blog RIGHT HERE!!!

Portland, London and Georgia...OH MY!!!

2008-09-12T08:05:00.000-07:00

Sorry folks, I know posting has been minimal, life has been super busy! I went to Portland for Hood to Coast...which was amazing and hurt worse than my Ironman. (I am not kidding) I mean seriously, when do you do 6 mile repeats, 7 hours apart from one another....3 times??? I couldn't walk for two days as putting in those 18 miles was fun, fun, fun. If you ever want to get in a great relay, Hood to Coast is really fantastic and well run by those folks at Nike! I had a really good time as a part of Team LIVESTRONG. Our team finished in 28:26:11 for an average pace per mile of 8:39. In the mixed open category we finished 94th out of 283 teams. It was awesome...a few pictures below...(want to be a part of this event with Team LIVESTRONG next year? let me know or contact fundraising@livestrong.org)

Then it was a few days off and on to London I go for the Human Race. What an experience that was....20,000 people and I got to meet Paula Radcliffe!! I ran the 10k on a typical very rainy evening in and around Wembley Stadium. Just a week after Hood to Coast, my running legs were back!! For a longer post on this event and why I was there check out this blog Here are just a few pictures from this event....it was great to see what kind of global impact LIVESTRONG will have on the world in the years to come.

Then onto Georgia to get some time with my family. No work, just play and some quality time. My brother has taken up the world of cross country running and he is super fast!! Being on a junior in high school and running solid 7 minute miles, I am more than impressed with his athleticism!!

I am now back in Austin for a month as travel will take me to Chicago and NYC next...I am excited about getting back onto my bike as I am raising money for the LIVESTRONG Challenge and riding 90 miles on October 26th. I am running in honor of a co-worker that is fighting breast cancer....if you are feeling generous and would love to make a donation to SAVE 2nd BASE!! go to my website and donate....just click here

Looking forward to core class and swim next week. I just may sign up for the aqua bike at Longhorn...we will see.

back in the pool

2008-08-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to core class and then made my way to the evening swim with T3, where I was hoping that the rain and thunder would hold off so I could finally get a good workout in the pool. Having watched SO MUCH swimming in the Olympics and seeing the underwater form of those free-stylers...I was ready!!

I jumped in, did the 200m warm-up and felt pretty good, thinking I was finally going to make it through an entire swim workout. Two weeks ago I had let Mo know that I felt as though I was in swim purgatory. I was faster than T1 folks but not quite fast enough for the T2 lanes and I was frustrated. I decided to take a few weeks off and come back when I was ready mentally.

Made it through the 3200 workout, felt good and even swam 3 back to back 100s at 1:45 pace. (even Mo was shocked!) It is no 46 second 100 but I am happy with feeling strong under 2 minutes.

I am going to try and get in a swim at the Nike Campus in Portland this Thursday....apparently this facility is AMAZING.

I might hurt the person who wrote this...

2008-08-18T10:29:00.000-07:00

"Going for the gold
Why does U.S. Olympic swimmer
Michael Phelps need all those gold
medals? Surely, two or three would be
enough to gain him a slew of product
endorsements, thus ensuring him a
lifetime of financial security.
Is Phelps just another greedy, self-
centered American, so focused on
personal excellence that he has lost
the capacity to feel compassion for
his fellow athletes from less wealthy
countries? After all, didn't they also
train hard?

But Phelps just won't quit. He
keeps competing as hard as he can,
thus depriving others of their fair
share of medals. Where is the justice
here?

Perhaps Congress should hold
hearings and pass a law compelling
Phelps to either stop crowding out the
competition or give up some of his
medals to less fortunate athletes,
whose sense of self-esteem surely
must be suffering in the wake of
Phelps' successes."

REALLY???? He set a goal, went after it and conquered it? What is wrong with that? That is the American dream my friend? Why would you criticize someone for being passionate about something? why? The person that wrote this needs to re-think things.

Do you get the 'picture'?

2008-08-18T10:12:00.001-07:00

I know many of you are sick of this...especially my boyfriend Sam who is being very patient with my crush right now....but I am VERY VERY sad swimming is over. Cause I just want ONE swim lesson with Michael Phelps. Just one.

who wouldn't want a hug from this guy....

2008-08-16T13:17:00.001-07:00

I am sorry because I know many are feeling this way...but who doesn't want a hug from this 6 foot 7 inch wing span guy? AND....this guy LOVES what he does...man, I am going to be depressed when the Olympics are over.

Michael Phelps

2008-08-15T20:56:00.000-07:00

It's official...if you saw him in the 100m fly....I am in love.

some miles on the bike!

2008-08-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

Well, I was motivated to get out twice on the bike this past weekend....I put in 35 miles on Saturday (went out by myself) and then on Sunday I met my friend Clark for 55 miles of the Dam Loop. It felt good to be back on the bike, although I am not ready to start running anytime soon and well, I do have a Half Marathon in November!! it is just toooooo DAMN HOTTTTTTT!!!!

With the Olympics being on right now I am motivated to get the workouts in early so I can watch the coverage on Prime Time at night.....today I will go to Core class and tomorrow I will try to get up and swim early!

Is anyone else PLASTERED to the TV like me in regard to the Olympics? How about that swim relay last night?!?!?!?! And my favorite Pro Female Cyclist, Emma Johanssen took the silver medal in the road race.....she is super cool.

LOVE IT. LOVE IT.

Here I AM!!!

2008-08-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

I know, I know....it was only a 7 day bike ride I was on but it took me twice as long to recover from being away.

So, I am back....from the wonderful, welcoming state of Iowa. Man, there are some GOOD people in Iowa. I rode 6 out of the 7 days and put in about 440 miles on my road bike. I guess that is one way to get thrown back onto the bike after the good old Ironman. Team LIVESTRONG had a really good time. I highly recommend this event if you are wanting to put in some really good mileage for training, eat some amazing food and meet some really great people from all over! Here is a picture of the TEAM the night that Lance came to hang out...

I was gone for 12 days and since then.....well, I have not done much. A few swim workouts, a few small runs, I did venture to Core class....ouch....on Monday and I will go on a ride with a friend this Saturday.

I feel un-inspired to sign up for a race at this point...but know I should start looking as all that good training I put in during the spring is going to waste.

I may not have any good training updates anytime soon.....just because.

Don't try this 3 weeks later....

2008-07-15T06:48:00.000-07:00

Miss Maggie and I met up for a 3 mile jog last Wednesday just to "stretch" out the old legs. This is the second run I had attempted since Ironman. The legs are just not bouncing back at all, everything feels heavy, I get tired pretty easily...as we got about 10 minutes in the thought of walking seemed really nice. Maggie and I joked and kept saying "no expectations" for the Couples Triathlon this past Sunday. As the day approached I wondered what it was going to feel like to do this event...Thomas at J&A said he did a Sprint right after Ironman Brazil last year and he said the IM was easier. I laughed but inside I wanted to throw up.

Maggie picked me up Sunday morning and instantly we had some fun nervous chatter joking about how I might finish...hopping, crawling across the Finish Line perhaps. My favorite was talking about our "special needs bags"....just because it felt weird to not pack anything major. Got to race site, set up transition, did the normal routine...jogged a bit with Maggie, went and swam a few minutes...and then it was go time.

Magleen was in the second wave at 8:04...thankfully, as I am NEVER that close to the start of the race.

Took off in the water and instantly my arms felt a bit heavy but I pushed through and as time passed things started to loosen up. I felt as though I was going much quicker than last year so I was sad to find out that my swim was SLOWER than last year. How is that I swim a 2:03 per 100m for an Ironman and swim a 2:41 per 100m for an 800 m swim? Can we get a check on that distance? Apparently I need to work on my sprints in swimming...looks like I have a new goal?

Off to the bike (11 miles) which took me 37 minutes...only 2 minutes slower than last year..I will take it as I hadn't been on the tri bike since IM.

Then onto the run which I thought was absolutely PAINFUL. In fact, I had a nice fall...total face plant about 1 mile into the run. Not kidding. I tripped over my own damn feet and well, grass running is not fun. I quickly got up and started running again just wanting it to be OVER. The funny thing? My run was 26:45...running 8:30 miles....a serious PR over last year.

Magleen took 4th place, losing the podium by just TWO minutes. Not bad for recent Ironman finishers...however, I don't want to do a race anytime soon. My body hurt for the rest of the day.

I leave this Thursday for RAGBRAI...
Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa

This is my first event with Team LIVESTRONG. We will be riding anywhere from 60-85 miles per day for 7 days straight. I don't know if I will be doing 7 days straight...I may be doing every other day...I am excited to go cycle in a new place though and meet the team of 180 riders we have!

I will not have access to computer of blog but will have a full report when I return. I plan on taking my running shoes so that my co-worker Kim and I can log some running miles...and sadly, I will not be able to swim during that time.

See you in a few weeks!

Damn you Craig Powers....

2008-07-07T14:37:00.000-07:00

So I catch up with this friend of mine Craig last week...fellow triathlete himself. I ask him when his first Ironman will be and he 'casually' sneaks in "What do you think about Western Australia 2009?" Man!! Ever since then I can't get it out of my head....why sure? Another Ironman in AUSTRALIA!!! absofreakinlutely!!!

So with that I am considering the sign up in December...if I can only save my pennies to get there!! Anyone want to come along?

a new goal...October 25, 2008

2008-07-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

I will be doing Couples Triathlon next weekend....and then I will do the Austin Triathlon in September. But my A race of the Fall will be the Florida Challenge. This is the very first Half Ironman I did two years ago...and I am ready to go back and kill this course!!! It's gonna be awesome! (plus, selfishly it gives me the chance to go back to Florida for a few weeks and see some friends that I miss very very much!)

I am still laying somewhat low. I did 2 swims this past week...both around 2300 m with T3. It felt good to stretch out in the pool, but hard to get the motor running again. No running yet as my legs aren't quite ready for that. I did go on a 35 mile bike ride with Chadro yesterday. It was fun...but my legs were tired the rest of the day.

Gonna do a few small workouts this week to just gear up for Couples Spring Triathlon....will Team Magleen take first this year?

a few more Ironman pictures...

2008-07-01T16:24:00.001-07:00

me on the run..this is pretty much how I felt and those are my girls Heidi and Robin cheering in the background.

my big finish....this felt so good!!

the kind volunteer wanting to make sure i was ok...i was!

the tears, the smiles, the laughter....all the emotion finally came out...I could not have asked for a more perfect day!

Run: 26.2 miles!!! and the FINISH!!

2008-06-30T13:38:00.000-07:00

When I thought the run would be the worst part of the entire day, it turned out it was my favorite as I had a lot of support out on the course! (with some surprises along the way)

As I got in from the bike transition and said a huge..."Thank You God!!" for no flats and bike issues, I made my way to get my Bike to Run bag and headed to the changing tents. Changed out of cycle jersey into tri top and then handed the Body Glide to the volunteer and told her to put it anywhere my Tri Top touched my body. With the dry climate, the last thing I wanted was major chaffing. The Body Glide left a slight white film on my body.

Next stop: Sunscreen station. I walked up, put arms out and said...Get me!! The volunteers went at it and covered me...as they started to rub in, I said "oh no, that's ok...it will do that itself, I got to start running!!"

As I got out onto the run course, a friend told me I looked like Casper! I said...I am already going to be in pain, I don't want it to be worse because of a sunburn.

Here is where mentally things got interesting...I headed out for the small first loop and noticed that quite a few people looked as if in pain, not letting it get to me I put one foot in front of the other (as planned). I got to mile 3 and saw many friends from Austin...Coaches Chrissie and Mo, my good buddy Adam Reiser and a few others. Just two miles later at mile 5 were the ladies from Florida...and one surprise. My friend Heather that I had performed with at Disney drove in from Seattle the night before. She had told me she was coming but I did not know if logistics and her son would keep her from this....I don't know why I doubted..it's Heather for crying out loud! She had her son Zach and dog with her and was screaming on the sidelines with my other 3 friends. When I made the loop back around and hit mile 10..there they were again but with Heidi's parents now joining them. (it is awesome when 6 people are SCREAMING your name) Then a few miles later..the Austin crew again! A few miles later, a sign with my name and number and a woman I did not recognize at all..little did I know that my friend Missy Daly from Orlando had told a friend of hers in CdA my name and number and she was just out there cheering for the heck of it...how cool is that?!?! With all of this support...the run went by fast as I focused on who I would see next rather than the mileage or the numbness in my feet!!

When I reached half way...I couldn't believe it..It didn't even feel as though I had run 13 miles at this point...I felt good, my pace felt comfortable and I thought...I JUST might finish this marathon within 5 hours. My goal initially was to run half way and decide from there...at 13 miles I knew I could run 20...so I made it to 20 and said....Hell! It would hurt to walk now, I gotta keep moving!

Rounding the corner for my big finish is something that I will never forget...Adam Reiser was at the last corner and told me to "Enjoy it, I deserve it!" I wish I could have made those last few minutes last a little longer. It almost felt like I was in slow motion going towards the arches and the voice that proudly announced..."COLLEEN WILSON, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!" I wanted to turn back around and run over the mat again just to hear it one more time! (can you do that?) When I realized the clock said 13:14 on it, I thought something was really wrong. I couldn't have done it under 15 hours?!?!? (which was my super stretch goal!) When I asked Adam if that was right..he laughed and said.."Yes Colleen...you had a super great run of 4:30! You looked solid the whole time, as if it was a 10k or something!"

It was then that the emotion hit me hard. The tears started rolling and Adam walked me over to my girls from Florida where I celebrated with tears, hugs, pictures...see below.

What a crazy ass day!! And it was only one week ago that I couldn't walk down stairs or get up from my bed!

I am ready to set a new goal...don't worry, nothing crazy! I know I need to sign up for another race (not an Ironman yet) and get myself on a schedule! Tonight I will start going to core class again and do some light biking and swimming this week. Running will be a few weeks...my feet are hurting a bit still!

I am going to upload a few more pictures after this post...enjoy!

Thanks again for all the crazy support!

The Bike: 112 miles

2008-06-27T07:21:00.000-07:00

So as I head from Swim to Bike into the changing tents I realize I must have had a good swim (once again, not knowing time). A few things about the changing experience...the wetsuit strippers? Yeah, that is the deal. I had two guys yank on the legs and I was on my way to the tents. Got inside and it was TOTAL and UTTER MAYHEM!!! It was so packed that I couldnt' find a volunteer to help me at first or a seat to sit in...but one finally came over and helped me put my arm warmers and jersey on. That is tougher than you think with wet skin. Grabbed helmet and bike shoes and was on my way out....saw the sunscreen folks and they smothered my legs with some SPF and I went to go find my bike!

Headed out onto the first loop and I was feeling good. I had written some messages on my aero bars to keep me in the race as far as nutrition. (DON'T GET BEHIND! SALT EVERY HOUR!! EAT EVERY 30 MINUTES! AERODRINK EVERY 10 MILES! SMILE! THIS IS FUN!!) The first loop I felt great and I stopped to pee once. Now before you all start to write me and tell me to go on the bike, I tried, I could not make it happen. I could not get myself to relax that much. Oh well. The second loop was much harder as the climbs seemed longer and steeper for some reason and it started to play mentally with me. And I had to stop twice to pee and so that was frustrating..it was hard to get back on and gain momentum. Then I looked down and saw SMILE! on my aero bars...I knew that I had to play it smart. Keep drinking, watch cadence and save my legs for the run. Do not let stupid things get in my head.

As I approached mile 90, I dug pretty damn deep to get back to transition continuing to hydrate and get myself ready for a marathon. I felt good. I felt strong. My final time on the bike was 7:00. I am wondering what it would have been without 3 stops to use el bano. I possibly could have broken 13 hours. Maybe next time? Did I just say that??

Swim: 2.4 miles!!!

2008-06-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

As most of you all remember, one year ago..the swim was not something I enjoyed AT ALL. I would whine on my way to the pool, I would grimace at the thought of an open water swim and I would go to every race thinking things started once I got OUT of the water. Well....Nemo I am no more my friends and I proved that on race day!

I had been in CdA since Wednesday and was able to get in the water on Thursday, Friday and Saturday for about 20 minutes each day just to feel the water and visualize the swim. I felt good going towards race day and I had a plan thanks to Chrissie and Mo from T3.

In the past I had always started near the back during Tri's but since my 100m had gotten better my coaches had told me to start up front. They said those that are up front don't want to be a part of the kicking, pushing, fighting, they will just swim around me and then I can find my pack to swim with. That is exactly what I did. The cannon went off and I was in the VERY FRONT!! The first 300m felt awesome and I was with super friendly swimmers as not one kick or punch came my way. Finally I found a group to swim with and I had my eye on the last red bouy to make that first turn left. It was the first turn that panic hit me. It looked like a bunch of seals trying to make a turn. Finally I took a deep breath and calmed down, I realized that with so many people I could just stretch out and get pulled with the draft. I put my arms and legs straight out and got pulled around the corner with no bruises. Once I cleared that I took off for a good 100m to clear the pack and find a group again.

The second lap I found my rythym even more so and came out of the water at 1:18. (averaging 2:03 or my 100s) Folks...my goal when I signed up a year ago was to just clear things by 1:40!!!! Clearly I had done the work and I stayed in the game mentally for the swim. I was not wearing a watch at any point during the day so I did not know this until I finished but I got out of the water feeling really good....not exhausted and destroyed. It set me up for a great day.

My coaches used to call me The Windmill when in the water. They can't call me that anymore. I will continue to swim even during this recovery phase because it has helped my fitness so much! Crazy that I really like swimming now!!!

Lose Yourself..thanks Eminem

2008-06-26T08:13:00.001-07:00

While I will get on that total recap of the weekend and my race....I have to say a large THANK YOU to Eminem. As I started to walk down to the swim, on the large speakers came his song...Lose Yourself....it got me pumped inside. I love some of the lyrics to this song and there were moments during the race where I could feel the beat pumping through my veins...

Look, if you had one shot, one opportunity
To seize everything you ever wanted, one moment
Would you capture it, or just let it slip?

His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy
There's vomit on his sweater already, mom's spaghetti
He's nervous, but on the surface he looks calm and ready
To drop bombs, but he keeps on forgettin'
What he wrote down, the whole crowd goes so loud
He opens his mouth, but the words won't come out
He's chokin' how, everybody's jokin' now
The clock's run out, time's up, over, BLOW!
Snap back to reality, oh, there goes gravity
Oh, there goes Rabbit, he choked, he's so mad
But he won't give up that easy, no, he won't have it
He knows his whole back's to these ropes
It don't matter, he's dope
He knows that, but he's broke, he's so stagnant that he knows
When he goes back to his mobile home, that's when it's
Back to the lab again, yo, this whole rhapsody
He better go capture this moment and hope it don't colapse on him

You better lose yourself in the music, the moment
You own it, you better never let it go
You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow
This opportunity comes once in a lifetime

This will alwasy be in my pre-race mix now! I will start recapping the weekend very soon! Thanks for all the well wishes...yeah, I said I would NEVER do this again before the race....I am going to have to take that back. I WILL do another Ironman, just not in 2009....who wants to join for 2010? :)

If you didn't know....

2008-06-24T16:04:00.001-07:00

I AM ONE OF THESE.....HELL YEAH!!!

Fond Farewell & THREE

2008-06-18T09:19:00.000-07:00

Had a good last night in Austin...met up with my friend Fuller where I received the ultimate plane goodie bag full of trashy magazine and clean magazine, gum, hair ties, bubbles (I left those at home to not get flagged), tic tacs, iTunes card and all sorts of fun goodies. Then Beijing (meg b)stopped over to give me 2 homemade CD's for the trip. By the way Meg, I have only listened to the one entitle bad ass. Yeah..it rocks. Then I opened up a box from my friend Stephanie in Orlando...when I opened the cardboard box there was a little blue Tiffany's box inside. As I opened the card (I am paraphrasing) it read, "when it gets really hard you will certainly need a litle faith." I opened the box to find a silver cross necklace. And then the tears started....Stephanie is another one of those amazing women that has stood in the gap for me when I couldn't do it any more. She is my music buddy as we enjoy rocking out to the same bands and she is one of the most giving people I have ever met. Thanks Steph...I am wearing it right now.

Dropped miss Eloise off at the week long baby-sitter and saw a few more good friends...(thanks Julie, Tom, Randy and Jeff for talking me off the Lost Creek bridge) and met up with Sammy for dinner and final packing.

Now....I am in Denver waiting for the final flight to Spokane where I will meet up with new friend, Jami and we will spend some relaxing time together in beautiful CdA!! I can't wait to see what restaurant and good times we will have....

I am so excited to see this journey come full circle this weekend.

Only THREE DAYS...THREE STINKING DAYS!!!

**by the way Pat...I am enjoying all the "muppets" so far on my plane all decked out in the compression socks, aero helmets, IM gear to let me know they have done 6 others all over the world. Good times. Good stinking times.

FORE!!!!

2008-06-17T09:33:00.000-07:00

I love this picture! Way to go Tiger in the US Open....I want to feel like him in this picture on mile 18 of the run!

I leave tomorrow! I am all packed! I am READY!!!

FORE more days!!!

In the next few days....

2008-06-16T17:13:00.000-07:00

Got home and had this email from Shelley....man, I have a lot of really amazing friends. Thanks for the reminders...Did I mention I am nervous??

"So in the next few days, and particularly on Sunday, when the miles are feeling oh so long, I want you to remember...

who you are! A survivor, a fighter, a rock star, a fabulous woman.

why you're there! And only you know the real reason. Just remember it and stay true to it.

you've done the training. All of it. It will take you where you need to go.

you're my hero. Enough said.

you are loved. By me, your friends, your family.

I'll be watching you on Sunday. I only wish that I could be there in person to see your face as you come across that finish line.

If you need something while you're gone, call me. I'll do what I can to help.

You're on my mind. Now go get em Snakebike!"

It is things like this that will run through my head on that course. We do get by with a little help from our friends...yes? Ok, off to eat a good dinner and REST, REST, REST!!!

Carrie'd Away!!

2008-06-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

My other friend, Carrie B. or Tri to Be Funny blogger sent me this on e-mail today...

1.) If there's ever a moment you feel like you're working too hard--YOU ARE! Slow down and get back within yourself. (unless you're sprinting to the finish line)

2.) Don't let anyone other than a race official pull you off the course. As Chrissie and Mo said, there may be times you want to quit or abandon the race. Don't DO it unless you medically CANNOT continue. Chill out for a while, walk, eat...whatever it takes to change the attitude and get back on the course.

3.) Only think about one discipline at a time.

4.) Consume a ton of calories on the bike. It will make all of the difference in the run.

5.) You've planned your race. Now, race your plan!!! (sound familiar?!?)

I cannot wait to watch you cross the line on Sunday night. I swear, I'm going to be glued to my computer all day!! I'm so glad this sport has led me to a new friend and I can't wait to celebrate properly!!!!!

Have the best day of your life and smile like there's no tomorrow! You are going to be an IRONMAN in just a few short days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Carrie...you are a true gem...so glad we are friends through this crazy thing called Ironman!!

Carrie W...super FUNNY!!

2008-06-16T09:23:00.001-07:00

I open up my email and have an ecard (If you haven't seen these cards, someecards, check out the site, they are too FUNNY!!) Thanks Carrie W for the good laugh this morning.. Here it is...

She wrote that the card was a bit premature but she is sure I will make the marathon...don't you worry Carrie...SNAKEBITE will make you proud!!!

Cinco.

2008-06-16T09:04:00.000-07:00

NO more weekend workouts. NO more. I stayed true to Saturday and Sunday workouts. I feel strong. I am eating like a champ right now, I am staying hydrated...and in honor of the number FIVE....let's dance.

I think you get the picture...

2008-06-13T07:33:00.000-07:00

Nine

2008-06-12T09:38:00.001-07:00

Do we all see that IM is NINE days away....yes, in the Single Digits now.

Breathe In, Breathe Out Colleen.

Is it ok to drink at work?

Magic Number

2008-06-11T13:40:00.000-07:00

1916

This is the Bib Number to track me with. Ironmanlive.com, June 22.

Team Colleen!!

2008-06-11T10:23:00.000-07:00

You don't even know how much I love these girls...you just don't. These ladies in the picture are my posse from Orlando, Florida. From left to right..Robin, me, Heidi, Andi. I met Andi from the Wonderful World of Walt Disney singing days...("do you remember when we were in Vybe??") I met Robin and Heidi through Team In Training and well, the rest is history I guess you can say. These ladies will fly up to Idaho for my Ironman in 10 days. They will sit through 13+ hours of me on this course, they will cheer and probably lose their voices, and they do this just because they love me and love seeing me set goals.

Life is good with people like this in it...I love them for the way they have supported me THROUGH IT ALL!!!

Can't wait to see you 3...

Look what he did...

2008-06-11T09:58:00.001-07:00

Yes, I went to turn in the gear bag at J&A's a bit ago, (the bag that goes with my bike for Tri Bike Transport) Sam had taken part of yesterday to put some finishing touches on my bike and well, as you can see, he gave it the old Livestrong touch. Made me laugh and smile!!

I have to say in all this crazy training, it has been nice to have someone that enjoys taking care of my bike...Sammy has been awesome in replacing my cables, new brakes, a lighter durace cassette, handle bar tape, cleaning it...dialing it all in so that when I get it off the truck in Idaho...all will be good. (I have also learned that I am not so great in taking care of my bike...)

Ironman here I come....Thanks Sammy!!

Fartlek Workout & a Swim...

2008-06-11T07:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, so now into the taper it all feels weird. It is hard to motivate myself for a 45minute Fartlek run. However, I left work at 4:00 and went to the trail to get this done. I am glad that I did this.

I usually go to the Tuesday morning swim...somehow my alarm went off at 5:00 AM and the next thing I knew I was waking up at 730 AM..I slept through swim yesterday morning...which meant I had to go in the evening...which means ADD Colleen comes out because after a long day of work and a run ...I don't want to pay attention. However, last night at swim I focused as hard as I could putting in the 2900m with my swim coach, Chrissie. By the way, if you live in Austin....I love T3 and there swim program. Why I chose to do the bike/run portion with Texas Iron and get coaching from them, the swim part of my Ironman is going to rock because of Chrissie and Maurice. If you are looking for a great swim clinic and many swim sessions during the week to choose from check out T3.

Our workout consisted of a lot of 150's last night, and Chrissie told me it was all about consistency and being comfortable. From the moment I hit the water for warm-up to one hour later...I felt really good and strong. I kept all my 150's under 3 minutes...(let's remember 4 months ago when holding my 150s at 3:30 was a task)....it looked something like this.

300 warm-up with drills
8 x 150 (each 150 had some sort of spin on it...fast 50, 85% 50, fast 50..etc.)
300 recovery with drills
6 x 150 with fins (these were fun..keeping on a 2:45 interval..I killed it coming in around 2:25)
cool down...

It is crazy that the ONE thing I really want to keep doing after this Ironman is swim. I have really learned to LOVE it and I want to continue getting better as I see the swim improving my overall fitness!! (don't get me wrong, I want to keep biking and running...I just want to do it on my terms for a few months, not be tied to some schedule!!)

Anyhow...I am tired and trying to stay hydrated. I turn in the bike TODAY!!

ONLY TEN STINKING DAYS AWAY!!!!

last Big weekend!!

2008-06-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

Had another strong weekend....Friday was a 75 minute run that happened primarily in pouring down rain in the morning. There is nothing I detest more than wet socks and wet shoes...however, I persevered.

Ran into my good friend Cathy at the grocery store later that afternoon. She is another CdA'er and we were talking about all the things going through our head, how moody we have been and the ups and downs of emotion.

Got to bed rather early after seeing Son of Rambow with Sammy. Really good, funny movie. Love me some British and 80s humor. Got up on Saturday and crawled my way to the kitchen to prepare for the final 4 hour ride. For some reason, I was moving rather slowly and the 7 AM start became 915 AM. I went an swam 45 minutes in Barton Springs first where Andrea Fisher swam 4 lengths to my one and then got out and started my bike ride (sans the wetsuit of course) I felt good on the final 'BIG' ride...just taking it easy and adding in some hills as I took on the Dam Loop, Riverplace, Courtyard and a trip up Lost Creek at the very end. Good times.

Got back to my place and rested a bit and then met my friends Meg and Fuller for Chuys!!...this is Meg below from Cap Tex. She is super cool. Went home and just cleaned up some things, watched the movie..P.S. I Love You and fell asleep around 930. Yes, I know....I am such a partier.

Got up at 530 on Sunday, ate some food...and left for my run rendevous with my friend Shelley. I had mapped out a route from Rogue Equipment that was 14 miles..7 out, 7 back. It was a pretty route and Shelley ran the first 7 with me, which was good because it caused me to take things easy having a friend to run and chat with. As I hit the turn around the first 7 were in 1 hour and 9 minutes...I wanted to move a bit quicker and do the final 7 in under an hour. That is what I did and I felt great at the end. It was good to put my feet on the asphalt and take time away from the trail. (I also find it is easier for me to bail on Town Lake trail runs. I get bored easily) I did the final 7 in 57 minutes...meaning 8 minute miles and a negative split!! Later that day I went for a recovery swim in Barton Springs...and that was a really great ice bath!!

I spent the rest of the day making lists for packing and getting my bike ready for Tri Bike Transport. Started working on transition bags and special needs bags and other various house chores.

It is now Monday...and the official taper begins. A 60 minute recovery ride today is quite laughable, but I will do it. The rest of the week?

Tuesday- swim with T3, 45 minute run
Wednesday- swim at the Quarry
Thursday- Texas Iron workout, bike
Friday-Day off!!!
Saturday- 30 minute swim, 2.5 hr ride and 30 minute run
Sunday- 75 minute run

I know this is going to feel weird but I am tired of feeling tired so I know I need the REST!!

Only 12 more days!!!

Hungry, Hungry Hippo

2008-06-05T11:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, we have all played this game. In fact, I wish I were right now. Instead I am trying to keep from eating EVERYTHING in site!! I feel like one of these Hippo's going for every crumb put in front of me! It's not cool.

Uno, Dos, Tres.....Workouts!!!

2008-06-02T07:44:00.000-07:00

Here is what the weekend held for me...

First- Friday swim of 2.4 miles. I was headed to the Quarry after work and had written on a piece of paper..you WILL do this today. And that is exactly what happend. 5 laps of the Quarry, 2.4 miles, a new awesome wetsuit (thanks Jack!) and a time that I was really really happy with. Now just add some really cold water and 2000+ athletes, and we will see what happens, right? (insert smile here)

Second- I had gotten the idea from Michelle (another CdA athlete) to do 2 loops of the Longhorn course on Saturday. Originally I had planned to ride Real Ale but when I realized it didn't start until 830, which means 900 for cycle events, I just didn't want to be on an 85 mile ride in all that heat...and I knew the terrain was some difficult climbing, so my time would be longer. Instead, I took off for Lake Decker with a 630 AM start, my tummy full and ready to go. The first loop was great as I just got my legs moving and played things super smart averaging 16.6 mph for that loop. (I also got lost once so that played with my speed a bit in searching for this road called Monkey) I drank 5 water bottles and did all my nutrition as planned. I took off for the second loop knowing that my friends Randy & Naomi were going to come find me on the course to provide me with support and Naomi was going to ride the last 25-30 miles in with me. They found me at mile 85 and when Randy opened up the back of his car he had COLD COLD water, gatorade, pickles (my absolute favorite on a bike ride!!!) and a PB sandwich for me. I fueled up and Naomi and I took off for the last bit. When I got done my final average was 17.1. I had really kicked it in for the second loop and I felt amazing at the end...in other words...my 60 minute run went really well. It wasn't about speed it was about me feeling comfortable....and I did. (insert another smile)

Third- After much debate I decided to wait and run Sunday evening. Sunday morning I had not had enough sleep after visiting with some friends the night before and I didn't want to run in the heat of the day. I took off for my 2.75-3 hour run around 615...and man, did it hurt. I am guessing, it is supposed to though right? I mean after 115 mile on the bike the day before, what is going to be comfortable about a 3 hour run. I did some of the run on the trail, some on Lake Austin and Scenic throwing in a few hills. And although it was tough, I finished it and I felt really accomplished at the end. (insert an even bigger smile!!)

Ironman in 19 days and I can't believe that it is here. I need to eat right, sleep and make sure I stay in the mental game. I need to make sure I don't let the taper get me down. I am really looking forward to June 22, 2008. Thanks for all the crazy support friends!

This weeks schedule is:

Monday: DAY OFF!!!!! YIPPEEEEE!!!
Tuesday: swim & tempo run
Wednesday: swim and 90 minute ride
Thursday: Texas Iron Brick workout (PM)
Friday: 75 minute run
Saturday: 60 minute swim and 4.5 hour ride
Sunday: 2-3 hour run, and 30 min recovery swim

One last tough week and then the magic word.....TAPER!!!

Tough day at the office

2008-05-28T08:55:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I got up around 630 AM to do my first run of the day. (yes, it was double duty) With the way my stomach was feeling I was super nervous with what would happen...it was only 40 minutes, I can do this. It went fine and I actually felt pretty hydrated and strong.

I got in my work day and around 630 PM began the 80 minute run. (15 min. w/u, 50minute tempo run & 15 minute c/d) As I began to run on the trail the wind picked up, the skies got dark and it started to rain. I decided to hang in as long as I could. My quads were burning and not feeling good as I was only 30 minutes into the workout. Then the skies opened up and there was thunder. Since I opted for Safety First, I headed back towards my car putting in 60 of the 80 minutes into my feet. I was happy with that as I knew I had a tough bike trainer workout in the AM.

Which brings me to 630 AM again this morning. I got on my trainer and go through a series of timed sprints (3x5min, 3x3 min., 3x1min & some recovery in between) on the bike....the entire workout took me 1 hour and 15 minutes. I felt great at the end averaging 19.2 mph. Tonight is a 2.4 mile swim. YIKES!!

More later....only 24 more stinking days! (that is what Mama T would say!)

Horrible Hilly Hundred and Hotter than Hell!

2008-05-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

Yeah, that was my Saturday. I took off a little before 700 and Sam was with me for the first 10 miles as I headed out to Fitzhugh from my place downtown. The goal was Johnson City and 100 miles.

All I can say about this ride is I did it. It was horrible and it was really really hot by 10 AM and I was nowhere near completing this ride. I drank almost 12 water bottles and I did all my nutrition the way I had planned. I felt full, tired and like shit at the end. (wondering how in the hell I will move my legs through 26.2) My computer said 98 miles at the end of it all and I was just ready to get OFF my bike. I had some really bad issues on my saddle with my girly parts that I need to get fixed by this weekend's long ride. We will see.

On Sunday I got up to head down to Auditorium Shores to see friends and past participants from TNT do the Cap Tex Triathlon. It was fun to see friends race and to see one of my coaches, Andrea Fisher, win the Olympic distance! After that I got some food in my stomach and rested my feet for a few hours before meeting Mama T for my 2 hour run. She did the first 7 mile loop with me and then I took off on the 5 mile loop and then some after that. As I was going through the first loop, I looked at T and said.."I don't know how I am going to do the second loop?" She replied, "Let's focus on this loop." Yup, she was right. I have to battle with what is in that moment. I can't look ahead. I can't be in the water and be thinking about the 112 mile bike...or be on the bike and think about the run...I have to focus on the NOW and get through what is right before me.

I finished the 2 hour run with 13.5 miles under my belt, went home, showered and met up with some folks who were celebrating their accomplishments from earlier in the day!!

Monday was a super lazy day as something I ate at Uncle Billy's the night before did NOT agree with mine or Sammy's stomach. Yeah...food revenge part 2. I kept myself hydrated and got some good sleep and then got up for a 40 minute run this morning. It didn't feel awesome, but I did it.

That is what I also learned this weekend in talking to Pat Evoe after my 100 mile ride. At this point in the training, it is about getting up and doing what is on my schedule. I may have some really tough days and some really good days...but this is what preparing for an Ironman is about. (I am also finding that right now I am FOREVER TIRED, wanting to go to bed by like 900 PM.) My mental game seems to be on right now as each day presents new challenges.

Less than 4 weeks friends. I am scared.

Race Thoughts....

2008-05-23T08:13:00.000-07:00

I had referenced this article way back in January....this week has been tough for me mentally and so I re-visited...maybe it will help some of you. With the whole food poisoning episode my workouts have been tough to get through and with not doing a long ride last weekend, my mind is playing major tricks on me. I have even considered just going up to cheer on friends and not racing. I am scared that I won't do well on the bike since I have not put in the time in the last month due to the Wildflower trip and getting sick. This article helped a bit and I am feeling a bit more positive. Tomorrow is a 6+ hour ride out to Johnson City and so hopefully I can feel some of the strength returning tomorrow and work on my nutrition plan.

1. On race day, you will apply only about 20% of your mental energy to your physical performance, and 80% to maintaining that performance. What I mean is that the extent of your attention paid to pacing and racing will be "Stay in this HR range." Everything else will be "What do I need to do right now to maintain this effort?" That is what, when, how much to eat/drink. How do I feel right now, is a problem developing, if so, what do I do about it, right now?

2. Right now. What I mean is you MUST race in the moment. It is a very long day. Do the best that you can this very moment, don't think about what to do 10 hours down the road. You have all day to fix a problem and get back in the game. The 5 minutes that you take to fix a problem can save you 30 minutes later in the day. Stay relaxed and only control what you can control. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.

3. Decision-making. The OODA Loop. Observe, Orient, Decide, Act. Observe your situation, orient yourself and determine possible courses of action, decide what to do, and then ACT. Go faster, slower, forward, back, stop, but do SOMETHING. If it doesn't work, repeat the process and DO something else. If you let the race "get inside your loop," you react to it and it decides for you. You will go from one crisis to the next.

4. What is the right decision? Often it will be do nothing, which is actually doing something. Your body can only do so much at the same time. If you are eating and exercising at the same time, you are asking your body to perform two tasks. The harder you exert yourself, the harder it is for your body to process the food that you eat. Sometimes the best decision is to just slow down, way down, for 5 minutes, or to just stop. Again, that five minute heart-to-heart with Mr. Port-O-John could save you 30 minutes later in the day. In a race this long, some problems just work themselves out if you give them time.

Advice, Part 2

5. By now you should have a pacing plan and a nutrition plan. Your pacing is probably based on a heart rate range, and your feed plan should be based on calories per hour. It is important that you have determined what works for you in training in both of these regards. Everyone is different. Do what you have determined works for you, and don't try anything new on race day. Be sure to drink 6-8 ounces of water, not Gatorade, whenever you eat something that is calorie-dense, such as gel or a bar. Think of water as an aid to digestion, not just as water.

6. You've spent all this time developing a plan. Expect it to not survive first contact with the race. Be prepared to modify or change your plan if you need to, don't follow a plan into a brick wall if it's not working for you on race day. Observe, orient, decide act; Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome, blah, blah, blah.

7. Should you set a goal time for yourself? It depends on you. I have, but I've trained to race it, not just finish. But whether you have trained to race or trained to finish, I think you should set a goal time when you get off the bike. This will provide you with one very important asset: focus. Focus will guide you when things get very, very fuzzy. Determine that you need to run a 4:10 marathon, for example. Break it down to 13.2 splits, mile splits, half mile, quarters, whatever it takes for you to break the marathon down into small, manageable distances. And then race those small distances, not a marathon. For the first 13 you may be able to think and focus on 1 mile at time. As the run goes on, you may find yourself saying, "What do I need to do to get from this manhole cover to that light post?" Without something external to focus on, you risk developing tunnel vision. You will only be aware of what is immediately around you, can only think about 20-30 seconds into the future, and react to what the race is giving you, rather than taking charge of what you are doing.

Advice, Part 3

8. Use the aid station and your fellow teammates to take you away from the race. With the aid station and 25+ people that you know doing the race, you should see someone familiar every few minutes. If you try to look good, think about your form, speed up, whatever, for those 20-30 seconds that you see someone familiar, then that is 20-30 seconds that someone has taken you away from your pain and helped you think about something else.

9. The purpose of the swim is to get you on the bike. The purpose of the bike is to eat for the run. The purpose of the first run lap is to put money in the bank to pay the monkey that will jump on your back the second lap. The Second Lap Monkey. He is very a big monkey. If this is your first Ironman, you have probably felt in your training everything that you will feel on race day, except the Second Lap Monkey. You can't train for that.

10. The Second Lap Monkey carries a big stick, and its name is Pain. Love it, hate it, get angry at it. Breathe it with every breath, feel it with every step and use it. It lets you know you are still alive, more alive than most people will ever be in their whole lives. The clock keeps on ticking and everything bad must eventually come to an end. All you have to do is keep running in a straight line until someone tells you to stop.

Michelle L.....can we meet up for that scream now?? Seriously? I am NOT kidding.

More after this weekend. Prayers are welcome.

Supah Swimmer...

2008-05-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

I guess the whole rest thing was good yesterday. I was quite tired at the end of my first day on the new job so I got dinner, got to bed early and was at swim at 545 AM. I got through the 2900m workout in the hour and it was a good benchmark for me.

After a good warm-up of 1100 m we had 15 x 100m...after 5 we had 5 seconds less rest leaving the final 5 with only 10 sec rest between each 100. The key was to hold tempo. I never came in over the 2 min mark. I finished each 100 between 1:55 and 2:00 minutes which felt really good....

now I am tired and hungry.

Tonight is a brutal track workout with Texas Iron...600 m repeats..I think ten maybe. I don't know. More on that later.

Schedule for this week

2008-05-19T07:06:00.000-07:00

Here is what coach said.
"I would continue to keep the mid-week as a recovery but you can do some long sessions this coming weekend. I’d recommend a 5-6hr ride on Sat with a long run Sunday morning and maybe another longish(3-4hrs) ride Monday. That way you get a few more days to replenish your stores but still get some great distance in."

I know I have to trust and listen but I feel like I am ready to take it on again.

I had to post this so that if you all see me trying to go hard in the middle of the week you can smack me.

Scary Scary

2008-05-19T06:31:00.000-07:00

So I got up and took off to do the Dam Loop on Saturday.....got finished in about 3.5 hours (this included throwing up all my nutrition and oatmeal about 7 miles before I finished) and my legs felt as though someone had walked all over them and I was super dehydrated once again. I spent the next couple hours pumping water into my system & a bit of food before I went to go work a few hours at J&A's. (Helping out my friend Jack since I had to call in on Thursday.)

On Saturday I finally got two full meals in me without them returning back to me in a not so pretty fashion and so I got up on Sunday and headed out to Texas Ski Ranch for the Skeese Greet's Sprint Tri. Not sure if I was going to race, I had told Stacy I would come out to do the National Anthem. I got up and felt ok and so I put my bike and gear in the car and decided....What the hell? Right?? If I pass out....At least I am well surrounded. I was told NOT to the 2.5 hour run on the schedule but this was ok.

Skeese Greet's was fun...same course as the Rookie the weekend before so I knew how to push myself for the hour workout. I was able to swing a PR and took off one minute from my time last weekend. I had the same swim and bike but my run was 7:48 miles instead of 7:56 which was funny cause I felt super slow on the run. Funny how that goes.

Packed up my stuff..headed home and took it easy until about 330 I decided to go out for that 1-1.5 hour run. I was able to do the 1.5 hour run but once again, I am still not full hydrated for distance and so it was tough to get through the final 15 minutes of the 1.5 hours I took off for.

I drank tons of water the rest of the evening and I am waiting for my schedule from my coach for this week. This week was supposed to be recovery but I want to put in some distance on the bike on Saturday.

Tonight is hills on the bike. Tomorrow will be a track workout and swim. Wed-Sun????

To be continued.

Ironman Build? What??

2008-05-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

I stopped by Hill Country Running Store to see Andrea Fisher and ask her about my Ironman build this weekend. I knew she had gone through a rough bout of Food Poisoning a week ago and I wasn't sure if I should be doing a long bike ride tomorrow since I have had NO REAL FOOD in me since 1230 AM on Wednesday. (and I am still trying to slowly put food back in)

She said if I do too much too soon it could come back worse as she found out after the Rookie and ride this past Saturday.

Absolute fear comes across my face and she can see this. I CAN'T MISS A 6 HOUR BIKE RIDE AND A 2.5 HOUR RUN!!! I CAN'T!!!

She said to try and get in a longer ride sometime next week.

I don't know if I can make that happen with the new job starting on Monday. What to do? What to do?

I am going to see how I feel later tonight, I guess.

The Rookie, Ride from New Braunfels & Run

2008-05-12T06:55:00.000-07:00

It was a good, long tough weekend in the world of training. And as I look ahead, it doesn't get any "easier". I have decided my new mantra is "DO THE WORK. NO EXCUSES."

I got up on Saturday morning to head to the Rookie Tri in New Braunfels. It is tough racing a sprint when you have been training for distance! I ended up with a 1:03, which I was happy with. My swim was strong, the bike was fair (not used to going hard for only 11 miles....all this distance training makes intensity seem weird) and then the run I did 7:56 miles.

After the race about 7 of us that rode the 50 miles back to Austin in order to get in some longer bike mileage. It was fun, good pace back to Austin....but it was HOT. I mean....by the time I pulled into J&A's shop at 230, it was like 98 degrees and I was ready to GET OFF MY BIKE, as were the rest of us.

The next morning, swim practice with T3....and well, that was funny. The workout hurt, I couldn't get into any kind of rhythm and possibly at one point there may have been a few tears. So I did not go on my 3 hour run until later in the afternoon....

The run went fine until the final half hour when I just wanted it to be over. My legs were hurting, burning....not feeling good. But I finished it. I finished my longest run to date, putting in almost 20 miles and I am glad I persevered through it cause then I headed to Homeslice for my Fireman's 4 and pizza and all was right with the world! (Is it weird that they expect me on Sunday night?)

Here is what my week looks like:

Today, (Monday) 2 hour hilly ride with Sammy.
Tuesday- swim and Track workout.
Wednesday- 2 hour ride (with Sammy) with some sprints.
Thursday- 80 minute run & Open Water Swim
Friday- Recovery Swim
Saturday- 6 hour ride, 60 minute run off the bike
Sunday- 2.5 hour run

Say your prayers folks, it is gonna be a long week!

Veloway...good ride

2008-05-07T20:19:00.000-07:00

So tonight I left work at 4 PM, went home got my biking stuff (had to make a quick trip to J&A's to get my bike....it's a good story, I have my own personal mechanic and I didn't even ask for it)

Made my way to the Veloway. I was supposed to ride for 2 hours and time each 8 mile trip around the Mopac Feeder. My computer was acting up, so I couldn't see mph or rpm's but I timed each trip.

First Loop- 28:32 (just trying to warm up the legs and feel good)
Second Loop- 25:16 (felt really good)
Third Loop- 23:18 (that loop was good and the wind picked up a bit)
Fourth Loop- 21:09 (I did it...I was able to take off time each loop! YIPPEE!!!)

The final partial loop was a cool down where some girl decided to ride up next to me and give me some tips. Kind of annoying...but oh well.

Tomorrow is a 70 minute run with some fartleks....and then an Open Water swim.

This weekend will be touch but I am READY!!

Back in it!!!

2008-05-07T08:44:00.001-07:00

So after a very long week in North Central California with a very Kick Ass half Iron team.....I am back in Austin and ready to move full speed ahead with 5 weeks of very hard training before the lovely taper to my first Ironman.

I was able to get in a few really good workouts and trying not to stress too much about not getting in a long bike ride. Got in a few swims, some hill repeats and long run and one bike ride. Travel day was Monday coming back, so I did nothing on that day.

Yesterday, (Tuesday) I left work and had a track workout of 8x800 with 200 recovery in between. Keeping all my 800's around the same pace. I was able to go between 3:45 and 3:50 for each one. I was happy with that & I felt strong. After run it was time for a T3 swim....so off I went to Lost Creek for 2800m. It was a strength workout with some timed 100m in there. In talking to Mo, I feel like I am in a really good spot with my swim for Ironman and I can see the improvement, which is really exciting! After about 2500m in the pool last night we did some timed 4 x 100 on a 2 minute interval at 85% and I came up with 1:45 EACH TIME!!

So two good workouts.

Tonight is a 2 hour bike, I will probably make my way to South Mopac.
Thursday- 70 minute run with some pickups in the middle & Open Water Swim.
Friday- Open Water Swim (going for 4 laps in the Quarry)
Saturday- The Rookie Tri & ride home from New Braunfels with Magzilla.
Sunday- 30 mile hilly bike ride with a 2.5 hour run and a recovery swim.

I AM EXCITED TO BE BACK!!!

No Blogging...until Tuesday

2008-04-29T16:27:00.000-07:00

So that Alida doesn't have a fit...I need to let you all know. I am headed to California. Wildflower Triathlon with 30 of my closest friends. Final TNT trip as Team Manager. I will be camping also. No Computer. No Cell Phone.

Training will be difficult and I will have to get creative.

Have a great weekend.

Don't miss me!!

And Good Luck Pat Evoe....St. Croix, 70.3!!

Tough yet Effective...

2008-04-27T19:13:00.000-07:00

I have had some allergy and chest congestion issues since Wednesday...I took Thursday and Friday off to recover for the weekend.

Saturday- 4 hr, 15 min bike ride (70 miles) averaging 17-17.5 mph followed by a 60 minute run putting in almost 7 miles. I started this workout with Maggie at 1:00 in the afternoon...it was HOT.

Sunday- 90 minute bike ride with 5, 10, 15 & 20 min at goal pace with 5 minutes in between. It was raining outside so it became a day on the trainer. Did that and then off on a 2 hour run. I did some hills within this run and the exciting thing is I felt strong!! My feet were a bit sore and tender by the end of the run (did I mention I NEED new running shoes?) but my body felt like it had MORE in it. I am guessing that is the way I should be feeling?

Super exciting friends!!!

This Week's Training!!

2008-04-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

Monday- swim with T3 tonight!
Tuesday- 75 minute ride (AM workout), 75 min ride with TEAM MAGLEEN and 60 minute run. (PM workout)
Wednesday- swim with T3, early morning!!
Thursday- Bike workout in the AM, possible hill repeats. 40 min ez run with 2-3 strides (PM)
Friday- DAY OFF!!!! WOO HOO!!!
Saturday- 2.5-4.0 hrs ride with 3 X (20-30 min at goal pace) all with 15 min ez in between. 60 minute run off the bike.
Sunday- 90 min ride with 15,10,5 min fast all with 5 min ez, 2 hour run off the bike!

DOUBLE BRICK WEEKEND.....who is in??? anyone?

It's gonna be RAD!!!

by they way, TODAY is 2 month until race day!!!!

Running, Radiohead & Homeslice Pizza!

2008-04-21T10:21:00.000-07:00

"I am building a fire and everyday I train I add more fuel....at just the right moment, I light the match." Mia Hamm

I love this quote. Thanks for sending it to me Beth C.!!! That is how my run felt yesterday. I knew my legs were tired from my ride on Saturday but I took off for Town Lake Trail to get in the 2.5 hours on my schedule.

The first 8 miles were slightly painful as I couldn't get into a rhythm and I was wondering if I would actually complete the 2.5 hours. It was around mile 8.5 that my body started to not feel so heavy and I picked it up.

The reason why? I changed the iPod from shuffle to just Radiohead tunes. Thom Yorke sang right to me and each step became easier! Thanks so much for joining me on my long run Thom!!!

I stopped at 2.5 hours and had completed 17 mile total averaging around 9 miles/hour. I was happy with that. I felt like once I pushed through the crazy feeling in my legs and lit the match.....WATCH OUT!!

Got home, started to ice my legs for about 10 minute and headed to Homeslice for some pizza & beer. I had good company while I was there....he makes me smile just a bit.

Holy Hilly workout batman!!!

2008-04-20T07:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, Saturday was a FUN day of hills, sweat and the chance to test my mental game in this thing we call Ironman training.

Here is what took place:

630 AM, wake up, eat and get ready to RIDE.
715 AM, leave the house and head out to LCRA parking lot on Lake Austin Blvd. Met with the TNT Cap Tex Tri team. Spend a few minutes encouraging them for their day and take off...here is where it gets interesting.

I had looked on my map and saw that I could take Red Bud Tr. to Westlake Dr. and pop out at Davenport Village off of 360 where the TNT Wildflower team is doing a multiple brick workout so then I can say hi to them.

Let's remember friends. I still don't know Austin that well and had no idea that taking off on Red Bud and Westlake was going to be hilly terrain and I also met a ravenous dog that wanted to take off my leg while riding by.

I finally get to 360, say hi to the team and I am off on the 5 hour adventure...here is the rest of what I rode on Saturday, May 19, 2008.

360 to Bee Caves
Bee Caves to 620...up 620
Steiner Ranch 4 mile loop doing 3 repeats of the final hill on 620.
Riverplace...yes more climbing.
Down City Park, finally some recovery
Right on Courtyard....10% grade climb. ouch.
back to 360.
(insert tiny mental breakdown here)
Then Bee Caves to Barton Creek
one final climb up Lost Creek.
Back home. Change Shoes. 30 minute run.

If you are tired reading this and if you KNOW these roads. Tough day. Oh, did I mention I was by myself? Yeah...by myself. 75 miles, 5 hours of climbing.

This afternoon I will run 2.5 hours. Longest run yet...details to follow.

ACL LINEUP!!!!!!!!

2008-04-15T10:05:00.001-07:00

September 26-28. This is where I will be. Will you?

Kicking some serious AZ!!!!

2008-04-15T09:23:00.000-07:00

Gotta give these girls some space in my blog... Wendy and Carrie completely DESTROYED Ironman Arizona...check this out, I just got to brag!!

Wendy C., age 46, breast cancer survivor, first Ironman and amazing spirit too! Here is what she did to the course:

Swim 1:10:47
Bike 6:09:26 (18.19 mph, yeah..BAD ASS)
Run 4:37:50
Total: 12:08:16 432 overall and 4th in her age group!!

Carrie B., age ___, super fun triathlet in Austin, first Ironman, supportive of others goals, has a great blog...Tri to Be Funny.
Here is what she did to the course:

Swim 1:20:24
Bike 6:40:24
Run 4:04:40 (9:20/ mile average...HOLY SHIT!!!)
Total: 12:16:41 471 overall and 12th in her age group (tough age group, 75 total)

YEAH, freaking ROCK STARS, so glad to know you two ladies!!!

Can't wait to see what you do to your SECOND Ironman!!! (did I just say that?)

Curvy Road Ahead

2008-04-15T08:29:00.000-07:00

So this has become one of my favorite signs in Austin. As I learn new routes and visit old one's, I love to see that there may be something fun coming up! This weekend was about intensity not about volume on the bike. I also had a lot of personal commitments throughout the weekend...Here is what the weekend looked like for training...

Friday night- Open Water Swim at the Quarry. I made it around 3 laps...approximately 2300m and here were my splits for each lap...
15:16
16:18
16:07

First lap was obviously a bit fast (I was without wetsuit so I was just trying to get warm!!!) and then the last 2 were pretty consistent...I was happy with that.

Saturday- ride 2.5 hours, hilly ride. I did SW Pkwy to Barton Creek to Bee Caves, and turned around close to 620 and headed back in, completing the ride with 2 repeats of the FULL Lost Creek....what a bitch that was, yet effective. Made it back to my house by 1030, showered and cleaned up, time to go to a friends wedding!

Sunday- got my run in...late afternoon which was good for me but really hard. I was supposed to run 2 hours, and I did BUT it felt like 6 hours. My legs were led for first 30 minutes and then I came across these ladies sitting out on the trail with a sign that said "FREE ADVICE" I of course could NOT pass this up, I stopped to talk to them and they asked me what I was training for...as I told them, their free advice was, "why are you doing this? Stop running now and go have a margarita!!" gotta love free advice!

This week is going to be tough fitting in life and training but I will do my darndest...here is what I have done already and will do.

Monday- swim 60 min. T3 swim at night, 2900m, swam my 100m at 95% in 1:45!! Was super excited to see that!
Tuesday- got up for 75 min. on the trainer with some timed sections in the big gear for climbing. Yeah!! Tonight will be a 60 min run with some tempo and sprints inter-mixed!
Wednesday- swim with T3, brick with Maggie perhaps.
Thursday- run in the AM, Texas Iron bike workout in the PM.
Friday- Open Water swim at the Quarry, will go for 4 times around.
Saturday- long bike, 4.5-5 hour ride with a 30 min run off the bike.
Sunday- 2.75 hour run....ugh. & a 45 minute recovery swim.

Super Swimmer

2008-04-10T06:07:00.000-07:00

So I redeemed myself last night at my Swim session with Chrissie at T3. I did not get up Wednesday morning, because my body is really tired with all that is going on at work and fitting in training, I took the morning to sleep in. (yes, until 730 AM...but that is sleeping in at this point!) I knew I had nothing on my plate on Wednesday night so I would go to swim at night.

I don't want to make a habit of this as swimming at night is so hard, I just want to go home and curl up with a book and go to bed...instead my evening was extended to swim from 710- about 820 and I didn't get home until after 900 after grabbing some food.

What I loved is that because the Arizona folk were not at swim AND the cloudy skies kept people away, I got a lot of personal attention since we only had about 6 people total.

It was a tough workout, some super long sets...2900m total.

The workout began with a 600m warm-up and our final set was a 6X50 with the first two 50s at 90% and the third 50 at 80% (recovery). Repeating this twice. I took off for my first 50 and held it at 51 seconds!!!! (fast for me) Chrissie said, "now you have to hold that and/or get faster." Yikes. Maybe I took off to fast!!?!?!?!? Nope, I surprised myself holing the 51 seconds for the next 50. During the 4th and 5th 50m, I held it at 49 seconds...yeah took off 2 more seconds!!! You must realize that when I came to T3 in November of last year, Mo called me Windmill arms as I motored my way through the water, with no rhyme or reason to my technique. And my 50m was probably well into the 1:15-1:20 mark. To see my times get better AND to do this at the end of a long workout, means I am getting stronger. The hour and twenty minute swim for my Ironman is looking more and more doable!!

I think I will keep swimming after Ironman, just because I am seeing it improve my overall fitness. And I am starting to like it!!

Beer=bad swim

2008-04-09T11:29:00.000-07:00

Tip of the week:

Apparently, when you decide to stay out late and watch the NCAA final game and drink through almost a pitcher of beer you will feel like complete $hit for your 545 AM swim practice in the morning. And sometimes through lunch.

or at least that is what I heard.

Weekend Update!

2008-04-07T11:34:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was JAM packed with stuff, but I managed to get it all in...

Saturday- Met up with some of the TNT Wildflower folks to ride out to Johnson City. I love this ride! Pretty terrain, rolling hills and the weather was picture perfect for us! I got in the 60 miles and then off the bike for a 20 min run. I am being pretty picky about nutrition at this point. I finished all the water and food I needed to and the 20 minute run actually felt good!

(then I went with the some of the TEAM for a Burger, got home, had about 2 hours to myself and then off for a gig at Carlos & Charlie's with my band. When I got home at midnight...me was very tired)

Sunday- took the morning to sleep in, which sadly at this point is anything past 800 AM!! I got up at 830 AM, met Mama T for church and then I had to do a 1.5 hour run. Finished that and spent the rest of the day doing laundry, working on some music stuff and making my plan for the week.

I have found if I sit down on Sunday afternoon and just take ONE week at a time, I don't get overwhelmed with the ENTIRE Ironman Schedule. Here is what this week looks like:

Monday- day off (We like that)
Tuesday- Swim with T3, 45 min run with 5 X 1 min fast, 2 min ez
Wednesday- Swim with T3, 75 minute ride on trainer
Thursday- Texas Iron Brick workout, (don't know if I will make this so will do on my own)
Friday- Swim at the Quarry, open water practice
Saturday- 60 minute swim at Bartson Springs, 2.5-3.0 hour ride immediately after.
Sunday- 90 minute base run

Last week I dialed back things about 50% during the week to recover from Lonestar and then hit things on the weekend.

I am back in the swing and feel really great about where I am with IM training!

Thanks for ALL the support friends...your emails, texts & calls have been awesome!

A HUGE SHOUT OUT TO CARRIE B. (Austin) & WENDY C. (Orlando) doing IRONMAN ARIZONA THIS WEEKEND!!! IT IS THEIR FIRST 140.6....BOTH OF YOU WILL KICK SOME SERIOUS ASS!!!

Best Finish Yet.

2008-04-04T14:28:00.000-07:00

I am guessing my Ironman finish will be pretty awesome too....but this day will be on my brain for some time.

Good week, ready to get back!!

2008-04-04T06:13:00.001-07:00

Before going into the weekend here is what my week looked like:

Monday- DAY OFF!! Beers and Tex Mex with Meg B. and Amanda F.
Tuesday- swim 2400m
Wednesday- swim 2900m & 1 hour bike on trainer. (yes, I was supposed to ride with Maggie, however when you get to the location and have no helmet then you are punished to the indoor trainer. yuck)
Thursday- 2 mile run in the AM, Texas Iron Brick workout on 620 hills..Tough, totally kicked my ass!!
Friday- Open Water swim tonight..will try to go 1.5 miles.

Here is what the weekend will look like:
Saturday- 3-4 hour base ride
Sunday- 1.5 hour run, 45 minute recovery swim

That is recovery week for me and next week I am back to hitting it hard reaching for the peak!!

I am a little over TWO Months away from the BIG day!!

Get excited folks!

Get your T-shirts!!

2008-04-02T13:09:00.000-07:00

Ok...so my old roomie from Florida is a LITTLE bit excited about the Ironman coming up. She thinks I am crazy, but because I do crazy things she get's to make t-shirts! She has already worked on one design for CdA. Of course, my one request was...you gotta cheer on Team Magleen. One don't come without the other .....unless you want to possibly buy one of us dinner and drinks?

Recovery Week??

2008-04-02T07:33:00.001-07:00

Coach Jamie wrote, "This week should be all about recovery. Cut out the intensity for the first part of the week and dial things back by 50% for the entire week. Excpet swim workouts, you can still do the full time on those. Friday should be off."

Here is what my week will look like with 'dialing things back'. I love Ironman training.

Monday- Day off!!!! Dinner with Meg B. & Amanda F.
Tuesday- 2300 m swim, 25 minute run EZ tempo.
Wednesday- 2900 m swim, 60 minute EZ spin. (with Maggie in the PM!!!)
Thursday- Texas Iron Brick Workout
Friday- Day off!!! :)
Saturday- 3 hour base ride, 20 min run off bike.
Sunday- 1-1.5 hour run (depending on how I am feeling) and a 45 minute recovery swim.

What I love that even though dialing back....I am still going almost 12 hours. Awesome.

Welcome to April and May Colleen.

A few pictures...post race!!

2008-04-01T08:05:00.000-07:00

Me and Miss Carrie W.- she did her FIRST triathlon!!

me, my medal & free beer. It doesn't get much better than this folks!

Lonestar Triathlon Race Recap!!

2008-03-31T07:32:00.000-07:00

5:52:30

I am back. Back from Galveston, TX where I had one of the best days of racing EVER!! Here it is, the race report you have been waiting for.....

The day starts, I get up and eat large. As I have learned from Jeff W., I am not eating enough before I race. I am going in already depleted, so this race was about trying new things nutritionally since it is not my 'A' race. I get up around 5 AM, eat around 1000 calories before I load up the bike and gear and head down to transition. Get my race packet (thanks Adam!!), continue drinking water, warm up on the run, make sure all gears are working on the bike and grab my wetsuit to head down for a warm-up swim. I get in the water, swim for about 8 minutes. Salt water is weird and tastes funny.

I finish my bottle of water, eat a banana and wait for my wave to be called.

We take off at 8:05 and here is what happened.

Swim: It was a deep water start so I used the tricks that Texas Iron taught me for Open Water swim....I get about 200 out and I relax into my stroke, feeling good and efficient with my TPR. As we hit the second bouy, the water becomes a bit choppy and I panic as I am being slapped in the face in each direction. After about 5 minutes of mayhem I talk myself into calming down. I was happy to reach the finish and I felt good about my swim. 44:16 was the final time (2 minutes off my last Half Iron) I was sad about this because it felt like my time should be better. However when I talked to Mo (coach from T3) he told me that the swim was long and my time would have been better.

Bike: My goal for the bike was to get the calories in and to watch ONLY cadence in order to save my legs for the run. We had a head wind going out, but it wasn't horrible. The first loop out it was about 10mph and the second looped it picked up to about 13 mph. Thankfully we had cloud cover and so you were not overheating going into the wind. You got a nice tail wind coming back into racesite, so that was nice. My bike time was 3:00:45. (4 minutes better than personal best) Average cadence was 94 rpm's, Average mph was 18.6. Not bad for either actually.

Run: Here is where I took the course and totally made it MINE!!!! I headed out onto the run course and ran the first 2 miles with a small bottle of water in hand (a tip Jamie Cleveland taught me so that you don't go out too fast) I used the first two miles to just get comfortable and to stretch my back out again. Being aero for 3 hours is more painful than I thought. As I finished the first half, I could feel that my legs had enough in them to really go so I picked up the pace for the second loop of the run. The last 2 miles were 8:05 and 8:10 miles for me....Making my run 2:03:25!!!!! (9:25 mile average) I took 18 minutes off my 13.1 mile best which makes me MORE than happy! I never walked in this race and stayed in it mentally the entire time!!

Final time- 5:52:30

I went under 6 hours which had never been done by Colleen Renee Wilson. Took 24 minutes off my Personal Best for Half Ironman and had such a great time during this race!

A shout out to Carrie W. and Amanda A. for finishing their FIRST Triathlon!! They are training for Wildflower Half but did the Olympic yesterday to get in the swing of it all and totally ROCKED it! And to the rest of the Austin crew...Shelley, Mama T, Amber R., Naomi, Barry & Ryan...thanks for making this a FUN trip!! It was great to see you back out there Jodi, nice work! Way to go Billy for taking 2nd in his Age Group in Olympic Distance!!

In Jack & Adam's most recent newsletter Jack writes, "It is not about where you finish, what type of bike you have, what you do for a living, where you are from or where you are going. It is about having fun and that is it. You can have many goals in our sport without forgetting this key element."

So very true. I had some serious fun yesterday and had a great race at the same time!!

1:58, 7:55....get ready.

2008-03-27T05:48:00.000-07:00

Those numbers above are:

1:58 for my 100m this morning and I was not pushing it terribly.

7:55 for my 400m (@ 800m pace) Felt great when I finished.

This is the FIRST time in the history of 3 triathlon seasons that I am excited about entering the water. I feel like I will make a small dent in what has been my nemesis all along in this sport.

As Chrissie said this morning, "You will start a bit fast but then settle in that same rhythm and all will go well."

Folks. This is gonna be a good race.

Getting ready for Sunday!!!

2008-03-26T08:31:00.000-07:00

This Sunday is my first big race of the season. NOT my 'A' race but being in Galveston this weekend will be like racing back in Florida, so I am excited to see where my time takes me!! Let's take a look at the work done since good old Longhorn Tri in November.

Swim: Took the T3 clinic and have been swimming 2-3 times per week since mid-January. (I know this doesn't sound like much but if you knew how much I had done before this and how much I used to hate the water, this is HUGE) I have taken about 26 seconds off my 100m since working with T3 and learning to become more efficient in the water.

Bike: I feel strong be it hills, wind, flatlands....and this is flat....out and back (twice)along the seawall. Yes I could have a head wind one way but I just need to stay in a good place mentally and know that as I turn, a tailwind will allow me to recover. I would love to go under 3 hours for this bike and I totally KNOW this is possible.

Run: I am certainly stronger since October on the run as proved in my time at the Austin Half. I would really love to go between 2:00 and 2:15. The trick is going to be keeping the high cadence on the bike so I can save my legs for the run.

I would love to have a PR and I think on this course it is more than possible with the things that are IN my control. We shall see.....

Stay tuned for the race report come Monday!

This is my 4th Half Iron and I feel really prepared due to T3(swim), Texas Iron (nutrition, bike and run) & Jeff Williams (the guy that rides his mountain bike way ahead of me when I am struggling up hills on my Tri bike & also the guy that has taught me to love my life and stay positive no matter what!!!)

Did I mention I love this sport?

A bit of climbing...Team Magleen

2008-03-26T08:24:00.001-07:00

I am super excited. Maggie sent me an e-mail this morning about going to Ft. Davis in May and getting a good ride + brick in before our Ironman. Here is what she wrote...

"Just a thought. Quick training weekend out in fort davis may 16th? I don’t know how much work i can get off – if any, but we could ride, i.e. climb, Saturday and do a brick or run on Sunday. Maybe jeff can go too and school us! Am i sadistic – b/c that looks like fun! However, i just read on the velossimo site that it’s a lot more brutal than it looks."

My thoughts..."Sadistic...yes, but I love that! Brutal...is my middle name!!"

Mark your calendars folks cause this what Maggie and I will take on come May...

Run Colleen Run

2008-03-25T19:14:00.000-07:00

Today was a SUPERB training day!!!

Had a 2700 swim, which felt awesome. (I know, i can't believe I am saying it either)

Off to work where I am diligently starting the carb loading for this weeks race per the nutrition discussion with Jeff at Texas Iron Camp.

Then left work and headed to Texas Iron Run Workout.

For those racing the Half Ironman this weekend...

we did 4 Half Mile repeats at Zilker. 2 minutes rest in between.

Here is how mine went.

3:38
3:39
3:35
3:40

Not bad friends.....and I felt good at the end of it all!!

I am loving this training right now!

Then after the run, I got good time with Miss Magzilla as we ate to our hearts content at Casa!! YUM!!!

Good times catching up with my friend and good, healthy food!

YEAH!!!

What the????

2008-03-25T10:23:00.000-07:00

As I completed my last post, I glanced at the countdown and saw TWO months. YIKES!!! I mean...it is really closer to 3 months being that it is 2 months and 27 days. But to say 2 months....AND...oh my. Yowzers. Check please, must go train.

Enough Alida!!!!

2008-03-25T10:08:00.000-07:00

Ok....let me explain the lack of posts. First...I traveled to Salt Lake City last week, got back on Friday....hit the ground running and right now, I have NO internet at mi casa. I mean...NONE. I had a 4.5 hour ride on Sunday, absolutely BEAUTIFUL day and got to ride with some folks from the Cap Tex and Wildflower teams. (TNT folk) Got in a few hills, mainly rollers and just enjoyed being outside. (you jealous now Alida? Was it above 28 in Chicago?)

After biking it was onto church for a last minute rehearsal for Easter services on Saturday night and Sunday morning.

After that was completed on Sunday...I then came home for a 1.5 hour run (where my legs felt like lead). Drove up north to get my dog from Miss T. and finally got into bed exhausted at around 1030 PM.

Start of a new week.....Monday was a day off (went to Core class where my Monday night date put a hurt on)

Tuesday- Swim at 545 AM, felt great!!!
Texas Iron run practice tonight

Wednesday- Swim at Barton Springs 6 AM
Core class and 30 minute tempo run

Thursday- Swim at 545 AM
Bike workout in the evening

Friday- day off!!

Saturday- 2.5 hour ride

Sunday- LONESTAR Half Ironman!!!!! GET READY!!!!!!

Sunday afternoon, nap and a few beers.

I will try to get on the computer, download some pictures and tell you all about my adventures in Salt Lake (through pictures and a few other updates on life)

This post was boring....but if I didn't post, Alida might hurt me.

I ain't slacking...if you were wondering.

2008-03-20T15:59:00.000-07:00

I am in Salt Lake City for a few days...new job could be on the horizon. And yes, I did the research and got in the training I needed to. However, I did NOT have a good time in the pool I went to yesterday. Let me tell you my story.

I found the Steiner Aquatic Center (has a 25m indoor pool and a 50m outdoor pool, heated and the view of the mountains is amazing from either indoor or outdoor) I arrive, purchase a new pair of goggles from the front desk as I realized I forgot mine. Found my way to the pool.....my first 1400m went really really well. I was swimming in a lane with one other woman when a third entered and asked if we could circle. We say, sure and I quickly realize they are not there to SWIM, they are there to be recreational. I see that the man in the lane next to me is by himself. I say...I am just gonna move over to his lane and share with him. The woman says, "oh, you are not Mormon." I say "nope." She says, "I can't share the same lane as another man." I decide it is best to just leave this alone and I continue my swim. I was following the workout per Texas Iron, and getting into a rhythm when a big hairy man in a speedo enters my story and my lane. We begin to circle and about 200m later, Hairy Man #3 asks to enter the same lane. (the first man in the lane was also hairy. By now I am severely disgusted as hairy backs make me want to vomit.) We are now circling except that 2 of these men put fins on and start to swim all over me. And I am being serious...one of them swam right over me. I am not quite sure what pool etiquette is but this can't be right. I mean, I was here....FIRST!!!???

At this point I was beyond frustration and didn't want to be in the Salt Lake paper for cussing out one of these individuals so I gracefully get out of the pool....go shower and make my way to City Creek trail. Now this was BEAUTIFUL!! It was right at sunset and I was running along this creek that was in between two mountain passes and all you could really hear was the creek running. I wanted no iPod, just wanted to take it all in. I only ran 40 minutes, but my lungs felt like I had been running 90. A little altitude training never hurt I guess!!

Today...Thursday I didn't get in a workout...it's ok, I did some Trigger Point and will enjoy a good meal with a really great friend. I will get back to Austin tomorrow and will run 60 minutes. Saturday is a bike ride and Sunday is a long run!! Hoo-yah!!

I am sad to say good-bye to Salt Lake....I seriously need my own TV series of showing people where to train while on vacation or on business in other areas. I have found, I can make it happen anywhere. Who wants to fund my show?

On the Road Again...

2008-03-18T13:44:00.000-07:00

Off to Salt Lake City, Utah tomorrow through Friday morning. I have found a pool to swim in on Wed. afternoon, and I am going to get in a spin class on Wed. & Thur. Of course, I got the running shoes, cause if it's not toooooo cold, I will run!!! (Eric, I better not get called a wuss for writing that!)

Back on Friday and in for a great week of training!!

Swim and a bike on Saturday.....run on Sunday!!

Happy Easter!!

R.I.P Kit, my most favorite bike.

2008-03-18T13:31:00.000-07:00

So you all know I am a proud member of Team FELT. I love my bike. I named her Kit because she was certainly an upgrade from my first entry level Giant. And sometimes, she talks to me....I digress.

Maybe it's that "16 year old, you worked a summer job to get a car when you turned 16 feeling." I bought this bike right after cancer. I bought this bike right after a really not-so-fun break-up. (are they ever fun?) And 7 weeks after treatment, this is me racing my first Half Ironman in Florida. I had already signed up for the race 9 months prior, I was going to finish it no matter what.

How did she go? Well, I took her into Jack & Adam's bike shop yesterday for a fit. See, my girly parts when riding?....not so good. As Jack began to examine the saddle and switch a few things out, he noticed the frame was cracked in a part that makes the bike not safe anymore.

Moment of silence please.

Of course, why do I love Jack Murray and his shop? Because not even 24 hours later, Jack had my problem solved. I have a Half Ironman next weekend, I need a bike for that. He got my frame warrantied, and I will pick up a new and improved Felt S22 on Friday, ready to ride Saturday for training.

And then he went even further.....Jack asked if I could keep my old frame (explaining the story to his FELT dealer) just because it symbolizes so much more than a bike to race with. It reminds me of a time when I fought like hell for each day and won. It reminds me that nothing can hold me back and that I beat the odds.

I won't go anywhere else in Austin. Jack & Adam's bike shop has taken care of me since I got off the plane from Florida last year and needed my bikes put together. I love those guys because they understand the small stuff does matter at times.

R.I.P Kit....you were super good to me for 2.5 years of racing. What shall I name my new bike????

The disappearing act of Colleen Renee'

2008-03-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

First, I am sorry Alida for no updates since last week. I do have a few reasons.

Saturday- ran 1.5 hours & helped a friend at her TNT fundraiser, then worked at Jack & Adam's for 4 hours, then went directly to Mama T's to begin the move of all my larger items to my new South 1 bedroom Apartment!! :) Yes, I am now a true Austinite! I live about one mile from Town Lake....a few blocks from South Congress. It pretty much rocks. I got all that stuff moved and finally tucked myself into my new digs at 1030ish.

Sunday- got up for one of the BEST bike rides to date. Met Maggie & Jeff W. for the Fitzhugh Ride. We got out about 22 miles and turned around....Jeff says, "You and Maggie want to do Barton Creek and Lost CreeK? I don't like to do 71/Mopac Feeder going back to the city." Colleen & Maggie very excited, "OK!!!!!"***

***What we did not know. We had never done Lost Creek in its entirety. (is there a reason why it's called Lost Creek? Is it because we aren't supposed to find it??) Uh huh. There was some pain involved and maybe a few random/snide remarks towards Jeff. We finished up the day with a 50 mile ride- 3 hours and both Maggie and I felt tired and good.

Jeff is so damn awesome to ride with, (and you too Maggie!!) I learned a lot about my pre-race & on the bike nutrition. I also got some cycling tips and he is just super positive and pushes you to your limit. (I am glad Ed left him for T3, cause that means I get to ride with him!!!)

After the bike, quick 40 minute run and then I had a few other random things that afternoon I had to do.

Got some things unpacked in my new place and had a few beers to celebrate some more incredible change in my life. I love this town! I love where my training is right now!!

I Like Swimming!!!

2008-03-14T07:05:00.000-07:00

I will begin with letting you know there is NO sarcasm in the title of this post. Read on.

So this week I made it to both T3 swims on Tues and Thur morning, swimming 2700 m both days! And then today, Friday I got up and went to meet the TNT group for swim and did another 2600 m. 8000 m total for this week and I am feeling a rhythm in the water that I have not before! I was weary of finishing the 2.4 mile swim but I am super confident that the swim is something I am going to ENJOY!! I will say that again for all my friends that have listened to be bitch about the swim.

I am going to ENJOY the swim at Ironman CdA!!

I look forward to 545 AM, three days a week and I can see myself getting stronger. I even moved up a lane at T3 on Thursday and my 100 time was 1:51. I know, not super fast but hey....when I started this whole swim clinic thing about 5 months ago, my 100 was well over 2 minutes, so I have improved friends!!

The weather is perfect in Austin this weekend!! I am moving to a new house today and tomorrow. I will run 2 hours tomorrow and ride 3.5-4 hours on Sunday!! Can't wait to be outside.....those you that are venturing outside, load up on the SPF, hydrate and live it up in this weather. (except for you Alida, cause you are in Chicago...I will ride a few extra miles for you outside. Please move back to Austin. I think I speak for a few of us)

Today.

2008-03-11T16:00:00.000-07:00

I was still sore from Core Workout yesterday. Thank you Josh.

Got up for 545 AM Swim....Yes, I made it this time Eric!!! Swam 2700 m

Went to work, was hungry every 1.5 hours. Almost ate my shoes.

Left work at 4, went to Town Lake, did a 1 hr run with 15 minute warm up, 20 minute tempo and 10 x 1min fast with 1 min ez between. Then 5 minute cool down.

I am now home, going to make dinner, sit my ass on the couch and do some Trigger Point Therapy and oh yeah, have a BEER!!

Yum!!!

Happy Training!

Texas Iron Endurance Camp 2008, Recap

2008-03-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

Camp

Camp is an experience that I won’t forget,
Did I love every minute – yeh you bet!
Even sleeping in cabins and Coaches daily talks,
Oh yeh and the skirt that was given if you walked!

We climbed many hills....and went fast going down!
We swam in the river and got lost in town.
There was Anchor Man impressions and chats along the way,
Anything to distract from the cold wind of the day.

On the first day the wind blew all the day long
Don't you worry us Triathletes, yes we stayed strong
When the temperatures dropped a few were in dismay,
But wind vests and arm warmers saved the day!

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the chip seal.
What the road was made of, and yes it's a BIG deal.
No matter what kind of shorts or seat is beneath you
Those special little parts hurt, and make you want to boo-hoo!

Talks on nutrition, open water and cycling.
Miss Maggie and I took notes while others did some imbibing.
I'm ready to race 140.6 miles.
And you better believe I will finish with a SMILE!!!

So here you go....the post you have been waiting for!!!

Camp freakin' ROCKED!! It was nice to have a weekend to just show up and train. I was in charge of no SAG, no meals, no cabin reservations. I showed up around 130 PM on Thursday at the Kerrville- Schreiner park, picked up my cabin key and got ready for a 3 PM run.

Thursday- The Guadalupe was not good to swim that evening so we did a core workout after the run. 45 minute solid run around the park we were staying in, a few challenging hills, but after driving 1.5 hours felt good to stretch the legs! At dinner we had a talk from Jamie on Race Nutrition and it was really helpful as I am trying to figure out exactly how I eat the day of my Ironman. After awhile the sugar gets to me. Looks like I will be packing some PB&J sandwhiches in my Special Needs. At least now, I have an idea of some things to try and I am going to do a sweat test soon so I know about how much I sweat out.

Friday- 900 AM departure time for a 41 mile bike ride. The terrain was beautiful, the wind was NOT. 21 mph winds and for some strange reason, it was NEVER at our backs. The 41 felt like 60 miles. Got back to the cabin, immediate transition into run...45 minutes. I felt good. Solid 9 min. miles on the run. Then some ART which felt awesome and time to put on the ole wetsuit for an Open Water Swim. As we all jumped in and got about 25 m out, the water was STIFLING cold...I mean...55 degrees cold. It stung everywhere and you wouldn't warm up like normal. Jamie and Andrea had us turn around and decided it wasn't a good idea to swim in that cold water. I was actually sad because I was looking forward to being in the open water. Oh well. Another weekend. That night we had dinner at the YO Ranch and had a talk about Carbo Loading from Jeff (one of the coaches) It was SUPER informative as well, he is the walking encyclopedia of nutrition knowledge. I am going to try a few things for my race in Galveston at the end of the month.

Saturday-830 Am departure for a 63 mile bike ride in Hill Country!! At mile 10 we came upon a hill that I have never seen before and I was determined to stay on my bike and take it easy getting up. As I watched others pop off there bike and a few fall over, I stayed focused and just concentrated on pushing down and pulling up....and I SUCCEEDED!! All the way to the top!!! Once Maggie, Scott and I finished this ride we got some more ART, ate a bit, had a beer and then rested up for Core workout (replace Swim) and an Open Water Clinic with Jamie & Andrea. A really great Clinic, I just wish we would have been in the water to work on some of the things...looks like Barton Springs and I have a date soon!!
After the clinic, time for a BBQ dinner and a cycling presentation with Susan. More great information on how to improve specific things in your cycling.

Went to bed...early....as the time change was that night and got enough sleep to get up for a 800 AM run. 1.5 hours for me...I made it out to the 5 mile water stop in 45 minutes. (solid 9 min mile, after 100 miles of cycling in 2 days...not bad!!) turned around and ran the 5 miles back in 42 minutes...so I was faster this time and I felt like I had more in me!!

That is what I am learning from Texas Iron is that you don't have to KILL yourself to train for an Ironman. You don't need to push to the max with every workout or you subject yourself to Injury or Burnout. Not worth it. It is still too early for that. Trust that the volume will come....it is right around the corner! Today is a day of REST!! Much deserved...and then tomorrow...yes Eric, I will be at the 545 AM swim with T3. ugh. No matter what the temp, I will be there.

Tuesday- swim & run workout
Wednesday- Core & trainer workout
Thursday- swim & run workout
Friday- swim workout
Saturday- 4.0 hour bike workout + 40 minute run
Sunday- 2.0 hour run & easy recovery swim

I love training right now!!!!

I will post a few pictures soon!! Camp rocked, I want to go this weekend.

CAMP

2008-03-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

A longer post later....but here is my acrostic for you all.

C- Cycling all over Texas Hill Country. THE HILLS ARE ALIVE!!
A- Are YOU ready for my Ironman??
M- Maggie was my roomie, good times with a good friend!
P- Possibly the BEST training weekend to date. Can I go back next weekend?

I got a few pictures and a much longer post, but I need to focus on dinner and being in bed EARLY. CC Nay Nay is TIRED!!!

Hello Mother, Hello Father...

2008-03-05T13:21:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Camp....Texas Iron!
I'll be swimming, biking, running...all to get ready for my big race in the summer!!

YIPPEEEEE!!! Only 40 minutes left before I leave work, go to a track practice and then go home and pack for a weekend of training. (Sick that I get a total adrenaline rush out of all this.) I will be making my way to Kerrville, Texas and it will be 4 days of 2 workouts each day and also getting to know Texas Iron folk a bit more.

What I love the most is no email or phone (i will check messages but will not carry this on me) Just me, cabins, my bike and some good time to myself. I am in total need of a weekend like this. I hope to come back tired and even more empowered for my Ironman!! So you will have NO postings this weekend (stop crying Brian) but look for some Monday morning....cause you know, I will keep track of all that I learn and take in!!

Don't miss me too much and have a great weekend!!

37 degrees

2008-03-04T08:33:00.001-08:00

Some random cold front with A LOT of wind came through Austin in the last 36 hours. I am trying to make Tue. & Thur. my mornings to swim with T3, and this morning was particularly gonna be fun cause I was gonna swim, get cleaned up and go to Casa with my friend Brian. We had it all planned out.

As I lay in bed this morning, staring at the ceiling, wondering if I wanted to brave 37 degrees, an outdoor pool and wind...my phone beeped I had a text. (I mean, I wasn't gonna wimp out before Brian...COME ON!!!!)

Brian: I can't get the nerve to face these temperatures this morning. I am going to swim at lunch today to avoid the freeze.

Colleen: we are on the same page! (except that I wasn't gonna be the one to cancel)

(I am KIDDING Brian....or am I?)

Anyway, I looked at the schedule for camp and we get in 3 swims this weekend so I will just do my run per my schedule later on and not worry about missing swim today.

The weekend in pictures!!!

2008-03-03T16:19:00.000-08:00

I swear I did my brick coach!?!

Day 2 of riding, me and Desiree B. take on the Dam Loop!

end of a long weekend...the reward? a 22 oz and a steak!!

Weekly Totals:

2008-03-03T13:10:00.000-08:00

Swim: 5200 m
Bike: 113.2 on bike, 1 spin class
Run: 16 miles (due to the broken toe, taking it easy!)

2 Core Classes, 2 Yoga Classes

5 Beers total this week (I had to carb load for the heavy bike mileage) :)

Weekend of Riding...amazing!!

2008-03-03T08:32:00.000-08:00

After 2 days of a rather stressful move I was certainly ready to get on my bike and put in some mileage....and that is exactly what happened!

Saturday was Pedal thru the Pines, an organized ride in Bastrop, TX that goes through a really beautiful park and then quiet, country roads. This was the first ride I did in Austin on arrival last year and conditions were worse last year. We had clear skies, amazing temperature & good company. We went 63.2 miles (thanks Ryan!!) and had an absolute blast. I will post some pictures later!! (63.2 miles at 17.1 avg.)

The rest of the afternoon was a few beers and some REST.

Sunday it was back up for the grind.....met Mama T and Desiree for 50 miles on the Mansfield Dam Loop. I was really glad we started at 7 AM because as time went on, the wind picked up and coming back on 360 was painfully hard.

My coaches told me light running this weekend because I have a broken toe that is on the mend AND with camp this coming weekend I need to be 100%. So later yesterday evening I did 30 minutes of just running on tired legs, went for a nice steak and beer with Mama T and was in bed by 930 PM.

It was such a good weekend....and I love the bike, I really really LOVE it!!

Tired.

2008-02-28T21:46:00.000-08:00

I am moving from my lovely apartment, however, I would like to note I still swam my 2500m today.

Tomorrow I am taking off since I am going to finish the move & then Saturday is a 65 mile ride & Sunday I am going to ride (not sure the distance and run)

Next week is Texas Iron Triathlon Camp!! WOO-HOO!!

Mental Monkey...DARN IT!!!

2008-02-27T07:04:00.000-08:00

“It is our own mental attitude which makes the world what it is for us. Our thoughts make things beautiful, our thoughts make things ugly."

Let me set the stage for you folks:

This was my first Hill workout since the Austin Half.

Time: 545 AM
Place: Wilke
Workout: 1 mile warm up, drills, 8 times up Wilke, 1 mile cool down.
Colleen's Thoughts: Ugly.

I don't know what it was. Maybe it is that I have a lot of different things coming at me this week? Maybe I was just tired, cranky girl who didn't want to challenge myself this morning but I let my mental game get to me.

I felt ok during the warm up, but I just don't like this up and down in the weather. Seriously, back to 40 degrees?? I mean, I just ran in 70 degrees on Monday. I couldn't feel my hands or my toes.

Got to the hill, was told 8 repeats and given the plan for how to attack each one. Going up the first time I felt like my feet were moving through mud. So immediately, I said..."Colleen, you cannot do 8. you will do 6." WHAT????? This is not me? Who stole my confidence from me this morning? Please, give it back!!!

By the 4th repeat, I am sure the look on my face was total defeat as "attack the hill, high knees, strong recovery at top" were not a part of my mental vocabulary. It was more like, "I can't wait for coffe! What will I eat for breakfast? Why am I here?"

End result.....I did finish all 8. I am too much of a perfectionist to not complete the workout, but had I switched over my mindset and tried to enjoy it it could have turned out better for me in the end.

The mile cool down back to my car all I did was beat myself up over the bad attitude that was on display all over Wilke this morning.

I think it was Churchill that said "attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." ouch. I could have used that this morning.

Good thing is, I am back at Wilke next Wednesday, hopefully a different report will be coming your way!!!

Anyone? Core? Tonight? J&A's? 530 PM?? See you there!!

Hungry.....

2008-02-26T06:38:00.000-08:00

....and it's only 8:30. I had my first morning swim with the T3 Training group. I am going to continue swimming with them for my Ironman training. I need the accountability in the water the most. I would rather not swim, however this is not going to help me complete 2.4 miles.

I showed up at 545 AM, jumped in the water and completed a 2700m workout. It was good and hard at the same time.

Then I quickly went home, showered, had some oatmeal with strawberries, a bit of Kale on the side, took my vitamins and I am now sitting at work at 830. And guess what folks, I am hungry, I want to eat both my left and right shoe.

Is this normal? I am going to be hungry all morning, I don't think I packed enough snacks? Will I need to make a trip to Whole Foods?

On a completely different note, last night I had good workouts. 30 minute run & then core class. Then went to Casa with many good friends. I had missed Monday night Casa for some time now, and so it was good to be back!! Many good laughs...I have such good friends.

Recovery week....sort of.

2008-02-24T12:09:00.000-08:00

Monday- 50 mile ride (after 13.1 mile run on Sunday) tough ride, Dam Loop with River Place & Swim Clinic...about 1500 m

Tuesday- rest, + 30 minute Yoga (this was super smart)

Wednesday- 30 minute ez run, core class & final swim clinic. 1900 m

Thursday- Texas Iron Core & Strength workout. 1 hour, 15 minutes

Friday- 2300 m swim & Yoga.

Saturday- 50 mile bike ride, (same ride as Monday)

Sunday- 7 mile run, easy...super easy.

Totals:
Swim- 5700 m
Bike- 100 miles
Run- took some recovery this week because of Half Marathon, I did 1 hour 30 minute & 7 miles.

iPods + Bike Riding= No

2008-02-24T11:49:00.000-08:00

I just don't get it, I really don't. It was an absolute beautiful weekend in Austin, not too hot, not too cold. Not a cloud in the sky and well, you can smell spring. It's here and that means LOT'S of bike riders out and about. This week I rode the 50 mile Dam Loop (with the wonderful, hilly add on in River Place....quite awesome this weekend since my legs were more recovered from the Half marathon.) as I approached the top of 620, I see a cyclist in front of me, with head phones on...not just one ear bud (even though it's equally as dangerous) but with both of them in. I yelled "on your left"...nothing. No acknowledgement, no moving over to the right a bit as he was hugging the left shoulder to begin with. He said nothing. I got alongside him, startled him and THEN he gave me a dirty look. REALLY? Don't make me get off my bike and kick your ass kind sir!! I am riding safe, not you!! I called out where I was, and because you were jammin' out to Miley Cyrus's latest album you didn't hear me. Why then the dirty look? Or was that because I was passing your ass....I digress.

A few moments later I saw another cyclist that I recognized....wearing headphones, and this was a coach for a training group in town. At least set a decent example?

I don't get wearing your iPod for a ride, it's just asking for it. Music can make you zone out and truthfully you can't race with it, so why choose to wear it during training. If you want music, go sit in a spin room at a gym and pedal to your heart's content, but DON'T put my life at danger out there because you can't spare a few hours without the tunes.

Here are some things you can do on the bike that require no tunes:

Especially on those unbelievably beautiful days, just take in all that is around you.
Meditate or Pray. (God will be ok if you do either of these with your eyes open)
Maybe focus on your cadence or mph in a way you haven't before.
Set goals for the season.
Or just enjoy the fact that for those few hours you have no cell phone, no computer, no TiVO..nothing digital holding you down. You are completely FREE for that time. I know this is one of the reasons why I really love to ride. I cannot be reached & it is 'me' time.

If you are a friend that is reading this and rides with headphones, please stop...it's cause I care, cause I want you around for life. I don't want to lose you to some kind of accident because you could have prevented it had you known what was going on around you.

It's official...I GRADUATED!!

2008-02-22T05:56:00.000-08:00

As you all know, I had signed up for the T3 swim clinic last fall, that clinic was cut short by a nasty bike crash that had me sitting on my couch for about 5 weeks. I came back the end of January to complete it because I want to be able to swim with T3 for my Ironman training.

On Wednesday, February 20, I became the first class of 08 to graduate from this clinic. Pretty exciting folks....and what is awesome is my underwater videos showed major improvement! I just need to build up endurance now and continue to focus on good technique.

My goal with this clinic was to feel more efficient (which I do) and to be able to do a race, and not start my race after the swim portion. I think by the end of this Tri season that goal will be accomplished. I will always be an average swimmer, but that is way better than my first 2 seasons of Triathlon.

I highly recommend T3's swim clinic for those that may not be sure of the water and their efficiency. Mo & Chrissie will break your swim down only to make you faster.

So glad I graduated....now I gotta swim 2.4 miles in June!!!

Confessions of "the one who Slept in"

2008-02-20T22:01:00.000-08:00

Carrie, you gave me props for Dam Loop and then Wilke. I have to be honest... I had every intention of getting to Wilke in the morning. It didn't happen, the alarm went off at 5 AM and I quickly turned it off and then didn't move from my bed until 7 AM. Yes, it just so happens that 7 AM is now considered sleeping in!! Since 4 of the 7 days a week I am up at 5 AM, sleeping in is 7 AM.

I still had a productive day of working out, ran 45 minutes before Core Class. Went to Pat Evoe's core class, which totally rocked. It was the right kind of tough that I needed....some recovery and some kicking my ass. Then after core, I went to my final night of the T3 swim clinic. Yes, everyone I graduated and now I am able to swim with the big kids. It's quite an accomplishment as many of you know, swimming is NOT my thing. I am actually glad it is over, I learned a lot, but I also learned I really hate swimming at 715 PM. I am too tired and not focused at that point. I really love swimming early mornings, which is what will start for me this coming week all the way through my Ironman. Anyone want to join?

I am looking forward to a weekend of beautiful weather!! I will be out on my bike on Saturday, a 50 mile ride and then 60 minute run on Sunday.....maybe a swim if I am feeling up to it! Oh, and Yoga with Hannah on Friday night, that is going to be awesome!!

I am moving apartments next week, so be patient with me if the blog is at a standstill.

Happy almost Friday & onto our weekend o fun!

Recovery Ride?

2008-02-19T10:36:00.000-08:00

So the plan was to ride an easy 40-50 miles yesterday, Monday, after crushing the 13.1 miles. Note to self: You do not ride with Jeff W. if what you want is a recovery ride. We ventured out to do the Damn Loop....(it is actually Dam Loop but I choose to spell it the other way because quite often during the ride, that is what I am saying....Damn, I am awesome!! right Chad?)

After climbing up 620, and on my way to 2222, the traffic was getting crazier, so we opted for a nice stroll through River Place. (this is a neighborhood you can cut through to avoid the scary downhill that is 2222) I asked Jeff, "are there any crazy climbs, cause my legs are feeling the pain of yesterday." Jeff replies, "nothing too crazy Colleen, a few rollers, that's all."

Jeff lies.

The picture above is of River Place, you must go way down to eventually climb back up to then go down to reach 2222. In all truthfulness, this a ride I will do again, it is perfect for training and a very safe neighborhood. I certainly felt my legs last night in any movement. No worries, I am not in pain, just pushing my body where I have not gone in awhile. I am resting today. Only some yoga this morning to stretch it all out.

Thanks to Vanessa for being on this ride with me. It was nice to have a friend that would yell at Jeff alongside me...however, you are married to him and had to look at him all night. I got to say goodbye once we hit J&A's shop.

Thanks to Chad for not passing me, even when I "kindly" told you to. (I know it may have sounded like shouting or yelling, but really I was just trying to talk over all the wind and traffic!)

Thanks to Jeff for not telling the truth about this ride and in all seriousness, thanks for the "help" when my legs were shot. Thanks for pointing out the deer on the side of the road when I could care less. Thanks for riding your mountain bike and always going faster than me on my road bike.

Thanks to Janessa. Janessa is the coolest couple in Austin, and I loved being outside with them on such a perfect day.

Tomorrow morning, Wilke.....gulp.

Total Mileage: Week ending Feb. 18 ( I will include the holiday)

2008-02-18T05:50:00.000-08:00

Swim- 4500 m
Bike- 40 miles (I did one less spin class because of Austin Half)
Run- 25 miles (with one really awesome Half Marathon!)

No beers until AFTER the big race, and I took down 2 Shiners with friends to celebrate!!

GOOD GOOD WEEK!

1:55. Austin Half. Delivered.

2008-02-17T18:56:00.000-08:00

***Disclaimer, I know my race reports are way more detailed. Mile by mile, yada yada yada, however, this race.....as you will see was more than mile by mile for me, it was a huge breakthrough of believing in who I am and what I can do. here it goes!!

Uh Huh. That's right. Having made the decision to just work for a solid Half (knowing that the Ironman will bring a Full Marathon, you know, after a small 112 mile bike ride, whatever.)....what a great day this was for me. Here is the back story friends, my PR was at the OUC Half back in um....2003, running a 1:48. I haven't been able to come close to that since dear old cancer of two years ago. Well today was my day. I just wanted under two hours, and I wanted it BAD. I have been working on attacking hills and I could hear coach Jeff in my head, "high knees Colleen, relax the shoulders" and each hill I encountered, I absolutely KILLED. I was excited to be passing people rather than just wanting the pain to be done. Today, February 17, 2008, I stopped doubting myself and what I can do. I didn't let the mental game play me, I played it and this time...I won!! I felt worn out at the end of this half, and I knew I left EVERYTHING out there on the course. Probably one of the most emotional finishes I have ever had, EVER.

I have this new found confidence for my big race in June and I could hear that kick ass Journey song in my head...."Don't Stop Believin'....Hold onto that feeling!! " yes friends, today rocked. Oh and by the way...OUC Half in 2003 pretty much flat, Austin Half, NOT flat, not even close to flat. So I am stronger...uh huh, I am!!

A few shout outs if I may....

My new friend Carrie for killing 20 miles today. She is doing Ironman AZ in April and had 20 miles today so she did 7 before the half and then ran the half. I actually ran into her before and after the race which was awesome! We have been keeping up with each other on our blogs....her link is to the right, Tri To Be Funny.

Mandy W. for taking on the full and totally rockin' it!! Way to go!!

Johnathan D. for finishing with a 3:25, so stinkin' proud of you, how do you get that fast? Man!!! You rock! Way to go!!! So proud of you man!! (insert High Five!!)

Desiree B., mother, wife, killer athlete, over-all smart & fun lady that also just happened to survive cancer. She rocks. 4 hour marathon. Way to go!!

And last but certainly not least...Miss Magzilla, FIRST Marathon, pulling a 3:50 on a tough course, running as a Gazelle! So glad I got to see you Finish!! Ironman CdA, here we come....you know what Maggie? Shake 'n' Bake!!!

I'm so excited....

2008-02-16T19:53:00.000-08:00

and I just can't hide it, I'm about to run Austin Half and I think I like it....OH YEAH!!

(sung to the tune of Pointer Sisters, I'm So Excited.)

Tomorrow is supposed to be beautiful weather and I got 13.1 miles on my plate.

I am ready....and of course I know you are waiting, anticipating......the full race report.

Until then....good night Austin

Austin Half Marathon

2008-02-15T13:10:00.000-08:00

After a tough Wednesday morning workout, I took the rest of Wednesday to rest the feets. I didn't go to core that night. I got up early Thursday morning, went to the pool and did my swim workout of 2200 m. Crazy to think I need to go twice that to really get the 2.4 + mile distance in for the Ironman. Swim was the only workout I did on Thursday.

Today, Friday, I got up and went to the track to do an EASY 25 minutes per my schedule. I may or may not have skipped during a few moments on the track! :) I just felt carefree and like I am gonna rock the race this weekend. I feel I am playing things really smart and have given myself good recovery but will go in with not completely rested legs, which my coach says is smart training for my A race in June.

I got home around 2:00, (called it an early day at the office due to many mornings, weekend and nights)!! I went through a 20 minute Yoga tape to just relax my soul and do some visualization. It was helpful as I needed to calm my heart.

Now just relaxing at home, I have an early morning with teams for TNT, then AT&T expo, then Pasta Party and home to rest.

Early morning on Sunday....a shout out to Maggie the Marathoner...her FIRST marathon!! Kick ass!!

Barton Springs...545 AM

2008-02-13T10:59:00.000-08:00

This was the second week at Barton Springs and what a great workout! I am really starting to enjoy the pain-fest on Wednesday mornings! Today was a 1 mile warm-up, and then a 1.5 mile loop X 4. During the 1.5 mile loop, the hills we encountered were to be attacked and then 75% effort on the flatter sections. By the third lap I could tell I was working hard. My running partner, Mandy, helped with the pacing. Mandy, do you think you could come run the 26.2 in Idaho with me at the end of my Ironman? Each loop we stayed in between 11 & 12 minutes, which I was VERY happy with. As I am training in these first few months, I know that strength is very important and with each of these workouts I can see that building!

Swim clinic is tonight & then I will rest up for the Austin Half Marathon on Sunday!!! I am feeling good and hope to finish as close to 2 hours is possible! But if not, then it is good to be outside, alive and healthy!!!

Is it Monday again???

2008-02-12T05:24:00.000-08:00

Yup...Monday's always seem super slow. Hard to get up and motivate myself to get up after a long weekend of training and go into work.

And then work seemed to tick-tock, tick-tock by ever so SLOWLY.

Finally it was time for me to head down to J & A's for a 30 minute ez run and Core class, which the instructor didn't show up for and so my friend Randy taught, which was fine except that I found myself modifying a lot of things because he was going back to the old skool Adam Reiser teaching and my body doesn't need that before The Austin Half this weekend.

After that is was off to T3 for some swim action. We learned a few more drills and we only have 3 classes left before I can just join the training group and SWIM.

I somewhat lost count but we did around 1500 m last night at swim. A lot of stopping to learn new stuff but that's ok.

Alright, that's all. Pretty boring Monday. Tuesday is my day of REST and I am ready for that!!!

Totals

2008-02-10T13:13:00.000-08:00

Forgot to put this.....

Total Mileage this week:

Swim: 4000m
Bike: 65 miles on the road, 1 Spin Class
Run: 20 miles

2 Core/Strength classes
1 Yoga class

& 3 beers!! :)

Weekend Warrior!!!

2008-02-10T13:00:00.000-08:00

It is Sunday afternoon and I had 2 really amazing workouts this weekend.

First- 50 mile bike ride from Progress Cafe (followed up by a delicious sandwich and a cold beer). It was nice and flat and not too challenging, just getting in the distance. I rode with the Half Iron team for TNT and it was cool to see a few of them take on the 50 miles for the first time. I ain't gonna lie, this team is strong. I focused on high cadence and really maintaining that throughout the ride. I was the sweep for this ride, so I had some time to work on this. :) It was an absolute beautiful day to ride in Austin. Weather was in the 70s by the time we finished and not cold when we started.

Second- 90 minute run today. I got up at 6:00AM and drove down to the Veloway to run 90 minutes before the Cap Tex team had a bike clinic. (I work with TNT for those that don't know, so this was the first week on bikes) I was excited to do this run on my own because I needed to clear my head and really push myself without help of friends or coach. And I succeeded in just that! I ran along the feeder on Mopac (with my headlamp OF COURSE!). The feeder is quite rolling when you are running it and my legs took a few minutes to adjust to the asphalt since I had been running on Trail for the last few weeks. But about 15 minutes in, I felt super strong and kept a consistent pace for the 90 minutes.

I am hoping the "tired" and "medical" scare was just that....a scare. I felt solid this weekend with my 2 workouts. Tomorrow I will swim, and I am excited about that!! Gonna try and go 2500 m tomorrow!

I will sit back with some salmon, asparagus and glass of wine this evening and enjoy the Grammy's!

Cheers!!!

Texas Iron...Run/Strength

2008-02-07T20:35:00.000-08:00

Tonight rocked and I actually got through the workout feeling really good. We met at Clark Field at UT and had a circuit of different Core exercises followed by one lap of the track. We did the Circuit + Run 4 times, and I felt really strong through each round. I actually think I had a few more rounds in me....but I didn't tell the coaches that, especially since I was still feeling my legs from the Hill workout on Wednesday morning, THANKS JEFF!!!

Could the "not feeling too tired after 4 rounds of the circuit" mean I am getting stronger and 1 year of Core workout is paying off? That certainly feels good.

Thanks for all the emails & calls about Dr. stuff. I have no answers yet, I just know that my vitals are not exactly normal, my blood work is weird and I am tired 90% of the time. Since my history calls for them to be worried, they are running my tests through EVERYTHING. I should know something early next week? Or at least know what the next step is.

Well, it is 1030 PM right now, and that is LATE for me to stay up!! Tomorrow is an early morning swim at 6 AM. Good times. Can't wait.

Actually, I am excited cause I missed my T3 swim on Wednesday night due to my car not starting. And I was really mad I couldn't get there.

Tomorrow is Friday which means....THE WEEKEND! I am doing a 50 mile ride with a few friends on Saturday & an 8 mile run on Sunday.

And the weather looks like it is supposed to be AMAZING! YIPPEEEEEEE!!!

Wildflower Wednesday

2008-02-06T05:55:00.000-08:00

515 AM alarm goes off. Got up. Drove to Zilker, Barton Springs Parking Lot for a workout with the TNT Wildflower team. It kicked my ass. 1/2 mile warm up. 10 repeats of an 800m loop, with a fun hill. 1/2 mile cool down. 6 miles total. My legs are TIRED, I am TIRED. By the 8, 9 and 10th loop I felt as though I might throw up (there was no food in my stomach to throw up however). Mandy was my running partner and good Lord did I need her this morning.

It was one of those workouts where you really dig deep and then you leave it all out there. Got my coffee and my breakfast tacos, now I am going to sleep for a few hours and then on to the Hospital for some tests.

I still feel pretty week, but don't know if it's something medical or just from the workout.

I still got Swim practice tonight with T3, so hopefully I can make that.

Tired Tuesday

2008-02-05T19:13:00.000-08:00

I am tired today.....and don't know why. I didn't go to Texas Iron tonight cause my body is exhausted. Ugh. I will get up and do a hill workout with the TNT Wildflower team tomorrow. Hopefully that will go ok.

I am getting some tests run at the Hospital tomorrow. Good thoughts that all is ok.

Monday, Monday

2008-02-05T05:08:00.000-08:00

As the old Carpenter song goes, "rainy days and Mondays always get me down..." but not on February 4, 2008. It was a good Monday. Got up and "slept in" until 745 AM. Went to work, got quite a bit accomplished and the day went by fast (thankfully).

Met my friends Thiele, Randy and Vanessa for a really great 3 mile Tempo run, then Core Class at Jack & Adam's (and what I call my Monday night date) to find out that yes, I was getting stood up. Sigh. The normal instructor was not teaching and the guy that taught...yeah, he is kinda a tool. Still a decent workout though but I missed Josh.

After this it was off to T3 Swim Clinic. We ended up putting in about 1900 m because we were able to swim for an hour, 15 minutes. We learned a few new drills and I am really starting to see a nice rhythm with my strokes. We are doing a lot of 75 m drill sets but I can feel it all beginning to click...which is GREAT!! 2.4 miles is a long way to swim!

Today (Tuesday) I have a run workout with Texas Iron tonight, which should be fun and challenging as well!

Good start to my week, it is nice to be feeling 100% again!!

She's Baaaaaaaaack!!!

2008-02-03T09:38:00.000-08:00

Well, after a week of letting all the crud move through my body (which by the way is the super smart thing to do) I was able to get out on my bike and do 35 miles yesterday and today, I did a 10 mile run. And truthfully felt really really great. It was hard to take Sunday through Friday and not do anything except a few core classes and two yoga classes. My dr. said yes to these because I was able to keep my heart rate down. Accelerated heart rate actually hurts you when you are sick, that is why rest is best and you will come back stronger.

It was a perfect day for a bike ride and I rode from Jack & Adam's to Westlake & 360 to meet up with the Wildflower team where they were doing Bee Caves repeats....and then back to Jack & Adam's, making sure I did a repeat of Lost Creek out there and on my way back. (It is a rule for me on the bike, if you ride past Lost Creek, you must do one repeat!!)

And then today, just kept it on the trail and ran with my friend Mandy, it was a nice easy pace and 10 miles was PERFECT!! Plus, it was overcast and a slight breeze. Great day for a run.

I am gonna rest this afternoon cause it's time to ROCK OUT to Band of Horses tonight at La Zona Rosa. It's the end of my birthday week....sigh.