Beachblast Triathlon

Since the time zone is central in that part of Florida, we got up at 4 AM Fl time and headed to the race site. With it being 2 miles away, we decided to ride our bikes! Big mistake...it was so dark, we could hardly see right in front of our wheel, but we made it. It was freezing. I wore sweats and a jacket and was still cold. After warming up in the water, my teeth would not stop chattering.
The swim: I was going OK until I came around the first boui, there were slight waves which made me seasick. I threw up in the water and kept going. Sorry for anyone who swam into it.
The bike: I felt really good, knowing that swim was over and I had a lot of time to make up since I am always close to being last out of the water. Averaged 19 mph and passed a lot of peeps.
The run: Was not my best....When I got on the run course, I realized that I was completely dry, and had not sweat at all on the bike, not good news. Made it through the run with out cramping. Time 1hr 30 min. 3rd AG.

I am proud of all of my peeps who also placed in their AG, you guys rock. Special congrats to all the Lunachix on the strong half!

The best part came after the race-chilling and getting an awesome tan!

Finally!

Well, we finally made it down to Mexico Beach. With a few delays, of course, but we made it! The weather is gorgeous and sunny, the water is a bit choppy, but it is afternoon. Hopefully tomorrow..............The condo where we are stayng at is beautiful and sooooo comfortble. I wish everyone luck who is racing this weekend.

It only hurt a little!

I will have a separate entry on the B-Day bash later, when I upload the pics! Woke up around 7 am on Sunday morning after sleeping only 6 hrs due to a 90Th bash the night before and got ready for my first 17 mile run ever. I was kind of nervous, since my run the day before did not go over so well, but I figures I would give it a try anyway. Filled up my fuel belt, got some $ (just in case my mood struck me to go shopping) and went for it!!!!! Mile 2- I heard a honk from Keith which made me put a spring in my step. Mile 4.5 got chased by a dog, it kept barking and wagging its tail. Can't lie, it scared me, but I did not make eye contact and just kept going. Mile 9.2, Steven hunted me down in a car, just to see if I needed anything, I was totally fine! My run course was: Lavista Rd to Tucker High, Charles Harris course, turn around at North Dekalb Mall and same way back. I actually enjoyed myself on this one! Go figure........ May be this running coach thing IS for me after all!

The Big Apple

This weekend I went to NYC and Jersey to meet with a childhood friend who lives in Israel and visiting United States with her husband and her son. I was a little nervous prior to the meeting, because we have not seen each other in 20 years and i knew i was going to have to speak a lot of Russian, which I do not to get to do on day to day basis, only on the weekends when I see my parents. We decided to meet in Central park, so I took a taxi there from the airport. She has not changed a bit, and we recognized each other right away!

It was so great to see her and to meet her awesome husband, i just wish Steven was there with me. We sat on a bench and talked forever about what we were doing with our lives, our interests, our other friends and what they are up to. We could not be more different now. She is so calm and artsy, and i am high strong and always on the move................................... We walked to Broadway and Times Square. New York is always amazing to me for its people, interesting architecture and hustle and bustle that we do not have in Atlanta. I can people watch for hours, sitting in Starbucks and sipping on my Latte. Forgot to mention, there were many triathletes in Central Park, riding their bikes and running. I was surprised, how many of them were riding their race wheels! In the beginning, I thought there was a race going on! After walking around, we took New Jersey Transit bus and went to Jersey, where Betya and Vova are staying.

At the bus stop, we saw a mouse running around, which reminded me that I was definitely in NYC! Once we got to Jersey, Betya's cousin was waiting for us with dinner. We were starving! I felt as if I just raced, the cousin probably thought that I was the biggest PIG, as I was shoveling food in my mouth. There, I met the second love of my life, Shaun who is three and LOVES Thomas the train and company!!!! This is the most beautiful and intelligent boy that I have ever met!!!!!

We stayed up until at least 1 am and for an old lady like me, it was not easy, but I did not want to go to bed, I wanted to savor every last moment with my dear friend. On Sunday morning, while everyone was sleeping, I set out for my 8 mile run. Everything was going great until on the way back, I ran past the subdivision and got lost. That was a freaky moment. No phone, no money.... what was I thinking??? I am an official Ding-Dong. Luckily, I finally found my way back. Had breakfast and it was time for me to leave. I took a train to Penn Station and had some time to myself in the Big Apple.

Got to Laguardia on time, caught my flight and here I am, home!!!! Of course, my bag was searched, because I was bringing Steven some NY pretzels!!! The did not take them away, and I was able to keep my husband happy. I was so hungry at the airport, so I went to a news-stand and guess what they had- Turkish apricots!!! I just could not help myself.......you do the math!!!!

I am very glad to be back home to my family and friends. my Atl peeps are awesome!!!!!!!

Shout outs are to Scootzie and Sweetie, whose birthdays are this week!

Run

Well, today was my 16 mile run- I made it 14. It was hot, humid and my shoes had worn out, so ankles and feet need a good soaker tonight.
Also, I think I have gone mad. This weekend i am traveling to NYC to visit a childhood friend whom I have not seen in 18 years. We will have fun, yes, but when will I train? So, i am flying out on the second flight so I can hit the trainer first thing in the morning and trying to figure out an 8 mile run on Sunday while everyone is still asleep in NY. Am I crazy? obsessed? hate failure? taking this sport too seriously?

Weekend

This weekend was great. Started out with an awesome 20/8 brick, felt pretty good. Threw a few intervals in for good measure. Saturday evening went to Suobs for dinner to celebrate their great achievement of finishing IM Louisville. Dave made a cool movie of the race and our peeps who participated, which made me tear up. Sunday, open water swim with Steven and Dave. Did OK, still feel like I need to take it slow, recuperating.

Getting back into the swing of things.

Well, I am getting back to normal. Well, what is normal for me :-)
Yesterday, since I did not have to be at work untill 7am, I headed to the gym. I was on the spin bike for 1.5hrs and it felt great! Maria Elena threw in some intervals and climbs. I was sweating like a pig, which ment my work out was awesome! Sweating doesn't come easy for me, so when I do, i get super excited! Today, i went to the pool and swam a little (1000m). I am out of shape in the swimming department. My swimming career only began in november, so when I take time off, it shows. This evening I am running with my team, super excited since running is my favorite!
Steven and I signed up for Augusta 70.3, and I for Gulfcoast! I am proud of Steven for taking the plunge. Oh yeah, on the way from KY, Steven passed his kidney stone. ouch, this thing is HUGE!!!

Louisville

We left late on Saturday due to some issues with us. Got into Louisville around 12AM, hung out with Dani's mom and got about 3 hours of sleep. The condo was very nice, and Dani's mom provided us with some snacks, Dave especially enjoyed the Twinkies!!!! Woke up at 4am and the race spectating was on. I was so glad that we were able to see all of our friends that participated: Dani, Keith, Bob and Sue. Emotions were running high. Not just for competitors. I was tearing up. The swim was a time trial start and the line was a couple of blocks long. The anticipation would of probably made me duke in my pants.....before the race.
Everyone looked strong on the swim. Sue had some issues, but I knew she would of never quit, and she did not. Superwoman!!!!! As soon as she came out of water, the race was on for her. I was glad to see that all of the peeps were pacing themselves on the bike. They all looked so STRONG after the bike, especiallt Sue, whose first question was, "Did I make up some time?, Where is Bob?" Dave's friend in Atlanta was kind enough to track our friends, so we could guage their running times. I have to tell the truth, I was worried about Dani, given her issues in the past. I knew DNF was not going to happen to any of them, but questions ran through my mind-are they ok? are they hydrating?are they cramping? i was so worried. I wanted their Ironman be the most amazing experience for them. And I believe that happened for them, which makes me very happy.
I am proud of all 4 of them, especially Sue who with her charm, found a secret admirer in the middle of a huge river during IM!!!!
Steven, Dave and Hunter! Thank you for putting up with me and my driving during this trip!