Road to IM II

Two cards are turned over

2011-03-15T23:27:00.000-04:00

The mamogram came back clear, that was the easy part since there is only one to squish lol. So we can call that card and ACE!!.
Second card, not so good. There is no way to look at the CT scan and tell if the area on the lung chest wall is cancer or is not cancer. The only way is to get some tissue from the area to test. Doc cannot use a scope because area is too small nor can they do a needle biopsy because the risk of puncturing the lung is too high. Thus the only option is to go in surgically and get it. I meet with the surgeon on the 23rd. He said we can also watch and wait to see if it gets bigger or not. I am not a fan of the watch and wait approach. But doc said either way if it is cancer then its in the bones now. I rather find out now and fight it or find out I have a good reason to celebrate.We will call that card a duce.
Next card is still face down, I also see the Thyroid doc on the 23rd to see about Thyroid mass. So more to come......

Cards

2011-03-07T21:39:00.002-05:00

I have never been one to say not fair, why me. I try to do the best with the cards I am dealt. Friday I was dealt a new set of cards with an uncertain outcome. A mass has been found in my thyroid and two suspicious areas between my lung and chest wall. So as the cards are flipped over I will see how it plays out. Quitting or giving up is never an option. I will try to gather my strength and dig deeper like before. Yes I am scared, worried, all the emotions that one goes through. I will await the biopsy and more scans and see where the docs say we go from here. But the last few days with emails from my Team Z family I know I will not be alone and have GREAT support. We never get the answer to the question why, so I don’t bother to even let my mind go to that place.

Never forget to make the most of everyday, there is NO someday. Life is not about the dates on the headstone but the dash between. Docs have one rule from me, make sure I am ok to be at the Face of America Rdie, Musselman and Cozumel J

Thursday 13, Reasons to run Disney

2011-01-06T08:28:00.000-05:00

1. Mickey Mouse Ear Dove Ice Cream Bars
2. Bling: Medal for Full, Medal for Half, Medal for Goofy
3. Running through the Parks
4. Characters
5. Free day at park on Monday after the races, if you can walk, lol
6. Race in FL gives me a Marathon in Florida which means I can join the 50 States Club
7. Warm weather race in January
8. Race is post xmas, burn of xmas cookies
9. Disney loves the Military and get great discounts
10. Fireworks every night
11. To be Goofy
12. Can be a kid
13. Run Jump Play

13 Things I will miss

2010-12-02T20:05:00.000-05:00

So I am joining the masses and writing my random Thursday 13:(note not in any certain order)

1. Team Z and my new friends like Timra, Es and many more
2. Trails
3. The pizza place that delivers cheese cake factory cheese cake
4. Arlington Cemetery: reminder of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and going to visit Sam
5. 3 hrs from NY, 2hrs from the beach, 2hrs from Mtns
6. The snow and cool crisp mornings
7. Kiwi sitters :)
8. Working with Wounded Warriors at WR
9. My crazy friend Marie
10. Chills from walking through the halls of the Pentagon
11. King Street
12. Coach Ed
13. Each and everyone of you that means more than words can say.

BUT I WILL BE BACK BY SPRING!!!

Wrapping up 2010

2010-11-11T08:50:00.000-05:00

2010 has been a great year of accomplishment, I became an IRONMAN!!
I could not have done it without Coach Ed, Team Z and support of friends. I will end 2010 with a Christmas 12 K for charity and a 8K Turkey Trot. 2010 has also had its up and down personally and professionally but I feel that Ironman has also made me stronger in those areas of my life. There is an inner quiet strength that comes with becoming an Ironman.
My inner circle of friends has grown because of Team Z and I am very thankful for each one of you!!
Thanks for making the 2010 racing season such a GREAT experience.
Bring on 2011 and Cozumel

Chicago Pre-Race Thoughts

2010-10-05T22:02:00.000-04:00

Chicago Marathon is my 13th Marathon, I am not spooked by the number 13. It does not seems like it has been 13 Marathons but it has: Baltimore, Dallas (my best), Austin, Boston, Lincoln, Dallas, Houston, Tahiti, Mississippi Blues, Shamrock, New York and New Orleans.
Chicago will also be #3 of the 5 World Marathon Series. This has been a GREAT year for reaching goals. I completed an Ironman and will hopefully complete another in the series. These are the quiet milestones I chip away at one by one. I guess in a way it is a little bucket list, to look back on day and say I did all five in the series.
But the important part of the race is to be running with the Imerman Angels. It is such a great cancer network. I will be running with other survivors, family members running in honor of loved ones they have lost or for a family member that is currently fighting cancer. That is the real prize, to share the day with cancer hero's.

Final Entry Moo report

2010-09-21T20:42:00.001-04:00

How do you put 15 hrs and 58 minutes into words....I will try.
Leading up to and arriving at Madison, I did not feel nervous as in scared or as in what am I doing. I was nervous about the unknowns, like what does it feel like to swim with 2000 people all at once, will I fall on the bike or get a flat, will my foot hold up during the run.
From arrival to race start I did not have any issues, did not forget anything, all went smooth. FINALLY it was Sunday, race day, show time, time to see what I am made of, the day to become an Ironman. The term washing machine is an accurate description of what it feels like to swim with the arms and legs of 2000 people. I wasn't that people were trying to hit you it was just that everyone was just trying to swim. After the first turn, where you stop-take a breath-and moo, it was a bit better and my second loop it was swimming as normal. My goal was 1:30-1:45, I came out of the water at 1:41 (big smile on my face)
I knew no matter what happened the rest of the day, part I was done and I had swam longer than anytime before.
I was excited for the bike because I knew Team Z awaited. They did not disappoint either loop. The course was not harder than any of our training rides. The hardest part was the three BIG hills toward the end of the second loop. Not quite so much pep in the legs the second time around and there was hardly anyone there to cheer. It was all guts to get up. I started watching the clock and realized I should make the cut-off unless I had a mechanical issue. I MADE IT, WOO HOO. Part II was done.
Running Marathons is my favorite part. I have run 12 marathons. The unknown was how would my legs feel after biking 112 miles and then trying to run a marathon. Surprisingly they did not feel like bricks. I ran for about the first two miles and then settled into my plan to run walk. According to the data my pace stayed consistent the whole 26.2 miles. I started the Marathon at 5 pm, I knew I had to average about 4-4.5 miles per hour to be done by midnight. I never thought you got this because I knew at any point something could go wrong either with nutrition or with my foot. Finally at about mile 25 I felt the emotion inside. I felt the sense of accomplishing something huge. A dream was coming true. I was going to be an Ironman. The last 1.2 miles I remembered Coach Ed advice. So I tilted my hat back, wiped my face, turned the corner and heard the words, "Patti Jackson YOU ARE AN IRONMAN"!!!
After crossing the line, my friend Pam asked me how do you feel. I describe it as a quiet voice inside that said, if you can do an Ironman you can do anything. That is how I felt. I have survived Cancer, survived the War in the desert, survived life's up and down. I am a Survivor. Now I am an Ironman

Part Two of Moo Report

2010-09-18T22:36:00.000-04:00

The night before Moo I was looking at Ironmanlive.com. Just surfing, looking to see what was on the page that Moo followers might see. I started reading the inspiration story since I had seen him at the Athlete dinner the night before. I then scrolled down the page to find a list of inspirational athletes. Tears came to my eyes and a lump in my throat as I saw my name. I look in the mirror and just see me, yes with a chest that is different from others but still just an average person. To be listed on the Ironman page as an inspirational athlete made this race something special.

http://ironmanlive.com/updates.php?type=U&race=wisconsin&year=2010&page=16&order=DESC

Part one of Moo Race report

2010-09-18T16:54:00.000-04:00

My sherpa that came along was Pam, she is great friend. She is also one of the coached for Marathon Make Over in Jackson, MS. It is a program that trains people to run a marathon, very similar to TNT but no fund raising. The Marathon Make Over Team will run their target or A race October 9th. This is the email she sent the team.

Well, I've seen it happen. Again. I have seen proof that we can do anything we put our minds to do. I was able to finish my half marathon in Calfornia two weeks ago, which was not nearly so big a deal as seeing my dear friend Patti complete a full Ironman triathlon this past weekend. While Patti was the only participant I knew before I got there, I had the honor of seeing 2000 normal people, just like you and me, and most of them finished within the time limit of 17 hours. Patti finished hers in just under 16 hours. Can you imagine doing anything continuously for 16 hours? I don't even want to work, behind a desk, for that long at a time. These people swam 2.4 miles (that took Patti an hour and 41 minutes), then they rode a bicycle for 112 miles (that took Patti 7 hours and 49 minutes of sitting on a little tiny bike seat), and then they ran (or walked) a full marathon, 26.2 miles (that took Patti 6 hours and 7 minutes).

Some of these people are tall, some are short, some are thin, some are not. Some are good swimmers, some can barely swim. Some run really fast, others walked the entire run segment. Do you know what got these people to the finish line? Two things: training and belief in themselves. Do you see where I'm headed here?

Let's talk about training. These folks have trained all year for this one event, and they did it. They participated in training programs very much like this one (Patti is on a training team in her area), and they trusted their training to get them through. And it did. You have also trained all year for this particular event coming up. You have proved you could go long distance in the last long long run 3 weeks ago. This weekend you'll prove it once more. Whatever race you're doing on October 9th, you will be ready because you have trained for it. This Saturday is one last dress rehearsal for the big dance. Treat it as a dress rehearsal and October 9th will seem just like another long long run, but with more traffic.

The other thing is that they believed they could do this. And you must believe that you can do it. Keep your eye on the prize, whether it's the medal, bragging rights, allowing yourself a splurge of little white powdered donuts (oh wait, that's me), or whatever, keep your focus on the prize. But as you focus on the prize at the end, you also begin to see that this whole thing has been the prize. The prize is you being right here right now, exactly where you are. If you've had a year like Patti and I have (she's had some medical challenges as well), you see that the prize is not so much getting to the finish line (although that was a very big deal for her), but the prize is getting to the starting line with the knowledge that you can do this. Patti was nervous, but not about her abilities. She was nervous about other things that could go wrong, such as flat tires, but she believed in herself. She believed she could do it all along, and never gave up.

When I went to California two weeks ago for the one race I'd been fighting to get to literally all year, my emotions didn't hit me at the end of the race nearly like they did at the beginning. To know that I've gotten to the point I thought I might not see, to know that all my stubbornness and hard work this year as been worthwhile, to know that I have won out over the stupid doctor, and to know that I didn't give up, all came home at the starting line for me. I knew I could complete that half marathon, even if it was a slower time than I'd done in the past. I believed in my abilities, and I had trained for it. And I had a blast.

So no matter what you've been through this year, and no matter what race you're doing on October 9th, know that you're a different person now than you were in January. Know that your prize has been there all along. The prize is you. The prize is this journey you've been on. The prize is you knowing you are in a better place than you were in January. Donuts and bling are merely icing on a fabulous cake, but know that the prize is you.

Two Weeks

2010-08-30T18:58:00.000-04:00

Two weeks = 14 days = "a change to brag for the rest of your life"
Whenever I run a marathon or half ironman I never take anything for granted. You can always be humbled at any given time so never get too confident. Right now I am beginning to feel more excited than nervous but I am sure come Sunday the 12th at 0700 that will change. I will stand on the shore and face an unknown fear. I will find out what I am really made of, how far will I have to dig? With everything life has thrown at me this past 12 months I am ready. I have not been able to do all the training and workouts but I have done what I could.
So here I go, no mater what the outcome I will do my best on Sept 12th, leave it all on the course.
I am a survivor
I am a Marathon runner
I have done Boston
Soon to be an Ironman

33

2010-08-10T22:38:00.000-04:00

The long ride is done...and was it a long ride. Looking back to the "now", the thought of riding 120 miles seemed so far off in the distant. But that day has come and gone. This weekend is the Luray Olympic Tri, last tune up race before the big show. At times I am nervous, excited and just plain scared. Scared of the unknown. It will me against the clock, to beat the swim cut off, to beat the bike cut off. Then just get thru the marathon by midnight. Then the ink and medal will be the reward, and to say I am an Ironman, next to I am a cancer survivor. This has been a multi-year journey. I hope it will end with a great celebration and happy dance.

No excuses but factors

2010-07-15T19:22:00.000-04:00

For me in my world there are no excuses but there are contributing factors. Musselman was my second Half Ironman race. Coming into Musselman my long ride was 60, which was longer than my prep before the Vineman Half Ironman, so I felt good about that and the bike ride was awesome, ask Dana :)
Swim, well I had swam a mile as my longest prior to Musselman and I was happy with my swim race day. The run, well....here is the factor. Prior to Musselman the longest run or only run in the past month was 1.5. This was due to my foot. So I knew I would some how have to fake the run for Musselman. So there is no excuse because somehow I covered the 13.1 miles before the cut off. There are many things that can get you to the finish line: your heart, courage,inner strength, loved ones waiting at the finish or Team Z. Coming around the last corner, seeing the sea of green still there cheering, Kiwi and Marie made all the miles well worth the pain in my foot. So number two is in the books. Next challenge is Ironman, that cannot be faked, so for the next 60 days I will do all that I can to get READY!!
Ironman has been a three year journey...I look forward to seeing how it ends.

Longest Ride

2010-06-27T20:40:00.000-04:00

Saturday was my longest bike ride to date, woo hoo. It was a hot, hilly ride but none the less I did it. Before my 70.3, the longest training ride was 40 so going towards my Ironman having already ridden 64 gives me hope. Ironman is not till Sept so I feel on track with the bike for the Ironman. Once my mouth heals then pick up the pace again with swimming and foot has had its first shot so time to catch up and get ready.

New Training Partner

2010-06-10T23:12:00.001-04:00

In July my new training partner will arrive. I am not sure of the exact day, probably after Musselman. It has been a long time since I have been ready for a new partner but I am now ready. I am not sure what to call my new training partner...but she is a female, blue eyes and salt/pepper hair.

Each Race Has Its Own Meaning

2010-05-10T22:52:00.000-04:00

Every race whether it is a Tri or a Marathon has it own meaning and purpose for me. Kinetic Sprint Tri had its own unique purpose. When I met Marie Malave, her eyes and heart were filled with the vision of one day doing an Ironman. Her first step was to do a sprint tri. Through personal challenges and physical challenges as well she never gave up on her vision. On May 9th, Marie Malave became a triathlete. That is something no one nor anything in life can ever take away from her. As her friend I wanted to do anything I could to cheer and support her along the course. That was the purpose of this race. It was an honor to share that day on the course with her. What was my time for the Kinetic Sprint? The answer: "the best time two triathletes can have "

First Tri 2010

2010-04-22T21:15:00.000-04:00

Well the first Tri of the 2010 season is in the books, Rumpass as Bumpass. I love the name of this race :)
Water: choppy, Bike: love my Cervelo, Run: beat some relay teams!!
This was the first Tri as Part of Team Z, what an amazing, motivation, supportive and fun group. How did I do Tri's without them. With the pending doc visit with the hematologist coming I am just focusing on the training and worry about the "other stuff" as it comes. Life is an amazing journey with no previews of what is to come next. But I will never quit, its not an option.

Race Gear

2010-04-06T23:07:00.000-04:00

One step closer to an official Team Z member. Tonight I ordered my Tri shorts, Tri top, running shirt and a support crew t-shirt. Not crazy about bright neon grinch green but hey they will us coming. Two weeks till the first tri of the season. I am by no means 100% after this weeks doctor events but I WILL FINISH!!
Cant wait it will a whole new perspective as member of a Tri Team.

Cherry Blossoms

2010-03-28T00:36:00.000-04:00

It is finally spring in DC. I ran down by the cherry blossom trees today. They are beautiful. Next weekend Easter with friends then the Cherry Blossom run. First Tri of the season is this month. I have new wetsuit with sleeves to keep me warm since I am sure the water will still be COLD. So this month is the beginning of the tri races that lead to IRONMAN. Bring it!!!

Strange Remedy

2010-03-10T00:51:00.000-05:00

One always thinks of rest-ice-biofreeze as the normal healing aids for the issues that arise from being a marathon runner and triathlete. After a week of wearing a boot to limit the movement of my achilles tendon, I decided to try something new. It is an ointment used on race horses tendons. I thought why not, worse thing than can happen is I have one leg faster than the other. I put it on before going to bed, added a sock to keep the ointment on my foot and not the bed. I got out of the bed today and walked pain free!!! Its crazy I tell you but it worked. I even ran three miles today. Sure it is not 100% but going from hobbling to the bed to getting up and walking normal and pain free is amazing. Just call me sea-biscuit

What are you made of...

2010-02-28T19:37:00.000-05:00

Today I found out what I am made of...leading up to todays marathon my longest run was 10 miles. I know as well as most that this is not how to train. But life events have been in the way lately. But I was determined to give it a try. So me and Trina, who had also only run 10 miles, decided to give it a try. We set the goal of running in zone 1/2. Thus we would shoot for slow steady and 5 or 5 1/2 time frame. We looked at it as a 20 mile long run with a 6 mile cool down. After a stop at a med tent to get tylenol, a stop to re-tape my foot, after feeling blisters pop, #12 is done!!! Along the way another friend told me its ok to just run the half at mile 13, at mile 20 she said you can stop you did your 20. Guess this new friend does not know me well :)

That gave me all the motivation I needed to dig deeper. I know when it is time to stop, but today was not the day, another DNF kept off the books.

Recover

2010-02-15T09:46:00.000-05:00

I have to say that having a two hour massage does wonders. Jeff worked on all the sore and tender spots from all the miles running, biking and swimming. Found knots and sore spots I did not know I had!! Today I can walk without pain!!! Jeff you rock. Note to self make this a regular appointment, two hours for $60, cant beat it.

Finally a spin

2010-02-12T01:15:00.000-05:00

After a week of snow and no Team Z functions/group training it was great to get out and spin at Bonzai. Small group but we all worked and pushed hard, Matt pushed us. Then after we all went out to eat. I am sure we ate and drank back all the calories but we Zers were a happy crew. No snow for the weekend so lets hope to at least run outside. 18 days till New Orleans Rock n Roll Marathon, guess I better go run :D

World Masters Marathon Series

2010-02-01T22:44:00.000-05:00

Boston, Berlin, Chicago, London, New York

Boston-2004
New York- 2009
Chicago- 2010
London and Berlin will be next.....to be able to say you have run all five will be a great accomplishment

What is it...

2010-01-08T18:15:00.001-05:00

It is:
finding out what you are made of
digging deeper than you have before
doing what others cannot do or choose not to do
about being apart of a small population
about one day looking back and saying I DID an Ironman and I am a IRONMAN

"We can only see what we haven’t been seeing when we see it"
"With deep-down commitment comes something extra – things happen, doors open, both internally to pathways and systems that allow for more profound understanding" JA

Goof off time is over or is goofy almost here

2009-12-27T20:18:00.001-05:00

Christmas is over so its time to get back or into a routine. The Ole Man River Half Marathon was a fun long run but there is so much work to do. Running is the easy part for me, then bike then swim. How to make all the training workouts, training races, fun races I want to do and time for friends all work....we will see. Oh and nutrition, so need that!!!
Should be a quiet week and weekend to concentrate on a routine and stick with it except the pressure of goofy is still out there :D
I know my goal and will do all that I can to reach it.

Running Metronome

2009-12-16T23:13:00.000-05:00

As I take a few steps back to then go forward, tonight I learned how to run with a metronome. Interesting concept and tool but it really works. It teaches you not to run faster but how to improve the pace of foot turn over. I learned that my rate was 174 and the elite runners are over 200. So if this tool works, I am all for it. The coaches tonight were great, Ed rocks!!! Even got a hand bump tonight :)
Another tool in my tool box to get to Ironman.

Weekend Training

2009-12-09T21:06:00.000-05:00

Bike ride + 42 degrees for the high = one very frozen ride Saturday
Jingle Bell Run 10k + 40 degree for the high = many egg nogs Sunday to thaw out

I guess this is what I have been missing training by myself all this time. I would just ride my indoor trainer and run on the treadmill. But I am committed to Team Klutz and Team Z to do what it takes to run an Ironman in 2010. So I will put on many layers, all the high tech gear and give it a shot!!

What is motivation

2009-12-06T23:26:00.002-05:00

This week I had no motivation to train, so I thought what is motivation.
Motivation has many definitions:
- a desire to achieve a goal, combined with the energy to work towards that goal
- Motivation is the inner power or energy that pushes one toward performing a certain action
- Motivation strengthens the ambition, increases initiative and gives direction, courage, energy and the persistence to follow one's goals. A motivated person takes action and do whatever it needs to achieve his/her goals.
- Motivation is a strong quality for anyone to possess; and you can only possess it when you set a burning desire to be do have something in life. No one can give it to you.
- Motivation will give you the passion to begin exploring what it is you really want to do in life, and give you the courage to follow your dreams. If you do not like where you currently are and are living life everyday unhappy and frustrated; it probably is because you do not possess any motivation for what you are currently doing. It is up to you to find out what you would really like to be doing with your life. Do you actually know what it is that would make you happy and excited about getting up out of bed in the morning?
My motivation to run began right before being diagnosed with cancer. Running motivated me because every race I wanted to see if I could run faster. Even over in the sand box I ran to see how fast I could run. After being diagnosed with cancer and Boston was coming up; running was my motivation to get thru surgery, therapy and get moving again. I HAD to get to Boston. It worked, I ran Boston 6 months after my masectomy. So now I have done the marathons, done Boston, done sprint, olympic and Half-Ironman race. I am trying to find the motivation to do the full Ironman 140.3 in 2010. There are days I feel like saying bring it and days I say maybe not. So I turn to find a new motivation. Maybe in preparing for a full Ironman I need to a reason to run besides finding out what am I made of, something bigger than myself. I ran NYC Marathon with Team Livestrong but I was pretty sure I would finish. The Ironman can break you, there are not guarantees and you cannot fake it. Thus what is going to push me hard. Derek will be the reason. Derek is a friends brother who lost his fight with Cystic Fibrosis. So when the days come that I dont wont to run, bike, swim, do bricks, ride for 3 to 4 hours. I will have to remember that Derek is my training partner and I cant let him down. Train and compete in 2010 racing season for Derek and as I build up to the Full Ironman race. To raise money for the cystic fibrosis foundation in Derecks name will be the prize at the end of the race.

First Team Z Track work

2009-11-18T20:58:00.000-05:00

Tonight was the first time to run at the track with Team Z. I enjoy running on the track since it brings back memories of running track in HS. I would not say I am a good runner but I can get from point A to point B.
I guess if I did not like running I would not run marathons. The workout was: 20 min warmup in zone 2, 3 strides, run 15 min in zone 3, 2 x1000 in zone 4 with 2 min break between the sets, run 2 min then cool down. Overall not to a bad workout except I have no idea what my heart rate should be but MM will help me set up my monitor, so I just ran. Ed told me to go buy a running metronome, I have only heard of one except for music. So another toy to buy but its small and cheap and will help me learn my cadence. Everyone that knows me know that I DO NOT eat well. I can feel it today that the little that I do eat is not going to be near enough or the right stuff. So I have to try to figure out what to eat and more, scarry!!!! Maybe I can sweet talk someone into helping me figure it out and give me a shopping list :D

Tomorrow is my birthday and I will spend it spinning and then swimming with Team Klut-Z and Team Z. I may even get a cupcake, life is good.

"To dream of the person you would like to be is to waste the person you are".

First Team Z Swim

2009-11-17T23:16:00.001-05:00

I do not think I will be able to tie my shoes tomorrow. This was the first time I have been in the water since my Half Ironman. It was good to feel the water again but it is like beginning again. I learned to swim by watching a DVD, imagine that. How I ever made it from Sprints to Olympic distance and onto Half Ironman with no coaching is amazing. After tips from the coaches I see I have to re-learn many aspects about swimming or learn for the first time. As I looked over at my training partner I thought, "dang her stroke looks better than mine, she is going to soon be a better swimmer than me"!! But thats ok :)
I received my Team Z sweatshirt today with "speedy" on the sleeve, FUN!! This is going to be great winter training season to get stronger (mentally and physically) and learn how to be a better athlete. Then come spring look out because here I come; TEAM Klut-Z. I even have a Nike cowbell for cheering when I am the sherpa.

Mascot

2009-11-14T09:52:00.004-05:00

My Team Klut-Z partner has a great idea, a mascot. She sent me a link to this great looking dog that loves to run, which is a requirement. So I have called!!! If "cat" the dog (have to change the name) is not available the hunt is on to find a dog. It is time. So any ideas for the Team Klut-z mascot, and she said we will have to get a shirt/collar for her :D big smiles on my face today.
Along the lines of dogs, I did a fundraiser for the Livestrong Foundation at the Bark N Bubbles dog wash. It is a fun way to raise money. I fell in love with a 6 month yellow lab, pics to follow.

Or I can use these as my favorite two mascots..

Train your mind

2009-11-11T12:36:00.001-05:00

I have been talking with many new tritahletes and seasoned veterans. As we know the Ironman is not just a three sport event; it also includes nutrition and being mentally engaged. I have been reading and using Triathlon Mind Training. I thought I would share.
http://www.triathlon-mind-training.com/blog/

"Many people who have come back from the brink of death report that their whole life flashed before them in a series of mental images. If you take a step back and think that's all we really leave with. It is time to flip through the pictures of the moments that make up our lives. We live, train and race with the record button on, some memories are imprinted in our brains memory bank. The images of your life, your friends and loved ones are priceless"

I have so many great mental pictures in my mind that I never want erased. My first marathon, first triathlon, Vineman 70.3, overcoming cancer and running Boston and of course my loved ones :)
What are yours ?

OBX Half

2009-11-07T19:39:00.004-05:00

OBX is done, D-U-N, done. The course was not too bad except for the @#$% hill/bridge. See pics. Weather was perfect. I did not feel as bad as I thought I would having just run the NY Marathon the week before. But I feel my body saying take a break with health issues popping up :(

So Vegas Marathon in 28 days if the docs will let me. Legs are up and resting.

Tomorrow is the OBX Half Marathon. My legs feel recovered from the NY Marathon. I have not run a half marathon in about three years, it has always been full-marathons. So I am looking at this for fun, no pressure, just run and enjoy. The weather looks perfect. Only one good size hill and the rest look fast, yeah!!! Then will recover, do maintenance runs until the Vegas Marathon in December.

Texas

2009-11-05T23:42:00.001-05:00

I am in Texas this week and today was not a good day for Texas or the military. Somethings that have gone on today I cannot post here but we knew before CNN for a change. Several people with us had to scramble to Ft Hood. We have been told to be more vigilant the next few days. We are soldiers taught to protect and defend, to serve, not turn on our own. There is a list of names at work of everyone killed in the 911. It is a reminder of what happened on American soil by terrorists. Today we lost more Americans but by a soldier, more answers to come. As the bag pipes played Amazing Grace tonight it was hard to not have tears. As I looked at the some of the young faces tonight many had joined as a result of 911, to say I will serve, I will go, send me. In some aspects those of us that serve follow a calling, to lay down our lives to protect others. We do not just protect a certain town or city like a police officer. We protect all Americans. I am an American Soldier, A Wingman, A Warrior and a Survivor.

Next up

2009-11-03T07:18:00.000-05:00

My life as a marathon runner and triathlete continues. I am recovering this week and will run the OBX half on Sunday. Then recover and go to the Richmond Half, then recover and run the Rock-n-Roll Marathon in Vegas. Oh and don't forget the Drumstick 8k and Jingle all the way, whew.

But I LOVE IT, this is my partner for this next year. Nothing you want in life comes easy and Ironman is no different. It takes lots of ice, pain, grit and most of all heart and I have plenty of that. In talking with Ed, not sure which one will be the Ironman I will do yet in 2010. But whichever one it is it will be another life changing event life meeting Lance this past weekend.

PS: ordered my TEAM Z hat, sweatshirt with name and long sleeve shirt today for winter training!!!

My winter bike clothes from SUGOI and K-Swiss fast kit are on the way, great sponsors THANKS!!

NY Marathon

2009-10-29T18:01:00.000-04:00

Thursday:Lance is in NY, I can't wait to get there tomorrow!!! This is going to be incredible.

Friday: Arrived today and hit the ground running. I went to the NY Marathon Expo, it was incredible. So many people from all over the world. Stopped by the Livestrong booth and met the Colleen and crew, wonderful people. I also went by Thorlo socks and Sugoi two of my sponsors for 2010. Look forward to working with them and their support in the next year. I bought lots of NY Marathon clothes and goodies to celebrate this occasion. Then onto Nike Town, wow what a store. I think the group from Team Livestrong thought I was crazy when I was goofing around with the pretzel :)

Team Livestrong will meet at Niketown tomorrow at 800 and Lance will be there, shhhhh.......

The room is crazy big, the upgrade from Hyatt corporate is a two room VIP suite. It overlook Grand Central Station.

Saturday: What an incredible day. I MET LANCE ARMSTRONG!!!! He signed my hat!!! There are no words to describe the way I feel. I got to Niketown around 800 and met many more members of Team Livrstrong from all over the world. Spent sometime talking with Colleen, she is wonderful. She is doing her second Ironman in three weeks. I soon noticed a familiar face and it was Doug Ullman, the CEO of the Livestrong Foundation. We talked for a bit and got him to sign my hat and thanked him for all he does for us survivors. The word was that Lance would be there just before 900 and say hi to the Team but nothing was guaranteed. The Niketown runners were going to go for a run at 900 and he was going to join them. I stayed close to Colleen since I knew if there was a chance to see Lance she would be the key. Guess no one else figured that out :) Then we moved to outside the store, everyone was looking on direction and he came from the other, guess where I was standing. He walked up to me!!! I asked him to sign my hat and he did!!!! I had my sharpie and hat ready just in case and no one else on the team did, I scored, can you believe it!!! Lance as always been my hero for all the work he does for cancer survivors. No matter how I do tomorrow this is a day that I will never forget.

PS I also had my picture posted on the jumbo screen in Times Square last night, can you believe it. This is like a dream after so many struggles this past few months. It is like a new day.

Sunday: Well it time, time to see what I am made of, time to run for me, for the ones I have lost and ones I support ( see pic of my shirt) I am so thankful for all my friends that have been calling, texting, emailing and posting on FB. You are keeping me up, focused and laughing. THANKS!!! Headed to the ferry.

How do I begin to describe today. Running the NY City Marathon is an incredible. It was not my best but considering I have not run in three weeks and I finished at 4:45, I am happy. The first half was much better than the second. I was running under a 10-minute mile up until about mile 16 when something pulled in my hip. But I thought about Sam, MJ, AJ and MM and dug deep to keep going. At mile 18 Colleen and the Livestrong crew were waiting. It was good timing. Along the way I past wheelchair participants, blind runners, double amputees and even one amputee that only was able to have a single prosthetic and used arm crutches. My pain was nothing compared to them and what strength they had. It brought tears to my eyes. The leg cramps began at mile 22 and the rest of the way to the finish. There was no point in the Marathon that the streets were not lined with cheering New Yorkers, they truly do support this race and make it an amazing experience.

This weekend is a memory I will not forget. To be able to spend time with Doug and be so close to Lance, my hero, is a once in a lifetime experience. I wish that MM could have experienced this weekend but she will be there next year and see how great the NY marathon is for runners.

This was about survivors in life, about being part of something bigger than yourself, about giving back and paying it forward. Remembering those we have lost to cancer, those that are fighting for their life, those scars we do not always see. Life is not always easy and has it ups and downs, but we learn and keep going, we learn to be survivors. When I take my last breath this weekend will be one of those times I will look back at and say “wow, that was amazing”. RJP.

Marathon from the otherside

2009-10-25T17:00:00.000-04:00

Today I had an opportunity to participate in the Marine Corp Marathon as a spectator and supporter. I have run 10 marathons with 11 and 12 coming up but this was the first time to see it from this side. When the gun went off it was different to not be running, to be excited and saying "here we go". But I felt excitement for Pam and knew what she was feeling. Trina and I then rushed off to be at mile 10 to cheer Pam as she went by. I wanted to be there because I knew how important it is to me to have a smiling face to look for along the way. Pam stopped we high fived and then off she went again. As we waited for her again at mile 16 we were able to see many physically challenged runners and cheer for them, it was a great feeling. The human spirit that pushes you to meet challenges is amazing. Then off to meet Pam at mile 20. As we waited you could begin to see the pain on peoples faces, the "WALL". I know that feeling to well so cheered and yelled to say" dig deep". Along our journey of criss crossing the city we met many great young marines and stopped to talk with them and thank them for their sacrifice. I know how it feels to be appreciated to serve. It was a moving experience to stand and watch people cross the finish line. Many raised their arms in celebration, "I did it". Many were doing all they could do to take one more step. Then there were those whose eyes were filed with tears as they realized all their months of training, pain and sacrifice had brought them to this point and moment.

In one week from today I will repeat their journey again from the runners perspective. I will be running #11, as a Survivor with team livestrong.

Closing 2009 Season Begin 2010 Season

2009-10-23T17:21:00.000-04:00

As the 2009 race season draws to a close it has been a good race year. I met my goal of completing my first Ironman 70.3. I still have three races left in the 2009 season; NY City Marathon, OBX Half Marathon and the Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon. But at the same time I will begin the 2010 season with the Drumstick 8K in November and the Jingle all the way in December. I already have three GREAT sponsors for the 2010 season: KSwiss, Thorlo socks and Sugoi. How sweet is that!!!

Quotes

2009-10-18T22:32:00.001-04:00

"If you're going through hell, keep going." ~Winston Churchill

"We do survive every moment, after all, except the last one." ~John Updike

We judge others by their acts, but ourselves by our intentions–American Proverb

Human beings are made up of flesh and blood, and a miracle fiber called courage – George Patton

Having a true faith is the most difficult thing in the world. Many will try to take it from you. – Steve Prefontaine

Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway. – John Wayne

Made a Decision

2009-10-18T11:08:00.000-04:00

After thinking the last few days and events of the last few day I have reached a decision, Ironman 2010. I know I have the heart, dedication and passion to complete it now to just get the body ready. My training will be my therapy, my date, to keep me focused, and a way to make new friends. So decision is made, I have a part time sherpa, I have the toys needed, a part time training partner so here I go.....FOR ME.

New Time

2009-10-13T22:40:00.000-04:00

I went to the Team Z kick-off meeting tonight. I like the free food!! Anyway I am in, so thus begins a New Time for Me. A time to think about what is my goal for 2010: a 70.3 or a 140.6. I do not have to decide yet, Ed says for now go with the March marathon plan for the 140.6 people. That gives me time to decide. Do I have the time to put in the training for the full Ironman? Yes I do!! It is a New Time to focus so look out here I come, LOL

New Goal: Masters

2009-10-11T16:55:00.000-04:00

I did not know there was a Masters series of marathons until Marie told me, who knew :)

They are Boston, Chicago, New York, Berlin and London.

I have completed Boston, will be running NY. I think of those two being the toughest since you have to qualify for Boston and normally takes three years to get into NY. So when to do the other three...I will pick at least one to do in 2010.