23 days and counting

Race day is getting closer and I'm actually looking forward to tapering in another week. This 51 year old body is tired!!! But between yesterday's bike ride (18.4 mph avg and a low 56 Strava suffer score) and this morning's 1.6 mile lake swim, I am feeling good about where I'm at 23 days out from the race.

I did have a bit of a scare a couple of weeks ago. Yep, saddle issues again! The saddle I was using is too hard for my delicate behind. It may be a big behind, but it's delicate. The repetitive pedaling motion combined with the very hard saddle has caused bursitis around my left sit bone area. At first I thought the golf ball size nodule was a cyst but the dermatologist ruled it out. She sent me to a sports medicine doctor. Gotta say, going to a doctor who is also a triathlete is awesome. First, of all he understands all the lingo...riding on the hoods, riding in the aeros...as well as the position of your pelvis in each one of those positions. Second, he understands telling me to stay off my bike for 2-3 weeks is not an option right now. So my quest for a new saddle continues.

After trying out 6 more saddles I am now riding on a Cobb. I have about 150 miles on it over 3 rides. The big test will be tomorrow. I'm headed to Indiana/Michigan for the Amishland and Lakes ride. Saturday will be 108 miles. The forecast is 40% of isolated thunderstorms. So hoping they are wrong. Sunday I can choose between 22-62 miles. We shall see how the legs and butt feel and make the  determination which distance on Sunday morning.

I've already lost one of my domestices for tomorrow's ride, as he has to work. So the pressure is on the remaining one. I actually found this really cool vest they had at the Tour de France that carries 10 water bottles. Not sure why I was told "NO". I think it's quite the fashion statement. Check out the pic below or the video of it in use here.

Well, time for a quick power nap, pack up the car and drive 3 hours. I'll definitely have a post about the weekend ride...Buggies, Blueberries and Bicycles. Wonder how much I can draft behind an Amish buggy? They go at a pretty good clip but they don't shout out "Poop right" so you can dodge the road apples.

Have an awesome weekend everyone. And enjoy the ride.
Sheri

40 days and 40 nights...

Well the countdown continues and I'm at 40 days and 40 nights until the "big" race. So it is a good time to reflect where I'm at and what I still need to achieve.

Last weekend I got over my major mental hurdle, a 2 mile open water swim. My next goal is the first weekend of August. I'm headed to a ride called Amishland & Lakes. I've lost count how many years I've attended, but it's at least six.

The first day offers a century ride which is fairly flat. Riding from the hotel should give me 108 miles so this will really help to simulate race day. My plan is to try to do it hard and fast (just like Tina Turner does Proud Mary) with very little time spent at the rest stops. There's a large group of folks going from my bike club and another local club. But I've recruited two dear friends, Barry and Mitch, to do the century with me. I'm excited as I'll enjoy their companionship for the day and the fact that both guys are very strong riders. They will definitely push me to go hard, but I also hope to try not to draft. Between the distance and the elevation gain this is as close as I can get to simulating race conditions.

Only problem with riding in Amish country are the road apples!

What I will miss by going hard on this ride is that the Amish children get up at 4am to bake goodies which they sell to the 1600+ riders that go past their farms. They use REAL butter and it is always a treat. They usually don't set prices and just ask for a donation. So every year I tell people to bring lots of singles. Maybe I can get one of the guys to stop, buy some cookies or blueberry pie and then bring it to me on my bike so I never have to stop. I don't think that is asking too much as this is done in the Tour de France by the domestiques all the time.

I've been very lucky to have hooked up with a really nice group about a month ago who swim three days a week in a local lake. We have butts in the water by 6am so that means my alarm goes off at 5am. If you know me, I'm not a morning person. But once I'm up and in the water, it is an amazing way to start your morning. Unfortunately I need a nap come mid-afternoon. There's talk of swimming around the lake on Friday. This is just over 2 miles. I hope it materializes as I really want to get the longer distance in.

I also have scheduled those all important pre and post race massages with Allison. I had a 90 minute massage with her last week. Everything hurt until she worked her magic. I have another one set in two weeks, one the week of the race and one a week post race.

Some of the issues I need to work out still are those pesky saddle problems. I may just have to grin and bare it as it is a bit too late to start changing saddles. Also having some underarm chaffing issues with my swim suit. I used Body Glide for the first time on Monday and it seems to be doing the trick. Fingers crossed. But other than that, I'm excited to get this over with. Or at least start to taper. That will happen for the bike about two weeks out from race day. I don't think I'll cut back too much on the swim.

I'm very excited to have two friends joining me in Michigan. My friend Pam and Mark. They will both be doing the Half Ironman (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.2 mile run). I get to go off an hour earlier than they do, so maybe we'll finish within an hour or two of each other. But I'm guessing they will finish first.

Seems like it was just December when I decided to sign up for this race and check it off my Bucket List. And now it's 40 days and 40 nights. These will fly by quickly.

Enjoy the ride,
Sheri

90% Mental, 10% Physical

Yesterday I participated in the Crystal Lake Open Water Swim Race. I haven't raced there in a few years, but it was always a well run event on a quiet lake. This time was no different. It was great to see friends old and new. Some I hadn't seen for two years.

They offer a 1 or a 2 mile swim. Very interesting as it seemed like more people opted for the 2 mile this year. And answer me this...why with all the colors in the rainbow would they pick two cap colors so close together? Lime green and florescent yellow. Pink or blue...common folks.

One day I'll get a real glamor shot.

The course was an out and back for a mile and twice around for the two mile. This would be the first time I completed a 2 mile open water swim. I've swam more than 2 miles in the pool and in the lake but it is always broken up. This was going to be a good test to see first, if I could make 2 miles and second, how tired I'd be upon finishing. The MI Titanium is 2.4 miles so pretty close to judge training.

I know this was a huge mental hurdle for me to get over. I've been stressing for a few weeks. But I'm happy to say I finished the 2 mile swim. Even felt good at the end, so 2.4 should be just fine.

The first mile I didn't go that hard. I just wasn't sure how much energy I should expend to still be able to complete the second mile. But as I headed out for lap 2, I picked up the tempo.

As I swam that final stretch to shore and the run up the beach, a woman came up on my left. We were neck in neck and stood up to run up to the beach and through the shoot. Well as many swimmers know your equilibrium is off when you stand up after being horizontal for so long. I equate it to that camp game when your in a relay race. You put your forehead down on a bat and spin around it. Then stand up and try to run straight back to your team. You veer off in all sorts of directions like a drunk.

So as we both ran for the beach I slipped and then she did. Looked like I was tackling her and really wasn't sure if I caught her foot when I fell. But confirmed today with my friend that I didn't tackle her. But I couldn't stop laughing and just let her go through the shoot first. Little did I know she was in my age group and took third place by 3 seconds. Oh well, I'm fine with not coming home with some jewelry. She was half my size and if by chance I did cause her to fall, she deserved 3rd.

And the chase is on.

Letting her go first...sportsmanship

If I had to do it all over again, I'd gladly let her go first. What were we competing for? A million dollars...no a blueberry muffin post race.  In my eyes I was a winner. I overcame my anxiety of "can I do 2 miles?" and it wasn't a huge struggle to finish.

But I still start giggling to myself as I picture in my head the two of us trying to make it to the finish line and so unsteady on our feet. Must have been so entertaining for the crowd.

I think yesterday was 90% mental for me and 10% physical. But aren't all our efforts that way? Self doubt can undo all your training.

Enjoy the swim,
Sheri

If you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter...

This is one of my favorite lines from the movies. Can you guess which one? It was Grease (1978) with John Travolta and Olivia Newton John. It's from the scene where the principal was making the daily announcements over the PA system and came up with this doozie.

It really is important to have a good support network as you train for your big race. Be it a triathlon, marathon, long distance swim race or even my bucket list Ironman AquaBike. Training for an event becomes an integral and routine part of your life. In order to succeed, it has to take priority over a lot of other activities, including time with family and friends. Luckily if you bike, swim or run with your friends, that's a bonus. But in many cases you need supportive, understanding family and friends who will see you less during the summer months.

I've been very frustrated because my immediate family (not my extended family) has zero interest in my quest for finishing the Ironman AquaBike. Not once have I gotten a supportive affirmation or a question about how my training is going. Sad but true. That's why I'm so thankful to have a great network of friends, fellow athletes, and even acquaintances that are consistently providing support, inquisitive about my training progress and so very understanding that my social time is limited. Even my colorist can't wait for my next appointment to hear how many miles I've ridden and how my latest bike trip went. Those little things go a long way in keeping me motivated and excited to race.

With 45 days until race day, I'll be honest, I'm stressing out. So know that the support you all are giving me means so much. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and my very tired body.

Enjoy the ride,
Sheri

Countdown 60 days....

Holy crap!!!! 
It is now 60 days until the Michigan Titanium race.



So what comes to mind?:

1) Am I going to be ready?
2) How should I taper?

Well, I think I'm on track for the bike portion of the race. But I'm struggling with if I will be ready for the swim. I've been swimming regularly, but only 2 times a week. Then with the bronchitis I was out of the pool for two weeks and then back only once a week. But as of this week trying to get in 3 swims a week. As any working woman or full time mom knows, finding the time is a struggle. Wish I didn't have to work, take care of a house and run errands. Life would be so much simpler.

Three weeks ago I was supposed to start back with my swim coach once a week. But between early morning conf calls and poor weather I hope to see her Thursday. Also been trying to get some open water swim practice in the mix. But there again the weather hasn't been on my side. Chicago has had a lot of storms in the mornings and evenings. We are at the point of too much rain. Go figure after last year.

I do have an open water swim race July 12th. This will be a good test to see how I fair at 2 miles. I'm curious to see what my time is, how I feel after the swim. I also plan to get in a 30-40 mile ride post swim race. Figured it would make for a nice brick workout.

As far as tapering. This will begin about two to three weeks before race day. Putting in a little less miles and intensity on the bike will be key. So difficult for me as I really love being out on the bike. Not sure how much I'll reduce my swimming distance prior to race day, but will reduce intensity and not stress my body so much. The key during tapering is to let your body rest, recover and repair so you are stronger come race day.

Wow, 60 days. It's both exciting and daunting.

Enjoy the ride,
Sheri

Century of the Month - Celebrating the Summer Solstice

As part of my training program I have targeted to ride at least one century a month. As you recall my last one was in May during the Horsey 100 in Kentucky. Yesterday I completed one up in the Kettle Moraine area of Wisconsin. It was one of our club rides called the City of Os. It's a beautiful ride on quiet rolling hills in Southern Wisconsin with about 3500 feet of climb.

The regular route is 88 miles. A few of us decided to add a few more OOs and go for a century. Why not? It's just 12 miles more. Sounds like nothing but we had a little rain towards the end of the ride and at the official end there was lightning. We hemmed and hawed and decide to hunker down on the porch of the LaGrange General Store and wait it out. It took longer than we expected for the storm to pass and our enthusiasm was starting to wain. It's also really hard mentally to get back on your bike when you are done with the "official" ride.

But I'm glad my friends and I decided to tough it out and head down the road for 12 miles. And as luck would have it, we saw the sun for the first time that day. Was it a sign? We had lucked out with cool and overcast for most of the day.

Outside the LaGrange General Store. Not a glamor selfie, but what do you want after 101 miles and getting caught in the rain?

As we pulled into the parking lot for the second time that afternoon I panicked. One of my friends said he thought the LaGrange General Store closed at 5pm. It was 5:05. I drive an hour and a half, bike 101 miles just so I can have this awesome turkey sandwich and a peanut butter ball post ride. The General Store is a haven for cyclist both mountain bikers who do the local trails and roadies. Everything is fresh, homemade and awesome....or does it taste so good because I'm exhausted and famished? Or maybe both.

Well they didn't have to see a grown woman cry. The store was open to 8pm. So I got my sandwich and dessert. As yummy as I remember from last year.

It was a great ride. Stats are below. The one thing that went wrong was my nutrition. I didn't eat enough so was close to bonking at the end. Honestly I thought I did have enough but calculating calorie input, not good.

Total miles: 101
Elev gain: approx 3,500 ft. (everyone's Garmin read different so an avg)
Avg Speed: 16.4 mph
Total calories consumed during the ride:  575
Total calories burned: 3,230
Strava Suffer Score: 197 extreme
QOM awards: 1

This past week was a tough training week. Tuesday I hadn't planned to ride with the fast guys in our club. But somehow ended up doing intervals for 49 miles. Thursday had planned to take it easier but ended up doing more intervals for 44 miles. Saturday the century. Today was 45 mile ride where I planned to do more of a recovery ride. But we had some great long stretches and ended up averaging 17.2 mph.

Looking forward to getting into the pool tomorrow and resting my quads.  Still very happy with how training is going on the bike. Need to start focusing on the swim. There just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day. Who would think 24 hours isn't enough.

Also need to start figuring out my century for July. 

Enjoy the ride,
Sheri

Vermonster's first Time Trial

I got up at 545am today, still hacking up a lung from my ongoing battle with bronchitis, ate breakfast and headed off to Wisconsin to race in the Bong and a half time trial. The temperature was 57 degrees, overcast, with an 18+ mph winds gusting from the north. Not the most favorable conditions. As I pulled up to registration all I could see was a lot of lean men in skin suits, wearing time trail helmets, and unloading very expensive time trial bikes from their cars. Oh crap, am I out of my league?

It's been two years since I last did a time trail and about 5 years since my first. I quickly remembered not to be intimidated by all the 0% body fat bodies, team uniforms and aerodynamic everything. I was there to ride my own ride and do the best I could do...not compare myself to everyone else.

I was quickly greeted by very friendly volunteers at registration and we all had a good laugh when it seemed my registration showed me being 31 yrs old. Maybe in dog years. Also my fellow competitors in the parking lot were smiling and greeted me with a friendly hello and "have a good race."

I got my bike ready and headed out to warm up before my start time of 9:01am. I had an hour and wanted to get in 10 miles or so in. I headed down the road into the wind. That was a rude awakening. The 18+ mph gusts were knocking me around. I was a little leery hanging out in my aero bars, but eventually I got used to it.

It was 8:50am so I headed over to the start and got in line. You go by bib number and they send you off every 30 seconds. You chat with your fellow cyclists, down some GU, and checkout each others equipment...bikes that is. Okay, some of the guys were nice to look at in their skin suits. But then this older guy, with about 40 pounds to lose, squeezed into a skin suit, wearing a TT helmet approaches me. Why me? He goes "What's my number?" I just rolled my eyes because his bib number was "69". I told him his number and said "you just wanted to hear me say 69 didn't you?" He plead innocent. But it made for a good laugh and cut the tension.

It was soon my turn on the start line and off I went. I was hoping to average 19mph for the 30K, but to be honest I didn't know what I could maintain. I tried to keep it over 20 mph as much as I could. It was easy with the tail wind but definitely more challenging with the head and cross winds. Turning the corners you almost got blown over.

At one point in the race I heard this loud noise coming up behind me. Many of the bikes have a solid rear wheel so they can sound like a car or even a freight train coming up on you. I had to smile as this one tandem passed me. I was honored to see them fly past. This was a very special team and the only tandem on the course. The man in the back was blind. He has a sighted rider in the front. I can only imagine the freedom he feels when he gets on a bike. I know the joy I feel so I'm sure it's 1000 times more joyful for him.

I crossed the finish line pretty spent but felt good about the race. Final stats were:
Avg. speed - 19.7 mph
Max. speed - 30.6 mph
Distance - 30K
kJ - 578
Avg heart rate - 164 bpm
Avg cadence - 79 rpm (Very exciting as I've been trying to increase this number)

I did bring home some hardware. Second place. But truth be told there were only 2 women in my age group. As I've written in a previous post, how can we get more women in the game? Today's race was dominated by men. I'd say 95% of the 160 entrants were male.

I'm thrilled I got up early and went out and raced a good race. Vermonster proved to be a great ride, can I compare her to California Chrome? My next race is July 12 which is a 2 mile open water swim. This will be a good test to see how prepared I am for August.

I appreciate everyone's Facebook posts, texts, emails and calls. Your encouragement and friendship mean the world to me.

Enjoy the ride...I did today!
Sheri