And the Wind Whispers... Barbara.....

Okay so maybe that isn't how Jimi Hendrix wrote the song but that was happening to me today.

Of course, it was yet another day I didn't want to get out of bed.  I mean 7 a.m. and it was only 44 degrees and the wind was blowing.  It wasn't a 15+ mph wind this morning but enough to make it chilly.  However, I knew I had to run my 1 hour and 45 minutes according to plan.

I decided I would run up and up and up!  I hadn't been up this particular road since 2012 and it was whispering my name.  Every so softly, enticing me to come to the top and see what I could find...

Ready or not here I come..

It doesn't seem far but after running 2 miles up already, it was making my heart pound

These people are totally connected and have figured it out.

It was was a beautiful day and soon I was sweating and wishing the wind was blowing to cool me down.  I finally made it to the top.  And it was only 3.00 miles from my house.

The arrows show Dun Runnin and our place, DD Ranch.  Not much out here

Behind me is the peak of Mt. Baden Powell - 2nd largest peak in San Gabriels

And then I started running across the ridge when I found these..

Bear?  Doesn't look like a cat (Mountain lion or bobcat) or Big dog??

And they were everywhere.  Pat says it had to be heavy to make those prints

I was completely amazed and excited to find these tracks.  I kept running and felt strong.  It was great now that the climb was over.  I ran across the ridge, went down, back up another ridge and was happy I came out to experience our great playground.  No more prints found but it certainly has interested me into researching or taking up a class regarding animal/tracking footprints.  It would be nice to know if or what could be around me, especially since I train 90% by myself.

No, I don't carry a gun.  I have tried in the past but when it falls off my running belt, it just scares me.  I mean it is a revolver so not like it will go off but still. So I always carry my phone, my mace and now my 5 star response.  Just in case!!

So, my run wasn't as fast as I wanted but I did my 7.4 miles in 1:51 with a total of 780 feet of climbing.   I loved every minute of it.  And with the rain a couple of weeks ago, the DESERT is alive with color.   We don't see that often.

I can't express how much I enjoy being outside either riding or running and even swimming.  I love exploring and the adventure that it brings every time I step outside.  I love being a human BEING... Being in every moment!

And back where I started.  I climbed up the first ridge.

Until the next adventure....

Another Mentally Tough Workout.... But It WILL Pay off

 A Mental Workout is the Best Workout!

Today was my long workout.  I will be gone this weekend so had to move it to Wednesday.   I knew it was going to be hard so I posted it on Facebook hoping someone would want to join me.  Well, that didn't happen.  

This morning I woke up and had already decided to postpone my start time by 30 minutes.  Then my hubby asked if I would wait another hour so he could make a call while I answered the company phone.  I said yes right away.  That wasn't hard at all.    I mean it was a bit chilly, the wind was blowing and I had to climb 3900 ft or so in the first 13 miles of my ride.  I haven't done this particular ride in two years.

Well by 9 a.m. it was time.  Time for me to get on that bike and ride.  Mentally I didn't want to do it.  Physically, I knew I could do it and there was nothing (pains, aches, etc) stopping me.  So, off I went.

Me, myself and I.  My trusted shadow is always there

It was me, myself and I.  We ride together all the time.  I don't use an ipod or any type of music.  Why you may be asking?  Well, they are not allowed in an Ironman event so why train with one?  I need to train my mind to keep going for 140.6 miles and although there will be others around, I will be solo.   So, this is how I train. I really don't mind training alone except on long hard workouts.

2 miles into the ride hoping it would start warming up.

The long 7 mile climb that would lead to another long 6 mile climb

 
Boy it was windy and chilly.  I had 3 layers on but I didn't wear any warmers on my shoes for my toes.  I should have brought another vest, another set of gloves, another set of ear warmers, a cup of hot tea, well you get the idea.  Who would have thought that climbing from 3563 ft to almost 7,000 ft it would be cold.  Come on, the high today is 65???  And I AM climbing!  That should warm the body up.  I knew if I was cold climbing I was going to FREEZE going down.

This is at Mile High where I usually turn right.  Today it was left.  This climb is almost 7 miles with a 1683 ft elevation gain with the last 1/2 mile a gain of 466 ft.

I kept playing it out in my head.  I will get to Jackson Lake and turn around and finish on my trainer.  Once at Jackson Lake I said, "you are only 3 miles from Mountain High, just go!"

6,872 ft .. It was all downhill from here (or flat)

The good news was I made the climb 3563 ft to 6872 ft (13 miles) in 2 1/2 hours.  One half hour less than my project time of 3 hours.  Bad news was I was a popsicle.  I had no choice, either way I went to get home (back or forward) I was going to get colder.  It made more sense to go through Wrightwood.  At least there were businesses I could stop in to thaw out.  So I said, "just get to the Grizzly Cafe and get some tea and soup."   But, once I went by, I made another goal to Mountain Top Cafe, then another goal to Rick's Cafe.  I kept thinking that once I hit the desert and dropped past 4,000 ft it would get warmer.   Well it did but not much.  It wasn't until I arrived at the aqueduct for the last 7 miles that it warmed up.  Nice and flat with the wind at my back.  I flew home.

I got to my car at 3:30.  My plan called for 3:45.  So, I went up my road again for 15 minutes which added 2 1/2 more miles and brought me to 39 miles instead of 36.30 miles. 

Coming down for the last mile! 

A pretty view of the desert after being in the Forest and Mountains

I felt great and was able to do my quick transition into a slow 15 minute walk/run.

There is my best training buddy again. Thumbs up, we did it!

 So, today was a Mentally challenging training day.  I had to remind myself I have no control of race day weather.  I reminded myself of how cold it was in Boise Half Ironman where people where getting hypothermia before the race even started, and people kept their wetsuits on for the bike ride to stay warm.  I thought of all the Ironmans who raced in Tahoe in frigid cold temps and winds.  I prayed a lot, mediated with my pedal strokes and thank God I was able to do this! 

I will be an Ironman!!!!  I can do this!!

A Strong Finish ... The Bionic Hip is Working.. Shhhh don't tell the doctor!!

Desert Tri Sprint Distance

A Strong Finish! Bionic Hip is Working

Yes, another race this weekend.  After I finally recovered from last weekend, I jumped in again.  Of course, it never rains in California but for some reason God thought this weekend would be a good time to send rain and wind (in an abundance) to California.

We left Friday afternoon so we can get our camping spot, I could pick up my race packet and we could relax for Saturday's event.  After checking in, Pat dropped me off before finding our camping spot. It was a bit windy and deep down I was a tad nervous about racing in wind (not so much rain) the next day.  I got my packet and started walking to the campground area.   I was trying to condense my packages when a gust of wind came upon me and took my race packet with chip, numbers, etc.   I had missed the practice swim but because my packet was now floating in the lake, I was able to get a good feel of the water temperature.   No, I didn't dive in and swim but I ran in up to my knees and was able to recover all my numbers and chip.  Relieved but I wasn't thrilled how this was starting.

A nice pic of the dust whipping through the air down by the race area.  I was by the campground soaked.

I got to the RV and prepared dinner, we walked Booger and then put in Ghost (the movie) to watch.  I totally forgot how much I loved that movie but back to task at hand.   My transition bag was packed, my breakfast was laid out, I was going to decide what bike to ride in the morning so all was left was sleep.  Boy, I have never slept so good before a race. I think the reason why I slept so good because I mentally prepared myself for this race.  It was my first triathlon since blah, blah, blah.  I was going into this with an attitude of fun!  There was no pressure. I have done these distances a million times. There were no worries about hydration or fuel since it was a sprint, so slept like a baby!  

I woke up this morning to peacefulness.  No wind! No rain!  That meant the Pink Lotus was the Chosen one.  I had my Ryno Power Motivation, Energy Bits, Oatmeal to Go bar, water and off I went.   

Once I got to the transition area, I began my mental checklist one more time as I set up.  It was so easy I really thought I was forgetting something.   I turned around and I was so happy to see a member of Team Touch Chik!  (It's an awesome group of women and I am very proud to be part of it).  I knew she was coming but sometimes it is hard to find people at these races.

Swim check, Bike Check, Run Check! 

Team Tough Chik Representing at Desert Tri

 

 

Of course, Sinta was there and as always, checking on me and making sure I was okay.  I really am blessed to be a part of the Triathlon Connection Club as well.  I have met life long friends who are always so supportive, loving, mentoring and inspiring.

Sinta and I at body marking.

I was marked, had gone potty and now was waiting for the Hubby to come so I could give him my phone and wedding rings that I forgot to remove.  He was also my wetsuit zipper.    So as I waited for him, I got to take a few pictures of the venue.  This venue is so pretty and my fourth year of doing this race, although first time for the sprint distance.

A view of the lake before the races starts.

Hubby came, zipped me up and we walked to the lake.  Not going to lie, I was a bit nervous as well.  I haven't been in open water since last year.  I had overcome that fear but now it was in the back of my head.  As soon as I put my face in the water, I freaked out but as I started talking to myself, using my Zen meditation and counting my strokes, my breathing slowed and I was okay.

Before the FREAK OUT!

Now since I'm not a strong swimmer, I always position myself in the back, right hand side.  I'm perfectly okay walking into the water and acclimating myself.   I usually end up passing a few people anyway.  Plus Coach Tony has always said, "You never win a race with a fast swim."  Not that I planned on winning but I remember that with every swim.  Our division was the last to start.  (Athena and 50+ women - I use my curves to my advantage whenever I can).  I had a great swim, nice calm even strokes, past some people and finished in 12:45.  Perfect for 500 yards.

And we are off...

Yes, made it to the finish!

Now I must run to transition to get bike!

I was a bit shaky but good over all in T1.  I was ready in 3:18 and on my bike.  I knew there was a problem at the first climb.  I really am going to get my back tire/brake fixed this week.  My brake rubbed the entire 14 miles.  However, I past many on their bikes and made sure I cheered each and everyone on.  It was a good ride!  Harder than necessary but a good ride.  My time was 50:53.  Then I dismounted and switched into my running shoes. 

Yes, I always smile for the camera and sometimes I even wave!

The run is so NOT my favorite.  It might be more mental because I know every step I'm taking is adding extra pressure on all my joints. Having osteoarthritis in both hips, both knees and both shoulders makes me think of the future.  I think about it even though I still run.  (I swear after IMCDA, the running shoes will retire - or so I say now).

I felt GREAT on the run.  I looked down and was doing around 11 min/mile.  I slowed my pace then picked it up.  Again, I met some new friends on the course.  I love sharing my story and motivating/inspiring others.  I ran with a 33 year old mom and after I told her my story (a brief summary) she said I inspired her and apparently gave her a push because she left me in the dust. 

Finally, I saw the finish.  I thought of my hip surgeon telling me I better not see you ever running unless you are being chased.  Well technically I was being chased by all the others behind me.  I crossed the finish line, running my 5K in 32:43.   That was 9 minutes faster than last week (but then last week had hills).

My total time was 1:42:09.  I came in 4th place in the Athena Division.  The 3rd place girl was 6 minutes ahead of me.  Was it the bike?  Maybe. Am I going to beat myself up about not fixing the bike? Heck no.  I had a blast, meet some amazing people, feel great and can't wait until next month's Grape Stomp Reverse Sprint Triathlon.   I can't wait to continue training and improving.   I think I am truly LIVING THE DREAM!!

My baby boy was very tired cheering for me

Tough Chiks Finish

Still had energy!  Love the Pink Lotus

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