I AM AN IRONMAN

I DID IT!!!


Its been a whirlwind since I have blogged. I left last Thursday morning for Lake Placid and finally have arrived home. Oh yea, and I am walking. lol


Where do I start??? so many emotions, so many friends and family members to thank and tell them I made it.....and then those who may not personally know me or I know them, yet knew of my journey and wanted the best for me.


Paul....you don't read this stuff, but I have to include you. That note you left me.....I'll cherish that forever. And thank you. When do my golf lessons start?! lol


So thank you all.


But Bendz and Grease, you have been with me through this whole journey talking many times a day. I won't get into it all, but hell, let's go out for some pizza and beer! You guys earned it!


So the days leading up to LPIM...



Let's just say I am a person who wanted the race now....hangin up there for 3 days and attending athlete meetings, walking around town looking for pasta, not pastries, checkin out other athletes bikes, body's, running forms, etc. can totally mess with your mind. I had to remind myself I was just as prepared as every one else.



So Sunday morning at 5am...and No, I did not sleep well, have had dreams for months, but went to the hotel breakfast with my family (ya, they were nervous too) and gulped down oatmeal.



Then headed down to transition for body marking, checkin out my bike, pumping tires, loading up water bottles,etc.


Yes, family was intact too.


Headed down to the swim..got in the LONG line for the port'o'potties. Got a laugh out of a lady that came up to meet her husband in line and said "holy crap this is a long line"...we started laughing.


Christina and I were walking to the mats to activate the chips to start our journey. We both seem rather calm and I know we believed in one another.


SWIM
It was at this point that I needed to believe in myself or not....was I going to sell myself short or not....pickin the spot to start the swim.


I needed to believe in my mind, body and spirit.


So I got where Max had instructed me to go....a little ways back from the front nearest the buoys.

At LPIM, there is a yellow cable....yes, tiny cable that runs the length and attaching the line of buoys. If you can sight that throughout along with 3000 other friends you may encounter a fast swim time.



So the star bangle banner played and looking at the clock it was 6:59...1 minute to the cannon went off. I felt calm, confident, excited, and took a few last deep breaths. I did not want to be anywhere else but where I was.


BOOM!!!!


Off we went....swimming with 3000 friends is like playing rugby in a washing machine.


Imagine.....


I did try to stop and breath early on, but learned quickly I did not like getting stampeded.


It was jam packed the whole way.


So I made the first loop in 45:45 after exciting the water and running on the beach for loop 2.


I decided to try and grab sight of the yellow cable, and I DID! As i was swimming it , i then decide i wanted to "own it", it was going to be mine...as swimmers invaded my area I remember trying to karate kick them out of the way.


When you thought you had open water, within seconds it was taken away by other swimmers.


Just owning that yellow cable, If I could have smiled under water I would have. I am sure the scuba divers underneath could see my face beaming with pride.


I excited the water with a total swim time of 1:13.....my husband and kids were screaming for me with huge smiles on the faces.


Yahoo, Mommy survived the swim!


TRANSITION

"Grigs! Grigs!!"


There was Bendz in her bright green volunteer shirt screaming to me. I got into the woman's changing tent we hugged and then she sat me down and started ripping open my bike gear bag. Her heart was racing a mile a minute, she was beyond excited for me. I told her to relax, don't hurry, I got a long day ahead of me. I was still on cloud nine from the swim and coming out alive.


We then hugged probably fifty times before she shooed me out to the bike.


BIKE
Because I volunteered last year, I took advantage of riding 1 loop of the course. So I knew what was ahead of me.

Before mentioning the hills and climbs, it was the beauty of the mts, the greenery, the quarries, everything I love about riding my bike was right here at Lake Placid.


Yes, leaving town, crazy fans screaming and yelling. I had to remember the advice Kris and Max had given to me.... that the ride should not feel like a race. You can not go balls to the walls on the bike because the marathon run will not happen if you do.


So the rain started, and bikers were hauling butt trying to get up the hills leaving town. I stayed in the saddle and stayed focus with the advice and thinkin, these guys are, OK ....stupid.


So packs and packs of bikers... I wish I had my camera...with the beautiful array of colorful biker outfits, the mts, the greenery, the rivers, it was snapshot I'll never forget.


So with the rain and my skinny little tires i was cautious on the long decent. I was really hoping not to witness a crash. At the end of this decent were emergency vehicles waiting....enough said.


So the ride.....wow. jam packed... I was having the time of my life out there. Ya, bikers were passing me, but I was passing some too. That's not what it was all about.


Yes, the climbs were tough, but I felt great on them. Having rode Rt 309/rt20/Beach Rock I was definitely prepared. OK and suffering through 300 -500 squats occasionally I was not lacking any confidence.


There was a point by White Face mt that I had a moment to not want to quit but to remind myself that this was going to be a long day....it was not a 70.3 and that the run was not right around the corner.


Near the end of the first loop, it was crazy riding by all the people, cheering and screaming. I rode by my tent of fans as they were screaming for me. I swung into the bikes special needs area ands refilled my Bento box of more Gu's.


My nutrition on the bike was Gu's every 20 minutes and 18 oz of water every hr. Salt tablets every hr if I needed them. I was on track.


Still no sign of Grease and Mary....humm


2nd loop of the bike...I got up to Christina and we both had stitches in our side. Ya we needed too pee. She shooed me away so she could concentrate. We both had huge smiles on our faces as we were both fulfilling a dream.


Made it into town and rode by my "fan tent" covered in grease since I dropped my chain 3 times and Gu guck was sticking to my back of my leg, ripping the skin off.


no sign of Grease and Mary....really worried....her mom, their ride...But my husband and kids were screaming with excitement.


Biking up over the Olympic Oval with all colorful flags, the music, the crowds, was amazing.


I got up to the dismount and hopped off.... I had made it. But OUCH, those biking shoes were killing my feet to walk in... I remember saying to a volunteer, after taking them off that they hurt more than high heels. Hey, no laughin! Ya, I never wear high heels either!


TRANSITION
Coming into town, again, greatest feeling, fans were screaming. I peeked into the woman's changing tent and screamed "Hey Benz!". Her big brown eyes, she looked up at me with a huge smile.."GRIGS!!" Since she was doing her job helping out other athletes, I went over to another chair to get ready for the 26.2 run, and out of the corner of my eyes, Bendz comes barreling over to telling the volunteer, pretty much, get lost, I got this lady! I was laughing and smiling. And surprise surprise, Bendz sister , Kate and her daughter B were there helping out..yes I posed with Bendz for pictures.....finally Bendz kicked me out.


RUN

Wow, legs not too bad. Going out of town, the crowds were unbelievable!!!

Hey Grease, "My friend does 500 squat!!!" lol


My plan was to walk at every aid station to hydrate. My nutrition was to have cola every 3 miles. That would be my 300 calories to keep me running. Yes, this was Max's protocol and I had full confidence it would work.



River Road....I wish I had known the run rt prior. There was a turn around but I did not know where it was and had no idea of the terrain.


As I past each aid station I either had my water or cola depending on what mile it was.



Coming back into town there was a big hill and I really had to go.....ya "go"....so I did. Sure it felt great but those who know me know that I will bronze these sneakers along with the "pee pants" from the MMRF Dance Party! lol


Legs were feeling ok...no cramping anywhere, not even in the stomach. Ran by my "fan tent", high fiving all of them and still no Grease and Mary. I not only needed to see them, but so wanted them to be there.


Loop 2.....ok...yes, it was getting harder. My right Achilles and bottom of my feet began to become very uncomfortable. I again was trying to make it to every aid station...but then it became make it to that pole then you can walk....it was weird though...hardly anyone was walking! At the Rev 3 half ironman back in June, there was a quadruple amount of people walking.


At one of the aid stations I came across my kids volunteering passing out water, Gatorade,etc. One of them ran beside me for a few yards as the other one said to me (and yes, i gave her permission months before the event to encourage me) "Kick some ass MOM!" I am not so surprised she remembered to shout it out. LOVE my kids!


I kept moving....did alot of thinking and takin it all in...yes, i was doing it, and going to finish no doubt.



I hit the port to potty 2 times on this loop....mainly checkin my urine to see how hydrated I was. So far so good.


At mile 18, I remember throwing my hands in the air saying "YES, I get soda here!" You'd think I won the lottery....I considered it my dinner, as it was getting late.


As I came into town, chuggin up the hill for the last time, I was focused to just keep moving. Yes my legs were tired, but it was more my achilles and bottom of my feet. As I came by my "fan tent"no one was there. They knew enough I was going to see them next at the finish line. As I made the turn around at mile 25 (lame I must say..a few ole ladies sitting in chairs) I was determined to run the last mile in.


As I entered the Olympic Oval , I had my head down not looking around, just thinking to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Also thinking my family/friends must see the girl in pink coming...



I look up and there was Grease and Mary......my heart skipped a beat or two. Grease and I had set out on separate, yet similar journeys this year. We both were challenged in so many ways both physically and mentally, yet we stayed focused, never gave up, and where there for one another every step of the way.


I ran by slapping their hands in a high five as I continued on to the finish line.



12:52....SUSAN GRIGELY...YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!

Breathe...Breathe....

I am so excited to get up to LP....can not take another day wandering around aimlessly.

WOD was my version of Helen at 70%....row 500/run 400m/20lb 21kb swings

I was excited to get in the zone again with my IPOD and do the WOD...sure it didn't take long, but to do what I love to do....felt great.

Ya the shoulder is a nagging thing, but the swim is..well lets say I am more worried about a broken nose and a black eye from any of the 2800+ athletes. Not on purpose of course.

Left the Y and went for an hr massage. Marie knows this body and sure works it where it needs it. We laugh and have such good conversations. She was so complimentary of the muscle tone ....so not use to this stuff.

So over the past few days some quick thoughts shared to me from my friends...

"preparedness brings opportunity" -thanks "supervisor" Grease

"move from the heart" -KS

"tell your body how grateful you are and move with grace"- Marie

"you can do this" -everyone!

"tick tock tick tock"- Bendz (your turn is coming!)

last minute advice from Kris...thank you.

and tonight last Hoorah calls (seeing that I never have my cell phone on) from friends who won't see me till it's over.

Well, here I go....

This is CRAZY!!!! Ya, a good crazy but sick crazy!!!

So...

Because yesterday was a rest day, I spent my lunch hr at the store picking out my breakfast/snacks/lunch/snacks/dinner/ after dinner snacks and hopefully not a mid-night snack for LP. Yes, consisted of Gu's, Gu Chompers, and gee, more Gu's.

Have been doing a lot of thinking of the special needs bags....Looks like I am going with PB&J and pretzels, and salt sticks/endurolytes. Yummy....

So the WOD was 3 sets of back squats 5x with 70% of normal weight.

I escaped to the Y so as to not run into anyone at my work gym asking me the obvious.."are ya ready?" "nervous??"...

So squats were 105lb/105lb/115lb/115lb/115lb...

Weird not leaving the gym floor in a lake of sweat.

But I know that's coming.

So with a time to kill, ran to the store and got some ice cream and paid a quick visit to Bendz and the kids. I am so grateful to have her there in LP. She is an unbelievable friend and it sucks I have to share her. lol

Grease, thanks for the call this morning. I think this was were I sweated the most today. I have my hive cream by my side 24/7 now. lol

"All's Good"....So Grease, if you are reading this blog, I know you faced your stem cell transplant straight on even though you were full of fear, anxiety, etc. but with one hell of a fighting attitude. I am again, grateful to have you and Mary coming to LPIM to share in an end to my long journey. You consistently, even on your worse days this past winter, always encouraged me to get my workout in. As I have said before, you constantly have me shooting for the moon, but even if fail, I still land among the stars.

ok, I am exhausted.....time to play with my kids.

I think I'll invent as well as introduce "tackle" hop scotch.

Every time I remembered to blog these past few days, I was already showered , in bed with my book and the best... air conditioning.

Well, less than a week...total mess today. Did not sleep at all last night.

Had a great weekend. Kept myself busy physically, but mentally it was very hard to think of anything but, Am I ready?? Can I finish?? The swim is going to beat me up. Flat tires...etc.

So let's see, going back...

Thursday 7/15

What was the WOD....oh ya, 500yd swim TT.. that's right my arms were tired and I thought this sucks...7:48. Later that day went to Brownstone Park and enjoyed the quarry with its zip lines, inflatable water activities and great company.

Friday 7/16 WOD

was a 10k.

The rte I ended up doing was 6.7, finished up in 50 minutes or so. Wore the fuel belt and kinda liked the sucked in feeling of not jiggling all over the place. Knowing the feeling from past events, the bloatedness from taking in all those Gu's, water, powerbars, etc...I think I am going to pack this in my special needs bag for the run. I can carry water, Gu's and have it when I need it.

Saturday 7/17 WOD

was 45 minute bike TT at 80% effort =10.87 miles.

I had decided to get outside on my bike instead of the basement or gym. On my route, I ended up seeing a dear friend, Maria who had survived breast cancer and we reminisced about some good times and got caught up laughing.

Getting outside on the bike felt great. I do love my bike.

Sunday 7/18 WOD

20/20/20 EASY of each sport

Since the Y pool didn't open till 11am....I biked, then ran then hit the Y. It was early in the morning and a ton of bikers were out. I kept telling myself to go easy but then again my competitive side wanted to pass everyone. Most of the bikers were weekend warriors and were enjoying conversations and the scenery. As for me, I was thinking about 112 miles and all that goes with it.

Ended the day with the family kayaking and a yummy dinner.

Monday 7/19 WOD

watching the weather channel (thanks Christina! lol)

Today is a rest day. Going to run some errands on my lunch break.

Probably will just end up walking in circles in what ever or where ever I go.

Really, only 10 more days till LPIM?!



So hard to focus...so much going on in my life and with many of my good friends. Unfortunately not all good. Makes me want to go into lock down at home to shelter my precious family.



Again, unfortunately life must go on...



Well, ya, I am an emotional personal...love life to its fullest and want the best for everyone.



OK, so the WOD was 10,20,30 rep rounds of box jumps/squats/20lb KB swings/burpees.



I was running late with work and my my lunch hr was becoming more and more extinct.



Yes, a bit panicked, but saw the plan and figured I could bang it out and get back to work. No way was I going to get to it tonight. It was either now or bag it. I wonder if at 7pm when I got home, would I really have bagged it....probably not. Would have never slept. Who sleeps anyways? No... me nervous?! lol



So grabbed the late shuttle to the gym, and did the WOD in 11:19.



Legs were tired and I can't use the adjective I want to to describe the burpees.



Looking forward to the swim tomorrow.



Bring on the taper....( I think)

Ended my night with Angie & Freddie and some good laughs.

It rained today.....I love to run in the rain.

Instead, I am going for a walk in a few minutes.

The WOD was 20kTT at 80% = 37:02

and then 5 sets of back squats for 3x

115lb/125lb/135lb/140lbs/145lbs

Hit the showers and back to work.

I was jonsing for a peanut butter & jelly sandwich for lunch today...but settled for yesterdays turkey/spinach I never ate.

So yes, chowed one for dinner.

Off to sing and dance in the rain.

Oh Monday......

Bendz surprised me at work with a delicious Dunkin Donuts coffee and 2 adorable kids. Oh and some fresh home grown/made blueberry cobbler. yummmmy.

WOD was swim 3x800yds (75%, 85%, 95%) with 3 minutes rest in between and 300 squats for time.

As soon as I got in the pool the YMCA campers came in so I started my first 800yd forgetting to time it.

I have a very hard time with these percent things when it comes to swimming....75%, OK, so you go slow so that you know that your next 800, you have to go a little faster, but not too fast that your last is a train wreck.

I guess today I only had an on and an off switch.

My 85% was 9:38 and my 95% was 9:25....

As for the 300 squats, got those done late tonight, but DONE....6:47.

Thighs were burning.

Off to finally finish reading Born to Run.

Sunday morning coffee....love it.

Last night at 11pm, i could not sleep... I was starving and could not chill out...so had a bowl of cereal, watched the late night news, then tossed and turned the rest of the night.

The WOD was suppose to be the pool, but psychologically I needed to do the run workout from this past Thursday that I opted out on and took a rest day.

Later today Grease and I were suppose to meet for a late lunch and some good laughter, so I hit the H.S. track for the 2x800 with 30 sit-ups 4x for time.

It was pretty hot out by now, but no excuse.

Warmed up by walking a lap, then just had to get right into it.

The track and I have a hate/love relationship...

I knew on paper the WOD looked not so bad, but doing it was another story.

After yesterdays WOD, my legs were like tree trunks.

Half my mind was telling me to sprint while the other half was telling me to pace myself.

At least my mind wasn't telling me to bag the whole thing and go have lunch and a few beers.

I did it in 18:25...don't feel great about it.

Lunch never happened either....her Mom fell and broke her hip. Poor kid...going through some tough stuff right now...back up to Dana Faber this week. I pray for encouraging news.

So the rest of the day I wanted to escape on my bike and just go....just ride and ride.

But I opted for a walk instead. Yes, this took some huge discipline to keep the bike inside.

2 weeks from today... I better check on my hotel reservations.

OK, my alarm did not wake me up, but Freddie did calling me at an early hr....I actually had to laugh about it. So then just got up, hopped into the Jeep and headed to Dunkin Donuts for that extra special coffee I only get on the weekends.

Got some chores done...washing walls, windows and curtains. How funny, Paul asks me after washing the curtains if I could try and get them back up within 3 days. I laughed and smiled, he knows me too well.

OK, so my mind is preoccupied. lol

So after lunch I headed to the Y to bang out the WOD.

45 minute TT on the bike. I cranked up the tunes and talk about sweaty...Ewwwwe, even I was a bit grossed out. I finished with 16.6 miles.

The other WOD was 5 push-ups/10 sit ups/15 squats total sets in 20 minutes.

I grabbed the bosu ball to do the push ups...grabbed my place on the mat and took in some strange looks as I slip and slided all over the place. Was the air conditioning even on?!

I cranked out 25 complete reps in exactly 20 minutes. The sit-ups got tough, but the squats continued to stay strong. As for push-ups...these were not bad. I felt strong considering I have not done these in some time.

Yes, my shoulder was a little stiff when I was done so popped some aleve and iced it when I got home. Will see how it feels later and make adjustments if neccessary.

I am wiped out....so tonight I am unplugging the phone. lol

2 weeks from tomorrow.

Not sure about everyone else, but I am wiped out....wiped out from the heat, putting in the last 2 days of 11+ hrs at work, worrying about a friend who's dad has cancer, and the mental exhaustion of knowing I have an Ironman in 16 days.

Yesterday was a rest day....no, the plan did not say that , but I woke up with my eyes half shut and still by 1pm they were half shut. Because I made a small comment about "possibly" kayaking to the kids, they immediately ran and got the boats ready. No turning back now... yes it was beautiful on the river, but I sabotaged myself with bad food choices.

So today I woke up, ughh 5:30am..damn alarm....and before even getting out of bed, decided to take charge of this mind of mine that is all over the place...."Can I do this ironman?" "what to do to not be so tired"..."what to eat for breakfast"..."when to do today's WOD?"..."laundry"...."cleaning"....."kids".......Calgone take me away!!! lol

Well, I had my coffee, and immediately hit the basement for my WOD. I did the 5k bikes 4times that was suppose to have been done yesterday.

10:31/10:22/10:18/10:24

so far so good....yes, I was tired (again) but was not going to let that defeat me ....

doing the WOD early was a great way to start my day.

tommorow its suppose to rain....yipppee! and guess what...no alarm clock.

Saturday 7/3...


Road trip to VT for the holiday weekend with Bendz and the gang. I was a little stressed thinking about how and when to get in the WOD...but it all worked out.


Today was suppose to be a 60K (37.28 miles) bike TT but moved this to Monday 7/5. So instead both Bendz and I did Sunday's 7/4 WOD which was kick 200yd, 20 squats for time.


Yes, being a holiday weekend, the lake was pretty crowded. Just setting the stage for squats on the beach in bathing suits. lol


We grabbed the kick boards and estimated if we swam buoy to buoy down and back 4 times it was approx 200 yds or a smidgen more.


So off we went...fighting waves, wind, kayakers, paddle boats, sun glare and stares... we did it.


My hip flexors were becoming sore so Bendz told me to kick from the hips. So here I am, shaking it all and trying to move in the water. My left foot got cramped on top as it was stretched for over an 1 hr in the same position. I must be doing something wrong. Sure miss my arms.


After the 4 times down & back, we swam to shore and did the 20 squats. Squats were a relief, believe it or not. We did this repetitive sequence 5x which lasted for about 1:16.


Our last set of squats, we bang out 50. I have kept this "G" rated as you can imagine the comments we were receiving from our hubby's as they sat on the beach and watched.


Glad this was over, this kicking stuff... plain ole sucks


Finished the day off at the Long Trail Brew House and the sampler.


Sunday 7/4...


After making breakfast for 9 (yummy too, thanks Bendz!) and then packing up lunches for 9, we set off for the parade and pool for the day.


Made sure my sneakers and gear were packed as well.


I moved my Tuesday 7/6 WOD to today.


After the parade , it was time for the 1st WOD which was 5k run.


Todd and I broke away from the pool and laced up & out we went. We ran on a dirt road out 15 minutes and back 15 minutes...so beautiful with the greenery, mts and blue sky. My legs felt pretty good on the way back. Still takes me some time to warm-up. Good run and conversation Todd, thanks.


After hangin at the pool, (yes, Bendz,I still think you beat Paul in the splash contest!) it was time to do the 2nd WOD.


We grabbed some gravel in the drive way, set out our towels for the sit ups and off we went. Of course we had an audience or I should say more of distractions with Paul, Todd and the 5 kids.


So 10 lunges (10 on each leg)/10 squats/10 sit ups. I think we did 25 sit-ups as the closer. It was approx. 5:29minutes


To make a little fun out of all this, Bendz hoisted Trin sideways on my back as I squatted with her. Then individually we added Linc, K, then M. The kids were having a blast with this as we were too.


Cross fit can be done anywhere and with anything.


Monday 7/5...


After arriving home from VT, I had to chill. Felt car sick and wiped out. Today, I needed to do Saturday's 's 7/3 WOD which was a 60k TT on the bike.


Made myself some lunch, then had to deal with a family/friend emergency, then planted flowers, did laundry, cleaned bathrooms, yes, I was procrastinating in some way. It was pretty hot out, but Mother Nature I am sure will have her way with me at LPIM...


It was 4:30pm and time to ride. I grabbed 2 Gu Shot blocks, 2 bottles of water and some money for water along the ride. I planned my rt to hit shade, water and some hills.


I powered through the ride. My fear in doing this ride was holiday traffic and sadly encountering drunk drivers. This was constantly on my mind, as my pedals, turned and turned.


I made my way out to Riverton, cruising through the American Legion forest, enjoying the beauty of the Farmington river, fisherman, tubers from Satan Kingdom, and lake MCcdonugh.


I thought if I needed more water I could fill up from the river, but then again, didn't want to risk the chance of getting a urinary track infection.


I felt great on the bike, enjoyed the beauty of the late afternoon and even felt strong on the climbs.


The ride ended up being 39.43 miles with an average of 18.2 mph in 2:09hrs.


Came home a sweaty, dirty mess, but loved every minute of it.

Tuesday 7/6...

Today I did July 5th WOD....5 sets of 3 back squats.

115lb/135lbs/145lbs/155lbs/160lbs

I am psyched I covered the WOD over the long holiday weekend and was able to stick with the plan, I just had to maneuver some days/WOD around.

Tomorrow I am back on track.

19 more days...

OK, I still am going to say it...

What a beautiful day!

Come on, after last summer's weather...cold...rain...cranky people.

Hit the lake today with the Wunderle clan...we always have fun and reminisce about the good times from Rhode Island.

Of course Christina and I chatted about LPIM....other than feeding kids breakfast...snacks..lunch..snacks..dinner..dessert.. snacks, LPIM is constantly on our minds.

Yup, only 23 days...

So today WOD was 5x800 with 3 minute rests.

After the lake, it was time to hit the track. I hate speed work...on foot especially.

Here it is:

3:26/3:25/3:21/3:25/3:24

Hard to pace myself knowing I have to do 2 laps.

And yes Chrsitina, there was a definite wind coming around those corners by the flags...everytime. They must have installed some natural wind tunnel there! lol

Ok, well I guess it wouldn't be natural if it was installed. lol

Ya, I'm losing it...

WOW....I almost puked my breakfast this morning.

Today, I knew was going to be a tough workout.

First was the bike tabata....20secs on ...10 off (32x)....It came out to be around 5.30 miles I think...

I then thought about going home and coming back to the gym later, but with kids home, it being a beautiful day, and I did not want that 2nd WOD hangin over my head.

So went ahead and set up my obstacle course with the TR...box jumps...and a variation of wall balls.

Glad the gym wasn't too packed. I was able to maneuver my way around.

So started with 400m run....30 box jumps...30 wall balls (4x) = 21:18

The run was tough but I wasn't going to hit the stop button till I made the 400m....then walking across the gym to the box jumps...these got tough as time went on....the wall balls I used a 12lb medicine ball and squatted and lifted ball over my head. These were the easiest of the 3 disciplines. I was determined not to rest on these. My shoulder needs to hang on for 24 more days.

Phew....I made it through and I gave it my all today.

"the only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible"

What a Weekend!


I sure wish I had my camera..my kids, parents, and cousins all volunteered and worked at the Cohassett Triathlon this past Sunday. All dress in their yellow shirts, waving signs they had made the night before to cheer on my brother and me.


This was a sprint triathlon....not a favorite of mine. I have come to love the longer distances where I can actually catch my breath and have many, many conversations with myself.


So Sunday morning my brother and I rode our bikes down to the race with gear in tow.


I was amazed at the set up. I thought this was a town sponsored event, nothing huge, etc. It was really cool, with the stage set-up music, etc.


Looked really cool.


So ya, the butterflies started coming.


Before the pre-race announcements, my brother came over to me and showed me his daughter's goggles he was going to use. I said, her use mine, I have an extra pair. I also showed him the key ingredient to getting out of a wet suit....PAM...so he laughed and sprayed it on himself.


After squeezing into my wet suit I went down to the ocean to check out the water temps and my spare goggles. OK, it was so sunny, hot , and humid already I thought the ocean waters would be welcoming....NOT!!


It was freezing! And yes, I guess I am a wimp!


So I sucked it up and dove under...crap, the string on the nose part of my goggles broke. I tried many of times to tie and tighten but it was not working.


The first 2 waves had already taken off..pretty cool too, It was a beach run start....always fun running in sand in a wetsuit. lol


So I ran up to the registration area, got some duck tape and taped the nose piece.


good to go...


Wave 7 finally got corralled and then the mad dash to the water.


FREEZING!!! ugghh!


Well water started coming in on the left lens....two times I emptied it out then just kept going.


So the swim wasn't too bad as far as me typical zigzagging...only caught myself doing it once.

then the run up the beach to transition.


Bike...


Choppy beach roads, no fun up hills and down hills. Had one Gu and guzzled some "fresh" water.


Was able to play cat and mouse with a woman in my age group. It was good because it pushed me harder than if i was by myself.


Yes, I did end up beating her into transition, but she did get the last laugh later.


Run...


YUCK! I felt my quads were cylinder blocks...not bricks, but CYLINDERS.


It was a mental game for me... I shuffled through the first water station and then told myself I am not going to walk anywhere, its only 3.2 miles.


It was wicked hot and humid and the sun was shining down. I did end up dousing myself with water. Hard to believe that this seemed worse than the 13.1 run I did a couple of weeks ago. ugghh!


So another hill came up, and people were walking and again I said I did squats I am not walking up this...OK, I trudged up it, good enough for me. (at least at the time)


So around 2.5 miles, my legs decide they want to run...and I was finally able to smile and breathe.


So coming down the hill to the finish line, I high five my crew, and was waving to my brother and sister in law on the rocks...and little did I know that the 'cat' from the bike was ready to pounce on me. And sure enough, in the finish shoot, she past me. I learned a hard lesson...


Overall, it was a good day...finished in 1:12.


I am disappointed in my run. I thought 3.2 miles wouldn't be so painful.


Monday 6/28...


Tired today....the WOD was 21..15...9 rounds of kb swings, sit-ups, and squats.

Finished up with some good stretching.


Tuesday 6/29...

Got up early and before work surprised Bendz with flowers and donuts well for her kids, but she enjoyed them too.

WOD was 7 deadlifts...

135lbs/145/145/150/150/150/150

I stay conservative. Did not want to aggravate my hamstring.

Wednesday 6/30...

WOW, today was gorgeous!

WOD was a 600yd swim kick. Actually kicked better than last time I did this. No bumper boats this time.

The only thing gone wrong was my hives came out really bad around my eyes after swimming...weird. So with 10 minutes to spare on my lunch break I hit the park and soaked in some sun.

Another beautiful blue sky day!!


Got up really early, not sleeping so good lately, even though I am physically tired.


Gee , could it be the LPIM is ONE MONTH FROM TODAY?!!


It's more than that I know...

So this morning I was procrastinating with everything, except getting my Dunkin Donuts coffee.

After washing the floors, and a couple emails, Bendz finally told me to go workout...so I did.


So the WOD was row 500,/run 400m (5x) for time.


Well, I felt pretty naked at the gym, no.. not that kind of naked , but forgot my watch, my earrings and even my $5 bracelet that gets me through some tough workouts.


Well, the row was more tiring than the running.


I have gotten pretty anal with the run part.


Because the TR takes time to raise to 1 incline and get up to the speed I want, I don't start the 400m, till it's where I want it to be.

Spent the afternoon by the pool with friends, a good book, and well deserved sunshine.

So last night I went to bed knowing today was going to be a killer workout...on top of a wicked busy day and with kids in tow.

So the WOD..at least the first part was bike 1 mile..rest 2 minutes..2 miles..rest 3 minutes up to 5 miles and then back down.

ok, so 30 miles total on trainer in the basement.

I was smart enough to put a fan down there and extra water.

Left there drenched.

Ran all my errands...had to go to work for a bit, but my daughter came with me and we had lunch there and had some fun....then more errands.

Did so much driving that I even got myself car sick.

Hangin over my head was WOD #2.

Usually I help run soccer practice, but I told the head coach, I have to go to the Y and bang out a 20 minute WOD, then I'd be back.

I ended dragging his wife with as she was wanting to go workout anyways.

So WOD #2....squats 95lbs (5x)...10 sit ups...500 row for 20 minutes.

6 complete sets and 1 full set of squats.

Boy, I sure feel grubby, dirty, but at the same time...elated.

USA!! USA!!

Unbelievable finish!

Hilarious at work, there were no emails being sent or receive for the last 10 minutes of the game

I have to laugh... I got a call from management with less than 2 minutes left to go and as USA scored I was screaming into the phone and told her I had to go, talk later!

So I left my desk in a sweat of course to go workout.

WOD was row 5k=20:50.

Gosh, my butt bones still scream at me on the rower.

Then the other WOD was swim kick 400yd TT = 13:19

Before I even started I thought if my hip flexors get too tired I will stop ever 100yd and rest.

Never happened...I kept going.

I actually loosened up and probably got faster by 200yd.

Still slow coming to the wall, turning and pushing off.

One good thing is me and the pool ropes never played bumper boats!

Hit the gym at lunch today...

Mike and I still can't stop talking about the success of the race.

He is very proud of his business and has so much passion for it.

The WOD....

4 mile run at 70% effort....I really don't enjoy running right now. I seem to heat up quickly, the hammy is still a brat, I opt for the TR since its convenient and safer than lunch time traffic.

But the bottom line is a I did it.

I put the TR on Random/level 2 so it throws random hills at me. Was able to get threw it at 30:50minutes... then on to my 15 minute massage.

Can't wait to get outside on my bike.

THANK YOU!!

For all that ran, volunteered or simply donated to the Miles for Multiple Myeloma.

The race organizers had their best attendance to date for their 5k/10k circuit.

Not only that, they loved the enthusiasm and energy from everyone.

This quote from Mike of Trisportmedia sums up the day...

"honestly, that was the coolest part...to have ALL those people there at the end of the race chanting and cheering and stuff. We never had that. The money is good but the love and friendship I saw was awesome!

Now that, that is behind me, time to focus on a sprint triathlon this weekend and then the BIG ONE on July 25th.

so WOD of the day yesterday was a 5k bike = 6:28.

Today was HELEN, my version.

Row 500/run 400/21 kb (3x)

I warmed up with a 1 mile run, stretched my hamstring...still has a nag to it, but just making sure I listen to it.

OK, Helen, gave me a very hard time...I thought I was going to "toss my cookies" after the 3rd run, so moved closer to the garbage can do do the KB swings.

Wanted to so bad push the red stop button, but pushed on.

I would like to think it was all the excitement from this weekend of graduation & birthday celebrations, and the road race that wiped me out.

Great weekend, memories for a life time.

Beautiful Blue Sky!!

Today....WOD

Swim kick 100yds, 15 squats timed.....8x....=32:53

This was not fun....my kicking, I barely move.

I felt like I was playing bumper boats with my body and the side of the pool.

So the last 100yd, I made sure I was not bumping the side.

Then I ran upstairs to do the 5 Dead Lifts....(5x)

Warmed up with 75lbs....

85lbs
90lbs
95lbs
105lbs
125lbs...was able to do this, but my form I am sure was not so great.

Time for a nice cold glass of Raspberry lemonade.

"Courage is doing what you are afraid to do.
There can be no courage unless you are scared."

I saw that in a book today.

OK, I am starting to get LPIM newsletters and actually reading them.

This is making it more real and a little scary, I can't deny.

Today my daughter graduated from elementary studies, yes, 6th grade.

So proud of her.

So today I got a 1hr massage....40 minutes must have been spent stretching and kneadin my abs. Yes, she was rubbing the budda belly....she gave me the anatomy of what this helps, and just hearing hip flexors, I obliged.

I did tell her, that this was not a "fun" massage...But I left there feeling "light", and less tight ..weird.. I know.

ya so my day was jam packed but was able to get in the WOD

Hit the track and did the 8x 400's......after my 6th lap, my hubby and 12 yr old came beeping into the parking lot of the track screaming....put a great big smile on my face.

Time for a shower and I hate to keep saying this , but no alarm clock tomorrow!

Yippeee!

This morning I woke up and told my teenager, that last night went by way too fast. Felt like I just put my head down and the alarm was going off.

Started the morning with pancakes....

Kids were happy.

Today's WOD:
Bike 3 miles rest 1 minute
Bike 6 miles rest 2 minutes
Bike 9 miles rest 3 minutes
Bike 12 miles....

sweated all over the place and enjoyed it.

Then had to do the 2nd part of the WOD...
21 squats/500row...15 squats/5oo row...9 squats/500 row

I timed it (8:25) but my rowing got all mixed up cause I didn't reset the rower to a new 500 every time....the machine was still counting i guess the rest time..not sure. So I rowed a total of 1750 I think.... I'll have to figure this out next time.

I am psyched for some good sleep.

Bendz, THANK U for my lunch.

I inhaled it back at my desk.

I think you felt my nervous, excited energy, cause you must have given me 2lb of turkey in my sandwich. It made me laugh.

Today was absolutely CRAZY at work.....so many sporting events going on.

I almost did not leave my desk, but I had to see Lincoln and give Bendz and Todd a collage from Rev3 .

I ran to my jeep, looked like a crazy lady I am sure.

Today's WOD

12x50 in the pool with 1 minute rest....DONE

Ran into the gym and banged out 7 back squats. Took a quick rest in between.

Warmed up with no weight, then did 90lbs....yes, still looking like a crazy lady, especially with my google pressed face and wet hair.

135lb
140lb
140lb
155lb
155lb
160lb
160lb

That's it!

Happy Birthday Boo-Boo!

I love birthdays....celebrating with friends, family, and always ice cream.

Cookie Monster ice cream still ROCKS in my house.

The WOD was 5 sets of 3 squats.

Warmed up with just the bar, then 95lbs.

Sets were this:
125lbs
135lbs
140lbs
140lbs
145lbs

I could have done I know 150lb and probably more I bet, but stopped at 5 sets.

Got a 15 minute massage.

Ever have your Suez (sp?) pushed on to release the hip rotators and junk?

Yes, some what discomforting but it was pretty tight.

It's worth the "rush" afterwards once it is released.

Today....crazy at work, crazy with the MM Race, one kid is sick, there is no milk for Grandma's coffee.....yes, its Monday.

So today...

I had to switch WOD with Sunday since I had no time to get to the pool with church and out of town soccer games.

So today I did yesterday's WOD....10/20/30 reps of box jumps/squats/sit-ups/burpees.

Burpess got tiring...

Then hit the pool for the 4x100yd kicks.

Wanted to do some laps freestyle, but got right out so I did not give into any temptations.

Gee, temptations use to be cold beers and nachos, now it's doing the plan and more.

Off to get milk for Grandma

Saturday....rise and shine 6:15am

WOD = 65lbs - 50x at 1:43 minutes

Bike 30 minutes at 80%

50 sit-ups

15reps back extensions (3x)

Stretched and rolled on the foam roller and tennis ball.

Tennis Ball hit the hot spots, better than the roller.

Nice rainy night....curling up in bed with my book and not the foam roller this time.

TGIF


How sad is this, I use to love Happy Hr on Fridays after work.


Now I am jones'in for NO ALARM CLOCK tomorrow!


Today's WOD was row 500 run 400 3x at 80%... did it and a little more...


I did 15 reps of bicep curls with 12lb/15lb/15lb trading off with 15 reps of tricep with 35lb/4olb/40lb


Then did the pull down bar with i think 70lbs (15 reps) and 25 mt climbers (3x)


Move over to the mats and just did 2 x:60 planks alternating with a 8lb db side crunches.


Stretched and out the door.

Yes, my day off from work!

Damn alarm still goes off at 5:40am...up to make coffee and lunches.

My legs actually felt really good today.

I got a refill on my Celebrex today.

Shoulder has been ok... Still limiting what I do with it.

Today WOD was bike 5k rest 3 minutes bike 5k at 80%

I hit the gym for this. I wanted to crank my tunes and sweat.

Weird, but I wanted a hard workout today, but i have been told "to stay on the reservation"

So I did.

The bikes were taken when I got there, so I warmed up on the elliptical for a bit.

First 5k was 8 :30 on level 13
Second 5k was 8:24 on level 13

Then I did some stretching which felt really good (ya I can't believe stretching felt good..painful but good pain)

Hit the foam roller then off to deliver some flowers to my Mom and thanking her for just about everything.

I am ready to throw my alarm against the wall!

5:40am 3 days in a row!

Not to mention the 4am nerves this past Sunday.

Got half way to the gym today on campus, but then decided I wanted to swim.

Arms were sore from the push-ups/bench press/kb from yesterday.

Legs are still a little tired.

Hit the pool.

80 laps.....free style.

8 laps with paddles

2 laps with kick board.

Showered and back to work.

Today I was more sore...once I got moving things were better...today I felt hungry and tired.

I knew it was coming so just let it be.

Can't deny my body some good down time.

Today WOD was a 15k bike at 60% effort.

Did the 10 mile ride, easy as my legs were tired.

Also did a varied version of yesterday's WOD since I never saw my sneakers because I was stuck at my desk putting out fires and take a training class.

So I did bench press 15lbs/push ups 12/kb 15lbs/12 back extensions for 3x

Quick stretch, then back to work.

Tonight I had my own sugar pooluza with some Oatmeal raisin cookies and a couple of Reese's. miniatures.

I think my foam roller is calling, gotta go.

Survived and FINISHED!!


That was the REV 3 Half Ironman...


Getting into "the zone" began with making wheat blueberry pancakes on Saturday morning. Not my typical breakfast.


Saturday June 5

OK, I was extremely unorganized when woke up... I did manage to breakfast, but the day I knew was jam packed with events.


Saturday morning, I cruised over to Relay For Life as my hockey team participates in every year, so I needed to walk a few laps and visit my teammates whom i have not skated with since my shoulder hum drums. I was excited to see them, as they were of me.

Grease, special thanks to you. You always have the right words to say, even though I don't want to hear them all the time.

By 1pm, I jumped in my Jeep and head to Quassy for bike drop off.

I was excited to see Freddie, Bendz, Todd, Christina, Mark C , Chris and all the Trimax clients. Great to meet everyone face to face. After getting the bags/chips/etc. we all went and set up the bikes in transition.

So cool seeing all the neat bikes and the set-ups/varieties that these athletes do. We all put trash bags over our odometers/seats knowing that the weather was calling for severe storms over night into the am.

Hummm, would they cancel the event?

Day was not over...zoomed down to Fairfield for my daughters 5pm State Cup soccer game. Too bad we lost, but I did get in a good pre race dinner.

Now the long ride home....after 9:30pm when i got home, nothing was packed and I was extremely cranky, hot and tired.

Set the alarm for 4:10am, and laid in bed....ya not went to sleep...maybe dozed here and there but to be expected on the night before a race.

SUNDAY 6/6
Race day....so many emotions and stories.

4:20am... saw a card in my transition bag from my husband. Way to nervous to open it.

4:30am...Freddie came out of his house wearing his bike helmet. I laughed right away.

4:40am...on the road to Quassy and a Dunkin Donuts coffee.

5:40am... Pulling into Quassy and trying not to have to bolt to the port o potty before even parking the Jeep!

6am... Gave hugs to all and wished them good luck.

6:30am... transition closes and we all head down to the water. I guide Freddie as we joke he can not see due to his glaucoma. (this ends up not being such a joke later on)

THE SWIM...(52:37)
I had a new pair of Swedish goggles, and stupid me never swam in them yet, but I knew they were not going to fog, so attached them to my red cap. Jumped in the water to pee (no laughing) and try out the goggles. Um, OK they work.

As the pros walked through the coral, I just stared. Wow, the pressure they must feel.

Next all us age groupers went. As you can see from the picture, a reporter got me high fivin Bendz as she was just about to take off on her first Half Iron Man journey.

7:18am...time for us old ladies, the last of the waves to take off. I was not nervous about the swim, the bike, but the run was hanging over my head.

Off we went, arm over head and kicking to keep the fish from nibbling on me.

Not even 50 yards out I see a blue cap swimming towards a kayak for help...it was Freddie.

I began yelling Freddie! Freddie!...he was panicking in the water and could not catch his breath. I told him to just tread water, keep your head up and breathe....take a deep breath.

I could not leave my dear friend.

I told him when he was ready to put his head back in the water and find a rhythm.

He did.

I stayed to the right of him as he suggested so he could see my red cap and stay on course. This is where his glaucoma became a dangerous issue.

Thankfully there were enough kayaks on the course should we had needed them.

As we excited the water together Freddie called me his Angel.

THE BIKE... (3:13)

Got into transition,hit the road and sure enough, my Mom and Dad were there (once again). I clicked out to give her a hug. Last year at TimberMan they surprised me and my emotions got the best of me at the finish line.

I was excited about the bike. Time for a cat and mouse game.

As I came around the lake in front of me there were Bendz and Todd .

I screamed " Move it Bendz!"

"grigs, I am having so much fun!"

They looked so cute together and they were very happy and talkative.

They told me to go so I took off.

I then came upon Erika. I commended her for her bravery for coming out on this course after last years traumatic accident. She looked great and was cranking up the hill.

Next mouse was Mark C. We were climbing a hill and I said "good job" with out even knowing it was him till we both realized. We chatted and encouraged one another to keep going.

My next mouse, who I knew I'd never catch on the bike was Speedy, yes Christina. She is an unbelievable athlete. I did finally see her on the in and out road. She was flying by and looking strong.

This ride was New England...beautiful country side, wine vineyards and huge hills. Went my fastest at 42.4 mph. Had to be on Nonepaug where the wind was whipping and I burrowed down hard on the aerobars. It was a bit scary.

I was telling Bendz, that doing these races, its like feeding a baby. Need to stay on a feeding schedule.

When I got to the first water station, they were out of water and only had that "other disgusting" drink...no thanks.

I was like uh-oh....my goal was to pee on the bike. Silly yes, but not really.

I kept on a good schedule of drinking and eating Gu's, protein bar and my endurolytes.

Lot of freakin work!

Mile 47....hit my goal! No details needed!

"I love reading your blog."

"Who are you?"

It was Dan....sorry Dan. Had no clue. Later on Dan and I meet up again for some good conversation.

As I was nearing the end of the bike, there again was Mom and Dad...on my mind was the run.

Here was the test...

THE RUN... (2:12)

Racked my bike, tied my sneakers, grab my hat, sunglasses, some Gu's and my Endurolytes and off I went.

Any bump in the transition in the area is enough to throw you off balance. Quads were OK but still in shock.

Again, gave mom and Dad a hug and off I went...

I was out of the crowds and on my way.

I told myself it was time to dig deep and see what I was made of. I wanted to not walk till at least the first water station.

I thought of you Grease, as how hard you overcame so much suffering through your stem cell transplant and you did not give up. I actually read my $5 bracelet which has now turned copper saying that "if you believe, nothing is impossible" I smiled to myself.

So the first water station came, I walked through it to drink and either take my Gu or my tablet.

That was my thought to continue chugging along till the next station.

Well, I did pretty good...I know all about the dirt road hills.

As people were walking up them, I thought to myself, those people didn't have squats in their plan, they should have done squats. Of course that may not be true as they could be suffering through other aliments, but that is what got me up those hills.

No, I did not run every hill. I felt walking some it i was able to stretch out the hip flexors.

and my hammy....I stopped at the Mile 6 marker and actually put my leg up on it to stretch.

I was chuggin along and then Dan comes up behind me....we chatted and he shared some proud moments with his swim and over all health.

Proud of you Dan.

Great conversation sure helps pass the time, so thank you.

Then I see Christina, I was able to dig down and catch her to see how things were going. She was having issues with hydration and salt. So proud of her to continue going strong. She was not going to be defeated.

So many stories and emotions were shared out their...from a guy who had knee surgery 5 weeks ago to a four time ironman who was struggling due to dehydration.

So with 500 yards left , I got a little cramp in my calf...I stopped and walked for a second and then knew it was time to end this journey.

High five my folks , Emily, Ethan and was screaming to Angie as I was going down the finisher shoot.

I DID IT!

Post Race Celebration...

I saw all my friends new and old finish. Todd and Bendz came into the shoot holding hands and smiling. Brought tears to my eyes.

As the wind picked up and time passed we started to worry about Freddie. The wind had blown over so much of the finish line and so many athletes and spectators had gone home.

Freddie's motto "Bautistas never quit"

And that he never did....

Maggie Macflies for post food and beer!

Thanks to my husband and kids who often felt the brunt of many bad mood swings through some really tough mental days of mine.

LPIM , here we come!

Whoa....sitting in my bed feeling bloated and huge.



why?


I have consumed all the needed water/electrolytes/carbs/fats/proteins needed just for TODAY to get ready for the Half Iron man on Sunday. (i hope)


So this past week has been mentally challenge as many of you know who have ever been anxious,nervous, and excited about something.


The "waiting" is so hard.


Wednesday June 2
I scooted over to the Y and was suppose to do a Helen but again I know pull ups would aggravate my shoulder. So I rowed 500m/ran 400/15lb kb 21 swings (3x).


Also peeped my head into Chris's office at the Y and told him not to give up yet. He too has a shoulder issue and is awaiting results of an MRI. Just like any of us, an injury can be so mentally devastating. Timber man is waiting for you Chris. GOOD LUCK!


Thursday June 3
Today, I went up to my old hs school track to do the 8x200. I remember the days of having to run the 50 & 100 yard dash and the horrific 1 mile for the Presidential fitness award. Those were the days of Suzi Q's, Devil Dogs, Ring Dings, Big Macs.....


now its Powerbars, Gu's, frozen bags of peas and Celebrex. lol


This was actually hard. Never really got my hamstrings warmed up...did try, but just felt ugly.


Ended the workout with 100 sit ups and a "Rocky" lap around the track.


Friday June 4
Rest Day...... ya right....I paced the floors talking to Christina, Bendz, Grease, my mom in regards to the Rev 3 on Sunday. I know I clocked in over 12, ooo steps due to a work pedometer challenge I am involved in.


Well I planted plenty of flowers and always by my side was a bottle of water or Gatorade. I kept my food choices pretty good until after dinner, I ate a Take 5. delicious....with the chocolate, carmel, peanut butter and pretzel. But I will not loose sleep over this....


Tomorrow on the breakfast menu is wheat blueberry/strawberry pancakes with turkey sausage and a yummy hot coffee from Dunkin Donuts.


Ya, it's all about hydration/food and sleep for the next 48 hours.


OK, that's actually harder to handle than everything else going on like a 5pm State Cup soccer game in Fairfield, visiting my hockey team at Relay for Life, dropping off the bike/packet pick up and at least 50 trips to the bathroom.


Tonight, got to get my last good night of sleep, seeing that Sunday at 4:15am my alarm will be sounding off even though I know I will be staring at the ceiling hrs before that.


Gotta love it!

GUILTY!


You know what I am referring to if you got a subject line in your email sometime this weekend

"you better be looking at my plan"


OK, so tapering is extremely hard but I am working on it, the mental part is the worse!


So today I warmed up with an easy 2 mile on the TR.


Hamstring is much better, but going to continue to outfit it in Kineiso tape for the Rev 3.


The WOD was 5 sets of 3x back squats with 70% of normal weight.

I went with 125lbs.

Later that afternoon, the Rev 3 Athlete guide came across my email.

YIKES!

Shortly thereafter, I was getting emails from Bendz and Freddie.

We all have that nervous, anxious, excited, OK and nauseous feeling.

I am looking forward to the challenge and I am hoping this body will rise above as it has in the past and get me across the finish line.

WOW, Memorial Day Weekend.

Thanks too all those who have served, sacrificed, and continue to provide us with freedom.

Shout out to you "Ups"!

So, again the weekends I totally am exhausted to blog at night so backing up, hum, what did I do on Friday....

Friday 5/28
oh yea, I ran 400m and 50 squats for 4x.

I warmed up for a 1/2 mile, then started to crank up the speed.

This workout can be exhausting if you push it, and I did.

Was then suppose to head to work for a 40th b-day surprised but never made it.

So hopped on the bike and did the 90 minute TT. I did this knowing the weekend was jammed packed with an out of town soccer tournament.

Ya, my legs were tired, but cranked up rt 20 and went about my way. Finished up at 28:06 miles with an average speed of 17.8mph.

Saturday 29
Hit the gym real early knowing soccer games took up my next 48 hrs.

Warmed up on squats with 45lbs 5x then did 115lbs 5x

Back squats/row...so at 90lbs 21 reps/500 row/90lbs 15 reps/500 row/90lbs 9 reps/500 row

Then ran down to the pool 4x400 with 4 seconds within each other
6:32
6:23
6:23
6:23


Arms felt good....on to soccer.


Sunday 5/30
REST DAY


Monday 5/31
Open water swim at Lake Taramungus with Bendz and her crew. My kids were psyched, as they hung out on the beach and enjoyed the little minnows. As for me, I was hoping to just close my eyes, not see any fish, and make this 1.5 mile swim.


Open water swim is not an easy thing for me. I hate touching my feet on the bottom of lakes & oceans, and just fear all water life, even seaweed!


My swims always have me zigzagging all over the place, oh well.


So, Bendz, Todd, Erin, Ethan, Suzanne and myself swam to the other side of the lake and back.


Ya, it was pretty cool knowing that we all had a goal in mind and were over coming personal fears and not giving into our anxieties.


We all did it.


Great confidence booster for Rev 3 coming up next weekend.


Of course we ended the day hangin on the beach, enjoying the beautiful weather, and enjoying friends.

Thanks Bendz again for friendship.

U Rock!

Today was a pool day.

Getting there was a struggle because the sun was out, its my day off from my work cage and my bike was staring at me for attention.

I went with my gut, which was telling me to swim.

So when I got to the pool, I grabbed the lane closest to the window so when I turn my head I got glimpses of the sky.

Crazy, huh?

But isn't training for an Iron Man crazy too?

So I swam 9o laps again, only stopped once to choke on my flem.

Then was hesitant about the shoulder press....sure hope Celebrex was happy about this.

Ran upstairs to the gym, eyeing the clock for when school was getting out, and decided to go for it.

5x of 5 sets...so it went like this:

30lbs ( warm up)
65lbs
65lbs
70lbs
70lbs
70lbs.

As I stirred the spaghetti sauce for dinner, I had a nice cold bag of ice hugging my shoulder. (just in case)

"Where's the beef?"


I mean "beach?"


Only those old enough in the late 80's would understand. lol


Another beautiful day!


Looking forward to my ride home, top down, crank'in the tunes and a long holiday weekend!


Well getting down to business.


I ran today. Only 5 miles. On a TR...yuck.


But happy, my hamstring was intact with kinesio tape. I am taking a picture of the way it was taped so I can reconstruct it again for my next run. Of course nearing 43yrs old, I don't expect it to be perfect and it wasn't.

I had to decide between if it was just sore and underused or pain and I should have stopped.

Well, I mentally told myself to suck it up, no quitting and of course "grigs you keep going", but at the same time listen to my body.

Again, just get me across that LPIM finish line.


I must say the run felt like I had never run before. I had to keep reminding myself about my form and never reached that auto pilot feeling.


But that's OK....I will run outside on Friday, NOT on the TR, and evaluate afterwards.


I stretched, then came back to my desk and sat on a bag of ice.


This weekend I am excited to volunteer at a 5k/10k road race in Bristol. I love encouraging and cheering on athletes. Grease is going with me and we will get a glance at how the Miles for Multiple Myeloma will be set up for that race on June 20th. Mike and Jenny, THANK YOU!


So even though I only did 5 miles, I am psyched I did not wimp out and not test my hammy at all. The fear of the unknown.

Well, off to a 7th grade chorus/band concert. I wonder if they'll sing Sugarland?!

Gosh, what a beautiful summer like day.....enjoyed most of it looking out my office window, but that's ok.

Today I swam 90 laps straight.

I got a little overwhelmed in the beginning thinking about the laps and my lack of time spent in the pool over the past few months.

But I jumped in and had to share with someone else.

OK, so I got a little competitive because of my sharing.

She had great kick turns , as I still grab the wall with my hand and turn around.

Well, I kept going and lapped her.

She eventually left the pool and I kept going and felt pretty strong in my last 20 laps.

Driving home, top down, cranked the tunes.

Another good day...

oh yea, and 2 months to go!

Another weekend... fun-filled and flew by.


So after my bike journey on Friday, I got out of bed on Saturday.

Big accomplishment right there!

I wasn't sure if my neck was going to be able to support the weight of my head, but it did. I think the rowing must have something to do with it.

Saturday 5/22

Jam packed with away soccer games, a 90th birthday party, so today I decided was a rest day.


Sunday 5/23

Got this workout in right before heading out to see Sugarland in concert.


Since my hamstring was not taped and is still funky, I cranked on the elliptical for 30minutes. Only running seems to aggravate it. Rev3 is right around the corner. Not sure what's going to happen. A bit freaked out.


I then hit the rower for a 5k= 21:09.


Quickly moved over to the dumbells and did biceps 3x (15reps) of 15lb's alternating with triceps at the rope with 30lbs at 3x (15reps)


Lastly, hit the mats for 2x (25 situps) alternating with 15 twists with 8lb medicine ball


Bolted to the grocery store, cooked turkey burgers, inhaled them and off to Sugarland.



Monday 5/24

Wanted to test the hamstring but TR were taken and hammy not taped, so i day I hit the Arc for 30 minutes. But I think I wimped out. I could have run outside at work, but chose the confinement of the gym.

Then did 2x of the 50 step ups/40 box jumps/30 sit-ups /20 (20lb) kb swings/10 burpees. The step ups on the 24in box were a bit too high. Did it for the for first 50, then switched to the 18in for the other 50. Box Jumps on the 24in are OK.


Yes, I was sweating and felt beat up after 14:27.


I think tonight I'll go for the turkey burger again, but actually taste it.

Today.....100.86 miles!


How did I do it?.... I just enjoyed it.


I was not nervous heading out....I knew if I just paced, hydrated and nourished these muscles I could do it.


I went out towards Riverton, and followed the Farmington River...so beautiful and peaceful.


Then climbed the hills on 181, my favorite Beach Rock route. No bear this time, but I was trying to plot out my next water fill up. Between the many churches and fire stations I knew I could get water, but I ended up stopping at this cute home made ice cream stand in Granville called "The Scoop". I guzzled one bottle in there before this sweet ole lady filled it up again.


Hey Grease, I came across a street named "BALANCE ROCK ROAD"...enough said.

So I continued on...

I went by the Granville gorge, what a beautiful ride that was too.

I proceeded over to Congomong Lakes where a friend lives, and she had cold , wet water!Thanks MK!

I think I was at 61 miles at this point...I had at least 2 Gu's and a Powerbar.

My next wonder site was the cliffs over in Suffield.

New England melts my heart.

I was getting hungry so wolfed down another Powerbar on my way to my Mom who I surprised her on her 70th birthday, she too had cold, wet water & Ritz bits with peanut butter. Took the rest of the bag and stuffed it into my Bento box.

The journey continues....

Rode by where my best friend growing up use to live. The memories came flooding back.

So now comes a bit of a blur....

Then around 70 something miles I placed a call to Bendza and just told her how hard it was to chew, even though I chewed into the phone and then continued on.

Around 79.79...I pulled over and ate some more and made myself drink. I told myself I needed to stay focused on eating and drinking. I was thinking, 20 miles, piece of cake. uh-huh...sure.

We all know how sick of eating Gu's and powerbars can get, never mind the dirt, grease and stickiness we all feel.

Quick snack on the side of the road and time to get pedalling again.

My quads were fine the whole way, as were my calves, hamstrings, but my feet hurt! Its that pressure spot where you have the pedals. What to do? Should I be Gell'in with Dr Shcols?

I cruised onto my street as my daughter i knew must have gotten home and i was at 99.50...I yelled "Moogie, I got .50 left to go, I'll be right back!

Well, my bike and my body was very good to me. We shared alot out there seeing we spent 5:45 hrs together. We did cruise at times hitting 40 mph and my average speed was 17.3mph.

So a 26.2 mile run left to do.....

I'll do it.

Just me , myself and I.

Yes, Today was a new day....

I was thinking about this.....what would happen if the wagon was never invented?

So today, my body was sluggish from me being a garbage disposal last night.

I blame it all on me and letting my emotions get to the best of me.

So today was 500row/50 kb swings/500row/40kb swings/, etc.... The 20lb kb were being used at the time and I was already running way behind taking my lunch break. Work has been nuts lately. So I grabbed the 15lb and went to town.

ok, my warm up to all of this was 30 minutes on the elliptical. I needed to sweat out the garbage and emotionally get myself back on track.

So my wagon thought....if they never invented it, we would never fall off it and have to get back on.

Wouldn't life be boring without it?!

Today....


I knew what kind of day I was going to have when I got to the off campus work seminar. I should have known better and had breakfast before going. When I got there, I was hoping for a bagel with peanut butter and a banana.


Instead I was offered muffins, soda, coffee and water.


And the funny thing is the seminar was about TPR (take personal responsibility)


I flunked at breakfast.


Well I was suppose to ride for 45 minutes, but the bikes at the gym were dis functional, no straps,etc. So I decided to hit the TR. I have been avoiding the TR since my hammy still is a bit whacked.


I was not feeling confident both physically and mentally. After the seminar, I wolfed down my lunch of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.And ya, the 2 muffins at breakfast. So my nutrition and timing of lunch vs workout sucked.


Well I ran for 15 minutes, stretched then ran for 5 more minutes. Hammy was not comfortable even though I had it taped with kinosis tape. So got off , and hit the Arc for 20 minutes. My hammy only bothers me when I run. So maybe I need to fix my gait.


Yes, I was a bit devastated...


but I went on to the deadlifts of 5 sets of 3 at 115lbs.


So today, was a rough day.


Unfortunately, I continued in my slump of nutritional choices.


Tomorrow will be better.


I promise and owe it to myself.

It's Monday...always enjoy my ride and coffee into work...so quiet and peaceful, the skies have been extremely blue.

Oh well....it's 7am and time to start working....

Well, my legs were tired last night, they felt like lead sinkers so I was excited, yet nervous to see a 10k row on my plan for today.

Well, I wasted no time, just started going. As usual, my butt bones hurt when I row. I kept telling myself, "you think this is painful, wait till LPIM. And that little sweat that keeps dripping in your eye, that's is no excuse to stop rowing".

I kept thinking pace yourself... I wasn't too sure how my body was going to handle it. I did take a 2 second break at 5000 to suck on water, but did not allow myself to stop any other time.

I must have looked funny cause i was trying to maneuver into a spot to get off my butt bones, and row at the same time...kind of like chub rub and your trying to get those shorts to stop creeping up your thighs.

Well, I did it...44:04. Yes, I had some left in the tank, so now when I go back to do it, I will have a challenge ahead of me.

Lights out, good nite Monday.

Gosh, Sunday night already............yup tired and dirty again.

But "all's good"

Grease, thanks for the delicious dinner...steaks, bake potato and salad, ya and a little more steak. yummmmy.

What a way to end a beautiful weekend.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So Saturday 5/15, feels like days ago, but yesterday, what did I do??

Deadlift 75 lbs 30x
20k bike - level 13 = 34:13
1000 row= 4:07
Sit ups 25 straight ones/ 15 side with 8lb med ball (4x total)
hit the back extension for 3x 12 reps
triceps 3x 12 reps at 35lbs.

legs were a little tired from Fridays WOD...

So today, Sunday 5/16...

Beautiful, blue sky day!

Just like ole times, met Christina at Simsbury Farms went for a ride.

We rode Beach Rock, not a TT, but just a ride to enjoy one another company and have some fun.

Would fun mean coming across a HUGE black bear?? It was huge and kept crossing the road in front of us... we did not want to turn around, because our favorite part of the ride was coming up.

So lets just say we swallowed our hearts for lunch as we pedaled where the bear disappeared into the woods.

I think my ride ended up at almost 40 miles.

Hit the basement real quick and did 15lb kB, 42 situps, and 84 squats (2x)

Did a stretch and foam roller...

And all this before...."Mom's what's for lunch?"

"Just keep it honest, grigs"......

Hey Bendz, I did.

Something about a dark exercise room, music blaring, and being solo makes the soul dig deep.

Today I did the 6x (5k) at RPM at 60 rpm.

After working a half day at work, Bendz and I hit the Y at lunch time. I told her walking in I always feel anxious, nervous, excited about my workouts.

Thanks Bendz for hanging with me on 3 of those 5K. You pounded through 3 of them, no rest, and still got off the bike to go bang out some sprints. NO other way to put it, but you are a freakin ANIMAL!

The first 2 were tough, but after i got into the "zone", I was jammin to the tunes. Yes, from the 80's.

Why not end it with 50 squats.

Left there soakin wet.

Can someone give me a shower and put me to bed?! I am so tired and dirty.

Let me think....oh ya, yesterday...May 12th

I decided to give that kineosis tape job a chance... I ran 2 miles on the TR....weird that this simple strip of tape is helping my hammy. Still not 100%, but hey, if I can run and not feel like I am endangering other muscles/tendons on this body, then I am back to runnin.

I am psyched, my new sneakers came in the mail. Move over Prada!

And then my real WOD... a tabata of box jumps/back extensions/lunges/situps. I got sick of trying to watch the time for the situps so just did 20 of them regardless if I went over :20....


Today, May 13, I was suppose to do some bike and a pool WOD....This morning I was out of the house early, doing so many errands with 2 dr appts....emissions....and so on and so on. Felt good to knock these things off my to do list.

I was a little anxious about getting in the pool. I had to kick for 500yd with the kick board (i think). OK, may not seem like a lot but usually i kick 2 laps and my back hurts, my hip flexors are screaming and I just poop out hitting those scratchy lane dividers ....

but today...

I was so proud of myself.

I did it all and felt great.

So I continued some time in the pool and swam 9o laps straight. I needed to do this for confidence seeing that I have missed crucial arm/pool WOD. I did choke on some flem but kept going.

Tomorrow I will make up the bike WOD that I missed.

Weekend is looking like great weather....possibly will treat myself to a Beach Rock ride.

Today was a day of redemption.


Yesterday, I was defeated by my own lack of effort and discipline.


I got up early today, hit the Y to conquer the 25K bike TT...did it in 44:40 followed immediately
by 45 squats.



At lunchtime, I had to make an effort.


I did 7x 95lb squats, 7x box jumps, and 25x situps for 5x...I had to briskly walk to get to the box jump from the squat machine. I refuse to turn into gym rage, kinda like road rage, I won't have it. So 8:03 done.



Well I wasn't "so done" at this point. I have been eyeing those colorful kettle balls for the past few days...(hold on as, I adjust the ice pack on my shoulder, hopefully for preventive reasons) I grabbed the 15lb with an anxious smile.


So I did this 15x KB, 15x 10lb dumbell curls for 3x


I then hit the triceps machine with 40lb for 3x of 15 reps


Then did 3x of 15 back extensions.



I closed down with "balance" (gotta find that in life, right Grease?) so I grabbed a bosu ball, & squatted with 8lb db in each hand and raised over head 15 for 3x.



Lastly, I hit my 15 minute massage and she put a strip of black kinesio tape on my hamstring.


Yes, Bendz, extremely "sexy"...NOT!


I am game for anything to get this body across the finish line.

Awe, weekends, I LOVE em!


Soccer games, kids, friends, cooking grill cheeses for the masses, ....Crazy!


Gee, by the time night comes, I have no energy to blog...so let me think back.


Saturday....5/8

umm..oh ya, saw Erica on the rower and reintroduced myself. We shared some laughs and excitement for the upcoming Rev 3 and LPIM. She's got it going and wishing her the best!


Besides my socializing, I did hit the rower again. Feeling the need to work on the arms since they have been lifeless for a period of time. Decided to bang out a 5K. This time it was in 21:13. Much better than earlier in the week.


My gosh, these butt bones do not like the rower!


Then I did some deadlifts at 85lb for 30x. The soaz (sp?) muscle is not happy. Just going to continue to stretch, and massage it. Not letting it get to me. (OK, lying a little..its bugging me!)



Sunday...5/9

Yummy.... started out with delicious blueberry pancakes and a large Dunkin Donuts coffee.


For Mother's Day, Bendz and I rode the Rev 3 course and then some. Yes, the wind and somewhat chilly weather was a factor, but made it all the more fun. We did get a little lost as some of those country roads were not marked.


We kept reminding each other of "gu-ing". Ya, after a while it was getting comical. Come on, Gu's are not as delicious and tempting as a burger with fries. We tried to keep on the 20-30 minute rule. We both could have used more water. With the wind, you didn't feel the sweat.


The last couple of roads got some really inappropriate nicknames I can not comment on


Cat...

Tuttles...

Rt 64...


Thanks Bendz, lol


We finished the ride at 61.44 miles and 63 squats. Ya, we were out there for over 4hrs...


After stretching, it was the like, FOOD!! Where can we get something to eat??!!!


Nothing better than an egg and cheese sandwich, my favorite 1/4 Blueberry pound cake (bendz!) and another cup of HOT Dunkin Donuts coffee.


Well, Mother's day was not over yet....off to a 5:15pm soccer game.

And the day would not be complete without a late night run to the grocery store so Monday's lunches could consist more of than just a piece of bread and a carrot stick.



GREAT DAY!



Monday 5/10

well...I woke up with really no soreness, except for inner/thigh soaz thing. Surprised I can keep my head up, I thought for sure my neck muscles were going to protest.

So I went to the Y at lunch....WOD called for 135lb deadlifts 7x, 95lb squats 7x, and box jumps 7x for a total of 5 sets.

Bendz says the deadlifts hurt her hamstring so I opted not to attempt them and substituted it out for sit ups. I need to ponder over this.

The problem (well more of my not wanting to make it happen, now that I look back) was the box jumps are made up of 10 boxes on a side with the aerobic step...these are in one room and the squat machine is in another room. I could have spent the 7 minutes of moving things but I didn't.

So instead, making it easier on myself I did this....25 sit-ups/15 jump squats with a 18lb bar/ 7 box jumps 5x.

Felt like I cheated myself....

Today almost got away from me...spent the day catching up with Grease and Mary.

Gosh, we sure did have some good laughs, especially in the phone store.

But at 9:47pm, I hit the basement for the WOD...and funny, I was not dreading it.


21 sit-up, 400m run, 18 sit ups, 400m run, 15 situps, etc...15:18.

Should have avoided the late dinner of a good homemade cheese steak. Then tagged on 5x of 1 minute wall squats. These felt fairly easy....hummmmm



I forgot to record Thursday. I did a little switchin around on the plan so I could catch up with some friends....and ya run a ton of not fun errands....



Thursday WOD:

Deadlift 75 lbs 30x....DONE.



Bike 20k...level 13 random for 34:26



Was suppose to do 1000M row, but bumped it up to a 5k instead. My butt bones were killing me doing these. I lost focus while doing this as it was late in the day and just wanted to get outside...but considering I have not used my arms/shoulders in weeks I did it in 22:49



Then I did 3x of 12 back extensions.



yes, and stretched...not long enough probably.

OK, could it get any more beautiful outside?!

One of my favorite things in the world ..... a deep rich blue sky.

So beautiful outside, yet my WOD was the pool.

My gosh, its been over 2 months since I put on the goggles.

Today was swimming 500yds with no arms........SINK......

Well, I did it....not easy lifting my head out of the water and trying to catch my breath. I had to occasionally use my hand under the water to stabilize me so I could breathe.

I did warn the lifeguard that I will look like a drowning victim, so ignore me and go get a sandwich.


I warmed up with 20 lengths with the arms. I think they were shocked to be in the pool too. Shoulder felt ok.....


Roughly 16 minutes to do 500yds with no arms...I know I can get faster and be more relaxed once I get back into the pool more often.


Warmed down with 10 laps, and boy were my legs and glutes happy to have my arms doing most of the work.


Unfortunately, I had to go back to work.


Sitting at my desk; ice on the shoulder, eating my PB & J and catching glances of the deep blue sky.

A pretty good day overall....

With the World Cup only 30+ days away, my dept at work is holding a World Cup Penalty Kick challenge. So before my WOD I went to the local park and kicked my 10 penalty kicks. Yes, I was worried about the hamstring but, thankfully the only thing that got angry was the goalie. lol


So today was 4 (95lb) squats, 8 sit-ups, 12 lunges AMRAP for 20 minutes. I made sure I did 12 lunges for each leg. So in total it was 24 lunges per set. I can't remember Max's direction on this, but I was getting really good at counting to 12 over and over again.

After the lunges, my legs were hungry for the squats. At least that's what my mind told them.

The squats were getting tough, but managed to get the 4 squats in without stopping or even better, not dropping the bar. I believe I got in 16 full sets @ 20:16.


I was suppose to row a 10k, but ran out of lunch time & due to the shoulder that is getting better, hopefully those cortisone's shots worked, I only rowed 1000m.


If my doctor visit goes well later this week, then I am strapping the legs to the rower and doing a 5k....If I get through this , then will add on another 5k.


I think I'll start making ice in my ice trays for Friday.