tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31165496146250026162024-02-19T02:53:09.464-08:00Journey To OzHollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543360571824409264noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116549614625002616.post-74226382391081895892009-04-20T08:03:00.000-07:002009-04-20T08:20:21.808-07:00More Images from OZ<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLS2uLMHJ8WLnNK4rUsCMH5wH3DGE2DLk1CXdO67umv30dlamRrPAOhAZFYUjT1QREwQnLEb4-CDAmRzgSlcKk9rwA5ru1My-7Ex6QG13B4MfX7PqZk6Xs7J4wOuczXjs4rYflXlWuOCE/s1600-h/3hboz10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLS2uLMHJ8WLnNK4rUsCMH5wH3DGE2DLk1CXdO67umv30dlamRrPAOhAZFYUjT1QREwQnLEb4-CDAmRzgSlcKk9rwA5ru1My-7Ex6QG13B4MfX7PqZk6Xs7J4wOuczXjs4rYflXlWuOCE/s200/3hboz10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326790685396149906" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKF4CgNb504pyZOaHPNNJpJ_xLorfzgBp6qC6f0thJ4k8xMn_X-ua_Uhvp_BkupR_7C7NOuSZ9E5hDNhL6zogaVqYgNGsoW3BwgiKqHjhD-f8e2dut7nHBJMkyykbOrHdkZvP93x6GTd4/s1600-h/3hboz7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKF4CgNb504pyZOaHPNNJpJ_xLorfzgBp6qC6f0thJ4k8xMn_X-ua_Uhvp_BkupR_7C7NOuSZ9E5hDNhL6zogaVqYgNGsoW3BwgiKqHjhD-f8e2dut7nHBJMkyykbOrHdkZvP93x6GTd4/s200/3hboz7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326790038877684610" border="0" /></a>
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<br />Here's another collage of images from </span></span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >my trip </span><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >down under:
<br /></span><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CHOLLYB%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceName"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Trebuchet MS"; panose-1:2 11 6 3 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >Breakky with Pablo and the twins * Fredo's, home of the famous crocodile pie * The beach at <st1:placename st="on">Byron</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Bay</st1:placename> * <st1:placename st="on">Byron</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Bay</st1:placename> lineup * Surfers and sunworshippers, <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Byron</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Bay</st1:placename></st1:place> * Post-race relaxation * Post-race cankles!! * Cronulla, where many of the world's greatest triathletes claim roots. Hard to see why they love it here! * Belinda and Olivia, kicking it in the park * Easter festival in Cronulla * Olivia selecting her duckie</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">.</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<br />Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543360571824409264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116549614625002616.post-20720366271530073112009-04-18T07:08:00.001-07:002009-04-18T07:17:44.116-07:00Photographic Tribute to the Big Banana<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCi-R8u3hPmmsOHWpPdI01Zy_Kra-GiGA1U1faPGknUHbk9zjlMxbD4-QTVGM_5Bzvr2Qjv3rSC-cNFj5vVoRy8IY24RfczvOVA5dSCcp8iis7QWCRhSeLUYiiJY8NtTcohyphenhyphen9lnSsBYY/s1600-h/2hboz3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCi-R8u3hPmmsOHWpPdI01Zy_Kra-GiGA1U1faPGknUHbk9zjlMxbD4-QTVGM_5Bzvr2Qjv3rSC-cNFj5vVoRy8IY24RfczvOVA5dSCcp8iis7QWCRhSeLUYiiJY8NtTcohyphenhyphen9lnSsBYY/s320/2hboz3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326034226343627586" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Lounging at the Big Banana, Coffs Harbour.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDH0czgKIvHkx1fVeZieDm2GkIw31x5LHeZqz6XhfjZF3zPIw_6RBchyphenhyphenAhfhK7CkDAxyzDRy7R2fe_Xwo40rr1QTD16tt0zJYnp6pctzwG4sXNDkMEumvTTi8QiH72_p0epRE05rxTsw/s1600-h/2hboz4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDH0czgKIvHkx1fVeZieDm2GkIw31x5LHeZqz6XhfjZF3zPIw_6RBchyphenhyphenAhfhK7CkDAxyzDRy7R2fe_Xwo40rr1QTD16tt0zJYnp6pctzwG4sXNDkMEumvTTi8QiH72_p0epRE05rxTsw/s320/2hboz4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326034233120002226" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />HB & MJ - banana-mania!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJn9PRkGsgiiqjarZwM_zspk64fcnXN-hkQXw6A2SDNrJfXsEX2xe6dqMZ4bo9q6NB_PG4jV3KoRZMFNPjGGJ9GG40hUO57EyVk-BsqM4jUPMoJdDw7a-_AhoibSSD8LKAPETjtabjMOo/s1600-h/2hboz2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJn9PRkGsgiiqjarZwM_zspk64fcnXN-hkQXw6A2SDNrJfXsEX2xe6dqMZ4bo9q6NB_PG4jV3KoRZMFNPjGGJ9GG40hUO57EyVk-BsqM4jUPMoJdDw7a-_AhoibSSD8LKAPETjtabjMOo/s320/2hboz2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326034235913641698" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The ever-important banana.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />What would you do with a ceramic banana?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vYAgWIc8lNlXOLEUhFofQ7kiqcrjRxRmEaQa69yZOEA1MUdRyhphiQ6gxp41Mp_2kE_mFWHAkE3BHez6MpyKVvWxaHaOuUDLK3kZ4jIhAMlHuf0uthUsnmg_W8K2dy7PFwtyyOq2s2Y/s1600-h/2hboz6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vYAgWIc8lNlXOLEUhFofQ7kiqcrjRxRmEaQa69yZOEA1MUdRyhphiQ6gxp41Mp_2kE_mFWHAkE3BHez6MpyKVvWxaHaOuUDLK3kZ4jIhAMlHuf0uthUsnmg_W8K2dy7PFwtyyOq2s2Y/s320/2hboz6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326034240965460050" border="0" /></a>Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543360571824409264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116549614625002616.post-38331165750761196962009-04-17T07:56:00.000-07:002009-04-17T08:04:54.165-07:00Roooooo!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLn9BtLW3IqbTccOcv_OcelxPGRyQUgnRMUjpd_SvOKF3npUj3qOTw8f5TL-0spZXYOrh6VZVg09FpkZ-xAhGfmng0tVT4Pw_z0Pjv72m7MINfjoAmJH6X7n4ogT6liZ2YlAJuljUuY0/s1600-h/roo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLn9BtLW3IqbTccOcv_OcelxPGRyQUgnRMUjpd_SvOKF3npUj3qOTw8f5TL-0spZXYOrh6VZVg09FpkZ-xAhGfmng0tVT4Pw_z0Pjv72m7MINfjoAmJH6X7n4ogT6liZ2YlAJuljUuY0/s320/roo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325674944974925330" border="0" /></a>
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<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" face="trebuchet ms"><span style="font-size:85%;">Yes, I finally saw a kangaroo. A real live one, in the wild, enjoying his breakky in a field. And now you can see him too – if you look very, very hard at this photo. See the blur, just slightly to the left of center? That’s my roo, hopping away while I try to focus the camera.
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<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" face="trebuchet ms"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" face="trebuchet ms"><span style="font-size:85%;">One of our adventures post-race involved visiting MJ’s sister Gabby on <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Australia</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s Gold Coast. Gabby and MJ are both avid equestrians, and one evening we spent the night at the barn where Gabby boards her horse Jack (not in the actual barn, but in the guest accommodations). Gabby wanted us to meet the barn managers and her good friends Tor and Mel Van Den Berg, two of <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Australia</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s top riders. Our dinner with Tor and Mel was so entertaining that even if we had slept in the barn, it would have been a worthwhile visit.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Knowing that I was slightly kangaroo-obsessed, Tor regaled us all evening with roo stories. Granted, many of these stories involved hunting the animals, as they can be a plague-level nuisance to ranchers, but it was impossible not to laugh at every incident he described, with his colorful story-telling skill.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Apparently there are close to one hundred kangaroos out and about on the ranch every morning, so Tor made it his mission to help me find them. While MJ and Gabby rode Jack, Pablo and I loaded into Tor’s brand new ATV and explored every inch of the ranch – without seeing a single kangaroo. We did find one wallaby, but substituting a wallaby for a kangaroo is akin to swapping a bobcat for a mountain lion – it’s just not the same thing. Tor was in a state of total disbelief, and probably would have driven us around all day if we had been game. We did need to get moving, however, so we finally thanked him profusely for his effort, and assured him that we would probably see a kangaroo as we drove the long road back from the ranch. And sure enough, that’s when we saw this roo, captured so skillfully on film.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The next morning, I received a call from Gabby. She had stayed another night at the ranch, and sure enough, awoke to a huge kangaroo grazing right outside her door.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<br />Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543360571824409264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116549614625002616.post-34477681384387881382009-04-14T22:29:00.000-07:002009-04-14T22:55:12.880-07:00Images from OZ<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJ6peHnsTJtoN9VbktHPfMhCFlnPqbEcT2LNxmtJ5kEX0EV4WysbEvcE5zPf2JDE5Pf3FFx55PHE12i2TeHLP2SEYfn5bpja3zgJmmEAfGKp5DAxkPsZi9qDYM4fj9-phx9lBcMyd2ew/s1600-h/OZ6+055.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJ6peHnsTJtoN9VbktHPfMhCFlnPqbEcT2LNxmtJ5kEX0EV4WysbEvcE5zPf2JDE5Pf3FFx55PHE12i2TeHLP2SEYfn5bpja3zgJmmEAfGKp5DAxkPsZi9qDYM4fj9-phx9lBcMyd2ew/s200/OZ6+055.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324788532698937746" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxI0MMiLdqogslln83LS7tkcMS1ugFnwFhe6KOZ4Je-kipUyFTHodVaVjatcTZVnZh22Aa0n5y53fHCbNBOWo5D4QznJKtteEnTjOgYw5DRf6b4aHlYtUELWYU2pdTNvNqEdY0p4J4S8/s1600-h/hboz9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; 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float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXhn8pTMz30GtU_Lu2Ozd5vlG5qwRyAZxu1ZtRsoyehBOrmHFp0M7KL5M4ojdjCk67em8_cc-3g-j8vjUiF6pf9Y1tmAynewoXY6m2BcfhUf9kLF7CHagnyP3ghyDM2d0sUwmQV94lPc/s200/hboz1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324787223954148610" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I’ve been promising photos, and here is the first round – with more to follow soon. But here's the catch with this particular blog format: It seems near impossible to arrange the photos as I would like, and to appropriately tag them with individual captions. So I've decided to leave them all jumbled together, and list the various captions below. If you're inspired, you can match them up on your own!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Race day fashion * Ryan, Whitey, me, Pablo, Damien * Recipe for disaster - watch out Mr. Pedestrian! * Pablo, racing through the raindrops * MJ and her chalk art * Wait, who's Mary?? * How to make an Ironman smile * Olivia broke out the pom-poms * Pablo running to a Kona-qualifying finish - he redeemed the race for all of us! * At this point I'm still running * Running again (the walking happened in between). Thumbs up because I'm almost done! * Now we're smiling! * The day after - smiling even more * MJ's method of protecting her feet from the mud. These sneakers had already been laundered twice * Can you say Aloha? Congrats Pablo!</span></span>Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543360571824409264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116549614625002616.post-7651830662117932692009-04-12T17:54:00.001-07:002009-04-12T17:54:35.338-07:00Hopes, Dreams, Desires, Goals – RevisitedWith a less-than-dreamy race under my belt, I thought it wise to revisit my original list of goals for some post-race perspective. Here’s the original list, along with the results from Ironman OZ:<br /><br />• Get to the start = Done!<br />• Get to the finish = Done!<br />• Better my own best time = Nowhere near a PR.<br />• Set a new swim PR = Sorry Nick & Natalie, no cookies this time!<br />• Smile for the camera = I believe I did manage to smile more than I grimaced.<br />• Smile more than I wince throughout the day = Same as above; even though it hurt, the overall takeaway was enjoyment.<br />• Run a kickass marathon = Um, not exactly.<br />• Remember the words of support, motivation and humor from my friends, family & fellow athletes when I need them most = Heck yeah!<br />• Have the strength to push beyond my expectations during the high points and to pull myself out of the low points of the guaranteed roller coaster of race day = I did pull out of the lowest lows, though not as seamlessly as I would have liked. I didn’t have much energy to push during the highs – but in retrospect I now know I was getting MJ’s flu.<br />• Remain coherent enough to continue thanking the volunteers throughout the day, even/especially through the last miles of the run = Done!<br />• Make the top-five podium in my age group in an Ironman race = Not even close; I was 16th.<br />• Someday, some way, gain entry into Kona = This was definitely not my someday. <br />• Forget about all these goals during the race and simply swim, bike and run my heart out, to the best of my ability on that particular day = This one is a bit of a toss-up, but all-in-all I’d have to say I gave it what I had on the day.<br />• Make MJ proud = Done!<br /><br />Of course, as I collapsed crying into MJ’s finish-line hug, she said she would have been proud of me regardless of the result – but she was particularly proud to see me keep on truckin’ despite feeling so lousy. Overall, I have to say I accomplished a good deal of what I set out to achieve. It’s easy to feel discouraged when a race goes awry, but it’s also important to keep it in perspective and remember how kickass it is simply to attempt, and complete, an event of this magnitude. It is not exactly normal, nor anywhere near commonplace, in the range of things a person might choose to do on a Sunday.<br /><br />I’m also certain that my lackluster performance was in no way a reflection of MJ’s coaching. I was in great shape and perfectly prepared for the event – both in terms of my physical fitness and the mental and emotional support she provided – and I would follow her IM training plan again in a heartbeat. My problems stemmed from my Achilles injury and the onset of illness – in fact, I’m writing this one week post-race and almost a full week into my own battle with the flu. <br /><br />It’s been a long while since I've had a truly good race and a good result. It can be hard to swallow a disappointing race, especially an Ironman, when so much time, energy and expense go into one single day. But “good” can mean many different things, and what I experienced in Australia will certainly provide good learning for my future races – along with a handful of life lessons that are not to be undervalued. While out on the run course, in some of the darkest moments, I decided it was time for me to "retire" - that perhaps I am too old for this, perhaps I no longer have the competitive drive and physical talent of my earlier years in the sport. But anyone who's ever raced an endurance event knows that these feelings are both incredibly common and exceedingly short-lived. All that hoo-hah goes out the window within 24 hours of crossing the finish line. As a matter of fact, I’m opening my calendar right now to look for my next race…Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543360571824409264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116549614625002616.post-5322813702673879642009-04-12T17:49:00.000-07:002009-04-12T17:51:23.907-07:00Hearing VoicesSome of the best parts of an Ironman are the voices you hear on course – whether cheers from the spectators or simply within your own head.<br /><br />My absolute favorite cheer of the day was a tribute to my gender in general. All throughout the race, the locals greeted me with enthusiastic rounds of, “Go the girls! Go the girls!” Even when I was the only girl in sight, it was always a plural “girls”, celebrating our society of female uber-athletes. Only once did I hear the men’s equivalent, “Go the boys!”<br /><br />There were also numerous young girls and boys lining the course and staffing the aid stations – many more than what I’ve seen in U.S. races. One particularly focused girl looked me dead in the eyes as I ran-limped past, proclaiming, “YOU are my hero. YOU could be the next Ironman champion!” Another gal, running alongside me as I rode up a hill, peppered me with questions, “Is this your first Ironman? Do you like it here? Where are you from? Will you do it again?” I only had enough breath to answer her final question, and of course I said yes, although I sort of wanted to tell her that after the race might be a better time to ask.<br /><br />I couldn’t help but think back to the question Maureen, MJ’s mom, had asked me repeatedly when I met her earlier in the week. “Sophie,” she would say (somehow convinced that was my name), “You’re doing the WHOLE race?” While struggling through the run, it struck me that perhaps she was right to question my fortitude.<br /><br />It also crossed my mind several times, as I bordered on tears of frustration and disappointment, that I had no right to complain; I should be thankful for simply being able to race, in contrast to MJ, who had to withdraw from the much-anticipated competition due to illness. She provided stellar race-day support, along with the Yates and White families, cheering loudly, taking fun photos and chalking up the roads. But I know how hard it must have been for her not to pull on her race kit and wetsuit earlier in the morning. She’s a true champ not only for all that she’s accomplished outwardly in the sport, but for how she’s inwardly handled the inevitable setbacks of racing at a professional level.<br /><br />I mentioned previously my obsession with kangaroos and koalas and watching, in particular, for the roos along the bike course. I also heard several kookaburras, their uncanny calls screaming out like the drunkest of Aussie spectators. I couldn’t help but think how crazy and cool it was to be racing in a place where kangaroos, koalas and kookaburras (whether hidden or seen) inhabited the brush around the race course, as opposed to the usual U.S. fare of squirrels and skunks.Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543360571824409264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116549614625002616.post-82173353175844867802009-04-12T12:00:00.001-07:002009-04-12T12:00:34.568-07:00Race Report – Volume 4I was concerned I was hurting my Achilles worse by continuing to run, and was grappling in my mind with whether or not I should walk for a bit. I was also beginning to have tummy trouble. I ate one gel at the start of the run, but when it came time to fuel again I simply couldn't take anything down. I knew I needed to eat, but each time I tried pulling a gel from my pocket I started to feel a nauseous heave. I generally have no trouble with my nutrition and religiously take a gel every 45 minutes, whether I feel hungry or not. I must have been dealing with the after-effects of the swim water, since every time I ran close to the water or the stinky mud I felt I might hurl! <br /><br />At this point I was heading into the 2nd run lap and I knew I was in trouble. I had to start drinking cola to settle my tummy and carry me through what I assumed, at this point, would be one heck of a long walk. Making the decision to walk in a race is so difficult, because I know myself well enough to know it means I've given up, and the chances of coming back around are slim. It is unbelievably deflating and feels like absolute failure. But between my tummy and my ankle, that’s how I felt - like I simply wanted to quit. I started walking, feeling pretty lousy about my choice except for the fact that my Achilles didn't hurt while walking. <br /><br />I walked through the next aid station and suddenly rockmelon (aka cantaloupe) became my saving grace. A volunteer offered up a big bowl of melon, and suddenly I wanted that fruit like it was nobody's business. It was quite honestly one of the best things I've ever tasted in my life. I thought of how people often joke about the Ironman marathon being a 42k buffet, so I decided to embrace that for all it was worth and eat as much glorious Aussie fruit as possible. At every aid station I downed melon and orange slices and cola - and amazingly this helped my belly. I figured I was taking in enough carbohydrate and sugar to get me through the final two laps, at least at a walking pace, so I was encouraged to keep moving.<br /><br />I walked for most of the entire 2nd lap, and when I reached the top of the big hill, my watch read 11:30. This had been my original secret goal time, and I still had one and a quarter laps to go. To make matters worse, the sun was setting and the volunteers pinned two mandatory glow sticks on my race belt. I’ve never been out past dark in an Ironman, so I was forced to suck in a big dose of humility and embrace the experience and eeriness of night running. Normally in an Ironman, there would still be a ton of athletes on course, but it was slimming down quickly in Port Mac. Everyone else seemed crazy fit, and I honestly worried that I might be the last finisher! Obviously, you need a certain amount of fitness to do an Ironman, but in the other races where I’ve competed, there has been a broader range of body types and athletic abilities. These people all just seemed like rock stars. Ben Stiller’s voice from the movie Zoolander kept running through my head – where he talks about being “really, really, ridiculously good-looking” – except I heard him talking about how every athlete from Australia was “really, really, ridiculously fit!” What I learned afterward is that everyone except the international competitors has to qualify to race here - it's one of only two IM's in the country and is basically the equivalent of a national championship – which explained why everyone was so dang fast!<br /><br />As I came back past the transition area to head onto my 3rd and final lap, MJ and Pablo were there waiting to give me some much needed encouragement. I might have been crying as I told MJ how badly my ankle hurt. She asked me what I wanted to do and I said that I would finish even if it meant walking – despite the discomfort and the desire to be done, there was simply no way I would actually stop. MJ gave me a quick hug and said they'd be waiting for me - exactly the boost I needed to start running again. Even though my Achilles hurt on and off, I ran - at times strong and at times limping - the entire rest of the way, aside from walking through every aid station for my fruit and cola cocktail.<br /><br />I decided that while I was out there in the dark, I may as well live it up a little on the last lap. I made a point of cheering on every fellow competitor I passed, thanking every volunteer and spectator and especially high-fiving all the exuberant little kids. The last few miles I pushed as hard as I could and was wincing in pain at points, but I wanted to finish strong and feel proud of pulling myself out of a deep dark hole. After the point where I received the glow sticks, I never once looked at my watch until I finished. My time was somewhere around 13:40 - over an hour slower than my previous worst IM time and 2 hours slower than what I know I'm capable of - but it simply didn't matter. What mattered was that I ran down the finish chute full of tears and smiles and such an overwhelming wash of emotion, and there was MJ, flu and all, waiting to put my medal around my neck and give me a massive hug.Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543360571824409264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116549614625002616.post-9052013123108074402009-04-09T15:36:00.000-07:002009-04-09T15:37:10.155-07:00Race Report – Volume 3Finally off the bike, I headed into the change tent to swap shoes and gear for the run. My first steps out of the tent were through a nasty patch of mud which claimed hold of my right shoe. It sunk entirely into the muck, and as I strode forward the shoe remained. I ran a few steps in one sock, now covered as well in gunky mud, before slowing my momentum and returning to pry my shoe loose from the earth’s grip. <br /><br />Unfortunately, this was the same side on which my Achilles tendon had been troubling me, and the yanking out of my shoe tweaked it a bit further. I originally hurt my Achilles while running speed intervals on the treadmill several months ago in preparation for a January marathon. It had been bothering me on and off ever since; though mostly off until (of course!) I arrived in Australia. For whatever reason, it was particularly flared up all week. I tried my best to baby it, getting a massage and a chiropractic adjustment and stretching as much as possible. Most of all I tried employing the power of positive thinking by telling myself and everyone else it was feeling better - but in all honesty it was not.<br /><br />I started out the run feeling strong - a typical Holly run leg where my best-of-three-sports strength comes out and I pass people in droves. The spectators were all commenting on how fresh I looked, and I ran the first of three laps with good energy. But my optimism was subdued by my nagging Achilles, which was really giving me trouble, especially as I ran up the big hill.Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543360571824409264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116549614625002616.post-47454136577688378192009-04-09T15:35:00.000-07:002009-04-09T15:36:07.928-07:00Race Report – Volume 2Heading onto the bike course, I felt simply OK. I didn’t have my usual race-pace spunk and drive, but I was trying to focus on high cadence and small gearing, in order to save my legs for the run. I also wondered if my blah feeling might signal the onset of the bug that forced MJ to withdraw from the race, or if I was simply having an off day. Regardless, my legs never quite seemed to come alive. By the time I reached the third lap and knew that my bike split would hit the seven hour mark – almost 45 minutes slower than I’ve ever ridden in an Ironman – I knew that whatever the reason, I couldn’t possibly be saving THAT much for the run.<br /><br />While the sun had come out earlier in the day, we were pelted with pissing down rain for much of the first and second bike laps. It was difficult to see through rain-spotted glasses, and the slick streets and sharp turns through town at the lap turnaround required extra caution. The memory of crashing on my bike in my last race passed briefly through my mind, but I quieted my fear with some strange logic. I reasoned that the only honorable way to go down during Ironman Australia would be via kangaroo – for example, if a kangaroo hopped out of the bush and kicked me off my bike. Now that would make for an amazing story! But minus a kangaroo attack, I was determined to ride with confidence and not allow crash flashbacks to haunt me. So I rode past multiple kangaroo crossing road signs, one eye on the road and one eye peeled for the critters who could potentially change my destiny. <br /><br />The notable Matthew Flinders hill (a steep 10% grade which you ride three times), was too intimidating for many – each time I approached it the athletes in front of me all dismounted their bikes and walked. I cycled up, but on one particularly wet lap I felt my wheel spin out precariously as I rode over a painted-on, and therefore super slippery, cheer sign. The Ironman Australia bike course is classified as very difficult, and by the third of three laps, after rain, wind, chip-sealed road surface and numerous hills, I was beginning to agree.Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543360571824409264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116549614625002616.post-89195930140580879212009-04-06T13:42:00.000-07:002009-04-09T15:35:02.931-07:00Race Report - Volume 1<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CHOLLYB%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CHOLLYB%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Trebuchet MS"; panose-1:2 11 6 3 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">For those of you who’ve peeked at the race results, whether my finish time indicates this or not, I am alive and well. Sunday was an extremely tough day for a number of reasons – much tougher than I would have wished on myself. Yet as always, with Ironman racing, there’s more to learn from the pain than from the pleasure, and certainly some good stories to tell!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">I’ve been thinking how best to report my race – because trust me, after spending just shy of 14 hours on course, I have a lot to say. Given that we’re in the midst of some post-race travel with limited internet connectivity, and given that a blog is not conducive to a rambling epic, I’ll break it into several shorter entries. I also have many more fun photos to share, but will save those for the end (and for a faster connection).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br />In contrast to the lead-up week, race morning hinted at sunshine and clear skies. Sure, it had torrentially dumped the night before and into the wee hours of the morning, but by the time we headed to transition the rain had stopped and the sun teased from behind the cloud. The transition area was a sopping, slogging slush-pit of mud, covering our feet and splashing our legs with every step. But it no longer mattered – the day was on and, as I heard one athlete remark, “It’s an Ironman, not a beauty pageant.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CHOLLYB%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Trebuchet MS"; panose-1:2 11 6 3 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:11;">My first stop in transition was for bodymarking, where a young volunteer marked my calf with the letter indicating the <i style="">men’s</i> 40-44 year-old age group. Knowing I likely wouldn’t be much competition for the guys, I had another volunteer wipe my calf clean and mark me as a woman.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:11;"></span></span>
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Michellie (MJ) and our cheer squad of Ryan, Belinda, Damien and Whitey helped Pablo (HPP) and I pump our tires, drop off our special needs bags, suit up in our “wetties” and head down to the swim start. It had to be torture for MJ, who so badly wanted to race but had been forced to withdraw due to a bout of the flu, to be down in transition, fielding good luck wishes (from those who did not know she had withdrawn) and expressions of concern and caring (from those who were aware). She stoically switched gears from race contender to race-day Sherpa, making sure our every need was met.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">I was thrilled to employ one of the best new tricks I’ve learned while here – covering each foot in a plastic bag before sliding it into my wettie. Trust me, try it and you’ll wonder how you ever pulled on your wetsuit previously without this valuable tidbit.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The swim was relatively smooth and uneventful – no wayward bashing of arms and legs, no chop in the water, not too strong of a current. It did feel extremely long, but no one said that 3.8k is short! I was a bit nauseated by the smell and taste of the muddy water and tried hard to ingest as little as possible, fearing it would haunt me later in the day. Heading toward the turn buoy on the second lap, the tide pulled a group of us off to one side, making it difficult to reach the turn, but all in all I felt it was a consistent, decent effort. I was actually surprised to see my time when I exited the water (1:25), as I felt I was swimming 5-10 minutes faster, but I shrugged that off in deference to my promise to myself to simply race my race and not worry much about the clock.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I made a slow slog through the mud of the transition area, my bike shoes filling with goop, and headed out to start the ride.</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p> Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543360571824409264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116549614625002616.post-79347678544477393602009-04-04T10:25:00.001-07:002009-04-04T10:27:40.682-07:00Morning Showers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfs-jaK5nCZv9ePfTbRkLuhj3Ue4pyF1UGlQRXhyphenhyphenvwH-c44rInltBLUiSa3ymP41iMr42XJHhaLhI688NB23192YuZ2hdHlFtlSf_D0SOfrkfeW7bDr2SgUVEkKg866au97lQI9tIgeQE/s1600-h/racemorningrain.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfs-jaK5nCZv9ePfTbRkLuhj3Ue4pyF1UGlQRXhyphenhyphenvwH-c44rInltBLUiSa3ymP41iMr42XJHhaLhI688NB23192YuZ2hdHlFtlSf_D0SOfrkfeW7bDr2SgUVEkKg866au97lQI9tIgeQE/s320/racemorningrain.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320888776471454722" border="0" /></a><br /><br />3:15am April 5th, Port Macquarie. Bring it on!Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543360571824409264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116549614625002616.post-27361233885608069232009-04-03T23:11:00.001-07:002009-04-09T15:34:01.827-07:00Ready, Set, Almost Time to GO!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsWXpkuycW7vEIzxUmmdN1WI5bxjA49kDsaLEEkgt_leMja_Xt9i6FfGCYBN6awxM8JbaRbjzu02dxF_TBIjC2eW3pscn-G0bgS2TUJbqUmMtvSXu5vMnHfoNRYUGWMZ9HGT-lFESvjs/s1600-h/OZ5_020.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsWXpkuycW7vEIzxUmmdN1WI5bxjA49kDsaLEEkgt_leMja_Xt9i6FfGCYBN6awxM8JbaRbjzu02dxF_TBIjC2eW3pscn-G0bgS2TUJbqUmMtvSXu5vMnHfoNRYUGWMZ9HGT-lFESvjs/s320/OZ5_020.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320715274563479186" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The race production crew has been sporting Hello Kitty wellies.</span>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSXwJ6y-9G9rO0ELZ72BwsIbhBgYYwzSO08oTqjregn1A1wPrRl-Y4Fdibirqh-HxWTTM08Bn8ku51Ov0h9V-PzIZVZuJ392tC9Z7FV2mgUWO1i3Xc5fWntgCamOe0R97dhTJ7iGZWxc/s1600-h/OZ5_009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSXwJ6y-9G9rO0ELZ72BwsIbhBgYYwzSO08oTqjregn1A1wPrRl-Y4Fdibirqh-HxWTTM08Bn8ku51Ov0h9V-PzIZVZuJ392tC9Z7FV2mgUWO1i3Xc5fWntgCamOe0R97dhTJ7iGZWxc/s320/OZ5_009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320715270756147922" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIn3sBZR-F-eSC7mOmtuR1libpwAjSp7TdOSH2SXkOvVOEBR3pNlvWsfAcMc7EfkYyxDxsHGvgRXgATI4yEMARrR6ISelZnFDk8L6zyHG2Qsqg-aKkGyfRissLiSYhrC7XMxAE0-Bj7o/s1600-h/OZ5_008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIn3sBZR-F-eSC7mOmtuR1libpwAjSp7TdOSH2SXkOvVOEBR3pNlvWsfAcMc7EfkYyxDxsHGvgRXgATI4yEMARrR6ISelZnFDk8L6zyHG2Qsqg-aKkGyfRissLiSYhrC7XMxAE0-Bj7o/s320/OZ5_008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320715271066772226" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">View across the bay - lots of blue sky!</span>
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<br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Hard to get the full impact from a photo, but this is the start of the run course hill.</span>
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<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CHOLLYB%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Trebuchet MS"; panose-1:2 11 6 3 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">My bike and gear bags are turned in. My race kit is laid out on the bed. My bottles await filling, and there’s not much else to do now but relax, eat a bit more and sleep. And thanks to <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">New South Wales</st1:state></st1:place>’ daylight savings, we get a bonus hour tonight.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">I woke up this morning feeling good. All week my body has been giving me reasons to doubt my race readiness – but finally I feel that it’s all come around. I took a short final jog and felt as though I had to hold my legs back from breaking into a full-bore run. This is exactly how I would hope to feel the day before tacking a marathon onto the end of an epic swim and bike!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The weather forecast has improved significantly – downgraded from severe thunderstorms and an 80% chance of rain to merely showers and a 50% chance of rain. If it turns out anything like today, we’ll be lucky indeed. While there were some fierce showers overnight and earlier in the morning, the sky has cleared beautifully, allowing for magnificent views across the bay. This bike course is touted as one of the most scenic on the Ironman circuit, and if the sky remains clear I’m sure we’ll all be treated to the visual proof.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">At the moment I’m icing my ankle one last time for good measure, awaiting a visit from friends Luke McKenzie and Amanda Balding (in town to commentate tomorrow’s action) and gearing up for dinner (kindly cooked for us by Belinda). Then I’ll climb into bed, a mix of nervous anticipation and calm readiness infusing my dreams.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">
<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;">I’ve been reminded today that it’s not the easy things in life that give us a chance to shine – it’s the way we tackle adversity, how we manage in the face of great and sometimes painful challenges, that allow our best selves to come forth. I only hope I can rise to meet the difficulties that tomorrow is sure to sling at me with the same grace and strength as the friend who has given me this reminder. It is, after all, that tenacity that makes us Ironman athletes!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<br />Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543360571824409264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116549614625002616.post-25079837528587821252009-04-02T20:54:00.000-07:002009-04-02T21:09:43.181-07:00Aussie-isms<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jHKOlW1kKvrBTBeGP3KBMnfABifeZTigx84NGsj4U_gwLjsaQdEwIpd6tghkD8jZgC5XI8I459OyMuxDWdcsBKtgs-wGSffRTTAYkPUisvy4U3uo6o6Ah15Gvidpj9cWWX70Z76c2Es/s1600-h/OZ3_001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jHKOlW1kKvrBTBeGP3KBMnfABifeZTigx84NGsj4U_gwLjsaQdEwIpd6tghkD8jZgC5XI8I459OyMuxDWdcsBKtgs-wGSffRTTAYkPUisvy4U3uo6o6Ah15Gvidpj9cWWX70Z76c2Es/s320/OZ3_001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320310865157881154" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Transition area swamp.</span>
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<br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">View from the run turnaround - yes, we run from sea level up to here - 3 times!</span>
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<br />A break in the storm.</span>
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<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CHOLLYB%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Trebuchet MS"; panose-1:2 11 6 3 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:85%;" >One of my favorite things about international travel is having a chance to soak in the wonderful quirks of another culture. Of course, they are only quirks to me – here they are perfectly normal. For example, I noticed right off the bat how no one is in anywhere near as much of a hurry as in the States. It’s most obvious at the grocery store. At home, it’s a mad dash to see how fast you can unload your cart, help bag the items and pay for your goods in one flash effort. Here, the clerk gently scans one item at a time, chit-chatting away or humming a slow little tune. The people behind you do not breathe down your neck and huff in a passive aggressive fashion – they just wait patiently for their turn.</span></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style=";font-size:85%;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:85%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:85%;" >In that same regard, everyone is super helpful. Whether at the bike shop, the chemist or simply asking directions on the street, people are more than willing to lend a hand. I’m particularly fond of the chemists here (drugstores in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region>), where you can buy items over-the-counter which would likely be prescription-only back home. Not that I’m stockpiling a drug supply – I’ve just discovered a particular anti-inflammatory topical cream which is potent enough to have a real impact on my sore Achilles tendon.</span></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style=";font-size:85%;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:85%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on"><span style="">Australia</span></st1:place></st1:country-region></span><span style=";font-size:85%;" > also has the world’s best candy. I’m not much of a candy fan, so when MJ talked about the treats that awaited us in the magical land down under I listened with modest enthusiasm. But now I have discovered The Natural Confectionary Co and their range of soft jellie chews, and I may never return to regular food again! Actually, these particular treats are chock-full of real ingredients with a cane sugar base and absolutely no artificial colors or flavors – so they’re certainly not the worst thing I could eat. I’ve also sampled Space Food Sticks (caramel chews developed for astronauts) and a variety of chocolate bunny eggs, but am holding off on the much talked about Tim Tam cookies until after the race.</span></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style=";font-size:85%;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:85%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:85%;" >Another fun feature of Australian culture is the affinity for nicknames. Everyone has one – generally a shortened version of their last name with either a “y” or an “o” added to the end. Thus I would become “Benno,” save for the fact that MJ dubbed me “Hollaroo,” which is even more to my liking.</span></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style=";font-size:85%;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:85%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:85%;" >Yesterday was a glorious day here in Port Mac, due to the long-awaited appearance of the sun. It still poured rain at various intervals, but the sky opened up enough to bring smiles and renewed optimism to everyone involved with the race. It’s muggy as all get out, but that only adds to the tropical feel which I completely enjoy.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:85%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:85%;" >Perhaps one of the biggest challenges for all competitors on race day will be to avoid slipping and falling flat on our bums while navigating the transition area. It’s a normally grassy field which is currently a mud-fest, with several areas full of standing water. We sampled the swim course yesterday and the water is solid brown, with zero visibility and a flavor that inspires you to keep your mouth closed. On the bright side, it’s also fairly protected with no impact from the wild ocean swell that is pounding the coast. Rumors were circulating that the swim might be canceled due to an excess of storm debris and bacteria, but fortunately we received an email last night confirming that the course will remain unchanged. Promptly after my practice swim yesterday I downed a Coke, which is said to help kill and flush any perilous matter from unsanitary water. It seems that with the massive volume of water flowing through the area, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about – but better safe than sorry.</span></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style=";font-size:85%;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:85%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:85%;" >After swimming I went on an adventure with Nicole to a tomato and strawberry farm called Ricardoes. We were drawn there by the promise of a lunch café offering farm-fresh produce menu items – and we were not disappointed. Actually, every bit of produce I’ve tasted here has been incredibly flavorful, and our lunch was no exception. We chatted, ate and laughed for a few hours, a significant and delicious distraction from my race week nerves.</span></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style=";font-size:85%;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:85%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:85%;" >MJ’s friends from Sydney – Ryan, Belinda, Damien and baby Olivia – arrived yesterday, with promises of being the best-ever race day cheering squad. We went out on the town for a Thai dinner and a small sampling of beer – just enough to ease us into a sweetly relaxed state. Then it was time for another early sleep in preparation for the final countdown to Sunday. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:85%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:85%;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<br />Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543360571824409264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116549614625002616.post-86169676560297924552009-04-01T02:11:00.000-07:002009-04-01T02:17:34.232-07:00Pep Talk<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbGuICjxXbYBdO4BaxG0dSY1zaVipJgtuZ9EDTrNqDVDloLeW3hLzX_0mQ8SZVlGxSPg0mlVamMbBafpapbYoqXTQ6nniYuoJ3q10yrkdFXXrV5NOnlsHQqj7k0ualRHJpE_KBXegUYY/s1600-h/OZ2_001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbGuICjxXbYBdO4BaxG0dSY1zaVipJgtuZ9EDTrNqDVDloLeW3hLzX_0mQ8SZVlGxSPg0mlVamMbBafpapbYoqXTQ6nniYuoJ3q10yrkdFXXrV5NOnlsHQqj7k0ualRHJpE_KBXegUYY/s320/OZ2_001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319648272896833746" border="0" /></a>One of the locals.
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<br /></span><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CHOLLYB%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Yesterday, I received some serious pep-talking from a collection of friends – exactly what I needed, since I’ve been struck with nervousness unlike any other I’ve experienced prior to an Ironman race. MJ helped calm my fears about the potential race day weather conditions, reminding me that even if it is dumping down, we’ll have the full width of the road, minus traffic, at our disposal. She also promised me that, when the third round of hills of the bike and run hurt, I can rest assured she’ll be feeling the same pain. HPP encouraged me to relax as much as possible on the bike, even if it is pelting rain. The best way to lose control is to let the fear grip me, and the best way to prevent any trouble is to simply steer smart and keep pedaling through the wet and wind. Nicole encouraged me to embrace the inclement weather, to be a badass chick who digs adversity and appreciates the wind-burn for its simulated suntan effect.
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<br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Last night I lay in bed, wondering why on earth I had let the first few days here get me so freaked out. I certainly didn’t come all this way and work this hard to be reduced to wimp status by the weather. I came here to race an Ironman, and an Ironman is never meant to be easy. So does it really matter if the pissy skies add an extra element of challenge? Who’s afraid of a little thunderstorm?</span></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">And so I woke this morning feeling a million times better. The storm calmed a bit through the night, and I slept long and soundly. I accompanied Mike to the airport for his departure and to collect my own rental car, which I managed to convince the agent to release to me without a driver’s license. I had left my license in the apartment, but thankfully Aussies are a trusting bunch, as he handed over the key with my promise to phone in my details – something which would never transpire in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region>. After successfully navigating the left-side driving challenge I felt further buoyed in my I-can-do-anything mode, and promptly executed a rainy ride/run brick workout. Then it was time for MJ and me to retreat to our pre-race massage appointments, followed by shopping for dinner. Now, with a full belly, a relaxed body and a vastly encouraged spirit, I’m simply kicking back until bedtime – and another glorious long sleep – arrives.</span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<br />Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543360571824409264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116549614625002616.post-57196959650309749932009-03-31T19:38:00.000-07:002009-04-01T00:33:01.545-07:00Swimming 140.6?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBF8z-e7q-A2QsMDKTyTZ8APwoJJ7YRsLnV4bDXyWSeb_E_koQnKNTM83PC3ApxzpMNI5DdJKpJ1dYBAX2DCSGn7exoipazzjO1dHUWA_6MignkoJPHTYsmsvUCn7k1tYN88lecC7nhU/s1600-h/OZ2_002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBF8z-e7q-A2QsMDKTyTZ8APwoJJ7YRsLnV4bDXyWSeb_E_koQnKNTM83PC3ApxzpMNI5DdJKpJ1dYBAX2DCSGn7exoipazzjO1dHUWA_6MignkoJPHTYsmsvUCn7k1tYN88lecC7nhU/s320/OZ2_002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319547733959809058" border="0" /></a>
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<br />At the Koala Hospital
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<br />Waking from a 20-hour nap.
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<br />Lunch time!
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<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CHOLLYB%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceType"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceName"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Trebuchet MS"; panose-1:2 11 6 3 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">If the torrential rains continue, it may just come to swimming 140.6! It has been dumping down rain since we arrived in Port Macquarie, mixed with howling winds for good measure. Thank goodness the swim course is in a fairly protected river, because the ocean swell is something to behold! MJ was quite amused when I asked whether this was monsoon season in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Australia</st1:place></st1:country-region>.</span></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">There have been breaks in the storm, and during those times I’ve had a chance to view the incredible beauty of this area. It reminds me of a mix of three places I absolutely love: <st1:state st="on">Hawaii</st1:state>, <st1:state st="on">Idaho</st1:state> and the <st1:place st="on">Big Sur</st1:place> coast. It’s truly stunning and the views on the bike course will do wonders to tamper the frustration of the rain, if it does remain.
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<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">One very sad note from our crew: Mike has determined that his injury will prevent him from racing, so he’s returning home today. We’ll certainly miss him, but there’s no doubt he’s made the right decision – and there will be many more successful race days in his future once he’s properly healed.</span></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">We had the pleasure of visiting the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Koala</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Hospital</st1:placetype></st1:place> in Port Macquarie yesterday, where we saw a handful of little cuties being nursed back to health from various injuries and illnesses. The animals wind up in the hospital for a variety of reasons and the volunteer caregivers do everything possible to rehab them for release back to the wild.</span></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">I’ll have more to report about the <st1:placename st="on">Koala</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Hospital</st1:placetype> and other features of the town of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Port Macquarie</st1:place></st1:city> in an upcoming article in Triathlete’s print magazine. I’ll also be blogging more throughout race week - but now it’s time to prep for one more training ride. Wish me luck and dry skies!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<br />Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543360571824409264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116549614625002616.post-50491119069463344912009-03-29T22:35:00.001-07:002009-03-29T23:57:17.713-07:00No Turning Back<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypZkJ1W0bjb2tLt9lf43BdGg68fQ_KLwbeaD36x1bhLPZLRl1eaCTOWt2GJqYmzNQS4V46QtrAV5DO6biYLfxEyF9m2sFbiJ3p9Tpi22EKmyd3oOzxgwnIlNn-OsNu3JWRuaYfxMaYQ8/s1600-h/OZ1+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypZkJ1W0bjb2tLt9lf43BdGg68fQ_KLwbeaD36x1bhLPZLRl1eaCTOWt2GJqYmzNQS4V46QtrAV5DO6biYLfxEyF9m2sFbiJ3p9Tpi22EKmyd3oOzxgwnIlNn-OsNu3JWRuaYfxMaYQ8/s200/OZ1+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318853766402875858" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">A much better way to say "exit."</span>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIxgLlDC_X77-TYOmFsIA-5uYA8mAcbDgO5Uxoy3mU1BqzqJ_F-RjrL93uvDCqV1TrtBXvnZtnOc6TpsnuTqnaxNHJCxHH-_CXvkhA42M5KmJ4V9s8aOuIEkdHx5hdExPSz4WLpoe8hw/s1600-h/OZ1+004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIxgLlDC_X77-TYOmFsIA-5uYA8mAcbDgO5Uxoy3mU1BqzqJ_F-RjrL93uvDCqV1TrtBXvnZtnOc6TpsnuTqnaxNHJCxHH-_CXvkhA42M5KmJ4V9s8aOuIEkdHx5hdExPSz4WLpoe8hw/s200/OZ1+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318853785748285906" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Mike in a happy travel haze.</span>
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<br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Girls giddy from travel.</span>
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<br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">HPP & MJ - mmmm, meat pies!</span>
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<br />Watch for roos!
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<br /></span></p><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CHOLLYB%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceName"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceType"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Trebuchet MS"; panose-1:2 11 6 3 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 0 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">5:00 am OZ time and I can’t stay in bed any longer. I am, however, feeling much more rested after a rock-solid sleep following the long day of travel. The flight over was reasonably comfortable, plus I had a chance to catch up with friends Tim and Nicole DeBoom en route. Tim looks phenomenally fit and I’m guessing he’ll have a brilliant race. Nicole is bubbly and kind as ever, and will accompany me later this week to the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Koala</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Hospital</st1:placetype></st1:place> in Port Macquarie to check out one of the unique local attractions. She’ll also serve as cheerleader extraordinaire for all of us, and her smile will be a welcome sight during the race.</span></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Once in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Sydney</st1:place></st1:city> I connected with MJ, HPP and Mike and spent several hours lugging bags about, sampling yummy food and drink (the airport food is actually good here!) and waiting for our next flight. The tiny plane that took us onward to Port Mac was miraculously able to fit all of our bikes, so sighs of relief were widespread. I was seated in back next to the uber-sweet Chrissie Wellington, so we had a fun chat and I enjoyed getting to know her a bit more. She and MJ met for the first time in the boarding area, and immediately gave each other a warm hug – which I thought was particularly classy and a genuine representation of the soul behind our sport.</span></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Immediately upon exiting the rental car lot (and no, I was not driving, but rather slightly panicking at being on the “wrong” side of the road) I saw my first kangaroo crossing sign. No sight of an actual kanga yet, but I’m keeping my eyes peeled.
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<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Once “home” to our apartment at the Flynns Beach Resort, we went to work taking care of the bare necessities. The guys built up all the bikes (thanks guys!) while MJ and I went shopping for supplies. We also searched in vain for a bike shop that was open on Sunday afternoon, since all four of us neglected to pack a pump. MJ and I drove around town asking anyone we could find for a shop; one gentleman was particularly kind and gave us detailed directions – only problem was that he heard my American “bike shop” as “bait shop” and therefore exuberantly described the best place in town to purchase fish. We didn’t bother correcting him; as MJ put it, he was extremely helpful, just not terribly useful.</span></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Rather than ride on soft tires, we all headed out for a short shake-off-the-travel run. I have to say I’ve never in my life felt worse running. I mean it was pure hell. Immediately my lungs started burning and I was wheezing as though in the grips of an asthma attack. That passed after about five minutes, and after I slowed to a barely moving jog. MJ and HPP trotted on ahead, and poor Mike turned back after just a few steps. He’s dealing with an undetermined injury which hopefully is only a shin splint and won’t prevent him from racing – but his first attempt to run in over a week proved quite discouraging. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">I ran (if you can call it that) for 30 minutes, losing confidence with every step. I felt heavy, bloated, sluggish and sore (my Achilles has been nagging me for some time, and it was particularly irritated yesterday). I didn’t expect to feel great, following on the heels of international travel, but I certainly didn’t expect to feel that awful. But on the bright side, it can truly only get better from here!</span></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">The rest of the evening was spent in a groggy haze. MJ and I cooked dinner and everyone tried to stay awake long enough to synch into a normal routine, but I was the first to climb into bed at 8:00pm. I feel much improved this morning, and imagine that after our morning swim, afternoon ride and one more thick night’s sleep I’ll be perfectly adjusted to the Aussie clock, and my fitness and confidence will emerge from hiding.
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<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >Did I mention that it’s raining? Dumping, pouring rain in fact. The 10-day forecast looks pretty gloomy, and we can only hope that the storms pass prior to Sunday. But ultimately, whatever the day brings, we’ll all be out in it together. What will be, will be!</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:11;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543360571824409264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116549614625002616.post-89351675171515639462009-03-29T01:07:00.001-07:002009-03-29T01:07:52.217-07:00Up and AwayI’m writing this seven hours into my flight to OZ. After sleeping lightly through the night, I was inspired to roust myself with a cup of really poor coffee. It’s dark outside and it seems we may be flying through the black of night for most of the entire fourteen hours, as we land in Sydney at 7:00am local time. I only wish my coffee could be so dark.<br /><br />I am kept awake more by the excitement of the journey. After much anticipation, the time has finally arrived, and I am ready to relax, relish the moments and enjoy every aspect. I am amused by the number of people who, when told I am traveling to Australia for vacation and to race an Ironman, can’t fathom the connection between the two events. This is definitely my kind of vacation – one which involves international travel, time spent with dear friends and –oh yeah – one helluva long workout in the mix. I learned from my first Ironman experience (New Zealand 2005) that it’s well worth encompassing the race into a grander plan of travel and adventure. Whatever happens on race day becomes slightly less important, given that there are so many aspects to the trip to add to the enjoyment and allure.<br /><br />I may sound a bit nonchalant at the moment, but don’t get me wrong – I do have a dream goal in mind for the race, and of course I would love to have a brilliant day on the course. But the challenge for the next week is to try my best not to focus on time splits and rankings and to simply enjoy every drop of this experience. It’s far too easy to get caught up in tri-talk about past PR’s and future goals, and to become attached to a projected outcome for the race. If I think of all the people I know who’ve ever raced Ironman events, and how rarely their exact expectations have come to fruition, it’s a small number indeed. <br /><br />It’s also far too easy to second-guess my fitness at this point – to wonder if I should have spent more time in the pool, more time focused on my cycling cadence, more time in the weight room. And where are those six-pack abs I promised myself? The fact is, given the demands of an adult life, it’s near impossible to fit in every hour of training that I would embrace if I had the luxury of absolute free time. But I don’t, and that’s ok. I’ve done all that I possibly could have, I’ve trained harder and more specifically than I have for races in the past, and I now have the fitness that I will have on race day, for better or for worse. There’s nothing I can do physically in the final week to enhance this fitness aside from rest up in a big way. <br /><br />Mentally, however, I still have some training to do. Now is the time to really hone in on what it takes to stay focused for an all-day event. It’s a chance to visualize the course, from the heart-thumping mass swim start, through the post-swim-shakiness of T1, over three laps and three rather significant climbs on the bike, through the flurry and relief of T2, three laps again on the run-course and ultimately those emotional final strides down the finish chute. And more than anything, it’s time to practice throwing my time goals out the window, getting the numbers out of my head and focusing on this goal above all else – to listen to my body on race day; to trust it to take me places far and fast and strong; to push harder than I ever have, balanced against pace and distance; to give it my all, revel in it all, enjoy it all. I mean why else would I do this?Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543360571824409264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116549614625002616.post-63835914114015866152009-03-29T01:02:00.000-07:002009-03-29T01:04:01.038-07:00Test vs. Truth - Week 13Now we’re talking taper. Finally I am able to reap the rewards of all the hard work and pretty much chill out. Of course, it’s always a challenge to sit on my duff and feel my fitness fade away (refer back to this post for more on my disdain for tapering), but I know it’s merely a false sense of softness, my body taking advantage of this phase in training to quiet down, rest and prepare for the big day. Plus, there has been so much else to do to get ready for this trip – bags to pack, work to complete, logistics to sort out, loose ends to tie up, doggie care to coordinate – that in some ways its been more exhausting than a full week of training. MJ knew I would be heading into this final week fairly run-down and overwhelmed – which is why she nixed one additional swim workout and strongly suggested a full day of rest. I was about to query her with the same suggestion, so I was thrilled and relieved to know we were on the same page.<br /><br />Looking back at the past several weeks, I’m pleased to note that I’ve followed coach MJ’s instructions exactly. Here’s what happened in week #13:<br /><br />Swim workouts – masters x 2<br /><br />Bike workouts – 1:30, :60 (easy spin on trainer), 2:00<br /><br />Run workouts – :60 (intervals), :60<br /><br />Plus one luxurious complete day off!Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543360571824409264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116549614625002616.post-17101959663485856712009-03-23T07:41:00.001-07:002009-03-23T07:41:47.843-07:00Test vs. Truth - Week 12The email from MJ containing my final few weeks’ training plan led with the subject “ALMOST DONE.” And it’s true, the long hard miles are behind me, and now is the time to finish up, fine tune, stay healthy and revel in all that I’ve accomplished thus far. I do believe that getting to the start line of an Ironman is possibly the hardest part - and I’m almost there. It’s particularly cool, in a weird way, when a four-hour workout feels short.<br /><br />Swim workouts – masters x 4<br /><br />Bike workouts – 2:00, 1:30, 3:30 + :30 T-run, :60 (easy spin on trainer)<br /><br />Run workouts – :70 (intervals), :40, :60, 1:45Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543360571824409264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116549614625002616.post-7730304796545024022009-03-23T07:35:00.001-07:002009-03-23T07:35:50.159-07:00Hopes, Dreams, Desires – Goals?When you train for an Ironman, everyone and their mother asks your projected goal time. The thing is, one of the greatest challenges about the whole training and racing process is to try NOT to get attached to a specific outcome. One out of my three previous Ironman races was slightly less enjoyable than the others, and I know it’s because I was too focused on my time. When I got out of the water after a particularly cold & challenging swim, I was cranky because my perfect plan for the day was already shot. Let me tell you, that is no way to feel only one hour into a twelve hour event! When I talked to MJ after the race, she said she always laughs when people pinpoint their projected time – because it’s an Ironman and so much of anything can happen to derail that perfect plan. MJ embraces the attitude that in an Ironman, the goal is to finish - anything else is pure bonus. This, from one of the most accomplished and competitive triathletes the sport will ever know. <br /><br />So instead of posting a time goal, I’m going to share my hopes, dreams and desires for this race, and for any Ironman that I ever undertake. In no specific order, here they are:<br /><br />• Get to the start.<br />• Get to the finish.<br />• Better my own best time.<br />• Set a new swim PR – I promised Nick and Natalie from CTS that I’d bake them a huge batch of cookies, should I improve my swim time using the technique tips they taught me. I haven’t baked in years, so that would be fun!<br />• Smile for the camera – just one decent finish line photo would be nice!<br />• Smile more than I wince throughout the day.<br />• Run a kickass marathon. Unlike most triathletes, I look forward to the final leg of the race – so I hope to feel strong when I get there and enjoy every stride.<br />• Remember the words of support, motivation and humor from my friends, family & fellow athletes when I need them most – it’s amazing how those little phrases pop into my head, mantra-like, during the long hours.<br />• Have the strength to push beyond my expectations during the high points and to pull myself out of the low points of the guaranteed roller coaster of race day.<br />• Remain coherent enough to continue thanking the volunteers throughout the day, even/especially through the last miles of the run.<br />• Make the top-five podium in my age group in an Ironman race. That, I think, would be way cool.<br />• Someday, some way, gain entry into Kona. I don’t care if it’s through qualification, lottery selection or some other divine act – I just want to do that race once. <br />• Forget about all these goals during the race and simply swim, bike and run my heart out, to the best of my ability on that particular day.<br />• Make MJ proud.<br /><br />Of course, I know that MJ is proud of me already – for all the training and hard work I’ve done - and she’ll be prouder still when, if all goes well, I reach the finish in Port Mac. But I feel a certain extra drive this time around, which I’m sure is a very common component of any athlete/coach relationship. I want to show her how much she has helped me improve.<br /><br />MJ has helped me in so many ways this year, only a portion of which relates to triathlon. She’s been an incredible friend, support, confidante, travel buddy, home-away-from-home, shoulder to cry on, fashion consultant, girlfriend to LOL with - a BFF in every way. And of course her training and racing mentorship has been invaluable. I can’t wait to get out there and test myself, and also to race at the same time as MJ, crossing paths on the 3-lap bike and run course and sharing words of encouragement – hopefully giving back to her some of the same support she’s provided. It’s stacking up to be an exciting day, with a competitive women’s field and MJ as the home-country favorite. I’ll be cheering like mad for my coach and friend. Go MJ!!!Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543360571824409264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116549614625002616.post-13068419065016545072009-03-16T20:56:00.000-07:002009-03-16T20:57:12.065-07:00Test vs. Truth – Week 11This week I’ve started to get a wee little bit stressed out. I’m feeling the load of a massive to-do list. Work, final training, travel prep and general life responsibilities are making my mind whirl and my sleep less than solid. I’m not feeling as rested as I would like, and thus everything I attempt has an added degree of challenge. It’s no wonder that my self-confidence is slightly cracking. Am I really ready for this? Have I trained hard enough, long enough, fast enough, specifically enough? What will race day bring? Will I feel energized and strong on Sunday the 5th? Will I successfully embrace the highs and combat the lows? Will I remember to have fun?<br /><br />I know that somehow everything will come together smoothly, and that race day will bring what it brings. And I know that whatever it does bring, I’ll be thrilled to be there in the thick of things. Right now I just have to continue focusing on my to-do list and counting the days until I board that plane.<br /><br /><br />Swim workouts – masters x 3<br /><br />Bike workouts – :60 (trainer spin), 2:00, 1:30, 4:00 + :60 T-run<br /><br />Run workouts – :60, 2:00 (remember, I also had an additional 2:30/:30 double run, bumped from last Sunday to Monday due to last Saturday’s mini-Ironman)Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543360571824409264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116549614625002616.post-59124441453653098122009-03-11T21:25:00.000-07:002009-03-11T21:27:12.315-07:00A Bad Case of PDI’ve got it bad – an unfortunate condition I refer to as Packing Disorder. PD is characterized by a complete and utter inability to pack light for any sort of trip. You’d think, with the amount that I travel, I’d have my bag streamlined down to a simple carry-on, a collection of mix-and-match apparel and tiny toiletries. But this is most definitely not the case! Instead, I find myself pulling out the scale prior to every flight, making sure my bag is just below the 50-lb standard limit. Without fail, it weighs in at 49.5.<br /><br />I oftentimes wonder what is wrong with me. Why do I struggle so profoundly with the most minor of challenges: choosing what to take and, more importantly, what to omit? You see, I like to have options. I mean is it honestly reasonable to expect me to know, today, what I’m going to feel like wearing this weekend? There are far too many variables at work. The weather, of course, is unpredictable. My plans might shift, and I could end up in a dive bar rather than seated for a four-course meal. I always need a selection of cozy clothes for lounging in the hotel or a friend’s house, plus I can’t forget my workout gear – that alone sometimes requires an entire suitcase. And the greatest variable of all – how will a specific outfit look and feel on any given day? <br /><br />Don’t pretend you can’t relate – I know I’m not alone in thinking that my body, and therefore the way my clothes fit on my body, changes almost daily. As does my mood, my fashion sense, my not-so-signature style. I swear, if there was ever a fire in my house, I’d wind up a burned effigy in front of the closet door, stuck trying to decide between flap-pocket-boot-cut-jeans or low-rise capris for my dramatic escape.<br /><br />The point being, I’m beginning to get a little bit stressed about the impending pack job for my journey down under. With weight restrictions for our in-country flight, I need to pare it down to one checked bag plus my bike. Normally I would take two bags – one full of swim-bike-run training, race and recovery gear; the other filled with fashion apparel. And shoes – oh god, my shoes! I already have to allocate valuable space to bike and run footwear. Where on earth will I fit my mules, wedges and flip-flops?<br /><br />There is a part of me, however, that is weirdly excited to step up to the challenge of minimizing my load. After all, what’s really wrong with wearing the same jeans to every occasion? Two or three tops, a pair of shorts, a bikini (ok, maybe two bikinis) and a warm hoodie and I should be just fine. I’m sure they have laundry facilities in Australia. I’ll also be traveling with two women (MJ and twin Gabby) who would gladly lend me anything I’m missing – however the fact that they are half my size and twice my height makes sharing near impossible. Of course, in the back of my mind I’m also holding tight to a bit of insight that MJ gave me: the less I bring, the more I can buy. That touches on another of my afflictions, compulsive shopping – but I’ll let that one lie for the time being!Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543360571824409264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116549614625002616.post-1964896442425038712009-03-10T22:03:00.000-07:002009-03-10T22:16:08.298-07:00Test vs. Truth – Week 10<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAcxT3lPOy9v4MLIcV4SWHyzbMXepahxfc4QM5HwffcIWIi8IpbPQWEUyKY_9371xABr-cC243fZEsWnk1RamkMW9-gr7saUsFx1BzA-iZ9RMKF6XVd2leP6GS0dbTmq5WmZYKYWx-8OI/s1600-h/CTS+tri+camp+002-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAcxT3lPOy9v4MLIcV4SWHyzbMXepahxfc4QM5HwffcIWIi8IpbPQWEUyKY_9371xABr-cC243fZEsWnk1RamkMW9-gr7saUsFx1BzA-iZ9RMKF6XVd2leP6GS0dbTmq5WmZYKYWx-8OI/s320/CTS+tri+camp+002-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311792085970227794" border="0" /></a><br />Chris, Lance, Tracy, Nick and me<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1XG6cW6eXz4Ot83rmnhxwNNGHAhd-6JUGuXVq_596tr7h1BxP4scwjIl6izAOqfnepYfuovqlEbGpyVX_plMShWFVx64XcEW7KR9H3nq7pnC9zOrnaz4hXh5j6Ja5qL_eOD6XNVcfUM/s1600-h/CTS+tri+camp+011.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1XG6cW6eXz4Ot83rmnhxwNNGHAhd-6JUGuXVq_596tr7h1BxP4scwjIl6izAOqfnepYfuovqlEbGpyVX_plMShWFVx64XcEW7KR9H3nq7pnC9zOrnaz4hXh5j6Ja5qL_eOD6XNVcfUM/s320/CTS+tri+camp+011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311792092381214882" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Tri-camp final dinner: John, Gale, Warren, Natalie, Tracy, me, Nick<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmSgxpCEilvhBLcZ5lRUBb87Zh-BgvyAk6d8Q_OeAcEcmszrFKLnUTNmcYvxsVogzzkt0EcXItCv1sEaLY11UeqkAv-cHzJTAtKjH0pPUZdUrPqq9kxi5xFJioCcdWhBlpSAmMX6oOgw/s1600-h/CTS+tri+camp+010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmSgxpCEilvhBLcZ5lRUBb87Zh-BgvyAk6d8Q_OeAcEcmszrFKLnUTNmcYvxsVogzzkt0EcXItCv1sEaLY11UeqkAv-cHzJTAtKjH0pPUZdUrPqq9kxi5xFJioCcdWhBlpSAmMX6oOgw/s320/CTS+tri+camp+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311792098120991122" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A well-earned (and shared) dessert.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMC0eEyidc4mw-T6XlU943xCp5bl33XazUtUWOHX6OQyRY3lX4jP47HU1XiMG3mAlnuJL1hkpXJLtd7baErjwG_VRfLXiA9-nW2hxZlH3n5oS_sJ_BKJL2Ocza1OtPlgV5ok7FjM9GdOY/s1600-h/CTS+tri+camp+014.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMC0eEyidc4mw-T6XlU943xCp5bl33XazUtUWOHX6OQyRY3lX4jP47HU1XiMG3mAlnuJL1hkpXJLtd7baErjwG_VRfLXiA9-nW2hxZlH3n5oS_sJ_BKJL2Ocza1OtPlgV5ok7FjM9GdOY/s320/CTS+tri+camp+014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311792109144561698" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Proof positive that I broke down my own bike!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Last week was a bit of a departure from my regular training routine, due to being at camp.<br />However, all told the workouts were a fairly close approximation to what I would have done on my own.<br /><br />The sum total Monday through Thursday:<br /><br />Swim workouts – 1x easy, 1x stroke drill workout, 1x distance workout with field test<br /><br />Bike workouts – 2:30 with field test, 1:30 recovery, 3:00 with 2x bike/run speed bricks<br /><br />Run workouts – 1:00 with field test, :45 recovery<br /><br />Weight training – I’m done with weights until after Ironman, though I’ll try my best to schedule time for ab work and stretching.<br /><br />Friday was a complete day off. I was tempted to swim, but was swiftly shut down by MJ, who had the foresight to suggest that I would need to rest up for Saturday. MJ never tells me outright not to do something; she simply says, “I would rather you ______,” kindly conveying the fact that I’d be an idiot not to listen. There is much to be said for the wisdom of experience and the guidance of a caring friend.<br /><br />I stayed in Tucson on Saturday in order to complete my final monster workout in the dry desert warmth. It looked a little something like this:<br /><br />4k swim, followed by 5:00 bike (much of it at race pace), followed by 1:00 T-run. Pretty much an Iron-mini-man!<br /><br />Not surprisingly, Sunday was an additional day of rest and an opportunity to travel back home, unpack, wash a week’s worth of laundry and gear up for Monday morning’s pre-work run. The run was 2:30, and thanks to Daylight Savings I spent the entire first hour in the dark, a Mini Maglite brightening the way. The final kicker was a second :30 run in the afternoon.<br /><br />All in all, a pretty wonderful week!Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543360571824409264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116549614625002616.post-8695776644714325952009-03-09T21:37:00.000-07:002009-03-09T21:39:30.709-07:00Swimming DownhillI was asked by a reader to provide some of the swim tips to help raise one’s hips in the water, so here they are. Remember, I’m no expert – just passing along a few of the tidbits I learned at camp.<br /><br />1) Look straight down at the bottom of the pool. Many people swim with their heads too high out of the water, but if you look down, the rear of your body tends to lift up.<br />2) Imagine that you’re pressing your chest toward the bottom of the pool. Same result as above.<br />3) Tilt your pelvis slightly forward. Again, it gets that booty up in the air.<br />4) Imagine pressing your belly button toward your spine. This also helps to engage your abs.<br />5) Tighten your bottom – and feel it rise up.<br />6) And my favorite, imagine yourself “swimming downhill.” Just thinking about it makes me swim faster. Thanks to Coach Natalie for this one.<br /><br />Now obviously, if you tried to do all of these simultaneously, you’d likely stop swimming altogether due to over-concentration! And most certainly not all of these tips will make sense to you. So pick one or two that do resonate, and give it a try – your butt will be breaching in no time!Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543360571824409264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116549614625002616.post-81818810722765619182009-03-05T06:12:00.000-08:002009-03-05T06:13:09.987-08:00I’m Sinking!The two things I learned from my swim stroke video analysis are:<br /><br />1) I swim like a windmill – meaning I do not bend my arms at the elbows whatsoever when I’m pulling through the water.<br />2) My hips sink when I swim. My entire body is pretty much at a 45 degree angle with the surface of the water.<br /><br />For those of you who are not swimmers, let me clarify: neither of these is a good thing! In fact, they both impede smooth and swift forward progress. It’s amazing to have spent years swimming and never had these two significant flaws brought to me attention. There’s really only so much one can see from above water, but the underwater video tells all. I can easily understand why some people watch their videos and proclaim, “That’s not me!” But there I was, in my unmistakable black and pink TYR suit, going nowhere fast.<br /><br />The good news is that Coach Nick says if I can improve just those two things, I will swim noticeably faster. We’re headed to the pool this afternoon for a workout, so I’m eager to apply my new knowledge and crush my previous PR!Hollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04543360571824409264noreply@blogger.com2