tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14398018974971152532024-03-12T23:24:00.582-07:00If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun!Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05035108029047482424noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439801897497115253.post-47547532587465020642013-10-04T14:54:00.000-07:002013-10-04T14:54:26.273-07:00Race Across America!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CGyJqLcgCxgTFJSpLueNjqND3EMd1yRb24J7Sf4AEyrbkwpmx9Ezwusyl5oolAXyWZJDLX71Lvfa4MOtPw7NHZlr5xqwnx02zUqK7uo5G2Dd8oP73UcdZ2-7mQwxCOcoFRkh8GrmAwbN/s1600/IMG_4954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CGyJqLcgCxgTFJSpLueNjqND3EMd1yRb24J7Sf4AEyrbkwpmx9Ezwusyl5oolAXyWZJDLX71Lvfa4MOtPw7NHZlr5xqwnx02zUqK7uo5G2Dd8oP73UcdZ2-7mQwxCOcoFRkh8GrmAwbN/s320/IMG_4954.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
So I've actually written this blog several times. It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to say and then even longer to figure out HOW to say it. I decided I would make it a detailed state-by-state report. I got as far as Kansas and deleted it. It just wasn't authentic. Yes, it included a lot of actual events that took place, but it wasn't <i>real</i>. It would be impossible for me to recount only the great parts of the race, and difficult to tell the whole truth about what I experienced, so I decided to focus on what I learned from RAAM.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDg0POfjPQ611rrVy-KHwgCwCfMp5tSbyLbglDlVsuxo1TCbu3wI0fGdagNHbUvKIXa_WV0vhdzBQAEs-_5IoKJQbolOe5RShZeXdt5K9bcz03HEEsw3yLj5wpyWvtCBkkZ9KOKvvWGa9/s1600/and-when-people.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDg0POfjPQ611rrVy-KHwgCwCfMp5tSbyLbglDlVsuxo1TCbu3wI0fGdagNHbUvKIXa_WV0vhdzBQAEs-_5IoKJQbolOe5RShZeXdt5K9bcz03HEEsw3yLj5wpyWvtCBkkZ9KOKvvWGa9/s320/and-when-people.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Thank you Elizabeth for supporting my weirdness! </i></div>
<i><b>I LOVE my friends, family, and total strangers who supported us!</b> </i>If we really printed up all our sponsors on our jerseys they would all have to be 5XL! I am STILL in complete and total shock at the outpouring of love and encouragement we received from everyone. I feel so incredibly blessed to have such wonderful people around me everyday. One thing that was a really cool idea was having our friends write letters. Some were funny, some were motivational, but they were all great. Crew member Leslie was reading one to me and she started crying. She said "this is exactly how I felt about you when I first met you!" I kept the letters and read that one in particular when I am feeling crappy. It reminds me that 1)Elizabeth and I are Unicorn blood sisters for life and 2) My friends are really awesome. Like seriously. You don't get any better than this.<br />
<br />
To my family that still doesn't quite get me but loves me anyways: thank you for allowing me to do what makes me happy and providing me with unconditional support. And no, I am not a professional athlete and you can stop telling people you are related to a professional cyclist. I pay to do this stuff!<br />
<br />
To the people who have come out of the woodworks to make this dream a reality: YOU ROCK! Thank you so much for your encouragement and support. It really meant a lot to me!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRoXdJClhyphenhyphenaaevdn3fYJuckuVxZ3pYUOwpN_kLOvwTUhRrnAdoC5ba2mqwSxoP8czxR4uOGYrKO2LFaTSGU78wtCOecOUdJsosJA5lvLV5pHdCgA3XtBIyxES7hT2nHy_mund6I6CMP3S/s1600/IMG_4953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRoXdJClhyphenhyphenaaevdn3fYJuckuVxZ3pYUOwpN_kLOvwTUhRrnAdoC5ba2mqwSxoP8czxR4uOGYrKO2LFaTSGU78wtCOecOUdJsosJA5lvLV5pHdCgA3XtBIyxES7hT2nHy_mund6I6CMP3S/s320/IMG_4953.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The greatest crew you'll ever meet!</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b><i>The true definition of selflessness:</i></b> Being selfness means that you put others needs and interests ahead of your own. This is exactly what the 11 crew members did at RAAM. I've never experienced people behave in the way that they did. Everyone was stripped to the absolute core of who they are as humans. All basic necessities were taken away. Not everyone acts pretty in that rawness. But they were all selfless. It's one thing to crew for your spouse/partner and act that way. It's a whole other ballgame when you don't know that person very well or even at all and you can still put your needs aside to help them meet a goal.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonxT53K1TjT1ZhM0BMbGpKbFHzduAbkMw95DbXmrbY0e64zCOisCpH-U7tYFOGj_QF5Ec6WIySpkYjOZywrmtSvF6eSrwVzg1rBzMWhPzTT5w_YioCvr0WmefIJbn2J8pXLFILu87SsZ5/s1600/IMG_4946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonxT53K1TjT1ZhM0BMbGpKbFHzduAbkMw95DbXmrbY0e64zCOisCpH-U7tYFOGj_QF5Ec6WIySpkYjOZywrmtSvF6eSrwVzg1rBzMWhPzTT5w_YioCvr0WmefIJbn2J8pXLFILu87SsZ5/s320/IMG_4946.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>My daytime crew on a dance break.</i></div>
<i style="font-weight: bold;">I have a great "circle": </i>I have this small circle of people that I would do anything in the world for. They aren't all people that you would necessarily call "nice" but they are people that would go to bat for me in any situation under any circumstance. My circle grew during RAAM. When I was debriefing with Stan Beecham the sports psychologist we worked with going into the race he said "within five minutes of meeting you I knew you would be fine. You are the kind of person I want to be in a foxhole with." When looking for great crew members think to yourself "would I want to be in a foxhole with this person?" Because at times that is what it really felt like! I am happy to say my circle widened a little bit after the race.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2JaCyfAIZ10b_XkeNQ1CKs52eGe3GJjq_kDcTIthLI88Rf5K4XFysMfB7otTqtSsN7EOjD2BkcZOaimFSsVOXsQGvOqGbIhzDCCViT3rW7rBiTCDcN3gL9D66BtCTMzJs2BDS8-U33BC/s1600/IMG_4950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2JaCyfAIZ10b_XkeNQ1CKs52eGe3GJjq_kDcTIthLI88Rf5K4XFysMfB7otTqtSsN7EOjD2BkcZOaimFSsVOXsQGvOqGbIhzDCCViT3rW7rBiTCDcN3gL9D66BtCTMzJs2BDS8-U33BC/s320/IMG_4950.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>True friends wear unicorn costumes for you! </i></div>
<i style="font-weight: bold;">I am basically the exact same person I was before I did this....kind of. </i>You think that you will do something like this and cross the finish line and there will be this incredible change that happens. It's just not true. The change happens gradually, from the minute you make the commitment to undertake something of this magnitude. You do not change when you cross the finish line. For me, crossing the finish line made me very overwhelmed with gratitude and love for the people that helped me get there. Yes I was happy with the accomplishment, but I felt (and still feel) like the crew were the ones that made it really happen. Every time someone wanted to talk about the race, all I wanted to do was talk about the crew. I am literally in awe of their awesomeness and words will never be able to explain how much what they did meant to me. When I got home and the dust settled all I wanted to do was crew for people. I literally sat down and thought "how can I even begin to give back to these people the way they gave to me?" I feel humbled by their gracious attitudes and selfless spirits. I don't know that I would have been so kind under the same circumstances.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOm3j5PQOrJX7MAPI6VEAAYHWGHCy-0sozmC0KkcxiPLuORBIyPK51o_SEvpb_hiz_XZLVioj3zxWNRkg5ftvY1ehGnB19lnMjeE-jVsxjyYPVdxd_tSQRVgQMvNozOeCH2mfYJGTneGt/s1600/IMG_4949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOm3j5PQOrJX7MAPI6VEAAYHWGHCy-0sozmC0KkcxiPLuORBIyPK51o_SEvpb_hiz_XZLVioj3zxWNRkg5ftvY1ehGnB19lnMjeE-jVsxjyYPVdxd_tSQRVgQMvNozOeCH2mfYJGTneGt/s320/IMG_4949.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>I spent most of my training visualizing West Virginia and how I wanted to climb those hills!</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik39euSWMhWZzqHi858wpo7uh0ati_vfrOcRZkynrNoSN0yc_psxeDD367xab6SJPgQQuVJBsQYbrhnwYZ63sOIZn9kIEZgi6_9Qp_i96ltDKT6NvProWU3Gom8P9o0wdsbAUgSRMuJzD5/s1600/IMG_4955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik39euSWMhWZzqHi858wpo7uh0ati_vfrOcRZkynrNoSN0yc_psxeDD367xab6SJPgQQuVJBsQYbrhnwYZ63sOIZn9kIEZgi6_9Qp_i96ltDKT6NvProWU3Gom8P9o0wdsbAUgSRMuJzD5/s320/IMG_4955.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Hugging my dad at the finish line. Jason's parents surprised us and showed up too!</i></div>
<i style="font-weight: bold;">If you want to test out commitment, do RAAM: </i>This is a particularly hard section to write. Mostly because I am not sappy, but it makes me choke up to think about Jason and what he did to make this race happen. I talked to him before agreeing to do it. He was totally on board. He spent HOURS working on the gear for us. He literally packed everything we needed into the vans and was responsible for making sure we had everything we were going to need for the race-no small task. On top of taking that job, he also had to endure 4:45 am alarm clocks on a regular basis. Rather than complain he would simply nudge me and say "RAAM" until I got out of bed. Once the race was underway Jason was my advocate in many ways. I shutter to think about what the race would have been like without him. He is the most supportive and encouraging partner in the world. I mean who else can you come home to and say "Hey, wanna go to Romania and run 30,000 feet through abandoned castles for 20 hours?" and get an enthusiastic "YES!" from. Jason rocks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9Ug_f3Yei7wZWqKACCzkQswh8hQYSvBpTBx8sIyum_yeCYAz7eU0HGZefMQROZtxAml_kBSV_tsiZQ6myVZ50F1q3MVY4QR6A7Nw4uRzd7Dxx0oRzqwIg8OPkeJyHTQdvRojz-8-Xfti/s1600/IMG_4987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9Ug_f3Yei7wZWqKACCzkQswh8hQYSvBpTBx8sIyum_yeCYAz7eU0HGZefMQROZtxAml_kBSV_tsiZQ6myVZ50F1q3MVY4QR6A7Nw4uRzd7Dxx0oRzqwIg8OPkeJyHTQdvRojz-8-Xfti/s320/IMG_4987.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>This is how I slept. Not exactly comfortable but it worked. </i></div>
<br />
Race Across America was really the experience of a lifetime. I had fun, more fun than I've ever had racing before. I was surrounded by some of the most wonderful people I've ever met who stopped their lives to make sure Kacie and I made it to the finish line in record time. Would I do it again? Absolutely. I'm thrilled to report many of the crew want to do it again too-a good sign that they enjoyed the experience.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nci1FeIugiPBiEBc8atXWbhfSKGMhWm54aBzwvbKc13uqCsO4M5fdbNoQTNNnVKjEqyhyphenhyphenaPXSxMSuS9vRk_O6nhkxQpnk0rDjWyC0RoqIqQIplMf6gbCVP-FRQUSr6ArAOmWcHudBUn7/s1600/IMG_4971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nci1FeIugiPBiEBc8atXWbhfSKGMhWm54aBzwvbKc13uqCsO4M5fdbNoQTNNnVKjEqyhyphenhyphenaPXSxMSuS9vRk_O6nhkxQpnk0rDjWyC0RoqIqQIplMf6gbCVP-FRQUSr6ArAOmWcHudBUn7/s320/IMG_4971.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Power, Pedals, and Ponytails: 2-person female RAAM record holders! So proud of this!!</i></div>
The thousands of pedal strokes are what physically got us to Annapolis, but it was the support of the 11 crew and the gazillions of friends and family members back home that made it possible to even show up at the pier in Oceanside. "Thank you" will never be sufficient enough to express how I feel. I can just say that I am honored to have you as my friends and feel blessed beyond belief! Your generosity will never be forgotten and I am striving every day to be as selfless to others as you all were to me. Thank you for teaching me the true definition of what a "crew member" is. Thank you for showing me what it is like to commit to helping others and never give up on them. And most of all, thank you for being you.<br />
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05035108029047482424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439801897497115253.post-81435253728476290302013-06-12T12:32:00.000-07:002013-06-12T12:32:23.716-07:00And now for the moment you've all been waiting for.....<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is hard to believe that in a few short days I will toe the starting line to the 32nd annual Race Across America. In case you haven't heard (what have you been living under?!?) RAAM is a 3000 mile bike RACE. It is continuous, we will race 24 hours a day. We start in Oceanside California and end in Annapolis Maryland. We have 9 days to complete the race. Only three 2-person female teams have finished it. Ever. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's hard to know exactly how much I will ride, but it's safe to say it will be around 100+ hours in less than 9 days.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So how exactly does one train for Race Across America? Honestly I have no clue. I know what I did, and I know what Kacie did and that is about all I know. It involved a tremendous amount of time on the bike. More hours riding than I have ever put in. It also included days that looked like this: 1 hour ride/30 minute break. Repeat 8 times. Those were some of my winter trainer sessions. They were brutal. 1.5 hours total time x 8 = 12 hours. I remember crawling on my trainer for my last "on" and getting done at 9pm thinking "seriously I have lost my mind" The toughest part about those sessions? Having just enough time to shower, eat dinner, sit in the norma tec boots and pass out because I had to get up the next day and do it all over again.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0Zh8yUOGqHShlAcHLaaeICWRbrHXei0YYbcZDknJFO5RtSTEoIuRbabkUE28lVo_ask3D9nMmKl2yr_5luhiNtkqmXJW8ACDe0HWC_g42nhUWbnvthSRUy43928chOQvC2-dhLYNsrEz/s1600/IMG_4135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0Zh8yUOGqHShlAcHLaaeICWRbrHXei0YYbcZDknJFO5RtSTEoIuRbabkUE28lVo_ask3D9nMmKl2yr_5luhiNtkqmXJW8ACDe0HWC_g42nhUWbnvthSRUy43928chOQvC2-dhLYNsrEz/s320/IMG_4135.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In addition to the training Kacie and I have been putting in, our crew has been putting in work too. Chief Anne has been booking flights, working logistics, putting out fires with her glitter shooting extinguisher. Gear Guru Jason made countless trips to the store buying things to get the 8 page list of items we needed to bring as organized as possible. He kicked me out of the garage to make room for his work, and spent hours separating and organizing. I hate to tell him this, but it will likely all get undone in about 2 days of racing. George is our navigation man. I don't know what he has been doing for RAAM, but I know that he has made us some really great routes that we used for our 24 hour simulation rides. The man can read a map!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have tried the best we can to prepare our crew for what they will encounter at RAAM. In early February we had a crew retreat. This was our "this isn't going to be all glitter and butterflies" meeting. Chief Anne laid out the expectations and what our goal was. We asked our crew to make the choice then-you are vested in this journey with us and believe in this goal or bail now. Fortunately they choose to stay. Having your crew believe in your goal is one of the most important aspects of this race. In the event that we want to quit, our crew HAS to make us keep going. They have to want to see the finish line in Annapolis as much as we do. I have full faith in them and their abilities. When my chiropractor was unable to make the trip, we replaced her with a massage therapist from Iowa, Kim and Ben Murphy, whom we met at the Florida Double. Although they are new to the crew, we are still thrilled to have them and have full faith in their abilities as well.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So we trained, raced Heart of the South 500 miler as a team and did two 24 hour simulations with our crew. We have faced adversity, cold conditions at Heart of the South. I got hailed on during a 24-hour ride (we packed that one in and had a redo!) I'm used to training in conditions that aren't ideal, and this year Kacie got her share of rain as well. Cold,hot,windy,rainy, dark, light, flat, hilly, we have tried our hardest to spend time in it all.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8mY7U8yWSZfsloWhpi6DQyXb9-0CzU1zAAYHIB2LVM7-IagStunFHJF1_Dfz_uWLrQblkkGeV-5_wBEEr10WlIk6o-SA6ElrQE0p-u879sMJE1LVJ_mYD3uvM4kKFcYdjHdeBVQycFDK/s1600/IMG_6354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8mY7U8yWSZfsloWhpi6DQyXb9-0CzU1zAAYHIB2LVM7-IagStunFHJF1_Dfz_uWLrQblkkGeV-5_wBEEr10WlIk6o-SA6ElrQE0p-u879sMJE1LVJ_mYD3uvM4kKFcYdjHdeBVQycFDK/s320/IMG_6354.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's impossible to plan for all the things that can wrong in a race of this duration. We know things are going to happen. It's how we react to them that will affect our outcome. In January I convinced Jason to bundle up with me as I finished a long, super cold day in the saddle. As we finished out last 5 mile loop Jason got hit by a car. We went to Grady because he also had a head injury. I had to coordinate dog care and get someone to pick up our bikes. By the time we left grady trauma center it was 2 am. I had ridden 130 miles, had very little to eat, no shower, and was exhausted. Jason jokingly said "this is great RAAM training. You should go home and get on the trainer". Sadly, he was right. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been overwhelmed the past week or so. Feeling anxious about whether or not I've forgotten anything. I am not worried about my training, honestly, my body is in the best shape it's ever been in. I feel great about that. But looking out at the 75 people that came out to our send off party it really hit me. There are a LOT of people that support us. They've followed our training and racing. They're counting on us to do well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I cried today. I don't normally cry. My boss called me. She's known me since I was 19. She's been in my life when I was overweight, when I got hit by the car and broke my leg, and when I took up bike riding. She asked why I was crying. I told her I wasn't sure. I felt overwhelmed. I told her about our crew, who have so selflessly given of themselves, both their time and resources. I worried about letting them down. Martha's insight meant a lot. She told me that I should take that concern totally off the table. Our crew might get to the end of RAAM and say "I'll never do something like that again" or "that wasn't a good use of my vacation time" but that they'll never regret the experience. Because experiences like this can't be bought, or read about, or made up. These experiences are only felt through doing it. I agree, and hope our crew leaves this experience and is glad they did it</span>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So as I clean my house (because who wants to leave their house dirty before a bike ride!) I am left thinking about how incredibly grateful I am. I am grateful to the people who have encouraged me. Inspired me to do more, be more, try harder, never give up. I am also grateful for the people in my life who could care less about bikes or bike races, but support me because they love me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is an amazing opportunity. Someone asked me at work if I was going to do this again. I told him I doubted it. I likened it to having quadruplets. Sure, you may want more kids, but just one next time. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many of you have asked how you can follow our progress. Tracking is available online at www.raceacrossamerica.org under the results tab. Click on our team "Power, Pedals, and Ponytails"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are still fundraising and will continue to raise money for Camp Twin Lakes. Please consider donating at www.raam2013.org </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Am I scared? Of course I am. I wouldn't have signed up for it if I wasn't. But I am confident in my abilities, Kacie's ability and the amazing people who make up our crew. We WILL make it to Annapolis. We WILL break the 2-person females record. It will not be easy. It will be the hardest thing I have ever done, both physically and mentally. We are Annapolis bound via a million pedal rotations, sweat, tears, pain, and every other emotion that is known to man. But through it all one thing will remain the same- relentless forward motion from Oceanside to Annapolis. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05035108029047482424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439801897497115253.post-24895045522429312082013-02-21T12:04:00.000-08:002013-02-21T12:04:57.236-08:00It's good RAAM training.....I've been pretty absent lately from a lot of things, and blogging has definitely been one of them! A lot of things have been going on and I thought I'd catch everyone up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXd0dzAHGgCHtnRb0qS6wUWylTvvehAmwdsqsV4ztBX21krtL0upGleN84LF2L0t0ogfjVhiWHT8H7wcB0Fv-O9byrZ5pRrdozdR6cpPRdkHTd6m3f86xSBq760eZs3P_69hRDq3QcR1_r/s1600/IMG_3932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXd0dzAHGgCHtnRb0qS6wUWylTvvehAmwdsqsV4ztBX21krtL0upGleN84LF2L0t0ogfjVhiWHT8H7wcB0Fv-O9byrZ5pRrdozdR6cpPRdkHTd6m3f86xSBq760eZs3P_69hRDq3QcR1_r/s320/IMG_3932.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
First of all, this is SO belated, but thank you all so much for supporting our silent auction at All 3 Sports in conjunction with the Crowie book signing. It was a huge success, and we raised over $5,000! I MC'd the event, and managed to not say any bad words, which I think was also a HUGE success! I didn't trip and fall off stage either. Bonus!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDz4nhYVkeMHYcBWFjBnz0BmErDKg_3WBLHY3L0_n4Jq0EZb9Lul3BrNn-7J5LPB57fOmHMvrwiqu9wcmVRjiBBoYcQvWtcvL3HWmvOzU_qhvJN5YvpD74W5NE7ulNQnNQJSkYOmUWUeiU/s1600/IMG_4152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDz4nhYVkeMHYcBWFjBnz0BmErDKg_3WBLHY3L0_n4Jq0EZb9Lul3BrNn-7J5LPB57fOmHMvrwiqu9wcmVRjiBBoYcQvWtcvL3HWmvOzU_qhvJN5YvpD74W5NE7ulNQnNQJSkYOmUWUeiU/s320/IMG_4152.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>We rode to Everglades National Park and saw ALLIGATORS!</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGYKHeFMi3bvGZQTAl51EDPcxE3pilEiSiLbgPBIWzquj1mOV3p214cUEtakNjG-RlQb8atw8uTP4sH8W0BdkzJsho8YejFTvktR6IjALHD0PiEonOf1nhaJpQt707uDmjXfdGEro7Qn2/s1600/IMG_4132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGYKHeFMi3bvGZQTAl51EDPcxE3pilEiSiLbgPBIWzquj1mOV3p214cUEtakNjG-RlQb8atw8uTP4sH8W0BdkzJsho8YejFTvktR6IjALHD0PiEonOf1nhaJpQt707uDmjXfdGEro7Qn2/s320/IMG_4132.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>You can park your bike next to the Bentley's and not worry about it</i></div>
Kacie and I went down to south Florida for an amazing weekend of training. We rode over 300 miles, spending time off the bike and getting back on and riding more. It is a totally different feeling to take a break and then ride again, one that we need to get used to before RAAM. The weather wasn't on our side the entire time, and we got rained on quite a bit. Jason's new favorite term for everything is "it's good RAAM training!" and it really was. There is a great chance we will get rained on in RAAM too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-JD33Xk06fAXhdHp230h7Zc0EYbk6kFx2guMfu2dfbGNB22NCDLaIobV51X2dF_B8XV1M-vWtNXrSNalas8gN8oNVzc-TB33z7b1kKQpUts8AG3TMiwHpVUaZOjAZArIJQd90ddHizxo/s1600/IMG_4219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-JD33Xk06fAXhdHp230h7Zc0EYbk6kFx2guMfu2dfbGNB22NCDLaIobV51X2dF_B8XV1M-vWtNXrSNalas8gN8oNVzc-TB33z7b1kKQpUts8AG3TMiwHpVUaZOjAZArIJQd90ddHizxo/s320/IMG_4219.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>This is not ideal biking conditions!</i></div>
Fast forward a couple of weeks and Kacie, myself and our Crew Chief Anne headed up to Columbus, Ohio for a Race Across America Crew seminar. This was hosted by Fred Boethling, the owner of RAAM. It was a great opportunity for us to learn more about race logistics, rules, gear needs, tips, etc. There is no right way to crew or train for RAAM. but there are many wrong ways of doing things. By learning from others mistakes, we are hoping to make our journey as flawless as possible. It was also decided that Ohio is cold, and no cyclist should ever be subjected to winters like that!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-iEx-v04lz0ic16XlfVCZfoi6Zqogbafnf23wAa-ibA6lbI_15Hakcm7w93gPUUFwovHXGHkSf99XTg4lznFIxZfZX5kiNmbNr8al5XgWqkkSx1J8wNyeVRMKuKEMwb7HO7zJJzDxli3/s1600/IMG_4233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-iEx-v04lz0ic16XlfVCZfoi6Zqogbafnf23wAa-ibA6lbI_15Hakcm7w93gPUUFwovHXGHkSf99XTg4lznFIxZfZX5kiNmbNr8al5XgWqkkSx1J8wNyeVRMKuKEMwb7HO7zJJzDxli3/s320/IMG_4233.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Jason's neck brace...pimp!</i></div>
<br />
<br />
In the midst of all the craziness of training, we decided to move. House hunting, contracts falling through, drama galore, all seems like it's good RAAM training. I got hit by a rock while riding and bruised my ankle, Jason said it was good RAAM training too. Last weekend we had terrible weather. Cold and windy, I rode 4 hours inside Sunday then we headed out to Stone Mountain so I could get in 60 miles there. 55 miles into the ride a lady pulled smack out in front of us. Jason slowed down, but still went "splat!" right into her minivan. I reacted in a not-so-nice way, using some choice words. Jason ended up with a fracture in his C6, a separated clavicle and some torn ligaments. His bike is totaled. We spent 8 hours in a Grady Trauma unit because he suffered a pretty bad concussion. At 2 am we were still in the hospital. I hadn't showered, or eaten a lot, was tired but thankful Jason was going to be okay. I told him "this is good RAAM training" of course, minus the hospital part! As a result of the concussion Jason's been "fuzzy-headed" ever since. We got in the car and he let me sing a Katy Perry song and didn't change the channel. Then he opened up a second jar on peanut butter before the first one was gone. He's having a hard time focusing on things. So basically, he's acting like me. We are hoping it will clear up soon. There's only room for one Dani-brain in our house!Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05035108029047482424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439801897497115253.post-91311899489165390682012-12-17T12:05:00.000-08:002012-12-17T12:05:54.916-08:00So I know these rockstars.....I work with a lot of different people, and come across many different challenges when I am helping someone lose weight, or prepare for an event. More often than not though, my clients are not a challenge at all. They are fun, quirky, interested in learning, and incredible people. I could write several "bragging" blog posts, but I want to tell you about these two rockstars in particular!<br />
<br />
Meet Elizabeth and Kimberly. They are awesome!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPrnDcDSf9h53REBySofFxcq5nkeFfJc1X9zH5BocMWQNAbMDv-VDb2dP1yyO9zdlnWT-G0ZL9ORlYmJ9tVY7l1EwrY6SqoMULtVdnz0aUlqdZg7ED6nArfCRkPu96hrVPHv3AeXECdvZ/s1600/229072_10150231964106810_476849_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPrnDcDSf9h53REBySofFxcq5nkeFfJc1X9zH5BocMWQNAbMDv-VDb2dP1yyO9zdlnWT-G0ZL9ORlYmJ9tVY7l1EwrY6SqoMULtVdnz0aUlqdZg7ED6nArfCRkPu96hrVPHv3AeXECdvZ/s320/229072_10150231964106810_476849_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Elizabeth and Kimberly: BEFORE</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyg949U0O12lXD9f4N34OR0MsDi82bAk0PuwEaCG9W42sjEabG5rECvYeSeEfszsSKT5fi98w_sBOndur4W8oSkYZ1r4ibgWCH8fiBGe-IyJInlIvIh7eUR9miexkZ7Ag0syrBzW6n9lGN/s1600/Elizabeth+Before+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyg949U0O12lXD9f4N34OR0MsDi82bAk0PuwEaCG9W42sjEabG5rECvYeSeEfszsSKT5fi98w_sBOndur4W8oSkYZ1r4ibgWCH8fiBGe-IyJInlIvIh7eUR9miexkZ7Ag0syrBzW6n9lGN/s320/Elizabeth+Before+pic.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Elizabeth: BEFORE</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeDw5WFrcOCoE6KUoSQZbv4j8hILZjva1NZPpcLLiJ1j0n3vufyQkkXWI5RFXWcrLZJ6vNChlQPr-XtqfAyX3EWB9X82_zS_3eeYoJ55kudf3ffy82QEGROVvs1PM8gmZTVBRCRlhXIO2/s1600/60283_466400641809_7544896_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeDw5WFrcOCoE6KUoSQZbv4j8hILZjva1NZPpcLLiJ1j0n3vufyQkkXWI5RFXWcrLZJ6vNChlQPr-XtqfAyX3EWB9X82_zS_3eeYoJ55kudf3ffy82QEGROVvs1PM8gmZTVBRCRlhXIO2/s320/60283_466400641809_7544896_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Kimberly: BEFORE</i></div>
I first met them at the gym with Jason. They were training for their first Olympic triathlon. Super sweet, and energetic about the sport. We happened to be at the race ourselves, and it was great seeing how well they did!<br />
<br />
When I started doing nutrition and health coaching, Elizabeth contacted me. She was interested in my services. Several days later I heard from Kimberly. We were off and running!<br />
<br />
In order to be successful working with me, a certain level of dedication is required on the part of my clients. Right off the bat I knew that they would be successful. They were committed, eager to learn, and very dedicated.Within a couple of weeks weight started coming off, then headaches went away. Energy levels were increasing. Then next thing you know, race times are getting faster. It felt like every time I turned around one of them was PR'ing at a race. I was so excited for them! They both signed up for Augusta 70.3, and I knew that they would do great. Questions popped up about race day nutrition, salt intake, cramping, run form, etc, and I answered them the best I could. It was truly invigorating to be around people who were experiencing distances for the first time. I will never forget reading an email from Elizabeth the first time they rode 60 miles. She was proud, and I was too! I had flashbacks from 2006 when I was new to the sport and was in totally uncharted territory.<br />
<br />
The week of Augusta we emailed about attitude. It really is the most important element in long distance racing. A bad attitude will ruin you, a great attitude numbs the pain from blisters and puts more spring in your step. Elizabeth sent me a picture of her hand. She had written a smiley face on it with the words "smile!" I knew they would be fine. Jason and I tracked them in our hotel room the day following Texas Tejas bike race. I was anxious for both of them, and when ironman.com crapped out while they were on the run I just about lost it. I started sending off panic texts trying to figure out what happened. "Are you finished?" "The tracker stopped working!" "How are you feeling?" HELLO?!?". I am not psycho when it comes to race tracking. I promise.<br />
<br />
<br />
Just as I expected, they both totally rocked the race! Finishing at 5:53 (Elizabeth) and 5:42 (Kimberly). They both trained so hard, and were prepared for this race. I LOVE it when hard work pays off! In addition to growing as triathletes, they both look incredible!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_SNxo04nuj_P0WL8ZiXGcyUsJoxpEAVotASLCLG8FSUZmbelLY80pXKK59mue3LkYLXcLQVc9beTfselQofjaJzISfb4uMZwfyc6UPKbhBP8erJJpGhuS9L9VFACqu_EbOHJuYoho5js/s1600/3448_10151250936346810_772579279_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_SNxo04nuj_P0WL8ZiXGcyUsJoxpEAVotASLCLG8FSUZmbelLY80pXKK59mue3LkYLXcLQVc9beTfselQofjaJzISfb4uMZwfyc6UPKbhBP8erJJpGhuS9L9VFACqu_EbOHJuYoho5js/s320/3448_10151250936346810_772579279_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Elizabeth and Kimberly halfway through the season! </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunw11GUI0N4z65oms_A3UbgRBAIBAxAbvByZXXVrs3Nayg0ytOLtoIRkfZCqjNeHOs2NzMm3Vrbt9cgD1uRZtq9Hint8l2ZcmDiOfEujiSmr4IDj-NowG9Nqetp9ELFriZL0l4AGqV_fu/s1600/68399_10151344450026810_1252223121_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunw11GUI0N4z65oms_A3UbgRBAIBAxAbvByZXXVrs3Nayg0ytOLtoIRkfZCqjNeHOs2NzMm3Vrbt9cgD1uRZtq9Hint8l2ZcmDiOfEujiSmr4IDj-NowG9Nqetp9ELFriZL0l4AGqV_fu/s320/68399_10151344450026810_1252223121_n.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Elizabeth: AFTER </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTlPRvKPSRfQ7CA_yAYigyPwZhimmoTiMEd_7rZ_x-nmb_ngesTIF_wF46ykh9CbKXWWGq8umhwQUyH695DBTINeQY5049vdxiUSO8it7g6lbRiIvn_Cj-JzOrwQmp4OW6yeMKFh5noQa/s1600/111012203135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTlPRvKPSRfQ7CA_yAYigyPwZhimmoTiMEd_7rZ_x-nmb_ngesTIF_wF46ykh9CbKXWWGq8umhwQUyH695DBTINeQY5049vdxiUSO8it7g6lbRiIvn_Cj-JzOrwQmp4OW6yeMKFh5noQa/s320/111012203135.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Kimberley: AFTER</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Elizabeth and Kimberly continue to impress me. I hope that by sharing their story, you are inspired too! They are always looking for the next challenge, and they are talking about running a marathon, and I've heard rumors of a 2014 140.6. It's been so much fun working with these ladies! They are proof that hard work does pay off, and if you want something bad enough, you can make it happen. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ironically, yesterday we were at Elizabeth's house decorating ninjaman cookies. I was the only person that ate any. Huh. </div>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05035108029047482424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439801897497115253.post-38087130869201814812012-10-22T12:12:00.000-07:002012-10-22T12:15:31.405-07:00Why 2 chicks want to travel 3000 miles by bike....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JSBf5SduXlPYfPZxn87_trL_-YxUNgFj1Nl0LeJJ8SxNbcUzTQkjcoQPj5QbdZObHObrM5cYw_syF1rdcwXqZheFQMYNTTxDYJeAF8wMyKa_1H8xaTQ9WOUT7DVkoIlgFnrG4eQ6iuUW/s1600/RAAM_logocolor(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JSBf5SduXlPYfPZxn87_trL_-YxUNgFj1Nl0LeJJ8SxNbcUzTQkjcoQPj5QbdZObHObrM5cYw_syF1rdcwXqZheFQMYNTTxDYJeAF8wMyKa_1H8xaTQ9WOUT7DVkoIlgFnrG4eQ6iuUW/s320/RAAM_logocolor(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
In Amy Snyder's Book <i>Hell On Two Wheels</i> she describes Race Across America as "the toughest test of endurance in the world". She goes on to compare the 3,000 miles as the equivalent of 114 marathons, or 21 Ironman triathlons. In the 3,000 miles covered from Oceanside, California to Annapolis Maryland riders will climb more than 100,000 feet. Temperatures can range from 125 in the desert to 30 degrees in the mountains. Solo racers vying for the win do so on as little as one hour of sleep per day. Sleep deprivation can cause riders to hallucinate, become highly suggestible, confused, and angry.<br />
<br />
I read her book and in my mind I thought "this is crazy!" but my heart was totally fascinated. Last year, <a href="http://www.kacietri-ing.blogspot.com/">Kacie</a> rode as part of an 8-person team for RAAM. I tracked her every step of the way. I wanted to know what her riding rotation was, how they rotated crew, everything. The logistics alone of traveling 3,000 miles are tough enough without factoring in having to use a specific route and people on bikes. Once Kacie returned she started planting seeds in my head, and I knew that she wanted us to tackle RAAM as a two-person team.<br />
<br />
In one of our first of almost a million e-mail exchanges Kacie said " we need to be on the same page about our goals, and why we are going this." Here is my response:<br />
When I am thinking about taking on something like this I ask myself the following:<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Can I get off the couch and do it tomorrow?<br />Am I overcoming some type of fear by completing it?<br /> Does the idea of doing it scare me?<br /> Will the experience outweigh the sacrifices to get there?<br /> Can I use this experience to inspire others?<br /> I saw on your wall where one of your former students posted about how proud she was of you. If I could get one kid to believe in themselves and their abilities by riding my bike, it'd totally be worth it to me. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
And thus, Power, Pedals, and Ponytails was born! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
I have to first of all say that the response that we have had to peoples reactions has been amazing. We are so very blessed to have such an incredible support system in our lives. I talked with Jason at length before committing to doing this. It's a huge sacrifice on his part as well, and I would never be able to do it without his unwavering commitment to me and his support. Everyone should be as lucky as I am to have someone like him! My dad totally rocked too. He said "Wow. 3,000 miles huh? Better make sure you bring some extra tires. And sunscreen." Many people have had questions about how it works, so the basics are that Kacie and I will cover the 3,000 miles as a team, so we will split the riding. Shorter shifts during the day, longer shifts at night. Someone will be on the road riding 24 hours a day. We will have a support crew, made up of 8-10 exceptional people that will care for us the entire time. For 8-9 days we will turn our lives over to them. They will be in charge of everything, when we eat, when we sleep, when we put on a jacket, etc. Our job is very simple. We will ride.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipr_RcrcKAkjmDvJbyGW47V5kQ_o3sWdWuaJfVl5sc87wSJmzt1SgPuRNCc291OfhLYJJp4NGBvkjMfX7sV7KhCOn6CAlDB-TotEc-PBXW3adWCB8LEDajMvzVLfmeITJhObfP5HbqenYq/s1600/CTL+png.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipr_RcrcKAkjmDvJbyGW47V5kQ_o3sWdWuaJfVl5sc87wSJmzt1SgPuRNCc291OfhLYJJp4NGBvkjMfX7sV7KhCOn6CAlDB-TotEc-PBXW3adWCB8LEDajMvzVLfmeITJhObfP5HbqenYq/s320/CTL+png.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Kacie and I decided early on that we wanted to partner with an organization for fundraising that we really believed in. Camp Twin Lakes was an easy decision for us to make. I first learned of them when I was 18, and volunteered at a Camp they hosted for kids who had lost a sibling or parent to cancer. Camp Twin Lakes puts on multiple of camps and events throughout the year for kids to give them an opportunity to know that they are not alone in their individual struggles. Children with medical conditions like kidney failure can all play together, then camp stops and they can received dialysis treatments <i>on site. </i>The camps regularly puts on family retreat weekends too for everything ranging from kids with Type 1 diabetes, Lifestyle and Weight Management, Victims of abuse, and wounded warriors and their families. 80% of camp costs are covered by Camp Twin Lakes, the other 20% by sponsors of the individual camps. Thinking about these kids and the challenges that they so bravely face will be motivation for us as we ride across the country. THEY are truly the inspiration!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsytTzu7gHE6K9G5gkNk6s4e6X_Z7bsVvRjVuWrSG-vXBum8YLEBv4txuGuxwhfbkEvWA64X2FuC1cyB8awhaEnQXshTpwmJVdF8bFodhe44OmZO_wIa9VW1lJFHgMLAN0H4v58113P0Ud/s1600/CTL+treehouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsytTzu7gHE6K9G5gkNk6s4e6X_Z7bsVvRjVuWrSG-vXBum8YLEBv4txuGuxwhfbkEvWA64X2FuC1cyB8awhaEnQXshTpwmJVdF8bFodhe44OmZO_wIa9VW1lJFHgMLAN0H4v58113P0Ud/s320/CTL+treehouse.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Camp Twin Lakes wheelchair accessible treehouse! So cool!</i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Your support of us as we tackle this adventure would mean a lot! We will be hosting several local fundraisers to benefit Camp Twin Lakes, so please make sure that you follow our blog at <a href="http://www.powerpedalsandponytails.blogspot.com/">www.powerpedalsandponytails.blogspot.com</a> You can find updates on our training and progress by liking our facebook page, or following us on twitter @PowerPonytails</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Please visit <a href="http://www.raam2013.org/">www.raam2013.org</a> to donate to Camp Twin Lakes!</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am excited about Race Across America. I have a team mate that is a strong cyclist, but more importantly, a passionate person. We are ordinary women, with extraordinary dreams, and our vision is being made a reality by people like you. Thank you all in advance for all the ways you support and encourage us! Stay tuned for some really cool news! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05035108029047482424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439801897497115253.post-31700245236973258882012-09-02T18:11:00.000-07:002012-09-02T18:11:42.310-07:00This is SO not your fault!I either have AWESOME rides where all the stars align and I feel great, perfect weather, pace is fast, or I have HORRIBLE rides. I get lost, flat, rained on for 70 miles, run out of fluids for 20 miles, etc. I don't know why I can't seem to find middle ground in training these days.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, many of my bad days are when I am riding with Jason. I <i>may </i>have a tendency to blame him <i>on occasion </i>for things not going well for me. After all, he rides too fast, he tries to drop me on purpose, makes me work too hard, he always insists that we ride really hilly courses, and he is constantly yelling "quick like a bunny! come on!" when we stop to refuel.<br />
<br />
Last night Jason told me that he wasn't sure it was a good idea for us to ride together. He "claimed" that I might blame him if I didn't have a good day. Since I had already rode 91 miles the day <i>before </i>I was supposed to ride 8.5 hours in the gaps, instead of doing the ride Saturday and a 4 hour recovery ride Sunday like my coach had on my plan, I kinda already knew things weren't going to be that awesome. Little did I know......<br />
<br />
5:54 am I see blue lights flashing behind me on 400. REALLY? Again? Cops <i><b>love</b></i> to pull me over. There must be something about the way I drive that just attracts them to me, because I get more tickets than anyone I know. I looked down at my phone and see a text from Jason "theres a cop shooting radar at 400 & 285". Well, can't blame the ticket on him, he tried to warn me!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5TGg1DLLb8sL5r5ubXY8fc0zoyCp5KheVqf_Sr_f_xVAiqVxlbhaeyCqiuPq4wJxlUYlOALrW7JIam8MT0eUjODjCCrWvPI9R1lOdknRHdGjZIn_xSEAU4pS89W1RDpfipyC2SrD1DTJ/s1600/IMG_3437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5TGg1DLLb8sL5r5ubXY8fc0zoyCp5KheVqf_Sr_f_xVAiqVxlbhaeyCqiuPq4wJxlUYlOALrW7JIam8MT0eUjODjCCrWvPI9R1lOdknRHdGjZIn_xSEAU4pS89W1RDpfipyC2SrD1DTJ/s320/IMG_3437.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I just wanna go fast! </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
I normally eat super clean, pretty normal food. Of course, I choose last night to eat things I don't normally do. I offered some of these said foods to Jason as well and he responded "I'm not eating that crap the day before the gaps." Suite yourself. More for me.<br />
<br />
My food decisions came back to haunt me right before we started to ride. I've been VERY fortunate in both training and racing that I've never really had many GI issues. There was one time when Jason left all our nutrition at home and I rode 165 miles fueled by convenience store bought honey buns and pay days and it didn't sit well, but other than that, I've been lucky.<br />
<br />
We climbed Woody's and I didn't feel that great. We started up Wolfpen and I thought I was going to vomit. Then it started raining. Lots and lots of rain. Of course, we kept riding, and making that descent down wolfpen in the rain was SCARY.<br />
<br />
I told Jason I needed to stop because I thought I was going to be sick. We pulled over and I told him I couldn't get anything down without feeling like it was coming right back up. My stomach was in a full on revolt. Jason suggested that I turn around because continuing would just put me further and further away from the car. He said that without food I would start cramping and bonk. "I want to go <i>that </i>way" I said, pointed up Jack's and away from the car. So we starting climbing. I decided to stop trying to take fuel in and just sip on water. By the time we got to the top I knew continuing would be impossible. Jason was right. I needed calories and since my stomach wasn't feeling better I should probably head back to the car which was still at least 1.5 hours away.<br />
<br />
The irony of the situation was how fantastic my legs felt! I was climbing with Jason and not putting out much effort. I felt surprisingly fresh which made bailing on the ride that much more depressing.<br />
<br />
Pro tip: riding for more than 2 hours with no fuel will cause you to BONK. Just an FYI.<br />
<br />
I made it back to the car, slightly delirious, still unable to eat, and tried to text Jason only to find out that my phone was totally fried. For that I blame <a href="http://weather.com/">weather.com</a> for showing a 20% chance of rain, otter box for being a complete and total FAILURE, and the two ziploc bags I used for sucking as well. This just SUCKS. Guess I am making a trip to the dreaded Apple Store.<br />
<br />
I decided to drive straight to the Apple store because I have to have a phone ya know? Without a clean sports bra to change into my shirt was getting really wet. I decided to take the shirt off and let it dry on the dash of my car. Changing while driving isn't my strong suite, and my shirt got caught on my hat, causing me to swerve. Apparently swerving caught the eye of a police officer, and next thing you know I am pulled over.<br />
<br />
"Good afterno-----" It took about that long for Officer Wide Eyes to realize I didn't have a top on. And I was freezing.<br />
<br />
Let the rambling begin.....<br />
"I know why you pulled me over. I was taking my top off and I couldn't see for a minute. I had to take it off because I got rained on while I was riding my bike and it ruined my phone and I am going to the Apple store. I already got a speeding ticket this morning and my boyfriend is a cop and he's going to be pissed. So I am sorry. Please don't give me a ticket."<br />
<br />
He started laughing, told me to have a good day and walked off.<br />
<br />
I would like to publicly say that none of the days mishaps are in any way directly related to, or a result of Jason. This was so not your fault. Clearly, todays events were the conspiracy of multiple people.<br />
<br />Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05035108029047482424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439801897497115253.post-72817457125519498302012-07-05T16:12:00.000-07:002012-07-05T16:12:38.479-07:00Confessions of a 1406.2 mile couple.....So this blogpost is WAY past due, I have been kind of busy <strike>training</strike>, watching Breaking Bad, researching races in far away places, and trying to convince Jason to get me a platypus.<br />
<br />
During our "peak" season Jason and I raced one thousand four hundred and six point two miles. In 12 weeks. That is an average of 117 miles of racing a week. The 12 weeks in between racing doesn't even begin to compare to the countless weeks spent preparing for such big events. I actually think it is EASIER for us to both be training for long stuff. That way neither of us are to blame for our house looking like this.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjMtiUW-JgOCC5IqbxPuJqBWrr9no6JjMrI6gPAdEWEz8w6leZ_p7yfE3pfPrAfHP13Jpst41PShfZ9hqEBAY7tHkfjzB_y2ldI8Nsj_PTOVH5AjD9lqV5aa1Oguxrf02moCKYD8XzxVw/s1600/IMG_2836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjMtiUW-JgOCC5IqbxPuJqBWrr9no6JjMrI6gPAdEWEz8w6leZ_p7yfE3pfPrAfHP13Jpst41PShfZ9hqEBAY7tHkfjzB_y2ldI8Nsj_PTOVH5AjD9lqV5aa1Oguxrf02moCKYD8XzxVw/s320/IMG_2836.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Athletes need fuel. We need LOTS of fuel! And his and her blenders. Double smoothie time!</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQl7rCSeEADVArxF90xjRJTL0qUVrXghkD-o4l0h7LUWZMsKBF-BiZ0xcHOCH9XFmoD_WKsFWFoR6Sotc5Xjh_KTsQDY8w09_c9Y1eV345ewq1mCttQVbcVtV7f-RzPk9vCJFIj_gtwsKi/s1600/IMG_2914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQl7rCSeEADVArxF90xjRJTL0qUVrXghkD-o4l0h7LUWZMsKBF-BiZ0xcHOCH9XFmoD_WKsFWFoR6Sotc5Xjh_KTsQDY8w09_c9Y1eV345ewq1mCttQVbcVtV7f-RzPk9vCJFIj_gtwsKi/s320/IMG_2914.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Dining Rooms are for people who sit down for dinner. Training rooms are for people who train for dinner!</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KTd8f4fQnILPi6X6PsX8XVIVToOwtUCTdOYRHG6-r1gkhpSTwka15AsJQUbDrpwQssqz8bE-RJW4gbjrfN0AYJ04ppLiFeYhQD7LDL-76UENuyh2T94n5GCzm2FRakyImK0mhH4ieocY/s1600/IMG_2466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KTd8f4fQnILPi6X6PsX8XVIVToOwtUCTdOYRHG6-r1gkhpSTwka15AsJQUbDrpwQssqz8bE-RJW4gbjrfN0AYJ04ppLiFeYhQD7LDL-76UENuyh2T94n5GCzm2FRakyImK0mhH4ieocY/s320/IMG_2466.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>You never know when the world is going to end and you will need 500 water bottles! </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVkBlG6RkkONqRqi-SeJ9oA_-6vHm4rB4_Gwjx6FCSvmfAyapJujVj68pqB5nPMhX1Ky6tWEbLXmOAH9qxYknVowiUqt7MvzjGL8nFVyS4KlbvI3ZCLVtNAe4a2Z8Tj4vCk_BWPRKhLAR/s1600/IMG_2640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVkBlG6RkkONqRqi-SeJ9oA_-6vHm4rB4_Gwjx6FCSvmfAyapJujVj68pqB5nPMhX1Ky6tWEbLXmOAH9qxYknVowiUqt7MvzjGL8nFVyS4KlbvI3ZCLVtNAe4a2Z8Tj4vCk_BWPRKhLAR/s320/IMG_2640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>2 people. 1 run. Lots of bottles! </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeN6W2VBO1uzrnpwlALeJkc5MJIjuS9iDvTF3HFZE4i9723_Y8EZ_PUhLUvRYlb_SYKmrwzL98DqXQLehgAeQgkbLpkl3qhP8uwvphf8jm_DMCQyDGgrHxeex0Nta8Re_MZ0c5yddJbDVB/s1600/IMG_3105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeN6W2VBO1uzrnpwlALeJkc5MJIjuS9iDvTF3HFZE4i9723_Y8EZ_PUhLUvRYlb_SYKmrwzL98DqXQLehgAeQgkbLpkl3qhP8uwvphf8jm_DMCQyDGgrHxeex0Nta8Re_MZ0c5yddJbDVB/s320/IMG_3105.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>No true triathlete couple is complete without a garage full of bikes. Road, tri, mountain, track, we have it all....and sadly this isn't the entire collection! </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7z8iWQYEFtYxUoHasom5YWhS6r4RJt1O05cWraH85itm4EwXwhoTraIk_n_CiZRhOXi1lU2hqTluqxnwPn-G_B0gDsqQdmjuytDikz5RO4TiqP1cEW3NGcQf2sTXN_jKyExLDYUNwGwUN/s1600/IMG_3059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7z8iWQYEFtYxUoHasom5YWhS6r4RJt1O05cWraH85itm4EwXwhoTraIk_n_CiZRhOXi1lU2hqTluqxnwPn-G_B0gDsqQdmjuytDikz5RO4TiqP1cEW3NGcQf2sTXN_jKyExLDYUNwGwUN/s320/IMG_3059.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>A rare occasion where we are out after dark!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's definitely a unique life. One that might not work for everyone, but it definitely works for us! And now that I have finally gotten all the bottles clean we are both back to 20+ hour training weeks. I could complain about it but who am I kidding? I love it. Now please remind me of that in 10 weeks! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05035108029047482424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439801897497115253.post-489440673336610432012-04-27T18:54:00.000-07:002012-04-27T18:54:42.150-07:00Raising a healthy kid....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_oOsFRSa0eYR6oAO18RBlcherC1RSYUQuoYsOchKNmSvAQtnPt3xpZaOt4uxS4I_WnWOPxUwA7lQPuOU1OYmitiCQst_Pbv6ugJII3LrbISYzH7Dpksn1sSrHWL450RSDWZ57TeJP4Ew6/s1600/image-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_oOsFRSa0eYR6oAO18RBlcherC1RSYUQuoYsOchKNmSvAQtnPt3xpZaOt4uxS4I_WnWOPxUwA7lQPuOU1OYmitiCQst_Pbv6ugJII3LrbISYzH7Dpksn1sSrHWL450RSDWZ57TeJP4Ew6/s320/image-1.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div>
On twitter today<a href="http://ashwalsh.wordpress.com/"> Ashley</a> posted a picture of a recipe that was sent home from school with her son. I am not totally sure how it was branded, whether it was supposed to be super healthy, or fun, or easy, or whatever, but the point is, it was NOT healthy. And seeing it stirred up many emotions, mostly related to my classes on health promotion and program planning. I had to do quite a bit of research on childhood obesity for a program we had to develop. The state of Georgia has one of the highest childhood obesity rates in the nation. Rural counties have even higher rates than inner-city areas.<br />
<br />
I don't have kids, but as someone who has struggled with their weight their whole life, it's really not hard to understand why kids are FAT.<br />
<br />
My research focused on what we could control, which was the calories kids consumed at school. Since many schools have before and after-school programs, kids are now consuming more calories at school than they ever did before. And the schools are exactly offering exceptionally high quality foods.<br />
<br />
I get it. Processed food that isn't fresh is cheap. Bottom line...everyone is looking to save a buck. If I was a single parent, struggling to make ends meet, working at least one, maybe two jobs, I would probably be tempted to pick up food from the dollar-menu at McDonalds myself.<br />
<br />
But for those of us that have the means, and the time, cooking can be FUN, HEALTHY, and INFORMATIVE.<br />
<br />
Overweight kids have an 80% chance of becoming obese adults. 80%! That is HUGE. Children are like sponges, they absorb everything around them. They learn from what they are exposed to. So the solution? Limit TV, computer, and video game time. Kids over the age of 6 watch an average of 4 hours of television a DAY. That is more than I watch in a week!<br />
<br />
Focus on YOUR health. Yes, it might require that you take some time away from your kids, but you being a healthy, active adult is the best example that you can set for your kids! So skip the "kids" yogurts loaded with sugar, the "kids cuisines" meals that are high in sodium, the fruit juices that are actually only 20% juice, the cereals that might as well be candy bars, and bake up some yummy alternatives!<br />
<br />
Huge thanks to <a href="http://kacietri-ing.blogspot.com/">Kacie</a> for turning me on to this gem of a <a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/05/18/chocolate-chip-blondies-and-theyre-good-for-you/">website</a>! I made some modifications, so here is my version of the Chocolate Chip Blondie Bars:<br />
<br />
1 can Organic Chickpeas<br />
1 Scoop Vanilla Protein Powder<br />
2 tsp Vanilla Extract<br />
2/3 cup Turbinado<br />
2 Tablespoons Natural, unsalted, Almond Butter<br />
1/8 tsp baking powder<br />
3/4 tsp baking soda<br />
1/8 tsp salt<br />
3 tablespoons Organic dark-chocolate chips<br />
<br />
Drain the chickpeas. In a food processor blend up the chickpeas until smooth. Add the rest of the ingredients EXCEPT for the chocolate chips. Blend until smooth. Add chocolate chips and mix with a spoon. Use a greased 8x8 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.<br />
<br />
Makes 12 bars. Each serving has:<br />
104 Calories<br />
3.3 grams of fat<br />
16.25 grams of carbohydrates<br />
2.4 grams of protein<br />
<br />
These are gluten and dairy free. What they aren't free of is deliciousness!<br />
<br />
**disclaimer: Dani doesn't have kids, and doesn't know the difficulties associated with raising miniature people. She does have the energy and maturity level of children, so she easily associates with their needs. Dani thinks kids like being healthy, because being fat sucks. **<br />
<br />Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05035108029047482424noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439801897497115253.post-67633981099312165722012-04-21T18:08:00.000-07:002012-04-21T18:08:17.678-07:00I get knocked down, but I get up again!Last week I suffered some set backs in the kitchen. First, my dog Poncey, helped himself to my Blueberry-Chobani Mix One protein bread. It really was good. And he thought so too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4yKvi5AzdQFuHJxLVt0RLam1L9W8CoMYDoCRYgSl0dgG7jsQG4M-AZGu6AHtDBNaqZonPDs7pfJ-LLcR8_YL6rBhd92CCGZX7fyuCnu8TQ6qwFhD0YUFzG4KuoQQgRbFExft5dOdANnh/s1600/IMG_2672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4yKvi5AzdQFuHJxLVt0RLam1L9W8CoMYDoCRYgSl0dgG7jsQG4M-AZGu6AHtDBNaqZonPDs7pfJ-LLcR8_YL6rBhd92CCGZX7fyuCnu8TQ6qwFhD0YUFzG4KuoQQgRbFExft5dOdANnh/s320/IMG_2672.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
The second set-back was when I decided to "make-up" my own recipe for clean brownies. It can be REALLY tough sometimes baking without gluten. Things don't taste the same, or bake for the same times, and I learned that almond meal just doesn't work. I wanted brownies, I made chocolate flavored cardboard.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhno6htZhZZIXk8jKQAnyFWfLzgw5O_G2X2zJHqzGcuhjv33laIJxiH0K3LyjesWeclLO1nBQosLUn9iJDb7kuWnKP7X5n7Swb8RXWq05v9eLFX-_baiZ8sBhMPvSJ15-lpgwWNNI-7zVH8/s1600/IMG_2702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhno6htZhZZIXk8jKQAnyFWfLzgw5O_G2X2zJHqzGcuhjv33laIJxiH0K3LyjesWeclLO1nBQosLUn9iJDb7kuWnKP7X5n7Swb8RXWq05v9eLFX-_baiZ8sBhMPvSJ15-lpgwWNNI-7zVH8/s320/IMG_2702.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
Monday was the Boston Marathon. My friend Jill ran an incredible race, despite being injured. She did it with the help of my teammate Mike. Every time I hear this song I think about Jill!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/bxO7rCHkh7o?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
I decided not to stay knocked down! So today, I was back in the kitchen. Only this time, I decided to follow recipes that I knew were trustworthy!<br />
<br />
First up, I made <a href="http://www.littlebshealthyhabits.com/2011/12/clean-and-green.html">Cinnamon Protein Bread</a>. I tasted it and it turned out GREAT!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW25QBrqNNIcdQ119yYmS4yr0tGg5UO9h8cYRVz7M3n3B9bg7IRRQmxY1aw8sRY1kVKzDy7zgEiGkqmxVVl6P6noLRZPTt2AvyYzUzrQCfj7odAkxJk6YkfvdNwG_7Pe3ks9GXSFLip72a/s1600/IMG_2725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW25QBrqNNIcdQ119yYmS4yr0tGg5UO9h8cYRVz7M3n3B9bg7IRRQmxY1aw8sRY1kVKzDy7zgEiGkqmxVVl6P6noLRZPTt2AvyYzUzrQCfj7odAkxJk6YkfvdNwG_7Pe3ks9GXSFLip72a/s320/IMG_2725.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
Second up, I made <a href="http://www.littlebshealthyhabits.com/2012/03/peanut-butter-chocolate-protein-bars.html">chocolate-peanut butter protein ba</a>rs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSPwSOJglXk_BcrR0IHT0gJsKNbaUCvKrumZ-WydoG4b5Ljp9gL6hRM-2Xx1QqM1OXdlY7X67ieDL908ZiNTwWJ5jH0zPkseutVBA0MHdZI72hbgEPP7hmWsIfNJssHHJ9LAkw_j7SCsd/s1600/IMG_2726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSPwSOJglXk_BcrR0IHT0gJsKNbaUCvKrumZ-WydoG4b5Ljp9gL6hRM-2Xx1QqM1OXdlY7X67ieDL908ZiNTwWJ5jH0zPkseutVBA0MHdZI72hbgEPP7hmWsIfNJssHHJ9LAkw_j7SCsd/s320/IMG_2726.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
It too turned out great! I did change the recipe up a little bit, and used this instead of regular PB. Yummy! For those of you that are nutella addicts, this is a WAY healthier option.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPt9jP_wARLW_d9pk2CL8qgbxqDH6Y4xQ78JgsD_icW-X8jc3sjcNoBmgIqyhfErokm39UNiurQ8VfDZi0vLVc3muf3q88JvwjrosoVcuYcJnrUukP9Pi3iUw2ad5pNi3Jj20n8PjfIa_/s1600/IMG_2724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPt9jP_wARLW_d9pk2CL8qgbxqDH6Y4xQ78JgsD_icW-X8jc3sjcNoBmgIqyhfErokm39UNiurQ8VfDZi0vLVc3muf3q88JvwjrosoVcuYcJnrUukP9Pi3iUw2ad5pNi3Jj20n8PjfIa_/s320/IMG_2724.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
I seemed to be on a roll in the kitchen, so I went ahead and made Jason's meals for the rest of the week at work. He's on second shift now, so has to eat dinner while working. I was at a conference last week and he said that he would make his own food, but for some reason he just ate out all week. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKDxVSvuMsatrtKaNhsRfIs4AlnYylsNbh7RvTc0EJ40WlOoRamjK97PQnpzTOBfYb0-xm50aBSgrBrlcqww4ZmThQzdl2_4Xrn6xwDvUsMuIkPtWPAKt-L3Bt0aYufNNTpRiENe9vKFI/s1600/IMG_2728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKDxVSvuMsatrtKaNhsRfIs4AlnYylsNbh7RvTc0EJ40WlOoRamjK97PQnpzTOBfYb0-xm50aBSgrBrlcqww4ZmThQzdl2_4Xrn6xwDvUsMuIkPtWPAKt-L3Bt0aYufNNTpRiENe9vKFI/s320/IMG_2728.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
I was still in a cooking mood, so I decided to make one more thing. These are <a href="http://www.littlebshealthyhabits.com/2011/10/clean-reeses-almond-butter-cups.html">"clean" peanut butter cups</a>. They really are quite healthy and delicious!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxu004SoWRTVfXzvR4jWQTs5-bymYb-pYiI685J9qKD1QxIcNYQAAO6_i970cqp_A6IUW5o6nR2_mwCUp6zIn5UFJD00SCKOVCt9EN7RKWtUe9k3uqy92F1qYU_e5KDpOnF-T7-S3azyM/s1600/IMG_2730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxu004SoWRTVfXzvR4jWQTs5-bymYb-pYiI685J9qKD1QxIcNYQAAO6_i970cqp_A6IUW5o6nR2_mwCUp6zIn5UFJD00SCKOVCt9EN7RKWtUe9k3uqy92F1qYU_e5KDpOnF-T7-S3azyM/s320/IMG_2730.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
In case you are wondering how I had enough energy to do an open water swim, trail run, yoga, grocery shop, bake, sweep and mop, AND do laundry, it's because I am now on the JUICE! I have a juicer! YAY! This concoction is celery, carrots, granny smith apples, and ginger. It tasted 100 times better than I thought it would! Honestly, its not the secret to my energy though. I am just like this everyday!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXhWroRMebwtflI46cHf54d2MKBwQ_z5wZiUKLizfGOTss4EQFs2WUY3aT0R4r57YVFTtTaAd7PUSunjp17VIpr6O36IoRt9Be5LNYbfl7A-Pit9gQ7EQZfFcWHMR3XDoB5GX43Ssh22N/s1600/IMG_2723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXhWroRMebwtflI46cHf54d2MKBwQ_z5wZiUKLizfGOTss4EQFs2WUY3aT0R4r57YVFTtTaAd7PUSunjp17VIpr6O36IoRt9Be5LNYbfl7A-Pit9gQ7EQZfFcWHMR3XDoB5GX43Ssh22N/s320/IMG_2723.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
Hope you enjoy these recipes, they all have the Dani seal of health approval! I made sure to protect the goods from Poncey this time!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jWFcV7cDV21V-FUAtavrMwMDEgUFv5FdLprdZLWAFtJCjJJspRNQchrosNqXDQrE9pd2pa8hbbZDFMs_-nR8P1g5_b-2wdrTLXM2AXVXXG0w0e2dhkQ2qrYyGRGQIvsPnRk2SlSJew4a/s1600/IMG_2727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jWFcV7cDV21V-FUAtavrMwMDEgUFv5FdLprdZLWAFtJCjJJspRNQchrosNqXDQrE9pd2pa8hbbZDFMs_-nR8P1g5_b-2wdrTLXM2AXVXXG0w0e2dhkQ2qrYyGRGQIvsPnRk2SlSJew4a/s320/IMG_2727.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05035108029047482424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439801897497115253.post-23370762616967160022012-04-13T17:40:00.005-07:002012-04-13T18:21:03.643-07:00Mix One inspired Blueberry Protein Bread!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4z1HKMuwd5LhlpykJzPZMiAFgo01l3i4Mbsadp0GXjuU6JwNN0mP9VUh9QOQdcsLJZRetiL2HSyVCzsrXAXlBixRi5m4YEMAjl82x9LB2xwnb7FpTThpN6Q-Wz0xzlzUxPlS1l-QhVIMN/s1600/photo-2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4z1HKMuwd5LhlpykJzPZMiAFgo01l3i4Mbsadp0GXjuU6JwNN0mP9VUh9QOQdcsLJZRetiL2HSyVCzsrXAXlBixRi5m4YEMAjl82x9LB2xwnb7FpTThpN6Q-Wz0xzlzUxPlS1l-QhVIMN/s320/photo-2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731059340915576210" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGOu_NkumnPHSJSPicRStVmQcLPOdRiNGBuzgIJMyggxaZ9PNGqfCOo_5dnkhe3bYp6eON4rD8SfZ3yGbvXtNUy3slDxhqJESmbwS0aQQ49sopMN6Seroizby1QZ1MHJHZNxKvXuquzg7/s1600/photo-1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>So I went running today and I was thinking about how yummy mix one is. I was also thinking about how many of my clients do not get enough protein. Most people tend to snack on carbohydrate dense foods, and at the end of the day, they are really lacking in protein. Not many people like to eat egg whites and shakes like I do. So I came up with the following recipe!<div><br /><div>The Players:</div><div><br /></div><div>6 oz Vanilla/Blueberry Mix One</div><div>2 Scoops Vanilla Protein Powder</div><div>6 tablespoons Coconut Flour</div><div>1/8 cup Stevia</div><div>1/2 Cup Fat Free Vanilla Chobani Greek Yogurt</div><div>1 tsp baking soda</div><div>1 tsp vanilla extract</div><div>6 tablespoons egg whites</div><div>1/2 cup milk</div><div>1 cup blueberries</div><div><br /></div><div>Mix up all your ingredients except for your blueberries. Add 1/3 mixture to a 9x5 loaf pan, add 1/3 blueberries, continue to layer the mixture with blueberries. Throw it in the oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Optional: do 30 minutes of core work while it's baking!</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGOu_NkumnPHSJSPicRStVmQcLPOdRiNGBuzgIJMyggxaZ9PNGqfCOo_5dnkhe3bYp6eON4rD8SfZ3yGbvXtNUy3slDxhqJESmbwS0aQQ49sopMN6Seroizby1QZ1MHJHZNxKvXuquzg7/s320/photo-1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731059233113625922" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span><div>30 minutes later, you've got a snack that is FULL of protein and gluten free! It should be noted that if you have never baked with coconut flour, the consistency tastes different than a normal wheat flour. You can use any flour really, but you might want to play with the exact measurements!</div><div><br /></div><div>This recipes makes six servings: 127 Calories<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> 2.3 g Fat 14 g Carbohydrates<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>13g Protein</div></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05035108029047482424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439801897497115253.post-57884441422515288992012-03-13T13:27:00.017-07:002012-03-15T06:11:08.905-07:00You get what you paid for....<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">I spent $390 in the two weeks leading up to the Florida Double in various expenses related to my Achilles injury to try and find some type of cure. Unfortunately, not all the money in the world could buy me what I really needed: time, and specifically, more time on my feet. I knew that having only completed a 17 and 20 mile long run was dismal and not going to be sufficient to prepare me for a 52.4 mile run. But you know what else money can't buy? Friends that are so incredible that they give up their whole weekend to support you, stay up all night and move at a snails pace with you, a support network back home of virtual cheerleaders, sharing the course with some really incredible people, and having the love of your life cheer for you even when they are suffering. When it came right down to it, there are certain things that money and training can't provide, and getting myself to that finish line was about one thing: sucking it up and moving.</div><br /><br />I COULD write this entire post about how much I was hurting, and how horrible the run was, and how I would never recommend anyone attempt a double Ironman. But that really wasn't the case. Instead I will tell you how 30 1.747 mile laps went by in virtually no time.<br /><br /><br />I got off the bike and felt pretty decent. I wasn't in much pain, and I took off at a reasonable (but certainly not fast!) pace. I saw Jason and he told me how awesome I was doing. I was sad because I could tell he was hurting. It really breaks my heart when he doesn't have good races. But I appreciated the support.<br /><br />I didn't actually get on the run course until pretty late, around 10:30 pm and it was quite dark. I used a handheld bike light. Another runner told me two laps in that it was blinding him so I ditched it with my crew. For some reason, it seemed like a good idea to run in the complete and total darkness. A couple laps later I ran off the asphault path, tripped, and fell. My left knee hit the ground pretty hard, but it was my right foot that really took the brunt of the fall. I felt immediate, sharp pain. I saw blood. I stood up and said "you're hurt" then right as I started to get upset the following words came out of my mouth: "GET YOURSELF TOGETHER DANI. YOU'RE FINE. KEEP MOVING. QUIT BEING A PANSY." The only other runner on the course that saw the incident laughed when I yelled at myself, and I trudged forward trying to bury the pain the best way that I knew how.<br /><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719895819738474834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqm6wIly4F1HzYsu4zjey2ZdM888noyk6htDLb6yuzIl_07qdCy6WOm8LvIWYD_cGuZXUHYJOS1mWeWZXNRj9WE37eXqw1H_lVCPvZh2uacnyO9lfe1rurgBoihRzNUH0s4Zu0f22hyOG/s320/IMG_0266.JPG" /></span> <br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><i>I got a pretty sweet scar to remind me of my clumsiness!</i></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>I think my crew saw my bleeding leg and decided I needed company. I cannot remember who ran with me, and in what order, but I do know that what I wanted was some really good stories. Emily and Jill chatted with me about everything from refusing to wear clothing as children, to kids asking anatomy questions, to disney movies. Everytime that we approached Jason he would call out "Is that Dani?" and as soon as he knew it was me he told me how awesome I was doing and that he loved me. It was really sweet!</div><br /><div></div><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719896338250943826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJVrSTq3SRLFEF6FTmYQEzfg8yAKAk7lgP8lQd5_CDh_uxEwL22Fb1b89u5HTxWpSGc_cITpM-G1hk6JVi2G-7de2kxRMqOlBQfO8mrOwkba-hwVP5t5Nv_QU37nEY9JfgdwVysTWydDe/s320/IMG_0204.JPG" /></span><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><i>Signs your hubby is awesome: he wears a pink shirt, temp tattoos, and dances for you!</i></div><br /><br /><div>Kacie's crew provided me with quite a bit of entertainment as well. They were wearing lights, playing vanilla ice, and being VERY encouraging and supportive. Kacie was running strong, and she must have had the chattiest friends in the entire world with her! Everytime I saw her they seemed more like they were having girls night than "let's run all night"night. Attitude is everything in these things, and so is having people that can take your mind off the pain!</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Because there were still bikers out on the course, they had us step off the road and run around a cone so that we would trigger the timing mat. It was a VERY small step back up but everytime I did it, it caused a searing pain in my achilles. I asked them if they could move the timing mat and they told me that they couldn't do it until everyone was off the bike course. It seemed like it took forever, but I will never forget chugging up the the line and seeing a picture of a gift with the words "Dani" and an arrow pointed up ahead. Kacie's crew had drawn that for me, and it meant a lot. It's the little things people!<br /></div><br /><br /><div>I was in some serious pain during loop 17 (around mile 28 ). I crossed the timing mat and sat down in a chair. Jason was also resting for a bit trying to let his stomach settle. I knew that I had a really nasty blister. I pulled off my sock and shoe and found that the source of the pain was a blister that was underneath my toenail and the surrounding area. It really hurt! The doctor said that he didn't have a way to pop it while still keeping it sanitary. Frusterated I grabbed it and popped it on my own. I threw on a blister bandaid and wanted to get moving again. That was the one and only time that I sat down the entire race, and it was also my slowest lap!</div><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719896937955792354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eiFiM4q_ID_vfcPy8X2kXGQHS59GzjzcY0UtiL7qlKa-SYRhhgC37sM26_LMwfc7NRbyxkezr3-168zb44AX5rXnt5c8XyRjjEGaWYghgfXhhxMOkLUkbYYTdSIOHFyk0WsCRz5lD3cy/s320/IMG_0215.JPG" /></span><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><i>In good spirits like always!</i></div><br /><br /><div>Turns out when I crossed the timing mat I had lapped Jason and was actually ahead of him. To think that this whole time, in several races we have tried salt sticks, pepto pills, saltine crackers, ginger ale, and a million other concoctions to cure Jason's cramps and stomach problems, when the real cure was TO HAVE DANI AHEAD OF HIM. Before I knew it, I saw him charging forward like he was racing a 10k. It wasn't long before he had repassed me, and all was right in the world.</div><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719899173057114594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AgPGu5JMCpKM2iTu-U-BxY5YslYPCpshn2xQ6svhBVaVEaDw5P3wH_dqIDRGdnDuVR3TpN8u8Aftnm7llDGyibxedExG61UdRGYnm8Xif8yQVyx7tp0J3ekaDKnavcTxpKy5zy-euQhP/s320/IMG_0230.JPG" /></span><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><i>This is the determined look of a guy who doesn't want to get chicked!</i></div><br /><p>I didn't get tired or delirious on the run, and I didn't really think that I would. I did however, start to find humor in some strange things. Like running up on Ben, and realizing that his Clemson Tri Team uniform had a small tail on the back of it (they are the tigers). This really humored me!</p><br /><p>Once the sun came up the following day you were able to see the absolute carnage that is the last 10-30 miles of a double Ironman. I saw people passed out in lawn chairs, people in the grass, people walking with such an incredible look of pain on their face, and some people that flat out quit. One thing that remained the same during the entire time that I was on the course was that the WOMEN were moving! And they were smiling!</p><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719901762221098706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi25boE0N2DmuP36unLvD-M1bqLTtsauwUPttwbPkfrXFbLblvaj_JqGNcadgq_iTI8SzGgpz3EiJdxjKgY_O5T-xbnXRnpF2R_K7bRnO5U_cmfauszSQJ3naQHCnB1JJbQQUwNPr9eGV_Z/s320/IMG_0244.JPG" /></span> <br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><i>"Ok, I admit it. This is starting to hurt."</i></p><br /><p>I wasn't in the best of shape around mile 42. Keith was running with me. I was begging him for stories. He told me he had none. I asked him questions in hopes that it would lead to some long and interesting story about something, ANYTHING other than the race. Instead Keith spoke to me in a way that only he can. He said some special and inspiring words that motivated me. The strangest feeling in the world came over me. All the pain went away. I started to pick up my pace. Laps 25 and 26 out of 30 were actually my fastest other than lap #1! </p><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719900228901850594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTi0Wq6lWa2yV0epsnJiT_E5xG6hdQ0dd1dgnI3UZPEG5SPEBsJWmBS6hf_oywMocoTCIoPr0r6sw38WX0LHPcGLcFc8Hc0FPYIITGcwmIlO6HVK5OKt_A2fVNlVrRhvj89C6qMjMUbvd/s320/IMG_0253.JPG" /></span><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><i>THIS is what inspires me!</i></div><br /><p>People often ask me what goes through your head during periods of long training and racing. I think a lot about how fortunate I am, in so many ways, to be able to do what I am doing. Scott Rigsby, a local double amputee Atlanta triathlete was on the course with Kacie. What an incredible source of inspiration he was! I also thought about another Scott, Scott Whitney, who was involved in a very serious bike accident a couple weeks before the race. He underwent major brain surgery. I thought about how precious life is, one minute you are training at Columns, and the next minute you are having to re-learn how to walk.</p><br /><p>My pre-race tradition is to eat Chick-Fil-A 2 days prior to racing. I got a kids meal, and there was a book on Helen Keller. The book was titled "Determination" and I didn't think that it could have been any more appropriate to read before this race! The end quote was:</p><br /><p><b>"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." </b></p><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719900847596672226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSFRPaMIXVXi1Jag2qIuZGdqW_hFAv_VvokYmmIdii6IUS6Pgzqj41Sc2KFN_lekOl8fBid9X9IcHXyBNVHRTvFAsHCXPg8LtIaaiCice9aLytHYVFPDEc99zp_nnf4mWweqbzQK6Z0jq/s320/IMG_0238.JPG" /></span><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><i>Headed out for that final lap!</i></div><br /><p>When I crossed the timing mat for the last time to head out on lap #30 I started crying. Jill took over for Keith. I am not quite sure what the tears represented: the pain that I was in, the disbelief that the race was almost over, the overwhelmed desire I felt to hug Jason and give him a kiss, or a combination of it all. I cried the entire lap, and well into the finishing area. </p><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719902611785422594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzgCiTcrJzZ52ogtffy-K98F_XLczYg-vy-ZqhCjEZMYi0vu-5qooSX408MvTATh5HWNToaecHcD1YxmcB8fKaGpnG6FpcJiV_6enr3AhSYtTc5v_ogRi7fEiqP19BPpmZogT8VZPpxGD/s320/IMG_0265.JPG" /></span> <br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><i>It felt so good to finally fall into Jason's arms!</i></p><br /><p>I ended up finishing 4th overall, and the 2nd place female. I was not the fourth fastest person on that course. I certainly didn't put in the training that many others did. To say that I was in shock and disbelief is a complete and total understatement.</p><br /><p>I would be remiss if I didn't mention something about the incredible WOMEN that represented! There were 33 people that started the double. 8 didn't finish. That's an almost 25% DNF rate. Out of the 33 starters, 6 were female. 6 females finished and 3 of those 6 were in the top 5 overall of the race. I am proud of everyone for making it to the finish line in tough conditions like that, but the ladies deserve some special recognition because they really represented. I don't think that I have ever been so proud to be a woman in my life!</p><br /><p>And now for the part of this post that has me crying all over again!</p><br /><p>To my fellow racers: What an honor and a joy it was to share a course with you. I love these small close-knit races because of the people you meet along the way. Thank you for your encouragement! I am sure it's only a matter of time until our paths meet again....</p><br /><p>To Coach Shanks: Thank you for your patience with me. You never doubted my ability to finish this thing, and I appreciate that. I am not an easy person, and I am sorry for the many times I caused you to want to pull your hair out.</p><br /><p>To my awesome sponsor: All3 Sports, THANK YOU! You take care of me and I love you for that! Best Triathlon store in the WORLD!</p><br /><p>To our friends and family: The support and encouragement that you provided before, during, and after the race meant a lot. We are fortunate to have people like you in our lives! You might not understand it, but you still support it!</p><br /><p>To our amazing crew: Emily, who became a bike mechanic for almost everyone (except for us because our bikes were already in great shape!), thank you for being so willing to help others. Your laid-back, easy going spirit and sense of humor fit right in, just like I knew you would! Sorry that you didn't get to yell at me more to get moving, I knew you wanted to!</p>Poon family: Thank you for letting us borrow your mom and wife. To Jill, thank you for being Mama Poon to us! You are so nuturing and caring, and never once complained about moving at my snail pace. You spoiled us rotten "would you like ice in your bottles?" and now crewing for us is never going to be the same!!! We love the Poons!<br /><br /><br />Keith: Wow. Where do I even start? I ran my first mile with you. Rode my first loop around Stone Mountain. You remember when I couldn't clip in without crashing. Having you share this experience with me means a lot to me. You are such a wonderful person!<br /><br />And last but not least....my wonderful man Jason: I could take up competitve cross-stitching, or tell you I wanted to ride my bike across the nation, and you would support me every step of the way. You encourge me and you believe in me, and you never once doubted me in this journey. I love you!<br /><br />Don't live the length of your life friends. Live the width of it as well. The title of this blog is a Katherine Hepburn quote that pretty much sums up how I think everyone needs to be living their life! Disobeying rules and having fun. Believe in yourself. Surround yourself with people who believe in you as well. Take that risk that you have always wanted to take. Life is short. Make it count.<br /><br /><p></p><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719903278908405858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oKWp6d5maP-F6AJO2e_7tQSLFhxLw7ATm95S8t-e6AMDlvTc5T-R5mHMMmB2-igsTkZiVfhQ8nlcLb3UTXOrK11JJR7l1QRW8oVZD6_5elFOVXxwmWn9vtbynyprLouf75rNmzQHJszP/s320/IMG_0257.JPG" /></span> <br /><p><b>"Beyond the very extreme of fatigue and distress, we may find amounts of ease and power we never dreamed ourselves to own; sources of strength never taxed at all because we never push through the obstruction." -William James</b><br /></p><br /><div></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05035108029047482424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439801897497115253.post-36423736621339940002012-03-07T17:56:00.009-08:002012-03-11T17:55:28.181-07:00I likey my bikey!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwYjqwH0rd5FhNq1V79NlJ9Zvh4Voj5BDJSMsnIvJk0VhGfQtDG2XGVUcFuNNglO5Byp0a8fAIemIMCKbRaH5u8ao7chia9TRpUKeol7emUViMUvC9xsDLYqAjwnVvZZSlRvSek7e49ef/s1600/IMG_0207.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oHywuKYLweGmg8OXEx75mPAMJr6RtByWDs6SELo1C1-qx7Mo_IYVY_1MugBdAuAls6j7OkBmzzksXOkSh1PFVxYGhyC8TWOPleohTmveo7k-WpucOjqRJqZbpXtBaQI33Vz5QJGz3WEd/s1600/IMG_0179.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnkzJTDYy_Z9nn9YSbSl0oTq7VCJvWcSsOI_L1RWQ0WwSzQd5DTh6OwMXbRbwyp9t0U-oMTA3UmgB4opvl6rPO8Bd0XIw34v_pU1BPHsjtbBa4j2aZu7KcDyxYM7rmOG97_cHaRCL3C2v/s1600/IMG_0170.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PEDhg6iBFYdxwpmyjnM2DGz1vlKy_B5ZEAXeYSul_WAUXwm3b-Y7W3fipGkIUi5G9cuOe6I35taPbUtg4VFfZwODKD7e8SJOH1uIsV7uWmUrBZ-aHPTTSne75nU-Nki9aEQBNhZkM7Hn/s1600/IMG_0126.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PEDhg6iBFYdxwpmyjnM2DGz1vlKy_B5ZEAXeYSul_WAUXwm3b-Y7W3fipGkIUi5G9cuOe6I35taPbUtg4VFfZwODKD7e8SJOH1uIsV7uWmUrBZ-aHPTTSne75nU-Nki9aEQBNhZkM7Hn/s320/IMG_0126.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718645117958155042" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I LOVE my bike!</i></div><div>So I spent a LONG time in T1. I found out that Jason had an amazing swim and that made me happy. I dried off, ate a banana, chatted with Jill, and made sure that I applied my bag balm.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The bike was the one and only portion of the Double Iron that I was thinking might not kill me and would probably be really fun. Last year, racers left the YMCA pool and got 30 minutes to get to Flatwoods Park by car due to construction. This year, racers had to ride over. Which meant we had to follow directions. And cross over interstate 75. All while maintaining a heart rate in high zone 1, low zone 2. I will admit, that I am NOT the best at listening to directions/instructions. In between looking for cool bugs with Kacie, and listening to racers argue over whether or not it was safe to ride over to the park in heavy traffic I heard something about "there will be a volunteer at every turn." So, I rode out of the YMCA parking lot and kept riding, and then the road came to an end into construction. Doh! I turned around, and found my way out to the main road.<div><br /></div><div>So the main road was really busy. As I crossed over 75 and had to merge with traffic I saw a huge white Tahoe speeding towards me. It didn't look like it was going to slow down. I peaked at my HR. It was NOT in low zone 1. I made the executive decision to dart across the traffic to make it to safety (which was the volunteer that I saw wildly waving her arms at me) I got to her and she said "turn left at the Home Depot". This happened to be the exact time when a fellow racer, Ben, caught me. He made fun of the fact that despite beating him out of the water by 8 minutes he got on the bike before me (I am a woman, hello?! It takes us some time!) We didn't see the Home Depot, second guessed the turn, then missed it, then found it!</div><div><br /></div><div>I was SO relieved to find Flatwoods Park. I was very stressed out, honestly the ride over added some years to my life. Once we got to the park, we had to do a small section of a loop, then 30 6.674 mile loops. This gave me the chance to see my height-challenged crew 30 times!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnkzJTDYy_Z9nn9YSbSl0oTq7VCJvWcSsOI_L1RWQ0WwSzQd5DTh6OwMXbRbwyp9t0U-oMTA3UmgB4opvl6rPO8Bd0XIw34v_pU1BPHsjtbBa4j2aZu7KcDyxYM7rmOG97_cHaRCL3C2v/s320/IMG_0170.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718646481838966418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>Jill and Emily hard at work!</i></span></div><div>I noticed that it was REALLY windy. It had rained the day before, making it quite humid as well. My asthma was acting up on me and I was trying to do the ONE THING I swore I would do: keep my HR REALLY low. Because the ride was a complete loop the wind took turns, cross, head, even a little tail. You can never really get enough tail ya know? But I tried to enjoy it while I could.</div><div><br /></div><div>The lead guy blew past me at mile 30. Jason wasn't too far behind. He said that he was cramping some. I STRONGLY encouraged him to slow down. The single most important thing I learned from riding across Florida is that you cannot fight the wind. It always wins. People were riding strong, and I was getting passed, but I honestly didn't care. I was sticking to my plan. I caught Jason around mile 75 and he had full blown cramps. I knew that he had an upset stomach too and wasn't being honest with me. I offered some words of encouragement, and he promised that he was going to slow down and take a couple of breaks. I rode away hoping that the cramp God would have mercy on him!</div><div><br /></div><div>At mile 120 I noticed people were getting pretty tired. No one seemed as peppy as they did earlier in the day. I felt great. Even better than I did when I started. I offered words of encouragement every time I saw someone. The ride got really spread out and I got a little lonely. I saw a couple of snakes and several small rabbits and that made me happy. There were quite a few cyclists out there training and they all said the exact same thing to me: "you're crazy!" </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oHywuKYLweGmg8OXEx75mPAMJr6RtByWDs6SELo1C1-qx7Mo_IYVY_1MugBdAuAls6j7OkBmzzksXOkSh1PFVxYGhyC8TWOPleohTmveo7k-WpucOjqRJqZbpXtBaQI33Vz5QJGz3WEd/s320/IMG_0179.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718648641515079810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Next time I want a sandwich with MORE MEAT!"</i></div><div>I was trying to not stop unless it was a nature break, so I did the very professional looking water bottle toss with a request for what I wanted on my next lap. The crew was AWESOME at the handoffs!</div><div><br /></div><div>At mile 160 I realized that I had forgotten to put sunscreen on. What a horrible mistake. I was fried! I also realized how HORRIBLE my saddle is that I have owned for about 6 weeks. I will be taking suggestions for new saddles please! I wrote an open letter to my girly parts and read it outloud.</div><div><br /></div><div>When I stopped to put lights on I inquired about Jason. Since I hadn't caught him, and he hadn't caught me, we were likely riding the same speed. This wasn't exactly in his race plans so I knew something was up. "Where's Jason? He's puking isn't he? He's puking and y'all aren't telling me!" Emily and Keith said no, Jill kinda looked uncomfortable and said "he had a little to get out, but he's better now." Uh huh. I wasn't happy that Jason wasn't passing me like he should have been. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuwYjqwH0rd5FhNq1V79NlJ9Zvh4Voj5BDJSMsnIvJk0VhGfQtDG2XGVUcFuNNglO5Byp0a8fAIemIMCKbRaH5u8ao7chia9TRpUKeol7emUViMUvC9xsDLYqAjwnVvZZSlRvSek7e49ef/s320/IMG_0207.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718649512266072050" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>"Um, you might wanna get back on the bike. Dani is catching you!"</i></span></div><div>I was excited for the sun to go down. I really like riding in the dark. Flatwoods Park was a great place to be, it was totally unlit, with lots of wild life. You could hear animals, but couldn't see a thing. At one point a pack of wild boars came walking across the path. 4 of them. That was quite possibly the highlight of the ride!!</div><div><br /></div><div>I caught up with Kacie, the other chick from Atlanta around mile 200. I was so excited that she was having a great ride! I knew it was her first night time ride, and that she likes animals too, and I kept thinking "I hope Kacie is seeing these animals!" </div><div><br /></div><div>220 miles into the ride my lights started flickering. Although I enjoy night riding, riding in complete darkness is not something I am fond of. I started to freak out a little bit. I saw a light blinking up ahead. Another rider! My light was dying and I went into panic mode. I caught the rider up ahead and pleaded with him to let me ride side by side until I made it back. It was Ben! My buddy from the missed turn at Home Depot. Turns out Ben is a student at Clemson, 20 years old, and hasn't been on a bike for more than 30 miles since October. He gave me one of his lights and instantly earned my respect. Not very many 20 year old kids would attempt something as daunting as a double-Ironman. Especially if you are taking a million classes and don't have time to train. Ben clearly is my long lost cousin!</div><div><br /></div><div>I finally made it to the end of the last lap. Jill and Emily had all my stuff ready for me, and because it was totally dark I just changed behind the car. They told me that I wasn't far behind Jason, and that he seemed to be doing better. I got changed into my run gear and couldn't believe that I was 2/3 of the way done with this thing! The fact that I had tendinitis in my achilles and had not run in 5 weeks actually didn't cross my mind one time. 52.4 miles to go!!! </div><div><b>Bike Time: 12:33:44 for 224 miles, 17.83 mph avg, female course record! </b></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05035108029047482424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439801897497115253.post-7764922666335222872012-03-03T18:09:00.008-08:002012-03-04T11:46:37.275-08:00Dani's Fantasy Land.....<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mdkSwNU8aUH3ly9vr_q_a3csEytV-rnlBoG3Ot1u7OVcB3y9VQ_aL8ydLZ6JvFTeQ3_gk1C82JhtainNh0vhdX8zTc6DTzXtQ9n2I3OhbV6Iwedd-UEuGaK5DqTnc_QozLgPl5O9Ea10/s1600/IMG_0134.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqspiA_wI6yp99fplpZtyL91MrPMLjrpAby2E_m3prfATGV1TNy_NpPXL3H408ad7_EsDF29CJ_Wu30zrA50h8FPpgVaC0UWST6hPwNj5SLM2FDe8XdRoj3AmNATVy_MTweh2kDb1_L8j/s1600/IMG_0124.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqspiA_wI6yp99fplpZtyL91MrPMLjrpAby2E_m3prfATGV1TNy_NpPXL3H408ad7_EsDF29CJ_Wu30zrA50h8FPpgVaC0UWST6hPwNj5SLM2FDe8XdRoj3AmNATVy_MTweh2kDb1_L8j/s320/IMG_0124.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716128545867811122" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The pool was SO pretty! </i></div>Dani's Fantasy Land: Finish ride across Florida. Recover for two weeks. Start swimming way more. Go from around 8 miles of running and week and turn into a gazelle overnight. Toe the start line of the Double Iron in the most amazing shape of your life.<div><br /></div><div>Reality: Finish ride across Florida. Develop an overuse injury in your ARM of all places. Pinch a hoffa pad in your knee from bad tracking on the bike. Hurts to ride. Hurts to swim. Guess that means you will run. A lot. Go to Hawaii for 12 days and slack off. Get back in town and freak out. Use the insane fitness that you have to run WAY more than you should. 10% rule turns into 110% rule. Develop tendinitis in both achilles 5 weeks out from the double Iron. Develop a bacterial sinus infection a week before the race. Toe the start line in not-the-most amazing shape.</div><div><br /></div><div>Life has a way of throwing curve balls at you every now and then. I had 12 weeks from my ride across Florida to the Florida Double Iron. I had great intentions of lowering my biking way down, ramping up my swim and my run training, and everything being just fine. Of course, I never imagined that I would be injured going into this race, but I also never really thought about doing something this long either. </div><div><br /></div><div>5 weeks out my achilles decided to stage a massive revolt on me. I was very nice to them and stopped running completely (honestly, I had no choice). I had to curtail the biking quite a bit too.</div><div><br /></div><div>2 weeks out from the double, I went to my Orthopedist in a last ditch effort to find a miracle cure. I also wanted to make sure that I wasn't going to rupture my achilles by participating in the race. The doctor gave me topical anti-inflammatories, pills, inserts for my shoes, told me to ice my achilles everyday, find a hyperbaric chamber, and be prepared to be in some really intense pain.</div><div><br /></div><div>My coach didn't freak out at all about my injury. His exact response was something like "you're tough, you'll be fine." I did a 45 minute run the week before the race. After Jason saw me limping around he said "babe, I just want you to know. This is going to be rough. You are going to be HURTING." </div><div><br /></div><div>I made one last trip to the doctor the week before the race. I had a bacterial sinus infection that left me insanely dizzy. Plus I had to make sure that my innards weren't going to come spilling out of my hernia. I got the green light from my regular doc to do the race. Bases covered. I was about 99.9% sure that I wasn't going to die.</div><div><br /></div><div>Interestingly, despite FREAKING out leading up to the race, the week of it, I was totally and completely fine. Not nervous at all. I did a social media purge, which I found to be quite pleasant. I unplugged and told myself every single day that I was healed.</div><div><br /></div><div>We rolled into town Wednesday, our height-challenged crew came Thursday, and the race started Friday morning. </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mdkSwNU8aUH3ly9vr_q_a3csEytV-rnlBoG3Ot1u7OVcB3y9VQ_aL8ydLZ6JvFTeQ3_gk1C82JhtainNh0vhdX8zTc6DTzXtQ9n2I3OhbV6Iwedd-UEuGaK5DqTnc_QozLgPl5O9Ea10/s320/IMG_0134.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716128853697010498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We are still really happy, which must mean the race hasn't started yet!</i></div><div>The swim was in a pool and we were seeded by our expected swim time finish. I had ZERO expectations for this race. Goal #1: Don't die. Goal #2: Don't come in last. I only "had" a swim time estimate because I had no choice. Other than that, I had no time goals at all.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrklcfJFFkwwBJyFfStPQ9m6lOXPGLlTsOlyGTzd1EgHvWK_yfufEuBnsbav0OcLQ9ddnSdPrdRC_c_HFbwp_dZgi-d3zdBy2Wts9VHdXEpWocG-2fPR6XaZYVCOh4acHjENG3upSN6lz/s320/IMG_0143.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716129471944760226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Please don't show Maria this horrible form! </i></div><div>I ended up in lane 2 with four other guys. Jason was in lane 1 with the fast peeps. Kacie was in lane 3. I LOVED the fact that I could see them swimming next to me. It didn't feel like a race at all since we were in a pool. I really felt like we were just in masters swim practice. The swim started off rather fast, and despite the guys telling me that I could lead the lane, they all got past me within the first 200 meters. I swam my "I can hold this pace forever" pace and felt fine. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUZ7JGbWB0SEK6PxZaZoaLkPZGlnMD62nHhBx2k2-EcaJVVUZ6RtcXsEAptiw25YNa1H4GBcQrvbhWq477sb2PJ137MoQ3rFRV7m_3ZpCXfLRS8ty6eOxzCU-B4U_1fO-MeOa1HreuEou/s320/IMG_0156.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716130039760129074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>I stopped at the 2k,4k, and 6k mark to eat!</i></span></div><div>I counted the laps and stopped every 20 for nutrition. I felt great until the last 600, which was the first time that my arms got fatigued. The longest I ever swam in training was 6000 meters without stopping, so I was surprised I didn't feel worse earlier! My lap counter said that my 100's were all almost the exact same split! Even pacing for you! I exited the water in <b>2:23 for 4.8 miles</b>. Pleased with my swim time because I am not really a swimmer. Very shocked that I had the 6th fastest swim of the day! And now...onto the bike!</div><div><br /></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05035108029047482424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439801897497115253.post-69705596454603741182012-01-24T17:32:00.000-08:002012-01-25T18:16:25.682-08:00The Aloha Spirit....<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 32px; font-family:arial;font-size:medium;"><b><span>The Aloha Spirit </span></b><span>is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It brings each person to the Self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others. In the contemplation and presence of the life force, <b>Aloha</b>, the following <b>unuhi laulâ loa</b> (free translation) may be used:</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><ul><li><p style="line-height: 32px; "><b>Akahai</b>, meaning kindness to be expressed with tenderness;</p></li><li><p style="line-height: 32px; "><b>Lôkahi</b>, meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony;</p></li><li><p style="line-height: 32px; "><b>`Olu`olu</b>, meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness;</p></li><li><p style="line-height: 32px; "><b>Ha`aha`a</b>, meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty;</p></li><li><p style="line-height: 32px; "><b>Ahonui</b>, meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance.</p></li></ul><p style="line-height: 32px; "> <i>written by Hawaii's treasured kupuna, Auntie Pilahi Paki.</i></p></span><p style="text-align: left;line-height: 32px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:medium;">These are traits of character that express the charm, warmth and sincerity of Hawaii's people. It was the working philosophy of native Hawaiians and was presented as a gift to the people of Hawaii.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;line-height: 32px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jason and I had the amazing fortune of experiencing the Aloha spirit in numerous ways. It was by far the highlight of our trip to Hawaii. The people that we met, and the kindness that was extended to us was unbelievable. After I mentioned for the millionth time how amazing everyone was, someone called it the "Aloha Spirit". When I read the above description, I couldn't have agreed more. The Aloha Spirit for us was: </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;line-height: 32px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Chet "The Jet" Blanton let me borrow his bike, his cooler, his spitz, all without evening knowing my last name! I can't wait to see him again at the Florida Double! </span></span></p><p style="line-height: 32px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; line-height: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVQifFR0TTWnplbTXpXwP8ov5oln5xFo535UQsREMMQqZbj200lWKwQeYaoRqwK5IQwlNGnEwO_3pTsvCna6g6e8ejwWmAPx6fr1Ce7yrluXWb3IzJJgoc-LzgVk5o1jMzhyphenhyphenjPUlCE8y7/s320/CIMG2655.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701379491807291938" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></p><div>David, a local Oahu resident and runner, volunteered to drive me around the island following Jason. He took over 8 hours out of his day to volunteer, then he even came back that night and the following day! He showed me the Dole pineapple fields, shrimp farms, north shore surfing, etc. He has run virtually every race on the island and I truly enjoyed listening<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"> to his race s</span>tories and getting to know him. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrqf4w_yfyFBfR2yQicEyuC7eI7x2WdocpcIdjPOtP9xcebcKFuIOeBKta0D8sYxEZV2wdXwCEaQaY9j5GdyFQBhxp1dE9vVlzd2QZkhWRBFP8lEfs6mLOyUwouPetqxvzgpAMxr2VT1M/s320/CIMG2653.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701379679023425170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Wayne, another local Oahu resident basically adopted all the crew members. He brought extra kayaks to the swim start. He brought a cooler for Kellie, ice for the rest of us. When it got windy and chilly at night he went home and brought back sweatshirts and towels. He is the person responsible for getting the magical seagrams brand ginger ale (that Jason swears tastes different and fixed his stomach). Wayne even went so far as to going to the local bike shop and buying extra water bottles for us because Jason lost one on the bike!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HH-yC6LoPKX2dE5-xIs9i5lodY2dtPhrGJPXURAo0XwwSr9A0-aaermg8-Gt3F4SPwHZVMg7Ef4mvE7YJkMrYd4HoerYhdC8xxSBEyN2EMtxIA9xy7A_1RznE9uU2fmcZnL1A57jSf0Q/s320/securedownload.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701383551973311778" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></span></div><div>Have I mentioned how awesome the volunteers were? It was hot and sunny. I had been awake for over 35 hours. The sun was too bright to get any sleep in the car. So they made me a fort!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERw127frenwjRFySTy5mByEc7Hnd4vBeP6Cn8meyUnE-s30pA3Xf1JGBiBrk6vJ1SYUE_9PzQOH4c2BQSHEpxDpxUlsLNqiYBoiXgJ2h6l_jNumeQhno6RrBlIaNLeTgOAiwJIVlY1kUQ/s320/CIMG2695.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701379986918512770" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div>Jen will forever be one of my favorite parts of this experience. She is the director for Team in Training , Hawaii and was an assistant RD for the race. She is incredibly encouraging, and very dedicated to helping others! It was my first real experience with TNT, and I have to say, I can't wait to do a race for them and fundraise. Her partner in crime, Rebecca was also an amazing asset. They supported all the athletes and crew with so much love!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAYmlkv9yn_N3cBC3hc3wrxuszFM8CtTDqn6I3mte0qPLxHejitbvlyROYnESakAxK9Jl-BAnbm8lL9QyGSggNtIICiR9PWizyler8ii_icuvfVF4lJ0iHdlNH7u1kFpgRi28IoBDFFKf/s320/CIMG2659.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701384651356406914" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div>Jason Lester went so far above the call of duty for an RD it's hard to explain. If you have never heard of him or his mission, I suggest you take a look at his <a href="http://www.jasonplester.com/">website</a> and book. He is the person behind the vision of Epicman and Epic 5 and is the definition of what it means to live life without limits and Never Stop. </div><div><br /></div><div>Although this was a self-crewed, non-supported event, it was the most supported race I have ever been to! People might think that the whole ultra thing is a little crazy, but I think people are crazy for NOT doing these things. How else would we have ever met such wonderful people and experienced such incredible selflessness and kindness from total strangers? I might not make it back to Hawaii anytime soon, but the Aloha spirit is still in my heart!</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(51, 0, 0); font-family:georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;font-size:medium;"><i>A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble. ~Charles H. Spurgeon</i></span></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05035108029047482424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439801897497115253.post-28205191786928590052011-12-28T22:17:00.000-08:002011-12-28T22:40:52.884-08:00Aloha from Oahu!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgriHSbSMTrgFBZhazf7eY6oLQkCGqeTlJ-RcuTEMvWAtHjgnUt1b_iBpBzvG4HTHamenHARQzxNG6KxXcHHUuvP39vFbHQ_f_nuuxPNFWo80EpC031iSvwwh26zeh7-HP_u2PX-l0__Fum/s320/CIMG2628.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691433828197540066" /></span><p></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Aloha from Oahu! We arrived safely on Christmas around 4:00pm local time. We were quite surprised to find out that Waikki Beach is quite the tourist area. Very busy and very Japanese. Most menus are in English and Japanese and there are very few Americans here. Tokyo is not a far flight from Oahu. We have also noticed quite a few people from Australia and France.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">It is absolutely gorgeous. I am not sure that I have ever seen such beauty! We are trying to pace ourselves, but being the energetic outdoorsy types that we are, we cannot seem to sit still. We went to Diamond Head, a gigantic crater that was a "45-minute strenuous hike each way". This turned out to be a 12 min 45 second jog for me that felt like a crossfit workout. An Aussie challenged me up 1,000 stairs at the end, and with my HR nearing 180 BPM, I beat him to the top and took off. Just when I thought that I was going to puke and pass out simultaneously I saw this:</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMDI4c3WnFnyxxyggSgr5IBnbTFZB6c_sL7Pm7S5PTFrqqp8NVGh68u80LC7sELKTIpUJd7_6IqSW7AYXuNJn3ONG8wfZQBVOkzrdpAY73MjMlCWOAk9bqozHg8D1Z1XW-lyUHJdu_z0a/s320/CIMG2615.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691434238136227042" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><p></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Jason and Kellie will start Epicman tomorrow at 7:00 am local time, 12:00 pm EST. The race will consist of a 7.2 mile swim, 336 mile bike, and 78.6 mile run. The race format has changed a couple of times in an effort to get the racers and crew together for the night portions. </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HWdrkvdOyCfLXqQ3cpoDO-b6VsRd3Ijt1lxCHUqz0hZ3twducYkJp1DyaWs8p8FziHFMSGoc5bcK8EPCQpoCc_3rwvDaOe6Iymbl-YRQGXQpBk4PmXkXq5rJiYqNM_GVeINITnxLimsI/s320/CIMG2638.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691433995875232178" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The swim will be a 1.4 ish mile loop that they will do 5 times and then go back out for the last section to make it 7.2 miles. It takes place at Ala Moana Beach Park, which is a fantastic venue for the swim. Kayaking is not allowed, so I will be on a stand up paddle board for the majority of the swim, providing nutrition as needed and making sure Jason stays on course as he heads back in (half the loops he will be swimming as the sun rises )</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Jason will then leave the park and take off on a very scenic, quite challenging 105-mile ride around the island. We are driving it now and it's breathtaking. I will be driving the loop with the RD Jason Lester to make sure Jason stays on course (roads here are pretty tricky, they all have at least 5 vowels, only 2 consonants and seem to be spelled the same).</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Once the 105 mile loop is done, Jason will do a 2.8 mile loop 80 times. This will should start Thursday evening and take us overnight. By now the crews will be together and I will be able to get some sleep.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The final portion of the bike will be a short 7 mile trek back to Ala Moana Beach Park for transition. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The run consists of a 9.2 mile run out of the park. Then 7 9.2 mile loops. The run finishes with a 5 mile run to Kapiolani Park.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">I am tired just typing the course out!</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">I will be doing my best to keep everyone updated on Jason and Kellie via FB and twitter, however, keep in mind that there is a 5-hour time difference and that I will be on a paddleboard for 3 hours at the beginning, and then pacing him for a large chunk of the run.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">The amount of courage and preparation required to get to the start line of something like this is so impressive to me. All of these athletes are incredibly talented, tough, and dedicated. I am so excited to be able to participate in something of this magnitude. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">There is still time to place you bets for Jason's finish time. All proceeds will go to Humble Heroes. Humble Heroes is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to assisting Police Officers and Firefighters that have been injured in the line of duty or fallen ill. Most people don't realize that many police officers work extra jobs to make ends meet. If they are injured while working, they don't get any extra compensation. Police Officers, Fire Fighters (and teachers!) are some of the most under-paid, under-appreciated people in our communities (APD hasn't given pay raises in over 8 years!!) These are the people that we depend on for safety and protection in times of need. Please try and do your part to help them in their time of need. More information on how you can donate can be found <a href="http://www.jasonoverbaugh.blogspot.com">here</a>. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Mahalo nui loa in advance for your makana! (Thank you in advance for your gift!)</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Jason, Kellie, Chet the Jet:</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">POMAIKA'I!!!</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">May you have a wikiwiki race, enjoy the journey and don't forget to SMILE!</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; "><em>Security is mostly a superstition.<br />It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it.<br />Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure.<br />Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.<br />- Helen Keller</em></span></p>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05035108029047482424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439801897497115253.post-9287914996320660672011-12-15T06:40:00.000-08:002011-12-16T11:04:52.234-08:00Relentless Forward Progress....<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686536712399230050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvlvnoUztNuYc5Trd4efdcn5FCpQkThJAsE6RiSnrO4PZO3BDwjoAAgS7gbnIy1NrblxsbW2fH7bNIreLLuJOryVhl2fuo-T5jAL-Wa2jVUfxgg29bcZRRdV4AylOMt5lT1GZLfwECVvE/s320/328238864215.jpg" /></div><br /><br />When I woke up the morning of my ride I thought that I heard rain. I opened the hotel room door to find palm trees flapping in the wind. Wind is not uncommon in Florida, particularly the beach. I checked the weather to see that there were 15-20 mph winds coming ENE. We loaded up and drove to the bridge that was the Florida/Alabama state line and the starting point of my adventure. It was drizzling and around 65 degrees. I felt oddly calm despite the wind and knowing that I had at least 419 miles of riding ahead of me. I took off and immediately realized that the wind was not a tail wind, but a mixture of a cross and headwind. I also realized that it was humid, and I was overdressed, so after a quick pit stop to lose a layer, I continued. Within the first few miles I was already on the radio asking "when do we turn again?" I was thinking "we are going to keep turning, and then I will get a TAILWIND!" <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686536964307853906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-TF_aw0TE4kDTRJY4bdOKL6rkzSOMceF7XkeKXSvVF8oG8aqRMhi2bI1xaJcmtoea9cgIzqOKjF4wvLBXbZy1LineI04ZeNntDVOzPKGDnsMfiRRX9xRdXaYFKSrQIvb71sl-uo6nj_R/s320/177128864215.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><i>Thanks Mr. Dolphin, but I've got 20 hours left</i></div>It is an on-going joke that mother nature doesn't like me, and sure enough, she was pretty pissed. When I turned onto Hwy 98 I was holding on for dear life. My right lat was already fatigued from leaning into the wind. I radioed in asking how much longer I had before my next turn and Jason replied "about 50 miles" It was totally demoralizing. I was barely able to maintain 15 mph with a HR that was no where close to where I wanted it to be. My mind was thinking nothing but negative thoughts and I was beating myself up every time that I looked down at my bike computer and saw my speed. I was thinking about all the hard work and training I had put into the ride and now it was all a waste. Then I realized that a negative attitude wouldn't help me get anywhere any faster, so I might as well just suck it up and accept the situation for what it was.<br /><br /><br />I got really tired (like sleepy tired) around mile 110. I wanted caffeine of some sort. Jason said no, that it was too early. I was glad that I listened to him, because the feeling passed rather quickly. That was honestly the only time during the ride that I felt like I needed a nap.<br /><br /><br />The wind started to steadily die down, and around mile 120 I finally felt like mother nature was happy again. I was surprised how many people were so kind and offered words of support. It was nice to hear people yell out the window "GO DANI GO!" My crew was doing a wonderful job of bringing me bottles and sandwiches. I felt like I was taking in plenty of GU Brew and peanut butter and nutella sandwiches. The gels were not tasting as great as they normally do, so I opted to eat more solid food and drink the GU Brew instead.<br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686539781032223394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVENw-e30rryXA-dlKpU8MtNuGVBpB6ffGlhIEpuHs0zREoCTFK4B-CzTTmiJfxWNaiFVCPX2cj3M45ZOYuqTh7eQKO6fviB2qOla6b4_1TTi8EHdvNwUmgHeXK5yLSW0SDi93Eq5yoiKu/s320/282428864215.jpg" /></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br />Around mile 160 I felt an excruciating pain in my left knee. I had to pull over almost right away. We lasered it with our cold laser, and we also kinesiotaped it (but that didn't last very long because my skin wasn't dry) but the pain was still there. It was swollen, but I felt like I could continue. I am a big believer that things of this nature are about 1/4 physical and 3/4 psychological that you can control how you feel by your thoughts. I tried really hard to focus all my attention on something other than the throbbing pain in my knee. I thought about the people at the retirement facility where I work. How they lived through the great depression, war, so many things that our generation has never really experienced. I thought about how incredibly tough and resilient I think they are. I found strength and comfort thinking about how excited they were for me and this venture.<br /><br /><br />As night approached I felt energized. I really like riding at night, mostly because I feel like it's the hardest mentally. You have to not only be alert enough to stay awake, but you also have keep yourself entertained because you can't see more than two feet ahead of you.<br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686539301518503058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kSpRkLIrM9OMvZS82HycYx3_oDm8QC8cCOyyW5Eumm0__FIaW7-YW7MaDyjqptfwkwTyJVLDlirE9r4m9Uu_DSGAy1on1wPK2eY6aiUPMXYjJEVhLQ50dOfonhLshsz4bABx9JXW5R8S/s320/413448864215.jpg" /></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><br />Knowing that I was approaching Tallahassee was a great feeling, this was the halfway point! I like breaking all my long rides down into segments, and this ride was no different. It wasn't a 420 mile ride, it was 4 105-mile rides! Sounds MUCH easier that way doesn't it?<br /><br /><br />If anyone tells you that Florida is pancake flat, they have never attempted to ride from the West Coast to the East Coast. It is NOT flat. There are a lot of false flats, and Tallahassee is just down right hilly. Every hill appeared to be at the bottom of a light, which was of course red. The process of unclipping, stopping and re-clipping in to climb a hill was both hard on my knee and a little frustrating. Needless to say, I was happy to see Tallahassee city limits and move on.<br /><br /><br />Night riding found me having to stop quite a bit. 14+ hours of riding and drinking all day had caught up with me. I felt like I had to go to the bathroom NON STOP. I was still taking in fluids and food quite well and I had starting drinking Red Bull and Coke. My knee pain was pretty persistent and I was trying to stop and ice it once an hour while I used the bathroom.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div>I must have looked kinda funny, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00am running into random gas stations in full bike gear with an ice pack. One guy even came outside and took pictures. I just kept telling myself, and my crew over and over "RELENTLESS FORWARD PROGRESSION".<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686537919020545202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFJAZs8xFktAOVbgNTaCVeCSOiBV2UYmXm2rPFOoV51o6v7s0TgvuR3Q4vLddI_T1077jtXYUqNBJ1QK76hUpI1faGKoIdnjxd1LZXMxQBE0WyOTppbjPtZAR-9TaCglHcgaBmMhc7S-z/s320/976328864215.jpg" /> <br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><i>Not sure why he was taking pictures of me!</i></div>The miles ticked by and Jason and Chuck took turns alternating handing me bottles out the window. I asked Jason to just "talk to me" because it was helping to take my mind off the pain in my knee. He started to read all the facebook comments, and twitter messages, e-mails, and texts. At one point he even added a verse to Bethaney's rap! I was totally overwhelmed at the amount of support that I was receiving. Here I was riding all alone in the middle of the night, through tiny little towns in the middle of no where, yet I never felt alone. At one point Jason was texting our friend Alex and he said that Jill was getting up at 4am to do a "virtual" ride with me. I started crying. The more Jason talked to me, the better I started to feel. I was more than 300 miles into this thing, and was feeling better than I felt at mile 150.<br /><br /><br />I thought a lot about the journey, and what I had gone through to get to this point. I thought about what an incredible gift it is, to be able to have a body that is willing to endure such pain and keep moving. I thought about how I used to feel when I was 70 pounds overweight and would get winded walking up a flight of stairs. I thought about people who have chronic illnesses and diseases that prevent them from being healthy enough to even walk. Rather than feeling discomfort and pain I couldn't help but to feel like I was pretty lucky to have this opportunity.<br /><br /><br />120 miles left turned into 100 left, which turned into 75 left, then 50, then 25. Honestly, the last 100 or so miles almost seemed like they were unreal. Had I really been riding this long? Was I really about to be done?<br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686540129058138786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7AYVLH7cyaojLTdKI3QDj_9TQzwdIlWdqNJvVp09BaApmRT0CDClJyP_Di9GJ8edOTOpaBJbh1MAfxlHuKlJe4Glc1srxnjaaUHTVrWEZgt4DGxv28X7D9HnqD5Llw9pa8HqJV-PYiCt/s320/124938864215.jpg" /></span><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><i>Caution: Bridges become mountains after 400 miles of riding</i></div>It started to get really warm, and I began to climb bridges, which meant that I was getting closer to the beach. I needed to stop to pee, but I was SO close, I didn't dare stop. Bridges felt like gap climbs. I was giving it everything I had, but I was still barely moving. When I got into Jacksonville I was SO close I could taste it. My pace started to pick up. I could smell the beach. Jason kept telling me that I was close, but all I saw was stop signs. Millions and millions of stop signs. Then the worst part of the ride happened. We hit a detour, which just happened to be the road that I needed to turn on. I will be totally honest with you, after making a block and ended up back where we started, I totally flipped out. I wasn't very nice. I <i>may </i>have said a lot of bad words. Something along the lines of being a $#%&& rat in a $#&& cornmaze. I could SEE the beach, and I knew that I had to turn right on Atlantic Blvd and unclip, foot touch the sand. But I just couldn't get there. FINALLY, we found it, I was riding as hard as I could, I unclipped and ran to the sand. I was DONE. I thought that I would be really emotional and cry, but really, I just wanted to sit in the ocean and pee. So I did. Then being the show-off that I am, I attempted the longest brick workout ever, and tried to run on the beach. Horrible calf cramp stopped me about 20 feet in.<br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686540749116277202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCe7Iu_uzgWIkbC7I8mCJKFNGJZKBHxXSqH3s3Q2BVVAP9D6fi8rFnJUUZ8MkQlagoYeh2ESdb_PmolbY_-1dct6vh7JWEf0thY3oT05VkNz2_ow2G1lmaWeRLPUa9XR5VB7xIECCNEy29/s320/211848864215.jpg" /></span><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><i>The home stretch! Such a beautiful area!</i></span></div>Official Elapsed time: 27:54, actual ride time 26:04. I would be lying if I told you that I wasn't disappointed. I wanted to go faster, much faster. But you cannot control the circumstances, you can just make the best with what you've got.<br /><br /><br />As I am writing this, 10 days after finishing I still don't think that it has quite sunk in. Physically, my body felt really good, almost too good. I went to the doctor to have my knee checked out, it was a pinched <a href="http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/knee/fat-pad-impingement.ht">hoffa pad </a>most likely caused by lowering my seat too much (lesson, leave bike maintenance to All3 Pros!) That has since subsided and I am able to ride and run without pain. The only thing that is still bothering me is my wrist. I developed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Quervain_syndrome">De Quervain Syndrome </a>. Yes, I am the only person in the entire world that could ride a bike for 26 hours and have their wrist in a brace. Honestly, it was probably partly due to the wind forcing me to hold on much tighter to my aerobars than normal.<br /><br /><br />There are few words to truly express how grateful I am to those of you that reached out to me before, during and after my ride. I had over 200 e-mails. Women that I have never met before sent me messages telling how inspirational they thought my performance was to them. I really had no idea that word would spread like it did, and that it would be such a big deal. Really, I am just a girl that rode her bike across a state with an official and timed it! Anyone can do this! It's all mental!<br /><br /><br />First and foremost, I have to thank my crew, Jason and Chuck, and my official Keith. I appreciate you taking times out of your busy lives and dedicating an entire weekend to helping me achieve my goal. Your support was invaluable and I wouldn't have made it one foot without you! Chuck gave up SEC championship tickets to crew for me, a true friend.<br /><br /><br />Scootise: I would still be a gym rat taking spin class if it wasn't for you. You have made more of an impact on the Atlanta Triathlon community than any other person I know. Thank you for continuing to encourage people to get involved in this wonderful sport<br /><br /><br />To my "psychological" crew back home: Slayer, Poonstar and company, Team Ryals, Tat, my All3 Sports Teammates, EC Crew, Dynamo friends, Jill's Rev3 Teammates and everyone else that offered me words of support, THANK YOU! It meant so much to me to know that there were so many people out there that cared so much about me.<br /><br /><br />My dad: Thanks for making me tough. As a child I hated the discipline, as an adult I am so thankful that you made me follow through with everything I committed to and never let me quit.<br /><br /><br />All3 Sports: BEST TRIATHLON STORE IN THE WORLD!<br /><br /><br />Coach Shanks: You came on board late in the game, and never once doubted whether or not I could do this. You are one goofy speedo wearing guy, but you are one of the smartest, most compassionate, and caring coaches I have ever met. I am excited to see where we can take this!<br /><br /><br />Jason: None of this would be possible without you. You have redefined what is humanly possible through your own athletic achievements. You're the most incredible athlete that I know. You may not always win, but you always finish, and always have a smile on your face. I love this journey that we are on, but even more importantly, I love you!<br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686541080547983442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQ5sZlKunlnNN8usjonItUekCPPu67vB9CsqIC2VKpM7By9Z6pj5SNgOHpKF5iCzCf9Jx9gPGUNqSf1aYeiQFx0HOtYmgXWwQGCRp5xyPkL-kUeiuhRWNkplp0NRw1lhDaaDgs6oGSf-v/s320/837948864215.jpg" /></span> <br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><i>"Really great people make you feel that you, too, can be great." -Mark Twain</i></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><i><br /></i></div>Dreams start off a minor thought in your head. Spoken out loud they receive fuel to grow. The more you nurture it, the brighter the flame gets. You share your dream with people who believe in you, and it spreads like wildfire. Suddenly it's not just your dream. People believe in you, and they want you to succeed, and when you do they are as happy for you as if they achieved it themselves. This is how I feel. I am honored to make so many people so proud of me. Thank you for your support and encouragement.<br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686541432385244978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSnlhWAZvDT5L7tNxlqeSt6VPV977h7m47mTEqNnKQgJn31D90KqbjiVjYEijLuMQ7kcsjvtwd2LrRNMUXPUqSWTBY0ESspoAYt6k5HVXMDzkpvbr8VJkcIo1Zb_EFw48u2JnB4XmEmGJ/s320/528058864215.jpg" /></span><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><i><b><span style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse;font-family:georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;font-size:medium;" class="Apple-style-span" >"How often in life we co</span><span style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse;font-family:georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;font-size:medium;" class="Apple-style-span" >mplete a task that was beyond the capability of the person we were when we started it. ~Robert Braul</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times;font-size:100%;"><span style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse;font-family:georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;" class="Apple-style-span" > "</span></span></b></i></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05035108029047482424noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439801897497115253.post-29474727081887747822011-12-07T13:15:00.000-08:002011-12-07T13:37:48.455-08:00Where a bike can take you....<div align="center"><em></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqSYk29hIl1U0YzEpRGmOTYtowQZM01APHnhI1NGfyRqrhRQfjMSHShOXZI4FfcY2j79u01Qq2Pd1CZzJmdVdlxiMnlDCA-Tic7wuEeIOWIu9nRzpg5uKxPWUXqBuaFMacXEbLzCnowGS/s1600/peeps.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683498610631413026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqSYk29hIl1U0YzEpRGmOTYtowQZM01APHnhI1NGfyRqrhRQfjMSHShOXZI4FfcY2j79u01Qq2Pd1CZzJmdVdlxiMnlDCA-Tic7wuEeIOWIu9nRzpg5uKxPWUXqBuaFMacXEbLzCnowGS/s320/peeps.JPG" /></a> <em>These were posted all over work! Love my peeps!</em></div><br /><p align="left">I had a specific reason why I didn't tell my mother about my ride. She found out about it anyways the Friday before we left. She told me that it was a horrible idea, that I was a loser, Jason was a loser, and that we would never amount to anything. One thing that she said really stood out. It was <strong>"You've never gotten anywhere or anything from riding that bike and you never will."</strong></p><br /><p align="left">I thought a lot about that comment in the middle of the night while I was riding my bike. And I realized that my mother was dead wrong. Here are just a few of the things that I realized:</p><br /><p align="left">Without riding a bike I wouldn't have done a triathlon. Triathlon has changed my life, the way I view my body, treat my body, and the earth. </p><br /><p align="left">Without riding my bike I never would have been hit by a drunk driver and broken my leg. Although at the time that accident was the most horrific thing that had ever happened to me, it taught me patience and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">kindness</span> to people who are not able bodied. It made me appreciate life. It also required me to make a total comeback. That was humbling. I am grateful now for everything that experience taught me.</p><br /><p align="left">Without riding a bike I wouldn't have some of the most amazing people I have ever known in my life. The people I have encountered through this sport are some of the most talented, generous, funny, gifted people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. My life in better because of you all!</p><br /><p align="left">Without riding a bike I never would have done a triathlon, which means I never would have been on the All3 Sports Team. Without being on their team I never would have met Jason. I have never met anyone so perfect for me! It's fate I tell ya!</p><br /><p align="left">The more I rode, the more I realized that bike riding is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Instead of being angry over my mothers words, I actually felt sorry for her. Obviously, she needs a bike.</p><br /><p align="left">Everyday I work with people who have about 2-10 years left to live. It's sad, but it's the truth. One thing this has taught me is to live the life that YOU want to live. Don't be the person you think <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">someone</span> else wants you to be. I listen to these people talk about regrets, but I never hear them say "I regret doing things that made me happy." My bike makes me happy. No, it will never make me rich. I will never be famous. Yes, I am sure that I miss a lot of things because I am out riding. But bottom line: My bike makes me happy. </p><br /><p align="left"><em>"Far better it is to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">do</span> mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failures, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat." -</em>Theodore Roosevelt</p><br /><p align="left">Pedal away my friends!!<br /></p>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05035108029047482424noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439801897497115253.post-72159130860183196162011-12-01T12:27:00.001-08:002011-12-01T12:54:14.602-08:00Some final pre-ride thoughts.....<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgUcDxbpz_9n9uhLPoaVusry4hXu9W90eq2Y3N2EXUc71zLlbcJVahnI2XLNZK1VG9QDghlDkxxGMiwHmO4fu-4w-BMayQBCQ9AlT2Aj2luqE2gRhJ3e0v2UsNSZtRwjTYJ01UjSg-0k9/s1600/bike+ride"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681260153263372706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgUcDxbpz_9n9uhLPoaVusry4hXu9W90eq2Y3N2EXUc71zLlbcJVahnI2XLNZK1VG9QDghlDkxxGMiwHmO4fu-4w-BMayQBCQ9AlT2Aj2luqE2gRhJ3e0v2UsNSZtRwjTYJ01UjSg-0k9/s320/bike+ride" /></a> <em>How awesome is this? We will trim it down to go on the back window of the support van!</em></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">This Sunday I will begin my 419 mile ride across the state of Florida. I am really excited, not really that nervous yet, but REALLY looking forward to getting to Florida and RIDING FOREVER!</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">I've <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">chosen</span> not to wear music. My best training has been done with just me thinking to myself. Plus I will have an earpiece in to listen to my crew for directions, so I don't want to miss anything. Lately I have been thinking a lot about the fact that I don't know anyone who has ever tried to ride 419 miles without stopping. I wish I knew someone, <em>anyone</em>, really because I have so many questions. Since I don't know anyone, I have already been thinking about all the things that will run through my head. I have said it before and I will say it again. ANYONE can go slow for a long period of time. It's all mental! And I have been training my brain!</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><strong>"419 Miles is a long way to go"</strong></div><br /><div align="left"><strong></strong></div><br /><div align="left"><em>Nothing easy is worth having. - my BF <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Scootsie</span> has been telling me this repeatedly for the last 6 years</em></div><br /><p><strong>"My <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">XYZ</span> hurts"</strong></p><br /><p><em><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">HTFU</span></em></p><br /><p><em>EAT THAT PAIN! -Clyde Watts</em></p><br /><p><strong>"It's cold."</strong></p><br /><p><em>There is no such thing as bad weather. Only wimpy people.</em></p><br /><p><strong>" I'm tired. Maybe I should stop and rest."</strong></p><br /><p><em>No quit in this body. No quit in this mind. -Jill <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Poon</span> </em></p><br /><p><strong>"I've got THAT many miles left?"</strong></p><br /><p><em>Suck it up buttercup- Jason <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Overbaugh</span></em></p><br /><p><strong>"This sucks."</strong></p><br /><p><em>You can't fake miles. You've got to earn them. -Coach Shanks</em></p><br /><p>As long as I keep my mind right, plenty of food in my belly, and my stops to a minimum I am going to finish in a respectable amount of time. I will be obeying all traffic laws, which will slow me down some. </p><br /><p>Thanks for all the well wishes and positive messages I have received already. You guys are awesome! I will be thinking about all of you and the ways that you inspire and encourage me! Jason will be updating you on my progress via my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">facebook</span> page.</p><br /><p>I want to leave you with the following conversation that I had with my peeps yesterday. They were chalk full of new questions and concerns about my ride. I explained to them that I would be back to work Wednesday.</p><br /><p>Me: "Don't expect a lot out of me Wednesday. I might be walking with a limp. And I am probably taking the elevators. Don't laugh"</p><br /><p>90 year old: "So you are basically saying that you are going to be like we are everyday?"<br /></p>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05035108029047482424noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439801897497115253.post-1212967909113344492011-11-23T10:31:00.000-08:002011-11-23T10:49:21.397-08:00Explanation Impossible!Have you ever told someone something that you are planning on doing, and then realized that they REALLY don't understand at all? That would be me with my bike ride across Florida!<br /><br />I contemplated whether or not I was going to tell my dad about it. I didn't want him to be upset with me. But we talk EVERY day at 5:00 pm and if he cannot get in touch with me he blows my phone up, so I figured it was best to tell him I would be unavailable to talk. I did my best to explain, but he only halfway listens. Here are a few of our following conversations:<br /><br />Dad: "I was thinking about your marathon. It won't take that long right? If you are averaging 30 mph...."<br />Me:"It's a bike ride. And I won't be averaging 30 mph it will be A LOT slower."<br />Dad: "So more like 10 mph? Hum.....yeah.....that's gonna take a while."<br /><br />Dad: "What did you do today?"<br />Me: "Rode 150 miles."<br />Dad: "Wow! You are really getting ready for that marathon!"<br />Me: "It's a bike ride Dad."<br /><br />Dad:"Are you going to workout today?"<br />Me: "Yep. Swam this morning, now I am going to run and lift weights."<br />Dad: "Dang! That's a lot of working out. I bet you are going to win your age group in your marathon!"<br />Me: "There are no age groups. It's a solo record break attempt"<br />Dad: "Well then you sure sound like you are going to kick Jason's ass!"<br /><br />Dad: "Hey, how did that thing go last night where you stayed up all night? Was Jason with you?"<br />Me:"Yes, it went really well. I rode about 211 miles."<br />Dad: "111 miles? That's great honey!"<br />Me:" No Dad, TWO HUNDRED ELEVEN MILES."<br />Dad: "HOLY SHIT."<br /><br />Even better than explaining things to dad is telling the people at work. As you know, I work in a retirement community. I LOVE my "old peeps". They live vicariously through my training and adventures. They really and truly love hearing about my races. Everything I do is a "half-marathon" Most of these people are in their 80's and 90's and cannot conceptualize this amount of physical activity. They are very active, but organized racing, especially done by a woman, was totally unheard of when they were young. They ask the funniest questions and think of things that you and I never would. When I told them about <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Jason's</span> first 100 miler, done in the rain and mud the first thing they said was "How did you keep the mud from getting in the car?"<br /><br />So every Monday they wait in anticipation for me to tell them what I did. If I "raced a half marathon" and won my age group, by the end of the day I am an Olympic speed skater. Information gets very skewed very quickly around here.<br /><br />I told them about the bike ride mostly because I am not sure what type of shape I will be in after it. Last year after Cedar Point 140.6 they offered me their walkers. I didn't want anyone to be upset if I am limping around for a few days. It's taken about 2 months of me telling them about my training for it to FINALLY sink in. They get it. I am going to ride all day and all night. And NO, I will not be stopping to brush my teeth.<br /><br />When I arrived Monday a man said "Dani! What did you do this weekend! Ride 100 miles!?" After I explained the overnight 211 miler the sweetest 94 year old lady looked me dead in the eyes and said "I will be praying for you."<br /><br />Not sure if she meant my physical well being or for my sanity, but whatever. I'll take it.Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05035108029047482424noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439801897497115253.post-38725503005131197502011-11-02T12:56:00.000-07:002011-11-02T13:20:25.221-07:004.8 Mile Swim, 224 Mile Bike, 52.4 Mile Run....I'm in!<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVS3eBpv_a0n0KjBqOz-sp3pwiNFVdSbgiiN-_JJ00ZsApkSbOq4fvFfu-xCl0Dv_g4oV0StZXmNSvQHQnTJj8XBsp9Lw64HWZb_pQBNyTZ8l2Mh4uLkW1U9Dx-62Mwrj0oS-wl1Hgza_/s1600/magnet.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670495086497902466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVS3eBpv_a0n0KjBqOz-sp3pwiNFVdSbgiiN-_JJ00ZsApkSbOq4fvFfu-xCl0Dv_g4oV0StZXmNSvQHQnTJj8XBsp9Lw64HWZb_pQBNyTZ8l2Mh4uLkW1U9Dx-62Mwrj0oS-wl1Hgza_/s200/magnet.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>My favorite <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">refrigerator</span> magnet!</em><br /></div><br /><div align="left">"The risk of injury from the activities involved in the Florida Double IRON Triathlon is significant and includes, but is not limited to, the following: drowning, near-drowning, sprains, strains,fractures,heat and cold injuries, over-use syndrome, injuries involving <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">vehicles</span>, animal bites and stings, contact with poisonous plants, accidents involving but not limited to; swimming, biking, running or other <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">convenience</span>, and the potential for permanent paralysis and death. While particular rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">risk</span>, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">risk</span> of serious injury does exist"<br /></div><br /><div align="left"><strong>SIGN ME UP!!!</strong><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="left">Originally, the thought was that I would do the double Iron in Virginia in October. It's a lake swim, with a hillier bike course, which would suit me better. Then Jason reminded me that I don't like long runs in the heat (like I've ever REALLY run long in the heat!) but he is right...if I am going to run a gazillion miles I would prefer for it to be cold. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get myself in shape quick enough for a February 24, 2012 double, since my focus is a 419 mile bike ride December 4<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>. A friend convinced me that my bike fitness was going to be SO great, that I could do a serious run focus and I would be okay. He told me he would train with me and do the race. Uh huh. He isn't. But I am. </div><br /><div align="left"><br />I think it's quite fitting that I sent my race application and money in on the 5-year anniversary of my accident. My 5 year gift to myself I suppose! The website for the race is full of people that have done tons of really cool stuff. I am excited to be around so many nuts in such a small place. I am thinking about looking into a vaccine for my crew members so that don't catch whatever everyone else has. Seriously, check out these <a href="http://www.usaultratri.com/ath_fl_2012.htm">resumes</a>. Don't you love how mine just lists <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ironman</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lousiville</span>? I've done other stuff too, I promise! Does 50 sprints = an ultra? No? Dang. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">So I am not "officially" in yet, my application is sent off and waiting the race director's approval. He asked for a recent picture and I attached a pic of monkey in a karate outfit. On the "for" line of the check I wrote "281.2 miles of AWESOME!" Hope he gets my sense of humor. In the meantime the website tells me that there is 113 days, 15 hours and 46 minutes until the start of the race. WOW. That seems really close! Guess I better get to training!<br /></div><br /><div align="left">More to come on this adventure!</div></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05035108029047482424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439801897497115253.post-38686203994057675372011-10-27T09:34:00.000-07:002011-10-27T10:09:46.773-07:00My fun size secret.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YMZ68-AfLnl5I2-WAY_6k0zNZvj2xINzJumqF8jHMO8fd2lbvBOHSEQNLyw1yHNP-bwxttqTkv0EGIphaiSc-UtvD0BddX1SNCBGGmb1QQCh9grHPsEBpaWS64BcurGve7DPMn3IA4js/s1600/candy.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668217117168795186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YMZ68-AfLnl5I2-WAY_6k0zNZvj2xINzJumqF8jHMO8fd2lbvBOHSEQNLyw1yHNP-bwxttqTkv0EGIphaiSc-UtvD0BddX1SNCBGGmb1QQCh9grHPsEBpaWS64BcurGve7DPMn3IA4js/s320/candy.JPG" /></a><em> As with most fine things, chocolate has its season. There is a simple memory aid that you can use to determine whether it is the correct time to order chocolate dishes: any month whose name contains the letter A, E, or U is the proper time for chocolate. ~Sandra <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Boynton</span><br /></em><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I keep candy in my office for my residents (I work in a retirement home). Normally I have the most self-control of almost anyone I know when it comes to eating healthy and I never TOUCH the stuff. It's tucked away in my closet, far from reach. I am the go-to person when people seek nutrition advice. I love that people look at my eating habits and think they "I want to eat like her". But sadly, things have changed.</div><br /><br /><div>It all started when a piece of "fun-size" candy fell from the bag. One piece, no harm in eating that right? It was an almond joy. It was heaven. The next day another piece fell. This must be a sign that I am getting too skinny. I'll go ahead and eat that one too. Then later a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Reeses</span> PB cup fell. Wow. I didn't realize those were SO good! I ate it up with delight. I realized that the bag was slowly tipping over, but I didn't care. These little pieces of falling candy were coming straight from heaven and I was a happy girl.<br /></div><br /><div>Then one day I came to work and the entire bag had finally fallen. I thought "Great. It's gonna take me ALL DAY to eat this candy." And that is when I realized.... I had a serious problem. No, I didn't eat ALL the candy, but the "fun size" pieces were all adding up. And 300-500 calories a day from candy is really not what my body needs right now.</div><br /><br /><div>Most people who eat junk gain weight because they eat it in addition to their normal meals. Not me. I was eating candy, and my fruit and veggies were going bad. I don't like wasting food. And I DO NOT like eating junk. It's not my style. So I decided to give up sugar. Done. Adios. Get out of my life!!!!</div><br /><br /><div>I am getting my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">bodyfat</span> testing next week. I am really excited. It hasn't been tested in several years. The last time I was tested I was 16.2%. I am 3 pounds lighter and much leaner now, so I am looking forward to the results.</div><br /><br /><div>I've realized the worse part of giving up sugar is the insane <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">abundance</span> of energy that I have. It's really abnormal. You really are what you eat, and when you eat healthy wholesome foods, your body will adapt and give you more and more energy. I don't have sugar crashes anymore. I've got WAY more than the normal amount of energy required to get through the day plus training. Personally, I think it's the absence of high intensity training. I asked Coach and he said "normally people are tired from the volume" Um yeah. I am NOT the norm!</div><br /><br /><div>So no one has perfect eating habits. We all do things that are less than optimal for our health. But keep in mind that little things ADD up. Yeah, the creamer isn't horrible for your coffee, but the creamer everyday is. One glass of sweet tea? It won't make you gain 5 pounds a week but think about how much sugar that adds up to on a monthly basis.<br /></div><br /><div>Take baby steps to clean up your eating habits. Reduce things one piece at a time instead of making drastic changes. It will pay off in the end! Trust me! </div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05035108029047482424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439801897497115253.post-25932969442918308642011-10-18T11:37:00.000-07:002011-10-18T12:57:16.219-07:00What people don't tell you....Last Saturday I had the distinct pleasure of doing a 162 mile ride. 8 hours and 42 minutes of almost complete solitude left me with plenty of time to think about things that no one mentions to you when you are thinking about signing up for a race that will take 24+ hours to complete. Here is what you need to know:<br /><br /><strong>Hire a Coach: </strong>You might be smart. You might have lots of books with tons of useful information. But this volume of training is stressful enough without having to figure out a training schedule on your own. When you start to think about the endless <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">possibilities</span> of things that could go wrong, you will want a coach to help you work through those situations and keep your goals in line.<br /><br /><strong>You did not just get accepted into Fat Kid University: </strong>You might think that just because you've added a lot more volume to your training that you can eat anything and everything in sight. This is not the case. Food is the fuel for your body. Your engine is running a lot more than it's accustomed to. Fuel it properly and it will function better!<br /><br /><strong>You're not the coolest person around: </strong>So your recovery week now looks like what a typical <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ironman</span> training week looks like. That's cool but don't rub it in. Your old training partners don't need to feel bad that they are riding 1/10<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> of what you're doing. Remember, these are your future crew members! Do you want them laughing at you when your vomiting or sleep running? Exactly! Don't be that guy.<br /><br /><strong>You are not crazy: </strong>Prolonged training, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">particularly</span> in isolation may produce the following: hallucinations, delusions of grandeur, bouts of paranoia. These should subside shortly. If they don't call Dr. Slayer.<br /><br /><strong>Leave your ego at the door: </strong>Yes, that woman with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">babystroller</span> <em>did</em> just pass you<em>. </em>And people who you would drop on a normal basis are suddenly able to keep up with you on the bike. You are not slow! I repeat: YOU ARE NOT SLOW. You're just GOING slow. Big difference. Don't freak out.<br /><br /><strong>Get your life in order: </strong>Now is probably not the best time to plan a wedding, move across the country, start a new job, etc. Unless you really have to. Your training and work will probably be consuming every ounce of your time and energy. Keeping your social obligations and stress levels low are a really good idea.<br /><br /><strong>Trim the fat:</strong> The last thing your life needs is added drama. People who are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">unsupportive</span> or generally negative need to be eliminated. Yes, I realize that sounds harsh. But you cannot afford to defend your decisions (nor should you have to). Telling white lies about your training or not telling particular people what your plans are is okay.<br /><br /><strong>Get some good friends: </strong>You are going to need some really awesome people in your life if you don't already have them. You need support and encouragement. Make sure these people know how wonderful they are and how much you appreciate their support.<br /><br /><strong>Some really weird things are gonna happen: </strong>There are going to be times where your body will resemble a 7<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> grade science experiment gone bad. This is normal. What is NOT normal is to tell everyone about it. Not everyone needs to know all the strange ways your body reacts to training. If you feel the need to tell anyone, call me. I love hearing about it.<br /><br /><strong>**disclaimer**</strong><br />Dani hasn't actually raced an event lasting 24 hours, she is merely training for it. Check back in a couple of months for "what no one told me about racing for 24+ hours.."Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05035108029047482424noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439801897497115253.post-5414664130856310912011-10-07T11:07:00.000-07:002011-10-07T13:40:52.257-07:00Confession: I have NO IDEA what I am doing!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxoFCRlkq2SWWu_63FLXTQDwSbzhN6DQaaZELEs_0pQU1uwjOisM6t0D-N3c-Sow9RiVBZJBRFb2v2WGUglFgxAg8_EPVI_FttJUbOtUNNxhvZ7D4BJy2KEpFksj38kabeph0zRsMPLWX/s1600/expectations.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660814080808895010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxoFCRlkq2SWWu_63FLXTQDwSbzhN6DQaaZELEs_0pQU1uwjOisM6t0D-N3c-Sow9RiVBZJBRFb2v2WGUglFgxAg8_EPVI_FttJUbOtUNNxhvZ7D4BJy2KEpFksj38kabeph0zRsMPLWX/s320/expectations.jpg" /></a><em> Expectations: Always Aim High! </em></div><br /><br /><p>As most of you already know, I am a self-coached athlete. This has been my choice since I started this sport in 2006. I've had a pretty interesting progression that looked something like this:</p><br /><br /><p>2006 Season: New to the sport, jumped in with my training buddies on whatever they were doing</p><br /><br /><p>2007 Season: Recovering from being hit by a car and breaking my leg. Mostly rehab.</p><br /><br /><p>2008: Let's do an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ironman</span>! Brilliant! Used a book by Matt Fitzgerald with training plans.</p><br /><br /><p>2009 Season: Totally self-coached, did whatever I wanted. Gains made. Got faster. I attribute most of this to recovering from injuries from my accident</p><br /><br /><p>2010 Season: Jason halfway coaches me. I adopt his training principles. Even more gains are made, and I PR in every distance race I competed in. </p><br /><br /><p>2011 Season: Jason doesn't really have the time/energy to coach me. With no races or events longer than an Olympic triathlon I lack the real motivation for triathlon training. Spent a while recovering from a ruptured bursa sac. Performances declined for my repeat races from last season. Felt like I was just going through the motions. No <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">speedwork</span> completed in anything other than biking.</p><br /><br /><p>So there you have it. My career in a nutshell. What everything boils down to is this: I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I AM DOING! Yes, I can totally train/coach myself for shorter distance races. But a 420 mile ride? I've never even MET someone that has ridden that far, let alone know how to train for it. A double <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ironman</span> in February? Eh, that's a whole other story. So.......I think I NEED a coach. BUT......I don't really want one. Here is why:</p><br /><br /><p>I have always thought that this sport is "for fun" I don't win money. I pay money to do this. My approach to training is actually very laid back( contrary to popular belief). Yes, I train a lot. But it's super laid back. I change my plans all the time. I do what I want, when I want. This makes training fun for me and I ALWAYS want to workout. </p><br /><br /><p>BUT.....I, like most athletes that I know, tend to spend unequal amounts of time dedicated to the 3 disciplines. No doubt, cycling is my one and only real gift in this sport. Because I am good at it and love it, I will choose that over anything else. Sadly, swimming and running take a backseat. Actually running has taken more than a backseat. It's been boxed up and in the trunk. My "long" run career is so pathetic that I can actually count every long run I have ever done. 1 18 miler before my 2 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">IM's</span>, 3-4 15 milers, 1 50k race, 25 miles pacing Jason at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Umstead</span>, and about 25-30 walk/run miles at Key West. That. Is. It. Told you I don't run! </p><br /><br /><p>My deepest darkest triathlon secret when it comes to why I haven't hired a coach? I don't trust 'em. I have no idea why. In my mind many coaches have one way that works for them, and a majority of their athletes and they want you to train that way. Regardless of whether it works for you. I call it "cookie cutter coaching" and it really bothers me. That and I don't like being told what to do. And if I don't trust you or respect you then I am definitely NOT doing what you say. (The irony of this is that I will listen to a plan in a book written by someone who doesn't know I exist)</p><br /><br /><p>I know that the way I do things isn't the best way. It's the way that creates the most fun, not the most speed. I have a degree in Exercise Science and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kinesology</span> for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">pete's</span> sake and I STILL do things my way. Plain and simple......I am stubborn. So stubborn that it has been detrimental to my athletic endeavors.</p><br /><br /><p>I trust Jason. And I trust Shanks. Both are logical and level-headed. They will have disagreements with you without telling you that you are wrong. They understand that there is no such thing as a wrong opinion, and if given factual data, I do believe that they will both change their minds. Shanks has kinda been my advisor of sorts. I send him an occasional text asking if something is a bad idea or not. Sometimes I listen and sometimes I don't. But I respect both of their opinions <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">immensely</span>. In a perfect world, there would be a hybrid of Jason and Shanks. They would have Jason's tough love attitude and "I-know-when-you-are-full-of-shit" detection system and Shanks ability to write plans and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">periodize</span>. </p><br /><br /><p>I have looked and looked for a coach. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>, I made like 2 phone calls and sent 3 e-mails. Jason has been somewhat quiet about the whole thing (he personally thinks it's a waste of $) I have come up with reasons why I need a coach:</p><br /><br /><p>-I need to run more, and I need someone to MAKE this happen</p><br /><br /><p>-I am tired of getting to the taper period before a big race and wondering whether or not I have done enough</p><br /><br /><p>-I need to focus my energy and efforts on the actual TRAINING itself. </p><br /><br /><p>-I want to reach my full potential, and I really do believe it's much greater than what my results have shown thus far</p><br /><br /><p>Things my Coach HAS to be:</p><br /><br /><p>-Open-minded and understanding</p><br /><br /><p>-Firm without being bossy</p><br /><br /><p>-Allow me to do my core workouts three times a week and lift weights twice a week. I can get a doctor's prescription if I need to. I have to lift weights. Seriously. </p><br /><br /><p>-Creative, funny, and NOT sensitive</p><br /><br /><p>Who's up for the challenge?</p>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05035108029047482424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439801897497115253.post-6632297850212584032011-10-04T11:11:00.001-07:002011-10-04T12:56:42.665-07:00Living a balanced life in an unbalanced world....<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhojqQh0nRxALh-1U_eIB9hZvjFPeJ_YEcropgyfEkWZwV88eokZ4QlqKXkZhkwin7zqNOWNZQQ58fBcLxUhJXna4UhWLfebif0_rYoLn6VQjk_CruEPrz19Zwi0gt6VLn5C3nPq3FCNGk/s1600/3b3d35220a9943e792a6b1e0c51a5d8b_6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 306px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 306px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659707415152029042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhojqQh0nRxALh-1U_eIB9hZvjFPeJ_YEcropgyfEkWZwV88eokZ4QlqKXkZhkwin7zqNOWNZQQ58fBcLxUhJXna4UhWLfebif0_rYoLn6VQjk_CruEPrz19Zwi0gt6VLn5C3nPq3FCNGk/s320/3b3d35220a9943e792a6b1e0c51a5d8b_6.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzX_jRngvidMDhh0queJX8wf9sRnssSx5Tu4GN7WVEWl45jIA-5VBPHGJWtGmElf46F7fsNK_8SvfX9fDgJw69aCpJVNWE9JOb7r4SPi_eOrj1n-nK8I5x8ENcWfTILrDAZrWeINQtRp2H/s1600/c38c11897afd49bab38d84c0db84cd0b_6.jpg"></a><br />I look balanced but trust me it's an illusion!</div><br /><div align="left"><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="left">With Jason training for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Epicman</span> (a triple <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ironman</span>) and me training for a 420 mile bike ride across Florida, life has changed a bit. We spend our weekends training, preparing to train, traveling to train, or recovering from training. As the weeks drag on to months I have began to feel like I am living, eating, and breathing training and my life doesn't feel very balanced.</div><br />The struggle to find balance in life is something that almost everyone I know struggles with. People ask me all the time how I fit in all my training. Personally, I think that I have it a lot easier than most. I don't make <em>half</em> the sacrifices that some of my friends make. One friend I know runs from 4:00-7:00 am before her husband goes to work. She once told me "I want my training to impact my family as little as possible". That is one of the most selfless comments that I have ever heard when it comes to training for an endurance event!<br /><br />I consider myself quite fortunate that I am in a relationship with someone who will never complain about my training. He will also never complain about me being tired from training (mostly because that rarely happens!). But his support is great, and at the same time a challenge because he can handle volumes of training that would put most people into the ground within days. So he is naturally pretty unsympathetic about having to train for long periods of time.<br /><br />So what exactly is it about my life that's not balanced? Well, I've never been one to require a lot of social interaction, so the isolation of large volume training weekends doesn't bother me much. It's the leaving the house in the dark, riding all day, and coming home after dark that I have struggled with. There is very little balance when your day consists of doing NOTHING other than riding a bike and eating. It's not the volume of training that has gotten me <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">frustrated</span>. My body has adapted quite well. I am training about 8-10 hours more per week than I would for an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ironman</span>, but feel way more energetic. Less intensity definitely makes the training easier on my body. The flip side is that this training is BORING. I figured it was going to be and I was right! Last week I rode 8 hours solo in the Gaps (north Ga mountains). The extended period of isolation wasn't the issue (I barely saw anyone else) it was the total and complete lack of speed or effort that was driving me nuts. If you know me, you know that I like to ride fast. 8 hour rides call for little or no intensity, especially when you are going to do 5+ hours the following day. It never <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">occurred</span> to me how much I enjoy intensity until it was taken away. Training for ultras is mostly psychological in nature in my opinion. Any fool can ride a bike at a really low <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">heartrate</span>. But can you do it from sunup to sundown? When the wind is howling at you and knocks you over? What about when your feet are frozen and you're hungry? That type of training requires something that a high <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">VO</span>2 max and lactate threshold cannot help you with.<br /><br />I've thought a lot the past several days about my "imbalanced" life. I've thought about my need to spend more quality time with Jason, play with my dogs more, try and actually relax instead of constantly ripping and running from one place to the next. Then I came across this quote that I really like: <em>"The word happiness would lose it's meaning if not balanced by sadness."</em> -Carl Jung. This could also be interpreted as "how would I know what a balanced life felt like if I didn't occasionally let it get off kilter?" Training like this won't last forever. Our races will come and go and we will regain what very little bit of normalcy that we had in our lives. Nothing worth having is easy, and sacrifices made now are part of achieving huge goals later!<br /><br />In the meantime I only put in two hours of training yesterday. Why? It was date- night OB/Dani style: post gym, still in workout clothes, eating really healthy. It was quality time that was very much needed in our hectic lives.<br /><br />I want to leave you with one of my favorite authors of ALL TIME! Dr. Seuss. This is from the book :"Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?"<br />When you think things are bad,<br />when you feel sour and blue,<br />when you start to get mad....<br />you should do what I do!<br /><br />Just tell yourself, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Duckie</span>,<br />you're really quite lucky!<br />Some people are much more...<br />oh, ever so much more...<br />oh, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">muchly</span> much-much more<br />unlucky than you!<br /><br />Dr. Seuss is right. I AM lucky! I've got a mind and body that are able to withstand some really crazy stuff and I need to appreciate how many people out there could not do what I am doing. So I am going to be unbalanced, and just hope that I stay upright for the next 4 months!Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05035108029047482424noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1439801897497115253.post-51903620499122164692011-09-09T10:45:00.000-07:002011-09-09T11:14:15.075-07:00You can't fix crazy.....<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9i7tAERxjoR0S87V7jf8HK9JtXdmt2TIfEy99G3MKxRubEhl30Fe-XPsj3ZMq6lw9gwPZvDKlzroc1dtUsMvdikbAQCIyM-s0Q5r4vie0UePhC2O7ociilcnTqRa0kwID3CqAGx6jOqL/s1600/me+and+jason.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650418622219081090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9i7tAERxjoR0S87V7jf8HK9JtXdmt2TIfEy99G3MKxRubEhl30Fe-XPsj3ZMq6lw9gwPZvDKlzroc1dtUsMvdikbAQCIyM-s0Q5r4vie0UePhC2O7ociilcnTqRa0kwID3CqAGx6jOqL/s320/me+and+jason.jpg" border="0" /></a> "<em>We are all a little weird. And life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love." -Dr. Seuss</em></div><br /><p><em></em></p><br /><p align="left">Several months ago Jason told me that his friend Kellie had signed up for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Epicman</span> triathlon. When I asked what it was he said "A 7.2 mile swim, 336 mile bike, and a 78.6 mile run." It's a triple <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ironman</span> that takes place in Oahu, Hawaii. My first reaction was WOW! That is awesome! You should apply for it! It's limited to 20 participants and it's invite only. I knew Jason's race resume was great and he would get in if he really wanted it. </p><br /><p align="left">I know what you are thinking. That a triple <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ironman</span> is totally nuts. You are probably thinking that anyone who wants to do something like that is totally crazy. Well, I might be a little off my knocker too, because I thought it was a wonderful idea. </p><br /><p align="left">Why support something so insane? Well, let's face it. If the person you love has the courage and guts to apply for a race that has a SIXTY HOUR cutoff then you really have no choice but to support them. Because they obviously have a mental disorder and need help.</p><br /><p align="left">I learned a long time ago that you can't change people and you definitely cannot fix crazy. Jason is stubborn and hard-headed, and has more ambition and drive than most people I know combined. He refuses to quit. He has an incredible work ethic and NEVER skips workouts or cuts anything short. Personally he's my multi-sport hero and I try my hardest to support him in every way possible because he does the same for me. I think that ultra distance racing is mostly psychological, and you cannot be successful without a support network. It's not an easy lifestyle and having a partner that totally understands and supports you makes reaching your goals that much more achievable.</p><br /><p align="left">Some of you reading this may be the spouse or partner of someone who is "crazy". You might be widowed by the sport and not a happy camper. I get that. My advice? Do something crazy yourself. I decided to ride my bike across Florida. </p><br /><p align="left">If dates on a bike aren't your thing here are some other suggestions for how to go crazy:</p><br /><p align="left">- start yelling "stranger danger" when people you don't know talk to you</p><br /><p align="left">- take up "reverse <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">crosstitching</span>" make a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">stitch</span>, reverse it, repeat.</p><br /><p align="left">-become a skittle <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">separator</span>. Refuse to allow anyone to eat colors out of your specific order preference</p><br /><p align="left">-before you meet new people, pop an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">alka</span> seltzer in your mouth. Proceed.</p><br /><p align="left">-play tag in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Wal</span>-Mart. Fitting room lady is base. </p><br /><p align="left">-Attach signs to water fountains that say "Free water today!"</p><br /><p align="left">-visit your local animal shelter. Lay down and say "pick me! pick me!"</p><br /><p align="left">ENJOY! </p><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05035108029047482424noreply@blogger.com0