Endurance Princess

New Blog

2010-06-03T22:53:00.001-07:00

I started a new blog

http://enduranceprincess.blogspot.com

See you all there!

Mrs. Folts

2010-05-03T15:38:00.003-07:00

Well, I am officially Mrs. Corinne Therese Folts now! Our wedding was absolutely amazing, and I am so glad it came together the way it did that day. I couldn't have asked for a better day. Everyone told me to cherish the moment, because the day goes by so fast... and they were right. One moment I was standing up there saying I do, and the next thing I know I'm home again in my house and everything is over. The morning after my wedding we got up at 5 a.m. and I went and raced the Tri for the Cure sprint Triathlon in Chandler. I know, CRAZY. But it was worth it and I had fun. I was so tired from dancing and being up all night but I just raced for fun and Brian was on every corner cheering for me. By the time I got to the really short run my legs were toast so I just ran easy and ended up third overall anyway... awesome! We got back to our beautiful honeymoon suite at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort by 9:30 a.m. and got to enjoy the rest of our morning. I ended up chasing some kids up and down the slides like a huge dork all afternoon, and also ate some Rocky Mountain Oysters (Bull balls) with my crazy family that night at Rawhide for dinner. It took some convincing, but hey, I guess I cave to peer pressure easily. They weren't THAT bad I guess :)~

Last weekend we went up to St. George Utah because Brian raced Ironman St. George. It is definitely beautiful up there... but I don't know if I will ever do that race. On Friday, the day before the race, Shawna and I decided to ride one loop of the course (56 miles) and man was it WINDY!! It took us over 3 hours to do it, and I think if I would have done this race my bike split would have been around 7 hours... it is crazy hilly and windy with just as crazy descents as climbs. And the run is even worse!!! We did have so much fun watching Brian and Adam race on Saturday though, and I think the most fun I had was going back at 11 p.m. to watch the last finishers come in between 16 and 17 hours! It was amazing! It was like a party down there! Music was playing loud, the sky was dark, everything was lit up and the crowd was dancing and screaming! It was one of the best Ironman experiences of my life and I cant believe I've never watched the last people come in before! I always just go home and bury myself in ice for the night... but I will definitely go back at every race and watch until the 17 hour cut-off from now on. How amazingly dedicated those people are to be out there for 17 hours to finish that race. Wow!

Also congratulations to Julie Dunkle and Kevin Sullivan from my Erin Bakers Triathlon Team who totally rocked the race! Enjoy Kona 2010!

Well, we are off to Hawaii tomorrow at 8 a.m. for our honeymoon! I have one day here in Phoenix between St. George and Hawaii and I spent most of it on my bike because I wont be seeing it for another week. It was really nice to have a Monday off to do whatever I want!

XOXO
Cori

Good news, bad news, great news, any news....?

2010-03-18T12:10:00.003-07:00

It's been quite a while since my last post, and I've have to admit I've had a lot of ups and downs and was fearful of writing a post in fear I would sound crazy. Yes, I even started to believe I was going crazy after a while!

I started going to Spooner Physical Therapy in February and seeing Michelle, a therapist recommended to me by multiple friends who also suffered running injuries. She has been great. I've been doing a lot of single leg strength work there, which has made a huge difference in my running. Pretty much, I am weaker on my left side, and my left leg is always a little longer then my right leg, even after I am adjusted an manipulated to heck! I absolutely detest doing strength training, so seeing Michelle twice a week forces me to do it, and the benefits are worth giving up a couple hours a week. I've also been taking Regal Zyme, which is a combination of enzymes, antioxidents and nutrients that aid in the reduction of inflammation, as well as Chicken Collagen which also aids in just that. These products were recommended to me by a patient at the chiropractic office I work at, and have also really made huge difference in how I feel. Check out these products. I just love them. By the way... today I ran 90 minutes straight for the first time in over three months!!!

So on the training side, things are looking up. I am getting stronger, and now need to concentrate on getting in shape now that I am pain free. Time to get serious, but be careful at the same time and take good care of myself.

On a side note, I am getting married in three weeks!!! Things have been nuts, but I do have the best family and friends in the whole world. I can't wait to share pictures and stories from our special day. It is going to be just wonderful. They are even going to let our dog, Hannah, be in the wedding as the ring bearer! Two weeks ago I was home in Chicago for my wedding shower/bachelorette party, and this weekend I'm doing it all over again in Arizona! I am a little sad because I planned on doing the Bartlett Lake olympic triathlon on Sunday, but I honestly dont think I'll make it there after a bachelorette party on Saturday night. Well, everything happens for a reason, and maybe it's just not time for me to race yet. When August rolls around, I will be ready for Boulder 70.3! But for now, I'm going to have fun, get married, cheer my new hubby on at St. Geroge Ironman, enjoy my honeymoon in HAWAII (AHHH!) and then work my tail off to get FAST.

Till next time,

XOXO
Cori

February update!

2010-02-09T21:11:00.002-07:00

This month is going to be crazy! My parents are in town tomorrow through the weekend to help with wedding planning, and we have our first walk through and sign for our house next week! Things have been super busy and I am really tired all the time! But everything is so exciting so it's ok! I'll be going home the first weekend in March, and then the wedding is in April. THEN Brian is doing Ironman St. George the first Sunday in May, we go on our honeymoon, then 70.3 Boulder in August and Ironman Arizona in November. 2010 is going to be busy busy, but a great year.

On the training/injury front, things are looking up! Yesterday I did my first 50 minute run since December 27th and it went great - besides the fact I was so tired and felt like I have never run before in my life - NO KNEE PAIN!!! I've been doing Bikram Yoga three times a week. Yes this has cut into my training time, but it's off season and it's worth it because it has helped me so much. As of now, my plan is to keep adding time onto my longer runs every other day or so, with recovery runs in between, as well as swims, bikes, yoga, strength, chiropractic and PT. I'm keeping my head up and a positive attitude (most of the time! I'm doing my best here!)

I've also added two masters swim classes, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and hopefully it will help my swim this year. Fingers crossed! I can use all the help I can get on the swim.

One thing I have gotten back into this week is peertrainer.com. I really like this site because it helps me stay on track with my training and diet, and I can log how I feel each day which is nice to have to look back on. I really recommend using this site if you dont have some other sort of log you like. I've used it in the past and loved it, but now that I was injured again, I really need to evaluate my nutrition and training and stay as healthy as possible.

More good news - I agreed to race for Erin Baker's Triathlon Team for two more years! A new sponsor we picked up is Oakley, which is super exciting! I am stoked to have some sweet shades instead of my old cheapos, however I always seem to loose/break any kind of nice sunglasses I have ever owned, so I will say a short prayer to God here to help me keep the new ones alive.

There is a sprint triathlon the last weekend of the month. If I am healthy again, I will be there racing. I hope I will be healthy because some fun races are coming up and I haven't had the opportunity to race Olympic distance in quite some time. I look forward to that distance, though I've never had great luck with it, it is challenging and I like that.

Until next time

XOXO
Cori

Bigger than triathlon...

2010-01-21T21:05:00.004-07:00

This is something I've had to keep on reminding myself of the past month during this injury that has caused me to be unable to run. I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and I keep reminding myself that there is more to me than triathlon.

I used to think the only thing that make me happy was running, biking, swimming. Here are some of the things that make me happy:

Sleeping in and cuddling

Taking long walks/hikes with my dog Hannah

Bikram Yoga

Dinner at a GOOD restaurant

A really funny movie or comedy show

Spending time and laughing with the most important people in my life

Talking on the phone with old/best friends and family, or even better seeing them

My new house

My wedding dress

Planning my wedding

Learning about the latest and greatest in health and wellness

Using my knowledge to help people and see it impact lives

A good martini once in a while

Dressing up (again, only once in a while, i prefer sweats)

Watching snow fall in the Rocky Mountains

Like I said, everything happens for a reason, and I think this injury is happening so I learn to respect and cherish the things in my life that make me happy, other then triathon. Sometimes we get so caught up in the training and ourselves, that we push other things away resulting in an imbalanced life.

For now, balance is the goal. I have faith that restoring the balance in my life will heal my injury and I'll be running long again in no time. I am lucky to have wonderful people in my life to keep me going.

Thank all of you, and God above.

XOXO
Cori

Good Running Gone Bad

2010-01-05T22:28:00.003-07:00

I regret to inform EVERYONE that the injury I thought I had shaken has yet returned. I guess that because there are so many good things going on in my life (getting married in April, buying a house, having a great job, dog, fiance and family) that one thing had to go wrong. Of course it has to be the one thing I want to do most. It's pretty safe to say that if I was told I had an hour to live, and could pick one thing to do in that hour, I would run. I've heard most people would pick sex, but not me. I would pick running.

Well, I was planning on doing the Rock N Roll Arizona marathon this January, but it looks like my knee can't handle more then 20 minutes of running right now, so it's pretty much out of the question. As of now I am trying to be the most positive I can be. I got all my tears out, and now I am sucking it up, acting positive and appreciating all the wonderful things I DO have in my life. I am blessed and thankful for so many things, it's crazy for me to go lock myself and shut down in depression because I can't run again. I WILL get better with smart, careful recovery training and the plan is to run the Ragnar relay in the end of February.

Brian will do the marathon and I will be there at the finish to cheer him on. He's going for a PR of 2:50 this year! What an amazing runner he is, duck running form and all :)~

POSITIVE THOUGHTS, POSITIVE THINKING

XOXO
Cori

Ironman Arizona 2009 Race Report

2009-12-05T16:21:00.000-07:00

My stomach felt empty. I remembered eating my breakfast of a bagel with PB, honey and banana, but I still felt like a bottomless pit. I crossed my arms in front of my face and put my head down on my desk at work. It was 8 a.m. on Monday, the Monday before my second Ironman. Why was I so nervous? I’d done this once before and done it well, but for some reason my nerves were getting the best of me.

Why was this happening, I thought as my breath heated up the confined space I had made for my head between my crossed arms and my desk. A couple reasons came to me. The first: Last year I was living in Chicago and had taken the entire week off work and flown to Arizona on Monday to spend the whole week preparing for the race. This year I was working all week long, AND my mom was coming into town. The fact my mom was coming for support shouldn’t have been a nerve wracking factor, but now I am brought to my second reason for my unexpected feeling: she wanted to shop for wedding dresses… the day before the race. Don’t get me wrong, I am excited to get married, but my mind was not on my wedding this week, it was on the 140.6 miles I would take on this Sunday.

I planned to have the whole wedding thing blocked from my mind until after the race, but she brought it back, and instead of taking my mind off the race, it made my nerves worse. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday went by slowly. I completed my little taper workouts and did my best to eat well and avoid overeating. I was feeling pretty good and had things under control until Thursday rolled around.

Thursday morning I woke up and decided I would go down to Tempe Town Lake for a little taper run, quick swim in my wetsuit in the Tempe Town Toilet and go through registration. I had to be at work by noon because I had a marketing event during the afternoon with DK, but I had four hours to get everything done, shower and get there. My mom was also landing that night at 7 and I planned to pick her up at the airport and bring her to meet Brian’s dad at our weekly pizza night get together.

Anyway, I got to the lake around 9 a.m. and parked at the Tempe Arts Center. I decided to run a half loop of the course easy, then grab my wetsuit and go in for a 20 minute swim in the dreaded lake. As I was running around the lake I noticed people were swimming already. WHAT?! I thought the swim was from 10-12. I pushed a little harder than I wanted to in order to get back to the car, grab my wetsuit and get in that lake for at least a little swim. Friday I knew I had to work in the morning and Saturday I knew I’d be out of luck because there was no way Brian would want to swim in the dirty lake. My heart rate rose because I was nervous I would miss my chance to submerge myself in that beautiful murky and smelly water. By the time I got my wetsuit on, I heard the announcer say “15 minutes left to swim!” I threw everything in my huge Blue Seventy transition bag (thank God for that bag!), checked it in and practically cannon balled into the cold water.

OUCH! That water was cold! I swam under the bridge and out to the big red bouy. I felt pretty good, but as usual people were passing me like I wasn’t moving, and my sprits sunk just a little. I turned around, swam as far east as I could until I was forced to make my way back to the bleachers as they were closing the swim. I pulled myself out of the water, and scrubbed my face as hard as I could with my wet hands to get the disgusting clammy dirt off my face that I always have after swimming in that lake. I pulled off my wetsuit, gathered my stuff and made my way to the registration line.

WHAT!!! Again my heart began to beat unnecessarily fast when I saw the length of the line. There had to be hundreds of people ahead of me. I glanced at my watch, waited in the line for an hour and moved about 20 feet. I texted DK and told him the line was ridiculous and I would do my best to make it to work by 12. No answer. Frustrated, I dropped out of the line deciding I would try again tomorrow because there was no way I would make it to work at this rate. It was then that I noticed the Erin Baker’s tent in the distance.

I decided to make a quick stop at the tent to introduce myself to whoever was over there. I had yet to meet anyone on my Erin Baker’s Triathlon Team yet except for Katie who lived in my hometown in IL. I was surprised to see Erin working the tent! I introduced myself to her, chatted for a few minutes, grabbed a cup of my most favorite granola in the world, chocolate chunk, then jogged back to my car. I frantically drove out of the parking lot, worried I wouldn’t have time to shower and get to work on time. I kept telling myself to calm down, but I couldn’t control my emotions. It only got worse.

The event went fine, but even DK said he could see the almost-tears in my eyes and could tell something was wrong. I decided to take Friday off work so I could avoid getting stressed out with registration and work again, spend time with my mom and just relax. I picked up my mom at the airport and we had a good evening at Brian’s dads. My stomach started to settle again!

Friday Brian and I met up with our friend Chris and his girlfriend who were in town for the race from Kansas. They were staying at Adam’s apartment nearby and wanted to follow us to Tempe Town Lake since they didn’t know their way around. The line was crazy long again, but the wait didn’t seem that bad with all the granola I had to eat! We got through in about an hour and headed home after stopping by to say hi to Erin again. I also met Tim Matthews, another team member, as well as Kevin Sullivan. Everyone was very nice and surprisingly calm! Was I the only one nervous?

I had made an appointment with my massage therapist Melissa for both my mom and I on Friday as well, so I went and picked her up and off we went back to Tempe. I’m glad I decided to do this because it helped me relax a little. We went out to eat at Ghangis Grill at Tempe Marketplace that night after we picked up Brian, and it was delicious as usual (we love that place!)I loaded up on shrimp, tofu, veggies and rice. I also took my mom to see the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass, our wedding location, and was happy that she fell in love with it as much as I had.

As if I didn’t have enough going on, I tried to change the tires on my bike three times, and each time my back tire would go flat within 30 minutes. I was so frustrated I ran over to Curbside and Mike was kind enough to check my bike over for me. My back wheel is a little iffy, you might say, because it is the same wheel I crashed on my ride to Tucson a couple months ago. It was practically taco’d, but I can’t afford new wheels and just had to get it trued and move on. I was nervous something was wrong with it that was poking my tube or something. I picked it up Friday night after Mike had fixed everything and calmed me down a bit!

Saturday morning Brian and I packed the van with our transition bags and bikes and drove down to Tempe Town Lake. We did a short ride and run before dropping our bikes and bags off in transition. Then it was wedding dress shopping time! I stopped by work, where Dr. James was nice enough to meet me for a pre-race adjustment and I looked up directions to Uptown Bridal in Chandler. Again I cannot express how much incorporating chiropractic into my life has improved my racing and helped my training, but that is an entirely different post meant for a different time! This report is already long enough and I haven’t even gotten to the race yet.

Unexpectedly, I had an amazing time trying on wedding dresses! Not to mention, I think I found “the one” as well! I stopped by Trader Joe’s on the way home and picked up some chicken, pasta and veggies for dinner. I saw Kymmie there, who wished me good luck and told me I wouldn’t need it anyway! Amazing how it’s the little things that calm you down and really make an impact. My mom went out to dinner with a friend and Brian and I ate and hit the hay.

We got in bed at about 8 p.m. but I could NOT sleep! I did not have that problem last year either, but I definitely tossed around for five hours at least. I did not get much sleep at all. In the morning we got up at 4 a.m. I had my breakfast of two packets of Kashi cinnamon and honey oatmeal with a scoop of protein powder and a banana. I put on my race outfit, washed my face, brushed my teeth, bundled up, kissed my dog Hannah goodbye and we were out the door. I also brought with me a bottle of Gatorade to sip on until the start and a gel and 200 mg of caffeine to take before the start as well.

We drove the big red van to Ash Ave. and parked in the parking garage. Last year I remembered being practically the first on there when I arrived at 5 a.m., but this year it seemed like everyone was their already! I hit the port-a-potty first thing, but couldn’t go. I try to avoid the lines as much as possible, but my bodily functions didn’t seem to be on my side this morning. In transition I had Landis pump up my tires and I filled my aero bottle with 3 cups of Gatorade and 200 calories of Carbo Pro. I also had one Polar water bottle on my frame.

After doing a once-over on my bike, I found Brian again and we walked to drop off my special needs bags (he didn’t use any) near the lake. We were there so early that we didn’t really know what to do with ourselves after that. We ended up sitting together on the edge of Tempe Town Lake people watching for about 30 minutes. We would see our friends, but didn’t really say anything. We were both concentrating on our races. With about 30 minutes until start time, I began putting on my wetsuit underneath the Mill Ave. bridge. Brian was getting worked up because he couldn’t find his twin, Adam, who was hanging out with his girlfriend on the other side of transition. I tried not to let it get to me, so I concentrated on my race instead of worrying about where he was. We ended up finding him after we dropped off our dry clothes bags and we walked together over the timing mat.

SWIM 1:12

The boys wanted to wait until the very last minute to jump into the cold water, but I was getting anxious. After some hugs and good lucks I climbed over the edge of the lake and worked my way down to the water with about 10 minutes until start time. I jumped in and swam like a pencil - my legs straight down and just moving my arms – out to the bridge. I positioned myself more toward the front in the middle of the pack. I really wanted to be to the farthest inside of everyone, but there were so many people in the water I gave up and settled for the spot I was already in.

The gun went off and the washing machine known as the Ironman mass start swim began. I couldn’t see the buoys at all, and I figured I should just make sure I was always in a pack of people and I would save time trying to sight the buoys on every stroke. With every breath I took though, it seemed like the person next to me would shove water straight down my throat. With each huge swallow of that gross lake water I started to worry more and more about how my stomach would feel when I got on the bike. I knew it wouldn’t be good, so I tried to swim left and get away from the mass. I swam the second half of the swim practically touching each bouy, if not to the left of them, and though there were less people, I still would get random mouthfuls of water from the people next to me. On a positive note, I never cramped during the swim this year like I did last year, and I felt decent the entire time. I was a tiny bit nervous beforehand because I had a bad 4000 meter open water swim race the week before. I dwelled on the thought that my swim fitness just wasn’t there for a week after that race. When I reached the bleachers and my watch said 1:12 I immediately had a huge smile on my face. A 3 minute PR from last year!

T1 – 5 minutes

I plopped down in front of the first wetsuit stripper I saw. They did a good job and I ran quickly down the shoot to the changing tents. Again like last year I did not have any help in T1. What is with all the stories of how people enter T1 and don’t even have to dress themselves! Shhesh! I was better prepared this year though and had my bike jersey rolled up into a ball in my transition bag with the pockets already stuffed with my nutrition and bike needs. It was so easy to just put it on, throw on my helmet, shoes and sunglasses and go! I didn’t need anyone’s help anyway.

Bike – 5:55

I ran out of T1 realizing I forgot sunscreen. Oh well. My bike was in the worst spot – all the way down one of the rows - so I was a little annoyed when I had to go get it and dodge around everyone else’s wheels trying to get out of my row. Once on the bike I took down a gel and sipped some Gatorade. I was feeling pretty good! My nutrition plan was to consume a combined amount of 300 calories an hour from gels, Gatorade and Carbo Pro. I would take a gel every 45 minutes and make sure I had a portion of my bottle down every hour, as well as swallow one Endurolyte tablet an hour.

The bike was a draft fest. There were many points where I just didn’t know what to do because I would be holding a safe distance behind the person in front of me, and all of a sudden a giant pack of 20 people would come up and I would be engulfed in their peloton. I would get frustrated, slow way down and drop far behind because I didn’t want a penalty. But each time this happened, and it happened a lot, I knew it was hurting my time a lot to slow down so much to let them go. By the time I got out to the Beeline, about 10 miles into the first loop, my stomach started to lock up. When the time rolled around for another gel even the thought of consuming it made me nauseous. What was going on? This had never happened before! I had trained like this, weekend after weekend, with the same nutrition, and felt like a million bucks each time! The only solution I had was all the Tempe Town Lake water I swallowed on the swim.

I slowly started falling off my nutrition plan, putting entire gels in my mouth that would go no further than exactly that – IN MY MOUTH! I could not force myself to swallow them! Eventually I decided to try my Clif blocks I had in my pocket as a reserve. I got them down no problem and started feeling a little better, but I had to pee so bad! I saw everyone else peeing on their bikes, and I really didn’t want to stop and lose time, so I tried really hard to pee. Stop pedaling, stand up, lean to the side, sit down, nothing worked! I could not pee! I finally broke down and stopped at the port-a-potty by the special needs bags on the second loop and went to the bathroom. I gathered my thoughts and motivated myself to get back out there, feel better, and throw it down!

When I got back on the bike I felt so much better! My stomach felt good again and I was able to get back on track and get some gels down and continue with Gatorade ad water. I saw Dan and Paige on the bike, as well as Tim from my Baker’s team and that was fun, but I still never felt quite right. At least my legs were moving and I wasn’t going too slow. When I finished the bike and looked at my watch I couldn’t believe I had broken 6 hours considering my stomach issues, slowing to let draft packs go, and the stop I had to make to go to the bathroom.

T2 – 3 minutes

I ran into T2 pretty excited about my time. I was well ahead of my time last year already and I hadn’t even gotten to my strong event yet! This time I had help in transition, which was amazing! I stripped off my tri shorts and put on a fresh pair of running shorts and that felt awesome! I put on my pink fanny pack that already had my nutrition in it and stripped off my tri top into just a Baker’s sports bra tank Jane had given me from a couple years ago. I threw on my trusty Nike hat and off I went , remembering sunscreen this time J

Run – 4:03

I ran out of T1 white with sunscreen all over my body. As I was running and rubbing it in I saw my mom for the first time the entire day! I waved to her and told her I loved her as I passed and she took video. I wanted to run a 3:40 marathon, and every single training weekend I had I felt simply awesome on the run after my long century+ rides. But this time felt different. It felt different than any other time I had run in my life. My stomach felt ok, but my legs felt like rocks. I decided to slow the pace a little, in order to be consistent the entire run. The first two laps went alright, but I knew in my head I was capable of more so I started to get a little depressed. What was wrong with me!!!!!!!!!?!?!?!?

My stomach started to lock up again and again I couldn’t get any gels down. During the second lap I switched to bananas instead of gels and kept the Gatorade and water at every aid station. But it didn’t help, my legs just felt worse and worse with each step, but I refused to let myself walk. It was simply out of the question, because I knew as soon as I walked my mentality would be done, and as long as I was running, no matter how slow, in my mind I was at least doing OK and would make it. I started singing “put one foot in front of the other, and soon you’ll be walking out the door!” from the stupid old Christmas movies. I don’t know where it came from or why, but it helped me keep running and that’s all I cared about, no matter how crazy I looked or sounded. I was getting to that finish line!

I saw Adam on the Rural Rd. bridge and he yelled, “Go Cori” and I yelled back at him. I never saw Brian though and started getting worried. I passed Ted under the Mill Ave. bridge at the start of my third lap and yelled, “Where’s Brian?” Ted yelled, “He’s right here, he’s ok.” I saw Brian pacing back and forth behind them and thought, either he killed the race or something happened and he dropped out. I trucked on, in some crazy paid I’d never felt before, and about a mile into the third lap a girl passed me with a 24 on her calf. Ouch! Shot to the heart, and only I could be to blame. Or was it the dirty Tempe Town Toilet Water? Both. I tried to pick up my pace but I was locked. I could not move my legs any faster. I got over it and just kept telling myself, “You WILL be an Ironman again.” Over and over.

I saw Bryan Geshwell, the captain of my Erin Baker’s team, running as I came around on the last couple miles. I screamed, “Go Bryan” with all the energy I had because I knew it was his first race and I wanted to give him some encouragement! I think I blew more energy than expected on that because last year when I was a couple miles out my adrenaline took over and I practically sprinted to the line, this year, well, not so much. All I could think of was the pain… all the way to the line! I wanted to be done so bad! I saw Patrick at the end of the third loop and I was lost. Either I’d lost my mind, or they moved the finish line shoot! I had to ask him where to go! He pointed me to the left and I ran up through a parking lot to the shoot. I saw tons of friends, as well as my Mom, Hannah, Brian’s dad and Eric screaming for me! Finally I could feel my legs again and I gave the last 200 meters a pretty darn good effort! I came across the line, arms up and smiling, in 11 hours, 19 minutes and 40 seconds. I was an Ironman again! Not to mention a 27 minute PR!

Immediately I saw Brian and threw my arms around him over the fence. My mom walked through the crowd with Hannah in her arms. Hannah decided to lick everyone’s face my mom passed while she was holding her and I laughed as I hobbled toward them. I was a happy camper, and the only thing on my mind was pizza and chocolate chip cookies! I loaded up and laid on the grass with my family, Dr. James and Melissa. I felt lucky to have such amazing people in my life! I called my dad and thanked him for making me (literally) able to do this with my body. After the race I wanted pizza, pizza and more pizza, so we all went home and ordered Nello’s to my apartment. MMMMMMMM.

All in all, I am very happy with my race, considering a 27 minute PR from last year and a podium finish with third place in my age group. I learned a lot this year, particularly from this race, and can’t wait to use my wisdom next year. I am ready though, seriously READY, so stop holding back and really go for it. It is time. My two year introduction to triathlon is over, and it’s time to get in the game.

I want to thank my coach, Lindsay, for all of her hard work and putting up with me, all of my amazing TriScottsdale Gage Racing training partners – I would never have made it through those 110 degree century rides without you, my wonderful family and friends for all their support and acceptance of my very time consuming hobby, Brian for turning me into a Folts on the bike and of course my baby Hannah for all the taper runs and sprint workouts that wouldn’t have been possible unless I had a leash attached to my hand and her pulling me!

For now, I’m going to take an off season from triathlon, do a couple running races, casual training and work on my swim. But come next year… WATCH OUT WORLD

Happy Tears

2009-11-09T21:50:00.000-07:00

I am not a happy crier. Believe me, in my lifetime I have cried many tears, but there was only one time that I was so overwhelmed with joy and happiness that tears actually rolled out of my eyes, down my face and onto the gravel underneath my footsteps. The date was November 23, 2008. After 11 hours and 40 minutes of exercising that day, and 140 miles of swimming, biking and running behind me, I realized I was about to cross the finish line of an Ironman Triathlon.

Everyone athlete has their reason for being out there, but sometimes people get so caught up in the game, with their eye on a prize that one company has made so popular, that they forget the real reason they began triathlon and the underlying reason of why they continue to train and race today. I was reminded of this phenomenon at the SOMA half Ironman triathlon in Tempe October 25, a race not sanctioned by IRONMAN, when after the race my fiancé told me, “someone asked me what I race for if it’s not for Kona.”

After hearing those words, many thoughts started circulating in my head. Maybe it was because I was exhausted from racing, but a million memories immediately began to flow through my mind, and then I was just plain old mad.

For me, racing is about a battle against myself. I am proving to myself and to the world that I CAN. I can do anything I set my mind to, and I can do it well and I can finish it strong. When I race, sure I want to win my age group, sure I want to qualify for World Championships, heck sometimes I even win the entire race (small ones haha), but underneath all that winning and qualifying mentality is that battle against myself, a strong passion for simply being alive, and a thankful attitude that my body is healthy enough to do what I love. After my 7 month injury this year, the realization of how amazing it is my body can do this is emotionally unexplainable.

At age 19 I found running, and I fell in love fast and hard. Without anyone else in my group of friends or family that shared my passion, I ran by myself. I set my own goals, motivated myself to train and built a determination that I am proud to stay has stuck with me since. I ran to feel the air in my lungs. I ran to feel the ground underneath my feet. I ran to escape the world. I ran for health. I ran because I could, and I ran because no one could stop me.

After completing three marathons and a couple halves, I met Brian, my fiancé, who introduced me to triathlon. It was not until then, three years after I found running, that I made friends that shared my passion. Until then I thought endurance sporting events were a casual and fun way that everyone got together to exercise. I was completely unaware of the intense racing going on ahead of me by the pros and competitive age groupers. These new found friends introduced me to the world of “racing.” A little over a year later November 23, 2008 rolled around and I became an Ironman.

I didn’t qualify for Kona in my first Ironman, and neither did 2,000 other athletes, but I did come in sixth in my age group and I had the best (and probably most expensive) day of my life. I also was first in line to sign up for 2009.

Now, just under two weeks before Ironman Arizona, my second 140.6 race, I am trained and as ready as can be. Five months ago I was battling an IT Band injury that would not let me run longer than just a few minutes. I put my heart and soul into recovering. I spent hours each week at physical therapy, have spent a lot (ok most) of money on massage, became obsessive compulsive with stretching and incorporating core/strength training and found a remarkable practice that put the icing on the cake of my recovery: chiropractic, not to mention the average of 20 hours a week of training the past couple months. I may be carrying a few more pounds this year than I would like due to my injury and the emotional stress it brought me, but this in a miniscule obstacle I will deal with on race day. Overall, I can’t wait to get into that water and let my body do what I know I am meant to do, what makes me who I am, and what makes every other worry in my life disappear: swim, bike and run 140.6 miles.

When was the last time you cried happy tears?

Ironman Training

2009-10-20T20:52:00.003-07:00

It's been a long time since my last post, but I've been SUPER busy concentrating on training!!!

5 more short weeks!!! Training for Ironman Arizona is going very well... the only thing that is NOT going well is the fact that I still can't shed the weight I gained from my IT band injury after Ironman last year that caused me to be unable to run for 6 months. It's beginning to bother me a lot, because I am always so hungry I end up eating too much! I am trying to control my diet, but seriously, training 20+ hours a week makes me want to eat everything in sight! Ugh, it is very frustrating. This is a very personal struggle I'm opening up on my blog, but it's what is going on in my mind right now. I am thankful though that I am able to run, and would rather be 10 lbs overweight then be unable to run.

This issue is one giant hurdle that I need to jump over, because it is affecting my desire to train and race. I don't feel good running, I don't like how my tri shorts and top fit, I feel uncomfortable on the bike and I don't like being in my swim suit. I try to push these thoughts out of my head when I train and just concentrate on getting my workouts in. I am getting faster and stronger, but I just feel yucky most of the time.

Besides this issue, I have felt great during Ironman training lately. I've gotten a lot of long century rides in and long runs, bricks and more swims. I've been participating in the splash and dash race series at Tempe Town Lake every other Thursday, which I hope will help my open water swimming, and I am doing the SOMA half Ironman triathlon this Sunday which takes place on the IMAZ course. Work is also going well, and the weather finally isn't in the 100's.

Time to go to bed! I will update after SOMA this weekend.

XOXO
Cori

Cloud 9

2009-09-13T16:30:00.005-07:00

I've always liked long distance racing and training better than sprinting... however in order to get faster in any length of event you have to do some speedwork!!! This is why I signed up for the sprint triathlons I did the past two weekends. So I moved my long runs to mid-week so I could race on the weekend, and man was it worth it!!! After Barb's Race my mentality was down in the dumps, but now I feel like I'm on top of the world after winning BOTH races!!! yes BOTH! OMG!

Anthem Sprint Triathlon
This race was on Saturday of Labor Day weekend. I signed up last minute like I do most sprints because I barely take them seriously. Typically I use them as speed work training days for longer races, but this time I had a different feeling. I was really excited, which again is very rare for me for a sprint tri. The race was backwards, so we started with a 5K run, then transitioned to a 12 mile bike, and then a 300 meter swim. The race took place at the Anthem Country Club which is a beautiful location. The run was a mass start, but was also in waves of 1oo people. I started in the first wave. I was excited because I know I'm a fast runner, so finally I could come out of the first event in the lead pack instead of in the middle somewhere trying to gain ground the rest of the race. When the gun went off it was a little jammed on the skinny bike path they had us running on so I went a little slower then I would have like to, but after a couple minutes things spread out a bit and I found myself in second place with the first place girl right in front of me. I was fine with that. I could pass her on the bike anyway, I thought, but then my legs started moving faster and I was feeling great so I picked it up and passed her. The run course was downhill for the first mile or so and then we turned around for an uphill. I ran my butt off trying to make up for lost time in the beginning where I was jammed with all the guys. I came into transition so happy! Everyone was cheering for me and screaming my name and I thought... what the heck?!?!?!?!?! This is so weird! I got on my bike and started hammering away at the bike course with the thought in my mind that I didn't have to run after so who cares how my legs felt! The course was hilly and three laps. Cones were set up so we only had the bike lane on some parts and some of the guys out there were being really annoying, passing me and then slowing down. I hate that! The whole bike course I was so nervous that I would get passed, but for some reason this time I REALLY didn't want to get passed. Usually I have it in my head that I stink on the bike so I ASSUME that people will start blowing by me... but they didn't! I came into transition still in first place!!!!!! I was amazed. I couldn't believe it! I threw off my helmet and shoes, grabbed my swim cap and awkwardly ran into the pool area trying to put them on. I jumped into the pool and was again amazed that I felt fine swimming after all that pushing! I glided through the swim, getting stuck in some of the men ahead of me of course that were practically drowning in the pool. I even got kicked in the face once, but what better Ironman training could I ask for then that?!?! I crossed the finishline and probably didn't look very excited at all because I couldn't believe it. After being injured for the better half of this year after Ironman and not being able to run for 6 whole months, I don't think I ever believed I would WIN a triathlon... be it a sprint or not. I walked over to get some food and the girl behind the counter told me she thought I was amazing. Again, I didn't know what to say. I think I whispered Thanks and went to sit down and eat a banana. I was happy and giddy all day long after that, and it was the best feeling in the world!

I think I was meant to do this race because of what happened to me at Barb's race, and how my emotions were all over the place for a while because I was dealing with some personal things. I think it is way worth it during Ironman training to switch around your schedule a tiny bit just once or twice to get some local sprint triathons in because it not only boosts your menatlity when you finish strong and feeling energized, but gets in that speed work I know a lot of long course junkies like myself pretty much dispise! I will write about the Prescott Valley Sprint Triathlon in my next race report after I get some photos, but yes, it too was awesome!

I am on Cloud 9!!

Can't wait for Ironman Arizona!

XOXO
Cori

Gearing up for some serious Ironman training!

2009-09-02T15:40:00.002-07:00

So it's been about a month since my disastrous race in Santa Rosa. Meanwhile, I took some time to evaluate where I am and where I want/need to be in order to have an awesome race at Soma half and Ironman AZ. I have a lot of work to do and am ready to get going. Here are some of the things I've been doing.

1) I met with Jen Koslo from Koslo's Nutrition Solutions and evaluated my diet. I am eating more frequently and adding protein. I am far from a meat lover, so protein is my biggest deficit and I also found out I am eating TOO MANY carbs... WHAT!?!??! I've always thought I need tons and tons of carbs but I found out I'm overdoing it to the point where it is actually hurting my weight. Things are starting to get better now and I am feeling good. I just need to control myself... which is so hard when I am ALWAYS so hungry! I also wasn't refueling with the right foods as well, so I now chug two cups of chocolate soymilk after my workouts :) yum!!!!!!! Jen is awesome and I highly recommend seeing her if you have any questions about your nutrition or diet. She's affordable and has a very flexible schedule.

2) I saw Bill Egan for my first ever TT bike fit! I have never felt right on my bike, so after talking to fellow cyclists and triathletes I was talked into doing it. In fact I've been so uncomfortable on my bike that it's really been hurting my long rides. My neck hurt, my crotch hurt.. well you get the idea. I spent about and hour and a half at Bill's house last night, tweaking things so they are jjjuuusssttt right, and I'm really excited to see how if feels on my ride tomorrow! The good news is he said I was an easy fix. My bike is the right size for me and I have good form. I was also sitting WAY too low, which he said hurt me A LOT! However, no long ride this weekend because I need to ease into the new position.... darn it!

3) I am starting to strength train seriously two times a week. I realize that this is KEY to injury prevention and really need to get on it. No more slacking! So light lifting and core exercises are part of my schedule two times a week for a total of 2 hours a week now.

4) Instead of working two jobs, I am now working only 1 job, which is awesome. I was beginning to feel so incredibly tired all the time and it just wasn't good. I am no longer working as a personal trainer. It was wearing me out being in the gym so much since I am already training 15-20 hrs a week for Ironman on my own.. that's like a part time job itself!! So I am now working at a local Chiropractor's office here in Ahwatukee, who is also a fellow triathlete. I feel at home here and challenged, which is good. I am happy :)

So my goals right now include:

1) Get down to race weight. Lose about 6 pounds.

2) Get stronger by adding light lifting and core training twice a week.

3) Get out there on my bike, swim more and stay focused.

4) Keep my nutrition on track, stay motivated to eat right.

If I stick to these goals I feel like I will be in good shape for IMAZ. I'm feeling pretty motivated now, so I think I'll go swim!

XOXO
Cori

Barb's Race - a total disaster

2009-08-03T09:16:00.002-07:00

My first half Ironman back since my injury didn't go as planned, mostly because of outside influences. Here is my sad race report.

I got sick during Barb's race and couldn't finish. I couldn't even
breathe on the run and felt so insanely nauseous my stomach felt like there were needles inside. which has never ever happened to me
before. This past week was so unbearably emotional for me that I think I cried myself to a state of dehydration. After that emotional week, for reasons I will leave out for the time being, Brian and I left in the car for LA to pick up Hannah, my dog, who flew to LA
on Pet Airways, on the way to the race in Santa Rosa. I was excited to get my dog back since my parents had been watching her in Chicago for the past two months and excited to race since I've been out for so long, but shortly was stressed out again when I found out the person who was supposed to watch Hannah during the race was no longer coming to Santa Rosa. We didn't know anyone else who was going to be at the race who could watch her, so I had to stress out again and try to find a
random dog sitter to watch Hannah during the race. Of course our hotel didn't have internet, so my mom googled pet sitters in Santa Rosa and texted me their phone numbers. Eventually I found Fetch Pet Care, and a sitter picked Hannah up from the hotel Friday night and watched her at her house
while we did the race! I was so nervous the whole time because she was
with a stranger. I didn't eat my normal foods. Adam forgot his wetsuit
for the full Vineman so I let him use mine, and then had to stress out
about getting it out of transition before my swim started. I was not
in the right mindset to race at all, I didn't even want to start the
race. My goggles broke during the swim, my elbow pad broke on the
bike, my neck and back hurt so bad the whole bike because of my new aero
helmet I'm not quite used to yet. Actually the whole time on the bike
I was thinking I didn't want to be on the bike at all, and when I got
on the run I felt like I was going to die. I got through the first 9
mile loop and had to keep stopping because I couldn't breathe and my
stomach was so nauseous. The second loop started by running through
transition and there was nothing that could make me go back out there
and finish that 4.4 mile second loop. I felt so bad. In my mind I was done. I took my chip off
and handed it in, went straight to the shuttle and sat in the back
seat of the school bus curled up in a ball feeling so sick and shivering cold. I went and got the car which
was back at the start and drove straight to get Hannah back from the sitter. I took
her back to the race to watch Brian and Adam do the marathon and sat
there feeling like total crap.

I've never had a bad race yet, but I guess it happens to everyone once
in a while. As a positive, I am more motivated to crush the next race
I do and be more emotionally stable and.... dog-less of course! This
was all just a situation from hell.

So no I didn't finish in 8:15 or whatever the time says on the
website, I actually didn't finish at all. But after all this family
stuff blows over and everything is ok, I will be ok.

Cori

Chino Valley Sprint Triathlon

2009-07-12T19:57:00.002-07:00

First and foremost, the biggest thing I learned from this race was why I do triathlon... because it's fun! Yes, winning is great, beating personal best times is great, but all in all doing a triathlon really is one of the most fun things to do! So even if I sucked royally and never won any awards I would still race, just because it's so fun! The atmosphere at a triathlon, or any endurance event really, is amazing. I guess you have to be a little crazy to do what we do, and to be surrounded by people that have the same passion as you is just awesome! When I'm at a race I feel like I fit in, like I'm where I'm supposed to be and around the right crowd of people. It's like that cheesy song we used to sing in chorus in middle school, "Place in this World."

So Saturday was my 24th birthday. I really am not that excited about turning 24, but oh well, life goes on! Brian bought me a new aero helmet for my birthday, its pretty awesome - pink, black and white - totally Michellie Jones style. I love it! I've spent the past three weekends training up in Prescott, which is about 2 hours north of Phoenix, and spent my birthday up there too. In the morning I went for a 3 hour bike ride down to Skull Valley. It was a VERY challenging 3,000 ft climb and hot on top of it! A nice 30 min run topped off the day and I was spent! Dinner at Olive Garden was yummy as always and I watched Deep Impact (I know kind of lame but its one of my favorites) before bed!

Sunday was the morning of Chino Valley Sprint Triathlon. Chino Valley is about 20 minutes from Prescott. Getting up at 4:30 was a little hard, but I managed to roll out at 4:40 to eat my usual cereal and almond milk breakfast. This was only my second tri of the year and man was I nervous! I honestly don't remember being that nervous since before Ironman in November! The only thing on my mind was don't crash, don't crash, don't crash over and over and over! I almost drove myself crazy! Since the crash on the ride to Tucson I've been a little obsessive about crashing on the bike and it's been hurting my mentality pretty bad! To top it off, as soon as I racked my bike I went to pump up my tires and broke off the knob on the stem of the tube on the rear tire. Oh great, I thought, and I started freaking out a little. I think Brian noticed because he changed my tire without complaing at all (very rare) and I was really, REALLY thankful for that. The swim was a time trial start in a 25 yard pool. I was about the 120th person to start, and there was 20 seconds between each person, so I had a while to continue my anxiety about the bike course while everyone else started swimming in front of me. When it was my turn I kicked off the wall and swam pretty well (for me). I had good luck there wasn't many slow swimmers in front of me to crawl over in the pool, but I was so nervous it was a little hard to breathe. After the 300 yard pool swim I ran out to the transition area to grab my bike. Shoes on, sun glasses on, helmet on...... helmet on...... come on you stupid helmet!!!! I couldn't get the strap of my new helmet down over my ear to clip!!! Nerves, nerves nerves!!! Finally I got it on and grabbed my bike, ran to the bike mounting area, but had trouble getting my foot clipped in to get started because I was so shaky. I just couldn't calm down! When I got through all the turns in transition and finally out to the HILLY bike course, it felt like all my worries were flying away. I felt really great flying down the hills and pushing back up them. I started having fun and remembering why triathlon is so fun! I was still a little hesitant around corners and down huge hills, but much better then I anticipated. I started telling people "good job" as I blew by them on the bike and a smile started to form across my face! After finishing the two-loop 15 mile bike course I put my shoes on as quickly as possible, I grabbed my viser and race belt and ran out of transition while putting them both on. The run course was tough.. my legs felt heavy and I still felt the little extra weight I still have from being injured. I feel like I could have pushed myself a little harder on the run, but with being 5 lbs over my race weight on my head, I just couldn't give it max effort. I finished in 1 hour and 13 minutes. Second place overall, and 7 minutes faster then my time in 2007! I'm happy with my performance, especially since it's only my second race this year since my injury, but losing first place by 3o seconds still sucks when I knew I could have gone faster on the run, and the bike if I wasn't such a spaz!!!!!!!

Well, the fire is lit inside of me to train and race fast! I'm just more motivated to get out there in the heat and train, and am also excited to get out there and race Barb's race on August 1 all out! I'm going to work on my bike fear by biking more and hopefully be ready to let it all out at the race!

XOXO
Cori

Tour to Tucson and Sponsor Pics

2009-06-25T13:53:00.004-07:00

Lately I have been starting to feel really good! My leg has not bothered me in a couple weeks and I am starting to pick up the training and get in Ironman mindset! HOWEVER, last weekend I decided to ride 118 miles from Phoenix to Tucson with a group of about 30 people. Some I knew and some I didn't, but I figured what the heck, it's an adventure and it'll be fun right. WELLLLL, yes and no. Overall I had a great time. It was H-O-T, but there was good company and we were all suffering together. The course started at Lifetime Fitness in Tempe and was broken into 5 legs, which makes for 4 stops along the way to rest, potty, eat or whatever else you need to do to get your mind back in the game. The only unfortunate insident of course involved me. About 22 miles into the ride, after our first stop in Queen Creek, the person drafting me from behind was riding with his front wheel next to my back wheel. DRAFTING RULE #1 DONT DO THIS!!! Anyway, I reached down to get my water bottle and the guy clipped my wheel and I went crashing down at 21 mph. It was not fun. I was scraped up and in shock. Initially I was freaked out because I really just didn't want to get injured again... I mean come on I just got back into it from an injury!!! So I kept my cool when I got up until I got in the car with our SAG guy who drove me to WAL-MART and I kind of broke down a tad. Not much though. At Wal-Mart everyone was checking out my bike to make sure it was ok. My wheel was bent and spinning very wobbly, but I decided I was going to tough it out and push that thing all the way to Tucson like my life depended on it. There was no way I was going to sit in the car for another 6 hours while everyone else got to bike! AND I didnt have any broken bones right!!! So it took a lot of energy, probably twice as much energy, to push a bike that wanted to wobble side to side straight to Tucson. Man on man was it tough, and at times people were passing me not even pedaling, but I made it and even did a 10 minute run when we got to the Westin La Paloma in Tucson. I felt great, exept my scrapes hurt really bad! The next morning I woke up and felt like I got hit by a truck. I had whiplash and the left side of my body was throbbing, but I got up and ran 90 minutes anyway... and I had a GREAT run... go figure. I'm still confused. This week has been great though, since it is a recovery week thank God! I've stayed out of the pool until today in order to let my skin heal a bit and have been doing light biking and running, but I feel really great! I know... what the heck?!?!?!

So if you're looking for a great ride from Phoenix to Tucson, here's the course in detail

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/az/tempe/423124413339628444

This weekend I'm going to Flagstaff to train and get out of the heat. I can't wait!

XOXO
Cori

Endurance Princess on the Move

2009-06-13T21:03:00.002-07:00

Yep, it's been a while since my last post, but I promise I have lots of acceptable excuses :)

First off, I am back in Arizona and loving the heat and sunshine like I've never seen the sun or felt the heat before! It's amazing, when I look at the weather each morning the five day forcast shows the same little cartoon picture of a sun every day with temps differing from maybe 1 or 2 degrees. What?! No rain, no isolated t-storms, no windy, nothing but sun and more sun. Which seriously is fine by me for, um, eternity! After last winter I'm down for living in Pleasantville for a loooooong time!

That being said about the weather, training has been going great here so far. The best part is that I don't have to freak out about if it is going to be tornado-ing on Saturday and having to move my long ride to another day and mess up my entire week of workouts! I am a woman of routine... and I like it that way! I've been covering the hills of Ahwatukee at least three times a week in the early morning on my bike, running my old favorite courses and swimming OUTDOORS (can you tell I'm super excited about that!) at Lifetime on my own and with a masters group in the early AM. The only thing that sucks is that I have to wake up super early, I'm talking 4 a.m., in order to get my entire workout done before I start to bake in the sun. In reality, I'm always finishing my workouts baking, but in my mind all I think about are those horrible -20 degree temps of Chicago winters, and the hives I would get from running 10 minutes out there, and I fully embrace the desert heat and let myself cook. Last weekend I rode 72 miles around Ahwatukee and ran 40 minutes on Saturday, then ran 90 minutes on Sunday. Today I rode 77 miles with a group around South Mountain to San Juan trail and ran 40 minutes. Tomorrow I'm meeting a group at, you guessed it, 5 a.m. for a 100 minute run. My legs are feeling the increased training, but I LOVE IT.

As athletes we are always looking for the next new thing that will give us an edge, whether it is a new toy, like a new garmin or ipod, a new bike, race wheels, cycling or running shoes, it's always something. I think that mentality gets even worse when you have an injury. At least with me, I find myself willing to try anything and everything in order to keep myself healthy now and never have to deal with what I went though the first half of this year EVER AGAIN. So, I've been seeing more and more people with compression socks at races and on their blogs and I finally broke down and decided to give them a try. So Friday after work I stopped by Sole Sports in Chandler and picked up a pair of running 02 compression sportsocks. Now, I have no idea when or how long I am supposed to wear these things, I just have it in my head that these magic socks will help me stay healthy. So, basically I've been living in the things since I bought them, exept for when I work out because they would leave some nasty tan lines! The package did not come with any "instructions" as to when to wear them, so I will have to do more research on that. For now though, I will let the magic feed my mentality at least :)~

I started work at Fitness Factory Arizona in Gilbert on Thursday, and I see a lot of potential in what I can do there and offer them. I will write more about all this (exciting!!!) when I figure things out more, but everything is in the works and I am getting really excited about all the possibilities. I can say, though, that this facility is much better then I ever imagined! I mean, all the machines are brand spankin' new. The treadmills have ipod docs with mini screens so you can watch movies or videos or whatever's on your ipod while you work out. They also have usb ports where you can plug your usb drive in and the treadmill will put the info from your workout onto your usb drive and then you can update your workouts on your computer at home! Wow, talk about technology. I haven't seen treadmills like this before, but I am really excited about them even though I hardly ever run indoors. Anyway, I will be personal training and teaching group exercise classes like spinning and boot camp (and more) and I also plan on starting group runs, group rides and even possibly a triathlon training program for an upcoming Olympic or sprint distance race. The possibilities are endless, as are my ideas and motivation. Very, VERY excited!

Since I've been in AZ I've been embracing things about living here that I have missed sooooo dearly! Here are a few examples of my favorite things:

1) Whole Foods gives you free bags of ice to keep frozen products cold on your drive home. SWEEEEEEEET. By the way, Stonybrook Farm frozen yogurt, minty chocolate chip and cookies and cream... Awesome.

2)Qdoba is wonderful. Grilled veggie naked burrito with lots of guacamole. Heaven!

3) Jumping in the pool after a hot run is amazing.

4) Golden Spoon frozen yogurt, nothing beats that once a week.

5) Seeing everyone I know outside working out at 5 a.m. along with me... you just don't get that anywhere else. I swear I see pretty close to 30 people, if not more, that I know each morning out there enjoying the outdoors and embracing a healthy lifestyle.

6) No bugs. I dont have smashed bugs down my sports bra after I get home from biking. Nice!

7) Bikes shops on every corner, running and tri stores galore! In IL I had to drive 45 minutes to the closest tri shop, and I only found one in the whole Chicago area that was really any good.

8) NO POT HOLES!!!!!!

There's so much more, but honestly I have to get to bed so I can get up at 4 for my long run tomorrow. It sounds crazy, but I'd rather have a yummy dinner and be going to bed at 9 and getting up for a nice long run friends with then doing anything else in the world with my Saturday night.

Party on... well in my dreams!

XOXO

Cori

Fox Trot 5K

2009-05-25T08:52:00.002-07:00

I did the Fox Trot 5K today in Elgin. I wasn't planning on racing it, just running it, but of course I went a little faster then my training pace. I ran 6:42's and finished in 20:57 and first in my age group. I was 42nd overall and top 10 female! This was fun because I didn't even race I just ran at a little faster than training pace and felt great! I'm so happy my leg seems to be doing just fine! It was also my parents first race... they did the 2 mile walk... so that was really fun! Almost every single girl that beat me was under 15 years old. It was a big high school race, so there were a lot of families there and people celebrating Memorial Day. I saw my physical therapist Lindsay there who also ran the 5K, and Elizabeth's coach Jen, who ran the 10 mile race. (Of course we all know I wish I did the 10 mile race but I'm still playing it safe! I'm up to 8 miles running so all in time my friends!)

Happy Running!

XOXO

Cori

Mind over matter

2009-05-24T15:06:00.007-07:00

So I lost my iPod somewhere in AZ. It's not in any of my bags, stuffed in any of my shoes or left at Lifetime Fitness (yes I had them check!). In addition to that sad, sad story, my old computer (aka. the tank) recently froze and is no longer functioning. This is bad because my iTunes is on that computer and hasn't been transfered to my new computer yet. So basically, the point of this little story is that I have been training sans iPod (or any music at all) for the past week. I forgot what it's like to hear the birds chirping and cars wooshing by and the nice, ever so kind honks of car horns while riding and running. But really this is probably a good thing because I feel really good that I have been able to push myself through 4 hour rides and lots of runs without music! The only time I've suffered was today. I felt really sleepy when I started my run this morning, and it took me about 30 minutes to really wake up. It was strange, I felt like I could fall asleep while running, and if I had my tunes I would have cranked up some Metallica and woken myself up... but no, no this was not the case today as I had no source of music. After a half hour though I felt great and got excited for breaking an hour of running for the first time since this injury started... and I did it! I ran for 1 hour and 5 minutes and danced my way back to my car because I was so freakin happy! Mind over matter people, mind over matter! I don't NEED music, I just want it :)

But don't go thinking I'm a music-free trainer now... because I want nothing more than that dang iPod back!!!!!!

One thing good: My weekend training went great! Long steady 4 hour ride yesterday followed by a 30 minute run. My first brick of the year because of my injury and I felt awesome! Today was my hour and 5 minute "long run" and I also felt pretty good! I did my strength exercises afterwards and stretched nicely as well! Tomorrow I'm doing the Fox Trot 5K in Elgin and then biking to the gym and swimming.

The weather in Chicago this weekend has been tempting to say the least. It is perfect temperatures for training, but very windy. I do have to say though that nothing, let me repeat that, NOTHING will ever make me forget those days of -20 degrees (NEGATIVE TWENTY) over the winter, breaking out in hives, putting on layers and layers of clothes, biking indoors ONLY for seven months, and not wanting to put even one finger in the pool because all I wanted was to be warm!!! I'm moving back to Arizona in 8 days and couldn't be more thrilled. It is my home, that is one thing I have figured out about myself, and although I learned that the hard way I am glad to know where I belong!

Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone! I know I'm happy because I can train again! YAY!!!

XOXO
Cori

Good Day!

2009-05-20T10:46:00.003-07:00

Today I got my race kit and welcome box from Erin Baker's! It's awesome! It's a beautiful day in Chicago, windy but warm. I ran for 55 minutes this morning (YES!) and then biked 20 miles on the new bike! Gonna ease into it so I get used to the new positioning, but it is F-A-S-T!!!!

It's been a great morning so far... ready to swim tonight and start packing!

XOXO

Cori

Trial Race

2009-05-19T17:10:00.003-07:00

Last Thursday I flew to Phoenix so I could participate in the Tempe International Triathlon, which is also the club championship race. I'd been planning on doing this race even before my injury so I already had the plane ticket. Whether my knee would let me race or not... I was going to Phoenix. Luckily my running has been improving little by little each week so I signed up for the sprint tri - a 400 meter swim, 12 mile bike and 3.1 mile run. Of course everyone knows I would have rather done the Olympic distance race even with 105+ temps, but I was playing it safe doing the sprint. I mean I didn't even know if I'd be able to finish the sprint without having to walk from the pain, but in the back of my mind I was wishing I could do the Olympic. So here it goes with the race report:

Race morning I got up at 4 a.m. ish and ate one of my Trader Joe's muffins (come on it's a sprint... breakfast isn't as important as a longer race right.. lol). Brian and I took the red van to the race and on the way I already had to go to the bathroom. The first gas station we stoppd at didn't have a bathroom and I felt sick driving to the second one. Even though this is gross to write, I was happy I had to go so early before the race to avoid potty lines. So when I got to the race I got transition all set up... man it was so crammed!!! I hardly had enough space for my bike shoes and run shoes next to my bike. I put everything else in my helmet on top of the aero bars. Speaking of the aero bars, I raced on one of Brian's old bikes that I used to ride around a year ago. Its heaver and clunkier then my wonderful Felt and new Kestrel, so I was very nervous for the bike part of the race. Especially since I hadn't ridden that bike in a year!!! I decided winging it on a random bike was better then spending money to get one of my bikes here for a sprint tri. Anyways.... I saw so many of my old friends before the race and it was awesome catching up with everyone I havent seen since Ironman in November or even before that! I was in heaven being the social butterfly in transition.

When it was time to head over to the swim start I started getting a little nervous because the swim was not wetsuit legal. It was my first open water swim without a wetsuit and in my head I was picturing myself drowning in tempe town toilet water as soon as I jumped in. So of course when I first jumped in I panicked a little, that is until I figured out that, yes, I can still tread water without a wetsuit. It felt so strange being in the water and doing a tri again because I've been injured for so long. I started in the front but very close to a lot of other girls... bad bad bad idea!!! The 400 meter swim was worse than the Ironman swim! I was trampled and stuck between people the entire time. It sucked!!!! I got kicked and smacked and who knows what else.. I was just glad to be alive when I got out of there!

I ran to tranisiton and felt pretty good. I haven't done a tranisition in a while and OF COURSE I didn't take any time to practice or anything (that would be too smart of me) but I think I did pretty good considering all that. When I finally took my bike out I was still so nervous that I couldnt get my foot clipped into the bike to take off and people started getting pissed off behind me that I wasn't moving already. Finally I got clipped in and off I went. I decided I was going to just hang out on the bike so that I would be able to run after without knee pain, but that bike is so hard to move!!! I felt like I was driving a semi truck compared to my nice little race cars (sitting nicely in my garage in Illinois BY THE WAY!!) and it was difficult for me to get into a groove. The bike felt short, and I was glad for that!!!

Coming into T2 I couldn't get my bike to stay on the rack so eventually I just left it hanging by one brake lever (I know I hate people who do that, so sorry everyone around me!!) I slipped on my heavy ass Brooks trainers which I used because I was scared to run in anything else with less support, and ran off with my hat and race belt in my hand. I put the hat on and clipped the belt while I was running. The run was hot and I definitely felt the extra pounds I put on from not being able to run. THAT SUCKED let me tell you... yep, that sucked. Anyway, I was hot as hell but just ran a normal pace and prayed to make it through. There were a lot of aid stations, but each time I passed one all I wanted to do was get to another one within one minute. I crossed the finishline happy and without pain in 1 hour and 11 minutes. Thank the lord in heaven!!! I walked straight to the massage table and got in line for a post race massage, where she could definitely feel my tight glute muscles and where my problem spots were. I couldn't shut up about how happy I was that I finished the race and ran the entire run without pain. Honestly... I hadn't ever done a brick before this race because I was too scared it would trigger my knee pain, so I really had absolutely no idea if I would even finish this race... but I did! I had a great (slow) time but am just on cloud 9 that I actually did it without pain and I can't wait to start picking up the training and doing more races... and actually racing them and not just doing them as a joke!

My trip to AZ cannot be described in words but what I can say is that it was one of the most amazing, exciting and emotional weekends of my life. I started planning my move back and hopefully will be back the first week of June. Some of the details are too personal to mention yet on this blog to the public, but in time I'm sure they will all come out :)

I'm at the airport now waiting to board my plane back to Chicago. After I returned my rental car I had tears in my eyes because I didn't want to leave (even though I know I'm coming back very soon). I know this is my home and finally feel like my life is coming back together!

By the way I ran 51 minutes yesterday and am feeling great. When I break the one hour mark I will probably cry like a baby... just like I did when I broke the 30 minute mark. I will just say that my love of running has not and never will die, even if I can only run for 1 minute evey day for the rest of my life I will love that one minute more than anything in the world!

XOXO
Cori

Running Strong!

2009-05-05T19:52:00.004-07:00

I had to write a short post to say I am FINALLY starting to feel good running again! Yesterday I ran 40 minutes pain free! AND it was wonderful! Today I ran a quick 20 minutes before my deep tissue massage and also felt fabulous! Tomorrow morning I'm attempting another 40 minutes. It's amazing because after biking 100 miles total over the weekend I would have figured I'd feel terrible this week... but I feel absolutely fabulous and have no complaints! Big thanks to Lindsay, my physical therapist, and August, my massage therapist, for tweaking my body back to where it's supposed to be and also putting up with me and all my ups and downs, smiles and tears.

XOXO
Cori

little by little

2009-05-03T19:51:00.005-07:00

What's up everyone? The semester is coming to a close now and all my big projects and papers are due... hence the reason I have not spent any time "blogging." But I figured I should take the time tonight to give a little update on my crazy life.

I raced a 5K two weeks ago with my one of my best friends from high school, Danielle. It was her first race ever so I figured I should do it with her! I was up to running 29 minutes so I thought... no problem. Well, of course it was a problem... for a couple reasons. One: It was rainy and cold and just yucky that morning. Not the best weather to run it when you have an injury. Hello stiffness! Two: Not very many people showed up because of the weather, therefore when the race started I found myself in second place! Now, what do you think went through my head? Of course nothing that should have... like, "hold an easy pace, you dont want to get hurt" oh no, it was more like, "hell yeah I can win this thing!" haha, so of course what did I do... I picked up the pace and passed the girl in first and won the damn thing! Well, it probably wasn't the smartest idea, because after that my leg started hurting again... wtf! Stupid, stupid stupid! So right now I'm stuck around 30 minutes of running until the pain comes back. BUT... it is continuing to improve little by little.

Three weeks ago I started biking outside again on the weekends!!!! Oh the joy of biking outside! I missed it so! First I rode about 50 miles out to Sycamore and back on the farm roads by myself. I wanted to make sure I still had some skill on the bike before I joined a group ride... and I wanted to make sure my injury didn't hurt. Well, it did a little but not too bad. The next weekend I went with a group out in Crystal Lake, we rode about 60 miles to the Wisconsin boarder and back. It was a little cold and windy as heck! And today I rode with them again about 80 miles to Lake Geneva and back! I'm a little rusty out there, as would be expected for not biking outdoors for 6 months! But today my leg felt fine and the weather was beautiful. I will attempt another 30 or more - minute run tomorrow morning before physical therapy. Fingers crossed!

Speaking of therapy... physical theapy is going well. Apparently my leg is just all kinds of messed up! My IT band seems to be loosened up again, which is great, but my hamstring and muscle attachments by the glute and hamstring and in the knee are another story. I'm stretching like crazy, foam rolling, doing my exercises, icing, doing electrical stimulation and even started seeing a massage therapist at Lifetime who is AMAZING!!! That has helped tremendously, and I am feeling a lot better since that stupid 5K I decided to win... what the heck!!!!!

In a week and a half I leave for Arizona for Tempe International Triathlon. I'll be there May 14-19 and have two job interviews that I am super excited for. I can't wait actually! I'm praying everything goes well and I can plan to move sometime in early June. More details on this as it comes closer, but for now I am just trying to keep my mentality and attitude positive and stay happy. My new bike arrived last week and I will be fitted for it on Tuesday... so that is another awesome thing to be excited about! I'll post a picture of me with the bike as soon as I get it... it's a Kestrel Airfoil Pro, and looks pretty awesome... in the box! Here's a generic photo of it!

Time for more homework... I can't wait for this week and a half to fly by so I can be DONE with school and train, train, train!

XOXO

Cori

A fork in the road... which way to go?

2009-04-16T06:33:00.003-07:00

It's been a few weeks so I'm very excited to write this post for a couple different reasons!

First, I started physical therapy last week and it has been going very well and I am finally feeling good! Lindsay, my physical therapist, is digging out my IT band that she said was incredibly tight, stretching me, giving me exercises and stretches to do every day, and puting electrical stimulation and ice on me. I'm happy to say that running is going really well now! I also went to Naperville Running Company and bought new shoes... AGAIN I KNOW!!!! Well first they video taped me running and I actually watched it this time where as at Road Runner Sports I just took what the guy said as the absolute truth and went with the shoes he recommended for me. On the tape I saw that I actually do pronate and am not completely neutral like he thought. I needed different shoes! I ended up trying on three shoes, a Brooks shoe, an Adidas shoe, and a Saucony shoe. I also watched myself run in every one of them. I ended up buying the Brooks Adrenaline 9 and drove off to run in them right away. They feel stiff as a rock since I'm used to less support from the DS Trainer and Newtons, but they worked like a charm and today I'm up to 28 minutes running comfortably with no pain! Next week Lindsay says I can start increasing my running time by 10 minutes and I'll be back to normal within no time and be able to do most of the races on my schedule no problem. THANK GOD! Can I say that again... THANK GOD!

Really, I'm saying thank God because I have some really awesome news! About a month back I got an E-mail from Jane Esahak-Gage in Arizona, she has been sponsored with Erin Baker's Breakfast Cookies for a while now and recommended I apply for a sponsorship from them as they were accepting applications. You can imagine the thoughts running through my head... oh no, I'm injured, I can't apply for a sponsorship! But then I sucked it up and told myself, injuries don't last forever and you'll regret it if you dont apply at least. So I mailed the application next-day air the day it was due! A week later I got a call from Bryan at Baker's who told me I was on the team! All I said was, REALLY???!?!? Haha but seriously this is one of the most exciting things that has ever happened to me so I am very excited! I have to get a new bike, since Kestrel sponsors the team, which is also awesome! I sent the application expecting nothing, but I think this is proof that good things happen when you least expect it and my life will turn around... things seem to be going my way finally!

Here's a link to prove I'm not lieing!
http://www.bbcookies.com/shop/pages.php?pageid=29

Speaking of things going my way, being home in Illinois for the past five months... aka all of winter... sigh... has really gave me time to be alone and think about my life, what I really want, and what is best for me. I have realized that I cannot possibly stay in Illinois after living in Arizona for the past six years. What is important to me is being outside, enjoying nature while I train and meeting and learning from people that share my strongest passion. I can't do that here... at least from November to April (6 months... really?!?!?) I can't do that and that is just not going to cut it. So I've started applying for jobs and thinking about moving back to Arizona. I'm young, I need to make the best decisions for myself in order to be the happiest and live my ONE life to the fullest... and I just can't do it here. I started running and triathlon in the warm weather where I could train year-round. Switching to this is not working and it has made me very depressed. So, school might have to be put on hold for a while, but in the big scheme of things, I have my bachelor's degree, and I am happy I gave grad school a try and will definitely have it on my list of things to finish, but it's not as important as my overall happiness. I can't do well in school if I'm depressed all the time. So, I'm moving forward with no regrets, just a positive outlook on the future! I'll let you know more details as the plan unfolds, but I will definitely be staying in Illinois until my physical therapy is over in the end of May because recovering completely and having a healthy body to train on is number one on the list of priorities right now.

Time to go out for my run!

XOXO
Cori

Road to Recovery

2009-03-31T23:34:00.004-07:00

So I've been concentrating on new, different and important things this week since I am trying not to run or bike at all in order to start a safe recovery.

1) I've started prioritizing resistance training, and I actually like it. I've been doing some glute and hip exercises with resistance bands and lifting upper body on my own this week. Also, today I went to a Strictly Strength class at Lifetime in Schaumburg and it was great! Wow, I can't even remember when I last seriously lifted weights, so here's the first positive thing that's come of this injury. (As you can see I'm trying to find positives in a negative situation right now... can we say maturity? hahah I hope so cause that's what I'm trying to be.. mature :)

I've been spending at least an hour in the pool every day concentrating on two things, my breathing during freestyle, and then pool running.

2) Freestyle breathing - Since I've gone to masters in Elgin twice so far, they keep telling me I am breathing wrong and that is what's slowing me down because it throws off my body alignment and makes me zig zag down the lane. I heard I'm breathing too late and my head comes too far out of the water. So I've been trying to fix this, but it has proven to be one of the most difficult and frustrating things for me. So for the past month all I've been thinking about when I swim is breathe early and keep my head down, but I have felt SO OFF and just really funny when I swim. I knew I was doing it because my right lower back would always hurt a little because it pinches together when I twist my body too much to breathe. So I've been youtubing it up lately watching a million videos on breathing drills and freestyle swimming (the ones Dave Scott made are awesome btw). Today I spent a half hour doing breathing drills. I swam in the "kiddie lanes" as I like to call them at Lifetime, or the lanes they randomly put up in the kiddie pool with the slides. These lanes are super short and they don't have a line drawn on the bottom of the pool so you know if you're going straight or not. This is actually really helpful for me though because if I end up hitting a lane line I know I'm doing something wrong again! I left the pool feeling like I accomplished something today after I actually concentrated on fixing this breathing problem instead of just thinking about how much I wanted to run or bike instead... cuz I can't right now. So there, positive thing number TWO!

3) I don't really know much about pool running, especially like what depth the water should be when you pool run, but I've been doing it back and forth in the lanes at the pool and it mentally, and probably physically, makes me feel better about not actually running for real. I actually worked up a sweat today pool running for 15 minutes! I'm going to have to do more research on this though because I don't want to be doing it wrong and end up hurting myself... which would be so stupid!

4) Tonight I also went to Bikram Yoga, which is AWESOME! Let me just say that again... AWESOME! I know I should be stretching, and believe me I am doing that multiple times a day and am pretty much married to the foam roller both at the gym and at home, but nothing, I repeat nothing, feels better than Bikram Yoga. I haven't gone in about two years, but now I remember why I used to be an addict! Bikram is kind of like Catholic Church... the exact same sequence every time, but I leave feeling like a new person with a brand new body! It's a 90 minute yoga class in a studio heated to about 105 degrees. You will sweat more than you've ever sweat before, trust me, and your heart rate will be very high at times even though it is yoga. It's crazy awesomness and I plan on going at least twice a week for now because I know it will help me not only just for recovery, but mentally and physically for the future as well. I like to think of Bikram as endurance Yoga in the desert. You have to be mentally tough to do it, and you know me, I thrive off extremes.

Well that's all for now. Life is crazy right now with work and school and obsessing over this stupid knee issue. I bought a ticket to go to Arizona May 14-19 because I planned on doing an Olympic distance tri there to kick off the season. I'm bummed because I have no idea if I'll even be able to do it now, and the thought of not being able to do Ironman in November makes me just sick to my stomach. But I keep telling myself to think positive thoughts, that I will recover from this and become an even better, faster triathlete because of all this mess!

Bedtime!

XOXO
Cori

Seriously?!?!??!

2009-03-27T21:39:00.003-07:00

So I've put off this post for long enough. Yep, I can't run again.

It started right before I went to Minnesota two weeks ago when I started feeling a little pinch toward the end of my runs, but I didn't think much of it because I thought my body was just telling me it was time for new shoes again. No worries, I told myself, I have my new pink DS Trainers waiting at home to be worn! So I went to Minnesota and on Sunday ran on the bike paths for an hour. About 15 minutes into my run I randomly, yes completely randomly, fell. My knee cap hit the cement and blew up like a tennis ball. Now, I've fallen many many times so I again brushed this incident aside and figured I'd be fine to keep running like nothing happened. So Monday when I got back home I laced up my new shoes and tried em out. I lasted about an hour and 20 mintues, but still felt the pinch at the end of the run but no big deal. On Tuesday I wanted to do some speed work so I ran down to the park do do some speed laps. About 20 minutes into the run it hurt really bad. I stopped and stretched out my IT band and continued running, but it was bad news. Eventually it hurt so bad I could barely walk and I ended up limping home, cutting through my neighbors yards in order to get there as fast as possible. I threw my shoes against the wall asap. Since that day it's been horrible, I'm still the 20-minute wonder and cant get any farther than that without pain and having to walk.

SERIOUSLY?!! WHY ME?

So I've pretty much been doing anything and everything to help myself recover again. I really don't get it! I was fine! And then out of the blue this happens? So last weekend I went and got my running analyzed and a gait analysis at Road Runner Sports in Naperville. They said I have a high arch, but that it doesn't matter because I run perfectly neutral and stable. So I tried on a million different shoes and ordered the Mizuno Wave Riders, hoping they will help. I got them today, ran in them, and yep, still 20 minutes and then I had to walk... and CRY! I've been icing, taking ibuprofin, sticking to swimming and biking, taking Calcium, glucosamine, and my normal suppliments, foam rolling and even doing glut and hip strengthening exercises with a resistance band to strengthen the muscles that support the knees. I seriously will do anything for this to get better. I really just dont get it.

I want to crawl into a ball and not talk to anyone until I can run again because I am so depressed. :(

Not happy... AT ALL.
Cori

Spring is ALMOST here!

2009-03-17T21:25:00.002-07:00

I had a blast this past weekend in Minnesota visiting Luanne and her family! Minnesota is awesome because it has probably the best trail system ever! I could run forever up there! This picture is of us being dorks at a restaurant in Chanhassen called Axels. The peace signs are an inside joke.

I ran today in new DS Trainers and my knee hurts again. I am going to stay positive and say I just need to take it easy for a couple days and ice while sticking to biking and swimming. I am NOT going to say I'm injured again yet because I really really hope that isn't the case. I hope it is just the shoes, which are going in the garbage! The weather has been awesome though and it's almost time to change up the tires on the Felt and start biking outdoors again! YAY! I am so excited!

This week is supposed to be Spring Break, but I still have a lot of school work (research group project meetings, papers, midterms blah blah) to do this week. I guess there is no Spring Break in grad school! Good thing I like school or I'd be really mad I can't go anywhere or do anything exciting this week! Lifetime is having a two hour spin ride for ALS on Saturday so I signed up for that. I am also debating on if I will do a 10K or go to masters swim again on Sunday morning. IF my knee feels better by this weekend I will do the 10K, otherwise masters it is, which is fine too because I need it.

Time for bed! Miss you Lu Dogg :)

XOXO
Cori

I've held back the tears for too long

2009-03-11T21:47:00.006-07:00

Never give up,
Never lose hope.

Always have faith,
It allows you to cope.

Trying times will pass,
As they always do.

Just have patience,
Your dreams will come true.

So put on a smile,
You'll live though your pain.

Know it will pass,
And strength you will gain.

Charlie Remiggio, Motivational Poet

I just wrote my letter to UNC to tell them I will not be attending the post-baccalaureate program in April. I've been crying ever since and can't stop thinking about how excited I was to apply to that program a year ago and the dreams that I had. I just feel like they are so crushed right now and it hurts, I'm not going to lie. It hurts a hell of a lot more than I ever thought it would.

Will I ever find my happy place?

2009-03-09T21:29:00.004-07:00

I know, I know, it's been like forever since my last post. I'M SORRY to all you loyal followers (if there are any of you out there hehe.)

The past few weeks have been very hectic. I am so busy all the time and therefore much, much more tired ALL THE TIME! Every morning I wake up between 7 and 8, even though I stay up WAY late (oooops) and end up falling back asleep after breakfast! Because of this I've been late for my workouts, which I try to squeeze in before work at Lifetime in Schaumburg, or at home on my trainer or outside around the neighborhood. My knee is all healed now (YAY!) but it's hard for me to do runs longer than 90 minutes on a treadmill and the weather has been rainy, yucky and, yep you guessed it, still freakin cold! Then on the days I actually could run or bike outside I'm either sick, wayyyy to tired and sleeping, or I have to work or study. Bottom line: I REALLY NEED TO GET MY BUTT OUTSIDE... before I get even more depressed than I already am.

A couple Friday's ago I received an acceptance letter to the post-baccalaureate program I applied to at the University of Northern Colorado's Denver campus. I applied to this almost a year ago, so it was upsetting that I received the letter after I already moved back to Chicago AND began the Master's program at Roosevelt. My mind started racing as soon as I opened the letter with "what ifs" and "what am I doing in Chicagos." Let's just say I was a mess for a couple days. I even researched how much money I would lose if I dropped out of Roosevelt and just moved back to CO went to UNC. I miss the mountains, training outdoors, all the random Ironman triathletes I would meet out there, BIKING WITH LAURA (I MISS YOU!) running on the trails along the river, running and biking in the mountains, taking Hannah on hikes in the mountains... I could go on and on for days. Eventually I just sunk back into reality: in this economic time the best thing for me to do is stay at Roosevelt for another year and a half... then get the H-E-double hockey sticks outta here ASAP!!!! I told myself I will be 25 when I graduate and that is still young. I can start a whole new life then when I get a job far far away from winter in Chicago. Seriously, I don't know how I will do it again next year though....... tear!

Ugh, so can you tell I've been in a slump lately?! I feel white (no sun and no outdoor time to keep my sexy biking shorts tan line), fat (this weather makes me so hungry all the time and I know I'm eating too much but it's hard to control), sad, friendless (where are all the friends who said they would hang out with me when I moved back and that they missed me so much the past 6 years?), dependent (living back with the parents is harder than I thought, more on my self-esteem then annoyance of living with them) and many other things. Right now it's cold and raining outside. Seriously WTF? Will it ever stop? Please God just give me better weather!

Could I complain any more? Oh yeah, but I will spare you!

One thing I do like about being back in IL is Panera Bread. I love that place. I go there with my laptop, order yummy food, use the free WiFi and work on homework for hours and hours all while staring outside at the crappy rain! However (ok a little more complaining here sorry) I would give up Panera for some Great Harvest Bread Company with a view of the Rockies, a closer Whole Foods, Pita Jungle, the list could go on and on of what I miss about CO and AZ. Today I ate a fortune cookie and it said something longing for personal independence. Spot on!

I'm excited to be going to Minnesota this weekend to see Luanne and her baby Cailyn! Although it will again cause some conflicts with my workout schedule, it will be worth it to see her and I can't wait! I know Lifetime is based out of MN, so maybe I'll hit up the pool, spin classes and the treadmills if its freezing up there before I head home on Sunday. The drive is about 5 hours, that kinda sucks but its the price I'm willing to pay to spend time with people that matter most to me :) (Hear that Lu Dogg, you owe me one hahah!)

Before I end this post of complaining I have to congratulate Elizabeth on an awesome Ironman New Zealand!!!!! She had a kick ass swim and bike time! And second in our age group! Awesome! And I'd also like to thank her coach, Jen, for reaching out to me and inviting me to my first ever masters swim practice! I went on Sunday and had a lot of fun. I even learned the breast stroke, back stroke and butterfly finally! I've always been to scared that I would look like a total dork if I tried them on my own. I still looked like a total dork, but I managed to do a couple lengths of butterfly on my first try which was awesome. I still feel like a dork trying to do it at Lifetime though! I also got a lot of very helpful hints on my freestyle, which I tried to think about today in the pool, and on my flip turn (I kinda sorta maybe, ok well I did make up my own way to do a flip turn because no one ever taught me and I think they kinda noticed that too LOL!) But it was great and I definitely plan on attending more often now that I'm not scared anymore!

See it's already 12:30 a.m. and I'm still up. I need to start gettin to bed earlier so I can get up and get some good workouts in before work and school! I'll let you know how that is going in my next post!

Trying to stay happy,

XOXO
Cori

I'M BBAAACCCKKKK!!!!!!!!!!

2009-02-16T21:52:00.000-07:00

Since school has started I have been so incredibly busy I hardly have time to keep my blog up to date. This is sad because, obviously, I love to blog! However, I am happy to say that my knee is finally better and I have been running distance again! That's right people... I'M BACK! The sad thing about this though is that I am missing the Ragnar Relay in AZ next weekend for no reason now (I backed out when I was injured) and it is my most favorite race EVER with my most favorite people EVER! Oh well, there's always next year... if they decide to take me back on the team (YOU BETTER WANT ME BACK PEOPLE!) But good luck to team On Your Left, I will be with you in spirit!

It's still freezing here in Chicago and I'm still stuck in the basement and at spin class for all my bike rides. I miss riding outside so much but am thankful I've built up the toughness to at least battle the cold for some outdoor runs. Yes that's me the running snowman you see outside around the neighborhood :)~ ..... yeahhhhh definitely moving somewhere warm after I'm done with grad school... and it can't come soon enough!

Last week everyone at work was sick so I picked up some extra shifts to cover for some people. I ended up getting sick and was in bed all weekend because I overdid it with work and school all day and night until 9. I crashed on Friday when I got home from work around 7 and didn't get out of bed (except to eat of course) for two days. On Sunday I got up to go to one of my BFFs Tiffany's son Dylan's first birthday party at this place called pump-it-up in Crystal Lake. I'm glad it got me up and out of the house... I needed that. But now I'm behind on schoolwork so I'm going to be busy again this week... but I'm not picking up any shifts for people anymore SORRY!!!!! I learned my lesson the hard way!

I also decided I'm doing the Wisconsin half marathon on May 2 for my first big running race of the year and to kick off my summer of training for Ironman! So excited and I really can't wait for summer and to train outdoors ALL WEEKEND, EVERY WEEKEND like we all know I love!

Time for homework and bed!

XOXO
Cori

MRI Results

2009-01-29T22:27:00.003-07:00

So, as I expected, nothing came out of the results from the MRI except that I now know that I did not tear or break anything, which I guess is a good thing to know. I'm not exactly sure that information was worth the money to get the MRI though. I'll let you know when I get the bill (which I'm sure wont be pretty.) The doctor basically went through a couple possibilities of what could, maybe, possibly, might be wrong with me. I find it so interesting how little people know about endurance athletes and I find myself forgetting many times that most people in this world do not do Ironman (shocking, I know.) I tried my hardest not to get annoyed and I took the information he gave me willingly and with a smile (probably a fake one lol.) The most helpful piece of information I got out of this whole experience was an amazing IT band stretch.

ANYWAY... I do have some good news though! Today I ran 41 minutes pain free! Each day I have been adding just about 5 minutes to my run time and I am feeling great! I am very, very VERY happy! The pain of the cold temperatures is the only thing that bothers me, but I am afraid to run on the treadmill since that is where the injury originated from, so I'll stick with the snow and cold. I'm going to have to figure something out for my face though because a scarf full of snot and spit is not something I enjoy dealing with every day on my runs! But without a scarf on my face the cold is just way too painful to deal with!

On a different note I started grad school this week at Roosevelt. I like the class sizes. They are so small compared to ASU and it's nice. It kind of forces you to learn more because you can't just blend into the crowd and get by just sitting there daydreaming... or in my case eveningdreaming now. I am taking Human Development 407, Foundations of Education 405 and, unfortunately, a World History since 1500 undergraduate class since apparently I didn't take a class at ASU that fulfills the non-western requirement for my masters program. It is going to be very time consuming and I am going to be a very busy girl. I find it hard to take school 100% seriously though as I know I could just start ASU's program in June and move out of this frozen hell back into the real 120 degree hell in Phoenix, but I'd be avoiding this ridiculous snow and cold which I really just cant stand at all. So, we'll see, I have a lot to think about regarding school. But for now I'm going to see how this semester goes at Roosevelt, keeping ASU in the back of my mind.

Next Friday I'm getting my Primary Group Fitness Certification as well, so maybe I'll start teaching some classes at the gym as well. I really want to teach spinning, so we'll see. I kind of feel like my life is all over the place right now as I'm just trying to figure out what I want to do and where I want to be. My brain hurts!

All for now

XOXO
Cori

Staying on the bright side... or trying to!

2009-01-25T22:41:00.003-07:00

On Wednesday I bought new DS Trainers from Runners High 'N Tri, my new favorite triathlon store (probably the only triathlon store in the Chicagoland area) and I went straight to lifetime to try to run for the first time in three weeks. I ran about 2.5 miles before my knee started to feel pain again. I got very upset and went straight to the stairmaster for an hour on the highest level I could handle. On Thursday morning I finally brought myself to call Fox Valley Orthopedics, the doctor's office where I went my senior year in high school and where I had surgury on my right knee for torn cartilidge. I called at 8:40 and was in the office for my appointment by 9:15... yes, that's 35 minutes later. After I told them what was wrong, with tears in my eyes, they xray'd my knee and gave me a physical exam. I was dissappointed when they couldn't draw any conclusions to what could be wrong with me. I was then asked to schedule an MRI, which I did on Saturday morning. On Tuesday morning I will see the doctor again for the results from the MRI. All I can do now is pray that they will be able to tell me what is wrong and exactly how I can fix it so I can start running like normal again!

I also spent a couple nights Google-ing and reading forums about people that have had similar knee pain in the back of the knee while running. I found that most people said it was either they needed new shoes, or that they slowly eased back into running by starting at a mile and adding just a tiny distace every day until they built back up to where they were before. Most people said their doctors were unable to diagnose the problem as well. How annoying! Anyway... on Thursday I started by running 14 minutes around my neighborhood. On Friday I ran 17 minutes and yesterday I ran 22 minutes. So far, so good. I did not run today because it is so cold outside that yesterday I developed hives all over my stomach and legs after being out there for 22 minutes and I couldn't bring myself to get out there again today so I went to the gym and did some work on the elliptical instead. I will get back out there tomorrow and attempt 25 minutes.

I am also obsessed with my new fluid trainer which I've spent the past two Saturdays on in my basement! If you're looking for a trainer... I highly reccommend CycleOps. I bought three Spinervals workouts and the one I've been doing on Saturdays is called "Tough Love." And it is just that! Three hours of ridiculous intervals! I love it! At least if I can't run at the time I can get faster on the bike, which I need to work on anyway.

Trying to keep my spirits up! Tomorrow is my first day of school also so I am very excited for that!

More later!

XOXO Cori

Getting back into it

2009-01-10T12:24:00.005-07:00

It's been a while since my last post and the biggest reason for that is I am trying to take it easy on my knee (little to no running) in order to recover from this pain-in-the-butt injury I am dealing with. My workouts have been pretty boring lately as I have pretty much gone into maintenance mode for two reasons; one being recovery and two being the ridiculously cold and snowy weather in Chicago. I have found myself "Arizona sick" as I am calling it because it's not exactly home sick. Although AZ was my home for five years, I still believe IL is my true home since I lived here for 18 years! The cold winter weather is starting to take it's toll on my emotions and I'm getting depressed that I cannot workout outdoors or even be outdoors for an extended period of time. I am a lot more hungry here too because my body is cold and just wants comfort food (FAT!!) and I have less desire to workout (hard to believe I know). I haven't been swimming as much as I would like to be because I am always cold and I never feel like getting in the water. I would just rather get hot and sweaty in the gym because it makes me feel good. Getting out of the pool and freezing does not feel good... not to mention I have to spend the time showering and drying my hair afterward because I don't want to get sick in the cold with wet hair! How annoying! I have also been busy with work and spending time with friends. Since I never went out to bars or did anything fun in the past year and a half, I am not used to staying up late with my friends and family here in IL! My schedule is all thrown off because I was used to going to bed around 10 or 11 each night and getting up early for workouts, but here everyone stays up really late - and I don't want to miss out on things on the weekends - so I have been very tired to say the least. I figure since it is off season and I can't run because of my knee injury anyways it should be time to have fun before spring rolls around and race season begins.

One good thing that has happened over the holidays is that I finally have a bike trainer in the basement... HOWEVER of course one of the knobs has to be broken so I'm going to take it back when the roads clear up from the snow and get a different one. For now I've been using the one I have which is a Performance Bike brand fluid trainer. I am happy to have it downstairs so I don't have to go to the gym to use the spin bikes every time I want to ride. It's easy to pop in a movie and play loud music in the basement.

Today I went to an 8 a.m. spin class at Lifetime and I met a girl who does Ironman. I told her how sad I was about the weather (it's really snowy and yucky out today) and how I miss biking outdoors. I also complained a bit about feeling alone out here because I don't know anyone that does triathlon. She assured me that there is a huge triathlon community here because of Ironman Wisconsin, and that everyone will come out of hibernation in the spring. THANK GOD! That was music to my ears! She also told me they have open water splash and dash's in Crystal Lake on Wednesday nights when the weather gets warm and that also put a huge smile on my face! And when she said there are group rides on Saturdays starting in the spring my day was made! I'm was so happy to talk to this girl, Tracy I believe she said her name was, and I really hope we run into eachother again so I can start making some triathlete friends!

School starts on January 26 and I am excited for that. It will help keep me from going insane during this horrible winter weather because I know I will be VERY busy. I will be working M-F from 2-6 p.m. and then going to school from 6:30-9 p.m. afterward on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The holidays were great and I was very glad to be home around family and friends again. I can't believe I missed Christmas last year... that's just not right! BUT it has made me really appreciate everyone I do have in my life here in Illinois - amazing, supportive and loving family and friends.

XOXO
Cori

2008-12-21T20:25:00.002-07:00

"I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go. Things go wrong so you can appreciate them when they're right. You believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself. And sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together."

-Marilyn Monroe

Knee Injury

2008-12-20T19:47:00.003-07:00

So I have been injured lately and that's why I haven't been writing. I am very very sad because I cannot run! I don't feel like myself without running so I've been very depressed.

The back of my left knee on the outside hurts ONLY when I run. It feels really tight when I run and starts hurting pretty bad and I have to stop. I've been biking and swimming and using the stairmaster and elliptical machines at the gym. Today I walked 6 miles. I've been icing and using the foam roller and stretching and I am going to try and run again after New Years. But for now I am just sad. Merry Christmas to me: I can't do the thing I love the most.

Tears!!!

XOXO
Cori

2008-12-07T09:31:00.002-07:00

It has been two weeks today since Ironman and I've been having a blast with my friends and settling into my new job while taking some off time from intense training. I have to say that I am very happy here! I love my friends, my job and I start school January 26!

I have been sticking mainly to biking and swimming because when I tried to run last week the back of my knee started to hurt so I have been taking it easy on the running. I'm going to go for a short run outside today and see how it feels, but it is freezing outside!!! It has been snowing like crazy the past week!!! I forgot how you have to start your car early, shovel the driveway to get out and plan for extra time to get where you are going! This is going to take some time for me to get used to since I haven't had to deal with snow for the past 5 years!

Christmas is coming up fast! I feel like it was just November and it's already December 7! It's crazy how fast time flies when you are busy. When I was alone in Colorado each day seemed like a year, but now that I have people and things that consume my days time flies!!! I have to start Christmas shopping because before I know it Christmas will be here! I think I will wait a week though... at least until I get paid again because Ironman drained my bank account!!! I also need to buy some winter clothes because all I have are tank tops and that just isn't working out too well!! I've also been sick the past week with a terrible cold and let me just say swimming with a cough and runny nose is NO FUN!!! And it's pretty discusting!

Im going to do the Lifetime Fitness Raindeer Run 5k on Dec. 14. I'm excited for it and I'm going to dress up! Hopefully nothing hurts by then and I can just have fun! I keep seeing photos of people who did Ironman that are already racing triathlon again!!! I think they are crazy. There is NO WAY they are recovered enough already to be racing again. I am going to take a month recovery time and ease back into everything. No injuries please!!!!!!

XOXO
Cori

Ironman Arizona Pictures

2008-11-28T07:05:00.012-07:00

Ironman Arizona Race Report!

2008-11-24T12:36:00.005-07:00

The best thing I have ever heard in my life:

"Corinne Frayer, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!"

I still can't believe it... I am an Ironman!

Sunday morning I woke up at 4 a.m. to both my alarm clock and a wake up call from the hotel (yes, I was a little paranoid) I ate my usual breakfast of Barbara's Shredded Wheat flakes, Kashi Strawberry Fields and Vitasoy Vanilla Soymilk. Most of my things were already ready to go so by the time 4:30 rolled around I was standing by the door, bags in hand, telling my dad to hurry up so we could go! We hopped in the car (after Dad forgot his wallet and had to go back to the room) at around 4:45 and were off to the race! We parked in the parking garage on the corner of Mill Ave and Rio Salado and were just about the first ones there! (yes, again I was a little paranoid. It will be a trend in this race report haha). When we got to the transition area I filled up my aero water bottle with Gatorade endurance and my water bottle with Smart Water. The the nice guys of Landis Cyclery pumped my tires for me and I was outta there! Then I had to go drop off my special needs bike and run bags so Dad waited for me in the spectator area. After that I probably went to the bathroom four times between checking my transition bags and making sure everything was set to go. When I was waiting in line for the bathroom the guy next to me was singing "just keep swimming, just keep swimming" from Finding Nemo and I thought of Barry and started to sing it with the guy! at around 6:15 I started to get my wetsuit on and I ate half of a Met-RX bar and gave all my dry clothes to my dad. Laura called me and I met her in the line for the bathroom (lots and lots of bathroom breaks in the hours before the race... nerves!) She hadn't even put on her wetsuit yet! The race started in 25 minutes! I was all ready to go, but I stayed with Laura and helped her into her wetsuit and dropped off her dry clothes bag. Then we joined the 2,500 other athletes waiting in a big herd to walk over the timing mats and jump into the water. Laura and I held hands and jumped in the lake together. My heart was beating faster than I can ever remember it beating before, but it was awesome

Swim 1:15

Laura and I swam the 200 meters to the start together and I seeded myself kind of in the middle but in an area where for some reason there was a big hole, so that was great! All I remember after that is the announcer saying something like, "I only have one more thing to say: Everyone have a great day out there." and BOOM the horn sounded and we were off. Now, I have a few things to say about the Ironman swim.
1) If you are a person that likes to fight, it is REALLY hard to hold back and not punch someone in the face for almost drowning you.
2) It's not easy swimming with 2,500 people, it actually really sucks
3) Tempe Town Lake is probably the most disgusting body of water in the United States of America
4) I still hate swimming
All in all, I swam a 1:15 so I have nothing to complain about. That's a pretty good time for my first Ironman swim. However there were lots of bumps along the road. First, my left goggle filled up with water in the beginning of the swim and I though, oh well, I'm not going to fix it. Second, I was never swimming without someone directly to my left, right, ahead and behind. That was REALLY annoying because I got slapped, kicked, knocked in the face and even shoved the entire swim. Seriously people, do you not look where you are swimming! That is why we wear goggles! At one point the group I was swimming in started swimming toward the middle of the lake and the people in the boats were yelling at us to go right. I started swimming diagonally right and accidentally nugged a guy. He literally stopped swimming and took both hands and shoved me away from him. Oh man, I felt the fire inside my body like I wanted to rip his goggles off and swim away really fast so he wouldn't have goggles for the rest of the swim. What an a-hole. I was definitely ready to be done with the swim and was so happy to see the red buoy where we would turn and head towards the stairs to get out of the lake!

T 1

My transition one time was pretty slow, about 7 minutes I believe. First, after I got out of the water I had to find a wetsuit stripper to help me get my wetsuit off. Then I ran down the long shoot to the swim to bike bags and I saw Jorge, Ted and my dad. That was pretty sweet! I grabbed my bag and headed into the women's change tent. Everyone else in the tent seemed to have a volunteer helping them transition... except me! So I did it all myself. Helmet on. Socks and shoes on. Gels in pocket. Spare tube in pocket. CO2 cartridge in pocket. Sunglasses on. Race belt on. Fuel belt bracelet on. Too much to think about! Then I ran out of the transition where some volunteers slapped some sunscreen on my arms and legs and I was off on the bike!

Bike 6:22

Right after leaving the bike transition we had to mount our bikes on a really skinny sidewalk. There were a lot of us in one area and it was pretty scary. Then there was this spectator guy yelling at me to hurry up and get moving. I was already pissed from the swim, so I was ready to hit him! Luckily I held back and got on my bike or he really would have gotten it! I took the bike very easy because I didn't want to burn myself out at all. Heading up the Bee Line Highway was the worst part of the bike course because it is pretty much uphill, but heading down the Bee Line and back down McKellips, McClintock and Rio Salado back to ASU was the best part of the three loops! I always got really excited every time we looped back around Mill/Rio Salado because my friends and my Dad were there cheering for me! During the swim and bike I had issues with my calves cramping up and hurting so I was VERY on top of my Endurolytes tablets and Gatorade. I ate and took two Endurolytes every 45 minutes and I sipped gatorade about every 15 minutes and whenever I was thirsty. I hardly used the aid stations, except for water and Gatorade refills and one banana. I did have to stop once during the bike because my tool bag under my seat was falling off. But in the grand scheme of things, it really was no big deal.

T 2

When I finally arrived at the transition area after 6 hours and 22 minutes of biking the volunteers took my bike and I walked (or tried to) to my bike to run transition bag. A volunteer met me right away and held my gear while I went to the bathroom. Then she helped me get ready for the run, which was totally awesome and way better than when I had to transition by myself from swim to bike. She dumped my bag out on the ground and got me some water as well. I changed my shorts, took off my singlet, put on my running shoes, strapped on my fuel belt, put on my white Nike hat and was off to the the sunscreen people again! By the time they slapped more sunscreen on me, my legs had loosened up and I was ready to run!

Run 3:57

The run was the most fun I have EVER had during a marathon. It was absolutely amazing and I couldn't even ask for anything better! There were spectators along the course the entire time cheering and I saw my dad a lot too which was awesome! I held back on the run a lot because I didn't know what to expect. Normally when I run just a marathon I go all out and always lose it around mile 20, so I didn't want that to happen at all. I took it slow, and I even slowed down a lot in the middle of the run to talk to some people to take my mind off my aching butt! I talked to a professor from U of I and a pilot who teaches guys in the Navy to fly! It was awesome meeting these people and the feeling I had when I saw my Dad at mile 20 I will never forget! "Six miles to go," he told me! I got so excited I picked the pace back up again and went all out for the last six miles and I loved every minute of it! I told him to go to the finish line and that I should be there in less than an hour. I finished so strong and I felt like I still had energy left in the tank! The finishing shoot was the most incredible thing I have ever experienced. People held their hands out and I slapped their hands while sprinting toward the finish line with tears in my eyes! 11 hours and 46 minutes and I couldn't believe it! My goal was to finish between 12 and 14 hours and I exceeded my every expectation!

After I finished my Dad walked me around a bit and I took a picture with Jorge who congratulated me on my finish. Then I got some food and sat down and ate a piece of pizza and some pretzels. My Dad bought me an awesome Ironman Arizona jacket and a finisher t-shirt that I love! I got my bike out of transition and gave it to Tri Bike Transport so they can ship it back home this week, and I picked up my transition bags as well. I called my mom and she said Laura was on her last 5.9 miles of the run so my Dad and I went to the finish line and we watched her finish. It was awesome because when they announced she was a member of the US Army everyone went nuts and I cried! I ran down to meet her and we took pictures and I met her family. I am so happy I got to see her finish! I couldn't have done this race without her!

After we left the race my dad took me to Subway and the lady working asked me why I looked to tired. My dad told her I just finished a triathlon and she was like, oh. Haha she probably had no idea what he was talking about. Subway was awesome and then I went home to shower and take an ice bath. I hardly slept last night but it was worth it!

11:46 and worth every hour of training! Can't wait to see what IMAZ 2009 brings (yes I already signed up!)

XOXO
Cori

I WILL do this!

2008-11-20T16:01:00.002-07:00

This video has really been helping to pump me up!

Today has been quite a day! I got up and went to the practice swim at Tempe Town Lake around 9 a.m. Afterwards, I ran for 20 or so minutes on the run course. When I realized I forgot my USAT card for packet pick up I walked all the way down to ASU's campus where luckily my ASU ID still worked on the computers and I was able to print a temporary card! After packet pick up I talked to some people I knew for a while and then waited in like to get my bike from Tri Bike Transport until about 2 p.m. Finally I am back at Keiths sitting around! We're gonna go to his parents house tonight for some dinner. The lake was REALLY cold today... a lot colder than I expected, but it will be ok. I swam well for about 30 minutes and am still really pumped for Sunday!

XOXO
Cori

I'm in Arizona!

2008-11-19T13:27:00.002-07:00

Welcome to Arizona... it's HOT!

No shocker there, because Ironman is coming up so OF COURSE it has to be record breaking temperatures in Phoenix! We can't stop the tradition of hot, windy Ironman days now can we? Well, I have my fingers crossed that we can.

I arrived in Phoenix Monday night around 7:30 p.m. and it was still 80 degrees out. When I left Chicago it was snowing! Keith and I had a fun night wondering around trying to find a place for food that was open at 9 p.m. on a Monday! Eventually we ended up walking to Extreme Pita and I ended up practically blowing my chips out my nose laughing so hard at his stories. Ahhh Keith, some things will never change! We went to Target and I bought an awesome huge soft green blanket and a $16 double size air mattress. Good thing I spent all the money on the blanket and got a cheap air mattress... NOT! It didn't come with a pump so Keith and I took turns doing three minute intervals with the bike pump! It took forever to blow up, but in the end it was worth it because I freakin' love this damn blanket! :)

Yesterday I did a 2,500 meter swim outdoors at Lifetime and then I ran for 32 minutes outside. It was HOT! But I think I can handle it. There will be lots of sunscreen and lots of endurolyte tablets making an appearance on Sunday! It will be a sweaty, but awesome day! I also met up with Luanne at her house to see her baby Cailyn and then we all went to RA for some sushi and appetizers. I had the best time and I miss my Lu Dogg so much! We laughed and laughed and laughed some more until it was time to go home and put the baby to bed and then Keith and I watched football and tv all night. I also talked to Laura and she is driving here and will arrive on Thursday. I can't wait to see her either!

Today I went to a spin class at Lifetime because my bike wont be here until tomorrow at 1 p.m. I spun it out easy for an hour and then swam 1,500 meters outside. The sun is so damn bright I am contemplating using darker goggles, but then again I like my clear ones. Decisions decisions. Tomorrow I will to go Tempe Town Lake in the morning with my westuit for the practice swim and then run a little on the course afterwards. Tri Bike Transport should have my bike at the Expo by 1 p.m. so I'll pick it up then and ride a little of the course. Yesterday I spent a lot of money on new tires, tubes, fuel and a new tri outfit. So I'm going to start getting all ready so I have less to stress about as the race gets closer. I will probably pick up my packet tomorrow as well so I can start sorting out what goes in what gear bags and special needs bags. Ugh... so much to think about! I'm also meeting Jane at the Pointe tonight so I can pick up a Gage sports bra I plan on wearing for the run :)

Lastly, I stopped by my old work today at the Ahwatukee Foothills News and saw some of my old co-workers. I love stopping by there and hanging out in the Newsroom like old times. I missed Kelly though because she was at lunch, so I will have to stop by again while I'm here to see her. This shouldn't be a problem since I really don't have much to do other than worry about this race!

All for now! Time to relax and watch some TV and maybe take a nap. Tapering is tough haha!

XOXO
Cori

Tapering

2008-11-13T22:50:00.003-07:00

Oh how much I HATE tapering! When I don't work out as much as I am used to I get sad/depressed/mad ... all of the above!! I know the best thing for me to do right now is hold back and take it easy, but it is SO HARD! I forced myself to stick to just swimming today and I am going to do a run tomorrow morning before work.

Speaking of work, I started working this week in Hoffman Estates. I am working as a pre 2 teacher and have a class of 2, 3 and 4 year olds. They are adorable. I am learning so much and I love, love LOVE having my own classroom of little rugrats. I also met with an adviser at school today and registered for classes that will begin January 26. I will have two night classes a week (Monday and Wednesday) along with a few observation hours in the classroom throughout the semester. I am so excited to start school I have no words to even explain it! :)

On Monday afternoon I will head to Arizona to spend the week in Tempe getting ready for Ironman. I can't believe the race is almost here but I am so ready to just get out there and do it! I still have to figure out how I am going to get my bike down there... what a pain! I also need to practice changing tires so I am going to go to a multisport store on Saturday and buy new tires and tubes and practice changing tires myself just in case I get a flat (heaven forbid!) My Dad will fly in to Phoenix on Saturday and will be there watching my race all day Sunday. I am SO THANKFUL that he is taking the time to be my support crew. I honestly don't know what I would do without him there... I mean I know I would still do the race, but just the mental aspect of knowing he is there for me is really going to make all the difference. Even though my Dad doesn't fully understand my obsession and passion for endurance sports, his unconditional love for me really shines through because of his undying support for me. Family really is number one and this proves it! Thanks Dad (in advance) I love you so much!

The weather in Illinois is less than desirable, however I am loving every minute of it. After spending so long in the sweltering heat of Arizona I have really grown to appreciate the seasons. The leaves are so beautiful and watching them fall to the ground and the branches get bare is incredible. I haven't seen the fall to winter change in six years! So when it is raining/showing/sleeting or whatever outside I just think, oh well, indoor training today... and it will be AWESOME! haha! But really, I love it and I really, really REALLY do not regret my decision to move back to Illinois. Everything and everyone has been nothing short of amazing since I have moved back and I can't wait to see where my life takes me.

All for now!

XOXO
Cori

There's No Place Like Home

2008-11-04T10:32:00.002-07:00

I finally arrived back in Sleepy Hollow on Saturday evening! My parents and I left Denver around 1:30 p.m. on Friday, and after a quick stop for a flat tire in Sterling, CO and a good night's sleep in Lincoln, Nebraska, we pulled in the driveway around 6 p.m. Saturday. I am so happy and excited to be home!

On Halloween (when we stayed in the hotel in Lincoln) I checked my e-mail at the hotel and finally received my scores from the Illinois Basic Skills Test and I passed! Now I can schedule a meeting with my adviser at Roosevelt and officially begin picking my classes for January. I am also in the process of looking for a part time job during school working with children. Everything seems to be coming together here and I'm praying it all works itself out as things typically do... fingers crossed!!!

As for my Ironman training in Illinois, it has been great! On Sunday my dad drove the car around some farm roads in Huntley and I followed him on my bike. He showed me some good, safe roads to train on and let me just say they are AWESOME! There is no one out there - just me, the open road and, well, lots of corn fields and cows! I did a 91 mile ride that day, with a 50 minute run and I felt pretty good. It was windy, but nothing compared to last weekend. On Monday I did a run around Sleepy Hollow for a good two hours and then I swam at Lifetime. I still can't believe Ironman is less than three weeks away now. I do miss training with Laura so much and our inside jokes about stopping at the spa along our long ride in Colorado and our awesome bike speeds in the wind. I miss you Laura!

I started planning my TENTATIVE 2009 race schedule which you will see on the right of this blog. I am going to add a few running races in there, but it's a start. At least I have a couple races planned out and can enjoy a nice relaxing off-season after Ironman and before these races. I am most excited for the Spirit of Racine half Ironman because my entire family will be able to see me race. I am also looking forward to the Chicago Triathlon because I have heard such great things about it and I can't imagine how cool it must be biking through downtown.

Today I am taking it easy and will probably walk Hannah and swim after I run a couple errands and force myself to spend a couple more hours unpacking.. will it ever end!

XOXO
Cori

Blustery Day

2008-10-26T13:54:00.004-07:00

I'd like to start this blog off with a little prayer:

Hail Mary full of grace, PLEASE DON'T EVER MAKE ME BIKE IN WIND LIKE THAT AGAIN!

On Saturday Laura and I sucessfully completed about 80 miles of biking around Aurora, but it was the windiest bike ride I have ever done. Laura said it was worse than Ironman wind, and that if we could get through that ride that we could definately get through Ironman. The first 40 miles were just fine, as the wind was on our back and I was flying along at ridiculous speeds and hardly working. Then as we turned around the wind hit us and we had 40 miles to go back home! At times we were going 6 mph against the wind uphill. I swear I could feel the wind pushing the skin on my face back like you'd see in a movie. My quads were killing me as my rpms were probably around 50 and all we were using was the power in our legs to fight the wind. At one point my knees started to lock up too, but I just kept telling myself that I could do it. I started making up words to Rihanna's Disturbia song in my head. "No more gas in my legs, can't even get them started. All this wind against my head, trying to push though it. There's a hill up ahead... feels like I'm going insane!!!!" I kept singing that over and over as I pushed! Finally we made it back to Laura's and I laced up my running shoes and ran for an hour! I felt so good, it had to be a miracle! I even finished the run with some energy left in my tank! I was so happy and I kept telling myself "You ARE going to be an Ironman!"

Laura and I went to dinner at Whole Foods and I ate a lot so I wouldn't feel like I did last weekend on my Sunday run after I missed dinner on Saturday because I fell asleep. And I'm so glad I did because today I ran for 2 1/2 hours like the wind and I felt great!

Ironman is a mind game... and I am ready to play it!

Four weeks left till the big day!

XOXO

Cori

I did it!

2008-10-19T15:05:00.004-07:00

I am so proud to tell you that yesterday I successfully completed 113 miles on the bike and a 35 minute T-run afterwards! I cant even begin to explain how awesome I felt after 8 hours of working out and how excited I am for Ironman. I am so thankful to Laura for making me do this ride as I am no longer nervous, well I should probably say afraid because I will be peeing in my pants with nervousness before the race, to bike 112 miles during Ironman. I have to say I had a few ups and down during the ride though. My new shoes eventually made my toes cramp up inside them after about 80 miles and by crotch hurt like a... well I'm not sure.. but it freakin hurt! I'm going to have to figure out something to do about that crotch thing... and I will probably just wear my old biking shoes and put new cleets on them in order to save my toes! I stayed on top of my nutrition and it payed off. I drank three 24 ounce gatorades, a water bottle and I ate... well more than most people could imagine. I ate every 45 minutes (and a few times in between when my body told me it was time) and my snacks included gels, bananas and clif kid Z bars (amazing by the way!) I also consumed two Endurolites tablets every hour or so and dumped one into my gatorade every time I filled it up. Depending on the race conditions I know I might need more Endurolites and salt, but we will have to wait until race day to determine that (even though I'm sure my pockets will be stuffed with the things nonetheless.)

Today I ran for two hours and six minutes, and felt really tired but I pushed through. It was probably because I fell asleep before I could eat a good dinner last night after my long day. I will be sure to never make that mistake again! Today I went to Souper Salad and made up for it with lots of veggies, fruit, salad, soup, cornbread (oh yeah I know you're jealous I can eat this much.) Sometimes I can't even believe how much I eat, and I can't believe I'm not 500 pounds. But I know it's what my body needs so I'll get over the fact that I feel like a human garbage disposal.

I also spent time at the library today reading other triathlete's blogs and race reports for past Ironman Arizona races. I actually cried when I was reading them because it is just so amazing. In the past, IMAZ was held in April and known for brutal heat and winds. I (as I'm sure all athletes) are praying for better conditions in this November race. Anyway the weather pans out... I will be mentally ready to take on this challenge and I know I will become an Ironman... I can just feel it!

Tomorrow I plan on swimming long again and I am also planning on taking a few Bikram yoga classes again in these final weeks before the race to loosen up my muscles. Bikram is amazing and i miss sweating my butt off in those classes.

More to come!

XOXO
Cori

Pushing Through

2008-10-17T10:48:00.002-07:00

It is only 11:30 a.m. and today has already been a great day! I woke up to a phone call from Roosevelt University telling me I was accepted into grad school! Then I took my bike over to the shop to get my aero bars raised a bit and a speedometer put on. I am also going to look for new cycling shoes today as well. My shoes are old and they suck! Tomorrow I am biking 112 miles with Laura and her friend. I thought I would be nervous, as I have never attempted this distance before, but I am actually really excited to get out there and see how it will feel. It's good Ironman practice and I am looking forward to the pain... no really I am!

I will probably take Hannah on a long walk or hike on a trail today as it is my off day and I want to be rested for tomorrows long haul. I am still pretty bored here in Colorado otherwise and cant wait to move. Thirteen days until my parents get here! Feels like forever!

More to come and update on the long bike ride later!

XOXO
Cori

Bad weather...

2008-10-11T14:24:00.005-07:00

So, first of all, I have had many requests for new pitures of Hannah. Here are a few from our "play date" with Julie's dogs, Vasco and Yogi Bear, on Friday. I let Hannah off her leash for the first time and she did surprisingly well and was a very good listener :) She had a blast. OH and thank you to Jessica for sending me Star's hand-me-downs, I love them and can't wait to take her hiking!

Today I was supposed to do a long ride with Laura, but the weather is really yucky! It has been really cold and rainy all day, so this morning we decided that we are going to ride on Monday and let the weekend weather push through. So, instead of biking today I ran for 2 1/2 hours in the rain. I am a little disappointed, though, because my hip is still bothering me. I really don't know what to do anymore! It feels more like a hip flexor thing now. It's not getting worse, but it's not getting better either. I made it 2 1/2 hours but it was painful. I am going to pray that it starts feeling better soon... PLEASE GOD! I've been laying off from the miles I normally put in and even take more days off, but it's not seeming to help. I guess I am going to continue to ice, stretch and rest as much as possible, but come on I have an Ironman coming up! I really, really REALLY hope that it feels better before the race - otherwise no Ironman for me and that would be a real bummer... :(

It's boring out here, and I don't have internet in my apartment so I have to go to the library every day! Last night I rented the Sex and the City movie and Hannah and I watched it and cuddled on the couch. I bought some new candles too, so it was nice and relaxing. Tonight we will go for a walk, and maybe, just maybe, I'll call my sister. We've had some misunderstandings lately, but I really hope we can work them out and spend some time together before I move to Illinois. Less than three weeks away now and I can't wait!

All for now,

XOXO

Cori

A new horizon...

2008-10-10T11:12:00.009-07:00

Hi everyone! Sorry it's been so long since I've written a new post but I've been really busy! A lot of things in my life are changing and I am so excited to tell you about them!

First of all my trip home was awesome. Danielle was the most beautiful bride I've ever seen and I had a great time (and totally don't regret spending the money for the plane ticket!) A couple hours after I got off the plane on Thursday, September 25 I drove to St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Algonquin for the wedding rehearsal. Seeing Danielle and her family was so fun, as well as seeing some friends I haven't seen in a while (aka Christine!) After the rehearsal we went to Lu Malnoti's (probably spelled wrong) and drank wine and ate pizza (it's the best there!). Danielle gave us all purple sparkly purses to match our bridesmaid dresses and then we called it a night. On Friday, the day of the wedding, I worked out in the morning and then had my mom drive me over to Shannon's so she could do my hair. Her sister was cleaning up toilet paper because it was homecoming weekend at the high school I went to and it's a traditon to toilet paper people's houses (I know, its wierd) so I was laughing at her. After we were ready we walked down the street to Danielle's house where Christine was the first one to cry. Danielle looked so beautiful! Her dress was awesome and covered in Swarovski crystals (I'm jealous). We took pictures for a while and then hung out waiting for the limo that ended up being late! Once we got to the church we quickly cleaned the lipstick off Danielle's teeth (I guess it runs in the family, sorry D) before she walked down the aisle. The ceremony was beautiful and I even did a reading. I was really nervous though and forgot to turn the page for Danielle's mom (oops). After the ceremony, and more pictures of course, we crammed in the limo for some drinking and fun on the way to the reception! I was all smiles and it felt so good to be home with my friends. When we got to the Stongate we took more pictures and then danced and drank, of course, all night. It was so fun! Actually, I think I was the only person on the dance floor from the first song to the last song.. what can I say, some things never change :) When the reception ended Christine and I decided we weren't finished yet and went to Bandito's (a samll bar in my home town) in our dresses. All in all I had a great time at the wedding and wish Danielle and Adam a happy marraige! I bet they had a blast in whatever islands they went to (cant remember sorry!) for their honeymoon!

On Saturday I went up to Racine, WI for my cousin Tia's 12th birthday. I had so much fun seeing my family that I haven't seen in a long time and playing badmitton by the lake (they live on Lake Michigan) We also stopped at my grandma's condo and my grampa's apartment on the way home, which was also really nice. For the rest of my vacation I spent my time training at the gym, visiting shools, seeing family (I took my grandma out to lunch and my dad took me apple picking [awesome]) and friends. I am also really glad that I decided to randomly text Barry (thanks to facebook, I guess it's good for something!) while I was home because I ended up hanging out with him and Tyler most nights. It's funny because I don't remember anything to do at home - any bars or anything anyone does (even the names of the roads!) so it was awesome to have them to take me around! I had so much fun with them :) I also got to see Tiff and her baby, Dylan, on Saturday and lot of other people too (too many to name, sorry!)

Lastly, to make a long story short, yes, Brian and I broke up. The exciting thing is that I am moving back to Chicago (something I should have done a long time ago!) at the end of the month and most likely attending grad school at Roosevelt University (if I get in!). I am SO EXCITED for my life to change and I know in my heart that it is the best thing that could happen to me right now. From being home I know that I am meant to be closer to my family and friends at this time in my life and I couldn't be happier. It is something I just felt inside every day that I was home. It's boring being in Colorado alone right now and these three weeks before I move will be hard, but the thought of what's to come keeps me going! I'm also going to keep up my Ironman training in Colorado so when I move it will be time to taper and less stressful. I'll see everyone in Arizona Nov. 17-25!

More to come!

XOXO

Cori

Colorado Relay

2008-09-17T09:28:00.004-07:00

Running through the Rocky Mountains from Friday morning to Saturday morning really had an impact on my life. I cannot even begin to explain the feeling of running in the mountains at 2 a.m., just me, the Eagle river to my left, snow capped mountains to my right, a full moon and stars brighter than I've ever seen reflecting off of the river. All I could hear was my foot steps, and my mind telling me, "this is what life is all about."

The 174-mile Colorado Relay adventure started at 7 a.m. Friday morning in Georgetown. Runners 1-5 were in van A and runners 6-10 were in van B (my van). I was runner 9. After meeting in Morrison at 5 a.m. my van drove to exchange point 5 where our 6th runner would take the bracelet from runner 5. My first run was at about 4 p.m. in Breckenridge. It was about 6 miles and it was snowing and cold! I had a great run though and I felt really good. After our first legs we went to one of our teammembers parents house in Frisco and hung out. The house was amazing and we all drank hot chocolate, ate some food and took a nice nap. At around 10 it was time to drive to our next exchange point to meet the other runners again. My second run was the run I described earlier - about 12 miles on highway 6 around Eagle, CO. I was alone for most of the run and my iPod was out of battery, so it was just me and my footsteps. It was amazing. After our second legs we slept in the van at the next exchange poing until about 7:30 a.m. My third and final leg was about 6 miles on an uphill dirt road toward Carbondale. About halfway into the run a cow was standing in the road blocking my way! I had to wait for him to move over and let me pass because there was barbed wire on either side of the road. It was scary! We finished in about 27 hours in Carbondale and the weather was perfect.

But now it is back to Ironman training! I missed a long bike on Saturday because of the relay (it was worth it) so this weekend im in it for the long haul.

Home in a week :)

XOXO Cori

Hannah, Colorado Relay, VMA's

2008-09-09T06:51:00.006-07:00

Hannah got spayed yesterday. I dropped her off around 7:30 in the morning and picked her back up at 4:30 in the afternoon. As soon as I got her home she started throwing up, and after the fourth time I called the emergency veterinary hospital to ask if this is normal. They told me to bring her in because it isn't normal. So after $411 for the spay, I had to pay another $180 for her emergency visit where they pumped her with fluids and antibiotics. Ugh, I am officially broke. But I would rather be broke and have Hannah alive, than Hannah be dead and I have money. This morning she is doing better, but is still pretty loopy. I got her to eat some turkey lunch meat and take a few licks of an ice cube. I am Hannah's personal nurse. :)

The Colorado Relay is coming up on Friday. I am meeting my team at 5 a.m. and we start the race at 7 a.m. We should be done running about 170 miles through the Rocky Mountains Saturday morning. I am very excited to meet my team and make some new friends! My left groin area still hurts from the bike crash at the 5430 half iron race, but I think it will be good to give it a break from biking and just concentrate on running this weekend. The race starts in Georgetown and ends in Carbondale, CO. My team is an all-woman team. Each team has 10 runners and I am runner 9. Each runner runs three times. For more information go to http://coloradorelay.com and check it out!

Each year I get really excited for the MTV Video Music Awards because I am a big dork and I follow all that celebrity stuff because I think it's fun. I was excited to watch this year because I love Rihanna and she was part of the opening act. Also, lots of crazy stuff always happens. I think I've watched the VMA's every year for the past 10 years I would say. However, this year was repulsive! The host Russell Brand, a British comedian, ruined the show for me as soon as he started talking! All he did was rip on President Bush, make fun of the Jonas Brother's purity rings and other things that I just couldn't believe! Believe me I am not a a republican and I don't wear a promise ring, but honestly, who approved that guys act? I think its awesome that some teenagers these days choose to wear a ring and not have sex until they are married, what is wrong with that? I also think it was wrong for a foreign comedian to make fun of our country's president at an award show in our country! Whether someone is republican, democrat, liberal or whatever, I'm sure people with any political view were offended by this guy making fun of our president like that. Booo I hate Russell Brand. Rihanna, though... awesome! Christina Aguilera too!

Well, it's off to the gym this morning and then taking care of Miss Hannah the rest of the day :)

XOXO
Cori

When life throws you curve balls

2008-09-01T14:33:00.003-07:00

... try and hit them out of the park. That's what I have been telling myself this week. Lots of changes have been happening in my life, both at work and mentally.

First of all I am leaving my job personal training at Bladium for various reasons I wont write about on the internet, except that I am not a sales person. However, I love my job as a BCOR boot camp coach in Wash Park so everything will be OK.

I am also really, really excited to go home for one of my best friends from high school Danielle's wedding. I am going home September 25 and couldn't be happier. I miss everyone and everything in IL so much. I know that IL is where my heart is, and I have been thinking about that constantly lately.

This holiday weekend was great. On Friday I saw "Tropic Thunder" and it was ridiculously stupid. I hate those cheesy comedies! But it was ok because the restaurant, Cuisine of the Himilayas, made up for it. It's up in Evergreen and... awesome! On Saturday I was going to ride with the Laura and the Rocky Mountain Cycling Club, but when I got on the bike my groin was still bothering me a bit so I wanted to stick close to home in case I had to stop biking, so I biked for 4 hours and 15 minutes on my own and then ran 40 minutes. Everything went good and didn't feel too bad. I also ate at Chipotle twice this weekend, went out to breakfast on Sunday morning in Evergreen after an amazing 14 mile run and tried the Kolashe Factory today! Yum yum yum! haha a weekend of eating! Kolashes are like dinner rolls stuffed with eggs, cheese and whatever else they put in there. They are so yummy! I ate three of them!

On Thursday I met Jill, one of the girls I will be running the Colorado Relay with in two weeks, and we ran about 5 miles around Wash Park after boot camp. I am so excited for the relay and it sounds intense! It's all through the Rockies and ends by Aspen. I am the 9th runner and will run three times, just like the Ragnar Relay in Arizona. This time there will be less Cacti and more mountains!

Time to take Hannah to the lake!

XOXO
Cori

Steamboat Springs, etc.

2008-08-25T14:15:00.003-07:00

Hello everyone! It's been about two weeks since my last post and I appologize. It was a rough and eventfull two weeks though. First of all, I got to see my family when they moved my sister out here about a week and a half ago. It was so good to see my parents! Although the weather wasn't great! It never rains in Denver and it rained all weekend, for three days straight! I ended up doing all my training indoors on Saturday. I rode the indoor bike while watching the Olympics for three hours and swam. I was glad the rain let up Sunday morning for a bit, so I was able to get a good two hour run in on the Cherry Creek trail.

Speaking of the Olympics, I am both sad and relieved they are over! I was definately staying up way too late every night watching swimming and gymnastics and honestly it almost killed me! I have to get up several mornings throughout the week at 5 a.m. to teach boot camp and I was staying up past midnight most of the nights before. It was rough, but who can resist watching Michael Phelps. I sure cant. I think the Olympics really got the best of me because I had a dream a couple nights ago that I won my age group at Ironman Arizona in November and got a slot at World Championships so I got to be on the Ellen DeGeneres show. In the dream Ellen asked me what my dream date would be and I told her "eating chocolate chip pancakes with Michael Phelps." haha what the heck? Either I really am craving chocolate chip pancakes or I've been watching too much Olympics and hearing Michael Phelps name too much! Then she brought him on the show and I asked him if he would eat chocolate chip pancakes with me. I have the wierdest dreams. I think it was because all the radio shows have been talking about lately is how much Michael Phelps eats. I swear, people are fascinated by how much the guy eats... and his body structure. I think every magazine I picked up last week had a full page spread of him with arrows pointing to all his abnormal body parts. Thank God he is not a girl because I would hate that haha! Talk about a self esteem crusher. "She has huge feet, short legs, huge hands, double jointed knees etc." Sill, though, it is hard to imagine someone 12 days older than me has accomplished so much! Thats awesome! Good thing MP has a great personality, is cute and is really fun to watch!

Anyway, after my sister got settled in her new apartment I took her to the pool with me. I hardly ever do stroke drills but the training program I'm using for Ironman says to do them. I guess my groin really didn't like the breast stroke because the next morning I couldn't even walk. It was such a bummer because I had a the Steamboat Springs Triathlon coming up on Sunday and it hurt to do all three sports! One of my clients told me I am the only person he knows that has injured themselves swimming, and I thought, yep, I don't know anyone either! haha! Good thing I felt OK by Saturday because the race directors wouldn't let me out of the race. I did a 40 minute run with Jane and George and it hurt, but I decided I could get through the race the next day. It ended up being a lot of fun and I'm really glad I did it. It was a shorter race (3/4 mile swim, 20 mile bike, and 4 mile run) and I am also thankful for that! I ended up getting 2nd in my age group and I beat the girl in 3rd by 20 minutes! Jane told me that I could have pinched a nerve when that guy crashed into me at the 5430 half, so I will have to keep resting it out and see what happens. Steamboat was beautiful and the weather was great. One piece of advice for everyone though... don't ride a motorcycle for 6 hours (what we did to get to Steamboat) because it SUCKS! My butt has never been in so much pain! Great idea Brian! I ended up paying someone to take my bike back to Boulder and hitched a ride with Jane and George back home instead of taking the motorcycle with Brian. Best decision I have ever made in my life!

The Colorado Relay is coming up next on my race list and that will be exciting! 200 miles of running through the Rockies with 10 girls. :)

Have a great day!

XOXO

Cori

5430 :(

2008-08-11T07:39:00.004-07:00

So the 5430 race was, in one word, HORRIBLE! The worst part is that I had a bad race not because of my own fitness level and capabilities, but because of my goggles filling up with water and an idiot on the bike.

So here is what happened:

First of all my goggles filled up with water as soon as I started the swim. My swim ended up being 10 minutes slower than I could have swam because I had to stop 10 times to let the water out and re adjust my goggles.

THEN...

As I was completing my first loop of the bike course and approaching the intersection of Jay Rd and 51st a man came up from behind me to pass me on my left. There were volunteers yelling at us to go straight for our second loop, but obviously he did not hear them. Instead, as soon as he passed me he took a sharp right turn about two inches in front of me causing me to crash into him head on at about 22 mph. I went flying over my handlebars, skidding across the road on the left side of my body landing in the middle of the road unable to move. The man swerved and kept going straight to begin the second lap of the bike course and never stopped to see if I was ok. He was obviously confused about the course and thought we were all turning right at that intersection. Luckily, the firemen from the fire department located on that corner were there and they picked my bike and me up off of the road and out of traffic. It was very scary, as cars were driving toward me as I was sprawled out in the middle of the road and I am surprised no athletes behind me crashed into me as well. After the crash I could barely walk and I was unable to continue the race. The firemen bandaged me up and drove me and my bike back to the transition area where I proceeded to the medical tent for further attention.

Well.. at least I got to ride in a fire truck! Gosh, I was so disappointed. My bike is a little scratched up and I feel like I got run over by a truck today. After the race many athletes suggested I write the race directer an e-mail and tell him what happened and ask for a refund. Last night I did that, and I also gave him suggestions as to how he could make the race safer and better in the future.

In my opinion, the part of the race where I crashed was very dangerous. I think it would be better if they lined cones up in the middle of the lane, one side for people turning right that are done with their second lap, and one side on the left for people continuing straight and onto their second lap. I think this would solve some confusion that happened out there. I also think there were a lot of issues with how the waves were designed. I don't believe it is safe to start the slowest, oldest age groups first, and the fastest age groups last, as they seemed to be scheduled at the race. It would be a lot safer if the faster athletes, beginning with the men, started first and the slower athletes and women behind them. This would allow for a lot less passing and less potential accidents and injuries. I think safety is much more important than setting up the waves so that everyone is finished before a desired time. The whole time I was on the bike the men behind me would blow by me at very fast speeds, on the left AND on the RIGHT without warning. No matter what the USAT rules, we all know that rules were made to be broken and realistically many, many athletes do not follow them out there on the course and USAT officials cant be everywhere on the course at one time.

I am happy though that I decided to buy a charity spot for the Steamboat Springs triathlon in two weeks. It is a shorter race, which is fine, and it will give me a chance to redeem myself since I feel like crap for not finishing the last race. I have never DNF'd before and it wasn't even my fault.

Upcoming race, BCOR, grad school, lots of random stuff :)

2008-08-08T06:54:00.004-07:00

Hi everyone! Well today I am using my computer again for the first time in FOREVER! Brian ordered a new hard drive, we stuck it in, and now I have a fresh computer (meaning I still lost everything I had, but don't have to spend $ I don't have on a new computer.) YAY!

So for the past couple weeks I have been keeping the training up so I can race the 5430 half Ironman in Boulder this Sunday. I hope I am recovered enough to race a good time and finish feeling fresh, as if I could continue on. Feeling this way at the finish line is great Ironman training both mentally and physically. Tomorrow I will drop Hannah off at Julie's house so she can babysit for the weekend and I can concentrate on the race. Then we'll head up to Boulder to stay with Jane and George for the night and then it's race time on Sunday! Wish me luck!

Last Sunday I participated in BCOR Fitness for Life training. I am going to start teaching a boot camp-type outdoor exercise class soon, and continue training to become a coach next week. I am SO excited!

I also submitted my online application to ASU's graduate program yesterday. Just in case we end up moving back to Arizona in November I want to be prepared. I loved being involved in the educational system in Phoenix, especially the Ahwatukee Foothills area, and am thrilled about the fact that I could someday be a part of it again. I still have to wait for the fingerprint clearance process, mail in my letters of recommendation and some other things for my application to be complete, but I should know if I am accepted around November as the deadline is October 15!

Hannah has been sick this week. She started sneezing on Monday when lightening struck the mountain by our apartment and our town filled with smoke. At first I thought it was because of the smoke but on Tuesday she threw up and started getting worse, so I took her to the vet on Wednesday. Now she is on antibiotics and special diet for an upper respiratory infection... my poor baby!

My parents and sister are leaving on Monday to drive my sister out to move here! I am excited for her to be here and can't wait to see my family!!!!!!!!! :) They should be here Tuesday or Wednesday.

I also took the Felt in for a makeover this week. Now she has pink grip tape, a pink seat and a pink bottle holder! They also fixed the derailers (hopefully) so my chain stops falling off. I am going to take it for a spin today just to make sure, but it gives me a lot more confidence when my bike is functioning properly, not to mention looking HOT! haha. The shops name is TREADS and I am a big fan! I recommend going there if you havent and you live in Colorado!

OK well it's time to finish watching the Today show, Michael Phelps and Ryan Lockte are supposed to be on which is exciting. The opening ceremony of the Olympics is today at 7:30 so guess what I'll be doing tonight... yep, watching it. After a little Olive Garden of course!

XOXO
Cori

AZ, Mountain Man, Broken Computer

2008-07-26T11:46:00.003-07:00

I have not written in a couple weeks because my computer finally died :(
I am very upset because all my iTunes, photos and personal documents were saved on it. I guess I have learned my lesson to always back up my hard drive.

Last Thursday we left for Phoenix at around 5:40 p.m. We drove throught the night, taking the 70 West, through Moab, Flagstaff and Finally Phoenix. We arrived at Brian's dad's house around 5 a.m. Hannah was such a good road doggie and she hardly squeeled the whole way down. The drive was eventfull - filled with rain and stormy weather, and on my last driving shift I had to let Brian take back over because I was so tired I was worried I would fall asleep on the 17 between Flagstaff and Phoenix. All in all though, it was a nice, scenic, beautiful drive.

Of course it was hot in Phoenix. 110 I believe! On Friday after I took a nap I took Hannah to my old work, the Ahwatukee Foothills News, and showed her off to everyone! It was so fun! I ended up staying longer than I had planned and Brian was a little upset with me because we were late to our lunch at Pink Taco with Keith. Good thing Keith is such a nice guy and understood! Thanks Keith! There are SO many people in Phoenix. I have never noticed it before, but the Denver area is definately not as crowded as the Phoenix area. There were people everywhere in that hot a** oven!!! I couldn't believe it! After lunch, I went to visit Luanne at her condo in Tempe. It was so nice to be able to see her and her pregnant belly! :) Then we had dinner at Brian's mom's house and I brought Hannah over there as well. She was such a good girl! Saturday morning we had pancakes at Brian's dad's house with his little brother and cousins before we headed up to Flagstaff for the race. There were so many people at packet pick up at Lake Mary around 2 p.m. on Saturday when we arrived! We saw everyone we knew there! As soon as I got their I saw Keith in line with his cousins and Jorge and Laurie and Adam too! It was so fun and I think Hannah enjoyed meeting everyone too :)

Saturday night we ate at Olive Garden by our hotel with Adam. I had linguini with marinara sauce and salad and breadsticks... mmmmm!!!!! Then I rode my bike around the parking lots to make sure the chain wouldn't fall off. Luckily Adam fixed it for me and I was good to go! Thanks!!!

We got up on Sunday at 3:30 a.m.... early!!! I had my jelly and banana sandwich and packed everything up and we were outta there by 4:15. Setting up transition with Hannah in one hand and my bike and gigantic gear bag in the other was challenging until Laurie showed up to take her for me! Thanks Laurie! Without her I would have never even been able to do the race! At about 5:50 we walked over to the swim start. Now that was the toughest part of the race! The road was so rocky I thought my feet were going to fall off! The swim went fine, I swam 35 minutes, which is an improvement from my last half Ironman swim of 40 minutes. However, when I got into transition someone had thrown all my stuff everywhere and put a huge beach bag on top of my transition stuff! I had to search for my biking shoes, gels, sunglasses and helmet before I was off on the bike. I was pretty ticked off. I took the bike easy, it was a lot of hills and I just wanted to get through it so I had a good run. In the beginning of the bike I was with a guy who was riding the same bike as Brian, had the same Zipp wheels as Brian, was wearing the same top as Brian AND who's name was BRIAN! It was funny! When I left the transition area for the run (which again was annoying because someone had thrown my stuff around again and a gel was smooshed and open all over my running shoe) it was 3:49. I was going for a slower time than my last half! I was mad, so I took the run pretty hard. I ended up having a great run and crossed the finish line at 5:37 - EXACTLY the same time as my last half Ironman. However, the last race was 6,000 feet lower elevation and wasn't hilly at all, so over all it was a huge improvement and I am happy!

After I crossed the finish line it was pouring rain, so Brian and I got our awards (both first in our age groups) and packed up the car, got Hannah from Laurie and headed back up to Colorado! The drive was long and my legs were stiff... we arrived home around 1 in the morning on Monday. What a weekend!

Today Laura and I went biking around the foothills for about 3 1/2 hours and then did a 30 minute run. It was a good day and the weather was great! I really hope I am recovered and feeling good in 2 weeks for the 5430 race in Boulder!!! If not, I will take it slow and just have fun! It's all for Ironman training anyway!

So all in all, life is good right now. My sister moves out here August 12, that will be fun, and I start teaching boot camp down town in August as well. Things are starting to feel normal up here finally :)

XOXO
Cori

Sunday Funday

2008-07-13T19:46:00.004-07:00

I thought I'd post some new pictures of Hannah for everyone today. I took these when she was running around on the grass, before she ate my favorite Crocs sandal. I am so sad about that! I will have to get new ones.... dang it!

Today I did an hour bike and a 85 minute run. It was a good day and I felt really good so I am happy. We also went to the bike shop to get stuff for Mountain Man and to try to fix my bike. We tried changing the chain, and that didnt work, so we tried changing the big chain ring and that didn't work either. I still dont know why the chain doesn't catch on the ring every two revolutions. It's the weirdest thing and I am so sad! Brian also cut his hand really bad trying to get the chain ring off the bike and now he has a super deep cut on his hand. I feel so bad! This stupid bike! This is one reason why triathlon is annoying - because you have to use a machine for one of the segements and if it isn't working properly you are screwed. On the swim and the run it is all up to your body, but the bike depends on what condition your bike is in, as well as your body's fitness.

Tomorrow I am going to head to Trifecta Multisport in Littleton because the Newton Running website says they sell their shoes there. I hope so! I checked out the store's sight and they didn't have the brand listed, but it is worth a shot so I don't have to drive all the way to Boulder or pay for shipping. I'll probably call first.

Man, I am really mad about that sandal! :(

OK time to run to Safeway and go to bed!

<3>

Work, training, racing and more!

2008-07-12T20:35:00.002-07:00

So my first week of work at Bladium went well. I love working at a gym; it is so awesome being able to wear comfortable clothes in a comfortable atmosphere, helping people pursue healthy lifestyles and working around cool people. I really hope I can build a nice client base and really enjoy my job there!

I looked at the results from the Freedom Run 5K I did on July 4 and found out I placed first in the 20-29 age group out of 50 people. I also got 9th female overall out of 350, which is awesome. I am happy that my run is finally feeling better at elevation! On Thursday Brian and I will leave for the drive down to Phoenix. We will be doing the Mountain Man Triathlon in Flagstaff on Sunday, but want to stop and see our friends and family in Phoenix before the race. I'm pretty sure I will do the half Ironman distance, but I am apprehensive because I am doing the 5430 half Iroman three weeks later, and then a sprint distance in Steamboat Springs two weeks after that. I have quite a busy schedule coming up, but I am excited for it. It will all help my training for Ironman Arizona.

Yesterday was my 23rd birthday! Although I was alone for the majority of the day I had a great time! Fridays are my off day from training, so I had the whole day to do whatever I want! In the morning I took Hannah to Wag N Wash and she got a nice bath and her nails clipped. We also got a new toy for $3. Hannah got pampered on my birthday - haha - but it was so fun! Then I dropped her off to nap and I headed to the Cherry Creek Mall in Denver. I shopped at Nordstrom with a gift card, bought a purple tank top and some new make-up. I talked to the Estee Lauder girl about my Aunt Marla forever... everytime I go to Nordstrom I just cant help but think of her the whole time! We love Nordstrom, it's the BEST! Anyway, then I went to Dick's Sporting Goods and used another gift card. I got a new running outfit, new biking outfit, new goggles and some gels. It felt so awesome to be able to buy new stuff. I don't remember the last time I went shopping and actually bought things I WANT and don't necessarily NEED! It was great! Brian and I went to dinner at Elephant Bar later on in the night and lot s and lots of friends and family called me all day. All in all, it was a great birthday considering the lonely circumstances!

Today I finally met Laura, the girl who found my blog a couple months ago and contacted me by e-mail. She just moved to the Denver area as well and is also doing Ironman Arizona. I'm so glad I will have someone to train on the bike with. It will make me get out there and get some miles in since we all know biking is not my favorite thing! So, thanks Laura and I look forward to training with you some more! Today Laura met us at our apartment in Lakewood and followed us up to Boulder to meet Jane and George and their friend, Patrick, for a bike and run. I felt so much better than last weekend, when I crashed on a road that was under construction and really just felt like crap all day! Today was great. It was fun and some good training, so I am really excited to get out there for all my upcoming races!

Something is wrong with my Felt since I fell on it last weekend and I am pretty sad about it. Hopefully I can get it fixed this weekend (Brian will help me) so I can use it at Mountain Man. Otherwise I will be stuck with my training bike at the race. So much for riding my race bike on training rides... I'm not going to do that as much anymore!

Well, it's time to get some sleep! I am planning shorter bike and long run tomorrow morning, after I take Hannah on her morning walk of course!

<3
Cori

2008-07-04T15:30:00.002-07:00

First and foremost... I GOT A JOB! I will be working in Denver at Bladium Sports and Fitness Club as a personal trainer! I am so excited and I think it will work out well. They are just starting up personal training, so me and Tony (the other trainer) will be first to start out fresh. Of course I am a little nervous as I am new to PT, but I think it will be awesome. I am so happy and relieved that I will be working! My schedule is from about 2-9 Monday though Friday, which is awesome because Brian is usually home by 6 on week nights and Hannah will only be alone for about 4 hours each day. I start on Monday and I'll be sure to let you all know how it goes!

Last weekend we did the Loveland Lake to Lake Triathlon in Loveland, which is about 50 miles north of Denver. It was amazing! The distance was 1500 meter swim, 30 mile bike and 10K run. The weather was great. It was cloudy and not too hot. I had a good swim for the first time ever, so I am happy! I have been swimming Monday - Thursday every week and I try to swim at least 2,000 meters every workout. From doing this I have seen much improvement and I feel so much better about the swim. Now I have to start concentrating on the bike! I averaged around 19-20 mph on the 30-mile rolling bike course. I really want to work on that and get faster. I ran a 44-minute 10K, which is still slow for me for a 10K but OK with the elevation and considering it was a triathlon. It was also 1 minute faster than my Bolder Boulder time, which means I am getting used to the elevation slowly but surly.

Today is the fourth of July and we did the Freedom Run 5K in Evergreen this morning. It was really high elevation (9-10,000 feet) and I ran about 21 minutes. I don't know my official time yet, but I think it is high 20's or exactly 21 minutes. The course was VERY hilly, so I am OK with that time. As I get used to the elevation I should get faster!

In two weeks we are heading back to AZ (driving) for the Mountain Man half Ironman triathlon. Our plan right now is to leave on Thursday and spend Friday and Saturday in Phoenix, and Sunday racing in Flagstaff. I am excited to go back and see everyone, especially Luanne's pregnant belly! We are also planning on bringing Hannah, so I am excited for everyone to meet her too. Hopefully she can stand the long drive! We will be making lots of potty stops!

Well, Happy Independence Day to all. I am going to try to get to Golden and enjoy some fireworks tonight :)

Hannah video... and stuff...

2008-06-25T13:11:00.002-07:00

Here's a video of Hannah practicing her commands! She is so adorable! We went to puppy training class again yesterday and she learned "down", which is like lay down.
Things have been rough here. I'm a little sad and depressed, but again, trying to stay positive!
I think we are doing a race, the Loveland Lake to Lake triathlon, on Saturday. It is an Olympic distance, except the bike is longer - 30 miles. I haven't done a tri since Lake Havasu, so I am excited. Hopefully we get there and are able to register and do the race!
I think our bike tire pump is broken because today when I tried to pump up my tires air just comes out. It's strange, but I am going to go to the rec center and swim and do a spinning video in the spin studio instead of biking outdoors. Hopefully we can get that pump working before the race!
OK time to get ready to go to the gym!
<3

OUCH!

2008-06-20T08:45:00.003-07:00

Hola Amigos. I am not happy. On Wednesday I was trail running in the Mountains and tripped and fell. I was about three miles away from my car, so I had no other choice than to keep running. Both my knees were bleeding and pretty tore up, as well as both of my hands. I thought I would be fine, but Thursday it still hurt really bad and I could tell that even though i spent a while trying to clean the wounds there was still a lot of dirt stuck in them as you can probably tell from the picture. So this morning I went to Urgent Care and spent $152 to have myself checked out. A doctor and nurse tried their best to also help me clean the dirt out. The nurse spent about an hour with a sponge scrubbing. It was pretty painful... but not as bad as what was to come next. There were some pretty bad spots on my knee where I knew the dirt had dried up in my skin and made some bumps. After an hour of scrubbing, the doctor came in and, yes, he CUT them off with scissors! It was disgusting and it hurt! WHY ME! Well... so I cant swim for a few days with these cuts because 1) it would hurt like a BEEP and 2) I don't want to risk infection. So, all in all, I am pissed. I will probably still bike tomorrow, even though I shouldn't, but what the heck... I'm not dead. I will start swimming again on Monday if the healing goes well. I was also prescribed some antibiotics, but I hate them because the make me feel high. haha. I guess some people would enjoy that, but not me. I will have to take them though... much to my dismay. So Ironman training week 2 has gone to hell... but no worries... I will be roaring and ready come next week!
Hannah and I started going to puppy training classes on Tuesday. She is so smart it is ridiculous. She can already SIT and WATCH ME. It's great. The only problem is when we go outside she gets to excited and crazy and doesn't listen. I think that is just puppies though. Her attention span is short! Crate training still sucks. She hates the crate. I'm still trying though. We'll see what happens.
So the job search is still going. I am reluctant to take any position I am not completely satisfied with. I also don't want to make less money than I was making in AZ. I am in a tough situation right now trying to find a job. It is so hard. Sitting at home is not my thing and I am going a little crazy, not to mention getting depressed. Why doesn't anyone want to hire me? These are the thoughts that go through my head as I sit at home with my injuries and with Hannah all day. I'm trying my best not to get down... but it gets harder and harder each day. I pray something will happen soon.....

AFAA and CPR

2008-06-11T14:58:00.002-07:00

Well, during my down time without a job I decided to get AFAA personal trainer certified and CPR certified. So... that's what I've been doing the past week! Friday, Saturday and Sunday I was downtown at the YMCA for 12 hours a day for the personal trainer workshop. I have to say... it was tough! On Sunday we took a written test and a practical exam where we had to teach an exercise, name all the muscles worked in that exercise, two opposing muscle exercises and stretches for those exercises. The written test was also a lot more kinesiology then I expected. Naming all the muscles and movements and joints is tough! It's like learning another language. I will find out in a month if I passed... A MONTH? I'm going to call and see if i can find out sooner :)
Last night I spent the evening at the American Red Cross downtown completing my CPR certification. It was a three hour skill session class, I had already taken the online written test. I passed that! So now I am CPR certified... anybody need their life saved?
So Brian goes to work every day and I still sit at home... it is sad! I really hope I get a job sometime soon! I am dieing! I apply for at least two jobs every day... so far I have one interview on June 30 for a personal training job downtown. But that is so far away and I am BROKE! At least Hannah keeps me company. Today I took her down by the lake and she got all wet and dirty. I had to give her a little bath when we got home. She was much more cooperative than I thought she would be!
OK back to job searching. I swam this afternoon and am going to run tonight :) Working out is also keeping me happy. Oh... and I am also doing the Colorado Relay in September. It's just like Ragnar, but through the mountains in Colorado. A girl sent a group e-mail to the Denver runner's email list I am on and I responded to it. I think it's an all girl team... what a great way to hopefully make some friends out here!

OK all for now! :)

Hannah is here!

2008-06-01T15:27:00.004-07:00

Nothing much is new here except that we got our new mini Aussie, Hannah, today! We drove down to Colorado Springs and met the breeder at about 11:15 a.m. Hannah slept the whole way home, then I took her to PetCo to get a new collar. The one I had for her was too big! When we got home we played with her raccoon toy for a bit and then she passed out! Puppies sleep a lot. She has found her favorite place in the living room, a small space right between the two couches where she sprawls out and takes naps! I took her for a walk to get the mail and by the lake later in the afternoon and she went potty. I was so proud.. haha! I'm just glad she didn't go in the house! I am very entertained by her when she is awake, she's so funny. She runs around playing and she looks like a tiny furball. OK... I am obsessed. Even more obsessed than before... when I used to look at photos of her on the breeder's website multiple times a day! I'm sure everyone at Ahwatukee News would say the same! I'm going to call the vet and hopefully get her in for her first check up in the next couple days. Everywhere I go people fall in love with her... I am so lucky!

Yesterday we biked up to Mount Evans... well almost! We did about an 80 mile, or more, bike from our house, up through Morrison, Evergreen and then on the road to Mt. Evans. We made it up to the restaurant at Echo Lake, which is 10,800 feet in elevation, and then I had to turn around. Four hours of biking uphill was enough for me! We had lunch at the restaurant and it was awesome. The view was beautiful and my soup and cornbread (my favorite) was delicious. The way home was all down hill, and it only took me two hours and 20 minutes. I am hurting in places I have never hurt in before though from the bumpy downhill. It was painful! I took this picture when I was about half way up!

I am getting my AFAA personal trainer certification next weekend... that is if I pass the test at the end of the three day course... and I am so excited! The class is Friday 1 to 9:30 and Saturday and Sunday 8-6. Long... but worth it. Then hopefully I can get a job as a personal trainer and start working somewhere soon! Staying home all day is BORING!

Well... the weather is beautiful, Hannah is sleeping, Brian is playing video games and I'm about to go grocery shopping and probably take Hannah out to pee a couple more times so she does ruin my carpet!

All for now!!!

BolderBOULDER 10K

2008-05-26T11:59:00.006-07:00

Today we ran the BolderBOULDER 10K up in, yup you guessed it, Boulder. It was a rough race, considering we've only been up in this elevation for a week now.
My official time was 44:45.08 and my pace was 7:13 minute miles. It was my first 10K, so no matter what, I can say it was a personal best :) even though I ran 20 seconds per mile SLOWER than my half marathon personal best! I have no idea how long it will take to get used to this elevation, but I plan on researching it soon!
My overall place was 230 out of 16,849, which means I was in the top one percent for women, not counting pros. I also placed ninth in my age division out of 404, which was also surprising. My goal was to run 40 minutes, so I missed it by about five minutes, but hey I can always to better next time.... which I will! It was a cold and rainy day, much better than a hot Phoenix day, but it was uncomfortable walking three miles back to the car after the race!
Last week I went to Runner's Roost, a shoe store here in Lakewood, and bought some new Asics DS Trainers. I need to start training in heavier shoes instead of racing flats, that way racing will seem easier! I still raced in my old Newtons, which are really old, so I can put a little blame on my bad finishing time on my old shoes that give no support... :)
Tomorrow my training plan says to bike and run... we'll see what happens! I have a lot on my mind, and I just want to find a good job and settle into a routine... after that I know I will feel better! Today I'll probably just lounge with Brian in our cozy little apartment. Wednesday I have an interview, and I might go check out a school in north Denver this week as well.
That's all for now.

New Home

2008-05-20T20:54:00.002-07:00

The move has been hectic, and we are still settling into our new apartment. Colorado is beautiful, and I am thrilled I don't have to try and survive in 110 degree weather anymore! We have spent the past two days working out in the morning, then Brian works from home during the day and I am still unpacking! Not having a job is strange, and I get bored real easily. Hopefully I find something good soon because I will go crazy without something other than working out and cleaning! How do homemakers do it??!?!

Yesterday we biked up Jewell Ave from our house. There is a huge hill right away and then... many many more hills!!! Then we ran for one hour around the three lakes by our apartment. It was such a nice day! Today we got up and ran up to the Green Mountain Recreation Center and swam. The run was ridiculously uphill the way there (2.2 miles) and, as you could guess, ridiculously downhill on the way back. I honestly didn't know if I was going to make it on the way there. I haven't swam in a week either, so it felt good to get back in the water... even though I'm still slow and Brian laps me all the time :)
We are going to do the Rocky Mountain half marathon in three weeks. I am excited but nervous... I haven't raced since Lake Havasu, which was horrendous, so we will see what happens. I know I wont PR, because the likelyhood of me running 6:50's after just moving up to this elevation is very low, but it will be fun nonetheless.

I am also excited because we are getting our mini Aussie, Hannah, in two weeks from today! She is so adorable and I CANNOT WAIT to meet her! I stopped by the vet today to learn more about what I have to do when we get her. It will be awesome because Brian and I took a walk after dinner tonight and all I could think about is how excited I am to have the dog to walk with us in two weeks!!
I also want to say thanks to Brian's uncle Brenden, his brother Eric and our old roommate Keith for helping us move out here. It was an eventful trip, to say the least, but good memories I will keep forever! Spending the day in Golden, which is about 7 miles from our apartment, on Sunday was awesome. Keith took this photo when we went exploring that afternoon. It was so windy I was scared I was going to get blown off the mountain and I couldn't believe people were actually biking up it still!! The wind is definitely something I will have to get used to!
Tomorrow we plan to stop by a bike shop in Morrison and ask about group rides... we really need some friends and hopefully we can find people to bike and run with! All we hear is that Boulder is the place for triathletes to be, so maybe we will ultimately end up there!
Brian is sleeping on the couch now, so I think it's time for me to go to bed and get up to go swim tomorrow morning, then bike in the afternoon after the cable guy comes! So much to do still!!
:)

Graduation!! :)

2008-05-11T20:50:00.002-07:00

On Friday Brian graduated from ASU with his degree in Computer Science. Now we are both ASU graduates! I am so proud of his hard work, and even more proud that he wont be so cranky since he will just have work and no school and he can pay more attention to ME!! hehe! So, YAY, congrats babe!
Ironman base training starts in one week, so I'm taking this week EASY and fun, considering I will also be moving this week! Saturday we did a 20 mile bike and a 1500 meter swim and today we ran 10 miles. I felt pretty good, so I was happy. We started packing this weekend and oh my gosh is it work. I forgot how much I HATE moving! We are leaving Friday afternoon at 4 p.m. I am driving my car, Brian is driving the 16 foot long Budget truck, and his uncle is driving the minivan. It should be interesting. I believe Brian's younger brother Eric is coming as well. At least if something goes wrong we will all be driving together!
Last week I also applied to grad school at Northern Colorado University for a teaching liscensure. I'm crossing my fingers that I get in. The program starts next summer if I do get in!
Well, it's off to bed soon since I'm getting up early to get a run in before work tomorrow so I can spend the evening PACKING. Oh how exciting this week will be!!
Bye for now!

Gearing up to move

2008-05-05T13:10:00.004-07:00

Eleven days until the big move to Colorado. I'm getting ansy and am ready to just GO! The weather has been heating up and lately I've been reminded of when I first moved to Phoenix from my little town of Sleepy Hollow, Ill. and started school. I always said I would never live here permanently and that I would never raise my kids here. Well, a month and a half before graduation last May I met Brian, and moving back to the Midwest became a thought of the past. So, I spent another summer here, complaining every day when it was time to run, bike, swim or walk to work. It is just too hot! When Brian told me he wanted to move to Colorado my heart was lifted! I am so thankful that we are getting the heck out of here just a week after he graduates! It is a little scary though, thinking I'm leaving my job and heading to Colorado without one, but things happened so fast I don't really have another choice. I've been job searching online, since that's pretty much all I can do from Phoenix at the moment, but I'm just not sure if I want to continue doing journalism. I really want to be involved in something fitness or education related... I guess the search will continue until I find my niche in Colorado!
Another exciting thing is that we are getting a puppy on June 3. She is a mini Austrailian shepherd that is currently just four weeks old! I am so luck to have found her while doing my daily internet searching (I'm obsessed with googling random things and learning about random things I find on the internet.) I found a Colorado Springs-based breeder, www.fuzbutts.com, and fell in love with her. I can't wait to have a running/hiking/walking buddy. :)~

This weekend I got to meet one of my best friends' (since I was 8) baby, Dylan. He is 2 1/2 months old. I cannot believe we are getting to the age where everyone starts having babies. I don't think I'm quite ready for that, and her visit was a good reminder of that! I'll be happy with Brian and our dog, and concentrating on establishing a career before I start a family! But don't get me wrong, I definately want at least two kids... someday!!

I am also excited because I revieved an e-mail last week from a girl who said she found my blog randomly. She said she is moving to the Denver area this summer and is also doing Ironman Arizona in November! How cool! I already have a friend and I haven't even moved yet. Serious training starts later this month, so I'm enjoying my time off before I dive in! I did a hike with my dad on Saturday and an hour run on Sunday... how nice it is to relax.

OK, it's back to work and getting ready to move!

<3

Expecting the Unexpected

2008-04-28T12:47:00.003-07:00

I've had a feeling something was going to happen the past few weeks, and last Thursday it did. My God mother and aunt Marla had a massive heart attack and is in ICU in Seattle. She has been sick for a very long time, since she was a little girl, with type 1 diabetes and has been in and out of hospitals her entire life. If there is one person in the world I relate to more than anyone else it is her. We have always had an unsaid connection and she is like a second mother to me. She has always lived far away, and I have only seen her probably 10 times in my life, but each time I see her it feels like we've never been apart. So you can understand how upset I was when my mom told me Thursday that she was sick. A few hours later I had bought an airplane ticket to go see her in Seattle, and I met my mom, sister and grandma in the airport after we landed (they came from Chicago).

As bad as the situation is, I am so thankful I had the chance to spend time with my family. I dont remember the last time we were all together like that, and it's amazing the support we provide each other. I don't know what or where I would be if it wasn't for each one of them. My mom, aunt, grandma and sister have all made me who I am in their own special ways and I couldn't be more thankful for that.

It was a handful taking care of my grandma for the weekend, she was a mess and crying all the time. My sister and I kept her smiling and laughing as much as we could. I told her she is the best multi-tasker I know because she is always crying and laughing at the same time! I miss her so much and I wish she was spending the last years of her life happier than she is. She's so stressed taking care of my step-grampa who struggles with lymphoma and is currently undergoing rehabilitation for pneumonia back in Wisconsin. Her brother also recently had his leg amputated. My grandma is one of the strongest people I know - not to mention adorable.

Seeing my aunt in the ICU wasn't as devistating as I had expected. We visited her once a day for the three days I was in town. She had tubes everywhere and was very tired and weak, but we made her laugh and smile anyway by talking about shopping and telling her stories. Today she will have an echo-cardiogram done and we will know for sure the damage. The doctor said things are looking up and she may be able to return to a somewhat normal life after this. I sure hope so. She e-mails me every day and I feel so lonely without her lovely e-mails.

As you can guess, I've struggled keeping up with training the past few weeks. I don't remember the last time I went on a long bike or run, but at least I get something in every other day. When things settle down, and after we move, I'll get back into the swing of things and right into Ironman training. But for now, family is first, training is second, and thats what it will always be. And who knows, maybe thats what I need since I was in such a rut after Lake Havasu Tri. As they say, everything happens for a reason.

Colorado

2008-04-28T12:31:00.002-07:00

It's been a long time and lots of things have happened. On the 18th Brian and I went to Denver to check it out. It was beautiful, although dry and a little hard to breathe when exercising. First we drove all around Denver, and even up to Boulder to check out all the areas. We agreed the Evergreen, Morrison, Lakewood, Golden area is the best and we signed a lease for an apartment in Lakewood May 15! I am excited, but a little worried about finding a job after we move. I don't like being without a steady income for too long, it makes me nervous. I am happy though that I am getting the heck out of Phoenix. I hate it here... way too hot to bike, run and swim and I'm just crabby and unhappy all summer! We'll be back for Ironman in November, so I'm not too worried. More on the move to come later.

We spent the weekend hiking in Evergreen, eating and we saw Forgetting Sarah Marshall in the theater by our hotel in Englewood. There is a really awesome sandwich shop right by our new apartment that we ate at twice called Great Harvest Bread Company, and we also ate at an Israli restaurant like one of our favorites in Scottsdale.

The weekend went fast, and before we knew it we were back in the polluted Phoenix area breathing the bad air again... yuck! I'm going to start the application process for grad school as well. I'm going to go for education and am excited. I'm thinking about the program at University of Northern Colorado.

Ironman Arizona

2008-04-15T11:36:00.003-07:00

Ironman Arizona was a brutal defeat for many athletes... including Brian. It was the first Ironman he had to drop out of (at mile 18 of the run with 8 miles to go!) and I feel so bad for him. It's hard to watch someone you care so much about in such a weak condition.

On Saturday we went to the Y and watched a 5K there. I've been feeling pretty sick again this week, so I opted out of the race this time. Patrick ended up winning, which wasn't a surprise at all. He won $100 and he said he was going to use the money to make signs for Ironman. I'm not sure if he actually did. Anyway, it was a windy day. I biked there and pretty much gave up on going fast, I just wanted to get there to watch the 5K. We prayed that it woudn't be windy Sunday for Ironman again, becasue last year was so bad, and the weather report predicted 6 mph winds for Sunday. We had our fingers crossed.

Sunday we got up at 4 a.m., ate breakfast and headed down to the race. When Brian headed into transition I walked up to the Mill Ave. bridge to watch the start of the swim. Jorge and Ted were up there and we watched the pros take off and then 15 minutes later the age-groupers went. Brian came out of the water at in 1:08, which was his same time as last year. I watched him run through transition and head out on the bike. He was doing great, but the wind had picked up and we knew it was going to get hot. The first (of three) lap on the bike Brian had caught up to his brother, Adam, who had a faster swim by a couple minutes. He looked strong, so I stayed confident. On the second loop he was still ahead of Adam, but I could tell he was slowing down. Turns out he said his legs were done by mile 60 because he wasn't taking salt tablets. After he passed the second time I headed down to run aid station #2 where I had signed up to hand out water to the runners. The aid station was at mile 1.5, so I expected Brian to pass by shortly after Keith Rusin, a friend of his who was about 10 minutes ahead of him on the bike. But after Keith ran by I didn't see Brian for quite some time. I started getting worried, but after a while he came walking by. He was dead. His face was white with salt, his eyes were red and he looked dilerious. I was worried, but he said, "It's goinig to be a long day babe," and I figured he would just walk the marathon and finish anyway. After he passed the second time (after 3 or more hours, each lap was 8 miles) he looked worse. I was done with my volunteer shift so I headed back to the lake to watch the run with the Gage Total Training tri group. Brian kept getting slower and when I saw him around mile 18 he said he was done. I walked with him to a grassy area where he layed down while I went to hand in his chip at the finish line.

There were just over 2000 participants, and only 1690 crossed the finish line. The average finish time was pushed back one hour and more people finished in the 16-17 hour range than any other Ironman. I know as many people that finished as those that did not. All in all, it was a rough day and I am proud of everyone that attempted this race. There's always November, and hey, I'll be out there too. I'm just praying for better weather!

Lake Havasu and update

2008-04-01T12:23:00.002-07:00

So on Friday March 21 Brian and I took the long drive to Lake Havasu for the Lake Havasu Olympic distance triathlon. Lets just say I was very excited for the race becasue I haven't been racing a lot lately, just training. Well... my excitement was gone early race-day morning as soon as I felt the wind whipping through my hair. We left our hotel room on our bikes early and rode down to the lake where the transition area was. First, we got crappy spots in the crammed transition area. Then we did a warm up run and it turned out the beginning and end of the run was on dry sand! I was not happy, and it didnt help the water was 62 degrees either.

Brian started with the collegiate men, and I was left standing alone on the beach waiting for my wave to start a half hour later. The water was freezing, and when the horn went off I dove in. The waves were much more rough than I expected. I was getting tossed everywhere and could hardly breathe because my body was so cold. I went into a panic state, but pushed through it by swimming very slowly and taking long deep breaths. I couldn't believe I made it out of the water alive after the swim! I ran into transition and grabbed my bike. We had to run over dirt and rocks with our bikes to get to the road, and as soon as I hopped on my bike I felt the wind whipping at me. I couldn't believe how slow I was biking. It felt like I wasn't even moving. It was then when I got really sad and realized my time was going to be absolutely horrible. The bike course was the hilliest course I've ever done. There was even a point where I had to get off my bike and walk up a hill it was so bad. When I saw Brian halfway through the bike course, I could tell he was also having a hell of a day. By the time I finished the bike I had given up on the run. I told myself I was just going to run the 6.2 miles and enjoy the Lake Havasu scenery.... and I did. I ran slow and had a jolly old time. I finished in 2 hours and 57 minutes, which is so depressing. Brian gave up too, and we were both happy to get the heck out of there after crossing the dreaded finish line. I was the most happy after arriving home and enjoying a large bowl of yummy cereal.

After the devistation of Havasu (that even sounds horrible) I really want to have a good next race. I've been feeling a little down, and my body is sore. I want to take it easy for a while and regain my mentality because right now in training I even hate running. We decided not to swim in the toilet bowl (aka Tempe Town Lake) for the 2.4 mile open water swim on Sunday. Next weekend is Ironman and I will be volunteering at run aid station #2 and cheering for Team Folts. I am very excited for that and cant wait to see how Brian does.

Last Saturday I biked with Brian, Patrick and a group of Lifetime Fitness cyclists to Tortilla Flat. It was an awesome ride and we met the CEO of Lifetime. I decided today to rejoin the gym because I miss it so much. The Y is great, but nothing beats Lifetime and it's 24-hour pool hours. Hopefully this decision will also motivate me in training as well, and to stop being such a downer.

March 31 was also my moms birthday. I think she turned 26 again... haha just kidding. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! I love you!

Thats all (for now) folks.

A request for help

2008-03-13T09:11:00.002-07:00

A few months back I wrote an article about a lovely Ahwatukee woman's struggle with infertility. From the moment I recieved her media kit I was completely engaged in her experience. I read her book, invited her in for an interview and wrote a story for the newspaper I work for. Still, I have the little stuffed bear she gave me, that is wearing a premature baby diaper, sitting on my desk.

Today I recieved an e-mail from Kelly, entitled A request for help, regarding another article she came across about insurance companies fighting the mandate to cover infertility costs. She is searching for couples who have experienced infertility to provide information to help her on her quest to prove that insurance companies could actually save money by covering infertility treatment by doctors that practice conservative treatment options, thereby minimizing the occurance of multiples.

I'm asking people who could help to visit Kelly's blog, www.twinpeas.com/wordpress/, to get in touch with her.

Thanks :)

It's been a while...

2008-03-12T09:37:00.003-07:00

Sorry I haven't written in a while. Wednesday, Feb. 27, I got really sick with the flu. My entire body hurt, I had a 101 fever and I worked mornings until about 1 p.m. when my body would start saying enough was enough and then went home to bed. I stayed in bed Wednesday and Thursday, but the thought of not participating in the Ragnar Relay upset me, so on Friday I met my team at David Allison's house to venture up to Wickenburg to do the race. I was starting to feel better, so I thought I would be fine. I was wrong. I had three runs, all about four hours apart. I hadn't run, or done any physical activity, in three days so my first 4.7-mile uphill run was extremely challenging, probably one of the most challenging runs I've ever done. Then around 2 a.m. I had a 7 mile run and I felt great. I finished in around 43 minutes, which is fast! I felt great, but I couldn't sleep between runs and that was killing me. My nose was so stuffed I could hardly breathe when I would lay down. By the time my third 6.4-mile run came around I was dead. I was so tired I couldn't believe I was able to run, but I kept up 7:50's anyway, which is slow for me. Afterwards I just started feeling very sick again. My team finished the 182-mile race in 22 hours and 41 minutes. I went home and was in bed again for a couple days. We ended up with third place in the mixed division, which is awesome! I still think it was worth it, even though I hated myself for the next couple days.

I was scheduled to race in the Southwest Valley YMCA Olympic Triathlon last Sunday, March 9, but I held back and decided not to participate since I knew I would just get sick again. So I went with Brian to the race and watched, which ended up being very fun because Brian and Dan Cadriel were neck and neck the whole race. However, since I didn't get to race Sunday I signed up for another Olympic distance in Lake Havasu March 22, which I now can't stop thinking about because I am so excited. It is an open water swim and out and back bike and run course, which is much more exciting than a boring pool swim and 6 lap bike course. The run also goes over London Bridge, which will be very cool! I've never done an Olympic distance before (1500 meter swim, 24 mile bike and 6.2 mile run) so I am interested in seeing what time I get, even though the bike course is one of the most challenging courses here in Arizona.

This week I've been putting a little more umph in my biking to prepare for the 24 mile bike course in Havasu. Typically I like endurance training, biking long and slow, but I know I will need to race a little faster than I like at this race and I need to get my muscles used to that.

Oh! And Brian and I are in Runner's World on page 101 in an ad for Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio! It's pretty cool, check it out!

Life in the fast lane...

2008-02-24T14:36:00.003-07:00

...is not my cup of tea. Yesterday Brian and I biked to South Mountain Park, but it was closed for a walk up the mountain so we decided to bike "around" the mountain. We took Dobbins to 51st Street around the mountain. The shoulder was "soft", in other words, it sucked. I had to ride in the road on a highway. It got to the point that I didn't even care about getting a good bike workout, I just wanted to stay alive! There was an event at Firebird Raceway and cars were backed up all along the 187 and I almost got run over a couple times there too. I was so happy to get back to Ahwatukee that I stayed and went up in the neighborhoods by Corpus Christi and did hills. I fell asleep watching 102 Dalmations while waiting for Brian to get back that afternoon, then we ran a pretty fast 8 miles. Today we ran 17 miles... I forgot how painful that is!
Last weekend we did the Chandler Sprint Triathlon. It was the first time I stayed comfortably in aero position on the FELT, and I was very proud! I got third overall, which was also nice. It was the shortest race I've ever done (200 yard swim, 10.5 mile bike and 2.2 mile run) but still fun, as always! It was freezing and when I got back from the bike I couldn't feel my hands or feet. I really need to get tri shoe laces on my Newtons so I don't have to tie the laces in transition.
Friday is the Ragnar Relay! We will be starting at 4 p.m. and running all through the night (187 miles!) I am excited, but I know I will be very tired all weekend, and I don't know how that will impact my training. Last year I slept for two days after this race. Hopefully this year I won't be as exhausted. I will be runner 2 of 12, and will be running three times. Last year I was runner 10 so at least I will be done earlier this year and can get to sleep earlier!

Staying injury free

2008-02-02T18:04:00.000-07:00

I started out this week with an unexpected injury. Sunday morning Brian and I ran down to Kiwanis Park for the Tri Devils 5K. I didn't want to race because we had just done the marathon two weeks back, so I watched Brian and stood in the cold rain. All of a sudden when I was standing there a spot around my groin started to ache. It was a strange feeling and it hurt pretty bad when standing there and when running. Later on we went swimming and it hurt pretty bad then too. Monday morning I woke up and there was a nice sized bump down there. I went to urgent care that afternoon and found out I had strained my inguinal ligament. I was pretty down, since the doctor told me to take it easy for 5 or 6 days. I did a short run and swim that day. As the week progressed, and with ice every day, it started to feel better. It still hurts a bit today, but the pain is almost gone. The doctor told me this injury is common in triathletes because it is an over-use injury. With all the training we do it is common for our bodies to get upset sometimes.
Today I biked up South Mountain for the first time. It wasn't as tough as I thought it would be. I've heard so much about how hard it is, so I think I worked myself up to thinking it was an impossible goal for me to achieve. But today I did it! To top it off, I ran 8 miles afterwards at a pretty quick pace. I feel good, except now I have a headache.
Today Brian also started a blog. www.brianfolts.blogspot.com. check it out, he is a pretty interesting, funny guy. Thats why I love him so much! He is tracking his 5th Ironman training on this blog, or so he says.
Tomorrow will be a long run with the Gage Total Training group. I'm so happy I am feeling awesome again running after the marathon. Now if only I felt so awesome on the bike and swim!

2008-01-26T16:13:00.000-07:00

This post is answering a comment that I recently received: What were some of the emotions felt by the Marathoners that you could pass on to us? What do you feel is the greatest hurdle to overcome while finishing a marathon? What is your motivation?

The answer to the first question is rather tough to answer. Each individual has different emotions when running. There's a rush of adrenaline when you're doing well, it is overwhelming when you finish a top runner, complete and utter accomplishment when you cross the line, no matter what time you receive at a marathon, but then there are also negative emotions. I watched first time marathoner Leah break down during the marathon. If you train, and your body and mind are ready to take on a race this long, it is easy to have good feelings, but if you are inexperienced or under-trained, the pain is sometimes unbearable. Some people feel disappointment and lack of self worth if they fail at something they've worked so hard to accomplish.

The greatest hurdle I have to overcome while finishing a marathon has got to be the last 6 miles. No matter how much I improve these last miles are always a battle against myself, both emotionally and physically. By mile 21 my legs always feel like lead and each step hurts more than the last. I would be rich if I had a PENNY for each time I told myself I wanted to quit - that it just hurt too bad - but as each mile passes I am more and more motivated to finish the race. It is NEVER easy, and I've talked to a lot of elite runners that say it never does get easier, you just get faster. I believe this with all my heart.

As for my motivation, it comes from a lot of things. When I first started running I was on my own. No one was telling me I should run. I did all my runs by myself and everybody thought I was crazy. Running was the one thing that put me in the perfect state of mind. When I run I feel like I am in a place between being awake and dreaming. It is my time, time where no one can bother me. I can think about anything in the world, and I really just feel like ME. As time went on I met more and more people that shared my passion. This amount of people has grown to an uncountable number and I am thankful for each and every one of them I've met since I started training in 2006 - for they are now part of my motivation. Now I run because it keeps me healthy, it makes me happy and it is still my ME time, but can also be a social activity during group runs. I can't think of anything that makes me feel better than running.

Hope this helped!

Spirit of the Marathon

2008-01-25T11:28:00.000-07:00

A column I wrote for the AFN

Motivation is the one thing all athletes need in order to succeed. After pushing through the pain and agony of finishing the 2008 P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon Jan. 13 with a personal best time of 3:25:33, not to mention the miserable week or so I spent hobbling around afterwards, I have to admit I was in need of a little motivation to get moving again.
In fact, I knew I would need a push because, honestly, I always do after big race. So when I saw the preview for Spirit of the Marathon in December, I bought tickets online as soon as my fingers could reach a keyboard.
Spirit of the Marathon is a non-fiction documentary that follows six individuals through their journey to complete the 2005 La Salle Bank Chicago Marathon. The movie played around the country at select theaters Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m. local time.
I’ve ran four marathons in the past year and a half, not to mention five half marathons and numerous sprint and half-iron distance triathlons, so I didn’t expect to get emotional over something I’m exposed to so often. But as soon as the movie started, just scenes of runners on the boardwalk in Chicago made me start to tear up.
Two of the contenders, Leah Caille and Lori O’Connor, were first-time marathoners. Big deal, I thought, been there done that. Who really caught my eye and motivated me to see the movie were 2004 Olympic bronze medalist Deena Kastor and world-class marathoner Daniel Njenga of Kenya.
These two people inspired me. Both Kastor and Njenga’s goals were to win the marathon, and the documentary took us through their training process.
At one point, when Kastor was lying on a massage table stretching, she told the camera she had run 145 miles that week. I immediately did the math in my head – that averages out to at least 20 miles a day. How does someone who runs that much prevent injury? But sure enough, Kastor soon suffered a foot injury.
Last spring I suffered from Achilles tendenitous because I picked up my weekly mileage too fast when training for the Rock’n’ Roll San Diego Marathon. I was a baby - the bike and elliptical machine became my best friends and I complained about my injury non-stop. Turns out I just needed new shoes. Kastor took eight weeks off training on the road, aqua jogged, biked and kept a positive attitude. She went on to win the marathon. I guess injuries aren’t the end of the world.
This year at Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona I was chosen as a local favorite. I got to wear a red bib and was assigned a number under 1,000. This was exciting and made me feel special; however, this also meant I had to start the race up in front – next to the Kenyans and Ethiopians.
Just two weeks ago as I stood next to these elite runners I looked at them in awe. I was jealous of how fast they could run and the glory they feel crossing the finish line knowing they are the best in the world.
Daniel Njenga is a native of Kenya. He lives and trains in Japan, but the documentary took us to his hometown of Nyahururu and showed life isn’t so peachy for these elite runners.
Njenga said by the time he was seven years old he could run 10 miles. When I was seven years old I was playing with barbies and worrying about how the braids in my hair looked. Njenga ran five miles to school and five miles home each day.
Winning marathons has its financial benefits, and Njenga taught me that it also has its downfalls. A few years ago his nephew and sister-in-law were killed, and his house was burned down by jealous gangs from his hometown. Now, Njenga dedicates himself and his money to providing for his family and assuring their safety. He placed third at the marathon.
After watching Kastor and Njenga finish I found myself itching to see when the other contenders would cross the line. I watched as 65-year-old Gerald Meyers finished in over six hours and realized it doesn’t matter how fast people finish, just finishing a marathon is a feeling incomparable to any other.
And so I got out of this movie more than what I asked for. I am motivated now in more ways than one. The marathon is something that brings the world together. Thousands of people of all races, classes, genders and ages take on this challenge year-round. The Kenyans, Ethiopians and elites win, and we follow in their footsteps, all bound for the same feeling of accomplishment and glory waiting for us at mile 26.2.

2008 Schedule

2008-01-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

Today I wrote up my 2008 race schedule. I am so excited for this year! In July Chino Valley will mark my one-year anniversary as a triathlete. My first race will be a sprint triathlon in Chandler Feb. 17. I'm excited just thinking about it. I love doing a lot of small races between big races. Tri Family Racing events, Splash and Dashes and open water swim are among my favorites! They're so fun and the people that do them are just as into it as Brian and I. And by the end of 2008 you will, hopefully, be calling me an Ironman!
I've taken recovery from the marathon pretty seriously. I've been doing the elliptical plus a little swimming and biking this week. Today I'm going to try and run about 6 miles and Tomorrow I'm going to start back with my usual training weeks... Thank God! I can't wait to get back into tri-mode!

P.F. Changs Marathon

2008-01-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

I ran a 3:25 Sunday which was a PR for me by 12 minutes! I'm pretty impressed with myself that I improved 12 minutes in 6 months. Brian ran a 3:10 and qualified for Boston too!
We carpooled to the start line with Ted, Ken and Jorge and arrived at about 6 a.m. I was given a red bib for "local favorite" racers, which I have no idea how I got chosen for, so I started in the corral with the Kenyans. This was very strange, but cool! After they took down the corral barriers I scooted back to the 3:20 pacer and started running with that group. I was going to start with the 3:30 group, but I was too excited to go for 3:20! I felt awesome running 7:38 pace and passed my family at mile 5 with a smile on my face. I had my gels and was fueling correctly for the first time - every 6 miles. Everything was awesome until mile 20. This is my usual downfall, but it wasn't as bad as it normally is. I slowly watched the 3:20 group get farther and farther ahead of me as I slowed my pace. With every mile I kept telling myself "I cant do this anymore, it hurts too bad" But when I kept running and seeing each mile marker I told myself I had to finish. I pushed through those last painful miles and crossed the finishline in 3:25:33, which is still pretty AWESOME!
My family was there and they carried me to the family reunion area where Brian was laying on the grass and all our friends who ran the half marathon were there. It was an awesome feeling to say I ran a 3:25. I placed 12th in my age group out of over 300 and I was the 97th woman to finish. The East Valley Tribune said I was the 8th East Valley woman to cross the finish line, so that was pretty cool too!
Now I can barely walk, but am looking forward to recovery and getting back out on my weekend bike rides, back into the pool and getting some tempo runs in for the upcoming Ragnar Relay!
:)

Taper Time

2008-01-08T13:53:00.000-07:00

Tapering is really not my thing. I never used to race much because I don't like doing it. I would rather just stick to my routine and stay happy and, most would say, extremely active. But then again, the emotional benefit of racing and doing well is amazing, and after I cross that finish line I know the two weeks I took easy were worth it.
So on Sunday I took Luanne to the Ahwatukee Y. We went on the treadmills for a half hour and I took it easy walk/running. I did some stretching and a little abs as well. Yesterday I ran 6 miles around race pace and stretched a bit. Today I ran about 4 miles easy but it was hard for me to stop as my body wanted to keep running. I really can't wait until Sunday to give it all I've got!
I've been doing a lot of online research about tapering for a marathon, and it seems to me I'm not alone. No one really has figured out what's right and what's wrong to do a week before the race. Some professionals say they take 3 week almost completely off before the big day, while others run right up to the day before the marathon. Maybe the right thing is different for each individual, and we all have to figure out what works for us as each race passes by.
Brian keeps telling me that there is nothing anyone can do the week before the marathon to improve their race. But if I dont at least get out there for a little bit I start to feel sluggish and tight. It begins to be harder to get up in the mornings and to get my body loose and ready to go. I think for me, short easy runs each day up to the race is a good road to take. But then again, we'll see after the race!

Starting the new year off right

2008-01-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

Today is Saturday, and if it was any other Saturday I'd be on my 70 mile bike ride. But, it's a week away from P.F. Chang's marathon and I don't want to over do it. In the past, tapering has never been my forte, however, this time I want to do it right. I'm going to give my body some time to rest before the big day - something I've never been able to force myself to do. I'm pretty sure the day before my first half marathon, I ran a half marathon on my own. And the week before my first marathon I kept up with my long weekday runs too! For San Diego in June I kept running all week long, an hour a day probably. This week I'm gonna chill and try to keep the millage down, like most smart people do before a 26.2 mile race! And maybe, hopefully, I wont cramp up at mile 20 this time!
Today I'm going to run 8 miles. I would normally run on Sundays, but because there's no biking today, and it's supposed to rain tonight and tomorrow, I'm going to run today.
I've also been thinking a lot about nutrition during the race. I've never ran a marathon where I fueled my body properly. This time it's all about that. I'm going to bring my own GUs (mistake made at Las Vegas marathon), carry them myself (mistake made at San Diego marathon 2007) and actually eat one every 6 miles (mistake made at San Diego marathon 2006). Everybody is different, but I've learned from my own mistakes that I need to fuel my body in order to make it 26.2 miles comfortably. Nutrition - another thing I'm going to do RIGHT this year!

Goodbye 2007

2007-12-30T11:20:00.001-07:00

Christmas time has been very busy balancing work, training and family. I've been pretty stressed out lately, and I'm not too proud of it.
They closed the Y for a week and it threw off my whole training schedule. This means I haven't been biking or swimming much, since my usual is to bike to the Y and swim, then run. However, it's probably good they did that and forced me to concentrate on my running for the marathon.
Christmas day Brian and I went on a Christmas light night run and it was awesome. We ran through some neighborhoods and down Chandler Blvd through the festival of lights. Last weekend we did the Tribe group bike ride and ran 15 miles down and back on Pecos Rd. It felt pretty easy.
Yesterday I took my new Felt bike out on the group ride for the first time. It was so easy to stay with the lead group, except for the hills! I love my new bike and am so happy I got it.
This morning we ran to Kiwanis Park to run on the canals with the Gage training group. We were going to run there, run 10 miles on the canal and run home, but we ended up running 14 on the canals totaling 17 miles for today. This was probably not smart considering the marathon is two weeks away, but it is so nice to run with a group and have people to talk to and make the time go by much faster. I haven't felt too good for the past couple days so today and tomorrow I am going to relax and get healthy. Running sick does not feel good, let me tell you!
I am so excited for my parents to come to Arizona on the 10th to see us race the marathon. It will be a different experience for them as they have never been to one. I also just can't wait to spend time with them since I haven't seen them since the Great Illini half Ironman in September.

Well, today ended my training for 2007 and I am proud of my accomplishments in racing this year. In June I qualified for the Boston Marathon and in July I did my first triathlon. Since then have completed two half Ironman's with a 5:37 PR in 100 degree weather. I can't wait to see what 2008 has in store for me! My goal for 2008... to become an Ironman November 23rd!
Happy New Year!

Weekend Warriors

2007-12-16T21:08:00.000-07:00

Saturday was the coldest bike ride I have ever done. I had tights, shorts, two shirts, arm warmers, socks and gloves on, but I was still freezing. We left the house at 7 a.m. and after only 5 or 6 minutes I couldn't feel my hands or feet. Only at about 10 a.m. did it warm up enough so I could feel my hands, but my feet were numb the entire ride. Everyone was going slower than normal, so I could keep up with the lead group for the majority of the ride. My legs did not want to move for the entire 70 miles, but we got through it somehow! Afterwards we went to see the Nutcracker Ballet downtown. I haven't biked that far in a while, so my legs were a little tight the rest of the day.
Today we ran 15 miles and it felt great. My hamstrings finally have healed so they weren't in pain the entire run for the first time since Tucson half marathon. AWESOME. Again.. I can't wait until January 13!

Stranded at the Y

2007-12-12T13:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Brian saved my life.
I biked to the Y and just as I was getting there it began to rain. The clouds were sparatic, so I figured the rain wouldn't last too long. I decided to run my 10 miles on the treadmill in order to avoid being cold and wet. However, after I finished my run, which didn't go to well because I've been feeling groggy the past couple days, it was still raining pretty hard. I ran to the locker room to grab my cell phone to call Brian and ask him if he could pick me up, but after some searching I realized I forgot my cell phone at home! Because of the world's obsession with cell phones, the only phone numbers I have memorized are the numbers I've known since the stone age - my mom, dad and sister. Too bad they all live accross the country! I tried to call what I thought was Brian's phone number from the Y's phone, but some woman answered and I hung up on her right away.
Everyone working at the Y was feeling bad for me because I was the only one stupid enough to bike there that day. I sat staring out the window as the rain came down. Just a few minutes after I situated myself on a stationary bike - I covinced myself I would bike until the storm passed - Brian came walking through the front door. I have never been happier in my life, especially since I had a meeting to get to at 6.
So Brian saved the day yesterday. He is my hero. :)

New Bike :)

2007-12-09T19:34:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning we got up and ran 20 miles. Then we drove to Tucson to pick up my new bike from TriSports! My 2007 Felt B2 is AWESOME! From the moment the bike manager fit me to it I was more comfortable on a bike than I have ever been. Sunday morning we biked to the Y and met Patrick, Jorge, Adam and Emma for a group ride. My bike felt like a spin bike on the road. Because of the carbon, I can hardly feel any bumps. The only problem is the seat is a mens seat and after 40 miles it hurt so bad I was in tears.
I've been doing more swimming than normal this past week because our tri group is participating in the USAT club challenge. The first group to 500 miles swimming in December wins, biking in January and running in February. I hate swimming, but this challenge is forcing me to swim more, which, in the end, is a good thing. I ran 50 miles this week and hope to keep that up for two more weeks. I am feeling great for the marathon!

Tucson Half Marathon

2007-12-02T20:38:00.000-07:00

In one word Tucson half marathon was SWEET! I ran a 1:29 and got 6th female out of 761.
Brian and I woke up at 4 a.m. and drove to Oro Valley from our cheap hotel room that was scary! We drove to Ventana Medical Center where we parked our car and got on a bus to the start line. It was freezing. I wore running tights and two jackets. We got on the second bus and somehow ended up the first people to the start line. It was pitch dark when we got there and the bus dropped us off a mile away. We had to run to the start down a dark desert road. Then when we got there the port-a-potties were zip-tied shut! It was a nightmare. Then we waited an hour and a half in the freezing cold until 7 a.m. When the race started I was not in race mode at all... I sort of just started running! Before the race Brian told me to look at my watch at mile 1 and if I felt good, just keep up that pace. So thats what I did - only I never saw a mile 1 marker. When I got to mile 2 my watch said 12 minutes. My goal pace was 7:40s and I was running 6 minute miles! I felt awesome so I just kept running that pace. I was passing person after person for the first six miles, then my hamstrings started hurting and I had to slow it down. A 16 year old came up next to me and ran next to me for about 4 miles. I tried to hold her pace but ended up just hurting more so I stayed where I felt comfortable, at around 6:50s. A few more people passed me, but I was still running stronger and feeling stronger than I've ever felt during a race. The last three miles seemed all up hill and when I crossed the finish line under 1:30 I was so happy!
Overall it was a fun weekend. Brian ran a 1:20 and he was proud of my 1:29 which made me feel really good.

Thanksgiving tri, training and Ironman 2008

2007-11-26T13:22:00.000-07:00

The Thanksgiving Day triathlon went really well. Since the race was backwards I came in first off the run! It was so awesome running into transition having everyone cheer for me. On the bike only two people passed me and I guess I had a faster transition that the girl in second because I placed second overall female! The swim was in a 50 meter pool. Men started the run 5 minutes before women so by the time I got into the pool there were so many people swimming slow it was tough to swim around them. I really wish we had a 50 meter pool to train in at the Y, it makes such a difference.
Friday Brian and I ran 7 miles. We were going to take it easy, but I was feeling good and picked it up to about 7-minute per mile pace and faster at times.
Saturday we did the group bike ride with Tribe, giving us 70 miles on the bike. It was so windy I got blown off the road twice and one person crashed when we biked through the golf course. I had tears in my eyes twice and wanted to give up so bad. This kind of training only makes me stronger though, and I'm glad I pushed through. We had a nice cozy Thanksgiving weekend dinner in Prescott that night, and I was happy to fill up on turkey and stuffing after the long hard bike.
Sunday Brian and I ran for two hours at moderate pace. I think it ended up about 15 or 16 miles. I felt great. I am so ready for the marathon!
This Sunday is Tucson half marathon and my goal is to finish in under 1:40.
Oh... and I signed up for Ironman Arizona 2008 today. In one year I will be an Ironman...or woman!

Long time runnin'

2007-11-20T13:35:00.000-07:00

20 miles is a long way to run, but I can honestly say Sunday was my best 20-mile run yet. Brian and I ran two loops from the YMCA to Lakewood Circle and back up to Chandler Boulevard. The weather was so nice that I didn't feel dehydrated. I hardly drank any water and felt fine the whole run. I had gatorade and gel at mile 10 and half a gel at about mile 15. I could have used more gatorade throughout the run, but I hate running with water bottles. We ran an average of 7:30 minute miles through out the run, with some slow times and some faster times. Overall, it felt awesome. I'm ready for P.F. Changs!
I took Monday off biking and running. Brian and I swam 1000 yards at the Y and it felt good to swim the day after a long run. Today I practiced for the Thanksgiving Day triathlon on Thursday. It is a backwards triathlon (2 mile run, then 12 mile bike and ends with a 400 yard pool swim). Today I biked to the Y, ran about 7 miles, swam 1000 yards and biked home. My legs are still a little tired from the 20-mile run so it wasn't my fastest day ever, but it felt good to get out there after a day off. A backwards triathlon doesn't thrill me, I would rather try and beat the turkey at a 10k turkey trot, but what the heck.. why not do something different once in a while?

Thinking about race bikes and marathons!

2007-11-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

This week was a rough work out week. I was tired all week, but still went about my normal schedule. This morning we woke up at 5:30 and went on the group bike ride with Tribe Multisport. Biking to the shop and home after the group rides puts us at about 70 miles for the day. I wish it would cool down, but it is still pretty hot today. I wore arm warmers for the first half of the bike, but I probably didn't need them. The weatherman said yesterday that the temperatures are about 10 degrees about average this year.
I won a $100 Tribe gift certificate today as well, which will go toward my triathlon bike fund. I've started researching bikes and have been looking at Felt and Kuota the most. I am SO excited to get a new bike because everyone at the races I do and on group rides has such a nice bike. However, it looks like I will have to save about $3,000 for what I want, not counting the wheels which are also expensive. I want to save enough to get a nice set of zipps or reynolds. I figure if I am going to buy a race bike, I might as well get what I want if I'm going to spend so much money. The only problem is after I get this bike, I won't have any excuses for a slow day anymore!
Tomorrow is a 20-mile run day. I am going to stay at around an 8-minute mile pace for this training run as my goal for P.F. Changs Marathon is to break 3:30. The Tucson half marathon is December 2. I hear this race is all downhill, which will be nice for a PR, but maybe not so nice on the knees. My new Newton shoes have been working out really nice. I have been picking up the pace on my week day training runs and it feels great.
On Wednesday Brian and I swam 2,000 meters together. We did sets of 250 and I would try to finish 200 the same time he finished 250. It's a good way for both of us to push ourselves. At the end of each set we were both breathing pretty hard. I wish I had the urge to swim more. I'm always itching to run, but never itching to bike or swim so I am improving pretty slowly on those two events.
Well, it's Saturday... time to rest!

Blue Water Triathlon

2007-11-12T13:21:00.000-07:00

On Saturday Brian and I drove to Parker, Arizona to do Mountain Man Events' Blue Water Triathlon. Let me tell you, there is nothing in Parker, but the race was very fun. The 1000 meter swim was in the Colorado River, which was clean and clear! It was nice not having to swim in Tempe Town Lake where it is so dirty you can't see your arms or hands in the water. I could even see the feet of the people kicking in front of me. The sun was out of our eyes until the last 250 meters where we turned east to swim back to the transition area. The 33 mile bike was very hilly and bumpy. At one point I thought I had a flat tire and almost started crying because I forgot to put my flat bag back onto my bike after transporting it in the car from Phoenix. I didn't have a flat, the roads were just so bad they made my tires start rumbling and making strange noises. I still was slow on the bike, and the hills killed me. I don't know what my actual time was because I forgot to start my watch before the swim and they didn't record my swim, bike or transition time, just my run and finish time. When I finally got back to the transition area, Patrick was already done with the race. He took pictures of me in transition and ran with me taking more photos during the run! He also took photos of his girlfriend and Keith! I ran a 34 minute 5 miles and I had the 17th fasted overall run split with both men and women. I am always happy to get to the run! What I learned from this race- get faster on the bike!
Overall time - 2:52. I got second in my age group.
Click here for photos

Feeling Good!

2007-11-08T22:22:00.000-07:00

Yay! I am finally feeling better today. I swam at the Y and ran a pretty fast (7:30 pace) 7 miles today. My legs are finally feeling good again!

Two days ago I received my new Newton racing flats in the mail! They are awesome! Bright pink, super light and fast! I actually almost kept up with Brian on Tuesday when we ran and today I felt awesome. I know most of it is mental, but man I love these shoes! They are designed by runners in Colorado and aren't sold in Phoenix so I had to order them on the internet. They are super expensive, but well worth the money!

I am getting excited to head out to Parker for Blue Water. I want to get out of Phoenix for a while! Plus, a little colder weather would feel too bad as it is still in the 90's here.

Training sick

2007-11-07T17:52:00.000-07:00

So for the past couple days I have not been feeling too good. My throat hurts, my head hurts and I have been sneezing like crazy! Tuesday I biked 20 miles, swam 1500 and ran about 8 miles. Wednesday Brian and I moped-ed to the Y and did 7 miles of run speed work. My stomach cramped up from eating a giant bag of dried cherries before the run and I didn't feel like swimming, so we went to Ausler's! Today I biked to the Y and home (20 miles) ran 10 miles and swam 1000. I still feel tired and I hope it's just because I've been sick. I'm going to take it easy until Blue Water on Sunday.

Ironman 70.3 World Championships is on Sunday. That would be fun to qualify for and I hope I do someday! I always get jealous when I hear local athletes talking about amazing races they qualified for. Someday I will be doing those races, but for now I will concentrate on building my base without killing myself!

Weekend after

2007-11-05T13:07:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I biked about 70 miles with the Tribe Multisport group. I was surprised I could almost keep up this time. At one point I was even biking 27 mph and keeping up with the lead pack! On Sunday morning my legs were feeling the pain from last weekend's race followed by the long bike, so my 12 mile run didn't feel too great. Next weekend will be a little break with Blue Water, then I will start doing 20 mile runs (2 or 3 of them) every other week for the P.F. Changs marathon.

Brian's birthday weekend was fun. We rode the moped (which he named Piglet) around everywhere. We only ran out of gas and had to walk it to a gas station once.

I am not feeling too good today. My throat hurts, I have a runny nose and I keep sneezing all over my desk. I might skip the bike today and just swim and run after an interview at 4. We'll see!

Happy November

2007-11-01T12:04:00.000-07:00

I think I am finally almost recovered from SOMA. Yesterday I biked to the Y, swam 1,250 yards (I know, I was feeling ambitious), biked home and ran (more like slowly jogged) about 6 miles. I was feeling it on the run, but everything else felt fine.

Blue Water Triathlon is coming up on November 11. This is a bikers race (1000 swim, 33 mile bike and 4 mile run) Too bad I still SUCK at biking. I don't know how much my run will save me with only a dinky 4 miles to catch all the fast bikers. How the heck are people so fast on the bike? For now I will blame it on the fact I don't have a $4,000 race bike yet. Someday... :)

Grey's Anatomy is an hour and a half special tonight. I am excited! I am going to swim 1000 yards at the Y and run 7 miles before it starts. Happy Day after Halloween. My office is overflowing with everyone's leftover candy!

SOMA highlights

2007-10-29T12:31:00.000-07:00

There is only one way to describe how SOMA was yesterday - and that is HOT. My overall time was 5:37. I was on track for 5 hours until the afternoon, when we reached record temperatures of 97 degrees and it killed my run.

The swim was long, everyone's times were a lot longer than 1.2 miles should have taken them. Starting out swimming West was a breeze, until we had to turn around and swim East into the sun. I couldn't see anything and I'm sure I zig-zagged all over the top of the 70-year-old men that were in the wave ahead of me. It was probably my favorite of the three events though, considering it was cold and somewhat relaxing. My swim time was 40 minutes by the time I got pulled out of the lake, almost broke my leg when the guy dropped me on the platform and ran around to the transition area. I averaged 18.6 mph on the bike, which is slow but still an improvement for me from my last race. There were tons of u-turns and the hills slowed me down a lot. After a three-hour bike I was so excited to start the run. I kept saying to myself, "you are going to kill this run!" Heading out of transition I was running under seven-minute miles and people were warning me to slow down, but I was feeling awesome so I kept running strong. They had aid stations every mile and I kept pouring multiple cups of ice water over my head at each one of them. That is, until mile 4. No aid station at mile 4! All of a sudden my body started to heat up and I felt like I was running through an oven. It was hard to breathe and it drained all my energy. After mile six I started dieing. Every time I drank gatorade it came right back up, but I knew my body needed electrolytes, salt and calories or I would be face down in a mile so I kept drinking. By mile 8 I was probably running 9 minute miles. I have never ran that slow during a race. I passed Ted, then Jorge and realized everyone was suffering from the heat, not just me. I could hear sirens in the background and could see ambulence lights flashing on the road by the finish line. I finished with tears in my eyes and muttering "I want to die" as Brian ran next to me to the finish. My half marathon time was 1:51 by the time I stumbled over the line. I couldn't hardly eat or drink for some time afterwards.

So all in all, this race was an experience. I knocked off almost a half hour from my time at the Great Illini half Iroman, which is very surprising considering the weather. As they say, no pain, no gain. Give me a year or two, I'll be killing everyone out there! As for now, I think I'll just lay around for the next couple days!