tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71262926287378186072024-03-14T04:14:00.082-04:00JenbeastJen Ridgleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113551740855461323noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126292628737818607.post-2340026534996987132013-02-10T16:54:00.000-05:002013-02-18T16:46:25.334-05:00I have moved<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have moved! Blogger has been less than cooperative this last 6 mths so I got frustrated and made a quick move over to wordpress. I then found out there is a wordpress.org and wordpress.com and I may have made the wrong choice. Hoping to get things figured out soon and have a more permanent and stable home. For now you can find me here:</span><br />
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<a href="http://thejenbeast.com/">http://thejenbeast.com</a><br />
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<br />Jen Ridgleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113551740855461323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126292628737818607.post-38275839166104334132013-02-09T15:55:00.000-05:002013-02-09T15:55:12.768-05:00Red Top Rumble<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.getguts.com/e-rtr.shtml" target="_blank">Red Top Rumble</a> is my favorite race! I have done this race the last 4 years and every year it is lots of fun. The GUTS group do a great job with the race and there is lots of great food afterwards. Typically, I just enjoy the day and have a good time with friends. This time I had revenge on my mind. Feeling a bit depressed after Mtn Mist the previous weekend I decided that that it was PR time. I desperately needed a pick up so I figured a PR on my favorite course would be just the trick. No pressure!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As per usual, the morning was cold but bright and sunny. I started off as fast as I could in the pack and whenever a space opened up I took it. I ran like this for about 2 miles and was breathing hard. A bunch of us were in a pack and Leslie remarked that I am quiet when I am in race mode. I replied I can't talk, I am breathing too hard! Shortly after this I had to walk for a bit. I went out too hard. A bunch of people passed but Leslie hung with me. We started running again at a more comfortable but fast pace and quickly walked all the hills. I never looked at my Garmin but knew based on the amount of people around us I was probably still in good shape to PR. Leslie was great company and we kept each other distracted and soon we were heading back in to the finish. I knew the last bit was mostly down hill so I sprinted and gave it all I had left. I finished and it was a 15 min PR! Woo Hoo! So, I suck slightly less than I thought last week :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was a great weekend and a perfect way to celebrate my birthday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jen Ridgleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113551740855461323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126292628737818607.post-58376069046676678092013-02-09T15:51:00.000-05:002013-02-09T15:51:44.024-05:00Mountain Mist 50K<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Woke up feeling good and ready to run. I dressed for the expected weather but brought extra clothes for a last minute wardrobe change if needed. We stayed at our friend Peggy’s father’s house which was literally at the base of the mountain. Peggy, John and I piled into the car and drove to the race. Found good parking and picked up our chips. The rest of the group - Kim, Tripp, Terrie and Maria were settled in the main room in a group of chairs and we chatted and waited for the start of the race.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We lined up and it was go time. I started my garmin and took off. In the first 10 minutes I felt a weird intermittent ache in my lower hamstring right above my knee. First thought was hmm, this is going to suck in a few hours but for now I am ignoring it. John was out of sight in 5 minutes and once we got on the trails I could no longer see Tripp either. Peggy, Kim, Maria, Terrie and I were together on the trails for a little while but soon Peggy pulled away and Kim followed. I kept at my comfortable but quick pace knowing that chasing Peggy was not a smart plan. I pushed my speed but made sure it was not too much. I walked quickly up all the inclines and continued pushing the pace anytime the trails allowed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After the first aid station I kicked up the pace on the flat open trails knowing I had to gain as much time as I could. This was the mantra all day. Almost a panicky feeling in fact but I knew this was going to be close and there was no room for error. Soon the trails got tricky again. Out to the power lines where the mud literally formed a snowshoe on the bottom of your foot . For about 15 seconds I tried to dislodge some of it on a rock and then said screw it and keep moving. Back into the woods.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We climb a hill at the 18 mile aid station, shortly after a very quick bathroom break (3 mins tops) and I am told I just made the cutoff. I was in shock? Seeing as I was concerned with the 25 mile/6.5 hour mark I was not clear on the earlier cutoffs. I asked how far until the next cutoff and what time was that one. They could not tell me. At this time Maria shows up and they are discussing how we won't make the next one but I shoo Maria across the street and we continue on, albeit slower than before because I am now a bit resigned this is not happening and I am pissed. We pick it back up after a little cursing still not knowing how fast or how far we have until the next cutoff. I pull ahead and see a guy shuffling in the distance. I can't imagine this guy is in the race judging on what he is wearing - a red hoodie pulled up on his head, blue sweatpants and what look like hiking shoes. I get closer and he starts asking me how far we have come and I read him my Garmin. He speeds up and starts running very, very close to me. He does tell me the milage of the next station and cutoff. I look at my watch and know I am most likely sunk. I pick it up a bit more but the trail starts to get muddier and rockier. Maria picks it up too when she sees creepy guy running so close to me and we soon pull away together. I push as much as I possibly can but miss the cutoff by about 10 minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I felt OK post race since I felt I gave it all I had. There was no good excuse as to why I got pulled. I felt good. That nagging leg pain in the beginning disappeared after 10 miles. It also never hindered me and was more of a mental stress. I did feel panicked most of the race but can’t say that slowed me down. I think Sweetwater and Pine Mtn were great training for this race. I know I did not do every workout prescribed but I know that would have not translated into a significant faster pace. I know I have been getting faster this winter just not fast enough. I did not stop at any aid stations with the exception of the second to last one where there was a brief discussion of cut off times. I felt concerned about the race because I knew it would be tough but I was not pessimistic about it - case in point I sat in wet clothes until John finished because I did not put a key in my pack because I knew he would finish before me. I don't think I could have done any more. Initially this made me fine with things but later I thought this just means I truly suck. I tried my absolute best and still couldn't do it. Mentally I was prepared, endurance wise I still had 10 miles left in me. I just couldn't do it fast enough. The only other thing I could have done was to have been more aware of the exact cutoffs and mileages but figured the last one was the only real concern.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How do I feel now, 3 days later? Still a bit upset. I have Red Top this weekend and I am going to push for a PR since I only ran 21 miles last weekend. If that does not happen I feel like it will be really hard to get out of the mental funk.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jen Ridgleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113551740855461323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126292628737818607.post-12921186200166866432013-01-17T16:34:00.003-05:002013-01-17T16:34:58.191-05:00I wanted to believe...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Like Fox Mulder, I wanted to believe. I wanted to believe
that someone like Lance existed. He was able to do what no other cyclist has
ever been able to do - make Americans give a sh** about the Tour De </span><st1:place style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" w:st="on">France</st1:place><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">.
He won the damn thing seven times.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I always thought he was an arrogant bastard but he kind of
earned it, and I was OK with that. It was only after I became a cyclist myself
and read his book “It’s not about the bike” did I begin to really respect him
as an athlete. Despite multiple doping allegations over the years he never
tested positive. I recently found out that was not entirely true. His samples
were back tested a few years ago with better testing methods and were found to
be strongly EPO positive but I guess there was not enough of the sample left
for independent verification. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This article was extremely eye opening </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was excited for the sport of triathlon when Lance decided
to return to the sport. He competed in triathlons long before he was a world
famous cyclist. His fame would bring more attention and money to the sport and
it made things exciting. Amateurs like me could race alongside someone like
Lance. That was amazing to me. When the WTC denied him the chance to compete in
Ironman I was truly disappointed. He was under suspicion of doping in cycling,
never proven, and therefore could not compete in triathlon. That made no sense
to me. I am not sure how I feel about his future now that it is clear he will
admit tonight to doing what everyone else did to win. Do I hate the fact that
he doped? Yes, but everyone else did. What I really hate is that I truly
thought he earned that piousness. That he really was clean and everyone else
was a naysayer. I wanted to believe that he truly was the greatest cyclist of
this generation (maybe of all time) and that he did it without doping. The
cancer comeback made it an even better story. The line from his book about not
wanting to put any more chemicals in his body after chemo was such crap. And I
bought it – hook, line and sinker. That’s what I hate the most. You made a
sucker out of me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Should he be able to compete now that he has come clean? I
don’t know. He obviously can’t be trusted so he would have to be tested over
and over again. Does Triathlon need to deal with that crap? Is it fair to all
the pros that have earned their titles without doping? Probably not. He is
still an incredible athlete but I think he needs to cry at home in his piles of
money and leave the competition to the rest of us.</span></div>
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<br />Jen Ridgleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113551740855461323noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126292628737818607.post-14120961284533768992012-10-26T21:15:00.000-04:002012-10-26T21:15:51.239-04:00Beaches, Battleships and Blondes<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Beach 2 Battleship</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While sitting around the fire at a triathlon training camp, Peggy, Kim and I decided to do the Beach to Battleship Iron relay. I was to be the swimmer, Kim the cyclist and Peggy was the runner. We came up with the name 3 non-blondes and 6 months later we were hitting the road for Wilmington, NC. The girls piled into Peggy's car and the boys took the Weeks' truck and we caravaned to Augusta for dinner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We continued on to Columbia, SC where we stopped for the night. Up early the next morning we headed to Cracker Barrel for some breakfast and then back on the road to Wilmington. Once there we met up with Harry who was doing the full Iron distance along with Tripp - both 7 weeks post Ironman Louisville. We arrived just in time to catch the end of the mandatory athlete meeting which gave very little instruction in regards to the relay. We checked in, got our arm bands and swim cap, bike stickers and run numbers and everyone got their gear situated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next stop was to check in the hotel, drop off bikes in transition and head to the beach. While at transition we asked about the relay and got passed along to two more people before finding that we would just switch the timing chip at the bike rack. We checked out the swim exit which was pretty far across the road (booties would be worn for sure so I could run across the pavement). We then headed over to the swim start and got the layout of the swim course. Buoys were not in place yet so I checked out the online map to be absolutely sure of the course.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I originally planned to take a quick dip in the water but it was already late in the day and we needed to get some dinner. Back downtown and dinner with the group. Since I was just swimming I didn't worry too much about my pre-race dinner. I had crabcakes and fries and they were quite good. After dinner we headed back to the hotel to get ready for bed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Up the next morning at 4:30 for a 5:30 departure. I slept great. No pre-race nervousness since I just had to swim. I found I had lots of leftover time and could have slept a bit longer. I had all my gear ready to go and a portable pre-race breakfast.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The logistics of this race are very complicated and without a support crew it could be extremely difficult. The swim start, T1, T2 and finish were all in different locations. This is not typical but not completely abnormal. It was further complicated by the relay so here was the plan: John drove Harry, Tripp, Kim and I to transition. Everyone checked in their bikes and got body marked. I stayed in the car and waited for their return and Peggy stayed at the hotel to rest up. With that task completed, Harry, Tripp and I headed to the swim start while Kim waited for us at T1.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Harry, Tripp and I met up with Mike Delang at the trolley to take us to the swim start. We passed the time chatting with some Coast Guard guys that Tripp befriended on the trolley ride. Soon it was time to get the wetsuit on and swim!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">There's Tripp adjusting my google strap - swim buddy!!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The plan for the swim was to hang toward the back and then Tripp and I would swim together like we did in Louisville. There was no gun or canon. Eminem's "Lose Yourself" came on the speakers and it was time to go. We made our way to the water where I spotted my coach cheering people on and I gave him a high five but I know he did not realize it was me with cap, goggles and full wetsuit on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tripp and I walked about 3 steps into the water and the it got deep quick and it was swim time. None of the usual butterflies, just a nice swim toward the first buoy. It came up quick as expected since the race is timed for the best current. I heard the left side was the fastest but all the buoys were right so we stayed more toward the middle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was very difficult to see the next buoy since it was very far away but again it came up quick. I knew we were moving well since I didn't have to keep stopping to slow my breathing into a normal rhythm. I guess the fact that this was all I had to do made it seems less daunting. I was frustrated by the lack of buoys to site off of so I chose the hotel at the finish as my target. This worked well until the zig zag turns started. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The race briefing was unclear as to turn buoys and nothing was said </span>pre<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-race. Typically, courses are marked by yellow distance buoys and orange turn buoys. The only buoys you have to have on your left are turn buoys. With no </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">instructions </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and 3 different colored buoys some parts were not clear. The volunteers in the water told Tripp and I to stay to the right of one green buoy on the </span>zig<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>zag<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> so we had to correct a bit before making the turn. At this point the swim was sideways to the current and I was struggling a little to stay on course and not get pushed under the docks near shore. We eventually made it to the next right turn where we stopped to sight for the next left turn. The current here was strong and we could see ourselves being pushed ahead so we swam on and headed toward the next "turn" buoy. This time the volunteers told us to keep it to our right and just keep going so we headed toward the hotel on a direct line. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just ahead was the swim exit. We had to wait in line (?!) to climb up ladders and once we were out I hauled ass to T1. Garmin said 1:08 as I began my run. I ran by the wetsuit strippers, ran by the glasses pick up table (to be revisited later), through the showers to rinse off the salt water around the corner through the parking lot across the road then past the transition bags and straight to Kim. It was no short trek but I made the most of my time. We exchanged the timing chip and off she went. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I am gaining on you</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was a little friendly competition going on between friends and I was quite pleased to see Harry exiting T1 after Kim. Now that Kim was gone I was supposed to wait for Tripp to get changed and get his glasses so we could later get them to him on the run. Tripp came out of the changing tent and he said he never saw the glasses pick up after them swim. I assured him I would get them and he took off on the bike. I was able to retrieve Tripp's glasses and then John and I started our journey back to the hotel. I kind of wanted to take a nap before showering and delivering Peggy to T2 but we ended up getting trapped in traffic getting off the island. One of the lanes on the bridge was closed because of the race so it took quite a while to get back to the hotel. No nap for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I showered and got my stuff together for the evening. We figured Kim's bike leg would be about 6 hours if everything went well. We got to T1 just in time to see Holly and Sandy head out on the run for the Half Ironman. We relaxed and waited for Peggy to run.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Soon we saw Mike Delang come in from the bike and Kim was right behind him! Kim ran out just behind Mike and exchanged the timing chip and off goes Peggy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We waited for Peggy to come back around for a quick photo op</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kim headed back to the hotel to shower and John and I grabbed some dinner. We met back up with Kim and headed out to the run turn around. Judging by the time we missed Mike and Peggy but soon Sarah, Dale, Harry and Tripp came by. Everyone was looking good with the exception of Tripp. He was nauseous and had been getting sick the last mile or so. John kept walking with him and tried to get Tripp to continue but eventually it got to the point where Tripp decided to stop. John took him to the medical tent while we continued to wait for Peggy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At one point we had asked a volunteer if we could cross the finish line together and we were told no but we had just seen a woman cross the finish line with her child so we decided to ask someone else. I found the Setup events tent at the finish line and I asked if we could run across the finish line together. The response I got was "We are not Ironman. We don't care. Just as long as you don't interfere with another finisher then you can do whatever you want." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, we ran to the end of the finishers chute and waited for Peggy. Soon we saw her running out of the darkness and we ran across the finish line - 12:57. Woo Hoo!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Later, Peggy said she didn't realize it was us at first and thought we were 2 nice ladies who want to run with her. She was a little delirious I guess :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We went to collect our finishers medals and we were told that Kim and I had to wait until midnight or the next day in order to be sure all the individuals got medals. Um, really? Here's a thought. Order enough medals for all the participants and there won't be an issue. Not cool! I later learned they ran out of Half Ironman finishers medals. Really not cool!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More important things than arguing with volunteers so we headed back to the medical tent to check on Tripp. Tripp was doing much better and was soon to be discharged. A Spartan just checked in because he was peeing blood - all in a days work at the Ironman medical tent. While waiting for Tripp we took some more pictures</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tripp was feeling much better after 2 IVs and some anti-nausea medicine so we headed out to the finish line and just as we arrived Harry crossed the finish line!! Sub 14 Harry - 7 weeks after Louisville!! Yay Harry!!</span></div>
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<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the most part it was a successful weekend. Tripp was in good spirits and everyone had a fun weekend so it was time to celebrate!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Race Impressions: A great race for anyone who wants to do a non corporate Ironman or half. You can't beat the fast swim! The relay was a nice way to participate and spectate. Let's just hope they get that medal issue resolved before next year.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Jen Ridgleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113551740855461323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126292628737818607.post-31396348265785536642012-10-23T21:05:00.000-04:002012-10-24T06:30:07.008-04:00What's the Big Mystery?<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Mystery Mountain Weekend</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.getguts.com/e-mmm.shtml" target="_blank">Mystery Mountain Marathon 12 miler</a> - I have wanted to do this race for a while but there is usually a conflict and I cant do it. This year it was Stump Jump 50K that was the problem. This race is the weekend afterwards and despite the <a href="http://thejenbeast.blogspot.com/2012/03/reverse-redneck-goofy-challenge.html" target="_blank">Redneck Goofy experience</a> last spring, I decided a 12 mile trail race the weekend after a 50K seemed a bit nuts. However, when I dropped back to the 11(.5) miler at Stump Jump this seemed like it was doable. John was on board to volunteer and Coach said it was all good so I signed up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The plan was to camp at Ft Mountain the night before. Here we go with the camping again. The Stump Jump experience wasn't so bad so I figured why not? I had to work that Saturday so I was up early after a long week being the late PA. I got a little ambushed with unexpected work but muddled through and was home by around 2:00. We packed up the car and hit the road. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.gastateparks.org/FortMountain" target="_blank">Fort Mountain</a> is near Carter's Lake and was an integral part of the <a href="http://thejenbeast.blogspot.com/2012/05/caution-athletes-in-pain.html" target="_blank">Mountain Madness half Ironman</a> I did last spring. Thankfully, I didn't have to bike up the mountain. Instead I had to run all around it. Our GPS sent us through Elijay which was celebrating an apple festival or something that day. Anyway, lots of people, scarecrows and activities going on in the main square. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is a nice example but there were also some really creepy ones. In particular outside a funeral home they had a scarecrow funeral complete with dirt plot and flowers. Weird. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We made it to race check in and the pre-race dinner. We got our tent setup and enjoyed a nice time around the fire with some fellow campers and runners</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I did not sleep great. I was up a bunch of times to go to the bathroom. A few beers were had around the fire. Also, it was very cold that night so I slept bundled up in the sleeping bag and kept waking up when my shoulder and arm would fall asleep. Finally, it was time to get up. Unlike last week I had my full allotment of running clothes and was ready to start the day. John had to meet up with the volunteers earlier than the race start so we headed to the race start in our PJs. John continued to wear his PJs all day but I changed in the bathrooms. Bunny slippers don't make great trail shoes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once dressed and ready to go I met up with some friends and we got ready to start the race. The cannon went off and we were on our way. The race started winding around the lake and then soon we were climbing and then there was more climbing. The trails were similar to Stump Jump but there were not a lot of places to really run. Whenever possible I ran as hard as I could but mostly it was maneuvering around roots, rocks and trees. I ran through all the aid stations and said a quick hello to John as I passed by. I did not stop to admire the scenery just kept moving. I did not feel quit as peppy as last week and did not pass as many people this time around. We could see the finish line from across the lake but I still had 1.5 miles to go according to my garmin. I started to feel a bit tired having pushed the last mile or two. I slowed to grab a gu and turned the corner and there was the finish. What? I felt pretty stupid but picked up the pace and ran across the finish at 3:03. Having no idea what the course was like I figure 3:00 was a good bet given my time last weekend at the 11.5 miler. Had I not slowed down for the Gu I would have made 3:00 easily. Oh well, not sure if the Garmin was off because of the trees and switchbacks or the race itself was a little off in distance. In the end it didn't really matter since I had a good time and enjoyed the trails that day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Post race I "iced" my legs in the lake and then changed into warmer clothes and enjoyed some chili, beer and got to hang out with the GUTS crew. A good time was had by all. Even if the park ranger made me throw out my beer :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even though I didn't feel quite as sassy as the previous week I did pretty darn good considering this race had 1100 more feet of climbing. I would definitely do this race again. Maybe even do the marathon. It's always a good time at a GUTS race. Next up Beach 2 Battleship Iron Relay! </span><br />
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Jen Ridgleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113551740855461323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126292628737818607.post-72201957820849091692012-10-09T15:34:00.001-04:002012-10-09T18:11:51.367-04:00Homecoming, Bones, Blood and Bees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>2012 Stump Jump 11miler Race Report</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One week prior to this race I had a trail run on my schedule where I was instructed to attack the hills and run hard for 1:15. Actually, it was on my schedule for Saturday after an open water swim but I wasn't feeling up to a hard run that day so I pushed it to Sunday. We headed out to </span>Kennesaw<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> to do the </span>Kolb<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Farm/</span>Cheatham<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Hill loop when I saw on </span>facebook<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> they were going to be doing cannon firings at the Illinois monument. John had Betty along for his "recovery" run so we decided to cut the 5.6 mile loop short and just do 5 while avoiding the monument. Who knows how crazy Betty would react to the cannons? Turns out Betty could not have cared less. Elevator dings freak her the f' out but she is all good with cannons. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The run went well, I pushed hard up all the hills and finished in 55 minutes. Probably the fastest I have ever run that trail. John actually remarked I was running fast that day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The rest of the week consisted of 3 more runs and a swim that didn't happen (the reasons why were many but in the end lack of motivation sealed the deal). I took it easy for 5 miles at the GUTS Tuesday night run and enjoyed chatting with Kim, one my fellow Lou-natics. Wednesday was supposed to be a quick run with a few short bursts of speed. I took Betty with me on the Comet and it was not a good run for either of us. Usually Betty gets in run mode and nothing gets in her way. That day Betty had to pee and poop about every 50 feet. Now this would have been a real pain if I was in training mode but turns out my left hip was starting to hurt a LOT. Every time I tried to really run it acted up. So, we did a 45 minute walk/run of sorts and that workout was a wash.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I took the day off work on Friday since packet pickup ends at 6:00. Last year was extremely stressful trying to get out of work and then fight traffic to get there in time. They have a nice expo in the riverfront park so I wanted to get there with plenty of time to enjoy the afternoon in Chattanooga. Last year we stayed in town and made the drive up to Signal Mountain for the race start. This year they offered camping at the school for $25. Since I wasn't doing the 50K I thought sleeping on the ground would probably be OK prior to the race. I learned Thursday, via facebook, that Friday was going to be Signal Mountain Middle school's Homecoming and we were assured that the festivities would die down by 10:30. Oh joy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I slept in, got a few things done around the house and dropped off the dog. I did a survey on facebook to see which outfit to wear and skeleton girl won out unanimously. I scooped up my clothes, dumped them in the bag and packed the rest of my gear. This will come back to bite me on race day. We packed the car and headed out.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 outfit choices </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The drive to Chattanooga was uneventful and we arrived in good time. We went straight to the expo and found it to be less interesting than in years past. We checked in and since not much was going on at the park despite it being a beautiful day we headed over to the nearby Brewhaus for some food and beer. Our friend Leah met us there along with Joel and his cousin Bobby. We hung out for a bit and then headed back to the park for the panel. It was comprised of a few of the top runners from Salomon and Vasque team and Max King the expected winner. I didn't know any of these people and this was again a little less exciting than the North face speaker series they had done the last 2 years. While the panel was going on I snuck over to take some pictures of the hot air balloons that were in progress next door. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is why I love Chattanooga. Every time I have been there it seems very outdoor oriented. The riverfront park is beautiful and there is a lot of fun things going on, neat shops and everyone just seems really fit. There are tons of trails to run and it's just very "granola-ey" for lack of a better word. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Its the same vibe I get in Portland, OR. I wish Atlanta seemed more focused on creating a great place for people to vacation and enjoy the outdoors. Sigh, back to the race report....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We drove to Signal Middle School and as reported the parking lots were packed and there was a football game going on complete with marching bands. Yay! The school is on a huge campus and we wound our way around to the soccer fields. There was someone waiting there to instruct us on the camp site and we began to set up camp. The noise from Homecoming wasn't too bad so I figured things would be OK. There was a bathroom close by and we got our stuff settled and got ready for bed. I realized I forgot to pack calf sleeves despite having the matching ones laid out for the other 2 outfits. Grr! Oh well, my legs might be a little cold but I was only going 11 miles so I should be fine. (I would repeat this refrain numerous times between now and the start of the race). I read for a bit and then just as I was drifting off to sleep I realized something else I forgot. A jog bra!! Doh!!! So, not good. Hmm, well I was wearing a tank with a shelf bra to sleep in so I guess that was going to have to do. If it got really hot it was going to be uncomfortable and gross under my shirt but not much I can do about it now. Again, I am glad its only 11 miles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I slept well and we woke up unstressed since were only a half a mile from the race start. John dressed and went to the bathroom while I organized my stuff. When John got back I swear I heard rain drops on the tent. What????? The one thing I purposely did not pack was rain gear because the weather report said 0% chance of rain. Zero percent is pretty damn strong. Clearly, there is no honor among weatherman. Well, crap! Maybe it will stop by race time. So, not only do I not have a jog bra, I don't have calf sleeves which will keep my legs warmer and less muddy(!) and it is raining. Awesome! I was originally feeling whimpy about not doing the 50K but now I was SO glad I was only doing 11 miles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I changed, made a pit stop, grabbed some breakfast and then we headed up to the start line. Parking is always a premium at the start but I guess the bad weather scared some people off. We got a great spot and waited in the car until start time. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view on a clear day</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When I did the 50K last year - <a href="http://suckatall3.blogspot.com/2011_10_01_archive.html" target="_blank">my race report</a> - I was blown away by the spectacular views of the river and the beautiful but technical trails. I really enjoyed this race and set a 50K PR that I broke at <a href="http://thejenbeast.blogspot.com/2012/03/reverse-redneck-goofy-challenge.html" target="_blank">MS50</a> last spring. The pretty part of the race was across Suck Creek Rd and I knew the 11 miler did not go that way. I had no idea what the course was but figured we would just wind around the back of the school campus and it would be boring at best. With the rain and mud I figured the views would be less than spectacular and I wasn't missing out so it was good that I was only doing the 11 miler. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The overcast starting line</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">John and I lined up and the gun went off. The 11 mile course split almost immediately from the 50K pack. I stayed with the main pack for a bit and we only got gridlocked at a couple of spots. Soon I was running hard to keep up and my watch let me know I was in zone 5. Cool! I backed off a bit and was soon in a smaller pack. At one point a few speedsters flew by us and I assumed that the 50K'ers must convene with our trails at some point yet none of these trails seemed familiar. I found out later in the day that the lead pack of the 50K got lost and had to double back and eventually dropped out. There is something to be said for going a little slower and never losing your way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I was running steady and my cranky hip only seemed to bother me on hills. Good thing there were none of those! I found that my inner knee also started hurting at the same time. It was not horrible and I kept moving. Soon I heard the helicopter and saw that we were approaching a clearing. We were getting to see the river and had an awesome view, too bad it was covered in fog. Oh well. I ran up to the clearing just as the helicopter swung by and waved for the camera! I continued on in pursuit of 2 girls ahead of me. We ran together for a while but soon the lead girl was out of sight. There was pack of 6 guys who kept stopping for pictures and then catching up again. Next thing I know I see lead girl on the ground and the pack of guys phoning for help. I guess she fell but she looked OK to me. Things were covered so I ran on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">About this time I felt a sharp, focal pain in my right thigh. Damn, that hurt! I could only assume that I had been stung by a bee. This continued to burn on and off throughout the race and again made me thankful I was only running 11 miles. I soon found myself in a pack of 4 with 2 women in front of me and a man behind me. I asked him if he wanted to go ahead of me but said he was fine where he was. In a way this pushed me along since I sensed him behind me at every step. I soon overtook the women in front of me who stopped for some walk breaks. I kept running up the hills and he kept following me. I came upon 2 more girls who sped up when they realized I was behind them but they were actually more cautious than me on the slippery trails and I eventually passed them. This is when I started to keep track - 4 down. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Around the next turn the trails started to look familiar and there was the mushroom rock aid station (pictures in last years race report). Thankful again I was only doing the 11 miler since this was the beginning of a 2 mile downhill that you have to come back up on the return of the 50K. The volunteers complimented me on my shirt and remarked that they saw a guy wearing the same thing on the 50K trail. I said yup, that's my husband. They instructed me to stay right and I gratefully headed to the finish line.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After a long uphill climb, which I walked, the trail flattens out and is very wide and runnable. You wind around the back of the school and head towards home. There are a few more steep hills but by far this is the easiest 3 miles of the course. Here I passed 11 guys - seriously! They were all moving slow and looked slightly beaten and I relished running by them. This was quite fun! Soon I was back on the road and headed home with a finish time of 2:47. Not exactly what I had planned on but then again I had no idea of the trails or conditions. I was a little down but soon realized that there were people still finishing over an hour after me and that picked up my spirits a bit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I quick got out of my wet clothes and into something dry and warm. The rain had stopped but it had gotten quite chilly. I grabbed some food and got a quick massage. I saw the 50K winner cross the finish line - 30 minutes slower than last years winner. The conditions and the fact that the lead pack dropped out contributed to such a slow time. Seriously, 4:15 to run a technical, muddy 50K. Geez, my grandmother could kick your ass.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now it was time to pack up the tent. I drove back to the soccer fields to find our tent on its side - we didn't stake it down. I wish I had taken a picture. It looked ridiculous. I told John I was going to to the godzilla approach and just collapse the tent and throw it in the car but he was not a fan so I took it down and packed in nicely away and headed back to the finish line. I grabbed a beer and read my book for a bit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Soon it was time to wait for Leah and John to finish which they did in short order. Leah smoked the course and had also suffered a bee sting. She later developed a severe case of hives and had to visit the ER. John had a 20 minute PR despite falling 3 times. He looked pretty torn up and was again cursing all the rocks on the course. Me, I was again glad that I only did 11 miles. Turns out it was actually 11.55 according to my Garmin but who's counting?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We hung out for a bit and headed home without incident. My bee sting continued to throb and itch and I have had a nice welt for 3 days now. Not to mention a few scratches that would have been avoided with calf sleeves. No hives though. I was pretty sore until today which is a sad state of affairs. My fitness level has plummeted. I have slacked off but not entirely. Its time to kick it back into gear but I am still fighting burnout. I've got another trail race this Sunday. Hopefully, this will go a bit better. My hip feels much improved and I have been stretching it. Then it's B2B relay and then train until Mountain Mist 50K in January.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As for <a href="http://www.rockcreek.com/stumpjump.rco" target="_blank">Stump Jump</a> - I highly recommend this race. Chattanooga is close and the 11 mile race is just as scenic and challenging as the 50K. However, there is no medal, no free meal, no nothing for the 11 miler people so keep that in mind. It's all about the 50K which I look forward to next year.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jALQd7jm8B0/UHOEYn8qg9I/AAAAAAAAC7o/zsAhxcMD0bI/s1600/615042_10152174906305607_1627961848_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jALQd7jm8B0/UHOEYn8qg9I/AAAAAAAAC7o/zsAhxcMD0bI/s640/615042_10152174906305607_1627961848_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful trails!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PA6ZFl9IOXA/UHOEivjP_oI/AAAAAAAAC74/K-GrNNyAKkE/s1600/554302_4772119905260_786464244_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PA6ZFl9IOXA/UHOEivjP_oI/AAAAAAAAC74/K-GrNNyAKkE/s320/554302_4772119905260_786464244_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mud and blood post race</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9gjXcnZZPQM/UHSgOfsH2DI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/_FwG_93F_0c/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9gjXcnZZPQM/UHSgOfsH2DI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/_FwG_93F_0c/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The worst of John's scrapes</td></tr>
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<b><a href="http://noboundariesmultisport.com/2012-stump-jump-50k/" target="_blank">John's Race Report</a></b></div>
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Jen Ridgleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113551740855461323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126292628737818607.post-22906878233450428442012-09-26T22:08:00.000-04:002012-09-26T22:08:04.009-04:00It's better to burn out than fade away?<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think I am officially burnt out on training. There is not much on my schedule right now. That <i>should</i> make me happy. So why am I tired all the time and lacking motivation? After meeting with my coach I decided to change my Stump Jump 50K race to the 11 miler. This was to give me more time to recover and concentrate on a 50K in January. I then quickly added the Mystery Mountain 12 miler onto my schedule because I miss my GUTS friends and mostly because I am stupid. Now October is crazy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oct 6 - Stump Jump 11 miler</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oct 13 - work and Tap n' Run 4K (probably a bad idea but looks fun)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oct 14 - Mystery Mountain 12 miler</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oct 20 - B2B swim leg of Ironman Relay</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Oct 27 - Tech Homecoming</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nov 3 - IM Florida (supporting)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Seriously, why do I do these things??? I feel like I have made no progress on the mile long "to do" list I have compiled. I have let a LOT of things slide in the last 6 months and now I am manic about not having anything done and simultaneously tired and slug-like. Not a happy place for me. So, what have I been doing the past 4 weeks?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">First I was sick. I had a cold that kicked my ass for about 48 hours right after Louisville. On top of that I had a mole removed from the bottom of my foot that made walking painful for a few days. Thankfully the biopsy came back negative. There has been some progress made around the house - pansies and fall flowers planted, minor cleaning, straightening up and organizing and tri gear cleaned and organized. I have completed 15 hours of continuing education toward renewing my USAT coaching certification. A CPR class is all that is left to do toward checking that off the list. I still have some major cleaning to do around the house. A giant purge is on the horizon. We just accumulate too much stuff and my OCD and anti-hoarder mania is about to hit high gear. My gardens need a major clean up but some of that might have to wait until fall really kicks in and stuff starts to die back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There also has been some much needed down time and quite a few trail runs and short bike rides. Problem is that once I get a run or bike done all I want to do is nap. That is not normal and is a huge waste of the weekend. I am able to do my workouts (yes I still have workouts on my schedule) but they seem to kick my ass. Swimming has been the worst. After 30-45 minutes in the pool I have had enough. Hopefully, I am turning a corner and physically my recovery is about complete. The biggest obstacle right now is mentally I am checked out. The big race is over and its hard to get too fired up over a swim or a short trail race. I know I can do them even though I might suffer a little bit but in a way its a bad thing because it makes training for them hard. I will come right out and say it....I kind of don't care right now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, here I am burnt out. I look at my 9 (yes, 9!) workouts for the week and I say really? why bother? I don't want to feel that way. I have been less than compliant these past few weeks but I have tried. I feel resentful toward the workouts thinking I could be chipping away at that "to do list", or playing with my dog or maybe spending time with my husband. That all sounds good except John just started doing Crossfit. So now he is getting up early and going to the gym and or going after work and we still seem to be working at separate purposes. He has multiple long distance trail runs on his schedule and an Ironman next year. I guess this is another thing I need to figure out since my plan is to do 2 half Ironmans after my 50K and possibly a 50 miler/100K in the spring. Finding that balance is going to take some work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Speaking of cross fit, I would like to try it too but finding time to work that in amongst an already packed schedule seems difficult at best. I thought I would have all this free time after Ironman. I also planned to try Paleo. I think I am actually eating worse post Ironman. A lot of things need to be worked out in the next couple of months. For now, I just need to find that spark to re-light that fire....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jen Ridgleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113551740855461323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126292628737818607.post-26107216138760355542012-09-10T07:39:00.001-04:002012-09-10T07:39:21.333-04:00Where do we go from here? Go ask Alice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's been a long journey from my first triathlon (Iron Girl 2008) to Ironman Louisville in 2012. Clip in pedals were a new and scary thing for me. I was just learning how to really swim and the longest run I had done since my sad performance at the Marine Corps Marathon in 2001 was a 14 miler the fall before. I was training for the Baltimore marathon when I got hurt and couldn't run all winter long. Triathlon was a means to cross train and help heal my mysterious leg pain. It worked and it also helped cross something off my bucket list. It also started me on the path to the insanity that has been my life the last 3 years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was reminded of the perfect description of my journey when I drank a Magic Hat #9 to celebrate 9/9.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Magic Hat #9 in a can has the basic instructions of "Drink Me". One of my favorite books is Alice in Wonderland and my triathlon journey was akin to falling down the rabbit hole. I have been falling and chasing that damn rabbit since August 2009 and I finally made my way back home. Here's another great quote from Alice:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Now that I have come to the end, what do I do next? There are no plans for an Ironman in 2013 (under penalty of death by my coach). I honestly don't want to do one so I am completely fine with that. There has been a little peer pressure going on since a lot of my friends (and husband) have already signed up for Mont Treblant. There is also a group planning on signing up for Florida in November. Neither interest me but I might have been persuaded to do Florida if enough people were on board. It's all about the shared misery. The latest craze is the Little Rock Marathon since they give out huge finishers medals. By huge I mean Flav a Flav would be jealous. If you don't know who that it is then google it. Public Ememy's "Fear of a Black Planet" is an awesome album but I digress. I have no real desire to do a road marathon but again I might get sucked in by peer pressure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Right now what is on my race schedule is the swim leg of an Ironman Relay at Beach to Battleship (Team 3 non-blondes) and <a href="http://suckatall3.blogspot.com/2011_10_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Stump Jump 50K</a> on October 6th. I did this race last year and loved it. Absolutely stunning scenery and Rock Creek puts on a good show. I PR'd last year so I hope to do the same or better this year. The next race was to be <a href="http://suckatall3.blogspot.com/2011_12_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Bartram 100s</a> in December. The race has yet to open for registration and word is that it's cancelled. I was hoping to go for my longest distance ever at that race - 100K. So now what? I can wait until March and try to do a 50 miler or 100K at GUTS' Operation Endurance. Or I can try and find another similar type race that is sooner. Long term goals include a 100 miler one day. Its to become the new "white rabbit" after the 50 miler and 100K dragons are slain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What about triathlon? I am planning on at least 2 half iron distance races next year but which ones? A return to <a href="http://thejenbeast.blogspot.com/2012/05/caution-athletes-in-pain.html" target="_blank">Mountain Madness</a>? More like Escape from Witch Mountain (something else you might need to google). Never again I told race director Chris Green but I might change my mind. Maybe some Olympic distances? 2013 is all about getting stronger and faster. The plans are to meet with my coach this week and do a post mortem on Ironman Louisville and see what makes the most sense for the future. For now I have made a list of races I would like to do someday and things I think are bucket list items - either super crazy or super hard or both.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u>Races I would like to do:</u> Ironman Lake Placid, Ironman Coeur D'Alene (score to settle?), <a href="http://suckatall3.blogspot.com/2011/09/ultra-season.html" target="_blank">Ironman Wisconsin (score to settle?)</a>, Chesapeakeman (maybe?), St Croix 70.3, Ireland 70.3, Eagleman 70.3, Vineman 70.3, Timberman 70.3, Eugene Marathon or Half (Pre lives! - I just want to run onto Hayward Field), <a href="http://suckatall3.blogspot.com/2011/12/f-you-daily-mile.html" target="_blank">Pine Mountain 40 (score to settle?)</a>, <a href="http://fuegoyagua.org/" target="_blank">Fuego Y Agua Ultra</a>, a 50 miler, and/or a 100K</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><u>Bucket List races:</u> 100 miler (Umstead?), <a href="http://www.hoodtocoast.com/" target="_blank">Hood to Coast</a>, Rim to Rim - Grand Canyon, <a href="http://www.otillo.se/" target="_blank">OtillO</a> - a crazy swedish swim and trail run, <a href="http://www.escapefromalcatraztriathlon.com/" target="_blank">Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I will let you know what gets decided. For now here are 2 of my favorite Alices</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EfuzOhRDTIo/UE1LHc38RAI/AAAAAAAAC6E/d-IzZ-nuA_Q/s1600/alice9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EfuzOhRDTIo/UE1LHc38RAI/AAAAAAAAC6E/d-IzZ-nuA_Q/s320/alice9.jpg" width="320" /></a>Jen Ridgleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113551740855461323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126292628737818607.post-7265832549548342162012-08-31T22:31:00.000-04:002012-09-10T07:46:00.924-04:00Ironman Observations<b id="internal-source-marker_0.8152504342142493"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. My number one piece of advice is twofold - Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something but also don’t let anyone push you into something you know you are not ready for. It doesn’t mean you won’t be ready for it one day. It just may not be right that very minute. If its a goal you think is worthwhile, then it is worth it to wait and be really ready for it. </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. It's OK to fail. It makes success that much sweeter! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. It's not OK to belittle someone for failing - also see #8</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. It's OK to make an ass out of yourself</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">5. Wear something cute - I cannot begin to count how many compliments I got on my bike and run outfit from both men and women, participants and supporters. Helps keep your mind off the task at hand plus you feel good about yourself - even when you are puking in someone's front lawn.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">6. For the love of GOD do not wear anything white in the water. Why do they even make white tri suits?</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">7. Take a moment to enjoy the fact that you are in the fucking tent</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">8. As in life - don’t be a dick - be polite and friendly to all. Good thoughts and deeds come back to you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">9. Respect the distance and respect the heat - Its a long ass day for everyone - from the 8+ hour finishers to the 16+ finishers - be smart and know your limitations</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">10. Find people to train with. Preferably people you really like. You will need that support system to get you through. Ironman is the most selfish sport out there but be selfish in a group. There will be misery but there will also be lots of fun!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Ironman Friends - the Lou-natics!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>Jen Ridgleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113551740855461323noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126292628737818607.post-6310123928706134582012-08-30T14:28:00.000-04:002012-09-10T07:44:56.290-04:00Today is my day<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Text from my Coach: Today is YOUR day!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>2012 Ironman Louisville</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Where to begin? I fear this will be extremely long but I want to include everything before I forget.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A few words about the night before the race: You never sleep a lot so the big nights sleep was Friday night. Saturday was all about resting, hydrating and staying off my feet. We spent the majority of the time in the atrium/bar of the hotel well positioned on a group of couches. John went out to get dinner and we relaxed and socialized in the meantime. I got a call from my coach and told him I was feeling a little concerned about the swim but otherwise was good. The practice swim that morning had made me feel a little panicky but that is not unusual for me. The enormity of things tends to settle in at that point and you wonder if you are up for the task. I told myself to remember Phil Sustar and his advice to Terrie during the swim around Key West - "Put your head down Princess and swim". Coincidentally, Phil called me when I was on my way back to my room for final preparations and I told him I would think of him during the swim. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Back in the room for final prep - nutrition bottles for the bike needed to be prepared and final checks of special needs bags, clothes and anything else I needed to deal with. The plan was to be in bed by 8. It was more like 8:30 but still good. I was reading a little Game of Thrones to distract myself when John told me Terrie would be be joining me. Corona, Miles and Mike had just arrived and would be staying in her room so Terrie took the other double bed and John slept on the couch in the other room. Alarm was set for 3am and then it was time to try and get some sleep.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I slept solidly until 12:30 and then I was awake every hour after that. Finally at 2:45 I just got up and started getting ready. I had all my gear, breakfast done and stuff together by 3:45 so John decided to take Terrie and I down to transition to wait for it to open. We picked up Adrienne in the lobby, she couldn't sleep either, and the 4 of us went down to transition. As we drove the short way to the river we saw numerous clubs with people still partying from the night before. It was a little surreal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We arrived at transition to be the 2,3 and 4th person in line for the 4:45 opening. We had our little stools to sit on to rest our legs and we just nervously chatted for the next half hour. The race director snapped our picture for the Ironman Louisville facebook page so that was pretty cool. In the meantime John went back to the hotel to shuttle Harry, Kim, Todd and Tripp down to get in line.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4:45 - transition opens - the goals now is to get in quickly, pump up our tires, get our bikes set up, drop off bike and run special needs bags and get the hell out and down to line up at the river for the swim start. Terrie, Kim and I accomplished this first - Adrienne had some tire issues that Tripp was helping her with so we jumped in the van and John drove us to the swim start. John had procured a IM support vehicle sticker for the van so we could do this with no problem. John sweet talking any woman into doing anything for him is a miracle in itself but we were eternally grateful. Anything to make this easier.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Louisville is unique in the fact that the swim start is "time trial" which means each athlete lines up and jumps in beginning at 7:00. Your chip time starts when you get on the dock and the swim cutoff begins when the last athlete is in the water at around 7:45. Almost all of the other Ironman's are mass start swims where everyone goes in at once and the cutoff is 9:20am. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We got a great spot in line and the volunteers were on hand to be sure that people were not saving spots. We did our best to follow the rules but with the permission of the people behind us we put Todd and Tripp in line with us since we are collectively the weakest swimmers of our group. Now all we had to do was wait. The waiting seemed forever but our friends and supporters showed up and made things fun. We had about 15 people come from Atlanta to help out and it was so great to see all those friendly faces. Once things starting moving it was quick. We had to get ready to go so we grabbed goggles and gave all of our swim bags to Teesha - I wish I had a picture of her holding 3 bags and various stuff while we ran off to get ready to swim. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We made our way down to the docks and by then everyone had to really pee. It became a huge topic of conversation since it seemed difficult to pee while swimming especially without a wetsuit. I am not that talented. A few guys dropped their lower halves into the river and held onto the dock while relief spread over their faces. Terrie joined in but I was afraid I would not be able to jump back up or worse cut myself in the process. I would wait till I got in the water and figure it out from there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the meantime, Tripp, Todd and I devised a plan to try and stay together until the end of the island and then see how the swim would go from there. Earlier in the year Tripp and I would swim together and he would pace off me. He said I kept him even and consistent and on a good relaxed pace. The most recent long swim we did together I pulled away a bit and swam at a faster pace than I had been able to maintain in the past. We thought this was a good compromise to stay together until the end of the island and if I felt good I could swim ahead or vice versa.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The cannon goes off and within 2 minutes we are in the water. I immediately lose sight of Tripp but start swimming while staying on the outside. There was a lot of thrashing and I wanted some clear space to myself. Within 5 minutes Tripp had found me and we swam together towards the end of the island. I felt a bit panicky, as per usual, but I could see I was making progress and having Tripp beside me made things better. When we reached the end of the island we knew we had a ways to go to get to the turn buoy. Also, it got really shallow at one point and people were getting grounded. It looked like a great opportunity to rest a second or two and maybe pee. Tripp and I headed toward the sand bar, scooted along and I took care of business. At that time we saw Harry and then he was on his way. I could still see people in line walking up to get in the water and I was so glad we were already a good way through the swim. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We continued up river to the turn buoy and then it was all down stream from there. I found during the practice swim there was a tiny bit of current so I was looking forward to that turn. It got very crowded at this point so Tripp and I stayed right and continued on our way. This is when things got really crazy. The 2000+ people in line behind us were now all in one place. The water was churning, the arms and legs were everywhere and it was insane. I started to get more panicky but having Tripp with me calmed me down. We just kept going and heading for the first bridge. Typically, I feel a bit panicked in the beginning of the swim and once the super fast swimmers are gone I will have room to settle in and just do my own thing. This NEVER happened. I alternated 20-40 strokes with about 10 side stroke while I tried to get my breathing under control. This went on for the entire swim. There were times when hanging on a kayak seemed like the best thing in the world but Tripp helped me stay focused and moving forward. He kept telling me I was doing great and I would tell him the same. I was tempted to look at my watch but would not let myself do it. The swim always seems so long but you have no real idea of time. I didn't want to freak myself out until I got out of the water.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finally, we made it past the bridges and we could see transition and the finish. The last couple of yards went so quickly we were basically sucked into the stairs by the swirl of humanity around us. I was up out of the water and 2 seconds later there was Tripp. I looked at my watch - 1:48 - woohoo! and gave Tripp the biggest hug - swim PRs for both of us. My normal swim time is 1:36 to 1:40 in a wetsuit so I was very happy with this time. My ultimate goal was under 2 hours. If all went well I thought I would be between 1:45 and 1:50 so I was on track despite the extra yardage and panicky swim. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">T1 - Tripp and I walk/ran into transition. I grabbed my bag and got ready to change for the bike. The volunteers here were a little less experienced than I was used to. They kept asking what we wanted them to do instead of suggesting things but it was all good. I got everything on, put on my helmet, went to lock it in place and the clasp fell off. WTF??? I started to panic, expletives flew out of my mouth but I somehow was able to nimbly grab it, re-thread the strap and get it back together pretty quickly and then onto my head. Crisis averted. I ran out, grabbed my bike and saw all my friends cheering me on - I felt great!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't tell Dan those are insulated bottles on my bike</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">BIKE - The bike starts out flat and I followed coaches orders and spun easy and made sure I got my heart rate down. I had ridden most of this course before but this part was new to me. I enjoyed the sights and kept things going smoothly. A few hills along the way but nothing crazy. One long one that I noted would be nice on the way back in. Soon, I was approaching the "stick" and familiar territory. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The stick was an out and back section with the biggest and longest hills of the entire course. When we rode this back in July it was nice to see that the worst of the course was typical Georgia hills and presented no big problems. The problem it did present was the fact that all the bikers were on this road at the same time. All the fast swimmers were now hammering away on these hills and zooming by on the downhills. People were flying by crazy fast in both directions and things were very congested. It was VERY scary. I am sooooo glad I knew what to expect on this road because this added wrinkle would have been really unnerving. I climbed the first big hill to be greeted by the grim reaper and the devil. Always nice when the locals come out to cheer you on! I spun easily and kept the HR down. There were many hills in my future. Now it was time for the turn around. I kept it easy and made it! On the way back I saw Tripp and knew before long he would be passing me. The water stop on this road was very congested and I had to gently urge the riders in front of me to keep moving and not lollygag with their water bottles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I headed down the last hill and started up the final climb when I saw a girl flat on her back on the side of the road and 2 people around her. Looked like a bad bike crash but she was being attended to so I said prayer and kept on my way. I was very glad to be off that road. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Back onto the main road and heading into the first loop. For some odd reason the Scandal song "I am the Warrior" is playing in my head. Did I hear it along the way or was it how I was feeling? Still keeping things light I began to feel pain in my rib cage on the right side like I felt at Wisconsin. Since I knew this most likely meant I had to pee I began to plot out my strategy. Next rest stop I was going to go if there was not a line. Thankfully, there was no line and I was able to quickly get in and out and back on the bike. I figured Tripp passed me by now and I would not see anyone else until the run. I made my way through LaGrange, remembering the torrential thunderstorm I got caught in last time I was out there, and then over to the hilly section of the loop. This went fine and then I was in the homestretch of loop one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At this time I could feel the heat creeping up and knew I was going to be having issues soon. I had been steadily drinking and taking in nutrition but it was time for ice and water. Around mile 50 I stopped and poured water over my head, drank some down and put ice in my shirt and back on my bike. Back on Rt 42, headed in to start the second loop. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was instructed to not look at my watch but knew the cutoff to start the second loop was 2:30. I could tell by my avg speed that I was doing fine but was curious so I looked anyway. It was just after 1:00 so I knew I had plenty of time. I made it to the special needs bags, got more water and ice and another port a potty break. I saw Tripp briefly which was nice and then continued on my way. One more time through LaGrange, the hilly section and then we were in the home stretch. I looked at my watch again and knew I should be able to get back in by 5:00 - this was huge for me. The typical IM cutoff is 5:30 for the bike so I knew I was doing well. I kept saying to myself "Do nothing stupid and don't let anyone do anything stupid to you and you will do this". I spun easily and passed a lot of people in the last 30 miles. Lots of flat tires and sick people along the way. I heard there were tacks in the road again - some locals don't appreciate the race - but thankfully I had no troubles. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I climbed one of the last hills around mile 98 and saw Miles, Mike and Corona cheering me on - that was so great to see. I knew I still felt strong and good and was doing well. That little burst was what I needed to seal the deal. The last part was flat or downhill and I particularly relished zooming by a 24 yr old guy down hill at mile 100. Seriously dude, I could be your mother. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I could see the city now and I was almost home. I never pushed it and stayed smart with the water and ice and I was going to finish this thing unlike the tons of people I passed on my way back into the city. I pulled into transition to lots of cheers from my friends and grabbed my T2 bag. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">T2 - I ran into the tent to see Adrienne putting on the final touches before heading out and I screamed "Adrienne, we are in the fucking tent". Coach Vader told us to take a second and be thankful we are in the fucking tent before we head out for the run or bike. I grabbed my stuff, changed and headed out on my way. I made the last minute decision to take off my HR strap - it has been cutting me up on every long run and I was very sure I could tell my zones by my breathing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lots of cheering from our group and I was feeling good. "Don't Stop Believing" was playing and I took that as a good omen. Almost teared up a bit but kept it together for the long road still ahead. I was a little confused by the run course since we had to wind around a bit to get to the bridge but trusted I was going the right way. Then it was up and over the bridge and then back again. I grabbed some water and ice and poured more water on my head. Still so freakin' hot. I smiled for the camera and headed out to the run course. As I came off the bridge I saw Cari and the Goslow children and that was very sweet. Reminded me of running into them on the comet many times this summer. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure what is going on here - looks like I am saying WTF am I doing?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had been leapfrogging 2 Chicago police guys since mile 90 on the bike. I chatted with them a bit more and told them I would see them at the finish. I was run walking at this point because I knew my HR was high and I was still really hot. My original plan was to run as much as I could and then go from there. New plan was to take it easy - I had lots of time - and when the sun went down run as much as possible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I started the out and back and soon running at all was becoming hard. I could not drink my nutrition anymore and water was the best I could do. I began to wonder if I was drinking too much water but pushed that to the back of my mind. I continued to power walk and try and stay positive. I saw Chris, Anne, Mike, Catherine and Terri - all of which were so happy to see me on the run. Terrie showed me a bunch of abrasions on her shoulder and told me she got hit by a car - WHAT????? - OK, she is still moving so that's good. I saw Kim, Harry and Adrienne and everyone looked good. The only people I did not see were Tripp and Todd. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Around the turn around I started to beat myself up mentally as to whether I was not running because I didn't want to or if I really couldn't. So, I tried to run some more. I was successful for a little while but every time my HR would skyrocket and I would get so incredibly hot. More water, more ice, more power walking. Soon, I was back at the start and knew I would get my special needs bag. I wanted to ditch my camel bak since I was not using it anymore. I saw lots of friendly faces but no John. This really upset me. I asked more than one person where he was but no one knew. I was starting to feel bad, I hadn't eaten anything in a while and I really wanted to see his face. Not good. I tried to put it out of my mind and keep moving. I tried to eat one of my Oreos and that did not go well so I ditched them. My Mountain Dew was equally unappetizing so I ditched it too. Stomach was increasingly beginning to be upset.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I knew I had not eaten anything in a couple of hours and things were going to go south soon. Combined with the unhappy tummy I started to get worried. I also wanted to punch John in the face. The one thing he was supposed to do was be there for me and he was no where to be found. I was in this super happy place when George came pedaling up with Tripp. Thank God! I talked to Tripp for a while and in turn he helped keep my mind off things. I was beginning to worry about time and was busily calculating my splits and how much time was left. Things still seemed on track but I was definitely disappointed in how far south things had come. I was really hoping for a strong run and this was not what I had in mind. Tripp was feeling good so he went on ahead and George stayed with me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had just told George that each burp seemed more ominous than the previous one when uh oh - I ran to the curb, grabbed the road sign and started hurling. I see a man come running towards me and I think its his house and I have just puked on his lawn. I start apologizing and he says what are you apologizing for? I then realize he is an EMT and he is making sure I am OK. He stands there while I empty my stomach of chicken broth - that was a bad idea. Once my stomach is empty I stand up and say I think I am OK now. He looks me dead in the eye to make sure I am all there and lets me go on. I felt like a million bucks compared to how I felt 30 minutes prior. All right lets get this thing over with!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I keep power walking along and try to drink some water - no good. Still sloshing so no more water. George suggests some orange slices and using the water to swish around my mouth and this plan works pretty well for the last bit. Around this time I am joined by Randy - a guy who was waiting with us at the start of the race - we start talking about our day - he had a horrible swim - leg cramps - and we help keep each others mind off of our own personal misery. Although other than being thirsty and not being able to drink anything, I felt pretty good. I was worried if I started running that would change so we kept a strong power walk going (ultra training made this easy - many people remarked on how my walk was faster than their run) and motored toward the finish. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We were within a few blocks and were joined by Leslie, David and Celi - I think Celi and George went off to look for Tripp since he had not finished yet and as far as I knew he was ahead of me. Randy and I decided to save the sprint for the finish chute since he was afraid of a cramp and I was afraid of hurling. He got a little ahead and I let him go, saw the lights and finish line and started to run. The soles of my feet were sore from the heat and walking so this was a bit painful but soon I could not feel anything. I had pictured this in my mind and knew I would cry but somehow I didn't, more likely I couldn't I was so dehydrated. I saw all my friends sharing in my victory and finally I crossed that finish line.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A volunteer stepped up to help me and get me a medal and finishers shirt and hat. I told her I felt pretty good BUT had not had anything to drink or eat in hours so a visit to the medical tent would probably be a good idea. We headed over and they got me an IV - first in my life - and while I relaxed I heard Terrie's voice calling out my name. She was being wheeled in for her own IV with Mike and Miles. Mike hung out with me while Miles stayed with Terrie. Terrie refused to do anything until she saw Tripp and I finish. I later learned Tripp had some tummy issues himself but finished just after me. We all finished under brutally HOT conditions - the No Boundaries Lou-natics were all Ironmen!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This meant so much to me! I finished the Great Floridian 140.6 in 2010 but they were extremely generous in their time cutoffs. Even though I had done the distance I never truly felt I was an "Ironman" and would never really feel that way until I did it under 17 hours and within the normal cutoffs. This time I did it. Going in I felt a 16 hour race was reasonable but given the heat and my nutrition going south a finish was a finish and I will take it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There is so much more I want to talk about but I will write about that in followup posts. In the meantime here are some more pictures:</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the finish line</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of our awesome supporters!</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The No Boundaries Lou-natics - Adrienne, Tripp, Kim, me, Harry, Terrie and Todd - all finished! </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Even more pictures here:</span></b></div>
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Jen Ridgleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113551740855461323noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126292628737818607.post-59168148970983404402012-08-23T16:34:00.000-04:002012-08-23T16:34:39.863-04:00Here we are in Louisville<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A lot has changed in the last year. There has been a change in training groups, changes in coaches. Changes in focus. I have biked, swam and ran more than I have ever done before and it all comes down to Sunday. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How do I feel? Nervous for sure, and slightly stressed but good. There is definitely a bit of pressure to get this thing done. So much support and love is coming my way right now and it s a little overwhelming. The enormity of the race itself does not scare me so much anymore having toed the line a few times in the past but every race presents new challenges and hurdles to get over. The safety blanket of the wetsuit is taken away but my swim has gotten much stronger this year. I would have never braved the crazy conditions at Ocean City this past July if I didn't feel stronger. My time will probably not be as quick as with the wetsuit but it is to be expected. However, I don't think it will off by too much. My right shoulder has been giving me some pain while swimming but there is no limit in my range of motion and if it starts acting up I know it will be over in a little while and I won't have to worry about it once I get out of the water. In the grand scheme of things this is just a hiccup. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I rode the bike course last month so I know exactly what to expect. Heat is a concern but I am putting that out of my head. I can't do anything about it except dump water on my head and pack ice in my shirt. Nice and steady will be the mantra of the day. Enjoy the sights and change of scenery - so sick of all the bike routes around Atlanta right now - and every mile is one less I have to do in the future. I have put in way more miles (multiple 100+ weekends) and many back to back rides and I feel good about getting this done. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once I get off that bike it will be the best 26 miles of my life. I am so ready to just run this thing I can't stand it. My last couple of long runs have been great and even if this is not one of them I know I have gotten through many more crappy runs than this could ever hope to be. No mud, no hills, no water crossings, no problem! The rest will be what it will be. I just have to keep drinking, keep eating and keep moving. It's that simple. </span><br />
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Jen Ridgleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113551740855461323noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126292628737818607.post-74438719169421470842012-07-25T12:45:00.000-04:002012-07-25T12:45:29.864-04:00Elpheba goes to the beach<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Last Thursday was a busy day starting at 4:45 when my alarm went off to get ready for spin class. Spin went well and I left my bike for maintenance while I was to be on vacation. I had time to grab some breakfast before work and then started my day. Work was relatively light and I was able to leave a little early. I headed home, changed, packed a few last minute things and we headed to the airport. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Since we were early we decided to find a restaurant and enjoy a nice dinner before our flight. Construction at the airport made this a really difficult endeavor. The Houston's in the atrium was gone and so were many of the other restaurants listed on the maps. Seriously?! All I wanted was a beer to start my vacation. We finally stumbled on the Peach Grill which was packed. The construction and delayed flights due to bad weather made for a lot of drinkers. The bar was out of almost everything so a Michelob Ultra it was and I was happy to have it. I ordered a cheeseburger and John got some sort of omelet. One would think a cheeseburger in an airport bar was the safer bet but you would be wrong. Dinner was fine and we boarded our flight only 20 mins late which was pretty good with all the delays. We got into BWI just as a storm was moving in so we sat on the tarmac a while before getting an open gate. We had no checked baggage so we went straight to the curb and within 10 minutes we were picked up by John's Uncle and on our way to Ocean City. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">As soon as we pulled away the skies opened up and it became very difficult to drive. We pulled over twice because John's uncle was having a hard time seeing the road. Eventually the rain lessened up and we were really headed to the beach. The drive is about 3 hours and we made decent time since it was late and the roads were clear. There was light rain a good part of the way and thankfully it was nice headed over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. It was around midnight when I laid down on the backseat and slept for a little while. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WbBuzIfonYA/UA8h0ycEklI/AAAAAAAACn4/6qy-j9qLVF8/s1600/wicked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WbBuzIfonYA/UA8h0ycEklI/AAAAAAAACn4/6qy-j9qLVF8/s320/wicked.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">I woke up when I started to feel a bit nauseous. I figured it was a touch of carsickness so I sat up to see if I would feel better. No, not feeling good at all. I got really hot and clammy and my stomach started cramping. It was hard to say which was the more urgent feeling of having to throw up or visit a bathroom soon. I suffered in silence as long as I could but I finally had to pipe up and say I think we might need to pull over. I got out of the car thinking I was surely going to throw up but nothing came. The fresh air and lack of movement made me feel a little better and I got back in the car. We were less than 10 miles away and I made it through gritted teeth and relaxing breathing techniques. When I finally made it to a bathroom I was a lovely shade of green I hope to never see again. Elpheba would have been envious. No puking was involved and I was quickly rid of what ailed me. I went to bed shortly afterwards and made it through the night without incident. The only explanation is something I ate at the airport. My lunch had consisted of a PB&J and some cookies almost 7 hours prior to dinner and 12 hours prior to this. Damn you Peach Grill!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">With that bit of nastiness over it was time for some fun. My workout for the day was some strength and balance exercises. We headed out to the beach and it was quite overcast. The ocean was rough and in fact there was a boogie board accident and a girl was carted off on a backboard. We didn't make it too long before it started to rain. We quickly packed up, headed to the beer store and settled in for a movie and dinner. The pick was War Horse. This was not my first pick. The movie was OK but as I feared it was overly melodramatic and purposely tugged at every heart string it could get a hold of. I felt manipulated and used when it was over even if it was based on a true story. By the end of the evening the rest of the family had arrived to include John's 2 aunts, one uncle, 2 cousins, their spouses and 2 grandchildren between 2 houses. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Saturday looked to be more promising although still rather overcast. My only workout was a 50 min run that I decided to do in the evening. We headed out to the beach to discover a red flag day. No swimming, no boogie boards and wading in the water was quick to be corralled by the lifeguard's whistle. Glad my Open Water Swim was not scheduled for today. I had never seen it this bad. We stayed at the beach until after lunch and then packed up for the next round of showers and feeding. I headed off for my quick run and then back for more fun. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Card playing is big in John's family and I will play once and a while but things tend to get feisty. I typically end up reading or occupying myself in other ways. John played a card game called Munchkin with the younger group and I started watching Season one of Downton Abbey. Well, I quickly became hooked and burned through 6 episodes that evening. Damn no internet!!! We used to borrow from the neighbors unlocked wifi but I guess they finally got smart. I would have liked to start season 2! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Sunday I had a swim and run on the schedule. It looked like a fabulous day for the beach. Sun shining, fluffy clouds and a light wind. Perfect. We got to the beach and the ocean still looked rough. Uh oh. I needed to swim 45 min and I had hoped to do a bit more. I noticed our lifeguard heading for a swim while someone watched her post. She didn't seem to swim for very long. That's troubling. I got in and started to swim a bit and soon found myself in the air rather than in the water. A wave had picked me up and I was flying for a few seconds. Hmm. Not good. I think I will try later when things calm a bit. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">A while later things did in fact seem calmer. The beach had completely filled up and the water was packed with waders and boogie boarders. The water was still rough because the lifeguards were constantly waving and blowing that darn whistle to get people to stop doing something stupid. There is a daily talk on days like this where the lifeguard gathers everyone up and explains about undertows and what to do and how to stay safe. She mentioned that if you couldn't swim 2 laps in a pool you had no business going in farther than your waist. OK, well that's a pep talk. Let's go swim! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">I set off this time with John beside me. We started swimming parallel to the shore and headed toward the boardwalk. I had to stop from time to time to catch my breath or get myself focused again. I had a hard time trying to stay relaxed and could not get into any rhythm since I was constantly being batted around by big waves. There was a nice current pushing me in the right direction but the waves kept knocking me around. All in all, I made steady progress and basically kept up with John. I did my 45 minutes and my Garmin said .93 miles so we decided to swim a little more to make it an even mile. Wouldn't you know it I got to about .99 miles and the Ocean had had enough of me. A wave picked me up and flung me toward shore while slamming me into the sand. I felt my right calf stretch a bit unnaturally and drank a little water. I ended up with my bathing suit still attached to my body (barely) and a lot of sand in my pants but overall OK. The workout was done. I was proud of myself since 2 years ago I would have never gotten in the water and last year I might have attempted it but I am sure I would have quickly abandoned the swim the first time I gulped a little water or got tossed aside. Progress is being made!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">We walked back to the group and I read some more Game of Thrones. Winter is Coming, don't you know.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">After the beach, I quickly changed and did my run for the day. When I returned everyone was showered and ready to go out to dinner. Quick shower, dress, thank you sunburn on my face - no makeup required and headed out the door. We ate dinner on the water at a local place called Fagers Island. John and I ordered a beer and only I was carded out of the entire group. The waitress went so far as to ask me to remove my ID so she could feel it to be sure it was real. Yes, 19 year olds often use fake IDs claiming they are 43!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">After dinner there was more card playing and John and I watched The Hangover 2 since we were sure no one else would have any interest. It was pretty bad except for a few parts. Oh well. Off to bed since I had to get up for an early run.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">At 6:00 I got up for my 2 hour run and was out the door by 6:30. My task was to run a 10min pace for 9 minutes and then walk 1 minute and cover 11 miles. I set off through the neighborhoods thinking this would be relatively easy given the flat pavement and all the rest I had been getting. Surprisingly, this turned out to be no fun at all. Each progressive 9 minutes was tougher than the last and the one minute walk could not come soon enough. I did finish and I think I did achieve that pace give or take a few seconds either way. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Now that the run was over it was time for some breakfast. My favorite thing about Ocean City is the Oreo pancakes at the Brass Balls. The rest of the family headed out for breakfast and John and I headed to the boardwalk. I got my oreo pancakes and a blueberry lemonade with a shot of something alcoholic. It looked like it was made of Smurfberries judging by the color. Breakfast was yummy and it was time for the beach again.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">The last day of the beach was super nice and sunny. I loaded up on the sunscreen and settled in for more Game of Thrones. In no time I was asleep. The run obviously took a little bit of a toll on me. Even after my beach nap I was tired all day. I thought this was an easy week? Someone needed to tell my body!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">That night was crab cakes for dinner. Yum! John's aunt makes the best crab cakes ever! After dinner we watched The Grey with Liam Neeson. It's about a depressed wolf hunter who works for a petroleum company. Yeah, that does sound awesome, doesn't it? Well, his plane crashes with a bunch of other oil workers and hilarity ensues. It wasn't horrible but neither was it really good. That's 3 for 3 on bad movies. Maybe War Horse is looking a bit better these days.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Tuesday morning we were up early, on the road, to the airport and back home without incident. We picked up Betty and it was time to unpack. I had noticed that my workout schedule was a bit spotty and intact had nothing scheduled for Wednesday. I emailed my coach saying something like "Sweeet! no workouts tomorrow!" knowing full well it was only a matter of time. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Yup, I woke up to double days for the rest of the week and a hundred miler on Saturday. Awesome!! Vacation is definitely over!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">One of our homemade breakfasts at the beach </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I gained 2 lbs this weekend even with the running and swimming!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp-lvkYahpk/UA9MNQ7Z_eI/AAAAAAAACpo/9MEuoQ_Vg_Y/s1600/2012-07-23+09.38.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp-lvkYahpk/UA9MNQ7Z_eI/AAAAAAAACpo/9MEuoQ_Vg_Y/s320/2012-07-23+09.38.22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Oreo Pancakes!!!!!</span></div>
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<br /></div>Jen Ridgleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113551740855461323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126292628737818607.post-81019784976215399392012-07-24T21:26:00.000-04:002012-07-24T21:26:13.563-04:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Since my last post I had been preparing for the Cardinal Half Ironman in Louisville. The race was supposed to be a great prep for the Ironman seeing as it incorporated part of the bike course and was perfect timing for some racing experience and training. You notice I use the words "supposed to". The race was 2 Saturdays ago and the Thursday before the race we got an email stating that the race had been moved 50 miles away due to unforeseen circumstances. No more swim in the river, no more ride on the bike course etc etc. Well, F***! In fact that was Coach Vader's exact response. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">That Thursday was already shaping up to be a hectic day. I worked and then had some personal stuff scheduled for the afternoon like a long overdue haircut. I also had yet to pack a single thing. I guess that is a good thing since I would have had to completely repack due to the change in plans. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After much debate and a flurry of emails, phone calls and tense moments the following was devised: We would head to Louisville as planned on Friday. On Saturday I would take part in the Endurance Concepts Camp already taking place and ride the bike course with them. The IM Lou-natics would preview the swim start with the help of Kim's cousin coordinating with some local rowers and then meet Coach Vader for some quality bike time on the course. Sunday we would run the IM course together and head home.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We had all done a century the previous Sunday so this was supposed to be a bit of a drop back week. So much for that plan!! In fact I had been hitting the bike hard the last couple of weeks and this does not include time on the trainer or my weekly spin class:</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sdiyna4udOQ/UAgEqIQfmDI/AAAAAAAACns/0MYDF7uyYCs/s1600/bike+mileage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sdiyna4udOQ/UAgEqIQfmDI/AAAAAAAACns/0MYDF7uyYCs/s400/bike+mileage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This chart also does not include the ramp up in swim and a little bit of running thrown in. So, let's just say I was a little tired. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We packed up the car and hit the road on Friday. The trip was uneventful and I occupied myself working on videos and uploading them using free wifi at fast food restaurants. We met up with Adrienne and Harry at the hotel and then headed downtown. We scouted out the parking situation around the Ironman host hotel and checked out 4th street - the site of the Ironman finish line.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After dinner we headed back to the hotel and got ready for the next days ride. I was up and out the door by 6:30 and met up with the Endurance Concepts crew. John then went off to stock up for his crewing duties. My ride was to consist of an out and back on the "stick" (the hilliest section of the IM ride) and then one loop and then rinse and repeat. On race day we would only do the "stick" once but the loop twice. The "stick" turned out to be not bad at all and the first loop went by pretty fast. I observed there were lots of small climbs that could get you into trouble pretty quickly if you powered over them instead of gearing down each time. There will be a lot of gear changing on race day. Some of the roads were not in the best condition and it appeared that every pothole was located on the right third of the roads. Better to see all this in advance then on race day.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The second out and back went well and then we started the second loop with ominous skies. I was behind the group at this point - shocker - but I tried to tell myself that I had 3 big bike weekends prior to this so my legs were just plain tired. Things were fine until I hit LaGrange - the part of the loop that apparently has a huge cheering section. It goes through the center of town and right before that point I got dumped on. It was thundering and lightning but I kept moving along albeit at a slow speed. I tried not to think about the lightning and worried more about cars being able to see me in the downpour. I rode like this for a little while until I saw the EC van pull up so I slowed down and hopped in. Coach Josh said the lightning was getting really bad and he felt it was unsafe. I rode for about 10 miles to the gas station/SAG stop and by then the rain had slowed down. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I finished the ride without incident but was mad I didn't get to do the whole distance. I ended up with 85 miles total and it felt a whole lot better than the 100 the previous weekend. It was still slower than I would have liked but I am hoping rested legs and taper will make all the difference (Pretty please!!!). I was extremely happy to have had a chance to see so much of the bike course. With the exception of the out and back from town (about 20 miles worth) I rode the entire bike course twice. I felt it was very doable and just hope for pleasant temps and no rain.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here is a quick recap of the previous disastrous weekend:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This was to be the second century ride of the training season. Two times the 48+ loop at Cartersville was the plan. The day was warm and the start time was 9am to better simulate race day conditions. My instructions were to do the first loop at zone 2 and the second at zone 3. Immediately, things were not going well. I had a hard time keeping my heart rate down and staying in my zone and at the same time I was quickly losing the pack. Grumble, grumble this was not going to be a good day. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I got through the first loop but felt tired and hot and just not happy. I hoped the bump up to zone 3 would help things but again I was quickly left behind and I was struggling. I was having a hard time staying cool and after taking a few salt pills my drink mix (Infinit) was not quenching my thirst. I wanted/needed water and all I had on my bike was the Infinit. I stopped often and drank from John's water. He quickly figured out I was having a hard time and stuck with me at the back. I wanted to quit a bunch of times but knew this was going to be hard to make up so it was do or die. Dying sounded like a better option at that point. In fact at one point I told John with tears in my eyes that I would rather be told to go run a 50K right now than to have to get on that bike and ride 40 more miles. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I made it through but it was ugly. That 48 mile loop just seems so desolate and lonely. I was hating Cartersville, my bike, life and anyone who ever talked me into doing an Ironman. About 5 miles from the end it began to rain. I don't know if it was the cooling rain or the knowledge that I had only 5 more miles to go but I am sure that 5 miles was faster than any other 5 miles I rode that day. At least it seemed that way. The plan was also for a brick but thunder and lightning nixed that one. I was all smiles when I got off that bike. Where was that energy and those good feelings 3 hours prior? I was still concerned about my performance and over all speed. Will I ever have a long ride that does not feel hard? Will I ever have an average speed that will guarantee me a comfortable IM bike leg? I am trying to not be so hard on myself since I had ridden total of 131 miles that weekend.</span><br />
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It's all smiles back in the parking lot</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Back to Louisville:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We relaxed a bit after the ride and then headed back to the hotel to shower and get ready for dinner. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_WjW_XHWE_w/UA9EG6sgxFI/AAAAAAAACoc/xad3NYRdVWI/s1600/169374_205108556285266_1070977176_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_WjW_XHWE_w/UA9EG6sgxFI/AAAAAAAACoc/xad3NYRdVWI/s320/169374_205108556285266_1070977176_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There was a pre-dinner excursion to get Terrie some running shorts which prompted a hilarious exchange on facebook:</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nqp0FkBE8SM/UA9FOg6pHzI/AAAAAAAACok/aOzc8G5-Ndc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-07-24+at+8.58.38+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nqp0FkBE8SM/UA9FOg6pHzI/AAAAAAAACok/aOzc8G5-Ndc/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-07-24+at+8.58.38+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Dinner was enjoyable and then it was time to get ready for our next adventure. Sunday morning we headed down to the riverfront for the run start. We would not be able to do the out an back on the bridge but the rest of the race course was accessible. We stopped by the host hotel to check out the bathroom facilities and were on our way. We took an easy pace doing 4 min run/1 min walk and chatted along the way. John positioned the car along the way and had a cooler full of water, ice and orange slices. The run was steamy but not too bad and it was an enjoyable 13 miles. We finished on 4th street and John took pictures of us simulating our Ironman finishes. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">While I was riding with EC Saturday morning the rest of the group was practicing the river entry and checking out the water. Since I did not get to do it on Saturday I wanted to at least see the swim start and maybe jump in swim and hop out. John drove us down and Terrie said she would swim with me. I got to jump off the dock and swim a bit and all was good. The swim felt a bit difficult but I was super tired after the run and bike and I was swimming in a run skirt so I will chalk that up to that.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">All in all it was a fun weekend with lots of good training and priceless experience with the swim entry, bike course and run course. With the exception of losing out on race experience, the course change turned out to be the best thing ever. Now we can head to Louisville in August having previewed everything and just concentrate on checking in and relaxing until race day. Usually, there is the stress of finding out where everything is and driving the bike course in addition to all the race preparation. No need to do any of that this time around.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I had anticipated getting this all typed and posted before our beach trip but there was too much going on before we left. Instead we were lucky to get packed and out the door to our plane on Thursday night. The week of training post Louisville was pretty light and I was concerned that it might be too light but I am trusting my coach to know whats best. I also knew that the following weeks would be slightly hellish so I better enjoy my time at the beach!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Until then here are some fun videos:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jen Ridgleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113551740855461323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126292628737818607.post-9062226171718216132012-06-28T14:39:00.003-04:002012-06-28T16:23:02.840-04:00Pedal Monkey Pedal<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">F You Monkey!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">For a while I felt I was not getting what I was expecting from my personal coaching experience. There was limited contact and when there was contact there was lots of phone tag. Part of that has to do with my weird work schdule and my phone not working in the basement of the hospital but I am available by email throughout most of the day. I was having some problem trying to fit things into the group schedule and just feeling like things were not specifically addressing my weaknesses. I am quite aware of what they are and spelled them all out when we started. I am sure there are more but the ones I know about are enough to deal with at one time. I kept waiting for more specific bike workouts. Feedback on my workouts consisted of "things look good". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">Many of my friends have stepped into the personal coaching world this year and from what I could tell their experiences were different than mine. Coach Vader (John) was basically leaving me alone since I had my own coach. I was seeing all the attention and work he was putting into coaching the No Boundaries athletes and I was feeling left out. Here I was paying for personal coaching and my live in coach was ignoring me and giving better service to the rest of the group. It did not seem right. I also felt tired, slightly overtrained and what I was doing did not make sense to me.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">The final straw was the first century ride of the season. I suppose I mentally checked out from the beginning but after everything I have been through to still be dragging along at the back of the pack all day was completely demoralizing. I put in a steady effort for the day but it did not feel good emotionally at all. This was the big test in my head and again I was barely within range to finish within the cutoff times. It wasn’t even hot out. I was completely dejected. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">So, later that evening I am sitting with my laptop watching TV and in pops an email from my coach saying good job with the ride – oh really? This followed with a long reply from me, a long reply from her and one more unanswered reply from me. I know I am a pessimist. I know I am an Eeyore and not a Tigger. I know a lot of this is mental BUT I am also being realistic when I say I have worked hard at the bike. For 4 years I have struggled. I have done what has been asked of me and I still can't keep up on a group ride. I know it’s not about the group but I was also not where I needed to be to comfortably make the cutoff for an Ironman. I don’t want to train for a 15 minute window and hope nothing goes wrong. I want to have a nice comfortable cushion to allow for problems. I was very clear on that point when looking for a coach. John seemed surprised when I said this very thing but I have been saying it since last September (some people just have selective hearing or the Imperial helmet is too tight!). I am not trying to be unrealistic, I am not trying to win, podium or anything else except for a PR. Since everything else has basically been a DNF that’s not an unrealistic goal!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">....and If ONE more person tells me to stop being so negative I am going to SCREAM!! Try riding at the back of the pack for 4 years, constantly working at the bike, add a few DNFs and see how rosy your glasses are after that. I am not being negative, I am being REALISTIC. There is a difference!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">Throughout all of this I have been taking a weekly spin class put on by Endurance Concepts. In this class I saw first hand the personal touch given to each of their athletes. Even I felt it and I was basically a drop in client. I had originally looked at EC but for personal reasons, too complicated to mention, I went in a different direction. I was beginning to feel that was a poor choice on my part but at the time it just couldn't happen. Since some time had passed and I had gotten to know Dan a little I felt he would be receptive to discussing my problem. I was right. He immediately responded to a facebook message and suggested we meet for breakfast after class. In the meantime, I also talked to my friends about their coaches and how they felt things were going. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Last Thursday I sat down with Dan and I came armed with graphs, charts and print outs of everything I had been doing. We discussed my crappy century ride and Mountain Madness. In 30 minutes he had asked more questions about my nutrition, my training and my feelings than I had gotten in the past 3 months. I knew things had to change so I fired my coach. I am now being coached by Dan and it has been a whirlwind experience. I have a much more packed BUT very specific schedule. I am asked to report on how I feel and what I learned in each session. Coach Vader was tasked with taking videos for swim and he even did some of my last ride. Dan and I have even rode together and I learned how to ride one handed, in aero and drink from a bottle all at the same time. This is basically a freakin' miracle for an "Uneasy Rider" like me. These are simple skills I should have had years ago. All of which will help me be more comfortable in aero which will buy me more mph in my race. Great start! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Since then I have been swimming, swimming, and more swimming and running, running, biking and more of the same. I feel a little frazzled but its OK. I feel like there is a purpose and if it takes me 5 days to get laundry done so be it! Ha! no, that still makes me crazy (<a href="http://thejenbeast.blogspot.com/2012/05/wwamd.html" target="_blank">What would Monk Do</a>?) but I am trying to look at the BIG picture. I have less than 9 weeks to go and I need to correct some sh** STAT. So, if I have to be crazy for a few more weeks, I will try to deal. Coach Vader will probably bear the brunt of it but he's tough. I think he can handle it. I apologize in advance for the supreme bitchyness that will most likely ensue!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>In the meantime - Let's PEDAL BITCH!!!</b></span><br />
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<br /></div>Jen Ridgleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113551740855461323noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126292628737818607.post-55160708745989729782012-06-20T08:58:00.006-04:002012-06-20T08:58:44.740-04:00I Got Nothing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Training is a mental struggle right now!</span></div>
<br />Jen Ridgleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113551740855461323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126292628737818607.post-79652966772503766062012-05-31T17:02:00.001-04:002012-05-31T17:59:05.476-04:00Hold On and Let Go<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The last couple of weeks have been preoccupied by next years plans as well as training. The original plan was to do Ironman Lake Placid in 2013 but that seems to have taken a back seat to other things. I would still like to do this race (I think!) so maybe 2014 will be the plan. There are days I feel like I never want to do any of this again. Having to make a decision 364 days prior to next years event, when you haven't even finished this years, is cruel and unusual to say the least. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The future race planning was done at a social at 5 Seasons so there was drinking involved. This is never a good idea when planning these races. What was "decided" was to get through Louisville in August. John will do Ironman Mt Treblant next August and I would return to Wisconsin to extract some revenge next September. December 2012 would be Bartram 100K, December 2013 would be a possible attempt at 100miles with a final plan for 100miles at Umstead in 2014 (to celebrate being 45). Geez! How stupid am I? Thankfully a computer was not available when these fine "decisions" were made. I will see what happens after August.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As for training, things are going well, I guess. I am getting through the workouts but last week was a tough one. The temps were super high and we finished a 2 week build period with a 1.5 mile swim, 11 mile run and 80 mile ride. I was definitely feeling beat up and tired. I was also feeling slow and deflated. There is this terrible mental set that you are tired because you are not doing enough and that is why you suck. This makes you resist rest even though you know you need it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I did enjoy my rest day/holiday on Monday and caught up with a bunch of house chores. I was looking forward to a light week when my coach came back home from vacation. Hmm, apparently this is NOT a rest week for me. This is also my late week at work so it's stressful combined with having to work late Friday evening, going back in Saturday and being on call Sunday. On top of that I am "scheduled" for a 14 mile run tomorrow before work (yay!!), an open water swim Saturday after work and then 90 miles on the bike Sunday. How awesome is that??! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I talked to my coach yesterday and basically I need to stop trying to fit my schedule into the group training schedule and instead fit their schedule into mine. Or do I have that backwards? Anyway, I get it. What I have been doing up until now has not really been working so I need to stop trying to control it and just follow the plan no matter how unfun it sounds. In the end it's my race to finish or not.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What if the one thing that I missed</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Was everything I need to pass the test?</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And if I fail what happens then?</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Can I still count on you as a friend?</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We're insane but not alone,</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You hold on and let go</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> - <strong>Soundgarden, "Live to Rise"</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">These lyrics caught my attention the other day and I have been rolling them around in my head lately. I think it seems to sum up my Ironman/Ultra journey so far. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Friendships have been forged and have faded over these silly events and it can definitely be considered insane. So "Hold on and Let Go!"</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jen Ridgleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113551740855461323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126292628737818607.post-66784555889540578102012-05-19T21:33:00.000-04:002012-05-19T21:33:26.784-04:00WWAMD?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Can OCD and Ironman Training Coexist?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />This is my third year of Ironman training and I have already reached the first milestone. The beginning of the first meltdown. The previous week was supposed to be recovery after the big push for the first half Ironman of the year. It was a tough race and I took things relatively easy. This current week was the start of another build cycle and I was feeling pretty good. Monday started with hill repeats on my favorite 2 mile stretch of road. The first lap was done in the small chain ring and as fast as possible and timed for comparison reasons. The next 3 laps were done in the big chain ring with the last third done out of the saddle. We were also supposed to be practicing climbing in aero position but I immediately said hell no. Aero makes me nervous enough, I didn't want to be climbing as well. I gave it a try for a little while on my third climb and actually did the last climb all in aero. Legs felt great and strong.<br /><br />Tuesday I was scheduled to run 7. I met Sandy and Mike Tue night and they were tapering for Texas so I ended up walking 3 miles with Sandy. Ok, one more easy day would not kill me. I had not been sleeping well this week so by the time Wed rolled around I was dragging. I felt as if I was coming down with something as I drove home from work. Uh oh. This is the exact time I got sick last year during my training. I vowed to train smarter this year and so I skipped swim in order to go to bed early. I mostly made that goal but still slept poorly.<br /><br />Thur morning I was up at 6 for spin class. I was still dragging. I made it through spin but had a tough time meeting my power targets but made it through. Followed spin with a quick mile around the parking lot and that felt great. Not sure why but I will take it. Thursday after work I was feeling a bit tired and again opted to get more rest as opposed to doing my strength workout.<br /><br />Friday was a rest day and the weekend holds the following: 1.2 to 2.4 mile swim Saturday morning followed by a 10 to 12 mile run and then massage and then catch up on house chores. Sunday I am back at it again for a 70 mile hilly ride which will be the longest ride this year. I hope I am fully rested or its going to be a tough, tough weekend. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">[weekend update - succumbed to a headache that turned into a migraine, took some medicine and felt better in the morning. I got in a roughly 1.5-1.75 mile swim, a 7 mile run (cut short to because swim ran over and needed to make the massage appt). I got one or two things done around the house but I am currently sniffing and periodically sneezing. Neti Pot STAT!! Hoping it's related to the lake swim and that I am not clairvoyant]<br /><br />In the midst of all this I have been stressing about the fact that I feel like I am never home and I never get anything accomplished. It's work, training, food and sleep. Its been a never ending cycle and I feel like I spend every evening and weekend cleaning up the chaos of my training life. John says I have to just get over it but how does a borderline OCD person get over it? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I organize my CDs and DVDs alphabetically, color code the clothes in my closet, have spreadsheets for my car maintenance and I LOVE bleach....yes, I am that person. I have also found that triathlon seems to attract this personality.<br /><br />I cannot relax until everything is in its place. I walk in the door and I have to clean up the dishes, clean out my lunch bag, take out the dog, sort the mail, water the plants, set up the coffee maker for the next day, etc etc. Then there is the gear, downloading the data from the Garmin, checking the training schedule, obsessing over the training schedule, planning how to fit in in each day. Laundry, grocery shopping, and all the regular chores. I honestly have no clue how people do all this with kids. I feel bad enough that Betty (the spoiled Doberman) gets neglected. Thankfully I don't have to pay for her therapy or college. Don't even get me started about the dog hair. Plus, I can't let things sit. I can let it go for a day or so but then I freak and have to put everything away and clean it up. It makes me crazy when things are cluttered!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">WWAMD? - What would Adrian Monk do?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span>Jen Ridgleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113551740855461323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126292628737818607.post-92188079228585304512012-05-12T20:41:00.000-04:002012-05-13T11:40:26.680-04:00Caution! Athletes in Pain<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's been a long time and a lot has happened. There was a trip to Vogel State park for a training camp and then Mountain Madness. I wanted to do 2 separate entries but things have been so busy lately I haven't had a chance to sit down and write. Work has been nuts again but in 3 more weeks we will finally have our 5th PA so we won't be so short all the time. Ok, so let's rewind 2 weeks.....<br /><br />After work that Friday I hitched a ride with Peggy and caravaned up to Vogel State park with Adrienne and Kim in the lead car. We were headed to the <a href="http://noboundariesmultisport.com/multisport-training-camp/" target="_blank">No Boundaries Multisport Training Camp</a>. There would be biking, hiking, swimming, running and s'mores. Let's go! John had left earlier in the day to set up camp. The girls opted to share a cabin. I have nothing against camping but didn't relish sleeping on the ground and then biking in the gaps. The drive up was pretty uneventful except Adrienne and Kim missed the turn into the park. I had no cell service so we couldn't call them so we found John at the campsite and then checked into the cabin. Adrienne and Kim made it back and found us at the park office. The cabin was very nice. 5 beds and two full baths plus a kitchen and a great back porch. Too bad we spent barely any time there.<br /><br />Teesha arrived just as we were getting ready for a little swim. We donned our wet suits and hopped into the cool lake. I didn't swim too far before I started to feel cold. My ears were feeling numb so I decided to head back into shore. A bunch of the swimmers were way off in the distance. When I got back to shore I found out that when Teesha tried to get in to swim she was told by the park ranger that we were only allowed to swim a the beach. That was rather ridiculous since it was a roped off area that comprised about 60 sq feet. Um, ok. This nice lake and we all had wetsuits but no swimming. Boo!<br /><br />Of note, this is where I first met Willy "Natureboy" Syndram. I would later learn that Willy was heading up to Vermont to take on the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Peak-Races/124400900925177" target="_blank">McNaughton 500</a>. A 500 mile foot race that had never been completed. I am proud to say Willy crushed that race and finished in 8 days, 8 hrs and 20 minutes!!! Totally nuts and totally cool!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Willy on the left with Coach Phil on the right at the McNaughton 500 - this is what spring in VT looks like</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, back to the cabin we go. We rinsed off and headed to the camp site. We had a grab bag of dinner items and enjoyed the campfire and a few s'mores. Then it was time for bed - we had a big day ahead of us.<br /><br />We got up, packed our gear and headed to the campsite. We had a great camp breakfast, did a few strength exercises and then split up for our respective activities. Coach Mike, Teesha, Coach Phil and his daughter Grace headed off for a Coosa hike. Coach John, Coach Sandy and Peggy set off for the back part of the Skeenah Gap ride that would miss Wolfpen Gap. Peggy referred to this option as "the baby gaps ride". Harry, Adrienne, Kim, Tripp and I headed to Wolfpen for 50 miles of fun. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cnA-GZ9_EOI/T679LlxDeuI/AAAAAAAACfE/BX0HyI9-wGM/s1600/458668_3908902005352_1363392376_33685768_1551448773_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cnA-GZ9_EOI/T679LlxDeuI/AAAAAAAACfE/BX0HyI9-wGM/s320/458668_3908902005352_1363392376_33685768_1551448773_o.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />I did this loop twice last summer as a final century ride before Wisconsin but it started on the other side of Wolfpen. I was a little nervous since it was early in the season and I was not sure I was quite ready for this much fun. In addition to Wolfpen, which was steep but relatively short, there are a LOT of nasty little climbs on this route. Wolfpen sucked but not too bad (we saw our hikers about 1/3 of the way up) and soon we were flying down the other side. It was about this time I started to remember exactly how nasty this ride really was. Every stinkin' climb started coming back to me and I was dreading the rest of the ride. We all took things pretty easy except "rocket pack" Kim and her fancy new tri bike. We played catch up with her all day! Thankfully, the weather was nice and not super hot and we got through the ride. It was tough but I got it done except for the last 4 miles. John drove by to check on us and well he offered me a ride so I took it. I can't believe we did that ride twice last year. Wow! </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3fAOEJAX3Tg/T679fOQUAmI/AAAAAAAACfM/WmItQjxBGu8/s1600/2012-04-28+10.29.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3fAOEJAX3Tg/T679fOQUAmI/AAAAAAAACfM/WmItQjxBGu8/s320/2012-04-28+10.29.57.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When we got back to the camp instead of soaking our legs in the lake we decided to just sit our asses in the creek near the campsite. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eE3Ll2rdj-s/T6_Vo5QUC-I/AAAAAAAACgI/2H2o0SlrtGY/s1600/In+the+creek.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eE3Ll2rdj-s/T6_Vo5QUC-I/AAAAAAAACgI/2H2o0SlrtGY/s320/In+the+creek.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Back to the cabin to rinse off again and then over to the camp for dinner. We had a great dinner cooked by Coach Mike while John went through some Ironman packing and logistics stuff with the group. Then the beers came out and the "salty talk" began. It was a fun night but we were all pretty wiped out by 9:00. Back to the cabin to pass out.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The next morning was another great breakfast at the camp and then we split into 2 running groups. John, Phil, Willy, Mike, Sandy ran the Coosa Trail with Berta who came up that morning. Kim, Tripp, Peggy, Adrienne, Teesha and I ran/hiked the Bear Hair Trail and had a great time. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Soon it was time to head home. It was a great weekend full of training, fun and friendship. Can't wait to do it again!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N3H_mU7hsZ4/T67-mesJjhI/AAAAAAAACfk/cQclYcNxMg4/s1600/P1040120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N3H_mU7hsZ4/T67-mesJjhI/AAAAAAAACfk/cQclYcNxMg4/s320/P1040120.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The next week was actually a nice one at work - we were fully staffed and things were rather slow. The week passed super quick (almost too quick) and soon it was time for Mountain Madness - cue the sinister music.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Training race, training race, training race. I had to keep telling myself that the results didn't matter that it was just a long training day. I was still concerned about the time cutoffs but knew that if I made it through the bike the rest didn't matter. We drove up Saturday morning to check in, drop off our bikes and listen to the race briefing. I got race number 8 and was at the first bike rack in transition with about 5 more people. Knowing the race directors has it's perks! At the briefing we found out we had until 1:30 on the bike so I knew I would be fine. I might not make the 8 hr cutoff time but I would be able to complete the entire distance, medal or no medal. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We checked into out hotel and a big group of friends went out to dinner. The No Boundaries tri people were all there and a bunch of friends who came up to volunteer. Dinner was a lot of fun and then it was time for sleep. I slept great, got my gear together and it was off to the race site. We parked, got our gear setup, pumped up tires, sunscreen applied and wetsuits were put on. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JwJw_GEEjyM/T674ycdcLJI/AAAAAAAACew/9G2l6bvCEHk/s1600/562146_341071989293120_148070241926630_833247_1521704383_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JwJw_GEEjyM/T674ycdcLJI/AAAAAAAACew/9G2l6bvCEHk/s320/562146_341071989293120_148070241926630_833247_1521704383_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">John, Tripp and Harry before the swim</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B338YL6m7ng/T67-Ku8OSWI/AAAAAAAACfc/tB5l05-qyAA/s1600/530170_3920008125620_1442047024_3428527_1152442810_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B338YL6m7ng/T67-Ku8OSWI/AAAAAAAACfc/tB5l05-qyAA/s320/530170_3920008125620_1442047024_3428527_1152442810_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Tripp, Adrienne, Harry and John before the race</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It was time to go! After a little panic of trying to use my Garmin in multisport for the first time, I gave up and decided to just go with changing modes in transition. Mike L helped me get it back in regular mode and it was time for the swim. I was a tiny bit nervous since my swim was not where it should be but felt better knowing the wetsuit would help. I was in the third (and last) swim wave. We all gathered in the water and then it was time to go! Swim, swim, swim. I was moving along sighting the buoys and then I looked up and I was alone and could not see the pack. Where the hell was everyone? There were a few people around me but I was surprised to be almost alone out there. I tried not to think about that and to keep swimming. Soon I was at the farthest point then turned left and the sun was in my eyes. OK, ignore it, close your eyes when you sight and just keep swimming. Soon I was at the next turn buoy and headed to shore. Almost there and then I was out of the water. I checked my watch and my time was 49 min. That really wasn't too bad for me and I was shocked that I was nearly last out of the water. No time for worrying about that just get your ass on that bike.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Into transition, bike gear on and then it's time to climb that first ridiculous hill out of transition. It went better than I expected with "swim legs" and then it was just pedal, pedal, pedal. I had already done this ride twice so I knew exactly what to expect. I kept my cadence high and anytime I felt any real resistance on the legs I geared down. I wanted to save it for the Mountain and for the final hills. Three people passed me on the bike and then it was me alone. I stopped for a minute very early into the ride because I looked down and noticed I put my gloves on the wrong hands and backwards - seriously??! As if I had never done this before. I quickly remedied that piece of stupidity and kept going. About 10 miles in I noticed some irritation on my left ankle and realized I had my timing chip strap under my sock and it was starting to rub. I am not talented enough to tend to this kind of thing while riding so I kept pedaling until the first rest stop. I made a brief stop, fixed my ankle issue and then topped off my aerobottle. Around mile 18 I saw the first guy heading back on the bike. He was hauling a***. Wow! The next group were a while back but seeing as I was last or nearly last out there I got to see them all. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One last turn and then it's up the mountain. This was my third time up Fort Mountain and it was just as fun as the first time. I was in the smallest gear but I kept it easy. There were times when I could have gone faster but I tried to keep my breathing as easy and as light as possible. Along the mountain there were lots of fun motivational signs that kept me smiling. Finally I was almost at the top and there was Sandy. I said hello and kept pedaling to the top. Sandy came running up and chatted with me while I quick ate a sandwich and then made a pitstop. I was feeling good and still had plenty of time. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I hopped back on the bike and headed down the mountain. The rest of the ride was pretty uneventful and I made the last couple of climbs and sighed with relief as I headed back into the park. I knew I was last at this point and eventually saw all the runners on the course. I had a bit of a panic when I had to yell at 3 guys running on the wrong side of the road and in my path. I pulled into transition and pulled on my run gear. I was very happy to finish the bike and ready to get that run over with. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I started the run with a guy in a yellow shirt and we started chatting about the race when he told me this was his first triathlon. Wow!! He really picked a hell of a first race. He took off running up the hill while I just used my ultra training and walked quickly up the hill. I soon found that the run was going to be as hilly as the bike. It was also getting really hot by now. I walked up every hill and ran on the downhills and flats. I saw all my fellow No Boundaries racers out there - Harry, Adrienne, John, Kim and Tripp. John even gave me a little hug(!!) Harry said he wanted photographic evidence that actually happened. I also saw lots of friends racing and volunteering as well as the rest of the No Boundaries tri group. It was great!! At one point a fellow racer said he didn't know he was running with a celebrity since everyone knew me on the course. This was especially nice when I was starting my second loop and there were only a handful of runners left. At one point Chris Green (one of the race directors) drove by on the run course. He asked how I was doing and I told him I was doing great but wouldn't be making the 8 hour cutoff time. He assured me that wouldn't be a problem so I felt a little better.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I kept plugging along and still had some energy to run those downhills and flats. Soon, I was back at the finish line and I saw the guy I started the run leg with. I was gaining on him and we were together at the final turn. Just then he kind of paused so I started running down the hill to the finish line. He started really running too and we finished together. I got my medal and we both went straight to the lake to soak our sore legs. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I did it!! Wow, that was a really hard race, with a really serious group of competitors. Almost everyone racing was an Ironman. When I really started thinking about it that's why I hardly saw anyone on the swim. It's still very early on in the training season and with 4 mths to go I had already finished a tough, tough, half Ironman and didn't feel all that bad when I finished. Look out Louisville!!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bTVzA0cyCGY/T67-5BBZk_I/AAAAAAAACfs/tCjzqh2gcrg/s1600/2012-05-08+08.00.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bTVzA0cyCGY/T67-5BBZk_I/AAAAAAAACfs/tCjzqh2gcrg/s320/2012-05-08+08.00.11.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Quick aside - <a href="http://www.zone5events.com/" target="_blank">Zone 5 Events</a> put on a fantastic race, and I am not just saying that because I know these guys. This was the first year and you would never know it based on how well it was run. The volunteers were great and everything went super smooth. This is a tough, tough race but I highly recommend it!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span>Jen Ridgleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113551740855461323noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126292628737818607.post-16092058358667784472012-04-17T18:42:00.001-04:002012-04-17T21:04:55.203-04:00The Madness Continues<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There was more Madness on hand last weekend. Saturday was the first open water swim of the season and the first time swimming in 3 weeks for me (the fishy tattoo was finally done and healed). Got out the wetsuit and headed to Red Top. My goal was to see how I felt and hopefully get at least a 1200-1500 m swim done. Best case scenario would be 1.2 miles (~1900m). I started swimming and did not feel the usual butterflies I get in open water. Ninety nine percent of the time I can calm myself down and just get on with my swim. It's just a weird adrenaline thing mixed with shoving your face in the water that causes momentary anxiety. This is always heightened on race day when you think of the enormity of what is ahead of you. Anyway, it was all good and I just swam. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Now that it's my 4th year doing this I can just swim without really thinking about it any more. Sure, I will concentrate on my pull or my stroke but for the most part I can just mindlessly swim and get there in reasonable time. I have come a long way from when I was drinking half the pool. It's kind of a nice feeling. Of course weather and other swimmers can always ruin your day but I pretty much got this swim thing down. So much so that I was able to comfortably swim 1.2 miles after no swimming for 3 weeks and barely any swimming prior to that for almost 6 months. I was quite happy! Now to get back in the swim routine, build up the endurance and get a little faster. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Post swim we changed and headed off to run the trails. I chatted with Teesha for 6 miles and we both felt a little tired and were not looking forward to the second loop. I decided to skip it since it was a hilly run and we had 56 miles of hell awaiting us the next day. The rest of the crew thought this was a good plan and we all called it a day after 6 miles.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">The Madness continues..... On Sunday I headed up to Carters Lake with the <a href="http://noboundariesmultisport.com/" target="_blank">No Boundaries</a> crew for a second look at the <a href="http://www.zone5events.com/Mountain%20Madness.html" target="_blank">Mountain Madness</a> bike course. Originally, I was supposed to head to Athens for the <a href="http://terrapinbeer.com/" target="_blank">Terrapin Brewery </a>Anniversary party Saturday night and then go straight to Carters Lake. I thought this was too much packed into one weekend so I let John go without me. He decided to go to a swim clinic Sunday instead and I caught a ride with Harry (fellow IM MOO training partner) and Adrienne. This time I brought Fiona Felt the tri bike and no granny gears to help me through. I was at the back of the pack all day but as Harry pointed out I was consistently only 3 minutes behind. I <em>guess</em> that is an improvement.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">The ride was tough but Fiona and I made it. The mountain climb even seemed a little easier. Here is the profile of the ride.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AM3PLZBYKmI/T43kTEBB1TI/AAAAAAAACQo/csXwTLD2r80/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-04-15+at+8.02.19+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" qda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AM3PLZBYKmI/T43kTEBB1TI/AAAAAAAACQo/csXwTLD2r80/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-04-15+at+8.02.19+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's really not that Fort Mountain climb in the middle that gets you. It's those climbs at the very end of the ride. By the time you get there you want to throw your bike in the lake NOT hop off and run 13.1 miles. I did finish a bit faster than last time and did a 1 mile brick around the parking lot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">It still is questionable if I will make the cutoffs. The cutoffs are not very generous and this is a tough, tough course. I am not alone in my fear of not getting to finish. In the end it is a training race so I will try my best not to stress about it too much. No matter what I will be stronger for doing this bike ride multiple times.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Not too much else going on right now except work and training. Training is going well so far and work has calmed down a bit, thank God!! Also, the extra stresses seemed to have subsided so its just train, work, eat and sleep until Louisville!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Here are some pics from the scenic overlook near the top of Fort Mountain:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's not all training - we find some time for some beer if only the ones matching our bike jerseys. I look like I have had a few too many!</span></div>
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<br />Jen Ridgleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113551740855461323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126292628737818607.post-23422161459164111762012-03-29T15:36:00.000-04:002012-03-29T17:46:08.916-04:00Can I Play with Madness?<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Mountain Madness Preview Ride</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Last Saturday we headed up to the Elijay area for a preview ride of the newest Half Iron distance triathlon in Georgia called </span><a href="http://www.setupevents.com/?fuseaction=event_detail&eventID=1931"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Mountain Madness</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">. The race takes place in May and will be a good training day in preparation for Ironman Louisville. I had previously ridden in this area while training for Ironman Coeur D’Alene. In fact I was training with the race directors who decided to take their love of the sport and make a business out of it. Together they formed </span><a href="http://www.zone5events.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Zone 5 Events</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">. That being said, I had a vague idea of what was ahead including a climb up Fort Mountain. What I didn’t know was that the climb was 6 miles and that was just one of the many climbs I would encounter on my 56 mile journey. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Prior to Saturday my longest bike ride this year had been around 15 miles (the previous weekend!) I had made sure my few bike outings were hilly in order to prepare a tiny bit but I knew I was in way over my head. So much so that I brought my rarely used road bike so I would have that extra granny gear to get my a** up those hills. I was less intimidated than I would have been had I not done so many hills last year and 2 trips to the gaps. That was a big confidence builder and although slow and painful I was pretty sure I would survive. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Saturday’s forecast was warm with a slight chance of rain. We packed up the car the night before and headed up to Carter’s Lake. I brought all kinds of clothes to cover the changing temperatures and settled on a short sleeve shirt and light jacket with bike shorts. The ride started on a super steep incline to get out of the park with no warm-up and knew this would set the tone for the day. Thankfully, I was able to pull my a** up the hills getting out of the park and started onto the main road. The first major road was a nice downhill stretch which had me cursing since I knew we would be climbing back up that hill on the way back. There was tons of support out there with people stationed at every turn plus the turns were all marked. I started to recognize parts of the route from my previous ride up there. I knew the middle stretch on the out and back was not too bad. I also knew I wasn’t moving fast but I wanted to take things easy and save my energy for the mountain. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I was making my way along the road and enjoying the scenery when I spotted a little grey blur off to my right. I thought it might be a squirrel and hoped he would just stay put. Well, it started coming closer and getting bigger and I realized it was a small dog. It ran onto the road and started barking and chasing me so I had to pick up the pace or be in danger of it biting me or me running over it. Eventually, it got tired and I was able to get my heart rate back down (you could actually see the spike on my Garmin data!!). I hate dogs while on the bike. Thankfully, I could outride this little guy.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">At the base of the big climb there was a store where many were stopped to either grab some food and drink for energy to get up the hill or as a little rest before heading back to the start. I still had yet to see anyone head back down the mountain so either I was keeping good time or the mountain was really a bitch! Once I started the climb I felt better because I knew it was tough but totally doable. In fact it was not as steep as stuff we did last summer so I just settled in and climbed. The worst part of the whole climb was that I was at the back of the pack doing the whole route so I had a truck riding my butt to keep an eye on me. I tried very hard to shut out the sound of the engine but it was a bit nerve racking. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Eventually, I made it to the top and grabbed a snack and a drink and headed down. In some ways down was worse because my brakes were not super grippy and I had to really squeeze to engage them. This combined with the whipping wind caused my hands to go completely numb and they were totally frozen when I got to the bottom. I spent a little time warming them up and then headed back on my journey.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I was still feeling good. A little tired but not completely wrecked like I have been on other rides. This was good since I had already doubled my longest ride for the year. The flat part was nice and I kept it easy since I knew the final climb was coming up soon. As expected it was a bitch but I kept climbing along with my entourage of trucks right behind me. I am sure they were thinking why doesn’t this bitch just stop. I thought that a few times myself!! I had plenty of offers to take my bike and get a ride to the end but I didn’t feel too bad and although I was slow I felt good knowing how much I had accomplished on Day 13 of my training. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">At last the big climb was over and I just had to turn into the park and get back to the car. I made that last left turn and said “WTF?” I had completely forgotten about the realtively short but steep hill before we turned onto the main road. Grumble, grumble , grumble I got up it and finished the rolling section and back to the car - finally. Bill Monahan called out my name on the bullhorn as I came into the parking lot. I was, as per usual, the last person back who did the whole ride. I yelled back “I hate you!!” but it was all in good fun. It was a tough, tough ride but I made it. Now I just have to shave about an hour off that time!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So, what’s on tap for the upcoming weekend? I am signed up for </span><a href="http://www.getguts.com/e-oe24.shtml"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">GUTS Operation Endurance </span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">12 hour race starting at 8pm on Saturday through 8am Sunday. Not sure when this sounded like a good idea because it just sounds like a pain in the a** right now. I know I will have fun while I am there but there is no reason why I need to run for 12 hours right now. NONE. I am just starting my Ironman training. I have a decent run base (I did a 50K and a half marathon 4 weeks ago). I could drop back to the 6hr run which starts at 2am Sunday morning. This will just screw up my sleep schedule and again, what is the point? John is running the 24 hr race. It was supposed to be training for his 100 miler this year but we got that out of the way back in December . So, who knows why he is doing it. Regardless, I need to make an appearance but I am dreading the drive and I would rather just stay home right now. Things have been so hectic and stressful lately that a weekend at home sounds really good right now. As things stand I think my plan is to sleep in, get a massage Saturday afternoon, ride for 2 hours later that day and then head down to the race sometime Saturday evening. I need to gett some sort of run done (my schedule has me running 2 hrs) so I will run a little at the race (it’s a one mile loop) and just generally help out, nap and probably whine a bit (or a lot). Then I will drive home, nap some more, maybe do some yard work, laundry, eat and get ready for another fun week at work. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span>Jen Ridgleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113551740855461323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126292628737818607.post-8306351366510221952012-03-22T17:09:00.000-04:002012-03-22T17:09:35.957-04:00It Just Doesn't Matter<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The search for a coach was very frustrating but finally I have a coach!! Now all I have to do is look at my workouts and do them. Simple, right? So far things are going well on that front so one less bit of stress. Now if I can get rid of a few other pesky stressors I will be all good. Work has been extremely busy the last couple of months combined with working short since November it's getting pretty tiring. Looking forward to being fully staffed in June - what Juanita? yes, I said June!!!! Hopefully, we will make it. To add to that there are some other major annoyances going on which I can't really talk about right now but will hopefully be over soon as well. I am trying hard to put this all in perspective especially since a friend is dealing with a major health issue right now. Something that literally changes your life. It makes me look at all of this stuff and say it just doesn't matter. We create most of our own stress and sometimes it takes a serious reality check to make us appreciate the things we have. </span></span></div>Jen Ridgleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113551740855461323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126292628737818607.post-58009184042176079232012-03-05T20:19:00.002-05:002012-03-05T21:19:55.721-05:00Reverse Redneck Goofy Challenge<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">What an amazing and truly exhausting weekend it has been. It all started a few months back when Barb Blackford suggested that <a href="http://www.ms50.com/" target="_blank">MS50 </a>might be a good first ultra for those willing to take up the challenge. We looked at the web site and description of the course and it sounded relatively flat and easy (at least as far as an ultra is concerned). The race offered a 20K, 50K and 50 mile option. At this point I was heavy into my Pine Mtn 40 training so the thought of doing a relatively flat 50 miler a few months later seemed interesting. So, I signed John and I up for the 50 miler. Eleven other friends signed up for various distances so it was going to be fun little road trip no matter what happened.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">December came and Pine Mtn 40 was a disaster. At that point I just decided I had too much on my plate to stress about doing a 50 miler, especially one with a 12 hour cutoff, so I focused on the 50K. In January I was on track with a 28 mile showing at Fat Ass and running every day. Then my right hamstring started acting up. It never prevented me from running but continued to nag at me from time to time all month. A vacation came and went and in between work was stressful and hectic and the launch of a my new training group - <a href="http://noboundariesmultisport.com/" target="_blank">No Boundaries Multisport</a> - took up most of my free time. I did get a few runs in but nothing like I should have done in preparation for my race. Again, I was glad I had made that decision to just do the 50K. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Before I knew it the weekend before MS50 was here and I was no where near prepared. I had spent the last couple of weeks working on getting a personal coach setup for Ironman Louisville among other distractions and long runs let alone swims and bike rides were not part of my days. The Sunday before the race we hosted an Ultra Q&A/ movie watching party. All of the MS50 participants came over to ask any last minute questions and get some advice on what to do on race day. Nine of the eleven other participants were doing their first ultra. After the Q&A we watched <a href="http://www.ws100film.com/" target="_blank">Unbreakable</a> the story of the 2010 Western States 100 mile race. What an incredible and inspiring movie!! I recommend it to anyone who has any interest in ultra running. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Friday before the race arrived and we dropped the dog off to be boarded, packed the car and headed to Laurel, Mississippi in the midst of a major storm heading east. We had a rather uneventful journey despite ominous weather patterns swirling all around us. The weather was clear and warm and it was a pretty quick trip. We hooked up with the rest of the group, had dinner, picked up race numbers and settled in for the evening. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Once in Laurel, my phone basically stopped working almost completely. No phone, no data. Welcome to 2012 in Mississippi. There was wifi in the hotel so I at least was able to keep up with the weather and what was going on back home. Sounds like Atlanta got a nasty dose of storms Friday night and Mississippi was no exception. It started lightly raining around dinner time and continued all night. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Race morning the temps were in the 50's and it was lightly raining on and off. My first plan was to wear a running skirt, calf sleeves, gaiters, short sleeve shirt, arm warmers and a light jacket for the beginning of the race. We drove 30 minutes to the race start over many muddy, dark forestry roads in the DeSoto National Forest. We checked in for the race, setup our tent and I decided a wardrobe change was in order. I was getting increasingly cold and the nasty weather was not encouraging. I always end up wearing more layers than most runners - partly because I am slow and don't generate as much heat and partly because I am just cold natured no matter what. I know that if I got cold and wet my day would end a whole lot sooner. I added running tights a long sleeve pullover, gloves and a raincoat to my attire. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Some of the ultra newbies were starting to get a little nervous but I assured them it would all be fine. It was just going to be a long day and everyone would do great. The race started with little fanfare and we were off at 6am. The course consisted of a 12+ mile loop and a 6+ mile loop. The 50K would be 2 big loops and one little loop. The 50 miler would be 3 big loops and 2 small loops. It was already getting very light so we all ditched our head lamps in the first 10 yard as we ran by our campsite. We ran for a bit and I was feeling good. I even ran ahead of John for a while since he was conserving energy for the 50 miler. Soon, the crowd spread out and the mud began. The first couple of mud patches were annoying but passable and then we came upon a water crossing (basically a rain swollen creek). There were no rocks or logs to assist in the crossing so it was just plunge on through with water up to your ankles. OK, shoes and socks are wet!! Glad I brought spares. Continue running. More mud, more rain, and now more water. A whole lot more water. I have no idea how many water crossing there were but it was at least 5 or 6 on the large loop and 3 or 4 on the small loop -with 2 being as deep as mid thigh and the rest ankle to mid calf depth. It was nuts! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">As per usual, I found myself in a weird place in the race. I was slow enough that I lost the fast group but had just enough trail and bad weather experience to be a bit ahead of some of the other newbies who would typically be just ahead of me or right near me in a road run. Thankfully, my nano was working and I had a good audiobook going all day. There was a little out and back part on the big loop so I saw a good bit of the group there but never saw the faster runners. I did see Kate Brun from Big Peach and GUTS run by me twice on the way to her first female finish in the 50 miler. She was amazing to watch as she handled the mud and hills with ease. I want to be Kate someday! I also saw Leslie Lybarger as I finished loop 2. I thought I was hallucinating since I was not expecting her to be there. It was such a lift to see her smiling face and get a hug before I started the final loop. Thanks Leslie for getting up in the middle of the night to drive to Mississippi!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">I stayed mostly warm all day with a few bouts of being hot which quickly passed and then cold which also quickly passed. The rain came on and off and there was a bit of thunder but for the most part it was just overcast and ugly. I felt like I was moving well although not running as much as I had hoped. The constant stop & start for nasty mud patches and water crossing made things tedious. Whenever there was a nice patch of clear trail or road I ran as best I could. Many of the faster runners would just trot on through the mud but I was always worried about twisting an ankle or getting needlessly hurt. I wasn't winning this race and it was not an "A" race so I stayed conservative and safe. I don't think I drank enough but still had to make 4 stops to pee. My nutrition consisted of an energy bar before the race, 2 uncrustables, a couple more PB&J squares, a couple of oreos and mini twix. I never felt hungry, thirsty or overly tired. As I was running along the final 6 miles I noticed my time was 8:05 and I thought I might have a chance to finish under 9 hours. If so that would be a PR even though it is really impossible to compare these types of races. I ran up to the finish line and my times was 8:53:38. Not spectacular by any means but a PR none the less. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Race Impressions: Nice, low key and cheap race that was not far away from home. The shirts and medals were nice and the 50 milers got buckles. The weather was crappy but nothing can be done about that. I wish I had known about all the water crossings but then again if I did I might not have done the race. I did feel the landscape was kind of boring compared to other races I have done but it was probably much nicer in better weather. It was flatter than any other 50K I had done but there were a few hills and the water crossings and mud made up for the lack of hills. The aid stations and volunteers were great. Good food, smiling faces and fun little signs along the trails to keep your mind of the miles. I would recommend the race to others.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Now onto part 2 of the weekend Odyssey: The next bit of idiocy was because of an agreement between Olga Henao and Barb Blackford. Barb wanted Olga to do the New Orleans half marathon with her the day after MS50. Olga agreed but only if Barb would do the Goofy Challenge at Disney (run the half marathon on Saturday and full marathon on Sunday). The MS50 and NOLA half then became the "Redneck Reverse Goofy Challenge".They agreed and well a bunch of us lemmings followed suit. So, with the MS50K and 50 miler behind us we packed up the car, showered, ate dinner and then headed to New Orleans. Seven of us decided to do this but 2 had to head back to Atlanta for business and could not make New Orleans. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">The drive to New Orleans was miserable. Not much to occupy the mind along the way and combined with our sheer exhaustion it was a fight for us to stay awake. John stopped about 25 miles out to drink some Mtn Dew and to wake up a bit. We scooted in to NOLA, checked into our hotel and dropped in bed around 11:30 pm.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">The alarm went off at 5:30 the next morning followed by groans and general displeasure. We scrambled to get dressed and headed down to the lobby by 6:15. Fortunately, we were only a block or two from the start. We got our race numbers and headed to corral 17 to meet up with some friends. By now I had woken up a bit and did not feel too bad. The plan to was to walk and just enjoy ourselves.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">The race started and we moved up to the start line and then we were off. John, Terrie Tillman and I started jogging and were feeling pretty good. Next thing I know we had done a mile and we were heading into an out and back along St. Charles. We moved into the center island and ran along the trolley tracks looking for some friends running the marathon. We saw almost everyone and had a good time cheering them on while running along. By now we had run a 33 min 5K and I was seriously impressed that I could do that with so many miles on my legs. I asked when we were going to do this walking thing and John said when we got to the turn around. OK, so we continued to run along and when we reached the turn around it was close to 5 miles. I suggested we run for the 10K if we could and then for fun lets just make it 6.5 so that we can say we ran half. We kept moving. We would slow at the water stops and walk quickly through but then pick up running. There were also a few picture breaks, a port a potty stop, and a beignet break (thanks to Faraz - awesome support all weekend) but essentially we ran the whole frikkin' thing! Terrie and I took turns feeling good and "sprinting" ahead or feeling like we couldn't make it but still chugging along. John stayed with us the whole time and I asked him to not sprint ahead at the end since this would probably be the only time we would ever run a complete race together. Finally we were finished with a time of 2:37. I was shocked! I couldn't believe we ran that entire race, took pictures and generally had a good time and still had a decent finish. Wow! That was fun! Especially, since my official finish showed me finishing one second before John!!! (that will never happen again1!) Gone was all that grumbling the previous night about how stupid an idea this all was. My legs felt pretty good despite a little soreness in my ankles. Of course every time we sat down it was hard to get back up but I felt fine once I started moving. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">We hung around after the race for a while to check on everyone else we knew who were finishing and finally we just had to head back to the hotel to get a little nap. We slept for 2 hours and then went out for Oysters & beer and to experience a little bit of New Orleans night life. Everyone was having a great time and I just wish I had the energy to play a bit more. We finally headed back to the hotel around 10:30 and crashed. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Race Impressions: This was my first Rock n Roll race and it was great! Coming in at the last minute and avoiding the expo and lines was priceless. We were able to pick up our numbers race morning and Tshirt after with little or no fuss. The race waves moved quickly and worked great. The hotel Barb found was 2 blocks away from the start. The food and entertainment were great and overall I really enjoyed myself. However, I don't recommend doing it right after a 50K. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Weekend impressions - it was a fantastic weekend!! I had a good race on Saturday even though I was undertrained and feeling a bit injured. Guess what? My hamstring is not bothering me at all right now so I am quite grateful. I was super impressed that I was able to RUN - not fast, but really RUN a half marathon on Sunday. That really gave me a boost to my ego and was a good kickstart to Ironman training. Now we need to get the bike and swim training going. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">I was so completely impressed with all the new Ultra marathoners from Saturday - Olga, Barb, Terrie, Miles, Mike L, Tripp, Kim, Maria, and Celi. You guys rocked it!! I am also humbled and impressed by the incredible efforts of Cherie and Peggy in their attempt at the 50 miler. They gave it a great shot but the conditions were just not favorable. I am confident that a second 50 miler is in Cherie's future and Peggy will get her first very soon. These ladies are much stronger runners than I am so my decision was really the right one to concentrate on the 50K. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Now, I am typing on my laptop as we drive home. Next up for me race wise is Operation Endurance 12 hr run on Apr 1st. Why did I sign up for that? More insanity. In the meantime Ironman Louisville training is starting in earnest. I am hoping to have a personal coach in the next 2 weeks and it's Game On! Look out Louisville I am coming for you.</span></div>
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<br /></div>Jen Ridgleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113551740855461323noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126292628737818607.post-36021009911021466832012-02-06T22:10:00.000-05:002012-02-06T22:10:17.931-05:00Murder on the Appalachian Trail<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cruise was great. Very relaxing. I did my 2.5 miles minimum each day even though my hamstring was still being a pain. I had hoped to do more but decided not to push it. I also took a <a href="http://www.trxtraining.com/" target="_blank">TRX </a>class. It was interesting. So much so that we bought one and installed it in our basement. Hoping to get some good strength training in for this years Ironman. Starting to feel like I am slacking off and slight panic is settling in. There will be much more of that to come - 202 days!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Quick cruise recap - we left from Tampa and went to Roatan, Belize, Costa Maya and Cozumel. Weather was great except for some drizzle in Cozumel and the last day at sea. We visited a private beach in Roatan, cave tubed in Belize, drank ourselves silly in Costa Maya and snorkeled in Cozumel. All in all a great cruise.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While on the cruise I read "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/AWOL-Appalachian-Trail-David-Miller/dp/0547745524/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328561798&sr=8-1" target="_blank">AWOL on the Appalachian Trail</a>" by David Miller. Very interesting book on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thru-hiking" target="_blank">thru hiking</a> which means hiking the entire length of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. It almost makes you want to do it. Almost. I would never be able to take that much time off work (typically takes anywhere from 4-6 mths)until I retired so maybe if I keep going the way I am I will do it in my 60s. Maybe by then John and I won't be so feisty because otherwise we would kill each other after a couple of weeks. Then someone could write "Murder on the Appalachian Trail" and our beneficiaries would have a nice little nest egg while one of us is dead and the other is rotting in prison. It's even odds on who would kill who (or is it whom?) Anyway, I am now reading <a href="http://jenniferpharrdavis.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Finding Odyssa</a> about the woman who holds the thru hiking record for fastest time (45+ days). John saw her speak at Stump Jump in 2010. Its good to know she is not an idiot savant of trail running. The first time she thru hiked she was a bit of a mess. Kind of how I think it would be for me. It will be interesting to see how she transforms into the phenom she is now. One of Johns co-workers took a leave of absence and thru hiked a few years back. I am really interested to talk to him about his trip now. We also know a guy from our trail running group <a href="http://www.getguts.com/" target="_blank">GUTS</a> that is trying to break Jennifer Pharr Davis' record this year. You can check out his antics here:</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.runbum.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.runbum.com/</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enough about truly *crazy* people and on to <a href="http://www.getguts.com/e-rtr.shtml" target="_blank">Red Top Rumble</a>. So we got home last Sunday evening and then became the chaos of unpacking, laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, taxes etc etc. Last week was quite hectic. I did manage to get in a Tue night GUTS run on my birthday. Weather was beautiful and we had a great time drinking beer afterwards. I got a massage on Monday and saw the chiro on Wed hoping my hamstring would magically feel better but it stayed about the same. I think it's just super frikin' tight and I just need to stretch. Period. I rested the remainder of the week because I knew I would be running 11.5 on Sunday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Saturday night before the race we were scheduled to go to John's company's 20th Anniversary dinner. Most company functions involve a lot of alcohol so I was a little concerned about RTR the next morning. Turns out there was a LOT of hard alcohol and hardly any beer so I had no trouble staying sober and even John showed some restraint. We checked the weather forecast - rainy but warm and went to bed. The next morning we got our gear together and headed up to Red Top Mtn. Last year John was a little impatient and backed my car into the garage door before it was fully up. That was a great way to start the morning. The car survived but the door still has some issues. We got up there without incident, parked, checked in, caught up with friends and waited around for the race to start.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Most trail races start with little to no fanfare and this was no exception. There was a round of Happy Birthday for someone and then we were off. The trail was narrow for the amount of people so it backlogged a bit but soon we were moving well. I felt good and ran and ran until I got overheated with my jacket on. I had to walk to extract it from behind my camelbak but continued on quite quickly. I chatted with a few people along the way and stayed in sight of a bunch of people for the whole race. Usually, I am pretty much by myself until the end. That does not bother me in the least. I have my ipod and I am good. I saw friendly faces at each of the rest stops. I have gotten to know a lot of the GUTS group this year and this makes these events even more fun. I was a little disappointed by the weather. While I enjoyed the warm temps it was foggy and overcast almost all morning. Typically, this race is cold and clear and the sun rising over the lake is gorgeous. It's still a great run no matter what the weather. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I was listening to Stephen King's latest "11-22-63" and realized that during last years event I was listening to King's "The Dome". There is this very weird audiobook phenomena that you can remember very specific events and parts of a book when you are in the same place where you listened to them originally. So, I am clicking off the miles and notice a girl behind me and slowly closing the gap. I made it my mission to stay ahead of her and in the meantime I started closing the gap on a man and woman ahead of me. I passed both of them right before the final aid station and then just hung on as long as I could. I ran as fast I could comfortably go until the end and felt great. My hamstring was a bit cranky but nothing crazy. I crossed the finish line with a time of 2:26. I was happy with my race and felt that I probably beat last years time. I am still slow as hell but the hills seemed easy and I ran 95% of the way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I was a bit disappointed when I saw that I was actually 2 minutes slower than last year. Bummer! I wish I had looked at my time before the race so I would have had something to shoot for but really it's fine. I know I haven't been running <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">much an</span>d this was just a fun run. So fun that we started drinking beer after the race and hung around until it was almost all cleaned up. We then headed home, crashed and were zombies the rest of the day. Was there some sort of football game on last night?</span><br />
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<br />Jen Ridgleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113551740855461323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7126292628737818607.post-71131551932203639732012-01-31T13:55:00.003-05:002012-01-31T14:44:01.084-05:00I want to be the girl with the most cake<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">It's the end of Run January!! So, how did it go? At the end of today I will have logged 107 miles. That averages out to 3.5 miles a day which is not very exciting. I failed on the one cheat day. I took 2 when my hamstring started bothering me and since that did not help I just kept running but kept the mileage down. It hasn't gotten any worse but it's not any better either. I am headed to the chiro next since my right hip also seems to be out of line so maybe it's all related. Hoping for a quick fix since my favorite race - Red Top Rumble - is this weekend! Yay! After that I need to get in at least one more long run weekend and a back to back to prepare for MS50. I did pretty good in that I ran every day of my cruise. That was tough but I forced myself to get in the minimum. I had hoped to get in a few more long runs but over all not too bad. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I am not feeling overly optimistic about MS50 - I know, I know!! I am supposed to be more positive this year! I just haven't put in the time or miles so I can't expect to have a great race. I still have a month to go so all hope is not lost but I am trying to be realistic. I backed off the goal of the 50 miler after the Pine Mtn 40 fail. I know I could have finished if I had been healthy but I still think the time cut off would have been hard for me to beat. The time cutoff for MS50 is even closer and although it's "supposed" to be relatively flat it just didn't seem like a realistic goal right now. December and January were very stressful personally and professionally so I am trying to get rid of things that might distract me from my ultimate goals for 2012 - Ironman Louisville and Bartam 100K. Screw 40 and 50 milers - lets go straight for 61! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">So, what did I learn from my challenge? Not much except that I can do it. I was hoping to gain better running fitness in order to get faster. I did log a few fast miles but overall I think I did too much too fast and that's why my hamstring hurts. I will take it easy after my GUTS birthday run tonight and rest up for RTR. Who doesn't want to spend their birthday running through the woods in the dark? Plus there will be beer afterwards!!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">More to come on challenges for February, thru-hiking and a cruise recap!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">Until then I am going to enjoy my birthday!</span><br /><br /> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CQWsM7jFWaQ/Tyg39hvWyRI/AAAAAAAAB3c/RnAQFALlrvk/s1600/13mari1600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" sda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CQWsM7jFWaQ/Tyg39hvWyRI/AAAAAAAAB3c/RnAQFALlrvk/s400/13mari1600.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>I want to be the girl with the most cake!</strong></span></td></tr>
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Jen Ridgleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10113551740855461323noreply@blogger.com0