come ALong with me...

Chapters since February....

2009-06-13T14:02:00.024-04:00

I shouldn't say I've been too busy to blog... lots of you have much more going on than I (enter: spouse to appease, children to play with / take care of, jobs with serious amounts of travel involved). So, if busy can't be my excuse... I guess that leaves motivation and desire to write.

Luckily, after spending MANY many hours in rehab, my motivation and desire to train/race came right back. Heck, I don't think that ever really escaped my being... Actually, with a truncated 2008 race season - I got a jump start on '09. I'm pretty sure that, as of this month, I've already completed the same number of races I did in 2008 - total.

In hopes of catching up this blog, I'm going to go bullet format - detailing highlights, low lights, and any other random snippets that stick out. Thanks to my new blackberry, many of these things were captured in digital image... to be added. So, here we go - from February until now. I'll try to enter "breaks" for coffee or bathroom trips... and yes, I should number these events since you'll probably have to read this in chapters.

*To anyone who participated / traveled with me / remembers these events... PLEASE comment, because I know I've forgotten lots.

1. The Sunbelt Masters Championships: Swim Meet in Charlotte, NC
January 24, 25.
A very fun weekend with Dad & Team Greenville - We both swam (he swam much faster), we raced on the same relay a few times (thankfully he's not too competitive - because there's no way I would have been the chosen freestyler), I still can't figure out how to swim a 200 free, the scar on my shoulder served as a good excuse for my less than stellar times (at these meets I am a poser-swimmer... I can try and look the part, but my event results pretty much give me away). Now, fellow meet participants look at the scar - and figure it was a swim yardage induced rotator cuff injury. Little do they know, my times were only seconds off last year's results... pre surgery.
Other than soak up the chlorine, we had a great dinner at Maggiano's and went to see "Gran Torino". (if you haven't seen it - buy it on Tuesday, seriously). Thanks for a fun weekend Dad! You and your swimming abilities never cease to amaze me. (he went on to place top 10 in several events - Masters Y Nationals, Fort Lauderdale)

2. Myrtle Beach (I did the 1/2 Marathon - many friends raced the Full)
Valentine's Day (I figured forcing myself to run 13.1 miles as hard as possible might be the perfect way to celebrate such a Holiday). Good trip with Sarah, Nicole, and Jeff... I was the designated driver - primarily because I LOVE to drive, I LOVE to drive the Mini, I drive stick shift, and Jeff (Mini owner) had worked the night shift right before we left.

This race was important - mentally - because I knew I'd be cut open (clavicle surgery #2) upon returning to Greenville. I wanted to go under the knife with run satisfaction... prepping for a speedy return to 100%. Luckily, it was just that - a Great race! I loved running that day. Many friends from G'ville posted PR's.

Kristi, Jenny, and I waiting for awards.

Nicole, myself, and Sarah CRAMPED in the back of Mitch's car... on our way to Margaritaville (post race)

3. Reedy River 10K: Greenville

March 7

Phew... Reedy River is a big one for the G'ville running community. This year marked the 32 running of the RR 10K. We had people from all over vying for the prize $. Overall male winner, Blake Boldon, made the journey from Colorado Springs - and the female champ had a resume boasting a nice finish at the Marathon Olympic Trials. Although we were running around Greenville, almost along my typical training route, the race had a "big feel." I was very excited to crack the top 10... actually placing 6th... but, while walking around near the finish, someone said, "awe too bad - the money only goes 5 deep." Not that I expected to be near the top finishers (a mental hang up, I know.. but, I did not grow up running. I was a gymnast/cheerleader. I line up at the start, see all the "real runners" around me, and try to do as they do)... but, when I realized I'd only been about 10 seconds from making some coin, I couldn't help but feel slightly bummed. Just then I ran into OJ, a friend who happened to finish in the 6th slot for males. HA. We took this picture to document our 6th place, one away from pay.

(Later, at awards, we collected checks. They actually paid the top 7. Not much $, but enough to go out for dinner and a celebratory beer!)

4. Parris Island Triathlon (1st tri of the year)

Parris Island, Military Combat Training facility, South Carolina

March 14

It was COLD. I think it was raining too.. but, I was numb - I couldn't feel much. Thank you Dana for the gloves, you saved my fingers. The swim was in the military training pool (over 80 degrees), so that was all fine and good. But, THEN you had to get out of the water and hop on your bike, and try to pedal while your muscles retracted into a state of shock. I don't think my quads every really showed up for the party. My run went well - only because I was trying to avoid hypothermia and FINISH... and find warm clothes!

Kimberley had a great 1st place finish - while I gratefully accepted a smaller eagle for my efforts. Awesome way to kick off the 2009 tri season.

*Thanks to my [former] Marine friends for a fantastic weekend on Parris Island! I got to stay Saturday night with the Max Motivation Bootcamp instructors... just sitting with them, drinking beer, and hearing the guys recount their bootcamp stories was a night I'll never forget.

~KW emailed me many finish pictures... but, here's the deal: I don't look good while racing, I look even worse at the finish, and at Parris Island... I found a new low... racing, finishing, while 1/2 frozen. NOT a good look - but thanks K!
5. Downtown Columbia Triathlon - The State Capital

March 21

Excellent 1st year event.

Here's a theme you'll find in upcoming race reports... I spent most of the race chasing after Ms. Kat Welling. One cool thing about the bike course: it makes you feel like a cyclist! Almost crit style bike racing around the downtown area (which is why I'd decided to take the road bike). Lots of turns, lots of hills, lots of cars & people. The flight of stairs found on the run course was an interesting surprise.

OH, and I almost forgot - the race started at 1:00 PM. I stayed at home, got to sleep in on a Saturday, ate breakfast, packed up the tri gear, and drove to Columbia with plenty of time to get my packet, set everything up, and warm up by riding the course.

Jeremey, if you're reading this... I know it wasn't your favorite schedule of events... but, Please keep the late start for 2010! Also, thanks Troy for the great pictures.

6. MAC Foundation 5K - MESA Soccer Complex

April 19

OUCH - 5K's hurt, they hurt bad. I suppose it was a "hurts so good" kind of pain... but, I'd much rather do a sprint distance tri than a straight up 5K road race. Dana did a great job organizing the event, Set Up did the timing, and I got to suffer through 3.1 miles with some fast friends. Sam Inman and I battled it out most of the way... but, he found faster feet as we neared the finish.

This 5K reminded me why I participate in and train for races. Every time I turned around, I ran into another running buddy... everyone out for a little speed work. It's a diverse group, the athletes I've become friends with here in Greenville, but I truly value each person I've grown to know.

7. St. Anthony's Triathlon - St. Petersburg, FL

April 24/25

From a little, hometown 5k, to the 2nd largest triathlon in the US. The weekend began with another mini cooper road trip. Nicole and I made our way down to Florida... some interesting pit stops along the way. High & Low lights from the weekend:

- Nicole's supersonic driving abilities.

- Our rendition of "Gangsta's Paradise"

- Arriving to the hotel and realizing I'd forgotten the skewer for my front wheel... then, finding out that Andrew Starykowicz had an extra I could borrow. AH, of all the things needed to complete a triathlon - a small rod of metal could have kept me out of the race! Thanks AStar!

- Thea finally making it (via plane) from Greenville.

- The most active day-before-a-race I've ever experienced. I think the mini made 3 or 4 round trips from hotel to race site. We swam in the ocean (aka: tried to make our way from buoy to buoy in the waves), walked around the expo, waited in line for our packets, checked our bikes in, shopped, had lunch at a cute cafe, did a short run, cleaned up, had dinner with some guy named Andy Potts, finally got back to the hotel around 8:00, packed our race bags, painted our toenails, and went to sleep. I was spent.

- Waking on race morning to Thea telling us what she'd seen outside our window... it's not G-rated, not even PG 13. It involves a guy, a girl, and a hotel hot tub. I took it as a good race omen, why not?!

- Nicole got us to the race site in warp speed (the only driving speed she knows). The mini came in handy, as she whipped into a small opening not large enough for a Harley. We unloaded and made our way toward transition............

- That's when we saw the ocean - and the whitecaps.

- After lots of fret, Thea threatening to pull herself out, seriously worrying (to myself, a person pretty comfortable in most water)... the officials made the call: only Pros would swim. The rest of us would bike-run, starting in numerical order. Thea and I were in the amateur elite division, so we went off almost 2 hours before Nicole (who basically had time to nap and eat breakfast round 2.... but, even after a late start won a cool Age Group award!).

- Great race. Smokin' fast course. Props to all race organizers/volunteers for quickly pulling plan B together.

- My mom won her Age Group by 7 minutes. Yes, she is the 55-59 yr old Female STUD.

- We acted like slugs the rest of the day... but, finally got motivated for dinner that night. We went back downtown, ordered drinks, and enjoyed a plethora of tapas.

A picture "with" Andy Potts
Thea's picture "with" Andy Potts..... we know we're stalkers

Alright, he knew we were taking this one!
WRISTBAND POWER! (yes, we all raced wearing a wristband)

8. Training with Gail Kattouf - all around the Upstate.

This isn't about an official race... but often, after training with Gail, I feel as though I've suffered through a race. We have fun, talk about everything, sweat, push hard, laugh, and always end up having a better workout thanks to the other person. I chase her gazelle-like stride around the track until I feel like I might puke. We sit on bike trainers and move our mouths about as much as we move our legs. Our rides have been an adventure each and every time we saddle up.

We road over Caesar's Head to Bevard... while her derailleur malfunctioned the entire time, leaving us to call her parents to come pick us up roadside, and drive us all the way back to G'ville. We've stopped to take pictures of llamas, ourselves, gorgeous scenery, etc... We've climbed Paris Mtn over, and over, and over again. Sometimes we jog along the Swamp Rabbit Trail at a pace slower than a fast walk - other times we haul booty on the same path. Through these training sessions, I've learned 2 very unknown things about Gail: 1) she can talk to animals; most notably, horses. 2) she has the most uncanny ability to plan a long route, look at a map, memorize the turns/road names, and direct us along that route without a hitch. No joke, it's borderline spooky.

Most importantly, we make training fun.

View from the top of Paris Mountain....

9. Lake Murray Triathlon

May 3

It was an early morning getting to Lake Murray - but, I arrived to find a fun group. As is typical of the Set Up Events triathlons... everyone had their own pre-race routine, but we joked around while getting prepared. Troy has some good blackmail pictures of me shimming into my wetsuit. Things were pretty relaxed until the second the gun went off. The people I train and race with - well, they show up to race - and I wouldn't want it any other way. The ladies in this area are such great competitors! Kat lead the field out of the water (in typical form - large margin) before Gail laid the hammer down once on her bike. Everyone raced well, and the rest of the morning was spent eating burritos, sitting in the sun, and collecting our awards (Shamwow's).

10. Training in Franklin, NC (parents cabin)

as often as I can... most recently: May 30

Franklin is an athlete's playground. The roads are a dream come true - rolling through the valley for running, or climbing around the mountains for cycling. To top it off, there is a beautiful lake about 10 miles from my parent's place. My parents, being the amazing / supportive / athletic people they are, seem to understand my crazy mountain endeavors. During my last trip to Franklin: dad drove mom and I to the lake, he paddled the kyack next to me while I swam, I changed into running clothes, then my parents drove back to the cabin. I wanted to run back from the lake... up and over the mountain. It wasn't an easy run, but the thing about point-to-point runs is this: you have no choice but to keep moving forward. It ended up being an Epic day of training... with the most amazing finish - my dad had installed an outdoor shower on the back of the cabin. After a long lake swim, and a long run home, standing under a stream of water (while still in running clothes), is pure bliss.

............... Next: Festival of Flowers triathlon and the Donaldson Center Time Trial.........

hardware removal

2009-02-17T21:27:00.004-05:00

I'd love to write a long post about FUN times in Myrtle Beach - the race and surrounding festivities were a BLAST. A recap of last weekend is coming, I promise.

Unfortunately, I'm still in a Rx induced fog. Yesterday I had surgery to "remove the hardware." Mom took me to the Outpatient Center at 7:00 am. Things took a bit longer than expected for two reasons:

- I had done a 1/2 marathon on Saturday, stood in the rain for hours after the race, stayed up late that night, ridden my bike on Sunday, cut off liquids in prep for surgery....

and what's the first thing the nurse asks for?! A urine sample - yeah right. It took me 30 min.

- I'm not good with needles (ok, that's putting it lightly)... so, it took her some "prodding" to get an IV going. Once it was in - I had some kind of reaction (you med people know what I'm talking about, starts with a V?). Anyway, the room began closing in - hearing went funny - next thing I know, I wake up with wet washcloths all over my face. I hadn't even had surgery yet.

But, eventually I made it under the knife. He went in through the previous cut (phew, I do not need any more scars). Here are a few pictures:

Mom: thank you for being there with me, and holding my hand.

They ask you to mark the "removal site"

YEAH! Procedure DONE.

CHEETAH

2009-02-11T20:28:00.006-05:00

The Cheetah:

is an atypical member of the cat family (Felidae) that is unique in its speed, while lacking climbing abilities. It is the fastest land animal, reaching speeds between 112 and 120 km/h (70 and 75 mph) in short bursts covering distances up to 460 m (1,500 ft), and has the ability to accelerate from 0 to 110 km/h (68 mph) in three seconds, faster than most super cars.

This means my friend/co-worker, Becca, and the Cheetah have something in common: SPEED. Paired with her super-sonic running ability, the girl's got an eye for style. As a fan of the running skirt, she found one online in cheetah print. And, at the Greenville News 5K - Becca did the Cheetah proud! The fem feline FLEW to a fantastic win.

And, who did she run down the finish stretch with? The G-man himself. I think the Cheetah skirt was just the fuel G needed to hunt her down in the closing strides.

*Or, maybe G'man is jealous of the Cheetah? He's pretty good with Photoshop. Here's G's current Facebook profile pic:

Since that race - and Becca's "Cheetah Girl" picture in the paper - the skirt has become famous in our little running community.

Well, last weekend was the Green Valley Road Race - and Becca was in Colorado. So, the Cheetah was left in my care. I had many requests to race in it... but, I'm no Cheetah. I don't think I could do it justice.

Green Valley 10 Miler race report:

The morning started out very early... I had to take my parents to the airport. So, at 4:45 I was knocking on their door, taxi service ready! An easy ride to and from GSP airport - then a long wait for an 8:45 race start. What to do?

Have a bowl of oatmeal, play on the internet (thank you facebook), look at the weather report, listen to music... I have never had that much time the morning of a race.

At 7:50 I headed over to Gail and Rick Kattouf's house. Rick was headed out the door to make his way over for the 8K (8:30 start).

I met up with Gail, and we jogged across the street to Furman University. The morning was perfect for running - really, we couldn't have had better weather. The sun was out, already nearing 50 degrees, and hundreds of people were ready to run!

I got my race number, talked with friends, watched the 8K start - then Gail and I made our way to the 10 mile start. We had both been planning to wear long sleeves and gloves... but ditched those near a tree. Shorts and short sleeves, wooHOO!

Being at the start was like being amongst friends going for a group run... everywhere I looked, I saw another running buddy! Joe, Rich, Kimberley, Juergen, Beth, Sam, G'man - what a fun group!

Before I knew it, we were off. Road race starts get me every time - so different than a triathlon. A heard of footsteps unleashed... I tried to control the first mile, but seemed to be caught up in the race energy. Immediately, I saw a few girls just ahead of me (Gail was already further ahead, with the lead guys). We tore through the Furman Mall - only flat 1/2 mile stretch on this course and headed for the hills!

Kerri's loud cheering made me smile as we exited the campus gates. I know this course well... as I've said, Furman is an athlete's dream playground. A constant influx of runners and cyclists meeting for play dates. With it's proximity to Paris mountain and scenic roads, what more could you want?

I knew each of the hills I'd have to charge, each of the hills I'd descend. Well, training is one thing... racing the Green Valley course is a MUCH different story. By the 2nd mile, I'd caught 2 girls in front of me - and the field spread out. The sun was shining, I felt myself breathing hard, I'd pass someone on a downhill, we'd battle it out going back up...

I actually found myself smiling - looking across the fields, and seeing blue skies, and people running ahead of me.

Around mile 5, I heard a volunteer say, "2nd Girl". Knowing Gail was in front, I got excited knowing she was the only female ahead of me.

Well, the smile lasted until around mile 7. That's when the blister from H#%$ formed on my right heel. I'd raced in the shoes 6 times already - no problems. For some reason, they chose mile 7 of the GVRR to rub a HOLE in my heel. I clenched my jaw and forged on. Down, through Traveler's Rest, UP past the baseball field... and then I felt it POP. I knew the shoe was going to be bloody, but I didn't expect to feel a squish with each right step. Niiiiiiice.

Well, at least it took my mind off the pain in my quads/calves!

We were getting close, about 2 miles to go. At this point, you're going down a false flat... usually, this is a "speed up to the finish" kind of course. Notsomuch for me on Saturday - pesky headwind had other plans. Head down, screaming blister, begging for a finish line.

Going down the final hill (back into campus), I see my friend Juergen come up on my left! Claiming this was a "long temp run" in prep for the Myrtle Beach Marathon - I couldn't believe how easily he swept by my side.

This turned out to be just the boost I needed. About .75 miles to the finish - and Juergen was pulling me in. I remember his words, "come on Ashley, we're almost there... fight up this hill... strong, you're strong."

We dashed back down the mall area (again, only flat) - and in true "gentleman" form, Juergen stepped aside and let me cross just ahead. Hey Juergen, don't be so nice in Myrtle Beach!!

It was not an easy race - actually, it was much tougher than I'd expected it to feel. That being said, I LOVED it. I loved the course, the athletes, the weather, the speed. It was a good day... and I quickly found Gail and Rick. Gail had been the 1st female, and I came in many people behind her - 2nd female. I think it was the 6th or 7th time she's won this race! Gail actually holds the course record - set when she was 18, running for Furman.

We made our way back to the clothes we'd stashed near the start. As we were putting them back on, the Furman baseball coach approached us. He said, "hey, what's going on.... there's clothes all over the place." Gail said, "oh, the Green Valley Road Race."

I had to chime in, "yeah, a bunch of runners showed up this morning - and we decided to go streaking through campus."

Coach laughed and shook his head... "crazy runners."

So, I'd taken the Cheetah with me to the race. Really, I think only Becca can pull the skirt off during a race - but, I wasn't afraid to put it on for awards! Luckily G'man and Janis were there to capture my catwalk on film.

CHEETAH POWER, Prrrrrrrrrrrrr!

strike the match

2009-01-27T11:02:00.004-05:00

Maybe you've been there too?

When your flame goes out... sometimes the wick slowly burns down, other times it's quickly extinguished. Either way, you're left to rebuild the fire. That's where I find myself right now. It has been a long process - 1st trying to find the match, and then creating the spark.

Last year's bike crash, and subsequent surgery changed my life. I'm sure I'll find myself discussing many of these things in posts to come. But, with each good day of training, warming temperatures, alongside fun friends, racing... I can feel it all coming back.

I could probably spend 5 hours on this post. Filling in updates on:
- Running the Art Lobe Trail (North Carolina - Blue Ridge Pky area) on New Years Day.
- The Sunbelt Masters Swim Meet (with Dad in Charlotte).
- The Green Valley 10 Mile Road Race.

- Riding with G and Amy in 70 degree temps on Sunday.
- Myrtle Beach 1/2 marathon this coming weekend.
- Surgery #2 on Monday (just to take out some "bands" that were holding the bone).

Really... I'm going to get back to blogging slowly. I can't overwhelm myself with a marathon post. Pacing, it's all about pacing.

So, with this note - I relight my fire.

A quick story about this morning's track workout:

I planned on meeting my friend, Amy, at the GHS track around 7:30 (we were both running there from separate places, as a warm-up). So, I get to the track and see Amy doing S-T-R-I-D-E-S... girl was striding OUT. We had laughs about her bounding around the lane.

It felt good to be on a track again.... it has been months.

I was scared to even use a stopwatch.

After the Green Valley Road Race this past weekend (10 VERY tough miles - up and down and up and down).. my legs were still not quite recovered. But, I made through a workout.

Training with Amy has proven to make me laugh.... but, this morning was extra special. Because she made the mistake of letting me pick the cool down route. I decided I wanted to go home via the shortest way (2 miles).

This requires running through the GHS parking lot.

NOT the place you want to be 10 min before classes start. So, Amy and I take off into the lot, now known as DEATH ZONE. I was almost hit by 6 cars, count them 6 CARS. Oh yeah, I also almost ran into a car door as it was flung open. Pretty sure another HS student ran a red light and almost took me out... after we had made it through the GHS Speedway.

I honestly didn't know if I was going to make it back to the house in one piece.

Amy sent a text just to make sure.

This life - the choice to train for and race triathlons - is ALWAYS an adventure...

and that's why I'm coming back....

I've found some of the best friends - friends who'll risk their life in a HS parking lot, 10 minutes before the bell, to run by your side.

coming back via Kiawah

2008-12-24T18:52:00.003-05:00

It's Christmas Eve... the family has congregated at the Franklin, NC homestead. There is a Charlie Brown style tree lit and decorated (my dad cut the top off a fallen evergreen), Sally is making her way through a book of Christmas carol lyrics (well... she's getting the words right, at least), my sister and her boyfriend are playing wii bowling, Granny's chillin' on the couch (no doubt thankful I kidnapped her from Rolling Green Assisted Living).

Granny and I arrived around noon today... and after unloading and catching up with the family, I had to get out for a run. How often can you run in the mountains, on an overcast Christmas eve (58 degrees), in short sleeves & shorts?! It was spectacular.

No, I'm not fully recovered in the clavicle region... but, things are getting better. I even managed a decent race at Kiawah Island (1/2 marathon). With no real prep, I joined 2 of my good girlfriends for a fun weekend at the beach. I told myself to consider the "race" a "Saturday morning long run."

Caralyn, Bea, and I had a blast! We made our way from Greenville to the coast on Friday morning (day before the race)... plenty of time to pick up packets and walk along the beach, then cook dinner and relax. Caralyn's parents have a gorgeous house right on the beach, and we were fortunate enough to stay there for the weekend. Another G'ville couple: Tim & Babs joined our house party late Friday night.

(stepping on the beach - right at sunset)

(Team "blue windbreaker" ready to go)

Race morning provided perfect weather. I saw 75% of the Greenville running community while making my way to the start. I should have known better, but when the gun went off I got excited (too much pent up race energy - after missing many late season tri's)... The course was amazing, my Garmin displayed a pace I had no business trying to hold for 13.1, bongo players added to the excitement at the 1st major turn, I felt good... it felt so good to be running, racing with many familiar faces.

Making our way to the turn around, I saw G-man right behind the lead female (I know I yelled something about him getting "chicked"... fyi, he did end up passing her toward the finish)... I also saw the 2nd place female a short while later. Then, there was one girl right in front of me. Amazing, I was in 4th.

I caught up with the 3rd place girl and we ran together from mile 6 to 9.5 or so. She was great, perfect to run with, and we actually passed comments here and there.

With so many G'ville people in the race... I heard many "Go Ashley's" after making the turn. So many friends yelling, that 3rd place chick laughed and said, "I think I'm going to pretend my name is Ashley." Ha, that was right before leaving me and going ahead.

Great support out there Greenvillians!!!

Then I got to mile 10... in PR time. OUCH. Never again will I go out that hard, under prepared for a race. I was toast and still had a 5K. Normally, that's my favorite time to pick it up... whoa, notsomuch at Kiawah '08. One girl passed me around mile 11... and I had nothing to try and keep up with her. Then, a girl came up on my side and passed: with the finish line in sight! I gave this race my all, finishing 6th (and made some obvious mistakes, from which I learned)... 3rd-6th female only had a 50 second differential.

Not a stellar race... but awesome for many reasons. I love this course, and loved being back in a race! I hope to be back at this one next year.

Now, my friends Bea and Caralyn were doing the marathon (2 loop course). So after getting myself under control, I did a "cool down jog" (I use that term loosely) backwards on the course. I found my girls at mile 11. Bea was already hurting (nursing an IT band problem)... I tried to get her to pull out at the half, but she would hear none of that.

I left them to continue for the second 13.1... and I made my way to the car to change.

The rest of the day was cheering friends in and hanging out at the finish.
Everyone did AWESOME:
Sara, G-man, David, Tim, Caralyn, Bea, Mike, Kerrie, Kyle, Jeni, Jimmy, Brad, and others.

For the rest of the weekend: we celebrated. From a house party stocked with wine and food to an organized group dinner at Shrimpers, to a trip to The Sanctuary (a five star resort on Kiawah). Then, after a coma-like sleep (early race + watching for 4 more hours + party + wine + dinner + more wine) I woke up at the beach. Not ready to leave... I asked Tim and Babs if I could ride back with them later in the day (Caralyn and Bea had to get back to G'ville early).

(At The Sanctuary.... many glasses of wine since finishing the race)

Per Tim's marathon training, he had to get geared up for a 2 hour run. Not wanting any of that action, Babs and I hopped on beach cruising bikes and rode while he ran. It was the perfect way to see the Island. What a neat community. Even in the winter months, this place is magical.

After our jaunt around Kiawah, we packed up and got on the road.
Then, I heard the line that would make this weekend Perfect.... "Ashley would you mind if we stopped at Waffle House for lunch on the way back?"
Had sweeter words ever been spoken? I think not.

A trip to Kiawah Island with 2 fantastic friends.
Staying at an amazing beach house (THANK YOU Mr. and Mrs. Hagy)
Wonderful race and finish.
Fun times at parties and with friends.
Pedaling a cruiser with ocean in sight.
.... and a stop at the 'ole W.H.
Life is good.

Thank you Caralyn and Bea. It was a special weekend - one I'll cherish forever.

Family Time

2008-11-14T16:13:00.002-05:00

Alright... My Grandma Jo thinks I've fallen off the face of the earth. Just to clarify: I'm fine, still living in Greenville, and enjoying Fall (while rehab continues).

- After leading RunFest on my bike, I caught race fever and unofficially ran a 1/2 marathon a week later in Raleigh, NC. I actually felt great throughout the 13.1 and posted a better than expected time (you see, I'd set out to simply jog around the course... but, you know how it goes... put yourself on the start line 10 min after the gun goes off... you start to catch people... you're wearing a Garmin... and something takes over your mind/body... you get high on the race...) All in all, I remembered how to run. Ah.

- I ordered a new red/white Rudy Project helmet, which just came in the mail.

- I'm enjoying all the Seasonal Flavors: Pumpkin Spice Clif Bars, cranberry bread, chocolate/peppermint milkshakes @ Chick-fil-A. The list continues. Hello Thanksgiving!

- I registered for the Myrtle Beach 1/2 marathon (February 2009)

- I've swam a total of 300 yards in the last 3 months. Got in the pool ONCE... it was not pretty, nor did it feel good. Kat, are you reading this? HELP

- TEAM LONG was featured in the local Multisport Publication... GO! Magazine. To read the article, click HERE

(for an autographed copy with pictures... contact Doug Long, Team Manager)

- Right now, I'm off to dinner/movie with Dad. 007....wooHOO.

More updates soon.

a Marathon

2008-10-26T13:43:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I did a marathon...

and I was in the lead for 26 miles!!

Ok - I was on a bike and the other 2,000 people were running.

It was the Spinx Runfest here in Greenville, SC. A half and full marathon with a kids fun run and 5K. The weather was not ideal - but thankfully, it wasn't pouring down rain.

I'll admit... I've been in a funk and lacking any sort of athletic motivation. Not really wanting to blog - for fear I'd find myself moaning about being out of shape and suffering through recovery. Yes, I've been running. Slightly painful (not clavicle pain - just "I haven't run in 2 months" painful) and very slow. The doctor asked that I hold off on the swimming. Then, he said I could return to cycling. Hummm. All those hours on the couch. All the walking w/ my sling. All the urges to take my bike out for a spin. I thought I'd jump at the chance to ride.

But as he told me I could get back on my bike - I felt my stomach turn.

My road bike was still covered in mud and grass from the crash. My helmet in two pieces. The other cycling accessories (gloves, water bottles, sunglasses) stored in a bed-pan the hospital handed to my mom as they rolled me out of the ER. I hadn't touched any cycling related gear since the crash.

Then I get a call from Joe Hammond. Joe, one of the Spinxfest race directors, was looking for a bike escort. Evidently, 2 of his cyclists backed out last minute. Was I interested?

Yes, without thinking - I said yes.

So, this week I took my busted and very dirty bike over to Go Tri Sports. Matt, the manager, had offered to look it over. I crossed my fingers, hoping the only breaks/cracks suffered in the crash were already repaired during surgery!

I awaited his call like a mother worried about her sick child.

Phew - nothing major... just cosmetic damage to the bike.

Joe and I continued the hunt for more cyclists. I ended up recruiting fellow triathlete Cameron Dorn. Side note: Cameron showed up to my house with a disc wheel on his bike. I asked if he wanted to use my aero helmet... there might be some Kenyans. Hilarious.

After finding my cold weather & rain gear, Cameron and I road to the start from my house - two miles, just enough to shake off the nerves. The roads were wet, I hadn't been on my bike in 2.5 months, and I was worried about making it 26.2 miles!

Arriving to the race site just felt right. I wasn't there to race, but being with my friends and feeling the energy was exactly what I needed. Set Up Events was doing the timing, so I got to see Jeremey and Raly. Many friends were racing: Gail, Rick, Kenneth, Nicole, Caroline, Derrick, Bea and her iRun group, Ashleigh, Aaron, others (sorry if I forgot to name you)... Gman was on his moped (driving around the person taking video footage), Cameron and I were part of the bike escort team... other friends had helped to set out the 2,000,000 cones.

I ended up leading Daniel Hughes, who tore off from the pack right at the start. Our hometown boy posted a 1:11:44 in the half! Seriously, I found myself pushing on the bike just to stay ahead. After Daniel entered Flour Field to finish, I doubled back in search of lead marathoner (it was a 2 loop course). Turns out, I didn't have to wait long.

Chuck Engle, the "marathon junkie", was racing. I took over the lead again as Chuck began his second lap. As I watched this machine churn out an amazing pace - I couldn't help but be amazed. He thanked volunteers and police officers. He thanked me for riding ahead to clear foot traffic and get people prepared at drink stations. He showed NO signs of slowing, fatigue, or discomfort.

When I agreed to assist with this race, I thought of it as a good way to get involved (without having to run). But, in retrospect, it ended up being so much more.

- it got me back in the saddle. I was so focused on guiding the riders, I didn't have time to worry about the wet roads. And, lets face it... I ended the day with around 35 miles with an avg pace of 10.1 mph.

- I got to see all my race, tri, running buddies!

- I realized why I ride - because I love the way it feels to push the pedals. I might have waited much longer before getting back on my bike...

- I spent hours with Top Notch runners. Usually, in watching a marathon, I only see the "fast guys" as they fly by. But, by riding with them - I was able to really witness their race. Daniel (half winner) and Chuck (full winner) are incredible. Both seemed to speed up through turns, never break form, remain totally focused, and never waver. Daniel was a graceful gazelle, while Chuck displayed muscular strength. Totally different forms of running... both SO fast.

*** all of this lead to a Great Sunday run. Today was the best I've felt since before the crash. Still nothing fast... but, I almost felt possessed by my former self. Some of the depression must have washed away as I road that marathon course. Thanks to everyone who has helped and is helping me get back.

Me and Cameron... and his disc

Jeremey at the StartGiordanelli driving the moped

And they're off

Nicole, pretty in Pink

Go Bea!!

Rick, finishing the 5K in style

Kids fun run... how cute!!

look Ma, TWO hands

2008-10-06T09:49:00.017-04:00

The rumors are true... I broke up with the Ultra Sling II! I'm not fully functional yet, but being able to use both hands is a GIFT. I go back to the doctor on Thursday - if he really wants to be my Best Friend, he'll clear me for running.

Here's a short list of things I can finally do again (once taken for granted):
- put hair in ponytail
- apply deodorant
- type with 10 fingers (or 8 fingers and 2 thumbs, whatever)
- tie my own shoes
- sleep in my bed (I was on the couch for weeks)
- wear tops that go over my head
- interact in public w/out the "what the heck happened to you" stare

I tried to make the best of my sling-time. I've spent way too many hours on the indoor spin bike, done intervals on a recumbent bike, walked miles and miles and miles around Greenville, performed lunges up and down the bike paths (there's one way to elicit strange looks: try forward, reverse, or side lunges while dripping sweat and wearing a huge black sling)...

The sling and I had some good times. It was actually a great, medically prescribed, fanny pack. My cell phone hooked nicely to the waist strap; and the arm cradle held my iPod, camera, money, small snacks ;)This provided a good opportunity to take pictures of my favorite running route. Fyi: walking 8 miles while frequently stopping to take pictures is one way to eat up an afternoon. So, enjoy my Tour de Greenville. Cross your fingers for a clean bill of clavicle health on Thursday!

Making my way down to Cleveland Park

Eagle Trail (just under a mile, but a fun way to go through the park)

One of many playgrounds in Cleveland Park

The new "Swamp Rabbit Trail" -- offers both asphalt and track surface"Canine Corner" -- Dog Park Cleveland Park

Cleveland Park often becomes the Cleveland Crit... cycling groups morning, noon, and night!McDaniel Ave... memories of running with Gail - hey girl, do you remember that day of hill training? I award this place (on McDaniel Ave) the "Most Gorgeous Front Yard":

One of the largest magnolia trees I've ever seen:
At the top of McDaniel... RUN IN!! WooHOOMe & my favorite Shoe Nazi: Bea :)

Along the path from Cleveland Park to Falls Park
Downtown's beautiful Falls Park and Suspension Bridge
Looking down Main Street I've run along Main St. so many times, never stopping to read the quotes along the sidewalk. Well, on a walk... you can stop and smell the roses - or read the words beneath your feet:
"Adversity introduces a man to himself"
"When one door closes another door opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the ones which open for us"
"Nothing can dim the light which shines from within"
"Our bodies are where we stay, Our souls are what we are" Kids art project on a side streetFinally, almost there... you can see Paris Mtn from my street!

Now, I can't wait until these sights fly by as I run along...

I love Greenville - who wants to visit?!

Can't race, Dance instead!

2008-09-24T10:49:00.011-04:00

Great Job to all who raced over the weekend in Portland (USAT Nationals)!

Crashing, undergoing surgery, and learning it would be 8 weeks before my arm would be reaching over my head... has changed my way of life, significantly. I've experienced the full range of emotions: shock, fear, pain, gratefulness, disappointment, frustration, amazement (with an out pouring of love/support from friends & family), discovery, desire, motivation (to return to all activity) - it's been a roller coaster.

Well, not being able to race in Portland opened my schedule to attend a wedding in Charleston, SC. My good friends, Kate & Hans, got married in true Southern Style on Saturday. Kate and my cousin, Lea, have been best friends since birth (which is how I got to know Kate). Lea made a gorgeous Maid of Honor... and I must say that even though I was sporting a sling (which I made sure matched my dress - actually, I thought about dressing-up the Ultra Sling II with some jewels or pearls) Lea and I were the Life of the Party.

Not being at the race was tough - but, what a fun substitute!! I'm so glad I got to be at this wedding.

- Kate & Hans: Congrats! Enjoy the Honeymoon. I enjoyed every second in Charleston, everything was perfect.

- Lea: Thanks for hosting me... and helping me get dressed ;) xxxooo

- Mary Elizabeth: if you're reading this - So exciting to meet a new triathlete! Keep in touch.

Some pictures from the weekend:

Lea & Ashley (cousins: before going crazy on the dance floor)Woohoo.... Twins! Hi Reed.

Not the only injured party person :)

And the dancing begins....

Even if you can't race.... you can still find a way to Dance!

F-R-I-E-N-D-S

2008-09-15T11:55:00.004-04:00

I have NO idea how I'd be making it right now without my family and amazing network of friends?! My sister has straightened my hair a few times (to make me look human), my Mom helps me change after a shower (and is still pouring chocolate milk down my throat), and my Dad has helped me tie my shoes (he's even pulled my hair into a ponytail... I was beautiful ;)

I can't thank you all enough:

- Kat & Nicole for our recovery party... even though 'Superbad' made me laugh so hard it sent shooting pains through my chest. (I didn't get the pink tee memo)

- Gail & Rick for the gift bag. And for the killer group workouts (stationary bike and long walks)

- Gman & Janis for taking me out for pizza! And baking cookies.

- Mendy, David & Grace for the surprise visit... including M&M's and balloons (sponge Bob and 'Way To Go')

- Matt for delivering calcium pills, and lunch at Chicora!

- Russell and Kenneth... both for stopping by and making me smile

- Mike for sending great reading material

- Kate for coming over just for a walk

- Jen, Kat, Marit, Andrew, Nicole, Lindsay, Kimberley, Bea -- all for calling to check in!

- John for asking ?'s which keep me focused on why I love racing/training

- Thank you EVERYONE for the comments, emails, text messages, emails. Each has brought a huge smile to my face.

My last visit to the doctor wasn't great... bones aren't healing very fast or straight. Will continue to sport this sling for 2 more weeks. Might be raising my arm in 5 or 6. Ugh, enough of that talk.

My time is spent simply doing things... you'd think that with only one arm, you'd take twice as long to do something - HA, not the case. In fact, it takes four times as long. I have become clumsy and frustrated. The one handed typing is enough to drive anyone crazy!

I have made it back to the gym for time on the stationary bike (going from upright to recumbent and back). I also spend time walking - it gets me outside, moving, sweating (still getting in the 90's here). Unfortunately, walking w/ the sling pulls my back all out of whack & I don't know if its helping bone growth? Oh well - I'll go nuts cooped up inside!

Missing Nationals next weekend is a bummer. Jen had me ready - mentally and physically. Well JH, to you I send the energy I had stored up for that race ;) Use it for me! Good luck to everyone traveling to Portland!!

Instead of heading West - I'll go to a wedding in Charleston. My good friends Kate & Hans are getting married on Saturday. Congrats you guys... So happy I'll be there to share in you special day!

Also.... Big SHOUT OUT for the GEORGIA BULLDOGS!!!
Off to a Great Season. The South Carolina game was tough to watch (ugly plays and dropped passes had me in extra pain as I tensed up the arm), by my Dawgs found a way to pull out a Victory.

broken

2008-09-04T09:45:00.003-04:00

6 days ago, i had surgery to repair my broken clavicle... since then, life has s.l.o.w.e.d down. eliminating work and training from my life has left me with, well, not a whole lot.

the surgery was performed on friday morning. a numbing "block" kept me from feeling pain until that evening. then it hit - an extreme pain surging through my arm into my neck and back. i spent the night on my parents lazy-boy downing pain killers. my dad rescued me in the middle of the night, when i had to go to the bathroom (a 10 min ordeal). honestly, there is no way i could have made it through this alone.

the next morning, my parents packed us all up - as they wanted to return to their cabin in franklin, nc. rick and gail kattouf had offered to take me in for the weekend...

**you see, greenville was hosting the pro cycling national championships over labor day weekend. i didn't want to miss out on all the fun festivities!!**

but, i was in such discomfort, there was no way i could imagine staying with friends (R&G, thanks so much for all you've done to help!! i hope to see you this weekend). so, i loaded up into my dad's van for the trip to nc. my mom would come later in a different car. my dad had brought the van down with the intent of picking up his riding mower and trailer at the john deere place on his return trip.

so we headed to waynesville. until this, my shoulder had been under ice - constantly (none of that 20 min on 20 min off stuff). however, the van ride would make this impossible. neither of my parents had any stray leather for me to bite down on... so i had to htfu.

we made it to the john deere place. dad got the mower into the trailer and hooked it all up. we continued toward franklin and the fire in my shoulder intensified. finally, we made the exit off hwy 441. the light turned green and my dad pulled out to make a left onto 64. we both saw her coming at the same time... i yelled GO, GO, GO, while my dad hit the gas. unfortunately, our old van (pulling a trailer) has NO pick-up. So, the lady who blew the red light ended up hitting the back of the van and then the trailer.

perfect

tensing my body for the impact (less than 24 hrs after surgery) felt wonderful.

luckily, nobody was hurt. minimal damage to vehicles involved. we called for the police, and waited. i think another driver stopped to act as witness... all parties involved told the same story. all i could think about was getting to some ICE.

my week has been rather uneventful since then, phew. i've spent more hours on this couch than i care to admit... franklin is a great place for some r&r. my parents have been amazing: helping with everything.

my one major complaint is having to type with one hand. this is torture. it takes me forever to peck out emails - and already i've spent 45 min on this post. but, i think slow is my new thing.

there are many other minor complaints, but i try to shake them off quickly. when i begin to feel down about my current situation (damaged body unable to complete the race season i'd planned), i remind myself just how luck i am to know i'll be up and running soon. every time i close my eyes, i still feel myself flying down that hill and off the road. i was so fortunate to walk away from that wreck.

today we'll return to greenville. i'll be glad to get off this mountain and back to my house. franklin is amazing, but the surroundings are teasing me here. You can feel a touch of fall in the morning air (making me want to go out and run); the lakes are clear (i want to jump in); and the winding roads beg for cyclists to climb their path (i'll be back). this area is just too perfect for training.... and honestly, there is not much else to do.

i'll go back to civilization and continue to heal. actually, katherine (who just kicked booty at im louisville), nicole (who had back surgery the same day they worked on my clavicle), and i have planned a pity party for sat night. we should be a pretty attractive 3 some.

i also want to thank everyone for the emails, calls, texts, and comments. seeing such an outpouring of support has lifted my spirits and kept me from getting too down about this whole ordeal. i will need you all as i recover and then try to get back into shape.

Pics 2

2008-08-27T13:05:00.005-04:00

Sorry, these pictures are totally out of order.

seriously, how cute

ride, swim, hike

waterfall, worth the hike

ah, the x-ray... makes me want to puke

one of the many hills we climbed or sailed down

the 'hood

a view that makes me want to swim

the group after swimming: Gail in cap, visor, and mask around her neck (classic)

After ride, after swim, getting ready to hike

view from the lake

Beautiful Brevard

Dad would rather ride this than a bike

Toast, we made it!

Gail, already wanting to go swim

Brevard wkd Pics

2008-08-27T12:57:00.004-04:00

The Group At Lunch

Rick & Gail with her foil braces... niiiice

Gman... about to go smelt fishing (sorry, inside joke)

the wonders of my tongue

Chris (aka Gman) & Janis (aka BEST sherpa)

SO great until CRASH

2008-08-27T11:35:00.005-04:00

My 2008 tri season has been wonderful. Great races, fun new friends, training weekends, a family relay... and this past weekend was no exception - well, until I crashed.

Gail and I have had many conversations about riding to her parents place in Brevard, NC. Through a few emails the trip came into fruition... Chris Giordanelli, Rick & Gail Kattouf, and I would ride from Greenville to Brevard. Janis Giordanelli would drive our gear up and my parents would come over from Franklin.

So, on Saturday morning we met at the Kattouf's (overachiever G-man actually rode his bike there from Simpsonville). Janis collected our stuff and we set off. About 1 mile into the ride Rick already had to pee... and announced that he would be making frequent pit stops.

The ride was gorgeous. Furman to Caesar's Head. We climbed to the top - and I hoped they didn't have to wait long for me ;) Making our way to Brevard was breathtaking: smooth roads, downhill, tailwind, clear day, cooler than avg temps... Gman and Rick even added a time trial effort for good measure.

Right when we pulled onto main street, we saw Janis waiting at a coffee shop. A block later, we spotted Doug and Sally Long. The decision was made to have lunch at a burrito joint - so, we all made our way to the restaurant.

Lunch was hilarious... Gail fashioned braces out of foil, Gman imitated himself trying to tie a cherry stem with his tongue, I showed off my tongue tricks, and Sally got pictures of it all.

After lunch, the 4 of us got back on our bikes for the 15 mile ride to Gail's parents home. My parents and Janis would meet us there... after my dad made a stop at the Sears and ABC store - which were next to each other, heaven in his eyes.

Man, that last 15 miles were more difficult than the entire 45 that got us to Brevard. The neighborhood itself is a roller coaster of asphalt - Gman's garmin even went into "rest mode" since we were going under 3.5 mph.

Finally, we made it to Gail's parents home (they are in Florida - so we were free to party down). Oh and cut loose we did ;) Gman busted out the grape Gatorade and we toasted to a great ride. After a bit of R&R, we literally suited up and headed to the lake. Beautiful, even though I was toasted - this lake was too amazing to pass up. Dad, Gail, G, and I jumped in for a swim... I think Sally did her own 800. Rick and Janis were great cheerleaders. The ride had seriously spent my legs, so I did the 45 min without any kicking. Gail and I tried to keep up with Doug (who rotated between breast, back, and free).

When we finally climbed out of the water - Gail suggested a very easy hike. Really, does this girl EVER slow down... I think NOT. Normally, the hike would have been no big deal - but with tired bodies, G and I noted every hill and climb. We hiked to the Falls - Awesome sight, and worth the extra pain.

Making it back to the house, we all cleaned up and went into downtown Brevard for dinner. Wonderful outdoor seating at a restaurant called Maple - good food, good conversation, good times... and good marathon updates from anyone going inside to the restroom.

My parents split off after dinner - while the rest of us went on an ice cream hunt. Rick, and the savvy use of his cell phone / gps / navigation thing found us some options. We ended up at Sonic... in some horrible act of fate, we got a male server - on skates. I haven't been that embarrassed since high school. Rick and Chris - you guys are horrible.

We got home right as the Kenyan made his way toward the Bird's nest. Perfect timing. Some Olympic viewing, then it was off to bed. I had no problems falling asleep.

Sunday morning was a relaxed pace. Rick made coffee, we caught up on the olympics, people were stretching all over the place - and we got our stuff together for Janis to sherpa back to Greenville.

Again, Rick had to pee even before we left the driveway. Then, we were off. I knew the neighborhood was hilly, I knew it had rained during the night - and still, I took the first major downhill too fast.

By now, many of you know the story. Thanks to Gman and Jen for getting the word out. I hate that I had to interrupt this epic weekend with an epic crash. I remember it all TOO well: going off the road, trying to stay on my bike, hitting some rocks, avoiding trees, then rolling and rolling and rolling. Smashed my head during one of the rolls - but a great Rudy helmet saved my skull. As I made it back up to the road, hoping Gail and Rick would see me, I felt the 1st signs of pain in my shoulder. It hurt so bad, I couldn't yell for them to stop. They did pass me, and see me... Chris made his way back.

**thanks SO MUCH to Chris for fixing my bike while we waited for the ambulance, to Chris and Gail for collecting my gear (the lenses had even popped out of my sunglasses), and to Rick for flagging down a car and getting EMS on the scene.

It made no sense for Chris to come to the hospital, so we sent him on his way. Rick and Gail came with me to the ER - and called my parents. The next few hours included MRI's, X-rays, IV's, pain meds, a tetanus shot, etc... My parents got there and my Dad took Rick and Gail back to their bikes.

I was released from the Transylvania County Hospital that afternoon. Diagnosed with a broken clavicle and 1st rib. Not too much road rash, but a pretty sore left hip (pulled hip flexor).

I stayed at my parents place in Franklin, NC until Tuesday. My mom gave me a bath and force chocolate milk down my throat. Yesterday, I saw an orthopedist at Piedmont Orthopedic. They took another x-ray - and said I'll need surgery to pull the clavicle bone back down. Can't do much for the rib, except avoid laughing.

Right now, I sit here in major pain - but disappointment is setting in. I'm bummed about missing nationals, and the rest of tri season. However, up until now - I've had a great 2008. I've made so many new friends, friendships have grown stronger, and training/racing was the best I've known.

Thanks to everyone for the voice mails, emails, text messages, blog comments, etc... It reminds me why I do these crazy things. Athletic accomplishments are one thing - but Epic weekends and Epic friendships make this ride of life worthwhile.

LONG gets Silver

2008-08-18T08:58:00.006-04:00

WooHOOO! Team LONG pulled off a second place finish at the Greenville Sprint Triathlon (largest tri in South Carolina, with just about 700 participants).

What began as a very stormy morning - with threat of changing the race to a duathlon - ended up being a great day. Doug started the race out with a phenomenal swim, Mustang Sally sped through the super wet/slick/hilly bike course, and I tried to uphold my end of the deal by busting it on the run.

This race had, by far, the most relay teams I've seen on a Set Up Events participant list... so, I had no idea what to expect. I couldn't have been more proud to see our team listed in the second place position. For full results, click HERE.
(sorry, I have to mention... it was a 2 loop run course. There is no way someone ran an 11:36)

Mom & Dad: Thank you so much. You both inspire me - each and every day. Love.

Mom post

2008-08-15T09:34:00.005-04:00

Sally Long: Age 55
. I'm the bike leg of Team Long in the Greenville Sprint Triathlon.
. Weighing in at 100 lbs and standing almost 5'2"! I come in a small package, but have lots of competitiveness and passion.
. I grew up in Greenville, SC and attended Greenville High School before going to Converse College in Spartanburg.
. Following graduation I joined the global team at Caterpillar - most recognizable as the maker of the large, yellow earth-moving machines.
. Caterpillar is a wonderful company. It's where I met Doug and has been our employer and "family" for over 32 years. It allowed us to travel and experience people and cultures around the world.
. While living overseas in the Philippines in 1980 Doug and I had our first daughter, local triathlete, Ashley.
. Five years later living in Peoria, Illinois we had our second daughter, new Spartanburg teacher, Sarah.
. In January I retired from my job as Public Relations Manager after 32 years with Caterpillar.

ATHLETICS

. Growing up I loved playing all sports. My favorite memories are of playing basketball on the team with my sister, Libby. Our team never made if very far in the tournaments, but for four years straight we won the Best Team Attitude award. This is an award I hope to keeping winning each year I compete.

. Right after starting my career at Cat I joined the large number of adults who took up running. For years I ran daily distances of 3-5 miles. Even when living overseas I continued this trend. After moving back to the states in 1981 I started to compete in 10K races. I never remember winning or even placing in any of these races, but I absolutely loved the challenge it provided me to know my own pace and to try and improve on my own times over the season. This is how I exercised for the 20 years when I was busy working and more importantly being a wife and mother.

. Jump forward to 2000 and my introduction to triathlon. While most people know Ashley as a triathlete, it was Sarah who got me started in the sport. Sarah, her high school swim coach (Jennifer Heyer), and another friend urged me to join them in a local triathlon. This was my first tri. After the first race I knew this was something I wanted to do again. It brought back the excitement and challenge of those earlier 10K races. The four of us had so much fun we did two more triathlons that season. The last being the Chicago triathlon - the largest tri - in the world. I fell in love. Competing, racing, pushing and doing it in three disciplines.

. Swimming is the discipline I have to work the hardest on. While Doug, Ashley and Sarah grew up swimming, I grew up having fun in the water, but never learning to swim with form. Running has been the place I can find comfort and gain a few seconds over competitors. It wasn't until starting triathlon that I took up cycling. Today cycling is my favorite sport. I love the feel of my legs powering up the hills, the wind on my skin and being a part of nature as I pass along the roads.

. Triathlon has brought me great self confidence and self discipline.

. One of the best things I found through triathlon is the close relationship and new performance levels I've enjoyed after working with triathlon coach, Karyn Austin. Karyn is part of Robbie Ventura's Vision Quest Team. Karyn's is one of the best coaches in the business and Robbie is known internationally as past member of US Postal and now commentator for the Tour de France.

. After winning my age group in regional races Karyn and I decided I should enter the USAT National race last year in Portland, Oregon. To our surprise I came in 4th, qualifying me for the 2008 World Championships in VanCouver, Canada.

. Since retiring from Caterpillar in January, I focused on all aspects of triathlon preparing for the World's competition - from form and strength to visualization and nutrition. This training has been intense and gratifying. I love the learning. I love the feeling of accomplishment that comes with dropping a second in my swim, and getting more aero on the bike, and of improving my form in the run.

. This season has been short and focused. I won my age group at St. Anthony's in St. Petersburg, Florida, at Memphis in May in Tennessee, and came in 3rd at Worlds and 1st American (AG). After crossing the finish line in VanCouver - I called Doug and said - I did my best at Worlds - now it's time to move South. From June 7th - that's what we've been doing.

. Since landing in Greenville, Doug and I have joined multiple gyms/pools, run with the guys from Run-In, and attended the Tuesday bike rides at Donaldson. Greenville is just full of athletic opportunities!

. Living here also allows me to visit my mom more frequently. She is about to celebrate her 90th birthday. If sports were as open to females as they are today, I can guarantee she would have been one terrific athlete. Mom, thank you for encouraging me to get involved in sports.

I'm so proud of Greenville and the city's ability to meld tradition, culture and athletics. I think Greenville is a place with a strong heart, open arms and a vision of where it needs to go.

Dad post

2008-08-14T09:59:00.004-04:00

Doug Long: age 55 and swimming on Team Long.I am so excited that our daughter asked us to get involved in a Team Tri. We’ve done this before at a masters swim meet and had a great time (Doug – back; Ashley – breast; Sarah – fly; Sally – free). I'm sure this will be just as fun! Wish our other daughter could get involved but she will be out of town for the weekend.

I just retired after 32 years at Caterpillar Inc - A heavy equipment maker. I started there just out of college and had many great experiences... the one most memorable was living in the Philippines where we had our first daughter, Ashley. What a treasure to bring home to the US. With the family started and becoming more established with Caterpillar ... I looked at myself and said, I need to get back into shape (I’d put on a few pounds) and fitness is important to me. The only exercise I knew was swimming, so I started back into Masters swimming when I was 32. At the time, Sally was pregnant with out 2nd daughter, and when I started back and she also swam to get me motivated. Well, I’ve been swimming masters ever since... so, over 23 years.

I started swimming before I could walk. I just lived at the pool as a kid - what you’d call a “pool rat”. My older brother and I swam on the country club team, which was the extent of my formal training until I got to High School. Richwoods High School provided the best downstate Illinois HS swimming program. This was where I began to improve with intense training. At less then 100 pounds going into HS there were only 2 sports to consider ... Wrestling or swimming and swimming was what I knew.

I made huge strides in swimming over my 4 years in High School. I actually improved to the point where I could compete at the Division I level in College. I ended up at University of Missouri with a swimming scholarship. I also kept it in perspective and completed my Mechanical Engineering Degree in 4 and a half years. While at Missouri, I always swam in the Conference meet and as a Junior I went to NCAA's in Tennessee. I was on a relay, but seeing swimming at that level was exciting. After college swimming I thought I was done in the sport... I had to get established in a working career and start a family, but fitness was still important to me.

Fast forward to age 32. Like I said, I wanted to get back into shape. Luckily, swimming is what I call a “lifelong sport.” My daughters know they’ll be cheering me on in the 80+ age group.

I have enjoyed Masters Swimming for many reasons:

1) Setting a good example for the kids... need to stay fit and exercise.

2) I like to eat and drink what I want. However, without exercise I’ve learned you are what you eat.

3) Meeting folks through swimming. Sally and I have made some of our closest friends through the sport.

4) Competing in Masters Swimming is a great motivator to keep practicing/training. You want to do well when in competition, so setting your sights on a race is a great motivator.

5) You can easily travel with a swim suit and goggles! As I traveled for Caterpillar (with a speedo and goggles in my briefcase), I would look up the local Masters team and join them for a workout. Teams in Les Vegas, Alabama, Denver, and many places overseas. One in particular was the pool where Mark Spitz set his 7 world records in Munich, 1972. Fun to swim in a well known Olympic pool. Also, Melbourne Australia - the 1960 Olympic pool.

I enjoy the feeling I get after I’ve completed a work out. While at Caterpillar, I’d get in workouts before work and it made the day much more productive. Just getting up to swim for an hour gets you going for a day in the office.

While in Masters swimming I’ve competed in Nationals – meets where I’ve been able to race against many former Olympic swimmers. Exciting to see the swimmers I worshiped as a High School swimmer. I’ve enjoyed talking to them and learning about their lives post-olympics.

I always competed in the Illinois State Masters Meet. Normally, I placed top 5 (age group) in all of my events, and depending on where I was in my age group I would win many events. It’s rewarding to see how I maintain my swim times as I age. Yes, over time, I’ve gained a few seconds, but some of my events have improved with age. I’ve lost the ability to sprint but the endurance is coming.

Over the last eleven years I organized a Masters Swim Meet at our daughter’s High school. It was always held on Superbowl Sunday and acted as a fundraiser for the High School girls swim team. The number of participants ranged from 170 to 230 over the years, but this would earn the girls swim team almost $3000 annually. I’d organize the meet, and the girl’s team + their Parents conducted the meet. They ran the event, day of... officials, timers, timing system and all that is required to conduct a swim meet. I even continued to direct this meet after the girls graduated from High School, since the Masters swimmers appreciated the meet and of course the HS girls team gained from the income.

Now that I’ve retired, I will probably spend more time at swimming workouts... and enter competition in the Southeast. I know I’ll meet many new swimmers and invite some of the Illinois swimmers down here for meets.

Hey, I’ve got to keep it going for Team LONG!

Team Long Meeting

2008-08-12T22:21:00.005-04:00

I'm reporting from our Team Meeting... Team LONG has gathered to prepare for our relay at the Greenville Sprint Triathlon (this Sunday). We've got to lots to strategize here:
Doug Long - swimming
Sally Long - biking
Ashley Long - running

Dad took over the meeting and voiced a goal to break his swim-seed time by :35 (fyi, the swim is a 400 m pool swim), he's asked me to run a PR in the 5K, and somehow he gave my mom 30 min to ride 15 miles... obviously, he's not a cyclist. When I told him Mom probably wouldn't avg 30 mph, he told me that we'd just have to take the time off my run (ok, I'm probably not going to run a 12 min 5K). He'd like for us to break an hour (the pro men didn't go sub 1 hour last year).

Fun numbers our Team leader calculated:
- our team's average age = 46 years
- our team's average weight = 125 lbs
- our team's total weight = 375 lbs
- our team's average height = 5 feet 3.6 inches
- our team's average shoe size = 7

The rest of our meeting minutes are highly sensitive. There are 29 total relay teams, so the competition is out there.
Team LONG -- Bring it ON.
(wow, I think I just wrote our team cheer)

rumor has it...

2008-08-08T15:17:00.004-04:00

There is an awesome new site: BIKERUMOR

All things biking, cycling, pedaling, shifting, spinning, and cranking along in the World of Bicycles. Road cycling, Mountain biking, Triathlon, BMX, etc... Check it out, let me know what you think!

I did a quick post on our Olympic Athletes, 3 of whom ride Orbea. There are some good pictures of the bike (and it's cool pointed head-post), but I'm still trying to get them on the site.

who's HOT?

2008-08-07T10:08:00.004-04:00

Recently, Bree posted something about tan lines. Well, if having white thighs and dark bronzed legs (mid-thigh down) is "the hippest thing these days," then I've finally found myself in style!!

So, I'm posting a challenge. It's August now... we've all been training outside for months, just soaking up the rays (on non spandex protected skin, of course). Who's got the most outrageous tri-tan? Maybe some of you super-studs will acquire a sunblock sponsor - but, in the least... we'll get to laugh over funny pics.

Here are some photos I found while searching my files for good shots:

This was taken after the "Horribly Hilly Hundred"; an annual ride in Wisconsin. My mom had told me we were meeting some friends (who were training for IM Wisconsin) to do one loop of the course. WRONG.... instead we ended up riding FOREVER, in 100+ temps, up and down the WI hills. I actually came close to divorcing my mom that day.

Jen and I in Boulder, CO for a friend's wedding. I guess triathletes just shouldn't wear backless dresses.

Camping, CAMP

2008-08-05T16:02:00.003-04:00

It will feel so nice to sleep in my bed tonight....

On Saturday, I did the Lake Logan Triathlon in Canton, NC. Gorgeous site, perfect weather, and fun course - albeit lacking some lake water (the pictures are priceless - coming soon with a race report). Gail killed the ladies division (and almost all of the men, actually), it was GREAT to finally meet Bri & Marty Gaal (Congrats on a strong 2nd Bri!), and see so many tri-friends. Awesome job:
-Chris Smutzer
-Eric Mitchell
-Dustan Barber
-Julie Spitzer
-Kristen & Mike Klepfer
-Beth Rusch
-Jimmy & Heather Brehm

**Thanks to my sister, Sarah, who camped out with me at the race site on Friday night. That's right, we threw up a tent about 100 yards from the finish line. Nothing like waking up, unzipping the tent, and walking your bike over to transition ;)
**Also, thank you to our camping neighbors: the Smutzer Family. They were livin' large in their tow-behind camper... and were nice enough to share a pasta dinner. Chris, Set Up Events should be proud to see our dedication to the SCTS team and the events they produce. We are Hardcore.
**Thank you Mom & Dad for coming over to cheer me on! Mom, although you're teeny-tiny... you are the ONE spectator/cheerleader I can always pick out. And Dad, thanks for using the infamous Doug Long whistle. I always know when you're in the crowd.

Like I said, more on the race later.
But, in case you're into checking results... please know this: the swim was over a 1/2 mile away from the transition area. Due to drought, they're siphoning water from Lake Logan. We actually ended up with 3 transitions. Swim, T1: put on running shoes, run .7 of a mile; T2: strip wetsuit, get bike equip, ride; T3: run, finish.

Since then, I've been at MDA Summer Camp. Swimming, fishing, watching power soccer (an adaptive sport for kids in power wheelchairs), canoeing, singing campfire songs & making s'mores, arts & crafts, and hanging out with the kids. An amazing experience for sure - the perfect work fuel.

But, like I said - it's back to my bed tonight. Ah.

NYC "did list"

2008-07-30T13:27:00.007-04:00

I’m a big fan of the “to do” lists… something about scratching a line through a task is so satisfying. Well, I had lots to do before going to NYC – but, really no idea what would be done while I was there (other than watch the race, of course). So, in an attempt to capture all we DID DO, I’m going to try and list them here. Get ready, here we go:
-My flight was delayed, and then once we boarded, we sat on the plane in Greenville for over an hour.
-Andrew was experiencing the same delay in Chicago. Evidently the landing areas in Newark were crowded.
-Finally landed in Newark and met up with Andrew.
-I wheeled my only luggage (carry-on) around the airport, while Andrew had to drag his bike box.
-He’d already figured out what train we needed to get on to get close to Central Park.
-Bike box acted as nice bench while waiting for train.
-Now, just picture Andrew lugging his bag and bike box through the subway systems of NYC. Classic.
-I was already deemed a bad sherpa.
-Bang, CLUNK, BANG, goes the bike box up the stairs and into the City. (Jen, I thought about you and Jerome lugging those things around Europe)
-It was pretty late at this point, and we were walking along the streets of NYC, with backpacks, and a bike box, looking for the YMCA.
-I was already laughing as we “checked into” the ½ star YMCA.
-Andrew worked on getting the keys while I picked up the pool schedule.
- As the elevator doors opened on our floor, I instantly had college flashbacks.
-We were in a DORM.
-A girl walked by, in a towel, carrying her shampoo + toothbrush.
-The room was, like I said, a dorm. I looked at the bunk beds and yelled, “I want to be on top.” I think Andrew had a witty reply for that one.
-We finally got to ditch the bike box.
-Made our way back to the streets to look for suitable dinner.
-Usually at 11:00 pm, restaurants are closed, people are asleep, and cities are quiet. Right, forgot I was in New York.
-We had no problem locating a nice deli for sandwiches and smoothies.
-Night one. Done.
-I did have some workouts to get in during the weekend.
-So, on Saturday morning I set out for my long run. Andrew was going to put his bike together and take it for a spin.
-One block over to Central Park (what the Y lacks in luxury, it makes up for in location).-The place was PACKED! Runners, walkers, unicyclists (yes, for real), people on rollerblades, with dogs, cyclists (easy to spot people getting ready for the race: aero helmets and disc wheels ;)
-I fell into the mass of people traveling the loop around the park.
-It was AWESOME – so many people outside, exercising, enjoying the sunny morning.
-I’d overshot the street where I should have stopped, so 2 hours later – I was walking back to the YMCA.
-Andrew had his bike together, and since the room was tight with 2 people and a bike, we left for the race expo.
-Sat in on the pro/elite meeting. First sighting of Andy Potts – ah.
-More time around the expo.
-Subway ride to Little Italy (via Chinatown)
-Fun, fun, fun and great food!
-I think the rest of the afternoon was race prep.
-Wait, we did visit the Pool (on the 3rd floor)
-Anyone from Illinois, who is familiar with St. Viator H.S. will know what the pool looked like.
-Andrew got in a few 100 yards – while I tried to do a workout, as men doing side stroke joined my lane and wanted to circle swim. No thanks.
-To bed early.
-Then, I awoke thinking a spaceship was about to land on my head.
-No, I was on the top bunk, my head was about a foot away from the light, and Andrew was up getting ready for the race. It was around 4:00 am.
-In my sleepy state I mumbled something about using the floor lamp (shouldn’t it be all about the sherpa on race morning?)
-I left the Y at 4:50 am. The pro wave wasn’t scheduled to go off until 5:50, I was 2 miles away, an hour was plenty of time, right?
-Next I found myself running down Broadway at 5:00 am. Drunk people were just getting in from the bars, stumbling into hotels.
-I got to the transition area a sweaty mess. It was HUMID.
-Oops, the swim was point to point. I still had 1K to go.
-Still running, through the mass of participants (who were in no hurry), trying to make the start.
-The American Anthem began playing
-I picked up my pace (who doesn’t love sprinting at 5:00 am the morning after a long run?)
-Finally, after throwing many elbows, I got to the starting area.
-By this point, I was dripping with sweat. I said good luck to Andrew, and after looking me over, he said something about possibly needing to take in more fluids on the bike… -They lined the pro men up on the barge and off they went. -And off I went for more running. Seriously, I had to run to keep up with these guys as they swam downstream.-Now, I was running against foot traffic. (more elbow throwing)
-Caught Andrew as he made his way toward T1.
-More running to find good spots to watch the bike.
-I think this was the only time I was still during the race. I had about 30 min of downtime.
-Hydrate, I needed to hydrate.
-I positioned myself near the bike finish. Since Andrew had come out of the water in about 19th… I was Stoked to see him roll in 4th off the bike!! (he later told me that passing Andy Potts on the bike was a race highlight for him)-Now I was running to Central Park. Somehow I missed the lead guys going out.-So, I ran through the park to see them around mile 5.
-The leaders came flying by (Andy before Andrew… Andrew told me he hung with AP for about ½ mile, just hoping someone got a picture of him running with the top dogs. Yeah, I’d like a picture of me running with Mr. Potts too... man, I could barely get the camera out fast enough) -Andrew turned in a very strong 8th place finish.-Yes, I ran to meet him there… embarrassed to look and feel like I’d done a triathlon myself.
-However, looking so trashed played to my advantage.
-Andrew was looking for the post race massage tent.
-I told him I’d wait – he said, “just go get a massage too.”
-First instinct said, “no those are for participants.”
-He said, “look the place is empty.”
-That’s how I found myself in the massage tent, getting a post race massage, with 4 of the pro men.
-I’ve never gotten one after a race I’ve done, so I figured I was due.
-I walked with Andrew back to the YMCA (location serves us well again)
-He cleaned up while I changed into my running clothes… I had run around for race supporting purposes, but didn’t think that was considered my run for the day.
-Andrew actually jogged with me for about a mile, then he cut off to go get his bike – and I ran along the race course.
-Another 6 miles in Central Park (In total, I’m thinking I logged about 27 miles of running in Central Park – in 2 days)
-Once I got back to the room, Andrew and I were ready for real food.
-Just as we were heading out, we ran into Aaron Scheidies.
-Good friend of Andrew, and Amazing athlete, activist, and person in general.
-It was decided that Aaron would join us in our trip to Times Square.
-First we had to drop his stuff off at the Race Director’s condo (niiiiice set up)
-Then, Aaron, Andrew, and I headed for Times Square.

-I had to take a picture with this Target Ad.... a 3 story tall hottie swimmer!
-3 tired athletes storming through the Hershey’s Factory and M&M’s world. Oh baby.-Funny story from M&M’s palace… we were on the 3rd floor, needing to find the escalators, and I began following Aaron. Then, Andrew said, “you know you’re following a blind man – how’s that going for you?” Heck, Aaron acts like he knows exactly where he’s going?!
-And I dragged them through the Crocs store.
-Then we got back to the subway. Aaron was headed back to Central Park, while Andrew and I wanted more Little Italy.
-Lunch = pizza.
-Next on the list: find tickets for an afternoon show.
-I discovered that Cirque du Soleil was performing a new showed called “Jungle Dreams.” SOLD. -However, we had some time to kill.
-I had Andrew call his sister (who would probably be on the computer) to look up the address for Serendipity Café.
-We located the spot and found the right train.
-The wait for dessert at Serendipity… well, it came close to 2 hours.
-During our wait, we went to yet another Monster Candy shop and Bloomingdales (so, I got in about 15 min of quality shopping)-Finally, finally – after a really long, hot wait, we were seated at the café. We had 16 min to order, eat our desserts, and pay.
-Two huge desserts, 12 minutes, and $24 later, we were back on the subway.
-RUNNING, again, to the theater. We made it with about 30 seconds to spare.
-Sweaty, with seriously high heart rates (running + sugar overload), we found our seats.
-Amazing, everything Cirque du Soleil does is amazing. I was not disappointed.
-Great show, very acrobatic and creative. Nice to sit for over an hour.
-Ok, so the show ended at 9:00 pm. Our flights were around 6:00 am. Any normal person would go back, pack, and get some sleep.
-Nope
-We called Aaron to see what he was up to.
-A comedy show at 11:00 pm. Sure, we’re in.
-We went back to the YMCA to pack our stuff and rest for about 20 min.
-Rest, no – no such thing.
-We played on the bunk beds like monkeys – trying to imitate Cirque du Soeil performers-I think I took a shower. Yes, walked down the hall in a towel and reminisced about my days in Creswell Hall.
-Another subway ride to ?
-Aaron was not answering his phone, and we really didn’t know where we were going.
-All of a sudden, 2 guys RUN past.
-Of course those are our friends… running.
-Aaron and Ben – and now we’re late – so we all take off running.
-I’m in a dress (thank goodness for my new, stylish, black, flat, crocs… that acquired some solid miles of running) jetting around the streets of NYC.
-We’d gone the wrong way.
-TURN – 10 blocks back
-I’m leading with Ben – and Aaron is truly, blindly, running all-out behind me. I hear Andrew laughing – because it’s starting to RAIN.
-Perfect
-We get to the Comedy Cellar, and the show is packed – hilarious – some funny guys for sure. I can’t repeat any of the jokes, but assume they were either dirty, tasteless, off color, or just wrong.
-I think we crawled back into the Y for a 1 hour power nap before getting up for our flight.
-I don’t remember much about grabbing my suitcase and getting in the cab.
-We did make it to the airport, checked in, both flights on time.
-Andrew and I said a very, VERY, tired goodbye
-I lugged myself through security
-Slept the entire flight home
-And went from the airport into work…. Oh, that was a long day at the office!

Aaron, so nice to meet you – and follow you around New York ;) Good luck throughout the rest of your season. You are quite an inspiration and straight up cool guy.

Andrew, thanks for an amazing weekend – overflowing with the best NYC has to offer. It took me a few days to recoup, but it was worth it. Your race was Awesome, and I know even greater finishes are on your horizon.

NYC preview

2008-07-21T13:42:00.003-04:00

I arrived in NYC on Friday night, after some lengthy delays.... ohhh, the stories I have from Friday-Saturday night (hello, we stayed at a YMCA?!) Then, Sunday began with a 4:00 am wake up call - running 2 miles along Broadway at 4:55 am - watching the pro wave go off at 5:50 - miles upon miles of following the guys around the course... my own 6 mile run in Central Park, some subway riding, times square shopping, Little Italy eating, Cirque show viewing, ending the day 22.5 hours later (this morning) at the Comedy Cellar. LOTS happened within those hours. Too much to describe right now. I'll leave you with this: I don't care what the signs at the NYC Tri Race Expo say... being part of the race "entourage" is NOT easy! I'm exhaused!

CONGRATULATIONS to Andrew Starykowicz on an Amazing race (8th Pro and 3rd Bike Split). Also to Beth Shutt (3rd Amature Elite)!! Way to go you Studs.

Chatt Pics

2008-07-18T12:12:00.002-04:00

Some Pictures from the Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon

Tri & the City

2008-07-18T09:34:00.005-04:00

WooHOO, nothing like a last minute trip! New York City, here I come!

It feels like I've been racing almost every weekend... so, with a weekend off, what's a girl to do?! Travel to watch a triathlon, and cheer others on, of course. Actually, Andrew Starykowicz proposed the idea - and did a fantastic fluff job on the sales end:

Accommodations (with a pool) right next to Central Park [aka dorm style rooms with bunks at the YMCA, communal bathrooms, and yes... access to the Y]; fine dining [that is, if he places in a $ spot... if not, it's McDonald's baby!]; the chance to spend a weekend hanging out with cool triathletes [yes, it's another weekend with tri-geeks - however, Andy Potts is on the participant list... this is promising]; watching the sun rise over Manhattan [only because his wave is going off at 5:50 am... 5:50 in the MORNING people. I have no idea what I'd do if someone told me to dive into the Hudson River at 5:50am?!]; the ability to get my own training in [does this mean lugging Andrew's stuff around the city?... possibly Sunday at 4:00 am? I don't consider this my functional strength routine!]..............

What can I say, as crazy as this all sounds, I'm totally psyched! A quick weekend trip, time in NYC, running in Central Park, the triathlon scene (big expo, triathletes everywhere, pre event jitters), race morning, cheering on all the participants, post race activities.

Then, I was put in charge of Sunday afternoon plans. Well, if I'm getting up at 3:?? am, a 20 min power nap will be part of the schedule. Other ideas: a Yankee's game, Broadway show, dinner (restaurant TBD, see prize money factor above), and there's always shopping (non race expo style)!

Good luck to everyone racing! Have a fantastic weekend.

GH quote

2008-07-16T15:11:00.003-04:00

Every time I ride with my friend Matt, I come close to falling off my bike at least once. Not because he's a squirrelly rider invading my road-space... but because he's funny and extremely random. During our most recent ride, the laugh intervals were hard and often. This gives me an idea for a homework assignment (Matt I will need your help). Let me compile a list of random/hilarious/tire swerving stories from the M&A Rides.

However, our conversations can quickly go from roadkill smells to the current political scene. Over the weekend, during my drive to Chattanooga, I listened to an early morning radio show. The guest speaker: George Hincapie's Mental Coach. The topics discussed actually tie in nicely with a recent post on Jen's blog (see Soapbox Saturday). Basically, the mental guru got George saying "I am a climber." result = he won a climbing stage in the tour.

While we were talking about GH, and this year's tour, and what goes through your head during a race... Matt recited (loosely) a great GH quote:

"What I enjoy most about racing is having total control, pushing my body beyond its limits, making it hurt, telling it what to do while not allowing it to talk back to me until the race is over."
(Liz, I thought about misspelling one of the words in the quote - just to make it more "authentic")

I love this quote! For some reason... it makes me think of an infamous scene in "American Pie." I just want to look down at my quads and growl... "what's my name, say my name B_______"

There are so many things I love about racing, and that quote really captures one of the major aspects. Pushing myself far beyond anything I could do in training, silencing the pain, embracing the challenge, overcoming obstacles, and forcing my mind/body to accept the same assignment (forward motion as hard & fast as possible).

Chattanooga RR

2008-07-14T09:57:00.003-04:00

Nope, not the Chattanooga Choo-choo or Railroad; the Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon Race Report. And speaking of water… this race had PLENTY of it – during the swim and beyond.

After a fun filled day with Leah, Bradley, and the pooches, I hit the sack as soon as was socially acceptable. I could have fallen asleep at 8:00 pm, but it was still light outside. So I crawled into my comfy guest quarters around 9:30. I probably fell asleep at 9:31.

The alarm went off early, much earlier than I normally get up for a race. But this race was different, new. Doing a race for the first time escalates my nerves. I’m spoiled with the Set Up Races here in South Carolina. I’ve now done most of them at least once… I know what to expect. I wanted to get to this site with enough time to walk myself through everything, get my bearings, and find answers to any unknowns.

As with any larger race, the transition area looked huge. The bike racks were lined up like soldiers awaiting their weapons. I dropped everything off at my assigned rack and headed for the swim finish. It was still dark, the pre race music wasn’t playing yet, the air was void of participant nerves/chatter/intensity. Although the sun had yet to come up, I could see the mountains cradling the river… and there was fog (one of my favorite climatic phenomenon’s – I don’t know why, fog fascinates me and gives any setting a mysterious aura.)

Right there, in that moment, I felt good, fortunate, excited, ready, and eager. So, with a deep breath I set off to do all those normal pre race things. Study the swim exit and route to transition (up a long flight of stairs, down a path through the race expo tents, across the street, then left into the transition area, 9 rows down, 2 racks up). I got body marked (#940). I put on sun block, and then had to go back to body marking because the sun block had completely removed the numbers. Took the bike out for a spin – a bit along the bike and run courses. Felt that my front tire seemed a bit low on air. Visited the onsite bike mechanic who told me I had a slow valve leak. Well, nothing I could do at that point. Threw on my running shoes and did a short warm up.

Before I knew it, the buses were leaving to take people to the swim start. This race was a time trial start by number… and like I said, I was 940. In getting on the shuttle and going to the start, I knew I’d have some time to hang out. And hang out I did. Next year, I will take a deck of cards. We had serious time on our hands.

The pros were to go off first, then some age groups of women, then most of the men, and then us… the young women. And midway through the sendoffs, dark clouds rolled in leaving us to wait in the rain. Perfect. How I loved standing around in the rain, awaiting a 1.5 k swim in the Tennessee River.

Finally I could see #’s in the 800’s lining up. Yes, yes, yes… get me in the water and out of this waiting game. We were hustled down to a pier and into the water where they were sending participants off every 3 seconds. There was no swim warm up (fine by me!), it was get in and GO. So I did.

I was bound determined to swim hard. I wanted to push myself; I wanted to feel good about the time I saw on my watch as I exited the water. So, right from the start I went hard and tried to hold on. I was passing men that had left before me. I stayed toward the buoys and concentrated on my form. I put my head down and really put myself into pulling, finishing each stroke, kicking, sighting, and breathing. Soon, I could see the boats that marked the finish area. Aiming left toward the shore I surged for the stairs. With perfect timing, a volunteer grabbed my hand and pulled me from the water.

Now, I know you can’t compare split times from one race to another… but in looking down at my watch, I realized I’d PR’d (that swim distance) by 3 minutes. I didn’t want to get too excited, thinking that maybe the fast swimmers had turned in 17/18:00 min swims. But, nevertheless, I flew up the stairs and into transition.

Bike stuff on and out onto the course. I was prepared for hills, I knew this ride would be tough, I thought about Amy K telling me to power down the hills (to gain some ground on the up). Oh buddy were there hills. We rounded the clover entrance ramp onto the highway – and from there on out, it was up or down. The first 5 miles were a challenge. Shifting, spinning, standing, trying to find my rhythm. I forced myself to suffer going uphill and down. The course was an out/back on highway 27. We were in the left lane (closest to the median) going both directions. An endless row of cones (seriously, Team Magic must own 1,000,000 orange cones) separated us from traffic flow in the right lane.

As I made the turn around, I noticed the wind had picked up. And suddenly I was heading straight for some really dark clouds. Fantastic, more rain. The next 10 miles depict a ride I’d never, ever like to do again. Picture yourself, riding aero, down hills, going close to 40 mph, in TORRENTIAL downpour, while cars and semis fly by you in the right lane (creating monsoon like waves that crash down on you and your bike).

Due to the sheets of rain (not the “pitter patter, I’m riding in the rain” rain… the “if I were driving in a car, I might have to pull over until visibility improves” type of rain). I actually witnessed some participants standing with their bikes on the median. A split second decision was made… either wuss out and pull back on the speed, or continue pushing and hope I stay in control of my bike. Not gonna lie, I was scared. This is not typical… I love descending, flying down the road. But, this was a race, and in a race you push.

I forged through the rain (which felt like b.b. pellets when riding above 30 mph) and prayed for no sudden pot holes or swerving trucks. With all the external distractions, I didn’t even notice fatigue in my legs. Driving your legs to churn during a race is one thing… pedaling fast because you’re scared for your life is another.

After 42 k, I was back in transition and making my way through the muddy mess. I found my running shoes full of water, ditched my sunglasses, grabbed my visor and race belt, then set off. Oooooo, the first mile is uphill and up a flight of stairs. From there it flattens out and follows a riverfront path. If I hadn’t been breathing so hard, I might have been able to enjoy the beauty.

You see, by this point, it had stopped raining. Yes, just in time for the run… the rain let up, leaving 199% humidity in the air. Mentally, I tried to send all energy to my legs. I noted all the people making their way back to the finish. I told myself that I’d soon be there. I told myself to NOT waste a good swim and coming out of that ride in one piece.

Hitting the 5k point of the run (turnaround) was a race changing moment. I was not happy with the time, and forced my legs to turn over faster. I was determined to negative split that bad boy. I noted all the ladies behind me (of course, with a TT style start, I never really know where I stand… but feeling spunky runners on my heels is enough to make me pick up the pace).

Making my way toward the finish arch, I heard Leah yell for me. Out of all those spectators, I heard her – and it meant so much (Leah, I still can’t thank you and Bradley enough for standing in the rain to cheer me on).

I found them after the race, a bit waterlogged and amazed at the whole scene. Feeling bad that, for me, they’d spent a Sunday morning standing around in such horrible conditions… I had to send them home. Over the next hour I packed up my stuff and loaded it all, along with my bike, into the car. Awards weren’t scheduled to start until 12:30 (or after last finisher). What would have been perfect during that wait: being wrapped in a dry, fluffy, terrycloth robe. Yes, this thought actually crossed my mind.

Instead I walked around to kill time. I ran into Hailey Piersol, my sister’s college roommate (and the younger sister of Aaron Piersol – who holds a few World Records in backstroke). Hailey isn’t a shabby swimmer herself (swam the 1500 in the Olympic trials). Naturally, she’s taken to triathlon alright ;) Let me put the warning out there now… Hailey is going to be huge in the tri scene. Not only did she have the 5th fastest swim of the day (male/female/pro), she also had the fastest female run split. When she fully grasps the bike – this chick is going to be unstoppable. What am I talking about, she did get 5th OA in her 1st oly dist race.

Awards finally got underway. Since Kristen Sass placed 2nd OA, I was awarded #1 in my age group (8th OA, and as Jen reminded me, 7th OA – non pro ;) I left the race site excited about my breakthrough swim, thankful for surviving the bike, but disappointed with my run. (I later learned, in talking with Andrew on the phone, that I’d actually ranked much higher in the run than I thought).

Click HERE for a great article about the race.

Leah and Bradley were waiting for me at their house… and ready to do whatever I felt like. I requested a quick shower and FOOD. We ended up going to a great place called Fresh to Order. After we all placed our lunch orders, the waitress caught me eyeing the chocolate cookies (individually wrapped and about the size of my face). I must have looked pretty desperate, because she actually told me to, “just take one”.

All too soon, my Chattanooga trip came to an end. Leah and Bradley, thank you SO much for having me!! (and putting up with the triathlon mumbo-jumbo). I drove away from their house, as more rain moved in – fitting. All kidding aside, rain and all, it was a Great weekend.

toast, I'm here

2008-07-12T17:25:00.003-04:00

This could not wait... I've only been in Chattanooga since 9:30 am, and already the stories are piling up.

I left Greenville around 5:30 this morning - and still managed to hit traffic going south on 85. Well that settles that... there is no good time to drive around Atlanta. You are doomed 24-7 on those roads.

About 3 CD's, some radio talk, one gas stop, and many miles later, I pulled up to Leah's house. Classic, she was actually out on the front porch sweeping. No lie. Cute, little miss homemaker. Speaking of homemaker, WOW. I told you her house would look like something out of a decorating magazine. She did not disappoint. I actually might hire her to give my place a makeover... unfortunately, she might make me move the bikes out of my dining room.

Her home is gorgeous, everywhere. My house has nice looking sections. You can obviously tell where I tried to "decorate." But here, in Leah's "magazine quality" rooms, no corner was left overlooked. But, I must mention her collection of University of Georgia items. I might have been the UGA cheerleader, but Leah could be considered one of the most dedicated fans. I've already seen a Georgia: dust buster, grill cover, 3 framed pictures of Sanford Stadium, cupboard full of cups, a serving tray, and a Live English Bulldog.

After catching up with Leah, Bradley, and their pups: Lulu (black pug) and George (the bulldog); I did a quick brick in her neighborhood. Actually, during my ride/run - I did some house shopping. This area is amazing! Then, she went with me to the race site for packet pick up. Here, I continued falling in love with Chattanooga.

We had lunch downtown at a restaurant called Rembrandt's, sat outside eating, and reminiscing. Even though she hadn't read my last entry, she brought up our animal cracker & peanut butter meals.

During this time, Bradley attended a baby shower for a friend of theirs. This baby shower is why I felt the need to get on and post asap. Remember, I am in Tennessee. Leah and I were on the couch when he walked in. As soon as he said most of the guests were "Red" (short for redneck), I knew he had good stories to share.

Other guests at the shower: Jim Bob and Billy Bob (not FName, Middle Name... Jim Bob is the first name). Party menu: pizza & keg beer. Party favors: koozie (bearing the unborn child's name, "A Toast to Emma Grace"). btw, inside the special koozies were personalized plastic solo cups. And the comments reported from the male contingency are not appropriate to write here.

Now we wait for dinner. I'm sitting on the couch with Lulu at my side and George (snoring louder than Sally) under my feet. Looking forward to the race. Leah, knowing my love for all breakfast foods promises brunch at some place called Aretha Frankenstein's - well, after the race - bring on the biscuits.

Fri this & that

2008-07-11T09:57:00.006-04:00

Leah, I'm coming!! But, it won't be until tomorrow morning. Knowing what I know about I85, 285, and the city of Atlanta on a Friday afternoon.... I'd rather not be involved in that battle today. (Amy, Kelley, you know what I'm saying?!!)

I'm racing in the Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon on Sunday, and it just so happens that one of my best friends lives in Chattanooga. Love it when stuff like this works out. Leah (my college roommate) and Bradley got married last year and bought a house in Chatt. I can't wait to see them both and the house, which no doubt looks like something straight out of a home decor magazine. Leah's got serious decorating/style skills.

Originally, I'd planned to leave at noon today. Get through ATL before it became the country's largest parking lot. However, there have been a few kinks in the plan. Ah, packing for a triathlon can be a nightmare. As of this morning at 6:00 am, I was down one rear race wheel.

Luckily, Gerald saved the day! G not only let me borrow his race wheel, he even played mechanic: put on the tire, changed the cassette, made sure it was shifting... All the while I was enjoying a Capri Sun with his daughter, Grace, and wife, Sarah (now in her 8th month of pregnancy). To the Kolb Family: I love you guys and now owe you many, many nights of babysitting!

So, I'll still leave work at 12:00 - but, then I'll have to spend some time packing. Many of you might say... "just leave when you finish packing." Well, if this is your thought, you've never tried to drive near Atlanta at 3:00 on a Friday. It's either leave here at noon today, or wait until tomorrow.

Spending the weekend with Leah will be a blast. I'm already having flashbacks: our various ghetto apartments, nights of animal crackers and peanut butter, endless conversations to distract us from studying, watching 'Friends', modeling outfits for each other, and the list goes on.

I hope to enjoy some time in Chattanooga after the race (since my new friend, April - who works in real estate - tells me it's the #3 place to relocate. Fyi, Greenville is #4)

*******************

Then, on Monday I'm leading a triathlon clinic at the Sportsclub (Five Forks, Simpsonville location). The goal is to get people involved in triathlon, a sport which can be very intimidating for the 1st timer (or the advanced, for that matter!) We'll have 3 Monday night sessions (7/14; 7/28; 8/11 - all from 6-7 pm) leading up to the Greenville Sprint Triathlon (http://www.setupevents.com/ - August 17th). I even hear G-man might make a guest appearance!

We'd love to have you join us! Call the Sportsclub for information (they can provide you with my contact info)

*******************

Some pictures from Camp RRRR. Thanks for sending, Andrew!! Just looking over these makes me daydream about being in Franklin. I miss the smell, the hills, the lake, the open fire, the friends.

Getting ready for Fireworks!!

Eventually, they popped up over these mountains Kelly, Jessica, and Andrew

Ah, the roads in Franklin

Andrew, were you really trying to have a conversation?!

going over 50 mph makes the climb worth it
taking pics at this speed can't be safe

go USMS

2008-07-10T09:39:00.003-04:00

Congrats to my friend, Rob Butcher, who was recently selected to oversee the United States Masters Swimming program in the role of Executive Director! This is great news for USMS.

I met Rob while competing at the Sunbelt Masters Championships in Charlotte, NC. His passion for swimming, health, and community were something I picked up on right away. His background (professionally and in the sport) along with his exuberant personality make him the perfect fit.
To read more, click HERE

Camp RRRR

2008-07-02T16:14:00.003-04:00

It seems to be "camp time" all around. So, I've decided to create my own: Camp RRRR (named after the noise I make gutting it out on the climbs) That's right - this weekend we're going to Rock & Roll, Rest & Relax.....

Mountain time at my parent's cabin with Mom, Dad, Sister (Sarah), her boyfriend (Vaughn), Andrew, his sister (Jess), her friend (I'm sure I'll know her name by Sunday), and Lauren (my sister's friend from HS now living/working in NC). Quite the group.

We will ride in the hills, swim in the lakes, hike the trails, try to catch fish (Vaughn's middle name isn't Trout for nothin), cook meals, take pictures, laugh, tell stories, laugh more, search for waterfalls, and enjoy a LONG weekend.

A view of the Franklin, NC area below.

Stories and pictures from RRRR to follow.

tag, I'll bite

2008-06-30T09:47:00.000-04:00

10 years ago I was
Enjoying summer vacation… between my Junior and Senior years in High School! Living with my parents in St. Charles, Illinois. Starting to think about college. Going to cheerleading camp and hanging out with my BFF, Lindsay. (our favorite summer activity was setting a sprinkler up next to my trampoline and jumping through the spray… this could last for hours)

5 years ago I was
Fresh out of college. Using my marketing degree from UGA as a Territory Sales Rep for Rubbermaid. Spent most of my time driving between accounts in Atlanta and Birmingham.

1 year ago I was
Pretty much doing the same thing. Raising money for MDA, having fun training for triathlons, enjoying all Greenville has to offer…

5 things on my to-do list today
Pack for my 4th of July getaway (going to Franklin, NC: family time, and mountain time!)
Watch more swimming on NBC! Love, love, love the Olympic Trials!
Do a few loads of laundry
Call Leah about Chattanooga
Oh, right… stay dialed in at work until 5:00 (darn Holiday weeks are distracting)

5 snacks I enjoy
Ants on a log (celery w/ peanut butter and raisins)
Lara bars (cherry pie)
Soy chai latte
Hummus
Anything including the following flavor combinations
- mint/chocolate
- chocolate/peanut
- peanut butter/banana
- chocolate/banana

If I were a billionaire I would
Try to donate, aid, fund many things close to my heart (college funds for family members, medical bills for friends, help our MDA office make budget for the year…)
But, on a more fun note… I’d buy an island, build an amazing house, get a plane & pilot (heck, maybe get my pilots license) and bring everyone I know over for Vacation Time!

6 people I want to lunch with tomorrow
Sorry, I really can’t narrow it down… and this blog has a power to make people mad w/out me even knowing. So, for that reason I plead the 5th.

5 places I have lived
Manila, Philippines (where I was born)
Peoria, IL
St. Charles, IL
Athens, GA
Greenville, SC

5 jobs I’ve had
- Sales associate, Champs Sports
- Intern with the American Jr. Golf Association
- Super CDA (cheer & dance association) camp counselor through regional director
- Delnor Heath & Wellness membership coordinator
- MDA Program Coordinator

RUN IN rocks

2008-06-26T13:35:00.005-04:00

Ladies of HTFU... way to show RUN IN some national love!! (sporting their shirts: Jen in IL; Marit in FL; and Mary in NY)
While we're saluting the #1 store of all things RUNNING, and I'm still working my double RR, I thought I'd post some pictures from Saturday's Candlelight 5K.

RUN IN race tops were all over the place - including the front of the pack, taking both the OA Male and Female titles. Actually, the winning "flock" was a 4 (or maybe 5) way tie... Man those Kenyans can run. Greenville's Becca Prichard (amazing runner and RUN IN employee) claimed first in the female division! Another RUN IN athlete, Julie Seymour, followed quickly behind in 4th.

The race started at 9:00 pm... the entire course was lit on both sides by luminaries & Set Up did a great job with the timing (it couldn't have been easy to direct a 1,900 person race in the dark)!

RUN IN employees: Andrew, Anthony, and Sam

hUMp dAy

2008-06-25T09:04:00.002-04:00

I've been trying to muster up energy to do a double race report; a recount of my Saturday races: Tri the Midlands Sprint and the Candlelight 5K. But, after basically redlining to the brink of "wet my pants status" for 85 minutes in total that day... I've put off trying to remember the details and write about both races.

I do, however, recall seeing stars as I crossed the finish line of that 5K - it was 9:20 pm... but the stars weren't pretty little specks of light twinkling in the night sky, I think the stars were more a sign that I was about to pass out.

Instead, I'd like to thank Matt for an awesome Wednesday morning ride. We celebrated hump day by doing repeats on Greenville's own little hump: Paris Mountain. What a way to kick off the day... up at 5:00 am, setting off in the dark to meet Matt at 6:00 (yes Mom, I did wear the reflective vest you got me), riding into the sunrise via Furman Univ, and up/down Paris for a bit. It was a perfect morning - still, cool, with only the sounds of my heavy breathing and pedals churning.

It's amazing how I can begin a day with such calm and beauty, only to be slammed back to reality after coming off the mountain and joining the downtown traffic. Even still, I'll smile throughout the day as I think back to the morning ride! How awesome it is to have friends that'll get on their bike to join you, even before the sun comes up.

~Thanks again, Matt (hope you made it to that meeting on time)

Midlands Race Article

2008-06-23T08:36:00.002-04:00

Local uses knowledge of area to win title
By JOSEPH PERSON - The State

The first Tri the Midlands triathlon attracted competitors from as far away as Pennsylvania and Indiana. But it was a local woman who used her knowledge of the surprisingly hilly Lake Carolina terrain to win the inaugural sprint-distance race Saturday morning at the planned community in Richland Northeast.

Lindsay Agostini, who lives in Wildewood but often trains at Lake Carolina, built a comfortable lead during the 500-meter lake swim and held off Greenville’s Ashley Long during the bike and run portions to capture the women’s title in one hour, five minutes and 27 seconds.

Long, the former Georgia cheerleader who won the female open division at the Lake Murray sprint last month, finished second in 1:05:45.

“(Long) is an awesome runner and an awesome cyclist, so I knew I had to be the first one off the bike to win,” Agostini said.

Spartanburg’s Chris Olson was the top overall finisher in 56 minutes, 30 seconds. Agostini, a distance swimmer at her Michigan high school, held a 78-second edge on Long leaving the water. The 41-year-old Agostini said her familiarity with the roads surrounding the community helped her stay in the right gears and maintain good speed during the 12-mile bike loop.

“It was a huge home-field advantage,” she said. “I’d never beaten Ashley, but I knew the course. She usually beats me quite handily.”

By the turnaround point of the 3-mile run course, Agostini’s lead was down to 40 seconds on the 27-year-old Long, who made a strong kick but could not catch her older rival.

“She’s a phenomenal swimmer, so I knew I’d have to go hard to catch her (after the swim),” Long said.

Agostini began doing triathlons in 2000 and has developed into one of the country’s top competitors in the women’s 40-44 age group. She finished fifth last summer at the Long Course World Championship in France and qualified again this year, but is racing in Ironman Wisconsin the same weekend.

Agostini said she was grateful for a race where she did not need to bring a passport or carry-on luggage. The Lake Carolina event had 367 individual finishers, including 85 in the novice division and several hundred from South Carolina.

Said Agostini: “It was nice to only drive 10 minutes.”
And nicer still to win by 18 seconds.

**Lindsay: GREAT race... I had a blast! Thanks for your kind words.

College Days

2008-06-20T09:14:00.006-04:00

Sometimes I wish I was back in college, so that’s exactly where I go… and there are so many great campuses to choose from! Furman University is about 10 min from my house, Clemson is 45 min away, and The University of Georgia (aka, heaven on earth) is a 1.5 hour drive.

Furman is always crawling with Greenville athletes. Runners meet in the morning to organize group runs; cyclists are able to assemble in a parking lot and ride off into the mountains (or across the street for Paris Mountain repeats); and now, there are track meets every Tuesday night – open for anyone to race: Long Jump, 100 Meters, 200 Meters, 400 Meters, 800 Meters, 1 Mile (or 1600 Meters), or 3200 Meters (all free, thanks to Run-In). Many races go through the campus… because it’s beautiful and so close to the city!

A bit further away, we’ve got Clemson University… the campus is no UGA, but they have a great lake. Thanks to G’ville friend/swimmer, Steve, there are organized group swims every other Wednesday night. After getting in his own swim, Steve kayaks while our group takes off from the East Street Beach. Sometimes we’ve got so many people, it feels like the wave of a triathlon taking off. Then, Steve has a cooler with cold drinks and beer waiting on the beach. Dare I say it… I LOVE these swim workouts! Lake Harwell is fantastic. You see the Clemson Crew teams out practicing, students running along the dam, sail boats, people enjoying the summer in boats, on jet skis, etc…

Ah, and The University of Georgia……………

Let’s have a moment.

We’ve all been talking about escalating gas prices, so it’s not often I can justify the 1.5 hour drive to Athens. But, sometimes the stars align… and I can find an excuse to drive to UGA.

This past Sunday, I had a long run on my schedule…. And nothing else pending. Nothing else to do during the day. The day was wide open, and I heard Athens calling. So, I filled up some water bottles, packed up the cooler, grabbed my running shoes and a visor, and got in the car. I love cycling, but it can feel amazing to just get up and go (without all the steps required to get ready for a ride).

*Before leaving, I even rummaged around in my CD’s for country albums I’d gotten in college.

After one hour on I85 south, with Tim McGraw blasting, windows open, I got off at the Commerce exit and knew I was 20 miles away from God’s Country. As I pulled my car into the parking lot at the intramural fields, I realized the air just smelled better. I felt like I’d gotten home. And as far as my running is concerned, Athens is home. It’s where I started running… where I fell in love with running.

I looked around as saw familiar sights: college students playing tennis, throwing the frisbee, napping in the sun, walking dogs, running. It felt so normal, it’s like I’d never been away.

I started the run with two laps around the trails (about 1.2 miles each), then crossed the street toward campus… I apologize, the rest of this description might not mean much to you. So, I write for myself. Around the Ramsey Student Center (home to an amazing aquatics facility), along River Road up to the football stadium, left toward Stegeman Coliseum, around the Coliseum past the Astroturf practice fields, up to the track and once around, to five points (past Smoothie King, where I promised myself a smoothie after the run), all the way down Milledge Avenue (smiling at each frat/sorority house), and dooooown --- uppppp to Broad St. Downtown Athens!to North Campus, right under the arch and through the quad, stop at the library for water, past the business school, down the hill to the open horseshoe side of the stadium [pause at the stadium to smile at the field], up and through the math/science buildings (hummmm, maybe that’s why I sped up), back to the intramural fields and one last lap around.

So many times I’ve run by these things… I can close my eyes and picture each step. There’s no way to describe how good it felt to run around my old stomping ground. After finishing the workout, I changed, downed the drinks I’d packed, and headed to Smoothie King for my post run treat.

Sometimes you’ve just got to go home.

I heart nuun

2008-06-12T10:53:00.002-04:00

In case you don't live here, or you haven't read about the Festival of Flowers race day conditions, or you don't watch the national weather... let me tell you: it's been HOT down (or up, depending on where you're located) in these parts.

Summer introduced itself FULL force - and my body has responded, by sweating. And I sweat, heavily, there is no glistening or glowing about it. When I started running for exercise (college - Athens, GA), I had no idea my body could produce enough sweat to actually SOAK every stitch of apparel I had on. I'd finish a run looking as though I'd jumped in a lake, shoes and all. What's a girl to do with clothes so wet you could wring 'em out?! Well, that's when I began showering with my running clothes on. Strange, you say?

It was either shower with the nasty clothes on - and at least provide an initial rinse - or build a pile of gross running stuff that was liable to grow visible mold in less than 24 hours. (I'm single and I don't have kids, so I'm not about to start doing laundry on a daily basis).

Since college, I've actually learned a thing or two about hydration. After running miles around Athens, in the heat/hills/humidity, I'd down a bottle of water... then wonder why, later that day, I felt like I was going to die.

Now, I take a more proactive approach. Thank you nuun. I can sit at my desk all day and enjoy nice flavors (citrus fruit is my favorite)... without the calories or sugar found in other sports drinks. Then, during training, I can add nuun to my other mixes. (or for a Super Duper pick-me-up, try mixing Burn with nuun! Sally and I call it an energy elixir)

I used to suffer from horrible foot/toe cramps during swimming. But, by drinking a bottle w/ nuun before the workout - I'm able to kick hard without cramping up. Like I said, I heart nuun.

CONGRATS

2008-06-10T09:33:00.004-04:00

MOM - 3rd place 55-59 at the Age Group WORLD Championships!! In her first trip to World's, she races her way to a top 3 finish (1st American). Amazing... I only hope it runs in the family.

Jen - 9th place AG!!

Way to represent.

FOF Race Report

2008-06-10T09:10:00.002-04:00

Usually I spend too much time detailing events leading up to the race; traveling to the site, packet pick-up, pre race dinner, wake-up call, etc… etc… Then, by the time I’ve typed about everything but the race, I’m bored of writing about the race – and briefly mention something about swimming, biking, running, and crossing a finish line.

Well, this time I’m going for a real “race report.” What a concept.

I will say one thing about race preparation… I’ve continued to adhere to my new season’s resolution: going to packet pick-up the day before the race. Woohoo, go me.

Morning of the race, I got to the Greenwood State Park plenty early. Body marked, check (#11, nice); timing chip, check; transition set up, check; quick spin on my bike… uh, ohhhh… shifting, no check. Special thanks to Peter (my bike’s original architect) for helping adjust my shifting, more than once. I get a bit anxious before a race (ha, who doesn’t?!) and when my bike isn’t shifting right, it seriously amplifies the nerves. It was nice of him to take time out of his own preparation and help me out.

Out for a short warm-up jog… here’s where I realized just how bad the heat was going to affect the race. I was literally dripping sweat after 5 minutes. The forecasted high was 101 degrees. Luckily we’d be done before it hit that, but it was already in the 80’s and I knew it would be in the mid 90’s by the time we got out on the run. Downed an entire water bottle w/ nuun, check.

Now, since this was the SE Regional Championships (national qualifier) this race would be slightly different than other races in the South Carolina Triathlon Series. First, there would be no open division wave. For this, I was stoked. Ha, I might not be swimming alone! Instead of starting with the open men/women, I’d be in wave 4 with all the women. Second, there were some new faces in the crowd. Excellent, it’s always fun to compete with different, fast women (super tri-ladies that would certainly increase the level of competition). The race just had a “bigger” feel.

The first 3 waves, various age groups of men, set off. Before I knew it, it was time to strap the goggles on and get in the water. YEAH, no wetsuits (now, since swimming isn’t my strength… most people think I’d prefer a wetsuit. Not the case. Don’t get me wrong, a wetsuit certainly makes me “faster”. But, I think they benefit other people more? I’d rather just not deal with the thing. Especially when it’s 90 degrees outside.) Another bonus: Set Up Events had adjusted the swim course. In years past, the swim set off STRAIGHT into the rising sun. Sighting was impossible, and many people cut off the 1st turn buoy.

This year, as I did a few strokes for warm-up, I tried to get my bearings. We’d be swimming out, at a diagonal, around the peninsula, further to the 2nd turn buoy, then in toward transition. The women’s wave was ready to go… spread out, treading water, waiting for the gun. I heard 30 seconds, and my heart skipped a beat.

Countdown and GO… I put my head down and swam, swam, swam. I was determined to have a good (for me) swim here. Right from the start, this swim was different. Usually, with the “open” wave, I’m instantly demoralized. On Sunday, I didn’t fall into last place after 100 meters. I didn’t get frustrated, I didn’t feel out of my league, I didn’t want to quit… instead, I wanted to push harder. Suddenly, I was passing men from the earlier waves. I concentrated on my form (follow through, finish the stroke – thanks Andrew!!). I stayed on course. I fought hard throughout the swim and harder during the final 500 to the ramp.

Pleased with my swim time, I jogged to my bike and realized it wasn’t the only female bike on the rack. But, the bike next to mine was Gail Kattouf’s… so I was left wondering how many miles I could get in before she sailed by ;) Anyway, I got everything on and headed out. Yet again, posting a rather sad T time. Maybe I should make a mid season resolution: DROP time in transition. Ohmygosh.

There’s a slight hill out of transition, then it’s a fast mile to get out of the park. With so many men starting before the wave of women – we had plenty of people to chase! As I pumped my pedals into race mode, I started to feel the sun beat down. Gotta love some spf 40.

The course is one rolling loop. Glad my shifting was working better than it did during the warm-up. I tried to make myself fight… but, during the ride, I felt one notch below “normal.” It’s the 1st race of the year, where I’ve worried about forcing too much on my legs during the bike… since I’ve been known to suffer muscle cramps on the run. It was HOT, and I drank much more than normal over 40K.

I think it was around mile 10, on an uphill, that Ms. Gail “I make cycling look like child’s play” Kattouf came by. She gave me some words of encouragement then proceeded to shift and drop her chain. I’m even laughing as I type this. She and I both chuckled as I passed her back. She came around again, and was off.

I made it my new goal to keep her in sight for as long as possible. Well, it was a good goal while it lasted. Gail, I think I could see you until that hard left turn. From there, I lost ya.

It was exciting turning back into the park. I could tell I was going to better my bike split from last year. On a rolling course, on a HOT day, I was please with my ride…. Now, hummmm… about that run.

Again with the s.l.o.w. transition. But, I would have taken 15 more seconds to have an ice cold artic shatter flavored Powerade (the white colored type – very rare – but delicious – my favorite, and when I find it I by ‘em out).

The 1st mile out of the park is shaded. Knowing what the remainder of the course held, I wanted to take advantage of the little shade we had. A race official told me there were 6 girls ahead of me. This was the first indication I’d gotten about where I was in the race. Alright, ladies to look for.

Taking that right turn out of the park… well, it just sucks. SUCKS your energy. I could feel heat radiating off the road and it’s uphill. Heat, Hills, Humidity – the triple H challenge I met upon moving south. Yes, this race had them all.

I was pleased with my time at mile 2, but wondered if I could hold on. Nearing the turn around, I’d moved into 4th place… but was out of 3rd by minutes. The way back was just as much a mental challenge as it was physical. It was hot, my breathing was labored, my quads gave early signs of cramping, and being realistic – there was no way I was going to catch the top three.

Yeah buddy, those last 2 miles were killer. You know the feeling… you want to finish strong, you want to negative split the out-and-back, you want to race to the finish line. Yes, all wonderful goals. But, looking at my times, even though I thought I was holding a steady pace… I must have been slowing. Somehow I made it around the park and up that hellacious (heck, this race was in Greenwood, SC – I’ve got to pull out the southernisms) hill to the finish arch.

I bettered my time from 2007… but reproduced the results: 4th female overall, receiving the 3rd place Open division award. Because the 3rd place woman, Kris Kester of GA, had raced age group. Way to go Gail (2nd female) on a Fantastic race. Folks, she had the #1 bike and run splits. (and dropped 3 min on her swim time from last year). She’s moving from super du-stud to super tri-stud.

Great job: Charlie, Hank, Nicole, Forrest, Kat, Jay, Keith, Peter, Tracey, Dean, Ashli

Thanks to Regina and Susan… you girls were great cheerleaders.

BIG SPECIAL thanks to Hank – I had a race wheel malfunction on Friday. After scrambling around and making many calls… My friend, Matt, could see the panic in my eyes. He made a call to Hank, who not only allowed me to use a set of his wheels – he delivered them to my house. Another reminder, I’d never be able to compete in this sport alone.

EXTRA special thanks to Charlie for the Bruster’s Peach sorbet waffle cone after the race. You know it's HOT when I order sorbet over ice cream?!

FOF article

2008-06-09T13:45:00.002-04:00

Festival triathlon tests endurance of its participants
By MATT ANDERSON/Index-Journal sports writer
Published: Sunday, June 8, 2008 11:53 PM EDT
LINK

After completing Sunday’s Festival of Flowers triathlon at the Lake Greenwood State Recreation Area with the temperature near 90 degrees, Daniel Moss referred to the conditions as “pancake hot.”

Even that extreme heat, however, wasn’t enough to slow Moss. Moss, of Simpsonville, won the men’s race in a course-record 1:55:16. Michelle Shoup, of Buford, Ga., completed the 1.5 kilometer swim, 24-mile bike ride and 10-kilometer run race in 2:13:15 to win the women’s title.

Moss finished more three minutes in front of Spartanburg’s Chris Olson, the men’s second-place finisher in 1:58:20. Gail Koutoff, of Greenville, placed second in the women’s race with a time of 2:14:03.

“The run’s just brutal,” Moss said. “There’s a good bit of shade, but still by mile two or three or fourish, it’s in the sun. ... It’s just ridiculous.”

On the men’s side, defending champion Peter Kotland, of Moore, placed third (2:00:15), Atlanta’s Dylan Rist finished fourth (2:03:36) and former Greenwood resident Derick Williamson, now of Austin, Texas, was fifth (2:05:00).

Kristine Kester, of Duluth, Ga., was third in the women’s race (2:15:08), Greenville’s Ashley Long took fourth (2:19:12), and Jennifer Walz, of Savannah, rounded out the top five (2:20:21).

With the weather playing such a big factor Sunday, Moss prepared for the finishing run during the bicycle portion of the race. “Normally, I don’t drink as much fluids as I did on the bike (Sunday),” Moss said. “Normally, I have a third of a bottle, and I drank a whole bottle (Sunday), trying to prepare for the run.

“Unfortunately, they didn’t have a water station right off transition. That would have been a big help to most of the athletes, but other than that, it was a great race.”

Sunday’s race served as the USA Triathlon Southeast Regional Championship, with the top 33 percent of each age group’s finishers qualifying for the USAT Age Group National Championships on Sept. 20 in Portland.

Among those who qualified was Juan Adritico, of Greenwood, the top area finisher in the race. Adritico placed 32nd in 2:19:57. Fourth among area finishers was Greenwood’s David Bridges, who was 71st in 2:29:48. Like most every other competitor in the triathlon, Bridges said the heat played a factor in his race. “It’s hard to breathe; it’s hard to run,” Bridges said. “Every time I hit the sun, I slowed down. It’s good to have it done.”

Walz, 17, fifth overall in the women’s race, repeated as the event’s girls junior champion. She led the junior competitors from the swim-bike transition through the end of the race. While she said there was some pressure being chased over the final two portions of the triathlon, being in the lead helped with the hot weather. “The run was really hot,” Walz said. “I really tried to push it on the run, to keep the lead.”

Lost & Found

2008-06-06T10:09:00.006-04:00

That’s pretty much what my blog mindset is right now, a messy hodgepodge of topics, stories, thoughts, etc… if you opened my head, you’d see a jumble – much like that of a gym’s lost and found bin. An enormous Rubbermaid container filled with random t’shirts, water bottles, goggles, singular flip-flops, a brush full of hair, moldy towels…

So, here’s the deal: I’m going to list topics (in order they come to me) in bold. Scan through them, read about one that stands out, read them all, read some and come back later… I’ve just got to get these things written down!

Vancouver – Worlds! (Saturday)
Go Mom (Sally), Grrrrrrrr Jen, Smoke it up Ness! Get ‘em Ladies. From what I’ve heard, via quick email from my mom, the area is gorgeous. She talked about watching planes take off from the water?! Well, anyway, the conditions sound chilly. Maybe having one of the longest, coldest, most miserable winters in Illinois history will pay off! Heck, Sally and Jen have been training in freezing temps since the end of last season.
Come on Team USA.

Festival of Flowers (Sunday)
While everyone tries to stay warm at age group Worlds… I’ll try to push through some HEAT here on Sunday. Greenwood, SC is hosting the SE Regional Championships: aka Set Up Events – Festival of Flowers OD triathlon. It’s been toasty all week (93 today; 97 tomorrow), and I think it’ll be in the high 90’s on Sunday. Alrighty, Summer has arrived!

TEAM LONG (August 17th)
It’s official, Team Long will be making a race debut at the Greenville Sprint Triathlon! I’ve always wanted to do a relay tri with my family… and since they’re moving down here later this month, I figured 2008 would be the year! We’ve got Doug Long swimming (400 meter, pool), Sally Long on the bike (15 miles), and myself running (5K). I’m stoked… and in preparation for this team appearance, I’ll be on the lookout for a royal blue speedo for Dad (my sister, Sarah, is begging for jammers). Of course, we’ll all need ‘LONG’ across the derriere.

Memorial Day Memories I
Queue song: “Playing with The Boys.”
I had a BLAST! My friend (teammate) from Charleston, Hugh, was spending the long weekend at his cabin in Saluda… nope, not alone: it was Boyz Weekend. Hugh had roped 3 other guys into bringing their bikes and attacking the hills. Luckily, they invited me to join them for some good cycling. I was forewarned that evening activities, however, were “no girls allowed.” To that I said, “No problem.” Riding sounds fun, boys night… I could do without.

I got up early, and met them at the Folk Art Center (along the Blue Ridge Parkway) on Saturday morning. Awesome! I couldn’t wait to get going – I had no idea how well I’d be able to hang with 4 male triathlete/cyclists… but, I was ready to give it a go (and I prayed that they’d had a few too many beers the night before ;)

Hugh wanted to ride along the parkway and up Mt. Mitchell, but we found trouble ahead. The Pkwy was closed for miles on the way to Mitchell. Hum, plans foiled, I headed to a park ranger for alternate route and map. (huh, having a female along pays off… good for direction asking and such. I, unfortunately, let them down on the other “female” duty: taking pictures. Darn, forgot my camera).

We ended up riding the opposite direction (toward Mt. Pisgah) with plans to stay on the Pkwy. We climbed up hills, we made friends with pelotons of motorcycles, we took in breathtaking views (or maybe the hills were breathtaking because of the altitude/gradient/length… either way, they were beautiful and challenging), we almost had a pileup while riding through tunnel #1 (of about 7 – note to self, take light when riding the Pkwy), we rode through low hanging clouds (very cool), and we all made it back without incident.

After a quick bathroom change and face washing we drove into downtown Asheville. A great, fun, earthy city only a little over an hour from Greenville. Perfect for weekend getaways. Mellow Mushroom was calling… PIZZA! Now that’s a perfect Saturday: 60 miles in the Blue Ridge Mtns, with a fun group of guys, followed up by pizza at Mellow Mushroom.

Memorial Day Memories II
A mysterious “boyz night” preceded Sunday’s ride. Actually, not so mysterious… I think they watched “Super Bad” – evidenced by the one-liner after one-liner I listened to throughout the day.

Sunday’s plan was to ride from Furman University up Caesar’s Head and back. I asked my friend, Chris Giordanelli…G-man… to come along. You know you’re on the verge of crazy when you ride the pkwy one day, only to turn around and ride Caesar’s Head with the guy who just placed 3rd OA at long course du Nationals. (pic below: Furman Univ... which also displays a portion of the MDA 5K course)

And, by pure chance, as we were pulling out – who did I almost ride into?! Gail Kattouf, super duper du stud (wow, with Gail in SC and Amy Kloner in GA… the SE boasts some rockin’ du ladies. Take that CO ;) He he he, with Gail in the mix, it only got more “fun.” But really, it was such an awesome group. It’s not often you get so many talented athletes in one group ride.

We all got to the base of Caesar’s Head – and then made our own way up the roughly 6.5 mile climb. After a tough week, and 60 miles on the pkwy, there was no way I could hang with G-man, Gail, Hugh, or Caskie… my goal became to not fall too far behind. Going up long climbs like that will play with your mind – it gives you physical strength and mental toughness. Your state can change from one mile to the next, and I went though my share of ups and downs. (pic: view from Caesar's Head)

Here’s an up: realizing how far I’ve come as a “cyclist.” In 2004 I posted a 1:18 bike split at Memphis in May (40 K, basically flat course)… the next year, I road a 1:04 (road bike with clip on aero bars and no race wheels). I loved seeing what a year’s worth of hard work could do! At that time, I was learning to ride harder and push through the sweeping winds of IL. Moving to the SE, I’ve found the challenge of climbing… and I love it! There are days that mountains feel effortless, your feet dance on the pedals, you find a groove, you ride the rhythm. Then, there are days you suffer, you feel muscle fibers screaming at you, your cadence feels labored… but, either way, when you get to the top… you feel accomplished! (and you get to sail down at warp speed)
The group took some time at the top, refilled on water, and prepared for the way home. Fyi, the way out to Caesar’s Head trends downhill. Therefore, the way home is difficult! You’ve climbed all the way up – but the 20 some miles home are no cake walk. (a little tid bit I learned on my 1st Furman-Caesar’s Head and back journey) Thankfully, Gail pulled us… HA, I mean it was a group effort – but there is no holding that girl back. (side note: she invited me to do the same ride the following Saturday… too bad I had plans to cheer on friends at the Middle Tyger YMCA tri)

Following our ride, nobody jumped on the brick run train (phew, it wasn’t on my schedule). But, food was on the plan! I was craving some Chicora Alley hummus and a nap in the park: check!
Thanks for a GREAT weekend Hugh… hi to the “dudes” for me. Ps. I still haven’t seen “Super Bad.” It’s on my list.

Memorial Day Memories III
… and you thought training was over for the weekend, wrong! Monday was a Holiday! Long run time baby. I headed back over to Furman. The Green Valley 10 mile course is beautiful, and I needed something scenic to get me moving for anything over 2 miles. As I pulled into the PAC parking lot, I looked over to Paris Mtn. The tower at the top winked at me – wasn’t that the theme of the weekend? Climbing? YES. Up the Blue Ridge Parkway, Up Caesar’s Head, and now up Paris Mtn (via road, not trail Jen!). So I pushed through the 1st portion of the run… and then PUSHED up Paris.

I made it to the top 3 days in a row.

S. and the City
I’m sure you know the full title of this movie, but let me explain why I haven’t typed it out. Many of you have posted about sitemeter’s “referrals” function. (how people find, or search, and get to your blog). Things like, google search: “elf in the magical woods with wizard” and coming upon Elizabeth Fedofsky’s blog.

Well, here’s a tip: do not google search my name. Here’s a safe (wikipedia.com) clue.

Needless to say, there are many inappropriate searches for my name… and I don’t think they’re looking for triathlon results. When I glance at the referrals section of sitemeter, I have to chuckle when I see “Ashley Long, pictures.” Something tells me that person was not looking for a shot of me running out of a lake in wetsuit/goggles. So, I’m afraid what using the “S” word in one of my posts could trigger?!

But, back to “S. and the City”
My younger sister, Sarah, just accepted a job in the Spartanburg County School System. She’ll be an elementary PE teacher and swim coach at Burns High School! Luck would have it that the movie was opening the same weekend she had to come here for a meeting with her new AD.

I am a huge fan, and have been looking fwd to this movie for months. It did not disappoint! If you’re a SATC groupie, it’s a must see… and if you’re not, don’t worry – you won’t be lost. They do a great job of introducing the story/characters.

Middle Tyger YMCA tri
Great job to everyone who raced! My friends Gerald and Sarah Kolb put together a defunct relay… Sarah is very pregnant, G is getting over an injury, and they found a woman to run for them (also suffering from an injury) – and appropriately named their team: “Two Gimps and a Blimp.” Hilarious. Looked like you guys had a lot of fun.

Drive – swim – Drive
While running at Furman on Tuesday, I ran right into Gail and Rick Kattouf. (in case you’re wondering why we’re at Furman all the time - just know that it’s a hot spot for athletes. Great place to run, meet for a ride, etc… the place is crawling with athletes, especially Sat/Sun mornings! I didn’t even know it, but they have open track meets throughout the summer. Gail actually thought I was there for the meet?!)

The three of us had fun chatting, and then I mentioned going to Lake Hartwell for open water swimming the next day. So, Gail and I made plans to meet after work and drive over to Clemson Univ.

After work on Wednesday, I drove to meet her at Port City Java… and what did I see: Ms Kattouf sporting high heels, running shorts, and Rudy sunglasses. Fashion at its finest ;) We had a great time talking on the drive there/back. The swim was fantastic (no wetsuit, and the water was really warm). We did laugh, though, about driving 45 min away for a 45 min swim. The things we do for a workout….

CD Recommendations
I will leave you with some good music I’ve recently discovered:

Virginia Coalition, “Home This Year”
Don’t you just love buying a CD and finding that you love EVERY song?! Yes, this is the one… a CD you can listen to without hitting the skip button.

3 Doors Down, “3 Doors Down”
It just Rocks

Sarah Bareilles, “Little Voice”
Fun, female, sing along in the shower type of tunes.

Lake Murray RR

2008-06-03T14:27:00.003-04:00

Even though I now have a tan, which I certainly wasn't sporting at the Lake Murray race, I'll try to jog my memory....

After driving to Panama City Beach, having a Blast w/ Marit & Mary, racing, getting an IV, driving back, organizing a 5K, and directing that 5K... I didn't know if my body had a sprint tri in it.

Leading up to the MDA 5K - I was already planning to pull out of Lake Murray. And then, getting up at 4:00 am to set up for the race - I really had decided to skip the tri. Setting up, standing and working all day (luckily the weather was perfect, sunny - but not at all hot), then tearing down and packing up... my body said "no go." I ran the 5K course, as part of my prescribed training schedule, and to grab anything we might have missed (a Set Up Events arrow marker, btw - which I then carried for 1.5 miles).

So, I drove my sorry & exhausted butt home. The week leading up to the race, I'd been emailing back and forth w/ Nicole R about race travel arrangements. She was planning to drive there with Jeff - and meet up with Tracy. There was room if I wanted to stay with them. I told them that I was in.....

but after a long day at the 5K.... would they be mad if I backed out?! Just as I got home, Nicole called my cell phone. "are you driving yourself, or do you want to ride with me and Jeff?" she asked. I told her my hesitations, I told her I really didn't want to race, I told her that I was too tired and just wanted to stay home...
that's when she said, "well Jeff and I just finished 100 - so get your stuff together and get over here. I'm tired too, I don't want to race either, so let's just go and have fun!"

Huh, can't argue with a pair that just rode 100 the day before a sprint tri. (fyi, they are training for IM Austria)

Ok, Ok... I mentally tried to remove any expectations or pressures about this race from my thoughts, grabbed my transition bag (still full of PCB sand), got my bike in the car, and drove to Nicole's house.

Jeff, Nicole, and I packed into Jeff's truck and made our way toward Columbia. fyi, even on the ride there... I still wasn't convinced that I'd race ;) he he he. This is by far, the most I'd ever vacillated about racing. I've made it a point to race for fun - as a hobby, but this race wasn't feeling fun. Being into it, mentally, is so important - and if your mind isn't in the game, it can make for a long day.

We went to packet pick-up and then to the hotel. Tracy was there waiting. Her opening line was something like this, "I need a beer - do we really have to race in the morning?!" HA, good to know we were all on the same page. I have never seen such a group of deflated triathletes dragging around the day before a stinking race!!!

Much to Princess Nicole's dismay, we walked across the parking lot for a Fazoli's feast. Pasta in hand, we walked back to our rooms, changed for bed, and crawled under the covers to eat dinner. Mind you, it was about 6:30 pm.

I'm pretty sure I fell asleep by 7:00 pm. Yes, the sun was still out.

Unfortunately, there was no new race ZING when I woke up. We all seemed to go through the motions, packed up, and drove to Lake Murray. The only pre-race excitement was my wetsuit zipper getting stuck. Thank God Tracy was able to get it fixed. The zipper actually had me stuck in the thing... because if it just wouldn't have zipped initially, I'm sure I would have said - "forget it, I'll go without."

We made our way to the chilly water (yes, I was really glad to have a wetsuit on). The waves were a bit larger than normal (come to find out, there was a wind advisory being announced on the news). But, just coming off 5 ft swells at Gulf Coast - the lake waves didn't appear too bad.

Our small open wave went off first... and I actually felt like I held on longer than normal. The swim seemed to finish quickly and I made my way to transition. Always such a joy to get to the "open wave rack" to see your LONE bike waiting. Bryan BN gave me a smile, clapped a bit in jest, and said, "go get 'em on the bike Long." Getting my wetsuit off provided a challenge and I vividly remember looking at Bryan and saying, "I feel like I'm going to die."
He just laughed (what a teammate)

After 7 attempts at getting my shoe clipped in (I was not functioning properly, seriously).... I was finally off and riding. Right after getting out of the park, I caught sight of my right wrist. There, in all it's shiny, silver glory was my Gulf Coast participant band. My teeth gritted down and I pushed harder. Suddenly this race took a redemption tone.

I rode that course like it was a bike TT. Up the hills, into the wind, trying to find anyone ahead of me. As I made my way back to the transition area I heard volunteers say, "first female." Well, riding with some anger will pay off.

The run was lonely. A 5K within the park grounds. The lead men were already well ahead. I pushed to a hard, but manageable pace. After training for a 1/2 IM - running a 5K is quite a shock to the system! Tracy and Lindsay were right behind me - both looking strong.

Crossing the finish line felt great... but, I knew there were many waves of females yet to come in. People always ask what place you got, and I'm usually at a loss for what to say. Maybe I finished 3rd in the open category - but 5th overall?! Or, I was the 1st female to finish Lake Murray, but like the results show: Kat posted the fastest time of the day. It didn't really matter. I felt like I had redeemed my GC performance. I felt good. On a windy day, one week after a 1/2 IM, I turned in a time faster than I'd achieved at the same race in 2007. Sweet.

Forced myself to do a cool down run with Jeff, Nicole, Kat, Troy (Kat's proclaimed "boy toy"). This was the highlight of my day... weak, and NOT wanting to run another step... I trotted around the course with these ya-hoo's. See pic, as I think Kat is a Sam McGlone look alike.
Troy told some story about blowing snot rockets at the gym, while on a treadmill. My legs were so weak, I almost collapsed in laughter.

At the end of the day, I was so glad I'd HTFU'd and done this race. It's amazing how you can sometimes surprise yourself. In training, there are days I feel like poo - and assume my workout will suffer... but, then you go and PR something! Same with races. I was tired, I didn't really want to race, but I found that fire as I set out on my bike.

Thanks to Nicole for "making" me go. I had a great time with you, Jeff, and Tracy. Also great to meet Kat (OA winner) and Troy. What a trip, what a race, what a cool down run, what a group of tri-people. Love it! (and ps, I cut off my GC wristband)

finally, GC RR

2008-05-28T08:52:00.002-04:00

The race depicted below actually took place on May 10th... as you can see, I'm still far behind on these posts:

So I ran into the waves – just like Mary and I’d practiced. However, when Mary and I had been rehearsing our starts, I should’ve had her beat me repeatedly with a baseball bat. It would have been better simulation. I’m aware that mass starts can be violent… but, mix in big waves, and you’ve got a full on water war.

I was gulping salt water, trying desperately to find open water. I felt legs, feet, arms, hands… I lifted my head to sight the first buoy, and all I saw was an approaching wave. My mind was spinning. I finally felt like I had some space – but, that didn’t mean the waves let up. I could see a buoy about once every forth sighting attempt.

The swim was a roller coaster ride. The waves never ceased. It was up and down the whole way – I focused on forward progress. Somehow I made it to the turn buoy… about 100 yards over, and turn to go back. You’d think the waves would take you into shore. Wrong. I could feel myself getting carried up and down, and the waves seemed to suck me back. I fought toward shore. Damn, the crowd just wouldn’t get closer. Somehow I forged through the laundry cycle of a swim. I looked over my shoulder to find a wave… and actually body surfed in. Caught sand in my hands and stood up like a shipwreck victim.
(was this dramatic enough for you?)

I ran up the beach and began taking off my wetsuit. Through the showers and toward transition. I entered transition and tried to follow the mental map I’d routed out earlier that morning. Past the port-o-potties, over the bushes, around another section of port-o-potties, left turn, and to my rack. I could hear Marit and Joanna yelling for me to hurry (and thanks to them I actually ranked #3 ag in T1 – go me, small victories :). Wetsuit off and bike gear on. Grabbed my ride and ran out.

The course starts with a short out and back… I pumped my legs and tried to shake off the swim. After all that salt water, my bottles (mix of nuun and Heed) tasted like heaven. For a bit, I was able to hang out on the left – while I passed all those people who’d handled the waves better than I.

After the 1st turn around I saw a girl in ‘The Sports Factory’ apparel lying face down on the road – bike on top of her. At that moment, I though Amy Kloner had gone down. People were running to aid the fallen cyclist… and I prayed that she was ok.

(Come to find out later – it was not the eventual amateur winner, Amy. However, this race did involve some tragedy. There was a young, male, relay swimmer who died on the beach after being pulled out of the water. There were also a few horrible crashes along the bike route)

As I passed back by transition… I heard Marit and Joanna screaming my name. A huge smile spread across my face – and I knew in that moment what it was all about. I could feel Marit’s race energy. I yelled to Marit that it was for her, and I wished she was racing too.

Eventually the riders began to string out. Unlike the IM races I’d heard about and witnessed… I really didn’t see much intentional drafting (although there was a pack of 4 guys obviously pace lining). Up and over the bridge – I stood to stretch my back. Then one of the craziest things happened. It’s much easier to explain in person. I’m big on physical reenactments. But, I’ll do my best in writing: The base of the bridge has a big seam. Just as I rode over, the hammer gel flask (which I’d Velcroed onto my bike frame) launched into the air. By total chance, my left knee was on an up stroke. The flask hit my knee and I caught it in my right hand. ALL while going about 38 mph. I felt like catwoman. Shazam!

(another thing I’ve thought since finishing the race; as I’m pretty sure it was the hammer gel that upset my stomach… maybe fate launched it from my bike for a reason. But, knowing the plan I’d established before the race – I probably would have stopped to retrieve the gel… but the fact that it jumped from my bike is a sign I won’t forget)

What else to say about the bike? I’ve never been in aero for so long. The scenery and elevation didn’t change much. It was exciting to see the male pros hammer on their way back. I saw Peter in 5th place.

The 2nd half of the ride was into more of a wind than we’d faced on the way out. I felt the urge to pee... but, still have yet to master that move on a bike. I tried coasting, standing, relaxing... nada. A woman I'd passed early on the bike, passed me back as we neared transition.

Getting vertical felt a bit odd to my system. Something already felt wrong w/ my stomach, but I thought it was just the need to pee. I quickly made it to my transition spot: discard bike gear, pee, put on run stuff... and head out.

Oooo, with each step, it felt like someone was inflating my stomach with a bike pump. I was in pain... but, kept reminding myself: that's what racing is all about - pushing to the point of pain. Unfortunately, it wasn't a fatigue/muscular/endurance pain. This was a "balloon about to explode in your stomach" kind of pain.

I made it to the 10k mark in just over 44:00 min. Not bad... but, then I couldn't handle it any longer. There were tears in my eyes - tears because of the pain in my abdomen, tears because I wasn't running like I know I can, tears because I wasn't going to reach my time goal, tears because I knew I could do better.....
I crossed the finish line w/out a smile. So glad to be done, but not happy with the day. Thanks to Marit for being there to "catch" me at the end.

That's pretty much my disappointment with this race. Although the time/finish place seem good - I'm frustrated because it failed to demonstrate the level at which I'd been training. To me, that's what racing is about: on one day, with friends/family watching... you get to celebrate all the hard work you've put in. This race did not reach the goals or expectations I wanted to see.

But, I suppose that's what longer distance races will teach you! It's the combination of hard training, preparation, goal setting, focus, determination, travel, endurance, flexibility, and a good nutrition plan ;)

A great learning experience, indeed. Not to forget, a super fun vacation with HTFU friends!

Great job: Mary, Amy, Donna, Gabby, Peter, Mark, Dan, Megan

"to blog" list

2008-05-20T08:46:00.003-04:00

I've fallen behind. It seems like things keep happening, and I want to write about them all... and then I realize I've not even posted the Gulf Coast race report. So, to get organized, here is the list of blog topics I plan to cover in coming posts:

Gulf Coast 1/2 IM
Lake Murray Sprint Tri (including funny antidotes about the trip there/back with Nicole, Tracy, and Jeff... and running with Kat Welling, the Sam McGlone look-alike)
My sister, Sarah, coming to town for a quick visit (she had a job interview, we swam LCM together... where she kicked my butt, and then she took me grocery shopping for my birthday)
Matt and the horrific bike pile-up at Donaldson (he suffered multiple broken bones and is having a tough time with recovery)
A response to Jen Harrison's "race rituals" post
Cheerleading as it compares to triathlon training and racing (yes, there are similarities believe it or not... and it's not just the spandex)
Stories about things that happened in my life, pre-blog. Stuff you bloggers would get a good chuckle over.

I'll do my best to detail them all.

race article

2008-05-19T09:45:00.002-04:00

Rival pair run off with wins
Georgia Tech man, Georgia woman win the Lake Murray Triathlon
By JOSEPH PERSON - jperson@thestate.com

The story at Sunday’s Lake Murray Triathlon was more like a bad joke told at an Atlanta watering hole: What do you get when you throw a Georgia Tech runner and a Georgia cheerleader into a lake? The answer: the male and female open division winners at the Midlands’ oldest and biggest sprint triathlon — a punch line that was not funny to the racers trying to chase down the Georgia transplants.

Simpsonville’s Daniel Moss, who ran cross country at Georgia Tech, and former Bulldogs cheerleader Ashley Long of Greenville used strong bike legs to overcome sluggish swims and win by more than a minute each at sunny but breezy Dreher Island State Park.

Told that a Bulldog was the top female, Moss said: “That’s funny. Too bad we didn’t have our school uniforms on for that.” Actually, the 27-year-old Long showed her school colors with a red-and-black bike, on which she averaged 22 miles per hour over the 16-mile loop through Prosperity’s rolling hills. Long was last among the four women in the open division following the 750-meter swim, but she took the lead on the bike course and held it through the 5K run to win in 1 hour, 19 minutes and 27 seconds.

Spartanburg resident Katharine Welling was actually the fastest woman in the field, 14 seconds better than Long. However, the 34-year-old participated as an age-group racer, which meant she was not eligible for the open title, and began the course several start groups behind the elite racers. “This is my second year racing, so I thought age group would be most suitable for me,” said Welling, who swam at Davidson. “I might have to reconsider it (for next year).”

Long grew up in Chicago, the daughter of a collegiate swimmer and a triathlete mother. However, the former gymnast gravitated toward cheering in Athens. “I love cheerleading just for the camaraderie. It’s fun, especially at Georgia where we go to all the football games,” Long said. “But neither of (her parents) understood.”

Long was uncertain how she would fare Sunday — a week after competing in a half-Ironman (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run) in Florida and a day after getting up at 4 a.m. to serve as the race director of a 5K run at Furman.

“It’s hard to change your mindset from that (half-Ironman) distance to a sprint distance,” Long said. “But I ended up feeling better than I anticipated.”

Moss, also 27, felt better once he mounted his bike. In fourth place following the swim-to-bike transition, Moss caught Jason Schott, a native of Dahlonega, Ga. — and Moss’ former training partner — at mile 5 and did not look back. “I got on the bike and started hammering,” Moss said.
Moss (1:06:01) held off Schott (1:07:20) to post his third victory in this year’s S.C. Triathlon Series and become the second consecutive Georgia Tech grad to win at Lake Murray. Former Yellow Jackets’ water-polo player Kevin Lisska, who did not return to defend his title, won in 1:08:10 last year.

Columbia’s Jeff Brandenburg (1:11:42) and Janice Addison (1:25:59) were the masters (over-40) winners Sunday in a field of 362 finishers. Amy Pierson served as a volunteer at the race a year after having a heart attack during a cool-down run following her third-place finish.

MDA results

2008-05-18T13:52:00.003-04:00

Thank you, THANK YOU to everyone who participated in, sponsored, volunteered at, and supported our Stride & Ride 5K yesterday.

The weather was perfect and everything seemed to go smoothly. Thanks, in part to the beautiful morning, we had many day of registrants: taking us over the 300 mark!
Set Up Events did a fantastic job with chip timing and providing a great start/finish inflatable arch. Citgo/Corner Mart, our title sponsor, helped with everything from water stations to registration to awards... Chick-fil-A donated hundreds upon hundreds of chicken biscuits, Starbucks gave coffee. Huge thanks to Matt & the Greenville Federal Credit Union (even though he suffered a bike wreck on Tuesday: broken ribs and clavicle, he was still there helping)! Forrest (a tri friend of mine) was nice enough to deliver boxes of Powerbars - thank you.

I also want to congratulate the GIRLS ON THE RUN participants and their families. We were so lucky to host about 120 young girls who had been training for this 5K. I was almost moved to tears as I watched them cross the finish line - arms raised, huge smiles, goals achieved. Many of the girls did the race with their parents and siblings... CHEERS to the parents encouraging and motivating their daughters to get out and run. It was inspiring to watch.

With all the GOTR... I had to laugh in looking over the results. When is the last time you saw a race who's largest finishing age group was 10 and under?! AND our female participants out numbered the males 2 to 1!! Girl Power.

Speaking of the results, they can be found here:
http://www.setupevents.com/?fuseaction=event_detail&eventID=1036

........................................................................................

After everything was taken care of for work, I myself ran the course for a quick workout. From there, I booked home to get things ready for the Lake Murray Sprint Tri. Much more on this later.

Let's just say that after doing a 1/2 IM (over 600 miles away) last weekend, and directing a 5K on Saturday... I didn't know if I had a sprint triathlon in me. My mind went back and forth. I wasn't going to go - then I thought I should - then I thought about taking a nap - then Nicole called to see if I was still going down to Columbia with her - then I realized my race wheels were still on my bike (heck, my transition back was basically still packed).... so, I HTFU'd and got going.

It ended up hurting, bad. I suffered today - and thought about my disappointing Gulf Coast run. Which might have given me that extra Oomph on the bike. I was somehow able to pull out a win in the elite/open division.

So, there you have it. An exhausting/successful/rewarding weekend. And now, I am going to take that nap.

MDA pause, stay tuned

2008-05-15T11:00:00.003-04:00

While I continue working on my Gulf Coast RR... Please remember the 5K to benefit MDA this Saturday.

Phew, working as a race director is much more stressful than actually racing.

Saturday
Race Start 8:30 am (you can register day of)
Furman University
Paladin Stadium
$25 (which helps send children with neuromuscular disease to our summer camp)
Come on out and run/walk
Chip timing
Gas card prizes for AG and OA winners (Thanks Kenneth and Piedmont Petroleum)
Chick-fil-A biscuits

See you there!

Gulf Coast - pre race

2008-05-14T08:32:00.002-04:00

I’m still shaking sand out of my transition bag… and thinking about Mary (who tried to pack sand into her hair, so that upon her return to NY, she could shake it out and remember the beach). I’m also missing Marit and her French Press. This race report could use a cup of good coffee.

You’ve seen the pictures. You know what we did leading up to Saturday’s ½ IM… the typical tri-girl activities; however, I must admit this particular trip gave a whole new meaning to the word skank. Evidence:
- my decision to drive from Greenville, SC to Panama City Beach sans air conditioning (choosing to open windows just blew in more dirt/sand/stink. My car still doesn’t smell right)
- the hotel room floor upon my arrival. Not only did I opt to go air con free… Mary and Marit had planned the same for our room. Listening to the waves = fantastic. Slipping and sliding on a humid/salty/sandy floor = ewwww. My crocs stayed on the entire weekend.
- Which leads me to our shower situation. Again, I left my crocs on… as if I were in a locker-room.
- I know that at some point during the trip, we each used a towel that had been on said floor.
- Come to think of it, I don’t think I ever used a dry towel. Probably a result of the aforementioned open air hotel room.
- Thinking a bomb had gone off every time Marit let the wind vortex SLAM our door shut (yes, having your balcony door open will create a wind tunnel strong enough to suck a human out the opposing door)
- Mary and her infamous red board shorts. Hey, I might win the award for “smelling worst upon arrival.” But, Miss Mary gets the award for “wearing the SAME shorts 4 days in a row.”
- Our trip to HOOTERS for souvenir t’shirts. Panama City Beach Hooters, enough said.
- The “kitchen” set up. So, it was actually the sink… but, you’d have thought Juan Valdez himself was staying with us – and unloading his burro near our bathroom. Hair, toothpaste, chamois cream, makeup, coffee grounds. Sure, typical bathroom mess.
- Hey wait – I drank coffee prepared in that kitchen. Augh.
- To Mary, Marit, and I sucking on nuun tablets. Marit and her priceless face - like a girl eating sourpatch kids for the first time. I could see it coming, and then she sure did reach those fingers into her mouth and pull out a half-disintegrated nuun. The nuun went from her hand right into Mary’s water bottle. And then I watched Mary drink the water. Does anyone else think this is gross?!
- On race morning, I found myself frantically searching for a microwavable container for oatmeal preparation. What did I find first, a dirty coffee mug. Hum, quick rinse. Don’t mico-waves kill bacteria? Whatever, I needed oatmeal and it was 4:00 am. I don’t think straight at this hour.
- Other gross foodstuffs: the jar of natural peanut butter that remained out for most of the trip. I saw many plastic knives dip in and out of the jar. However, the peanut butter was not being spread on anything… the “dipping sticks” were going into mouths, licked clean, and then dipped back on in. At this point, I’m sure Marit and Mary swapped enough saliva to constitute a full on make-out session.
- Alright, I’ve sufficiently grossed myself out.

On to the pre-race story:

Friday was packet pick up and bike check in. I think this was the day it hit me… hit me that this was a BIG race. 69 girls in my age group alone. The line to check in was long enough that we all got our Expo Shopping in by rotating who held our spot in line. I waited while Marit and Mary looked around… and when they came back I set off to buy a spare tire.
Finally, finally we made it to the packet pick-up tables (which were manned by some seriously snippy retirees, btw). #366, a silver wristband, some swag, t’shirt, etc…

We went back to the skanky room to rest. 3 tri-girls lying with their heads at the end of the bed – legs propped up on the wall. I found my iPod and switched on the tunes. Just as I drifted off… our other guests arrived. So fun to meet Donna and Joanna (FL residents, so I can only imagine they’re used to having sand everywhere).

Later in the day, we got our bikes together and drove them to transition. Nerves hit again as I looked at the number of bike racks. I was going to need GPS just to find my spot in the transition area. Well, I racked her up and said goodnight.

We turned in early that night. Normally, sleep comes easy for me… but, this race was different. I could hear the waves crashing on the beach just outside our room (this was my 1st ocean swim tri). I remembered that I hadn’t started in a wave of more than 20 competitors since 2005. Due to cooler temps in SC, I haven’t gotten in much hot weather training. I don’t think (until this race) I’d ever ridden for more than 20 miles in aero… actually, to prepare for this race I’d had to find a road to do FLAT repeats. How was my body going to respond to 56 miles of flat? I tried to turn off my brain and trust the training.

Whoa, 3:45am came quick. There were 5 girls moving about in the room… it was a nervous/quiet atmosphere. Everyone went about their pre-race rituals, and somehow we managed to work around each other. Aided immensely by our 2 WBS’s (world’s best sherpas). Marit helped coat me in sunblock; I filled and mixed 4 water bottles; somehow choked down a mug of oatmeal; I had a minor panic attack while looking for my bike; I went over my mental check list for the last time; and we were off.

We got to the transition area in plenty of time. It reminded me of the trips I’d made to PC for IM Florida. But, this morning – I was racing. A whole different day was ahead of me.

As I set up my transition area I tried to calm down and take deep breaths. Like Marit had reminded me… I was going to race my race. Did it matter how many people were racing alongside?! No. It didn’t matter if I was out there with 30 or 3,000 other people. I knew my plan.

Tires pumped, all my stuff ready and waiting on a towel by my bike (thanks to the girl next to me who didn’t show… it was like I had the emergency row transition spot, lots of extra leg room). Then I made some mental notes, tried to spot anything that could help me locate my rack quickly. Later realized that a right-curving palm tree is not a significant point of reference ;)

Grabbed for my cap (red! Sweet), goggles (brand new – I was going into this race Jen Harrison style), wetsuit… and found Donna and Mary. Of course Mary was all cheers & smiles, while Donna and I were still fighting some nerves.

We made our way toward the water. WBS’s did a great job keeping pre-race conversation light. I shiver to think about what I would have been like w/out Marit and Mary there to calm me down.

Wetsuits zipped up, cap on, goggles down and into the water for a quick, quick “remember what the waves feel like” warm-up. Oh right, I’m going to be beaten up and thrashed around for over 30 minutes. Grrreat.

They called everyone out of the water, the countdown began. Wave 1 was physically challenged athletes; the Pros went next; then 2 waves of women (including Mary); I was in wave 5 – the red caps (with Donna who got an orange cap because she’s special… or they just ran out of red).

As they corralled our wave into the starting area, I gave serious thought to running back to Marit, handing her my chip, and telling her to go for it (busted back and all). Funny thing, she probably would have done it. Which is what ultimately kept me motivated. There are those who can’t race. Not because they don’t want to – but, because doctors tell them they are not able. Who am I to chicken out because of some little waves?

For the 2nd time out of 2 triathlons this year: Eminem’s 8 Mile started right before my wave. It gets my blood pumping, my nerves on high, my energy focused. In true rap spirit, I extended my fist to Donna. She laughed, fisted me back, and we said "good luck." The announcer counted down and I looked off toward the 1st buoy. The gun sounded and I (along with over 100 other women) tore off into the waves…

Tomorrow I’ll actually tell you about the race

Gulf Coast pics

2008-05-10T18:17:00.007-04:00

Marit sherpa and resident barista

Mary, Myself and our new FL friend Donna at bike check in

Donna, myself, Mary... pre race

Mary's obsessed with the Long Butt shot

Hummm, who looks excited for the waves?!

Donna and Mary - I was running away

Alright, I didn't flee the race - here's our wave

WBS's (Worlds Best Sherpas: Marit and Joanna)

Coming to the finish: So this wasn't a stellar day. I was proud of my swim (rough conditions); had a solid ride; and an o-so-bad stomach on the run. The whole experience has made for a fun trip (thanks to Mary and Marit)... and I've learned what does NOT work for me nutritionally. Still finishing 2nd in AG makes a rough run easier to swallow.

I'll continue to dream, trust, and believe (bracelets Mary presented us on the 1st night here in PC). Thanks Miss Mary Sunshine!

PC pre pics

2008-05-09T18:15:00.006-04:00

Some pictures from today's "swim" (aka breaking through the waves, while trying to move forward, and not drown)

HTFU in PC

2008-05-08T22:55:00.002-04:00

It's a mini reunion... half the HTFU clan here in Panama City Beach!

Mary and I are racing the Gulf Coast 1/2 IM on Saturday, and Marit has become the WBS (Worlds Best Sherpa). Liz, Jen, Leslie - We miss you!

What can I say about the drive here. It was long. It was hot & sweaty (Jen, I have memories of our rides to Memphis... you shouting something about heat acclamation - so I tried the no air thing, so far it's gotten me some really stinky clothing). I sang the entire soundtrack from RENT. I caught up on some phone calls.

Finally I rolled up to Front Beach Road. I could hear Marit and Mary calling from the balcony. I warned them of my smell... but, they attacked with hugs anyway (although Marit did agree on the foul odor).

After a shower - I was closer to normal status. In catching up with them both, I learned some of us really have lost our "H's". Well, we've got until Saturday am to locate the missing letter. I'll keep you posted.

Check Marit or Mary's blog for further updates or pics.
*Matt thanks so much for coming by with post race goodies! I'll be racing for rolo's (and peanut M&M's). So, at least I've got that going for me... he he he.

LPond Pics 2

2008-05-06T15:45:00.004-04:00

...........and some more classic shots from Matt!

LPond Pics

2008-05-06T09:18:00.005-04:00

Mendy, thank you so much for taking/sending these race pics! I even remember running by y'all after the swim, hearing Grace cheer - that explains the smile (well, that and the fact that the swim was over)

Hey G-man, Katie... what are we doing hanging out in the back? ;)

LPond Race Report

2008-05-05T09:13:00.006-04:00

first off....

Happy Birthday Sarah!

(my little sister turns 23 today)

And on to the LPond race report:

Sorry this report was delayed… but, it's fitting since waiting was actually a huge part of the Langley Pond Triathlon.

Let me rewind one weekend. Humm, it’s much easier to remember a race by putting myself in race day conditions. Therefore, I’ve turned on the sink and shower – and doused myself with water. Being wet, ah yes… LPond, it’s all coming back to me.

It started by busting out of work on Friday. My roadie/personal photographer/fan club member (one and only)/cycling partner/and friend Matt was making the trip with me. He decided that a trip to Aiken, SC was too good an offer to refuse ;)

We headed out of town and jammed along. Matt and I have similar musical tastes, his iPod was loaded up, and luckily… neither of us can sing, but we do anyway. No shame. We ended up pulling into the race site 5 minutes before they were to close shop. (ps, this was the first time since 2005 that I’ve gotten to a triathlon packet pick-up the day before a race)

Here I met David, Mendy, and their daughter, Grace. So Fun! Grace even practiced her cheers: Go Ashley Go. Really, adorable. Also caught up with Katie, Chris, Brad to check-out the new swim course formation.

After race check-in, Matt and I tried to decide which fine dining establishment we would hit-up for dinner. I was getting worried, until we passed the Atlanta Bread Co. Everything was going well at the restaurant until we saw a crowd of high school girls screaming and pointing at a car in the parking lot. Interesting, I had to investigate.

Turns out that someone had left their pet python on the dashboard of their car. (Marit, I totally thought of you). Yep, the snake was just chilling out, wrapped around the steering wheel.

The rest of the evening was spent applying race numbers, bike cleaning (thanks Matt!), and getting ready for an early wake-up call.

5:40 am: up, getting race uniform on, applying sunscreen (you’ll soon read why this was a bit unnecessary), eating a bagel… the usual.

The drive to LPond was great. I made Matt play “Eye of the Hurricane” about 3 times. Getting organized in transition was easy, my warm-up went well, things felt good. I was fully hydrated. I busted out one of my favorite dance moves: “the wetsuit groove.” (not my most graceful boogie.)
Headed down to the water. Ok, ok… I got in and did a decent warm-up. Back on the beach, the rest of the 1st wave and I congregated for the start. Minutes to go. And then, as my eyes examined some rather dark clouds… a bolt of lightning flashed across the sky. I heard something about a 10 minute delay.

And then the rains came. We’re talking RAIN. It fell, hard, and the lightening continued. Just picture a few hundred people, mostly clad in black neoprene, donning swim caps and goggles, huddled together under a pavilion. It was almost sad looking. But, I did have a good time catching up with Nicole, Forrest, Regina, and some other friends.

It rained, and rained, and rained. I suggested finding a slip-and-slide to set up in front of transition; see pic below. Come on, that would have been hilarious (and possibly good for my transition times?!)
Suddenly, after about 40 min of standing around in my wetsuit – the hydration kicked in. Ooo, needed to pee. It got to a painful state. Tracy and Katie told me to just “go.” And, I would have… but, Set Up was still deciding if the tri would go on, or if they would have to switch plans to a duathlon. AND, if this thing was going to become a duathlon, I did not want to have to strip off a wetsuit I’d just peed in. I waited for the call.

Finally, the rain subsided and the tri would go on. However, and this is a very noteworthy however: one of the roads was underwater. Consequently, they had to reroute the bike course – cutting roughly 4 miles (of a two loop course). Ouch! I pleaded to cut off some of the swim buoys. No such luck. We lined up at the start and awaited the call. Eminem’s “8 Mile” played in the back ground… and I jumped around like a football player in a huddle.

After a very long, rain filled wait – we were off. I swam hard, I might have peed, I tried in vain to keep up, I found myself alone, I missed my flippers, men from the next wave began to pass, I rounded buoys, I kicked… the end finally came into view. I pushed my body up onto the pier and looked at my watch. And let me please report that if you look at the results online, the swim times include a very long run to transition and T1.

Yes, the run to T1 was very long. I was “running,” while removing wetsuit, goggles, cap, all while trying to not fall down. Then I found her – Beyonce, my bike. I grabbed my trusty friend and headed out. After a swim like that, it always feels so good to pedal, get aero, and churn my legs.

Even though the loop was cut short, it was still fun and challenging. After leaving the park, you make some turns, go uphill for a few miles, pick it up over some rollers, and then fly downhill… and again. I’m not going to talk about going downhill at 40 mph coming up to a 90 degree turn with wet brakes. My family would not be happy.

The ride was fun. All that riding in the mountains paid off. As Chris passed me, I thought about the day I chased him up Caesar’s Head. Only a few guys passed me... I passed some people. It's all becoming a blur in my memory.

All too quick… well, a 55:30 bike split in an OLY dist race would be nice, but not so realistic. I moved into T2. Hello, my name is Ashley and I need to light a fire under my butt in transition. Finally got my soggy running gear situated and headed out. My legs could feel the hills I just climbed, but eventually I found a rhythm in my squishy shoes.

Not many people have talked about the humidity, but I think it played a small part. With so much rain in the am, and sun trying to come out, the air felt thick. I kept Tracy’s orange tank in sight. Then, moving at warp speed (the girl ran a 37:02), I saw the lead female coming back. Yowza. She rocked that course. After the turn around, Tracy and her orange moved a bit further away. I also saw 2 girls moving at a pretty fast rate on their way out (girls which had stared in a later wave).

I held steady on the way back. Coming up the incline toward transition, I saw Matt, Mendy, and Grace all yelling for me. I couldn’t help but smile, the finish was only a mile away. As we turned onto the grass/gravel part of the run… I rolled my ankle and yelled a rather inappropriate word (sorry to the man in yellow who was running next to me). I shook it off and sped up. Crossing the finish line felt fantastic – one race down, so many yet to come!

After the race I caught up with Matt, Hank, Sheila, G-man, the super stud female winner… and, just as we were packing up – the skies opened up yet again. Another MONSOON!! I lunged toward transition to get my stuff together. Unfortunately, moving around in such haste, I rolled that damn ankle again. Seriously. Shoot. That one hurt.

The rains continued, everyone huddled under the pavilion again, and they tried to call out awards over the loud downpour.

Me, Matt, Beyonce - all very waterlogged - got in the car for our sing-along style ride home. Matt had stocked up on peanut M&M’s (for me) and Reece’s Pieces (for him… hey, a good cheerleader deserves an award). We dashed back to Greenville, since he was going to try to get a ride in. I, however, spent the rest of the day resting, unpacking, and wringing water out of my gear.

Cheers to a great 2008 tri season!

cliff notes version

2008-04-29T09:08:00.002-04:00

YEAH! Lots to celebrate. Fantastic weekend results by everyone.

I will be writing a Langley Pond race report, but Sally got into town last night. Here are the highlights (well, they aren't all highlights - but important details nonetheless).

last Thursday, an event I organized for MDA raised $83,000 (exceeding our goal by 4K). Sweet!
Matt and I had a great road trip to Aiken, SC on Friday. Neither of us have any shame when it comes to singing at the top of our lungs in the car.
We made it to Friday's packet pick-up with 5 min to spare!
Got to meet David, Mendy, and Grace at the park.
On Saturday morning, I got to the race site early. Had over an hour to get things organized and warm-up.
Actually got in the water for a swim warm-up (something I have not been fond of in the past... why spend more time swimming than needed, I always ask ;)
THEN, a bolt of lightning delayed the start... and again.... and again.... and the sky opened up and presented monsoon conditions.
Great job to SetUp Events for keeping their cool - going ahead with the full triathlon - and re-routing the bike course at the very last second. The race started an hour later than planned.
Boo! to cutting possibly 8 miles off the bike. (evidently one of the roads was underwater)
I was very happy w/ the race. Some amazing girls in attendance! Most proud of my bike split... glad to have a 2008 tri under my belt.
Thanks to everyone who read my uniform and yelled "Go Long"... or to my friends, who yelled "Go Ashley." Or to Matt who lit a fire under my butt during some long transitions (I needed that)
Another thumbs down to rolling my ankle w/in the last mile of the run. Didn't affect the race at all - but I'm sore enough after a tri... why does my ankle have to be swollen too?!
Thumbs way up to sleeping in on Sunday.
HUGE congrats to everyone at St. Anthony's! Especially...........................
MOM (Sally) who WON HER AGE GROUP by about 3 MIN!!!!!!!
Great finishes by Jen, Bree, Andrew, Kellye, Jerome. Awesome way to kick off the season.
More to come

to Pond or Ocean

2008-04-25T14:30:00.005-04:00

Good luck to everyone racing this weekend!

Mom, Jen, Andrew, Bree, Kellye, and everyone else this Sunday at: St. Anthony's! I will be thinking about you all - as I relax, following Saturday's...

Set Up Events, Langley Pond OD Triathlon in Lovely - Aiken, SC. Looking forward to seeing everyone at LP!
Travel Safe
Race Hard
Have Fun!

Hugs & High Fives

success in IL

2008-04-21T09:14:00.002-04:00

What a weekend for my parents! Not only did they swim FAST at the IL State Masters Meet... They SOLD their house!!! Looks like my dad (Doug) will be joining mom in retirement as of June 1st. WooHOO! Their plans are to move South asap. In the words of Mr. Bob Barker himself, "Come on Down; you're the next contestants".... to join me in paradise!

Great Job at the meet everyone. Looks like I'll be chasing my dad in the water soon:

Doug -
50 Free: 26.53
50 Back: 30.86
100 Back: 1:05.87
100 IM: 1:07.74

Sally -
1000: 18:27.14 (AWESOME Mom! Both 500 splits faster than your 500 earlier this year!)

Jen -
1000: 12:14.77 (uh, you just ROCK)

GO Mom & Dad!

2008-04-17T09:27:00.015-04:00

This weekend both of my parents will be racing in the IL Masters State Swim Meet.

Good Luck Mom & Dad!

(and Jen too ;)

Dad, please watch over Mom during her 1,000. We've seen her miscount a 200 (gotta love winning your AG in the 200 when you only swim 150 ;)... so we know she'll need some serious help keeping track of that many laps. (Ok, JH has just said she'll watch over you Mom)

Mom, push push push - there will be no bike/run to think about. You'll do GREAT!

Dad, enjoy what could be your final IL State Meet! Sounds like training's been going well and you're feeling strong. Time to leave IL with a bang (and get down here so we can swim together). Have fun with your friends. Can't wait to hear about it! I love you both.

Finishing up some open water training in Mexico

runner's plea

2008-04-16T13:46:00.002-04:00

Ok, I had to post this. An email I just got from my friend Kenneth. Claiming to be in a "poetic/speech kinda mood." This is his valiant attempt to find early morning running buddies:

To: A bunch of people
From: Kenneth C.
Email Subject Line: 'dawn breaks on a perfect warm thursday morning'

You know, we can go about our day, spend our lives at our jobs and never really live. Sure, go to work, go downtown for a few beers but is that really living? NO I say! I say to live is to test yourself - can you do it? Do you measure up?

Some people measure their lives in mundane things like wealth, happiness or fame. Others, the ones that really understand life, live life for the intangibles - the moments, the experiences, love, happiness. Which one are you? I would maintain that runners are the latter - the lovers, the fighters the ones who haven't resigned themselves to meaningless lives of drudgery, apathy and "just good enough!, just OK attempts, and worst of all - settling. NEVER SETTLE!

In the words of the great Prefontaine, "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift!!!"

So join me, test yourself, live life to the fullest. For one blessed hour of the day - you have the chance to live on the edge, to not rollover. Don't let the highlight of your day be surveying a TPS report at 10:35 am in the conference room. Let the highlight of your day be crossing falls bridge as the sun rises over the blue ridge mountains and the sky bursts into color. Let your highlight be your smile as the first line of sweat appears on your shirt. Let your highlight be that burn in your quads as your muscles and your body thanks you for being used!............ As another wise sage once said "you can sleep when you die!"

haha see you tomorrow and please forgive me, I'm in a poetic/make a speech kinda mood
~KC

this has got to be the BEST group run invite I've ever received. Kenneth, I applaud your spirit, motivational powers, and endorsement of a Fantastic Morning Activity! Run On my friend.

Defy Gravity!

2008-04-14T16:03:00.005-04:00

This past weekend was a doosie... a Friday night date w/ some weights at the gym. Saturday: riding in the rain, again (made a bit more tolerable - thanks Matt!); followed by a long brick run. Running w/ tired legs on a Sunny Sunday - wondering why we never seem to get sunshine on Saturday?!

Anyway, I needed to spin my legs out on Sunday afternoon. Most of the time, I LOVE the hills here. Greenville is a fantastic place for cycling... but, sometimes you need flatland! Really, I just wanted to pedal - and not think about changing gears.

So, I set my bike up on the trainer on my porch. Plugged the iPod into it's speaker cradle, set it on shuffle, and turned the volume UP! The random song selection, cars coming and going, and puffy white clouds were enough to keep my mind occupied.

And then, just as I was finishing up... one of my favorite songs came on. The song I listen to before every race. A song that can instantly get me motivated on multiple levels. Now, I know most of you wouldn't normally consider a Broadway Show tune as your #1 pre-race-pump-up-jam... but, I can get jazzed by a variety of musical styles. This song has become one I turn to when I need that extra kick:

Read the lyrics, there's a great message. And, hey ELF - it references your "wizard"

*Wicked is an amazing show. If you get the chance, go see it! The soundtrack is fantastic.

WICKED

"Defying Gravity"

Glinda
(spoken) Elphaba - why couldn't you have stayed calm for
once, instead of flying off the handle!
(sung) I hope you're happy!
I hope you're happy now
I hope you're happy how you
Hurt your cause forever
I hope you think you're clever!

Elphaba
I hope you're happy
I hope you're happy, too
I hope you're proud how you
Would grovel in submission
To feed your own ambition

Both
So though I can't imagine how
I hope you're happy right now

Glinda
(spoken) Elphie, listen to me. Just say you're sorry:
(sung) You can still be with the Wizard
What you've worked and waited for
You can have all you ever wanted:

Elphaba
(spoken) I know:
(sung) But I don't want it...
No - I can't want it
Anymore:

Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by the rules
Of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes: and leap!

It's time to try
Defying gravity
I think I'll try
Defying gravity
And you can't pull me down!

Glinda
Can't I make you understand?
You're having delusions of grandeur:

Elphaba
I'm through accepting limits
'Cuz someone says they're so
Some things I cannot change
But till I try, I'll never know!
Too long I've been afraid of
Losing love I guess I've lost
Well, if that's love
It comes at much too high a cost!
I'd sooner buy
Defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye
I'm defying gravity
And you can't pull me down:
(spoken) Glinda - come with me.

Think of what we could do: together.

(sung) Unlimited
Together we're unlimited
Together we'll be the greatest team
There's ever been

Glinda
Dreams, the way we planned 'em

Glinda
If we work in tandem:

Both
There's no fight we cannot win
Just you and I
Defying gravity
With you and I
Defying gravity

Elphaba
They'll never bring us down!
(spoken) Well? Are you coming?

Glinda
I hope you're happy
Now that you're choosing this

Elphaba
(spoken) You too
(sung) I hope it brings you bliss

Both
I really hope you get it
And you don't live to regret it
I hope you're happy in the end
I hope you're happy, my friend:

Elphaba

So if you care to find me
Look to the western sky!
As someone told me lately:
"Everyone deserves the chance to fly!"
And if I'm flying solo
At least I'm flying free
To those who'd ground me
Take a message back from me
Tell them how I am
Defying gravity
I'm flying high
Defying gravity
And soon I'll match them in renown
And nobody in all of Oz
No Wizard that there is or was
Is ever gonna bring me down!

Glinda
I hope you're happy!

CITIZENS OF OZ
Look at her, she's wicked!
Get her!

Elphaba
Bring me down!

CITIZENS OF OZ
No one mourns the wicked
So we've got to bring her

Elphaba
Ahhh!

CITIZENS OF OZ

Down

MDA Stride & Ride - 2

2008-04-11T12:21:00.004-04:00

I spent the past few days in Charlotte for an MDA Regional Meeting... phew, amazing how exhausting just sitting in a conference room can be. Amid all the work talk, we did find time for some fun. Our Regional Director is being promoted – and we sent him off in Roast fashion. I opted to say farewell in a self written rap song. Many others took a turn frying him up.

But, I must say the best part of the night was having Luke Christie (14 yrs old and a National MDA spokesperson – from Due West, SC) there to share his own stories. Luke, as always, it was an honor to have you in attendance! You are a true inspiration… and a daily source of motivation while I’m at work. I’m crossing off days on my calendar, just waiting for MDA Summer Camp! Start getting your office supplies list together; I’ve got the stapler ready and waiting ;) [Luke has decided to hire me for the week of camp. Each day, he publishes a Camp Newsletter. This year, I am the Assistant Editor. My salary = M&M’s] Which reminds me: Hey Luke – Start a Blog!

Here is my friend Luke with his friend Jerry Lewis

And remember, you can help send kids like Luke to our camp! Sign up to run or walk the MDA Stride & Ride 5K.

Saturday, May 17th
Race Start: 8:30
Furman University, PAC Center
Entry fee: $25
Email: greenville@mdausa.org

weakness

2008-04-08T15:16:00.004-04:00

Announcement: There is a new (limited edition) member of the M&M family. If you are a fan of chocolate covered cherries, and M&M's... beware.

A co-worker left a bag on my desk at work. She knows I've been stressed, she knows of my M&M addiction, and she made my day! I'm rationing them out to make it through the week.

Wildly Cherry M&M's ROCK my WORLD
Kenneth, I think you need these at Corner Mart! Wait, do you get free samples?! Hook a sister up.

making wkds count

2008-04-07T09:17:00.003-04:00

What a weekend – it really is amazing what you can do with two days out of the office!

My BFF (that’s right: Best Friend Forever… a relationship established in 1995) Lindsay, along with her husband, Michael, and their 9 month old daughter Ava, came for a quick visit. Michael is a teacher in IL and they’re on spring break. Their trip took them to Asheville, visiting some other friends there. Well, lucky for me, Asheville is just over an hour away!

So, Lindsay, Michael, and CUTIE PIE Ava drove to Greenville for the last day of their vacation. I’ve seen so many pictures of Ava, but this was the first time I got to see the gorgeous girl in real life. What she lacks in hair… she makes up for in personality! Really, it was just so wonderful to be around a baby (is that what 9 month olds are called? She’s taken a few steps, so does that make her a toddler? Well, whatever). Every little thing she did struck me as remarkable.
And as incredible as it was to meet Ava… it was just as wonderful to see Lindsay as a Mother! Most of my “Lindsay memories” are from high school: us as cheerleaders, sleepovers, tumbling around the backyard, making up routines on my trampoline, talking about prom dates…
Fast forward quite a few years: she told me that she’d met the “love of her life,” and introduced me to Michael, and then I stood with them as they exchanged vows…
And now they have Ava (and another one on the way!!).
Lindsay, you are one of my best friends… and I am so excited to see where life has taken you, and how happy you are. What a beautiful family! Thanks for coming to Greenville. How about you move here asap – I know you and Michael like it ;)

We had a great time touring G’ville, walking around Falls Park, and eating at the Brick Street Café (now open for dinner Fri & Saturday…. Sweet!)

However, as they left town… the rains moved in.

The rain continued throughout Friday night – and into Saturday morning. I woke up to downpour. As most of my friends are out of town for various races (Congrats to those of you who did the Cooper River Bridge Run: Matt, Kenneth, Mendy, David; and Mike who finished the Umstead 50 mile ultra in 8:15!)… I really had the weekend to myself. I love having training partners, but sometimes it’s great to be on your own schedule.

I knew I had all day to get my ride in, the rain was pouring down, I didn’t need to rush around and meet someone somewhere.... so, I got to partake in one of my favorite Saturday morning activities: staying in bed, under the covers, to read! And it was great, amazing, peaceful, exactly what I needed.

I finally rolled myself from the sea of blankets after 2 hours of reading. Still raining and it was now 9:30. I made some oatmeal, coffee, and came up with a plan. If it was still raining at 12:00 – I would be riding in the rain. 11:30, I began packing my things up. It wasn’t going to be cold… but, I was ready for a wet ride.

5 minutes into the ride, I wondered if I was crazy. 10 minutes into the ride, my feet were soaked. 20 minutes into the ride, I began plans for producing windshield wiper style glasses. After the first interval, moisture was streaming down my face… but, I didn’t know if it was rain, sweat, or tears. That’s when I just accepted being wet. You know what, we desperately need the rain – and it started to feel good. My heart was pounding, my legs were pumping, and I could feel the rain hitting me as I rode along.

The worst part of my workout was transitioning to the brick run. Stripping off soaking clothes, peeling off gloves/socks/arm warmers/shorts… I’ve never been so excited about finding an extra pair of socks (dirty, but dry) in the backseat of my car. Next I set out to drench some more clothes and a different pair of shoes…

Running in the rain felt good. Hey Noel, it brought back memories of our Great Spring Run of ’07! I miss you! Any good rain runs out there in CA?

Then, just as I finished up – wouldn’t you know it, the rain subsided.

I came home to scrub layers upon layers of sweat, grime, gross off myself and my bike. Putting on dry sweatpants hasn’t felt that good since… well, last weekend up in Franklin ;)

This morning (Sunday) I awoke to birds chirping and a long mental list of things to do. The two major activities were doing taxes and going for a long run. Now, most people would choose to run in the morning. But, really, the run was what I was looking forward to most. Taxes, on the other hand, were a burden weighing me down. I knew my run would be better w/out that extra weight. So, I packed up my paperwork and headed over to the office.

I actually buckled down and got it done in a few hours… the sunny day was my motivation. Envelopes: signed, sealed, stamped, and in the mailbox. I felt like a free woman! That monkey was off my back and I could go outside and play. In the 76 DEGREE temps! Yippee skippy.

Play I did – running through downtown and to the park, dodging the families, dogs, walkers, strolling couples, parents pushing strollers, the old couple with matching canes… I found a smile spreading across my face as I took-in the scene. GREAT to see so many people enjoying the day.
As I finished up, I realized this was my 1st salty run of the year. [Salty Run: finishing a run to find white, salt build up on your arms and face.] Excellent!

Next on my list of things that needed to happen: grocery shopping (Sarah, you would be so proud of me). I went to my favorite neighborhood Publix – and loaded up. I got some Jazz apples and thought of you, Marit!

Once home, I unloaded, cooked dinner, did some loads of laundry, talked to my family on the phone… and here I sit writing about an outstanding weekend. Nothing extraordinary (aside from the Casten family visit on Friday)… but it included so many small, wonderful, moments.

Cheers to the little things!

Franklin Photos

2008-04-01T10:48:00.009-04:00

Pictures from Last Weekend

Gorgeous views... from up in the clouds

AStar & ALong... CAT Models

Brian, climbing more in one ride than he's done all year in IL

Hi Sally! No more waving... it's best you keep your hands on the bars and eyes on the road ;)

Andrew on some crazy trail run w/ Brian...
Christian Training Center across from Pagan Witchery Compound... things that make ya go Hum?!

Hills + Smooth Roads = Great Riding
Hello Switchbacks

I don't even want to know how AS took this picture while riding his bike

Even on an overcast day - it's Beautiful
IronMan?... no,no... Iron Chef Me, pretending to help
The photos don't do it justice
Our resident foodies served it up
I'm trying to learn... Andrew, Ashley, Sally, Matt, Brian
Falls in Franklin
Andrew's self portrait (there were many, many more pics of AS... but I couldn't fit the entire self-shot "album of Stary" on this blog)

And now... the SLEEP SHOTS (Andrew... there are none of me, because I don't sleep, I just train and eat ;) riiiiiight.Matt, post ride - didn't even make it to the cabin
Andrew in the Iron Cross, before he maneuvered into the fetal position Sally and Brian trying to dry out
Me, post run - cold, wet, tired - in need of a HOT shower

Franklin & Friends

2008-03-31T09:39:00.003-04:00

This past weekend was like a mini-vacation! A little getaway that combined so many of my favorite things:
- Spontaneous adventures
- family (well, one member – Love ya Mom!)
- friends (Matt, Andrew, Brian)
- a beautiful setting (hills of Franklin, NC)
- cycling (can we say climbing?!)
- waterfalls
- breathtaking views from the top – and speedy trips down
- men willing to cook, clean, map routes, build fires, ride, run, tell stores…
- good food and wine: wait until you hear about our dinner
- S’mores cooked over open flames
- Camping (yes, in the cabin without heat. Sleeping on the floor… but, with bathrooms and a kitchen.)
- An escape, if only for 24 hours (no tv, cell phones, internet)

Earlier in the week, I got a call from my friend Andrew Starykowicz…. “Hey Ashley, what do you have going on this weekend? Because, I was thinking of getting some people together and going to Franklin for riding. We have got to get out of Illinois and this [choice word] SNOW. Your mom said we could use their cabin… you game?”

And, when he called Sally to ask about the cabin, she decided to come as well. GREAT! (in truth, I think she had approximately 3 tons of stuff she wanted moved into the cabin… Andrew & friends became a built in moving crew)

Me, “yes, count me in!” I had a long ride and run scheduled, which would be much more enjoyable with friends, in the mountains, and getting to see my Mom! Yippee!

I asked a few friends from this area, and got the “bring it on” response from Matt T.

So, Sally and her posse left IL on Thursday night…. They drove through the night and got to Franklin on Friday morning. From what I understand, they did some riding, unpacked 30 boxes of Long Family photos and random pieces of furniture from the trailer, cleaned the kitchen (and let me tell you, that kitchen is looking gooood – great job guys… I promise to fulfill my end w/ bathroom duty), and went out to dinner. We made plans to start our ride at noon on Saturday.

I was working on Friday – then spent that night getting my things together (it kills me … you need almost the same amount of stuff for one day or one week of riding).

Matt was at my house bright and early. We were both ready to get out of town and have some FUN! We packed his car to the limit – loaded the bikes on his roof rack (where they became buddies) – spun through Liquid Highway for coffee – and headed NW.

Ooooh, that’s when the rainy day moved in; the sky got dark, low hanging clouds looked ominous, my mood about the ride became one of concern. Matt and I went from smiles/laughter to silence. Lightning flashed across the sky, and we exchanged a look. We kept driving… and I’m pretty sure we were both mentally preparing for a wet ride.

After much winding, turning, climbing… about 11:00, we arrived at the homestead! Hum, 3 bikes – no people in sight. Matt and I got our stuff unloaded, and then waited, and waited. Luckily, the storm moved out. The conditions were still damp and cloudy, but it was not raining.

Sally and the boyz FINALLY rolled up. Evidently, they’d driven to some trails for running… gotten caught in the same storm. They were hungry, wet, tired. But, I was READY (past ready) to RIDE! We said hellos, shared some hugs, and I got their rear-ends revved up for riding. Being good sports, they scarfed down PB&J sandwiches, changed clothes, packed bikes, filled water bottles, and we were off. Andrew had done research during a previous visit to Franklin, so we looked to him for a route.

Bikes out, gear on, and we set off. Everyone had a different plan for the ride (distance, time, etc…), but we started out together. The pictures just can’t do justice. It was beautiful, challenging, amazing. We rode up for miles, broke through clouds, stopped for pictures at scenic overlooks, coasted down the hills. After one 20 mile loop, I found myself riding with Matt. We were all smiles, and stopped for a few minutes trying to figure out where to go next. All I could think was about attacking that climb again – I wanted another hit, we’d gotten high, and I wanted more! Matt said, “let’s go” and we went for the top again.

3 hours later, Matt and I made our way back to the van. Mom, Brian, and Andrew were waiting, napping, and eating. Sally had done some gas station shopping: producing a picnic meal of peanut butter M&M’s, Payday bars, chocolate milk, bagels ‘n peanut butter, etc… Everyone shared quick stories about their ride, and the conversation quickly turned to, “did you see __________?”
#1 funny sighting: the Pagan Worship Cabin of Witchery DIRECTLY across the street from the Christian Training Center. (we had to go back for pictures)

Our next stop was Bi-Lo for dinner ingredients. Who knew that Matt and Brian are killer cyclists and CHEFS?!
#2 funny sighting: a newly wed couple (I mean JUST married… bride still in white/sequinty dress and groom in tux) leaving the Bi-Lo… really?! Who goes from alter to grocery store?!
The 5 of us roamed the store, gathering items requested by our resident foodies.

Back at the cabin, it was shower rotations – and trying to help in the kitchen. The smells were fantastic and I grew hungrier by the minute. Matt and Brian bonded over chopping and marinating ;) They really did make a cute couple, he he he. It looked like an episode of Iron Chef: knives flying, ingredients everywhere, people running around, all burners hot, food in the oven… I was in awe.

Menu (as described by Chef Matt):
Appetizer:
Tex-mex guacamole
Hint of Lime Tostitos
Toasted Head Cabernet

Dinner Wine:
2005 Longwood Shiraz, Australian
2004 Ramspeck Cabernet, Napa Valley

Main course:
Marinated and broiled Garlic/Ginger/teriyaki Salmon
Orange glazed sautéed shrimp
Sautéed mushrooms, onion, garlic with red wine, oil and butter
Mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar and honey
Seared & seasoned asparagus
Tossed salad with oil-based dressing

Might I say... Ladies and Gentalmen - that was GOOD!

Conversation went from around the table to around the fireplace. Somewhere along the way, we lost Sally (when her battery hits empty, she checks out quick). We roasted marshmallows for s’mores, told more stories, went horizontal, and soon fell asleep. Not a bad way to camp: shower, gourmet meal, fireside conversation, and dry place to curl up in a sleeping bag.

Andrew was the 1st person to stir. He set out for a quick ride – and I managed to fall asleep for another hour. Once I did get up, I put on a sweatshirt, and sat out on the porch. What a way to start the day… (wishing I had a hot cup of coffee), I caught a few quiet minutes of morning mountain sounds. Brian came out next, we caught up on our 2008 race plans – and his fiancé Ashley. When Andrew got back everyone got changed for running.

Not wanting to finish our run with a 3 mile climb, Andrew, Brian, Mom, and I took the van down to the main road. (Matt, on the other hand, wanted more time in the saddle). Down in the valley – we ran. I was to do some harder efforts… Brian and I gutted it out on the first one, before Andrew doubled back to push me on the next few. (thanks for pushing me Brian and Andrew!) Luckily, I was distracted with mountain views, the river, fog… and although I was in pain, I felt so lucky to be right where I was.

The run was great, hard, but great. I earned that PB and banana sandwich! Back at the cabin, we began packing up the van/trailer for their long ride to IL (bags and bags of wet clothes and wet towels – Yum!) Bikes, wheels, bags, suitcases, drink mixes, shoes, pumps, and many, many, many other items tossed in – 3 exhausted people say goodbye and exit Long Ranch.

I spent some time packing my stuff up. Got Matt’s things together and ready… then waited for him to get back. I really didn’t know where he’d gone – and cell phones were of no use. He was definitely gone longer than I’d anticipated. Then, at 3:00, Matt climbed up to the cabin. “A few wrong turns,” was what he said… 65 TOUGH miles. Good for you Matt! Great job.

We got our things together, packed into the car, and headed from Franklin to reality.

What an amazing 24 hours! Cheers to good friends, health, smooth roads, a fantastic dinner, fun campfire stories, swift feet, hot showers, dry clothes, GREAT getaways.
Mom
Matt
Andrew
And Brian
I had a Blast, thanks!

MDA Stride & Ride - 1

2008-03-26T16:07:00.003-04:00

Athletes of South Carolina - please mark it on your calendar NOW! This is going to be the best 5K of 2008. You get to run a timed 3.1 miles around Furman, and help send children with neuromuscular diseases to MDA Summer Camp at the same time!

Registration forms are available at many "athletic store" locations around Greenville. Or, email greenville@mdausa.org to get signed up.

Date: Saturday, May 17th
Time: 5K begins at 8:30 am
Location: Furman University, Physical Activity Center
Entry Fee: $25
Early Race Packet Pick-Up: Race packets can be picked up at the Citgo Corner Mart, located at 2560 N. Pleasantburg Drive—near Cherrydale Plaza, Friday May 16th from 11 am—1 pm.
Race Day Packets: Race day packets can be picked up from 7:30 am—8:15 at the Registration Station. Day of registration will be accepted, but t’shirts will only be distributed based on availability.

Shout out to our Awesome Sponsors:
The Corner Mart
Citgo
Greenville Federal Credit Union
Set Up Events
Run-In
Diamond Springs (water)
Chick-fil-A

Where the Money ($25 race entry) Goes:

$85— 1-minute of MDA research
$100— 1 support group session
$200— 1 MDA clinic visit
$800— 1 week of MDA Summer Camp for a child with MD
$2000— Assistance with the purchase of a wheelchair for an MDA family

oat MEALS

2008-03-25T10:15:00.003-04:00

Oatmeal: usually a breakfast food, but good any time of day. Sometimes, to make oats a meal, I find myself looking for fun and healthy "mix-ins." The following are recipes I've invented along the way. See OATMEAL for more information on oat power!

Types listed in the recipes below:

-Instant – fine in a pinch. The packets are great for travel (I’ve seen many people use the coffee makers provided in hotel rooms for quick prep). processed like old-fashioned oats, except they are cut finely before rolling. Usually packed with added sugar!

-Old fashion oats – a step up nutritionally. Also, have a flatter shape that is the result of their being steamed and then rolled.

-Steel cut oats - Steel-Cut Oats are whole grain groats (the inner portion of the oat kernel) which have been cut into only two or three pieces. They are golden in color and resemble mini rice particles. How are they different from Rolled Oats? Rolled oats are flake oats that have been steamed, rolled, re-steamed and toasted. Due to all of this additional processing they have lost some of their natural taste, goodness and texture.
*cooking tips for steel cut oats: if you have time, the best way to prepare is stovetop or croc pot. However, if you’re like me… cooking usually requires a microwave. So, here you go.
*Microwave - Mix 1/2 cup of steel cut oats with 2 cups of water in an 8 cup bowl (the size of the bowl is important as it must be large enough to allow the oats to bubble up without spilling over). Seal the bowl with plastic wrap and run at full power for 5 minutes. Stir and finish cooking for another 5 minutes (since microwaves vary in size and power, cooking times may need to be adjusted for different models).

-Grain Cereal (see Bob’s Red Mill): They have 2 versions.
*10-Grain Cereal - made from stone ground high protein hard red wheat, rye, triticale, oat bran, oats, corn, barley, soy beans, brown rice, millet, and flaxseed.
*7-Grain Cereal - milled and blended from freshly ground whole grain high protein hard red wheat, rye, oats, triticale, barley, brown rice, oat bran, flaxseed.

Some ways I like to enjoy my oats:

Reece’s (great for recovery!)
Old fashion oats, a little grain cereal (mix, add water, and microwave)… then add: milled flax seed; a spoonful of natural peanut butter; ½ packet of Clif Recovery Hot Chocolate Mix

PB and Banana
Old fashion oats, a little grain cereal (mix, add water, and microwave)… then add: milled flax seed; a spoonful of natural peanut butter; and sliced banana

Tree Hugger
Steel Cut style oatmeal; walnuts; mixed dried fruit; honey

Blueberry Muffin
Steel Cut style oatmeal; blueberries (fresh, frozen, or dried); sliced almonds; a little brown sugar; splash of milk

Vanilla Almond
Oatmeal (any way you prefer); a few drops of vanilla extract (or a vanilla bean GU); sliced almonds; splash of milk; maybe some dried cranberries

Traditional
Oatmeal (pick a version); raisins; brown sugar; splash of milk

Crunchy
Old fashion oats, a little grain cereal (mix, add water, and microwave)… then add: crunchy cereal of choice (I like Kashi GoLean Crunch); honey; brown sugar or cinnamon; splash of milk

List of fun mix-ins:
- your favorite gu or gel
- hot cocoa powder (see Clif Bar Recovery Hot Chocolate)
- milled flax seed
- natural peanut butter
- honey
- cinnamon
- fresh, frozen, or dried fruit
- nuts
- milk
- dry cereal

Memoir to Marit

2008-03-21T11:40:00.002-04:00

I have been off of “blogging” for a few days… but, that doesn’t mean blog friends are far from my thoughts.

With driving around for work, it’s been easier to communicate via cell phone. And you know what, if you think Marit is upbeat and spunky in writing – you should hear the girl over the phone (or better yet, in person!) Pain meds or not, she’s a bundle of positive energy. (it’s just a bit more jumbled when she’s “doped” up ;)

Please see “my friends” and read Marit C-L for medical updates. She used a whole bunch of words I can’t spell, let alone locate in a human body.

Marit, we are all thinking about you! You are an endurance athlete – and this bump in the road will only slow you down for a short while. There is no doubt in my mind that you will be back, and stronger (physically and mentally) than before. Liz and Jen: thanks for keeping everyone in the loop as things progressed this week. As Liz mentioned in a recent post, we are all living our own lives – most of us in different states around the US – but the internet, an invisible bond, created some very special friendships. I am so lucky to have you guys in my life!

Here are some quotes for my FLSS (Florida Soul Sister)

“For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin -- real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.” ~Alfred D. Souza

“The question in life is not whether you get knocked down. You will. The question is, are you ready to get back up… and fight for what you believe in.” ~Dan Quayle

Marit – tell your doctors that you need your bones to HTFU!!!

go-go Burn

2008-03-17T12:03:00.006-04:00

No time for an update: but, I did want to post these new pictures (thanks Matt! Sorry about camera-phone + GU in the jersey pocket "mix-up"... guess that's what happens when you put'cho back intowit ;)

Burn (the BEST energy drink out there - great citrus taste, NO high fructose corn syrup, even a sugar free option) can get you through a ride (I mix it in a water bottle w/ water). It didn't save my legs from Sun burn... but, it got me through some intervals. The cans could also serve as ammo when ambushed by redneck junkyard dogs.

HTFU almost SATC

2008-03-06T17:12:00.002-05:00

I can't remember when I got hooked on the show, but some years back I became a Sex and the City addict. Now, as most of you know... I don't have cable or full-on internet (thanks again to my neighbors - you kept our blog readers happy!). Therefore, I didn't watch the show on HBO. Instead, I purchased the seasons on DVD as they were released.

Karyn, Jen, and my mom will remember traveling to Memphis in May - my laptop and DVD's in tote. Everyone has their own pre-race-night routine... well, mine used to include watching a few episodes of SATC.

Today, as I reminisce about our HTFU weekend - I think about girlfriends, and the beauty of coming together to enjoy a common interest... and having a BLAST at the same time. The ladies of Camp HTFU might not have been discussing Manolo Blahniks, but there was something different in the air. Something you don't experience when you're trying to keep up with the boys.

Here is one of my favorite SATC quotes:
"Later that day I got to thinking about relationships. There are those that open you up to something new and exotic, those that are old and familiar, those that bring up lots of questions, those that bring you somewhere unexpected, those that bring you far from where you started, and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous."

Marit opened me up to something new and exotic: a ZEST for training. I have become so used to training fatigue. Endurance sports involve repeat/routine/consistency.... but, somehow Marit made each workout Exciting! She kept a positive outlook on everything. The girl bonks on a brick run - and was happy about it, because it gave her the chance to investigate a nutritional question. Seriously, I would love to have 20% of her enthusiasm in my training... and, now after spending time in her company - I will pull from that energy as I set out.

Jen is old and familiar: first of all because she is old, "Miss Daisy." he he he. I'm only kidding... Jen has been my triathlon ROCK - in so many ways. She is Super Strong in all three disciplines; loves the training, loves the sport, loves to race. I admire her fire. Jen is not only a stud athlete, she knows how to motivate others. She proves that it is possible to balance life: family, training, coaching, friends, shopping ;) Jen has been, and will always be, my tri-Idol.

Elizabeth brings up lots of questions: Mind you, we did deem her "silent by deadly." So, she wasn't the one with lots of questions - we had lots for her. (All the girls involved are smart, and have much training/racing knowledge). I just found myself drawn to Liz's input during our conversations. She may be small, she may be quiet, but there is lots going on up in that head of her's. A quote Marit and I picked up while running with Heather, "the longest distance covered in a race is that between your ears." Well, Liz has that course mapped out. She is a headstrong competitor. *and she can tell you the number of calories in just about anything, especially race fuel: gel.

Leslie brought me somewhere unexpected: Before the training weekend, I knew nothing about her. But now, through the friendship I witnessed (between Liz and Leslie), I see where triathlon can take me... and I don't mean in the athletic sense. So many of us train to drop time, win a race, find a PR - but, don't forget about the other things you gain along the way. Meeting Leslie, and hearing about her triathlon career/successes (spanning 20 years) inspires me! She has been in this sport for a long time, won national championships, but still seems to value the camaraderie and journey above all else.

Mary will bring me far from where I started: She has motivated me to "own my destiny." When something needed to be done, the girl was first on the scene and always seemed to know the answer. When I began triathlons, I acted like a sponge... and over the weekend, I realized that I'm still in sponge-territory. I have so much to learn, and want to be more like Mary: extremely capable in any situation! She is driven, she knows what needs to be done, does it, doesn't complain, works hard, has fun, takes care of others... we were so lucky to have a Mary at camp. Gulf Coast, baby - here we come!

Sally (Mom) always brings me back: as an honorary HTFU camper, I had to say a few words. She is the reason I got into triathlons - and is often the motivation behind my training. She constantly reminds me that life is about the People you surround yourself with. Through her, I've learned just how important and delicate friendships are. She taught me the power of positive thinking. I love you mom, we missed you! HTFU next year.

Marit, Jen, Liz, Leslie, Mary... thanks for being "my girls." It was a weekend I'll never forget.

Camp HTFU, part 2

2008-03-05T09:25:00.003-05:00

On Sunday morning, we woke up to the birds chirping (remember that Spring sound – huh, Jen?) I stayed under the covers and flexed my legs. Still there, intact? Yes. Ok, good – trail run, bring on Paris Mountain!

Insert some clever comment about the 97th bowl of oatmeal cooked in my microwave in 3 days.

Endurance Mike, trail running guru, and I had done a test run the prior weekend. Satisfied with our route, we planned to meet up for the run at 8:00. Another SUNNY day of training in the Carolina Hills.

Paris Mtn State Park is a fantastic “outdoor playground” practically in my back yard. There were mountain bikers, hikers, runners, and rednecks out fishing (no offence Vaughn)…. All taking advantage of the gorgeous day. Evidently, this is also where Luke Wilson hangs out on the weekends.
I love the simplicity of running: shoes – and go! Well, unless you’re Marit… and then you need gels, salt tabs, bars, a camera, water, etc… ;) So we decided to brave the trails (rather than just running on the park road). Off we went like a troupe of hardcore girl scouts.

Approximately 3 minutes into the run, before we’d really gotten on the trail, at the base of the climb… I heard a THUD behind me. We all stopped to see Jen curled up on the ground clutching her arm. To be honest the thoughts that flashed through my head included the following:
“ohmygosh, please be OK!!”
“You have got to be kidding me – the girl climbs Panther Mtn on a TT bike, descends like a champ, and bites the dust after tripping on an acorn?!”
After she gets up, brushes off the dirt, picks rocks out from under the skin on her palm, and shows us the bruise already forming on her hip... she's ready to keep going:
“Jen you are the epitome of HTFU!”

We continue on our way. For awhile the trail just rolls along. Hopping over roots, leaping over rocks, sidestepping branches… and then it goes up. Since I’d run the route once before, I knew how long we’d be climbing. Liz, on the other hand, had no idea. Spunky just took off and bounded upward. I saw her ascend… and I put my head down, pumped my arms, and focused all energy into staying on her heals. Liz pounded the mountain, while Marit and I followed.

Finally, after feeling like we’d run to the Mt. Everest base camp, we crested the climb. Gorgeous view… what a reward. A second to catch our breath, and off to trail loop #2. This one got more technical. That’s one thing that stinks about trail running: you’re surrounded by beautiful scenery, but the moment you look up to take in the sights… your foot catches a root. Remembering JH’s position on the trail earlier in the run – I took extra care in my footing and tried to pick my feet up.

Soon we were done with the trail. The way back to the car was downhill via the road. I could have had us go by way of the trail – but, come on, we’re triathletes. I’m not even good at running down stairs. So, we opened up our stride and lunged down the hill. There’s one way to feel fast: Spend over an hour climbing your way up a mountain on a tricky trail – then run down the mountain on a paved road. Who-hoo flying!

Again, the non-IM-slackers (or as I like to call us: SMART), finished up an hour and a half. Marit sped off into the woods still yelling “root,” and other words of caution; Mary and Leslie continued as well. We waited for everyone to finish up… can’t really remember what Liz, Jen, and I talked about. It did strike me that a coffee shop would be an excellent addition to the State Park.

The weather had turned stellar, we’d just finished an amazing run, and we were within a few miles of the Atlanta Bread Company. Life was good.

Coffee, bagels, soup, sandwiches, and Vemma (Thanks Leslie!!!). It hit us – Camp was coming to a close. A wave of sadness spread over me, no… not because everyone was leaving… but because we still had a swim workout planned. Long course meters.

I’ve never wanted to go shopping so badly in my life!
We begged, we pleaded with Jen… Leslie got louder than I’d heard her all weekend. Marit yelled, “Car Back” as Mary veered big momma into the right lane. Liz finally justified our swim by saying, “if we don’t do it today, then we’ll have to do it tomorrow.” Fine, fine – bring on the 50 meter stretch of water.

However, before we could go to the pool, everyone needed to pack up. I’d talked Marit into saying an extra night… in an attempt to wean myself off the camp. Somehow, I’d gotten used to the 5 extra people living in my home.

Yet again, Mary was schlepping bikes/wheels/boxes into the van. As quickly as the tornado had swept in – bags were packed and flung from the house. Since the pool was (North) on the way to Charlotte, I needed to drive my car to the pool. A battle broke out about who would ride shotgun in my car – making it quite obvious that HTFU wanted a final van trip. NO worries ladies, I can ride alone ;)

Back to the YMCA locker room. I opened my bag… and, OOPS – no suit!

Just kidding (but, that would have been a great plan)

We all put on our suits and headed out onto the deck, minus the peppy zip I’d noticed on Day 1. The lifeguard took an HTFU Splish Suit photo (front and back). Mary decided to do a 3,000 pull (huh?! Crazy lady) The rest of us got into a lane together. True to form, Marit took off like an 8 year old at a water park. We all began to swim… 50 meters has never felt so long. We did 200’s, some swimming, some stroke, some drill. Jen made Marit swim with her legs crossed, he he he.

And then I heard Jen say, “only a few hundred more.”
Ah, relief.
And then she said, “Waffle House.”
Oh, this is getting even better.
And then Mary stopped swimming and suggested Waffle House.
And I pushed off the wall to get in my 200 cool down (which was probably faster than any of the other 200’s I’d done that day).

Showers, a visit to the sauna, dressed, and ready – down the street to the Big W.H. And we had the place to ourselves! Camp HTFU with a personal waitress and chef… ready to batter, smother, cover, grease, flip, scramble us some GRUB.

We ordered waffles, eggs, raisin toast, apple butter, grits, hash browns, and of course: coffee. Liz impressed me by ordering in diner lingo (who knew ELF spoke “greasy spoon?”). Leslie braved the Southern hit of butter. Jen spilled a spoonful of grits on her pants, but didn’t even miss a beat – scooped ‘em off her lap and kept going. We found the 131st thing Marit’s never experienced: a meal at Waffle House. Mary tried to get a souvenir mug. We took pictures for Bree. The average bill was around $3.20.

Sniff, tear – we had to say goodbye.
Queue the music: “these are days, to remember.”
I think Marit cried.

We parted ways on 85: Marit and I went South, while big momma maxed out at 69 mph and headed North.

Alright from 6 to 2. And… the 2 kiddies: Marit and I are 26/27. We began to make plans. Movie, sushi, wine, s’mores. She truly is my Soul Sister. We went to a matinee showing of “The Other Boleyn Sister.” Good movie, and history lesson in one (thanks Marit… can’t say I usually like people talking through a movie, but I did learn some valuable European history).

Next it was back to Publix. Marit approached a guy in the produce section – trying to find me a date. We got sushi and ingredients for a crab dip I’ve been known to mix up from time to time (crab meat + fat free cream cheese + cocktail sauce…. Mix and serve with crackers or whole wheat pita bread).

That night Marit and I plopped down on the couch. We had the TV on… but were much more interested in our food selections, wine, and conversation. It was one of the most enjoyable nights I’ve spent in a long time. We talked a little about triathlons, but the conversation quickly turned to jobs, politics, friends, guys, etc… it was great. And we put down some serious s’mores.

By 11:00 I was D.O.N.E. Reality was going to hit hard, and I could already feel it. We set our alarms for 6:45 for a 7:00 am run. It was to be 45 minutes of EASY.

I closed my eyes and the next thing I knew, the alarm was going off. Groan, moan, get vertical. Thank goodness Marit was with me on this one. We headed out the backdoor and established a comfortable “conversation” pace. Uphill toward downtown. As we took a left onto Main St, I noticed another woman running the same direction – on the other side of the road. She was going fast, was obviously in great shape, and I had no idea who she was. G’ville isn’t too big and I’m usually able to recognize the serious runners. Marit asked me about her.

Before we headed down the stairs to Falls Park, the mystery phenom runner crossed the street toward us. “Hey, do you guys know where the ‘rails to trails’ path is?” she asked.
“Oh, wow, are you Heather Gollnick?!” asked Marit.
“yeah, I am” she responded.
I jumped in, “well, how far do you need to run?”
“I’ve got an hour left. Could I just run with you guys?”
*Now at this moment, I know Marit and I were thinking the same thing… so much for 45 minutes of easy. We were going to run an hour with Heather, and it wasn’t going to be at a recovery pace.
“Sure, let’s go this way.” I said.
“Hey, are you girls here for the girls triathlon training camp?” she asked.

We were talking, running, describing the HTFU weekend. Marit did a great job of asking open-ended questions… well, someone needed to keep Heather talking if we were going to survive this run. I decided to add on the McDaniel hill. Well, since both Marit and Heather train in Florida, I knew they were not looking for a flat run.

I have no idea how I/we made it through that run. Longer & faster than we were planning, by far. But, it was awesome. Somehow the weekend had surpassed all my expectations, and a run with Heather Gollnick was the perfect way to cap it off. Seriously, when an IM champ crosses your path – and asks to join you on a run – HTFU and pick up your pace!

So, getting to work on time was going to be a challenge. Marit cleaned up the kitchen while I showered and put on makeup (first time in about 4 days). This might have also been the first time in 4 days that I’d put on underwear. Ah, the beauty of training camp.

I hated saying goodbye to Marit. As much as I razzed her about talking/jumping around/yelling… I knew I was going to miss the energy she brought to training. And just like that, I got in my car and drove to the office. Exhausted, exhilarated, changed, motivated, and already making plans for Camp HTFU 2009.

Ladies, I already miss you all.
I'll begin working on a "things learned during Camp" report...
as well as an 2009 Camp HTFU Application

Camp HTFU, part 1

2008-03-04T09:09:00.005-05:00

You might not have heard about it on the news: but, Greenville experienced a tornado over the weekend. Wait, maybe it was a tornado/earthquake combo?! (at this point, the whole tri-world knows Jen Harrison fell during our trail run – damn near shook leaves from the trees on Paris Mtn.)

Really, it does feel like I’m recovering from a tornado encounter. A swirling, loud, vivacious, charged-up, cloud of ENERGY. It swept in via “big momma” on Thursday… girls, bike boxes, and bags tumbled out of a 16 passenger van – and from that moment on, the only quiet my house experience was when Marit was asleep.

Oops, I almost got ahead of myself. Rewind to Thursday afternoon: I was volunteering at packet pick-up for the Reedy River Run. Cell phone close at hand, waiting for notice that HTFU participants made it to Charlotte. (to note: I had emailed specific driving instructions to all – CLT airport to my house in G’ville) JH called to tell me that they were all there, bags in hand, waiting for the rental van.
* 5 minutes later, I get another call:
“Ashley, yeah… uh, we’re lost – how do you get to I85 South?”
Well, obviously they figured it out.

Official introductions were made at a more formal dinner that night at Soby’s. Yeah, the rest of the weekend was spent in spandex/lycra or sweatpants. And if your initials are JH, then you wore MY spandex/lycra sans underwear for 3 days. Sweet.

Somehow we found another girl w/ bike on Main St. – so, we nabbed her (Marit) and the group became 6. Friday was to include a bike ride, and 4 of the girls only had pieces of bikes. While those 4 played with wrenches – Marit and I hit the grocery store… we had a breakfast order to fill.

I’m actually surprised Publix still has oatmeal and bananas… we have to have skewed their inventory numbers for the past few days. Not to mention the now infamous Jazz apples.

Quite a day: Southern touchdown – drive to SC – borderline JH “I’m starving FEED ME” melt down – dinner – bike building in the dining room – decorating the kitchen by hanging HTFU Splish Suits on the cabinet doors… and we crawled into bed. Sorry Jerome, no gusto for pillow fighting that night.

The next morning began like ELF described: coffee & oatmeal (seriously, next year Quaker should sponsor this darn camp). Soon, my house became a flurry of packing; preparing for a swim and ride… and we know what that means: finding goggles, towels, filling water bottles, locating helmets, cycling shoes, extra tubes/ CO2, gloves, arm warmers, sunglasses, gels, bars, etc… etc… x 6.

Surprisingly – we were on our way to the pool right on schedule. I credit Mother Mary with this miracle. This woman can build bikes, fix bikes, pack bikes, and RIDE a bike better than any other woman I’ve seen!

Thankfully, the YMCA was not familiar with the acronym: HTFU – so they let us in. We suited up and strutted out on the deck. Two lanes quickly formed: Marit, Mary, Jen in one – Leslie, Liz, and myself in the other. Can we say “A lane, B lane?!”

Highlight of the swim (other than those beautiful words: “cool down”)… Leslie popping her head out of the water, in full-on mask… trying to catch Jen’s orders for the next set. I will never forget the priceless grin on her face. The positive perma-grin she wore all weekend… it was just funnier when paired with the scuba Steve snorkel mask.
Lowlight of the swim… realizing that I have 8 vacation days for the whole year, and that one of them was being spent covering 4300 yards in a pool. (ok, ok – I’ll admit that training is exactly what I’d do if given the day off, just maybe not a swim workout)

Well, I didn’t drown in the pool; therefore, the ladies were spared their tour guide for at least another workout. The next few hours were spent killing daylight hours… I mean, driving to the bike shop, getting bikes checked over, drinking coffee, shopping, talking. Finally, an embarrassingly long amount of time later, we rolled out.

By this time, the wind/clouds had moved in. Not the gorgeous day I’d hoped for – but no rain, no snow. We pulled through the River Falls neighborhood, down the first hill, up a longer hill… and I had to laugh when, at the top, I heard someone yell, “nice climb.” Oh no, my friends, these are still rollers.

For the next few hours we rode, lost Mary to tire malfunctions, took turns pulling, went down hills, pushed up hills, admired redneck yard ornaments, pissed off men in trucks, listened for junkyard dogs (reference ELF’s favorite 4 words: “it’s on a chain.”), introduced Marit to the small chain ring, and enjoyed watching the road move under our wheels.

After 3 hours and 10 minutes, Liz, Jen, and I were done; Mary was riding alone; and the IM couple (Leslie and Marit) still had some ground to cover (or maybe they wanted to continue the tour of homes “Southern Style” – or the “tour de’trailer park”)?

A brick run requires running shoes, and those shoes were in the locked van, and the keys to the van were in Mary’s jersey, and Mary was riding her bike… so we had a long “transition.”

We had started at the YMCA at 8:30 am – the sun was now beginning to set – and we were starting our brick run. Liz, Jen, and I ran 30 min… and then it hit: invasion of the body snatchers – Jen’s “hunger monster” took over. Scared for our own lives, Liz and I allowed the deranged woman to startup the van and go after Mary. As Jen slowed to 5 mph, we flung open the door, and pulled Mary off the road.

Off to Publix we drove. Appetizers, aisle who knows? I just followed Jen.

After the monster was appeased, Jen returned to her “normal” self… and Marit/Leslie danced a celebration two-step under the moonlight to commemorate their brick run.

Dinner?! Anyone? Still in our running attire, smelling of roses and other fragrant flowers, I directed us to Moe’s (a favorite burrito restaurant of mine – known for their speed/convenience… and casual dress code). Not so much conversation, more stuffing/chewing/swallowing.

When we came home, I learned that Internet is to Liz what Food is to Jen. A life-force, if you will. So, thanks to some atmospheric phenomenon… my living room was graced with an ever-so-small window of access to an unknown connection. This led to blog-geeks writing updates, passing the laptop to another blogger, so that we could read aloud everyone’s updates… even though 6 of the 10 readers were IN the living room, having participated in the activities discussed in the post. Whatever, we know we’re losers. Which is how we lost our H’s.

Off to bed again: Leslie spooning w/ Liz; Jen spooning w/ me; Marit quarantined to her own room (I’m sure that girl talks in her sleep… which warrants her own space); and Mary on my comfy couch.

Saturday morning was a bit more relaxed. The sun poured into my bedroom… and Jen, acting as though she hasn’t seen sunshine since 2007 – oh, wait, that’s right… she hasn’t seen the sun since ’07 – proceeded to run around my house opening every blind. Not to worry, she was fully dressed. However, lets not talk about the Medusa style bed-head.

Hum, what did we have for breakfast? OATMEAL, that’s right. New day, same mush, different toppings: berries, nuts, honey, cinnamon, yogurt, all good stuff. More packing, discussion of gels/nutrition, locating gear… Cycling friend Matt arrives… Mary packs the van for the 12th time… and we’re off to the mountains.

A few months back, I talked with my friend Dustan. It went something like this: “Dustan, I’ve got some awesome ladies coming to town for training. Think you could come up with a hilly 4 hour ride? Climbs? Yes, please, they’re looking for climbing.”
The man, with a devious look in his eyes, grinned and said something about “the Panther” needing fresh blood. I heard the word sacrifice. I got scared.

So on Saturday, Camp HTFU stood and listened to Dustan, aka: Spider Monkey, talk about our ride. Where we were going, the names of the mountains (which included terms like the “birthing canal” and “fallopian tubes.”)

We mounted our rides and followed Dustan (who I am convinced is an unknown relative of Lance Armstrong’s). He said something about the Panther climb start line… and I tried my best (in a 23) to hang on. Liz quickly turned back (and NOT because of fatigue mind you – the ELF was listening to the smart side of her brain). I decided to push the pedals until I tipped over – which happened not too much further up. Jen, Matt, Marit weaved back and forth up the climb. Dustan was probably already at the top finishing a cup of coffee. (picture of Panther Mtn)

I made my way back, hooked up with Leslie (same gearing), and then we found Liz and Mary. The 4 of us tooled around – trying to NOT get busted for breaking and entering a gated community (Liz wins the “best Female Lead” Oscar for the film: Fake Mechanical When Resident Exits Community.)

Finally, Dustan, Matt, Marit, and Jen safely return from the Panther Mtn sacrificial climb. Offerings included a large percentage of quad muscle, Marit’s vomit, and skin from Jen’s fingers.

The sun kept shining. We saw lots of other cyclists out on the roads. I tried my best to keep Liz’s prancing pedals in sight. Dustan probably road an extra 50 miles… as he spent the day riding back and forth, making sure the group stayed “together.” Marit yelled, “CAR BACK” for the 1,000,000th time in 2 days. Matt spent the day in his big ring. Liz not only hammered up the hills, she also hammered down the hills to make up for featherweight decent limitations. Marit, having climbed Panther, continued to kill it up the mountains – AND cheer everyone else on. Jen, a self admitted “flatlander” made the whole thing look too easy. Leslie did it all with a smile and said something about, “not being in Kansas anymore.” Mary faced her downhill anxieties, and had a great ride.

Us non-IM folk finished up a 3:45 ride… and waited for the IM pair to get in some extra miles. Marit might have done Panther Mtn 4 more times had we not told her to “cool it.” So, she and Leslie rode on. Jen and I ate M&M’s. Liz ate peanut butter with her fingers. Mary began packing the van. Matt DJ’d our activities via is car stereo.

M and L returned from their add-on miles… and Jen’s monster began to show its fangs. M&M’s can only quiet the beast for so long. Marit begged for a brick run – Jen (or maybe it was the beast) said “NO!” So, as a compromise, Marit jogged in place for a few minutes.

Once again, clad in sweaty, stinky cycling apparel – the ladies of HTFU ignored all common decency and went straight to a restaurant. This time we graced Barley’s with our presence. I wondered about running into my non-tri friends (of which I have a few ;)… but then remembered, they really wouldn’t think twice about seeing me dressed in spandex – while eating at a downtown establishment. This was not a first for me and will not be a last – no shame.

Exhausted, full, satisfied – we made our way back to home base. More blogging, reading each other’s blog entries, reading blogs written by people not at Camp HTFU, eating peanut butter M&M’s, and rehashing stories from the day, was how we spent the rest of the night.

I waited for JH in bed… and we talked late into the night. Laughing like 2 girls during a slumber party. That’s actually how the whole weekend felt: like a big slumber party. Except instead of playing “light as a feather / stiff as a board” we played pass the massage stick. Instead of watching scary movies, we told scary tales of descending down the mountains. Instead of talking about boys, we talked about bikes. Instead of painting our nails, we dressed our wounds. Instead of gorging on M&M’s… oh, yeah… we did that.

(Sunday - Monday.... To Be Continued.....)

I'm alive

2008-03-03T10:01:00.003-05:00

and my house is still standing!

Sorry, no time for an update just yet.

I will be working on a Camp HTFU recap later tonight.

*but, get this: Marit and I capped off the weekend by running with Heather Gollnick this morning. (hummm that 45 min EASY run quickly changed to an HOUR Tempo - how about that. Marit, can you feel your legs yet? No, me either)
Boo-YAH! That was serious icing on the HTFU sundae.

Jen
Elizabeth
Mary
Leslie
Marit,

I already miss you.

Thank you to our "charter members": Dustan, Matt, Mike, Angie (Middle Tyger YMCA)

run in the park

2008-02-28T13:07:00.002-05:00

t-minus 6 hours until HTFU Camp.
My heartrate has already increased...

So, before I'm able to post stories about "crazy women taking down Greenville," let me leave you with this:
an email from my friend Kenneth, a fellow Greenville runner. Feel free to join the group!

Tuesday's and Thursday's
6:10am Run - Cleveland Park
We'll meet at that little parking lot across from the softball fields right over by the washington st entrance.

Maybe 4 miles or so - no we won't go fast, yes you can handle it, no it won't be too cold, yes Ashley is faster than you, and yes emily will cook breakfast for you if you show up.

You can do it! Deep down you know you really want to. We'll be done by 7ish so you can shower and be at work by 8. Cmon, come out and try it. You'll thank yourself Memorial Day when everyone goes to the lake and you'll be ready to lose the shirt and hit the water and no one else will.

Advantages to running once or twice a week at Cleveland Park with us:
--- burn 500 calories
--- the ability to guiltlessly order that porter ale you've always wanted to try at happy hour thursday after work
--- lose weight
--- justify the iPod you bought last year
--- rock out your swimsuit this summer

Disadvantages (few)
--- you will realize how much better it is too see the sunrise over falls bridge than it is to stare at a wall while on the treadmill
--- you might get addicted to the endorphins

...it's time to get going!

Fwd this to other runners you know! The more the merrier! I promise we'll go slow!!!!

Kenneth
peace out warriors

Hot Links to get you pumped about not being fat and lazy anymore:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQCY1zPbIZs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfWTQA6QPk4

as an added bonus....this is the finish of the 1980 NCAA X-Country championship...see if you recognize who wins the national championship....you all know him. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yhf6xQKLNI0