Telethon not Triathlon

This weekend, I'm participating in a different kind of "thon"... the annual MDA Labor Day (Jerry Lewis) Telethon.

No, I won't be at the big shebang (the nationally televised show, which is live from Las Vegas)... I'll be at the telethon in Asheville, NC. WLOS will film our local version: featuring patients, families, Carolina area VIP's, local fire departments, etc... then, some of these segments will air during Jerry Lewis telethon cut-aways.

Anyway... work is crazy busy. Wrapping up from an event we held yesterday (also in Asheville). Now we're trying to get our heads back on, get stuff together, and go back to Asheville on Sunday. There, we'll hold an all-night telethon... which runs through Labor Day.

I've never planned for or participated in a telethon. So far, it's more confusing than Silly Sally's triathlon hydration plan... or, Peter's daily supplement regimen. Looking over the script, come Monday... I expect to be more exhausted than if I did a triathlon.

*I can't believe I'll have gone to Asheville twice in one week... without going for a ride in the mountains. Augh! I love Asheville, but it's better when you're there for "vacation time." Which brings me back to the vacation time issue I discussed in a previous post.

Also, this weekend is the USA Cycling Pro Championships - in Greenville! Yippee, some cycling excitement here at home. Tonight, Mom and I are going to the VIP reception (Sally is the VIP... I think I'm the "plus one"). Then, tomorrow we will tour George Hincapie's Performance Training Village, Pla d'Adet.... in a helicopter! Fun! Following the helicopter ride, we'll watch the time trial. On Sunday, because I leave for Asheville, I'll miss the group ride with George as well as the road race.

I'll write more about this next week. Hey Elizabeth, maybe I'll get my picture taken with "smockin" George himself, ha ha.

how to: feel fast

The next time you're feeling sluggish... or just need a confidence booster, might I recommend working out with a pro triathlete who's just raced and IM and driven himself home. he he he.

After Cour d'Alene, Peter and his tired self joined me for a track workout. Damn, did I look like I was flying during those 400's. Right. Maybe instead of feeling so good about my running... I should have realized that a guy, who just finished an IM, was right on the heels of my fresh legs during my all out efforts.

Well, this morning I made Peter meet me at the pool. He said swimming would help his recovery... and I hoped it would help my self confidence. There we were doing 200's, Peter with pull-buoy and paddles - me with neither. During the faster intervals, I could almost keep up! Wow, this post is beginning to sound sad. I need to stop writing before I get depressed about having to red-line it, just to keep up with Peter (2 days and a long drive out of Louisville).

IM Louisville

WAY TO GO

PETER!

What an exciting day! Although IMLive was acting-up most of the day (frequently causing me to yell at my computer monitor), I followed race coverage until Peter crossed the finish line.

Not actually being in Louisville, and relying on the internet to give you updates is torture! Refreshing the page, trying to search for other friends in the field, going crazy because the IM site would not cooperate.

So, after checking the final swim times I headed out for my long run. While I ran, I thought about all the IM competitors out on the course... great motivation for my workout.

I came back to find that he was having a good day on the bike. Coming into T2 30 minutes behind the leaders is a gap Peter can usually chisel away at on the run. On a warm (not HOT, as he would have preferred) day in Louisville... Peter finished the IM in 9:22:18 (13th Pro, 14th OA).

As he told me after his visit to the medical tent (Peter's favorite post-race party... 2 IV's = good times), he was happy with his race. The bike was MUCH improved from Cour d'Alene... so, he feels like his training is moving in the right direction. Now, if he can just drop the same amount of time for IM Florida ;)

I'll try to write more about the race after I get some stories from Peter... and other people who were actually at the race.

boo-ville & loo-vull

Alright, I'll start with the moaning and complaining. It is TOO HOT HERE! I know, I know... I moved to SC to get out of the cold/snow/dreary conditions. But, seriously... 98-104 for two weeks in a row! My body is melting, my bones are drying up, everything is dying, electrolyte drinks have become my life-force. It's already in the 80's when I get up for a morning workout, then by the time I get off work... the asphalt has become a scorching passageway to the place often referred to as, “just leave me here to die.” I’m pretty sure there was a buzzard circling overhead during my last ride… he knew what was coming.

I’ve realized there’s a HUGE difference between 95 degrees and anything 100+. 95 is hot for running & slightly uncomfortable for riding. Over 100, and it’s a different story. Running in temps over 100 is a death wish… for me, it’s intolerable… even riding feels like you’re peddling through a steamy oven (which is set to pre-heat… and ready to cook your BODY).

Usually, during a brick run, I think about drinks (ice, coke, lemonade, powerade, Lipton green tea with citrus…). However, during my last brick run… I was cursing Peter for not having his own IV machine (or whatever they’re called).

Ok, I’m done talking about the heat. It couldn’t possibly last another week, right?! Sure as I post this, we’ll set some kind of extreme heat-duration record. Deep Breath. It could be worse. I could deal with below zero temps for weeks on end (ha ha you IL people).

My other topic of complaint: Not enough Vacation Days! I like my job, but the vacation day policy for new employees sucks. 5 DAYS! What am I supposed to do with 5 days?! I need 3 the week of Christmas… so, now I’m down to 2!!! This is the reason I’ve only done races in SC. I have no time to mess with travel. Now that I’ve committed to a wedding coming up in Colorado (Connie! Love ya, so excited!)… I’m down to even fewer days.

Consequently, I’ve decided to stay home while Peter races IM Louisville. Going to Coeur d’Alene was out of the question from the get go… but, Louisville… this one I hate to miss! Peter and I talked through every plan imaginable: he gets a ride there, I drive up Friday, and he rides back with me (unfortunately, we couldn’t find anyone leaving on Thursday)… well, then we thought maybe we could ride up together (when I got off work Thurs) and I’d drive his car back after the race (hum… he’d get to L’ville at midnight on Thursday and I’d get back to SC around 2am Monday morning… yeah, no). All this ranting makes me want to mention the astronomical gas prices… really, that’s the root of the problem! Anyway, it all started to sound crazy… and I don’t want him stressing. So, in Greenville I remain.

Anyway, I’ll focus my cheerleading efforts on IM Florida. Actually, banking the day off… and using it to go to Panama City will be better. We have many more friends racing/watching; it’ll be a fun weekend.

About Louisville… or ‘Loo-vull’ as people here call it: Best of luck to everyone racing this inaugural IM event! You are going to be in the South, so watch out for dogs chasing your rear wheel, red-necks tossing beer cans out of their truck windows as you hammer it out on the bike, the aforementioned HEAT, slow talkin’ volunteers, sweet tea and fried snacks at aid stations, did I say it might be HOT?! (weather.com says 90 on race day)

GO PETER! After freezing in Wisconsin and Florida last year, then again in Coeur d’Alene earlier this year… you’re due for a warm race. Also good luck to Jay H and P (a friend of Sally’s, who I know reads this blog, and better comment on this one ;).

Also, good luck to Theresa this weekend in her first ever tri: Lake Norman, NC. You have done the training and I know you’re ready. What a way to celebrate the big 3-0! Can’t wait to hear about your experience. Stay calm, have fun, and remain hydrated (my new mantra).

Gay, European, or Triathlete?

You help me decide. The following is a list of qualifying statements. Which male classification do they seem to depict?


Techno Music: appropriate for any hour of the day.

In your opinion, most Americans are fat and lazy.

At your house, clothing is optional… and you’re not afraid to change outdoors, in public parking lots, poolside, etc…

To you, Coffee is a food group.

When asked the question, “Who’s your favorite team?” You answer with something like: CSC, Credit Agricole, Quick Step, T-Mobile, or Rabobank.

When it comes to body image, you’re worse than an anorexic high school cheerleader on diet pills. You constantly weigh yourself and obsess over extra pounds.

Drugs? Yes please!… as long as they’ll make you faster, less inhibited, relieved of pain, energized, lighter, or totally relaxed.

When going for a run, you take serious time picking out matching shoes/shorts/sunglasses. When going out for a ride, you’ll spend precious time searching for the jersey that goes with the bibs you’re wearing. The process is stretched out further when you must determine which sunglasses look best with the chosen apparel. Hello! You never know who you might meet or see while out on the roads.

Preferred style of bathing suit = Speedo

You own an espresso maker, you know how to use it, you collect espresso cups, and you can drink 3 cups in a row without getting the shakes.

You use sunscreen on a daily basis… who wants premature wrinkles?!

You shave your bikini line.

While some people consider a fun night with friends as: getting together at a smoky bar, to eat greasy/fried appetizers (ie: wings, nachos, fries, onion rings, loaded potato skins, etc…), and watching football…. You would prefer to host friends at your house, cook dinner, and enjoy conversation over good wine.

Footwear is serious business.

You don’t see anything wrong with having a calendar featuring nude models hanging in your entryway.

“Lube” is often on your shopping list (oh yeah, I went there).

While amongst a group of average Americans, you feel like a minority.

When you tell people about your weekend plans, they look at you like you're crazy… (this could be due to your heavy accent, or the actual plans you’re describing)

You’re feeling slow and sluggish… maybe you need to hydrate?! (fyi, Hydrate is a very popular gay club in Chicago)

You have no problem asking, another guy, what products are best to prevent chaffing… “down there.”

While in a pack of males, you might be spotted “cruising.” Then, as you attach yourself to the hindquarters of the chosen guy… you pant, sweat, and drool… all the while, trying to stay on his butt.


So, as you’ve probably concluded… these statements seem to describe two, if not three of our male groupings. Beware the Gay European Triathlete, I’m sure he’s out there somewhere.

weekend - this and that

It’s like I want to write a post… but, I don’t know what to say. Maybe I’ll just give a random recap of my weekend, and we’ll see where that goes…

Friday afternoon/night… decent swim workout followed by dinner with Peter, Robin, and Keith.

Let’s discuss the swim here for a min. 1st off, I’d like to say a big Hallelujah for the return of high school swim season. No, I didn’t join the local HS team… but, until late, I’ve had to share a pool with the age group club team. OUCH! 9-10 year olds kicking my butt! Maybe, on their one-arm-fist-butterfly-no breathing DRILLS… I can hang with them (of course, I’m doing an all out 50). Ps; some 13 year old girl from the team just qualified for the Olympic Trials in the 100 fly! I’d MUCH rather my practice time coincide with the hs team. Hey, they can still beat me… but, it’s a much closer race to the wall.
I don’t usually describe my workouts in full detail, but here goes: WU 500 free. 10 X 50 drill. (400 @ 85%; 200 pull no paddles @ race pace; 4 X 50 all out effort) X 3. 200 CD. Wow, wasn’t that exciting to read.

Now, on to a more exciting Friday event… dinner. Peter and I hit-up the Publix grocery store for pizza ingredients, and then headed to Robin & Keith’s house. It was a great evening filled with yummy pizza, wine, hilarious stories… an overall A+ night with friends. My favorite topic = Keith’s years at the Naval Academy. Poor guy was starving so badly, he actually stole a loaf of white bread from the mess hall… then, ate the whole thing in the middle of the night. Thanks guys! And, I’d like to mention the dogs (Cleo and Brutus) were on their best behavior, ah.

Wasn’t easy to get up for that long run on Saturday morning. Probably already dehydrated, I got on the road around 7:30. Already into the 80’s… we were going to have another hot one. It was humid, and my stride felt off. After 4 miles, I was planning to do a 3 mile TT effort. I hit my watch and sped up… after completing the course (what I thought was 3 miles), I looked down to see 27:05. WHAT?! Yeah, I should just quit now. The next 20 minutes were spent jogging along, contemplating my slow time.

Finally, I could stop moving… drink… stretch… shower… drink more… PETER! So, either I ran longer than 3 miles for that TT…. Or, I just suck big time. When I described where I ran (the route I thought he’d told me was 3 miles)… he cleared it up, I actually ran 4 miles hard. Ok, that’s better.

Back to Publix (doughnuts and water), and then I drove to the Spartanburg Fire Department. They’ve been doing a Fill-the-Boot drive to raise money for MDA. Great guys, standing outside on these HOT days, asking for donations. Can’t thank the S’burg FD enough!

As I returned home, the temps were moving into the upper 90’s. My body was begging for rest. I actually sat on the couch, legs propped up on a pillow, cool drink by my side, and read. I started & finished an entire 262 page book. Might I recommend “Running with the Buffalo's.” Recount of a year spent with the University of Colorado’s CC Team.

That night, a bit under dressed, I went to Caroline’s birthday party… festivities at Kate’s new place. Great old-school music, dancing… the typical party scene. Funniest occurrences of the night…. Acrobatics: seeing how many girls could fit into the powder room at once; Kate’s wardrobe changes; the piñata filled with tic-tacs; a trip to the haunted basement… I went home as they were headed downtown.

Sunday morning I woke up early for the Greenville Sprint triathlon. Thank God I wasn’t racing, I might have died. I don’t have a good excuse for not entering the race. But, I’ve learned to keep my name off the participant list if I’m not excited about the event! So, I reverted back to my cheerleading days… and supported Peter & other friends. Although Peter’s been in full-on IM training mode (Louisville next weekend), he had a smokin’ fast sprint race. He won the elite division… but, there was a fast amateur who ended up posting the fastest time by about 30 seconds.

After the race, G. (who also raced well!) and Peter rode their bikes home (about 30 miles). I drove back to Peter’s house and went out for my long ride. Since I’d spent so much time at the race, it was now the middle of the day… and H-O-T. 12 miles in, and both water bottles were already empty. Luckily, there’s a church on the regular TT loop… that church (well, the hose on the side of it) has saved me more times than Billy Graham has called for people to “become a Christian.”

Two 9 mile TT’s later and I was spent. Done. Finished. It was so hot and windy, I pictured myself cranking out the efforts in the Sahara Desert. There was a constant, scorching, thick, head wind. Honestly, I wondered if I’d make it home. In my mind, I’d already called off the brick run……….. but, after a slow 10 miles… I had some Coke and put on my running shoes. I actually had people (who were out watering plants) shake their head at me as I ran by. Yes, I know I was crazy to be running at 4pm while heat radiated off the asphalt.

Usually a cold drink and a shower are all I need to shake off a tough day of training. But, Sunday… Sunday was another story. I felt exhausted to the core. Dehydration, maybe? Lack of sleep, possible. Whatever it is, hit me hard. I’m with Jen… sometimes you need to detox. I don’t know how I’ll do that this week, but liquids (both alcoholic and electrolyte charged) will be involved.

Another important note from the weekend… I lost my roommate, Noel. She moved to Santa Rosa, CA. There are too many things to say about her departure. Another blog will be dedicated to her soon! You know I miss you Noel!

MDA Summer Camp

Sometimes it’s hard to get out of bed early, lace up my running shoes and hit the pavement… or drive to the pool and jump in the water. When it’s 104 degrees outside, and I drip sweat just pumping my tires, do I really want to ride? There are times I would rather do a brick shower than a brick run. I find myself complaining about slow times, or feeling exhausted during a workout.

However - aches, pains, miles, yards, sacrifices, early mornings, sore muscles, fatigue, etc… are all part of being an athlete. They make you stronger, faster, more powerful, mentally tough. And, all things considered… I welcome the torture, because I can. I am able.

I got a good reminder of this last week. From time to time, it’s good to get a swift kick in the butt. And, MDA Summer Camp did just that. Spending time amongst those kids… witnessing their challenges, seeing their joy, watching them sing, dance, swim, play, pull pranks, laugh… reaffirmed the work I do. Not only did it validate my job, it struck an emotional chord.

On the surface, my work is in fundraising: event planning. I have goals to meet, deadlines, budgets to exceed, phone calls, emails… but, sometimes I forget the importance of what I do. The money I raise sends these kids to camp. A camp they call, “the best week of their lives.” A time when they can be together and not feel like an outcast in a wheelchair. They are understood, accepted, not alone.

During arts and crafts, we turned their power wheelchairs into race-cars fit for the MDA 500. There was a video game tournament. We had water gun fights, told ghost stores, and roasted marshmallows. At the talent show we had singers and pianists. Some kids went fishing. We tie-dyed shirts, played softball, watched a movie, and their favorite… spent time in the pool!

As normal as these activities seem, there is an undeniable challenge when you don’t have full use of your limbs. Most of these children rely on someone to help them use the restroom, bathe, eat, get dressed… actions I don’t think about twice. I heard the nurses stress the use of bug spray. They made it sound so important, I had to ask. One nurse explained that bug bites can be torture when you can’t scratch them! If they are uncomfortable lying in bed, a counselor had to rotate or reposition them. Can you imagine… simply needing assistance when you want to roll over, or scratch a bug bite on your leg?!

Too often I complain about swimming. I struggle to make intervals, I get bored, my body gets tired. Well, these kids consider the pool heaven on earth! It’s quite a production to get them into the water, but once they’re there… you can see their delight. No longer are their limbs heavy burdens. Their smiles, heads bobbing up and down in the water, are memories etched in my mind… a newfound motivation for me as I push off the wall.

Summer camp is just one of the many things funded by event proceeds. We help provide necessary medical devices (wheelchairs, communication tools, leg braces, and so on), support group meetings (for patients and their families), counseling, flu shots (as their immune system is often affected), medical clinics, physical therapy… and one of the most important areas: research. The search for a cure.

Spending time at MDA summer camp was not the first time I’ve felt fortunate for my health, and it will not be the last. But, we all need a reminder every now and then. I'm sure, in the future, I’ll still moan about tired legs, aching muscles, and long workouts… but, today I am lucky. I was blessed with an able body. Something to think about the next time you find yourself scraping the bottom of your training fuel barrel.