No pain, no gain.

Always Running - Women's Open team

Mt. Si Relay Run

After the races.

No big deal.

No pain, no gain. Such truth in that statement. I took off for my ride early last Saturday morning. I was going to follow the path of the Always Running group ride to Fall City. I was hoping my ride that day would be at least by 60 miles, but ideally more.

It was 36 degrees when I left my house, with a windchill of 31. Add more wind to that (I usually ride between 15 and 22 mph) to create my very, VERY frozen and throbbing fingers. Let's just say the pain was bad enough to force me to stop at Starbucks only 8 miles in. I thawed out my digits and enjoyed a hot cocoa and scone. An hour later I took off again, as the temp had risen to a lovely 38 degrees.


From there on, the ride was great! I rode and rode... and rode... almost all the way to Snoqualmie Falls, where I was to turn around so Rob could catch me sooner than later. It was a great ride on the Sammamish River Trail and then through Fall City and back. 88 miles later I was back at Greenlake. And dreading the run to come. Deep down I wanted to keep riding and go 112 miles... because why not? But I knew I had a hard Sunday run ahead of me, so I stopped myself and biked into the drive of my house.


I threw on my running shoes, ate a banana and chocolate gu (yep, that's right!) and hit the lake running. My legs were JELLO. That's a tough transition. Finally by mile 3, my legs were feelinng quasi-normal. By the time they felt normal, my run was over.


So all in all a really great workout. The perfect boost of confidence I needed right now in my training.


And then the pain came. Again. Not frozen fingers but frozen legs. My loving fiance graciously escorted me to Greenlake where we icebathed our muscles. For ten whole minutes. Ten looooong minutes. The cold water helps to decrease inflammation in the muscles and speeds recory. Again there we have it. No pain, no gain.


But do not fear, there is still more to come! Sunday morning I woke up at 4:15.... PAIN! ;) I ran with the women's team of Always Running in the Mt. Si Relay in the Snoqualmie Valley. And lucky me... Tony so kindly assigned me to legs 5 (6.5 miles of uphill) and leg 10 (anchor). So good to me!

Turns out it was a really fun day. I had fun meeting new people and oddly enjoyed pushing myself up a big hill and then again to the finish line. My temporary pain in my extremely fatigued quads was TOTALLY worth it when I was presented with that beautiful 3rd place ribbon. Looks just like the ribbons from St. John's Track and Field days :) I mean, what a prize!

And topping off the great weekend was a delish dinner with Rob. It included veggies, fresh fish, and toasted sourdough bread. YUM. And then I hit the bed hard!

And now I've finished my post-work powerbar. Time for Greenlake...

T minus 80 days!

Jambo (the way Ugandans say hello)! I'll start off with a couple of pics. I figure I must put in a picture of the most epic run of my life! At the end of a 10 mile run at Discovery Park on March 13th, Rob dropped a knee! And my mouth dropped. And we are getting married!!!!

BUT most workouts aren't that exciting. And probably will never be ;) Usually they are about like this. Me on a trainer at L.A. Fitness going for miles but moving nowhere... well at least moving to the beat of some Michael Jackson or featured artist of a spin class.

Now time to write. Hello my long lost blog. Turns out when you are training for an Ironman, planning a wedding and busy being a resident... you don't have much time to do things like blog. But here I am :)

Well, the good news is I haven't been pantsed again! Praise the Lord! Bad news is that I got really sick last week and only worked out 3 times in the whole week :( BUT more good news... I'm better and back on track!

Here are my most recent tallies as of last Sunday, April 4th.

6 months of training has lead me to:

88 miles of swimming
2, 121 miles of biking
464 miles of running

I guess it seems like a decent amount of mileage put in so far... but the thought of waking up in less than three months to do an Ironman still is quite an incomprehensible thought. My feelings & thoughts about this whole thing currently are a nice little combination of fear and excitement. Luckily, I tend to be more excited than afraid. Yet in all reality, I have those moments where my stomach turns into a huge knot when I think about the task at hand. Moments of fear take over my whole body when I'm on a bike with a huge stomach cramp and thinking... 112 miles... and THEN a marathon. It seems impossible.

But thanks be to God, it's not. What reminds me that I can and WILL be an Ironman is knowing God has me in His work for a reason. He reminds me of why I'm doing this: His people in Uganda. Friends in Uganda who will have clean water. I mean CLEAN water that is CLOSE to their homes! Water that will not take life away but give life and hope.

And... people in Uganda, in far away villages, will be provided sustainable means and education that will empower them to live longer and healthier lives. I've experienced and seen the fruits of the work of UVP, so recognizing that and hoping in what's to come... is powerful. Powerful enough to get me to train like a madwoman. Powerful enough to take away my fears.

So, that's me as of today! I'm ready for a weekend ahead of a loooong bike ride in the sun and some running in a Mt. Si Relay with the Always Running crew. Should be good times!

And if you haven't checked out the Racing for Relief website, you should! Spread the word about Uganda Village Project and to those who you think may be interested. I only have 3 more months to promote His work and the amazing work of Uganda Village Project!

http://ugandavillageproject.org/racing-for-relief

OH and one more thing I would like to annouce to the world, to God and His people. I am giving up drinking diet coke. WOW. That is the heart of an Ironman. No more cool, crisp, rejuvinating diet cokes at 3:00 in the afternoon when I'm getting that wave of tiredness. Instead I will have water. I decided I need to be more hydrated for my workouts -- they are getting long and intense. And water is free and we have it available :) And it will better prepare my body for race day! Ok, I said it. Now you can all hold me accountable!

Full Moon at Sunrise

If you happened to be on Aurora by Greenlake at around 7:30 last Friday morning, you may have caught a glimpse of my BOOTY!

So, I took off for a quick 6 mile jog before work. Nothing out of the ordinary -- 2 laps around the lake I know and love. I left my house around 6:45 as the sun was rising and Greenlake was looking beautiful as the sun reflected off its still waters. I don't run with earphones or music these days, so I was enjoying my run and time of reflection and prayer.

I was about 5 miles in and really feeling my pace. I was on the outside trail of the lake and had just passed the crew/boat house and started to run beside the magnificent 99. When all of the sudden, before I have time to react... a man is right behind me and PULLS MY PANTS DOWN! That's right. He pulled my spandex running pants down to below my knees. My buns exposed to the world!

True story. So, I yell "OH MY GOSH!!!" as I'm pulling my pants up (alongside 99, mind you) and idiot/creeper man yells "OH **** I thought you were somebody else" and took off sprinting the other direction. Sprinting. My mouth was wide open as I watched him fade into the distance.

So, there I was. Pants pulled back up and confused/shocked... and well, continued with my run. That man better thank his lucky stars my ninja fiance did not see that. I wish SO bad he did! I hope that man goes to sleep every night knowing Rob is hunting him down...

I kind of just assumed this pants-ing man was just a normal man (yet obviously lacking proper judgement and decision making skills) who assumed I was his girlfriend or friend and thought he would be funny and play a practical joke. Turns out he could indeed be a creeper, so I'm actually going to file a police report.

So, there you have it. The adventures of an ironman in training! Let's hope that's the last time my booty makes an appearance on Aurora :)

Bike Rides!

Thought I would document some fun and scenic rides I've had over the past month thanks to the BEAUTIFUL weather.

Last week I was on the Centennial Trail in Lake Stevens, but unfortunately no photos. I think it was the farthest I have ever ridden - 50 miles - not even 1/2 of the race distance! Scary but I guess I trust the training schedule... and my body... and the good Lord....

Back to the rides. A couple weeks ago, Rob and I headed out to La Conner to enjoy wide open roads, sunshine, barns, daffodils, and the potent aroma of cow and horse dung! We had a good time and ended up getting in about 41 miles and finished just in time for sunset. We topped off the evening with a short run and some delicious pork tacos with Seth and Tana. Thank you, Rob!

daffodil field

about to take off
journeying
Watch out for tractors. And share the road! ;)

Beauty.

Going back further in time...

The first "spring" ride was a beautiful Sunday a few weeks ago. I took off with Rob and Phil... a little nervous I'd be playing catch-up with the boys, but it was indeed a good time. We headed to South Lake Washington and then across the I-90 bridge. We followed alongside I-90 for awhile and then turned around and hopped onto Mercer Island for a quick jaunt. Then we headed back and enjoyed some Arboretum action before riding up through the UW to get back home! I was definitely leading the way the whole time ;)

In the Porch basement before we took off.

Phil's doin the gu!

Rob owned the camera.

I-90 bridge - so fun

UW

This pic makes me laugh bc I look serious.

Well, that's all for now! We shall see what this weekend brings. I've really been enjoying riding (and running and swimming) and thinking of the funds that have already been donated to UVP and the changes that will happen because of that. Thanks to you out there who have already donated. You are amazing. Webalee!

Water = Life

UVP works with locals in Safe Water initiatives.

This is the beginning of a well project.

This was the prior water source.

Children play a big part of fetching water.
Friend in Ibulanku

We got to dive into the well festivities

At the well I got water from daily
Pumping for water will make you strong!

I think it's safe to say we all know we need water to live. And we all do not have it. Roughly 40% of Ugandans do not have access to clean drinking water. Globally, 1.1 billion people do not have this access, with 1.6 million people dying every year from water-induced diseases.

As I am constantly refilling my water bottles with cool, CLEAN water, I am reminded of the work that requires getting water in Uganda. As I run around this city and see the beautiful lakes and Puget Sound, I'm reminded of the heat and red, dusty dirt roads leading to Ibulanku with an occasional 'water source' (a small pond, often filled with disease-causing bacteria) every now and then off the beaten path. As I'm running around Greenlake, stopping every couple miles to grab some fresh water, I'm reminded of the women carrying large yellow jerrycans full of water that I would pass on my runs through the village. These women and children would walk miles to wells or other water-sources to gather water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. AND they would balance it on their heads! Check this link out for more facts:

http://waterfortheages.org/2009/12/02/10-facts-on-women-and-water/

While some children may have had the opportunity to go to school, many are required to fetch the water instead, which can be an all day chore. And this water that is retrieved is often times not clean, thus causing many diseases. Life-taking, water-borne diseases.

Uganda Village Project is actively involved in empowering members of communities with the resources and skills required to build and maintain wells for clean water accessibility. This video from Uganda portrays the power of safe drinking water.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMwEWzzSKWE

Almost every day in the village, I went to the boar-hole to get water for drinking and cleansing. After fetching the water, I used a UV light and a tablet to clean it and rid of bacteria. Villagers do not have that resource, so UVP is also playing a role in making the well water clean and safe to drink. I have experienced a water-born illness first hand, as I got dystentary after ONE run-in with unclean water. I can say honestly that without the resources to be able to get to a hospital after just 12 hours with the sickness, I could have been one of those numbers lost to the results of water-born illness.

I write this so that you can join me in awareness of this global problem and join me in the efforts to rid of it. Please know that if you do donate to UVP through Racing for Relief, your funds will be going to projects, such as our Safe Water project, which will make BIG differences in the lives of many.

My training program

Golden Gardens

Many people ask me if I follow a specific training program. The answer is yes, indeed I do. Otherwise, I would be way too overwhelmed to figure out how to go about preparing for race day. I'm following an online program:


http://www.trifuel.com/triathlon/ironman-workouts


I am currently wrapping up week 18 and am 1 month away from entering Competitive Season. Yikes! But so far I'm loving the training and enjoying the new challenges the weeks are bringing as June gets closer.


I do miss training sessions on occasion, but I am pretty disciplined. Passion for UVP and fitness... coupled with the desire to cross that finish line combine to create the perfect inspiration to do my workouts!


In terms of swimming... on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings you can find me at the LA Fitness pool with my water bottle, a pull bouey, and a gu at around the lovely time of 5:00 or 5:30. Making that first move to hop in the pool is always the low-point, but getting in that water is like medicine for my body and takes me back to my days as a "shark" at the Hot Springs YMCA!


My weekday rides are done on a stationary bike I clip into at the gym, and I am generally accompanied with my workout playlist or a spinning class. Highlights of my list include Eye of the Tiger, I'm Every Woman, and Eminem's Lose Yourself (for a hill climb). So far the farthest I've ridden is 65 miles, but hopefully that changes soon! My weekend rides are outside, weather permitting. Luckily Seattle is experiencing Spring right now so I'll be out there tomorrow :)


My runs take me all over. My newest run takes me across the Ballard bridge and then across another (uphill!) bridge into/onto Magnolia which provides AMAZING views. For those unaware of how incredible Seattle is... FYI, it's incredible! Last weekend I enjoyed many bridges, hills, views of Mt. Rainier, views of the Olympics, boatyards, lakes, and sunshine during my 13 mile-er. Then, there is also my standard Greenlake sunrise run that steals my heart every time. Today I ran to Golden Gardens and the Olympics were out in all their snow-capped glory. God's creation is magnificent.


Maybe I'll see you out there...

Lessons learned

Thought I'd open with a pic

One of my many french toast plates

Usually it's a double stack, though :)

4 months of training down, 5 months to go!

First of all, for those interested (probably only my mom), here are my tallies so far: 61 miles of swimming, 1, 235 miles of biking, and 293 miles of running. Phew.

Looking back on life since I started training, I can see that I'm being challenged in many ways. I have been tested and am growing stronger physically, but even more-so I have been challenged spiritually and relationally. It's a fun, but sometimes overwhelming task trying to balance training with the many other blessings I have in my life.

But God only gives us what we can handle. Right? I hope so. Processing through my life makes me realize my balancing act is a result of many blessings: my residency, this training, my fam (growing by the minute!), my friends & core group, and my boyfriend. Lots of goodness to try manage, but so far, so good. Some occasional tears and fears now and then, but that's life. And without challenges we can not grow stronger.

Let's recap just a handful of lessons I've learned:

1. Always assume you will need gu or a snack during training... so pack it for the workout!

2. On that note, always eat something within 30 minutes after a workout, or else ... (see prior post)

3. Always check that you have a house key before taking off for a run! My excitement for a beautiful greenlake sunrise run last week swiftly turned into me being locked out of my house. But thanks to "ninja" Rob, I snuck back in.

4. Stretching your IT-band out is apparently very important. Otherwise, when somebody just simply touches it (on the outside of your quad/thigh), it feels like they are violently punching your leg.

5. Chaffing is a very real issue. Bodyglide, here I come!

And last but not least, the main thing I have learned: Apart from Christ, I am nothing. But with Christ, I can get out of bed at 4:45, work hard as a pharmacist and resident, lead my core group girls, make the most of my relationship, be there for my friends, have time for my family, and run that extra mile.

"For in Him we live and move and have our being."

Acts 17: 28