Warm Fuzzy

Hi Rockstars...
I just have to share....I have such "warm fuzzies" thinking about
tomorrows BIG EVENT. I have so much enjoyed bonding with
everyone over this, getting to know everyone involved better,
from the class members at the Y, to my bike shop guy, to
everyone on the blog....I appreciate everyones entheusium
and gusto and feel some it has rubbed off on me. From Linda
pushing thru with the loss of her Mom, Jess learning how to ride
a bike, Michelle, who started it all......I have taken a lot from
everyone who has crossed my path on the journey and I
thank you. No matter what happens tomorrow I have nice
warm fuzzies and I can only assume they will grow.
Thanks for sharing yourself............
Kathy

Friday's Last Effort

Hi Rockstars,

I went to my spinning class for an hour this am, like usual, put forth about 85% effort - save the legs a bit.

Then I went to the YMCA to work on a swimming flaw I detected in the video Audrey shot. Apparently, when I switched my breathing to the every stroke, which for the most part works for me, I began pushing water with my left arm on the upstroke - kind of dragging it in the water. So I swam for 10 laps - stopping very briefly twice for field trip's errant kids and balls in my lane. Then I did another 8 maybe even 9 laps with the pull bouy - trying to be super concious of that left arm- not stopping at all. Not winded or aything. I have concluded that if I just relax and take it easy, and go at my own pace, I'll be just fine! I get to "trying too hard", then winded, then scared or frustrated, the negative talk infiltrates - and none of that works for me. I must say I was pleased with today's swiming. So I am looking forward to a good start to the tri - at my own pace.

Sorry Kathy you in turn, had a bad swim. Don't know if you should push it and go out again. You do a great job with your swimming, nice form and good speed - I know you'll be okay! You have had so many fantastic swimming efforts - I wouldn't let one bad one get at you - it happens! .....Just my thoughts....certainly I can vouch for the "one more good effort thinking." Plus, maybe your body needs to rest - like all the newbie books say..."resist the urge to overtrain".

Jess - great work with your bike - "gutsy" In fact, I believe is the word:)

I will finish out the evening with a woderful orthopedic massage - can't wait. Also, I will be labeling all my stuff and thinking and working transition strategies!

I think we are all pretty awesome!
Linda

Glad your bike ride went well today Jess.
I decided to use my spare time cleanning the house.
I then decided to swim, it was a bad swim, very tired.
Not sure if I should try again tomorrow or not.
Hopefully I will get home from the shower in
time to do the dinner.
It really has been a hoot training with everyone.
Kathy

To quote Linda, "it's all good."

I took Thor out for one last confidence-building ride this morning, and it was great. I did the neighborhood across the street again, but I only did 8 miles (don't want to exhaust the legs too much). I worked really hard at speed and consistency, and I think I did well. (And there were lots more cars today since it was prime "get to work and get the kids off to school" time!)

I have bubble baths on my agenda for tonight and tomorrow night, and I'm looking forward to the packet pick-up and dinner tomorrow. :)

I'm so excited and proud to be doing this with you gals. We've been working so hard, and we're going to cross the finish line like the amazing rockstar women we are--even if my little (okay, they're not so little, but whatever) newbie biker feet are the last ones across!

Hi Rockstars:
I am giving my legs a rest now and just swimming Friday and Saturday.
My legs feel tired when I bike two days in a row so I am resting them.
Not sure what to do tomorrow.....swimming won't take as long as biking,
running then swimming.
What will we do with all our extra time when we are not training?
Kathy

Big Girl Pants

So I decided to dedicate most of my time this week to swimming.

Today, I went to the YMCA Westside and swam 9 lengths non-stop - the I remembered it was 9 laps (18 lengths)....CRAP....so I jumped back in and finished - not even out of breath!

Then I went out to Hawk Island and swam some more - I too, love my wetsuit. So I did about another 300M (is that 3/4 of our distance? - never got the metric system down) - then did a 5 mile bike ride (forgot my shades - ugh) and a 1.5 mile run. All was good. No photo documentation!

I plan to swim on Thurs. and Friday and maybe one extra run. I really want to join the spinning group Fri. am at 6am, maybe I'll do a half class and tag my run after....hmmm. I'll have to think it out!

I might have to alter Fri. 6 p.m. swim plans. My massage guy had to cancel earlier - and he only had 6 pm Friday left this week - I know I could use it, so my visit to Hawk I will be earlier!

Train on Rockstars!
Linda

I <3 my wetsuit!

I swam in Lake Geneva with Kathy and Ashley today (my first time with a wetsuit), and it's official: I'm in love. I made it across the lake and didn't feel like I wanted to keel over and die, and I definitely could have hopped on the bike when we were done. Kathy, Ashley, and Michelle--you are braver women than I!

The plan was for Kathy and Ashley to swim across once on their own (we were worried about my ability to keep up), then for me to hop out and swim back with them. Here is some aquatic photo documentation...

Becoming one with the water:



Look at those swimming machines!


Like a speeding bullet:


Junior came along for moral support:


Aquawoman rockstars!


In other news, the folks at Eric's Bike Shop on MLK are my new favorite people. I took Thor in for a tuneup today, and the gal at the counter said, "We can definitely have it by Saturday morning, but do you want us to see if we can get it done before that." I said, "I'd love it if you could because I just learned to ride it six weeks ago and could use as much extra practice time as I can get." She said, "And now you're doing a triathlon? That's gutsy. I'll move you to the front of the line, and you can have it back tomorrow morning." I think I'm going to pick up one of those water backpacks when I go back tomorrow, too.

T-minus four days...train on!

Jess :)

Baby steps... (Baby pedals?...)

So I think what I needed was some alone time with Thor. (Linda, Kathy, and Alicia, don't take that the wrong way--I'm super thankful for your company and advice!)

I had a really great ride this morning. I slept in until 7:00 (which is unheard of because my internal clock seems to hate me), had a bowl of oatmeal and a cup of coffee, put on what I have dubbed the Lance Armstrong vest, and headed across the street into the neighborhood where I run to give riding in the road another try. I figured the worst that could happen was that I freaked out and ended up riding on the sidewalk, but it actually went really well. I do a four-mile loop when I run there, and I rode it three times. The first time, I was mostly concerned with things like staying to the right and maneuvering around potholes, but I worked on speed for the last two. Anyway, long story longer, I obeyed traffic signs, I didn't freak out around cars (which I will admit were few and far between and were going slowly, but still--I had a few in each direction), I pedaled up and coasted down the hills, and even managed a few (very) quick glances over my shoulder to see what was behind me. I ended up doing twelve miles total, and got through ten in just under 70 minutes. I'm still not ready to ride out on Saginaw or Lake Lansing, but I feel good about what I managed this morning.

When I was done riding, I threw Thor on the back of my car (my apartment complex doesn't have bike racks--boo!) and did an immediate half-hour run. I'm not sure exactly how far I went, but I'm sure it was slower than my usual speed. It didn't feel too bad, though, so I'm pretty confident about that part of the tri.

Train on!

--Jess :)

More photo documentation...

A few strokes with the face in:



Linda didn't send a caption for this one, but I love it!


Rockstar swimmers!

Photo documentation!

I think I'm going to have to do these in two separate posts, but here are the first few of Linda's aquatic adventures on Saturday...

Pre-swim bike ride:


Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!





Kathy suggested swimming with the head out of the water:

Melt Down

Glad you got the melt down out of the way Jess, I had mine a couple weeks
ago. You are so AMAZING!!! You really are a role model for all, you sure
are for me...I really think.......WWJD....What Would Jess Do? Jess would
keep plugging along, that is what Jess DOES!!! You are a Rockstar!!

Wednesday 2:30 lake swim. After the swim I am riding my bike to my
bike shop for a tune up, it is 6.9 miles down Turner to Old Town. It is a
narrow road but 35 MPH so not well traveled. All are welcome to do whatever.
You can ride with me to the bike shop and leave me there while I wait for
my tune up. It is in old town, figured I get a bite to eat or just go to the
Rivertrail.

Kathy

So as you may have surmised from Linda's post, I had a rough bike ride on Saturday. I had a little bit of a meltdown, but I'm feeling a lot better after a much-needed night out (Matt Nathanson and Jason Mraz concert in Detroit), a pep talk from my dad (who's always good for an ego boost), and a five-mile run this morning.

Linda, you're right--we can do this!

Train on!

Jess :)

training on Sat.

Started out today with an early morning ride with Jess - doing some of the event bike course. Sorry, for the takedown! Jess - you can do it - most definitely! Then we transitioned to almost a 5K run - I was having a few IPod technology issues - grrr...another thing to learn more about! I usually just turn it on and go!

Run was okay, considering that I had just run the same course 18 hours prior - more running than I am used to. I VERY rarely run 2 days in a row!

Then went out for an intro to the lake swim session - see other post and pics.

Then I actually went back for more swimming-definitely not a finesse swim yet! Then, Kathy's schedule had changed a bit, so I joined her for a 10 mile bike ride after all the other training today.

"Remember there is a firth discipline in triathlon, that is your own self believe, if you think you can do it, you will. Aim to overcome all the negatives in your life, complete your first triathlon, and experience the positive feelings of your own achievement." from some tri website - forgot which one!

Sunday will be a planned easier training day!

Train on and get enough rest this week!
Linda

Brrrr....the Lake Swim

All right - the last one finally made it to the lake! BRRRRRR.....it's cold 64 degrees or something insane like that! SO glad I had the wetsuit - or I'd likely be contemplating dropping out! Worth every penny ($166 worth - includes $9 for rush shipping) - I am thinking there might be additional tri events worth participating in - I've heard people get the "bug" for this sport!

Like the others - it was kind of UGLY! The coldness makes breathing a challenge - lungs compress creating an additional new challenge! Like Kathy says it can only get better! I had a few panic minutes - the unexpected seaweed suddenly appearing in my goggle vision - identifies one of those moments! The rest were just breathing issues - I believe I can get through them with more exposure to the lake swimming conditions, certainly some Mental Rehearsing and Positive Self-Talk!

See some photos - I had two swimming opportunities today - 3 hours apart - loved the wetsuit by Neosport and the tri-suit underneath by Zoot - both amazingly comfortable. Got new goggles also - like those too - called Seal Kid by Aqua Sphere - I also like my Speedo Vanquisher goggles - but I might opt for the Seal Kid ones - because it is more like an eye "mask" than goggles - more comfortable, in my opinion.

Train on Rockstars!
Linda

Linda

whats in the car anyway

Contents of the car: 1 road bike, helmet, sunglasses, cyclcing shoes, gloves, and neon jacket, one duffle bag stuffed with various combinations of athletic apparel (for any training opportunity day or night), various sport specific shoes, and pool swimming paraphanelia, one wetsuit, one expensive Playmakers bag (supporting the local economy), 1 wetsuit (thank goodness), camera (for spontaneous photo opps) Starbucks evidence, 6 water bottles, small cooler with various bars, fruits and veggies (for any time anywhere snacking) and a partridge in a pear tree!

Linda

Ready

Well I can honestly say I feel I can complete the tri now. I am
feeling pretty good actually. I like my new bike, had a good run
today and I am feeling better in the cold water.

I do like the idea of the dinner Saturday night, I think I can
make it back from my shower in Dearborn in time.

Train on rockstars!!
Love the car photo Linda, nice.
Kathy

Clean cars are for wimps.

18 seconds

Hooray - I got the tri-suit for the race and the wetsuit! I was feeling pretty good about my purchases - yes no rental, which made me nervous.

So my first trial run taking off the wetsuit went like this. Stand in the shower and soak up several minutes until I was sure my tri-suit underneath was wet. Adam was waiting with his stopwatch, to time me once I exited the shower. On the count of 5 - ready go! 18 seconds! Much better than I had expected!! I can even improve on that, as well being catious the first time! So I am posting, while in the tri-suit - dripping ever so slightly on the hardwood floor -

Also, I got in a good early, 6am group cylcing class today. Later around noon - I went out and drove the mapped bike route - looks good and pretty flat - a few rough road spots. Then I went to Hawk Island Park and ran a 5K - pretty spontaneous, I might add, but worth it. Time was about 31 minutes - I am happy with that time - for a spontaneous run. Maybe for runs I have fretted them too much in the past - for that is my best time! Go figure!

This looks to be a training filled weekend, and I am actually getting pretty excited - for the first time! The anxiety, the grief over Mom, etc. haven't allowed for the excitement to build! So, this is a new feeling!

Linda

p.s I have not mastered the water part yet, but just doing my best will be good enough!
p.s.s. We are all "rockstars"!
p.s.s.s. Check out the picture of my "triathlete in training" car today - funny! I have to send it to Jess to post though - thanks in advance Jess!

thanks

Jess,

Thanks for the pool swim yesterday - bikes today - you'll be fine...I just know it....afterall YOU ARE A ROCKSTAR!

Loved your latest "Train Like a Rockstar Vol. 3" CD - Thanks!

There is an article in this week's NOISE about the Hawk Island TRI. I'll bring copies to Frandor!

I will be heading to Playmakers today for a tri-suit, to wear under the wetsuit - which I'll pick up today from ZZZ Underwater World on Michigan Ave. I decided on the Neosport 5/3 mm Women's SPRINT Jane. They ordered in 2 sizes - I'm excited to get accustomed to the wetsuit concept.

Let's set up some firm Lake Geneva Plans and Hawk Island Plans for the upcoming days.

Weather forecast looks great for this weekend, throughout next week - and up to race day 82 degrees - YAY! Should be great morning weather!

I am re-reading all the triathlon notes I have collected and trying to wrap my head around the mental aspects of the event.

Transition practice - keeps cropping up!

Train On -
Linda

GREAT training girls!! We are rockstars.
Cute bike card Jess, thanks!
Tim and I are off to Indy for our Daughters surgery today,
we will be back Friday night. I will probably swim at
their gym tomorrow, guess it will seem pretty warm. lol.
GOOD NEWS.....the lake is getting warmer.....64!!
I will get a photo of me swimming in the lake this weekend.
In my older age I want to remember what I did!!
Kathy

Also!

Kathy, I practiced coasting at Granger Park last night, and I feel a tiny bit better about it. I think I'm done riding there for awhile, though. I'm not sure what part of the giant, red "NO DOGS ALLOWED" sign people don't understand, but there were way too many of them running around there last night. I think I'm going back to MSU for my ride on Thursday.

--Jess :)

PS--It's not that I hate dogs or anything; I just don't need any unecessary obstacles in my way. ;-)

Hmmm, I use Meijer brand cooking spray. Do you think that will suffice? ;-) My rental wetsuit is en route, and I'm anxious to check it out. Linda, where'd you end up getting yours? I could maybe be convinced to do a wetsuit photo-op if you'll pose with me.

It was pretty chilly Sunday morning--I was running while you were biking. I keep trying to convince myself that if I can run and bike in the cold, I can get over the water thing (especially with the suit). I ran into Tom at the pool after my run on Sunday, and I asked him about the cold. He said that the lake actually got up to 70 last year, but that's not looking likely this time. He says we'll be fine with wetsuits, though. He also said that we can wave a boat over and hang on to it if we get into trouble and that we can "just climb in if [we] want to call it a day." I told him there would be no climbing in and that calling it a day without finishing wasn't an option. ;-)

Still pretty nervous about the bike. I just realized that I don't know how I'm going to be able to drink while I ride since biking still isn't really a multi-tasking sort of thing for me yet. I'll figure it out, though.

Train on!

--Jess :)

got the Pam spray

Hi All,

I got the Pam spray, as recommended by Dan the Man. I opted for the original as opposed to the olive oil or butter formulas - oddly enough the label indicates there is rosemary in it - wierd!

I decided to go for the wetsuit. I needed psychologically to take the element of cold out of it, and I am looking forward to the extra bouyancy that neoprene touts!

Went for a short swim today, and will be swimming most of the week - somewhere.

I will do a brick bike/run tonight Tues. after my WW meeting.

At least my tires are inflated. I spent 20 minutes trying to inflate my "newish" (acquired Sept. 07) bike tires with my "new-to-me" bike pump! Why 20 min? Perhaps that would be because I did not know the valve on my tire turned and popped up, therefore after much effort and swearing, I woke up my beloved hubby at 6:40am, and asked for his assistance. I must admit, he was very encouraging and nice, despite being woken up. Then I hurried off for a quick ride, only to return moments later, as I was significantly underdressed for the chilly mid 40 degree weather on Sunday. Got some more clothing on and headed off for a ride...finally. All was good in the end.

I think we need some additional photos for the blog! They are fun!

A new thought...
"You are in control. Wake up each day anew, and do your very best on that day! The average person loses focus during stressful situations. Remember that you are NOT average. You are a triathlete in training!" Eric Harr

One of my goals this week and next is to make sure to get enough sleep - I have been exhausted for months now and need to do some catching up - there may even be naps involved!

Train On!
Linda

Brick

Did another "brick" today, biked for 10 miles and did a 3.1, felt pretty good.
Michelle and I were hoping to do a swim today but just bad weather. I might
try to get a dip in Monday morning. I am getting a perm Monday afternoon
and leave for Indy Wednesday morning so I won't be back in the lake until
Saturday. Maybe it will warm up to 70 by then??
Kathy

Big-Girl Bike Shorts

Kathy, Tim, and I went to check out the bike course for the tri today. We drove it first and then debated where we should actually ride the bikes. I was afraid to ride near cars (even if there was a wide shoulder), but Kathy convinced me that I needed to do it to get over my fear and that it was best to do it when she and Tim could watch my back. It (of course) ended up being okay once I got over the inital fear hump, and I only panicked a couple of times. I think we'll all be just fine for the race. Kathy, thanks for being persistent and making me do it. :)

I did end up making it home in time to go for a run before class, and it was pretty rough even with the 10-minute break after the bike to drive home. I thought about cutting it short, but halfway through my four-mile route, I decided to suck it up and finish. (I figured I couldn't wimp out after I had rocked the bike.)

Train on!

--Jess :)

The Swim

Well Jess and I swam in the lake, it was not pretty but it will only get better.
I know this for a fact because it was 100 times better for me today, the 2nd time.
I am going in again tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday if anyone is interested.
Kathy

The Plan

Hello all,
Ok, Jess and I are going in the lake at 2:00 today.
All are welcome. e-mail me for directions.
kathywalter1@comcast.net

Saturday after 4 Jess and I are heading out to Hawk Island for a
bike ride, oh, maybe a run after.....all are welcome.

Kathy

back to business

Hi,

I am trying to plot out a reasonable and beneficial training schedule for the next 17 days (17 days ladies!).

I got back to the pool last night, for the first time since we swam at LCC with Sarah - there just hasn't been time or access to a pool. It went okay - not nearly as bad as I had envisioned, but not as well as I had originally hoped swimming would be at this point.

I will be scheduling a private lesson for sure...I still need some tips and a plan. I actually worked on the breaststroke and the sidestroke and the backstroke yesterday....I figure it will be all about options for the actual event.

So Monday, I did my group cycling at 6 am (Tracy is amazingly good). ALl went well. Then I decided to drop in for my favorite cardio kickboxing class on Monday night - just a simple mindless little kickboxing session with Bill. Well, Bill was not in and there was a sub named Krystal. Ouch...two days later...my quads are certainly alive, awakened and sore enough to merit some groans and slower, more careful movement, especially on stairs - yikes. But I still figure it's all good! However, I was just sore enough and tired enough that I had to abstain from my Wed. group cycling class. I am thinking another night with Krystal might keep the fire burning - I can adapt some movements if necessary. She did a cardio kickboxing "bootcamp" of some description that involved, outdoor running, puch ups against the exterior walls at Beaner's, up and down curbs and parking bumbers, calesthenics, and more. I kept thinking - " I can do this...I am a triathlete!" Ouch...

I will be investigating the wetsuit vs. tri-suit options. A gal in my am cycling class said there is a place named "Dave's...something or other" on Grand River that rents wetsuits for $9. As soon as I get more info - I'll post it.

My road bike is down from the rafters - yeah - I need to get new cycling shoes I think.

Can we schedule some dates to do what I think Kathy suggested, ride and run at Hawk Island? Or get out on the bike course?

Train On!
Linda

Train on!
Linda

Swim

Thursday 2:00 swim. Sounds good to me.
I don't plan on wearing the wet suit for the tri. It is above the knee.
We can all take turns wearing mine on Thursday.
Kathy

Wetsuits...

A member told me today that she saw wetsuits at Sam's Club last weekend. I don't have a membership there, but my parents do, so my mom and I are going to go check it out on Sunday. I'll let you know what we find out. I was planning on doing my part to stimulate the economy by buying a tri-suit when I get my tax rebate, but maybe a wetsuit would be a better investment. Kathy, is yours full-length? Or does it stop at the elbows and knees?

Train on!

--Jess :)

Way to go on the bike Jess!! I hope to get my new bike today or tomorrow.

I am available to swim in the lake Wednesday after 1:00, Thursday after 2:00
and all day Friday, Sat. or Sun. We could take turns wearing my wet suit, I am 5' 7"
so I am sure it would fit everyone. Or we could just put the big girl pantties on and
deal with it. It is cold, I can tell you that.

Kathy

I took on MSU with Thor today, and it went pretty well. I was very cautious, and walked any intersection that crossed something other than a parking lot, but I handled all the uneven pavement and even a couple of oncoming bikers without a problem. I still feel like I'm really slow, but at least I'm getting a little more confident.

--Jess :)

PS--This weekend, I told my grandma that I'm learning to ride a bike and she thought I was talking about a motorcycle. Maybe that should be our next challenge! ;-)

Lake Temp.

The Temp in the lake is 62 degrees.
Kathy

The Lake

I saw a kid swimming so I went in...it was ugly.
I used my neighbors GPS and measured 400 meters.
I put on my neighbors wet suit, Tim was in the boat
and away I went, wow. Remember that first time
swimming a 50? That is what it felt like. We have a lot
of lake work to do girls. TOTALLY different. My only hope
is that what I did today will be the worst of it and it will
get better from here on out.
Let me know when you want to go for a dip.
Kathy

Welcome back, gals!

Since today seems to be the day to post about our tri anxieties, I'll chime in too. Obviously, the bike is my main concern. I'm not at all confident in my ability to ride with other bikers, and I just noticed on the website today that there will be spots on the bike route where the road isn't completely closed. I know that I can just hang out at the back of the pack if I'm worried about other bikers (which was my dad's suggestion. I think he and Tim have it right on--who cares how long it takes us as long as we make it across the finish line?), but I'm kind of terrified of cars. I'm anxious enough with just the walkers/runners at Granger Park.

I rode tonight (six miles in an hour, and it went mostly okay) and I'll go out again in the morning and on Monday evening. I think I'm going to venture out to MSU on Monday--campus is relatively deserted this time of year, so I won't have to worry too much about plowing any pedestrians down. I was going to go there tonight, but I didn't feel like driving all the way over there when the park is three minutes away.

I just keep telling myself that I didn't work this hard for the last five months to wimp out now and that it'll come together because it has to.

Train on--we can do this!

Jess :)

PS--Linda, Thor is just a basic 21-speed mountain bike. He'll be great for riding to the library or Frandor when I get a little more proficient.

Welcome back Linda.
I too have been concerned about my lack of training, swimming the most
pressing. I swam Thursday and was ready to forget the whole event, swam
today and it went great. The body will respond Linda, "just keep swimming"
(Dorie from Finding Nemo) When I was telling Tim about my bad swim he
asked a good question "If you have a bad swim in the tri what is the worst that
could happen?" Um.....guess I would come in last, does not seem all that bad anymore.

We were in Indy with our Daughter Thursday and came home today, I swam at their
gym. We will be going back on the 21st. She is due to have lap. surgery for endometriosis.
It was supposed to be yesterday but canceled due to a weird blood test. Re-did the blood
test and they a happy with it so rescheduled for the 21st. Still a lot of unanswered questions
about the blood work but her Doc. was out of town for a family emergency and he will be
back Monday.

My point....all things considered, if we dog paddle, walk our bikes and crawl during the 5K, big
deal, there are worse things in life.

Train on girls.
Kathy

It's Me

Hi Guys,
I guess we all have our fears..."Courage is resistance to fear: mastery of fear - not absence of fear." Mark Twain

I am feeling pretty detached and significantly behind regarding training efforts these days.

I feel awesome about the bike, okay about the run (can walk if needed from time to time) and nervous about the swim.

As you both know, my Mom's illness and passing have certainly challenged training efforts and focus and therefore: performance and confidence.

I am going to give it my best effort! I still have 3 weeks to pull things together!

My Mom's illness and death have been the most difficult and emotional thing I have encountered in my whole life. I will walk through the world differently, from having been on this recent journey. My Mom's courage is an inspiration to me, and will be a constant reminder of nothing being impossible, and every day "is the best day"!

I will try to attach an inspiration from my Mom in a separate post. I will also email it to you guys - in case you'd want to share it with anyone special.

Train On!
Linda
p.s. I will start back to training first thing tomorrow with an early morning spin, followed by a short run - perhaps even an afternoon swim. I am looking forward to getting back to this training!

p.s.s.
Jess - I love Thor - you guys look great together! Kathy do you have a name yet? What kinds of bikes did you both get?

You and Thor look great together Jess.
Not to be outdone, I got a new bike also.
Tim and I rode our bikes down Turner to the
new bike shop Dan the man was taking about. I
went in for a new seat and we left with my bike
on order (lavender) and Tim rode his home.

I am TOTALLY freaking out about this Tri.
I don't feel I am ready. Totally need to get into
that lake. My neighbor gave me a wet suit to borrow,
I have not tried it yet.

Tim and I leave tomorrow morning for Indy for Tracy's
labroscopic surgery, probably be back Saturday. Maybe
I can get into the lake this weekend. I'll keep you posted
on the lake situation. Maybe we should just go for it??

Kathy

I met my friend Alicia (who wants to do the tri with us next year!) at Granger for a bike ride today. Here we are looking all Tour de France in our helmets:


If we read the mile marker signs right, we think we did about five miles. I did have to walk up and down a couple of the hills becuase I hadn't adequately prepared to shift up them and because I was initially kind of afraid of coasting down them. By our last loop around, though, I was able to get them all (though one hill took two attempts).

I've decided that the bike's name is Thor (the Roman god of thunder). One of my friends thought he should have an American Gladiators style name, and I thought that fit. Plus, I think it sounds like it could be the name of a drummer in an arena-rock band. Hee.

I am so one with my bike.