A Little Procedure and A Cover ...

Well, I'm back ... No training to really speak of here as of right now (I'll be back at it in a week), but hey, there is still stuff to talk about right? ;-). 

So, I had a little procedure done on Thursday. If you did not already know, I had my pre-cancer breast implants removed in November 2012. Best decision I ever made. I don't miss those balls of saline whatsoever. Well, over the course of the past year, the skin has settled and left me with what the medical field would call "dog ears@ or excess skin in 3 parts of my boobless chest. 

I had gone into see my plastic surgeon a couple of weeks before Ironman to see Dr. Timothy King (there are apparently a couple of Dr. King plastic surgeons in the Madison area) to have the area checked out. 

I love him. He is an incredibly kind person, extremely generous and does wonderful work.  We had a look at what needed to be done and we set the appointment up for just a few weeks after Ironman. Perfect timing as I tend to go full force too early, when I really should be just easing back into things. 

So, Thursday morning, after a fun run with Lisa, a shower and teaching Power Pump, I make my way to Madison.  As I pull in, I think to myself ... I hope this is the last one. I wasn't sure as to what to expect as I haven't ever been awake for this kind of a surgery before. 

After going thru all of the standard questions/blood pressure/yada yada yada, Dr King comes in and I gve him a big hug thanking him for everything ... What he has done and what he is about to do and he wants a hug to congratulate me on finishing Ironman. :-). 

So, here is how it is going to go. He will mark me up so he knows where the incisions need to be made ... Those were some big areas ... I start to get a little nervous. As he is numbing and testing the areas (and we all know this is on my chest, correct?), I can still feel the scalpel. More numbing injections ... After I am locked and loaded and ready we talk about getting started and what was all going to happen. 

As he starts his work, my body tenses up  and I am pretty jittery ... Found out at that time that the injections have adrenaline in them.  Ahhhhhhhh, that explains a lot. He said, may he we should have given you a Valium.  I laughed and said, I could thane a one as I drove myself today.  He could see my nervousness, so asked me to tell him about my Ironman. So, a really strange experience ... As I am chatting away with him, he is cutting away with me.  I can feel the pressure and the tugging but no pain. The medical assistant in the room kept saying, I think you are feeling pain ... No, I am just fidgety and this is creeping me out a bit. Dr. Kings favorite words while sewing me up when I ask how many more stitches were, I'm making it pretty :-). I asked how many stitches I will have and his reply ... As many as it takes.  How many steps did you take to complete the run in the marathon portion of your Ironman?  Touché :-). 

After the first of 3 areas were done, he went to check on another patient and I could relax a bit.  I worked on my yoga breathing and thought how proud my friend Jacque would be ;-). This was the funniest part. Kari (the medical assistant) asked if I would like my water bottle or if I needed anything else ... I said, I kind of would like my phone ... She actually said I could have it. You will all be proud as I opted out.  I know there would have been a photo taken and no one wanted to see that. 

Dr King comes back in and I do my best not to tense up, but it didn't really work to well. He worked away and I asked him to tell me stories about his family and himself. If I wasn't getting my body cut open, it would have been a great conversation ... It still was, just an odd circumstance. As he was sewing up incision number 2, I again ask how many stitches for this one ... Same response. I had to close my eyes this time as I could see him pulling the thread and te tugging ... Eesh, that was not my favorite. By the time he got to making the third incision I was actually somewhat relaxed and it went much quicker. So, about 50-60 stitches later and a gogillian steri strips on top of the stitches, I was ready to go. Again, gave Dr King another hug and we made an appointment for me to see him this week to check on my progress. 

Only snafu so far ... The medical assistant put the wrong kind of tape in my bag of supplies to take with me. I am allergic to certain adhesives. Well, this tape was one of those. Itchy, red perfect tape mark around all three sites. That has made the last 48 hours interesting. 

I am excited to go back to the doctor to check my progress. Hoping by then, I will look a little less "saw-like" ... I know I will as I healed really well and relatively quickly from the last surgery. The initial couple of weeks are always the least pretty.  I'll keep you posted ;-). 

I am to rest from working out/training too hard until I go back this week ... So, I am really not supposed to do much. I can tell when I overdo it, so I am doing my best to keep it low key. This has forced me from getting back at the intensity that I know I would be doing ... My body still needs to recover from Ironman. 

The exciting news, which most of you have probably seen is that I am on the cover of the October issue of Brava Magazine!!!  Well, my torso is :-). I was so excited when Michelle Reddington had contacted me and asked if I would be on the cover ... One catch, I would not be wearing a top, but my non-breasts would be covered. I think she and everyone else in the room were shocked when I immediately said yes!!!  

The photoshoot was just 3 days after ironman and was really fun to do. The photographer, Todd, was incredible and I think, did an incredible job. The photo showed such strength ... I am so proud and appreciative of the opportunity. 

Why did I agree to do this cover?  I really wanted to show people that this is what can happen to someone with a cancer diagnosis. Women can lose their breasts, but can still be just as beautiful without them. If someone doesn't agree with that, that is ok, but they don't live in my body and I am proud of my body and I still feel like just as much of a woman without breasts as I did when I had breasts.  So far, the reaction has been extremely positive which is great and my husband thinks it's pretty bada$$ :-). The cover is included in this post :-). 

In the editors note on page 12, Kate, from Brava really did a great job talking about the cover and talking about my friend Dawn, who is the founder of the non profit, Effcansah. So proud of her and all that she has done. I feel privileged to know her and to be able to call her my friend :-). The article on, I believe, page 52 is also a great read. Three women share their stories/experiences. I hope I am able to meet them someday. 

So, I am resting, recovering and getting back into the swing of things slowly. Fingers crossed that this is the last of the cancer related surgeries. 

Happy Monday everyone!!!  And remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!!  I'll be back next week :-). 

Race Report ... Finally and The Five Year Canciversary!!!!!

I don't know which I am more excited about ... Completing my second Ironman or hitting the 5 year milestone in the cancer journey!!!  Both are pretty amazing and cause for celebration!!  

I'll start with the race report :-).  WARNING - SUPER LONG!!!  

I am apologizing, in advance, to those that I forget to mention in this post ... You are not forgotten ... My brain doesn't always get everything straight anymore :-). 

The day started early ... 4:15am to be exact (I don't think I slept much the night before). The alarm went off and up I went to have my standard pre-race breakfast, a banana and peanut butter toast. Mixed all of my beverages for the first part of the bike and got organized. At 4:45am, I woke B up and got him moving so we could head down to the Monona Terrace. Best line while he was getting ready ... "Spectators need to glide it up too" :-). It is such a long day as we all know that I am not a fasty, so my support team was they would be out there for an extra long time!  

We made it downtown, and I headed straight to transition to inflate my tires. When I was done, I saw Alison, my friend and training partner ... She wondered why I was so quiet and if I had cried yet. Well, as soon as she said that, what did I do??? Cry :-). 

We chatted  and walked together to find the hubcaps. I got body marked and then Alison did the honors of writing everyone's names on me. I took care of Brendon, Jack and Parker and she took care of Molly ... The survivor and wonderful friend that I was racing for and Max and Barb ... My two angels for the day. I do have to add that my friend Scott gave me a ChasingChad wristband, so his brother Chad could help guide me as well. 

Before the race, I was able to see Gina and her son Joey. They wanted to see me off and I appreciated it. I had to go to transition to drop some things off and brought them along so they could see the see of bags of all of the athletes belongings. Pretty incredible site. 

As Alison and I made our way down to the water, I, of course, see more peeps I know (B calls me the mayor of the world). When we get closer to the water, I turn my head and who do I see ... Dawn!!  She is the inspiration behind Effcansah and an amazing woman ... As soon as I see her, I cry ... A theme of the day.  So proud to support Effcansah and what she has all done :-).  Then I saw both Terri and Amy Jo. Cried again, giving Terri the biggest and tightest hug I could (and of course cried again) and making sure to give Amy Jo a big squeeze too. 

As we headed into the water to warm up/tread water, I try to put myself in a position where I won't get banged up too terribly ... LOL, that is a hilarious thought in itself. As the cannon goes off, I start swimming, only to feel like I am swimming backwards. I thought to myself, this is going to be a LONG swim. I tried to find some room to move, but it is hard with over 2000 participants looking to accomplish the same goal. I thought I found a rhythm, but kept either running into people or getting run into. A very nice gentleman, not, thought it would be a great idea to push me under water so he could get by ... Mama was cranky after that.  The field never really opened up except on the long stretch after the second turn. Well, you would have thought I had several cocktails with the way I was swimming ... Let's just say that it was NOT in a straight line (happy to find out later that I wasn't the only one with those thoughts) Not a highlight. The water was choppy which made it harder to sight. When I made the final turn in, I was so happy to see the end, that I was able to pick up the pace a bit. I came in at about 1:30 ... What I predicted, but was hoping for a little faster time ... If I would have stayed on course, time would have been better, but hey, I was done. Got out of the water, got my wetsuit stripped, and started running up the helix. Who do I see ... DeAnn, Mark and Stephanie :-). Big hugs for them. They told me to get moving. 

As I make it up to transition and call out my number to receive my bag, there is Kayla, smiling and ready to hand it off :-). Made my way into transition and there was Jacque, waiting to help me. She was awesome!!!  She chatted with me but kept me on track ... Which can be hard to do. So great to see her. She sent me on my way (I believe I insisted on a hug) and off to the bike I went!!!  

The bike ... The first 30 miles were pretty good, non eventful, just tried to keep it easy and loose. The first and second loop sort of blended together, but the second loop was definitely more of a challenge than the first. The bike:

The first loop, I tried to stay as relaxed as possible, just soaking it all in.  As I got into Cross Plains, I was able to see my friend and fellow survivor Steffani as well as Marn. So good to see them and of course, I cried.  Now, I can't remember which loops I saw these people, but I was able to have short conversations with them, so it was great :-). Laurie, my new friend and former teammate, came upon me and we were able to chat for a bit, bitched a little about the swim and she was on her way.  Suzy, my friend from BT passed me and we chatted for a bit, And my friend Alison. I was suprised to see her as I thought I wouldn't see her until the run when she was going the other way. She was having major back problems and wasn't sure how the day was going to go. I have seen that expression on her face before and I was a little worried ... Well, she will come up later :-). 

On the first loop up the "3 bitches", as they are so affectionately called, went well. My least favorite is the first, Old Sauk Pass. If rather have shorter and steeper than longer and not quite as steep. There were plenty of peeps out there giving encouragement to all of the riders!!  

The second of the 3, Timber Lane, I saw DeAnn and Mark towards the bottom of the hill.  So good to see them and they were yelling, I am ahead of schedule!!!  I had no idea as to what time it was and my tracker wasn't working, so people were guessing based on my cheat sheet. DeAnn ran up the hill with me for a little bit and I said to stay strong and I would see her later. 

When I get to the top of Timber, I see Brendon, Jack, Sparky and Barbie (my friend of over 40 years ... Yes, it's been THAT long) ... Such a great sight to see :-), but no stopping the first loop.  Randy was also there cheering away!  I know I saw a lot of people, so thanks for being out there, but I can't remember much else about that first loop on that hill.  As I work my way to the 3rd of the 3 of the worst hills, I saw Steffani and Marn again and as I passed our old neighborhood, I saw lots of peeps from the old hood out there cheering!!!!  

Third hill, did my best to spin up the hill, got a lot of encouragement from random people in costume  and saw the Wimmers (love those guys) and Aimee, Brenda and Kitty. Always good to see friendly faces.  As I work my way back to the start of the second loop, I see Becky and Kortney ... They were screaming so loud I couldn't miss them!!  Loved it!  Can you tell that I thrive on communication and friends/family? ;-). 

As I am working my way into Mt Horeb, I come up upon my friend Todd who was plugging along. We chat for a minute and I keep on pedaling, as did he :-) ... I see the cave of the mounds sign and I know the hill into Mt Horeb is coming up. The first time wasn't too bad, second time, I did my best to spin up the hill and keep the legs fresh. Make it to the top and who comes upon me, Gina (a breast radiologist - and triathlete who I connected with on FB) so glad to actually meet her and talk for a little bit. 

A few really cool things happened on the bike before I made it back to Cross Plains ... Riders cheered for me as Molly, Max and Barb ... Loved it and, of course, cried every time. They were truly with me that day and that was a pretty special thing. I was asked and was able to share my story, Molly's story, Max's story and Barb's story with several riders ... Pretty awesome to be able to talk them up!!!  

Almost back at the 3-B's, I look around me and see no one near, I call Brendon, yes I call him, and ask where they will be on Timber because I needed to stop and give them a big hug.  Needed extra support soon.  They will be waiting for me :-). 

First of the 3 hills AGAIN ... My least favorite and my breathing was not cooperating. I stop mid hill, use my inhaler, have a little pity party ... That was the one time of the day that I wasn't sure about the day. Then, I had a little chat with myself. Why am I out here?  To celebrate my survival, to celebrate and race for Molly, an amazing friend and survivor, for all survivors, and for Max and Barb, my angels who guided me A LOT that day. There were many times that I asked all of them if they would please give me that little extra nudge that I needed. Made it to the top ... And I yell, "Suck It Old Sauk Pass!!!"  So happy to not have to see that hill again that day. 

As I began to head up Timber, I see many people that I know, yelling encouraging words.  The best sight at the top of the hill was to be stop for a hug and see Brendon, Jack, Sparky, Barbie, my college friend Krista, and my MOM!!!!  So fun to see her there and give her a big birthday hug and kiss.  She was 80 on Ironman day. 

As I work my way to the third hill ... Who do I see?  My rockin' Oncologist sporting the Effcansah shirt!!!  Of course I cried when I saw him ... He is an incredible doctor and friend as well. 

The last of the 3 B's was tough ... My body was getting tired and I was ready to be off the bike. So happy to see, Dave and Lisa, Jen, Aimee, Brenda and Kitty and of course the Wimmers :-). 

Back towards Verona and back to Monona Terrace ... That part was not fun. The headwind was strong, so my pace slowed quite a bit. Two best parts about that part of the ride ... Another participant comes up behind me and says, I have been following you for TWO HOURS trying to figure out what the HELL your jersey says and I FINALLY figured it out!!  I was happy to be able to entertain him and keep his mind off the pain of the ride. Second, was that I was able to talk all about Molly, Max and Barb as well as my own celebration. So proud at that moment. :-).  Made it off the bike pretty much on time in just a little over 7 hours. 

Off the bike into transition again ... Made it out relatively quickly and was off "running". As I head out I immediately see Laura, Kurt and Julie and Mike and Jan :-). So fun!!  As I round the corner, who do I see, but the one and only Molly!!!  Of course, I immediately start crying and give her the biggest hug that I could. She was like, get moving!!   Love that girl and I couldn't have seen her at a better time!!!!  

The run gets a little fuzzy as to who I all saw, but I was able to give Brendon, Barbie, Jack, Sparky, Molly, Terri, Amy Jo, Tracy, Synthia and Mitch, Jacque, Terry, Laura and Chris, , Jim, Tonya, Randy and Carol, another friend Molly, Doug, the Wimmers, Gina, Cheryl, Mary, Megan, Becky, Kortney, Jodi and Derrick, CJ and Phil, and my special friends from Komen - Silvia and hubby Wayne, Dee, Joan,  and Laura .. And, I know I am forgetting people ...but I gave everyone that I knew at LEAST one hug on the run ... There was some SERIOUS hugging going on ... so it got a little blurry :-). It was truly special to see all of you!!!!!  

As I started,  my friend Jim walked with me for a little bit, and filled me in on where everyone was at and how it was going. As I left him and have him a hug, I worked my way over to camp Randall ... While walking around the inside of the football stadium, I see Fireman Rob (if you don't know about him, give him a google search) and caught up to him and another gentleman walking and they ask,  what is the cape all about???  It was pretty awesome to be able to share the story with them and an honor to race with them both (the other person I was walking with has done 97 ironmans - holy boats!!!). 

You know me and how shy I am, NOT :-), I asked for a picture with them!!  How did I do that ... Yes, I carried the binky with me the whole time. Since my tracker wasn't working, I was able to let B know where I was and responded to some messages to give people a heads up as to where I would be and when.  

At about mile 7, my race changed ... As I come back from the State Street turn around, I see my friend Alison that I had seen during the bike. I was so happy to see her!!!  I said, I am not stopping as you will catch up to me.  Well, as soon as she catches up to me, she asked if I would cry if we ran together ... No, not yet. She was able to "find" some medication that helped her back ... Yay!!!  Well, she said if we were sticking together we would need to run more and I said, if we were sticking together, we would need to walk some as well. We made a deal ... Run the flats, run the downhills, walk the hills and the aide stations. DEAL!!!

Well, we proceeded to have the most interesting, best and worst time over the course of the next 18 miles!!  We said some not so nice things to each other (we determined that on ironman day, all was said with love) and there were times that she kept going and I had to play catch-up as I was stopping to talk to a lot of people and giving hugs when I should have been running with her.  We laughed a lot too, which is so important to me and the experience of the race.  I forgot to mention that the pink cape was back in action for the run and it was quite the topic of conversation. The best line by Alison .. What about the sidekick?? ... No one remembers the sidekick :-). We become the Boobed and Boobless Wonders.  As we endured the last several miles ... the deals changed a little bit, but it was so awesome to have my friend and training partner by my side.  I do have to say that I SO appreciated every minute with her!!!  It was also awesome to see other friends/athletes out racing that day/night ... There was that knowing smile from everyone showing that the completely understood.  

As we hit about mile 25.5, she was on a mission as we knew we would hit the 14:XX time ... She needed to keep going, and I said, "You have been incredible today, you enjoy your finish and celebrate it, I will be there in a little bit!"  As I rounded the Capital and headed for the chute, I saw Terri (got a big congrats hug - her hubby had finished about 2 hours earlier than I had) and Robert who was cheering like crazy (sitting and enjoying his finish). I felt such strength and ran as fast as I could into the chute. Such an amazing feeling to finish strong and know that I was going to be an Ironman for the second time!!!!!  Had to love Mike Reilly when he announced me coming in, "MILTON WISCONSIN, MICHELE WILKINSON, BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!!! :-). 14:56:20!!!  An hour and 10 minutes faster than in 2010 :-).  Suck it cancer!!!!!  

I was lucky enough to be caught by two awesome people, Kim and Doug ... Loved seeing their faces. When I got my shirt and hat, who do I see, Alison ... It was the best hug I could get at that moment. Have I said that is amazing ;-) and am so proud to call her my friend ... And did we cry??? I'll let you guess at that one :-). 

After the race we found Dave, Alison's husband, Brendon, Jack, Sparky and Barbie :-). Sparky was so happy it didn't take me as long as last time as she was TIRED!!!  We saw Synthia and Mitch ... Waiting for the big squeeze and I proudly told her that her mom was with me :-).  Jacque, Mike and Jan were waiting too!!!  When I turn to the right, who do I see, my best running buds ... Kathi, Lesley and Sherri (and Sherri's husband Chris too :-). So awesome to see them there and appreciated them coming out. 

As we headed back to rockin' Milton and the fatigue and soreness set in ... I thought to myself, I am the luckiest lady on the face of the earth. I am surrounded by so many incredible people both near and far and I have to say that you are all a gift in my life and I wouldn't trade it for anything.  I felt the support on the course both in person and from afar.  It was awesome to receive messages and posts and calls from everyone :-). So whether you supported me near or far that day, I TRULY appreciate it. The experience wouldn't be the same without all of you :-).  And my husband, my biggest jockstrapper, love you to bits babe.  Couldn't have done it without all of your support!!!!  And my kiddos, Jack and Sparky ... I truly appreciated your patience and support as well. Love you both like crazy!!  

Will I do an Ironman again?  I will say this, I'm not rushing out to do one next year, but it will maybe happen again ... For now, I am enjoying the relaxed and looser schedule and am actually excited to get back to TRX with Tracy ... Miss that kick in the pants :-).  And It's been great to spend time catching up with family and friends. 

Moving on to the Canciversary ... 

This is a big one ... 5 years ... Such a monumental day ... So many thoughts and feelings go along with this day. When I think about that moment, that day ... I cry, remembering vividly that moment at 10:16am on September 22, 2008, when I heard those words that no one ever wants to hear.  I had no idea as to what to expect in the upcoming months (in actuality, 15 months), or what my fate would be.  The unknown is a scary thing, but as I said from the beginning of this journey, I was going to fight, make a difference, embrace life and live it to the fullest, appreciating my life and everyone in it :-) and to encourage everyone to reach for their dreams!!!  

As we all know, I am a sharer, but I think it's important that we all know that we are all special in our own way!!!  

One never wants to hear those words "You have cancer" ... For me, those words have made a difference in who I am, what I am about and how I live my life. I am not perfect, but I embrace the good bad and ugly that this life brings us. 

 

Some of the most important things I have learned with this gift of cancer (yes it sounds hokey, but those that have been told those words, know what I mean), are that people are inherently good. The relationships/friendships that have come from my diagnosis have been incredible.  Family is so important and shouldn't be taken for granted.  I have learned what it feels like to feel beautiful, without breasts, without hair and hopefully helping people be not so afraid of someone with cancer.  I have also learned that with determination, a little blood, sweat and tears, that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.  

So, embrace the gift of life ... And live in the moment, try not to wish time away. 

Thanks so much for joining me for this long ride. :-). It's not over and sorry, I'm not going away. Love you all bunches and bunches!!!  

I have attached some of my favorite photos from the day :-). 

  

Giving B one of MANY hugs ... Look, he has a binky too ;-).  He rocks!

Love this photo of the kids ... They do love each other ;-)

Molly ... So excited to see her and race in her honor! 

Alison - pre swim :-). Lucky to have her as my friend! 

Oops, upside down ;-)

Sparky was T.I.R.E.D!! 

Still happy on the bike :-)

Ahh .... The finish line!!!!  

Some of the running buds :-). Lesley, Sherri and Kathi.  Love those ladies!

Terri a/k/a Penny, one of my besties and fellow survivor :-)

Fireman Rob, Me and Luis Alvarez :-). 

Enjoy your Sunday, and remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!!  I'll be back soon ... Hopefully next Sunday :-)

Ironman Tracking Information :-). It's Only THREE days away!!!!!

Morning Everyone!!! It is Ironman week! In just 3 days at 7:00am the cannon will go off and over 2000 athletes will begin their day.  Here is all of the info that I know of and can give you to help guide you through the day and if you would like to find me ... this will be your best best :).

First, if you would like a sheet that gives estimates as to where I will approximately be on the course at certain points in the day, shoot me an email or text and i will get a copy to you :-).  

Great places to spectate on the bike are in Mt Horeb at the high school, in Middleton on Timber Lane (a lot of people there and it is a big hill, so no one, except the pros are moving up it very fast) or in Middleton at Midtown Road (crazy big hill too and people aren't moving very fast :). There are a lot of people in Verona heading towards downtown, but peeps are moving pretty fast.

On the run, the best places to are are State Street ... if you can get a table outside, it is an awesome spectator spot and you can have food or beverages. Also Breese Terrace right by Camp Randall is an awesome spot too. We pass by there 4 times. Observatory Drive is a good spot as I will probably be walking up that thing ... eesh :).

Below is a link to the course so you know where everything is:

http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/americas/ironman/wisconsin/athletes/course.aspx#axzz2dqIKcBlY

Below is the spectator guide that gives info as far as shuttles and road closures and all of that good stuff.

http://www.ironman.com/~/media/fb0cca1f62774e6780bbfc99e5eea12d/9%208%20im%20wisconsin%20spectator%20guide.pdf

I am also getting an athlete tracker GPS. You will be able to track me on the bike and the run and know exactly where I am on the course. If you have an Android or iPhone smart phone, there is a free app that you can download and use that, or you can track from a laptop, desktop, Kindle Fire, iPad, etc.

Ironman Wisconsin probably wont be up on the site until either this Thursday or Friday. Here is the link to the site, that gives you all of that information and gives you direct links to download the app. Please let me know if you have any questions.

http://www.myathletelive.com/events/

 

You can also go to www.ironmanwisconsin.com and on race day, click on live coverage.  You can search an athlete to track and once you find my name, you can click on it and it will give more detailed information or you can watch the live video feed too. 

Thanks so much for all of your support over these last 9ish months. It means the world to me and whether you are on the course that day or cheering from afar, I will hear you :)..

Have a great day!!!!

Six Days, Inspiration, Angels, Canciversary and Thanks ...

Race day is just 6 days away!!!!  So excited and nervous at the same time. I am really looking forward to this upcoming week, the final preparations, meeting new friends, the big day in my home town and seeing everyone out there!!!!!  The training is done ... Or at least I am pretty sure it is.  Not much I can do about it now right?  I've put the time in, now I just have to believe in a successful race day ... Think good weather thoughts for Sunday!!!  

Inspiration:  I called my friend Molly this past Tuesday night and had a question for her ... Could I please do Ironman in her honor and acknowledge her fighting spirit and determination?  She, fortunately, said yes :-).  A little background on my friend Molly. We met about 3 years ago at the Race for the Cure in Madison. Prior to us meeting, several people said that there was a woman who was recently diagnosed that I HAD to meet. Her name was Molly ... I kept hearing her name over and over ... Well, you all know me and how shy I am ... NOT ;-). I had to meet her. As soon as we met, I knew we would hit it off and am so blessed with her friendship.  

Molly is currently fighting stage 4 breast cancer and is a wonderful wife, mother to 3 young children and a serious fighter!!!  She even has her own army - MOLLY'S ARMY :-).  She will be on my calf and joining me for the 14-16 hour day on Sunday :-).  (The picture in this post is one of Molly and me at Ironman 2010). 

Besides Molly, I have a lot of inspiration for the day. On my forearm will be three names: my husband Brendon, my son Jack and my daughter Parker.  They are my biggest fans and supporters and I am the luckiest lady in the world to have them in my life. When I need that little burst of encouragement, they will be right there with me. 

All of the survivors that are out there. This race is for all of you too!!!  Thinking of everyone I know that is a cancer survivor brings tears to my eyes as I type this. Partially because I am so happy that they are survivors, partially because I am upset that I know WAY too many people that have been diagnosed with cancer. I wish no one would ever have to hear those words. 

Angels:  On my left shoulder will be my friend Max, who passed away on Halloween, 2012. He has made an incredible impact on me and was a dear friend that I miss EVERY.DAY.  He will be one of the angels that will guide me on race day. On my right shoulder will be my friend Synthia's mom's Barb, who just passed away a little over a week ago ... She will be the other angel guiding me on Sunday and will also become an Ironman with me that day. 

Me:  I will also be racing to celebrate my 5 year canciversary.  At times it feels like it was just yesterday when I got that phone call and others, it seems like forever ago.  I do know that this day will celebrate me kicking cancer's a$$ yet another day!!!!

Thanks: Big shout out to the running buds :-). Lisa, Lesley, Laura, Sherri, Kathi and Deb ... Love you ladies to pieces and I am so appreciative of all the miles you have endured with me over the last 9ish months!!! 

My friends Alison (who is doing Ironman as well), Jacque, Lyndsey and Synthia for logging lots and lots of miles on the bike :-). It is amazing where you can all go on two wheels - although I couldn't tell you how to get to any of those places via bike as I get lost in a cardboard box :-).  

And thanks to my hubcap who was always ready to get in that kayak and paddle along next to me while I swam, keeping me safe in the lake :-). 

These last 5 days before the race will be busy, fun and exciting. A lot to still do to make the final preparations. Shirts have either been mailed or are in my hands for pick up :-). I will be sending out an email and will post info here in the next day or two with all the tracking information and where good spectator spots will be!  

Thanks for coming along for the ride. I appreciate it more than you could ever know!!!  Hope you all had a wonderful long weekend and remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!!  Be back in a couple of days.  Love to all!!!!  

12 Days, Taper, Tracking and Other Schtuff ...

Well, with less than two weeks until the big day (just 12 days), I believe I am ready ... One doesn't ever know for sure, but I believe I have put in the necessary work to get me to THE finish line on race day.  I was able to accomplish my last longish ride, which was sidelined to feeling like poop towards the end of this past week. 

I have learned many things about my body over the last 9-ish months and, I think, have figured out how to balance things better and when I am starting to get sick. Resting the body instead of trying to push through is my best bet. This past week and for the first time this year, I did not end up with bronchitis and pneumonia ... I believe, partially due to me being smarter about it and part of it being modern medicine that has helped keep my asthma/allergies under control ... And if I decide to embark on another ironman again, then I will have better knowledge of myself, my body and what it can and can't do. 

The taper has been pretty awesome, besides being CRAZY tired and hungry ALL THE TIME ... Fortunately, we are spending 10 days up at the cabin in the peacefulness of the northwoods :-).  The extra bonus is that I can spend it with 3 of the most important people in my life.  I have been able to sleep in, wake up naturally without worrying about what is happening at work or what needs to be taken care of at home. The training is getting done, although my run on Sunday was terrible. I know better than this, but thought it was a great idea at the time ... Made a big breakfast for myself, then went for a run. The breaky almost ended up on the road. Quick and fairly easy reminder. Nothing like having to have your husband come pick you up off the side of the road and bring you home to regroup. I came home, took in some fluids and managed to limp through the rest of it. 

I am happy to say that, training wise, there isn't anything to crazy lined up for the next 11 days ... Feels good to not have to block off huge chunks of time  or completely rearrange everything that I do based on what my training day is like ... Now, that the volume is lower, this is the time when I (and I'm sure many athletes) start to question: Have I done enough, will I be smart enough on race day, will I be able to finish and accomplish my goals???  I just have to keep the faith and not worry about what I can't control.  The day will all work out as it's supposed to ... Well, at least that's how I am feeling today :-). 

I did have the pleasure of tracking several friends on Sunday at Ironman Louisville and Ironman Canada. So fun to see where they are all at, how they are doing and cheering them on from afar. I had my nose in my phone almost the whole day ... Between checking in on people, texting friends to see if they knew where they were at, it was a long day ;-).  I am so happy and proud to say that my friend Terry completed his first Ironman in Louisville on Sunday. Simply incredible. It has been fun to watch him transform and accomplish his goals over the past 9 months. And also, huge props to my friend Megan, who completed her first Ironman in Canada yesterday too!  Man, she is a fasty!!  Another big props go to my friend Jim, who did Ironman Lake Placid and Ironman Louisville in less than a month. Holy crap!!  Impressive stuff!!  Also congrats to Kitty, Brenda and Bruce a/k/a Lite Jazz on their accomplishment at Louisville as well :-). Have to also give a big shout out to my friend Jodi.  Although, she did not finish the race due to a stress fracture in her foot, she gave it 110% out there yesterday and am so proud of her :-). 

For those of you that have been asking, I did rent a GPS tracking system for race day. It is pretty simple to use and if you have an android smart phone or an iPhone, they offer a free app so you can track me on race day when you are out on the course or elsewhere. You can also track from a laptop, desktop, kindle fire or iPad too :-). Here is the link to the website ... The actual Ironman Wisconsin race won't show up until the week of the race, but you will be prepared ;-). 

www.myathletelive.com. 

Go to upcoming events and you click on the app to download ... It's free :-). You can track directly from the website as well.

I will send out more info race week as to where are good spectator spots and where I think I will be at certain times (depending on weather and how I am feeling that day, those times are estimates, but if you have the app and are out on the course, it'll be a lot easier :-). And if you see some Effcansah shirts on the course, talk to them, get to know them and enjoy the day as spectators together.  it is incredible out there!!  also, pick people's brains as to where good spectator spots are as well.  I may miss some, but plan on getting an email race week with more info :-). 

Speaking of Effcansah ... Thanks so much to everyone that has purchased shirts!!! 74 were sold!!!  As soon as all are distributed and calculations have been made, I will let you know the total $$$ that will go to Dr. Mark Burkard and his breast cancer research. Again, if you are in the Madison area and chose local pickup, I will be at Fleet Feet Madison on Old Sauk road on Tuesday, September 3rd from 5:30-7:30pm. And if you are in the Janesville area and chose local pickup, I will be at the Janesville Athletic Club on Blackbridge Road on Thursday, September 5th from 5:30-7:30pm. 

If you are so inclined, my friend Jacque is teaching an Ironman themed spin ride on Tuesday, September 3rd at 5:30am ... Sign up on Saturday or Sunday of this week ... And if you ordered a shirt, I can get it to you then.  If not, just come for the fun!!!!!!  

I hope you have all had a great day and are staying cool!!!  And remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!!  I'll be back on Sunday :-). Love to all!!!!  

T.I.R.E.D, #779 and Last Chance for Shirts ...

This was a big week.  The fatigue was out of this world, and I was sort of dreading it ... But, I accomplished all I hoped to and was happy with the results. After I complete my 2.4 mile swim tomorrow morning, I will start to taper and I can't wait for it.  Just 21 days until the big day!!!  I AM ready for shorter training sessions and more time for family ... The best part is that a big part of my taper will be spent up at the cabin with family and friends, relaxing and enjoying each others company.  The cabin is my absolute favorite place to be ... counting down the days until we get there :-).  The house right now is not my favoite place as I have let some things slide around here. It'll have have to wait for a good, deep cleaning until after Ironman, but it's driving me a little nutso!!!  

Back to the training weekend ... Saturday morning, my friend Jacque and I headed up to the Ironman course to ride our hearts out :-).  First loop was great, felt really strong.  The second loop, we were on our way to a possible negative split.  We did stop to take a picture (which I've attached - people asked if we were ok ... the course is beautiful, one must appreciate it)! Then we hit mile 19 on the bike ... Jacque, as usual, was ahead of me on the hill (she is a REALLY strong cyclist) and all of a sudden I hear a POW coming from her bike. 

At first, we thought it was a blown tire, then we looked down and realized that one of spokes had broken off!!  Well, we didn't quite know what to do, but were trying to figure it out.  About 5 minutes later, two really nice guys came by and asked if they could help. I knew Wynn from Blake's team and his friend both took a look and took care of us ... There was good news and bad news here ... Good news was that she could still ride her bike another 20+ miles back to the car ... Bad news was that she had no back brakes as the wheel wouldn't turn as it was out of true.  So, we made it back, taking a tour of our old hood on our way, riding a little more timidly and gently than the first loop. We did not want a trip to the ER and plus we had lunch and a beer waiting for us as Gray's Tied House. :-).  So, a successful 2 loops on the course were completed :-). 

After we got back from the ride, I finished out the last 14 miles to get my century in. Jacque - you and I will ride 100 miles together!!!!  

This morning was my last long run. 3 hours ... Eesh. I wasn't sure how these sticks were going to feel after the long bike, but I was about to find out! The weather was perfect and I has some wonderful ladies to help me through it. Thanks so much to Lisa, Lesley, Kathi, Sherri and Lyndsey for the company!!!!  It was a bummer to not have Laura with us, but she has started a new adventure with her family in Michigan, but she is missed and I can't wait to see her again ... 

Back to the run. It started out a little rough as my legs were tired. Another great reason to have friends for company ... I got to listen to a lot of good stories and hear about everyone's adventures. :-). After about mile 5, the legs started loosening up and I got into a rhythm. Rounded out my last long run with 17 miles in the bank :-). I was really happy with it. And thanks to the Swenson family for letting me pop in to use the baaathroom. That was appreciated too :-). 

Another bit of info that I found out today was my race number!! 779 :-). It's real now!!!!  Seeing that made my heart jump a little bit with excitement. So happy that I am able to participate in this sport and am so lucky to have such supportive friends and family that have helped me along the way. I do have to say that B has been incredible with all of this. Couldn't ask for a better partner in life :-). 

And last, but not least ... Last call to order Effcansah - Team IronMichele Wilkinson shirts!!  i believe we are closing in on 60 shirts!!  fingers crossed that we can surpass that!!?  Just 2 days left to place your shirt order, so keep them coming in!!  All of the shirts are a unisex cotton t-shirt and come in Sapphire Blue :-).  When you place your order online, it will state that they are on backorder.  No worries, they will definitely be done in time for race day.  The company printing the shirts will be doing one mass printing, so that is the reasoning behind the backordered on the site.   

The cost for the shirts are $15.00 each and ALL of the proceeds will go to Dr. Mark Burkard's breast cancer research at the UW Carbone Cancer Center.  

You may choose to have your shirt(s) shipped (at a minimal cost) to your door or you can choose to pick them up in Madison from yours truly on Tuesday, September 4th from 5:30 - 7:30pm at Fleet Feet on Old Sauk Road or in Janesville on Thursday, September 5th from 5:30 - 7:30pm at the Janesville Athletic Club On Blackbridge Road.  

Please email me if you have any questions.  It would be great to see a lot of you out there supporting Effcansah!  Thanks so much to Dawn Whyte for getting this set up!!  You are awesome!!  It'll be so exciting to see Effcansah shirts out there on the course :-) ... Smiling and sweaty hugs will definitely be given :-).  I have attached a picture of the mock up of the shirts too.  

And, below is a link to the website :-)

http://shop.effcansah.com/Team-IronMichele-Ironman.htm

I hope you all enjoy the rest of your Sunday ... summer is back :-). Yay!!!  And remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!! Until next Sunday ... It'll be Louisville Ironman day. All the best to my friend Terry and Jodi and all the others participating ;-). 

Four Weeks, An Ah-ha Moment and Shirts ;-)

Just four weeks until the big day!!!  I am getting excited and nervous for what is yet to come. This past week was a great training week for me. Fun but challenging rides with Alison and Jacque, my longest training swim of the year, and my longest training run ... SOLO, and on a TREADMILL!!  I was pretty proud of that one and it was a great confidence builder :-).  

This week will be the biggest volume yet. About 10,000 yards in the pool, about 35 miles running and 200ish miles on the bike. Biggest focus is to be rested going into all of the sessions, make sure that I am fueled properly and HAVE FUN!!!  

That brings me to my AH-HA moment. This has probably been evolving over the past few weeks and, I'm sure has been there all along, but I just wasn't truly aware of it until now. While I benefited from the time that I had Blake as a coach and really appreciate everything he had done to get me going and to have my best half marathon ever ... I have determined that having a coach isn't what is best for me. 

I am not knocking coaches in any way shape or form.  I have seen what they have done to help many of my friends to be prepared for their big race whether it be their first half marathon, full marathon, sprint distance triathlon, olympic distance triathlon, half ironman, full ironman or working to set a personal best in any of these events and definitely respect and appreciate what they have done for many, many people, including myself, as I have seen so many achieve great success with the guidance of a coach!! 

My thing, is that one of the biggest reasons why I participate in this sport is because I LOVE it, I have so much FUN doing it whether it be the training for races or just spending time with my friends training. Swimming, biking, running, strength work and overall general fitness are all a HUGE part of my life, both work wise and socially, so having fun has to be at the top of the list of priorities.  I was starting to lose some of the fun in the process.  This gave me that ah-ha moment that I needed to reevaluate what I really wanted from this journey.  

I wanted to go out and run with my girlfriends and solve the worlds problems and catch up on what is happening in their lives in the 30min - 2+ hours we have together on a given day.  When I couldn't do this, it made me sad and was an eye opener. They have been some of my favorite moments of the day (even though, we at times grumble about how early in the day it is as its usually at the pre-buttcrack of dawn).  

The same went for the bike, there were specific training sessions that needed to get done on certain days (which I understood as there is a plan and process for the goal), but I was wanting get the necessary miles in AND spend time with friends.  This year has been incredible as I have REALLY enjoyed my bike this summer (which hasn't been the case in past years) ... And a lot is due to the training rides that I have had with Alison, Jacque, Lyndsey and Synthia. We work, but still make sure to have fun while getting the necessary work in. A win, win :-). 

So, these past few months, I have been setting my training schedule weekly with a plan that is flexible to when my friends are available, but still getting the necessary training in in an organized and purposeful way.  Who knows, maybe someday in the future, I will hire a coach again, but for now ... me being my own "coach" is what works best for me, gives me more balance in my life and keeps me and my family happiest :-). 

I know this is frustrating to some as my original thought was maybe I could hit a certain time goal.  People have asked if I would like to be faster than in 2010. Well, of course I would like to be faster, but we will see what happens on race day, how I am feeling, what the weather is like, etc. I do know this: I want to soak in the ENTIRE day (the course, the spectators, friends and family that have taken time out of their day to support me and the others out there racing, the volunteers (I think I said thank you about 500 times in 2010 to the volunteers), the accomplishment itself, the reminders as to why I do this and the sweaty hugs on the run ... Those are important things for me to embrace) ... It's a pretty incredible feat and no matter if I come in at 11 hours, 13 hours, 15 hours or at 16:59:59, I will still be an IRONMAN :-).  In my mind, that's pretty AWESOME!!  

So, stick with me for a just a little while longer :-) ... I appreciate you all joining me on the journey!!!  

Now, last but not least ... the shirts ...

I believe, that as of today, we are at over 40 shirt orders for Effcansah - Team IronMichele Wilkinson!!  So exciting!!   There are still 9 days left to place your shirt order, so keep them coming in!!  All of the shirts are a unisex cotton t-shirt and come in Sapphire Blue :-).  When you place your order online, it will state that they are on backorder.  No worries, they will definitely be done in time for race day.  The company printing the shirts will be doing one mass printing, so that is the reasoning behind the backordered on the site.   

The cost for the shirts are $15.00 each and ALL of the proceeds will go to Dr. Mark Burkard's breast cancer research at the UW Carbone Cancer Center.  

You may choose to have your shirt(s) shipped (at a minimal cost) to your door or you can choose to pick them up in Madison from yours truly on Tuesday, September 4th from 5:30 - 7:30pm at Fleet Feet on Old Sauk Road or in Janesville on Thursday, September 5th from 5:30 - 7:30pm at the Janesville Athletic Club On Blackbridge Road.  

Please email me if you have any questions.  It would be great to see a lot of you out there supporting Effcansah!  Thanks so much to Dawn Whyte for getting this set up!!  You are awesome!!  It'll be so exciting to see Effcansah shirts out there on the course :-) ... Smiling and sweaty hugs will definitely be given :-).  I have attached a picture of the mock up of the shirts too.  

And, below is a link to the website :-)

http://shop.effcansah.com/Team-IronMichele-Ironman.htm

I hope you all have a fantastic evening, and an awesome upcoming week!  And remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!! Until next Sunday, when I will be able to embrace all of work that has been done and start to enjoy the taper!!!