Another Week Down ...

Short and sweet tonight. 

A decent training week is over. My biggest obstacle this week was getting the swims in while we were home.  It's a challenge when it is raining and thundering and lightning out and the pool that I have the easiest access too (the pool at the club) is closed for repairs.  I did manage to get my first OWS of the season in while we were up at the cabin. That was really nice to do, especially since it's right out the back door :-). 

With all of the rain, a lot of time was spent on the spin bike/trainer this week.  I know, it could rain on race day.  Yes, that is true, but I don't want to risk not making it to the start line healthy.  I have seen it happen way too many times. Let's face it, I'm not winning :-) .... But, I will WIN when I cross the finish line, racing for all of those cancer survivors out there and racing for those that are no longer with us. That is winning to me :-). 

Almost home from a fantastic (my Dad's favorite word) weekend up north with our dear friends, the Wiltse's.  Good times with good people. 

The big adventure - Ted thought it would be a great idea to chase a 500lb black bear, chase some deer and a family of ducks. I am attaching a picture of the bear heading out of our driveway. :-). 

Tonight, getting my bike ready to ride 70ish miles tomorrow at the pre-buttcrack ... Hoping for the wind to be at our backs the whole ride :-). 

Enjoy this beautiful evening and remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!! Until next Sunday  

Successful Week and Recovery Week ...

This week, I had to get back to training, as the clock keeps ticking and getting closer to the big day. Racine is 4 weeks out and Wisconsin is 11 weeks away.  Monday started out with a great conversational ride with my friend Synthia. The pace was really manageable, ad great to have her riding with me.  Tuesday, a short run with some of the running buds.  Wednesday - hill repeats. Good times there ;-). Thursday, a pre-buttcrack swim, then a bike with the hubcap that night. Friday, a 4 hour bike ride on the spin bike (yes, I did just type spin bike) and it went really well AND I had some more great company to boot :-). Saturday - an 1:45 minute run on the track ... 80 laps on that bad boy. The weather was nasty and with me starting to feel healthy/well. I didn't want to risk getting it again. Frankly, I haven't felt "normal" in 5 years, and don't really know what "normal" feels like anymore.  Maybe someday :-). 

Saturday night, one of my oldest friends, Barbie, came into town and we went to the neighbors for a beverage, sushi for dinner, Taasbag to meet friends and ran into other friends too, then went to a different neighbors to round it out. A fanTAStic night overall.  I was SO GLAD that today was a rest day. I actually "slept in", which really means that I got up at 7am :-). 

We did head to Madison this afternoon and celebrated my parent's 50th wedding anniversary. Pretty amazing if you ask me!!!  Not sure how much Dad understood but he did tear up during my toast, so I think some of it sunk in. 

The upcoming week is a recovery week and I am so excited about it ...this old bod is tired. Again, focussing on the work that lies ahead but also the rest.  We head up to the cabin this week to does some quality time together with some of our really good friends, the Wiltse's. should be big fun!!  I am looking forward to seeing them, laughing a lot, some good relaxation and training to balance it out :-). 

As far as my bronchitis and pneumonia recovery goes, I am almost there, but my asthma is kicking my a$$.  I do have an appointment with an asthma specialist in July to, hopefully, get me figured out. 

I personally, can't wait until my head can hit the pillow tonight ... I've got a swim and 3 hour ride tomorrow morning, which I, unfortunately, think will be on a spin bike. What can you do. Nothing but get the work done. 

So, hear is to a great evening, sweet dreams and an awesome week ahead!!!  And remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!! Until next Sunday  

Sick AGAIN, Immune System, Chemo Brain, Dreams and Training ...

Well, guess who has bronchitis AND pneumonia AGAIN?  Yep, you guessed it ... Me. When I met with the doctor on Tuesday, she had no clue as to how I was functioning ... Well, I wasn't functioning very well.  After a long appointment, we have hopefully made the correct plan to get me and to keep me healthy from here on out.  Rest for the remainder of the week was at the top of that plan, so the weekend at the cabin was the perfect thing for that :-). So relaxing and peaceful and a great time with some amazing friends.  I am attaching a photo from our sunset cruise on the pontoon last night. Just incredible. 

You will all be happy to know that I was a good girl and did not swim, bike or run  ... It was very tempting, but I know rest is what I need.  This is my worry with full on rest.  As time keeps ticking away quickly and without me doing anything, I question how am I going to get adequate training in to do as well as I would like to on race day.  I just have to keep the faith that it'll happen and I will get there and be stronger than ever. 

It is frustrating having a compromised immune system. I figured it would be back to normal by now, but it is what it is and I have to listen to my body and all will fall into place.  One of the other side effects that I continue to live with since my cancer treatment is Chemo Brain.  It is also extremely frustrating.  I just wish my brain would return to normal. If you would like to know more about it ... Well, here you go. Wikipedia actually has a whole article about it. Here you go if you'd like an extra read tonight :-). 

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-chemotherapy_cognitive_impairment

When talking with others that have had a similar experience, It's good to know that I'm not alone, but frankly, I wish it would improve or that aspect of my life would get better. It makes several things that used to be a piece of cake for me, now challenging and if things get too stressful or overwhelming ... Guess who shuts down...this Betty.  With this challenge, it is another reason why I need to make sure that I get adequate rest, keep life as simple as possible, focus on the things that are important to me and my family and let the rest go. 

All of the above leads me into my next topic ... Dreams. Since my diagnosis, I have been doing some public motivational speaking, writing quite a bit and have been told that I "inspire" many. Well, one of my hopes and dreams has been to make a career out of my mission since I have been diagnosed. www.beyondtheboobs.com domain name has been purchased and I'm wanting to get started working on the website to promote my mission which is Beyond the Boobs, Beyond Cancer, Building Dreams.  So many women receive a cancer diagnosis and feel like this is the end or once they have had surgery and or chemotherapy/radiation, their dreams and goals have to be taken down a BIG notch. One of the messages that like to reinforce is that it's so important to follow your dreams, aim high, and reach for that success!  I still remember when my Oncologist, who I love, told me that I wouldn't be able to teach group fitness while going through treatment, I wouldn't be able to participate in races (running or triathlon).  

Well, just a tip, it's not in our best interests to tell this chica that she CAN'T do SOMETHING or many things  :-). He was pleased when I proved him wrong :-). So, I have quite a bit of work ahead of me to make all if this happen and I know it won't be an easy or quick process, but it is something that I defitnely want to be a reality.  Any assistance would be greatly appreciated :-)

With all of that out on the table, I am going to take a nap, hope for a restful nights sleep and a strong and healthy body in the morning so I can get back to work. Five weeks until Racine 70.3 and 12 weeks until Ironman Wisconsin!!  

Enjoy your evening and Happy Father's  Day to all of those amazing Dad's out there including my father and my husband Brendon.  And remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!! Until next Sunday!!

Cha, Cha, Cha Changes ...

Well, big decisions have been made.  I have I have decided to finish out the rest of my Ironman training on my own. It was a really difficult decision to make, but I have made it and am moving forward, because forward is the only way to go right?  I have truly appreciated the incredible foundation Blake has given me and hoping this will carry me through to my goal on race day. He hasn't seen the last of me though. I will be attending his 3 day camp at the beginning of August, which will be an awesome training weekend with him and some pretty amazing peeps from Team BBMC.  I am really looking forward to it to gain more knowledge and good strategy just a little over a month out from race day. 

This weeks training has gone pretty well. I have made all of my training sessions, except for one swim.  I did complete my 2:45 bike at the gym on the spin bike (I know, yowza) at the hotel in Chicago ... I was pleased with myself for keeping it interesting, challenging myself and getting it done. I was quite the topic of conversation with the staff.  As you all know, I am so reserved ;-). I had fun talking with some of the members, guests and staff.  I do have to say that they were extremely accommodating and kind and it was a really nice facility.  The extra bonus about this ride was that it helped fuel my love of the bike, which I am really happy about. I am looking forward to be putting a lot more miles in, ithe next few months.  Now, if I could only look as cool as Kermit the Frog when he rides his bike (check out the attached picture) we'd be all set ;-). 

The big buzzkill of the week is that I managed to get sick :-(. Something is going around in the "J" and I, of course, am lucky enough to catch all of it ... not.  Me and my craptastic immune system catches everything. Hoping that whatever I have, exits my body soon, as I currently feel like complete poop. As all things, this too will pass ... Hoping sooner than later, but one thing is for sure, I need to make sure that I get adequate sleep and rest. Without it, my body screams back at me ................... And holy crap, I think I just broke a rib with this latest coughing attack :-(.  Thinking there will be a visit to the doc this week. 

This morning, the last of my Tri 101 athletes completed the Capitol View Sprint Triathlon!!  A proud mama moment for sure!  They all worked so hard at accomplishing their goal!!!  It always warms my heart and reminds me that I am so fortunate to be able to do what I LOVE to do. 

Pretty soon, this chica is off to sleepy land in hopes of getting some great rest.   Enjoy the rest of your Sunday and remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!! Until next Sunday!!

Another Week Down ... With A Little Freak Out In the Middle

Another week in the life of training for an Ironman has quickly passed. The week ended on a high note, so that was good.  I was able to get my long bike ride in this afternoon.  I need to put more focus on the bike as that is my weakest of the three disciplines ... It is the one that takes the most time, but I have to start making it a priority. I have one more month of flexibility, then my work schedule at the club will be changing, so I will have to stay on track with my rides ... Taking one week at a time and working everything in when I can.  I have found that if I look too far ahead, the load gets overwhelming.  One week at a time is the best plan for me at this point.  

Mid week, I did have a freak out moment, asking myself ... What was I thinking, signing up for Ironman?!?!  I am so happy that I have some pretty incredible family and friends that support me, and reassure me that I can do it and that I have done it before ... besides words of encouragement, many gave suggestions of watching Ironman Wisconsin videos.  That always gets the mojo and the positive thoughts flowing (and tears flowing too as I am an emotional person).  On Saturday, I also saw my friend Dawn, and picked up my kit that I will be wearing for Racine and Wisconsin.  LOVE IT and am so excited to be supporting Effcansah!!  I am attaching a picture :D. (Oh, and if you are coming into the blog late, Effcansah means just that F-cancer). We are working on shirts for Ironman that will be available to purchase at www.effcansah.com. All proceeds go to our Oncologists breast cancer research at UW Hospital. I will let you know when they are available, but checkout the website to learn more about Effcansah. 

So, to make a long story short, my training mojo is back and I am ready to take on the last 14 weeks of training!!!  Diet is in check ... Logging the food again (have had about 5 lbs creep back on), getting my key training sessions in each week, focussing on getting solid rest and recovery and just doing my absolute best! 

Also, today, was the kickoff to the tri season with the Lake Mills Triathlon. Such a great day, but wicked cold and windy. I have to give props to my friend and Tri 101 peep Becky, who was able to complete her first sprint triathlon this morning!  There were to have been over 12 waves for the swim.  Becky was in wave 4 ... Well, due to the water conditions , the race organizers stopped letting the athletes participate in the swim after her wave went off and made the event a bike/run. Happy for her, sad for the other athletes, but it was really the safest choice for everyone. It was a fun morning and I was able to see a ton of friends, both old and new :-). They are a big part as to why I love this sport!!! And I was able to volunteer with one of my dearest friends to boot!!  

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend filled with time spent with the ones you love!  We were able to spend time with a lot of those people last night at a going away party for some wonderful friends of ours who are moving to Ohio. Sad they will be leaving, but happy we were able to take part in the celebration. 

Have a great night and remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!! Until next Sunday!!!

The Cabin and Training ...

Well, this was the first summer weekend at the cabin.  It was incredible!  I am always able to find peace when I am up in the Northwoods ... However, coming back home to reality is always a challenge.  The good thing about the cabin, is that it will always be waiting for us and we will be up there most weekends this summer to enjoy it.  It's a great place to take a step back and really appreciate everything that I am blessed with in my life.  It also gives me clarity about what is important, what I value, and who I want in my life.  I have found, that when we get sucked into the hustle and bustle of life, we sometimes forget what is important, what is good and what we need to appreciate from this gift of life that we have been given.  The cabin is always the perfect place to bring me back to where I need to be.  

One of the so many great examples I could give as to why I love it up here so much ... Last night we had a bonfire with 14 people (adults and children).  We all hung out by the fire,  talking, telling stories, laughing, listening to music and  spending time together. No electronics to distract anyone, just the best company.  

We are blessed with wonderful neighbors and friends that live on our lake and friends that live close by who are genuinely good people. There is no ulterior motive as to why they want to know you, they don't care what you do for a living, how much money you make or don't make or what you are training for (if anything). They are kind and giving people and really fun to be around. How can it get any better than that?  I don't think it can. 

The training aspect and the time spent at the cabin may prove to be a bit of a challenge over the next months.  It's so relaxing up here ... That it, at times, creates a bit of a mojo killer.  I can't let that happen.  With summer approaching and training amping up, my training schedule and work schedule will be changing a bit, so  I know, that I will need to be extremely organized when it comes to family time and training.  Family comes first, training second ... But if I would like to do well (for me) on Ironman race day, I need to make sure that training is still a definite priority. 

I am extremely fortunate to have friends who are also awesome training partners that are willing to ride, run and swim at the a$$crack of dawn with me.  We help each other, push each other, keeping each other company and solving some of the worlds problems too ;-).  My goal and focus this summer will be to get my training in during the week so I can relax most of the weekend. When we are up north, I will take advantage of the open water swims that are just a few short steps from the house (see the attached picture of the view of the lake from the pier), and I'll make a point to get out on the  beautiful northwoods streets to run. The scenery is just breathtaking. 

There are only 14 weeks and 6 days left until race day ... Thanks again for coming along on this ride with me. It truly means a lot.  I do hope you have all had a wonderful long weekend with family and friends ... And remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!! Until next Sunday!!!

Training and Sparky's Birthday ...

Short and sweet today ....

It was a LONG  training week for me this past week ... I got my first 50 mile bike ride in. I can't remember when I parked my a$$ on the bike for that many miles.  It felt good to get back outside and be friends with my bike again.  I definitely have work to do, but, all will be good.  There are still 16 weeks until the big day, so plenty of time.  This morning was my long run.  That went really well.  Laura a/k/a Lolo and Sherri joined me, which was awesome.  We did an out and back on the trail, as Lolo had to get home by a certain time, but I was ecstatic that she could join us for a little bit. When she left, Sherri said, "I can keep running" ... Well, she ran the whole 10 miles with me!!!   I have to say, the fact that she did an impromptu 10 miler, makes her a definite rockstar in my eyes :-)!!  So, thanks Sherri for sticking it out and keeping me company.  We didn't solve all of the world's problems, but we made a dent ;-). 

The run on Wednesday, also went well.  They are always fun for me (and yes, I know I have a weird sense of what I think is fun) as they are always interesting.  The plan has me doing either some type of speed work or hill repeats. This week, Deb was kind enough to join in on the Wednesday challenge :-).  The rest of the training for the week, well, I will put it this way ... It got done.  I haven't been sleeping very well, so I was happy to accomplish what I accomplished.  Let's keep our fingers crossed that the sleep fairies will be on my side for the next several nights!  

Today, we celebrate my daughter Parker a/k/a Sparky's 11th birthday!  I love this girl and am so proud to be able to call myself her mom. She is becoming such an amazing, strong, kind, caring and confident young woman.  I am attaching a picture of my peanut :-), so Happy Birthday Sparkster!  Looking forward to the cake tonight!!  

I do hope you are all enjoying this amazing weather and appreciate what a gift it is to wake up every morning and do what we can do to make this life the best we possibly can :-). Enjoy the week everyone and remember ... Life is good. Enjoy it, love it and be kind to one another!!! Until next Sunday!!!