1. Modern Family
I think this show is hysterical. Wednesday night, ABC. LOL stuff. Check it out.
2. Got the green light from my orthopod to get on with life as usual. (Recent broken elbow)
Thank God! These people should prescribe a little Paxil to folks like myself. It should go like this....."Hi Michelle. This is what your xray looks like. Now here's a month's worth of Paxil. See you in a week."
3. New Bon Jovi CD!!!! Comes out 11/10/09.
"We Weren't Born to Follow" was the first single released. Sounds like perfect training music to me. Has the typical Bon Jovi sound.
4. Swam for the first time in 2 months yesterday.
The elbow hurt but felt better the longer I kept moving. I will be able to swim again!! Obviously, no need for Dara Torres to shiver and quake. But, I'll be capable for IM Lake Placid. Load off my mind.
5. Booked my hotel for the Bon Jovi concert in St. Paul, MN 4/7/09.
Yah, I am retarded, I know. You snooze, you lose! Ever hear that one? But it has to be the hotel right across the road from the venue. It's hard to walk very far when you're all drunk and stupid. Obviously, I've done this before!
6. My daughter is a supersta!
I am so in awe of her sometimes. A boy asked her to the middle school dance last Friday. She said "no". But that's not what I think is so cool. Instead of just saying no and slinking away to try to avoid the situation, she said "I'm sorry, I don't like you that way." Holy balls! When I was 12, 1) nobody would have asked me to a dance and 2) I wouldn't have been able to form a complete sentence much less explain why I didn't want to go with them.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Title Change
Moving on with that New Year's Eve theme and resolution idea.....it's time for a blog title change.
Can I Kona?
That is cute. It rolls off the tongue well. And it truly summed up me at the time. It was a question and it put my goal out there front and center. It came across as nonthreatening and something that a 'nice' girl might say.
Well, I'm sick of asking questions! Isn't it time for some action? Tentativeness and wimpiness, pack you bags!
Pee on the Bike
Yes, I literally mean 'pee on the bike'. But, it's more than that. Get on your deep thinking hat now! To me it's more about moving forward with something full-speed ahead. No stopping. No looking around and thinking about it. Do it. Time's wasting away. If something is that important, pleasantries (ie. port-a-potty) are out of the equation.
Of course, all of this is stemming from my IM Louisville race this year. I stopped to pee in T2 in a port-a-potty. Turns out I missed a Kona slot by 1:03. I am well aware that my finish time was a compilation of a whole day of racing and does not come down to that time spent SITTING around. But it does tell me that if I want this silly Kona slot, I've got to pull out all the stops. I've got to really want it.
I do know this, it will be really hard for me to actually pee on the bike. But, I will never, ever stop to pee in an Ironman again. I've got to stop asking myself "Can I.....?"
Can I Kona?
That is cute. It rolls off the tongue well. And it truly summed up me at the time. It was a question and it put my goal out there front and center. It came across as nonthreatening and something that a 'nice' girl might say.
Well, I'm sick of asking questions! Isn't it time for some action? Tentativeness and wimpiness, pack you bags!
Pee on the Bike
Yes, I literally mean 'pee on the bike'. But, it's more than that. Get on your deep thinking hat now! To me it's more about moving forward with something full-speed ahead. No stopping. No looking around and thinking about it. Do it. Time's wasting away. If something is that important, pleasantries (ie. port-a-potty) are out of the equation.
Of course, all of this is stemming from my IM Louisville race this year. I stopped to pee in T2 in a port-a-potty. Turns out I missed a Kona slot by 1:03. I am well aware that my finish time was a compilation of a whole day of racing and does not come down to that time spent SITTING around. But it does tell me that if I want this silly Kona slot, I've got to pull out all the stops. I've got to really want it.
I do know this, it will be really hard for me to actually pee on the bike. But, I will never, ever stop to pee in an Ironman again. I've got to stop asking myself "Can I.....?"
Friday, October 16, 2009
Happy New Year
I'm a little bit on the slow side here. But, I have a few things to say about the IM World Championships. Not so much about the victors. We all know h0w that turned out. I mean the race itself. For a few years now, I've had a certain feeling about Kona and never been able to put my finger on it. It had to do with how it inspired me and made me feel like anything was possible.
It finally dawned on me! Kona to tri-geeks is like New Years Eve to the world at large.
The race finally comes. Let the party begin.
Everyone is happy and the mood is light.
One chapter is ending and another will soon start.
Those sitting at home, with snow, in northcentral Wisconsin, who may have missed a qualifying slot by, oh, I don't know 1:03, find it's still a happy event. And yes, one chapter is ending with another soon to start.
Then the next day rolls around.
All that inspiration and awe has congealed into resolutions and goals.
Just like New Years Day.
Those sitting at home, with snow, in northcentral Wisconsin, who may have missed a qualifying slot by, oh, I don't know 1:03, find themselves playing over in their mind how the new season is going roll out (notice, I did not say, roll down).
I'm really fired up for the 2010 season. And yes, I'm still recovering from my stupid arm incident. And yes, it's officially the off-season. But now's the time. Now's when the planning and dreaming begins. My goal is still the same.....get my ass to Kona! I came close but when has close ever counted for much.
Now's the time. I've proven to myself that I am capable. I've just got to get a little more fire in my belly, a little less fear in my head, and push things to the next level no matter how hard it may be.
What's the game plan?
Ironman Lake Placid 7/25/2010
Via Community Fund Slot yesterday. Wow! I'm a lot poorer today than I was a few days ago. But, like I told my coach, a crazy person' got to do what a crazy person's got to do.
Let the games begin (at least in my head, for a little while)!
It finally dawned on me! Kona to tri-geeks is like New Years Eve to the world at large.
The race finally comes. Let the party begin.
Everyone is happy and the mood is light.
One chapter is ending and another will soon start.
Those sitting at home, with snow, in northcentral Wisconsin, who may have missed a qualifying slot by, oh, I don't know 1:03, find it's still a happy event. And yes, one chapter is ending with another soon to start.
Then the next day rolls around.
All that inspiration and awe has congealed into resolutions and goals.
Just like New Years Day.
Those sitting at home, with snow, in northcentral Wisconsin, who may have missed a qualifying slot by, oh, I don't know 1:03, find themselves playing over in their mind how the new season is going roll out (notice, I did not say, roll down).
I'm really fired up for the 2010 season. And yes, I'm still recovering from my stupid arm incident. And yes, it's officially the off-season. But now's the time. Now's when the planning and dreaming begins. My goal is still the same.....get my ass to Kona! I came close but when has close ever counted for much.
Now's the time. I've proven to myself that I am capable. I've just got to get a little more fire in my belly, a little less fear in my head, and push things to the next level no matter how hard it may be.
What's the game plan?
Ironman Lake Placid 7/25/2010
Via Community Fund Slot yesterday. Wow! I'm a lot poorer today than I was a few days ago. But, like I told my coach, a crazy person' got to do what a crazy person's got to do.
Let the games begin (at least in my head, for a little while)!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Whatever
"I'm 40, I'm 40, I'm 40 today!"
For those of you with kids, do you remember the jingle played on Sesame Street that those words could fit into? However, the tune typically uses a number something like 5. "I'm 5, I'm 5, I'm 5 today!" Sung all happily and jubilantly.
Well, I AM 40 TODAY! I'm gonna sing that tune all day and, damn it, I'm going to sing it happily too. Whether I like it or not!
Hillary Duff turned 22 a few days ago. Why does this stick with me? Because my kids noticed are giving me the business saying "she won't be old for another 18 years".
Whatever.
This past weekend my mother, who is 60 by the way, asked about my stupid elbow. She then reminded me that people heal slower when they're 40.
Whatever.
I see my sister hung the M-dot is 40 banner on my garage door for the viewing pleasure of the metropolis of Medford.
Whatever.
Can you tell I'm trying to take the attitude of indifference.
It's 6:30 am and the sun is just rising and I WILL get through this day unscathed!!
For those of you with kids, do you remember the jingle played on Sesame Street that those words could fit into? However, the tune typically uses a number something like 5. "I'm 5, I'm 5, I'm 5 today!" Sung all happily and jubilantly.
Well, I AM 40 TODAY! I'm gonna sing that tune all day and, damn it, I'm going to sing it happily too. Whether I like it or not!
Hillary Duff turned 22 a few days ago. Why does this stick with me? Because my kids noticed are giving me the business saying "she won't be old for another 18 years".
Whatever.
This past weekend my mother, who is 60 by the way, asked about my stupid elbow. She then reminded me that people heal slower when they're 40.
Whatever.
I see my sister hung the M-dot is 40 banner on my garage door for the viewing pleasure of the metropolis of Medford.
Whatever.
Can you tell I'm trying to take the attitude of indifference.
It's 6:30 am and the sun is just rising and I WILL get through this day unscathed!!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Snap Out Of It
Self-examination......
I hate that crap! If I have a problem, I try to will it away and when that doesn't work I try to sweat it away. That's probably why I love endurance sports. It's hours and hours on end of me and the road. Nothing else. When there's physical hurting, it's hard to dwell on anything else. And when the pain of the workout is over, the sensation of accomplishment and exhaustion makes everything else seem a little clearer and less daunting.
Since I broke my elbow, that's all gone. And I'm not tolerating this well at all! The day I fell was 12 days after IM Louisville. Before the 'incident' that day, I went for my first run post-IM. It was awesome and it felt so effortless. Then I went and messed myself up and I feel like I've been a whining baby every since.
What do I do with myself? What do I do with this pent-up energy?
I just came back from my second orthopod appointment; 12 days post fracture (not that I'm counting!). No surgery required. 1 mm of displacement to the radial head and will heal best nonoperatively. The biggest fear I have is incurring long-term decreased range of motion. And I'm a complete moron because all I can think of is how this will affect my training and racing. Then again, it probably won't be too big of an issue on the bike and run. Certainly, could be a problem in the swim. But, I pretty much suck there already so get a grip, Michelle, right?
The pain is not such a big issue anymore. Preventing the bone from shifting is important right now. So, I apparently need to take it easy. I ran on the treadmill yesterday and was told I shouldn't do that. I'm not supposed to lift anything with my left arm. I suppose pulling the pork roast in and out of the oven Sunday wasn't such a good idea. I've got the green light to ride my bike on the trainer and even if I hadn't I probably would have started doing it.
So, I sit and think.... Why do I do triathlon? Is it to escape other things? Is it to prove something to myself or worse yet to prove something to others? I mean, really, strip back the junk and what's really going on? Or maybe, just maybe, I'm a person who enjoys movement and challenge. Could it be that simple? I only hope so. Stop the thinking! Make it go away!
I hate that crap! If I have a problem, I try to will it away and when that doesn't work I try to sweat it away. That's probably why I love endurance sports. It's hours and hours on end of me and the road. Nothing else. When there's physical hurting, it's hard to dwell on anything else. And when the pain of the workout is over, the sensation of accomplishment and exhaustion makes everything else seem a little clearer and less daunting.
Since I broke my elbow, that's all gone. And I'm not tolerating this well at all! The day I fell was 12 days after IM Louisville. Before the 'incident' that day, I went for my first run post-IM. It was awesome and it felt so effortless. Then I went and messed myself up and I feel like I've been a whining baby every since.
What do I do with myself? What do I do with this pent-up energy?
I just came back from my second orthopod appointment; 12 days post fracture (not that I'm counting!). No surgery required. 1 mm of displacement to the radial head and will heal best nonoperatively. The biggest fear I have is incurring long-term decreased range of motion. And I'm a complete moron because all I can think of is how this will affect my training and racing. Then again, it probably won't be too big of an issue on the bike and run. Certainly, could be a problem in the swim. But, I pretty much suck there already so get a grip, Michelle, right?
The pain is not such a big issue anymore. Preventing the bone from shifting is important right now. So, I apparently need to take it easy. I ran on the treadmill yesterday and was told I shouldn't do that. I'm not supposed to lift anything with my left arm. I suppose pulling the pork roast in and out of the oven Sunday wasn't such a good idea. I've got the green light to ride my bike on the trainer and even if I hadn't I probably would have started doing it.
So, I sit and think.... Why do I do triathlon? Is it to escape other things? Is it to prove something to myself or worse yet to prove something to others? I mean, really, strip back the junk and what's really going on? Or maybe, just maybe, I'm a person who enjoys movement and challenge. Could it be that simple? I only hope so. Stop the thinking! Make it go away!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Less-Than-One-Week-Old
This fall I was supposed to be spending a lot of time on this....
Isn't it beautiful? It's my less-than-one-week-old Specialized cyclocross bike. I was planning on trying out a new style of racing.
Instead I will be spending a lot more time on this.....
Why? Because I did this.....
I fell off my less-than-one-week-old Specialized cyclocross bike practicing dismounts. I straight-armed the landing causing a fractured radial head (broken elbow).
Now I feel like this....
Embarrassed, frustrated, PO'd, and typing with 2 fingers (which really sucks!).
Isn't it beautiful? It's my less-than-one-week-old Specialized cyclocross bike. I was planning on trying out a new style of racing.
Instead I will be spending a lot more time on this.....
Why? Because I did this.....
I fell off my less-than-one-week-old Specialized cyclocross bike practicing dismounts. I straight-armed the landing causing a fractured radial head (broken elbow).
Now I feel like this....
Embarrassed, frustrated, PO'd, and typing with 2 fingers (which really sucks!).
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
The End
Where a person gets the energy to push to the finish looking strong and happy, is beyond me. I think it's a disservice to the spectator! You've been out there feeling like death warmed over for the past hour, now all of a sudden you look like the race just started! It looks too easy! I know what it is, it's the happiness of knowing that it's finally over. That's what spurs us on to the end.
Anyway, I finished and got wrapped up safely in the arms of the nice volunteer with the space blanket. Never say you don't want the space blanket. I did that my first IM thinking I felt good and was hot. Big mistake as a few minutes after I was let out of the corral, I was shaking like a leaf. The next thing I was waiting for was the vomiting. A lot of what I know is purely based on experience and that's been my experience after my first 2 IM's. Vomiting ensued about15 minutes after I stopped moving. But this year I missed out. I've thought about why I got so lucky. I have no answer. The nutrition on the run was basically the same. My physical movement after the race stopped was the same. Nothing was notably different. Maybe my gut has memory and figures it's just not worth the effort.
I was then cut loose to my family who greeted me with open arms and huge smiles. They basically took care of me like a baby for the rest of the night. The 4 block walk to the hotel probably took 30 minutes. Obviously, I was in no hurry. I then showered, ate, and went to bed. Unfortunately, sleep was sporadic since I was still keyed up from the race and my legs ached. By 0430 I was up plunking away on the hotel computer checking place standings and times.
I knew my odds of getting a Kona slot were slim being in 5th place. But it was exciting to think about. I knew I had put in a solid race. I knew I had raced strategically. Of course, the 'what if's' were at the forefront of my mind. What if I could just swim? What if I had pushed harder over the last hour on the bike? What if I hadn't peed in T2? But, I tried and still try to push these thoughts away. It's not worth the mental gymnastics. I can't fix things. But, I can learn from these things. And I tell you one thing, I will never pee in T2 again! The last slot rolled down to 4th place. I was something like 1:03 or 1:04 behind 4th. Oh, the agony of defeat!
The one consolation prize was that I made the podium! How cool was that!? I have watched the awards ceremony for a few years now and often wondered what those people were like who could be standing up there. They were fast and I was amazed by them. So, there I was, standing up there in front of all those people, hearing Mike Riley say my name. And truth be told, I don't feel fast and I know I'm not amazing. How funny one's viewpoint is when the perspective is changed! I think, like a true racer, I now am focused on how fast the 1st place gal is and imagine what I've got to do to be in her place!
I know one of the first things I did in the 24 hours that followed the race was call my Coach. Naturally, we talked about the race. But after that, I know I told him, "We've got to get me under 11:00 next year. That's the only way I'm going to be competitive." And I truly believe that. But what I don't believe is that I actually uttered those words! A few years ago if anyone was predicting the future and told me that I would have a 5th place age group finish or run an 11:13 at an Ironman, I would have told them they had just smoke too much wacky tobaccy! No, I didn't accomplish my goal of qualifying for Kona. But, I'm knocking on the door and that feels pretty good too!
Anyway, I finished and got wrapped up safely in the arms of the nice volunteer with the space blanket. Never say you don't want the space blanket. I did that my first IM thinking I felt good and was hot. Big mistake as a few minutes after I was let out of the corral, I was shaking like a leaf. The next thing I was waiting for was the vomiting. A lot of what I know is purely based on experience and that's been my experience after my first 2 IM's. Vomiting ensued about15 minutes after I stopped moving. But this year I missed out. I've thought about why I got so lucky. I have no answer. The nutrition on the run was basically the same. My physical movement after the race stopped was the same. Nothing was notably different. Maybe my gut has memory and figures it's just not worth the effort.
I was then cut loose to my family who greeted me with open arms and huge smiles. They basically took care of me like a baby for the rest of the night. The 4 block walk to the hotel probably took 30 minutes. Obviously, I was in no hurry. I then showered, ate, and went to bed. Unfortunately, sleep was sporadic since I was still keyed up from the race and my legs ached. By 0430 I was up plunking away on the hotel computer checking place standings and times.
I knew my odds of getting a Kona slot were slim being in 5th place. But it was exciting to think about. I knew I had put in a solid race. I knew I had raced strategically. Of course, the 'what if's' were at the forefront of my mind. What if I could just swim? What if I had pushed harder over the last hour on the bike? What if I hadn't peed in T2? But, I tried and still try to push these thoughts away. It's not worth the mental gymnastics. I can't fix things. But, I can learn from these things. And I tell you one thing, I will never pee in T2 again! The last slot rolled down to 4th place. I was something like 1:03 or 1:04 behind 4th. Oh, the agony of defeat!
The one consolation prize was that I made the podium! How cool was that!? I have watched the awards ceremony for a few years now and often wondered what those people were like who could be standing up there. They were fast and I was amazed by them. So, there I was, standing up there in front of all those people, hearing Mike Riley say my name. And truth be told, I don't feel fast and I know I'm not amazing. How funny one's viewpoint is when the perspective is changed! I think, like a true racer, I now am focused on how fast the 1st place gal is and imagine what I've got to do to be in her place!
I know one of the first things I did in the 24 hours that followed the race was call my Coach. Naturally, we talked about the race. But after that, I know I told him, "We've got to get me under 11:00 next year. That's the only way I'm going to be competitive." And I truly believe that. But what I don't believe is that I actually uttered those words! A few years ago if anyone was predicting the future and told me that I would have a 5th place age group finish or run an 11:13 at an Ironman, I would have told them they had just smoke too much wacky tobaccy! No, I didn't accomplish my goal of qualifying for Kona. But, I'm knocking on the door and that feels pretty good too!
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