Happy Holidays!

Last year I started pretty much every holiday out with my B Cubed Fitness people. I loved it and it was becoming an awesome tradition. Well all the holidays this year seemed to fall on Sat OR I picked up morning hours, making boot camp not an option. I was sad because I don't think I missed out on any before. I couldn't go on Christmas Eve because we had a TNT training.

We met at Fletcher Cove in Solana Beach. It was a coastal ride along the 101 PCH 20 miles with an optional 13 extra hilly miles. Riding on the Pacific Coast Highway is a lot of traffic lights and vehicle traffic. Not to mention surfers, pedestrians, other cyclists....pretty much everything I have been afraid of riding on the streets. The idea that you may have to stop quickly because the light changes, or a person walks in front of you or a car pulls out...EEK!! Not to mention we are riding in a group and have to watch out for each other. I was so surprised that I felt pretty at ease going along the highway. We had to stop at lights, stop signs, watch for hazards. It was a beautiful day and the ride was along the coast! The first turn around was at 10 miles. I really wanted to get home to see my kids before going to work later so I headed back. Some people kept going on up to 33 miles. Just like always I felt pretty accomplished just getting outside my comfort zone and getting the ride done.

Fast forward a week and things were a little different...I still missed another B Cubed event New Years Eve last chance workout. BUT we rode from fletcher cove again. This time I committed in my mind that I would go all the way out and back the 33 miles this time. I also had my friend Deana there volunteering to do the sag wagon. She was there rocking her alumni jacket. Everyone seemed to notice and ask what team she was on. She did Rock n Roll full marathon TWICE with TNT. It was so fun having her little kiddos there cheering me on and high fiving me! Once past the 10 mile turnout the route got very hilly, so far we don't do nice easy hills, they are tough! I was so tired, it was hot and a few time was ready to just turn around and say I had gone far enough. Good thing I can be prideful and willfull cause that overrides the complainer inside me. The last hill before the turn around just about took me down. In my head I was like where the bleep (yup I curse in my mind) is Poinsettia!!!!!!!!!!! Thank God it was right there when I was at that point. The ride back was almost fun...yes I almost had fun.

It helped that Coach Gurujan and Coach Tony caught up and were able to give me some tips along the ride. Knowledge helps me with my confident.I even stood up on my bike while I was coasting!!! I really had to push the last half of the ride as I was tired and I had to make it all those miles back. It helped having Tony lead the way because he was very good at communicating and looking out for everything.

The last two rides I have felt more and more confident and sure of myself. I feel like my bike & I are definitely getting to know each other and forming a bond that is going to get us through this race & now that I have gone further I am confident I can actually ride the 24 miles I have to for the race!!!

Scripps Poway Parkway

There were a lot of memerable things about this ride. I grew up in Scripps Ranch not anywhere near the area we rode because when I grew up there none of this area was developed! We met at a school in Scripps which again since I left the area more elementary and middle school popped up! The cool thing about this ride was my cousin volunteered to do sag wagon for the team! She didn't know what she was getting herself into which makes her a good sport and great supporter. First of all she has to sacrifice her Sat morning (which probably included an early Fri night). Come out in the cold morning to meet us and then drive around all morning following crazy TNT peeps! While coach was going over our ride he said something so interesting to me because it happened JUST like he said. He said as you are going along Scripps Poway Parkway there will be a moment when up ahead of you coming into view will be a long windy road going up the mountain, and you will think it is a fire road or private road. No people THAT is Scripps Poway Parkway and that is the road you will eventually make your way to the top of!! He said there will be a moment when you are climbing that hill, when you will want to give up, where it will be hard and in that moment you will think of our honored teammates the ones that can't do what we are doing, the ones who can't do it because they are no longer with us. You will gain strength from them. & remember people chemo sucks worse then this. (I am paraphrasing but this is the gist). Everything he said is exactly what happened!!!! It was a tough uphill over a MOUNTAIN! How lucky was I that I had my cousin, best friend & #1 supporter out there on the road! They cruised by screaming and honking for me! After the initial fright wore off I laughed and smiled! I can not describe to anyone how big this hill was or just how hard the ride was. The cool thing is she experienced it with me! She even said, I know you tell me about the stuff you are doing but to see it is totally different. She said she was so proud of me :D The uphill was tough but even worse was I had to go back down that giant hill!!! I was so scared (just like Torrey Pines) the week prior. I wanted to ask her to put my bike in her car and just drive me back. I mean wasn't it enough that I made it over the hill. One of the mentors offered to ride back with me slow, even though she normally bombs the hills fast. I was glad she helped but felt bad holding her back. Either way going it alone was not an option. I once again used the brakes on the upper part of my handle bar. For some reason it just makes it more controlled. This time I really didn't brake the whole time screeching down the hill. I feathered them just a bit and let myself go a little faster then I was comfortable with. I was so glad when we got down the giant mountain. I actually had a nice chat with the mentor and once again arrived safely back at my car. It's like a huge release every time I get back to home base!
Later that afternoon I had the blessing of volunteering at the LLS Children's Holiday Party. Santa comes to give gifts to the children patients and all the kids in their families. It was so touching and also heartbreaking to see these children some still fighting cancer. I can't even imagine how awesome it must be for one day to come and get love on and spoiled. There was a craft room set up and bear adoption. Family portraits were donated and pictures with Santa. I was honored to be a part of such a wonderful event. I definitely imagine I will be doing more of this in the future.

Hills, hilly, hills

I won't go into detail about how the training meetings go in the morning...it's the same each week. I will tell you about my rides.
The first few bike work outs really just eased us into riding in a group, communicating, learning our bikes, etc.
On recommitment day everything got serious! Recommitment is when a few weeks in we have to decide if we are IN or OUT. If we are IN we had to show up with a signed contract basically saying we are good for the money if we don't reach our fundraising minimum by the deadline. (I am not worried about this...I think). We also had to decide if we want our other half of our hotel room for a guest and if this guest wants to attend the celebratory meals included in my travel. I filled out all the paperwork and turned it in PRIOR to doing the workout. Smart move TNT cause I may have refused to sign it AFTER doing Torrey Pines hill repeats!
The work out consisted of us cycling over to the top of Torrey Pines hill. We had to ride down "the old road" a windy, curvy, steep hill, with lots of walkers and vehicles going up it. Sort of a nature trail that is paved and open to traffic. I was literally pertrified with fear, my heart was pounding and I couldn't even think straight! Going down hill is so scary for me. The sensation of not being able to stop and the fear of falling over or crashing has gripped me. I went down with my mentor by my side, literally squeezing both brakes front and rear to the point of severe pain in my hand. I just couldn't let any speed happen, I wanted to be in complete control of my bike! Once we got safely to the bottom I had to take a moment to compose myself and shake out the hand cramps! The we started UP the hill!!! It was NOT easy!!! It was a slow steady pedal. Thank God for my granny gear (third front gear) it allows for some ease getting up hill. BUT you still have to keep pedaling and pedaling and pushing yourself. You definitely can not take a break and rest going up hill on bike, getting started going up hill would be SO HARD!
Once I got to the top I felt so triumphant! I had done something that scared the poop outta me (gone down the hill) & accomplished a challenging ride to the top! I was done and ready to call it a day. As I approched the area when coach was and stopped, he yelled DON'T STOP THERE! AHHHHH down I went, I lost my balance and fell right in the driveway. He didn't want me stopping in the driveway for that reason....luckily no cuts or bruises on that one.
So as I was ready to pedal back to my car and call it a day, he sent everyone back down. My mentor said lets go, I said no way...I wasn't given a choice :( I headed back down the dreaded hill. This time I tried to manuvere my hand so the dead grip was not as painful to no avail. She said to me, I have literally never seen anyone go down hill so slow before. YUP that is me the frightened triathlete. The uphill didn't worry me, I am never afraid of hard work. Once at the bottom it took me less time to compose myself (that is an improvment right). Back up we went. This time it was getting hotter and harder cause I was getting tired! Again finally reaching the top of the hill I was sure that I could bow out and head home because going down a third time made me wanna cry! BUT again NO CHOICE. This time Coach Sam (who is a former or coach of some other TNT group) decided he was going to help me get down the hill. OK Buddy good luck with that!!!! This time I actually used the second set of brakes on my bike that are on the upper handle bars. Most bikes don't have these and I have been told to remove them and get aero bars at some point. Using these made me feel so much more in control. I used a little less of my brakes and allowed the bike to get speed, I felt more in control of the bike so I felt better letting go a little. Sam talked me through the whole time and was very encouraging.
Then he rode with me to the top until almost all the way, then my chain seemed clackity clacking so I stopped. One of the mentors stopped and helped me realize I just haven't switched the gear all the way. I needed a little push to get going and then I finished my third trip up the hill! A few people went for a 4th run but I was more then happy to call it a successful day and head back to my car!!

Las Vegas 1/2 marathon

Due to limited money & time (off work) I find I can't do all the races I would like to. Which would actually be ALL OF THEM! The Vegas 1/2 was one I couldn't get outta my head that I wanted to do. It seemed so fun! To run the strip at night!
After not being able to let the idea go I explored some options. First, time off work-yup available. Second- my friend that lives there-yup place to stay. Third-race entry-yup got it. And my friend was willing to watch my kids race day!
So the plan was laid, I would drive out with the kids Friday, do the tourist thing, race Sunday & head home Monday or even Tues. Once my plans were set, even more exciting details happened-my cousin from Colorado was going to do the race too! This is Patty the same cousin I met earlier this year & did the triathlon with. I was so happy to see her again & her and husband Kelly could meet my kids!
As the race got closer EVERYTHING CHANGED! My kids were reluctant to go, so they were staying home. Instead of driving I was flying!
I will spare all the Vegas vacation details (you know what happens in Vegas...stays there) & focus on race stuff!
I was so thrilled to go to the race expo without kids! I couldn't wait to take my time & look at everything! In the past with kids in tow, the expo was an in & out as fast as possible event. We got to the expo & quickly got our race bibs & shirts. The expo was packed! It was set up very strange. There was 2 sections the first section if you make a purchase you had to check out at one main register area before entering the other section where purchases were made at each vendors booth. I originally grabbed water bottles for my fuel belt AND compression socks. By the time I reached check out I had talked myself out of the $50 compression socks! In the other section I made some small purchases. The expo was so crowded and our group dwindled quickly, the boys headed out & eventually everyone was over it...except me! But I went along & left expo prematurely this time too..
It is so different doing a race at night! Usually you get up early & by mid morning your done! My family was stayin in a hotel near the race start/finish so the plan was for me to head over there & hang with them pre-race & stay over after the race. I packed my little over night bag & got dropped off around noon. Good thing I did because as roads were closed getting to strip was impossible! My cousin planned to wait until the last moments to go over, as we knew it would be freezing! We ended up going over sooner as we heard that the crowd was insane! My friend John actually came & met us & said even walkin down the street is not an option there was so many people! So we went through the casinos/hotels to get there! We used the ports potties & it was time to get in line! We didn't get a chance to meet our speedy friends in corral 4 so we said a quick prayer on our own before we jumped in line to wait to get in our corral 22. This is when the chaos began! The race organizers gave up counting down each wave start. It kinda ended up you just made a running start at the start line. There was a fun band at the start line! I ja abandoned my outer layer as I knew I would quickly not need it...but while waiting I got cold! An angel happened to drop a sweatshirt in my size on the ground...so yes I did pick it up & throw it on! Within my first mile I ditched the angelic covering but it served its purpose well. Also with in the first mile it was impossible to stick with my cousin. We had both agreed it was not essential to run together & starting together was nice. But with the crowds & both our desires to run our own race we split promptly.
I LOVED running the strip at night! I had myself so psyched out of the cold temps! I was freaked out for nothing! I had layered well & I get so hot anyway I was stripping layers with in a few miles! I had my little race belt to store my iPhone, & goodies for fuel & stuffed my headband & sleeves in it. It ended up looking like a fanny pack!
The race was tough to maneuver like an I sticks course! People dropped their clothing all over the road, there were walkers everywhere, the marathon lane had orange cones that appeared outta nowhere is seemed! I had fun with it & just kept bobbing & weaving around. I tried to take in all the sights & enjoy the race I waited so long for! It helped that I wasn't freezing like I feared! It was totally a flat course & super easy route. The water stations were a cluster & kinda lame so I barely got fluid :( I felt pretty good the whole time & took my fuel at the right time I felt. My biggest frustration was with my runkeeper! I was trying to keep my pace plan the TNT coach made me but the gps kept pausing & givin me wrong times! The hotels seemed to block the signal & mess it up. My finish time & averages were correct when I finished but while running I couldn't keep accurate pace with the numbers they were giving me :(
All in all I had a great race! My best official half marathon race time (although when I did the full marathon my half time was better) I loves racing with my cousin again & spending time with family/friends.
After the race was TOUGH! It was so crowded!!! They had plastic foil beets for us to wrap around us. Getting out of the race finish was insane! I did start to feel weird cause I needed to keep moving but was trapped in the sea of people. We grabbed some electrolyte drink which helped but it was so cold & claustrophobic! We got out in the open area I had no cell service & couldn't meet up with my friend! I got in the hotel & it was wall to wall people trying to get through! It took me over an hour to walk to the lobby & meet up wih my friend. Sadly by the time we got back to the room, showered & changes there was no place open for our victory dinner! Pizza hut was the dinner of champions haha!
Overall I am so glad I went & did this race/mini vacation & hope I get to head back next year!

30 mile weekend

I did not get any pictures from my weekend. Although the bike pictures would look identical from last week. Our bike workout was in the same place this week. The difference was we were going on our first ride. I was not going to be able to skip outta this one! Every training starts with the team manager going over fundraising & business stuff. Then the mission moment was by a guy who had been through cancer with both his former wife & father. Before the ride we did a tire changing clinic. Coach had us remove our tires for practice as fast as we would. Once we got our tire off we had to hold it up in the air. Getting the tire off is not that hard. It's getting it back on that can be tricky! Especially the back tire because you have to get the chain on right. What important is remembering all the little details, opening the brake, unscrewing the lever (but not too much!), & reversing the steps right. Then spin the tire to make sure it doesn't rub & check the brakes!!
Once we finished that we all took a restroom break & got ready to ride.
They had "the slow" people start in the front & fast people or more experienced I suppose in the back. There were mentors going back & forth the group & leading the front & back.
I started out in the slow group but somehow slowly fell to the back of pack. Don't get me wrong I'm not competing at all with these people! I have never cared about being the caboose ;) I didn't pay attention or hear (if it was said) that this was a 20 mile ride! It was NOT easy either. I was still petrified to be on my bike AND we were riding on the street for a section to get to the bike path. Starting & stopping multiple times AND the eminent risk of falling infront of a moving vehicle keep my heart pounding out of my chest!
When we go on the bike path we went on a trail through a canyon first. The calm rational person with in me will tell you it was beautiful & probably an awesome place to run it walk. The scaredy cat in me will tell you it was terrifying will all the turns and ups & downs! We had to exit the trail back on the street to get to the portion of the path that runs along the 56 freeway (hence this ride called 56 bike path). It was LONG! & there was some serious hills I MEAN SERIOUS HILLS! After the biggest hill we had a pit stop where coach was collecting clothing we needed to shed (the sun was up & hot) he had water & food if anyone needed it. I asked if we could turn around here, I was seriously worried about making it all the way back! He said it was just a short way further to Black Mountain Road which would be 10 miles. I set off that way only to find the hill unjust went over was nothing compared to getting to Black mountain road!!!!! The good thing about this ride is I learned very quick that I have an awesome bike! On the up hills my bike has an extra gear I can drop into that makes it near effortless to climb. That paired with my clip pedals/shoes that I complain about being able to push AND pull the pedals around make hills my (trying to find a word for b*#~h)
The top of black mountain I was breathing so hard & exhausted! Everyone (all 4 people that were slow like me) took off back down the hill fast. Something I learned this ride also was I DO NOT LIKE TO GO FAST! I was holding on for dear life & braking down the massive hills on the way back! At times I tried to take in the scenery & enjoy the ride but mostly I gripped the handle bar & prayed I didn't wobble & crash to the ground so the asphalt could rip my skin off my body like I'm sure it wants to!
Yes I'm being dramatic but no I'm not exaggerating!!! This is really what it is like for me! Why I love doing something I am not good at & enjoy in rare moments is beyond me except that I know I will get it eventually. Some day I will be a triathlete (for reals). Once I got back to the street/trail portion I was relieved knowing I was very close to my car! Unfortunately I missed the exit from the trail & hit a dead end, had to back track then because there wasn't a mentor in sight couldn't figure out how I get back to the path to the cars with out going on the insanely busy streets! I rode on the sidewalk which is a huge no-no but I was too scared to even attempt maneuvering on the busy street! It took so standing around on street corners to finally make my way back & then I made the last turn & FINISHED!!!!
The thing with bike rides on Saturdays now is I don't have that time for my weekly long run. My hope is that early Sunday will work for the long runs. It was hard to imagine I could do a long run the day after my bike ride BUT I still made the plan to do it. I really think the fact that my bike is so awesome I actually felt pretty good post ride. I am not sure this will be same situation in weeks to come but we shall see. So this week I really needed a long run because next weekend is my next race! I made plans to meet a fellow triathlete I met at my last race for a 10 mile run at lake miramar. It is 5 miles around the lake so we would do 2 laps. My new running buddy is faster then me so I was worried about keeping up. Everything came together on this rub & I felt great (well I whined a lot) & kept up with George. I enjoy this run I grew up in this neighborhood. My family spent so much time here. It was also where I ran the morning of my brother's birthday 7 miles. It was good to be with someone who kept me going & encouraged me. AND at te end of the run I had my fastest 10 mile time yet!

Pancake Breakfast

My first official fundraiser was a pancake breakfast held in my apartment complex rec room. I wrote the local grocery stores & gathered gift cards. I planned to charge $5 a plate for pancakes, syrup, sausage, eggs, coffee & juice. I wanted biscuits & gravy too but everyone axed that plan.
Desirae made the most awesome flyers I invited tons of Facebook friends. I planned everything, shopped for the event & then nerves hit!
Thank goodness for Rebecca & George! They were there to help the night before & the whole event. I also had helpers Marianne & Pauline come the morning to help me. I had no idea there would be a need for me I spend the whole event talking to guests. It turned out I was able to share with everyone about my race & mission. Which I want everyone to know about Noel, my race & my fight against cancer!
The event was a huge success! It was pretty much flawless!
I'm so thankful for everyone who came & helped & supported me!

First Saturday Bike ride

Nervous does not even begin to tell you how I felt about getting on my bike with the team! The thing I am learning with all these sports is you have to DO them to improve and being scared to DO them doesnt help. I literally asked myself Friday night why do you love to do something you are not good at? I know the answer to that is...I am not good at it YET but I love the challenge of stepping outside my comfort zone, overcoming obsticles (percieved or real) and getting better at something that really doesn't come natural for me.

In complete contrast my favorite hobby is fishing. I have always been good at it...or least I only remember being good at it...I don't ever rememver it not being totally natural or completely loving it.

I do know that in both, no in all areas of my life I try to keep my mind open and willing and ready to learn something new.

So I get to the Saturday morning training and get my gear all set up. I needed help filling my bike with air. There is mentors and experienced team members walking around looking to help. My mentor had let me know that things get moving slowly on Saturday mornings.

First the do announcements, and pass out fundraising awards. Then there is a Mission Moment when someone shares their reason their life was touched by Leukemia or Lymphoma. Then coach gets up and teaches us. I have to say that this program is amazing. It is true that they could easily take anyone and get them ready to race.

They ease you into the training at what ever level you are at.

Today we went over rules, safety and basics about bike riding. Then we went off in groups with a mentor in the front and back of each group. We rode down one end of the street then turned around making a big loop. My heart was pounding in my chest!! The nervous part for me is starting and stopping, getting clipped in and out of the bike. Also being on the street is scary with the stop lights, cars, even riding in a single line with other people. We worked on communication with each other. Yelled out "hole" "crack" "stopping" "rolling" "slowing" so everyone knew what everyone else was doing. The second loop we worked on passing, when it was my turn I probably looked like I was a pro but on the inside I was so freaked out. It is all new territory for me and to be doing something totally new while traveling on a street at some speed with the risk of falling and seriously feeling pain...it causes anxiety for me.

The last loop coach had us go faster! I enjoyed the whole process, expecially not falling (once I almost did but a table saved me! Julie our manager came over and said don't worry I still fall all the time, everyone does). Then coach said we should go out on the bike path and take a little ride out and back. I raised my hand and said "I am scared". Look I was being honest. What I had already overcame in that training was good for me. It was way more then I thought I could do and I couldn't take my heart pounding out of my chest any more. Coach said that was fine and 2 girls I was riding with said they were going to only ride a short way and come back, so I went with them. There was no stops or cars on the little path. At the end is where the team went on to their bike ride and I still opted to head back.

I talked with Julie and Coach for a bit and they were very encouraging. I can't wait to go back and do more I just wanted to respect my limits and I felt great about what I had done. Coach is seriously awesome! I can understand why everyone wanted on the team for his last season.

Well I am off to my first fundraiser...expect pictures and another post to come!