On Friday, I went out for a long 72 minute run. When I started, it was pitch dark and by the time I finished my run, the sun was rising.
The Golden Gate Bridge at 6:15am ish.
View of Alcatraz:
View from Fort Mason:
On Saturday, I attended a swim clinic led by Chris Hauth and some of his AIMP (Advanced Ironman Program) staff. Don't mis-understand! I am not by any means advanced haha but am motivated to improve and what I took away from the clinic was definitely helpful! We were there from 10am to about 3:30pm which made for a very long but fun day! The most entertaining thing that took place at the clinic was when Chris was trying to demonstrate the "inefficient" or wrong way of swimming such as elbow placements, stroke placement, etc. He tried to do it incorrectly, yet even trying, it was still somewhat correct. I guess you can't expect a former Olympic swimmer to swim incorrectly- it's just not possible- even when he is purposely trying!
Sunday was a good day on the bike! I reunited with Mary Ashby, who I met on the TNT Summer 06 Triathlon team, for a bike ride. We rode Alpine Dam from Mike's Bikes in Sausalito. I had forgotten how long those climbs were! I kept asking myself..when is this going to end?!?! It was quite cold once we got up and over the hills into the dam..like Mary said..I guess they don't call it "Alpine" for nothing! 39 miles later..we were back at Mike's Bikes ready for a hot chocolate!
I have some great news to share about a very special person who has provided me with more inspiration than he will ever know! He is a TNT honoree that goes by the name of Todd Elliot. I met Todd during the Spring season of 07. Todd was diagnosed with CML (Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia) in January of 06. After four months of treatment, he joined the TNT cycle team, trained for and finished the Honolulu Century! Todd went on to train for and finish the Wildflower Long Course this past Spring! During the Summer 07 season, I had been trying to convince Todd to join Ironteam with me! I thought, if I can convince more people to join, I will more likely join too! One day at Kezar track, he told me that he wouldn't be able to do 08 but maybe 09. Ironteam 08 was not going to be possible for him because his body was starting to become immune to Gleevec (the "miracle" drug for CML which 1/3 of the funding came from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) and that he may need a bone marrow transplant early next year. He wanted to spend the rest of this year camping, hiking, going wine tasting and do all these things to get mentally prepared. I had a mix of emotions while listening to Todd as we're running on the track. Todd reminded me of how fortunate I am to be healthy and able. That track workout with Todd inspired me to register and commit to being on Ironteam for the 2008 season. I was inspired to give more of myself to make a bigger difference!
Todd during the run leg of the Wildflower Long Course- May 07
Last week, I received fantastic news from Todd (posted with Todd's permission):
Hey IronGirls (myself, Heidi and Deb)!
I just got some updates from you all, so I thought I'd give my own shoutout and give you an update on what's been happening to me.
To begin with, I've been a lazy bastard. While you guys are busting your butts with mini-tri's in freezing temperatures, I'm going wine tasting,camping, hiking, wine tasting and generally being a lazy butt.
The tail end of my year has really been defined by my preparations (mostly mental) for my upcoming transplant. Originally anticipated for the Fall, it got pushed back a little while we waited to see how I would respond to the medication they switched me to back in June. It's aweird thing to prepare for such a huge event like that. Preparing to take a year off work, researching and setting my expectations for the invasiveness of a bone marrow transplant, working with my friends and family to prepare for my own care.
But last week I got some good news. My medication finally kicked into gear! We finally started seeing a really significant response to the medication, and now because of that my transplant has been put on hold indefinitely. It's suddenly as if a curtain has been lifted to remove the darkness and shadows that veiled the weeks and months beyond Jan 1.
Yay!
To celebrate the good news, I'm getting back into gear to start ramping up my training for my second Wildflower 1/2. If all goes well, my original plan to do a full Ironman in '09 may be back in full swing!
So that's my good news. I just wanted to let you all know that you inspire me greatly and I wish the timing had worked out a little better so I could be out there training my ass of with all of you. I'm super proud of each of you and am rooting you all the way.
Best,
-todd
Todd and I at track:
-todd
Todd and I at track:
Todd's email made my day! It's great news and I couldn't be happier for Todd and for those who care about him. It's a nice reminder to myself and everyone that is involved with Team In Training that everyday spent training is making a difference..with the help and support of all of you!
Workout Summary-
Swim- 4 hours and 15 minutes
Bike- 3 hour and 7 minutes
Run- 1 hour and 12 minutes
Core/Strength/Stretch- 2 hours and 0 minutes
Total- 10 hours and 34 minutes
Swim- 4 hours and 15 minutes
Bike- 3 hour and 7 minutes
Run- 1 hour and 12 minutes
Core/Strength/Stretch- 2 hours and 0 minutes
Total- 10 hours and 34 minutes
1 comment:
GO TEAM! Good luck with training.
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