The #IronFitFro is BACK

2016 has been more of a trying year than an interesting year for me. I have a lot of stuff (some positive, some negative) going on in my life but I am now getting ready to turn the page and I am ready for 2017 to get here IMMEDIATELY!

So what has been happening with me? Well, let's start with racing. Most of you know that I do not race that much due to the fact that I work 7 days a week (If you have forgotten, I am a Pilates Trainer/Group Exercise Instructor/Marathon Coach/Triathlon Coach/Cycling Coach/Swim Coach). However, I was able to get some in:

• Indy Mini Marathon in May: So, I registered for this and was training until I took a really bad fall down a flight of stairs at the North/Clybourn Red Line Station. I ended up with a SEVERE ankle sprain and couldn't run for 6 weeks. Hell, even work was hard as hell but I survived. I ended up doing this race with no real expectations. It was also the first race in damn near 20 years that I wore headphones (a very ratchet playlist for me) because I needed to focus on me. I finished in under 3 hours which I ran non-stop for 10.5 miles. Not bad for not running for 6 weeks. It is always better to run with friends and teammates.
  

   
• Esprit de She Women's Tri in June: I have a confession to make: I do not train for sprints. I was there mainly in the capacity of a coach and cheerleader who happened to race. Why did I do this race? The folks at LifeTime Athletic Events (a lot of my friends) put on a very good race experience for the novice to the seasoned athlete. That is why. 
  
  
  
  
  
• Chicago Half Marathon in September: Oh, since this was the 20th anniversary of this race and I haven't done it in 18 years, why not! I had fun! Way too much fun helping my athletes, friends and random strangers. I even CHICKED my client-that's another story in itself. Tutus fluffed, afro looking fierce, red lipstick popping and fully coordinated. Oh, did I mention that my friends at LifeTime Athletic Events put on another high caliber event? The only bad part about this: I had to go to work after this. Note to self: NEVER, EVER AGREE TO TRAIN CLIENTS AFTER RUNNING A HALF MARATHON OR LONGER! #butthatmedaltho
  
  
  
  
• AIDS Run/Walk: Well, I actually led the work out wearing a poncho and bright red lipstick in a downpour. It takes a special type of person to get people out in the grass and mud in the pouring rain to do a warm up. I think I did my job. I was suppose to run the 10k but I said, "Nah, I'm good." I ran the distance the next day.
  
• The Chicago Marathon in October: So, I actually don't finish this race. Now that may change next year. The reason that I do not finish this race typically because it is not my race. This race is for my athletes that I coached all Summer long. I normally start at mile 7.5 and go to mile 14, running back and forth making sure that my athletes are good, if they need anything (gels, vaseline, salt, bandaids, saline nose wipes-trust me on this, sunscreen, cheering). But then, I get off the course, jump on the Green Line to get to the Red Line to get off at Chinatown. This is where I jump back on the course until mile 25. And in typical fashion, jumping back and forth where everyone needs that last motivation. I will do what ever it takes to get you to mile 25. Hell, you can crawl 26.2 miles. At the end of the day, I had ran 31.26 miles of the Chicago Marathon Course but in pieces.
  

Now, what's next? I am waiting for 2017 because here is what it looks like now.

• Saturday, January 28: F^3 Lake Half Marathon (yeah, I know. It is in the dead of Winter in Chicago)
• Sunday, February 5: Rock n' Roll New Orleans Marathon (my epic return to the standalone marathon distance)
• Wild Card: If I do not get into the lottery for the New York City Half Marathon on March 19th, then I will more than likely sign up for the Puerto Rico Half Marathon on March 12th
• Sunday, April 2: South Beach Triathlon Olympic Distance put on by my friends at LifeTime Athletic events (it's South Beach, why the hell not?)
• Sunday, May 21: Chattanooga 70.3 (because Sally and Yvette are doing it)
• Some time in early June TBD: Esprit de She because again, my friends at LifeTime Athletic Events are the organizers
• Sunday, September 24: The Chicago Half Marathon...just cause.
• Sunday, October 8th: The 40th anniversary of the Chicago Marathon
• Brace yourselves: Sunday, November 19th...IRONMAN ARIZONA. We have some unfinished business.

Oh, and did I mention that I am proud to represent Team HERevolution my races next year? Yeah baby!!! And of course Fitletic for my hydration belt needs!!!!

I think that's it for now. Come on 2017!

DNF vs DNT vs DNS

It's been a while since I have written a post (long story) but I am BACK!

You may have noticed the title of this post. If you are not an athlete, let me explain what all of these letters mean:

• DNF: did not finish
• DNT: did not try
• DNS: did not start

Why this title and this topic? Let's start with the first one, the infamous DNF (did not finish). This post stems from NOLA 70.3 that happened this past Sunday. The DNF rate for this race was over 40%. The majority of the DNF's were from the swim. There are many reasons that a DNF may occur (choppy water, sea creatures-Godzilla, mechanical failures beyond your control, injury within the race, etc.), but whatever that reason is, please do not, and I must say this again, DO NOT make the person feel bad. I have had a lot of DNF's and in my head, I run through every possible scenario on what I could have done differently, basically all of the "what ifs". The thing about a DNF is you can either learn from it and apply those lessons to the next race or you can let it cripple you.

The DNT: Did not try. I think the description says it all. Why race if you are not going to at least give half a F&CK???? Maybe your friends bullied, I mean peer pressured you into race that you know in your heart of hearts that you are no where near ready for. Sometimes you just have to tell them no. No is a wonderful and powerful word. That is all I am going to say on this.

The dreaded DNS: Did not start. Now, there are plenty of reasons for not starting a race, especially if you are not able to get a refund or transfer it to a friend. Injuries are the number 1 reason why someone doesn't start a race. That person actually was smart and probably knew that if I race, I may make the injury worse. Sometimes travel is a cause. If you are going to a race in another state or even another country, travel delays can happen. You can only wish for the best possible outcome. And then, there is forgetting about a race all together. Say what??? Yes, you read that right! I know of a few friends who completely forgot that they were racing. This is what happens when you sign up for a race a year in advance.

So, what would I rather have? I would rather have a DNF vs a DNT vs s DNS. What say you?

Heaven and Hell - Or better yet, the Great, The Better, The Good and the Downright Painfully UGLY

So, I have been back from Cozumel for about a week now. I've had a lot to think about and ponder. I personally would prefer to be back on the beach.

This picture was the day after in Cancun. Yeah, I wore a bikini. Get over it.
My race didn't go as expected but I had some major positives (the Great), some things that just went right (the better), going with the flow on some things (the good) and the point in the race where I went into a VERY DARK PLACE (the Downright, painfully UGLY). I do not EVER want to go back there, well until the next race.

It was truly Heaven and Hell at the same time. How is that possible? Well, it is. Let me give you all that happened leading up to the race, the race itself and some reflections afterwards.

Thanksgiving morning:
I was out the door at 3:30am to catch the Red Line to the Blue Line to get to O'Hare. Let me tell you, the Red Line is a HOT ASS MESS that early in the morning. If you live in Chicago, you know this to be the God's honest truth. I had a backpack and my suitcase. That was it. I was just so happy running away from below 60 degree, rainy, gloomy weather. I get to the airport and the security line was RIDICULOUS. What the hell?? Ok, I can deal with this. Note to self: Apply for Global Entry before next adventure (Canada). I notice that my flight is on time and I am a happy camper. I boarded my flight (thank you aisle seat), fastened my seatbelt and as soon as we started taxing down the runway, I was knocked out. I normally wake up during cruising altitude. I watched 2 television shows and was just waiting to land.

The minute we landed, the sunglasses went on, the pullover came off (I had on a tank top) and off to Customs. No problem there and now it was time to find the shuttle to get to the ferry. After working my way to Playa del Carmen, I just had to wait for the ferry. Damn, it was hot! No complaints from this gal. I noticed that there were a lot of other athletes boarding the ferry to Cozumel also. How would I know? Well, the various Ironman backpacks, M-dot tattoos and bike cases. Now the water was a little rough so it was interesting seeing the bikes getting loaded on the ferry. The ferry ride was a roller coaster ride on steroids. I do not get seasick, but I had to close my eyes just to get through that ride. As usual, I made friends. I met 2 hot triathletes from Costa Rica and we spoke about the race. I also met a triathlete from Texas by the name of Alex. We waited literally 30 minutes for a taxi, but hey, I had to work on my tan. :) We ended up sharing a taxi ride. Luckily, I do speak Spanish so that helped us both a lot. He came with his bike. Luckily he was going in the same direction as I was to get to the BTA (Black Triathletes Association) Compound.

I was dropped off at the Condo Complex and was shown my new home for the next few days. How did I manage to beat everyone to the house, I have no idea. Think "The Real World", but a little classier. I had to wait for my namesake to come, so I actually had the WHOLE PLACE to myself. I decided to chill because of course, I was tired. Finally, Kendrick shows up after the debacle called "Peanut Butter Gate". You need to ask him about that in his chronicles. Now, this was the first time that we had actually met face to face. Some folks assumed we were married since we have the same last name. Just roll with the punches. It was starting to get late and we were hungry. Kendrick thought it would be great for us to get a scooter to ride around the island. My thought, "Okaaaayyy." We got a scooter delivered to us and we were off. Don't worry, he was driving. We checked out the Mega Mart grocery store which is a Super Target, Super Walmart, Auto Zone and Best Buy all in one on crack. If it wasn't there, it didn't exist. Still hungry, we went to Hooters to eat. Yep! Classy! We ended up meeting with Marq, another BTA member and fellow Midwesterner.

Friday:
Well, we had to make it downtown to get groceries, check in, attend the course talk and I needed to be reunited with Beeker. So, of course, I see the Ironman sign and I had to take a picture with the M-Dot.

Now, I was not impressed with the expo. I only had to purchase 2 CO2 cartridges and of course my prerequisite visor, names shirt and water bottle. Well, the names shirt was the only thing that I did not purchase because there is no way in hell that I am squeezing in an XS or S t-shirt. Those shirts tend to run VERY small. At the expo, I finally met Tom, another BTA team member. So we putz around and decide to go down the street to the course talk. Course talk was interesting. This was not going to be a mass swim start, but a rolling start as you would in a road race. More on that later. Since this was a 2 transition race (swim to bike in 1 location, bike to run in another location), it gets tricky. Especially since we were going to be bussed to the swim start. The questions of the day, will there be a special needs table for glasses, inhalers, etc. I was told "No". You know what that means? Glasses in my sports bra for the swim. Don't worry, I'm a professional. After the talk, I met with some more BTA team members. The rest we would meet at dinner.

I left and I had to be reunited with Beeker. I went to TriBike Transport to have my pedals put back on my bike. I would pick up my bike on Saturday. Please use them whenever you race! Jared and his team were AMAZING!

Well, Kendrick and I made it back to the house and had some time to rest before we had dinner. Dinner time rolled around and it was time to head back downtown to Senor Frogs for dinner with the BTA crew. This was a total black out! We roll deep.

Now the rest of the night, what happens in Cozumel, stays in Cozumel.

Saturday (the night before IM Cozumel):
Today's agenda was the following:

• Breakfast
• Practice Swim
• Breakfast again
• Pick up bike
• Drop off run bag
• Ride bike to transition 1 to drop off bike and bike bag
• eat again
• get off my feet
• talk to my coach
• wait for the Beez to land (my partner in crime/friend/Sherpa, Sally Stresnak-she's kind of a big deal)

The practice swim-what can I say? It was everything that they said it was and then some. Since the water was so warm, a wetsuit was not necessary. I wore my Roka swim skin over my swimsuit. I jumped in the water and was amazed at how buoyant I was as well as how clear the the water was.. I was seriously in seventh heaven! It was like "Finding Nemo" and I was Dory. I just love to swim. While waiting for everyone else to finish, I struck up a conversation with a woman from Sweden. It was her first Ironman and her first open water swim EVER. She thought that I was Dominican instead of American because she heard me speak Spanish and just assumed I was. I wished her luck and waited to get back to the house to have breakfast number 2: WAFFLES!!!!!!!! After breakfast, I had to rush downtown to pick up my bike, drop off my run gear bag and then ride to Chakanaab Park to drop off my bike and bike gear bag.

Now, let's talk about riding your bike in traffic in Mexico in the middle of the day. That was some of the scariest stuff ever but I survived. Beeker was working well and I felt good about him doing some work.

While waiting for Kendrick to bring me my bike number (don't ask), I made more friends. 3 guys from Mexico, a couple of Germans, a whole hell of a lot of Texans to name a few. I finally meet up with Kendrick and I was able to find my rack for my bike. Had to take a picture:

I had to continue the tradition. Anyhoo, as always, I want to walk through swim out, to the showers, to the bags, to the bike, to the bike out. I do this at least 4 times. Now, why in the Hell was the women's change tent literally over the border and through the woods??? Then the path from the change tent to my bike was very rocky so I was not going to run it, but walk it instead.
I finally got back to the house and had a video chat with my coach, It went very well and I felt good. I watched another episode of "Jessica Jones" on Netflix and made some dinner. You know, pasta and chicken and then it was time for lights out.

Sunday: Time to go to work
I woke up at 3am and went downstairs to make breakfast, listen to music, stretch and chill. I saw a message that Sally was in the clubhouse so I had to get her. Retrieved Sally and all was good. She took a brief nap while I got ready. Everyone else started to wake up also. We had ordered a taxi to take us to Chakanaab Park. From there, I placed my frozen bottles on my bike of eFuel and my eGels from Crank Sports, I placed my sunglasses in my cycling shoes and dropped off my special needs bag for the bike and run. My bike bag had a bag of Swedish fish, cough drops and sunscreen packets. My run bag had a bag of Sour Patch Kids and cough drops. Once everything was done, it was time to get on the bus to get to the swim start. I got to meet my newest friend, Kendra from Boston and we chit chatted the whole time. I was not nervous at all.

It was so beautiful out, a little warm but that was ok. The first thing I did was head to the porta potty line. As in every race, there is NEVER enough. I went to the shortest line. It was a line of men. Once I was done, I walked over to the busses to drop off my morning clothes bag and found my crew. Of course, we had to take a picture.

Isn't this a great looking group! Once this picture was taken, it was just about time to line up. I lined up with the 1:20-1:30 swim pace. I was not nervous. Let me repeat that, I WAS NOT NERVOUS! While in line, I was speaking with Kim, he is the 2nd guy from the right. Real cool dude! He gave me some pointers on the bike. On the windy section of the bike, don't get my heart rate up. Just know that if you are suffering, everyone else is suffering as well.

Now we were suppose to be in the water in less than 6 minutes. Ummm, 30 minutes later and we are still waiting. I didn't know at the time, but the dock that we were walking down was bowing in due to the weight of the athletes and some folks were either slipping and sliding on the carpeting (indoor/outdoor carpeting anyone?) or cutting their feet and/or hands on the coral. Sooo, they were letting us in 4 at a time. Can we go back to the mass swim start? Anyway, my friend Sally videotaped me starting the swim. Damn! I looked good. Can I just say that this was the BEST open water swim EVER!!! I saw pretty fisheys and coral reefs and oh, there's a buoy! Oh crap, I forgot to start my watch! Oh well. Around half way, I really started to get very warm. That sun is blaring down. Yay for the swim skin. I finally see the final turn buoy and it is a straight shot! Now getting up those damn stairs was a BIATCH! No one was assisting us. My arms were tired but I mustered up the strength and cheered my heart out because I knew I had a DAMN GOOD SWIM.

Swim: 1:43:09ish

Got through the fresh water showers to rinse off the salt, hugged my friend Marq and proceeded to yell for my bike bag in Spanish and made my way to the change tent. Threw on my tri top, compression sleeves, more sunscreen, socks, shoes, sunglasses and helmet and made my way to the bike. 112 miles next on the docket.

The Bike:
I mounted my bike and took off. I knew that the bike would be windy, but F%$k!!!!!!! Yep, windy as all HELL!!! But, I didn't push my heart rate. I stayed between 135-140 bpm. The first 10 miles or so, ok, I got this. And then, BAM!!!!!! I got slapped and disrespected by the wind for a good 12+miles. Oh my GOD!!!!! Keep it steady. I started singing in my head the ENTIRE "Around the World in a Day" album by Prince & the Revolution. I knew I had to this twice more. Going back to make the second loop, I helped a fellow biker. He was on his third flat and had no tube. I gave him mine. I believe in spreading good Karma. He was so thankful. He passed me on the second loop and thanked me immensely. Now due to the wind, I stayed in my aero bars as much as possible. What pissed me off about the bike was there was a SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT of drafting and blocking. I followed the rules. I head towards that half way point to my special needs bag. I was happy for 2 new bottles, a bag of Swedish Fish candy and MORE Sunscreen. Now time for the last loop. Time wise, I'm hustling . I get down in aero and start singing in my head, "8 mile" by Eminem. I start to slowly pass people. Keep moving. More people passed. Keep moving. Did I pass 3 more guys????? Hell, yeah. Get me off this damn bike! Mile 105...7 more to go. I have nothing to lose so I decide to leave it all out on that course. Now here is the problem that I have, I have no depth perception so I kind of went in  little hot. Ooops! But, I did not fall when I dismounted and I had a smile! A smile y'all!

I got off that damn bike and told them they could throw it away! Due to pushing it like a crazy woman, I hobbled on the way to T2. I threw on my running shoes, picked out me hair and walked to the run. The first 2 miles was BRUTAL!!!!!!!!! "Hate it or Love it" was playing in my head so I started to run/walk. I saw some of my fellow BTA members going into their 2nd loop and some more friends that I made on the run. The turnaround! YES!!!!! Hallefreakinglujah.!!!!!! 2.5 loops to go. I make the first loop and I'm on the 2nd. I am hurting! My body is cussing me out in 3 different languages but I keep going. I can do this. I drink some water, I'm dizzy. It's not a migraine thank God. I keep going. Can I tell you how much I DESPISE PEPSI!!!!!!!!! 1.5 laps to go. This sucks! I'm going into that dark place in my head. You don't want to go there. this is where it becomes sheer will at this moment. I'm heading into the final loop and Sally meets me on the other side. She is trying to gauge how I'm doing. I told her not good but I am not going to quit. She reads me some well wishes from friends back home to keep me inspired. I walk, I run, I jog, I cry a little, I walk some more. I eat some pretzels, I drink some water. Sally gets off the course so I wouldn't get disqualified. I keep pushing. I meet some more folks and we are pushing each other. I make the final turn. 4.4 miles to go. I am told that I have 50 minutes to go. I can do this, but at mile 23.5 my chip was taken away. I keep going. I'm calm and I keep going. I meet up with Matt Miller from Base and he was tasked with finding me. He walks with me and keeps me going.  The girls are cheering me on and Matt accompanies me to the finish line which is all but dismantled. 140.6 miles and a big, sexy DNF!!!!!! But I don't care. I'm a little depressed but I just want to get in my flip flops, go back to the house, eat my damn ice cream and take a shower.

Looking  back:
I am actually proud of what I did and accomplished again. I became comfortable on my bike in aero even though it is not a proper fit. I had a wonderful swim. I finished the bike. I made it through this race with only a blister and no chafing! I had fun for the first time. I took time to enjoy myself! I spoke a gangload of Spanish! I did something for ME!!!!!It is no secret, but I am back working out: swimming, running and Pilates. No biking because Beeker is not back yet from his tour of Mexico. The other not so big secret is that I will be back. Not once, but twice for the 70.3 and 140.6. I WILL HAVE A NEW BIKE NEXT YEAR!

THANK YOUS!

• Sally Stresnak: THANK YOU !!!!!! Words cannot express my gratitude.
• Fitness Formula Clubs: My employer, enough said
• Jenny Hayes: my coach. THANK YOU ! THANK YOU !
• Ed Dailey for kicking my ass each and every Thursday at 6am and the 6am crew
• CompuTrainer: my entire training was on this
• TriMonster and Team to End AIDS: I love y'all
• BTA: including Kendrick (my tri hubbie), Tom, Marq, Lauralyn, Estelle, Shatora, Gwen, Kim, Eilsel, Arvan, Mecca,  Rafeek??, Travis, Shayla, Sabrina and I can keep going on
• SoleTri Sisters: Including KD and the Ericas
• Chicago Black Runners: Including the Research Department Alan and King Juan
• Everyone Else who had my back

It was a long season. A long, lonely season so thank you and just wait until the next episode. #thesagacontinues #Afroenduranceathlete #theironfitfro #blacktriathlete #USATLevel1coach

1 WEEK TO GO

At this time next week, I should be on the run of Ironman Cozumel. So, what is going on in my head? A lot of people are really wondering this, so here we go with a word and a song associated with each letter in Ironman Cozumel:

I is for Ironman. It is not a fad, it is not a phase. For me, it's a lifestyle.
"I'm Gonna Be Alright (Track Masters Remix)" - Jennifer Lopez featuring 50 Cent
R is for resilience. This year has been very tough for me personally, professionally and emotionally. I have weathered the storm, hurricane, monsoon and blizzard all wrapped into one with an acid rain added to the mix.
"Rock Superstar" - Cypress Hill
O is for Organized. My life may not be as organized as it should but my workouts were. Get up at 3, on the train at 3:45am, at the gym by 4:45am waiting for them to open up, hop in the pool at 5, get to my location by 7:30am to train clients, get on a conference call at 11, try to snag some food, train more clients, get a strength training session in at 3:30, on the bus by 4:45 to coach a 6pm CompuTrainer class. Yeah, organized!
"Outstanding" - Gap Band
N is for Nutty. You may be nutty if you decide to embark in the world of long course.
"Not Afraid" - Eminem
M is for Miles. Yeah, my last name is Miles and I have put in miles and miles of training. Doing my last name proud.
"Money Maker" - Ludacris
A is for Awesome. Anyone who even toes the line to an Iron distance event is AWESOME! Enough said.
"Alright" - Janet Jackson
N is for New. Cozumel is a new course, new experience and new location for me. The last 3 years I was in Arizona.
"New Agenda" - Janet Jackson

C is for CompuTrainer. I spent a LOT OF TIME in the CompuTrainer studio at The Endurance Training Center. The total amount of hours I think I have done is over, at least 100 hours.
"Controversy" - Prince
O is for Opportunity: Cozumel is my opportunity to prove to myself that I can finish this race.
"Off the Wall" - Michael Jackson
Z is for Zen. Training and just working out in general is my Zen.
U is for Understanding: This is more for friends, colleagues etc. who had to understand that my training this year meant more to me than ever.
"Up Jump Da Boogie" - Timbaland featuring Magoo, Missy Elliott and Aaliyah
M is for Motivation: You have to have the motivation and desire to do this. Without motivation, what and why in the hell are you doing it.
"Music" by Erick Sermon
E is for Early: Early morning workouts and getting a jump start on organizing my workouts and my life week by week. You don't do it early, well you will just fall behind..
"Escape" - Prince
L is for Lifestyle: This is a lifestyle for me. Some may understand it. Some may not. It is not my job to make you understand. Just understand that this is a part of me.
"Lose Yourself" - Eminem

And there you have it. I have less than 7 days now and I'm ready. Whatever happens, I'm leaving it all out on the course. Come Sunday, I become Athlete Number 1433.

The saga continues...

Tapering down

"'Cause sometimes you just feel tired,
Feel weak, and when you feel weak, you feel like you wanna just give up.
But you gotta search within you, you gotta find that inner strength
And just pull that shit out of you and get that motivation to not give up
And not be a quitter, no matter how bad you wanna just fall flat on your face and collapse." - Lyrics to "Till I Collapse" by Eminem

Tapering down does not mean stop working out and eat everything as if you are a bear hibernating for the winter. No, there are some people who think that. As I am writing this, I am watching the snow lightly fall-I digress. Nope, tapering down means reducing your workout volume and not eating everything in sight except after a swim. ALWAYS after a swim. 

Right now, I am getting my race plan together for my coach. I actually threw out the first 3 drafts due to changes I found out about our start time and my race number changed (1433 now). I have a time in mind that I am NOT sharing with anyone. I've given only a very vague idea to some people. I feel ready. It's just been a LONG ASS TRAINING SEASON.

THINGS I MISS:

• My bike. Yes, I miss Beeker but the wonderful folks at TriBike Transport are taking great care of him.
• A somewhat normal schedule. Now, let's be honest, my schedule is not normal due to the fact that I am a Pilates Trainer, Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, Coach. My Ironman training schedule right now has revolved around my coaching, teaching and training schedule. It's been a circus at times but I don't regret it.
• A normal load of laundry.

WHAT I DON'T MISS:

• Racing to the gym to get that coveted swim lane at 5am.
• Doing more laundry than is humanly possible for 1 person. Yes, 1 person! What in the hay????
• Explaining to people that my race is the very last North American Ironman

One more blog post to go! Or maybe 2 before this race. 8 days to go! #RoadtoCozumel

  

17 days...there is a significance to this

Ok, there is no big surprise that I am the BIGGEST Prince fan next to my friend, Sally. 17 days is a title of one of my favorite songs. Actually, it is his most famous B-sides. It first appeared as the B-sides to "When Doves Cry". I digress...

I am in day 4 of my taper and I am not in "taper crazy". I'm just following my training plan and getting mentally ready for what's to come.

On Tuesday, I picked up my beloved Beeker and took him to Element Multisport. If you still have no clue who Becker is, this is him:

 

 

He is misunderstood. Yeah, he is a size smaller than I should be riding, but he is up to the challenge. TriBike Transport is who I use to send my guy to Mexico. I am a little sad that I only own 1 bike but that's ok. There's always the spin bike... cue sinister music: https://youtu.be/yXQViqx6GMY

 

 

Yes, Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas" is sinister sounding.

 

Anyhoo, I have already started packing. Yep, shorts, running skirts, race gear and of course the bikini!!!! I need sunshine like it is no one's business. My run , this morning was a perfect example. Headwind coming and going plus some crosswinds. Mother Nature was damn disrespectful. Oh, and the real feel temperature was 29 degrees. Straight bull! THIS was the look on my face right before I had to turn around:

 

Yeah, I had an attitude. At one point, I was running in place. That gives a new meaning to the "running man".

Someone had asked me if I was scared and nervous and my response was, "NO". Why should I be scared. This is not my first rodeo nor will it be my last. I am just laser focused on what I have to do. My Coach, Jenny knows, my inner circle knows and of course, my loved ones know even though they don't understand this thing called Endurance Sports.

The Saga Continues...

21 Days and I'm Still Standing

https://youtu.be/ZHwVBirqD2s

Yep, I'm still standing-still trying to figure that out. 3 weeks from today, I will be towing the line at IM Cozumel. These past few days have been extremely rough. Try doing an Ironman simulation when you had to work in the AM. It was rough, but I did it. I swam in the pool with my swim skin on. It was very comfortable while I was cranking out my 4300 yards except for the damn string attached to the zipper. Grrrr.....Gotta figure that out.

From the pool, I donned my tri shorts and top on went to the CompuTrainer. I had 5 hours to ride on the Cozumel course. The goal was to get 80-90 miles. I ended up with 75 miles and 3 movies.

The goal was time in the saddle, work on nutrition and high cadence. Because Cozumel will be hot and humid, I cranked up the heat, turned off the fans and got to pedaling. Oh, I also cranked up the Chicago House music as well to keep me motivated. https://youtu.be/LNRA2SOV3DY

After the bike, I had to get on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Why the treadmill? Well it was close to the studio and I did not have my headlamp to run outdoors. I made it through. I was tired. When I was leaving the gym, the front desk staffer looked at me like, "You have been here for HOW LONG?" Yeah, I was. She asked was I going to go home and sleep. Honey, I am getting something to eat. 10 wings, 3 shredded chicken tacos, yellow rice, black beans, water and a Corona (don't judge) later, it was time to go home and prepare for the next day.

Saturday's workout consisted of a 2 hour and 45 minute run. The run total was 15 miles + 1 1/2 miles walking back to my place because I ran with no Ventra Card (that's for the CTA-Chicago Transit). No temptation. The positives of my run:

• Saw a beautiful sunrise
• Saw 12 rabbits, 2 squirrels, 5 rats
• The peace and tranquility of an early morning run

The negatives of my run:

• I had to wear a hat
• It was cold
• It was dark
• My body was tired
• That wind though! Straight bullsh$t!

After laying on my grid foam roller and lacrosse ball for what seemed like forever, I had to eat and refuel. I tried to get in with a friend of mine for a massage but she was BOOKED! Grrrr....

Today, was Pilates! Oh, how I love Pilates!!!!! This is it!

Tomorrow, I start taper. That means my volume slowly decreases while I get my mind, body and soul ready for Cozumel. It's almost go time!

#Iwillnotgointothetapercrazies

https://youtu.be/ZA3n-KUe3j0