The back stretch [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

Wahine

08-13-2007, 07:50 PM

No, this isn't a PT thread.

So I'm in the second to last week before IM Canada. I took last week off completely for rest. I was heading into some serious cumulative fatigue. Fortunately, my adopted running coach realized what was going on and demanded that I rest for 7 days!! I thought I was going to be whacko from boredom, but actually I really needed it and I didn't start to get antsy until day 7.

So here's what's up....

Yesterday - 110 mile bike, over 8500 feet climbing in 7 hours riding time.
Today (Mon) - rest
Tues - swim with masters, hard freestyle set, form workout on the track with short sprints
Wed - tempo run for about 11 to 13 miles (plus warm-up and cooldown)
Thurs - Swim masters, Tempo ride for about 2 -3 hours
Fri - rest
Sat - Run, more tempo work but length depends on how I feel. Raft trip with my boss to celebrate 50th b-day (hers, not mine)

Sun and Mon - lots of sleep, no workouts

Tues - Swim, then mini brick with some intensity.
Wed - Short ride with spin ups to keep the legs sharp and travel half way to race
Thurs - travel rest of way, go for a swim and short run with intervals
Fri - rest
Sat - mini tri, then breakfast and get my gear ready.

Sunday - Kick some serious booty.:D :D :D

This will be my official venting during my taper thread. I will try to keep my irrational rants and ravings isolated here in an attempt to not atagonize the entire forum. If you choose to visit, you can't say I didn't warn you.

Zen

08-13-2007, 07:53 PM

This will be my official venting during my taper thread. I will attemp to keep my irrational rants and ravings isolated here in an attempt to not atagonize the entire forum. If you choose to visit, you can't say I didn't warn you.

I'm looking forward to this:D

Running Mommy

08-13-2007, 08:00 PM

FARK! I MUST have my head in the sand??!! I had NO IDEA that you were doing the grande dame of Canada??!!
OY, where have I been??? Oh yeah, at the doctors office.... ALOT!!! :eek:

I want to break out in a verse of "O CANADA" right now.. But ummm errr... Don't know the words- if there are any.. heh heh heh:rolleyes:

Anyway, that is some SERIOUS climbing girlfriend. You are ready for Richter pass I'd say! SHEESH!!
You are going to ROCK that course. And yeah, taking that week off is prolly just what you needed to get all healed up and everything.
Oh- and one more thing... The week or so before the race, you will feel heavy and sloggish. THAT IS WHAT YOU SHOULD BE FEELING. I know you know that, but I felt the need to SHOUT it too ya!! hee hee :D

Anyway, don't go losing your mind during this taper now, 'kay??
Oh do I know that feeling... ohh do I... I envy you. I'm ready to start building my mileage again. I'm in a weight loss phase, so only doing short stuff... sigh.. I MISS my 7 hour ride, 2 hour run bricks. Tho I will be seeing them again come the end of the year... Patience I keep telling myself. PATIENCE...
Something us Iron women aren't very good at! lol

Wahine

08-13-2007, 08:22 PM

What the @#$!! am I doing still up, I need to be sleeping so I can get up at 5:00 AM to go to the pool. Aaaaaaggggghhhhh!!

Edited to add: Thanks for the Reminder RM. I already feel sluggish. I'm sure CC could help you out with the words. Take care, you've been going through a lot.

Veronica

08-14-2007, 04:31 AM

OH MY GOD! You really are insane. :D I like it.

V.

rocknrollgirl

08-14-2007, 05:16 AM

Bring on the crazy venting YODA...we can take it.... I look forward to tuning in on any and all insanity that it stimulates....

HappyAnika

08-14-2007, 10:40 AM

Oh my gosh, is it really August? How did that happen . . .

Hmm, so now you have an audience that's actually looking forward to your insane ranting! :p

LBTC

08-14-2007, 11:35 AM

Oh Hmm, so now you have an audience that's actually looking forward to your insane ranting! :p

Indeed! Bring it on, Wahine! You've earned it!!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

alpinerabbit

08-14-2007, 12:43 PM

http://www.jeb.org.uk/forumoj/images/smiley_icons/Not-Worthy.gifhttp://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/yoda2.gifhttp://www.jeb.org.uk/forumoj/images/smiley_icons/Not-Worthy.gifhttp://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/yoda2.gifhttp://www.jeb.org.uk/forumoj/images/smiley_icons/Not-Worthy.gifhttp://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/yoda2.gifhttp://www.jeb.org.uk/forumoj/images/smiley_icons/Not-Worthy.gifhttp://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/yoda2.gif

Oh wait I found a cooler one

http://www.powwows.com/gathering/images/smilies/bow28.gif

p.s. for the worker bees among us: what sort of schedule do you work to fit your training around?

Tri Girl

08-14-2007, 02:43 PM

Wow- only 2 weeks away?? Where did the time go?
Sounds like you're not only ready for your race, but you're going to kick arse at it!!!!! I can't wait to hear all about your race day- it's going to be a nail biter for all of us waiting on you.
When you know your bib #, please let us know so we can track you during the day (if you don't mind us tracking you, that is).

Vent away: cry, scream, curse, and even yell here. We're all on your side!!!!

Wahine

08-14-2007, 09:01 PM

Thanks girls. I was ready to go on a rant but then I started to laugh so hard when I checked the thread, my rant may have dissipated.

Alpine, where on earth do you find this stuff?

As for work, I average 32 hours per week. I'm on an appointment schedule so I block out time at lunch to fit in workouts and tray to swim at least 2 times (3 if I can) during the week before my first appointment at 8 AM. It's tight, but I make it work.

So today I swam my azz off for 2100 m at 1:40 pace. These were 200s and 100s on short rest intervals. The coach was standing over top of me making sure I didn't cheat on my rest. So I called him a b@st@rd several times, much to the amusement of my lane mates.

I'm a little freaked out about my run because I did some zone 4 intervals of 1/2 mile today and could only hold a 7:45 ish pace. This does not bode well for a 8:30 pace race day. But hey, I'll finish. I have to keep reminding myself that nothing is lost if I don't hit my goal time. It's not like anyone's going to drop my sponsorship contracts that I don't have!!

Well, off to sleep. Longer run tomorrow. That'll really tell the tale. And that will be my last hard run before the race. Baaaaaahhhhhh!!

Veronica

08-15-2007, 04:47 AM

KSH

08-15-2007, 06:02 AM

WOW! It's almost here! How exciting! I remember when you first started mentioning it and your training.. was that about a year ago?

Man, the time has flown by!

Last night, when I woke up in the middle of the night... I was thinking about how you do your training... with recovery weeks... and I'm going to talk to my coach about looking into that kind of schedule for my IM training. And if he can't do it, I'll find someone who can. I've come to the realization that I'm a mediocre, slow athlete, who needs REST! I never get a rest day with my current coach and I think it's killing me.

Anyhoo... please keep us updated and let us know your bib number if we are able to track you on Ironman.com!

Wahine

08-15-2007, 03:05 PM

You're going to run a mile in 8 and a half minutes. And then you're going to repeat that 25 more times!!!!!

I have a theory on tri order. The swim is first so you don't drown from exhaustion at the finish line. The run is last so when you collapse from exhaustion at the finish line, you don't have so far to fall or equipment to worry about.

I think you'll do just fine Wahine. :)

V.

My 8:30 to 9 min pace on the marathon is looking a little out of reach at the mo.

Ran this AM, 15 miles and I did 9 of them at about race intensity and I was not averaging under 9 min/mi. Granted it was hot and I ran short intervals yesterday so my hips were tight and my legs a little tired.

Oh well, we'll see what happens.

You are exactly right on the race order theory there V. Think of the disaster if you totally bonked in the water or on the bike.:eek: :eek:

I'm starting to get excited. My bib number was assigned today - 2289. Sounds lucky to me.:)

Running Mommy

08-15-2007, 03:53 PM

:D
And YES, it sounds VERY lucky to me!!
As far as holding a pace like that?? DANG NABBIT GIRL!!! That is SPEEDY!!!
I'd die to hold an 11 min mi pace for the IM mary! HA!! :confused:
Oh heck, I'm just a slooowww poke anyway....
As Apline said (bow down) I'm NOT WORTHY!!! :D :( :D
I can't WAIT to watch you! It's going to be a tri fecta kinda weekend now! Running son is going to do his FIRST triathlon on the 25th, running hubby is racing the 26th, and I get to watch YOU on Ironmanlive float across the finishline in sweet victory!
Love it, LOVE IT!!!
Oh and KSH- ditch the coach if he's running you into the ground. I just had to set mine straight. He has been hammering me to lose weight. So I finally got with a nutritionist and have lost 12 lbs in the last month. BUT she doesn't want me doing any long stuff right now. She says when your in a weight loss phase, you can't tax your body by also doing the long stuff. It's too much and it wont work. Plus I'd be too hungry if I was doing long stuff. So I do more frequent smaller workouts, and well... It's working. But he keeps hammering away that I need to do long stuff and just "control my hand shoving food in my mouth". I about drove out to his house to shove something somewhere else with that comment! :cool:
Let's just say that we aren't seeing eye to eye right now. He's also coaching my husband, so I think he needs to concentrate on that and leave me to do my thing... :cool: :cool: :cool:
Oops... sorry for the thread drift.. heh heh heh
back to Wahine's taper induced freak out thread! :D

Wahine

08-15-2007, 04:25 PM

Hey, I really believe that the shorter stuff at higher intensity really helps weight loss. I've been doing a lot more of that this year and I'm leaner than I've been since before I turned 30.

Anyway, it sounds like your coach is being a bit of an azz.

My impromtu coach is a very interesting fellow. He looks like he'd drive you into the ground but he spends most of the time asking how I feel and telling me to sleep and eat more. He had an interesting comment one day, something to the effect of:

Life is like water flowing through a chute, there's only so much the chute can accomodate and training takes up a lot of volume. When you add something else in like a fight with your spouse, a sick relative or even just work stress, that goes into the chute too. It'll accomodate for a little while but eventually it'll burst. So don't discount all those other factors in your life when you think about how much training you should put in a week.

Anyway, I thought that was a good way of looking at it and in your case RM, diet stress would fall into that category.

So everyone out there....Be careful, I've had more than one coach push me to the point of illness. No one knows your body like you do.

Veronica

08-15-2007, 05:40 PM

LBTC

08-15-2007, 07:19 PM

Wahine, that is an awesome analogy! I love it! And my health care professionals would agree with it, too.

2289 - sounds strong!! You rock!

btw, we miss you over on OT:A

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

Wahine

08-15-2007, 08:14 PM

I was just looking at what's new for apparel here at TE and saw this.

http://www.teamestrogen.com/images/products/ZT-2078-HULA_lrg.jpg

Which got me to wondering, what are you wearing for your event?

V.

Why V. I'm wearing the Wahine tank you spotted months ago, with black sugoi shorts.

The photos are a little blurry, DH had to take them from quite a distance so they've been cropped and blown up.

kelownagirl

08-15-2007, 08:39 PM

kelownagirl

08-15-2007, 08:43 PM

Wahine - I can't wait to watch you run across the finish line on the 26th. DH and I will be there, we're planning our day around it! So what time frame do you hope to be in bike/run transition?

Running Mommy

08-15-2007, 09:53 PM

Thanks KG! I have the melody in my head, now I have words to go with it!!:)

crazycanuck

08-15-2007, 09:53 PM

URGH..i hate the fact that i'm a time zone ahead & won't be able to watch the race(hmmm..perhaps a bit) live on ironmanlive.com :( I do hope someone can keep us updated though on your race.

I'll be tinking about ya Wahine! Are you going for a top 10 age group spot?

C

Running Mommy

08-15-2007, 10:05 PM

I just realized that IM Louisville is the SAME DAY as canada!
So I wonder if Ironmanlive is only going to be broadcasting one race- and if so- which one??
canada is HUGE, so you would think that would be a given. But "Lou" is the new kid on the block and took some time to fill, so they may want to advertise that.
Plus for some reason I'm thinking that NA sports doesn't "own" the canada race, so I have a sinking feeling that they are going to broadcast Lou and not canada.
I have no facts to base this on, just a feeling.
I'll be PISZED if I can't see Wahine cross the line! uurrggh!!
What race was it last year that they didn't broadcast? It was either canada or Florida if my foggy memory can recall???
I just remember tuning in to see one of the TE'ers and being very disappointed.

Running Mommy

08-15-2007, 10:10 PM

Ok, upon further research I see that NA sports DOES own canada, so we may be in luck. Unless of course the IMloive folks don't care to haul their cameras over the border...:D
Oh- wait! They ARE from canada! When I ordered my customized super special finishers video from them they were in canada..
Ok, my mind is at ease, I think we are going to be safe!
Wheewww!!:p

WTC owns "Lou"... Hmmm I wonder who controls the Ironmanlive feeds? WTC or NA sports??

Veronica

08-16-2007, 04:33 AM

Thanks for the pics! I'm glad that tank worked for ya. It just seemed... appropriate.

That place looks beautiful. Which tri was that?

V.

Wahine

08-16-2007, 05:05 AM

I think you all may be more excited than I am.

I feel a little tired this AM. Legs are a little stiff from the run yesterday.

I will likely just swim today but we'll see.

V. - That's Pacific Crest close to Bend OR. It's an extremely beautiful race and very well organized, complete with an athlete's village and an expo. They have 2 distances, the HIM on Sat and the Oly on Sun. DH and I camped right at the race start at a lake about 20 miles outside of SunRiver where the race ends. It was perfect. You should think about it for next year. It would be worth a trip and I'll likely be there either racing or cheering.

Running Mommy

08-16-2007, 08:35 PM

what?? No freak out today?? Or has your head exploded?? heh heh heh:D

Wahine

08-16-2007, 08:58 PM

Actually, no major freak outs today.

I had a good swim this AM, did a little butterfly and some other stroke work. All's good in the swim department.

My hip is still tight from the long run yesterday. If It's still tight tomorrow...then I'll freak out!! Tonight I'm doing some yoga and working with The Stick.

www.thestick.com

I love that thing.

SIL is here visiting which helps to take my mind off of things.

But now I'm starting to freak out because I should be in bed sleeping!!

Tri Girl

08-17-2007, 04:53 AM

Get some sleep, Wahine! You need your rest... :D

Loved the pics- sooo pretty up there! You look like a tough iron chick!

Running Mommy

08-17-2007, 06:55 AM

Wahine do you have an ART guy (or girl :) ) in your neck of the woods? Sounds like a little tightness from the load. May need to loosen up some of that fascia tissue in there.
The stick is good, so are tennis balls. Or your partners elbow.

Wahine

08-17-2007, 10:18 AM

Ya know, we do have an ART person in the vicinity. I work at a manual therapy clinic and I would ask my partner to help me out but we're so busy here right now, I'd hate to add to his work load. I might have to call in a favour elsewhere.

My hip is actually better this AM but my calves are tight. So I've been stickin' 'em and stretching etc, much better than first thing this AM.

I was going to ride today but I think it's a yoga day instead.

I'm starting to get "easily distractable Taper brain" now. Also known as Monkey brain. I hate it when that happens. It makes it so hard for me to focus on my paperwork and then it takes me longer to do it and then I don't get home as early......

Off to make some phone calls.

Veronica

08-17-2007, 11:08 AM

Focus, Grasshopper! :D

V.

Wahine

08-18-2007, 08:37 AM

Mentally, I want nothing more than to go out and do a short, high intensity brick. RIGHT NOW!!

But I know I didn't get enough sleep over the last few days and my hip was ery mildly sore right up until this morning and my calves were tight until today. (Left over from long tempo run on Wed).

So I called my coach to get his take and he's not available. Aaaaaaarrrrggh!

So now I'm hanging around my house, no one's here. I'm spinning my wheels and I can't decide what to do.

The advantage of doing the work out is that it will calm me down and help me carbo load. The disadvantage is that it may irritate my hip again and I have 7 days until the race. That's not a lot of recovery time if I actually set up an inflammatory response.

I could just ride. That would not irritate my hip. Or I could run but on the track, no hills etc.

I think I'll do littel yoga to reassess how my body feels and decide.

Right now, I'm literally vibrating. Think jack russell on caffeine.

kelownagirl

08-18-2007, 09:33 AM

Yoga sounds like a good idea. I know nothing about training and tapering but rest or a very easy ride sounds like the best idea to me.

Starfish

08-18-2007, 09:56 AM

www.thestick.com
I love that thing.

Hey, I started a new line of work this week, so have been largely away from TE. I LOVE this thread! It is so exciting. I am SOOoooo impressed by your 7 hour time for 110 miles with 8500 feet. Truly amazing.

I have never tried The Stick, but recently a friend gave me a product that I am LOVING. She got it at Costco for 10.00. Called The Miracal Ball Method, it is just two rubber balls and a little book of instructions. The balls are about the size of large grapefruit, but much softer than tennis balls (which are way, way too hard for me).

I have been doing a 20 minute routine with these balls from my hamstring insertion points, my pelvis, my whole back, my shoulders, and my neck. You don't roll around on them, you just position them and then deep breathe and relax into the pressure for 2-3 minutes per spot. Huge results for me, both physically and energetically.

Wahine, we are behind you all the way. Your taper will work, you will be ready, and when race day comes, your sluggishness and nerves will fall away, and the results of your careful training are going to blast through it all. You are going to have a whole raft of supporters along with you every step of the way, cheering you on!!! You absolutely ROCK, woman!!

LBTC

08-18-2007, 09:57 AM

Ah, Wahine! I can't say I know exactly how you feel, but I kind of do.....wanting to do something you know you can't/shouldn't - I'm very familiar with this.

Yoga is a great idea. And after that, can you borrow someone's dog? Does taking a dog for a nice stroll through the woods sound like a good idea? It's still active, but you can do it without much effort, and dogs really do some amazing things to reduce mental agitation...... I know you're thinking of getting a dog once the IM is over. Do any of the shelters in your area allow you to take a dog on a "test drive"?

Just a thought.

Otherwise, just hang out with us. We'll keep you entertained!! :D

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

teigyr

08-18-2007, 10:45 AM

Where is the IM? Am trying to figure out except for I know Western Canada :D

Have never seen one and have nothing scheduled for that day. I've read so much about your preparation to go into it, I know you will do awesome. It's sad that the taper week gives you so much time to think though, sometimes thinking is just BAD!

Veronica

08-18-2007, 10:47 AM

You gotta relax. You KNOW an intense workout is not the right thing today.

How about an easy swim?

V.

LBTC

08-18-2007, 11:08 AM

Teigyr - IM Canada is in Penticton, BC http://www.penticton.ca/maps/regionmap.asp

And that's about a 45 minutes drive (depending on traffic on the bridge) from where KG lives, and about an hour and a half drive from where we are.

~T~

teigyr

08-18-2007, 02:07 PM

Thanks LBTC. Was just one of those ideas but it seems too far for a day trip.

I'll just wish Wahine well from afar!

LBTC

08-18-2007, 02:20 PM

Thanks LBTC. Was just one of those ideas but it seems too far for a day trip.

I'll just wish Wahine well from afar!

From Seattle, I agree - too far for one day, but a weekend trip could work for you. If you wanted to come as far north as Vernon, you'd have a place to stay :o

H&B
~T~

Wahine

08-18-2007, 08:15 PM

Thanks ladies. I ended up going for a 45 min ride, enough to blow out the cobwebs but not enough to make me tired at all. then I wanted to go for a short run. I decided to stick with the track so I could stop at any point and not be far from the car and it's flat, not easy to find around here. I got to the track and they were resurfacing, so that decision was made for me.

This afternoon was white water rafting trip for a friend's 50th b-day. FUN!! And totally occupied my mind with something else.

So, in true taper fashion I've gone from anxiety laden this AM to totally chilled and confident tonight. I hate this roller coaster but it's all part of the game.

Thanks for thinking of me. And special thanks to you girls considering coming out. Tigre, as much as it would be great to see you there, it is a long trip and I know that you're sending me good wishes.

Tomorrow and Monday are "black drape" days as the coach calls them. I'm supposed to lay low and sleep a lot. That'll be interesting.

Be prepared for a whole new freakout tomorrow.

Tri Girl

08-19-2007, 07:10 AM

So, in true taper fashion I've gone from anxiety laden this AM to totally chilled and confident tonight. I hate this roller coaster but it's all part of the game.

But a part of the game that I don't love... When I was tapering, I was soooo emotional. Scatterbrained like nothing else (had to make lists all the time for the stupidest things so I wouldn't forget), cry at the drop of a hat- sheesh- I thought I was losing my mind.
Not looking forward to the next IM taper.. :D

We're right here with you, ladybug! If we could all be there- you know we would! We'll be all over cheering you on as loud as we can.

Get some rest the next couple days and take it easy. How far do you have to travel for the race?

Running Mommy

08-19-2007, 07:16 AM

memories..... sweet memories...:D
And to think I'll be doing the SAME thing next April! Of course my freak out will prolly have something to do with weather too! :p

I hope you are RELAXING today! It is literally down to the wire. Those niggles need to be gone, so you need to give the bod some extra tlc.
No more anxiety induced bricks missy!! ;)

You must cchhhiiilllllllll...........:D

Wahine

08-19-2007, 07:20 AM

Today a beautiful cloudy day with light drizzle. The kinda day that makes you want to curl up in bed with a book. Which is exactly what I should be doing!!

SIL and I are going to drive about 30 min down a beautiful windy road into the rainforest to have a massage and soak at a mineral hot springs/spa. Hopefully. Ahhhhhhhhhhh, Sunday.

Tri Girl, I hear you about the lists etc. I have a terrible time remembering little things. I don't get that emotional but definitely a little reactionary and scatterbrained.

The drive is 8 hours. We're leaving on Wednesday and we'll go about half way, camp out then go the rest of the way the next day. Nice and mellow drive. It's a spectacular drive too and DH hasn't done it before so we'll stop a lot along the way.

See y'all later.

Wahine

08-19-2007, 09:02 PM

No major freak outs today until I tried to find my permanent residents card so I can get back into the US. We moved you see and well.....

Anyway, I had a little freakout but then I found it and all is well.

I had a chat with my coach today and I have two classic coach Scott quotes:

"the hay is in the barn."

"Now you're starting to use your head for something other than a hat rack."

He's a little rough around the edges but has a heart of gold.

I had a fabulous deep tissue massage today and a swim in a mineral pool. I feel great.

Phew. One more day down.

BTW, this time next week I will be done my race.:D :D :D :D

crazycanuck

08-19-2007, 09:37 PM

Imexcitedimexcitedimexcitedimsoooooooexcited

CC jumps around in circles and sends happy IM race vibes to wahine...Happy dances soon dear..

Happppppy dance...happppppyyy dance...happppppyy dance...

Waheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

C

Starfish

08-20-2007, 08:51 AM

I had a chat with my coach today and I have two classic coach Scott quotes:

"the hay is in the barn." "Now you're starting to use your head for something other than a hat rack."

He's a little rough around the edges but has a heart of gold.

Actually, he sounds neat. And, by the performances and training you have accomplished, he must be OK!! :) We're all rooting for you!!

kelownagirl

08-20-2007, 08:55 AM

Where are you going to be staying in Penticton? Lucky enough to get a room at the Lakeside?

And... do you have any estimate as to what time you hope to be transitioning from bike to run? I doubt I'll be getting there in time for the swim but we'll probably be around to watch some of the transitions and probably the end. I have a few people I'll be keeping an eye out for.

Wahine

08-20-2007, 12:18 PM

Please note all Gods involved in Triathlon success, eg: Wind god, flat god, belly god..... I mean no offence and the following post is pure speculation as I know that any one of you could smite me down at any moment. I am you're humble servant.

Now then, <knocking on wood the entire time I post this>

Swim start is at 7 AM.
T1 - 1:05 to 1:15 ish, 8:05 to 8:15 AM
Bike - 6 to 6:30 total time, that brings me in at between 7:05 to 7:45
T2 - enter at between 2:05 to 2:45 PM and hopefully get outa there in less than 5 min, (last time it took 8 min but I had to massage my feet). So I'll head out on the run at 2:10 to 2:55 PM
Finish - <fingers crossed, knocking on wood and throwing salt over my left shoulder> 4 to 4:10 hours running... That means 6:10 to 7:05 PM.

My goal is to come in in under 12 hours. All times are given in PST.

KSH

08-20-2007, 01:51 PM

Sounds FAST there Wahine! You are going to do it too! All the training you have put into this... you are going to ROCK the course.

Oh yea, I almost died laughing when you speculated that I would do a 5 minute transition in an IM in another thread... HAHAHA! Did you see that I had a 3 minute transition time in my Olympic tri? And I didn't even change clothes! HA! :p

Wahine

08-20-2007, 02:53 PM

Where are you going to be staying in Penticton? Lucky enough to get a room at the Lakeside?

Oooops. Missed that part.

I'll be staying at the Starlight Motel on Skaha side. It's less that 1/2 a block from Skaha for swimming and is on the bike and run course, but far enough from the action to be able to stay mellow. Best of all there's a kitchenette. Very important. No restaurant food before a big event like this!!

It's also right next door to the motel where all my Edmonton Tri buddies stay.:D :D :D I can't wait to see them.

Running Mommy

08-20-2007, 03:52 PM

Ohhhh......
I can FEEL the Ironman vibe that is coursing (sp?) through your veins right now! The excitement, the fear, the anxiety, the feeling of being a part of a big family, all of it.
I can't wait for my next go round!
I've been to many many races over the years, small town races, big city races, races where you camp, ALL kinds of races. But there is NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING like the vibe you get around an Ironman venue. You can almost reach out and grab it from the air. People are so kind, it's like everyone is part of a big family. Like a family reunion of sorts. And the first timers are welcomed into the fold like a new baby.
Sigh..... I wish I could be up there with you. I'd love to get a bit of that vibe right about now... :)

So Ms. Wahine... I was thinking about something when I was changing from my swim today. I do believe that IMC has an underpants run akin to the run in Kona. I seem to remember seeing pictures once upon a time. SOOO... If they do, will you partake?? :D
Please tell me you know of the underpants run... :p

Wahine

08-20-2007, 04:20 PM

So Ms. Wahine... I was thinking about something when I was changing from my swim today. I do believe that IMC has an underpants run akin to the run in Kona. I seem to remember seeing pictures once upon a time. SOOO... If they do, will you partake?? :D
Please tell me you know of the underpants run... :p

Yes, I think there has been an underpants run. I'm not sure if it still happens. I think they may have nixked it. If it happens, I will be playing by ear. I like to wear a thong and I will not wear one for an underpants run. We don't need to see my beluga white cheeks flappin' around.:eek: :eek: So participation would entail finding an appropriate pair of bottoms. I'm sure I have some somewhere.

Veronica

08-20-2007, 04:25 PM

We don't need to see my beluga white cheeks flappin' around.

Yeah, right. Aren't you the chick who won a best butt award? :D

V.

Wahine

08-20-2007, 05:30 PM

Yeah, right. Aren't you the chick who won a best butt award? :D

V.

True, but that was 15 years ago and it don't matter how fit you are, when you're cheeks are beluga white like mine, it just ain't pretty.

HillSlugger

08-20-2007, 05:51 PM

Wahine

08-20-2007, 06:05 PM

Here's the Kona run:

http://www.triathletemag.com/Departments/Race_Coverage/2006/Annual_Kona_underwear_run_draws_a_crowd.htm

rocknrollgirl

08-21-2007, 02:38 AM

Will those guys be there in their tidy whities????? Very nice picture.

Tri Girl

08-21-2007, 04:19 AM

How are you hanging in there today, Wahine???
Tomorrow is travel day- today must be the day when you freak out packing everything that isn't nailed down in the house. Just too much to remember, but you'll get it all (and then some). :p

I'm getting excited at it gets closer.... yippppeeee!!!!

Will you have internet access and be posting while you're gone???

LBTC

08-21-2007, 05:09 AM

Will you have internet access and be posting while you're gone???

Indeed! The question of the hour!

~T~

Wahine

08-21-2007, 07:51 AM

Well. I got up early and swam before I was awake. Always a good thing. So now I'm mellow because I already blew out the cobwebs. I got lots of great hugs and "good Lucks" from the masters group and my swim coach gave me the last bit of advice.

So far this AM I am fine.

DH and I will pack up tomorrow morning. The plan is to sleep as long as I like, have a leisurely coffee and slowly load up the XTerra. We're only driving half way tomorrow, about 4 hours, then we'll camp. It should be pretty low key. At some point tomorrow I will do a short bike/run workout with mini intervals to wake up my neurons.

Thursday we'll head up to Penticton the rest of the way.

We are taking our lap top but we may have a little trouble finding someplace to get a wireless signal. So hopefully I'll have internet access but I'm not sure. I will be trying to post. On race day....????? If we can figure out a way, we'll try to set up an update thread. Maybe I can convince someone who'll be around a computer to post if DH sends some texties. Any takers? PM me. That of course also depends on if DH can learn to text.

So all's well so far. I have to pick up my bike from the shop today. I forgot my wallet at home. thank god for small towns, I'm sure they'll let me pick up and call them back later with my credit card info.

Well, off to try to focus on my job. About 10 hours from now I'll be free to think of nothing but all Ironman all the time.

kelownagirl

08-21-2007, 08:07 AM

I'll take the laptop along and will post if it's convenient but I can't promise anything. My plan is to hang around the site and watch transitions but then dh and I are going biking and will return later to watch some of the people finish. If there is wireless service close to where we park the car, I will post an update.

I also have to hit the Bike Barn and do some shopping! Crossing my fingers that they have some summer stuff left. It's the only place that has decent women's cycling clothes and I didn't have time to stop in last time I was in Penticton. :D

Wahine

08-21-2007, 09:11 PM

Phew. Today was a looooooooong day. I had a ton of patients and paperwork to get squared away. Tomorrow AM I pick up my bike from the shop and do a short test ride. My racing shorts arrived just in time today (don't worry, they're identical to the ones I've been training in, I just needed to make sure I didn't flash any crack on TV). And now, I'm ready for bed. Thanks to all my TE pals. You've been fab. Hopefully this is not my last post before the race, regardless, I gotta say that you ladies rock.:D :D :D

Starfish

08-22-2007, 08:11 AM

I just needed to make sure I didn't flash any crack on TV).

A priority for sure! LOL

Running Mommy

08-23-2007, 02:57 PM

I wonder what Wahine is doing today?? I'm sure she has that sparkly bracelet on by now, and is fully immersed in all things Iron.
I'm JEALOUS!!!
I'm having Ironman withdrawls!! :rolleyes:

Wahine

08-23-2007, 04:26 PM

I arrived in Penticton today. I'm pretty mellow. No flashy braclet yet...that's tomorrow. I'm heading out for a short swim and a bike to try out my new 2XU suit that my run coach gave me yesterday. It's really hot and I'd love to wear it but... you know what they say about last minute changes. However, at first try it really is more comfortable than what I have. And, it's an Athletes for the Cure suit. So I'm supporting a good cause by wearing it.

Hmmmmmm, I shall test drive things tonight.

If I change outfits, I'll try to post a pic.

Turns out I have WiFi at the hotel.

Off to do more Ironmanly things!!

kelownagirl

08-23-2007, 05:01 PM

PS It turns out I won't be able to take the laptop with me on Sunday. It is actually my son's laptop and he took it with him to his dad's... Looks like you have access to IM updates online anyway though. Good luck Cassie!

Starfish

08-23-2007, 05:03 PM

Off to do more Ironmanly things!!

This is quite intriguing!

If you meet up with anyone from Port Angeles, tell them I'm cheering them on! There are several there, including one man who will be competing despite cancer in several areas and chemo off and on this year. Both he and his wife will be competing. They are REALLY nice people. Don't want to publish their names here. Might PM you.

teigyr

08-23-2007, 05:08 PM

I can't even imagine the anticipation and nervousness. I know you will do SO well and I can't wait to read about it!!!

Now one thing...what is the flashy bracelet?

crazycanuck

08-23-2007, 07:56 PM

Hi,

The bracelet she's referring to is the one that has your race number on it. Normally they give it to you at rego & you HAVE to wear it when you check your bike in and during the whole event.

C

Wahine

08-24-2007, 01:37 PM

I got my flashy bracelet with my flashy number. Weighed in and guess what girls.......

I'm an Athena.

Yup it's true. Dh has started referring to me as Miss Piggy.

Anyway, I just wanted to post really quickly. I'm feeling fabulous. Pleasantly nervous, the kind of nervous that makes you a little higher energy but doesn't keep you from sleeping or make you sick.

Thanks again for being here in cyberspace for me.

My new outfit is a go....

limewave

08-24-2007, 01:48 PM

Yowza, if you're an athena then I am a . . . I'm not sure they even have a category for me!

Anyways, you look great! Love the outfit.

Wahine

08-24-2007, 01:52 PM

LBTC

08-24-2007, 01:56 PM

You look fabulous! Where do I find the weight ratings that show Athena et al. Curious....

Sorry we won't make it. I'm home with the bug DH has had - if I managed to see you in person I wouldn't want you to get the bug....and I doubt I should spend a bunch of time travelling, etc, when I'm low on immunity.....I'm sorry, though. I really do want to meet you in person, but in the middle of your event isn't really an ideal time.

I will be sending super fast and happy butterflies, and watching online, etc. You're going to rock!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

Xrayted

08-24-2007, 01:58 PM

Hey Cassie,

Kit and I just wanted to say have fun, we will be thinking of you and take care of yourself. No matter what, we want you back here safe and sound.

Now get out there and tear it up! :D

KSH

08-24-2007, 02:33 PM

The Athena cut-off is 145. I weighed in at 146 this AM. I've been struggling to try to drop my weight below 140 for months and in the last 2 months I stopped weighing myself and worrying about it. I guess I gained a few lbs back, but I think in the right way.

DH likes to say that I'm just a little dense.

YOU are an Athena? NO WAY! You must be tall, because you look thin to me!

The outfit is SO CUTE and will stand out in the crowd.... so your hubby can find you. You look great in it.... athena my butt.

So... GOOD LUCK!!!!! OMG! Can't believe it's almost here! You know you will come back to us having tracked you.

crazycanuck

08-24-2007, 02:37 PM

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOhhhhhhh...I'm sooooo excited :D

Wahine, you'll meet the goals you set for yourself at IM..you're a powerhouse chickie..

SEnding speedy vibes your way.'

I'll be thinking of you on monday morning when i'm swimming & working..

C

KnottedYet

08-24-2007, 08:05 PM

Wooooo-HOOOOOOOOOO, Wahine!!!!:D

Wahine

08-24-2007, 08:54 PM

.... athena my butt.

No, no, no. It's my butt that's Athena, not yours.

To answer your question, I'm 5'7". By Canadian standards that's slightly taller than average but by American standards I'm tall. Aparently the average height for women in the US is 5'3". Weird. I have no idea why it would be so different.

Thanks for all the well wishes girls. I had a great meal tonight with a bunch of my old tried and true Edmonton friends. Now it's off to bed.

Hasta Luego.

Starfish

08-25-2007, 12:32 PM

I think I must be an Athena-squared, then!! :p You look strong and athletic to me!

teigyr

08-25-2007, 12:38 PM

I know!!! I showed DH your (Wahine's) picture last night after researching and figuring out what an Athena was. He couldn't believe it! If Wahine's an Athena, I'm, er, I am not sure what.

Out of curiosity, why the classification? It doesn't change anything, does it? Or are finishers rated by that and it isn't general competition (or age competition or however it works)?

Anyway, the outfit looks great!!! And tomorrow is so exciting.

LBTC

08-25-2007, 01:39 PM

Well, I figure that if the Athena class is a sub-class of the age group, that Wahine is going to kick a lot of Athena butt!! btw, Wahine, what is the average height of women in Canada? 5'6"?

Doesn't matter which way you slice it, I'm shorter than average by a lot. And the Athena thing is very misleading. For my height, I would call myself an Athena right now.....

Hugs and butterflies! Have an excellent pre-race day, girl!

~T~

Tri Girl

08-25-2007, 01:45 PM

LOVE your outfit. You look ready to get your race on!!!
I'm an athena, but I don't look nearly as fit at you (maybe it's because my weight is squished down 4 inches shorter). :p

I can't wait to hear all about it! You take care out there and kick some tail. I'll be following you online all day! WOO HOO!!!!!! :D

Wahine

08-25-2007, 03:41 PM

If you accept the Athena classification, I'm not sure if they still rank you amoung the other Age groupers. The Athena group for IMC is divided into 39 and younger and 40 and older. The Athena category was created because it is a huge disadvange to haul around the extra weight in an endurance sport, so the powers that be decided that there needed to be a separate category. By making the new category they allow people to compete against each other who have similar weight "handicaps".

Now, having said that...it is a little off, as you say a taller person is much more likely to be an Athena. But that tall person still has produce way more wattage to get that frame up the road.

I'm actually a little embarassed. I'm not sure I should've accepted. I feel like it's not really fair. I'm this weight because I have huge legs. You can't tell in the photo I posted but from the side my quads a glutes are a little scary.

On the other hand. This will likely be my only chance to come home with a medal from Ironman. The latter won out.

Heading off to eat and relax.

DH will hopefully be posting tomorrow. Watch for his thread.

KSH

08-25-2007, 04:25 PM

To answer your question, I'm 5'7". By Canadian standards that's slightly taller than average but by American standards I'm tall. Aparently the average height for women in the US is 5'3". Weird. I have no idea why it would be so different.

Thanks for all the well wishes girls. I had a great meal tonight with a bunch of my old tried and true Edmonton friends. Now it's off to bed.

Hasta Luego.

Well, I have seen TV shows about why people are taller in some countries and not others. It kind of relates to the standard of living, education, etc. The Dutch have seen a huge growth spurt because of their standard of living being so wonderful.

Enough of that.

YOU ARE RACING ON SUNDAY!

I can't wait to see all the updates on your progress.