Race info!

Aloha! I'm so sorry I haven't written since the race. I've been overwhelmed with pain, fun and feeling tired. I have to start out by telling you that it is absolutely beautiful here! Everything from the sky and the birds to the grass and the lizards are vibrant in color.

So race day came and went. It was an amazing experience that is quickly leaving my memory. I wish I could forever remember what it was like in the swim. I don't even think I was really paying attention to what I was suppose to be doing, my head was so far in the water looking at the coral and fish. I did swim the fastest I've ever swam before though. (Thanks to my swim coach!) The bike was fun too! I know I was smiling almost the whole way. I said to a few people as they passed me..."Isn't this so much fun?" Although it was a lot of fun the bike was still really painful. The wind was blowing and there weren't any flat roads. It was up and down, up and down the whole 56miles. I did hit a wall( in triathlon terms that means I didn't feel well) at 2 hours and 45mins. I wasn't eating enough and didn't have enough salt in me. As soon as I took my endurolytes (basically salt pills) I felt much better. When the bike was over I ran through the transition, put my bike away, threw on running shoes, had a volunteer put sunscreen on me and was on my way to finish the race with a 13.1 mile run. The run was pretty brutal. My knees were already killing me from the bike and running didn't help. The run was also up and down, through a golf course, beach and on the road. There isn't much different from the weather in Orlando and the weather here in Kona, it hot! The main difference is there isn't any shade in Hawaii. I have blisters on my back now. I applied sunscreen twice so there wasn't much more I could do. I was in so much pain and so tired that I just wanted to finish. I just kept telling myself that I just had to run until the next water/food station. They were posted every mile. I walked and refueled every mile, I would of died if I didn't. I even stopped to go to the bathroom. My teammates were giving me a hard time telling me I should of peed on myself. I still want to believe that only the pros do that but I guess that's not true. :)

My over all time was 6 hours and 20mins! 35mins on the swim, 3:18 bike and 2:20 run...something like that. That's 10mins faster than my goal!!! I'm really excited. After the race I was in a ton of pain. My knees felt like they were going to fall off, I thought for sure they were going be the size of grapefruits. Within a few hours my knee pain left and by the next morning I found pain in a lot more places. Today I feel great! I'm ready for another workout.

The day after the race we went to the Four Seasons Resorts spa. It was amazing! We were there hanging out at their beach, getting massages and spending time in the hot tub for about 7 hours! The next day I felt so much better! We spent Monday at the beach and the evening at a luau with my parents. Today we went on a cruise that took us snorkeling and then spent the afternoon walking around Kona. Tomorrow we are traveling two hours to the Volcano National Park and then through Hilo and up through the northern part of the Island. Thursday we still haven't figured out what we are going to do but I'm sure it will be fun whatever it is.

I love the people that I'm traveling with. They have been wonderful. We all get along great and enjoy doing the same things so it has made traveling easy. My parents also came to Hawaii. It was great to have them there on race day. I hate not having people there to cheer for you on race day. Its hard to race that way. My parents also had a hard, long day of sitting in the sun. They took some great pictures that I hope to have posted soon.

We leave Hawaii Thursday night and if all goes as planned we will land in Orlando Friday afternoon.

Overall my time here in Hawaii has been amazing. I couldn't ask for a better trip. I can't wait to see where and what size of race I do next! Mahalo (thank you in Hawaiian) for all your support and prayers. You made my race so much easier!

The race is almost here!

Its here! Tomorrow is the day! To everyone else that is reading this its already Saturday but for me its only 8:27pm on Friday. Bed time is arriving quickly, the mood is quite! Unbelievably I'm not feeling that nervous...yet! We packed all our running gear and handed it over our bike stuff in is another bag which is with us now but we hand that over tomorrow morning when we get there and the volunteers will give it to us when we get out of the swim. The cool this is we get stamped in the morning! I've never been stamped. It makes me feel important and accomplished...heheh :)
I'm so excited for tomorrow! You know what I think I'm the most excited about?? Seeing all the wildlife on the side of the road. We've already seen goats, a wild turkey, strange looking birds and a ferret. Tell me where else you see things like that? You all know I love animals so what better place for me. Not to mention even in other races my number one prayer on the bike is "God let me see an animal just so I can smile at something because I'm having a really hard time." I can't wait!
My goal for this race no longer has a time limit. I just want to finish. I think this has helped my nerves alot. This is just going to be a fun race. I'm in Hawaii!
I love you, your support has been amazing! I've truly enjoyed receiving text messages and phone calls from all of you it means alot! Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers!
Ok good night all.......stay tuned!
Love yah ~amy

The 1st race update!

The day isn't starting out well! I'm packed and ready to go waiting at the airport for my flight. Supposedly there is bad weather in Dallas, so I'll plane has been delayed 2 hours and 5 mins. That gives us 15 mins to get from one gate to another. We might get stuck at the airport in LAX but that would be ok. We would still have two days until race day. Trying to be positive! :)

Only 5 days left!!!

Well it has been brought to my attention that the last several days...ok maybe weeks, I have been a bit on the negative side about going to Hawaii. Although its no excuse I am scared to death of this race. The vacation part has even begun to enter into my mind yet. All I can think about is that 5 mile incline on the bike where we go from 0 to 600 feet above sea level! Not to mention the wind. I think I've seen too many videos about the full Ironman that has me freaked out. Besides that I have become very competitive and I would like to break the 6 hr 30 min time. I know this isn't going to happen in this terrain, nor am I going to win this race. My training is over and I just need to go out there and have fun with it! My goal for this week is to stay positive, smile and enjoy the scenery that God has given me too look at while I'm out there! Oh yeh and have fun! Sorry to all those who have been the brunt of all my negative thinking lately! Its all gone starting right now! :) 5 days left whaooo!

Restore Kids

I wanted to show you some pictures of the precious kids that you have helped in the past several months. A couple of days ago they graduated from Kindergarten and K4.
Currently you all have helped me raise $3132.45 for these kids! Way To Go!

Disney 70.3

I was a spectator for the first time today since I've been involved with the sport of triathlon. What a different feeling that was! I was excited for my friends before the race and then once everyone started getting on there bikes I became a little nervous for them. I was thinking that ther was going to be SOOOO much time for us to kill while my friends where on their 56 mile bike ride, but that wasn't the case at all. It went by so quickly. Of course the pro's were already out on the run by the time we got a quick bite to eat and walked to the run course. The pros are amazing! Watching them run is the coolest thing. They have the quickest feet!

This 70.3 race was out at Disney witch most people think would be great. And for the most part today it was ok for us. But then again I wasn't racing so I don't know what the athletes thought about it. My favorite part about the race today was where we stood for the run. We were in a shaded area that we could see people on both sides. Athletes going out and in. It was a three loop course so we were able to see everyone several times. It was great. I'm sure it was very encouraging for the runners too.
The thing I didn't like about Disney was that it took us a billion years to get back to our cars. In the morning we had to park in a Disney parking lot and be shuttled over to the race start. Then when we left for some reason the bus drivers were very confused and dropped us off one place made us get on another bus and then that bus driver pulled into an empty parking lot across the street from where everyone parked. Then once he figured out where we wanted to go he went around the block to get there instead of just going across the street. OH and of course he then had to circle the parking lot once for us!!!!! ahhhhhh we could of crawled faster than that. But now we are all home with food in our bellies feeling much better. Disney is just not athlete/spectator friendly. Its all about their guest and their magical experience. Thats all well and good but if they are going to put on this production then things need to change. They need to think about the months of training people put into this not including the amount of money. The athletes deserve better. I don't understand why USAT keeps having races there.
Shauna, Heather and Tish you guys did great today! It was so fun watching you race and cheering you on! I wish I could say I was done with my race!

Restore/Disney

Restore Orlando had their graduation for the Future Hope of Promise School last night. It was the sweetest thing! Those kids are precious. They were all dressed up in their church clothes. Most of them in purple, I guess I missed the memo. I wish I had a picture of Avery! He was in a purple plaid suit with purple shoes. He ROCKED! The kids sang a few songs, diplomas where handed out and then there was cake and punch for everyone to enjoy. It was great to see most of their parents last night. There isn't always a lot of parent participation down there so when ever they show up its a blessing. About 5 of the kids will be coming back next year for kindergarten and the others who were in kindergarten will be going to a different school for 1st grade.

Only 11 more days until lift off! Thirteen until race day. Tomorrow 3 of my friends will be participating in the Disney 70.3. Part of me wishes that I was competing too. I'm burnt out, I'm done training. I still don't feel very confident on the bike but there isn't much I can do now. I'm excited to spend 7 hours in the sun tomorrow watching my friends. For real, I am! We've been training so hard together for so long it will be fun to see them compete. I haven't been a spectator in about 2 years. This will be different for me. The whole transition thing will be different tomorrow so I'm glad we get to see it happen before we have to experience it.
Good luck you guys!

Thanks!

A big thanks to everyone who has helped me raise money for Restore Orlando. The current total raised is $2,771.85! Thats amazing! I thank you and so does Restore!
I can't believe there are only 23 days left! I'm getting a little anxious and a bit done with this training stuff. I'm still having fun but its also becoming tiring. Today in the pool I was ready to quit in the middle of my workout. Brian quickly reminded me you can't quit in the middle of and Ironman, so what are you doing? Let me just tell you it was a good thing he was there because that workout would of be over with. Although the waves will be nothing I've ever experienced before I'm not so worried about the swim or the run. Its the bike that I'm very concerned with. The wind and the hills are not something we can reproduce here in Florida. We try to but Sugarloaf and Buckhill are probably nothing compared to what we are going to be facing in HI. Lots of prayers and a whole lot of positive thinking might be the only way I make it up those volcanoes!

St. Anthony's

What a great race! Its so beautiful in St. Pete! The weather was perfect this year. My only complain would be that the race is too big. My wave didn't start until 8:50. That's the time that I would normally only have about 30-60 mins left in a race! It got really hot on the run. I didn't prepare my body well enough for that. I thought I was drinking a lot on the bike but apparently not. I got really bad cramps in the very beginning of the run and they lasted what seemed like forever. Then I battled with goose bumps and heat. Not good, but some how even though I walked most of it I still ended up with a 10min pace.
The best part of the race was racing with my friends. I caught up with Brian's friend Dawn and my friend Tracy and we rode the whole way together. We probably should of been given a penalty but some how none of us get one. The motorcycle passed us so many times and just hovered over us forever! I thought for sure we were caught. It was hard not to draft or stay in packs there were so many people! There 124 girls in my age group alone. One of my other favorite parts was having my supportive boyfriend there! He's so good to me!

As of tomorrow I only have one month left! Today Brian and I watched part of the 2006 Hawaii Ironman on TV. He has it on Tivo so we fast forwarded to the bike part where the pro's are talking about how windy it is. You see can them struggling to stay on their bikes, the wind is so strong. I listened with tears in my eyes as Michelle Jones tells me to look out at the water and see if there are white caps before I go over one of the hills. If there are white caps that means that I'm in big trouble, its going to be really windy! If there aren't well then I'm told the Hawaiian God's are asleep! I want them to be asleep June 2, 2007! All day! I'm scared to death!

Rain again!

What is it with St. Anthony's and bad weather? Last year the water was horrible. They were pulling people out and one person even died! This year the forecast is for rain, which means the ocean will be rough! Unbelievable! Like we didn't suffer enough two weeks ago in Clermont. I guess its only going to make us stronger. Other than the weather I'm looking forward to this race. I think it will be fun. The course shouldn't be hard, its pretty flat.
Pray for good weather on Sunday!

Unbelievable!

Yesterdays race was unbelievable in so many ways!! First of all the day started off bad. Brian and I had a miss communication about what time I was going to be at his house. So he was still asleep when I arrived. It wasn't a big deal though we were at the race in plenty of time. Then stupid me froze my water bottles the night before, luckily they were ok by race time. Then I forgot my USAT card in the car once we got to the race. But once I was in the transition area everything settled down for a little while. That is until I got on the bike! First I dropped my chain because my gears were stuck, then the wind started blowing, then it started raining incredibly hard, along with the rain came lightning, then came two flat tires!! The wind was so strong I thought was going to be knocked off my bike. At some points I couldn't even see in front of me the rain was coming down so hard. Our stuff in the transition area was basically in a lake. I don't think I have ever been so dirty in my whole life. I had grease, mud, grass and everything else all over me! I didn't even put my hat on to go running, it had junk all in it. So my hair was everywhere, those pictures are going to be keepers! :) Thank goodness Brian handed me a pair of dry socks before I went out on the run.

Needless to say if you look at my bike time it looks like I had a 12.4 MPH pace, it took me 3 hours! My swim was really good though. I came in 1st in my age group and 10th out of all the women. On the bike I came in last! hahah.....It took me at least 40mins to replace my first tire and then I just rode on my 2nd flat for about 2 miles. I didn't have a 2nd spare and I knew the transition area wasn't too far away. I took my bike into the shop today and my rim is fine, they also said that my gears are just hard to shift and thats basically the way it's going to be. (I think they are just tired of me coming in every couple of weeks for the same problem! My thumbs just aren't strong enough :) ) I had a good run though. I kept a 9:01 pace. The total mileage of the race was 1.2 mile swim, 36 mile bike and 9.3 mile run. I was disappointed with my results on the bike but over all considering the circumstances I'm pretty excited about the results.
It can't get any worse than that!

Training Update

Training is going well. I'm really enjoying it. Brian and I have finally gotten back into the routine of swimming together. I almost caught up to him yesterday, I was in arms length all the way until the last 25 meters! When it was my turn to be the rabbit he let me swim about 3/4 of a lap before he started. If we had swam more than a 300, I wouldn't of been able to keep up the pace. He definitely makes me faster!
This morning Tracy, Alex and I went out to Buckhill and did a brick workout. I think I'm ready for the Clermont race on Sunday. Its by far the longest race I've ever done but for some reason I'm not worried. I keep telling myself it's just a training day. It shall be interesting! Pray that it doesn't rain! It's not fun or safe to be riding in the rain.

Restore Orlando update: Thank you so much for your continuous support in helping our community. Currently you have helped me raise $1,500!

Ironman

Hey did you guys know that I have a famous boyfriend?! Not only does he get Desire Ficker (professional triathelet) to email me but he's also in Triathlete magazine on page 20! :)

Don't get too excited he just sent in an email, but there was a little bit of attitude flung in there. We didn't know he was going to be published so it was fun to be flipping through and find his comment.

So I guess I won't be getting the Ironman tattoo anytime soon!

Its Hot Outside!

I thought it would be a good idea if I started running in the middle of the day considering that by the time I get to the running leg of the race it will be about noon or later. I've gone running about this time of the day three times now. Other than the sketchy men on the trail, the first time was fine. The second time, it was so hot! My friend Heather and I were on the trail for an 1:20 mins. We stopped three times!!! The last time we just never started up again. We both carried water and I had a little Hammer gel mixed into to mine but it was no help. I started getting goose bumps, and we were both more tired than we should of been. So round three... I was on my own again. I brought more water with me this time, but with Heed and I took my gel before I ran. I didn't get goose bumps this time but my heart rate on the way back was through the roof, and my stomach was cramping. At first I just started walking to get my heart rate down. It didn't take more than a minute it get it down so then I started running again. (Thank goodness for heart rate monitors, a great training tool!) It wasn't until I got to the black asphalt road that I thought I was going to die from the heat. I guess I should do repeats on that road to get ready for the lava fields I will be running through. Its a good thing I have a couple of months to get used to this heat. I don't think the heat has ever effected me like this before. I live in Florida, I need to suck it up, I should be better prepared for this kinda of stuff than others coming from up north. If you see me running while your driving down the road throw me so water!

Have you ever ridden you bike 56 miles? Have you ever been on your bike and its been so windy that you have to lean to stay up? Have you ever gone 44miles on your bike without talking to anyone? Have you ever tried to read a map while riding your bike? Have you ever met a guy named Skip in the middle of no where? Have you ever had water handed to you outside a truck window when your both going about 15 MPH, then after emptying the water into your own bottle trying to throw the empty bottle back into a truck window without falling off your bike or running into something?
Well all these things happened to me yesterday. Yesterday was the first time I had completed 56 miles. I wasn't really worried about it because I did 50 just fine a couple of weeks ago. I just didn't know that on this ride I was going to be mainly by myself. After about mile 9 I got dropped by the fast people and I left behind the other people. I couldn't see anyone I knew, nor did I know where I was going. Thanks to my helpful boyfriend, I had a map! A small laminated one that I could stick in the pocket of my shirt for easy retrieval. It wasn't always the easiest thing to read though. At one point during our ride we were on a major highway that had exits on it. Not a good place to read a map! You better be holding on after a big semi passes, talk about wind!
Our coach was driving around in his truck making sure we were all still alive but it wasn't very often I would see him. There was about 8 of us spread out all over. Pat (coach)does a great job encouraging us and letting us know what we need to do next. Such as drink! That's something I guess I wasn't doing enough of. I felt great most of the ride. There was a point about mile 30 that I knew two of the biggest "mountains" were coming up very soon and I almost had a mental breakdown. Instead of a breakdown I rewarded myself with some shot blocks, very similar to gummy bears but they are filled with carbs and electrolytes, without the sugar. All was good at mile 40 when the "mountains" where in my past. Then at mile 44 life got even better! I saw a biker in the far distance. I pushed and pulled as hard as I could to get to him. I was ready to draft for a while. This man was wonderful. I pulled for a while then he pulled and then we rode side by side and talked for about 5 miles or so. If I didn't have him I don't know what I would of done. I was getting a little lonely out there by myself. When I left him I only had five miles to go. At that point I could of done anything, I was so pumped!
I ran a little bit after the ride but not long enough so in a few minutes I'm going to go run 8 miles with my friend Heather. She's amazing, I enjoy running with her because she always pushes me to the next level!
Restore Orlando update! Currently you guys have helped me raise $751!! I'm so excited to see how God is going to use this money! Thank you so much for your prayers and support!

First Race of the Season!

The first Triathlon of the season is now behind me. What a good way to start...it was a all womens sprint. Don't worry the competition was still high! In my age group I came in 5th. I would like to of placed a little higher but I can live with 5th place.

The race was located at Fort DeSoto. It was so beautiful! The swim was great, the water was a little chilly but with a wet suit you didn't even notice. What I did notice though was the girl that I couldn't get around. We swam on top of each other until the last buoy. I don't think I've ever been pushed around so much in the water. This girl was brutal! I think she ended up coming in 3rd or 4th other all. I did beat her out of the water though! :) The wind was blowing so hard on the bike, on the way out we were all going so slow and then we were able to pick up the pace on the way back. My theory about the run was right. I was a little afraid that I wouldn't be able to get going very quickly on the run. I though I would be almost done before I would be warmed up. I wasn't to the finish line but it wasn't until the last 1/2 mile that I could finally stop huffing and puffing and pick up some speed. I knew though when I crossed the finished line and gave the lady my foot to take off the chip that I didn't push myself hard enough. I GAVE HER MY FOOT! Most of the time I can't even stand still because I'm afraid of what will happen if I do. My coach was right there at the finish line congratulating me and she tried to hand me water. I didn't want it. What does that tell you? I took it anyway because I knew that I needed it, but that obviously means that I should of pushed myself 20mins ago. Maybe I would of been in 3rd place.

It all worked out though I was able to go back onto the course and cheer the rest of my team. All the Tri-Training ladies did a great job. Way to go you guys!

Two Loves Come Together

Below I have attached a letter that I have sent/emailed out to my friends and family. I am so excited to see what God is going to do with.

Dear Friends,

As some of you know I have been training for the last couple of months to be able to compete in my first Ironman 70.3 triathlon. That means that I will be swimming 1.2 miles, biking 56 and running 13.1. The race date is June 2, 2007 and will take place in Honu, Hawaii. While this date may seem far away to you, according to my training, it is just around the corner! The training is going well, the runs and rides are becoming longer and tougher.

Some of you also know about my love for Restore Orlando. Restore Orlando is a non-profit, Christian base organization that reaches out to one of Orlando’s poorest communities, Holden Heights. A few of Restores programs include, Future Hope of Promise School, after school programs, martial arts, and adult education programs.
I have been volunteering at this inner city organization now for 9 years. Currently I am serving in the Kindergarten and Pre-K classrooms once a week. I plan on serving Restore Orlando in hope that I will continue to see a change in the lives and hearts of those that live in the Holden Heights community.

I have committed myself to completing this race in Hawaii. As if that wasn’t challenging enough I would also would like to raise money for Restore Orlando. My goal is to have 100 people support me in giving $70.30 each to go along with the 70.3 miles I will be completing. In doing this YOU would be changing lives.

I ask you to help me support Restore Orlando through your prayers and financial contributions. Please know that 100% of your contribution will go to Restore Orlando. Not a single penny goes to support me, my travel, or my training, this is purely for Restore Orlando. Apart from helping me reach my goal and supporting this ministry I would also appreciate your support in praying for my training and the race. You can follow my training by viewing my training blog at www.amytris.blogspot.com . Thank you so much for your support in this challenge I have undertaken.

If you are interested in supporting this ministry financially please send a check to me made out to Restore Orlando. My address is: 815 Arlington Blvd. Altamonte Springs, Fl. 32701.

New Tri Clothes Warm a Girls Heart!

Training is going well, I feel as though everything is coming together. The count down begins...only 10 weeks left! I'm starting to get excited. There is a great foursome of us going to Hawaii which will make the trip 4'x better!
All thats great but what has really gotten me excited are the new tri clothes that I just bought. I know the guys won't understand this but buying new clothes is very therapeutic. It allows for a fresh start, it gives you a since of accomplishment and it boost your self-esteem. Shopping is wonderful if you have the $$ to do it with if not well it still can be fun in the moment.
So now I'm set for the season...(thats what I tell myself until the next sale) I just bought new tri shorts and top, new shoes, socks and my three new jerseys just came in the mail today!! I'm so excited!! The best part is it was ALL on Sale!
When I think about buying tri shorts it makes me laugh. Three years ago when I was just testing the waters of this whole triathlon stuff I didn't want to get near a pair of those shorts. I thought they made me look fat and a bit ridiculous. Now I love them, in fact they are my favorite shorts to where. My non-tri friends don't understand me!

Cold in March?!?

Who said it was allowed to be cold this morning! Living in Florida we don't expect cold weather in the middle of March! Yesterday it was in the 80's, it was beautiful! Today 60's! This morning it was definitely in the 40's!! Did I mention the wind was blowing? We are definitely wimps when it comes to cold weather! Our workout was plyo's and running. While our coach was setting up there were 5 of us crammed into his tiny trailer he keeps all the equipment in. It was quite the site to see! I wish we had a camera. We all came dressed for warm weather. Its a good thing most of us still where light jackets in the morning time around here no matter how hot it is. Short sleeves and shorts weren't going to cut it today!
The workout was tough but not as tough as it seemed like it should of been. I guess you can't do plyo's forever. It was a short hard workout, we worked hard for about an hour and a half. It was okay though, this week was a rough one. I worked hard this week and we have a long ride in the morning to wake up to. Thank goodness its not suppose to be windy!
Next weekend is my first sprint of the season. I'm really excited. I've heard a couple other people say well its just a sprint....we don't need to worry about it. They are right but on the other hand I want to see what my body can do in this race. I'm ready to push it! I'm a little worried I won't get into race pace quick enough on the run. The race might be over just when I get warmed up! We'll see, the others are right, in the end its not going to kill me if I don't do well...its just a sprint! An expensive training day!

70.3 in Kona

Question for all you tri junkies.... Has anyone done the 70.3 in Kona? Hows the bike? I heard its a 7mile incline. How steep is that incline? How about the run, is it a rough terrain? What about the wind?

This morning I went for a ride and at one point the wind was so strong coming down a hill I was loosing speed when I was coasting. Crazy uh?

Today was a fun workout. My team and I swam in "Lucky's" Lake and then went for a run. The competition was on today! It was also the first time this year I put on my wetsuit. I was a little worried that it wouldn't fit!
We started out swim behind a group of men. I was so excited to catch up with them and swim side by side with them on the way back. The run was difficult today, but for a different reason that you would think. I was in the front today. When your in the front you don't know how to pace yourself. All I knew was that I didn't want anyone to catch up with me. My coach was on his bike riding beside me some of the time encouraging me to not look back and keep going. I wanted to look back so many times. I did! I tried to look back only at the corners but my curiosity got the best of me. The last time I looked back my team mate Alex waved to me! I guess I was giving him the power he wanted. Alex and Heather caught up to me in the last 1/2 mile or so, it was a battle to the finish line! Heather and I were sprinting and at the end she won. I loved being in the front of the pack today but it was a different kind of challenge that I haven't experienced before. I think it might be easier to be the 2nd or the 3rd so you can see how fast your legs have to move. Its a good problem to have I guess.

Brick workout

This mornings workout was so much fun! My team an I went out to Clermont and did hill repeats on Buck Hill. When I started this morning I thought it was going to be anything but fun. It looked like it was going to pour at any second it was windy and cold. Although after the first ride up and back the jacket came off.
I think I enjoyed it today because I feel like I'm actually starting to understand the way to ride the hills. Just getting the gears down and working on my foot speed helped so much! I worked so hard getting up those dang hills that I actually enjoyed coming down them. Most of the time I'm a big chicken and put my breaks on but not today.
On the way back the second time I was able to get with the fast people and ride back with them. I loved it. But just as I pasted my competitor she came up from behind and beat me to the finish. Not once but 2x's. Good job Shauna!
We quickly locked our bikes up and went out for a run. Ok let me tell you that running up and down hills (to me they are mountains) is not as fun as biking them. It was good though I hadn't done a brick workout in a long time. I felt strong though.
My coach Pat (we have a love, hate relationship) told me and Heather to keep going, little did we know he had told everyone else to turn around. He had us go down one extra hill and back up another. We couldn't see it but he knew that we still had some left in us. Heather is my biggest competitor in the run. I never beat her! Nor did I today but she gave me a great push!
I love my team! We are great for each other. As our competitive spirits grow and our bodies become stronger our competitors change. Its great to always have a new challenge ahead of you!

Shin Splints

Currently I am sitting on the couch with my legs propped up with ice packs and ace bandages on them. I'm suffering from the aches and pains of shin splints. I've had this before but new shoes, and ice massages took care of it. Not this time. I bought new shoes at least a month ago. No help! Actually they are worse. I'm trying to stay away from running this week because I know once the weekend is here I won't be able to help it. So today I did heavy weights. Its frustrating to be hurting. For some reason I want to run more than ever today, I guess its because I know I shouldn't! Any ideas?

Small Miles Rough Conditions

Its been a good training weekend! Yesterday my training group ran Buckhill. If you live in the Orlando/Clermont area need I say more. Its only 5 miles but the hills are very steep. Then we did a 1 mile cool down. I think I worked above heart zone because yesterday afternoon I felt horrible. I didn't know how I would make through the night. Then today I got up went to early church and then went out to the West Orange Trail and road the bikes to Clermont. The wind and the hills were crazy! But I felt so much better than yesterday. The company was great though it made the ride 100x's better. The mileage wasn't very much but the conditions all weekend were enough to feel as though the miles were big!

New Triathletes in the making!

Yesterday after my workout I went to Showalter Park to help with a new Tri Training group of women. This group of lady's are definitely out of shape but they want to complete their first triathlon. Many of them haven't done any type of working out since high school...and they are in their 40-50's! Its a little hard for me to understand but very good for me to be there. I actually really enjoy helping other people reach their fitness goals. Its so much fun to talk to them and find out what makes them tick and how you can push each one of them a little differently in order to complete the same goal. Last night we taught them about their heart rate. We did several test with them to figure out what their heart rates were and then had them run different amounts depending on their levels. Its funny how I'm suppose to be out there encouraging these women but it ends up they are very encouraging to me and spending time with them actually makes me want train harder.

The Triathlon of Life!

Lately I've been thinking a lot about the people that have helped me get to where I am today. The roots they have planted in me to help me grow into the person I am and want to be. Life is challenging but if you think about it, its much like a triathlon. As we start out in the swim it can be very scary if you are the one being kicked and punched and swam over. After a few 100 yards hopefully the water has calmed but your not there yet. You still have a challenge ahead. Then God graciously gives you a break in T1. Its a chance to gather everything you think you might need for the next big mountain that you need to climb. In life I have found these transitions to be a time to recharge and gather people in my life that mean the most to me and that helped support me through the "swim". The bike in my world has been an emotion point for me. I don't want to say that I hate being on the bike but it is not my strong point. But I love those point on the bike when I've made it to the top of a hill or I feel the wind at my back. Just as in my day to day schedule when people I love or those that I don't even know say small encouraging words on a bad day. That's what makes going down hill so much better. Once again your at a transition point. Your completely warn out but you can't give up. Your so much stronger at this point, its just one foot in front of the other. Your mind plays games with you, "you could always walk", and this is where the voice of your coach, tri-friend, friend, parent, spouse, child saying "you can do it, your almost there!" pushes you to the end. The mountains are still there but its faith, love and discipline that will get you over the finish line. Life is a struggle but we can all make it if we love one another and have faith that our heavenly Father will never leave us.

Getting Back on Track

I started the day off with an early morning swim. Man was it cold this morning! I almost turned around and headed back to bed. But I was advised otherwise. I'm so glad that I stuck with it though. It was a great swim and I was even able to keep up with the 1:45 minute pace! It was the first time! Our swim was also a little shorter than previous swims, but it gave me a boost of confidence.
We did a 200 warm up with drills
250
350
250
200 cool down with drills
1250 total
This afternoon I will get on my trainer for an hour 15 mins.
Because its Presidents Day I don't have anything to do today. No school to go to, no volunteering today, whatever will I do? Sounds like it might be a good day to go to Starbucks with a good book! Hope you have the day off too!

Ready to work

Its a good thing Sunday is here! This past week of training has been useless! Although I think I did something everyday, I didn't do the workout that I should of been doing on any given day. It wasn't a planned rest week but I'm going to take it as one. Hopefully this coming week training will be different. Hopefully I am fully charged for whats ahead of me!
I normally would use Sundays as a rest day I think today is going to have to be a working day.

Swimming!

My swim workouts have never been this hard before! I don't think I've ever really pushed myself in the water before. Brian is really making me work! He put together a workout last night for both of us. I definitely needed my stop watch for this workout... I didn't even think about grabbing it this morning. He wasn't too happy with me! So because of that I had to stick by Brian as long as I could. I did pretty well until the 2nd 250. At that point I thought I was going to die. The last 150 and the cool down were much better. My heart rate was through the roof though on the 2nd 250.
we did a
200 warm up
150
250
350
250
150
200 cool down
each one of these lengths was based on a 1:45 , 100. well for Brian it was, I stayed with it until the 2nd 250 and then mine 100's were on a 2 min interval. It was a good challenge. After the swim we got on the elliptical machine for a little and then I finished an ab workout. It was a good morning!

Treadmills are boring!

Today's run was pointless. I was planning to go to the gym and do upper body weights and then meet up with a friend and run about 4-5 miles later this evening. Well when I got to the gym a little after 4pm there were sever weather warnings for our area and it look horrible outside. I was thinking that there was no way I was going to be able to run outside. So I got on the treadmill and I only lasted 25 mins. Its so boring! I don't run with an Ipod because for safety reasons and so that I don't get dependant. The only entertainment I had was listening to the two women next to me talk about their 3 and 4 year olds Sunday school teacher. Ahhhh...! I did have a pretty good weight day though. What really made me irritated was when I went outside it was so sunny!!! We were suppose to get penny size hail and 60 mile an hour winds! None of that ever happened! Oh well whats one day?

Once again I challenged Brian to swim with me. It was a good workout. I gave him a head start so there wouldn't be too much competition. He did end up over lapping me in the last 200 but that's okay, I over lapped him when we were swimming with our pull buoys and paddles. He got to the end and tried to tell me I was still kicking even though I was using my pull buoy. I know he just doesn't want me to finish first. Just incase I was, I made up for it I did an extra 50. ;)
Its good to have him push me, I love it! I think all together we did 1400 this morning. A great way to start off the day.

What a day!

Yesterdays work out was named by my coach the Run From Hell! We ran in the rolling hills of Clermont. I had never ran this course before and while it was very scenic and beautiful it was also very challenging. It took everything I had to get up some of the hills but going down was a blast. One of my fellow runners and I got a little lost on the run and did about an extra mile so total we did about 12 miles. Not to mention that our water cooler was stolen from one of our stops so we didn't have water until the 9 mile mark! But our coach was very motivating he kept reminding us to look around to see how high we were (we in FL. aren't able to do that very often) and to see how far we've gone. All you athletes who train by yourselves amaze me! I don't know how you do it! I'm so thankful for my group, I am definitely the type who needs encouragement and a challenging partner beside me, or ahead of me. So thanks to all you Tri Training friends!
After the run workout my friend Tish and I went to another workout were were helped instruct some women on their swimming stroke. There were about 5 different drills we had them do along with a warm up and a cool down. We got in the water ahead of time to stretch out a little bit and man did it feel good! I love being able to get into the water and stretch my stroke out. Doesn't it feel great?! All that to say it was a long day!

First timer!

Over the past month I have become intrigued with the whole "blogging" idea. Many of you have already heard of my training adventures through my boyfriend Brian-IronBri's blog. Yes, I am the Amy that has received and email from Desiree Ficker (very exciting!) and the same person that is very competitive in the water (what do you expect?).
I have been very encouraged from reading others blogs and reading the comments some of you have left behind. As I begin my journey of training and then traveling to my first 70.3 race in Kona, I look forward to learning from you and sharing my experience along the way.