I'm IT!!!

OK, I've been tagged, so here goes . . . .

1. Describe a memory of your first triathlon.
I went out to Oak Harbor, OH with some friends for my first race. I wore a regular swim suit (this is important later). I thought I was such a good swimmer -- ha! I was almost last out of the water! Then the bike was depressing in that I only passed a couple women. Finally, I hit the run and passed more, however . . . I discovered the bike seat had worn away most of the bottom of my swimsuit -- duh!!! Anyway, it didn't deter me from future racing (although I did get a new suit before the next race) -- it just made me more determined.

2. Describe a memory from your most recent triathlon.
The initial exhilaration then eventual fear when leading the swim. I was so excited to make the first turn before anyone else (plus it was a beach start which is my favorite -- don't know why, I just like running in). But after several strokes of not seeing anyone on either side, I was worried that they called our wave back somehow. I made it out of the water as the third female -- probably my personal best swim exit.

3. What's the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you in a tri?
Oh, where to start, where to start . . . let's see -- I already mentioned wearing the bottom out of my suit, so how about the face plant coming out of the water at Guelph in Ontario. I don't know exactly what happened other than it went from sand to grass and I just wiped out. Anyhoo, I got up laughing (trust me, I could have had a totally different reaction) and kept on moving.

(Side note: thank goodness Bill didn't have his mega speed camera then!)

4. What's the most thrilling thing that's happened to you in a tri?
I don't know if this is "thrilling", but my highlight is crossing the Ironman finish with Liam and Conor last year in Lake Placid.

5. What is something you discovered about yourself by doing triathlons?
That I can, nah, I guess I've always been determined -- I knew I would do it before I ever toed the line. Perhaps the biggest discovery (which is ongoing) is that I can be ok with the fact that I'm losing my ability to be competitive with the young bucks. Yes, I hate my lack of speed, but am grateful that I can do something many people can't.

6. What is THE BIG GOAL that you're working towards?
My modest goal is to have 100 kids at the Greater Cleveland Tri youth race this year. I would also like to see Bill cross the finish of his first half IM.


OK, if you get my tag, answer these questions and tag three more bloggers!! Cheers!

p.s. I see the podiatrist tomorrow . . . the heel hurts like usual . . .

Brrrrrr - part 2

Since we're buried in snow in Cleveland, it is time for a flashback . . . . . to Hawaii (hee, hee!) Here's where we stayed for Ironman! This is the view from the main house area. Bill and I had a bedroom on the right and Naira and Chuck were on the left. Unbelievable!!

Brrrrrrr!

Sorry about the absence -- I've been scrapbooking, playing soccer mom, working from home on SNOW DAYS (yet again, today), and training -- slowly, but surely --- ok, mostly slowly.

My foot was doing so much better and I was up to 14 miles of total running a couple weeks ago, then BAM! Last Thursday while running (on the indoor track) I could feel constant pain in the heel. When I stopped, it was as bad as I can remember it being. I haven't run since then and it is doing better today. I was hoping I tore the fascia so it would be done and over with, but I don't think I've done the job yet.

The alternative treatment is a session with something used to bust up gall stones -- basically, they give you a local, pound it like hell for 7 minutes, then send you home with no anti-inflammatories, only pain meds. The heel pain should be gone in 3-6 months -- 90% success rate, but not covered by most insurance. I'm not at this point yet, but it is good to know there is a non-surgical option.

The top of my foot (cuboid bone) doesn't stick up -- only hurts when I do certain yoga poses or my podiatrist jabs it really hard. It is probably out of whack from walking funny to compensate for my heel spur. So if I fix the heel spur pain, then perhaps I can get the cuboid back where it belongs and -- Viola! No more foot pain . . . . . I will get there . . . eventually, eventually . . . .