Marathon training

Squeaked out 20 miles on Sunday!  Not too bad for where I should be at this point in training.  The only problem is that I'm doing a sprint tri this Sunday so I won't be able to run much this weekend. 

Chicago marathon training

Ran 16 miles this weekend, but really struggled with that distance. it was probably too much to jump from a longest run of 13 miles to 16 miles. I'm hoping that I can do 18 this Sunday and then 20 on 9/16. If I can at least get to 20 miles by then, I'll feel like I can finish the marathon even if I don't do well. 

USA Triathlon Nationals -Cleveland, OH

I had a good race at nationals on Saturday. I'm a little disappointed because I was hoping to come in the top 5, but I placed 6th. However, that was my best finish at nationals and I felt like I raced as hard as I possibly could.  The swim was difficult for me and I struggled a bit in the final leg back to shore due to the way the waves were splashing in my face making it difficult to breath.  Then I got back into a rhythm on the bike thanks to #716, a guy with a disk wheel who raced me all the way.  We took turns passing each other, but we never drafted. Once on the run I was just pushing as hard as I could with what I had left.  I thought about my mom, but to be honest, I was so out of it that I could just focus on putting one foot in front of the other and getting to the line. 

This was a long racing season, but I'm proud that I accomplished my two goals: complete the duathlon and triathlon nationals.  It wasn't easy getting to these races due to all the commitments with the kids, work and my mom (in the spring). Plus there were many times I thought my hip/ham string injury was going to prevent me from racing.  But I stuck it out and took 3rd at Duathlon nationals and now 6th here!  I just have two goals left: do one more tri so I can get ranked, and complete the Chicago marathon.  Then I will take some time off (but not too much!).   

Triathlon Nationals

Less than 48 hours to the USA Triathlon National Championship!  I'm excited and feel like I have a chance to get on the podium. My bike is set, I just need to make some mental adjustments- stay positive and not freak out! 

Family Vaca in Colorando week of 7/30

Just got back from a fun family vacation in Winter Park, CO.  We had a blast and did a lot of hiking. My favorite was this climb to the top of Mt. Bierstadt on Monday 7/30.  We got up there early just as the sun was rising!  I also got in a bike ride and a few short runs. 

Cycling in Morton Arb

Awesome ride this AM through the Morton Arboretum.

Harrington Beach Swim this AM

Amazing swim with Rich in Lake Michigan as the sun was rising.  There was an off shore marine layer that was illuminated by the first rays of the sun.  Water was cool with nice size swells, but no chop.  Awesome! 

USA Triathlon Age Group Nationals

On to the USA Tri age-group nations!  Saturday Aug. 11th is Nationals so just over 3 weeks away!  I'm feeling pretty confident after lake Zurich and feeling pretty good about my cycling.  hopefully I can ride at about the same pace as in LZ when I'm in Cleveland. Oh, that;s the one down side, its in Cleveland!  

Lake Zurich Tri

Finally had a good race where I was able to push hard on the bike and still run well.  As usual, my swim sucked: 29+ minutes, but both transitions were good. This was a very hard effort for me and I'm feeling it today.  Total time 2:14:27.

Lake Zurich Tri in 6 days

I'm feeling pretty good about my preparation for the LZ tri this Sunday.  I need to qualify for Nationals, so I need a good, but not great race.  Just hope I don't flat, crash or cramp up.  Had a good brick w/o yesterday albeit warm temps (high of 96 degrees).