July 3, 2008

Suit Up!

Swimming is often the biggest challenge for those who want to become triathletes. For me this is not the case. I actually come from a swimming background. The biggest challenge in the swim I have had is the open water part. I grew up in Colorado - not a plethora of open water there to swim in. It has taken me two years to start to feel more at ease with water where I can't see the bottom. This winter I decided to tackle the next traithlon swim challenge - the wetsuit.

I have been freaked of the wetsuit concept simply because I know how to swim. I figured that being a good swimmer and then encasing myself in a suit of rubber would impede the movement and ability I already had. But, the warmth factor has been a draw. Not only do wetsuits help increase your buoyancy - helpful for those who aren't strong swimmers - it insulates you and keeps you warm. Nice.

I got a Promtion wetsuit (a nice economical choice for the amateur, I think) for Christmas and it has been hanging in the closet waiting for a test swim. So, late last week I enlisted Jeff and the camera to help me give it a test. Here's what I found:

1) Getting it on was a bit tricky and will take some practice but, at least before a race there is time to pull it on slowly and carefully. [And, because others are also wearing wetsuits you won't look as stupid as you feel you look]

2) It IS very insulating - I was swimming in fairly shallow waters that were around 80+ degrees - I was a bit sweaty feeling.

3) I think the feel might be easier for men who wear swim trunks to get used to. I never swim with anything around my legs (well, except for the compression like tri-shorts). While the upper body was more comfortable than I expected, the legs felt a bit like I was wearing a pair of pants while swimming.

4) Wetsuits are not meant to be a barrier to the water. Water still passes through them. Water passing through the legs while I was swimming made me feel like I was wetting my pants [tried and tried but I could come up with no better/nicer description for that one.]

5) Taking it off was not as tricky as it's made out to be. I was able to "jog" up and out of the water and pull the zipper down and strip the suit down to my waist - this was probably made slightly easier by the fact that I got a sleeveless style suit. I had to sit to pull off the legs but I didn't get stuck!

All in all it wasn't a bad test swim. I am waiting to see what the water temp will be in the Schuykill river next week for the Philly Women's Tri to decide if I want to use it for the race.

-Jen

PS. There are some notes with some of the pictures below. . . .

PPS. Don't let anyone take a picture of you from behind in a wetsuit - not a good look . . .

May 30, 2008

My Personal Ad

When I train there is peace. Call it a runner's high, an endorphin high, or whatever you want, but somewhere in the mix of blood flowing, endorphins working, or the rhythm of legs moving, I find a certain zen. Sometimes it's at mile 2 of a run. Last week it didn't happen until mile 16 of a ride. Whatever the perfect storm of endorphins and sweat, it allows me to think clearly. I suddenly find myself solving problems (how do you get two kids in three places when you are just one person?), to creating the perfect training strategies, to blog writing, to discovering things about myself as a person or as a mom.

These ideas and thoughts always seem to come with such clarity and eloquent wording but I have no way of capturing them. I sometimes feel that it would be nice to stop, flip open my head and let all the thoughts come tumbling out onto paper or in a box so that they will be preserved until I get home, where I can put them in action. My family has seen me more than once come in from a ride or run, breathless, and dripping sweat only to run to the computer and open the first blank thing I can get my uncoordinated hands to click so that I can type random thoughts to save for later. When I look at these notes later, often the bubble has burst. The essence of the idea is lost or the eloquent wording that made it all come together was not captured in time - (I kind of feel it's like thinking you've nailed your answering machine message and then you listen to it and want to run screaming at the sound of your own voice).

I think this process is why non-athletes often don't understand what happens to the rest of us when we can't train - it's like trying to think through mud. I've often thought that perhaps a great cancer breakthrough would come if I could just get a team of oncologists to train for a triathlon.

So here's the ultimate problem - how do I get these thoughts and ideas at the time they happen? It's a little tricky to ride or run (don't even get me started on swim) with a pen and paper. The illegibility of the writing, not to mention danger of writing and riding simultaneously, make that solution a no-go.

So, I am putting out a personal ad:

WANTED - Inventor needed . .Triathlete in need of solution. Tons of great ideas, blog posts and solutions for life in general are being lost while swimming, biking and running. Need thought capture that is clear, won't weigh me down, chafe, or get in the way of training progress. Mass marketability for other triathletes a plus. Those applicants with brain surgical solutions need not apply.

Swim. Bike. Run. Repeat. . . and think good thoughts. . .

-Jen

May 29, 2008

The Great Belly Divide

I've decided that the best way to ignore/supplement an early season lackadaisical training plan is to focus on what truly matters - what I'm going to wear when I race. Because seriously, if I can't race as fast as I want to, I should at least try and look good for those inevitably bad looking race course photos (do I really sweat that much? Why is it that I look like I'm running as if I'm going to fall down? Does my face look as if I just ate a lemon?).

When I first started my triathlon "career", if you can call it that, I had know idea what one wore to race. A friend introduced me to the concept of trisuits. (Coach Tom pointed out that there is no changing in the transition area - at least not any that results in naked-ness). I decided that the best thing for me was a two piece outfit, actually three if you count the sports bra I wear underneath. (I am seriously jealous of those of you who seem to wear the same size top as bottom - it just doesn't work for me.)

So, in looking at gear this year, I've decided that what separates me, and most of the amateur women triathletes I know, (other than well speed, fame, and fortune - okay, maybe not fortune, this is triathlon after all) is something I would call The Great Belly Divide. In looking, the classic division between the pros and the rest of us seems to rest somewhere in the expanse of coverage or not of the belly. Obviously, I generalize but you get the idea. . .maybe it's just the willingness or ability to bare large expanses of abdomen.

As much as I would say I am ever trained I have a certain respect and love for the compression of biking/tri shorts for that odd hip/butt jiggle. My body fat would be classified in the "normal but loves brownies" range and I am certainly endowed enough on top to laugh hysterically at the concept of the "built in shelf bra" that comes in most racing gear. I want to be light, and not overly water-logged when coming out of the swim but seriously, I also want abdomen coverage. Some of the pro's racing wear is well, let's just say, of less fabric than most of my daily undergarments.

Amateur racing tops should have descriptions that read: "Made of highly technical wicking materials to quickly dry after the swim and absorb and wick sweat. Other features include: No shelf bra, lifts, separates and eliminates jiggle while on the run, slimming colors that won't look see-through when wet, stretch mark coverage length, and just the right amount of compression to hold in that "never gonna go away" belly bulge. Available in a wide range of sizes." Free shipping and returns wouldn't hurt either. . .

Any triathlon clothing manufacturers hiring? I think I'm on to something. . .

Swim.Bike.Run.Repeat

-Jen

PS. I wore a Sugoi top my first year (I deemed that I looked like a rectangle, Jeff rolled his eyes) but wore Zoot last year (seemed more waist slimming. . . ) The colors/styles seem better this year for all the manufacturers. Anyone have suggestions or things they've tried?

May 23, 2008

Going Low-Tech

When I first started training for a triathlon I started keeping track of what I did - mostly it was in an effort to encourage myself - to show that for my pain and persistence I was making progress. I went out to Barnes & Noble and bought an on clearance weekly calendar - nothing fancy - just something that I could write down what I did for the day. That was the time I knew nothing about monitoring heart rate, wind speeds, pace, temperature or any of the myriad of things you can track. I wrote down my weight at the beginning and measured my waist and hips so I could measure inches lost as I went along (remember, the original stated goal, although not completely accurate but easy for others to understand, was to lose the "chemo-butt"). Every time I did an activity I would write down how long I had done it. After a month of entries that looked something like, "Ran -sort-of - 40 minutes - COLD!!!" I evolved to, "Ran - 40 minutes - 3 miles - easier breathing (Or sometimes, "felt like I wanted to throw-up.")

A few months later, I learned that logging training is an actual "thing" and I bought a tri-training log. There are a lot of logs out there but I happened to like the aptly named spiral bound TriLog by Tim Houts. It's a 56 week book that has spaces and lines for swimming, biking and running each day of the week. At the end of each week you can total up the minutes or hours in each sport. I liked it because it was both structured and yet unstructured - I could write as much or as little as I wanted and each week fit nicely in the two page spread so I could see a nice at-a-glance of how much I had done. The book it recommended drawing a diagonal line through each day you didn't do anything. Mondays were always my off days so I would draw that line and write OFF or "scheduled off", but the act of having to open the book and draw those diagonal lines when I didn't do anything (and see that reflected when I flipped through the weeks) was actually very motivating. Often I would include reasons ("water park with the kids" or "super-tired, felt crappy") if I had them but also be able to see when I was just being a slacker.

Well, life moved on, more chemo cycles came and went, my immersion into the sport and all its associated gadgets increased - I abandoned my pencil. I now own a Garmin Forerunner 305 - which I love (and at the same time still don't know how to fully use). It tracks my running and biking for me. I then found and started toying around with online logging - Runnersworld.com has a cool training log (understandably more skewed toward running but does understand the triathletes needs). Buckeye Outdoors has some cool logging features too. I thought to myself that it must be more efficient and some how better to use the computer to track myself. Not so. Now I am lazy. I happily let data sit in my Garmin. When laying in bed at night, usually my first thinking (and not reacting) time of day, I have little motivation to get out of my cozy bed to go start the computer to check an online log. And, when using the computer I actually have to click around multiple ways to have an "at a glance" of how I'm doing.

So, I've come to realize that higher tech is not necessarily highly motivating. I'm picking up my pencil and getting back to low-tech. I've recently looked at my logging over the last two years and noticed that while I thought I was just charting my training, I really created an interesting time-line of events in my life. I may not have graphs and charts in my handwritten log but I can lay in bed at night and flip through weeks at a time and marvel at my progress, make plans for the next day or the next week or even just look at how far I've come - no username or password required.

Swim. Bike. Run. Repeat. . .

-Jen

PS. Are you high-tech or low-tech? A logger, planner or just get out there kind of triathlete?

April 30, 2008

Shiny and Dry is Bad

Before I turned 16 and was allowed to get my driver's license, my dad made me learn two things: 1) how to change a tire on a car and 2) how to change the oil in the car. At the time I learned how to get enough leverage to get lug nuts off and also that it's tough to remove motor oil from your hair when you accidentally dip your ponytail in the oil pan. Later, I realized that those were valuable lessons in my taking responsibility for the workings of my car and keeping it in good working order.

My bike is a similar "vehicle" to me - lots of interworking parts that require knowledge and maintenance. I feel I need to take responsibility for proper care of my bike and yet, everytime I go to the bike shop, I somehow feel the language and the methods are beyond me, the average woman. So, when at Girls with Gears with Shop Girl Chris Garrison, I decided to have her teach me a thing or two figuring I would be less intimidated in that setting, plus, Chris is well, Chris and I don't think she could make a fly feel intimidated.

Chris' first tip: "Inspect your chain - if it looks shiny and dry that's bad." Oh, you are speaking my language Shop Girl - if only every bike shop spoke in these highly technical terms I can remember!

Step #1 Put your bike in a bike stand: This will hold it steady and allow you to freely rotate the chain as you work. I currently don't own a bike stand and have to use Jeff, my human stand. See picture #1.

Step #2 Degreasing your chain: Use a citrus based, because it is biodegradable and environmentally friendly, degreaser. Take a rag (aka my husband's old t-shirt - seriously, Jeff, it was 14 years old, let it go) and apply some degreaser to the rag. Note from Chris: "DO NOT use a terry cloth rag, the little fuzzies will come off into your chain - this is bad." Then lightly pinch either side of the chain on the bottom and rotate your chain around. You will probably have to move the rag around as it gets gunked up. Rotate your hand and pinch the top and bottom and repeat. (See pictures 2 and 3.) How often? Shop Girl says, "Once every couple of weeks or when your chain is looking nasty."

Step #3: Lube the chain: Use a drip lube and apply one drop per link to the top portion of the chain on the bottom. Rotate through. This is tough to explain so see pictures 4 and 5 for where to apply and where NOT to apply. By applying it in the correct location it will rotate through around the chainring where the chain and chainring come in contact. How often? Shop Girl says, "once a week, depending on how often you ride. Definitely after every time you degrease the chain."

Step #4: Additonal lubing: Use a spray lube in the areas shown in pictures 6 and 7. Important note from Chris, "Use a rag behind the area you are spraying becasue getting spray lube on your tires is not good. Slippery lube and brakes don't mix!"

And Chris' last tip in addressing my fears of breaking my bike by attempting my own maintenance, "Nah, you're not gonna break it. . ." If Shop Girl says, then it must be true. I am now off to the bike shop with the knowledge of what products I need to add to my arsenal and feel better equipped to take care of my bike. If you have questions for Shop Girl, look for her on the Fit for Women's Demo Tour or post your questions here and I will make sure Chris gets them.

-Jen

April 28, 2008

Together We're Better

Long ago, before I ever had cancer, before I ever heard of Team Survivor, before I ever knew of the existence of the Danskin Women's triathlon, I had the inkling in my head and heart to try and complete a triathlon. The idea seemed big and I didn't know any triathletes or how to connect with anyone who could teach me the ropes, or would train with me. And so that idea remained just that, an idea nestled in the far recesses of my mind.

Fast forward to the time in which I joined Team Survivor and then became a Trek Woman Who Rides. I am now a triathlete and avid swimmer, cyclist and runner who loves to share my passion with, and encourage, other women to give it a try. What bridged the gap between that notion in my mind and who I am today - other women. If I hadn't had other women to train with, sweat with, ride with, laugh with and celebrate crossing that first finish line with, I think I would still be the girl with an idea only.

So, I am extremely excited that Trek Women's Specific Design (WSD) is now rolling out the Trek Women Who Ride Club. When you join the club by clicking here, you will be connecting yourself with a community of women cyclists of all ages and abilities. Women ride for many reasons, social, emotional, physical, competitive. But, whatever your reasons, whatever your age or experience, this community is for you. When you join you get all kinds of Trek goodies, including the snappy technical shirt you see pictured here. In addition to cool gear, you will receive a monthly newsletter, training tips, product giveaways, and VIP access to Trek sponsored WSD events.

The one thing I know about women is that together we're better. My training rides and runs always seem easier when I'm with other women. We laugh, we joke, we sweat, and we learn together. (Plus, other women always get what you're talking about when you reference the doo-hickie-ma-jig on your bike. . . )

So, whether you're new to cycling, interested in a triathlon, just want to learn to "go by bike" there are women here who are like-minded. Let's get on the road together. . .

-Jen

PS. No boys allowed. . .

April 22, 2008

Where Rubber Meets the Road

When I was in eighth grade, our social studies class was assigned some type of project. My project was entirely about pollution and the environment. I became insistent that we cut apart each link of the plastic that held 6-packs of soda (then "pop" because I grew up in Colorado) so that fish wouldn't get stuck in them when the plastic got in the ocean. I didn't seem to consider that Colorado was completely landlocked and I couldn't make the connection for anyone of how those plastic rings would get to the ocean. I was clearly green before it was cool to be green.

But, idealism of youth has eventually fallen prey to the conveniences of adulthood and the liberty of a car that will take me where I wish, any time of day, with no forethought. I am still green, don't get me wrong - I choose products wisely, I recycle, I conserve energy and water, but, I am guilty of ignoring my car-crutch. So, when Trek rolled out the 1 World 2 Wheels program encouraging me to "Go by Bike," it stopped me in my four wheeled tracks. What blew me away the most were these facts: 1) 60% of the pollution created by automobile emissions happens in the first few minutes of operation . . . and 2) 25% of all trips are made within a mile of the home, 40% of all trips are within two miles of the home, and 50% of the working population commutes five miles or less to work.

It hit me right where the stay at home mom rubber meets the road. My job starts at home but on any given day could lead to: the bank, the drugstore, the dry cleaner, the grocery store, the post office, Target, Starbucks, a local friends house, the doctor, the dentist. . . The knot of balled up pollution in my stomach comes from the realization that all of those errands are mostly within that 2-5 mile radius of my house. So, while now it has become cool to be green, I don't want to get lost in all the hype. I've realized where I'm mostly likely to make a change that will work for me - use my car less, use my bike more. So, I thought today would be the perfect day to start. Could I do my day-to-day without the car?

The idea started last night with the planning. I had to plan what routes I could use to get from one place to the other and how much time I needed to allow. Here's what the day was:

Stop#1: Physical Therapy - distance 4.3 miles. I left from my kids bus stop once they headed to school. Arrived only 2 minutes later than had I gone by car. I actually had to slow for a school zone. Success! Was able to get people talking. . .

Stop#2: Blue Lotus Salon - distance from PT 8.5 miles. Left PT a bit early to head for a haircut at a new salon. Hoping they understand my helmet head when I arrive. They do and I get to talk "Go by Bike."

Stop #3: Township Building to Vote - distance from salon - 6.0 miles. Left the salon with perfectly coiffed hair and then promptly put a helmet on over it (safety first!). Enjoyed a nice ride along the river and learned exactly which way the wind comes off the river - right at me. Got told I had a nice bike and that one of the polling volunteers would guard it while I voted. Excellent!

Stop #4: Home - distance from voting - 1.0 miles. Back at home! Car is still right where I left it. My car odometer remains unchanged. My bike odometer reads 19.8 miles. I feel victorious, somewhat sweaty but proud that my "regular" plan for the day turned into a decent training session, and RAVENOUS. On to lunch. . . .

Was it pretty? Was it effortless? No, but maybe that's the point. Do I have some learning to do? Definitely yes. But, just because I can't figure out how I would transport a dozen eggs and a loaf of bread home from the grocery store without them ending up looking like freshly dripping battered french toast, shouldn't mean I'm unwilling to consider the change. But, I do know that often I am guilty of that being the case. So, here's my chance to learn. Will this work all the time? - no, but, starting with a small change is better than ignoring the effort. Sometimes a little less convenience can lead to more thought, more appreciation and a little global cooling. I hope you will laugh, maybe learn and join me in my misadventures as I try to "Go By Bike." Happy Earth Day. . . -Jen

April 9, 2008

Pajamas, Wine and a Multi-Tool

No we all know how mechanically inclined I am when it comes to my bike (not at all). In fact, last year before traveling to Trek headquarters in Wisconsin I had to go to my bike shop and admit I didn't have the first clue as to how to get my pedals off my bike (only one bike at the time, why ever remove pedals?). So, why, when I bought the Trek Fuel EX 7 I had Demo Gal Ross ship it, boxed, directly to my house, I don't know. I have to say that the bike, in its pieces (not a lot of pieces mind you, but certainly not whole) and me are not a good combo. I think somehow I was deluded with my "I am a parent who has put together many a "some-assembly-required" toys, under the pressure of a three-year-old's stare - how hard could this be?

And so the bike sat. Until last week - when somehow I had decided enough was enough and really what was the worst that could happen? So, I attempted my first bike assembly while in my pajamas, with a glass of wine and with only my multi-tool. Here's what I learned:

-I know nothing about mountain bikes.

-There is good reason for the "average biker gal" to own a bike work stand. (Jeff did not appreciate being the human workstand)

-Disc brakes? Yikes!!

-I could successfully unscrew and reverse the stem. I could also, with a lot of work, and one scraped hand, attach the front wheel and the brake - jury is still out on the success of the brake.

-I could attach the handlebars - sort of (not really) - I couldn't manage to untwine myself from the bike cables and seem to get the handlebars right. I finally just got them to the point where at least they weren't hanging off.

-And to recap: I know nothing about mountain bikes.

But, the biggest lesson I learned was a two-parter: The biking world did not come crashing down because I attempted to unscrew a few bolts and mess around with the parts on a bike. I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty. But, facing an array of unknown and, to me, fragile and expensive parts that must be connected just so in order to have an operable bike coupled with my own embarrasment at my ineptitude was too much to overcome with such a prized posession. I just didn't want to take the chance. The risk of failure seemed too great. Giving me a bike that was, in essence, a spare, meant that I could be free to poke around and not suffer too many consequences. Having this bike mentally relinquished me from my own fear of breaking beyond repair (obviously, my mind is prone to exaggeration) what has become such an integral part of my existence.

The follow up to all of this was that I then took the bike in to Bucks County Bicycles, where I know owner Scott is a big mountain biker. Scott he had a good laugh when he saw the bike because yes, I had done quite a number on how I tried to attach the handlebars. I was able to laugh and say, "I know nothing about mountain bikes but I want to learn and the only tool I own is a multi-tool. . . " There was the second part of my lesson. There was no shame and embarrassment in saying "I tried and I need to learn, can you teach me?" Scott promised to make right my assembly, adjust the bike for me and then teach me some tricks. . . . I think my biking tool kit may need to expand beyond the unconventional pajamas, wine and multi-tool trio. . .

-Jen

March 5, 2008

As I Suspected

In reading and absorbing as much as possible about the sport of triathlon over the past year, I've come across two consistently cited facts: 1) Triathletes are often Type A personalities and 2) Triathletes are most often extremely organized.

Okay, so maybe, or perhaps definitely, one of those things is true. (I'll give you a hint - the "extreme organization" is really more just a figment of my imagination). But, the Type A personality in me is thriving quite well in this sport and plenty of things exist to feed my need to control and manage all aspects of my training and racing. When I first started, especially with my running and biking, I was obsessed with getting home, sweaty and breathless and running to the computer to use whatever mapping tools I could find to try and map my routes and distances. (While not cited, "geekiness" might be a triathlete quality as well). Each additional mile biked or run was momentous and a step toward my goals.

But, most recently, and especially with this year's goals, I've gotten more technical. Nothing was able to tell me anything about the hills (or perhaps not hills to some) that I felt I was riding. Until now. When I was in Wisconsin in January, NorthEast Trek Fit for Women Demo tour gal Chris Garrison introduced me to www.MapMyRide.com. Hallelujah! I can now get home, sweaty and breathless, and map my just-ridden route to determine whether the "hills" I thought I was riding were really there or, again, a figment of my imagination. I mapped out one of my favorite, quick out and back 16 miles and finally found it was as I suspected - uphill the whole way out and downhill the whole way back. (Prior to this I was always blaming my slow speeds going out on "not being warmed up.")

You can check out my ride on the map below. If you click the "View this route in MapMyRide" in blue it will take you to their website. When you are there, click the check box on the left side that says "Show Elevation" OR, click the bottom bar of the map that says "Show Elevation" and you can see the map of the elevation that goes uphill until the turnaround at mile 8. I can now plan routes in advance, save maps, and share them with you all too! Let's plan some rides. . .

-Jen

February 29, 2008

What's Your Bling?

A number of shocking ground breaking things have happened this week. I finally got countertops and water in my kitchen. More surprising - drumroll please - is that Jeff and I went and saw a movie - in an actual theater! (Yes, I know to those of you without small kids at home this is not cause for shock).

While Jeff and I were walking through the mall prior to the movie we passed a jewelry store and Jeff said, "You don't need any of that, right?" Let me say this, Jeff and I have been married almost ten years. There's no need for mystery and subtlety anymore. Our time is limited, our brains are fried, and we are often operating on too little sleep. We cut to the chase. I laughed - hard. Jeff said, "Well, you know, I didn't think so but it's good to just check every once in awhile."

The thought of diamonds, in any form right now, seems like a waste. I don't know if it's being married long enough to know that there is no jinx if you don't wear the wedding band every day or if it has to do with my training. It's probably a little of both. If I actually kept my wedding band on when I was training and racing I would have lost my finger long ago because of lack of circulation. Besides, upon thinking about it, I have come up with a reuqest - no diamonds for racing. I could see (mostly because these types of odd things happen to me) getting cut up by someone's errant arm in the melee that is often the swim start.

My point - yes, I'm getting to one - is that diamonds are not ALL girl's best friend. When I dream of bling I see tri racing entries, speedy components for my bike, the latest and greatest gadgets and training gear, perhaps travel to exotic biking locations. . .

I'm not by any means saying that you can't be both - a tri/biker girl and a bling girl. I don't begrudge any woman that (again, just please no diamonds cutting me while swimming). So, here's what I want to know. What's your bling? What would you choose if offered the diamonds (and no you can't have both in this example.)

I see an Ironman race entry and the associated travel costs that go with it (Jeff doesn't know that yet - this is the subtle sneaky way to find out if my own husband reads my blog. . .). I can't wait to hear what I've stirred up now. . .

-Jen

January 29, 2008

Tougher Than You Think

Hey blogosphere, meet Lisa. Lisa gets the honor of being the first person to respond to my post "All About You" and let me know what she has planned for 2008.

Without knowing it, I had "met" Lisa when I spoke to a Team in Training Group at their first group practice this past summer. Lisa undertook walking the Nike Women's Marathon last October (something I would love to do!). Here she is at mile 25 of that hilly course.

Lisa told me, "Nothing could have prepared me for what it felt like to be amongst 20,000 women and a few men at the start of the marathon in San Francisco. My emotions were all over the map that day and the experience is one that I'll never forget. I learned a lot about myself that day. One thing I learned is that I'm tougher than I thought."

While the marathon made Lisa a marathoner, her experience solidified other life goals for her.

"Since the age of three, I've had a camera and used it photograph my surroundings. . . Many people have suggested that I make photography my vocation rather than just an enjoyable hobby. My response has always been that earning money from taking pictures would somehow diminish the joy I experience in being a photographer. What's really going on is that I am afraid of failure. Making photography into a business venture puts it into the public realm. With that comes expectations..."

Lisa, I think, highlights something that is huge for all of us - FEAR. I can't tell you how much fear I have faced in the past three years. The problem with fear and fear of failure is that there is no amount of experiencing the feeling that diminishes it as we enter each new experience. What is more important, and much more easily said than done, is whether we choose to push ahead whether the fear is there or not. We are all tougher than we think.

This year, Lisa has decided to take her love of the camera from hobby to business. She also plans to add hang gliding to her goals for the year. Lisa also tells me that the "whole world of cycling is a bit of a mystery to me." Hmmmm....I now feel challenged to uncover that mystery for Lisa and have her riding with all of us by year's end.

-Jen

PS. Keep those dreams and goals coming, I'm loving hearing from you.

January 22, 2008

"It's All About You"

Notebook3 "It's all about you." That is the phrase that my good friend Amy S. (to distinguish her from my other good friend Amy V.) kept repeating to me as a mantra during this time last year when I was "doing" chemo again. I have that typical woman thing and felt guilt at asking people to help me or my family during that time (as if there was ever a time one should NOT feel guilty that was it). She kept telling me that I needed to basically re-frame my thinking and say "It's all about me - what do I need?" Sometimes the only way I could do that was to write it down or send an e-mail because on paper it felt easier to write everyting without judgement (mostly my own) -the little, the big and the seemingly crazy.

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the day to day activities, that days, weeks and then months pass with out us being able to stop and see if we are headed down the path on which we want to travel. I know I am guilty of this. Writing down what we want to do, or be or achieve helps us be accountable to ourselves. It's not a contract meant to create feelings of failure if we can't check the items off the list. Rather, it's a place to disclose our hopes and puzzle out how to get there.

I'm about ready to wish myself a Happy New Year and tackle those New Year's goals (which I will also tell you about this week). Note: If you are new to my blog, you may want to consult "Don't Rush My New Year." But, I am still tweaking some of my goals for the year and know that I could use some help exploring new stuff.

So, I am now going to do my darnedest to convince you all out there to get out some paper (or a computer) and say "it's all about ME!". So, the assignment for this week is this:

Tell me your goals for this year. Big, small, outlandish, crazy - I want to hear them all. This truly is about you. What do you want to be/achieve/explore/learn how to do this year? It might be something you already know how to do but want to push to new limits. It might be something you have no idea how to do and need resources. Even if it's one of those things you've only whispered in the back of your mind late at night, let me know. You can explain your reasons in great detail or just jot 'em down.

By the end of the week I want to feature a blog with all of you out there in it!

You can simply post a comment to this entry or, drop me a line at my new Trek e-mail address: Jen_Polo@trekwomenwhoride.com (Note: there's an underscore between my first and last name that's hard to see with the underlining.)

-Jen

January 11, 2008

"Does This Resolution Make Me Look Fat?"

Okay, so now I have your attention. Time for some thought about those pesky "resolutions" that come around each Jan 1. I can't tell you how many people (99% women), I have heard over the past ten days mention "lose weight" in the same sentence with resolution. Aaagghhh. We need a massive do-over here. I have yet to hear anyone say things like, "do a century ride, become stronger, learn to cook healthier, run a 5K, do a triathlon." It's all been about weight loss. Don't get me wrong, it's in the back of my brain too. I have a Santa cookie tummy right now thanks to the forced inactivity of my cast and the yumminess of holiday food. But, I will not bow to the industry.

When I first started tri-training, I always said it was to lose my "chemo-butt." The real truth, the challenge, to take control again of a body that betrayed me, felt too emotional, too raw to explain. So weight loss or fitness associated with that goal were secondary aims. But, surprisingly, when you put in that much work, learn to train and spend that much time with a swim, bike and run, you don't have to think about the fitness gains and inches lost - they take care of themselves. So does the strength and amazement at your will that follow. Let's rethink the goals for the year - I encourage you to pick your challenge, write it down, write the steps in getting there and then we'll all celebrate at the finish.

I'm working on my "plan of action 2008" and will share it soon. While you are working on yours take a look at this Dove ad called "Onslaught." We can do better - let's show other women, daughters, nieces, mothers and grandmothers that the impact is in celebrating what our bodies can do, not how thin they are! -Jen

December 25, 2007

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! Hopefully, you have successfully made it through the day with its wrapping and trimming, some assembly required (isn't it always), insert 12 double-A batteries here, and joyous meltdowns from those who may have gotten up too early to see what Santa left.

At the Polo house, we spent the day in our pajamas with no obligations other than to play, play, play. We enjoyed a pot of soup for dinner and now are packing up the suitcases for our trip to Colorado tomorrow where we will celebrate Christmas with my family. No white Christmas here in Pennsylvania but it's been snowing all day in Colorado. The kids can't wait.

As we continue our tradition of a week long Christmas celebration, I hope that you and yours enjoyed time with family and friends also.

-Jen

December 6, 2007

Happy Chemo-versary

365 days. That's the time that has passed since I sat in the oncology department and started chemo again. It's my chemo-versary. Today is also my 33rd birthday. Last year I sat attached to an IV pole and had a "surprise" party when my oncologist brought me a piece of birthday cake and sang to me. It was chemo with a personal touch. The funny part was thinking about how surprised some other doctor/nurse or oncology personnel was going to be when they found a piece of their birthday cake missing because my doctor had swiped it. Not so funny was thinking about whether or not I should eat the cake because I knew I didn't want to see it again later on the swells of chemo-induced nausea.

We mark dates in our lives as important for a variety of reasons. Some, like birthdays, are identifiable to all. Other dates are less recognizable to the masses. For me, I will always know when my cancer was diagnosed with certainty - May 2, 2005. I will always know when the first chemo IV made ready for battle with my body - June 23, 2005. First remission - November 1, 2005. Relapse - September 26, 2006. Second "first round" of chemo - December 6, 2006. These aren't dates remembered by even those closest to me. I don't mind they can't remember. Some would argue that to "get past" cancer, I should just try to forget. I don't mind remembering - these dates mark the passage of time and how far I have come. Who wouldn't remember the date their world was cleaved into parts that in the future could best be described as "the time before" and "the time after"?

Having a chemoversary tied to my birthday isn't such a bad thing after all. Each year I celebrate being older is a year I can commemorate distance from chemo and that life rolls on as a survivor. So, raise a glass and have a piece of cake with me. Let's see what 33 brings. . .

-Jen

December 5, 2007

It's Like Asking for Socks (Part 2)

So, yesterday we covered a few of those items on my personal triathlete wish list for the holidays. I promised that today we will cover gift ideas for the new triathlete. I know that since I have convinced a lot of you out there to give triathlon a try in 2008 with me (hint, hint - I told you I wouldn't let it go), you are gonna need to know what gifts to leave subtle, or not so subtle, hints for your family.

A new Trek bike - Does anyone remember getting a bike as a Christmas gift as a kid? Mine was used and brown but it had ten speeds and that was all I cared about. The excitement of a red bow on a bike with your name on it isn't just for kids.

Proper biking apparel - Never thought I would come to love a pair of stretchy, padded shorts or a jersey with pockets in back. Your family may not understand it, but I know you will. As a kid you may not have loved getting clothes for Christmas but now it's a joy. Trek Criterium shorts are a fave of mine - I can ride in comfort forever.

Timex Heart Rate Monitor - I know, you're thinking "what would I do with that?" What an amazing tool to help you monitor how hard (or sometimes too easy) you are working when training. This will become an indispensable tool for you. It can be used swimming, biking and running. It is stylish, easy to set up and use. For iPod lovers, Timex also has the iControl with iPod controls right on the watch face.

Swimsuit/goggles/caps - I know that the swim portion of a triathlon is nerve wracking to many. Don't worry, in the new year you will have time to practice in the pool as long as you have the right equipment.

Running shoes - Never underestimate what an actual, well fit running shoe can do for your feet. When I started running in order to train for my first triathlon, I thought I was wearing a running shoe. I clunked around in a sneaker for awhile and then got fit for an actual running shoe. What a difference. It's important to have a good running shoe store fit you, so a gift certificate for the local running shoe store will make a great gift.

The RoadID - I always like to have some ID on me when I am out biking or running. Problem was I was constantly playing a shuffle game with my Driver's license. I'm not sure if the excuse, "Sorry officer, my license is with my bike bag" would fly. This great tool lets you add your name and contact numbers engraved on an ID attached to a velcro strap that fits on your biking or running shoes.

Gift Certificates - Always a perfect gift for the couch-potato family members to give the biking/triathlete minded person. Visit the Trek website to find the local Trek bike shop near you or to shop for additional gifts to add to your wishlist and to find which bike a red bow will look best on in your house!

And last but not least, because as you know I am a fan - SOCKS!!! Cotton is a no-no. You're gonna want a variety of socks for biking and running that will wick moisture away from your feet and will help you avoid blisters.

These are just a few of the many, many gift ideas for the budding triathlete. If you need additional ideas or want to direct your family to my blog for additional shopping help, I'm here for you. Leave your thoughts in the comments and I will respond to you there. Happy Shopping!

-Jen

December 4, 2007

It's Like Asking for Socks (Part 1)

Well, now that it is December and every online company is blaring its "last ordering dates for Christmas delivery" at me, I'm willing to talk holiday shopping.

First, let me say that one of my favorite things in the whole world is comfortable, warm, fuzzy socks. I have never gotten the slipper thing down - they're upstairs, I'm down, you know how it goes. But, nothing makes me feel more relaxed and warm in the winter than having a nice pair of cozy socks on. Now, try putting socks on a Christmas list for your family. It's a no-go for them. People just don't like to give socks as a gift - no matter how much you like them. People like to give something they themselves would love to receive. There are really no other sock lovers in my family. I like to think this makes me unique (Jeff's pronunciation is 'freak'). My point is that there are no other triathlete unique/freak's in my family. So, it makes it difficult for anyone to know or understand what a triathlete might want for the holiday. Enter THE LIST. Now, I know a list doesn't invite spontaneity but, c'mon now you might have a fighting chance on arming yourself with the latest and coolest tri gear.

So here are a few ideas taken right from my very own holiday list:

Body Glide - Can't get enough of it. Chafing be gone - my thighs and sport-bra lines will write you a customized thank-you! [Available at most running stores, sporting goods stores and online]

Fuel Belt - Will help me carry my water with me as I work on longer runs. This will avoid those awkward conversations when I have asked friends to leave bottles of water in their mailboxes for me. [Available at FuelBelt.com]

Zinn and the Art of Triathlon Bikes: Aerodynamics, Bike Fit, Speed Tuning, and Maintenance by Lennard Zinn- it's about time that I got serious about bike care and maintenance - those bike shop gurus won't be there at every turn or at every race - darn! [Also available for Road Bikes and Mountain Bikes]

Wetsuit - the mother load of a gift. I've finally decided to conquer the wetsuit instead of just praying for warm water temps on race day. Wetsuit sizing and comfort vary for everyone - you may want to ask for a gift certificate or find a store with a good return policy if the fit isn't quite right. [TriSports.com carries a variety of manufacturers. ProMotion westuit is my personal pick, as seen here.]

Aero bottle/holder - A nice addition to my Equinox that will fit between the aero bars for hydrating on long rides and races. [Available at most bike shops]

Tri bag (aka a transition bag) - I've seen some crazy ways to transport gear from the car to the transition area (can you say wicker basket?) These triathlon specific transition bags give you a place for everything - helmet, wet stuff, food, etc. . . A good bag will ensure that you have everything you need for race morning. It's time for me to stop pretending that my brothers old high school backpack is a transition bag [Many choices online at TriSports.com or other online retailers]

Tomorrow, I'll cover more great gift ideas, with thoughts on gift ideas for the new triathlete who is committing to training for their first race in 2008. If you have ideas to share from your own personal wish lists, be sure to let me know so I can share them.

-Jen

September 11, 2007

In memory

Today marks the 6th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. I can remember exactly where I was that day as I'm sure most Americans do. My town and neighboring area lost 18 people. My thoughts and prayers today are with all those who lost someone that day and all those who continue to be affected by this horrific event.

September 9, 2007

We're not in Kansas anymore. . .

Every once in awhile (okay at least once a day) the thought crosses my mind, "How the heck did I get here?" Two years ago I was a stay at home mom trying to juggle two kids who are only 13 months apart and sometimes get a chance to go to the bathroom by myself (all you moms out there know what I'm talking about). And then a lump appeared in my neck out of nowhere. Then I flash to where I am now and I am a mom whose kids know cancer and its ugliness at a really young age, a mom who has lost her hair and grown it back, a mom who decided to take back her body by completing a triathlon, and now a Trek Woman Who Rides. It's all a little surreal to me. Never in my wildest dreams (or nightmares) could I have forecast that this is where I would be in life. But, I am along for the ride, both literally and figuratively. The triathlon-geek part of me I am now used to but this Trek Woman thing is still new. When a friend (thanks Amy S.) forwarded the Trek Women Who Rides contest I casually dismissed it. . .but then I found myself revisiting the page time and time again. So, at the last minute (really - the last day and the last say 15 minutes of business), I called Amy S. (I like to call her my editor) and said, "Can you read something and hopefully not think I'm ridiculous?" She didn't laugh and so I forwarded my essay to Trek. I never thought I would win. I just did it to tell my story. So, when I got a phone message from Krista Rettig, WSD Brand Manager at Trek, my first thought was "What? Are they following up to give me some consolation Rice-a-Roni? Do a survey? Try to get me to buy something?" I was so convinced I would never win that I obviously didn't think through that the Brand Manager was probably not in charge of surveys, consolation Rice-a-Roni or the like. So, we're not in Kansas anymore but I still have that Dorothy-deer-in-the-headlights look (you can't see it as I blog, but trust me, I do) as I talk to all of you in the blog-o-sphere. So, I can't tell you where this is going to take us, we're all just going to take it for the ride it is. I hope you will ride along with me.

Because many of you have asked me privately, here is the essay and pictures I sent to Trek:

I nervously put on my shoes. I walked my bike down to the street and looked both ways for cars. My helmet was clipped. I swung my leg over the top and stood with the bike between my legs. One leg up and the shoe clipped on the pedal. Then the other leg up to the pedal. . . . .then, GRAVITY. I am lying in a heap with my new bike on top of me, my legs and feet still clipped in. My humiliation is burning through my cheeks. Then the voice of my neighbor, "Sure looks like it's good you have a helmet."

I'd like to say this is a story from learning to ride my bike when I was five. But I can't. I'd like to tell you that I climbed on that bike and rode with the wind streaming through my hair. But I can't. Learning to ride, as in living life, does not always go so smoothly.

I am 32, not five.
I have a husband.
I have two boys ages 6 and 5.
I am a woman who is learning to ride and live my life after cancer.
When I was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma at age 30, life came to a halt. Living through chemo was the priority. My body got me through each day, but not anywhere else. When I was declared in remission, my youngest son asked me to take him on a bike ride - I made it four houses. I needed to take control of my body again since cancer had taken that control from me. I joined Team Survivor Tri-State and learned to run in order to complete a triathlon. Then I bought a bike and fell before I even moved an inch. But, after cancer, I knew I could get back up again.

In September of last year, I completed my first triathlon. I pushed myself in ways that I never thought I could and my proudest accomplishment was when I crossed that finish line at the Danskin Women's Triathlon. TAKE THAT CANCER was a good mantra.

Ten days later I was told my cancer had relapsed. I have just finished four more rounds of chemo and a clinical trial. During treatment I kept a blog to keep family and friends up to date. After an "off season" I would rather forget, I have now started training again to help heal my body and show cancer who is boss. I plan to participate in 4 triathlons - the Philly Women's Tri, the NJ Tri, the IronGirl and the Danskin Women's. I also will ride the American Cancer Society Bike-a-thon this year.

I am many things in life and they all will shape what's next. When I ride I don't look behind me, only ahead because that's the only place I want to go.

I am a cancer survivor.
I am a mom.
I am a wife.
I am an athlete.
I am a woman who rides.

August 23, 2007

Reunited at last

So, I am back from Alaska and trying to re-settle in to what is left of the summer. I have so many pictures to sort through before I can share and show what an amazing trip we had.

The more exciting and immediate news is that I came home to a message from my bike shop that my Trek Equinox 7 WSD had arrived and was patiently awaiting me. While I was visiting Trek this summer I met my new ride and we spent some time together. First, there was the bike ride with a bunch of great gals from Trek. There I got to know what it was like to have cool aerobars and different shifting than I was previously accustomed. Next, my Equinox and I spent the day together at a photo shoot. How great is that? - in my pictures I certainly thought it was the star of the show. After the photo shoot we headed over to the Trek store of Madison - East where Carol spent a long time working on the fit of my bike, getting it just perfect for me. (For an explanation of some of the things involved in a bike fit see this article). Thanks for your patience in adjustments Carol! And it was there that my Equinox and I parted ways. . . .Now we were to be reunited at last. Except for the fact that the bike shop was closed. So close and yet so far away!

The next day I was able to go and pick it up. I loaded down the kids with books and activities and the "no nonsense mommy look of death" that adequately conveyed the consequences of their screwing around in the bike shop and ruining my reunification.

Suzanne, at Guys Bicycles, who sold me my road bike last year and has been following my endeavors, was excited to hear all about the Trek Women Who Ride program and was already helping think up great new ways to bring together all you Trek Women in the Bucks County PA area. While we were chatting, my snappy Trek bike computer was installed and then she was all mine! I made Cameron take this picture of me with my new cool ride strapped to my much uncooler mom-mobile.

It has been a couple of days and my Equinox is still sitting in a place of honor - in my family room! Here's the thing - we have the kind of garage where everything gets tossed - hockey sticks, roller blades, golf clubs, balls, the recycling, everything and in no particularly organized way. There was no way I was going to strand my Equinox with all of that until she had a special place where no harm would come to her. On the first night Jeff even controlled his eye-rolling as he listened to me ramble on about the aerobars and the geometry.

The fates have not aligned well because, as pretty as she is to look at, I really just want to ride. Evening thunderstorms, a husband who needs to work late and catch up from vacation, plus all 3 of our babysitters being on beach vacations (the nerve!!) have left me with the two boys who just can't keep up to their mom and a new speedy ride. So, it looks like her inaugural ride may just be a local charity ride that I signed up for this weekend. I can't wait to tell you more. . . .

Jen

August 4, 2007

Let's Take a Step Back

Before we go too far, let's take a step back and review how I got here in the first place. I am Jennifer Polo, age 32. I have a husband Jeff and two boys, Cameron age 7 and Brendan age 6. I am many things - a stay-at-home mom (that pretty much encompasses a little of everything), a wife, mother, athlete and cancer survivor.

Two years ago I was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma, a form of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. I was treated with 6 rounds of chemo and a mouse antibody called Rituxan. November 1, 2005 I was declared in remission. Four days later I joined Team Survivor TriState and began the challenge of recovery and training for the Danskin Women's Triathlon in Sandy Hook, NJ. I met amazing women all with their own cancer stories and learned to train. Cancer treatments and chemo take all control of your body. Accepting the challenge of training for a triathlon felt like a way for me to take control of my body again. I got my road bike just over one year ago.

Finish September 17, 2006 I completed my first tri! As you can see in the picture I was on top of the world!

Ten days later I was told that my cancer was back. In April I finished more rounds of chemo (different kind this time - no hair loss!) and am participating in a clinical trial. So, there you have it. I am now back to recovery and training and am taking all you Trek Women out there along for the ride!

Swim, bike, run, repeat.

-Jen