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 . . .
June 17, 2008
Tri Camp
On Saturday, Team Survivor held a triathlon camp where I was in charge of leading the beginner's bike group. The day before I had spent considerable time planning a bike route with MapMyRide.com and then spent the evening dragging Brendan (bribed by ice cream) in the car scouting the route to make sure it was beginner appropriate - especially since I wasn't sure of the types of bikes and level of experience of the group I would have.
Due to the availability of the pool at the site for camp, the bike portion of the day ended up being around 2 PM. It was a steamy, humid 95 degrees by then - my bike computer clocked in at a temp of 109, so we shortened the route. I had 8 beginners in my group on a variety of bikes. I have to say, I have a lot more respect for ride leaders now. I wanted to make sure that everyone was doing well, had their questions answered, came away feeling more confident in their biking skills, and most importantly that I returned with 8 riders.
I think all goals were accomplished. We returned with 8 riders, made some seat height adjustments, successfully talked through gear shifting for a few, did some clipless pedal practice, talked rules of road riding, bike training for the NY Metro Area Danskin race in September, made some brake adjustments and although sweaty, everyone returned in one piece.
Toward the end of the ride the intermediate/advanced group, led by Coach Tom, merged with our ride. Tom took off at a sprint on one stretch and I found my body and bike poised to do the same - it was a huge mental victory to know that while I remain a medical mystery my body and mind still have racing instincts.
After the bike portion, Tom and I talked through transitioning with the group. I made a smart-aleck remark at one point, after which I got myself in trouble when Tom challenged me to a "transition race" to see who could transition faster. (Phew - got myself out of that one!)
It was a great day and I was glad to help. I'm hoping that everyone came away feeling more confident about their bike skills and more prepared to tackle their first triathlon. To me, being able to get groups of women together and say, "Yes, you can do this" is the power of Women Who Ride. . . .
-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 28, 2008
Lost at T3
Carla and I met through Team Survivor and did our first triathlon together. We live about 30 minutes apart and during that first summer of training we would meet at the local "Park and Ride" parking lot and carpool to other training locations. We would pull in adjacent parking spaces and Carla would unload bags into my car while I racked her bike on the back. We would pull out of the parking lot and support each others paranoia - "Do we have the helmets?" "Let me check - yes" "What about bike shoes? Running shoes? Goggles?" "Check, check, check." This would go on but you get the idea. We could implicitly understand how important this was to each of us and how nice it was to have someone else soothe our fears without explicitly calling them out for what they were. By the end of the summer we had renamed our ritual "T3" after the T1 (swim to bike transition) and T2 (bike to run transition) that occur in actual races.
Since then I like to say that Carla and I train together. We only see each other about once a month or so given our schedules but it does feel like we are training partners. Carla helps me with my running (she's fast) and I give her pointers on swimming (my forte). When we bike together we have a great rhythm for drafting off of each other. In March, just as we were planning our races for the summer, Carla was in a very serious car accident. She has a fracture in her spine at her neck and a fracture in her pelvis. Right now she is in a neck collar and on crutches. She still has 3 weeks until she will be rid of the neck collar. It will still be another 2-3 months before she can bear weight on her leg. Her racing season this year was over before it started. (Although, she was trying her darnedest to salvage her racing season when she asked the trauma doctors, while in a neck collar and immobilized on a backboard, how long until she could run and bike.)
From what I read, triathlon can be a lonely sport - all the hours of solitary training. I haven't ever felt lonely because I've had such a great group of women racing with me. From the beginning, triathlon, in a way, has seemed a team sport. Women are like that - in it together even when they're not. We each want the best for the other woman's race - even if sometimes that means being passed by a friend. That friend will then wait and cheer you into the finish.
But Carla, I'm feeling lost at T3 this year. Some other poor unsuspecting soul will have to put up with my paranoid checking of my transition area. You might just have to be by the phone come 4 AM on race mornings to make sure I have everything I need - because let's face it, friends don't let friends freak out all alone. In the meantime Carla, heal quickly. I'll do my best to make you proud. . .
-Jen
May 13, 2008
My Subconscious One-Click
I love to shop online. Amazon.com is my favorite partner in crime. Even the kids know that for almost any question the answer involves the words Google or Amazon used as a verb. I mean, come on, where else can you comparison shop five different products while in your pajamas and waste not a drop of almost $4 gas. And besides, it's not as if there is a triathlete's gear shop dropped on every corner.
Amazon.com and I have such a close knit relationship our family has something called Amazon Prime. Together with my in-laws, we pay a small fee each year and Amazon will Two-Day ship anything to us for free, no matter the size or cost of the order. For $3.99 you can even guarantee yourself an overnight delivery.
Well, apparently, Amazon and my subconscious have been back-checking my blogs and know that improving my mental skills in training and racing are goals for the year. An Amazon package of "hey I didn't order anything, did you?" origins showed up at the door. Inside was the book, "The Triathlete's Guide to Mental Training." Hmmmm. Apparently, my subconscious had felt this a worthy enough goal that it had one-clicked the book with overnight speed right to my door. It was as if that box was yelling, "Surprise, we're on to you and your mental excuse making/fear of failure/fear of a fall/fear of a flat/fear of pain/fears you can't even identify racing mindset!!"
Okay, okay box. . . I'll step away from the mouse and screen and get reading. . . .
-Jen
PS. Could any one write a quick Post-It for my subconscious listing: time, sleep, and oh yeah, new sports bras for immediate delivery?
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
March 26, 2008
A Long Way From The Pull-Up
One of the things I love about the Trek website is that I never know what I'm going to get each day when I log on. The homepage is constantly changing and I always am learning (and clicking) something new. So, a couple of days ago the Trek site was encouraging me to sign up for The President's Challenge, part of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Whoa nelly!!! . . . I was clicking away. Was this part of the same thing that I remembered from my youth? You know, the days of bad gym shorts and reversible gym shirts? The days of the run one mile in a certain time? The days of the pull-up? I know that it wasn't just my junior high that participated in this challenge that somehow tied overall fitness to whether or not you could do a hanging pull-up (which was next to impossible when you were a seventh grade girl). Hmmm. . .now that I think about it, probably also not that possible as a 33 year old mom.
So, I clicked and discovered that yes, this is one and the same. But, it's come a long way, baby. There are now at least 100 activities in which you can participate for the challenge. Trek is doing it's part by providing info on cycling as an activity no matter what your fitness level. You can sign-up yourself, or with a group of friends, your family, a school, and even your kids. The cool part is that you can log your activities. I say this is the cool part for a couple of reasons: 1) because I am a big fan of logs - I love being able to see where I was and how far I have come and progress I have made and 2) give my kids a challenge with a log and they will go above and beyond.
Considering that more than 12.5 million (yes, million) kids and teens are overweight and 40% of adults participate in zero leisure-time physical activity, according to the office of the Surgeon General, we are clearly on a crash course with our couches, bag of chips and remote in hand. If those statistics can't get you to drop the McDonald's (see Laura's blog for some scary stats on the big M's latest culinary masterpiece), I don't know what will.
So, let's get off the couch (I know, if you are reading this I'm probably preaching to the choir), and grab our families, or co-workers and friends and get them biking, hiking, skydiving (yes, skydiving counts) or anything else physical. I'm sure we all know someone who has a bike in their garage that needs the dust blown off it. Let's just leave those bad gym shorts and pull-ups behind. . . .
-Jen
February 22, 2008
Click Here for Spring
I have an apology to issue. The winter snowstorm that brought snow, freezing icing rain, ice and then rain to the Northeast overnight - um, my bad. Just last week I was confidently boasting that nope, it wasn't going to snow this winter by us. No sledding, no snowballs, most importantly, no school snow days. As you can see, I clearly brought it on. I had it coming, which is exactly what Cameron was trying to tell me in this picture today.
So, while the kids were out romping in the snow (and trying to sled backwards) I decided to try and reverse my fortune and click Spring and Summer our way.
I was race planning and race registering. So, as of now I am registered for The Philadelphia Women's Triathlon (sprint distance) - July 7th; The NJ State Triathlon (Olympic distance) - July 27th. And on September 14th I will once again do the Danskin Women's Triathlon - NY Metro Area (sprint distance). What I am still trying to figure out is what to do with August. I am looking for suggestions. I would love to add another Olympic distance or longer to August - I am looking at a few; the Lehigh Valley Steelman (Olympic) - August 10th, the Patriots Triathlon - August 3 (half iron lite - where that distance come from I don't know). 
Additionally, and soonest, I plan on doing the Girls with Gears event April 20th in Limerick, PA. It sounds like a fun event and all the distances I'm considering seem to include the description "hilly." Nothing like tackling that goal head on! They will have 5, 15, 25, 40 mile rides plus a metric century (62) and the Trek WSD Fit For Women Tour will be on hand with bikes for you to demo.
I will sprinkle in a variety of other cycling only events but I needed to get my tri schedule going so that I can then get a plan for my training. Let me know of events that you think I should consider.
So, while it was snowing outside, I was cozy in my PJ's clicking my way right into Spring and Summer training and racing. Let the fun begin. . .
-Jen
February 12, 2008
Now It's My Turn
I've been encouraging you all to post, e-mail and write down for yourself the goals you may have for 2008. I've led you on with the promise of hearing what I would like to have as my personal goals for 2008. There are a couple of reasons why I've been dragging my feet. First, I know that actually writing down my goals solidifies them as desires. My cancer experience and the every-3-month hold my breath scan thing has caused me to have an emotional state that's always wrapped around the "Plan B" for my goals. Somehow having desires and then the possibility that cancer could squash them has made me emotional protective of myself.
Secondly, I think that I've been afraid that somehow sharing my goals will clearly define me as "bike-girl impostor." I'm still a newbie to the triathlon/biking circuit and I have a lot to learn. But, yet here I am blogging away about my biking experience (or mostly lack thereof). I'm hoping that I can share my learning along the way this year and that maybe some of you will join me for the ride (both literally and figuratively!). Plus, I'm hoping some of you out there can help teach me a thing or two.
So, drum roll please, here's the big and the small of my 2008:
Triathlon: Take on Olympic distance triathlon and perhaps a half-iron distance (that one will have to be later in the season)
Biking: Learn to ride hills (my current hill riding strategy consists of finding routes that are devoid of hills). I want to learn to confidently make it to the top of any hill without rolling backward down it!
Ride a 20+ MPH bike split in a triathlon.
Learn how to use tri-bike shoes and transition with them on my bike (stay tuned, this one will be a laugh a minute I'm sure. . .)
Learn - REALLY learn - bike maintenance. Again, I feel that simply praying for no flat tires, chain issues etc. . . is not an effective long term bike maintenance strategy.
Join a bike club and tackle one of my bigger fears - the group ride - again afraid that somehow a group ride with experienced cyclists will reveal how NOT experienced I am.
Ride 100+ miles at a shot - whether on my own or part of a charity ride/gig I want to see what kind of distance I can do.
Running: Um, learn to do it again. . . think I might have to leave it at that for this year.
Train with purpose - I want to actually figure out what a "bike workout" or "run workout" could do for my triathlon racing. My current training regimen looks like this: Bike Workout - 1) get on bike, 2) ride, 3) go home. There must be something to all these "workouts" that training sites and magazines post - I'm aiming to figure it out.
And lastly, convince some of you out there to try a triathlon. Any one in?
-Jen
February 7, 2008
I Love the Underdog
So, were you wondering if I would actually make it the whole week without writing about that miraculous, amazing, best-Super Bowl ever, win by our team the NY Giants? What a game! What a win! I couldn't even blog on Monday because of how pumped (and tired) I was over that win. I won't go on and on about the football game, in case you're not really a football fan. Instead, I have to tell you how much I love an underdog.
The Giants were 12 point underdogs and yet pulled out the win. I LOVE rooting for an underdog. The player who gets pulled off the bench and no one knows their name - I'm rooting for them with unabashed enthusiasm - "You go bench sitter!!!" Whether it be professional sports, high school sports or the local charity bike ride - the underdog is the most important player, in my mind. Here's why. When an athlete does exactly what we expect by winning a game, a race, whatever, they've done what we expected. Ho-hum. But, how much angst do we feel, as the pressure builds, for the athlete that is unsure of completing the goal? How much pride and celebration do we feel when they attain what so many others felt impossible? Do you ever apply that thought to yourself?
I think that's what I love about being the amateur-triathlete. The first time I did a triathlon, I surprised myself mentally and physically with my own accomplishment. Now, because I know I can, the feeling of celebration isn't so strong. That's why this year I'm setting new and more challenging goals. New distances (Olympic distance, maybe more?), new challenges (like actually learning to not be afraid of hills - gasp!). We're all underdogs at something - it's not something to be ashamed of, it's actually something in which to take pride. Find your inner underdog! I'll be cheering for you. . .
-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"
"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
January 3, 2008
Don't Rush My New Year
I love my magazines. Opening my mailbox to find a new issue of Bicycling, Triathlete Magazine, Inside Triathlon or Runner's World makes my heart skip a beat. But, for the past month I've had a problem. Magazine publishing being what it is, we all get our issues a month ahead. So, since the first week of December I've been looking at the January issues of all these magazines. Great, in-shape, strong athletes have been coaxing me to "Have my Best Year Yet!" or "Train Right in the New Year." Normally, I dive right in but for the past month these issues have been sitting on my kitchen table gathering the crumbs of my munched Christmas cookies, grease from pizza and ring stains from wine glasses.
So, I have a message for the magazine publishers - Don't rush my New Year!
See, here it is already January 3rd but I am in no way ready to commit to the New Year. I'm flying from Colorado and it's holiday vacation fun right to Wisconsin to visit Trek and see what they have gearing (pun intended) up for 2008. I will then land back home on Saturday night. After that there will be the post-Christmas "a bomb has gone off" look in my house. There will be a tree to take down, Christmas cookie remains to be eaten (someone has to do it - I'm taking one for the team - or at least my hips/thighs are!), kids to get back into the routine of school - the list goes on. So, to be honest I'm probably not going to be "New Year" ready until almost the end of January.
While many are throwing themselves back into work, the after holiday clean-up. and trying to give themselves resolve for those resolutions (don't get me started on that - we'll cover that in a later post), I'm going to sit back and wait. There's nothing super magical about January 1st (unless you count how none of us can write checks correctly). Once we are ready, mind and body, any day can be the first day of a new year.
I'm going to sit back and do what needs to be done to get the holidays and the travel behind me. And while I do, I'll be pondering my true goals for 2008. Besides, my "New Year, New Me" magazines will wait a couple more weeks - they're serving as coasters quite well.
-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
November 15, 2007
"[Insert your name here] Are an Ironman!"
I listened and watched person after person cross the finish line and be declared an Ironman last week. I was able to watch, on my computer, a feed of the Florida Ironman, waiting for Team Survivor triathlon coach, Tom Battaglia, to cross the finish line of his first Ironman race. (Tom, notice I said "first," implying others). The picture here is of Tom and I at the NJ State triathlon this summer - I raced sprint, he did Olympic distance.
There is something amazing and magical (not to mention gut wrenching) about completing an Ironman. Swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles, and then completing a full marathon - how could you not respect and be inspired by that? (Okay, so maybe you have to have a little triathlon crazy in you in the first place - Jeff's thoughts on an Ironman race "Your sport is just ridiculous!") To me, even more honorable, is the ability for the everyman and everywoman to become an Ironman. Now, of course, by that I don't really mean everyone - see, for example, Jeff's comment. But, my deep respect for those who go the distance comes from seeing those men and women who have regular jobs, families and lives set this lofty goal and then meet it. Quite a feat when you think about the months and hours of training that go into being able to race for up to 17 hours straight!
I saw men and women, of all shapes, sizes and ages cross that finish line and be declared an Ironman. At first I thought, "I can't believe this announcer is really going to stay here for this long (well after it is dark) and announce the name of each finisher and declare them an Ironman." But, the more finishers I watched, the more I respected the mountains they had climbed to be there and achieve that goal. They deserved their moment at the finish line. They were Ironmen.
So, after almost 14 hours of racing, I was able to see Tom cross the finish line and be declared an Ironman. Tom, you ROCK. I've seen and heard about your training since January. (You've gotta respect the dedication of a guy who shows up at a 5 am at a women's only triathlon to help coach 40 some Team Survivor women through a race only to say, "gotta go do a 6 hour bike ride" with a smile on his face). Tom, you set the bar high and now I'm proud to say "You are an Ironman." You amaze and inspire. Your bragging rights have been earned.
While I am not ready for an Ironman (yet!), I do know the thrill that comes from crossing that finish line and being able to say (no matter the race distance) "I am a triathlete." Someday I hope to insert my name and hear "Jennifer Polo, you are an Ironman!
Be inspired! -Jen
November 8, 2007
Confessions of an Unmade Bed
Yes, I have a confession to make. I don't make my bed - ever. Yes, this is truly a picture of my bed, taken just this morning. When Jeff and I took childbirth classes before the birth of Cameron, the teacher gave the class an assignment - Don't make your bed for a week. "Woo-hoo!", I thought, "I have this assignment nailed!" (Note to all of you out there - apparently getting an "A" in childbirth classes does not translate to less pain during the actual childbirth). Anyway, our instructor was trying to illustrate that once you become a parent, life is not all neat and tidy like before being a parent. Duh.
So, there you have it - I am a non-bed maker. It doesn't stop at the bed. I am just not a overall neat and tidy person. A white glove test would fail miserably in my house. Let me say this though - I do know where everything in my house is. I am extremely organized - unfortunately that organization is mostly trapped in my head. But, I digress. Here's what I am trying to illustrate. I've tried making those secret deals with myself before. You know the ones - "I'll get out for a bike ride after I clean the bathrooms/grocery shop/do the laundry/pay the bills etc. . ." They don't work. I would never train for my triathlon goals if I became wrapped up in making sure my house was in perfect order all the time. So, yes, my bed is unmade. But, if you add up all that time I have freed up for myself (along with that other stuff I have decided doesn't really matter in the grand scheme), you'll find that I'm able to fit in some serious fun. So, if you are saying to yourself "I don't have the time to bike", then I'm gonna tell you - "Stop making your bed!" I'll ignore your mess if you ignore mine - let's get out there together!
-Jen
October 22, 2007
My Mobile Closet
We have a general philosophy here in the Polo household - "You can wear shorts almost all year long!" There are some funny side-rules to our shorts wearing motto that include such things as: "if its December and snowing, perhaps throw on a sweatshirt." The thought being that if your arms are warm that will be enough body heat to trick your mind into believing the rest of you is warm too. We also like to play a little game this time of year called, "How long can we wait before turning on the heat?" Needless to say, we don't do a lot of winter entertaining at our house.
I decided to share some of our Polo family playbook with you all because well, I'm finding the need for some rule modifications. Last week I found myself wearing almost everything in my closet when it came to training (not all at the same time). When I did the Trek WSD Awareness ride, the temperature that morning started in the 30's. Hmmm. Pants, short sleeve jersey, jacket, hat until the ride, gloves. Ride time- two hours later: Shorts, short sleeve jersey (a little brisk!). Tuesday ride: Overcast and dodging some light drizzle: Shorts, sleeveless jersey, light rain jacket just in case. Friday run (8 AM) - 78 F and 90% humidity: Tank top and running shorts. Sunday early run (6:30 AM -dark): Capri pants, long sleeve shirt, reflective vest.
Because of the time of year and depending on what time of day I am riding or running, what I should wear is all over the map. So, my car has become a mobile closet sporting the boy scout motto of "be prepared." It contains all the layers I shed plus all the "what if I want to change into this" layers. It's messy on the organization side but helpful when my friends remind me that there is the wind chill factor once you start riding.
I read a great tip recently which I plan on putting into practice: Don't dress for the first 15 minutes of a ride, dress for what it will feel like in the second 15 minutes of the ride. I'm hoping that will help me navigate the tricky fall/winter weather. For more great tips on cold weather riding, check out Bicycling.com's Cold Weather Riding Guide.
Right now, it's back to laundry day, which, coincidentally has also turned into clean-out-my-car day.
-Jen
October 1, 2007
"Do whatever you want. . ."
"Do whatever you want. . . " These were the words from Team Survivor triathlon coach Tom as we finished the Danskin triathlon. WHAT???!!! He explained that after training in the summer we should take this time to do whatever we wanted until January and then we could think about the new triathlon season and what our plans were for next year. This "break" will give us some needed separation from the rigors of the constant swim, bike, run routine so that we will feel fresh come the new year.
I have been perplexed ever since. Do whatever I want - no one ever says that to me. What does that mean? What should I do? Eat bon-bons? Do nothing? Lay in bed? Okay, none of those really fit a realistic definition of "do whatever I want." I get Tom's point. When you are focused on a goal like a triathlon (or two or three) you spend your time working toward that goal. Fitness-wise triathlon training requires the practicing of not just one, but three sports. That leaves little fitness room for anything new or interesting. It also leaves your body adapting to only what you are doing and not being challenged in new ways that build your entire fitness level. Still, the "do whatever you want" theory feels a little too ambiguous to me at this point.
So far, it has mostly consisted of eating far more pizza and junk food than I have for months and spending a lot of time thinking about the concept rather than living the concept. Perhaps this is where many of us get stuck - the doing rather than the just pondering new fitness ideas. So, contrary to the spirit of the thought, I have decided I need a plan of sorts. I think I need to figure out some fitness things I would like to try over the next few months and then have a plan on making them happen as part of the day to day routine. I know I told you that Pilates needs to be part of the mix, so in that goes. I also know I want to get out on my bike for some longer more meandering rides and enjoy the fall weather and scenery (as opposed to being focused on training numbers, paces and goals). But, what else should I do? I attended an indoor rock climbing seminar last year and had fun so I am pondering some more of that. Maybe adding strength training back in. Let me know what you think - I have fitness time on my hands and would love to hear some ideas.
-Jen
September 26, 2007
Winner!
Yesterday I went for my first run since the Danskin triathlon. Right after the tri I got a horrible cold and spent most of last week connected to a box of tissues, a bag of cough drops and Day-Quil. So, I had myself committed to a 5 mile run yesterday. I should have known it was going to be trouble from the moment I woke up to a weather forecast projecting August-like East Coast humidity. But, I was committed. I went and silently cursed every step of those 5 miles. I knew (or at least prayed) I would feel some kind of pride later on (maybe after a shower) that I got out there and did it and didn't wimp out.
When I got home, sweating profusely, my answering machine was blinking. The message was notifying me that I had won an award at a local 5K race I did in August and that I had not claimed my award yet. I almost fell over laughing. Me - curser of every footfall in my run - a race award winner? Turns out it was actually true. I won 3rd place in my age group in the local Race for Missy 5K and got the cool bobblehead runner statue pictured here. I'm trying to not let it go to my head lest my head become as big as the bobblehead.
What makes the story funnier is that I have spent the last year and a half having to explain to my kids each time I do a race that I didn't win. Each time they ask - "But Mom, what place did you get?" In their world they only know 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Even at age 7 and 6 they understand that the podiums don't have room for 675th place. What is even harder for them to get (particularly Cameron who even thinks getting your pajamas on fastest should be a competition) is that I'm not doing it to win. In his young kid mind he can't fathom why I would even be doing the race when I know that I'm not going to win. He has persisted often enough with, "But Mom, maybe if you really try your fastest you'll win" only for me to answer, "No, no I won't but that's not why I'm doing it."
Having to answer their questions has really kept me grounded in the answers about why I am out there biking, running and swimming. No, I don't enter these races to win - nor do I enter them to lose. I just don't see it in terms as black and white as those. There is a lot of gray area to what it means to win. The fact that I can get out there and have a body that can feel the breeze, the water and the sweat makes it a win for me. Being able to take 10 seconds off my running pace is a huge win, never mind that it doesn't garner podium coverage.
Don't let yourself be fooled into thinking there is only room in the world for winning to be defined with a 1st, 2nd or 3rd. Sport wouldn't have much room for most of us if that's truly all that mattered. I'm a winner for the experience, the challenge, the completion of a goal. Sometimes it is wholly satisfying to have moved up to the 500th-something place. It's why I love finishers medals. I don't fall for the trap of "oh, they give that to everyone." They don't give them to everyone. Only those who dare to step up to the start line so that they can feel the joy of the finish line get to wear the hardware. Fortieth place, 600th place, 999th place, last place - I'm a winner.
September 20, 2007
"Even the Bugs are Frozen. . ."
The Danskin Women's Triathlon this past weekend was my last triathlon for the season. Last year, Danskin was the first tri I had ever done and what hooked me on the sport. I was so ready to race last year that I couldn't wait for race day. This year, the 3 weeks prior to the race I had barely trained for a variety of reasons so I wasn't sure what to expect.
On Saturday we got our race numbers and attended the race Expo. I was able to hang out and work at the Trek booth with Fit for Women Demo Tour Trek woman Julie Kramer. I also got to meet a Trek Women Who Ride blog reader (great race the next day Lisa!) who was taking a Trek test ride (along with lots of other women taking advantage of all the great Trek bikes Julie brought for test rides or use in the race.
3:30 AM Sunday (Yes, I did type that time correctly.) - Alarms went off and we were up and dressing. This year was different in that we were layering for the tri - the temperature for the start of the race was supposed to be a high of 47 degrees (yes, I typed that one correctly too). As we were getting dressed I made sure to spray my legs with bug repellent - last year we were completely ready for the swim, bike, run but unprepared for the amount of bug bites we got in the transition area. I can still see some of them in my pictures from last year. My friend Carla's only comment as I did this was "I think that the bugs are frozen."
4:45 - Got parked in the dark and gathered our stuff for the walk to transition where we waited to get in with a gathering 1,500 other women who were cold and barely awake.
5 AM - 7 AM - Shivered! Wished I had a hat, gloves and perhaps a scarf. (Also set up my transition area.) We walked the course and discovered that the run from the bay to the transition area had been changed slightly from last year. We also went down to the swim start and felt the water. Balmy! With the air temps as cold as they were, the 70ish degree water felt really nice. We also found out that the swim course had been shortened for safety (as it was last year). Hmmm...the water looked really calm.
Race Start!
Swim: This year I made sure to not be tentative and waded right up to the start line. I am a strong swimmer and I didn't want to get caught up in the arms and legs of everyone else at the start. We were given the go by Sally Edwards and took off. I think I took off a little to fast but was pleased to quickly have my own open water to navigate. I got part way out and then the rolling with the waves started. Okay, so the water was not nearly as calm as it looked from shore. It didn't matter what side I chose to breath on, the wave of salt water was there to meet my open mouth each time. [Note to self - the Coast Guard knows their stuff about water conditions - next time trust them.] The course made a rectangle and as I made the last turn to head in to shore I started passing some racers. Swam in and got out in the sand for the race to the transition area. As I ran to the transition area I was out of breath, dizzy and bit off-kilter due to the waves. I immediately knew that I would need a slower transition to get my bearings.
Bike: Transitioned slower than I wanted but necessary. Got out to the bike course and moved through the slow single lane area out to the main road. I immediately noticed that my legs had been replaced by cold, icy bricks - well, that's how they felt. I couldn't tell what the wind was doing but I didn't feel like I had the wind at my back like last year. The course is an out and back. I got to the turn around and then found the wind - coming right at me. With the ocean on one side and the bay on the other, you can get some pretty good wind on the course. As I rode with the headwind I was really thankful for the aerobars on my Equinox because I was able to be as aerodynamic as possible.
Run: My weakest event. Usually my only goal is to get through the run knowing that the finish is soon. My only goal for the run this year was to try to pick up my pace. Last year I was really able to sprint in to the finish and then realize after that I probably could have gone a little faster through the entire run and not had so much sprint left in me for the last 100 yards.
Finish! No race clock at the end so I had no idea how I had done. After the finish I got to hang around at the Team Survivor tent and congratulate all the women, especially the first time tri-ers, who had completed their goal. There were 100 survivors who raced that day. The picture here is of fellow Team Survivor teammates Suzanne, Carla and I as we headed for the swim start. The biking picture is when I was at the end of the bike leg, right before the dismount area. Thanks to Suzanne's husband Bob for all his photography - it's a little hard to get pictures of yourself while racing!
Overall Time: 1:16:52 (last year 1:21:22)
Swim: 9:28 for 500 meters (last year 10:51 for 600 meters) T1: 3:02
Bike: 34:19, AVG 19.2 MPH (last year 34:54) T2: 1:11
Run: 28:49, 9:18/mile (last year 30:55 9:58/mile)
I was 18th of 106 in my age group and 152nd out of 1307 women overall. I was happy with my improvement in all areas, especially the run. My bike leg inches me closer to my goal for next year of racing with an average speed of 20 MPH or more. Because all sprint races are different, especially with regard to the bike leg, it was fun to be racing the same course for a general comparison of my improvement. With that said, in a tri, there are always differences and you can never replicate the exact same conditions on the same course so each race has its own character. But, I think once you have met the accomplishment of completing your first tri, you have room to set smaller goals for future races. It was a great day, albeit really cold and it's really fun to see so many women crossing that finish line getting hooked on the sport.
Oh, and one last thing. . . .no bug bites - Carla was right - the bugs were all frozen.
-Swim, Bike, Run, Repeat. . . -Jen
September 15, 2007
GO TEAM!
I have had the unique experience of being a Team Hero for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (Eastern PA) Team in Training (TNT) Program this summer.
When I ran the NJ State half-marathon in April of 2006, just six months after being in remission the first time and only four months into learning to be a runner, I was amazed by the purple and green presence of Team in Training participants. I kept hearing GO TEAM! as I ran. It was very emotional for me. I was able to tell my story to a few of them as I ran. Many of them helped get me through those 13 miles.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training® is the world's largest endurance sports training program. They provide coaching and training to run or walk marathons and half marathons or participate in triathlons and century bike rides. In turn, participants help raise money to fund the Society's mission of curing blood cancers. Since 1988, more than $700 million has been raised by over 300,000 participants. If you have ever even considered, in the deep recesses of your mind, trying one of these events, TNT is a great way to learn, get coaching and have friends to train alongside.
I really wanted to share my story with Team in Training participants because they had been inspirational to me. I became a Team Hero with my local chapter. A Team Hero is a patient who can help give participants a personal connection to blood cancer and to why they are training and fundraising.
So, tomorrow, while I am competing in the Danskin, the Team in Training Fall team will be doing the Philadelphia Distance Run. For many, this is the event for which they have trained. For others on the Team, they are using it as a training run for marathons later in the fall. The summer Team has raised over $400,000 and they aren't finished.
I wish I could be there this weekend to cheer them on and let them know that what they have accomplished is amazing, both athletically and for the money that helps fund research for cures to blood cancers. I can't wait to hear their race stories.
If I was there in person, there would only be one thing to say to such an amazing feat. . . .
GO TEAM!
-Jen
September 14, 2007
Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda
The Danskin Women's Triathlon (NY Metro Area) race is this weekend. It is my last triathlon for this season. Because I have done some other races this year and was retraining from my off season chemo, I had originally thought of this as my "A" race - the one that I would be the most trained for - ideally my best race. Hmmmmm. That plan went out the window awhile ago. I think I discovered a new training theory goes against the norm. Because my kids are in school full time now, I have more time to train during the day when they are at school. The summer is my play time with them - the time for amusement parks, the beach, the park and the like. It makes training a little tricky. I don't resent that. I don't mind at all. Maybe because of what the past two years have been like, I am very aware of not wasting the opportunities to make memories with my kids and as a family.
Anyway, that leaves us coming into this weekend with very little training that has happened over the past few weeks. My kids school opening got delayed and so they just went back this past Tuesday. I sent them off to school and then thought, "Great - time to ramp up my training. . . . just in time for the taper week." So, right now my taper week doesn't feel any different than the past few weeks. I have paid no mind to nutrition going into the race, I'm going to be using new running shoes that I have only put a few miles on, and using my new Equinox in its first race. Not to mention that yesterday I took my kids to Ringing Rock State Park and we climbed around on rocks and I slipped and now have some bruises and a slightly sore ankle. (Add that to my growing list of pre race no, no's).
So, what I have is a really long (and growing) list of what I call the coulda, woulda, shoulda's. I could use a laundry list of excuses for all the things I could have done to better my training, things I would have changed if I did it over again, or a bunch of "I should have run this many miles. . .I should have paid more attention to my schedule. . . " My point is to not give you a bunch of excuses so that when I give you race results on Monday I can rest on my excuses. No, instead I want to tell you that the point to me is that I will be out there tri-ing my best this weekend. No, it might not be perfect but I will have a great time doing it and know that I will feel proud of the medal around my neck at the end. BC (Before Cancer), I know that there were many things I wouldn't bring myself to try because I was worried about not being excellent at them. AC (After Cancer) I know that the effort means just as much, if not more. So, I encourage you to think about your coulda, woulda, shoulda's. Are they stopping you from something? Want to try a tri? Let me know - I'll help you get started. Want to learn to dance? Bike? Run? Snowboard? Danskin medals have a quote on them "The woman who starts the race is not the same woman who finishes the race." Absolutely true. It's never to late to amaze yourself.
-Swim. Bike. Run. Repeat. . .Jen
PS. If you are at the Danskin this weekend, stop by the Trek booth at the Expo. I'll be there and would love to meet you while you check out some great Trek WSD bikes!
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 24, 2007
Virtual Spectator
Fellow Trek Woman, Laura is doing her first triathlon this weekend - The Accenture Chicago Triathlon. While I wish I could be there to cheer her on, I have found the next best thing. I will be a virtual spectator to her race with the help of Accenture's Triathlon Alert System. I found out about this cool tool while watching a re-run of the 2006 Accenture Chicago Triathlon (like I said before - I love my Tivo!).
By visiting this link, I was able to quickly register how I wanted to get alerts (phone call, text message, e-mail) and pick the athlete(s) that I wanted to track. Our very own Laura MacLean is bib # 5024. On race day, I will get a text message to my cell phone telling me when Laura has finished the swim, another call when she has finished the bike and a call when she has finished the race. You can also monitor the race via their website and see roughly where on the course an athlete is located. Within 48 hours after the race, fans will be able to see video clips of athletes on the course.
So, while Laura is achieving yet another great accomplishment, I will be her loudly cheering virtual spectator! "YOU GO GIRL!"
Cheer with me and be sure to check back and read her blog to hear her race story.
Jen
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 13, 2007
NJ State Tri Recap
Finally! The promised recap of the NJ State Triathlon. After a few days of soupy humidity laden weather (seriously, it was like trying to run inside a full water bottle), the humidity and temps broke and race morning was crisp and cool (everything feels cool at 4:15 AM).
I was up at 4:15 and had the coffee pot brewing - can't race without the java. I got my standard pre-race food - almond butter and jelly on whole wheat made, grabbed my water bottles, loaded the car and was off by 5 AM.
I got to the race site at Mercer County Park around 5:20 and was by far not the first one there. This was my first coed race and two distances were being raced (sprint and Olympic). I had scoped out the transition area the day before and my bike rack was perfectly between two trees. I wanted to get there early to get the end spot on the rack. Got body marked (oh the permanent marker high!) and headed in for set-up. Brendan's 6th birthday party had been Saturday (hmmmm....cake as prerace nutrition. . . ) so I had taken his "Happy Birthday" balloon to tie to the bike rack for easy spotting when coming into transition. I also tied my yellow Survivor buff to the side of the rack. Quick Aside: The yellow Survivor buff was given to me by a friend's 8-year old son the first time I was going through chemo. It was perfect and symbolic to me in so many ways. Yellow to remind me to LiveStrong, Survivor because I am one, and the perfect soft cover for my bald head. Thanks Liam!
I then had more than an hour and half to kill. Ate my sandwich, milled about and hung out with Team Survivors triathlon coach, Tom Battaglia. Tom was racing the Olympic distance as part of his training for the Florida Ironman on November 3rd. You go Tom!
The Swim: 500 meters, lake swim. The water temp. was 80 degrees - hurray! I figured it would be easier to get warmed up and into a rhythm with such warm water. The first two waves were men and then we were the first women's wave. You could start waist deep standing or go out a little farther and be treading water. I opted to go as deep as I could but still be standing so I could get a push off. The whistle blew and we were off. Got into a rhythm and then was pleasantly surprised to pass a few of the men from the first two waves. The course was an easy triangle so only one buoy to worry about and then into shore.
The bike: 13.5 miles. Got into transition and quickly changed. I wasn't nearly as disoriented as I had been in the race two weeks ago. Got out on the bike and I was off. The not closed course turned out to actually be a lane coned off and there were great West Windsor police and even Team Survivor volunteers to point the way. At the first turn though a truck did get irritated and ended up running over one of the cones. As he was passing me I saw the cone spinning dangerously under his car. Just as I passed, the cone shot out into my lane behind my bike. Phew! I was able to pass a number of guys on the course which was kind of fun. There was even a time when I was doing 26 MPH - that didn't last long. There was one section when a guy pulled ahead of me and then blew his nose. Think about the wind on that one folks - I was sure glad I had sunglasses on. As I came to the end of the bike course the distance between the flag wavers for slowing down and the line where you had to be dismounted was very short. A line of three of us were doing fine and dismounting when someone came flying in and dismounted with his cleat into the back of my ankle (He did apologize :))
The run: 5K - Got my shoes on quickly and out on the course. The first tenth of a mile was tricky because it was on some bumpy grass before you got to the pavement. My calves were tight but not as bad as two weeks ago. The run was mostly shaded but was rolling ups and downs. I was able to settle in and even able to pick it up a little in the second part. I am happy to report that hydrating much more the few days before th
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.
