Motivational Monday

This weekend I was disappointed, yet again, by people close to me.  Seems those closest to you have the ability to hurt you the most.  What I am always curious of, is why???  Not why CAN they hurt you the most; but, why DO they hurt you at all?

My Dad, Larry.  R.I.P (1945-2010)

Almost a year ago now I lost a great man in my life, my Step Dad.  Someone I grew to admire over the many years he was married to my mom.  Then when my mom passed away six plus years ago, this great man became an even more important part of my life than he had ever been before.  He was always my biggest cheerleader.  Even when many others did not understand my commitment to LLS and Team in Training, he ALWAYS stood behind me and supported me like no other.

Just one week before he passed away, my dad told me, like only he could... "I don't think even YOU know what it is you are doing, kiddo.  Whatever you do, just keep doing it.  You are doing the right thing and some day, others will understand that, too."  (Thankfully, I can still hear his voice saying this.)  I love this man so much and I miss him every day that passes.  

I have been planning to set up a motorcycle ride to both honor my dad and to help me do what he was so proud of me for continuing to do, supporting a great cause, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Turns out, some thought I was making this event about me (and LLS) and not about my dad.  They just don't get they go hand in hand.  But then again, like he told me, "Some people just don't understand!"

So how does this story of such disappointment play into Motivational Monday?  Well, I found this: 

“The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire; the size of your dream; and how you handle disappointment along the way.”  [Robert Kiyosaki]

If you know me you know my dream is HUGE... A cure for Blood Cancers, a cure for ALL cancers.  I obviously have strength in my desire as I keep going and going (kinda like the energizer bunny).  Now, how will I handle this disappointment?  Since this is not the first time, and I am most certain it will not be the last, I know disappointments generally fuel my desire.

Many people did not believe I would actually get my degree, let alone my Master's.  Many thought I would never complete a marathon, let alone a triathlon.  To date I have raised almost $20,000 for LLS, and I am not about to stop; in fact, I am just getting started!

Back in the Saddle Again

Wow, What a weekend of training!  It is Sunday night (about 5:30 pm) and I am fading fast.  However, I wanted to get my blog out this evening before the long week starts again. 

This weekend it was back to the bike (for the first time since Tahoe).  I skipped swim training with the Team on Saturday since I had already committed to attend (and help if necessary) a Ride to Benefit Leukemia Kristin "Bobcat" Bartholomew was putting on.  So up early and waiting on Kansas (Jacey) so we could make the ride up to (and back from) Juno Beach more pleasurable with company.  We arrived at Ocean Cay Park at about 6:45 am; and, the team took off at 7 heading up to Hobe Sound.  

It was great to see some of my Tahoe Teammates up there.  We reminisced and rode with the current Tucson Century Team.  Coach Bryan of course did not let us down from the Mc Torture we knew in the days past.  He of course had a surprise for us... You guested it... Water Tower Climbs!!  Which was actually fine with me since I had yet to attempt the Tower with my new gear-set.  Bring it on!

The ride out was great.  We were about 10 miles and taking our turns pulling at about 19-20 mph and feeling great for the first time on my bike since Tahoe.  Then Kansas tells me my back tire is looking a bit low.  Sure enough, it was.  I was quite unhappy since I had just picked up my bike the day before from the shop.  So I stop and use my CO to refill the tire hoping it is not a flat.  Then I notice the front is a bit low as well.  I opened the 2nd CO I had to fill the front tire.  Now I am out of CO... not good if a flat happens.

Off to the water tower and a few climbs with ease.  I was impressed.  It was either all the great training (thanks to McTorture), the experience of Tahoe, the new gear-set, or all of the above.  I took the Tower with confidence and SUCCESS!!

Then the ride home, where my back tire was just not cooperating.  I think I rode the last 7 miles of a total of 32 at about 15mph on a flat tire.  It was not totally flat, but it was definitely a slow leak that was stalling my efforts to speed up.  By the time I finished it was all I could do to not rip out the tire and toss it.  

We finished the day with a group swim in the ocean where I learned to sight while swimming without breaking my stroke.  Another SUCCESS!  I have such anxiety about not being able to see in the Potomac, so this quick lesson in sighting was PERFECT!  Thank you Isabella!!!

Of course the day is not complete without a meal.  So, a great BBQ with wonderful friends.  I just love the people we have in Team in Training and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  So blessed to be part of this FAMILY!

After an evening with my best friend, I went home and to bed by 9 pm so I could be ready for another early morning training with my Nation's Triathlon Team.  

Sunday Morning at 5 am came way too early.  Some days when I get up for training I wonder if anyone understands the sacrifice that goes into training for an endurance event.  There is not a day in the week when I am not up at 4 or 5 in the morning, eating breakfast, fueling for a training whether it is a swim, a bike, or a run.  Yes, it is so much easier to just stay in bed.  But staying in bed won't cure cancer.  My participation in an endurance event may not either, but at least I know I am doing what I can to try to make a difference.

So Sunday was not much different than Saturday.  Although, today I was asked to share a mission moment with the team.  This is when we take a moment to tell the team why we are here doing what we do  So, of course, I talk about Courtney.  McNugget asked me to keep it short, so I tried and instead of going through the long two-year saga, I focused on just the last few weeks.  I started to cry thinking of my amazing niece walking again after a 1 1/2 years in a wheel chair (thanks to a chemo drug she was taking).  Great way to start a ride, with tears in my eyes.

Back to the team... I have to say Mr Personality (Coach Stan) is nothing like Coach McTorture.  I miss that fun loving and genuine caring personality of my last coach.  There are few people who are able to handle the abrasive personality of Mr Personality.  I just try to take what I can from it and ignore the outbursts he is so famous for.  At the end of the day, we are not professionals, we are volunteers out here doing something for a cause.  Sometimes I think he forgets that.

Our triathlon bike training starts in Lake Worth.  Today to add more miles to the normal inlet and back ride, we headed down to Boynton Beach inlet first.  Then after a quick "how to" on pace line riding (there is really nothing quick on SAFE pace line riding) we were off to the Palm Beach Inlet.  This team, as dedicated as they are, and as hard as they try, there are noticeable differences with experience.  However, Mr Personality wants to keep everyone together.

Of course, I don't see any fault in keeping the TEAM together, but when some riders just are not at the caliber of 20 mph just yet, why set a pace line at 19-20, then complain when it slows...  

Any how, the ride was some what easy until the turn around to head back.  Mr Personality took off pretty quickly leaving some struggling to track down the pace group.  Not very fun with a strong head wind.  I was one of the stragglers.  After riding with my dear friend Teri for a bit, and chatting about the training, she opted to try to help me out since my asthma was obviously an issue in the morning heat.  Although, her attempts to help out did not matter when my front tire flatted with 8 miles to go.  

Remember I was out of CO from yesterday and I did not hit the bike store to pick up more.  So even if I could have fixed the tire with the tube I had, there was no way to inflate it.  So I called McNugget to come get me with only 7 miles left of the ride.

All in all, I had 32 miles on Saturday and 28 miles on Sunday; so, a nice 60 miles this weekend.  Not to mention the little swim in the ocean after Saturday's ride.  All in all a good weekend.  And what better way to end the weekend than with a massage and facial at my local Massage Envy!!  Oh yeah, two full hours of heaven!!! Well deserved, and Well Overdue!!!

Fabulous Friday

Welcome to the Fit & Fabulous Friday Blog post...  Since Friday's are generally a rest day for me (but not today due to my weekday slacking) as I train all weekend with the team, I thought I would use my Friday posting to share with you my weekly workout totals, and share some tips for keeping fit, even if you cannot make it to the gym.

So here is my weekly total - followed by my June monthly totals so far...

Yes, I should have been able to do more, but I did have a reception on Tuesday for LLS to go to and my bike was still, well, needing TLC from the bike shop.  Not that I like to make excuses.  This weekend will make up for my weekday slacking.  Tomorrow is a bike followed by an ocean swim; and, Sunday is a bike/run workout.

By the way, I use MapMyRun.com to track my workouts.  I have the free version (have not had the desire to pay for the fitness reports with the premium membership yet).  I love this network.  You can not only track your swims in the pool, but the conversion from yards or meters to miles is done for you.  In addition, you can actually map your runs either with a smart phone gps app, or by manually mapping your routes (an easy way to track your miles if you don't have one of the fancy, hi-tech, and expensive garmins).  Check it out, and look for me there (user name:andi_mucklow).  You can see my maps if you want to use any of them for the bike or the run.

Now, tips for you...

Here are 10 great exercises (from fitwatch.com) that you can do at home, without the need for any equipment:

1. Walking – If the weather is nice, it’s wonderful to get outside and enjoy the scenery around you while you exercise. However, if the weather has other ideas, you can just as easily get an effective walking workout at home. If you have a flight of stairs, go up and down them a few times. (You could even grab a load of laundry as you’re going that way anyway!) This will help to tone up your legs, while getting some low impact aerobic exercise as well. If you don’t have any stairs available, just walk around the house a few times – it may not be very exciting, but it will do the job!
2. Jumping Jacks – These are always fun, as they bring back memories of being a kid! Who hasn’t done jumping jacks for fun as a child? Well, surprise – they are also great cardio exercises, and good for warming up, too.
3. Pushups – These are probably not the most favorite exercise of many people, but while they can be hard to do, you can find easier ways to do them. You don’t need to pretend you’re “Rocky”, and do them with one hand; just do what works for you. Do them on your knees, instead of keeping your legs straight. Or, do them standing up against a wall. You will be building up arm strength and working out muscles in your chest area.
4. Leg Lifts – These are great for building up strength and muscles in your legs. If you find it hard to do the exercises with your legs straight, try bending them slightly.
5. Crunches – The best exercise for building up and strengthening abdominal muscles. When you’re just getting started, don’t worry about getting your head all the way up. So long as you’re going up until you feel the stretching of the muscles, you will see some benefit.
6. Jogging In Place – Jogging is a great exercise for your heart. You can jog in place at home while watching TV or listening to music. The only equipment you will require is a good pair of shoes, to eliminate any stress to your legs.
7. Squats – These are wonderful exercises for your legs and buttocks. You can even just try these by sitting and standing up again from a regular chair, if you’re finding them to be too difficult. As long as you’re able to do a few repetitions, you will be providing some benefit to your body.
8. Light Weight Lifting – No, you don’t need to go out and buy expensive weights for this! Just use whatever you can find in your house. Start out with something lighter, such as a can of peas, and work yourself up to heavier items. You can use milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles or even water jugs.
9. Dancing – Dancing is a wonderful exercise, which is great for your heart. Not only that, but it can lift your spirits as well, and give your overall feeling a boost.
10. Step Exercises – Using the steps in your home, you can do repetitions which will tone your leg muscles. (Just remember to be careful!)

So what are you waiting for???  Get to it!!!!

'Works-For-Me' Wednesday

You may have noticed I have started this week off with daily blogs... Motivational Monday, Tuesday’s Testimonial, and now WORKS FOR ME Wednesday...  In an effort to share some of what makes me tick, I have decided to post daily, but only if I have something to say... Which, if you are one of my friends on facebook, I always seem to have something to say...

So, on to Works For Me Wednesday... Each week I will share things that work for me when I fund raise, train, work, deal with life, deal with injuries, you name it… nothing is off limits.  Well, there may be a few things I will not share here (this blog does have a PG rating, after all…).

In this edition (I say in my best voice-over impression from Entertainment Tonight) I want to talk about what worked for me when I was dealing with a pretty serious injury in 2009.  I have actually had this conversation twice this week, so I thought, why not share this with everyone all at once. 

Let’s set the stage… In 2009, I was 38 and somewhat new to running.  As you may know from my “All You Ever Wanted to Know” tab above, I did not join Team in Training because I one day woke up with a need to torture myself running long distances: I joined to make a difference, to help a cause, and to honor my beautiful niece battling ALL.  I joined Team in Training for one season (which happens to be the longest season ever lasting almost 2 entire years now) to run the Disney Half Marathon. After three weeks of training, I was convinced to run all three events offered that Winter Season: Women’s Half (Nov), Palm Beach Half (Dec), Disney’s Full (Jan).  

After the Women’s half I started to have pain in my left knee (the one I have had several surgeries on in the past).  I saw my doctor who said I needed to rest but to be safe he ordered an MRI due to previous history.  The MRI showed a posteromedial tibial plateau contusion, or bone bruise.  Not thinking anything of it, since it is “just a bruise,” my doctor and I discussed my next event and how I would be able to run if I was still having pain.  He gave me a shot of cortisone (BAD IDEA #1) on Friday and I started the Palm Beach Half Marathon on Sunday (BAD IDEA #2).

It was about Mile 4 when I let my friends head on without me because I was experiencing pain.  I slowed down, but continued to run.  By mile 5 when I caught up with two of my coaches, I was in tears.  Did I stop, no! (BAD IDEA #3) I kept running, and walking, and running…  From mile 5 to mile 9, Mr Personality (Coach Stan) actually ran, walked, and talked to me the entire way.  (For those who know Stan, you know how much of an effort it was for him to stay with me for 4 miles through all this.)

In the end, I decided to walk off the course at mile 9 rather than face the possibility of never running again; not to mention not being able to run Disney’s Full Marathon.  This was the BEST IDEA I had all day, or even all week; quite possibly ever, given I can still run.

To make this long story short, I am going to cut to the chase.  I hear from so many who love to run so when they are injured, they don’t like to rest.  Mr. Personality told me that day “You are well trained, your body won’t forget, REST!”  He was right.  

Here is what worked for me…  I did not just rest, I went to the extreme.  I put myself on crutches for four weeks.  I wanted to still run Disney.  Although I did participate in Disney’s Full Marathon in 2010 (yes, the coldest year ever for a marathon in Florida), I did not run the 26.2 miles.  I walked.  (Maybe jogged from time to time, but for the most part, I walked.)  This was part of my therapy.  I took four more weeks off of running after Disney.  I started back to training in February and two weeks later ran my best half marathon (at that point) at Fort Lauderdale A1A.  Then two weeks after that, I ran another personal best half marathon at Disney’s Princess Half.  You see, REST works!!!  And your body will not forget your training.

This week, I had two friends, older than me and recently into running, tell me they were experiencing issues with knees.  Both described almost exactly what I had been experiencing in 2009.  Bad news, folks… There is no miracle cure for a bone bruise.  Just time and, yes you guessed it, REST.  So take it easy.  Take a week or two off.  Start back slow and let the body heal.  I promise you, it wont kill you to not run. 

Keep in mind, resting an injury is not an excuse to stop being active.  You just need to give that body part a chance to heal.  In the mean time, try working on your core which will certainly help your running form.  Abdominal and Back exercises are the best.  If you get bored, try the pool.  The pool is great for “weightless” exercise and super easy on the joints.  Just be mindful of your limited cardio and try not to pack on the weight.  That will only aggravate the situation.  (Mr Personality was not so nice when he said that to me... more like.. Just don't get fat!)

So, tell me… What works for you when faced with an injury during a season of training? 

Tuesday's Testimonial

So when I was running last night, and this morning.... Yes, overachiever, I know...  I was thinking about this scene from the movie What Women Want when Mel Gibson's character was creating an ad for NIKE...  I thought I would share as this was my motivation to run this morning...

You don't stand in front of a mirror before a run and wonder what the road will think of your outfit. You don't have to listen to its jokes and pretend they're funny. It would not be easier to run if you dressed sexier. The road doesn't notice if you're not wearing lipstick.

It does not care how old you are. You do not feel uncomfortable because you make more money than the road. And you can call on the road whenever you feel like it, whether it's been a day or even a couple of hours since your last date. The only thing the road cares about is that you pay it a visit once in a while.


 Nike. No games. Just sports.

So I ask you... What is your excuse for NOT running (or walking) today???

Shake Out Ride... In the Cold Rain

The last few months I have been blogging about the training my team and I have been going through: not to mention the many requests I have sent out for donations to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for this event.

Palm Beach TNT On our way to pick up our bikes: Susana,
Stefany, Sam, McTorture, Judy, Me Leanne, Jon, Kristin

Let me start by saying thank you!!! My team for the 2011 America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride in Lake Tahoe raised over $40,000 (just 12 of us). The entire LLS TNT group from all over the US raised $6.8 million.

It is the generosity of our families, friends, associates, strangers, etc... that allow us to do these thing with TNT as we spread the word and raise more awareness for blood cancers. So on behalf of the Society, my teammates, and blood cancer patients everywhere... THANK YOU!!

Now, for the ride... Saturday we woke in Lake Tahoe for an early packet pick up. We received our bib numbers, goodies, and had a chance for light shopping (last minute most necessary warm clothes).

Saturday's weather was gloomy rain and cold (48ish degrees). Yes, we were still going for our shake out ride.

Leanne, Me, Jacey, McTorture, Kristin
On our way out the door for a ride.

What's a shake out ride? This is our chance to check last minute bike mechanics, figure out ride gear for the next day, etc... In this cold rain we were all bundled in layers. I decided to reserve my warmest layers for the actual ride. I still had an under layer, a layer of water resistant rain gear, and top layer training bike jersey. I also wore my ear warmers, beanie cap, scarf, gloves, two pairs of socks, etc.... I thought I was good to go.

The rain came down as we headed out and I had to question my sanity. What on earth was this Florida Girl doing in this cold, wet weather on a bike? And at these altitudes? Asthma anyone??

I will say I completely underestimated the effect the altitude would have on my ability to breathe! Absolutely crazy... The hotel was at 6000+ elevation. And I had to climb the mountains on my bike? Really? Oh, boy.... My coach, McTorture said he was having a hard time and he is not asthmatic. He knew I was not having an easy time. When he asked if I was OK, I told him 'I don't think I am going to be able to do this ride tomorrow.'. His answer: 'Oh, I don't think you are right about that!'

I suppose when we took off at 23+ mph to drop a group of riders that were so-so on their bikes and seemingly dangerous, I probably over exerted myself. Add hills and rain and cold air, I was having a tough time breathing.

I made it out with the team, but I took the return trip a bit slower. Did I mention I was still getting over a bad cold? Can you say pneumonia?

All in all the ride went well. We made about 19-20 miles in what seemed to be impossible conditions. We all felt ready, yet scared of what the next day would bring.

Before the actual ride, we had a team meeting and Inspirational Dinner to go to still. We had a few moments after the ride to shower and relax. Boy that shower felt great!

Team Meeting was great. Last minute tips, rules, what-to-do-when instructions, and a bit of fun. First was the business of the event. There were a total of 3000 participants, 1/2 of which were from TNT - GO TEAM! We were given important numbers necessary for safety, assistance, etc... We even had a chance to meet Ghost Rider (our teammate David who was always so busy we never had a chance to meet him).

McTorture showing off his new
thong and boa

Then we had some fun. I was a mentor this season: someone who assists with fund-raising, inspiration, etc... The team gave me a great card and the best T-shirt... "What happens in Lake Tahoe stays on Facebook and YouTube forever". LOVE IT!!! (And a Princess sticker for my bike!)

We, as a team, did a little shopping for our staffer and coach. For Little Nikki McNugget, a heartfelt card and a set of bicycle bookends. McTorture was a bit different. We have had so much fun this season and so many stories/adventures; we needed a little more for coach. We did our shopping in an 'adult' store. The picture says more than I can explain. It was great!!

After the meeting, I went with a few teammates for more last minute shopping. We bought breakfast for the morning, and snacks for later. Then Jacey and I took a walk down to the Lake where I actually walked into the water. Brrrrrrrrrrrrr! I want to say it was colder than the Pacific (I did this same thing in San Diego when I completed the Rock n Roll San Diego Half Marathon last year this same weekend!).

Kristin & I sportin' our Triple Crown Tiaras

Later Saturday Night was our Team Inspirational Dinner. This is where National TNT staff give a speech, lots of thanks, and recognition. Kristin (Bobact), Jon (Rambo), and I (McFlurry) received our Triple Crowns. This is a recognition from LLS for being fund raising participants in a triathlon, marathon, and a century ride. We all had a great dinner and lots of fun.

Then it was off to bed for the big day the next morning....

To Be Continued.....

Event Weekend is Here...

I am off to Tahoe...  I will be updating from my blackberry while I am there.  Look for photos & tales from the dark side!!!

See ya all when I get back!  And thank you for your support!!!

Why I do What I do.....

Sometimes, rarely, but sometimes I question my sanity with all my running around, working, training, fundraising. Even this weekend to be exact, it seemed my get up and go, got up and went leaving me far behind. Then, just when I need it most, God sends a miracle down to show me WHY I do all this for LLS and TNT... Here is the most important reason why...

Courtney!

You may already know she was diagnosed with ALL (acute lymphocytic leukemia) in August of 2009. You may also know that she has been in remission since late August, early September 2009. You may NOT know one of the drugs she took for chemo (vincristine, I believe is the drug that was the root cause) actually triggered neuropathy in her lower extremities putting Courtney in a wheel chair since January of 2010.

Tonight, for the first time since January 2010, my little niece (ok so 15 is not so little, but she is still a baby to me) walked for the first time with no assistance from Mom and Dad, only her walker and her own get-up-and-go. So I think I revived my inspiration....

This is the reason I continue this fight... I fight for those who are fighting their own battles every day... I do what I do because I CAN when so many others can't.

Thank you, Lord, our Father... for showing me this little miracle and giving me my sanity back.