My September

I know that a lot of people write all about their workout summaries every month.  I wish I had something stellar to write in regard to fitness, but well, I don't.  I've biked a little.  I've swam once.  I even ran a little on Saturday, but I'll get to that.  So, here's what's been happening in my world. Grab a cold one... it's been a busy month!

REV3 Cedar Point

Tom raced the full at REV3 Cedar Point.  I was supposed to race the half, but since I couldn't run or swim, by default I became a cheerleader for the day.  I had a freaking blast.  We got up there Thursday, putzed around Friday, went to the amusement park (although I couldn't ride the rides, but had fun walking around with everyone) had some people over Friday night for dinner, Saturday got Tom and his teammates and my friends ready for the race, met up with my awesome Trakkers teammates, and then Sunday spent the day screaming my head off for all of my friends.  I'm so blessed to be surrounded by such inspiring people.  Holy smokes they did awesome!  It was so fun to hang out with Annie, Kelly, my family, and Heather's mom, and then as everyone finished, to have them join the party.  It was by far one of the best events I've spectated (and believe it or not, I have spectated my fair share).  I was a little bummed that I didn't get to race, but cheering was SO fun that I got over it quickly!  I'm so happy that I got to see Matt, Heather and Kristin finish their firsts.  It was fun to cheer Tom on to his 5th finish.  My teammates did amazing as did Tom's. And REV3 - kudos to you for a spectacular race.  Everyone I talked to has loved it!  And I got to finish with my hubby... what more could I ask for?

 

Interbike
After getting back from Cedar Point, Tom and I turned around and flew to Vegas for a few days.  We went to Interbike.  I have some thoughts on Interbike.  So everyone told me that it would be the most amazing experience in the world and that I needed to sneak my camera in there to see all the technology that is going to be introduced in 2012.  I had my expectations set high... probably a bit too high.  Although it was cool, and it was overwhelming in terms of "stuff" to see, it wasn't all the latest and greatest that I thought it would be.  It was very retail oriented... in that all of the exhibits had mini conference rooms set up so that a retailer could have a one on one meeting with the brand, order stuff, etc.  I could have taken pictures (it was banned, but EVERYONE was), but honestly, there wasn't much that I HAD to have pictures of.  I walked out knowing that I do, in fact, love my Kestrel 4000 Pro - not that I was ever questioning that. :)  Vegas was super fun though... I stuck to the penny slots and played for 3 days on very little money!

Fitness
Okay, so I'm still healing.  It's going to be a looooong process.  Tom drained my leg (gross, I know, but I couldn't take it anymore) but I still have a lump there and a big ole' divet and lump on my back.  I've been biking since two days after my accident and actually went out with Keith last week to bike for a while.  It was awesome to catch up with him.  We both decided to brave the Thursday night ride together this past Thursday.  It was a bit eerie to be out with the group, but I'm so glad that I went.  And they are such an amazing group - decided we would "conquer some demons" by bringing Keith and I to the accident scene.  As we passed over the dip in the road that caused it all (thankfully I have answers now), we totally missed the chalk outlines of Keith and I that a few in the group had taken the time to draw earlier that day, complete with Keith's glasses and my ponytail.  We turned around as a group and inspected the "crime scene".  Keith and I are good for some entertainment and he and I both laughed a lot about it.  Glad that we're at that point now! :)  I feel like my confidence grows more and more on the bike!

Akron Marathon
Yesterday was the Akron Marathon. First, let me just say that this is the most amazing marathon - top notch in EVERY sense!  I can't rave enough about it and if you are looking for a great course, great expo, great swag, a race director that shakes EVERY ONE'S hand as they finish, amazing organization from start to finish and an all around great time, do this one! Okay, so I was scheduled to run the full and decided that I'd walk the half.  On Friday night, I bandaged up my body and realized that with everything securely in place, I could run with very little pain.  This was HUGE!  In my fit of excitement, I decided that maybe I'd try to run walk the full.  Thankfully I texted Matty-O because we were going to meet he and Heather in the morning (they were doing the half) and he talked some sense into me.  He told me that Heather would walk the half with me.  I was super excited to have the company.  So Saturday, I bandaged everything up, met up with Heather and we started running.  I was freaking running.  We made it about 4 miles and then both she and I started to have some pains here and there.  So we run/walked the rest of the way.  And let me tell you - I freaking hurt.  Walking is so much harder than running.  But, I finished and was so excited. Tom cranked out his second fastest marathon every (just two weeks after a 140.6).  The perfect way to celebrate his birthday. I'm now putting Chicago back on my calendar in two weeks.  I can't run the whole thing - because of fitness and the injuries, but I'm going to finish that darn race.  You just watch me!






So, that's my last month in a nutshell.  It's getting crazy around here... I'm super behind on blogs and will try my hardest to get caught up soon.  :)

***  oh... one last thing.  Are you interested in being part of an amazing triathlon team?  Team Trakkers is going to be Team REV3 Racing next year and they are accepting applications for new teammates.  Let me just tell you - I've been part of other sponsored teams before and they don't even compare to the awesomeness of our team.  We are truly like a family and I've met some of the most amazing athletes and more importantly friends from being part of the team.  I'll be back next year and can't wait to see some of you at the races!  Visit this link if you are interested in applying:  http://rev3tri.com/news/rev3-is-now-accepting-applications-for-our-age-group-team/

Hurt

I've been lucky to have been a very liked person thus far in my life.  Sounds silly to say, but teachers, friends, coworkers, bosses, neighbors, family, etc have always showed me a lot of respect and general liking toward me as a person... I've been blessed with many many good relationships.

So when a relationship comes along that is a challenge, one that really needs a lot of work, I really struggle. Relationships shouldn't be a lot of work.

Right now, I'm really struggling.

I feel like I give and give and in return I get a lot of resentment, a lot of anger toward me, a lot of unwarranted negativity.  It's zapping, both emotionally and mentally and I close myself off.  I've been misread, misjudged, and alienated for reasons that are uncompromisable to the average person.  You're opinions are yours, and I get that, but when the facts aren't there to back them up, they aren't facts.  I feel like I could tell you the sunny sky is blue and you'd tell me I'm lying, and then spin it to say that I'm a horrible person for trying to tell you that it's blue.  I can't change your mind.

You hurt people I love.  You hurt good people.  In the end, you will be the one missing out on so much in life. I know your life isn't as full as mine.  I'm blessed in that regard.

I've been told to be fake, to put on a smile and pretend that the relationship is worth saving at this point.  But it's not that deep inside that I know the truth.  I've never been fake - maybe that's why you don't like me.  I've told you when I disagree with the way you are treating me, treating my husband, treating others that used to be dear to you. I do it because I care for them.  I do it because you are wrong.

You can read me like a book.

There's a fine line between being the bigger person and being true to me.  The bigger person puts on the smile and bites my tongue, knowing that if it hasn't changed at this point, it never will.  The true me wants to tell you how much you've hurt me, hurt people I love and that I hope no one causes that same pain that I feel on days like this.

In the near future there will be some changes.  They will help me.  I hope they help you too...

Proud wife

We had an amazing weekend in Cedar Point.  I laughed, I cried, I screamed like a wild woman.  It was awesome!  I will post pictures and whatnot when I can.  But, I have some important things coming up... like and MRI this afternoon on my back (hoping to get some answers!!!) and then I'M GOING TO VEGAS BABY!!!  Heading out for a little R&R and some Interbike.  So, I promise to post tons of pictures from both, as well as try to catch up with blogs as soon as I get home.

But I leave you with this... yeah, I'm a proud wife!

Team Type 1 Announces Ten Athletes with Type 1 Diabetes Will Embark on 3,000 Mile Cross Country Run From Oceanside, CA to New York City

Athletes will run 24 hours per day in relay format to finish on World Diabetes Day, November 14, 2011

ATLANTA -- 

Team Type 1, a global sports organization dedicated to radically changing the lives of people around the world with diabetes, today announced ten runners from its world class athletic program will undertake an ambitious 3,000 mile run across America. Powered by global healthcare leader SANOFI, supporting partner of the organization’s racing teams totaling more than 100 athletes, the run is an initiative devoted to spreading the message of better health through proper diabetes management, increasing awareness of the growing diabetes crisis in the U.S. and promoting prevention through exercise. It is the first-ever such effort by a team of runners with diabetes.

The trek will begin on Friday, October 28, 2011 in Oceanside, CA and will continue in a relay style from coast-to-coast. Running 24-hours per day, through varying weather and terrain. The team’s goal is to complete the journey in New York City around World Diabetes Day on November 14, 2011.

In 2005, Team Type 1 took on the Race Across America (RAAM), and has since won the event dubbed “The World’s Toughest Bicycle Race,” four times with a team of type 1 cyclists. Team Type 1 holds the record for the fastest trans-continental crossing in just five days, nine hours and three minutes.

“Since the inception of Team Type 1, our athletes with diabetes have been shattering the limits of what is possible,” said CEO & Founder Phil Southerland. “We’re so proud of our athletes for dreaming big and taking on the run of a lifetime in an effort to inspire others living with this disease. We are also promoting exercise as a measure to prevent Type 2 diabetes and better manage Type 1 diabetes. We can’t wait to watch them cross the finish in NYC. Our organization, fans and friends around the globe will be cheering
them on.”

Led by Tom Kingery, a four-time Ironman competitor and Director of the Team Type 1-SANOFI Running & Triathlon teams, the 10-man roster includes athletes whose accomplishments span top finishes in the Ironman World Championships, the New York City Marathon, the Boston Marathon, multiple ultra-marathon events and an NCAA Final Four Soccer Champion.

The full Team Type 1 roster includes the following:
Tom Kingery, Delaware, OH
Casey Boren, Boise, ID
Brian Foster, East Amherst, NY
Tom Grossman, Midland, MI
Ryan Jones, Morrisville, PA
Jon Obst, Kennesaw, GA
Matt Patrick, Larchmont, NY
Kevin Powell, Verona, NJ
Ben Semeyn, Rockford, MI
Eric Tozer, Los Angeles, CA

“We are thrilled to have an unparalleled team of endurance athletes for our first ever run across the country,” said Team Director Tom Kingery. “These accomplished runners are not only amazing athletes but they are great people and role models in the diabetes community. They carry with them a powerful message of empowerment that instills hope and inspiration in those struggling to live a positive and healthy life with diabetes. We are very excited for this challenge and the opportunity to spread the message of hope from California to New York City.”

The running team will be backed by several partners including SANOFI, VSP Vision Care, Newton Running Footwear, ShareCare, Hammer Nutrition, RoadID and the American Diabetes Association NYC Chapter. All will play a major role in ensuring that the Team Type 1 runners receive proper care during the 15-day haul.

To learn more about Team Type 1 and the Run Across America Team, visit www.teamtype1.org and connect on Facebook or Twitter. The Team Type 1 runners also plan to hold a meet & greet event during the Chicago Marathon on October 8^th and 9^th, details will be available at www.teamtype1.org in the coming weeks.

Which way is up?

That's where I'm at this week! I can't tell the sky from the ground it seems and everything is whirling around me in warp speed motion. And is anyone else thrown off by the holiday in terms of what day of the week it is?  I mean, is it Tuesday?  Wednesday? :)

A few things - no racing for me this weekend.  Went for a second opinion on the old back bump and they want an MRI.  Something about a detached muscle that's curled up.  Fun times... let me tell you.  I hope to just finally have answers.  I'm slightly worried to find out how they restretch a curled muscle and the thought of it kind of gives me the heebee-jeebies!

So, that leaves me to be super wife, super friend, super teammate and super fan this weekend.  I've always wanted to be a cheerleader.  (Oh my gosh... did I just admit that?)

We're heading up tomorrow for REV3 Cedar Point.  And although I'm not racing, I'm so stinking excited. So, quickly, here's my shout outs to some of those peps:

• Brady - this race is yours.  You are peaked, you are primed, and you're gonna kick ass.  Remember, once you get through the swim, you just smooth sail to a big PR.  :)
• Kristin - I am so glad that I'll get to witness you finishing your first full on Sunday.  You have done so much training and you are so ready to kick butt.  Remember, it's a long day so have fun and know that your twin will be cheering her little head off anytime I see you!
• Matty-O and Heather - I love that you are doing this race together.  That is truly awesome and it's something that Tom and I love about you guys.  Matt, don't get distracted by the buffalo, or shiny things on the road.  And Heather, if he's too wild and unruly, just pretend you don't know him and don't know how he got the same kit as you. :)  Jeff, Annie and I are going to be super prepared for the dance off.  And who knows... maybe my dad will bust out some moves!
• Jeff- get through the swim, stay upright on the bike, and coast through the run.  There will be beer and snacks waiting.  See... we're the smart ones!
• Laura, Mary, Rachelle, Anne-Marie, Janet, Meredith, Rachelle - So excited for all of you ladies and I can't wait to see you all cross the finish line with smiles! Some of you are out for redemption, some as a comeback after accidents, some doing your first and some just ready to kick butt!  Love it all!
• My Trakker Teammates - Wish I could be racing with you, but then again, I wouldn't be able to cheer if I was racing, so maybe it's best that I'm not. :)  Don't pretend you don't know me when I'm screaming my head off at you either! :) I might be crazy, but I love you guys!

And then of course, there's another big race this weekend, so...

• Kevin - you are primed and ready.  Can't wait to follow you on Sunday though I wish you were racing with the cool kids so I could hang out with Jennie and cheer for you in person.  Have fun, kick butt and know there's a big beer and cheeseburger with your name on it at the end!
• Alexa - Two Ironman races in a few months.  Girl... you kick ass! 

Oh... and a third little race in Beijing.  It's the weekend of Triathlon Worlds and our very good friends Tracy and Jim are representing USA racing Sprint Worlds.  I've talked about them before in my blog... very special people.  Tracy is the reigning World Champion in her AG and I have a sneaking suspicion, both of them might end up being world champs this weekend.  Awesome, simply awesome!

And finally, a shout out to Melissa and Jo who are both racing this weekend!  Good luck ladies!

Did I forget anyone???