I am an Iron Girl

Towards the end of last year

 

my best friend suggested that I do a triathlon this year.

 

I had thought about it before but was always hesitant.

 

I do enjoy swimming,

 

biking,

 

AND running.

 

But something was always holding me back!

 

I bounced the idea off some friends that have done triathlons

 

and was reassured that I could do it.

 

They even gave me some "beginner friendly" race suggestions.

 

Each year I have tried to tackle something new-

 

first it was doing a 5K in 2010.

 

Then, a half marathon in 2011.

 

2012 brought a trail race

 

followed by a full marathon in 2013.

 

Why not make 2014 the year for my triathlon?

 

In January, I traded in my old mountain bike

 

and got a new performance hybrid bike

 

and a trainer so I could ride at home throughout the winter.

 

The lady at the bike shop said it would be perfect for

 

my first triathlon

 

and biking trails with my family.

 

Shortly after getting my new bike

 

I took the plunge and signed up for Iron Girl Pleasant Prairie.

 

This was the race suggested by multiple friends

 

and came highly recommend for a first triathlon.

 

Throughout the winter I used my bike at home a lot

 

and was really enjoying it.

 

I also swam a bunch at the Y.

 

The running was no problem-

 

we were training for two spring half marathons.

 

Then summer hit.

 

It hit hard

 

and triathlon training went by the wayside.

 

I was still working out-

 

running

 

and biking

 

but the swimming wasn't happening.

 

My friends still reassured me that I would be fine

 

but I was getting nervous.

 

I wasn't doing the "brick workouts" like I had planned in my head

 

so I didn't feel prepared.

 

About a week before my triathlon

 

my best friend picked up on this nervous energy

 

and suggested that we meet somewhere half-way

 

between the two of us

 

and do a "trial run".

 

She did the research and found a state park

 

that had an area for me to swim

 

and then some back roads to bike and run together.

 

It had all that we needed

 

and was about an hour for each of us to drive,

 

so it was decided that we would meet there bright and early later that week.

 

Tim and I spent some time on YouTube

 

checking out how to set up transition

 

and getting whatever tips we could to help me feel more at ease.

 

Nothing like procrastination!!

 

We had a lot of good laughs during our "practice triathlon"-

 

trying to figure out the transition set up

 

but mostly

 

as I tried to figure out how to put on a swim cap for the first time!

 

Julie sat on the side (in her sweatshirt) as I braved the water (for the first time outdoors).

 

Then we worked through the first transition together

 

and made mental notes of things that I would need to change.

 

We enjoyed our bike and run together-

 

before we knew it we were packing up

 

and were discussing what I needed to do come race day.

 

My Instagram photo from our "trial triathlon"

 

Doing this "trial triathlon" was exactly what I needed

 

and helped me feel more relaxed about everything going into race day.

 

After that I knew I could do it

 

and I was able to work out the "beginner kinks".

 

I love how my best friend knows exactly what I need!

 

She is one of my biggest encouragers

 

and is always there for support when I need it!

 

 

Before I knew it

 

we were loading up the car

 

to head off to the race.

My Instagram photo from the day before the race.

 Saturday was the expo, packet pick-up, and bike racking day.

 

As we pulled up to the RecPlex I started to get very nervous!

 

I had no idea how all of this worked.

 

We made our way around to where the expo was

 

and maneuvered our way through the packet pick-up process

 

(which wasn't laid out very clearly- but we figured it all out).

 

They placed an athlete wristband on me and then I got my packet.

 

 

We spent some time checking out the expo

 

and of course I had to get this:

 

Once we were done there

 

it was time to figure out the whole

 

bike racking deal.

 

My "support crew" got the bike off the car rack

 

and made sure everything checked out.

 

We put the bike sticker on and made our way to the transition area.

 

Once we got to the entrance of transition the boys all had to stay behind

 

and I was on my own to figure this whole process out.

 

I found the rack that was designated by a range that included my number

 

and hooked my bike up on the rack-

 

easy as that...

 

what was I worried about?

 

We spent a little time checking out the area and testing the water

 

before we headed out to get some lunch.

 

We quickly grabbed lunch- which wasn't very easy to find where we were

 

and headed back to listen to the course talk.

 

Listening to this also helped calm my nerves

 

as it helped me know what to expect.

 

Then it was time for a little fun!

 

We headed off to the Jelly Belly Factory

 

for a tour!

My Instagram from our time at Jelly Belly

We also spent a little time that evening at the outlet mall that was near the race location.

 

We knew we had to be up super early so it was an early "lights out" for us.

 

Like most nights before a race

 

the night felt very short

 

and I didn't sleep very well.

 

I had my normal breakfast of oatmeal

 

and we were off.

 

I was a little nervous

 

as we headed back to the RecPlex but not like I thought I would be.

 

I was mostly nervous about the transition set up

 

and knowing how to do it with so many people

 

so close to each other.

 

I didn't want to take up more space than I was supposed to.

 

Picture sent to a friend to see what she thought

 

Others around me were just as nervous and unsure

 

of their set up so we all kind of worked together

 

and that made me feel better.

 



Pre-race

We took some time to get some pictures

 

 and then started to make the walk around the lake

 

to the swim start.

 

I made sure to get in line for the port-a-potties right away before it got too long

 

and it was a good thing- the line grew very quickly.

 

I guess that is what you should expect at an all women's race:)

 

I checked out the water and

 

it wasn't long before Julie and TJ showed up!

 

What an amazing friend-

 

she got up super early and made the drive to be there to support me and cheer me on!

 

We watched the first waves of people start

 

and it was amazing!

 

I loved the feel of the race already!

 

 I was also noticing that I was feeling calm!

 

I got in the zone and wasn't nervous anymore.

 

I decided that "it was what it was"

 

and that I was going to go out there and do my best

 

and enjoy the whole process!

 

Next thing I knew it was time for me to get ready.

 

I made my way to the start area and just took it all in.

 

I listened to all of the women around me discussing their plan of attack

 

with their friends.

 

It felt a little lonely to be doing a race like this alone

 

but I didn't let it get to me and took the time to focus myself on my race.

 

Listening to them say that they were going to "just swim to the first platform

 

and readjust then swim to the next platform"

 

made me realize that I was going to be just fine!

 

I had no intentions of stopping.

 

My goal was to swim the half mile as hard as I could

 

and then tackle the next portion of the race.

 

I think this has to be one of my favorite pictures from the whole day! 

 

about ready to start

 Before I knew it we were heading into the water!

 

I was much calmer at this point that I had expected to be.

 

The start wasn't nearly as rough and congested as I figured

 

and I didn't get hit or kicked like I thought I would-

 

it did happen- just nothing like I had pictured in my head.

 

Everyone spread out pretty quickly

 

and I just tried to stay in the middle of the "lane" as I made my way across the lake.

 

I tried to keep a fairly even pace and just stayed calm.

 

The water wasn't bad and I actually really enjoyed the swim.

 

There was only a brief time when another lady kept cutting me off and it was

 

hard to maneuver around her.

 

I just pushed myself harder to get in front of her and left her in my wake:)

 

Swim Stats (1/2 mile):

 

18:46 (2:20/100m)

 

 

Now it was time for the first transition.

 

This is one of the areas that I was nervous about.

 

I managed to find my bike pretty easily!

 

First I got my watch on so I could find the GPS signal while

 

putting on my helmet and sunglasses.

 

Then I tried to dry off and bit and got my socks and shoes on.

 

I made sure to get a good drink of water before heading off on my bike.

 

T1 Stats:

 

2:43

 

T1 and then heading off on the bike

 Everyone was pretty spread out on the bike portion.

 

There was never a time that I felt like it was congested-

 

it was easy to get around people

 

and I felt great as I was able to do so.

 

I love that everyone had their age written on the back of their leg

 

and I found myself looking at these as I could get up close to people.

 

I was amazed and inspired by the women in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s

 

and I pushed myself harder when I came up on those in my age group.

 

I remember thinking that I wish they would do that in running races!

 

I also remember thinking that I was really enjoying this race

 

and that I felt a little like I was "cheating" on the half marathon and running

 

by thinking that.

 

During the bike portion I made sure to drink my bottle of water.

 

Before I knew it we were coming back into transition-

 

and I felt like I wasn't ready to be done with the bike yet!

 

I headed into to rack my bike,

 

remove my helmet and switch to my visor

 

and I was back out for the run!

 

 

Bike Stats (12 miles- my GPS said 11 miles):

 

40:47 (17.7 mph)

 

T2 Stats:

 

1:47

 

headed into T2 and then out for the run

 I wanted to keep an even pace and just enjoy what was left of this race.

 

The running course was beautiful-

 

we ran around the lake

 

did a short out and back on a gravel trail

 

(which got a bit frustrating to pass people on)

 

and then we ended back at the RecPlex.

 

At about the 2 mile mark I remember

 

feeling sad that this whole journey was about over!

 

I couldn't believe how fast the whole race felt like it went!

 

coming into the finish

 

Run splits:

 

Mile 1- 8:58

Mile 2- 9:13

Mile 3- 8:52

5K Time- 27:47

 

After the race I was looking back through my phone and came across this:

 

 

Listening to my boys (also my husband and friend) cheer me into the finish

 

and then hearing my name and that I am an IRON GIRL

 

brings tears to my eyes!

 

 

I am an IRON GIRL!!! 1:31:50

What an experience this whole day was-

 

I truly enjoyed every minute of it!

 

This will not be the last triathlon for me-

 

I have already said that I want to go back next year:)

 

My husband did a great job

 

capturing the whole journey throughout the day

 

all the while keeping tabs on the boys!

 

I could never thank him enough for all of his support and encouragement!

 

 

 

We headed back to the hotel

 

(who was awesome about letting us have a late checkout)

 

and I showered and got ready so we could go out to eat.

 

We enjoyed a great lunch at Texas Roadhouse

 

and then made our way to Lake Michigan

 

 for a little sight seeing before we parted ways with Julie and TJ

 

and headed home. 

 

My beautiful family and biggest supporters

 

My best friend and her beautiful daughter

 I could never thank Julie enough for pushing me outside my comfort zone

 

and encouraging me to do the triathlon!

This may be just the start of a whole new journey!



Overall Race Stats:

Swim- 18:46 (2:20/100m)
T1- 2:43
Bike- 40:47 (17.7 mph)
T2- 1:47
Run- 27:47 (8:58 min/mi)
Finish Time- 1:31:50

Division Place (35-39)- 41/177
Overall Place- 204/1011

 

 

 

Hello October!

I don't even know where to begin in getting caught up-

 

A lot has happened in our lives over the past few months!

 

We have lots of great memories from the Summer of 2014!

 

Our summer consisted mostly of...

 

...baseball,

 

Riley played on the Onalaska 12U Tournament Team

baseball,

 

Isaac's first year on the tournament team.

 

and more baseball!

 



Aidan's first year of t-ball- Happy Bats at the YMCA

 

We also sprinkled in a little bit of track and field.

 

This was Riley and Isaac's first year participating in the Park and Rec

 

Track and Field program and they really enjoyed it!

 

 

It was a lot of fun watching them try something new.

 

Some of their favorite events were:

 

long jump,

 

high jump,

 

and sprint races.

 

We also did a little work this summer...

helping Grandma Jane take down her shed

We went back to help Grandma Jane take down her shed

 

and turned the area into a patio with a garden on the side.

 

It was a lot of work

 

but there was lots of great help.

 

There were also lots of great memories made with family that weekend!

 

 

 

In July, Tim and I made a trip to St. Louis for

 

Scentsy Family Reunion.

 

Scentsy Family Reunion 2014- St. Louis

While we were there

 

we went to a Cardinals game (which they won with a walk off home run),

 

saw some of the sights

 

and ate some great food-

 

all while enjoying our time with our Scentsy Family.

 

We also ran in the second Scentsy Family 5K.

 

Since I am doing this post so late

 

I really don't remember many of the details of the race

 

(hot and hilly come to mind)

 

and am not really able to do a full recap

 

but here are some pics from the Rock Your Socks 5K:

 

on the bus taking us to the park where the race was run

It was the ROCK YOUR SOCKS 5K- I had to wear fun socks!

pre-race fun

pre-race fun

some of our Scentsy Family- pre-race fun



Getting "in the zone"

pre-race stretch

pre-race stretch

me and my honey- pre race

 

Post- Race: We ROCKED Our Socks- 27:09 finish time

 

 

We also had lots of fun with friends this summer-

 

doing a little sight-seeing in the area

 

 

Fun day on the boat with friends

Hiking with friends to enjoy one of the last days of summer vacation.

There was also a wedding

 

which meant

 

fun time with family!

 

Congrats Candyce and Scott

 

Family pictures



 We wrapped up our summer with one last,

 

quick trip to Missouri to visit Papa and Grandma Jill over Labor Day weekend.

 

Life is better at the lake!

 

We had a very busy

 

and fun filled summer!

 

Lots of great memories were made during the summer of 2014!

 

Oh-

 

there is one thing that I did this summer that I left out!

 

I am officially an Iron Girl!

 

More on that in my next post:)

 



With Hope, the Odds Don't Matter- Mesothelioma Awareness

I know it has been a while since my last post...

I got onto the blog this morning because I was going to finally sit down and get caught up.

In doing so, I noticed a comment on my last post...  

she had a question regarding my blog and could I please email her.

I have to admit that I was intrigued and also a bit hesitant.

I sent a quick email to see what the question was

and a short while later I received a response from Heather Von St. James...

Heather is on a mission to spread awareness of a disease that almost took her life 8 years ago

and she was asking for my help by sharing her story on my blog.

I read her email

and checked out the link she sent-

I was inspired by her message and am honored to write this post

to help in her mission!

Friday, September 26th marked the 10th Annual Mesothelioma Awareness Day

Mesothelioma is a cancer caused only by asbestos exposure

and it usually takes people less than a year after their diagnosis with it.

Heather was diagnosed with meso just a few months after her daughter, Lily, was born.

Soon after, her life was saved by having her left lung removed (that is where her cancer lived).

Heather is now one of the few survivors of meso.

Here is her amazing story-

 

To learn more check out 

10 facts that you should know about Mesothelioma Cancer

shared by the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Blog.

Here is another resource with all kinds of information:

 http://www.mesothelioma.com/mesothelioma/

***

I love how she is living in the moment...

that is something that I have been trying to do more!

I also love her message of "with hope, the odds don't matter".

What an amazing women with such a great outlook on life!

Relay for Life 2014

Relay for Life has been a family tradition for the past several years.

 

Our family, like so many others,

 

 has been touched by cancer in numerous ways!

 

It really is scary!

 

Because of that it is important for us to support this amazing cause!

 

This year I wasn't sure I was going to be able to participate due to work.

 

It was my weekend off and I kept telling my mom that I would be coming.

 

Then a few weeks ago, I realized that I was scheduled to work the Friday

 

which would make it impossible for me to make it in time.

 

It was so hard to tell my mom that I wouldn't make it!

 

I knew how much it meant to my mom and grandma and I felt awful.

 

Isaac's team was also going to be the Dream Team at the La Crosse Logger's game

 

and I also wanted to be there for that and could make it after work.

 

In talking about it with Tim we decided that missing the Logger's game wouldn't

 

be as big of a deal as missing Relay for Life if I could get it worked out.

 

He promised to take pictures and I knew that I would hear plenty of stories!

 

I was only "placed" in a spot at work until 3pm

 

and after that I would be extra so I talked to my boss early last week

 

and she told me I could leave at 3 unless there were sick calls

 

or other needs that afternoon- if there were I would be expected to help cover those.

 

Lucky for me everything was looking good and I was able to head out

 

and made it with time to spare!

 

Mom and I got to spend some time together checking out a couple of local shops

 

and then headed to Relay for Life.

 

Last year was my first year participating as a survivor and it was emotional.

 

This year was no different!

 

I thought it would get easier this year

 

and it maybe did in some ways-

 

I didn't have that same nervous energy as I did last year walking up to register

 

and I wasn't seeing luminaries with my name on them for the first time-

 

none the less, it was still emotional!

 

It still brought the whole experience back.

 

It made me really think about how lucky I am

 

and how blessed I am-

 

I have so much love and support

 

from my family and friends!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Me (2 links for my 2 years) & Grandma Betty (32 links for her 32 years)

 

The rest of the events went much like last year-

 

we listened to the opening speakers (once again- could relate to much of what they were saying),

 

 got the survivor picture (still crazy to think of myself being included)

 

and walked the survivor lap (it was wonderful visiting with my grandma during this time)

 

followed by the care givers lap

 

and team lap.

Grandma Betty and I got to enjoy our survivor cupcakes to celebrate the night.

 

 

 

 

 

Mom and I enjoyed walking tacos for dinner before walking several laps

 

with other family members that were there.

 

Loved seeing these two guys!

 

It was really nice to catch up with them and enjoy the beautiful evening.

 

It wasn't long and they started to light the luminaries.

 

That is one of my favorite parts of the whole night!

 

It is really beautiful to walk through the park once they are all lit.

 

After walking a few more laps with them lit it was time to head out.

 

We had plans to participate in a local bike ride Saturday morning so

 

I still had to drive the two hours home.

 

Saturday morning came with a bit of frustration-

 

someone thought the ride started at 9:30 when it actually started at 8

 

and it was already 7:50.

 

I guess Minds In Motion is just not meant to be for our family!

 

We made the best of it and headed out for a 6+ mile run.

 

Turns out the run was just what I needed after the crazy and emotional week I had!

 

I had to work again on Sunday but we made the best of it

 

by getting out for a great family bike ride once I got home!

 

What a great way to spend some time together on Father's Day!

 

I love seeing my boys relationship with their dad!

 

Tim is an amazing father

 

and is such a great role model for them!

 

I am honored and blessed that I get to share this crazy adventure

 

with him and our three amazing boys!

 

I see magic every time I look at them!

 

Our weekend was crazy

 

but wonderful at the same time!

 

Some people say that just listening to our schedule exhausts them

 

but we wouldn't have it any other way!

 

We are living life and enjoying all of the magical moments along the way!!

Rise and Shine

School is out and it is officially summer break!

 

Baseball is in "full swing"

 

with both Riley and Isaac playing on traveling tournament teams.



Isaac after a second place finish in a local tournament.

Riley in action- love that my boys love to catch since that was the position that I played.

 

Pretty much every day of the week is baseball for us-

 

practices and league games during the week for Riley and Isaac.

 

Tournaments most weekends.

 

Aidan will also be joining in the mix with his first year of t-ball.

 

We are going to eat, sleep, and breathe baseball this summer!

 

But I wouldn't want it any other way!

 

I love the craziness that summer brings

 

because I love that my boys are active

 

and love playing baseball as much as they do.

 

They are so passionate about baseball

 

and it is so much fun to see the progress each year-

 

 heck, with each game!

 

It is already clear

 

that all of the craziness

 

 is going to make it even more difficult

 

 to get our workouts in.

 

Running = sanity for me

 

so we needed to figure out a solution to this problem.

 

I am not a morning person

 

but we decided that the only way

 

to ensure that we got our workouts in

 

was to "Rise and Shine"

 

and get it done before the craziness started for the day!

 

 

Today was DAY 1

 

and I survived...

 

and may have actually liked it a little.

 

There wasn't as much talking between the two of us

 

but it was cooler (a little refreshing actually),

 

the birds were singing

 

and it was wonderful to run on fresh legs!

 

Now it is done and out of the way

 

and I have been very productive already this morning...

 

now to keep up the momentum for the rest of the day.