Going long for a cure! Ironman Canada 2012

In the past year, I lost four more friends to cancer. Several are still battling and many others are thankfully in remission. Every single one of us knows someone who is a cancer survivor or has lost their battle. It makes us sad, it makes us angry and it makes us feel powerless.

I hate feeling powerless, so I'm going back in to fight! I registered for Ironman Canada in Penticton, British Columbia on August 26, 2012. I have nine and half months of intense (and at times grueling) training ahead. I am out of shape and work long hours but I do not have cancer. While training, I have committed to raise $5,000 for blood cancer research and services for patients with blood cancers.

You don't have to feel powerless either. Please make a donation to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. I will proudly carry the name of your loved one with me through my long training rides, swims and runs and in every race leading up to the biggest race on August 26, 2012.

Go long, go strong, Go Team!

48 hours to go!

Race day is just 48 hours away. No more time for training, I'm compiling all my gear and revising my race plan. I've been hydrating and resting this week in what's called "Taper"- tapering off in preparation for putting all my energy and reserves into the big day.

I'll packing up my car in a couple hours and driving the three hours down to Lake San Antonio. Wildflower is called the Woodstock of triathlons for its brash, fun history, massive camping scene and shenanigans. However, the party atmosphere masks a tough course and intense competitions among the pro and collegiate athletes. Thankfully, I'm in the age group division but it will still be tense.

Finishing the course is my first and foremost goal. The forecast is for sunshine with temperatures in the high 70's. This means I'll need to keep taking in enough fluids and electrolytes during the race to prevent cramping and GI issues. I expect to be out there for about five hours so it's important I manage my hydration and nutrition correctly.

So far, I'm carrying 41 names of people who have survived or sadly lost their battles with cancer. I will also be carrying my mom's name since blood cancer research is now showing promise for treating brain diseases. These names are so important and will remind me throughout my race that what I'm doing is nothing compared to what they have endured and many will continue to endure. I am also motivated by the support all of my donors have given me. I will feel their encouragement when my spirits or energy dip.

Thank you everyone, I could not accomplish this without all of your love and support. I am humbled by your generosity.

New Kicks!

There is nothing quite like a new pair of running shoes. They make you feel fast, fleet, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound!

When I began training again this year, I set a goal of not buying any new gear and only using what I already owned but running shoes are the exception. Worn shoes can cause problems but I made it this far on my old ones and a timely gift from Ellen D a couple weeks ago. Now that my weekly mileage is beginning to creep up, it was time.

Saturday, I went to Sports Basement and bought my first real pair of running shoes in four years. They feel amazing! Funny thing too, because after a gait-anaylsis, I switched from a stabilizing shoe to a neutral shoe. Big change! I may be on to something good, time will tell.

These are my new, super cool Saucony Progrid Ride 3 running shoes in Silver, Pink & Black!

Last night I tried them out on an elliptical trainer at Planet Granite. First time with the shoes and first time on the trainer. Fun stuff! I liked the trainer- got my heart rate up and a good sweat up in no time! Good times.

"Un-Friendly" Reminders

Another pre-race update arrived in my inbox today from Tri-California, the race organizers for the Wildflower Triathlons. In it were helpful gear coupons, race-day volunteer info, race details and not-so-helpful course descriptions.

Here is the verbatim opening to my race description:

The AVIA Wildflower Olympic Distace Triathlon is an amateur
age-group and relay team event. This world-class course includes a 1.5K open water swim, a 40K -extremely hilly bike course-, and a brutal 10K run course. . .

How could I have forgotten? This is indeed a tough course. I think I may be more nervous this year than my first time when I didn't know any better. I need more time on my bike. It's 39 days away.

View the whole race course here.

I'll be cosy-ing up to my trainer a lot more in the next week--- for sure!

Remembering Joanne: Joanne Byrne 1963-2011

During the past month I unwillingly moved Joanne Byrne's name from my "Training in Honor of" list to my "Training in Memory of" list.

Although Joanne and I were born just one year apart, grew up in adjoining communities, both attended San Jose State University and both chose to work in the Recreation field; we didn't actually meet until 1991.

I first met Joanne at a SANCRA (Sports Association of Northern California Recreation Agencies) meeting. We bonded over our mutual impatience with the protracted discussions on the merits of various softball core fillings, stitching counts and synthetic vs leather covers. (SANCRA is an important organization but there are limits!)

Joanne soon became one of my go-to colleagues when gathering information from other agencies on policies, programs, legislation and hiring. She was dedicated to the field and extremely knowledgeable. She was also tremendous fun to be around!

It is hard to find a committee or group in Los Altos for which Joanne didn't volunteer and give dedicated service. She has made a lasting impact on the community and enriched the lives of everyone who knew her and many that didn't. She will continue to touch more people through the fund established in her name: The Joanne Byrne Fund. The new fund will assist single women in living as normally as possible while battling cancer.

Thank you for everything Joanne.

Please share your own memory of Joanne in the comment section below.

Read more about Joanne here. Donations to the Joanne Byrne Fund may be sent to the Los Altos Community Foundation, 183 Hillview Ave. Los Altos, CA 94022