Michelle's Ironman Journey

I am still alive

2010-05-07T05:21:00.000-07:00

Ok,
Sob story and then you can slap me or whatever.. So, I've been majorly depressed since last years IM. Why I can't tell you really it affected me deeply. I have gained almost all of my weight back. Yep, fat girl has arisen. Zombiezed? IDK. on with the story.
I am embarrassed that I lost my will to stay healthy. I did not know it would affect me in this way, so profoundly.
I had many frustrations etc. a history of depression, job changes, family changes Ry grd. from school last year etc. but, this has hit me very hard. I can't shake it. I know part of it is that I thought I had made friends with a lot of folks. But, I realized that I had made close acquaintance's not "friends".
My very best friend Jay is always here and still supports me which I have desperately needed. It has been very much appreciated. He's put up with alot of saddness from me.
I still hurt over this stupid race. I can't help it. am I mourning, more than likely yes. I really thought I could due it. I knew deep down I was not ready but, stuff happens. Plagued with long recoveries over a bad injury that did not want to heal. Broken confidence in myself. a change in jobs that ended up being a bad move, a second change 1 month later, then I got laid off in October of this year, tried 2 different jobs and still no go. I have not been able to settle in anywhere.
I am frustrated. Jay's working his bootay off 2 FT jobs! I can't keep one. Granted the one in Dec. was a risk to my license and very bad for the residents, I could not stay there, then Januaries new job, started out ok, I worked a 24 hour shift! not good, and then after I was there 3 days they fired all 4 resident care managers. I was only supposed to take call once every 7 weeks, it changed to once every other weekend and taking call during the week as well! That was never discussed at my interview. There was more with that but suffice it to say Jay encouraged me to leave. I had received a position to teach Nursing assistants and to give delegation classes. Well, I have not started yet and I have been out of work since the 2nd of April. More frustration.
Things have really changed. I'm still battling out the depression stuff. But, it's coming to an end. I feel that my resolve will get better. I have been reading other folks blogs and race reports and it's sparked the healthy me a bit. I found some inspiration and hope so anyway. Perhaps, I will be able to get back on track. I'm even considering trying Valley Girl next year? If I can get this damn fat off of me again! :( Run and even think of trying to get into a wetsuit again.
The end of Jay's doubles are coming soon and we will be back in the saddle (bike seat again) someday soon I hope. For now. I have learned to deal with my failures that have plagued me the past year and a half. I have focused on my family, and enjoying life without restriction for awhile.
Please, don't hate me or be offended about my reference to acquaintance's. It's not bad I just thought I had found some real support. I had as long as I was racing. I get that now. I am looking forward to the Tiger Tri. I have already been called by the race director asking to run the water/1st aide station again. I told them I would be happy to. My mom really enjoys that and so does Ryan even if he denies it. Although, this year he will be in California possibly visiting friends or working as he has a job with collegepro painters painting houses this summer.
I would love to reconnect with my tri-fusion folk. Please look me up on face book. I would love to be in contact.
I hope to start running again soon before it gets too warm. Hope to see you out on the trails.
TTFN

A year of Challenge

2009-07-08T14:30:00.000-07:00

So, I fell off the blog scene and have been facebooking however I feel the need to update things.

I had a rough year and my training was sub-par as I did not do enough of it. Work and life got the best of me and I put things on the back burner.
I had some bad experiences on my back as I was training and I got depressed about it. I fell on a hill and tweaked my right knee and injured my left wrist I bruised the carpal tunnel causing numbness in my left thumb and pinky and weakening my hand strength.
I felt horrible and went home after one loop.
The next weekend I got into a similar situation and my chain dropped only I was able to un-clip quickly and did not fall. Took a few minutes to get chain on and I was off again. I got to the backside of the rollers on lancaster and I was sooo slow and I was feeling hopeless at that point and was praying I had someone to push me up the hill I was tired and frustrated and felt scared for IM. Then all of a sudden I hear this voice and I feel a push on my back. It's Roger Thompson and he's literally pushing me up the hill and we are gaining speed are you freakn' kidding ME!!! That was awesome. I ended up only able to do one lap again but, that boost picked my spirits up and gave me the courage to go try IM CDA.
I made it out of the swim which was crazy. The first loop was amazing and fun I felt like I was drafting well and things were going ok. But, the second loop was a different story just trying to swim to the 1st Orange bouy was crazy it felt like I was going nowhere. I finally made it but, the first half of the loop the waves really picked up and every time I needed a breath a wave was breaking over me as I was inhaling I drank half of the lake. The last half there was this surge and you could feel it pulling you back you'd swim forward and go back a foot. It was crazy. I had never felt so happy to get out of the water as I did that time. My time was very slow for me but, I ran up and laid down to have the suit strippers take my suit off. And I had my name mentioned as I was crossing the mat by the Legendary IM Announcer. That was exciting. I jogged up and to the change tent. My arms were rubber and it took two helpers to get me suited up for the bike and my pants were still down my butt. It was hilarious. I also saw two friends in the tent which made it fun.
I got my bike and hoped on. I was feeling supper awesome hearing people call my name seeing friends and my mom cheering me on that was a thrill. Then I saw Jay on his way in as I was heading out it was cool. I got out to the first hill and my left leg locked up in a super cramp and I couldn't bend it. So I jumped off stretched and got back on. Went up the hill turned around and all of a sudden I was throwing up.
Rinsed out my mouth and went on. I got all the way to CDA high school when my right leg locked on me. Stretched and got going again. Got down by the first real aide station with a medical tent and threw up again. Got off asked for pepto they had none had me wait and I started to feel better but, the doctor there said I was done for the day. So, I called for a SAG Wagon and I went back to the park gathered what I could and went back to the hotel to rest. When I realized I had not been able to urinate and had not felt the need to do so for the morning it was 12 by the time I got back. So, I drank 32 ounces of warm water (as I was freezing cold) and eventually pee'd but it was discolored so I drank more water and laid down for an hour. Started feeling better and went out to cheer my fellow racers and friends and my Best Friend to the finish.
I want to thank all of my supporters and friends for their encouragement and love. I will try again maybe I'm still on the fence yet. But at least I tried and I made it out of 1 event anyway.
Jay finished in a bit over 16 hours and he is still beaming with pride as he should be. Go to www.Tri-Fusion.com click on gallery then click on the CDA Ironman picture and you will see pictures of me out of the swim and on my bike.
CHEER ON!

Training is On!!!

2009-04-11T10:08:00.001-07:00

So, I did my first outdoor bike a few weeks ago it was 70 Miles the longest I've ever done. It was ok but, the wind really hampered me and I was having difficulty with shifting. So, Vicki our kick ass trainer had us meet with her and we rode a hillier course out in the valley and I have to say I learned so much, about shifting, climbing and how to conserve your energy. It really brought my confidence level back up as. It was pretty shaken after riding the IM CDA loop for the first time last weekend by the time we were coming back into town I was wiped out! My legs just burned I kept thinking about what Roger says about keep turning your legs over pull through the lactic acid during those BAT's in the Thompson sweat lodge this winter. It kept me going but, I tell you we were coming into Hayden and you know that little incline before coming down in to the city. Well my mind was screaming at me If you climb another insert superlative here **@?! hill I'm shutting down these damn legs and you are going to burst into tears and I won't let you move.
I finally had hit the wall my legs were dead and I was mentally tired as well as physically. I had not taken all of the perpetum that we hadmade up I was sipping a little too conservativley I might add as I had just under a half a bootle of a 3 hour bottle drunk. At this point and my body was dead. So, I grabbed the last of the perpetum I had and finished it as well as a gel and water and about 5 minutes latter as I was still peddling we made it to the car in 3:15 min. BTW I I have a new hate relationship with long traffic lights.
I have found some bike confidence. Now it's pulling it together. The time crunch issues with work ad training and wow I never knew your nether regions could get so bruised or numb... from a bike seat.
Things are going ok. I have a lot of out of town stuff coming up for work and Training is picking up so I will focus on the bike. My swim has improved considerably and the run well it's the run and I find there are good and bad days. It's all mental now.
Of course acupuncture has been my little treat for myself; keeping headaches to a near zero or such a dull roar I don't notice them anymore and the pain from my IT Band Syndrome is being kept at bay with it as well.
Hope you all are doing well. the countdown is starting to get quicker and shorter the Lilac Century Bike ride is coming up so. It will be my first 100 miler with a brick to follow... I'm looking forward to it. Crazy but, true..
TTFN I am leaving with a quote from John Collins the Founder of Ironman and a new inspiration to me.

"Ironman has always been about finishing what you started, about being able to do what you set out to do. Maybe not as fast as the person in front of you, but, certainly faster than the person who never started" John Collins

May my friends and family find inspiration in these words and set out on their own adventure. You never know where it will take you.

What's up???

2009-03-24T08:06:00.000-07:00

Well, no big changes. Jay and I decided not to do the Snake River Sprint. Jay does not want to inadvertently push himself and re-injure his healed leg. I am just not up to it, I have a lot of work right now and just tryin to fir in workouts has been tough.
Then there's always this crazy Spokane weather. SNOW still... I'm ready for the warmth of the sun and some time out fishing in the lake with my guys and our boat.

Jay finally has the "BAT BIKE" his new QR which he loves and is really enjoying riding. If the weather cooperates on Thursday we are going to take a LONG bike ride. We'll ride from Mirabeau Park to Higgins point and back. We need to get started on the longer road distances now and weather be darned at this point. The stress of "OH MY GOODNESS" Ironman is not far away is biting at my biscuits!!!

Swims are good and when it's warm I start thinking swimming in some local smaller lakes is coming up before we know it.... But, when you look outside and see all the snow and know that the mountains are getting dumped on it makes you take a big "Gulp" and say when did I become the weird adult doing this crazy stuff?

Oh yea!! I forgot I won a drawing at our Tri-Fusion Mtg last week. NIIIIICE Rudy Project Sunglasses. Of course I can't use them so I gave them to my sweetie and he's in love. Between the bike and the glasses I don't know how much more room there is in bed. I've almost resigned myself to sleeping on the family room sofa with the dogs. I also got a t-shirt and nice visor which I Will use and have.

Stay tuned there's always more to come. Who knows I just know one thing keep praying hoping and wishing that Juneuary DOES NOT show up again this year! Isn't it that old saying March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb? I think the Lion ate the lamb!!!

Swimming....

2009-03-06T11:46:00.000-08:00

So, I will start with the run since I titled this swimming.LOL..... I went for a run outside last week on one of those fun sunny days. I just need to say one thing AWESOME!!!! It felt so good to run on ground and no tread mill. Fresh air and I took our 2 big dogs with me. They had a ball and you could tell when we got home because they slept for 2 hours and there was no barking at the squirrels in the front yard.
Bike... ok a bit lax on it. But, it's warming up and Jay has his new STEED! I'm so excited for him. He so deserves it after all the time he puts into at work. The name I do not know yet but I'm sure Jay has one in mind.Vicki also has me doing pickups, so I hope to see an improvement in my run times this year.
THE SWIM....
So, last time the swim was good and I was doing fine then I hit a wall. Sound familiar STEVE? I could not keep up. I was out of breath and fatigued, burnt, crashed you name it I was there. I always finished the swim. But, if I sat out I finished the distance i sat out for.
Well, Jay and I have been working with the pullbouy and paddles more. We also have been still working on that full rotation and my arms are finally realizing that this is the way it is. They get tired but, not as much and I've found my balance, I'm able to lengthen my stroke and bobble like a boat in the water down the lane. I also happen to listen to my coach and started taking in more carbs during the day before the swim and during the swim. I used 2-4 cliff shot blocks while swimming if I felt exhausted and week, I've been taking 2 extra calcium 2-3 hours prior to swims and that cuts out the cramps in my calves, I use a gel before the swim and back to Hammer nutrition i use heed or recoverite after and my body is thanking me.
So I swam good last night. We were doing a modified torture ladder. 8x100 on the 2:30 and during the odd sets 1,3,7 you swim hard 90% effort on the 2,4,8 you swim easy 60% effort and work it up with 2x 50 back strokes in between each ladder step. The last part of the ladder was 2x 300 on the 5:00 we finished well over 1 minute early and I was not winded after the first 300. So, I pushed it on the easy and it felt great.
So, after the swim this Sunday I'll see how it goes but, I have a feeling I'm back on target. Looking forward to the outside swims and bikes soon.
Keep up the good fight everyone IM CDA is creeping up on us!

TTFN

Chinese Accupuncture

2009-02-16T13:10:00.000-08:00

So, I have been going to an acupuncturist for 3 weeks. It is amazing. I have finally been rid of my nagging headaches and visual disturbances that have plagued me for over 32 years.
Long story short I suffered a severe head injury as a kid age 6. I was told it was just part of dealing with things as I progressed I started having visual disturbances tat made it difficult to see and function when the headaches hit.
About 2 years ago a local very awesome neurologist diagnosed me with silent migraine syndrome and placed me on medication that helped but, it made me weak, exhausted and forgetful. So, I stopped taking the medicine back in September.
I just continued to deal with the daily pain and 2-3 visual disturbaces that hit a couple times or more a week.
Last year I was told about this specialist and voila! A few needles poked in my head and wrists and feet and I am feeling good.
Training has become hard at times with work and how it interferes with my training schedule especially this month I've been traveling every week Seattle, Olympia and Richland each week I am at one place or the other for a matter of time. This week to Seattle for 3 days.
I have to admit I'm staying at a new hotel this go around and I hope to see how their pool is as long as they did not turn it into a eating room;)
If it's not good I will go to LA Fitness in Tukwila, I really enjoy that gym when I am there and it's comfortable too.
I am running more and I have increased my cadence to 80! Wow that's awesome I never thought I would be able to do that but, here I am above a jog at a real run. Look out Master Women LOL as if I could keep up with the likes of those gals... They put 20 somethings to shame yet. But, it is fun and I really have been enjoying the long bat rides. They hurt the arss but, the feel is good and I look forward to being able to go out and ride soon.
Jay will have his new steed in a couple of weeks and I can't wait for him to gain the confidence on the bike that he's been trying for.
My swim is lagging a bit, but I feel like it's coming along. I started using my paddles and that helps a bit. But I find that I sometimes put the brake on when I put my left hand in the water it just kind of slows my progress so now the mantra in my head has risen by a few more words. Ingage the core, breathe but Do Not lift the head just turn if you suck water it's ok (you are a triathlete and part fish so deal with it cough and get over it), toe in do not bend your knees kick from the butt not the lower legs, stroke 3 times and then take a breath relax it's just water, Hands in fingers first not palm be sure to bring arms around to thighs and then high elbow up and over repeat, count those strokes 1.2.3. breathe What lap is this? and Repeat....
I know you all know what I mean a swim is more technical any more, when I am in the water it feels good though. I can't wait to get out and swim in open water. Those first few swims are always rough. I have visions of seeing a dead animal or body in the water as I swim which adds to the anxiety of not seeing well but, it keeps your mind engaged although it freaks you out when a fish comes up or the weeds rake across your hands as they delve into the murky waters... EEEE ok I freaked myself out a bit. sorry peeps.
Valentine's day was fun. I turned in a poem for Love Stories on channel 4 news and I won Jay and I a couple of the Zi-Spa Cashmere Robes. NIIICE, I love those robes there they are sooo comfy so now I get one of my own:) Spa day at home foot rubs and soaks maybe a paraffin wax bath for the hands that's always nice too.
I frequently get reminded that I have some real nice friends and support out there it's always nice to have that and I want to use this day as a day to say Thank you to all of you for your love and support as I train and look forward to "Going Long" this year.
Hope you all are good and know I think of all of you daily and you are always in my thoughts and prayers.

A little quote to inspire.

" Some run to see whose the fastest. I run to see who has the most guts"...

A little fun. If one of you can call me with the answer I will make you a home made soup that is just right for these cold days hanging on. If no one answers by this Friday the 20th I will just have to save it but, I think you may be a miss if you do not try.

Till Friday!!!!

Listen

2009-02-04T12:54:00.000-08:00

Listen

Listen When I ask you to listen to me, and you start giving me advice; You have not done what I asked my grandfather with Ry about 2 weeks before he passed away from stomach and liver cancer
When I ask that you listen to me and, you begin to tell me why I shouldn't’t feel that way, You are trampling on my feelingsRy about 2 years old this was during one of his night terrors those sucked bad
When I ask you to listen to me, And you feel you have to do something to solve my problems, You have failed me; strange as that may seem.Ry aka the Husky, about 2 years old he loved to play with his slide but, he only liked it when it was upside down
Listen.All that I ask is that you listen, Not talk or do-just hear me.When you do something for me That I need to do for myself, You contribute to my fear and feelings of inadequacy.Ry and Jay's dad Miron on a last fishing trip he passed away on July 4th not too much later
But, when you accept as a simple fact That I do feel what I feel, no matter how irrational, Than I can quit trying to convince you And go about the business Of understanding what’s behind my feelings. Ry out with us on another "Short Hike" you know to a different time zone.
So, please listen and just hear me, And if you want to talk, Wait a minute for your turn-and I’ll listen to you
Ryan with my Grandma at Homecoming last year, he was Junior Prince. Gram or GG has Alzheimer's and we took her to the game. I'll never forget her comments " I know you are my family and I do not know your names. But, I know you love me and this is so much fun I hope we do this again"

This is a poem Jay brought home from a friend. We thought it was fitting and deserved some recognition. When Ry was a baby we tried to do as much for him as we could so he would not fail. However, over time we learned that we had failed him in his early years by not letting him fail. Crazy as that seems it is true. I am reflecting on my baby boy's life because he turned 18 last Thursday, and now I see why mothers have an empty nest syndrome, and how when you let your children go you are allowing them life's simplest pleasures and learning as we were intended. By trial and error.
Mind you Ry is a Wonderful young man and I am not biased by too much there... He has such great values and core beliefs I know he will accomplish great things and now we sit by and let him go out to the world to explore and discover what his meaning in life is.
I like these two quotes and I share them with you in hopes they will help you on your life's journey.

" We miss 100% of the shots we do not take"...Wayne Gretzky

"Laughter is the sound you make when you are free"... unknown

"A lot of people run to see whose fastest. I run to see who has the most guts"... Steve Prefontaine

Ok so I through an extra one in. I do not think that will surprise anyone.

More to come later....

Swimming, did I finally get the advice?

2009-01-20T14:48:00.000-08:00

Wow I think I got it! It only took two years of training and trying. While I was in Seattle for a meeting I went to LA Fitness. Now let me say I thought it would be very intense, you know Seatellite's with posh workout gear etc. It was not that way at all. It however made me wish OZ would look at there layout and reconfigure ours. They have a whole wall for ball workouts and bands it has mats on the floor that don't slip and the whole place has windows galore to look out and you can choose to watch tv or look out the window while you ride,eliptical train or run... The swimming pool is also surrounded by windows that allow you to see out and not feel as if you are enclosed in a square room! ( OK I'll calm down now and take a breath) sigh******.
The water was great not too hot not too cold and definitely had the correct amount of chlorine. I met a few nice folks while I was there and it was just $15. for a 24hr pass. Same as OZ.
Somewhere between my warm up and set I noticed even though I really thought I had been bringing my arms all the way back I had not. So, I concentrated on the stroke and made sure my tip of my thumbs were brushing my thigh. It made me feel faster of course I don't know if I was but it felt good. Although my arms felt like over cooked noodles when I was done. So, move foreword to the 19th I think yeah I'm gonna kick this swim and it's gonna be great! Ha, I had no one to measure with except for 2 new older Oz member's that were coming to class for the first time and just started swimming after taking off 4 months What!!!!! 4 months are you kidding. Ugh. So I led the laps and I held my own. But, my swim may not be as strong as I thought it was. But it will BE!!!! My biceps just need to get used to the new stroke.
I feel really good about this and wanted to share my small victory in the water.
I have a favor to ask of you all and to pass it on. Many of you know I love animals, well I received a link the other day for a new search engine dogpile search. This is a very unique program. Any time you search with this search engine the people that own this site will donate money to the American Humane Society which will be put to any number of the ASPCA shelters in the US and it will save one dog for each search. I can not ask you more than this it means the world to me to know we can help save these selfless creatures that give nothing but love to us for just a short time of our affection. Pass it on let's save a dog today. www.dogpilesearch.com
Until I figure out how to import the movie I made this will be it for now.

Keep Swimming (:

First full week of two a days

2009-01-12T15:16:00.000-08:00

So, you know how it goes with time off etc. Well it's been the first full week of two a days:)
My body is rebelling and I just keep telling it to sit back, strap in and hang on....
The swim Sunday morning was a bit hard. I felt like I was swimming to survive instead od getting stronger. Frustration grrrrr.......
My run is improving and although I have shin pain (love those shin splints) my knee has been good. I have had some small pain in it but, nothing permanent. The BAT's on Sat. are a blast. I've really enjoyed them. This week I'm movinbg into the 1 hr:15-1 hr:30min mark.
I'll be in Seattle Thursday and Friday so I will miss my evening swim, but, the ever faithfull Martin has agreed to give me the workout so I can do it while I'm gone.
Pics to come from the Morning with Martin 2 weeks ago... forgot the camera this weekend. :( bummer. We had a good turn out and we have a full lane of Oz members that keep coming back. So, hopefully these will continue out in the Valley too.
I am so thank full for my supportive family and looking forward to the weeks ahead.

TTFN

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

2008-12-26T10:28:00.000-08:00

Just a few pics from last year. Jessi I couldn't find one of you:( Sorry it must not be on the comp. yet I know it is on a disc somewhere I'll add as I go. Enjoy Pics blog follows after.Wow what an amazing snowfall we've had! I was in Seattle for the first of it and it makes you appreciate people who are not affraid to drive in the snow. I could not believe people just parking their cars on I5 and walking back!Then the intelligence of people driving around barracades and trying to get on the freeway after it was blocked off and my favorite people not willing to walk back but, hey they have a great idea driving backwards on the freeway to get off!!! Oh, the calamity, I sat at my hotel room working on my computer and watching reports from Spokane and the Seattle area on tv. Luckily I had gone to IKEA the night before and bought a few snacks. I took a few things from the breakfast bar in the am too. So, I would not have to be on the streets with people driving with their slick tires on??? Any more than I needed to because I had to return my rental car that day as well. I also had a cheese ball I had made for our office party that did not happen and some trisquits. I had a small party in my room by myself after a brief workout and had a few crackers and 4 pieces of my dark chocolate candy bar from IKEA.I was trying to decide if I needed to leave a day early but, all indications showed no way of catching a flight. So, I sat tight and went to the airport 2 1/2 hours early to check in thinking that's enough time. Yea, bearly I stood in line after pre-check in for over an hour and then security checkin was even longer. Thank goodness my flight hopme was delayed by an hour. Needless to say I made it home and the drive in was so much fun!!! I love driving in snow. So, I help[ed the guys with shoveling and I made a labrynth of sorts in the backyard for the two big dogs, Huney and Cara. It had twists turns and dead ends. Boy did they like being able to get out and run! Then Sunday I awoke to bronchittis! Geesh is this enough or what. So, I missed another Morning with Martin due to illness! Oh well. So it knocked me on my keester and I limped through the Christmas eve baking freenzy. I only did maybe 1/3 of what I usually do and some people missed out on Teddy Bear breads and cookies but, all understood and I did get some things done. We went out and looked at lights Christmas eve and came home. I still had all of Jay's stuff to wrap. So, I set in and finished at midnight. I was pretty wipped. But, Santa made a visit and we had a great low key day. Lots of gifts and surprises.I hope this is not a downer to read but, I just have been able to do a thing. So, thought I'd catch you all up and say Merry Christmas late and a Happy New Year to all! 2009 is going to be interesting. I have decided I will not be doing the Polar Plunge for the first time in 6 years. I just don't think my health is worth it. I have 5 MONTHS to IRONMAN!!! I'm freaking out a bit because right now I'm not ready. But, I know I will be as soon as I can breathe when I run without coughing up a lung lol....This New Year is bringing a lot of change for many many people I know. It will be and adventure from start to finish. A new African American President and First Family! Ryan graduates from High School! Jay and I are doing our first IM event and the list goes on and on......May this New Year bring Happiness and Joy but, most of all Health and safety for all of us and my friends know from which I speak/write. I look forward to new relationships arising, old friendships solidified and growing, progress and growth for each of us and our country, the never ending endevour of educating of ourselves, finding our fortitude and strength in one another, finding strength and speed in places we never imagined, accomplishing goals and finding new hights in which to reach for but, most importantly Peace and Safety for our world an end to a long fought battle and the bringing home of our young men and women and the not so young as well who have sacrificed themselves so we would remain free of tyrants and people so caught up in themselves that they forgot to be thankful for what it is that they have not what it is that they do not have.I am blessed to have a body to exercise with that will allow me to do the things I desire, and remind me that all that I desire to do can I do without work and time. Patience is not an easy thing but, I learn more and more about it as I grow. Thank you to all my family especially Jay, 21 years of being together!!! I can't believe it babe where did it all go? It's only been ten years I swear! Ryan you are a constant joy and bright light in my life, I am so happy with your progress and your persistance about virtues and friendships and relationships that you uphold despite what pressure there is for you to do things you shouldn't, I can't believe you will be 18 in less than a month! It was not that long ago that we brought you home and you fell asleep on my chest and I thought this would last forever and low and behold you grew up! You little stinker:) I look forward to continue watching you grow in leaps and bounds, I know you will find your path just believe in yourself, To my friends in Tri-Fusion and beyond thank you for your constant support and love. I hope I can give it back to you ten fold! Look out world Here we come!!!

Finding Time and the "flu"

2008-12-10T09:29:00.000-08:00

So, we went to our first ever " Evening with Martin"! I forgot how hard it is being in the pool with others swimming around you and waves crashing in as you breathe. It was sooo much fun. We were so tired. Then about 2:30 Friday morning I started the throwing up and sittin on the pot ritual of the dreaded flu. It came on like gang busters and held until Sunday. Tummy is still quezzy but, that's life.We will be going again this Thursday at the Valley OZ. Can't wait!I love the feeling after a hard swim and how your body just gets relaxed and happy and tired all at once. My arms were screaming at me but, that's part of the fun. and I learned how to do a proper breast stroke. That only took a life-time to learn but, hey it's never too late to learn a new stroke.Our family loves this time of season and it's so steeped in tradition. I love it. We're a bit behind the decorating scene because of my illness last weekend. But, we will get stuff out this weekend and enjoy it.We have our new training schedule and have our bike trainers and cross training built in. Bummer part is no Phoenix. Jay's still hurt and can't get in to see a doctor until the end of January for that dang leg. He's struggling a bit but, he's strong and determined and I know his get up and go will kick it in to gear real soon.I head back to Seattle next week for 2 1/2 days wed eve till early fri. am. Christmas parties with the new office staff and trying not to offend others by not taking goodies is hard. I explain but, then it feels like I'm bragging and I feel bad because I don't want to send a mixed message to the new relationships I'm developing. Oh the fun that ensues. I hope this blog finds you all well and happy. Falling into your family traditions and holiday moods. May the joy of this season bring you all happiness and reflections of joy and comfort for all that you hold dear and for all those we miss that have moved on from our time here with them.I am so thankful for our home and our jobs and the stability it provides us in this time of instability and ever changing economy. The love of my guys and my pupoles (dogs) and my mom and friends. This year has been a whirl wind of change and growth in all ways. I can hardly wait for the snow!!! I hope we get 3 ft!!!! I love playing in it and sledding sounds like so much fun. I will leave you with a small reflection of two stories in my life with snow and my guys.1). Jay and I had been married 1 1/2 years so Dec.1989. I had been laid-off from my job at a local cafeteria where I was a line cook and dishwasher. Jay too was laid-off and we were spending every waking moment together. It was a dream we'd stay up late at night reading or playing Nintendo usually Mario Brothers. The snow had been falling and we were watching it come down. It was late or early depending on how you looked at it. 1200 midnight. The snow was falling in big fluffy flakes and we were living in an older neighborhood on the south hill. The snow was fluffy and white and the sky cleared with the moon shinning Britte through the tree limbs in the front of our apartment complex ( a house turned into apartments with 5 tenants.) we lived upstairs and it had a loft area that we used as an extra room. It wasn't finished but, it worked well for friends that wanted to stay the night. Our living room was two bedrooms that had been joined together it was moderate in size. Jay and I had our First ever Christmas tree (our first Christmas we went to his folks so we decided not to have one, That has not happened since) this tree was a charlie Browne look a-like. It was so sparse and we had to wire it to the wall to keep our 2 kittens from knocking it over. There were some old ornaments and lights that really should not have been on a tree. We stopped to look outside and we both looked at each other and smiled; it was a race to see who could get their shoes on first and to run down the stairs to the big old porch! When we got outside the smell of fresh snow and cold air wafted our faces and filled our senses. I don't know who threw the first snow ball but, I remember getting white washed and making snow angels. Giggling in the front yard like delighted little kids. Hearing the snow crunch as we walked, laying on our backs looking in the sky, holding hands and enjoying a sweet tender kiss in our snow illuminated background and neighborhood. I'm sure we woke a neighbor or two but, no one complained and I will never forget that night.2). Jay and I had move to Clarkston and we had ALWAYS made sure to have a standing arrangement with our boss. The First snow of the season was a day when we both called off from work and kept Ryan home from pre-school or school and played all day. We were living on Reservoir Rd in the Heights. Ryan was 4 and full of life. We had received our first snow and as dutiful parents we called off from work and I stayed home from school. We went in and woke Ryan up and went and played in our yard in our pj's and when we started to get cold we came back in and had hot chocolate and pancakes for breakfast then we took Ryan to a park in Lewiston to sled. We were their a good three hours running and playing on the best hill we could find. The next day I had a test at school to finish up for the winter break. I went and picked Ryan up at pre-school and when we got home we made snowballs and played some more. Jay was going to be home after work and I had a crazy idea. Ryan and I made a bunch of snowballs and hid them behind the shrubs in our front yard. When we thought he was going to be home we went outside and hid. It must not have been 10 minutes or less and Jay pulled into the driveway. I was having to keep Ryan quiet he was trying not to giggle so daddy wouldn't hear us. WE had come up with a signal which I don't recall but, as Jay was walking the path to the house Ryan and I ambushed him with snowballs and we got whitewashed.... recurring theme here. We all laughed for hours then our neighbors joined in a little. What great memories I love this stuff you can't make things up like this ya know.Have a great week I'll try to keep things up better before Christmas. Happy Holidays!

A week and half of out of town work outs....

2008-11-28T12:42:00.001-08:00

So, I started my new job and I went to Seattle for the last week and half for training. I found out I was staying at the Clarion which was fine with me because it had a lap pool....
Until, I got there and found out that they took the pool out What!???? So, they could make a dinning area for the cont. breakfast. Oh well, so I don't pack a suit next time or my buoy.
Then I get to the fitness center and they had reduced it and gotten rid of the weights machine! Double jeop. So, I make amends and switch off static exercises (Thanks Ben) in my room with alt. running on a tread mill and elliptical and reclined (yuck) bike.
I was lucky that the staff opened the gym for me anytime I wanted it. It was not supposed to open until 6am but, I had meetings early and it took too much time to dress and clean up before having to drive to the office in a town I'm not familiar with.
All in all I did good. I only overslept 1 day and made that up in the evening with a brick workout. The staff always looked at me oddly in the am and between night to day shift I think they thought I was crazy. I only had one person ask about my M-Dot necklace and as I was talking to them about ironman and it's components you could see the look of horror, wonder and Thank Goodness I'm not as stupid as you for doing that on their face. It, was hilarious.
For whatever reason the last treadmill run was good but, when I went to get in the car my hip/ lower back went out (Damn) So, I had to take it easy for a couple days before flying home that Friday (the 21st).
When I went back Sunday I was fine to run Monday but, am a little tender. Jay had a 40Th birthday while I was gone and thanks to a few friend Steve A. and Michael B. aka C Bear. Jay had a few birthday congrats sent to him. Thanks guys. And I texted Jay throughout the day 40 in all to keep his spirits up. Came home Wed. and crashed hard that night I had intended on going to the annual Turkey Trot at Monito Park but, I fell back to sleep after I turned off my alarm. So, I missed it! I am really not happy about that because it's the first one I've missed in 6 years. My trainer was counting on me being there and I was not. In a way it was good because I woke up with a cold today Black Friday so I think all the flying just wore me out.
Oh, well....
Hope you all had a great turkey day I did. I made a low carb turkey day dinner and dessert. My mom came to spend the day with us. Jay worked that day but, got home early for a change and we had a great dinner. I love celebrating the way we do, we have a prayer of thanks then as dinner goes someone speaks up and talks about what they are thankful for and then the whole table goes round and adds in their feelings of thankfulness. It's one of those real fun things we do. It warms your heart and can bring back floods of memories fun and happy times, remembering those who are no longer with us and those we no longer communicate with but, remember in our hearts.
It usually ends up in a laugh fest and with my mom it seems to always be at Ryan's expense he spends a lot of time blushing and laughing though and we all get in on it including Ryan.
We Start Evenings and Mornings with Martin this Thursday! I can't wait or maybe I can the first ones really kick butt, then they just get harder. But, the payback is ten fold and the reward is coffee later and usually breakfast (my most favorite meal of the day). that happens on Sundays I'm not sure what the evenings will bring other than a totally spent body ready for hard sleep.
Well, I am going to sign off with this. I am thankful for the ability to be home with my family, the health we have, a roof over our heads, the heat to keep us warm, running water to bath in and freedom to talk how I like, go where and when I feel like, the opportunity to express myself without persecution, the feeling of safety and security no matter the time of day, the blessing of electricity to read any book I like, The love of my family and my canine companions, the ability to move and enjoy the great adventers of life.
I hope you all can reflect on the things you're happy for. I challenge you this we do this every other year. All of us write down what we are thank full for on that Thanksgiving Day, What we look forward to in the next two years. Then we seal them up and put them away and we open them and one person whose name is drawn reads the letters after dinner so we can all reflect on what we have done and see where we are for that time. It's fun, we used to do it each year but, it became status quo so we changed it up and I can't wait till next years!
Till next time
Michelle

Im Sooo Excited!!!!

2008-11-15T15:27:00.000-08:00

A beautiful picture from the Washington side of the Great Columbia river crossing before you get to the bridge.
Jay and I before the race. I love him so much
So we got our TRAINERS!!!!!!
and 3 awesome spinnervals for company and training. Also, we put a new QR tri-bike on layaway for Jay at Fitness Fanatics. He looks so much more comfotrable on it and he moves quicker hmmmmm.... More work for me to keep up.
For those of you who don't know. Jay works so hard for our family and I'm great full that he does not complain. He has worked 2 jobs or has been working double shifts graveyard to am shift and doubling back for one more sometimes 2 more for over 3 years so we can get ahead somewhat financialy.
He soo deserves this bike he looks so happy when he rides it and I know it will boost his confidence and speed so he can gain more effeciency on his bike.
Robin from Fitness Fanatics said each time he makes a payment he gets to ride it. His face lit up like a kid finding a toy they really wanted under the tree... ( it was so cute.
I on the other hand have been given an opportunity to work with the Washington State Nurses Association. This means state pay, benne's and union. Love this opportunity to work for my fellow colleagues and better their jobs for them. I also get to work with local unions i.e. SHMC with staff negociations and helping re-draw contracts up to better the work environment. Bummer part I leave Monday pm this monday and have to be in Seattle for the week (oh darn). But, this tuesday is tri-fusion night at Fitness Fanatics with special discounts on all summer stuff. I love it because you get great gear and it's also our club meeting and I have not made now to the last 3 that we've had. Also, the following tuesday is Jay's 40Th birthday and I won't be home to celebrate the day with him. That has not ever happened in the 21 years that we have known each other. So, bummer for that but, the good far out weighs the bad for overall results.
So, if anyone reads this post mark Nov. 25Th on the calander and if you could just send him a text all day that would be fantastic. Originally I was going to have a special surprise party for him. But, now I'll wait and we'll do it latter. Keep your ears out for invites.
Peace and Love to all my friends and family!!!

Ocean Dreams

2008-11-12T17:18:00.000-08:00

The above pictures are from the harbor at Old Newport the tird one is from Meagler Bridge During the Great Columbia River Crossing 10k in Astoria and the last one is a beach just outside of Lincoln City. Hope you enjoy these

2008-11-12T17:05:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for my ability to run still and not have slowed dow too much. The ability to run on a treadmill when there's inclement weather and most of all that I'm part of the top of the foodchain and I Don't have to run because I'm being hunted! lol...
Also I am thankful for my family and friends who are always there for me.

Where to begin?

2008-11-11T08:32:00.000-08:00

So, after a lot of discussion between the love of my life and myself we decided to switch trainers. Ben, is an awesome trainer but, we feel that we are not the caliber of athlete that he's used to and decided to move on with someone else.
This was a very difficult decision and it has been almost heartbreaking for us.
So, training begins again with our new leader and WOWZER!!! she is maken us work.
I'm currently on a run walk program and it is really been beneficial for me. I have found that my breath comes easier and it seems as though my speed may be increasing ;) We'll see.
So I went to a spin class for the first time this year and got my buttocks served to me on a platter that said "Welcome back slacker" LOL... I forgot how intense these classes can be. I love em though! They keep you honest and it's fun to see how much I've not actually lost after all the time off.
Swimming has been fun were using pull buoys and this has really added to my stroke strength and it seems to be helping me remember how to in gage my abs during the swim.
At daylight savings end time the first day Jay and I decided we had enough time to go for an hour bike ride hahaha.... At the last minute we decided to grab our trusty headlamps just in case. Good thing by the time we were half way done we needed to turn them on, So we had our first ever headlamp ride.
It was really fun riding on the trail in the dark. Kind of cool to have it be so quiet and you could smell the wet leaves as you rode across them. I love that smell it's sooo much a reminder of being a kid and going to Millwood and jumping in the HUGE piles of leaves they would put in the street by the church there. You could crawl your way to the top and when you got up on top you just sunk down and there would be what seemed like ten foot deep piles. We made forts and houses and things in those leaves it was soo fun:) The love of fresh air and freedom as a kid was immeasurable. It amazes me what smells can trigger different memories. I'm always so Thankful for these simple pleasures and I try very hard to distill them into Ryan so he can also enjoy the "Moment In Time"
FYI the new job I got is no longer a part of my life it was a terrible mistake and I quit after working 18+ hours regularly and also a 24 hour shift. Jay is being very supportive (Thanks LOVE)in that he's allowing me to take the time to find the right job for me. So, I've had nearly a month off of work and I've been enjoying being a Domestic Diva!!!!
Ryan finished football last Thursday. We can't believe it's over. So sad but good for him he's growing and maturing on a daily basis. He was the producer for the yearly Veterans Day program at school and really enjoyed the whole task of putting it together. We feel that ASB has brought out the best in him and his qualities are shinning through. We have been able to sit down with him and have some very deep discussions about life and future plans it's very intriguing to listen to him. If you have a teen and want to have a great dinner conversation. Take them to the Melting Pot downtown yes it's pricey but, wow that whole dinner Ry didn't stop talking and he was able to convey some fears and frustrations that he's been having and was unable to find words for. It was worth the money!
So, here we are up to date and out with the info. If anyone goes to a women's Gonzaga BBall game PLEASE!!!! come by the concession stand at the Northeast Corner this is where the West Valley SR. All-nighter parents are working to raise money for the all-nighter this year. We are in need of donations and can use the help. Thank you so much and thank you to all of my friends and fellow bloggers for support and words of encouragement as I have been recovering and am now on a fast track to my First Ironman! I'm so freaked out it's less than 8 months away and I'm so excited at the same time. I can't wait:)
A fellow blogger and friend Phadera has challenged all of her bloggers to find at least one thing to post and be happy about each day so I will give it a try.
Mine today is the ability to get up at o-so dark thirty after a rough night of little sleep and go do a spin class and find out I'm not as bad as I thought.
My thoughts are with everyone and I pray that you find this time a time to reflect and be thankful as we embark on an exciting journey in our country and in our personal lives!

Michelle

Been awhile

2008-09-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

So, I've been busy and I have'nt blogged better give an update to my friends. I recently left my job at Spokane Digestive Disease. The politics of a small office for 8 years were enough for me and I felt a pull to go back to the geriatrics age groups. I was offered a job as an assistant director of nursing at the Cooper George.
I took it and my first day was September 2nd.
It's a tough job we have an unusual group of residents and they have alot of needs and this position has been empty for sometime. So, I am working management and right now training is on stop. I have been working 10+ hours a day and when I get home I'm mentally and physically exhausted.
However I ran the nurses cart Friday and I forgot how much fun it was to pass meds out. During that day I was literally running stairs most of the day (we have 14 Floors and only 2 slow elevators so I use the stairs all day unless I am assisting a wheelchair bound or slow resident) it feels great good exercise!
Also while I've been gone I've hit the big 40! I don't feel forty and I had a great birthday! Jay made me a yellow cake (one of my favs) and had an action figure swimmer on it in a wet suit with a duck and a frosting tow line for it swimming on the top. My presents were fun and I finally got a computer for my bike! then I got a little kids water wings, and an inflateable duck, as well as a little kids swimsuit you know the ones with the built in life vest it was in a blueseventy logo box and inside the box was a note it had a sorry they were out of stock note in it. Jay says " oh sorry hundrey, maybe soon" then a few minutes elapse as we sit and talk with my mom. Jay says "hey I forgot there's one more present in the closet" so I go to see what it was and voila! My very own Blue70 blue helix in the closet! I guess I kind of let out a little yelp and I ran over and gave him a big hug and smooch saying thankyous. Then I went and tried it on and it fit perfect and now only thing that's left is to break it in!
So in the first week of turning the big four O, I switched careers, got two new tri toys and we decided that due to health and injuries we will not be doing Portland Marathon instead we will do the Rock and Roll Marathon in Vegas in January. To allow for us to build up our distance again and that's pretty much what has been going on.
Hope everyone is well and you should be seeing things from me again. By the way I am up to 4 miles and no pain and I'm running on the trail, I have not ridin my bike or swam in awhile so I have a lot of work to do. Big thankyou to my better half you are so awesome to me and I'm lucky and blessed to have you as a husband and friend! I love you Hundrey.

Till next time M-Dot

Being Strong

2008-08-16T11:11:00.000-07:00

Be The Change You Want To See In The World.... Gandhi

I'm FREE!!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-30T22:16:00.001-07:00

I CAN RUN AND I DON"T HURT So I went to PT today and had my therapy. I even was able to cancel my message treatment because I'm not sore at all. Brian added some new excersies, I've found my core strength for balance exercise at home this week too. And most importantly I can run! I went to WV high schools track and did a couple laps run around the track. Not all at once to be sure there was not going to be any pain and there was none, zero, nada!I was out of breath and happy! I am so excited. :) Look out Ben here I come! Or should I say.. Look out me! here I come! Dang that's gonna be a different kinda pain. But, I've been missing it and look forward to pushing past it Again. Running is not my strong suit. But, when I ran today instead of going real slow Jay said I was running at the pace I had left off with. Which, was were I was when I ran the CDA 5K and I PR'D it in just 19(min):20(sec).
It was hard to run that pace again but; I did it and I will regain my wind. Now I can look forward to Portland Marathon. Which is my "A" race this year. I am concidering Wunder Woman but, I'm not sure because down hill still causes pain. And, I haven't done a brick in nearly 3 months! We'll see, it depends on PZ and Brian M. next.Shout out to my Hundrey Jay! Thank You For Pulling Me Through This! The last couple of weeks have been discouraging for us both and I really appreciate the love. I'm sorry you're still hurtn' But, You will come back and this thing will pass too. I know you wanted to do CDA Tri next week but, it's just a race and you are not ready yetyou will be by September ready for Black Diamond. It will come, who knows maybe the pain will go away as fast as it came now that you're on the mend. I think personally you saw so many people injured you thought it was part of summer training and just wanted to join the injured support group of HealMyOwie.com LOL.... Love ya babe and I'm here for you like you have been for me!I am M-Dot/Active Girl hear me Shout With Glee!!!!! WEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

IronWOOman 09

2008-07-25T08:47:00.001-07:00

Mom and Ryan Waiting for the race to start before the below mentioned walk
So it's aweek later and I'll give you an update. Last weekend My son and mom and I ran the Tri-Fusion Water aid station at the Tiger Tri in Colville, WA. Beautiful city and wonderful outdoors living area!
I had never been to that race and I must say it was a lot of fun. When we got our stuff and were able to set up. Mom and I wanted to take a walk down the path to give me an idea of about where approx. you could see the station and Two: what condition they were coming through to get to us. That way I'd have an idea of water/gatorade needs. As we were out all of a sudden boom here comes a runner "OH Crap!" I had to try to get to the station and be sure that these guys would be getting the water they needed! I told Ryan how to handle the water But... typical I'm almost 18 and I don't need babysat teen didn't pay attention cause he was "Tired" forgot how and Michael was coming up he had to tell ry how to give him the water. ( Sorry, Michael and Ben who was hot on Micheals six).
I tried running back I made it about a half block and my pain was coming on. Double Crap! ok walk. The first half of that was fun and I felt GREAT! Later my knee would again give me fits oh well.
I had the opportunity to have Ultrasound and the GAMEREADY Ice machine to be applied to my knee at PT and Message Therapy last week and it really helped. Friday I woke up and it was the First day and 2 months that I had woke up with 0 pain not even when I rooled over and I could freely range without massaging it out!! ;) Happy Days.
Then Wednesday this week we went to go see Wanted (the new Angalina, Morgan Freeman movie, btw it was a good movie and the effects are WAY Cool. See it in the theater if you can) when we got up to leave the knee was sore and I had to hobble a while.
So, PT Thursday and I get no new exercises but, more Ultra sound and Game Ready Ice machine (this is a cold therapy that takes ice water and pushes it through a wrap on my leg and then it has a message function that gently squeezes and releases while all at the sametime getting colder and squeezing more and it feels AWESOME! I would love to have one but, I wanta new wetsuit first and aerobars and I don't have $2,800. laying around in petty cash to go pick it up. However if anyone does it would be a great tool to have for post races and training)
So more time and hopefully this is getting better.
I've been a bit down now and I can say I now can sympathize with injured athletes about missing workouts. I have to admit I got a bit in the dumps and ate too much this weekend. But, I was having Serious Cravings and I know one thing If you don't let yourself have a few things when you do let yourself have it the next time you end up gorging and that is awful. So, I let it go and I ate a bit of bad stuff. Meanwhile 2 weeks ago Jay was doing a long run and ended up with a mild Right calf muscle tear/pull and it's not getting better yet. So, he sees Tim next week for massage therapy and has been utilizing dixi cup ice massage and high dose Ibuprofen to get himself on the mend too. We've been having fun about joking about the bodies breaking down at 40 and being so perfect together that we even injured ourselves each the opposite leg to make a complete injured lower body lol...
So swimming in the open water is going well. I just got a new pair of Blue Seventy Goggles and wow what a difference they are wide lensed and I can see a greater area which really helps even if it is blurry, We swam about a mile out at Liberty Lake that was fun :) My bike skills are hangin around and I can't wait to get up and running again:) Get to try that this week if no pain persists. Yeah!!!!
Mean while we are SO EXCITED to be working at the Kids Tri-Fusion Triathlon this weekend! The kids are so great and they will be having a Ball out at Camp Gifford tomorrow!

M-Dot

2008-07-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the new nickname Michael. Love it :)

So, I have been patient waiting to get back to working out. It's been over a month and the swelling in the knee is gone. Pain is 0 to minimal and I got the clearance to ride my bike and swim again yah!!!!

So I went for a 2 mile bike and the pain came back ;( The swim was short but, it was good and no pain from that. Rested a couple days and did it again. But, I took my bike back to Wheel Sport East and my bike guy Jake re-adjusted my left shoe with another shim, lowered the seat a bit and so I rode on the trainer for 2o min. and ZERO PAIN!!!! : )

So Sunday this last weekend Jay had a 16 mile run he was doing. So, after the swim Saturday and no pain. We felt like it was ok to ride during the training run on centenial trail. I did GREAT and at the end I did push it and did a 4 mile speed drill of 20+ it felt GREAT!

The wind in the hair through the helmet and on the face. The sun was out and I was feeling fine.

Monday went to work and for most of you I do not sit down at work we are just too busy. But, with the IT band injury I was forced to take sit breaks. That's hard for a few reasons. I am more comfortable and successful starting IV's standing. Less hunching and better for my back and posture and reason 2 I just get plain tired if I sit and I yawn alot when I'm tired.

So after work Monday Jay and I head out to our swim spot at Liberty Lake that my ;) Brother Ben;) lets us use. We start swimming no problem. Except I have a hard time seeing without glasses and you add in goggles and I'm partially blind. Then I have to add in the swimming in open water; it's not my favorite thing to do when I already can't see and for whatever reason I panic during the first part as lake weeds wave by and schools of fish show up it really gets distracting and I panic in the water for the first lap. But, I start out on the second good to go I get to the 2nd swim bouy/5mph limit bouy and my friend Left knee pain starts.

That sucks. I head back to shore and I have sweeling in the knee and pain.:( GRRRR.....

So I go ahead and stop and go home and ice. Pain is still minimal and swelling going down. Do stretches and wait. Woke up today leg stiff and sore but, after streching and moving is very minimal. The whole bummer of this. Today I was supposed to be able to do a 1 block jog. I was REALLY looking forward to. But, I have PT at 3 and will see what he thinks. Plus I see Tim Gilreath on Thursday. I can't wait it always makes me feel sooo much better.

I'm still happy I got to work out and I have been able to ride. My educated guess. Still workout and ice immediately after with new stretches that I'm bound to get at PT today with Brian From U-District PT love him. The pain will be with me for awahile and hopefully it'll start to work out soon. Can't wait to run again and get training for Portland and IM 09'.

Thanks to all for your support and keep training hard all.

Rest In Peace "Fat Girl"!

2008-07-05T23:16:00.000-07:00

Rest In Peace "Fat Girl"!

2008-07-05T23:01:00.000-07:00

THIS IS A LONG POST IT'S A INTRO TO THE STORY GRAB A LATTE SOME WATER OR AN ICE TEA THIS POST WILL END I PROMISE

I had always been active as a child but, my friends always made fun of my third wheel on my tummy. It really bothered me and I soon found consolation in food. It was easy my parents owned a 7-11 store and I was either in the store or on my own. They bought me a television and let me have the run of the candy isle and hostess display with as much soda and Slurpee's as I could want.Fast forward to the 80's and I would try to fit in and not eat for 2-3 days at a time and well it wasn't good for the brain and I never did well in school but, I kind of looked good. I met Jay after coming home from my First year in college in Tishamingo, OK and we were soon married in 1988. My weight sky-rocketed after giving birth to our miracle boy and this is were I was! (please see Above Picture)I was at the heaviest point in my life! I weighed over 270 lbs. I was mortified to say the least. I had dreams of climbing mountains and backpacking activities I had always dreamed of doing but, never dared to mention for fear of being laughed at by my family (not Jay). We tried to keep up with our friends and were always on the go exhausted, but, going. I also suffered from depression and it was a hard cycle to break. We had a Love Affair with Food (Jay and I) and we had also dragged our son into it as well.

We planned trips around where to eat and when to eat. It was a disgusting habit in hind site, but when you live it it's LIVING TO EAT, NOT EATING TO LIVE and it was literally killing us. Jay had developed diabetes and Ryan was the largest kid in his class. We couldn't look at ourselves any more and feel happy. How do you tell patients "You need to loose 30-70 pounds" while you're obese as well!

Jay had a friend at work who was losing weight and it was melting off. I was more than skeptical. I had tried every diet under the sun. We were currently trying a higher carb low fat diet at the time. We were gaining like crazy and I felt like a tomato. Jay bought the New Atkin's Diet Revolution Book and began to read it. It made sense and he was going to go for it after the end of January. He really wanted me to read the book and try it out for at least support. So with prodding I did read it. It really did make scientific sense! For the first time I felt like I might have answers and control over my diet and be able to do this and live a healthy life. For my family and myself! 5Years Later and I'm 148Lbs!!! I have lost about 135 lbs. total with gains and losses over the last 5 years.

THE BIRTH OF ACTIVE GIRL!

So, what does this have to do with death and life? Well Fast Forward to Couer D' Alene Idaho June, 2007. Jay was coming off a injury to his foot he had become depressed about the left overs of weight loss and gained back his weight by 80 lbs. I felt betrayed and I tried so hard to encourage him to get back to the gym.

I started going by myself, I signed us up at a new club in March of 07. I started running by myself in hopes that he would join me when he could. I kept the new lifestyle going. Nothing was working. I talked him into going over to the Ironman Village to listen to talks anything to motivate him, it was my last hope. It Worked! But, somehow I got wrangled into saying I'd do Ironman in 2013 when we were 45. Plenty of training time and orientation to the new chosen sport. Jay even bought me an Mdot and promised that when I am an Ironwoman that he will have my new Diamond Mdot for me at the finish line. :) He didn't have to bribe me I was already excited but, OK! far be it from me to turn down jewelery. He was so sincere. He held me in his arms so tight and had tears in his eyes. I knew that my Hundrey was Back! The race was on. We decided to sign up for a local sprint tri. at Medical lake in August of 07'.

I wanted to be sure that we would be physically able to do these things and a doctor I work with told me of a clinic called CHAMPIONS SPORTS CLINIC Dr. Pearce had just moved in above U-District Physical Therapy and was taking athletes of all abilities! Perfect, I went in to check and make sure what he thought, With all the weight loss, etc. I didn't want to start training and not be able to finish or get hurt because we had something wrong with us. That's when EZ introduced us to BEN the best coach we've ever had. He did metabo;ic testing and proved that Yes we were on the right diet although I could increase my carbs a bit. Jay had to stay where he was to keep the weight coming off.

Two days later we did our first triathlon. On Cruiser Bikes, with Fenders and Bells! We had just bought them in the spring so we could ride to work. We had no idea that we'd become triathletes by summer. I don't know what my swim time was, or my bike I just know I was slow, I was not Last and it took me 2 hours and 45 min. I could be wrong but that is the number I remember.

DEATH BY BEN

This sounds horrible but; it's only in admiration and survival that I can post this;) Because if you aren't tired then "YOU HAVEN'T WORKED HARD ENOUGH" It is his creed and motto that was drilled into our heads. We asked him about a triathlon club in hopes to join in with some others and help ourselves to stay motivated that's when we were introduced to Tri-Fusion and we've been members since November of 2007.

Hang In there We're Comen To The Point

So, we trained hard all winter and we did our second triathlon of our lives Jay finished in just over an hour and I finished in 1hr16min! I was stoked and I finished 6th for my age group I was on top of the world and feeling great!

After getting fit for my new Road Bike Specialized Ruby Elite I found out that my SI joint was misaligned and I made an appointment with a sorts chiropractor to start adjustments. I got the OK to run Bloomsday and then during the race my SI joint went out and caused a severe injury to my IT band (iliotibial band the outside of my left knee) By the end of the race I joggled accross the finish to PR it but, I knew I was injured. Got an injection of cortisone and relief with more chiropractics. Did a 5k race in CDA which was supposed to be a 1/2 marathon for me caused more pain. Went to Half IM Boise and walking up a hill and back down then going back and forth from the swim to bike transition inflamed it worse. Got a second injection. Was told was still OK to do Club Championships at Blue Lake. Went to go try to do a slow run before my last training run and couldn't run a yard:( Still ok'd just rest it re-adjusted and went to Blue lake. Swim caused pain in leg not bad, but, this was new it had not happened before. Went to go to T1 and tripped on carpet luckily Kirk a team member was behind me and caught me. Got to t1 put Koban wrap on knee for extra support, just in case. Tried to lightly jog out no can do walked it out fast as I could, hopped on the bike started riding by feel and did good till about mile 15 then the outer knee started to hurt all the time now darn it! oh well slow down keep riding but, keep going.Get to T2 change my shoes and try to jog out like nothing is wrong pain is only weakness leaving your body.... Hobble jog hobble jog out. Got part way on to asphalt and I new it was a long 6 mile walk. But, I was going to do this! I had come too far! No one was going to stop me I could do this! Tim and Andy Swanson were on the coarse cheering me and it MEANT SO much to have that encouragement it kept me going when people kept passing me by. I called this my walk of enlightenment. I have told many people how lucky we are to have bodies that do not betray us. That we can breathe on our own without concentrating for that next breath of air, I can take a step and not think where my foot is going, I can feel my hands and my feet tingle and hurt even go numb. When so many people would love to know what just that would feel like for the first time or just one more time.

I smiled at each person as they passed sending words of encouragement to my teammates and fellow Washingtonians as they passed. Thanked each volunteer as I could for the generosity of their time and their encouragement. I thought of Charlie the IM whose blind, The Father and his disabled son that he pulls through all of the IM events, Scott Rigsby a double amputee who fell and fractured his collar bone at CDA IM but went to Kona and Finished! Blazeman for the courage to find it in himself to finish ironman with a diagnoses of ALS. I just had a hurt knee, I could do this. Jay and I have come so far and that "Fat Girl" she would have given up a long time ago.

You are no longer her! She's behind you though and You need to finish this thing for you Active Girl this is your new life the beginning of a new chapter your story is about to begin. 40 is the new 28!Who cares if the van picked up everyone at the last water station you'll be fine! Keep going Jay's waiting, So is Jessie and Matt, sure most everyone else should be at lunch the awards are done and you won't have a medal but, this is about you!

I got over the hill back in the park and a young volunteer was waiting. She had a radio and told her boss my number and that he was right. She told me I had about a half mile to go. So we walked. I asked if she knew who had won she didn't I knew it was one of our team I just wanted to know if it was Roger or Ben. I got by the lake and I see a familiar face with worry on it. It was Martin Scates he had come out and back looking for me for quit sometime and I finally was coming in right behind was Tim just as concerned then Sheena, Mark and Daryce, and Steve I saw Trish and so many people had stayed. My heart was gushing with tears. Fat Girl did not have this kind of support she didn't hang out with this kinda crowd. Then Ben's voice came over the speaker announcing my name If I had looked up at him I would have started bawling. I had to look down and smile and calm my mind and heart. There was my soul mate the man of my dreams my best friend for over twenty years and my biggest supporter. Right there waiting for me I know it was hard on him to wait. But, I needed him there and he knew that. Unspoken words looks of love,concern and understanding.

For me Gratitude and Reality. Fat Girl Really is Dead She's Buried and her wake was on June 24th, 2008. That's the day We registered for Ironman Cda 2009! Because We can and We are Ready!

So come join the experience, the new life of Active Girl aka Michelle. There's a road ahead it's long and windy with hills and valley's and lots of water. This is a High intensity ride and chances are I'm gonna be wet!