The Essence of the PMC

Ask any rider of the PMC to describe it and they'll tell you that you can't explain it. I thought about this while I rode 192 miles from Sturbridge MA to Provincetown MA this past weekend and I hope this can give you a glimpse.

Everyone is inspired to do this 2 day ride to benefit Cancer for a reason.   A mother, sister, daughter, granddaughter, grandmother,  father, son, grandson, grandfather, brother, cousin, friend.

Most people that think about the PMC, are concerned about the very large fundraising amount. $4300 is a large undertaking, but this ONE reason pushes you over the edge.  You forget the amount and just put your head down and do what you can.

Friday of PMC weekend rolls around, you walk into the Sturbridge Host Hotel, you see thousands of bikes, thousands of riders, thousands of volunteers, supporters, all there for the same reason, that ONE inspiration.

 Although that ONE inspiration has suddenly become thousands.  You find that you are riding for many.  You think about all your supporters and why THEY supported you, each having a "one" inspiration of their own. You think about all your friends whom you didn't even KNOW fought a great fight. You think about friends or family you lost and weren't your initial inspiration.  The miles don't even matter. You are riding to give people hope, you are riding to give survivors something to cheer for, you are riding to unite humanity, even just for one day.

You walk in to get your packet.  Every few minutes you hear "FIRST YEAR RIDER" - and everyone in the room cheers loudly and embarrasses the first year rider.  You get goosebumps.  You are excited for that person to experience this THING. You are emotional over the number of people here to do the same thing you are.

You attend opening ceremonies. You bring tissues.  You are inspired .

You hear stories of why everyone else is here, you hear stories of battles won, of battles lost, of new battles, of parents fighting for their children, of children fighting for their parents. You suddenly have lost your sense of "ONE" and have become ONE with this Essence, you are a collective unit with 5500 riders, thousands of volunteers, hundreds of corporate sponsors, and thousands of supporters that line the streets of Massachusetts.

You get up at 3AM ready to pedal.  You see thousands of supporters out already lining the streets before the sun is up.  They have signs, they are 'proud of you',  they are inspired, they are thankful.  You think to yourself, "I didn't do anything,  YOU did, you fought, I just feel helpless with this disease and this is what I could actually do. "  You know you can't take the pain away, you can't make a mother feel better, you can't even understand, but what you can do is this little fundraiser.  And at 5:30AM on PMC Day 1, it feels like "that little fundraiser."  You meet others, you see pictures of dedications, you ask about those people.

They talk about it, lovingly, with a tear, but some, for the first time can just TALK.  The PMC ride is a place to talk about their fights, their losses, and their triumphs.  You meet people who's loss is so fresh you cannot understand how they're here, yet you gain strength from them.   They gain strength from you.

You pedal, you climb, you pedal some more.  You watch the signs on the side of the road. "I"m 3 because of you", "I'm a survivor because of you."   You are emotional, you know they are cheering for the collective unit, you don't feel you've done anything. The "YOU" Is the essence of the PMC, you are part of it, but it is more than you.

You find energy in the crowds, people dressing up in costume, people sitting in their pajamas at 6AM to cheer you on, survivors who just want to thank someone for the treatment they found, fighters who just want to have a day to be happy and cheer on the hopes of a cure.  It is the one weekend of celebration for many, it is the weekend to celebrate loved one's journeys.  

You meet up with survivor riders.  They pedal, they fight so no one else has to suffer what they went through.

You think about every rider passing you has raised thousands of dollars. You think about the magnitude of $35 million dollars generated from one weekend. You hope, you are inspired, You pedal.

There will be one thing, it could be large or small, that brings you to tears:

You approach the pedal partner stop, and see posters staring a half of a mile from stop that line the street all the way.  They represent children that many teams ride for who are battling Cancer. They are fighters, their families are here, they are having fun today.  A pedal partner sees his picture on your back and says "hey that's me."  You see courage in his eyes, even though they don't fully understand. For that one day, you see hope in the parents eyes. 

You ride over the Bourne Bridge in the dark and find a family standing there, waiting for the first riders.  They cheer.  You pedal.  You ride past "da hedge", a large group of cheering folks.  You squeak your squeaky toy  and the crowd goes crazy.  They cheer for the collective you, for the cure, for the hope. 

  

You are overwhelmed at the number of riders joining you on day 2.  We are all still here.

 You find a collective unit to ride in, you find your team, you make a team.  You ride as one.  You are one today.  

For this one weekend, we are all part of the solution. 

**If you would like to read more about my 2013 PMC ride, please visit my  facebook  page, or if you would like to contribute, please donate here: www.pmc.org/profileid=LB0212

Fairfield Half Marathon Race Report - 2013

I know I owe a report on Patriot, but I really wanted to get this one out there!

I just came off of 2 back to back Half Ironman Aquabikes.  Eagleman and Patriot.  I LOVE Half ABs, just LOVE them. I think that is my distance.  Of course Type A, obsessed here, I have to 'finish' and get that damn Ironman off my list.

Week 3 of major races was a Half Marathon in Fairfield, CT.  It is a beautiful race that starts next to Jennings Beach.  Much of the race winds through the beautiful communities around and along the coast. They have several bands playing, including a couple all KID bands.  They were pretty good too!  The weird thing for me is this one band was playing Johnny Cash and I kinda liked running to it!?!

Most of you know, I despise running. But in order to tick an Ironman off my list, I have to get through a Marathon.  Yesterday was my 7th 13.1 and 2nd this year.  I never talk about speed because I am pitiful.  I tend to average 15min mile that puts me at 3:20 or 3:24 with pee stops.  My EDS will never let me run fast so whatever, I'm doing it! I'm covering the exact same 13.1 miles as everyone else.

I am used to the SAG wagon, used to the last station closing up, but I am NOT used to what happened yesterday.

This is my 2nd time doing this race. I thought it was well run and great last time so when it opened I just signed up.  About a week ago, I saw in the email "reminder, there is a 3:15 cutoff for all runners."  - UGH!  Then I noticed that cutoff was GUNTIME not your time.  Race starts at 8:30, cutoff at 11:45.  There are 5,000 runners going through neighborhood streets, so it takes some time to get everyone out of there.

I had a plan on how to make it.  Ali and I would start at the front, much to the dismay of the fast runners.  I set my Garmin to run/walk.  Run 2 min, walk 8 min.  I would run the first mile while the crowd thinned out, then listen to the alarm on the Garmin.  I usually drink at EVERY water stop alternating between Gatorade and Water.  And at every stop a water goes on my head or down my shirt. I usually eat something every hour as well.

We had lots of conversations this past week about the quantity of stuff I carry, and I decided to give being a more minimalist this time a try (never again!)!!!!  I packed my meds and 1 larabar that I ate just before the start.  I knew that I had to keep a 14:40 pace to make the cutoff.  In my mind that should keep the water stops open and get me to the finish line by 11:45.    I figured I would most likely make it to at least mile 10-11 before I passed the 'cutoff' pace.  I scoped out a 7-11 around mile 11 so I figured, no problem, I could buy water / Gatorade there.

Onto the race: We passed mile 1 with a 12:15 pace.  SWEET! (but really it was drafting).  I did a quick portopotty stop and carried on.

There were many supporters lining the street, and this little girl with the best sign "WORST PARADE EVER."

Things were great, and all going to plan until mile 8.  I was a bit concerned that there was no GU / nutrition until this point. I thought mile 8 was kinda late for that.  I would expected it at 6 or 7 if only one station were to have it.   I got to the station and it was mostly closed up.  One woman stood there and she had about 1/4 jug left.  She offered to pour it in my hands.  I asked and just poured it my mouth for a good drink without touching it. I didn't take nearly what I wanted because I knew there were at least 5 others behind me, as I had just passed them.

She apologized, she said they ran out of cups. (ok where's the water though?). She also apologized that they 'ran out of gu a while ago.'  Then I got to the other side of the station, this woman was picking up cups, I mentioned to her about the water and if they had any to keep those jugs filled.  Her response "we had 7,000 gallons; is this the beginning or the end of the  race?"  I didn't really comprehend what she said until I passed her, WHAT? just WHAT? oh and she also had 2 GU's in her shirt pocket, sticking out.  Great thank you lady.  I caught up with another walker who told me she watched someone at that station POUR OUT the Gatorade.

I knew I had to slow down to conserve fluids.  Bummer, there goes my making the cutoff, but I know my body and I like finishing, regardless of the time.   The next station was about 1 mile later, with my slowing I was losing ground on my pace, I was just behind the 'cutoff' pace.

I saw 2 firefighters and I told them to keep an eye on the people behind me because there's no water/ nutrition for those of us left.  One of the guys  said "oh hold on" and the other said "keep going, he'll catch you.  This very awesome fireman went to his truck and got me a bottle of water and ran it to me!  I asked "can I give you a hug?" (sweaty LOL)..  btw, this whole race is manned by the fire departments and they are just fabulous!  They set up sprinklers every couple miles!  And by the way, the sprinklers were still up when water was gone!

The next station had no cups either, but they at least had water in jugs.  Athletes are resourceful - we just drank out of the jug.  I asked those volunteers to not pour it out as cup or no cup, these guys at the end needed it.  These volunteers were very sweet and said "of course." --- Although I did see a few young girls leaving the other side of that station with bags of Gatorade powder.  I'm thinking we could have used that.

Next station was completely gone, no table, volunteers, but  we were about 5 min past the cutoff pace at this point so I had expected them to leave, I just expected to be further along.

There were some amazing people out there, some cyclists from Team in Training offered some of their water,  and there were families giving out water.  These little girls came screeching across the street about mile 11 with cold bottles of water.  Bless them!  There was also these cute kids with a 'free lemonaid' stand about 12.5 miles in!

I knew I was done when mile 8 had no nutrition and I was forced to just conserving water from that point.  I was on pace to do a 3:10-3:15 but I ended up with a disastrous 3:42, but I did finish!  I crossed the finish line and got a medal. I walked down to the beach where food was and took an orange, all that was left.  Again that's expected due to my time.   I asked around to find the Race director and he happened to come up to the food tent.   I told him what happened, and he said "when did you finish" I said 3:40..he said "yes but volunteers need to go home at some point." I hope I made it clear to him that YES I totally get that and it should be that way, but they should NOT leave before the 3:15 pacing passes that station.   I tried to reiterate that I was pacing to the 3:10 when I arrived at the first no aid station.   It was the first he heard of this.  In my mind that's breakdown #1.  He should have known, the lead volunteer there should have called in and said "hey we're running low on GU/ Water / Cups." ESPECIALLY if it was still within the cutoffs.

I discovered later that they ran out for some pacing to the 2:45-2:50 mark.

The RD was very polite, listened to me and I heard him radio someone.  They both seemed stunned. Ok peace said.  I then tried to find Ali.  I went to her car, of course she was at mine!  As soon as I sat down and took my shoes off, I knew I was in trouble. I tried to sip down some Gatorade (from my car).  Then I felt the nausea.  AWESOME.  I decided I would drive my car over to the med tent so it was RIGHT THERE.  I went in, and told the nurse I needed to cool down and hydrate. She put these awesome towels on my legs and neck.   Then as I sat in the chair I got the tunnel vision- I knew I was going to throw up or pass out (or both).  Puke it was!  She got an EMT for me, so I was with the rest of the people in the tent, ON A COT.  Good for Ali for not taking a picture, I certainly would have taken one of her LOL!!!

My BP was fine but they were worried about hydration due to the throwing up and how hot I was.  In the course of being there, I got to be super nosy. There were a few athletes with IVs, one sprain and I heard them say that 5 went to the hospital (I saw one go).  When I told the EMT about the water situation he said "oh that explains the number of people in here today."  This poor guy next to me with very chafed nipples and an IV finally pipped up and said "YEA I SAW NO WATER at many stations."

I knew I needed a banana, for some reason when I get hot and dehydrated  a banana helps.  Ali sees a half peeled banana on the table.  Yea I broke off the end and ate the thing.  Yup, basically ate out of the trash.  That did it, I was starting to feel ok between that and the Gatorade.

They released me and I ventured back to my car.  I opened the back and wondered who set the tornado off in my car!?! Ali said it looked like 5 people were in there.. hahahaha!

Then I had to drive 2 hrs home!  Again why do we do this??

I really want to thank most of the volunteers (all except the lady that stole the gu from an athlete in need), and the Firemen.  They were just incredible!  Especially the one that gave me the water bottle!   With a little communication I think it could be more successful for the end of the pack.  I do not expect them to stay open past the cutoff pace, but each station should stay open until the pacing of the cutoff. They should also have someone to call if they run out early.

I feel like total crap today. I don't recommend dehydration to anyone. My muscles were sucked dry!  Last weekend I did a half iron aquabike on Sat and a 10 mile run on Sunday, and I felt fine.  Difference was nutrition and hydration.  I also don't care what I look like in the future, I'm carrying my fuel belt, and several items of nutrition, including a banana.

Lesson learned, and at least it wasn't during Ironman Florida!

**I know I've been  slacking on the actual blog posts, I do frequently update my facebook page : facebook !

Eagleman 2013 Race Report

This year was a late start for me. I usually have a few races under my belt by June, but I must have been drinking when I made my schedule this year.  Eagleman on a Saturday and 6 days later Patriot. Both 70.3 Aquabikes.

We went big this year and added an RV to my collection of gadgets for my races.  We're still learning, but it is REALLY nice to have a giant changing room, and BED to take a nap on the way home!

I love the Eagleman / Chesapeakeman course and race company. It is in the Choptank river and the bike is flat, flat flat & windy.  Like hilly races, you love or hate the terrain.      I watched the water temperature all week, it continued to climb and was rapidly approaching a non-wetsuit race.  Sure I can swim sans wetsuit, but to me it's like riding a mountain bike on the road, I'd much rather have my wetsuit!

Tropical Storm Andrea surprised many of us and rushed in.  The water temp fell and remained a balmy 73 perfect degrees! BUT, with Andrea came 4" of rain in a park that is called "GREAT SALT MARSH" - guess what  a marsh looks like after 4" of rain?  More on that in a bit.

Packet pickup was a large affair. I arrived Saturday afternoon and it was packed. The volunteers and TriColumbia had a smooth operation to get everyone through the pickup, get your swag and get around to the vendors.  I love the newest trend of the 'virtual swag.'  No more 20 postcards in a bag that you're just going to throw away! YEA save some paper!    I got to the end of the line and found this SWEET transition bag.  I'll take it :).

I wondered into the Ironman merchandise tent, fully expecting to purchase a 70.3 shirt where they print all the participants on the back.  Turns out they 'forgot' to put Aquabike on there. I figured it was ok, but Relays were there and the Ironman lady said "yea sorry, all participants were supposed to be there, I've written a note for next time." !?!  I told her that means I should get one for a discount and she just walked away.  They didn't get my money.

We found a parking spot for the giant RV and I began to put my bike back together.  I noticed that my rear brakes were sticking, that would make for a LONG ride. We both tried to figure out the necessary adjustment and nothing was working. I figured I'd ask the next guy to pass by, this very nice guy said "oh yea I had that bike, and THAT brake was the only thing I didn't like."  He was super sweet and did a quick adjustment UNDER the frame and I was all set. Thank you PRO TRIATHLETE KYLE! 

I then headed over to rack my bike and do my obligatory plea with the race official to rack it handlebars up. There are strict orders that all bikes must be hung by the seat.  Well, I"m 5' tall with a 48cm bike, if I hang my bike by the seat it dangles. And if there's any wind it bangs into the bikes next to me. I have to plead this case every time, the officials are usually great about it, but then at least 10 volunteers or OTHER officials yell at me to move it.  Oh well, I always have to be difficult!

I met up with fellow blogger Amy , we went for a swim. (I'd add a picture of the two of us but she won't sent  it to me LOL)  The water was chilly as I choose to do a non-wetsuit practice swim, but it felt great!  It was a little murky but that's to be expected with a storm churning up the Choptank.

John and I then headed over to the High School to 'camp.'  There are no campgrounds around so TriColumbia arranges for camping at the HS.  There were several RVs there and Tents.  I really couldn't imagine sleeping in a tent, then doing a 70.3.  Those people should get an extra medal!

The evening was great, Tri people are great, Apollo was a total chick magnet. Even complete with two little girls screaming across the parking lot "BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG!!!!! I even found a 4 leaf clover.

I fell asleep and of course was up at 3AM without an alarm.  I finally got out of bed and we headed back over to the  park to get a much in demand parking spot.  For those that are trying to get a front spot, 4AM is NOT early enough!  We were about a block away so not too bad, but with an old dog the block plus the 300 yards inside the park were tough.  

I knew the mud was going to be bad, but I didn't really expect what I saw.  You step and the mud covers your entire foot, and in  some places up to ankle!  I kept thinking.. hm what will I do for bike out? I've never mounted with shoes ON the bike. I ended up strapping my shoes to the handlebars and packing a ziplock with paper towels.  I planned on  carrying my bike through the mud, wiping my feet outside of transition and then putting on my shoes.  I followed through with MOST of that plan on race day.  I neglected to add a separate water bottle in my rear cage. I simply use the speed fill when I have aid stations.  So that meant I had no water to remove the MUD from my feet.  I improvised, sucked liquid out of my speed fill and spit on my feet !  (oh the gross things that happen triathlon). 

I wondered over to the port-o-potty and snapped this picture in line.  The water looked perfect.

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Then I connected with Amy as it was the first time we both had a Four OOOHHH on the leg! She clearly had a better body marker!

I was in the 3rd wave, just after the Pro women.  The start was uneventful, I always head outside front. I get kicked and bumped but never that bad, UNTIL TODAY.  They started paratriathletes, aquabike and relays together.  I noticed an athlete towing a boat next to me, and it turns out we were the EXACT same speed. I tried to speed up and go around him but I knew that I couldn't afford a speed burst like that this early.   I tried to slow down, but it wasn't enough. So we swam next to each other.  This was fine until the first turn.  He cut the buoy and pinned me and a few other swimmers between the boat and buoy.  We had to stand up (yea we could stand there).  Next time I'll try to avoid the boats.

The swim had a current against us for the first leg, then the return leg was this strange pushing to the side. Everyone said they had slower swim times than normal.  I'm totally cool with a slower swim time due to conditions, but I'm not cool with poor sportsmanship causing delays.

Around the 2nd turn I went WAY outside again in my attempt to get out of the way of the crazy people seeking Kona slots. I was kicked, swam over, bumped, which is normal and expected.  THEN, I was about 20 yards away from the inside line with no one around me, and this guy climbs up my back and punches me in the arm. PUNCHES, WHO SWIMS WITH A FIST?  He did startle himself and mutter 'uh sorry.'  Ok fine, I had a Charley horse and my arm didn't work correctly for a bit.  I swam away from the guy and he seemed to follow me. He kicked, bumped or pushed me at least 8 other times.  I was just waiting for him to climb over my feet!  I ended up with a huge bruise on my arm.

I got out at :55, a TERRIBLE swim for me, but considering the contact swim and the extra .2 miles I swam, I wasn't surprised.  I found my bike and contemplated the cyclocross/mud run I was about to do.  I picked up my bike and jogged through transition. I couldn't throw it over my shoulder because of the speedfill, so this is the best I could do.   About 1/2 way one shoe fell into the mud, so lesson learned, strap those buggers down better!  A quick wipe on the shorts and it was fine.

I was off, it was a perfect day for this course.  Sunny, cool, and NO WIND.  Well there was some, but nothing like it can get. I was happy with the bike. I cruised along, riding in intervals and really pushing myself. I set my watch to eat/hydrate and stand up every 30 min. I often forget all 3 of those. I can sit in aero for hours, so I have to set the alarm to get up (or I WON'T be able to get up!).

I saw a ton of drafting and pelotons.  I'm always shocked when I see deliberate drafting. I'm paranoid I'm going to get whacked sometime because I take longer than 20 seconds to pass someone.  There were so many rude athletes, they would pass without a peep, with only inches to spare.   I could care less if they want to cheat, but don't put me in danger!  I mentioned this on an Eagleman site and a guy told me that I should worry about me and not everyone else.  uh ok thanks, but I kinda like my skin ON my bones.  I saw so many cases of rudeness on the bike.  This surprised me too, because usually I find triathletes are awesome, encouraging, and pleasant.  Seriously why race if you are miserable? 

I was approaching an aid station and one guy threw his water bottle under my wheel.  He missed me by 5" or so.  Why on earth would you throw your bottle UNDER someone's wheels. I am CLEARLY not his competition.  I had someone else yell MOVE in the aid station. I was going about 15 mph to get my water from a wonderful volunteer.  The volunteer rolled his eyes at the jerk too.

I grabbed a banana from one station, peeled and began to eat it while in aero. This peloton 4 wide and at least 10 deep came whipping round this corner.  They didn't speak as they passed me, they're lucky I cut the corner wide or I would have wiped out the whole crowd. 

Because I was in an early wave, I had a ton of jerks to pass me.  About mile 30 or so it started to thin out and we were left with the normal, nice people again.   So a group of us were together, not pace-lining, just kind of back and forth.   There was a deer LEG in the middle of the lane. No guts, blood, blood stain, just a leg with fur and a hoof. The guy next to me passes and says "that is the first time I had to yell out "LEG" on a ride."

I enjoyed the ride and was cruising along , I ended up with a 16.4 avg and it would have been 16.8 if I didn't spend 4 minutes on the whole mud/shoe thing.  That pace was super slow for the rest of this field but pretty fast for me.  

Coming in you had to remove shoes and carry your bike again. I totally didn't understand

those who ran through it with shoes on pushing their bikes.  UGH poor bike!

The finish line was disappointing. You run off to the side and they hand you a medal.  You can hear the 'real' finish line off in the distance. (I'll write about Patriot in a few, they use the same finish line for everyone, and it is a much better experience that way).

Just after the finish John found I had a MUD EAGLE on my leg!

But hey in spite of the issues and the jerks, I had my cyclocross/mud run/half iron Aquabike medal! 

And I did have fun!

**I know I've been  slacking on the actual blog posts, I do frequently update my facebook page though: facebook !

EDS Awareness Month

This post is about me and living and training with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. 

I have written many blog posts about EDS.  As I've said before I don't want this blog to be ABOUT Ehlers Danlos, but it is part of me.  I've tried to describe some daily issues I experience in hopes to bring some more awareness to the disorder.  For Awareness month, I have added this new post.

This video is an example of what others with EDS experience.

It is a spectrum disorder, so it's affects are different on each and every one of us.  Today I will share more with you on how it affects ME.  I am highly active for someone with EDS, but it isn't without sacrifice or pain.  I usually laugh when I am asked "on a pain scale of 1-10, what is it?" - I often giggle, who's pain scale? I live with a 3 every day. 3-4 is normal.  If I ever wake up and have no pain, I wonder "am I dead?"

My migraines are what led me to my diagnosis of EDS.  Migraines are debilitating, at one point I had a migraine for 24 days out of every month, I would have just a regular headache the other days. Then it would repeat.  I learned to deal with them, and I became a fine tuned medical testing facility.  I know so much more about my body than most non-medical professionals.  My chiropractor laughs when I tell him the exact bones that are out.

I have learned how to cope, from medication,  to massage, heat, cold, hottub, KTTape, or rest.  Rest is a hard one for me though. As a Type A, go-getter, I find it REALLY hard to 'just rest,' especially when I have an Ironman schedule to keep!  It is hard to tell when I'm being lazy and just 'want' to skip a workout, vs when I should just rest.  Some days, I have no choice.

On an average day, one to several joints will be subluxed (aka out of place).  If I run, the top of foot collapses at the Navicular bone. I try desperately to run and not aggravate it, orthotics don't really work because my bones are just squishy and fall over the orthotic.  KT tape helps to reduce the squish, but it doesn't eliminate it.  After a 40 min run, I am guaranteed to not be able to put weight on my foot for a few hours.

This is one of the reasons I hate running ;). But hey, it's part of Ironman so I have to push through!

I had a ton of problems with my neck and upper back, then in Feb I had a breast reduction.  (I owe a blog post on that alone).  It was the best thing I've ever done and can't believe I waited this long!  My migraines have been reduced (not eliminated), and my upper back pain and ribhead subluxations have been reduced by I'd say 50%!  Not to say they don't still bother me, but a 50% reduction in that pain is calls for a WHOOP WHOOP!

Another area of contention is my shoulder. This past weekend it was not cooperative.  I had a 100 mile ride and every 30 miles or so I was off the bike, looking for a tree to shove my arm back in place. It isn't as painful as the foot, but it is incredibly annoying.  I've fully dislocated my shoulder before on a bike ride, it happens so fast too. I stumbled  on my aerobars and next thing I knew my shoulder was at my ear. Unlike normal humans though, I can shove it back and move on. Sure it hurt, but I live.

My hips often sublux, it happened on the 100 mile ride I mentioned before.  The simple act of swinging my leg over the bike pulled my femur straight out of the hip joint.  Sometimes I can put that back, sometimes not.  In this case, I rode with it out for about 20 miles then it went back.  It causes pain and I know if I KEEP it out of the socket that I will inflame the entire joint and will be in trouble.

There are many other joints that sublux or just ache, hands, neck, knees, really anything can come out on any given day. It depends on the weather or who knows!

Another issue for those with EDS (or really any joint problem) is the weather.  High and low pressure systems particularly affect us.  A high pressure system is like the earth giving us a hug, holding in the joints.  Low pressure turns me into a big blob!  The last week has been High ,Low, High , Low, extreme temperatures, crazy events, storms, etc.  I am paying for it dearly.  All I wanted to do last week was sleep, and it just killed me, I felt so lazy for not doing workouts. I finally gave up and decided my body needed a break.  Another KILLER thing is when these systems come through it SUCKS THE LIFE out of my training.  I can  lose strength and muscle in a matter of days.  It is the price I have to pay.

I have to THINK about all of my joints and muscles with every step, pedal or swim stroke.

Do I write this for sympathy? no.  It is for awareness of those with 'invisible' illnesses. You REALLY don't know what people around you are going through, so careful not to judge.

There isn't anything I can do about the EDS. It isn't curable, and it's not that treatable either.  I do fear that I use it as an excuse sometimes for my lack of speed, or sometimes when I just don't want to do a workout.  There is a fine line between 'excuse' and 'yes I need to rest.' I HOPE I've finally found that line.

It is not without cost, I assure you. But I wouldn't have it any other way, I enjoy being active.  I don't do small either, hence IRONMAN!

Here's to another High pressure system!



**I know I've been  slacking on the actual blog posts, I do frequently update my facebook page though: facebook !

Boston Marathon - The Good

It is hard to explain how I feel today so this is what I wrote yesterday!

I am devastated, disgusted, and dumbfounded at today's attacks! It is so close to home. I am not native to Boston, but I've been here for 17 years, so it is home. This isn't just an attack on humanity, but also a close personal attack on athletics. So many hopes and dreams are left out on race days. You train and think of nothing other than that personal triumph of crossing a finish line. So much was stolen from the athletes, the supporters, Bostonians, and Americans. Don't let them win. Everyone take this opportunity to go find a finish line and cross it for those who could not today. Do a 5k, 1mile fun run, anything! Take back the finish line.

I am horrified, as most of us are, at the pictures, videos, stories of yesterday.  It seems like a bad dream.  Normally Marathon coverage is uplifting, sometimes even overkill. There are so many really amazing stories, each athlete is running for something.  Racing is something you can't explain to those that don't do it. It is in your heart, your bones, your soul.  You can't help but watch  'uplifting' stories on Monday night or Tuesday.  Today those stories are missing and I want to offer two stories to share.

First:
My friend Jay ran yesterday's Marathon in the time it takes me to do a HALF marathon!  He was racing for a really great cause, First Descents!   Jay was running to help provide outdoor experiences and adventures for young adult cancer fighters and survivors.

In addition to his great speed, great cause, he was central to a true family event.  His sister Megan is pregnant with her first child.  Megan had her ultrasound, had the results sealed in an envelope, and she handed to her brother Jay. No one but Jay knew the sex of the baby until yesterday.

The whole family waited for Jay at mile 23.

He greeted them with his "ITS A BOY" T-shirt!

He also carried little blue sneakers for 23 miles so he could hand them to his Sister.

Jay crossed the finish line a while before the bombings, but there was a slight where the family couldn't find each other.  Happy to report everyone is ok!

TO donate to Jay's cause please visit: http://www.crowdrise.com/teamfirstdescents2013/fundraiser/jasonbirri/


My second story is about my Pan Mass Challenge teammate  Kris, and her daughter Kayla.

Kris has run several marathons, but yesterday was the first DUO!  As a matter of fact, they are the first mother-daughter duo to RUN the Boston Marathon!

Kayla is 18 and suffers from mitochondrial disease.  Mom pushed Kayla 26.2 miles to this amazing accomplishment of being the FIRST!

Here they are at mile 17! *fb pic*

They are raising money for Children's Hospital, where Kayla has been a patient for years. They wanted to give back when Children's has given them so much!

Check out the story in the: Milford Daily News
Check out the Interview before the Marathon!

Kayla and Kris were one of the last few finishers before they shut down the race.  They passed by the explosion site just as it happened. Some family members required stitches from some shrapnel, but everyone is safe.

I am proud of them for finishing this, for fighting so hard and for doing something no other mother daughter team has ever done!  WAY TO GO!

The K girls are looking to raise $26K,check out their fundraising page to help push them over the edge! http://www.milesformiracles.org/boston/kgirls

**if you have other stories to share please do so on my facebook page for all to see!

Lastly, please consider taking back the finish line!  Go find a race and DO IT for everyone that could not cross yesterday!

Chicken Finger

I really need to get back to some of my training antics and the bizarre and funny things that happen to me! Like who sees Fred Flintstone bowling in the pool?, or drops chicken salad in her shoe?, or ends up with Milk in her eye?.... yea this girl!

So, a little back-story on this one.  My parents had a pool and got rid of it.  They had tons of extra beach towels and offered them to me. Of course I took them!  I didn't think anything of it, and like probably most of you, in the grogginess of 4AM, I stuffed a towel in my bag and went to the FAMILY FRIENDLY gym.

I swam, then showered.  Upon finishing my shower I went to grab my towel that was hanging on the outside of the stall.  This is what I see.

I thought, WHAT THE HELL? is that  a FINGER?   I then opened towel and see this: 

MOM, WHAT WERE YOU THINKING??


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Shrinking the Girls!

I have debated whether or not to blog about this, and decided it was best to share.  I’m having a breast reduction next Thursday!  I had so many cute, funny titles to this but that would just invite the freak-shows that tend to search the key word ‘boob’ or ‘fat’ and that’s all I need.. more freaks!

What really made me decide to share:

Well first, I’m not that shy. 

Second:  I know some of you will wonder why I fell off the face of the earth for a month. And most importantly, I have received the BEST comments from so many followers. I still remain so humbled that I am being followed all over the world.  So many women have mustered the courage to strive to their fitness goals, regardless of size.  They tell me I was their mentor, or I encouraged them, but in reality, that they already had in them.  I've also had some negative comments, like one woman said I called myself fat just to get attention. (I can think of other things to do to get attention, and none of which would involve trying to eat right and exercise)!  I will pay it forward in my openness here! 

Lastly, I have thought about this procedure for a long time.  I have gained the courage through others that have had it done.  From Facebook support groups, to just random friends that have had it done. I've only seen/heard of ONE person that wasn't happy they did it – so here I go!

I also write a little of this larger side of things for the many athletes I know who ‘want boobs.’ I've been asked “can I have your leftovers?”; “is there a donation to the needy?”; read on girls, you may not want them!

I've always been on the larger size. I can’t say I hate them, because sometimes it’s nice to HIDE MY FAT, or to wear a low cut dress. BUT, I kid you not, they are a PAIN!

I giggle every time I see / think about this cartoon

Yea it rings true, BUT I’m NOT AN OLD LADY.  Aside from the aesthetics, I see a chiropractor twice a week! Yes that’s 90 visits a year. 12 visits are covered by insurance.  Most people who know me say “really, you aren't that big” but I've always worn bigger shirts, and to be honest, nice cute shirts do not fit. 

I am constantly battling the button bulge!  If I do find a shirt that fits, it is way too wide. I went through a period (like 8 years) that I would only wear a tankini and button my shirt half way up.  I was forever uni-boob! 

I didn't care, I was just tired of bra shopping. Nothing ever fit and it was always a waste of money.  Victoria's Secret ‘measured’ me once, said 40D.  I was horrified at being a 40, but that didn't fit either. I had to stuff the girls into that bra and they would hang over the sides or UNDER.. God I hate underboob.

Then one day I went to a real bra shop and was measured properly.  36H.  Yes you heard that right. Yea I was much happier that my ribcage was a 36 and not a 40.. but an H? What the hell is an H? I saw this cup that I could store a small dog in. BUT, I didn't let it get to me, purchased those bras and actually felt a little smaller in my clothing.

Workout gear sucks too.  For some reason they keep putting this stupid zipper in women’s clothing. Great! Except when I fall out of them! Countless times the zipper just flies open and exposes cleavage.  (where’s the photographer?).  I wear my bike jersey with the zipper down too, because it is too tight all the way up.  I was horrified to need a MENs XL!  Now, for some stupid reason, bike shirts are made about 4 sizes too small, but still. 

Although there is one thing I will definitely miss… I have a built in pocket in the cleavage. Such a great place for my towel!  (yea think of your Great Aunt sticking Kleenex there.. yup that’s me). I'll never forget the look on my newer at the time riding partner's face. I pulled out my towel, dabbed my face and he said "WHERE DID YOU GET THAT???"  - uh.. here?

Once, I didn't have headphones, so I just put my phone on the mp3 player and shoved it down my shirt with the volume up. You should have seen the looks, no one could figure out where the sound was coming from!

When I did my first half marathon, I discovered the real chafing  pain of the breasts.  I have learned to run and not bounce through  Chi Running, but that doesn't take all the swaggle away. I KNOW that some people have slowed their cars at the moving and shaking of the well endowed women runners, but I assure you, it is not comfortable.  At that first half marathon, about mile 10, I dumped water over my head, and then felt this BURN.  Later I looked and saw that I had a 2 inch RING around my ribcage from the rubbing of the elastic of the sports bra.  I think I still have a small scar from that! 

Yea this pic is great, but I hate the video.. You can REALLY see my boobs are going one direction and my feet another. I can’t wait for my entire body to cooperate and go the same direction!

I’m nervous of the surgery, I’ve never had stitches.  Yea 39 years old and I escaped that life event until now. I swear my brother was stitched enough for the both of us!  I’m nervous that I’m going to have to relearn how to swim and run.  Will I sink now that I’m getting rid of the buoys? Will I need my bike refitted now that I won’t have to knee  myself in the boob with every pedal stroke of the bike?

Will I run like the wind? (yea probably not).

Wish me luck and send any good thoughts next week. I will be down on most of my training for about 30 days. I’m not particularly excited about that, but I think in the long run, it will be awesome!

Here goes nuthin!


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A Night at The Pool

It's been a while since I had a random post about nothin', so here goes!

I almost drowned last night!

Normally I'm an AM workout person, I can't motivate myself to do anything after work, so 4AM it is for me!  I know the people at the gym at that time, athletes and old folks that just want to get the job done and start their day.  The AM has its share of grumpy people but hey it 2 hrs before the sun comes up!

Yesterday I had intended on my normal AM swim, then remembered I needed some fasting bloodwork.  It really isn't a good idea to go workout for an hour on an empty stomach so I opted to move my swim to the evening.

WHAT a difference in the people at the gym!  I got there and the pool was full so I waited for a lane (well half of a lane). I jumped in and my FIRST lane share partner was great, we didn't hit each other in any way.  The person in the NEXT lane kept hitting me under the rope, which I found slightly odd..... then she actually GRABBED My foot!  I thought "am I out of my line here?" (watching her alone, nope, she just was grabbing under the water?!).

There was a kid swim class going on in the first 2 lanes, they were cute and on my 'kick' sets I enjoyed watching them, and the parents.  So cute!  - the head back in the water!  My 2nd lane partner wasn't so nice!  His front half was fine, but he had this weird scissor kick that was as wide as someone doing the butterfly!  Hey I thought practice for IM!

THEN ... I was reminded of my time at Bally's.  Everyday there was something amusing or really annoying.  This dad and his kid just jumped into our lane.  I approached the wall and thought, uh? do I just TAG YOU IN?... they moved out of the way.. then proceeded to CHASE me, kicking and splashing.  They didn't bother my swim THAT Much, was simply very odd.  They kept this up in TWO lanes for about 20 min!

Then came my near drowning incident.

I look over under the water, there was a larger guy in the next lane, big round belly, tiny legs.  He had one of those flotation things around his waste, his legs were bent and he seemed to be 'walking' on his tippy toes.  ALL I could see and hear was Fred Flintstone and that sound when he would go bowling.. I snorted water in TWICE by trying to hold in my laughter.

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Paleo Update

I apologize for the delay in my posts.  I have several in my head, I just need time to get fingers to keyboard! I guess that's the irony of "Ironman Journey", the closer the journey gets, the harder it is to find time to write.

So many of you saw from my facebook page that I was interested in the Paleo Diet. I put the question out there, and as suspected people love or hate it.  Many don't "agree" with the principles, and many think it's the best thing since (not eating) sliced bread.

You all know I've struggled with weight most of my life.  I just can't lose it! Last year, eating mostly right, and all the training I did resulted in almost no weight loss.  Sad because at one point I was training near 20 hrs a week!  Don't worry folks, yes I watched calories, yes I have been to a doctor and believe it not I was on a weight loss drug for a period last summer too.. the result was NADA!

Then came the holidays, cold weather, and 'rest' period from training. This resulted in me gaining 15lbs.  Awesome! No, I didn't drink myself silly or eat all cake, but I wasn't as careful and I certainly didn't stick to a diet, but I was reasonable.

I've tried every diet on the market.  My body just wants to have a higher fat content I think.   So a few friends  have had success with the Paleo, so I thought, even with the controversy, I'd give it a try.

The research is so conflicting on what is/ isn't included in this diet. So, I decided to go with my gut. I'm eating what I think is right given the premise "eat what is natural and not industrialized." That means cutting out processed grains, most dairy, and lots and lots of chemicals.

I have no idea what is right or wrong, for example: you can read one book and it says organic butter is ok, yet another says NO WAY. I'm just going to continue to do it my way, the results are there:

15 days, down 7 lbs.

I'm loving playing in the kitchen again. I am not loving the grocery bill!  We wonder why America is fat? well it's because most people can't afford to eat foods good for you!  I know I won't keep up with the fully organic everything, but I'll do my best.  This is what my kitchen counter looked like in preparing for breakfast and lunch at work, so much stuff!

My favorite dish so far, is probably not 100% paleo but it's close enough. Shrimp Scampi on spaghetti squash..  Spaghetti squash has become my new love! You can do so much with it, if you don't cut your arm off trying to prepare it.

Making lunch has been sorta fun. It does take some planning and lengthy AM preparations to eat healthy, but I have to say I'm not starving with this diet.  This was a turkey,tomato and avocado "lettuce' wrap.

 This was breakfast one day.  Poached egg, coconut butter on paleo bread with avocado and tomato to accompany!  I can do without the paleo bread, it is rather dry. I can't wait to try it in some sort of  casserole with it.

I've tried so many things these past two weeks. If nothing else I'm having fun discovering some healthy foods.


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