Foto Friday

CW-X Bra Review and Post Race Reflection

I'm saving the boob stuff for further down the post so I don't lose my male readership (if there is any) right at the start.

Race Reflection

I've had a few days to reflect (read obsess) about my race. I've come to understand some important things. I raised over $4,400 for Leukemia and Lymphoma research. All told, Team In Training raised over 1 million dollars!! Over 1 million dollars! When they told us that's how much was raised, I nearly fell off my proverbial seat. Damn TNT people, you are good! By the way, my fundraising site will be up for another month so you can still donate if you are so inclined. Just click the "Team In Training" image on the upper right and it will take you to the fundraising page.

Sitting in my son's stroller, trying to give my back a break without breaking the stroller...my ass is squeezed in there so tightly it's shocking.

I've had to consider the added benefits I've gained besides race day. I received some amazing coaching, I am now decidedly "in shape" (or at least better shape...or a shape of some kind), I have a new laundry list of available goals, I am learning how to better focus my energies and am conquering fears (my swim this past Sunday can attest to that). I'm sure there are a plethora of other things I am not even considering or may not even be aware of. But this thing is bigger than I am and I want to be on board for the ride.

Pills

My back is feeling much better today although not 100% (maybe 80%). Thanks in part to the the pharmaceutical industry. A little, actually horse size, pill called Lodine; a prescription strength anti-inflammatory. I've only taken 2-3, but I have to wonder what was intended when I look at the shear number of pills in the bottle.

Is this a harbinger of things to come? Has my doctor so little faith in my body's ability to hold up under pressure? Or is this just a simple manifestation of age, I mean I have turned 40 like three times. I guess I'll keep them around, since I can't sell them on the street. I don't think there is a black market for anti-inflammatories. I know I've read about some folks using Bio-freeze. Any thoughts on that would be appreciated.

CW-X Xtra Support Bra
(Here is where you guys bail, unless boobs are your thing...I already see the comedy in that statement...)

Ok, first off, these are working boobs. They may be retired, but they have logged in 14 months of breastfeeding. I don't even want to think about what that means in terms of hours or ounces. While this makes them somewhat heroic, they are decidedly sad looking. But this isn't about their appearance, it is about supporting them in all their asymmetrical, overly enhanced glory.

I am currently a 34 C/D depending on the bra maker. I am an underwire gal. I, however, miss sports bras with no underwire (pre baby...those were the days), and racer back sport bras. I also HATE, HATE, HATE the loaf. Oh, you know what I am talking about. those compression sports bras that make it look like you are smuggling a loaf of wonder bread (we triathletes would never eat that!); the dreaded, dare I say it...uniboob! The mammary cyclops.

Enter the CW-X Xtra Support Bra. I own it in a 34D. I have used this bra in several training sessions and in my last (which happen to be my only) two triathlons. The fact that I wasn't even aware of it while training or racing, makes it a winner in my book. I didn't feel like the twins (they are fraternal, by the way, due to their asymmetry) were trying to make a break for it. The company behind CW-X is Wacoal. I also happen to be a huge (no pun intended) fan of their Awareness Underwire bra, it keeps the girls up high and is super comfy. From their website: "The 5-point inner cup Targeted Support Web™ in our line of bras is made up of five interconnected inner cup straps that support each breast independently without excessive compression or wires." Woo Hoo!! No wires!

Click to read the small print.

This, of course, is not me; I am neither that thin nor that shiny. (thank you Zappos.com for the pics)

Yes, I would have gladly modeled this myself, but I have not got around to doing the laundry, and it is kind of rancid from the Hudson River, and I've been kind of busy, and well, you know how life just gets in the way. I know the little clasp thing there in the back might set you off, it did me, but it was remarkably easy to fasten and unfasten, for that matter. I never experienced any chafing with this bra either, this is oh so important. It comes in black, light blue and white. I've seen it retail for average $56.00. You can find it for less online and if you are of the rare size you can find it for a lot less.

So gather your twins together, actually don't, lift and separate them, and get out and train!

Race Report: Nautica NYC Triathlon

Sunday, July 26
Finish Time: 3:17:51 (Boo! Hiss!)
AG Place: 89/126

Life is not fair. What parent didn't utter these very words to a whining child's, "It's not fair!" This is what I have been whining (I think my husband is tiring of me). I had been visualizing my race, feeling confident, feeling excited and stoked for race day. I woke up Saturday with a full day ahead of me: finished packing my transition bag, prepped my bike (pumped tires, attached race number, etc), dropped off my bike at transition, attended the Team In Training pasta dinner....oh, and emptied the dishwasher. Emptied the damn dishwasher. Tupperware, I was putting away Tupperware. How much does Tupperware weigh? Mere ounces? Less than a full water bottle, certainly less than my bike. TWANG! There goes my back. So sudden and so painful I caught my breath. I have dealt with back pain over the years and have been diagnosed with a herniated disc, but I have trained for 5 long months for this race with no back issues to speak of. EMPTYING THE DAMN DISHWASHER!! LIFE IS NOT FAIR!

I spent the rest of my day trying not to think about it. In between trying not to think about it and taking care of race prep, I would lie on the floor flat on my back or on my Miracle Balls (too upset to even "insert joke here"), listening to freakin Chakra mediation music and dosing on Ibuprofen. Hoping a good night's rest will help and thinking positively.

I got up at 4 AM. Felt really well rested and was wide awake. Still felt my back , but could it be feeling a little better? Was it wishful thinking? Ate my breakfast, washed my face, then the sky opened up and downpour, lightening. OK, whatever, I can't do anything about the weather. I waited, it stopped so I left at about 4:45 AM. I live right near the course so I walked to transition to set up my stuff. A little more rain, but not too bad. Setting up my stuff and trying to be mindful of my back......TWANG! Again, it went again. I want to sob at this point, but I won't, I just keep going.

A mile walk to swim start. I get up there and drop off my post race stuff to have at the finish line. The guy at the truck had a marker and did me the favor of body marking me since the line was ridiculous! He told me he was only doing it for me because he ran with Team In Training last year (racing with TNT has perks!). I went to my holding pen and waited. In the pen behind me was Chloe and her Dad. What nice folks! They came up from Florida to do the race. I also saw my son's classmate's mom in the pen on the other side of me (she rocked the race!). Finished putting on my wetsuit (painfully) and saw my husband nearby. I chatted with him, he asked about my back....it hurts. He offered to go home and get some pain reliever, but there was no time; next thing I know we are heading for the start pontoon.

1 Mile Swim: 26:09

She doesn't look too terrified, does she?

I jumped into the water and held onto the rope. I was on the inside and just wondering if there was room to fit on the outside of the rope and the horn sounded; problem solved. I started swimming. I was doing ok for a while, then started to feel this pressure on my chest. I have been trying to deal with this in open water. Something about me in a wetsuit in open water makes me feel like I cannot breathe. I keep swimming and sighting and I start thinking, "I can't breathe, I can't do this, It's so far away, what was I thinking, I am swimming in the Hudson River, who does that? where are the damn kayaks? I need to grab a kayak and call it a day." I turned over on my back, regrouped, took a deep breath, got my bearings, then started out again. It was still hard, but I kept at it and finally found my stroke and was able to relax into the swim. It was crazy scary for me, I don't mind saying. I felt some things under the water I don't even want to think about. I got passed by some other folks in the wave behind me, but I didn't care, I just wanted to make it out alive. As I approached the end, there is this layer of silt that you are warned not to stand up in or you will get stuck in, nice....makes you want to come and race here huh? Next thing I know there is a hand pulling me out of the water (this is legal and part of the race as there is a ramp coming out of that silt I mention, so everyone got a helping hand).

T1: 8:10

Swim Exit....what is that on my face you ask?

See my algae beard? Yummy!

Shocking right? I ran out from the swim and started stripping my wetsuit to the waist. It was a 1/4 mile run barefoot on asphalt to my transition area. I stopped just outside transition at a bench, lots of room, stripped off the rest of my wetsuit (others had the same idea) and finished my run in. Threw off my swim stuff, go on my bike gear and headed out.

24.8 Mile Bike: 1:33:32



The bike course was an out and back (OAB) on the highway, although on the return you passed the entrance/exit to circle around and back again for a short distance. I got out onto the bike course without any problem ate a GU and just started to ramp up my speed. The bike course was really good. There was some nice fast downhills, which also meant long uphills, but doable. I felt like I was doing well, I was passing a lot of people, but my time says different, I need to go faster. My back was hurting, but I just tried to focus on my pedaling cadence. I got really pissed off at one point. I'm sorry, but there is a reason why they don't allow ipods on the race course. While I don't much care in the running course, I feel it is dangerous in the bike course. I kept yelling "left!" at the woman who was riding in front of me (passing no one!) to let her know I wanted to pass, but she couldn't hear me. I know I'm a newbie at this, but that is just w-r-o-n-g! With about 15 minutes left in the bike I ate another GU and headed off the bike exit.

T2: 2:54

Finished the bike with no problems, but was dreading what my back would feel like once I straightened out. As expected, it was awful. I pushed on, got out of my bike gear and into my sneakers, visor, watch and took a swig of nuun. Headed out the run and straight for the potties. Oh yes my friends. For those who have been with me longer, you know I have bladder issues thanks to birthing a baby. I hit the head and then ran out onto the course.

6.2 Mile Run: 1:07:07 (abysmal)

Pain from every angle.

Straight out of the run is a very steep, albeit short uphill until you reach the road. The next mile into Central Park is a steady incline, just enough to notice, but not enough to kill you (unless you are me). The crowds cheering was amazing, I've never witnessed anything like it. It was the only thing that carried me that first mile. My upper quads were starting to cramp and my lower back felt like it was on fire. I kept pushing. I grabbed some Cytomax at the first station and alternated with water at every other station. I got into the park and started heading into mile 2. My friend Laurie caught up with me on her bike. I was feeling really low; hoping my quads wouldn't get worse and hoping my back would (warm up). Laurie rode beside me for a bit, but I really was in too much pain to interact on any level. I seemed to be running past the cramping, which was good, but my back pain was not relenting. I finally had to stop and walk. I hated to do it, but I was absolutely miserable. I walked for a minute or two then started running again. I made it another two miles I'd say and then I had to stop again. I wanted to start crying I hurt so bad, but I knew I had to keep going, I had to finish. This is how my race continued; I ran as far as I could until the pain was unbearable then I would walk a little, then start running again.

There were TNT coaches all along the course which was so great seeing familiar faces, but it was the one female coach (Tamsyn) at mile 4.5 that saw me and came over and said, "Are you in pain?" Again, I wanted to just sob, but I just said, "yes, my back". She told asked if stretching it would help and if not just to power walk like this (she demonstrated), all this while I was still moving along. I thank her for recognizing me and offering her help and advice. I couldn't power walk my way across the finish line. Finally with a 1.5 miles to go, I just set my teeth and did what I could to run the rest of the way. The crowd was so loud, people yelling "Go Team! Your not only racing you're saving lives!" That is what got me to the end. I was so happy to see the finish line I just sprinted as fast as I could so it could finally be over.

As shitty as I felt I still raised my arms over my head with a big smile, but trust me I did not feel that way inside. I was finished, it was over. I had made it, but I was so disappointed. I'm holding back tears now just writing this.

Fakin' it!

Post Race Thoughts

Logically, I know shit happens. It doesn't excuse itself, it just comes along craps on you and leaves without apologizing. It happens to everyone. It was beyond my control, right? Did I push myself hard enough? I can't help but feel ashamed of my poor performance, yet I know I shouldn't. Five months of hard work, to have it culminate in such a disastrous way. Ok, time for me to stop feeling sorry for myself.

Getting my High 5.

My biggest fan with Kash, my brother in law.

Luckily or ironically, I had a long standing appointment with my Orthopedist this morning. To follow up on the labral tear in my left hip (which has been feeling not too bad). I told him about my back and he did some manipulating of the leg to see how the hip and back were feeling. Ouch. He told me he wants me to take it easy for two weeks; only swimming. He gave me an RX for some heavy anti-inflammatories and a prescription for PT. This time he told me he wants me to go to where he sends his pro athletes (he is the spinal doc for the NY Islanders hockey team and the NY Jets football team) for the PT.

My friends and family came out in force yesterday to cheer me on. Thank you so much, I was overwhelmed. I'm sorry I wasn't in greater spirits. All I could think about was my floor at home and how nice it was going to feel to lie on it.

With Rosa, my honoree.

I also have to say, that I encountered nothing but positive energy from all of the participants, the spectators, the staff. I will do this race again; I have to. I have to know how it feels to enjoy doing this race as a healthy person, and I have to beat this time (which should prove easy, prayer to the gods of flat tires).

Maybe next year babe...

Foto Friday: Postponed Due to Pre Race Ramblings

A work of art, no?

First, Thank you to everyone who has visited in the last couple of days for their words of encouragement and well wishes. I appreciate this more than you know!! Best of luck too to everyone racing this weekend!!

I have some thoughts.....It happens occasionally. They are pretty random, although entirely race related, even if by a thread. Some of this is based on good advice. For instance, my mantra while running has been the 4 count (1,2,3,4...1,2,3,4) to keep me on pace. Coach suggested we have one and I have decided recently to steal his. The reason lies in his explanation for why he uses the one he does. He claims (although at this point it is hard to believe) that he didn't really like running and wasn't a runner (and hey, neither am I!), until one day in a race someone literally picked him up off the ground and told him, "You are a runner!" So, he started repeating. "I'm a run-ner." I like it! I stole it! I have given credit where credit is due! I've tried it out too and it seems to fit me. So I'm sticking with it (Go steal your own mantra - I know, like mine is soooo original).

Piece of advice number 2: Come up with a song to sing on the bike that keeps you motivated (no ipods allowed on the race course), and sing it out loud (yeah, I'll be singing while I gasp for air). What songs do I know by heart, why the ones I have been singing for the last 25 years. My choices read like the playlist from my high school prom:

Turning Japanese-The Vapors
Oh Micky-Toni Basil
Dancing With Myself-Billy Idol
Echo Beach-Martha and the Muffins
Our Lips Are Sealed-The Go-Go's
Mexican Radio- Wall of Voodoo
Video Killed the Radio Star-The Buggles
Fairytale of New York-The Pogues

I would have liked to get some Smiths or Morrissey in there, but too depressing.

Besides finishing the race, which I am pretty sure I will be able to do. My big goal is to finish the run portion in under an hour, even if by mere seconds. I have done this once, so it is a tall order. But I've put it out there, so now I've got to try to live up to it.

My all access pass to Yellow Transition area. The one waaaaaaay over there, a 1/4 mile away.

I'm having a hard time understanding the logic behind the transition areas. There are two: Red and Yellow. The red is the nearest to the swim exit, the yellow is waaaaaaaaaay down the river walk about 400 yds.-1/4 mile!- from the swim exit (running on asphalt and also why my T1 will be a half hour!!). I know, I'm bitching and over thinking this, but over thinking is what I do best (or was that bitching?). All pros, elites, old men (sorry guys, but being old I can call you old) and ALL women are at the farthest transition area. All the Clydesdales, Athenas, para triathletes, first responders and, get this, the young guys! The young guys are at the closer transition area?! I know there must be some logic to this that is escaping me. They should let all the old people, like me, be in there. Waaaa! Ok, I'm done kvetching.

Went to the race pack pick-up and expo today for the "mandatory briefing" (so CIA, stealth mission-ish). While leaving said briefing and headed to race pack pick-up a woman turned to me and said, "Wow, there are a lot of very fit people here." I just smiled, but I'm thinking, "Why has she singled me out for this comment? Do I look unfit and am thus her comrade in arms? Or do I just look friendly and approachable?" I happen to know I do not look friendly and approachable, I have been told as much (even though I am friendly and approachable). I had been thinking recently how I might be looking fit-ter, although not Triathlete Magazine cover fit, but I've always been an athlete, and although I have not lost the last few (less than 10!) pounds of baby (pre-school) weight, I've always been told I was pretty fit. Well, at least she looked like she was in my age group, so I'll just have to kick her butt! So much for friendly and approachable.

By the way, here is my race jersey with number and my color of swim cap if you are insane enough to drag yourself to the water's edge to watch at 6:38 AM. I know, I didn't really do anything to the jersey to make it "distinct", but there are promises of "customization" equipment at the TNT pasta dinner on Saturday evening. If not, well, keep your eyes peeled, otherwise see you at the finish.

I'm sorry, but I happen to think I have lucked out with some cool numbers:

• My first 5k: 200
• My first Tri: 454
• This race: 2234 (too bad it isn't 1234)

Been having some calf cramping in the mornings this week which is weird because I haven't had them at all. They're not too bad, but trying to keep them at bay. Last workout this morning, a lovely swim.......BRING IT!!!

Toddler Trot

Nautica NYC Triathlon sponsored a Toddler Trot this morning with Sponge Bob as the special guest (Baby Toots was too terrified of him).


It was free, and I like anything that is free especially where my kid is concerned. I live in a city that charges RIDICULOUS amounts of cash for your kid to spend 45 minutes once a week to eat paste and color; it's galling. So, when I saw this event was gratis I didn't hesitate. I also need to mention that my kid (like me) hates to try new things. I am old enough to know better, he is young enough to use guilt and reverse psychology on. As a result of this well honed skilled set my son agreed to go and participated. It was also nice that one of his classmates was there (his mom is also doing the race on Sunday).

The actual director of the Triathlon, John Korff presided over this event as well, which I thought was pretty impressive; I don't know which is more difficult, organizing a sporting event for 3,000 adults, or marshaling 100 toddlers to the starting line. We signed in and got his race number and wave assignment (ha!)


They lined up and when the horn sounded they were off to the swim


Then the bike

he struggled so moms were aloud to help (no disqualifications at this age)

Then a run to the finish line to get a medal!

Lots of paparazzi around to capture the moment

Then it was time to unwind and let off some steam

Does anyone remember "Romparoom"? I had these things, they were so cool back in the day.

A very nice event and also nicely organized....I think we'll train more for next year so we can kick some butt!

The underwear run is tomorrow night, but I'm thinking perhaps not. I may go and check it out, but I won't be caught dead in my underwear in public, it's enough I am wearing spandex (come on, let's not kid ourselves with "dri-tek") on Sunday.

NYC Triathlon Prep - Part II

Ok people, this is what you have been asking for. Well, maybe not those in blogland who are about as interested in this race as heat rash on a hot summer day. You, you friends and family, yeah, YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE, who wanted my whereabouts on race day.

I have to premise this by letting you know how amusing this is to me. I don't mean to belittle your naivete, and it isn't as bad as trying to find a fart in a sandstorm, but it isn't science and you might have to wait.....and wait.....for me. So based on what I know about my abilities, barring any unforeseen circumstances, adding a bit of padding to the time and hoping I am not being overly optimistic, or exceedingly pessimistic, I give you my itinerary, with map/chart for those of you who are more right brained like myself:

6:38 AM Swim start (green -not fluorescent green - swim cap) @ 98th St. Hudson River
7:10 AM Swim Exit (I am truly hoping I am padding this time!)
7:20 AM Leave T1 for Bike (Transition area YELLOW - again padding)
**You will most probably not really see that much of the bike except around 79th Street on/off ramp as it is on the highway and I am not sure they will be letting spectators on there.
9:10 AM Finish bike enter T2 (transition for the run)
9:20 AM leave T2 for Run onto West 72nd street headed towards Central Park

10:25 AM cross finish line inside Central Park - JUST EAST OF SHEEP MEADOW (let's hope it is sooner than this!)

I have also included these lovely interactive maps as promised for each discipline of the race:

SWIM


BIKE


RUN

I suggest you also go back to Part I and check out some of the links that will show you where there are good spectator spots. My suggestion is this: If you don't want to to get up early, cuz who does, to see the swim, watch somewhere along 72nd between Riverside Park and Central Park. You can always then trek into Central Park and watch the finish line while the runners wind their way around the Park.

SOME IMPORTANT BUSINESS

This is going to sound like some lame academy awards speech, but bear with me. I need to thank some folks for helping to get me where I am (for crying out loud, you'd think I was doing an ironman or something), and that was no easy feat! First and foremost, my sitter, who stayed late two nights a week to watch my son so I could go to my group runs and swims. My husband for sleeping on the couch when I had an early wake up call (he snores), helping watch out for Baby Toots when I was "on duty" and for schlepping (sniff). Laurie, who has been my biggest fan through all of this and even stepped into some shit with me, thanks bud! My sis and bro-in-law for flying out from CA to support me and watch the little man. My parents, mom for arranging the 50/50 drawing and words of support from both. My network of friends both near and far who have been of constant encouragement. My fellow bloggers who read my blathering and still managed to stay long enough to post a comment and whose blogs continue to inspire and make me laugh. A special shout out to fellow blogger Sherry, who has been with me almost from the beginning and was my inspiration for my own blog madness. Triathlete pro extraordinaire, Bree Wee, who was kind enough to share her recovery balls recipe that I will have with me on race day!

I also can't end this post without a special thanks to Rosaria Usini, who let me run this race in her honor for Team In Training. And lastly, my coaches from TriLife: Head Coach Scott Willett, who makes it all seem so easy, Jay Borok for taking so much time to get me fitted on my bike properly (and both of them for having such a great sense of humor!), Mike Galvan, George Vafiades, Tamsyn Bulmer and Michelle who's last name I don't know, but who was at every group swim to lend encouragement and advice. Without these folks lending their time and wisdom I shudder to think where I might (not) be. "Thank you. You like me, you really, really like me"..sniff..(couldn't resist the Sally Field effect).

I'm still working on making my jersey "stand out" like a nudist at a church picnic, so check back and I'll have a pic later this week.

NYC Triathlon Prep - Part I

This is my game face. We really can learn a lot from our pets. I am in full on taper mode and not a moment too soon. I am so exhausted from training, working and motherhood. I'm not sure which of those is the most challenging (my vote: motherhood, it's like a triathlon of patience everyday).

Of course the big question everyone asks is, "Are you ready?" If I'm not friggin' ready at this point I have no business toeing the line. As coach says, "There is nothing you can do now until race day to make you any more fit, but you sure can do a lot to ruin all your hard work." Or something along those lines, you get the drift. I've got this ear worm of him on a continuous loop telling us not to do anything new before race day. I'm afraid to whiten my teeth for God's sake! Can I color my hair? I have done that while training. I can't be seen with grays on race day for crying out loud!

Second question, "Are you nervous or excited?" How about both; I want to vomit and do cartwheels, although not exactly in that order.

Took hubby out for a bike ride yesterday to show him the race route (this filled my "easy " bike training requirement for the day) I also had some time last week to examine the elevations for the course:

Swim:

Looks pretty flat, huh? Glad I wont have to swim up any hills....ha! Actually, I am kind of wondering what that little elevation is there at the end, some kind of tsunami lying in wait.

Bike:

Not too shabby, some rises, but very doable, on paper.

Run:


Ok, This looks nothing like what it feels to run it. there's a long incline between 2-2.75, then a hill which is clear at mile 3 (that is where the pool is, nice teaser). I think mapmyrun.com is trying to pull a fast one. The bike looks more like how the run feels.

None of this matters to me. I can't do anything about the bike since it is on the highway and no way to train on it, but I am still prepared. The run course I know like the back of my hand and know I can run it, so.....what am I griping about. Oh, yeah, I remember, the Hudson in all it's filthy glory. Actually it's much cleaner than it used to be (or at least that's what I keep telling myself, or is that what I keep being told?)

Unless you have been living under a rock, or joined me late in the game. I am racing with Team in Training. I managed to raise $4,385 for Leukemia & Lymphoma research! I couldn't be more pleased and I thank everyone who has so graciously donated, without you all, I couldn't have done this. My honored teammate is Rosaria Usini, who I played soccer with for many years. She had Hodgkin's Lymphoma twice and has been cancer free for 7 years! Go Rosa!

I will be picking up my race packet on Friday, so I wont have my number until then. However, I will be sporting this lovely, purple TNT jersey along with about 300 other folks. Trying to come up with something to differentiate me from the herd. This is why there will be a Part II while I contemplate.

This is my biggest fan, sporting his mandatory TNT visor.

He has also introduced me to a new use for my goggles case. Apparently it doubles as some kind of space age, car transport.

And in case you couldn't quite make out this ingenious second use of said goggle case, I give you the macro shot:

I'm always amazed at what little minds will come up with (actually, sometimes "amazed" is not the right word....I think you know what I mean).

There is some very helpful information on the Nautica NYC Triathlon website. For instance, "Where will I be able to see you?" check here. "Will Baby Toots be participating in the Sponge Tech (Sponge Bob) Toddler Trot?" "Why yes, he will. He just doesn't know it yet."

If you have Google Earth, you can download a "flyover" of the course, which is actually pretty cool. I'd route around the site if you have the time (those coming to watch), there is some good info there and it is pretty thorough.

As for specifically where will I be at what time (yes, I was asked this). I will do my best in Part Deux to give you my "itinerary". This is barring any unforeseen circumstances and that I am not hopelessly optimistic. I will also include, through the stunning use of technology, the interactive map (collective oohs and ahs, thank you very much) for each portion on the swim, bike, run (or as I like to call it, the splash, mash, dash. Since I am not a pro, I cannot add "cash" to that, but I reserve the right if I should ever be so lucky).

I feel my last Foto Friday needs explanation. It isn't supposed to need it, but I have failed in my efforts on my second try at that particular post. Yes, it is a pineapple. It is an international sign of "welcome". I also painted it. I guess, that doesn't really make it a photo, even if it is a photo of art. In future I will be less cryptic and more straightforward. A photo of some seemingly interesting minutia of life here in the Big Apple.

Stay tuned..I will have Part II soon (yes, obviously this week).

Foto Friday

A Quicky

I had a lousy run last night. My legs felt like lead and my back had been bothering me all day. While running I felt like I was stopped to the left, off center. Really weird. I stopped a couple times to try and stretch, but it didn't help. I felt like an old lady hobbling along. I cut the run short and headed home. So essentially I did 4.75 miles instead of the 6.2 we were supposed to do. I know this course like the back of my hand. I also know I can run it, so I figured it was best to listen to my body and not push my back this close to race day, since I wasn't sure if it was my disc.

This morning I headed to the pool. A gorgeous morning. Here is my view entering the park:

Sorry the clarity is crap, but that's my cell phone (I'm due for my "new every two," just can't decide...so many phones, so little time). I wore my wetsuit in the pool, which was really crowded this morning. I just decided to practice my sighting. It was laughable. There were no real lanes set up so people were swimming all over the place, although trying to swim a straight line. It was like the blind leading the blind. I had a couple of tangles with the lane lines as well (what is that strangling me?! Is it a jelly? Oh wait, this is the pool). Quite embarrassing. All in all it was a good swim.

Yesterday out on Long Island a 26 ft. Basking Shark washed up on shore. Apparently, they only eat plankton and small fish. However, they are the largest fish, just after the Whale Shark swimming the ocean (Whales are mammals people!).

Still, if I saw this think swimming near me in the water, I would freak out. Poor thing.

What a Weekend

I'm two weeks away from race day. Yesterday was our last Brick. I have a little home field advantage since I get to train pretty much on the race course. This isn't to say I am going to place in my AG or anything, that would be crazy talk, I'm just saying....... I am particularly lucky that the race is in my backyard. I live just off the park where it's held and right in the middle of the swim course (yeah, not literally cuz that would kind of mean I would have to live in a boat, which I do not).

The swim course looking north.

This adds up to extra minutes of sleep on race day! I have my wave number; 17 of 39. First wave is at 5:50 AM, I go at 6:38 AM. The currents are expected to be at their peak between 6-9 AM, I need all the help I can get for a kick ass swim time, so this is good news for me.

Oh yeah, the Brick. We started with a 1 mile run, hour long bike (for me this amounted to 15 miles, cut me some slack, I know that sucks), and then we ran the 10k (6.2 miles) course. Ah, finished. What?! I have to run the extra mile back to the transition area? OK, make that a 7 mile run. I might add, this is the first time I have run 7 miles in my life. All in all, I felt fine. I feel fully equipped for the race. My run will be slow and steady, but I can do it. I did have to take a bathroom break (oh, Regina, what a surprise) and felt soooooo much better afterwards. So, note to self: potty break in T2 unless I want to leave one of those pee trails like you see dogs do, the ones where they pee while walking? Don't pretend like you don't know what I am talking about.

Today was glorious! Tom took care of Baby Toots and Mommy got to play; I did an easy 36 mile bike ride. I was fortunate to have the good company of my friend Laurie (who actually did more mileage because of where she lives, go Law!), whom I always seem to drag into my wild extravagances (your going to volunteer at the Central Park Tri with me, right?). Fortunately she is up for anything, so was the perfect riding partner today. As luck would have it she had done a marathon bike the weekend prior so had the perfect beach destination ride today. We met at the Boat Basin in Riverside Park then headed downtown on the bike path that is all shiny and brand new along the Hudson River.

Boat Basin, exit to T1 on race day.

Over the Brooklyn Bridge (damn tourists always in the way gawking at everything), through Prospect Park (in Brooklyn, for those not in the know), down Ocean Blvd. to Brighton Beach (aka Little Odessa).

Brooklyn Bridge
Me Looking cheesey on the Bridge

Laurie Looking badass, cuz she is.

Prospect Park

Prospect Park 2

Brighton Beach

Laurie & I

I nourished myself with a nice egg, bacon and cheese wrap (thank you sir, can I have another greasy, fatty, high cholesterol laden food item?) and shared some potatoes with Laurie. Oh! Cheers Laurie for the Corona (carb loading for the ride home). Got a glorious open water swim in. The water was chilly, no doubt, but once I got used to it it felt perfect. Laurie, who is an avid swimmer took her turn in the water. This is New York City people, you do not leave your shit unattended on the beach, bikes especially, unless you don't want to see any of it again ever.

As a side note, I am an avid sunblock devotee. I forgot to bring it with me today. I got burnt to a crisp and as I sit here I can feel the heat radiating off of my body. Sizzle....do I smell bacon?

Can you say "Burnt to a crisp"? Please don't follow the trail of stretch marks.

People watching is one of my favorite past times. There is no better place for it than NYC, and it's even better at the beaches of NYC. I'm no looker in a bathing suit, I admit it, but what I saw today in bikinis and speedos was nightmare inducing. But hey, let your freak flag fly.

We also saw a drum circle in the park on our return. This city never ceases to amaze.




Upon our return ride I almost got taken out on the bike path I mentioned earlier. the path used to be a cool ride, but that was years ago. Now that everyone knows about it,(and improvements have made it look like a waterside Disney Land) it has become this congested artery clogged with walkers, runners, rollerbladers (usually inept at this endeavor), weekend cyclists, baby strollers and tourists. Oh, and the idiot I mentioned that almost killed me today. Didn't signal, didn't look and just decided to turn right in front of me. I had to slam on my breaks, hard. I immediately saw myself going over the handlebars, but somehow, miraculously, I managed to just miss his front tire by maybe a centimeter, if that. I can't believe I said this to him, but I yelled, "WTF dude?" Dude? I don't say dude! Clearly my literary synapses can't fire fast enough in a crises. Dude? Ugh. He said nothing. What could he say, he was in the WRONG. It feels good to be right, even if it did almost mean my face.

It was nice to get home and chillax with my boys. But it was really nice to also have a day "off" from being a Mommy. This does not happen often, thanks Tommy! As for you Miss Laurie, let's do this again soon!