Bike, run, swim, eat sleep, repeat; yup that’s my life!

So the longest weekend of my training for Ironman Arizona is done and I have just 3 more weeks of training left!  I am both relieved and anxious!

Saturday – 100 mile bike ride with my dad.  We started at 10:00 a.m. in hopes of it warming up a bit but it was still in the 30s when we started which made my dad cranky.  Then he got 2 flats in a row which made him even crankier.  Then we hit our 1^st hill that at least warmed us up.  I kept having to stop at porta potties, I’ve never had to pee so much during a ride ever!  Then we got kind of lost and had to make up some extra miles on the bosque trail which can get a little boring after riding back and forth more than once.  Then there was the headwind on the way back which made me cranky, so with all that we were out there for a LOOOONG time.  I think we finally were done about 7 hours later!  We waddled our way to the local pasta buffet where they treated us to free lemonade and soda cause we looked so beaten and down trodden but really we were both happy to have gotten the ride in and survived.  I think we each consumed our own body weight in pasta!

Sunday – I was solo for an 18 mile run which I was dreading but it went surprisingly well.  I kept my hat pulled down and my head low so that I wouldn’t see the path ahead.  Every time I kept thinking ok my legs are going to start hurting any minute now, it didn’t happen and I just kept saying IMF “incessant forward motion” to myself.  My other mantra for the day was “that too shall pass” For example:

“I’m tired” – That too shall pass

“I’m dizzy” – That too shall pass

“I’m nauseous” – That too shall pass

“I have a cramp” – That too shall pass

“I have all these great blog ideas” – That too shall pass

“I’m cranky” – That too shall pass

“I think my left side is hurting” – That too shall pass

Until finally the 18 miles also passed! 3 hours and 15 minutes later with the uphill on the way out to make the way back a little bit easier.

Then I went home to eat a little lunch and wanted to give up but texted my friend that I knew wouldn’t let me and I was convinced to hit the pool to finish the weekend off with a 2100 yd steady swim.

I txted hubs as he was driving back into town to tell him the floors were covered with stinky clothes and the sink was full of dirty dishes and he better be ok with that.

Now the pre-race dreams have started.  A few of the usuals, running late for the race start so I take off naked.  A few new ones are making it into the rotation too, Lance and I (yes we’re on a first name basis) are crawling to the finish of the IM and he gets mad cause I call him Lancey and tries to crawl right over me, and another one being so dehydrated that they are trying to force chicken broth down my throat as I yell “I’m vegetarian give me water!” 

Do you have pre-race dreams?

Last week to enter the giveaway HERE!  

Winter has arrived, or has it? & Happy Friday!

I'm torn between being excited and being horrified......  I LOVE WINTER because I LOVE SKI SEASON, but we are supposed to have our first freeze tonight and it is going to be sooooooo COLD for my 100 mile bike ride tomorrow!  So I"m a little scared.  I haven't even winterized my swamp cooler or turned on the heater, I'm pretty sure I haven't turned the drip system off for the few plants I've managed to keep alive, and my dog hasn't even grown in her winter coat, I still haven't switched over my closet from summer clothes to winter clothes (yes I have to do this ever since my husband moved in with me and wouldn't let me keep my monopoly in the closet), I could keep going.  What if my fuel freezes while I'm on my ride?  Ok I'll quit being a big baby and just deal!  Now I have to say I am definitely ready for Ironman training to be over and ski training to being (weight lifting).  I don't mind running in the winter, actually I prefer it.  But swimming and biking during winter is a whole nother story for me!!  So come on Ironman let's do this so I can enjoy winter.

Who's watching the Ironman Special on NBC this weekend!?!???  I'm super sad I don't think we'll be done with our bike ride in time and I don't have a way to record it.... :-(

Happy Friday!


Yes, it's Friday so yes,it's simple humor...


Do you run through the winter, outdoors or indoors?  I love running in the snow!

Don't forget about my giveaway HERE!  Chances are good you'll win! 

Which one would you pick?

I was trying to help out and come up with new logos for the next t-shirt for one of my local club's programs and came up with four designs and one of these is the existing design.   Which of these do you like best, let's take an unofficial vote.  Another appropriate answer would also be NONE, please start over!  In my field of work I learn how to take "constructive" criticism so don't be afraid you'll offend me.

1.

 
2.

3.

4.

5.

What's your vote?

p.s. Don't forget to enter my giveaway HERE.  You're chances of winning are REALLY high!!!!!!

"I Workout" Monday Funday Super Fun Prize Pack Giveaway!!

This week is going to be my longest training week of my entire Ironman training program and I am a little nervous and excited!  Only 4 more weeks to go and then it's time no more excuses!  My dad has been keeping track of the daily countdown and he is as excited as I am, I think! Now before I completely lose my sanity or become grumpy by the end of this week I thought I'd share a little fun on this Monday!

Were there enough eye catching words in that title to get your attention, or just enough to piss you off?  Well I hope it was the first cause I do hope you enjoy this giveaway that has been a long time in the making!  I had promised hubs that I would help pay for my IM trip by garnering support through the sales of some shirts and to date he is the one that's done all the work selling a huge portion of the men's shirts to Marines that wanted to show their support!  So don't be surprised if you see a flash mob of Marines wearing this shirt!  :-)  Just kidding I already tried to convince them to do a dance video and he told me not to push my luck! 

So I was going to do a giveaway with just the shirt but I thought what the heck I'll throw a little bit of everything in.  So here's what you get if you win: 1 shirt your choice men's or women's, 1 pack of greeting cards which will contain 2 of each (bike, running shoes, flower), some stickers for you to rock on your car or whatever other creative places!

Be warned you will get stares and smiles when you wear this shirt but it's so much fun!  And if you win one it would be awesome if you submitted your own dance video wearing the shirt... or not... your choice.


Now what I ask of you in return to enter for a chance to win this awesome prize pack is to do to 2 simple things:

1. Like my page on FB https://www.facebook.com/CautiouslyAudacious 

2. Share my giveaway on FB just click the share button.

For bonus entries share this giveaway on any other site, twitter, your blog, etc. 1 bonus entry for each in addition to the 2 things above.

You can leave 1 comment here or on my FB letting me know you've done this.  

I will draw the lucky winner randomly on November 6, 2012.  (I like even numbers)

Thanks in advance!  http://cautiouslyaudacious.blogspot.com/p/shop-cautiously-audacious.html

Happy Monday!  Happy Training!

Personal Ad

You know those dating sites like FitnessSingles well do you ever wish they had a sight like that but to find active friends?  No? Just me?  Well as those of you who read my blog know I am married and not in need of a dating website but sometimes you need to hang out with someone other than your husband, admit it no matter how much you love each other it’s always good to have other people in your life.  I mean if not you’d never have anything to talk about because the other one is always there experiencing the same things right?  But I’m afraid my ad would get to specific because I’m that neurotic :-)  Is it possible that I’m pickier about my friends than I was about picking a soul mate?  JUST KIDDING!!!!  

So I thought what would it read like.

Searching for female friends between the ages of:  mature enough not to think that a night out dancing and slamming redbulls and vodkas is a good workout and any age above that

Enjoys hiking, running, cycling, swimming, skiing, extreme sports, likes to workout on the weekdays after work and on weekends in the morning

And sometimes I might need one of these

Lives with-in 15 minutes of me (in case an emergency run is needed or so we can exchange dog sitting duties when the other one is going to a race or ski trip)

Likes to talk about themselves just enough to let me catch my breath while running but not enough to where I get cold during the cool down cause we’ve been standing there so long.

Bonus: has an active significant other that can keep mine distracted while I train for stuff like the Ironman!

Too much?  Ok Ok I was just having some fun…  How do you meet friends that have the same interests as you?

Best weekend ever!!!

I probably say this a lot but this was the best weekend ever!!!  or at least until the next best weekend ever right!! But I'm not complaining I try my hardest to fully enjoy each weekend and love it when I top it!  We went up to the mountains for the weekend and stayed at my parents house which is always nice!

Got there Friday night a little later than expected so the sun had already gone down and I attempted to go for a quick run but it was cut short due to an unidentified animal.  First I saw 5 deer, no big deal they leave you alone, then it got pitch dark because there were no more street lights and I heard some rustling in the trees nearby, so I booked it home didn't want to take any chances.  Of course they teased me once I got back,
Was it a cougar?!"  Then I ran 1 mile on my parents poor little treadmill that sounded like the bolts were going to fly off if I went faster than 6 mph :-)

The bike ride, hills we were headed towards

Gross porta potties we had to use and broken bottles everywhere!!!

Saturday we woke up had a hearty breakfast and headed down the hill for what was supposed to be an 85 mi bike ride.  The way out was fast and easy and slightly downhill which I didn't realize by how much.  Hubs rode along with us longer than I thought he would due to his knee and to the fact that he hasn't had time to build up his rides as much yet.  My dad and I went almost to Las Cruces and turned around.  The way back was slightly uphill and man on man the winds were power zapping.  Turns out hubs needed a ride back but he made it 50 miles he had too much lactic acid build up and his legs stopped working, but great effort considering he hadn't trained up.  I bonked at about mile 60 and started to struggle but played some head games with myself and managed to push through until I got to the border patrol station where I barely managed to sputter out my answer "yes" when he asked if I was a U.S. citizen.  My dad was kindly waiting there for me.  I told him I'd make it back to the care but probably not the extra miles past it to make the 85.  He could have kept going and blew us away!!!!  So overall great ride I ended up doing 73 mi averaging 16.5 mph and I should have taken more food and planned better for the winds but lessons learned and hard effort put out by all!

Pee break!

Sunday I did a 16 mile run at 9,000 ft. when my lungs are use to 5,000 and lots of HILLS! Beautiful scenery, have I mentioned how much I LOVE FALL RUNNING!!!  I felt awesome during the entire run until the last 1.5 miles when the hills finally took over and I fell apart a little.  I was really happy with this run and even stopped to take some pics with my cell.  I didn't realize I'd have a support crew show up in PJs to snap some shots of me at around mile 11 :-)

Then that afternoon hubs and I went for our first Skydive jump!!!!!!  It was so awesome and breathe taking!  I wasn't scared at all like I thought I'd be.  You don't get that weird feeling of our stomach going into your throat like you do in roller coasters.  We flew next to the mountains while we were gaining elevation which made for some great views and maybe a few bumps which someone else in the plane may not have appreciated :-)  The free fall was so fast and over way before I was ready for it to be!  We did 1 flip and apparently my husband did 2-3.  I was smiling the entire time and managed to remember to take video of the views too!  The video is priceless and I went second so I got some footage of hubs going first!  I would recommend this for any ones bucket list!  I did get a little nauseous when he did some spinning once the parachute was out but I said yes I wanted to do it again even though I could feel myself getting a little sick I mean who knew when I'd do this again!   My dad took some great pics this weekend and was a great support as usual.  Cool tid bit we jumped on the same day as Felix Baumgartner and they said you could see his balloon from where we were.

Some stats hubs got from his Garmin: we jumped at 11,504 feet above sea level. Max speed of 138.1 mph. chutes popped at 7,700 ft asl which left a parachute ride down of about 3,000 feet for us to reach alamo ground level at somewhere around 4,700 feet elevation. (all numbers approx..)

Happy Monday!  See you on the trails!

Fears Survey, Just for Fun!

With hitting my peak training I need a distraction from time to time so I thought I'd look up a fun survey.  This one is a Fears survey where you answer would you ever?

1.  Touch a snake

Yes, several times.  growing up I was fascinated with snakes. 

2.  Ride in a hot-air balloon

Yes, several times.  I'm from the Land of Enchantment and it's one of our #1 tourist attractions.

3.  Sky dive

Apparantly yes, we'll find out for sure this SUNDAY!!!!

4.  Scuba dive
Yes, except it hurts my ear too much!  I took my first class and used all the gear but it hurt due to a previous busted ear drum so I now only snorkel. :-(

5.  Sing in front of a huge audience

Yes, if I have to but trust me you don't want me too!  I always wanted to sing and when the vocal coach tells your mom I should explore other hobbies that's never a good sign!

6.  Sit in the front of a roller coaster
Yes, I did this but not by choice, I am scared to death of roller coasters but I don't let that stop me from trying.  I eventually get sick and have to stop but at least I go until I can't....

7.  Walk through a graveyard alone at night

Sure why not, but I don't really see the point.  In my small town where I grew up you could be hiking the back country and run across an old grave too!  They didn't always have graveyards!

8.  Join a space mission

Ha!  This is funny because I found out later in life that my mom always wanted either my brother or I to become an astronaut!!  I said "Ohhh that explains why you were always sending us to space camps! And I just thought it was fun!"  So yes, if I had the opportunity I would do it just to make my mom happy, heck the simulated missions were fun! :-)

9.  Call off a wedding

Hmmmm, I'm not sure I get this one.  How about just not start the planning if you aren't sure?  I thought I'd never get married, yet I did because I found the right person that was enough to convince me it wouldn't be that scary... Either that or he was just stubborn enough not to leave until he made me see his way...

10.  Walk naked through a crowded city
I have dreams about his all the time.  So apparently the answer is yes if I was late for a race I would run naked to make it to the start on time!!!

12. Disarm a bomb
If I had the right training and it was my job of course, but if not I'll leave that stuff to McGiver or Bruce Willis!

13.  Clean the outside windows on a skyscraper
Does this answer the questions?

 14. Go on tour with a rock band
 Oh that would be awesome!  But I'd probably just be a roadie so not so glamorous!

15.  Go skinny dipping in mixed company

Again if I had to for a race!


How about you?  Are there any of these you wouldn't do?

How to have a social life and train for an Ironman.

What the guys did while I trained...

Many times I find myself struggling with this questions "Can I have a social life and train for an Ironman?"  I'm sure you've all seen the video going around that pokes fun at this and we laugh but it's kind of true!  I love my weekends and part of why I love my weekends it's because not only do I get to do my longest workouts but they are usually my best quality workouts.  Sometimes though I find myself struggling with how to fit in training and social engagements outside of that.

Pre Lion King reception

For example, Friday I needed to get a bike ride and a run in but hubs wanted to go to the media opening reception at the Balloon Fiesta Park.  So instead of saying no I commuted to work on my bike, ran during lunch, road my bike from work to Balloon Fiesta Park, attended the dinner a little stinky, then went to a movie that I ate candy during so I wouldn't fall asleep.  The next day we woke up bright and early to try and get in a bike ride before our 2pm show of the musical The Lion King, which was so worth it btw, oh and we needed to actually get there by 1pm because I was lucky enough to score some pre musical reception tickets, oh and we needed to stop by one of his friends' houses to let their dog out.  So not only did I wake up feeling tired and out of it but I was nervous about sticking to schedule.  In light of this I did my 50 miles on the spinner while hubs and dad road 40 out on the road.  I felt guilty like I was cheating a little and threw in a quick 1 mi transition run after.  Sunday was awesome as far as training I got to sleep in until 7:30!!!!  Then took my time waking up and drinking tea and having cereal then went for my 11 mile run and 2 mile swim while they woke up at 4:30 a.m. to go see the balloons.  When I was rushed a little so we could get in all our shopping I said it will happen when and if it happens, because I am getting all of my training in and without being rushed!  So that's what I did and it was glorious!!!  I swam in the outdoor pool for probably the last time this season (it was 58 degrees outside when I got in) and on my run I enjoyed the cooler temps, saw a hot air balloon land in front of me and cheered on some friends who were doing a triathlon on the path next to where I was doing my run!  We still got in all the shopping and I finally got to eat my first full meal of that day around 7pm, needless to say I was STARVING because snacks just don't cut it on a day you burn over 1,500 calories but time flies when you're having fun! 

I had so much fun this weekend and squeezing all my workouts in between doing stuff with friends and family was totally worth it!  So the answer for me is yes, I can have a social life while training for an Ironman.  It just means I am usually exhausted by the time Monday comes around and that I'm just training to finish not to win but I get everything I want out of both experiences this way!  So it really comes down to deciding what your priorities are and schedule accordingly.  Everyone's Ironman journey is different and has a special purpose you have to decide what that's going to be when you start on that path.

Finally got our celebration!  So glad we didn't do a full traditional wedding!

Last weekend - belated wedding reception and training
This weekend - Balloon Fiesta, Lion King, and training

My mom busting a move to Santana!

This coming weekend - Weekend roadtrip to go skydiving with hubs and training (gotta fit in 16 mi running and 85 mi bike ride and we will be staying at 9,000 ft elevation)

Happy Training and Happy Monday!  How do you fit in your workouts?

Fall Family Photo Shoot!

 Happy Friday!  A little break from training, I know you guys really wanted to hear about my latest adventures in swimming but that can wait until next week. 

A couple of weekends ago I did my first family photo shoot.  I was a little nervous at first but as soon as I met the kiddos I knew this was going to be no problem!  I had so much fun doing this and I hope they did too!  It was a perfect day and a fun family!

I need a laugh Tuesday!

   I was in desperate need of a laugh today so decided to scour the internets!  Here you go:

   

JLo did a triathlon? Well I guess she has a built in flotation device...

Happy Training!