Makaha TT

Riding my bike fast is hard.

There are only a handful of TTs here on island and I figured this year was as good a year as any to see what they are all about. I did one last year (Castle to Hanauma) and realized that I didn't understand what riding my bike hard or fast really meant. I'm still not sure I fully understand. I keep thinking I'm having breakthroughs and maybe I am, but then I do another race or effort and realize I still have another gear. So, long story short, TTs are hard and I'm still trying to figure them out.

As is with most races here, this was super small, maybe 50-60 people and less than half of them women. I knew there would be a handful of ladies there that would be pretty speedy which would make for a "fun" morning and I was right. This was a super, super short TT and to make things even "worse", because of all the high surf we've been getting here lately, a portion of the road was closed, so the 18k course was shortened a bit more. Joy!

I tried to get in a decent warm up after my over an hour drive to get to the start...you'd think everything is close when you live on an island...think again! I don't think I know how to warm up for these things yet and I could have used my pre-race warm up time a bit better (not sit in the car for as long, not chit-chat with everyone before the race), oh well, next time. And that's part of the beauty of these small local races, getting to see everyone, socialize and have a good time!  Before I knew it, it was time to start.

This race was a short, flat, fast five miles out and then just under 5 miles back. Kelsi was starting 30 seconds behind me and I'm not gonna lie, I was a bit anxious having her right behind me! Nothing like having a speedy little lady directly behind you in line. Motivation! She didn't catch me, but was very, very close and she did end up having an overall faster time! Great job lady (and time to change your FTP number...your coach has been informed)!!!

I really struggle with these short, hard, fast intervals, I much prefer riding my bike for a few hours as opposed to 20-25 minutes HARD. I'm definitely much better suited for the longer events or at least I'm more comfortable with them, but I also think doing races/activities that take you out of your comfort zone are great and only serve to benefit you in the future So, I'll keep plugging away at them and continue to learn more every-time.

Overall, it was a great day out there. Beautiful location, fast times, great friends, good people. Congrats to everyone that raced and hopefully see you next weekend at Castle to Hanauma!

#womensupportingwomen

Glimmers

Last night, I was back at the track again. wooooohoooo. Slowly, I've been able to recruit people to come join in the sufferfest (thanks Raul and DJ and Scott). It's not too much of a sufferfest quite yet, but it'll get there and having people to endure right alongside me will be....well let's just say I'll be happy to have others out there with me. 

Anyways, short and sweet, but after not being able to really run for almost 5 months (knee surgery and a bike crash) and now being back at the track and starting to run fast-er again, there are some glimmers of my run fitness coming back! It makes me really appreciate my health and the body's ability to heal (not that I didn't put in a lot of hard work to rest, recover, strengthen and get myself back closer to 100% again). 

So, when the going gets tough (and it will) and I am tired, the alarm goes off and I want to go back under the covers because it's too cold, too hot, too rainy, too windy, etc. That's when I need to remember I GET TO do this, I don't have to do this. I need to remember those days when all I wanted to do was run and I couldn't...now I CAN. 

My friend, Todd, shared this quote with me the other day and I really like it....

Excellence cannot be owned, it can only be rented. The rent is due every damn day!

#FindYourHappy

I'm keeping things short and sweet for now....

Just thought I would share some things that have been making me smile lately.

Holiday ocean swims....even though I'm in a wetsuit....it's February and we are swimming in the ocean OUTSIDE! How lucky are we!?

Finally getting my run back...it's not back back, but it's getting there and that is very exciting!

Brunch with this group of amazing, strong, independent, successful, women to celebrate one of the most loving, kind, wise, caring people I know...so excited for you, Mariane and Tim, and your new adventure!

Setting goals and dreaming big dreams and beginning to take actions towards those goals and dreams!

Riding bikes and #sweatybuns

And finding MY happy

#growingupisoptional

"The world doesn't need any of us to think smaller--the world needs us all to dream bigger, to be bolder, and to figure out what makes us come alive."

~Abby Falik 

Back on TRACK

little-by-little, step-by-step, day-by-day

Last night was the first time I've set foot on a track since probably, well I can't even remember how long, so it's been way too long. I don't even know if I can consider what we did an actual track workout, I mean it was, we were at the track and running around it and had a purpose to what we were doing, so a track workout it was.

The speed and run form are still not back, nor are they things I'm going to rush. Many things in life cannot be rushed, you just do what you can with what you have and when the time is right things will start falling into place once again.

But dirt track Wednesdays are back and I'm very excited about it!

Thanks

That's all, thanks, I just want to say thanks to everyone that has been there for me in the past couple of months! You know who you are! You guys are ALL the best! I wouldn't be where I am right now without you all and I appreciate each and every one of you more than you know!

I just read this on Linsey Corbin's blog, "The high's are great, but it's in the trenches where you find your true colors, your true supporters and what drives you to keep pushing on. It's the ultimate test of self belief." Smart lady she is.

Onward!

A New Year....

...new goals....new ambitions...new enthusiasm...new everything!

I've been quiet on the blog front, dealing with some life stress and changes, but things are moving in the right direction and 2016 is shaping up to be a great year...

... here I come!