Tri-Dogmom

I've reached that point in Ironman training (I swear it gets earlier every time…) where I'm constantly hungry.  I've finally learned in the past couple of years just how important nutrition is.  I stopped thinking about exact ratios or math or crazy calculations of what I think my body needs.  I've tried most methods of recovery drinks, high protein, blah blah…. But honestly, I just think everyone has to figure out what works for YOU, not what the latest fad is, for instance… It seems like lately everyone is scared of sugar.  While I have given in to the latest craze and followed the advice of some of my friends who recently took a nutrition class, I just will never be someone who can follow a diet.  I eat what I LIKE, I eat when I'm hungry and I really really really try to make good decisions, but I mostly never restrict everything, or don't let myself have something if I want it. Let's not talk about that piece of chocolate cake I had Sunday night aft

 Every cyclist in the Phoenix area and community have been talking about the horrible accidents that have seriously injured, and/or killed far too many cyclists in the past year.  I have to admit, until this past year I was not aware of the magnitude of this problem.  Ever since last year when our local pro runner turned pro triathlete and icon, Sally Meyerhoff was struck by and truck and killed during a training ride, it seems like these tragedies are happening more frequently. Maybe it's because I'm aware of this situation more, maybe it's because of the amazing awareness that people like those of the "NOT ONE MORE" foundation are getting out there.  Maybe it's because these accidents are starting to hit a little bit too close to home…. Our most recent death of a cyclist happened 3.8 miles from my house.  Yes, I know the exact distance because it's a road I ride my bike or run on 3-5 days per week.  The road has a great bike lane, stop lights and a

I had a rough week leading up to Tempe International.  Another family member was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer and I honestly just couldn't bring myself to feel anything.   With Mother's day coming up, I had no idea how much my emotions would come into play with the race.  I had no idea what to expect.  I was so not myself all week.  I was cranky, and on edge (being a girl really sucks sometimes…) and honestly scared of how I would deal with my first mothers day, without a mom to call.   We typically do a bigger celebration of her birthday and mothers day, our last big one was a couple of years ago when my sister, niece mom & I all went for Sunday brunch at the Camelback Inn.   My family is no fuss type when it comes to fancy dinners and high end details, in fact our vacations growing up were weeks spent camping at Priest Lake.  Sunday Brunch at the fancy resort was right up my alley so I was loving it (pretty sure mom did as well)! I woke up race moment

I've decided I'm done complaining about the heat.  Yup, simple as that.  I'm a whiney biatch about it lately.  I've been in Arizona for 12 years now, which basically makes me local by now I think.  I figure if I stop complaining about being so hot, I can still get away with complaining about freezing my ass off. I have seriously great logic sometimes.  Just sayin' Anyway, I realized how much I've been complaining about the heat lately because I keep getting these little responses to my training notes from coach BSC about ebracetheheat, lovetheheat, blah blah blah.  Pretty much what she is saying is "SUCK IT UP, you live in Arizona for crying out cloud, of course it's going to be warm." DUH. So, this weekend is the infamous Tempe International Triathlon .  It was my very first ever Olympic race (well, slightly different, but same time frame and logistics) back in 03.  I nearly died.  It took me 3:30+ minutes to do the race.  I remember start

You know the saying "it just keeps getting better" - I really believe it can be applied to just about everything.  This was my third experience with the Answer to the Challenge and in so many ways, it was the best.  While I won't ever forget each year (as much as I'd like to forget year #1 when I almost died), the memories from last weekend are definitely on the top of my favorites list! The day started off at 6 am when we dropped our bags off - The picture below shows what we had to look forward to (with the exception of day 3 when we get picked up after 60 miles). Unfortunately (and fortunately) ony 15miles into the ride my partner in crime Theresa hit some rumble strips on the highway and crashed.  I was in the way way back still trying to get comfortable with the big group we had going so I ended up not seeing any of the accident.  I darted out and around the bikes as they slammed on their brakes and avoided everything.  As soon as I sa