IMTX: Mount UP

"Sometimes all that stands between you and the ride of a lifetime is simply getting in the saddle and seeing what you are made of" - some texan

I am happy to report that I can cross another Ironman off the listthat was probably the most challenging races that I have ever done which makes stepping over the line that much more meaningful. There is a lot that goes on during a 10 hour and 18 minute race but I will do my best to highlight my day:

Pre-Race...up at 3:45 to eat some oatmeal and coffee...and then off to the races we go. I was pretty calm and trying to avoid all the nervous energy of everything around me. I knew that I did the best I could to prepare...and now was just the time to enjoy it. After a few deep breaths and hugs from my onsite support crew, I headed into the water ready to start the day.

SWIM: The cannon always goes off at 7:00 a.m. and once you hear the blast, it is a human blender of 2,400 people all heading the same direction. It can be pretty crazy in the waterI managed to get a few kicks to the face; elbows to the head and constant water in my mouth. Believe it or not, it was actually pretty enjoyable navigating and embracing all that is the mass start. I think if one can just stay relaxed- the swim is actually a pretty fun adventure. It was a non-wetsuit swim (the water was too warm) and once I made it through the first half mile or sothings did calm down and I was able to have some space to just swim and get through it.

BIKE: 112 miles of Texas country side on two wheels. The one-loop course was actually very beautifulan added perk when riding solo for 5+ hours. I had a pretty good ride for the first half or so The wind had not really picked up yet and since it was still pretty early in the day, the temps stayed pretty reasonable. The last half of the ride was a little more challenging. I was greeted with a headwind and rising temps as I made my way through the last 60 miles of the course. I just kept reminding myself to make sure I am hydrating and fueling right, not fighting the wind, and ignore anyone who passes mebecause like with any triathlon, the run was coming up next and I needed to save some gas in the tank. The back end of the bike course was just hard. The heat and wind are a tough combo - at times I just told myself to simply spin it out and just keep pedalin. I seriously broke the end of my ride down by 15 minute intervals. My watch always sounds an alarm at the 15 minute mark to remind me to evaluate my caloric intake, how I am feeling, etcEven a 112 mile bike ride is sometimes conquered a minute at a time.

RUN: The run was set up as a 3-loop course which is actually helpful in that its easy to mentally break down. My approach was to just jog the first loop and stay comfortable given the temperature and effort already pushed on the bike. By this time, it was really getting warm out. I learned after the race that the actual temp. was about 93- but with the humidity, etcthe heat index was about 98-103. Ouch! I dont honestly remember much of the run but I remember just thinking over and over to just keep moving forward and dont stop. I would use each mile aid station to dump water / ice on my head, drink as much as I could, and just try to revive myself enough to make it another mile. All I really wanted to do was jump in this lake that we ran by and drink an ice cold Diet Mountain Dew. By the second and third loop, there were more people walking than running the heat was taking its toll and many participants were just doing what they could to move forward. I learned that I was in first place for the final lapso my focus stayed on just running and moving forward. Each time I tried to push a little harder, my body would tell me to just back off - and I listened. I simply just tried to do the best that I could in any given mile and it seemed to be working. I think sometimes its more challenging to ignore everything else that is going on around and just focus on MY race - it was me against me.

I crossed the finish line in 10:18 good enough for first place in my age; first overall amateur female; and in the top ten overall. As you know, I am not driven by outcome but at the same time was definitely happy to earn a podium slot for the race...but was just as proud to continue to push even though all I wanted to do was stop. It was an epic day for surethere were so many people out there doing whatever they could do to simply continue to move forward and eventually cross that infamous Ironman finish line.

When I see people push through whatever it is to achieve their best that day...to me, that is inspiration. I don't care if its a Ironman or finally getting out the door to walk a block...all great things begin with the decision to try. Don't let your worst enemy be the one between your own ears.

Success for me isnt something that I chase; rather the pure effort is something that I consistently bring forward... and with that effort, success sometimes just happens. I am truly blessed with just the opportunity to train, race, be active and just LIVE out loud and hopefully use my adventures to help others along the way...that is more rewarding for me than any trophy.

I am now in recovery mode this week- I have blisters on my feet and legs that are not too happy right now..pain today and pride tomorrow right?

Thank YOU for being along for the ride!

 

Racing for a Purpose

HELP ME by HELPING THEM:  

2013 is going to ROCK!

WHAT: I am dedicating my year of training and racing and participating in the Ironman World Championships in Kona on October 12, 2013 to Ride2Recovery.

WHO: Ride2Recovery (R2R), a 501(c)3 Foundation whose mission is to improve the health and wellness of Healing Heroes from Iraq and Afghanistan through mental and physical rehabilitation programs that feature cycling as the core activity.

I have been involved in R2R events in the past and….these veterans are my heroes and the least I can do is dedicate a few drops of sweat to help them continue to move forward in so many ways.

I know that each one of them has their own story, challenges, struggles and potential to continue to move forward – sometimes we all just need a little tailwind along the way.  Together, lets create some wind!

WHY: I am driven by purpose. Through your donations to R2R- you are helping fuel my fire to train and race to the best of my ability and ensure that we are all doing what we can to help these men and women regain their own purpose through pedaling.

Over 90% of each dollar that you donate goes directly to help Healing Heroes participate in Ride to Recovery.  Past accomplishments through supporting dollars include:

ü  Participation in week long Challenge Rides across the country

ü  Training rides and programs at local Wounded Transition Units and VA Medical Centers

ü  Bicycles to use for training and on the Challenge Rides

ü  Adaptive bikes specially built for those with missing limbs and other severe injuries

ü  Uniforms, helmets, shoes, and other cycling equipment needed for cycling

WHATS IN IT FOR YOU? If you offer your support through a donation, I will add you to my exclusive email list where you will receive weekly sneak peek emails on my own journey to Kona through pictures and videos of all my adventures, highlights of some of the R2R participants and rides, and hopefully some additional motivation for YOU to go accomplish your own goals- we got this!!

Let’s give back to those who have given so much to us...Please consider making a donation (any amount will do…) today at the website below.  Please make sure to donate in my name   and add your email so that I can get you on my distribution list and you can see the magic you help make happen throughout the year.

Click here to Sponsor! 

**If you donate via PayPal: Be sure you add my name in the "Notes to Seller" field on the Pay Pal web site so I can get you on my list!

Thanks so much- let’s get some butts on the bikes!!  

RIDE ON!

Emily

If you would like to learn more about this worthy organization, go to http://www.ride2recovery.com/. If you believe in helping to heal America's Wounded Warriors as much as I do, please donate what you can. No amount is too small, but the more we help, the more we heal.

letting 2012 marinate.

Taking a look back…

2012 was full of amazing blessings, challenges and change...  I was able to travel to foreign countries, move to a new city and new state, start a new chapter in my career, see awesome parts of the world on my favorite form of transportation, spend time with people that I love and admire and meet new ones too…train and compete with a healthy body, and take advantage of many adventures that life threw my way.

At the end of it all…there are always certain lessons that stick out for me more than others…here are my top five for 2012:

1.      Work Hard. Nothing worthwhile in life comes easy.  You always get out of it what you put into it. Dedicate yourself to your goals, trust the process and don’t be afraid of failure- only be afraid of not trying in the first place.  If it does not challenge you- it will probably not change you either.  Be motivated to simply do the best you can each day…the rest will take care of itself.

2.      People are amazing. I have learned so much from those around me.  Every single person has an incredible amount of potential with so much to share…take the time to just be present with those around you and hear their story. Close your mouth and just open your ears and take the time to un-connect from things with cords and connect to those with hearts. I am so blessed with an awesome family and network of friends that support, encourage, and believe in me…that right there is the best part of life- the people that choose to live it with you.

3.      Being uncomfortable just means that you are growing. Many times we avoid the discomforts that change or challenges present…but it is those moments that true inner expansion and growth takes place. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable and see what you can accomplish. Know your own limits and dare yourself to overcome them. Anything is possible if you got enough nerve. 

4.      Consistency matters.  I have learned that doing small good things consistently can eventually lead to great things.  Don’t feel the need to do it all right away- rather, take the small steps each day in the direction you want to go. I approach each training session, day at work, or anything else with the motivation that the culmination of effort will eventually lead to something better. Patience.

5.      Choice. We are all given the choice…no matter what the situation- I am given the choice.  The choice to... overcome, believe, stay positive, try, be brave,  keep moving forward, be thankful, be content, and at the end of it all….know that I am exactly where God wants me to be.  Choices- even the small ones, can define and create not only your present – but your future as well. Choose wisely.

I love living. I love the people in my life who teach me how to do and be better. I love knowing that each day is another chance to grow, experience, and be better than I was the day before.  I love opportunities…cause that is what everything is: an opportunity.

No resolutions for 2013 from me.  I come from a place in that if you are ready to begin…now is the time.  Why put off until tomorrow what you can get done today?

Happy New Year…get after it!

the approach

Next weekend I will have the opportunity to be at the start line of my second Ironman of 2012…Life is full of events that require preparation, work, and most importantly, a positive approach.

For me, the approach to my race, can really be mirrored by my approach to life. For what it worth, many times I embark upon life’s adventures in the hopes of using what I learn to help inspire others – or at least provide a new perspective for myself.  Ironman is no different.  That being said, as I look forward to next weekend- I thought I would share the approach that I choose to take with me to the start line of an event that I have logged many hours on the computrainer, miles on the road, laps in the pool, reps in the weight room, sweat, blood, and sometimes tears in hopes of crossing the finish line to the best of my ability. 

- It’s about the process- not the result.  So many times we put such a powerful emphasis on the result and we forget about the journey to get there.  Through my training, my head has been able to take my body to places that I thought were not possible…I have learned to be comfortable with being uncomfortable because that is the point in which strength grows- both mentally and physically.

- Sometimes you have to GIVE in order to GET.  Goals that you set are completely within reach if you are willing to give a little to get what you want.  I have had to sacrifice in order to get to that start line – but crossing the finish line makes it all worth it.  The simple truth is that if you really want something bad enough- you will find a way.

- Perspective.  It can be so easy to get caught up in the anxiety that usually accompanies any big race…but in the end, its just a race.  There have many before and will be many in the future. Much like life, I am simply so grateful for the opportunity to participate and push myself forward to be the best I can be.  If that means crossing the line in first place, or carrying a glow stick and finishing at the 17 hour cut-off…in the end, we are not defined by what place we come in, but rather by the drive, determination and pure heart put into the effort.

- Attitude is really the only thing I have control over.  There is a lot that can happen during the 140.6 miles that is uncontrollable.  I can get smacked around in the water (its happened every race), have mechanical issues on the bike (been there), feel suboptimal on the run (done that) or any other factors that can easily come into play without any warning. The only thing that I can control is my response to any challenge that presents itself.  I enter each race the best prepared that I can be – but also respect the fact that the race (or life) does not always go according to plan…when the unexpected bumps show up – just do what needs to be done to get over them. Stay positive for the “workout” that goes on between our ears can take us farther that we ever thought.

- Let loose and enjoy the day.  As crazy as this sounds…I do this because I enjoy it.  The day goes so fast and is really a celebration of all the hard work that I put into the process of getting to the start line.  God has blessed me with the opportunity to do what I love and I owe it to Him to do the best I can.  My ultimate goal in racing is to do the best I can do for me.

At the end, my approach to any race or life is actually quite simple:

Expect the unexpected

Be comfortable with being uncomfortable

Be smart but don’t over think every twist and turn- just lean into it.

Get excited but keep the mind calm.

Keep fighting even if the battle seems lost...losing is never an option to someone who does not give up.

Be fearless. Be bold. Be thankful.

I have enjoyed the approach- look forward to my dance on the runway…and anticipate the take off to new dreams once this Ironman is in the books.

No need to wish me good luck on race day- instead, I encourage YOU to dream big and approach any new adventure with the determination that it will be impossible to fail.  Believe when others doubt, persist when everyone else quits, work when others are busy wishing, and never look back.

"As you journey through life, choose your destination wisely, but don't hurry there.  You will arrive soon enough.  Wander the back roads, the forgotten paths, the unknown ways, as you keep your dreams in your heat as the light that guides you.  Seek out new voices, strange sights, and bold ideas.  Such things are riches for the soul.  And if, upon your arrival, you find that your destination is not exactly what you dreamed it would be, don't be disappointed.  Think of all you would have missed if not for the journey there, and know that the true worth of your travels lies not just in where you've come to be, but in who you became along the way".  Linda Staten

big kid dreams

Kids are amazing at dreaming…their ultimate ideas and dreams for the future are realistic in their own minds. I love that.

When does the dreaming end? When do the excuses start? Somewhere along the line we allowed discouragement, shrinking self-belief and doubt to deter our focus on what our heart and head really wants for ourselves…whether it is a professional goal, a personal dream, or anything in between.

What dreams and visions have you given up on? The awesome thing about goals and dreams are the fact they are all relative to YOU…it could be finishing a 5K or an Ironman, getting your Ph.D. or getting your high school diploma, owning a company or simply finding a job.

Define what YOU are wanting and be the author of your own story.

I just want to remind you that if you want it bad enough you’ll make happen.

Accept no excuses.

Don’t settle for mediocrity.

Don’t buy into excuses.

Don’t undermine your worth or potential by comparing yourself to others.

Most importantly, don’t give up when you still have something to give since nothing is really over until you stop trying.  Pursuing dreams can be scary – don’t be afraid to encounter a risk – that is where you learn to be brave.  Limitations only exist if we let them and YOUR POSSIBILITIES are endless once you begin to believe you can.

You do not always have to go fast – you just have to go.

I encourage you to revisit your dreams. Big or small.  A year from now, you will wish you had started today.  Forget past mistakes and failures and shift your thoughts to everything you are going to do from this point forward to allow your dreams to become your new reality.

You are worth it.

the start line

The journey is the reward. 

Last weekend I had the opportunity to participate Ironman Texas – a pretty solid event that has been on my radar and has been the reason behind my training up to this point. I don’t think that I have ever taken the time to write a complete race report…simply because for me the journey to get to that start line is where all the magic takes place.  Sure, race day is fun and an awesome part of the process- but I have never let it define the journey to get there. 

Relative to anything in life- you truly get out of it what you put into it.  What did I get out of it? Here we go…lessons that come with the finisher medal:

·      Do not resist change.  Let go of the brakes. Don't worry about the bumps and bruises. Your body can take them.  Don't steer around the challenges, opportunities, events, ideas, or goals that scare you…instead go over them, go through them, eat them up and keep moving forward. Keep your chin up and ALWAYS see what is around you and in the end, there will be one less thing you cannot do.

·      Life is right now.  If you want it bad enough, you will do whatever it takes to reach your goal.  Obstacles are life.  There is no way to happiness…since happiness is the way.  If you don’t go after what you want, you will never have it.  If you do not step forward, you will always be in the same place.

·      True growth happens in moments of weakness.  It really is not the level of achievement, run splits, or any numbers attached to racing that I find growth- It is those moments when I am tired…when  hope seems lost…when I am given the choice to either quit or keep moving forward where I learn the most.   That is the moment that gives me courage and strength to face each battle, challenge, and hill in life with an open heart and can do attitude.

·       Nobody ever said that it was going to be easy…but they all say it will be worth it.  It doesn’t matter if you complete and ironman or finally run 1 block—we all start somewhere.  Sometimes in order to achieve great things, we have to be willing to give up the things that hold us back…even if that is our own negative attitude, habits, and self- beliefs.  Be your best cheerleader.

·       Positive attitude has power. If you did all the things that you are capable of…you would astound yourself... True Story. I dare you to be astounded. 

·       Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Don’t compare yourself to everyone around you- try to simply be better than yourself.

·       An impactful network: surround yourself with those who believe in you, support you and simply love you for whom you are standing still…make people a part of your process.

·       If God has given you gifts...use them to the best of your ability...that could be first or last place- it doesn't matter as long as you gave it all you got. simple.

My journey to the start line is just life. Whatever you can do or dream you can…BEGIN IT.  Boldness to start has power and magic.  Exhaust yourself with living…give it all you got no matter what that means for you.  Years from now you will be more disappointed in the things you didn’t do than by the ones that you did.

See you at the start line.

So stop waiting; until you finish school, until you go back to school, until you lose ten pounds, until you gain ten pounds, until you have kids, until your kids leave the house, until you start work, until you retire, until you get married, until you get divorced, until Friday night, until Sunday morning, until you get a new car or home, until your car or home is paid off, until spring, until summer, until fall, until winter, until you are off welfare, until the first or fifteenth, until your song comes on, until you've had a drink, until you've sobered up, until you die, until you are born again to decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

- Alfred D'Souza

top tens...for now

I love making lists. I love lessons. Therefore, I love my lessons put in a list.  Each year I randomly take the time to let life sink in and journal how it looks and the awesome insight that each day provides.  I had some time on my latest travels for fun slash work so I thought I would share at least 10 of many…Below is a flavor of things I have learned, read and lived…and a philosophies that I try to keep in mind as I grind out each day…and think of how much better my tomorrow will be.

1. You’re stronger than you think you are.  Sometime you have to fight through some bad days to earn the best days of your life. You never know how strong you are until strong is the only choice you have left. Be a fighter- it will be worth it.

2. You can press forward long after you can’t. It’s a matter of wanting it bad enough.  You tell me every reason why you CAN’T and I will give you every reason why you CAN.  What is your CANT? Get rid of the “T”. You got this.

  

3. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. Simple.  Be positive. Work Hard. Expect and give nothing but your best.

4. Do what you love, not what you think you’re supposed to do.  Many times we get trapped into what the expectation is…follow your heart.  Dreams are achieved when passion is pursued.

5. If you want to feel rich, just count all the great things you have that money can’t buy. Faith. Family. Friends.  Those are my favorite things…buy experiences with those who make you smile and fill your heart.

6. Be gentle to yourself. Forgive yourself. Embrace your mistakes to propel you to new learning and understanding.

7. Drink in as many new experiences as you can.  Remember- all the magic happens outside your comfort zone.  Dare to lose…for the chance to win is worth it.

8. Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together. Just because you give up…doesn’t mean that you are weak – sometimes it just means that you are strong and smart enough to let go.

9. Don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future for too long. Right now is life. Live it.  Be mindful. Be grateful for today.

10. Don’t pray when you are in the valley if you can’t remember to pray when you are on the mountain top. Be consistent in your faith and trust in Gods plan. Simple.

Sometimes life allows us to be our best teachers if we continue to allow ourselves to learn.  Get out there and let others be blessed by your presence.