tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80942812024-03-06T23:42:02.309-05:00Stories of a Traveling DivaStories from my travels around the world and adventures in my daily life.Lisa Steptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073957134141514643noreply@blogger.comBlogger1341125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094281.post-50273644399445875802020-06-22T21:24:00.001-04:002020-06-22T21:24:20.883-04:00Testing<p>Test post</p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Q9hmV3fja9IAZvHjyk2m2wbDGpsSW0Zd"><img title="20190921_191502319_iOS" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="20190921_191502319_iOS" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=19_Uawg3dM8OOveHkrZVKA-osXRo0t27p" width="244" height="184" /></a></p>Lisa Steptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073957134141514643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094281.post-33523072921098166202019-06-17T19:14:00.000-04:002019-06-17T19:14:13.575-04:00Race Report: IM70.3 EAGLEMAN 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Bottom Line: Swim Cancelled; Crushed the AquaBike; Survived the Run<br />
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IM70.3 Eagleman was my preview race for IMMD. I worked hard and felt ready. Believed & Knew.<br />
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Swim ended up cancelled due to wind. The National Weather Service issued a small craft advisory meaning that not of the small safety craft could be on the water. No safety craft, no athletes in the water.<br />
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The minute they announced hat the swim was cancelled you could actually feel the tension in the air go down a gazillion notches and people were actually jovial...about doing an expensive brick.<br />
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I was actually un-bothered. I have swam across the frigid San Francisco Bay with slap yo momma chop and swells. I did the Ocean City Swim where the swell and waves were so bad that I am amazed I survived it...and so didn't The FireMarshall who walked the beach the entire swim to make sure I got out. The Choptank? Yeah, it was gonna be rough but with the return only be 4ft deep - I'd walk that damn swim if I had to. GET OUT OF THE DAMN WATER BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY - PDQ (Pretty damn quick)<br />
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Whelp, I didn't have to so I chilled at the Mid-Maryland Tent till it was time to go to transition and line up with your bike.<br />
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<br />SWIM: NO GO<div>
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So, about an hour later we are all in transition by our bikes and they send us out on a rolling start beginning at #1 and rolling through till the last athlete was out of transition on the bike course. I was #765 and it come fast. I don't know what came over me. I had a goal in my head to 3:30 for the bike. I have never been faster than 3:45/3:50 and I went out there and CRUSHED IT! I felt powerful and fast. I was comfortable; not tired. I felt my nutrition was on point. I was grinning from ear to ear. Even when the heavens opened up to give us our swim on the bike which I affectionately called the aquabike, I was having a good time. The rain was so crazy that I called it Forrest Gump Rain - we had stinging rain, rain that came up from the ground rain, sideways rain - WE HAD RAIN. </div>
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I had to pocket my sunglasses because I just got sick and tired of trying to use my finger as a windshield wiper and just went with squinting. I could see better, despite the rain and could navigate the <strike>asswipes</strike> athletes that passed too close without letting you know they were there, passed on the right cause - WHY or just rode recklessly in wet and windy conditions. There was no need. Whatever. I had my sparkly game face on and laid down the hammer - when the wind wasn't trying to blow me off my bike - and hit 3:30.</div>
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BIKE: CRUSHED IT!</div>
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GOAL: 3:30</div>
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ACTUAL: 3:34:26</div>
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<br />As for the run...a colossal cluster fugg. HOW MANY DAMN TIMES does your coach, other experienced athletes, YOUR OWN DAMN SELF...have to say: "NOTHING! NOTHING NEW! NOT A DAMN THING NEW ON RACE DAY.<br />
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You know how many times...ALL THE TIME and when you do it and pay the price, YOU LEARN. Hard head equal a soft ass.<br />
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So, what I do? I have been training both bike and run with my hydration pack. I love that damn thing. It works. I'm comfortable with it and I load it up with what I can tolerate. I have NEVER (knock on wood) been sick or had GI issue during a race...until Eagleman. I had this brilliant idea...because I couldn't figure out how I was gonna refill my hydration pack for the run, that I would just wear my hydration belt and refill the bottles on the course. DUMB BYOTCH. A mile into the run, that belt was digging into my stomach and weighing on my hips and back. My back started hurting, my sciatica started flaring up. It was too damn heavy and uncomfortable. I drank one of the bottles, emptied the other and dumped my edible nutrition (except my Hammer Gels) and figured I would get what I needed from the aid stations.<br />
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YOU ARE A NO GO AT ALL OF THESE STATIONS. I tried the flat syrupy coke - retch. I tried the too sweet gatorade - retch. I tried to swallow down anything they had at the aid stations to each and none of it would stay down. I was in the SUNKEN PLACE. I had no idea how I was going to make it. My stomach was doing somersaults. I tried to wog and, yeah, that didn't go well. I was in that dark place where you just want to sit on the ground - lay on the ground - and quit.<br />
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Full transparency...even though my friend and idol, Pat McNabb said "There was no crying in triathlon." I sobbed for about 2 min and then channeling a little of David Goggins from his book "Can't Hurt Me."...I HTFU. I changed my perspective. I lifted my head and asked HOW BAD DO I WANT IT! I remembered the words of that wise sage, Rock Balboa - paraphrasing - how much can I take, how much can I suffer and STILL MOVE FORWARD.<br />
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I checked my watch and decided if walking was going to be it then walk as fast as I can while keeping whatever I can in my stomach. It came down to walking a 17 min pace for about 9 of the 13 miles. It was brutal, but I kept moving foward. I was going to make the cutoff. I would survive to learn from my folly.<br />
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Two miles out and I could hear the music. I could hear the announcer. Many of my MMTC friends and RipIt family had passed me and encouraged me on. I came around the corner with less than a mile to go...and the crowd of MMTC/RipIt family was running toward me. Screaming and cheering. Word got back that I was sick and struggling...and I burst into tears. Tears of joy of overcoming and victory.<br />
RUN: I SURVIVED<br />
GOAL: 3:15<br />
ACTUAL: 3:48<br />
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There is nothing like coming down that carpet and hearing your name announced. The FastChix were there to grab me up with hugs and love too! It may be a solo sport, but it definitely takes a village.<br />
Onward to IMMD!<br />
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Video Slideshow of Eagleman2019</div>
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Lisa Steptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073957134141514643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094281.post-77842593415096486222019-05-13T23:03:00.001-04:002019-05-13T23:03:54.300-04:00Journey to IMMD - Six PillarsI decided to do Six Pillars because one of the course routes was the 56 mile Eagleman course (which I would have to do for IM70.3 Eagleman in June) and cause my coach said so. My mother, The Queen Momz decided she wanted to start riding again and decided to join me by doing the 37 mile family fun ride...that don't even sound right, does it?<br /><br />Well I put Momz through the paces on a trainer and found someone who would ride the 37 mile course with her while I knocked out 56 miles. My classmate and good friend, Connie, came in town, rented a bike and crushed it out with my Momz.<br />
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I came and did what I needed to get done for my training day. Nevertheless, I am super proud of my Momz, 75 years young this November, that has the tenacity and resilience to do something epic and outside her comfort zone. Where do I get it from?...The Apple don't fall far from the Tree.</div>
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Thank you, Connie for joining us for the weekend. What a blast.</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85946/traveldiva/9f4955ee7c192d95cfb19198352ef9be.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0px;" /></a>Lisa Steptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073957134141514643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094281.post-37560772860052679352019-04-24T11:42:00.000-04:002019-05-13T13:13:38.148-04:0010 Year TriVersary–Do EPIC SHIT 2019<p>I’m BAAAAAACCCCK!</p>
<p>So, yeah, I was gonna do my first IM in 2017, but life sometimes gets in the way and you have to take a detour. I pulled out of doing IMMD17 – new job, job travel, injuries, family situations – not ideal. </p>
<p>2018 turned out to be a EPIC year of racing for me as it seemed that things started to click for me. Redefining what success looked like FOR ME, finding the joy in triathlon, changing my perspective about adversity & challenges and just #racinghappy brought Triathlon into a new focus for me. </p>
<p>The first race of 2018 that I just KNEW it clicked was at the 1st Bear Triathlon:</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>I was skinning and grinning the WHOLE DAMN TIME. I was happy that I could move forward. My mind was clear, the day was glorious (it was a rainy muddy mess) and the water was warm (it was not). I stepped up to the line and my only thought was it is a great day to be alive …let’s have some fun. </p>
<p>2018 EPIC Races:</p>
<p>Escape from Alcatraz The London Triathlon IM70.3 Atlantic City –Aquabike</p><p><br></p>
<p>After such an awesome 2018, what next? I decided that it might be a great time to go ahead and get that bucket list item done…My first Ironman – Full distance –140.6</p>
<p>I had the family meeting and The FireMarshall and the QueenMomz was in for the support system. Talked to Coach Suzy and she was YES YOU CAN!! And FastChix Hannah VonTanna came over and held my had while I registered on the IM Layaway A Race Plan – I was in dem “circumstances” from losing my job the day before A/C. So here I am! </p>
<p>I also registered for Eagleman70.3 in June. </p>
<p>Training started in January and I’m on pace to be ace!! I’ve been told that I have been remiss in my blogging (I have), so I’m going to try and do better on this journey to IMMD. </p>
<p><font color="#000000" size="3"><em><u>Updates</u></em></font>:</p>
<p>1. I pulled my “Talismans” out again and started wearing them everywhere like I wear my Garmin. Here is an excerpt about them from the post – <a href="http://www.traveldivastories.com/2017/04/journey-to-immd-my-talismans.html" target="_blank">Journey to IMMD – My Talismans</a>:
<br></p>
<p>…Then I started looking at all the "talismans" and their meanings and decided to put a set together that represented my journey to IMMD. My coach, Suzy McCulloch Serpico and trainer/mentor Shawn Chevalier always encourage to have that one word/phrase to get you through the tough times.
<br> </p>
<p>This is my word --></p>
<p>RELENTLESS - to be a fiery, driving force that lets no obstacle or setback get in the way of achieving a noteworthy goal.</p>
<p>I put this set of bracelets together as my reminder of my why... <br>
<br>SWIMMING - Perseverance, Heart, Sportsmanship</p>
<p>BIKE - Wellness, Movement, Spirit</p>
<p>RUN - Endurance, Heart, Sportsmanship</p>
<p>5 (Numerology) - Adventure, Free, Variety</p>
<p>FOUR LEAF CLOVER - Blessing, Fortune, Prosperity</p>
<p>GODSPEED (Cuff) - Journey, Blessing, Protection</p>
<p>2. Because my knees just ain’t what they used to be, I have had to find another way to “run”. I am more like a power wogger now. I have actually be training with a metronome set at 170 bpm (ultimate goal would be 180) and 1:30/:30 intervals. I have gone from averaging a 16/15:30 pace to a 15/14:30 pace in a few months. My first race of the season was The 41st Clydes 10k and I crushed it with an avg. 14:22 pace. My goal is to be able to walk a marathon like my classmate Charlie Jackson does (avg walk pace of 12:30 over 26 miles) when I grow up. Maybe not that fast after 112 on the bike, but a girl has GOT TO HAVE GOALS.</p>
<p><br></p>
<p>Join me as I go on this journey to do EPIC SHIT and be a BADASS! See you out there! </p>Lisa Steptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073957134141514643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094281.post-36758079989364928942018-08-09T21:50:00.001-04:002018-08-09T21:50:16.358-04:00AJ Bell London Triathlon 2018<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X09tUtuRhM0/W2zvOb_zLrI/AAAAAAAAIqE/ZPG63D8qRrcB8TvPmPh-o-Jxhna1TF5DgCHMYCw/s1600-h/cert20x30-SUNA5158%255B3%255D"><img title="cert20x30-SUNA5158" style="float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="cert20x30-SUNA5158" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_EJRvr7g2Ws/W2zvO2zJwGI/AAAAAAAAIqI/q-lE6Ze-mMk92-phzUzQTY7IxJNadopTgCHMYCw/cert20x30-SUNA5158_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" width="226" align="left" height="308" /></a>The AJ Bell London Triathlon (21 years strong) is the worlds largest triathlon with over 11,000 participants. Overall, if I consider the race day as a whole, they didn’t do a bad job. On the other hand, when you have raced with awesome RD’s and venues…the London Tri left some things to be desired.</p> <p>1. If you have such a large social media presence with a “worlds largest” in your name then when people ask questions – ANSWER THEM! Dedicate someone to respond to questions posted on your site or update the freakin’ FAQ’s on a regular. NOBODY EVER responded to one damn question asked by anybody. You had to rely on word of mouth answers from previous race athletes</p> <p>2. Athlete Guide. Just burn the damn thing on the trash heap of misinformation/no-information. <br />* <strong><u><font color="#000000">Expo</font></u></strong> – Who knows? Hours? – Whenever? Just make sure you are in the building 90 min before race time. <br />* <strong><u><font color="#000000">Transition opens?</font></u></strong> – Just be there 90 min before race time. <br />* <strong><u><font color="#000000">Transition closes?</font></u></strong> – who knows. It didn’t. People arrived whenever and joined a group when they were ready. <br />* Could you <strong><u><font color="#000000">pick up your race packet</font></u></strong> the day before the race? – Who knows. Didn’t say. Just recommended you be there 90 min before your wave. Due to recon, we found out that we could pick up packet before 6pm day before. <br />* <strong><u><font color="#000000">Cutoffs?</font></u></strong> Naw, maybe, we will let you know. They “reserve the right to ask any participant to curtail any leg of the event at their discretion to ensure competitor safety….Specifically – all morning competitors must have passed the Leamouth Roundabout on second lap of bike leg by 11:40” </p> <p>3. Things I had to just “get my mind right” about: <br />* Show up, rack and race</p> <p>* A transition area the size of a football field</p> <p>* You have to take off your wetsuit BEFORE you enter building, stuff in a bag while also trying to get to transition, climb 2 flights of stairs and dump at your bike. <br />* Where DA HELL are the restrooms/portapotties?</p> <p>* Ride LEFT, Pass RIGHT (Remember to say “On Your Right”)</p> <p>So, with all that said, lets get to it…</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8uSIPP8KbzM/W2zvPVO8pQI/AAAAAAAAIqM/LSaLK1T5m-cGs0LYMp73WpuC6BwSqudWgCHMYCw/s1600-h/2018-08-05%2B10.47.42%255B5%255D"><img title="2018-08-05 10.47.42" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="2018-08-05 10.47.42" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u44cMa-QiFk/W2zvP48C76I/AAAAAAAAIqQ/jGi5hX4qj9s6lKwrq_OnumuTS8PzVoLSgCHMYCw/2018-08-05%2B10.47.42_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="281" height="357" /></a></p> <p>               <strong><font color="#000000" size="4">TODAY IS CHALLENGE DAY!</font></strong></p> <p>I love this picture my mother took of us walking to the transition area inside the the ExCel Center. We look fierce and ready to do battle. Time to get it done!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ou8SpzSYPpA/W2zvQI6foNI/AAAAAAAAIqU/C3qNKotJako_q8HoNdaIa2Mgm6sRKWUhwCHMYCw/s1600-h/2018-08-05%2B06.24.01%255B9%255D"><img title="2018-08-05 06.24.01" style="float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="2018-08-05 06.24.01" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--XGCdwLTFCo/W2zvQpblN5I/AAAAAAAAIqY/SKFiOVOrwmou_01JTFfK4jjuJJSsS30sACHMYCw/2018-08-05%2B06.24.01_thumb%255B6%255D?imgmax=800" width="287" align="left" height="239" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sFMv4B1OxNc/W2zvRG-TNGI/AAAAAAAAIqc/gtySu9O1NVE1XNRUXq2eEwX_4Dh5Wo61gCHMYCw/s1600-h/2018-08-05%2B06.17.01%255B4%255D"><img title="2018-08-05 06.17.01" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="2018-08-05 06.17.01" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yM0ikbsr3Ds/W2zvRaLdKnI/AAAAAAAAIqg/OiI7jZwxOdApmaSloM5DIT8vPm8QqE7wwCHMYCw/2018-08-05%2B06.17.01_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="192" height="246" /></a></p> <p>When they opened the doors to the show floor it was like a line at an amusement park to get into transition and then you racked by race start/race as you arrived. 1st come first serve.</p> <p><iframe height="315" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VY_bYpGbW3U" frameborder="0" width="560" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></p> <p>We set up our gear and then 20 min before your wave started you lined up in the chute and they gave you a swim cap right there. Okay.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-chyipGm0Vgk/W2zvR34MGBI/AAAAAAAAIqk/-dvUFaIYeqUL8-9cFMbkFpqJW0mQfC3WQCHMYCw/s1600-h/2018-08-05%2B13.17.00%255B5%255D"><img title="2018-08-05 13.17.00" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="2018-08-05 13.17.00" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--8DwVJUiY1s/W2zvSZCXh5I/AAAAAAAAIqo/s7QiEWLASBA_Qw89BTHzO8l7BF3-n0ujwCHMYCw/2018-08-05%2B13.17.00_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="383" height="231" /></a></p> <p>One min we were in the corral, then next we are on the dock and they are yelling for you to get in the water. It was a mass start. The horn goes off and ….</p> <p><strong><em><u><font color="#000000">SWIM (1500m – actual 1973yds)</font></u></em></strong>: 42min 2:08/100m <br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qSyi3Zz-Km8/W2zvS7MHXVI/AAAAAAAAIqs/8jemDACr2yYSCehFcIRbKQgXotGBrB4_gCHMYCw/s1600-h/orig-SWIB0841%255B2%255D"><img title="orig-SWIB0841" style="float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="orig-SWIB0841" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2j0j_Fhy-_Q/W2zvTAF9KhI/AAAAAAAAIqw/rbfjABhhmH4oQaay2e5I9tT3SGgaNNVRACHMYCw/orig-SWIB0841_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="197" align="left" height="274" /></a>Uneventful…EXCEPT we were swimming directly into the sun so sighting on the red pigs was damn near impossible. I took some time to front stroke while I got my bearings and found something bigger (bridge tower) that was in line with the Pig Buoy that was the first turn. I sighted as best I could on the bridge tower and made the turn. Lot of people doing breast stroke making it very hard to pass without getting kicked. Ugggaaahh. The water was calm and not as gross as I had predicted. I felt great and was pleased with my pace and time. Stripped my wetsuit, shoved it in the bag and then was directed up two flights of stairs into transition. I was not prepared for those stairs so I had long transition time so I could "safely” get up the stairs and walk on the concrete floor to transition without busting my ass…that would come much later on the run.</p> <p><strong><em><font color="#000000">BIKE 80K/49.7miles 3:35/avg 14mph</font></em></strong>:</p> <p>This bike course kicked my ASS. 3 laps of pure DISRESPECT. Unless the Brits have a different definition of flat & fast, there was NOTHING flat about it. NOT A DAMN THING. The first loop I was avg about 15mph despite the fact that there were very narrow curve sections where people whizzed past without saying a damn work and so close that if you were fast enough you could snatch their bottles. Nobody said “on your right”. This course and the people on it require you to have your bike handling skills sharp or you would bite it…like into a curb or jersey wall. The climbing up and out of tunnels and up and over highway ramps was just RE-DAMN-DICULOUS. By lap 3, I was OVER IT. My last 5 miles – slow as frozen molasses. I was so thrilled to be heading to transition until I saw the ramp we had to go up. It was so steep that people were unclipping, standing – anything, just to get up. Ugggaaahhh!!!!</p> <p>      <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wC1r023vifM/W2zvTahyFnI/AAAAAAAAIq0/zRAGXrVAIyY-Z39dj7l1sHJt1Tu9HZMRACHMYCw/s1600-h/orig-SUNF4241"><img title="orig-SUNF4241" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="orig-SUNF4241" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kRqeprgaom8/W2zvT9aAa7I/AAAAAAAAIq4/TwoJ9XNUatgnIU3JcjZbytB2fZhVXbjTACHMYCw/orig-SUNF4241_thumb?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a>     <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0AcPsDX9fbA/W2zvUVrCUnI/AAAAAAAAIq8/p0EjVcJcspstJGKdvMO5meV4LoATgsE1QCHMYCw/s1600-h/orig-SUNE2887"><img title="orig-SUNE2887" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="orig-SUNE2887" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bgj19Eij4Rk/W2zvU7faRKI/AAAAAAAAIrA/-qSJsTw_HhMbOFYhPoFqNOC3Vk6QQw4bACHMYCw/orig-SUNE2887_thumb?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Side Note: People certainly are NOT used to people talking and/or encouraging each other. I don’t know how many people I scared or shocked when I said something. I nearly caused a crash when I screamed – “GO GET IT, CRYSTAL” – across the highway as I was going out on a loop and Crystal was coming back. They wasn’t ready for Wakandians. </p> <p><strong><em><u><font color="#000000">RUN 5 miles 1:19 (pathetic zone):</font></u></em></strong></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-polpBIMSVD8/W2zvVYvqH3I/AAAAAAAAIrE/YpCAAk1B5CQNjGK74XCZn-ZtLvghmJbkwCHMYCw/s1600-h/orig-SUND9322%255B3%255D"><img title="orig-SUND9322" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="orig-SUND9322" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O7lehuSoQXU/W2zvV-kUrbI/AAAAAAAAIrI/ro5DpKalbSgrz0W1hr5K5-Ygcwk77ezzwCHMYCw/orig-SUND9322_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" width="350" height="220" /></a>It was hot as hades. CENTER OF THE SUN HOT by this time. I actually thought I was moving faster than the time says I was, but I guess stopping EVERY SINGLE TIME to drench myself with water – SLOOOWWW. The course was 4 laps which didn’t make sense to me after my first two laps…it was apparent that each lap was more than 2 miles and by time I finished the 4th lap I would be at about 7 miles. Whatever…just get it done. The course was a 4 lap obstacle course of uneven mats, poorly marked broken/uneven concrete and indoor slippery running past the GOSH DANG FINISH CHUTE 3 – THREE – FUGGING TIMES. For the love of all that is HOLY. And then it happened, on lap two, I tripped on a uneven part of the path and fell so hard that I knocked the wind out of myself. My visor and sunglasses went flying. This nice man snatched me up off the ground, gave me his water and each time he saw me on the course, he checked in. Bless him. I dusted myself off and plodded along. As I came into the hall to do my last lap, I saw <a href="https://www.facebook.com/paynegold?hc_location=ufi">Shaunna Payne Gold</a> standing near the split for more loops or the finish talking to two ladies. I come around and they say “sorry, the Elites have started so you can’t go out.” STRAIGHT BULLSHIGGITY THAT WAS NO WHERE IN THE ATHLETES GUIDE. I suppose they didn’t want a couple of back of the pack Athena's out on the course fugging with them filming the elite race. GTFOOHWTBS. Shaunna and I stood there for a minute and then since we had no choice, I applied lipstick and we ran in together.</p> <p><iframe height="315" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Te1LCBDm1Y4" frameborder="0" width="560" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></p> <p>I adapted, improvised and overcame all the obstacles put before me. It wasn’t my best race overall, it wasn’t my worst either. I handled all the unfamiliar with a perspective of live, love and learn.  I had a wonderful time.</p>Lisa Steptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073957134141514643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094281.post-38104745492025010502018-06-09T11:51:00.001-04:002018-06-09T11:51:00.417-04:00The 38th Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-greJreKStcM/Wxv3Jt7tsiI/AAAAAAAAIlg/FtdDs3XqOqANZuQfXFR3ew8U8HudIIvLgCHMYCw/s1600-h/photo_cover%255B4%255D"><img title="photo_cover" style="float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="photo_cover" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dv9tMzrdAHY/Wxv3KQx4k8I/AAAAAAAAIlk/M6D0K9ChBkgPwl7ikUL5yL7ZFFaRoueTQCHMYCw/photo_cover_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="236" align="left" height="324" /></a> I ESCAPED!!! </p> <p>I am still in awe that I did it. I overcame every fear and doubt I had about my abilities and ESCAPED!! When I won the entry at Nations in 2017, I knew that this would be WAAAYYY out of my comfort zone (FLAT EVERYTHING), but with my great coach,focus, dedication and a positive mental attitude, I could – I WOULD – FINISH this race.</p> <p>So, how did I get here? Last year was a very challenging and busy year. I decided at the end of 2016 to do IMMD and then 2017 came and hit me with a whirlwind. I had a major job change, we ended up having to move out and into a new house on short notice and training suffered. I made the command decision to pull out of doing IMMD. Hmmmm. What to do with the rest of the season and my training. I filled it in with a few races and then at the last minute I decided to do Nations Tri in DC. It was my <a href="http://www.traveldivastories.com/2010/09/traveldiva-is-triathlete.html" target="_blank"><strong>first triathlon ever</strong></a> (7years prior) and for grins and giggles, I registered. Let’s see how I improved over the years. </p> <p><strong>I cut off 47 – FORTY SEVEN MINUTES – off my race time and came in 1st in my Division</strong>. 10 min off the swim and 37 min faster off the bike – run was essentially the same. WHO KNEW?!! Still, I didn’t even realize this until days later when I decided to look at the results. I didn’t even stay for the awards ceremony cause these Athena Maters (seasoned plum ladies) are fast a muthafugger. Yet when I looked at the results there was a 1 under DIVISON. Say what?</p> <p>And email came – YOU ARE GOING TO ALCATRAZ!! </p> <p>COLD ASS WATER for the swim, the HILLY streets of SAN FRANCISCO for the bike, HILLY climbs and sand stairs for the run. Jesus be some BioFreeze.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YfxumuytWZw/Wxv3Kz8bp8I/AAAAAAAAIlo/MBDVyFXLqZIvkOTpFg_sKIBiHVUIe2l4gCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_4147%255B5%255D"><img title="IMG_4147" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_4147" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uG4aHWC3YAk/Wxv3LVv9IyI/AAAAAAAAIls/ww9rpnwogJMW1r08QwE2Pl2jAbVSmoRzwCHMYCw/IMG_4147_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" width="279" height="145" /></a></p> <p>       <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nJ8f5r2MuWU/Wxv3LvBHysI/AAAAAAAAIlw/Mx9ZBe297oYT6wD1CfB4MygoWDYI6vtUwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_4144%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_4144" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_4144" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RuyVu4mZ3VA/Wxv3Lz0yHNI/AAAAAAAAIl0/7TphSjWl6iot0cDBrAPoZ2hT8tu7gnKbACHMYCw/IMG_4144_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="205" height="284" /></a>    <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E7FWN_uR-NQ/Wxv3MeTdm0I/AAAAAAAAIl4/bVovGxiu8EwBr9tj2t3V1t-oL5M7RQ8JgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_4148%255B3%255D"><img title="IMG_4148" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_4148" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NRTWfmNv6j0/Wxv3Mue04MI/AAAAAAAAIl8/2xF_b3fHEJ8H-n-qft3Rb10zMVASqY5UgCHMYCw/IMG_4148_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="192" height="278" /></a></p> <p>Race morning came fast. Transition opened at 4am and you had to be on the buses to the Pier by 6am. Everyone had to be on The San Francisco Belle NLT 6:30 as the ferry left promptly. If you missed it, you did not race. I made friends with a bunch of great ladies racked near me and #2034 Melanie Detloff from New Orleans took me under her wing, kept me with her for the ferry ride and we jumped together. Having a buddy made that hour before the jump go by without getting in my head. </p> <p>7:30am Time to Jump</p> <p><strong><font color="#000000">Swim   46:02 (1.5mi)  1:45/100 yds</font></strong></p> <p>In about 7 min, they put 2000+ athletes in the water. There was no time to think, dwell, get in your feels or hesitate. You move like sheep towards one of two doors and step off and go. One minute I’m moving forward and then the next, I’m in the water and swimming FOR MY LIFE!!!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RTp36KULMck/Wxv3MwIrV3I/AAAAAAAAImA/NzxFltjeQp4FnoOM1Cz9y07bqtH3iWHsgCHMYCw/s1600-h/swim%255B5%255D"><img title="swim" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="swim" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XUXl08Pev9k/Wxv3NbBTcdI/AAAAAAAAImE/DfZ-w2MKnOgP70dEeOZNJ5L1dQ-xt4WhACHMYCw/swim_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" width="413" height="214" />EQUIPMENT: Wax ear plugs, Neoprene headband, 2 swim caps, wetsuit, neoprene sleeves, neoprene booties.</a></p> <p>The water was 54.7 degrees but to be perfectly honest, it didn’t even register that it was that cold. I thought, oh yeah, it’s a little cool, but byotch YOU BETTA SWIM!! For me. it was a literal fight – fight the current (swift and fast), fight to stay on course, fight to breath against swells and white caps (the wind picked up significantly by time all of us were in the water). Fight and yet, stay calm.</p> <p>I got to what was about a little more than a football field away from the exit and I knew I was off course. I was swimming with everything I had…EVERYTHING…and going nowhere, I was getting no closer and I was drifting further away down the beach. I was gonna miss the landing if I couldn’t swim against this current. <br />A Jet Ski!!</p> <p>Him: How you feeling? Whipped huh?</p> <p>Me: Yeah, it doesn’t seem like I’m making progress and I can see the exit.</p> <p>Him: You ain’t gonna make it. You are gonna end up about 2 miles down the beach. I need to reposition you.</p> <p>If you are told you need to be repositioned, you don’t have any choice. You HAVE to do it or get DQ. You do NOT argue or debate the water safety people. Now, if you are repositioned or ask for help, you are no longer eligible for age group awards. BWAAAAHAAAHAAAHAAA!!! Yeah, not my main concern, bro.</p> <p>I had to pull myself up on a board on the back of the jet ski and he dragged me back way left of the exit. Him: Now get off and SWIM! Keep LEFT of the dome. LEFT OF THE DOME. GO! </p> <p>I slid off and SWAM as if JAWS was on my ass. I MADE I IT. LAND. SWEET BABY JESUS and ALL THE SAINTS. LAND!!! I made it. I was FUGGING OUT OF THE GOT DAMN WATER!!!!</p> <p>    <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HxtTiyMIHAI/Wxv3NkP57wI/AAAAAAAAImI/Ko1wO2nNxKctFGq225EDAX8Pm5gpNuPzwCHMYCw/s1600-h/214_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_009030-17034034%255B5%255D"><img title="214_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_009030-17034034" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="214_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_009030-17034034" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-45amVMKrGp4/Wxv3NwWgC0I/AAAAAAAAImM/AlazNs-DciAfFBNG_uDe4CfEx2AMZn7nQCHMYCw/214_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_009030-17034034_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" width="238" height="327" /></a>     <font color="#990000"> <br /></font>This was the hardest part of the race for me. I did it. It may be uphill on the bike and run, but as far as I was concerned, the race was downhill from here. I was skinnin’ and grinnin’ for the rest of the race. By hook or crook, I WAS GONNA FINISH!!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ckq6hcVvJm4/Wxv3OKJylaI/AAAAAAAAImQ/C2FgCHTpqy4Sd9LIuG6jNMGxJrxQyMfWACHMYCw/s1600-h/swimexitrun%255B4%255D"><img title="swimexitrun" style="float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="swimexitrun" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xd0Qc9hMPYI/Wxv3OlYIxkI/AAAAAAAAImU/vHoJ6qxTdLsXz22QrVm0vbyORz1MVx-3QCHMYCw/swimexitrun_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="213" align="left" height="272" /></a>There is a half mile run from swim exit to T1. You can leave a swim exit bag (mine had a pair of shoes, gloves, hand towel and water in it). The crew was awesome. I was asked my number and he screamed it out. I heard someone yell over here and I was directed to the row it was in. They were really not there to strip your wet suit, but the volunteer snatched me out of it. I stood on my towel, yanked my shoes on (slip on kicks), threw my stuff in the bag and was off to T1.</p> <p><iframe style="border: currentcolor; border-image: none; overflow: hidden;" height="311" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Frjsteptoe%2Fvideos%2F10209613252522658%2F&show_text=0&width=560" frameborder="0" width="560" allowtransparency="true" scrolling="no"></iframe></p> <p><strong><font color="#000000">T1: 14:23</font></strong> Don’t even step to me about transition times. It was a long run to warm up after the swim and YES, I took my damn time to get my shit together for the EPIC climbing I was about to do on the bike. I gobbled an egg and an applesauce, threw on my hydration pack and was off.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cudX6UF2yxo/Wxv3O7URGrI/AAAAAAAAImY/LKOAhx4yX_8ZGJNTWi1LCTgdSQkuLrlMgCHMYCw/s1600-h/finisherpix_2358_010572%255B4%255D"><img title="finisherpix_2358_010572" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="finisherpix_2358_010572" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R43p3wGsXd0/Wxv3PCGUyxI/AAAAAAAAImc/GzV_9PloqGojfmVQJukQnOaAufKs-t1EQCHMYCw/finisherpix_2358_010572_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="241" height="295" /></a></p> <p><strong><font color="#000000">Bike    1:50:54 (18mi)  9.7/mph</font></strong></p> <p><font color="#000000"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ylou_7233os/Wxv3Po_pNOI/AAAAAAAAImg/xSy_GyWvX2UK5hEWF_11Ezlu6qJXab_kgCHMYCw/s1600-h/bikeclimb%255B4%255D"><strong><img title="bikeclimb" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="bikeclimb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rXQ3lReD6Ac/Wxv3P9YPyaI/AAAAAAAAImk/I50ZnyyfDqcg9pKM7a2h74xzbb9VGwJgwCHMYCw/bikeclimb_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="373" height="212" /></strong></a></font></p> <p><font color="#666666">Time to climb! My bike time was 7 min slower than when I did the course on the computrainer. Why? Cause on the computrainer you can go as fast as you can pedal on the downhill without riding your brakes, going off a cliff or crashing into some life sucking shit. I’m glad I at least practiced the course because for the love of all that is Holy, the climbs are LONG and STEEP and I knew that it was going to be a long grind. Just keep peddling – up and over. The descents were equally as long and steep AND FAST as hell. I saw 30+mph speeds and was screaming and riding my brakes on each one. I’m just not THAT fearless to just let go and let God. I knew He had me, but yeah, I wanted to arrive alive.</font></p> <p><font color="#666666"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-unIUGlvlYzw/Wxv3QRFM6uI/AAAAAAAAImo/0PS5Cel2AE0o-xh_b8E0MGp6P-Vsnu_0wCHMYCw/s1600-h/222_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_012551-17034042%255B4%255D"><img title="222_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_012551-17034042" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="222_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_012551-17034042" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XmFVyKi-3BA/Wxv3QqRWw9I/AAAAAAAAIms/mZp9t0TUm5gZ-Kg9EXtC3BtV_19iCoNCACHMYCw/222_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_012551-17034042_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="324" height="203" /></a></font></p> <p><font color="#666666">            <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4fF8AYlOoGM/Wxv3QzjGSHI/AAAAAAAAImw/IUe4gR5yrygVnPhd8qw410Q-NwEg164WQCHMYCw/s1600-h/224_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_026475-17034044%255B2%255D"><img title="224_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_026475-17034044" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="224_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_026475-17034044" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-teQwDOHJy3Q/Wxv3RTozejI/AAAAAAAAIm0/PGJSN5lk_XAJqfTPavD2V_SAQ22KoNWjwCHMYCw/224_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_026475-17034044_thumb?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a>   <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--KFTv4-vfYc/Wxv3Rlyf9VI/AAAAAAAAIm4/w0oj71edlOsQ2U957YqY2cL5qZQ4o8n1ACHMYCw/s1600-h/227_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_026478-17034047%255B2%255D"><img title="227_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_026478-17034047" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="227_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_026478-17034047" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NG-6LE0jXUE/Wxv3SB3ktNI/AAAAAAAAIm8/7mtQr1Zj4lw--KFRxaDmANXRC4N69lBkgCHMYCw/227_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_026478-17034047_thumb?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a></font></p> <p><font color="#666666">I thought for sure that I would be able to get back without unclipping, but I (and the pack I was with) didn’t foresee the double climb. On the 1st long climb back to the finish (climbing after leaving Golden State Park, left turn up 100m and then hard right up short and STEEP), I hit that right turn, standing in the saddle and STILL couldn’t move the pedal. CLICK CLICK. I was off the bike with about 6 others and we walked and commiserated together. Two more long climbs and we were home free. Me and another lady played leapfrog up and down the last two climbs and kept encouraging each other to keep peddling, keep moving, almost to the top. I was ahead on the very last part of the climb towards near the bridge and I turned around to look for her and yelled. LET’S GO! COME ON! WE ARE ALMOST THERE!!</font></p> <p><font color="#666666">We were and we brought it in.</font></p> <p><font color="#666666"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uR6ztTUVa10/Wxv3SV3sZAI/AAAAAAAAInA/IoBAebdRQ2Eqe5_qmnmAKWC2WDAlI7qzgCHMYCw/s1600-h/bikefinish%255B4%255D"><img title="bikefinish" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="bikefinish" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T5pbbtx_zI4/Wxv3SgdNq4I/AAAAAAAAInE/QqwzwCqEWGkKxik13o0uipSYeqwhm08cgCHMYCw/bikefinish_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="288" height="344" /></a></font></p> <p><font color="#000000"><strong>T2 8:35 </strong><font color="#666666">I DON’T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT IT. Worry ‘bout your damn self.</font></font></p> <p><font color="#666666">I was grinning like a Cheshire Cat! 8 MORE MILES and I WAS GONNA BE AN ESCAPEE!!! Just 8 MORE MILES! I can do anything for those 8 miles.<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YFf_OnQt6Lg/Wxv3TIdHNfI/AAAAAAAAInI/cNMzEEpx24cH0rsHN5ejbHc_WzLBSODyACHMYCw/s1600-h/elevationgraph2015%255B3%255D"><img title="elevationgraph2015" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="elevationgraph2015" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cc_EkrI7MJQ/Wxv3TRCNVcI/AAAAAAAAInM/2tn--cVKB6IAu4seJet1aDYDYgiJvmD6gCHMYCw/elevationgraph2015_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="252" height="218" /></a></font></p> <p><strong><font color="#000000">Run    2:23:54 (8.35mi)  17:14/mile</font></strong></p> <p><font color="#666666">They say the race is won on the run. Since I wasn’t in it to win it – I didn’t give a fugg. Just wogg, shuffle and hump up and over the hills and GET IT DONE!!</font></p> <p><font color="#666666">The first 2 miles were flat out of Marina Green but into a headwind. The view of the bridge was spectacular. At mile 2 you had to climb stairs to the top of the park overlooking the bridge. You continue climbing for another mile. I was sticking to my 1:30/:30 intervals. I felt good. I was wogging happy. I made it to the top and then it was a steep descent onto the beach. I wish I could take a downhill like the other runners, but my knees can’t take it. I probably looked like a Weeble (they wobble but they don’t fall down) as I turned my feet out, extended my stride and shuffle/hopped side to side down the hill to the beach. </font></p> <p><font color="#666666"></font></p> <p><font color="#666666">SAND. FUGG MY LIFE! There is NO POINT is trying run on loose sand. And then I approached the Sand Ladder…Put there by SATAN HIMSELF…<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uwHyu5lBo9w/Wxv3Tp9-5AI/AAAAAAAAInQ/YdRNHH-fyiY_M5Di3HKkv4ij285r62XOACHMYCw/s1600-h/sandstairs%255B4%255D"><img title="sandstairs" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="sandstairs" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WV3Wh-PK0Hw/Wxv3UDPpzgI/AAAAAAAAInU/549GwZIq1R8uVEs0c3dn4kwr0MZ20S8qgCHMYCw/sandstairs_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="336" height="179" /></a></font></p> <p><strong><font color="#000000">Sand Ladder   8:55</font></strong></p> <p>400 wooden pile-on steps. Whose fugging idea was this shiggity right damn here! I looked up and told myself to not look up again until I got up there. Hunker down and climb and pull yourself up and along the best you can. 9 min later I was up at the top. A little more of a climb and then it was downhill to the finish.</p> <p>I got to the top and texted Ron that was coming home. 3 miles left! I was filled with JOY! <br />(I ‘ont wanna hear your shit about my phone either. I didn’t have head phones and it was in my hydration pack so stuff it)</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uqEY3tGhG6k/Wxv3URf87tI/AAAAAAAAInY/P6dgsxLAk-AEEXDEcRJHxGiTjs1MHgGUwCHMYCw/s1600-h/at%2Bthe%2Btop%255B6%255D"><img title="at the top" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="at the top" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I_jrCuXL3To/Wxv3UvmteuI/AAAAAAAAInc/AITDx4cPn6YLtxuMNurnA5sUiGH68qv3ACHMYCw/at%2Bthe%2Btop_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" width="276" height="335" /></a></p> <p>I laughed my way back. Seemed like the longest 3 miles EVER but I knew it was almost over.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p7wcjHGAg_c/Wxv3VHyHU9I/AAAAAAAAIng/vrlCwKeBg20r8f0jHYSODcnuoUr-xrhoACHMYCw/s1600-h/finisherpix_2358_048340%255B4%255D"><img title="finisherpix_2358_048340" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="finisherpix_2358_048340" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JSXDbCAJMx8/Wxv3VgtTb6I/AAAAAAAAInk/mSSP1Z7Tm6woj6o0q-owpV75XiX_XhKiACHMYCw/finisherpix_2358_048340_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="362" height="233" /></a>Ron was there waiting for me to bring it home! I was exhilarated. ESTATIC! I was going to finish! I was gonna ESCAPE!!</p> <p><iframe style="border: currentcolor; border-image: none; overflow: hidden;" height="901" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Frjsteptoe%2Fvideos%2F10209614571635635%2F&width=500&show_text=false&appId=205246798039&height=901" frameborder="0" width="500" allowtransparency="true" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7ykVC8ZTKibq_4gJiWCHLuUbuwIfsRl9XnnYW7PJTAmJO6Ombk437qQ4jTBIe9Ntv4G1tuDFPMcU5cQpFaMiAkAFlibZlirNmTLy8Xmp3xkNBs1sgKRbQylUVqHaw6G6BD2Pmg/s1600-h/235_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_038429-17034055%255B3%255D"><img title="235_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_038429-17034055" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="235_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_038429-17034055" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b2oPUWrmAtg/Wxv3WJLoUiI/AAAAAAAAIns/g1nHyrPAPrMdyDFdW5hYGwhCFmz6MF3JgCHMYCw/235_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_038429-17034055_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="145" height="252" /></a>  <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_j0i5ysPRYs/Wxv3WTMsviI/AAAAAAAAInw/svWc62WeODQaASLpItUzHRsfB80mm0rTQCHMYCw/s1600-h/236_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_038430-17034056%255B3%255D"><img title="236_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_038430-17034056" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="236_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_038430-17034056" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dzys1Hrs2xY/Wxv3W90Y8oI/AAAAAAAAIn0/nuq6MRho1Nobv8IFDe6DlokNli5S9vLFwCHMYCw/236_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_038430-17034056_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="151" height="252" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CjSfPuO8jk4/Wxv3XA7tvnI/AAAAAAAAIn4/OQBwp0QweOgPc-Kf2clWwoFwyA4k2anQACHMYCw/s1600-h/237_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_038431-17034057%255B2%255D"><img title="237_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_038431-17034057" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="237_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_038431-17034057" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kIlVO04TYJk/Wxv3XQ-jmwI/AAAAAAAAIn8/MNxa8I-T1jM5h0bilsyo-HLbdY-uy40cwCHMYCw/237_3rd-2397386-DIGITAL_HIGHRES-2358_038431-17034057_thumb?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#000000" size="4">I ESCAPED FROM ALCATRAZ!</font></strong></p> <p>          <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lqbqQe3zEIc/Wxv3XnpSxCI/AAAAAAAAIoA/i7EgYsh8Bm8JpeZPx7aOUgqjHWVgQk6kwCHMYCw/s1600-h/finisherpix_2358_038438%255B2%255D"><img title="finisherpix_2358_038438" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="finisherpix_2358_038438" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FOuhqLE2BUE/Wxv3YJEUvjI/AAAAAAAAIoE/BJTEHFpGqMEnZY0wL6faBN0H63uWKpfcQCHMYCw/finisherpix_2358_038438_thumb?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a>   <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BU_Ix5wK_W0/Wxv3YSwVqLI/AAAAAAAAIoI/9qOB2nIbeVUPJb6YJv7-SKSc2N9x0whpgCHMYCw/s1600-h/FINISH_MEDAL%255B2%255D"><img title="FINISH_MEDAL" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="FINISH_MEDAL" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PRYXSI7gYhM/Wxv3Yr2nN3I/AAAAAAAAIoM/IBE_z4hzOHUN5GoCDMisefrpBWquq9wRgCHMYCw/FINISH_MEDAL_thumb?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>I am so THANKFUL and BLESSED! The list of people that helped, supported, encouraged and coached me to achieving this goal is long. Know that I appreciate and love each and every single one of you.</p> <p>And just so you know that I don’t have the big head…</p> <p>I managed to swim across the San Francisco Bay, climb up and down hills on the streets of San Francisco, survive the sand ladder without injury or a mark on me. I climb the stairs in my own house, trip over the bar to the grandbaby gate almost going head first down the back stairs and hurt myself more, losing skin off my knee and knocking the wind out of me. That shit RIGHT THERE hurt more than ESCAPING FROM ALCATRAZ!!! The dangers of your own home will keep you humble. LOL!</p> <p>Seriously???!!!! OUCH! That hurt.</p>Lisa Steptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073957134141514643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094281.post-60194465602805229152018-05-30T13:42:00.001-04:002018-05-30T13:42:50.409-04:00Race Report–IGNITE SwimRun Maryland–MAY 12th<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VHmWV9wsxhg/Ww7hA1u_EYI/AAAAAAAAIj0/SpQOT6TwVPkAGnj3w8sBlOROUBiuT3ulACHMYCw/s1600-h/logo%255B2%255D"><img title="logo" style="float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="logo" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yh9ltrprtFc/Ww7hGjT_tiI/AAAAAAAAIj4/tnyFXPw10tAKJDO_dPwr4PtZUIfaCm5JACHMYCw/logo_thumb?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" height="91" /></a>WHOSE BRIGHT IDEA WAS THIS!! – Oh, yeah, that would be me. <br /></p> <p><strong><font color="#000000">DISCLAIMER</font></strong>: If you are easily offended and don’t like curse words. STOP HERE. If not, carry on… <br /></p> <p>So…In keeping with the tradition of suckering your friends into doing crazy shit…like Rebecca did 6 years ago with the “LIIIIIIIISSSSAAAA! Do this triathlon with me; your in shape, you can do it, it will be fun." I called up Rebecca and exclaimed – “HEY, Coach Danny is running this new IGNITE SwimRun Series and well, how hard could it be. Do it with me! We’d make a great team!”</p> <p>SUCKER! She said sure! Let’s do it. Well, that went kinda easy. Maybe it will be a piece of cake. BWAAAAHAAAHAAHAAHAA!</p> <p>What is SwimRun? IGNITE SwimRun is an endurance race that combines the thrill of endurance racing with the beauty of nature.  <br /> <br />Participants compete as a two-person team. Not a relay. Teams consist of all men, all women and mixed gender. The race begins with a mass wave start. Teams complete numerous swim and run legs ending at the finish line. During the race, teammates must remain within 10 meters of each other at all times. Teammates must complete the entire course and cross the finish line together. Everything we started with, we had to finish with and carry with us. This means we had to swim in our sneakers and carry a first aid kit, tether, GPS, and run with wetsuit, goggles, swim cap, buoy, whistle, etc.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fs0B9krvVpk/Ww7hTFdG6RI/AAAAAAAAIkA/VUF0tJp1rSER8xJ9KSVusrRWMPsHVlKigCHMYCw/s1600-h/Gear%255B4%255D"><img title="Gear" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Gear" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7ZoQGxxEWoM/Ww7hZtaUj0I/AAAAAAAAIkI/vryZzXXRkJQmB_NQ1_oElIDZ4nF-93XTgCHMYCw/Gear_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="364" height="210" /></a> <br />           <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AlVkgWX-PyY/Ww7hmYYM6vI/AAAAAAAAIkM/UZCFGY6rppAfYs9BcKpJTR8aMWxx3GdxQCHMYCw/s1600-h/2018-05-12%2B07.14.12%255B6%255D"><img title="2018-05-12 07.14.12" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="2018-05-12 07.14.12" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FLQk7murMjM/Ww7htSdpVyI/AAAAAAAAIkU/iJqECuowZAY7H-UdnTu36_yhLgjXmCyogCHMYCw/2018-05-12%2B07.14.12_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" width="359" height="318" /></a> <br />Pure cray-cray. <br /> <br />I signed us up for the Long Course, but during a pre-race discussion with my teammate we concluded that we were NOT prepared to swim a total of 2.4 miles AND run 14+. Yeah, no. We went down to the Short Course.</p> <p>Swim - 4 legs: 1.4 mi <br />Run - 5 legs: 7.8 mi (it was supposed to be 6.2 miles. Course adjustment. SURPRISE!) <br />Total distance: 9.2</p> <p>The swim was the same 500-600 (depending on how straight a line you can swim) across the lake. The Run was 5 legs of various distance…THROUGH THE WOODS!. How do you know to stay on course. Each time you get out of the water you run by an aid station and pick up a colored rubberband for the next leg you are on. DON’T FOLLOW the tree markings, FOLLOW the corresponding colored IGNITE signs.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s4wQW93Rl5w/Ww7hyhwF9xI/AAAAAAAAIkY/AJm0xIpS0zYGTZQCaXC1yXM4-Pi8bM0lwCHMYCw/s1600-h/Everybody%255B4%255D"><img title="Everybody" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Everybody" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5ZNgquvzSxA/Ww7h7sMNmwI/AAAAAAAAIkg/s0p4mGCjTTojVHYmXr5bZgs9v9i0qEkmgCHMYCw/Everybody_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="368" height="260" /></a></p> <p>And we are off… <br />Run 1:  <font color="#ff0000"><strong>Red</strong></font> - 0.9 miles  <br />We didn’t get off to a great start. Both Rebecca and I took off and our buoys slid down our legs. Rebecca stopped to take hers off and I stopped to tighten mine up.  {We needed a swim buoy because we had to swim in our sneakers, which would pull our legs down while swimming. The swim buoy helped to keep our feet up while swimming). We were also on uneven grass for the start. We got dropped immediately by EVERYONE except 2 teams. WHATEVER. Let’s get it done. The swim came upon us quickly…</p> <p><strong><font color="#000000">TIP</font></strong>: DIY on your buoy with the small one we all swim at pool with. Drill some holes and use locklaces to tighten up. Ours was bulky and heavy and well…cursing started early.</p> <p> <br /><strong><u><font color="#000000">Swim 1: 0.35 miles:</font></u></strong> <br />I was so glad to get to the first swim. We took a min so Rebecca could put on her buoy and I clipped us together with the tether. The plan was for me to lead the swims with Rebecca on my right hand side. I kept feeling the tether pull tight and I would slow or pause – FUGG – It took me to the last swim leg to figure out how to come to a complete stop and tread water with shoes, a wetsuit and a gynormous buoy between my legs. I was thinking…FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY! WHAT DA HELL IS THE PROBLEM BACK THERE! I “stop” and ask Rebecca what’s up? Are you okay. She said she couldn’t keep the buoy between her legs, it kept sliding down around her ankle. I popped off: GIRL, JUST KEEP YOUR LEGS CLOSED! <br /> <br />We started swimming again and I thought, oops, that’s my teammate. We gonna be out here together for a while. I shrugged. My girl knows I’m sassy and curse. She be alright. I started dragging her instead and said nothing. <br /> <br />We finished the first swim and as we approached the aid station we saw our coach and IGNITE race director, Danny standing there. He asked how it was. Rebecca responded, "THAT WAS HARD AS FUCK!". I was like FUCK MY LIFE, HOW MANY MORE? He just laughed and said at some point we will be saying it was fun as fuck. Yeah, that moment didn't come throughout that race. <br /> <br />This picture of us getting out of the water after the first swim speaks a thousand words. I am looking at Rebecca like, "What DA HELL ARE you DOING??!!! Next leg, keep your legs closed on that buoy. LET’S GO! </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DoEgwnZvM_M/Ww7iC28oHRI/AAAAAAAAIks/UtCRFgd__H4eqdsrFSAGUXtGvRuRc6y3ACHMYCw/s1600-h/CloseYourLegs%255B4%255D"><img title="CloseYourLegs" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="CloseYourLegs" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7IqdJVBxW3M/Ww7iGFc5QfI/AAAAAAAAIkw/pUx4IV3eZlIaL7htHdSxo24Emvn6RgStACHMYCw/CloseYourLegs_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="376" height="251" /></a></p> <p><strong><u><font color="#000000">Run 2:</font></u></strong>  <font color="#00ff40"><strong>Green</strong></font> - <strong><u><font color="#000000">Almost 2 miles.</font></u></strong>  <br />Hmmm…this is steep. This is not a run. This is a hike. I’m not a trail runner and these trails were steep, very rocky and technical. I was kinda cheery on this loop. I was envisioning climbing hills at Alcatraz. I couldn’t run this trail but I could hump up it and I didn’t feel too bad. Rebecca was no in the same happy place as I was on this loop. I coaxed her up with telling her to just take 10 steps and rest, then 10 more. Soon we would be up an over. We made it down to the water again.</p> <p><strong><u><font color="#000000">Swim 2: 0.35 miles</font></u></strong> <br />Uneventful. Just a swim across the lake. Nothing to report. </p> <p><strong><u><font color="#000000">Run 3:</font></u></strong> <font color="#0000ff"><strong>Blue</strong></font>  - <strong><u><font color="#000000">Closer to 1.5 miles</font></u></strong> <br />We were getting a little tired now. Another short but steep climb up and over. Rebecca started talking about how she felt totally unfit and telling me how her mother told her that her legs were getting big and added how she though her arms and belly were too. She said she hated it all, and blamed herself because she hadn't done a pushup or situp in months..... In the words of M’baku – I WAS NOT HAVING IT. I nipped that shit in the bud telling her that I refuse to hate anything about my body anymore. God gave me this body and it is my job to do everything I can to make it the best that I can. I told her to love her body, because God gave it to her. Just take the time to appreciate and be thankful for what she can do in the body she has and if she wants it to be better, do better. We had a little praise and worship up on the mountain and before we knew it, we are back in the water. </p> <p><strong><u><font color="#000000">Swim 3: 0.35 miles</font></u></strong> <br />Now it was my turn to have issues. My swim buoy was sliding down and YES! I WAS CRUSHING THAT DAMN BUOY between my legs. It would loosen up, slide down some and twist around. I kept stopping to try and fix it and looked like I was drowning as I thrashed the water to get upright. Rebecca tried to tell me to just stay horizontal but for some reason I couldn’t get the hang of it until near the end and I came out of the water EXHAUSTED. </p> <p><strong><u><font color="#000000">Run 4: <font color="#f79646">Orange</font> - about 4 miles - elevation was almost 9% grade</font></u></strong> <br />We were told by a team THAT FUGGING LAPPED us that the orange course to very challenging and technical. Be careful. This is probably the beginning of the “FUCK EVERYONE” fest that Rebecca and I went on. We descended into the sunken place. We thanked them for the info and trudged along. When we approached the first climb, I came to a halt and said “This rocky trail, mountain goat bullshit is some definite #wyppo shit RIGHT HERE!  What THE HELL were we doing out here in these woods?!! As we kept climbing and climbing AND CLIMBING over rocks and boulders and roots and just woods shit…I WAS OVER IT and kept asking, WHEN WILL THIS CLIMB END THIS ENNNNDDDDDD?!!???. And Rebecca managed to find her cheer and quip, "I don't know girl, let's go find out. BITCH WHAT??!! Mmmm hmmm. We gon find out alright and when I catch up to your happy ass…you’ll see. <br /> <br />I knew I needed her cheer and happy thoughs because I was DONE. OVER IT. Rebecca reminded me about all we have done before - finished 100 mile bike rides, marathons, 70.3 races and Ironman competitions,  jumped off boats and swam to shore then hopped on our bikes followed by a run. We were BADASSES. DAMN RIGHT. This is why you need to have a TEAMMATE for those ebbs and flows. Neither of you can be negative at the same time. You have to know each other and how to support the other when things go dark. <br /> <br />We came up on an aide station. They told us that we just have 2 more miles to "run", then swim again and then it's just a 0.5 mile run to the finish line. There was beer and Chik-Fil-A at the finish. I CAN DO ALL THINGS FOR A COLD ASS BEER. Yet just as we were about to move out with a purpose, this muthafugger can RUNNING past on the trail. We asked were his gear was and he said he was FINISHED and just wanted to get some more miles in. </p> <p>This is when the melt down occurred. NO one was saved! Rebecca threw out her cup and cussed me out:  "You know what? Fuck you, Lisa. This shit was all your idea! Lisa chuckled and said, "come on girl, let's finish this race.</p> <p>It looked like we didn’t have anymore to climb, but oh, WE DID. BOY DID WE HAVE ONE LAST CLIMB and that was when the FUCK FEST began and what could have been a pitty party turned out to be pretty damn funny. We cursed and laughed our way to the last swim… (copied from Rebecca’s race report)</p> <ul> <li>"Yeah, fuck Danny and his lil' friends that planned this fucking course. Yeah, girl, Fuck Danny!.....{Haaaaa! We were OVER IT and the word FUCK just some how made us feel better. We even used the F word when we saw some people out in the woods. They just laughed at us. We weren't angry, for those that don't understand. It was just a way to get through it. Rebecca and I can cuss each other out one second and be 10000% okay the next second. Not angry at all. It's a survival technique. Fuck is a stress relieving word in difficult situations. You should try it! lol} </li> <li><b>ME:</b> who the fuck put all these fucking rocks out here?! <b>Rebecca:</b> Mother Nature. <b>ME: </b>Yeah, Fuck that bitch too!". :</li> <li>Fuck all these mofo’s out here running on the rocks with vibrams…RUNNING!</li> <li>When we get back to the athlete tent, we gonna walk in there and say – FUCK ALL OF YOU!</li> <li>FUCK All the people back at home tracking us and wondering what was taking us so long. "Yeah, fuck them. They need to get off the couch and come out here and see how HARD this shit is"</li> <li>FUCK all the people that already finished. They better had not eaten up all the Chick-fil-A and drank up all the beer. They know Danny and them ordered that chicken for us!!!</li> <li>FUCK all the people who will think that instead of using the vulgarity in our race reports we should "use our words". Fuck them. FUCK is the only appropriate word to describe our thoughts and feelings during this difficult time. The shit was tough, bruh!</li> </ul> <p>We made it to the last swim. THANK YOU SWEET BABY JESUS. And suddenly I had my game face on. I could see across the lake to the finish. In my mind, I could taste those chicken tenders washed down by a cold beer. I stood at the waters edge waiting for Rebecca to get her buoy on with the tether in my hand to clip her in. I WAS ON A MISSION. I didn’t say a word, I just started swimming. HARD. FAST.</p> <p>I felt the tether tighten and I didn’t care. I just kept swimming. Pulling harder. I literally was thinking that I will just pull Rebecca to the finish, just hang on. All of a sudden a kayak pulled up beside me and he tagged me with his paddle. I was like – WHAT!!!??? He said I had to stop and let my teammate get herself together. Rebecca was trying to adjust her buoy and I was dragging her along. Damn. I tried to drown my teammate. FUCK. I stopped. She got it together and I said we are almost there, just hold on.</p> <p>WE MADE IT!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ome38xPpF50/Ww7iMw46xCI/AAAAAAAAIk0/ui9PVxiyWtEfJ942S6vD594CivNOPeSfQCHMYCw/s1600-h/SwimOut%255B4%255D"><img title="SwimOut" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="SwimOut" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-COUbihaP-aY/Ww7iVN9tjeI/AAAAAAAAIk8/4iZKv4_JGVcghflwT4fzq3VKQb2nAc6IgCHMYCw/SwimOut_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="370" height="306" /></a></p> <p>I crawled up on the sand and thanked GOD. We made it. Just .5 more to go to the finish chute. I was huffing and puffing, slight incline up to the last bit to the finish. I looked at Rebecca and said, when we get to the cone at the top, let’s run it in TOGETHER! <br /> <br />The Ignite SwimRun Series motto is to IGNITE YOUR INNER ATHLETE and we most certainly did. Would I do it again? At first, I said HELL TO THE NAW! but I had a blast. It was definitely HARD AS FUGG, but I had a great time.</p> <p>Here is a link to check out the <a href="http://www.igniteswimrun.com" target="_blank">Ignite SwimRun Series</a>. There is still time to get one in this year.</p> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ck8f3XimAMg/Ww7if6P_0fI/AAAAAAAAIlI/hZEy8c-x0Wsaz00KQZGNVJEPSKH4AHsUgCHMYCw/s1600-h/2018-05-12%2B12.37.59%255B7%255D"><img title="2018-05-12 12.37.59" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="2018-05-12 12.37.59" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gy8fAXpQ1m4/Ww7ilQhbWyI/AAAAAAAAIlQ/rvec_xrIziwtZdYm90ziHxQN8ibozbZfQCHMYCw/2018-05-12%2B12.37.59_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" width="381" height="259" /></a>Lisa Steptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073957134141514643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094281.post-1803929264201112772017-12-29T16:40:00.001-05:002017-12-29T16:44:15.036-05:00A Race Year In Review2017 has been a year of big events and changes that required a change in plans & goals along with some awesome celebrations along the way. I haven’t had much time to blog and didn’t do my usual race reports. I decided to do a year in review instead to celebrate an awesome 2017 as I prepare for a FABULOUS 2018!<br />
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<strong><em><u><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">APRIL 9TH – Clydes 10k</span></u></em></strong> – 1:30:35 (14:28min/mile)<br />
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Coming off of a shot in each knee and a recommendation that I learn to power walk if I want to keep at it and I had a goal of doing IMMD. <br /> <br />The brace helped and I felt like I crushed it even with that disrespectful hill coming up Rt 108.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><em><u>6 MAY – NEW JOB</u></em></span></strong><br />
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<strong><em><u><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">21 MAY – Columbia Triathlon</span></u></em></strong> (Redemption)<br />
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Swim 47:56 Bike 2:20:58 Run 1:39:09</div>
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15 min overall improvement (5 Bike, 10 on Run)</div>
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<strong><u><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">MAY 29th – JUNE 6th – <br />30th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION – LONDON & PARIS</span></u></strong></div>
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<em><strong><u><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PA3RDNmTmrI/Wka2B3kyyPI/AAAAAAAAIe8/u-a3ZxpSoRMtewKG62NSJtboMvfhf2-9QCHMYCw/s1600-h/2017-06-02%2B16.35.58%255B5%255D"><img alt="2017-06-02 16.35.58" border="0" height="184" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eFAiSfFtZsE/Wka2CKQvHXI/AAAAAAAAIfA/dF3WiNl5niAmU7E7pOfI0zdyrZeUfBGWQCHMYCw/2017-06-02%2B16.35.58_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2017-06-02 16.35.58" width="244" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MNSzcuGx-1Q/Wka2CY22U4I/AAAAAAAAIfE/_c1Hu6VR5NkWVN_2DsAHB0ATyPHa6OxKgCHMYCw/s1600-h/2017-06-04%2B15.17.44%255B5%255D"><img alt="2017-06-04 15.17.44" border="0" height="184" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-swtRbz_TLfo/Wka2CtvbRyI/AAAAAAAAIfI/B4lKFhuLsxgaExfkVjLx14k5tPpFsR0BwCHMYCw/2017-06-04%2B15.17.44_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2017-06-04 15.17.44" width="244" /></a></u></strong></em></div>
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I had the most wonderful time celebrating 30 years together. Here is looking for 30 more. I wouldn’t have it any other way!</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><strong><em><u>9-10 JUNE – </u></em></strong>Moved into New Home</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">This was the same weekend I had to make the command decision on moving forward with IMMD. All move, the travel and the new job travel requirements made it so I could not train like I needed to do if I wanted to be successful. Looking back at it now, I made the best decision for me and my family.</span></div>
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<em><strong><u><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ezwch_m9FcI/Wka2DIDgFbI/AAAAAAAAIfU/RyWFwvCEonc0Xiz2yV9M3WSI50E2Udw3QCHMYCw/s1600-h/2017-06-18%2B08.06.09%255B3%255D"><img align="left" alt="2017-06-18 08.06.09" border="0" height="244" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xLay5El6RKQ/Wka2DeVR7qI/AAAAAAAAIfY/iQAwDZDVaq4G264mGratESgQ9TX412j5wCHMYCw/2017-06-18%2B08.06.09_thumb?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2017-06-18 08.06.09" width="184" /></a>18 JUNE –Ellicott City 10k</span>- </u></strong></em>1:34:08 (15.16min/mile) – coming off of a decadent trip to London & Paris with the most training being lots of walking and a bike tour followed by the move, I was impressed with my wog! Especially, having to do that two mile climb. THAT WAS RUDE!</div>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-46MUvc7Korw/Wka2Dlb9jII/AAAAAAAAIfc/6lGSjBOnk5I4BfnevhJ8qaHZ5_GqHVunACHMYCw/s1600-h/2017-06-17%2B19.04.16%255B5%255D"><img alt="2017-06-17 19.04.16" border="0" height="258" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HiToxLp0EjI/Wka2DxHUBfI/AAAAAAAAIfg/cSTHA4-zGpomLVUH0EP4QZ8DDINi1CkoQCHMYCw/2017-06-17%2B19.04.16_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2017-06-17 19.04.16" width="501" /></a><br />
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<strong><em><u><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">15 – 16 JULY – DU THE 2</span></u></em></strong> – Maryland Duathlon Challenge<br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ybwgjamhf-Y/Wka2EMqAFRI/AAAAAAAAIfk/Bp7tQj2EBwwUdI6p9kdg5jAdU5UJ4rRYQCHMYCw/s1600-h/2017-07-15%2B09.59.37%255B3%255D"><img alt="2017-07-15 09.59.37" border="0" height="244" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U4yn7hDvGXU/Wka2EUZK2hI/AAAAAAAAIfo/TuCNy58AyRImNn4LtNsXUkqFo9zSXjRCwCHMYCw/2017-07-15%2B09.59.37_thumb?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2017-07-15 09.59.37" width="184" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MCj_PyZrV3I/Wka2EzvuhMI/AAAAAAAAIfs/3wan5kPPKtIS70uFniCuK3arxVZvd2hwgCHMYCw/s1600-h/2017-07-16%2B11.21.17%255B3%255D"><img alt="2017-07-16 11.21.17" border="0" height="244" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RCEw5XmnqqE/Wka2FEwbd1I/AAAAAAAAIfw/6WxYDLtXitciPVAkdDSg_QIqVKNxf88qwCHMYCw/2017-07-16%2B11.21.17_thumb?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2017-07-16 11.21.17" width="184" /></a><br />
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Let’s just say that after 2 years of this back to back race…yeah. Imma stick to the OLY and call it a day. I seem to not be able to get my nutrition right, it is always hot as a mofo and running is my Achilles heel. My Sprint time pretty much the same from previous year and the Oly was the same except add 10 min onto the run time. I was so glad to cross that finish line. 2018…Just the OLY.<br />
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<strong><em><u><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">26 AUGUST – West Point Sprint Triathlon</span></u></em></strong> <br />Swim 21:49 Bike 1:04 Run 46:40 – <br />
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<strong><em><u><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">3rd PLACE ATHENA</span></u></em></strong></div>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5frTPXIAKi0/Wka2FxnliTI/AAAAAAAAIf8/riuVARJQ4eci1HenMShSnFHsr1_hDLdTwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_6516%255B5%255D"><img alt="IMG_6516" border="0" height="276" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0SG1AXMOktQ/Wka2GFTgmnI/AAAAAAAAIgA/2ic5DwYJnGMNW6oQYI_cfGXgMcqJ3Ij6ACHMYCw/IMG_6516_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6516" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4L4pVvdMkVU/Wka2GQEDIEI/AAAAAAAAIgE/EAlkZhdyrSsGSiu4xkxA8drHaV9Mf-azACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_6522%255B8%255D"><img alt="IMG_6522" border="0" height="278" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_qbmUIn8_kc/Wka2GgbbrcI/AAAAAAAAIgI/acBnakRbP0QmPK7Q733aFJLB6BvhDKcCgCHMYCw/IMG_6522_thumb%255B5%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6522" width="296" /></a><br />
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Took the podium again with a 3rd place Athena! YES!!<br />
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">26 – 27 AUGUST – CHICAGO TRI</span></strong> <br />(SuperSprint & OLY)<br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ReMcxJD04Es/Wka2Hi3f_lI/AAAAAAAAIgc/jOyudT9GGLQ4Zbr2_wsrtoLzwxnwT4SawCHMYCw/s1600-h/2017-08-26%2B12.19.28%255B5%255D"><img alt="2017-08-26 12.19.28" border="0" height="264" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iK0I56AQ7bk/Wka2Hw2Z1xI/AAAAAAAAIgg/ICltX4-0Wr044J9YorVzFI503FxgOsw3gCHMYCw/2017-08-26%2B12.19.28_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2017-08-26 12.19.28" width="334" /></a><br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q00I4lokgos/Wka2ILedsHI/AAAAAAAAIgk/OLbwgsQ70lM3nufO7BiTvHD1IPU3vcUrgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1503836455870%255B5%255D"><img alt="IMG_1503836455870" border="0" height="322" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6QV6GvnqJpQ/Wka2IQeJWqI/AAAAAAAAIgo/NIFW7gONOOUgksjfWzdjjDWaREVBCfWogCHMYCw/IMG_1503836455870_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1503836455870" width="212" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CkuWOELnzEo/Wka2Is4Rl1I/AAAAAAAAIgs/vWfMFQjvFLAEYTFYaVPfEuQVc4T5CFUZwCHMYCw/s1600-h/2017-08-28%2B12.32.26-2%255B7%255D"><img alt="2017-08-28 12.32.26-2" border="0" height="325" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w_Fxk17RiBw/Wka2I1B6jtI/AAAAAAAAIgw/iTSNQ68krYQ-93AQw64Zt1AaV0WIuTb1wCHMYCw/2017-08-28%2B12.32.26-2_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2017-08-28 12.32.26-2" width="289" /></a><br />
Back to Back races and I didn’t drown, crash or fall. WINNING!! I followed it up with a vacation with my GlamBaby (and her parents too). Another fabulous racecation.<br />
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<strong><em><u><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">10 SEPTEMBER – Nations Triathlon </span></u></em></strong>1ST ATHENA MASTERS <br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kRgFy6VQop0/Wka2JLH0wGI/AAAAAAAAIg0/pTTcrodBxiECQ1eAfQq2QfRalgmCRLSNQCHMYCw/s1600-h/2017-09-11%2B09.03.13%255B5%255D"><img align="left" alt="2017-09-11 09.03.13" border="0" height="283" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wh78nlXshm0/Wka2JbyMvBI/AAAAAAAAIg4/MLddo6PTDhcW9d4momFgTADaOAmWvmaQwCHMYCw/2017-09-11%2B09.03.13_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2017-09-11 09.03.13" width="276" /></a>I decided to do this race at the last minute for grins and giggles since I wasn’t going to be doing IMMD. It is the <a href="http://www.traveldivastories.com/2010/09/traveldiva-is-triathlete.html" target="_blank">first triathlon I ever did back in 2010</a> and I wanted to see how I have progressed over the years. <br /><strong><span style="color: black;">I cut off 47 – FORTY SEVEN MINUTES – off my race time and came in 1st in my Division</span></strong>. 10 min off the swim and 37 min faster off the bike – run was essentially the same. WOW!!! <br />I won an entry to ESCAPE FROM ALCATRAZ in 2018. Guess what the A race is for 2018!! <br />
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<strong><em><u><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">28 SEPT-1OCT 30th WEST POINT CLASS REUNION</span></u></em></strong><br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BkEr3OGoBmc/Wka2JiVUmCI/AAAAAAAAIg8/G47wrMAQwT4r0mspZmL6PwQQGqgw6pmQgCHMYCw/s1600-h/2017-09-29%2B15.52.33-1%255B4%255D"><img alt="2017-09-29 15.52.33-1" border="0" height="250" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8AKdcpazOFY/Wka2JzT9DPI/AAAAAAAAIhA/OczrUNqf2f8v2srYZ4tNr1z16yHnpRuxQCHMYCw/2017-09-29%2B15.52.33-1_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2017-09-29 15.52.33-1" width="180" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZYIA18HEByo/Wka2KKQdR6I/AAAAAAAAIhE/NT1fSpcU8aQZhKb_Wm3k3HLlx-TihIlYgCHMYCw/s1600-h/2017-09-30%2B11.14.37%255B4%255D"><img alt="2017-09-30 11.14.37" border="0" height="257" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dkrOrR_cB-g/Wka2KoFsbvI/AAAAAAAAIhI/cJu1Y4_Yz_golRj7E36QOntBL6V6a9yAACHMYCw/2017-09-30%2B11.14.37_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2017-09-30 11.14.37" width="184" /></a><br />
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<strong><em><u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">5 NOVEMBER – Across the Bay </span><span style="color: black;">10k</span></span> 1:32:05 </u></em></strong>Nothing to write home about, but I am not losing pace ground. One more puzzle piece to collect. <br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PYQxis_CFKs/Wka2K2ZIZFI/AAAAAAAAIhM/Sw9DiDB4k7sA_-OCH_V7vh44GPOPpT5bwCHMYCw/s1600-h/2017-11-09%2B12.06.54%255B5%255D"><img alt="2017-11-09 12.06.54" border="0" height="317" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rJNbk2HDV5A/Wka2LLYrlhI/AAAAAAAAIhQ/VuPB8MrCIFM_825MIwVXrd7REuY67J2yQCHMYCw/2017-11-09%2B12.06.54_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2017-11-09 12.06.54" width="310" /></a><br />
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<strong><em><u><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">19 NOVEMBER – Turkey Chase 10k</span></u></em></strong> – 1:28:54<br />
My last race of the season and one of the best as I ran it with my son, Trooper Jordan Steptoe. <br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cwslbyA7S6c/Wka2LUPyKkI/AAAAAAAAIhU/DJaHG5_U1oge0iF04M6XVNdApQT9fqYLwCHMYCw/s1600-h/2017-11-19%2B07.55.52%255B6%255D"><img alt="2017-11-19 07.55.52" border="0" height="310" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DdKhy1WQENA/Wka2LiXtmBI/AAAAAAAAIhY/F3etQayOlxYjEcSdduJeDrBA-RLoTPDQwCHMYCw/2017-11-19%2B07.55.52_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2017-11-19 07.55.52" width="209" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uxVWh-w7R-0/Wka2L0Np7bI/AAAAAAAAIhc/n2dMr4ClFV0uZmseaTDB75VzAAy2QFFzgCHMYCw/s1600-h/2017-11-19%2B09.36.43%255B5%255D"><img alt="2017-11-19 09.36.43" border="0" height="307" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SbN2YbnyLbE/Wka2L8gFqTI/AAAAAAAAIhg/eL0S04KxkiwBYF6vCdurkQ-1aqG3aAX5QCHMYCw/2017-11-19%2B09.36.43_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2017-11-19 09.36.43" width="205" /></a><br />
It was a wonderful year of racing amongst a lot of celebration and life changes. You adapt, improvise and overcome as things are thrown in your path. Don’t give up on your goals and dreams. Shoot for the stars and if you land on the moon, you have a better view of the stars and are that much closer. <br /> <br />Wishing all of you a wonderful 2018…May all your days be Merry & Bright!Lisa Steptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073957134141514643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094281.post-13379036349391914412017-04-23T17:33:00.001-04:002017-04-23T17:33:04.812-04:00Journey to IMMD: If it ain’t raining, You ain’t training…<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f-nsLUq_Ht4/WP0dgctwAnI/AAAAAAAAIbg/pXmPMFHYBIQOaJHDksdCxOGW9EUrg58XQCHM/s1600-h/2017-04-22%2B11.48.18%255B5%255D"><img title="2017-04-22 11.48.18" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2017-04-22 11.48.18" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O5pdW-mTvqQ/WP0dg0Hx2nI/AAAAAAAAIbk/R_Gwt9gQBYYLMmPLkunrWQZXNQQtC_bzQCHM/2017-04-22%2B11.48.18_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="273" align="left" height="287" /></a></p> <p> Saturday, I had 40 miles to knock out in Training Peaks. Earlier in the week, I scoped out a trail that I had not done before that I had heard was awesome! Paved, flat and uninterrupted – The Western Maryland Rail Trail. </p> <p> </p> <p>I wanted something a little closer to home that I wouldn’t have to worry about cars and such. The weather was looking iffy, but the weather report said it would be cloudy on Saturday and rain on Sunday. It would suck for the Half Marathon but so be it. I packed everything up on Friday night and was ready to roll. </p> <p> </p> <p>Mmmm Hmmm…I want that job where you can be dead ass wrong 50%+ of the time and still get paid the big bucks. I woke up early on Saturday to rain. Uggahh!!</p> <p> </p> <p>I piddled around and wasted a hour debating what I would do. I stared at my trainer for what seemed like an eternity dreading 40 miles on the trainer. It is just like the dreadmill…hours of going nowhere, not fast – just ongoing suffering. I then tried to figure out when I could fit it in? After the half marathon? YEAH RIGHT. I’m dedicated, but I know EXACTLY what would happen – NOTHING. <br /> <br />Then it hit me – these conditions just might be what it will be like at IMMD. Cold, raining, windy. Before I could talk myself out of it, I grabbed my rain jacket and got in the car. Western Maryland Rail Trail is a fast hour and 10min from my door and I was there in no time. I started at the beginning of the trail at Ft. Frederick State Park (exit 12 of of I70). Less than a mile off the exit is a free parking lot (Big Pool Junction). There are restrooms to use so you can relieve yourself privately before you get started.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8eK1gQ9svAg/WP0dhvqZmtI/AAAAAAAAIbo/Y3IVTIYFPoo26At2ALRSZraBMWhstBAQACHM/s1600-h/2017-04-22%2B08.53.15%255B5%255D"><img title="2017-04-22 08.53.15" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2017-04-22 08.53.15" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qNEGM5TsHKE/WP0dh806wAI/AAAAAAAAIbs/HxpoP1PyMooGS4_8vBs2AjfO8DJPkzyuwCHM/2017-04-22%2B08.53.15_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="354" height="262" /></a></p> <p>The trail is BEAUTIFUL. 22 miles of almost totally uninterrupted (nolights, road crossings – except for the occasional tow path crossing and the parking lot entrances in Hancock), completely flat, paved trail. AWESOME!</p> <p> </p> <p>At approximately mile 10/11, you come into Hancock where the C&O Bike Shop is located. There are other wonderful restaurants and ice cream shop if you are so inclined. If you drive up to Exit 3, there is another free lot right before the town center. This might be a better option if you plan on doing a double. You are at the mid point of the trail and thus you would never be that far from the Bike Shop and your car if you ran into trouble that you couldn’t fix on your own. I noticed that there were plenty of places along the route if you had to jump off for sustenance or a restroom. Plenty of nature though. The view and sights are along the way is beautiful.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yVYRQ2v6KJM/WP0diCNtDDI/AAAAAAAAIbw/PWUUgXtoppwpfTpeZQ1nC7bXtKSJirFNwCHM/s1600-h/2017-04-22%2B10.45.10%255B5%255D"><img title="2017-04-22 10.45.10" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2017-04-22 10.45.10" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EZfmtzdxX6w/WP0djS5jozI/AAAAAAAAIb0/YG8pUb3btR8R-BuOTIaNEQJLy9KTXL39gCHM/2017-04-22%2B10.45.10_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" width="316" height="333" /></a></p> <p>      Me – on the trail w/C&O Bike Shop in background</p> <p>The first 15 miles were not bad at all. It was a light drizzle but most times it was just cloudy. At 15, the rain started to pick up so I decided to turn around before it got too bad. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kygmHMBIRtE/WP0djxU-n1I/AAAAAAAAIb4/cdrpO8yOYjQAI0c0T-RpaU-ATySm_25iACHM/s1600-h/2017-04-22%2B10.24.26%255B6%255D"><img title="2017-04-22 10.24.26" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2017-04-22 10.24.26" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qwW5hYTL--4/WP0dkPWj1VI/AAAAAAAAIb8/3KFw-M-GrAowZhIIX2l0YT2hNrP9g5e9gCHM/2017-04-22%2B10.24.26_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" width="333" height="373" /></a></p> <p>    Mile 15 – Snack break & decision to turn around</p> <p> </p> <p>NOPE. The rain steadily pick up and was a pour for my last 10 back to the car. Amazing how you find energy and speed when you want to GET OFF THE BIKE AND OUT OF THE RAIN.</p> <p> </p> <p>I got 30 of the planned 40 done in the rain and I survived. My goal was to maintain a 16mph pace and I did approx. 15mph (rain, cold, wind). Not bad. I’m going back next weekend and do the whole trail. Who’s coming?</p> <p> </p> <p>NOTE TO SELF: Also throw in car a change of clothes & towel when you are planning on crazy stuff. Actually, just put a jump bag in the car and leave it there.</p>Lisa Steptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073957134141514643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094281.post-21852649763074870792017-04-12T21:20:00.001-04:002017-04-12T21:20:07.995-04:00Journey to IMMD: It is too early for a Meltdown<p>At the beginning of this month…on a Sunday long run day…I had the first of probably plenty of meltdowns:</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qD7iSLLBQFc/WO7SPlLWkEI/AAAAAAAAIa0/6-jz5ykmlzI/s1600-h/2017-04-02%25252011.45.42%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="2017-04-02 11.45.42" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2017-04-02 11.45.42" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bIW3XIaa5x8/WO7SQOdWT4I/AAAAAAAAIa4/x_b3H5WK0c0/2017-04-02%25252011.45.42_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" align="left" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Here I stand up against a tree at mile 5 of a 10 mile wog ~ which I WALKED ~ trying to get my head back in the game and get back to my car. (I reached out to my FB family of crazy for support)…Y'all send me some good vibes cause right now I wanna call Uber.</p> <p>Imma eat my snack, stretch, do a gut check and get movin'.</p> <p> </p> <p>I was no mo good and needed to get my ass in gear. My fellow RipItTeam Members, Friends, Family and #TeamRightBehindMe stepped up to the plate, gave me a virtual kick in the ass and I got to movin’….</p> <p> </p> <p>I attacked 3.5 miles, which got me back to the lake and then I ran into turtle village… <br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w8laut6dBZ8/WO7SQQrEJGI/AAAAAAAAIa8/3nb9cAVlQeM/s1600-h/2017-04-02%25252013.03.28%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="2017-04-02 13.03.28" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2017-04-02 13.03.28" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ofJTd_LN1AY/WO7SQksaQsI/AAAAAAAAIbA/fbgVuN5Fo9U/2017-04-02%25252013.03.28_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244" /></a>  <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y8dKdd11OEM/WO7SRFmrnoI/AAAAAAAAIbE/cInwXKh7fFo/s1600-h/2017-04-02%25252013.03.36%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="2017-04-02 13.03.36" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2017-04-02 13.03.36" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ldn5bbZdtps/WO7SRVFHCJI/AAAAAAAAIbI/KHeUeXdtILY/2017-04-02%25252013.03.36_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244" /></a></p> <p>I walked back to my car, enjoying the beauty,nature the sun and reminding myself why I am doing all of this. I checked in on my friend, Norm who was in the mist of slogging through IMTX70.3 and I prayed for his run as I know he struggles through injuries too. I made it back to my car and 10 miles were done. Ugly but done.</p> <p> </p> <p>I wrote this on my FB page when I got home later that day:</p> <p>I am humbled by the response to the first of probably many meltdowns as I adapt, improvise, overcome and train like a madman towards 140.6.</p> <p> </p> <p>My friend and consigliere, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/brett.lewis.4111">Brett H Lewis</a>, sent this to me to remind me of my why and that I am RELENTLESS!</p> <p>I love you all and I hope you will stick with me through the ups and downs of this journey. <br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/teamrightbehindme?source=feed_text&story_id=10155232474939630">#TeamRightBehindMe</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/immd2017?source=feed_text&story_id=10155232474939630">#IMMD2017</a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sMMCldk6k-U/WO7SRnKofeI/AAAAAAAAIbM/n6hxz7o5ybw/s1600-h/2017-04-02%25252016.07.04%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2017-04-02 16.07.04" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2017-04-02 16.07.04" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RmE5SUmaZLE/WO7SRw0bebI/AAAAAAAAIbQ/2K1pPp3gXWA/2017-04-02%25252016.07.04_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="360" /></a></p>Lisa Steptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073957134141514643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094281.post-14046348196508458222017-04-06T19:16:00.003-04:002017-04-06T19:47:31.371-04:00JOURNEY TO IMMD - My Talismans<p>I have been remiss in blogging my IM Journey as I said I would and was soundly called out about it. I had to find an app that let me post on the phone and on the fly because by time I finish my daily Training Peaks Suffrage doled out by Coach Suzy, work, shove some semblance of food in my mouth - oh yeah - Feed the fam too, Ian usually in a state of OMG, there are 6 hours till I start again. The balance thing - BRUTAL. So, I have Bball practice duty tonight, found an app and I'm trying it out.--->>></p>
<p>Last month (March 10th), I was hanging with my sorority sisters and after dinner we stopped in a store called Alex and Ani. They were all into the bracelets and I was just hanging cause I never heard of them. When my partner in crime, Patty, asked me if one of the bracelets was a fit for her personality I was confused but read the symbols meaning and said yes. </p>
<p>
</p><p>Then I started looking at all the "talismans" and their meanings and decided to put a set together that represented my journey to IMMD. My coach, Suzy McCulloch Serpico and trainer/mentor Shawn Chevalier always encourage to have that one word/phrase to get you through the tough times. </p>
<p>This is my word --></p>
<p>RELENTLESS - to be a fiery, driving force that lets no obstacle or setback get in the way of achieving a noteworthy goal.</p>
<p>I put this set of bracelets together as my reminder of my why...</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PK52eEun0oc/WObLpgFHP0I/AAAAAAAAIac/tRUbAot-DZI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt=""><br></p>
<p>SWIMMING - Perseverance, Heart, Sportsmanship</p>
<p>BIKE - Wellness, Movement, Spirit</p>
<p>RUN - Endurance, Heart, Sportsmanship</p>
<p>5 (Numerology) - Adventure, Free, Variety</p>
<p>FOUR LEAF CLOVER - Blessing, Fortune, Prosperity</p>
<p>GODSPEED (Cuff) - Journey, Blessing, Protection</p>
<p>I wore them that Sunday (March 11) at RockN Roll DC. It was colder than a witches tit. It was just downright disrespectful cold.</p>
<p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R5k-I1gZM7g/WObMOJB7U-I/AAAAAAAAIag/lw8rHiVFEHM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg" alt=""><br></p>
<p>I had a real bad day...of my own making out there. My nutrition was so far off to be considered non-existent...and during those last 3/4 miles when I had no more gas, when I wanted to quit, give up and take a knee...I remembered I was RELENTLESS and I heard the jingle on my wrist...</p>
<p>And I brought it in.</p>
<p></p>
Lisa Steptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073957134141514643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094281.post-32229936362126657302017-03-05T22:33:00.001-05:002017-03-05T22:33:58.094-05:00Do Epic Stuff 2017–IMMD<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gO8zvSHt-_Y/WLzYoXMnFII/AAAAAAAAIZ8/dcXc3drhEg4/s1600-h/2017-01-01%25252010.41.26%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2017-01-01 10.41.26" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2017-01-01 10.41.26" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ekE1tricb18/WLzYop3hiVI/AAAAAAAAIaA/cP26NhMR9gc/2017-01-01%25252010.41.26_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="254" align="left" height="285" /></a></p> <p> I haven’t blogged very much lately, but I wanted to make the big announcement and ask that you join me on this EPIC JOURNEY!</p> <p> </p> <p>I promise to do better and keep you posted as I work on achieving my 2017 goal of completing my first Ironman. I signed up for Ironman Maryland after a lot of thought and reflection. I know I said I was going to hold off on any more long course racing for a while; however, a couple of things changed my mind.</p> <p> </p> <p>First, I knew that if I put it off, I probably would never do it. Life has a way of getting in the way of best intentions and I ain’t getting any younger.</p> <p> </p> <p>Second, I have arthritis with bony spurs – pretty bad in the left knee and I started out 2017 back in the Orthopedic Office getting shots in both knees…I could barely walk or go from sitting to standing to walking without significant pain. I knew I was having problems. Longer distances were becoming a serious problem with swelling, discomfort and extended recovery. I was getting slower and slower and the knees were getting worse. </p> <p> </p> <p>Options? Walk – WALK FAST <br /></p> <p>So, knowing that I probably won’t be “running” much longer, I decided to GO FOR IT NOW! While the going is good. <br /> <br />What’s the plan?</p> <ul> <li>I have an AWESOME coach</li> <li>I started training EARLY, Jan 1 – burn out is a thought but I need to build up, get strong over a longer period of time and arrive to the start HEALTHY.</li> <li>I have a great, balanced race schedule to get me race ready, practice nutrition, transitions and MENTAL TOUGHNESS</li> <li>I am surrounded by the most AWESOME group of athletes, spectathletes and friends that believe in me.</li> </ul> <p>The GOAL is set. The PLAN is written. Time to EXECUTE the plan.</p> <p> </p> <p>On top of all of that, I was chosen to be a <a href="https://www.ripitevents.com/" target="_blank">Ripit Events</a> Ambassador. <strong><font size="3">#RipItAmBADASSador</font></strong></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lprgOj0bIUw/WLzYpO2SjkI/AAAAAAAAIaE/A10YU1SEVCk/s1600-h/CfmzaObpPP2jr%25255B4%25255D.png"><img title="CfmzaObpPP2jr" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="CfmzaObpPP2jr" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NAvFi6Woa1I/WLzYpWiKX9I/AAAAAAAAIaI/D9WJXB3jJD8/CfmzaObpPP2jr_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="267" height="337" /></a></p> <p>Yes, I have discount codes to the RipIt Events Races.</p> <p> </p> <p>Join me as I go on this journey to do EPIC SHIT and be a BADASS! See you out there!</p>Lisa Steptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073957134141514643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094281.post-71539523664488633342016-10-16T23:34:00.001-04:002016-10-16T23:36:42.614-04:00Inaugural Disney Paris Half Marathon<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cwM7HAAPXGs/WARGyT83yeI/AAAAAAAAIXs/a2Hl-LCGLbY/s1600-h/0b03e9ed-8c5d-4b1f-aa5d-942c177030b0%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="0b03e9ed-8c5d-4b1f-aa5d-942c177030b0" border="0" height="302" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BdgFriOCIZM/WARGyhDmWDI/AAAAAAAAIXw/nnLldRY3Hp0/0b03e9ed-8c5d-4b1f-aa5d-942c177030b0.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="0b03e9ed-8c5d-4b1f-aa5d-942c177030b0" width="217" /></a><br />
Last year this time, The FireMarshall asked what I wanted for my 50th Birthday. Epic Party – Epic Trip. I planned the party – it was EPIC and the trip was for me and a friend to go to Paris for the Inaugural Disney Paris Half Marathon. Not to be outdone, I also had to participate in the first Chateaux to Castle Challenge (which meant I had to do a Disney Half Marathon in the states before Paris – I did the Star Wars Half Marathon).<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;">We had a Grand Epic Time.</span></strong></div>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a3ieYekmoBs/WARGy772o5I/AAAAAAAAIX0/KJcvf1HOztY/s1600-h/IMG_01475.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0147" border="0" height="337" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H4eo4ZA9uCc/WARGzfuGlyI/AAAAAAAAIX4/QtMibtnyV7g/IMG_0147_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0147" width="367" /></a><br />
Disney Paris, in its entirety, including the two parks, Disney Village (their version of Downtown Disney) and the hotels immediately surrounding the parks could probably all fit inside of Magic Kingdom. Despite the size, the parks were packed and the lines just as long for the rides – of which we rode none. Just walking through the park taking pictures, seeing the characters, pin trading (or, in our case, buying) and people watching was just fine.<br />
<br />
The only disappointment was that they ran out of the unique race pins by 10am of the second day the Expo/Packet pickup which meant they either didn’t have enough for each participant or they let people buy several of them before allowing registered racers the opportunity to get. Now they are on sale on Ebay for $650. No sir! Although I know someone will pay that. HUMPH. There were a few glitches that were probably only noticeable to regular runDisney participants – small expo with not enough gear/variety, not enough big screens in corral to see what is happening at start and poor sound system and not enough porta-potties near the corrals. Otherwise, both the 5k and Half Marathon were fun & scenic. Lot of photo ops! <br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jQ5HuhH01nQ/WARGzu1I-yI/AAAAAAAAIX8/obHfBTRkZC8/s1600-h/IMG_01036.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0103" border="0" height="356" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XsKHtKoMuiU/WARG0LTpDYI/AAAAAAAAIYA/aJG_0BvrceE/IMG_0103_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0103" width="256" /></a><br />
The Inaugural Race Party was nice, but they were not prepared for the number of people that paid for it as evidenced by the long lines and long wait to get food. The Wild West Buffalo Bill Show – I was pleasantly surprised by my amusement. The show was actually pretty good and entertaining. We were on the Green Team and our Cowboy sucked.<br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FsRV6x4TSCE/WARG0YtoZnI/AAAAAAAAIYE/PnDRHCsMHZk/s1600-h/IMG_19707.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1970" border="0" height="257" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C5OlPRUGHr0/WARG0is1JWI/AAAAAAAAIYI/Ew8nnDFLgjM/IMG_1970_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1970" width="395" /></a><br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VaJa2zCxU8I/WARG0z4K7PI/AAAAAAAAIYM/4Rw7pHMlWmw/s1600-h/IMG_02233.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0223" border="0" height="244" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qbRE8KJh65Y/WARG1JL1IWI/AAAAAAAAIYQ/kFeDrT77Rz0/IMG_0223_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0223" width="244" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QTumN6OiwNE/WARG1V8QRZI/AAAAAAAAIYU/3gvA_jcKjgY/s1600-h/IMG_02215.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0221" border="0" height="248" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jJ18teuuj5Q/WARG1kMRDjI/AAAAAAAAIYY/JLHV5W8xics/IMG_0221_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0221" width="244" /></a><br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ykGTG3Ds7bY/WARG1_m-igI/AAAAAAAAIYc/aDCkD12KiCc/s1600-h/IMG_02093.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0209" border="0" height="244" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kwtma67pcQQ/WARG2WolS1I/AAAAAAAAIYg/-Q16SBaFuYw/IMG_0209_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0209" width="244" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y5J9VMb5LiQ/WARG2soA4sI/AAAAAAAAIYk/IxBZAiivQQs/s1600-h/IMG_19714.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1971" border="0" height="252" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XiYjcUvgZig/WARG20DEZwI/AAAAAAAAIYo/OOMXRzvZFtE/IMG_1971_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1971" width="210" /></a><br />
After the Half Marathon on Sunday, we hobbled back to the <strike>hotel</strike> lodge and enjoyed cocktails in the lobby bar as we planned our transportation into Paris for the rest of our adventure. Grown Women Gone Wild – Paris Edition will have to wait for another post.<br />
<br />
Suffice it to say, we came, we ran, ran some more and had the time of our lives.<br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AN6MWJ1_apY/WARG3BEyBwI/AAAAAAAAIYs/kvtJED4LYgU/s1600-h/8fe1cb33-6bc2-4fc3-b085-50a2de45eb65.jpg"><img alt="8fe1cb33-6bc2-4fc3-b085-50a2de45eb65" border="0" height="307" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-onElsxqOKyk/WARG3G9t9FI/AAAAAAAAIYw/mQ5hO8FGAK8/8fe1cb33-6bc2-4fc3-b085-50a2de45eb65%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="8fe1cb33-6bc2-4fc3-b085-50a2de45eb65" width="219" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aUCtRI-3Hd4/WARG3SvMihI/AAAAAAAAIY0/5J14GI5zhX8/s1600-h/ee7db4d1-2da1-404c-9e9a-0ad0bb2d990b%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="ee7db4d1-2da1-404c-9e9a-0ad0bb2d990b" border="0" height="310" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H4pB1sEhfWQ/WARG3uEgBwI/AAAAAAAAIY4/V-2wu6UyFFg/ee7db4d1-2da1-404c-9e9a-0ad0bb2d990b%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="ee7db4d1-2da1-404c-9e9a-0ad0bb2d990b" width="261" /></a><br />
Of course, I put a little video together from the two races. Enjoy!<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z7EFS0E7AUI" width="560"></iframe>Lisa Steptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073957134141514643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094281.post-37396766451398368452016-10-02T21:59:00.001-04:002016-10-02T21:59:10.362-04:00Race Report - Patriots Half 72.3<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TYgQ-NQklIs/V_G7ZWNFqrI/AAAAAAAAIW0/sJFud5FVMzE/s1600-h/Pool%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Pool" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Pool" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YpGS5caOyI4/V_G7Z0sKCOI/AAAAAAAAIW4/PHtrBd0xUS0/Pool_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="236" align="left" height="276" /></a></p> <p> I’m not fast, I often finish waaaay back of the pack…but I LOVE it. I learn so much about myself on the journey to complete these long course races, but this time the lesson came from The FireMarshall….</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="4">Sometimes Finishing is Winning!</font></strong></p> <p> </p> <p>My 70.3 last year (Watermans) was cancelled due to the hurricane but I was given a voucher to sign up for another race in 2016 in the Virginia-Maryland Triathlon Series. I signed up for Patriots which turned out to be a 72.3 due to having to go around the county fair in the area. </p> <p> </p> <p>If I compared myself to my ultra fast fellow triathletes all the time, I’d give up the sport from sheer shame and demoralization. What I compare myself to is MYSELF and strive to get better, faster, more proficient while MAINTAINING MY JOY!</p> <p> </p> <p>While this race still took WAAAAYYY longer that I wanted and the goal I set for myself, it was a PR for my 70.3’s and I took 2nd place Athena’s. The heat was brutal and 19 people didn’t go out on the run.</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><strong>Sometimes Finishing is Winning</strong>.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><u><font size="3">Swim – 1:00:52</font></u></strong></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PpS6SvBAX-E/V_G7aOJixkI/AAAAAAAAIW8/fpj0Auu-DPU/s1600-h/IMG_6377%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6377" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03jwPjpurgYgPotKDLrL8JYj4An5oehn6vmZtmlyJygWiazBpjicpo6K4PmPMYuMKDrfbzbDYIOfVLNBqa7TQgDSLVbnMpwueJfb_xIYRa_tDjFvQBvIVGBv5TzjQZWNp2GAgVQ/?imgmax=800" width="389" height="240" /></a></p> <p>This was the slowest 1.2 miles I have ever done even though I felt like I was swimming consistent and “fast”. The water was 81 degrees and NOT wetsuit legal. There was supposed to be a current going out, but I didn’t feel it and the tide started going out by time I got to the turn around – the only thing I noticed is that I was having to course correct a lot. I was pretty pissed when I got out the water and saw the clock. There was a very long walk back to transition from the swim, so I had plenty of time to get my attitude straight. <br /> <br />Control what you can control and move on!</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font size="4"><u>Bike – 4:08:06</u></font></strong></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZKVztfa-o0s/V_G7al7rmSI/AAAAAAAAIXE/HiOTxyGNif4/s1600-h/PAH_B2747%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="PAH_B2747" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="PAH_B2747" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HU2TUWQrVrg/V_G7aqZCIfI/AAAAAAAAIXI/94UfAoN2boM/PAH_B2747_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="207" align="left" height="290" /></a></p> <p>BEST 70.3 BIKE TIME EVER!!! Knocking 15 min of my last two 70.3’s, maintaining a consistent 15-16mph pace. WINNING!!!</p> <p> </p> <p>I was feeling pretty good on the bike. I was able to stay hydrated, I used Perpetum in my camelback and had froze two bottles for my cages (Vitamin Water & Water). I took additional water & gatorade at the aid stations. Yet when I got back to transition, I’m standing there and the heat hit my like a ton of bricks. I poured water over me, pulled my cooling towel out of the ice bag I had it in, dawdled, took a nap, blah blah, blah and trudged out of transition. The FireMarshall was right there with his live coverage so when he said, “this is not the time to be walking” I refrained from cussing his ass out since I knew he was taping. </p> <p> </p> <p>Let the death march begin…</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><u><font size="4">Run – 3:18:19</font></u></strong> – all I have to say is that it was 8min and 30 min faster than my last to 70.3 runs. Still BRUTAL. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-09BS44HFuCw/V_G7a_a6hsI/AAAAAAAAIXM/3OAL2f5YWc0/s1600-h/IMG_9999%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9999" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_9999" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ss-_lZGcF6c/V_G7bF-OAtI/AAAAAAAAIXQ/Sof9XCtskKU/IMG_9999_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="319" height="335" /></a></p> <p>Yet I got it done. My girl, Lynne, who I raced with finished before me and was AWESOME – she had my 2 beers and pizza ready for me at the finish. LOVE HER!!</p> <p> </p> <p>I plopped down in the ice pool and melted all the ice in the pool, my body was so hot. Once I was cooled down, those beers were the elixir of life.</p> <p> </p> <p>I didn’t find out until the next day that I had placed second in Athena and went back to claim my prize…</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ci-_N5e3VnA/V_G7bTlhbAI/AAAAAAAAIXU/XaZuC7Ft3hY/s1600-h/2ndplace%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2ndplace" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2ndplace" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lg3v5qQ9UCg/V_G7bb-NYII/AAAAAAAAIXY/JznuCbfdLoA/2ndplace_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="266" height="367" /></a></p> <p align="center">I know I said I was going to take some time off from 70.3+. I’m going to think about it over the winter. I need to decide where I want to go from here. Whatever it is – FUN & JOY is the name of the game. </p> <p align="center"><font size="4"><strong></strong></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"><strong>Sometimes Finishing is Winning!</strong></font></p>Lisa Steptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073957134141514643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094281.post-13619051817472743422016-08-21T22:51:00.001-04:002016-08-21T22:51:48.695-04:00Endurance, Mental Toughness & USMA Pride<p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hhQhgg54Gxo/V7ponlCe6DI/AAAAAAAAIUg/fXjOQHLRQm8/s1600-h/IMG_9486%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9486" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9486" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9bOcJL3po5I/V7pooEQkhPI/AAAAAAAAIUk/ncVITxTBPAI/IMG_9486_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="231" height="292" /></a>  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfxDDyX_Jk_a6KKhXh5ltaPzVOPWwoGcGfdt1-Ve7kpCTNMiMltDhHxmPjk6eo-EX9VT-4NxcG0sUZduIGUPyzyEhGUW6U2nEv5OOcp7-_Zg7Za1c0XXAo1zaWImb68Bky7RygA/s1600-h/IMG_9700%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9700" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9700" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k5jS8b1zGWM/V7popY6OurI/AAAAAAAAIUs/TTHV0OFJm9Y/IMG_9700_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="291" /></a> <br />Two Races: <br />Maryland Duathlon Challenge <br />     - July 16th – Sprint Duathlon <br />     - July 17th – Olympic Dualthon <br />27th West Point Sprint Triathlon - Aug14th <br /></p> <p>The Maryland Duathlon Challenge was a back to back Duathlon with the sprint on Saturday consisting of 2 mile run, 13 mile bike, 2 mile run followed on Sunday by the Olympic du consisting of a 2 mile run, 26 mile bike, 4 mile run. I have done both races before – always a month apart. The bike is scenic but rather hilly. These DU’s are challenging all by themselves without putting them back to back, but since I have done them separately several times, I thought I would give the Challenge a go.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jOdoIQIt-SI/V7popg02j1I/AAAAAAAAIUw/_496ddzWZZQ/s1600-h/FullSizeRender%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="FullSizeRender" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="FullSizeRender" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dDSnzmjGlAk/V7poqM6zL4I/AAAAAAAAIU0/GYoWn658kXI/FullSizeRender_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="240" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lpwf4fR_giE/V7poqpvLVBI/AAAAAAAAIU4/viKqYQRoIJk/s1600-h/IMG_9508%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9508" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9508" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6IAW-cYGQoY/V7poq-M_D6I/AAAAAAAAIU8/MrpcBosDNcE/IMG_9508_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244" /></a> <br />The Sprint race on Saturday was uneventful and I took it easy. My run times & transitions were pretty much the same as the previous 2x’s I did the sprint and I knocked off 4 min off my bike time.  I didn’t feel beat up, sore or overly tired. I went home to rest up for the next day.</p> <p>The Olympic race on Sunday was a true test of not just my endurance but more so my mental toughness. The opening run was on pace for ME, but it had me DAL coming into transition. It is one of the most demoralizing things EVER to come into transition and you see you are the ONLY bike left in transition. FML.</p> <p>I get on the bike and I settle into my game plan…My race, My pace. Catch someone – anyone on the second loop. </p> <p> </p> <p>That 1st loop was SO DAMN LONELY. Just me and my thoughts. Just me and the road; one hill at a time; keep pedaling. As I approach the start of the second loop, passing people already on the run…KILL ME NOW!…I shut my mind down to all my surroundings; dig for my “one word” when you are about to go dark – mine is RELENTLESS – I go aero and decided – believed – that everybody could NOT be that far in front of me. I WILL catch and pass SOMEBODY! I will be relentless in that pursuit. I dug in. Approaching the double up steep hill at mile 3…I saw my opportunity. There were 3 riders. Relentless! Passing left not once, but three times. </p> <p> </p> <p>I was alone again. Where is the pack? Pedal. Push. Climb. Climb again. There is another rider…take em. That’s four. Still no back of the pack, but I’m not last anymore.</p> <p> </p> <p>I approach the end of the bike, I roll into transition and I forgot that I had passed four other riders – didn’t matter- it looked like I was the last bike into transition. DESPAIR. It had to be all over my face. Yet, before the first tear could fall – there was my coach – Coach Suzy. She nipped that mess in the bud with a quick fierceness that snapped me out of the black hole I was about to sink into. “STOP IT, LISA! You are doing great! Now Finish It. RUN!”</p> <p> </p> <p>So I put a smile on my face and RAN! Well, it was more like a fast wog, but this girl was runnin’. 4 mile. Get it done.</p> <p>And I did!</p> <p> </p> <p>I put my two best race time on this course together and compared it to the back to back race total time. I couldn’t think of any other way to make a reasonable comparison. There was a 16 min difference (16 min longer) between my best two races separately and the Challenge. That seems like a long time. Maybe. Compared to whom? Compared to what? For me, I achieved my goals. Finish. Finish standing. Finish strong. Believe you can. Endure. Don’t go dark.</p> <p> </p> <p>I did every single one of those. WINNING!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g14WqVroeoI/V7porCVq85I/AAAAAAAAIVA/RGOmZySQ2aI/s1600-h/IMG_9513%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9513" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9513" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BAUteb_HqJM/V7portnK2_I/AAAAAAAAIVE/lIPxoAlyW9E/IMG_9513_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D_mf789OPRg/V7por4kDT6I/AAAAAAAAIVI/qeaLXu3YK3k/s1600-h/IMG_9514%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9514" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9514" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E0ESCH1vMa4/V7posOWq1EI/AAAAAAAAIVM/g64uNmVBzsM/IMG_9514_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="230" /></a></p> <p>Next up was the 27th Annual West Point Triathlon. My goals for this race was to move up the podium and to ensure that the other West Point Women I <strike>suckered</strike> convinced to do the race with me (either individually or as a relay) had a great experience for their first race. <br />                 <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-krHI0YqMehU/V7posifIdlI/AAAAAAAAIVQ/7I-y05m2328/s1600-h/WPW%25255B17%25255D.jpg"><img title="WPW" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="WPW" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aW122eEDiPE/V7pos0ziByI/AAAAAAAAIVU/_z7ndZcjlsI/WPW_thumb%25255B15%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="242" height="278" /></a></p> <p>I achieved both goals – placing 2nd in the Athena Class and watching my friend and fellow WPW89’ CRUSH it at her 1st competition, placing 1st in the Athena Category. JUST WOW! So proud of her. <br />        <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZhFGrpg8OBQ/V7potL430qI/AAAAAAAAIVY/qF6Bq6kHhVY/s1600-h/IMG_9716%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9716" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9716" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RpiO3vlpgeQ/V7potbCY3GI/AAAAAAAAIVc/X3BdbuJvo1g/IMG_9716_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RO9fVTMOq6g/V7potlLV5oI/AAAAAAAAIVg/drrJvkNqfG0/s1600-h/13737606_2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="13737606_2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="13737606_2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3avBfe_IZSc/V7pot7wQ2FI/AAAAAAAAIVk/HLyRw2tliI0/13737606_2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a> <br />The WPW89’ Relay Team was out there crushing it as well. And my girl, Kay(runner relay) got her kids to register and they were out there getting it done as well. Best line ever – “I have two spares in case something goes south.” I cried.</p> <blockquote> <p>       <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hru3mWibEIc/V7pouUYnx8I/AAAAAAAAIVo/32-pnDCuJHk/s1600-h/FINISHERS%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="FINISHERS" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="FINISHERS" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bStHyePJ7Lw/V7pouuM2MZI/AAAAAAAAIVs/cHkezUdTyh0/FINISHERS_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="484" /></a> <br />As for me and that 2nd podium finish…I attribute knocking 9 min off of last years race time to an awesome swim and knocking 1 – 1/2 min of each transition time. TRANSITION. TRANSITION. TRANSITION. Get in and get out! <br />    <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AFGG57nt4uk/V7pou8rmYPI/AAAAAAAAIVw/nFYZLFx-TAg/s1600-h/13737606_1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="13737606_1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="13737606_1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1DFL0l31LJ8/V7povOf5myI/AAAAAAAAIV0/HNd8KRBMrBo/13737606_1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a>  <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2n1QbgaNS60/V7povf7mXuI/AAAAAAAAIV4/2UU4dOCN8jk/s1600-h/13737606_4%25255B34%25255D.jpg"><img title="13737606_4" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="13737606_4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bSkQdxReokY/V7povsszi5I/AAAAAAAAIV8/HijMROBLr34/13737606_4_thumb%25255B32%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="254" height="234" /></a> <br />                   <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--A3yF9aNQq8/V7powH4ZFVI/AAAAAAAAIWA/MPhrpCP_AQQ/s1600-h/13737606_3%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="13737606_3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="13737606_3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q6KFpxxi-Wk/V7powZfHAKI/AAAAAAAAIWE/vGVVuiU7044/13737606_3_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a> <br />                  2015                       2016 <br />Swim         28:03                      21:46 <br />T1               3:23                        2:26 <br />Bike        1:01:39                   1:02:59 <br />T2                4:42                       2:11 <br />Run             47:16                     47:33</p> <p align="center">Total        2:25:01                  2:16:53 <br /> <br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oIupcy70wP8/V7powsPyuvI/AAAAAAAAIWI/50cFKE8PUYk/s1600-h/WPPROUD%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="WPPROUD" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="WPPROUD" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZnCGITkp8MI/V7powyxzTqI/AAAAAAAAIWM/Uvr1jNqVLE0/WPPROUD_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="421" height="323" /></a> <br />USMAProud</p></blockquote>Lisa Steptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073957134141514643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094281.post-48286620534412239522016-06-18T21:59:00.001-04:002016-06-18T21:59:01.842-04:00Race Report: Escape The Cape Triathlon<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hHMz3zPA_Wg/V2X8PY450YI/AAAAAAAAIQs/rs9LuV8BVM0/s1600-h/race_2079_photo_37626768%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="race_2079_photo_37626768" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="race_2079_photo_37626768" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-irQfElUX4sw/V2X8QNRQdCI/AAAAAAAAIQ0/ub8mt-0BN1k/race_2079_photo_37626768_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="175" height="313" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6vo8o-iybDE/V2X8QqcFciI/AAAAAAAAIQ8/YKjMeJfwAfw/s1600-h/race_2079_photo_37626784%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="race_2079_photo_37626784" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="race_2079_photo_37626784" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GBSTXSypezY/V2X8RJi1mWI/AAAAAAAAIRE/UKuAut1NlhM/race_2079_photo_37626784_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="306" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tRkf7unkwiw/V2X8RdixaMI/AAAAAAAAIRM/9nhxV4YujgE/s1600-h/race_2079_photo_37626780%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="race_2079_photo_37626780" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="race_2079_photo_37626780" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o688i3hhI9M/V2X8R4kKMKI/AAAAAAAAIRU/9EKNA7CopdA/race_2079_photo_37626780_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="159" height="313" /></a></p> <p align="center">I ESCAPED!!!</p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left">The tag line from DelmoSports for this race is so on point: <strong><font color="#000000">1 Boat, 1750 Athletes, Unlimited Smack Talk</font></strong></p> <p> </p> <p>I signed up to do Escape the Cape again because…</p> <p>1. IT IS SO DAMN FUN </p> <p>2. For a 50yr old, pleasingly plump, old West Point Woman Grad, this race is my Ranger School of endurance, perseverance and overcoming obstacles.</p> <p>3. It makes me feel absolutely BAD-ASS</p> <p> </p> <p>I went with ONE GOAL – An under 4 hour International Distance Race. It didn’t matter how I put it together; just that I put it together and get it done. No matter what the day threw at me…and for those that have followed my escapades – having a drama free race would be like finding that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. The key for me is to not let any one challenge trip me up.</p> <p> </p> <p>I had The FireMarshall – one of the members of Team Spectathlete – with me who always ensures that I am ready & calm. We get up at 3am and are out the door at 4 to get to the parking area. Spectators can’t get on the shuttles till 6am, so after he <strike>throws me out</strike> helps me get my gear out the car, Princess Cara and The FireMarshall are back asleep for a two hour nap.</p> <p> </p> <p>I get to transition and get all set up to wait and get in line to board the boat. Time for selfies and group pictures with some BTA and MMTC folk - </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9PLXNVaoFMc/V2X8SqXhl2I/AAAAAAAAIRc/z0CtGcRmH1M/s1600-h/FullSizeRender%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="FullSizeRender" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="FullSizeRender" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r_stTumaSlY/V2X8S-0tKaI/AAAAAAAAIRk/FkCokfTpqEw/FullSizeRender_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="286" height="255" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-thqYLtAAZrg/V2X8TK-aKkI/AAAAAAAAIRs/eOl7jTxxxcs/s1600-h/IMG_9351%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9351" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9351" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7dcwJv0RwFI/V2X8Tp42lHI/AAAAAAAAIR0/Sjw7vSZP5pM/IMG_9351_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="260" /></a> </p> <p>Finally it is time to board and get ready to do the damn thing. It was a beautiful morning, a tad windy and you could see the white caps on the water…people were mumbling about it and getting antsy. NOT LISTENING. I’m going to stand over hear on the railing and dance to the music and eat my snacks.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ku_i0UQVWl8/V2X8TwQbkkI/AAAAAAAAIR8/lv_rrrbVW1E/s1600-h/IMG_6221%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6221" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6221" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Ac9gm8IQB8/V2X8UL_gEbI/AAAAAAAAISE/6AdIBLl73kw/IMG_6221_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="248" /></a></p> <p align="center">Finally, three horns and we are off!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left">We were out and anchored in record time and I made my way down to the deck to line up to JUMP!</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K8U8hQ-IPPo/V2X8UhmkXmI/AAAAAAAAISM/ukMTmiBDUBY/s1600-h/race_2079_photo_38082928%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="race_2079_photo_38082928" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="race_2079_photo_38082928" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GQvYZfbF7cM/V2X8VH_k5EI/AAAAAAAAISU/bHu4umhj8DA/race_2079_photo_38082928_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="426" height="270" /></a></p> <p>I made my way to the front and….SUPAH STAR!!!!!</p> <p>I was in the water before I knew it and the current was so fast I was away from the boat about 100 yards without taking my first stroke. It was pandemonium from then on…2 ft swells, people were panicking, paddle board and jet ski people were trying their darndest to keep people close to the buoys. Plenty of support, someone always asking if you were okay if you stopped. “Just keep swimming, you are doing great.” when I asked if I was going the right way. With the swells, it was damn near impossible to sight a buoy so I found the Ferry building and went for that. I told myself to ride the waves and let the current take me. The ability to breath bilaterally was definitely a lifesaver, but I did drink a little salt water. Really couldn’t be helped…stay calm and GET OUT THE DAMN WATER!!!</p> <p> </p> <p>I ended up on the beach about a 100 yards from the exit and had to run down to the timing mat. WHEW. I looked at my Garmin and started laughing. I averaged 1:04/100yrs. ARE YOU FRIGGING KIDDING ME!! That was a fast but hellacious ocean swim. I’ll take it!</p> <p><strong><font color="#000000">SWIM – 1 MILE: 29:13</font></strong></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GoujzvQxug8/V2X8VSsGs1I/AAAAAAAAISc/chfUXbUswEE/s1600-h/IMG_6324%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6324" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJiXdVOIUDhkaZKdpe-B7tJhvej8WGUKqEGoXRsvJfC4KG28Siv2f2y3EN91VgKk-oQ75e0XviLs-7hJALJO5BO7bWeBcmlLknq0tjLwzOx7gOI9gNoB6NhgSO4y583Rph5XBfQ/?imgmax=800" width="368" height="214" /></a></p> <p>Transitions are LONG. From the swim out, it is about 500+yards to the transition area – through the sand, across a parking lot, through a grass path into T1. Not as long as the swim out to T1 at Chicago Tri, but still…DAMN playa! Could you make it just a little longer??</p> <p> </p> <p>I get it on and get to moving. It is a fast, mostly flat course with a bridge you have to go up and over 2x for the only true hill, but the headwind!!!! SERIOUSLY. Most of the wind was mitigated by the community we went through but there is about 4 miles of just grind through the wind. That is when I decided this would be the best time to get all comfy with my aero bars, drop down a gear (or two) so I’m not working so hard and spin that byotch out till I was through it. I felt like I was crushing it on every single segment (except the climb on the bridge and the wind tunnel sections). I was happy. </p> <p> </p> <p>I passed some ladies on the course and I know that look. I know that body position – shoulders slumped, slow cadence. They are tired, they are thinking WTF, when will it be over. I know, sister. I know. I know that I sometimes HATE IT when someone passes me and says something encouraging – I’m in my feelings and don’t want to hear your “encouragement” even if I need it, so sometimes I hesitate…but I say something anyway. Maybe a little humor and truth like – “You DO have this, YES YOU CAN!” I hope it was received in the spirit I meant it…truly I know and still I bring up the rear most times. What’s the difference. I’m doing better FOR ME than the last time. LET’S GO!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nq5rCrPJd1M/V2X8WL4ZzKI/AAAAAAAAISs/fkJcZUzkHZk/s1600-h/race_2079_photo_37592571%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="race_2079_photo_37592571" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="race_2079_photo_37592571" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XRXfX8a7il4/V2X8WnExpUI/AAAAAAAAIS0/b0UY9c1lxBI/race_2079_photo_37592571_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uzMCUF82SAw/V2X8W0wm-qI/AAAAAAAAIS8/ezA79f-vSVw/s1600-h/IMG_6341%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6341" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6341" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q_eX1BQ6q9Q/V2X8XP3LkhI/AAAAAAAAITE/oH612UFXJ3A/IMG_6341_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> <p><strong><font color="#000000">BIKE – 25 MILES 1:41</font></strong></p> <p><strong><font color="#000000"></font></strong></p> <p><font color="#666666">Whelp…that salt water I drank, hit me the minute I racked my bike in T2. I took a knee and waited for the hurl. I grabbed my water bottle and swooned from nausea and was sure here it comes. PLEASE…let’s just do this sick thing and be done with it so I can get out there to run from the devil. I slowly started putting on my run gear, waiting for the nausea to pass and remembered I had a carbonated water in my bag. I took a few sips of that and my stomach started to settle. I put my RIP IT hat on and made haste for the run through purgatory. </font></p> <p><font color="#666666"></font></p> <p><font color="#666666">That is exactly what it was. HOT AS FUGGING HELL. No shade. I knew that I had to do my best on the front 2.5 miles because on the return you had three sections of sand dunes/loose sand to dig through to get to that damn finish line. I don’t think I made much haste. There was a lot of walking. I was not prepared for the heat AGAIN. That first split was a speedy 17min pace and the second half was…I don’t want to talk about it.</font></p> <p><font color="#666666"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PvadJk83H5I/V2X8XXYbZpI/AAAAAAAAITM/5rwzu8p8vIY/s1600-h/race_2079_photo_37602978%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="race_2079_photo_37602978" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="race_2079_photo_37602978" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cONLFodyCXo/V2X8X6hJvaI/AAAAAAAAITU/C3x3x5_F_n8/race_2079_photo_37602978_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CnGV1jm3jIQ/V2X8YdERbiI/AAAAAAAAITc/j92FX3yO8lA/s1600-h/IMG_6354%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6354" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6354" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nixn9Y_DTaI/V2X8Yu-yebI/AAAAAAAAITk/iEU9dYIQ6zQ/IMG_6354_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="312" height="246" /></a></font></p> <p><font color="#666666">Running…yeah…gotta work on that.</font></p> <p><font color="#666666">RUN – 5 MILES OF HELL: 1:32</font></p> <p><font color="#666666"></font></p> <p><font color="#666666">BUT DID I MEET MY GOAL? HELL YEAH!!!</font></p> <p><strong><font color="#000000" size="4">Total Race Time – 3:59:08</font></strong></p> <p><font color="#666666"></font></p> <p><font color="#666666">YES I CAN! YES I DID! Knocked 6 minutes off my race time from 2015! </font></p> <p><font color="#666666"></font></p> <p><strong><font color="#000000">…AND THAT’S HOW WINNING IS DONE ~ Rocky Balboa</font></strong></p> <p><font color="#666666"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MT2TOBv1npA/V2X8Y2Q-06I/AAAAAAAAITs/XZUpdEw9U5E/s1600-h/IMG_9357%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9357" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_9357" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h94uldguEf8/V2X8ZTwnyhI/AAAAAAAAITw/MIRT9mErgBo/IMG_9357_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="374" height="351" /></a></font></p> <p><font color="#666666"></font></p> <p><font color="#666666">Next up…the RIP IT Duathlon Challenge (Sprint/Oly Du back to back). YES I CAN.</font></p> <p> </p> <p>P.S. Notice my lipgloss is still poppin’</p>Lisa Steptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073957134141514643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094281.post-77563081925713609382016-05-17T23:54:00.001-04:002016-05-17T23:54:06.748-04:00Columbia Triathlon: Lessons from a DNF<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KXExdWM7rl8/VzvnSzDJ89I/AAAAAAAAIP0/BJoilq6LWos/s1600-h/Columbia_tri_du_logo%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Columbia_tri_du_logo" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Columbia_tri_du_logo" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hZnMh-cklGw/VzvnTghuKwI/AAAAAAAAIP4/7B4Ec6J_6jo/Columbia_tri_du_logo_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="290" align="left" height="147" /></a></p> <p> It’s been a long time since have DNF’d a race. I have some “drama” filled races in my tri life, but not a DNF before I even got really started.</p> <p> </p> <p>Sunday was just not my day. Hind sight is a mofo; however, I am blessed to have a coach that refuses to hear the negative before I can rattle off some positive. I don’t know if I can say anything positive; but I did learn some valuable lessons…</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#000000"><u>1. Respect the Weather & Water</u></font></strong></p> <p>Mother Nature is a straight up BYOTCH and she will kill you if she can in the midst of creating such beauty. It was going to be cold the morning of the race (45 degrees and slowly rising) and to add insult to injury, the water temp was 62. Brrrrrrrr.</p> <p> </p> <p>I came prepared. I had my neoprene cap, ear plugs, neoprene booties, wet suit, change of shirt & jacket for the bike. DO NOT think that you are even remotely prepared to endure a race of any distance without the proper gear for the air/water temp. YOU ARE NOT. Unless you get 10 bags of ice and put them in your swim spa, practice in an ice bath or swim regularly in a frigid body of water ALL THE TIME ( and NO, your pool is not that cold), then you best bring the gear. IJS.</p> <p>    <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-31h-n-WBTQA/VzvnUaY0g2I/AAAAAAAAIP8/Yf9p-VaRwYM/s1600-h/IMG_9131%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9131" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9131" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rmpiRiN9mRQ/VzvnUug_j6I/AAAAAAAAIQA/-6sNBiR7uIY/IMG_9131_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="208" height="280" /></a>  <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xgpMcG9spPk/VzvnVLxN0OI/AAAAAAAAIQE/g8ZiSTjhcV0/s1600-h/IMG_9130%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9130" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9130" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KUDua_9jKT8/VzvnVXpST9I/AAAAAAAAIQI/IEVEpMB9sVE/IMG_9130_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="216" height="288" /></a></p> <p>Unfortunately, they did not let anyone get in the water before wave starts. No acclimation. The race start was different than I’ve ever done. It was a timed start, run in 2 at a time in your wave and start swimming. I didn’t even think much about it. – <strong><font color="#000000">BIG MISTAKE. HUGE</font></strong>. I am accustomed to in water starts (or jumping off a ferry and treading water for a min as I move away from someone jumping on my head). With an in water start, yes, it is crowded, but I get to tread water for a few minutes, get used to the water, center my self and start swimming when I get good and damn ready. </p> <p> </p> <p>Naw – this knuckled head, just ran in the water and started swimming. HOLY COW! THAT WATER WAS SO DAMN COLD. My breath was just sucked from my body. But I can do this…I swam in Lake Michigan for gawd sakes at the Chicago Tri…but OMG!!! I started panting. I tried to get my breath. I grabbed a kayak and tried to get my breathing under control. I knew the longer I messed around, the colder I was getting, so get going. I’m shivering and I tried a few strokes, but my heart was pounding…I couldn’t catch my breath. Kayak #2…I was so cold…BUT I CAN DO THIS. I’VE DONE IT BEFORE. DA HELL IS HAPPENING. I try again…and I just can’t. I can’t breath, my heart is going to come out the top of my head and I’m flailing in the water…OMG I’m gonna drown.</p> <p> </p> <p>Another swimmer grabs me and holds me up (can I really sink in a wet suit?) I had no more energy, I’m shivering, panting, my chest hurt. Next thing I know, I’m in a boat…and then there are 5 others in the boat. Me and 4 men. I’m bawling. How did this happen to me? What went wrong. The man sitting in front of me starts talking to me – he was 71 years old and done 60 triathlons. He says, don’t be upset. This was not our day – this won’t be the first setback and it won’t be the last. </p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#000000"><u>2. Listen to your body – Live to Race Another Day</u></font></strong></p> <p>Okay. Something was wrong. My body was reacting. I needed to get out of that water…and THANK GOD I did.</p> <p>I get to the med tent and my blood pressure was 189/90. I was in hypertensive crisis. What might have happened if I had not asked for help? I sat in the med tent for almost 30 min until my blood pressure was at least high normal. </p> <p> </p> <p>It is not worth it to push on (SHUT UP – I’ve done it – I know – DO AS I SAY NOT AS I DO), especially if this is not your A race. Is it worth getting injured to the point of not being able to race at all for a long while…or getting DEAD. NOPE.</p> <p> </p> <p>LIVE TO RACE ANOTHER DAY!</p> <p> </p> <p><u><strong><font color="#000000">3. Remember your WHY</font></strong>.</u></p> <p>Why do you do all of this swim, bike and run madness? My why is I do it for me. It is my personal accomplishment that is all mine – my challenge to be a better me each and every day. AND I do it because it is fun and to collect BLING. I’m a BLING Ho! PERIOD. DEAL WITH IT. </p> <p> </p> <p>I wiped my tears and pulled myself together because THERE ARE NO TEARS IN FUN!</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><u><font color="#000000">4. Transfer the negative energy into POSITIVE.</font></u></strong></p> <p>I had over 30 MMTC members and almost 10+ BTA members out on the course. My race was over. I could have pack it up and went home. NOPE. I can stand and wait and cheer then home. So many of them have been there for me, in training and in races. The least I can do I stand at that finish and wait and cheer. To get to see my Coach win – OUTSTANDING! To see all my friends make it, through tears, fears and struggle (some less, some more than others) and hug them at the end was the best, most rewarding use of my time…and FEELZ </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-igaUkTqUAEo/VzvnV7Bi0SI/AAAAAAAAIQM/E5qW3f_L2og/s1600-h/IMG_9136%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9136" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_9136" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qwJDJ2b8olU/VzvnWSh8pGI/AAAAAAAAIQQ/oK6TzRH4s4Q/IMG_9136_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="382" height="264" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><u><font color="#000000">5. Every setback is the setup to the comeback!</font></u></strong></p> <p>When I got a little down in the dumps about my DNF, I took a look at my racks of bling. My confidence was restored. I CAN! I HAVE! I WILL! I didn’t get them by not living, learning and toeing the line again and again.</p> <p>FOR GRINS, GIGGLES and BLING!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5uSE2KJ0vHE/VzvnWzuadQI/AAAAAAAAIQU/8ARWQ_cgLn8/s1600-h/IMG_9072%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9072" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_9072" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GYDPiADK5Mw/VzvnXYwtFZI/AAAAAAAAIQY/xh4FPTu15-c/IMG_9072_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="424" /></a></p>Lisa Steptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073957134141514643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094281.post-77563410490832249252016-05-08T20:58:00.001-04:002016-05-08T22:53:35.908-04:00A “Do Epic Shit” Weekend<p>What does a “Do Epic Shit” Weekend look like? It starts with a drive to the Poconos for <a href="http://www.cigarfest.org/index.aspx" target="_blank">CIGAR FEST</a> followed by going to <a href="http://www.westpointaog.org/2016WPWomensConference" target="_blank">West Point to the Athena Arena: 40 Years of Women at West Point</a> and sealed up with a 40 mile bike ride through New York City at the <a href="http://www.bike.nyc/events/td-five-boro-bike-tour/" target="_blank">FiveBoroBikeTour</a>. Whew!</p> <p> </p> <p>Thursday morning (April 28th), The Queen Momz and I leave out to go to CigarFest and attend some of the free events at the Cigar International Stores. We went to the Drew Estate event in Hamburg and then over to the Perdomo Event in Bethlehem.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xr6CcbcKS6I/Vy_gg76UmeI/AAAAAAAAINc/zjEvK176l94/s1600-h/2016-04-28%25252012.12.05%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-04-28 12.12.05" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-04-28 12.12.05" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UTsBZ0x1poY/Vy_ghnG4oWI/AAAAAAAAINg/IaWJo-7z8QU/2016-04-28%25252012.12.05_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="266" height="214" /></a>   <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pu8eiU0RPuc/Vy_giKPnOYI/AAAAAAAAINk/nDUxJVuib4g/s1600-h/2016-04-28%25252015.41.29%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-04-28 15.41.29" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-04-28 15.41.29" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YACUxAuc_IQ/Vy_gisLwtuI/AAAAAAAAINo/Y14c2rpY0NE/2016-04-28%25252015.41.29_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="197" height="252" /></a></p> <p>We met up with some other Lodge members for the Loyal Order of the Water Buffalo Cigar Club, hung out for a while, spent a lot of moolah and then we hooked up with Lodge 19 (I am the Grand Poobah of Lodge 19) member, IlaGator. Lodge 19 moved the party to Split Rock Resort where CigarFest was being held and attended the Daniel Marshall “Modern Day Campfire” Event.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJJrIDwB36AQIdUbAULnt3yTJ4eaEuxN5h-IP-5oTjqvCd5w_YuPFadG_hRMcF99YPhZPxOX_ttli0ZwPsbNPdbZqkJ5kaV5cnOVsem72tbF8ed_ItNBbiqjANfCtg3xIo4dhFg/s1600-h/2016-04-28%25252017.56.54%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-04-28 17.56.54" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-04-28 17.56.54" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zY4IJ9Ksirc/Vy_gjBy3HKI/AAAAAAAAINw/zQn483-C2I0/2016-04-28%25252017.56.54_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244" /></a>   <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xv5Kslvs7q8/Vy_gjfUUPeI/AAAAAAAAIN0/Ie3u8X6jPjA/s1600-h/2016-04-28%25252018.05.59%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-04-28 18.05.59" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-04-28 18.05.59" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s9ZYSpOygnU/Vy_gjkP5k2I/AAAAAAAAIN4/bp20_zNLwEc/2016-04-28%25252018.05.59_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="235" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BvkipdKNioE/Vy_gj0w4BwI/AAAAAAAAIN8/SnawgXclLC8/s1600-h/2016-04-28%25252018.15.07%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-04-28 18.15.07" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2016-04-28 18.15.07" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wtttH-g4Ou4/Vy_gkGpFURI/AAAAAAAAIOA/RGSP6yBO-24/2016-04-28%25252018.15.07_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" height="220" /></a></p> <p>I was sure that one of us was going to win one of the awesome prizes, but alas, it was not meant to be. I still have my Daniel Marshall Gold Cigar and plan to take it to Puerto Rico with me to celebrate my 29th anniversary.</p> <p> </p> <p>Friday, Momz and I were up early to get to the breakfast for the VIP CigarNUTs (yep, that’s us) and scored one of the nice large ceramic ashtrays, although I thought I was going to have to build a defensive perimeter around it or go all ham on some guys who thought that two women smoking cigars would need an ashtray. Beat it, bub. MINE!</p> <p> </p> <p>We picked up our great military style back packs filled with CigarNut goodies and made our way into the “tent” to go around to meet, great and pick up a cigar from over 50 different Cigar-makers and brand owners. IT WAS AWESOME!</p> <p>  <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Suog5jKeVX0/Vy_gkVMFdZI/AAAAAAAAIOE/5NQor8voryk/s1600-h/2016-04-29%25252009.52.24-1%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-04-29 09.52.24-1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-04-29 09.52.24-1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OQIiHNtXenc/Vy_gkrI1QgI/AAAAAAAAIOI/k1qJcEIYNO8/2016-04-29%25252009.52.24-1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="213" height="286" /></a>       <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pqdb64hf4ps/Vy_gk811DBI/AAAAAAAAIOM/Sbwmpucbhb8/s1600-h/2016-04-29%25252011.20.52-1%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-04-29 11.20.52-1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-04-29 11.20.52-1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--PnKy-GG8v0/Vy_glKT6vlI/AAAAAAAAIOQ/IZ6ppG5osGA/2016-04-29%25252011.20.52-1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="213" height="291" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CXdqoeaLEdc/Vy_glXYbBbI/AAAAAAAAIOU/T3Fj2XmvraA/s1600-h/2016-04-29%25252013.02.07%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-04-29 13.02.07" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-04-29 13.02.07" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lefS_p-JrLs/Vy_glTmNlEI/AAAAAAAAIOY/AuDPqeTRofg/2016-04-29%25252013.02.07_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="271" /></a>    <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j7PS0uAWGYI/Vy_glrOFbYI/AAAAAAAAIOc/c2KXEnlR57k/s1600-h/2016-04-29%25252014.37.09%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-04-29 14.37.09" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-04-29 14.37.09" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Vjx9WyBp7M/Vy_gl9Y_4BI/AAAAAAAAIOg/gjRcpl8uaW4/2016-04-29%25252014.37.09_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="212" height="281" /></a></p> <p>So, after we made all of our rounds and had spent all of our monies, we loaded up and made our way to West Point to meet up with the Class of 87 Women for a get together and then the conference on Saturday.</p> <p> </p> <p>It was fantastic to spend time with women grads and to hear from some phenomenal speakers including hearing from the 1st Women Ranger Graduates – all of whom are West Pointers. It was a glorious day for a conference, a parade, Spring Football & Class of 87 Tailgage. Just Simply The Best!!!<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SU7o57V2V9s/Vy_gmALQVAI/AAAAAAAAIOk/ZoYj3pkz0Ck/s1600-h/2016-04-30%25252011.38.12%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-04-30 11.38.12" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-04-30 11.38.12" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1KiNel1VqGM/Vy_gmV5ajaI/AAAAAAAAIOo/KWggWetECfM/2016-04-30%25252011.38.12_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="246" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ld6jeaeUUN8/Vy_gmgdww4I/AAAAAAAAIOs/gzG6imgHeWM/s1600-h/2016-04-30%25252012.00.12%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-04-30 12.00.12" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-04-30 12.00.12" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ADcNhNGYzak/Vy_gmidhahI/AAAAAAAAIOw/Es3sJRaJWM0/2016-04-30%25252012.00.12_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WkqsaWqRvO0/Vy_gnCK_hGI/AAAAAAAAIO0/FJ1mZ1siXZ0/s1600-h/2016-04-30%25252012.15.00%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-04-30 12.15.00" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-04-30 12.15.00" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UgXRMk1l_Lw/Vy_gnenPtJI/AAAAAAAAIO4/VXoy-hBQYz0/2016-04-30%25252012.15.00_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a>  <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8461MREL0nQ/Vy_gnjWBrnI/AAAAAAAAIO8/PQPFJ00_VOA/s1600-h/2016-04-30%25252012.44.15%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-04-30 12.44.15" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-04-30 12.44.15" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QYQrPS5YI7o/Vy_goBc4wTI/AAAAAAAAIPA/qVYPCOdUzpI/2016-04-30%25252012.44.15_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" height="250" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P7Gw26Gnj6I/Vy_goemL4jI/AAAAAAAAIPE/4D5fhBs6qYs/s1600-h/2016-04-30%25252016.31.57%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-04-30 16.31.57" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2016-04-30 16.31.57" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IHIBl3dMbiA/Vy_goruI93I/AAAAAAAAIPI/i24sUznxohg/2016-04-30%25252016.31.57_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" height="227" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yu6j4gvTyE0/Vy_go1ip9TI/AAAAAAAAIPM/Bj00ll-moaM/s1600-h/2016-04-30%25252015.05.58%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-04-30 15.05.58" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-04-30 15.05.58" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xvEPkxDThTE/Vy_gpET-lPI/AAAAAAAAIPQ/VI7uTrCXvi0/2016-04-30%25252015.05.58_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="264" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-txV9q4OHX-0/Vy_gpe2EAsI/AAAAAAAAIPU/7XCSYgvB40M/s1600-h/2016-04-30%25252014.50.23%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="2016-04-30 14.50.23" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2016-04-30 14.50.23" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eR-rNbI-xdo/Vy_gpg7ZRMI/AAAAAAAAIPY/WcNQL3DpKc4/2016-04-30%25252014.50.23_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="265" /></a></p> <p>After the tailgate, we (me, ConnieB and Momz) drove down to NYC…and that was an adventure itself – missed a turn and ended up having to go across the Brooklyn Bridge where I made a U-Turn where I probably was no supposed to causing a tad bit of havoc on the road, but I got back across and to our hotel which I would say was not really in Chinatown but actually China. It was GREAT! We picked up dinner at a carry out (yes, Val…it had an A on the door) and Connie and I had to spend a little time reading over the menu and trying to figure out what to get – there was no General Tso Chicken or Schezuan Beef anywhere to be found. What we did end up getting was SLAMMING though. Connie and I pulled our stuff together, debated on whether we should even do the race as it was calling for some serious rain, decided we would play it by ear, and went to bed to get ready for our 40 mile FiveBoroRide.</p> <p> </p> <p>We decided to go since it was just cloudy and misting a little, picked up some gloves under the Manhattan Bridge from a street vendor (they were Clutch!) as we rode to the start line – we grinned and kept each others spirit and humor up. I couldn’t have picked a better person to ride with in such miserable conditions. Mark Twain once said if you want to know if you really like or hate a person, travel with them. Not only did I travel with my classmate & friend, but we survived 40 mile in the freezing rain together with laughter, good humor and comradery. I wouldn’t have done it or kept going without her there with me. I HAD A BLAST! A perfect end to an EPIC SHYT WEEKEND!</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GDmDFtSlvtw/Vy_gp4mNhOI/AAAAAAAAIPc/mZRmOuCeIcc/s1600-h/477266_229440037_XLarge%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="477266_229440037_XLarge" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="477266_229440037_XLarge" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ilCH84uzeF0/Vy_gqJPfeII/AAAAAAAAIPg/vd5KGVHuPqU/477266_229440037_XLarge_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="336" height="373" /></a></p> <p>I have been asked would I do this ride again. Probably not. It was so crowded – 40K people on almost as many different bikes and with so much various experience – mostly a lot of people who don’t have the faintest idea of the rules of the road. People would come to a sudden and complete stop in the middle of the road. Stop on the left side blocking people from passing and weaving erratically in and out of the people without saying a word. I saw a lot of unnecessary and/or preventable accidents of which I had no interest in being part of. I was pretty much over it when I saw a guy bite a jersey wall. Yep. No.</p> <p> </p> <p>I put together a little slide show from the ride. Enjoy</p> <iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0yQfdlQO574" frameborder="0" width="560" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>Lisa Steptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073957134141514643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094281.post-60595976668901819722016-04-17T22:30:00.001-04:002016-04-17T22:30:55.113-04:00Diva Review: Resistance Bands by Live Infinitley<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOP52ac2404b2a91700bc5b62baadbd3779" rel="nofollow"><img style="display: none" src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" /></a> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZnEsVOxC3s8/VxRGzPV7ndI/AAAAAAAAINA/EcYQzpuAoz4/s1600-h/6-Even-Glow-_Box-Back%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="6-Even-Glow-_Box-Back" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="6-Even-Glow-_Box-Back" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZdDJ8RmJ2tg/VxRG2-aFP_I/AAAAAAAAINE/p-wy2r8UozE/6-Even-Glow-_Box-Back_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" height="178" /></a></p> <p>I was recently offered the opportunity to try Live Infinitley’s Resistance Bands and it came at an awesome time as I have several exercises given to my by my awesome physical therapist. These bands provide varying degrees of resistance and are in a loop style that you can use for a variety of exercises. </p> <p> </p> <p>If you are looking for a resistance band then look no further. For the price point and the variety you get in the pack, you are getting a lot of bang for the buck.</p> <p> </p> <p>Product Information:</p> <p><strong><u><font color="#000000">✦LARGER SIZE✦</font></u></strong> At 14" long & 3" wide these loop exercise bands are designed longer and wider than others to provide more versatility and boost comfort! No more scrunching up and cutting into your skin! Easily combine any combination of bands to achieve the exact resistance amount your personal fitness level needs!</p> <p> <br /><strong><font color="#000000">✦PROFESSIONAL GRADE✦</font></strong> This set of resistance bands includes five 14" x 3" loop bands ranging from Light (3-7lbs), Medium (5-9lbs), Heavy (9-15lbs), X Heavy (15-22lbs) & XX Heavy (22-35lbs). Made from the highest quality all NATURAL latex available. These resistance bands are durable, eco friendly and remove the need for any synthetic additives. Enjoy years of total body workouts knowing these are designed for rigorous exercises and will retain their elasticity.</p> <p> <br /><strong><u><font color="#000000">✦PORTABLE✦</font></u></strong> With the included traveling case and the compact size of the workout bands you can achieve your fitness goals at home or on the road. Excellent for all types of at home workouts, strength training, stretching, endurance training or physical therapy treatments.</p> <p> <br /><strong><u><font color="#000000">✦ALL INCLUSIVE✦</font></u></strong> Every resistance band set includes a FREE eBook with detailed pictures outlining numerous workouts to get the most from your new Live Infinitely product. As well, you get lifetime access to our how-to video collection explaining how to workout your arms, legs, abs and more to sculpt the body you have always wanted!</p> <p> <br /><strong><u><font color="#000000">✦RELIABLE CUSTOMER SERVICE✦</font></u></strong> Every purchase is backed with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If your not thrilled, simply contact our reliable customer service team and know you will receive unmatched personal assistance.</p> <p> </p> <p>You can get your <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Resistance-Live-Infinitely-Crossfit-Workouts-/dp/B019V0I6TQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458377540&sr=8-1&keywords=rubberizedish+bands" target="_blank">Live Infinitely Resistance Bands</a> by click on the link above. #LiveInfinitely</p> <a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOM52ac2404b2a91700bc5b62baadbd3779" rel="nofollow"><img style="display: none" src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" /></a>Lisa Steptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073957134141514643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094281.post-22437064601088801432016-04-09T16:37:00.001-04:002016-04-09T16:37:43.261-04:00Diva Review: Live Infinitely Muscle Stick Roller<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOPa98b8b6113ec9a8148da573eafd1e0b0" rel="nofollow"><img style="display: none" src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" /></a> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bRQ7J1hN7vo/VwloFAScJTI/AAAAAAAAIMo/GsUT7j3agb8/s1600-h/stick%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="stick" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="stick" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-omTEHuLQHVA/VwloFrDfJ0I/AAAAAAAAIMs/hSoSThCbOws/stick_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="316" align="left" height="256" /></a></p> <p>Here we go with another Diva Review. Today we are going to talk about the 18” Live Infinitely Forever Massage Stick. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>I have had a massage stick for quite some time now; however, it was always hit or miss in its use until the past couple of months. After a 10 mile run in January, I had some significant knee pain (mostly focused behind my knee and more pronounced when I sat for a long time and then stood up). It forced me to see my Orthopedic doctor. I was sent to PT. I started using a stick on the regular. </p> <p> </p> <p>I was already a fan until I got the opportunity to try the Live Infinitely one. The one I have is longer than this one. The Live Infinitely one is shorter and I am able to get a better grip with the handles and apply more pressure since it is not as long. </p> <p> </p> <p>Here is a short video of me using the Live Infinitely Muscle Stick Roller…</p> <iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m7-AGRnAO7A" frameborder="0" width="420" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#000000"><u>Stop Letting Muscle Aches, Fatigue & Cramps Slow You Down</u></font></strong> <br />As a runner or anyone who puts consistent strain on your muscles you begin to encounter shin splints, muscle fatigue, aches or cramps. To some degree these obstacles hit every active person. It begins to slow you down or makes it difficult to continue a workout. By using a massage roller you boost blood flow, break down lactic acid and increase flexibility. You can consistently relieve your muscles, which is critical to maintaining a healthy body and continuing to stay active!</p> <p> <br /><strong><u><font color="#000000">What Makes this Massage Sticks Different From Others?</font></u></strong> <br />Live Infinitely massage sticks are the highest quality muscles rollers available which are guaranteed to meet and exceed your expectations. <br />✦ Durable flex resistant stainless steel core, allowing you to be as aggressive as you need without the fear of bending it <br />✦ ABS plastic rollers, which are squeak free, durable and BPA free <br />✦ 18" design, giving you the ability to work those hard to reach muscles – easy to take with you and fit in your gym bag <br />✦ Ergonomic soft rubber handgrips <br />✦ Dependable and long lasting for everyday use in recovery or pre/post workouts</p> <p> <br /><u><font color="#000000"><strong>What's Included with a Purchase of the stick?</strong> <br /></font></u>✓ Professional grade muscle roller stick <br />✓ Lifetime access to how-to videos and use guides. As well as a FREE downloadable eBook outlining preventative massages and everyday uses of your muscle roller <br />✓ 100% satisfaction guarantee backed by our reliable customer service team</p> <p> </p> <p>Where do I get one? Click here --- <a href="http://http://www.amazon.com/Muscle-Roller-Stick-Live-Infinitely/dp/B0190UZY1U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453787309&sr=8-1&keywords=live+infinitely+muscle+stick+roller" target="_blank">Live Infinitely Muscle Stick Roller</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p>#liveinfinitely</p> <a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOMa98b8b6113ec9a8148da573eafd1e0b0" rel="nofollow"><img style="display: none" src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" /></a>Lisa Steptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073957134141514643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094281.post-82865615295511951282016-04-06T20:26:00.001-04:002016-04-06T20:26:23.874-04:00The TravelDiva’s Totally Tremendous 2016 Race Schedule<p>Well, I’m a little late getting this out, but I keep getting asked what running, skipping, jumping, flying – completely cray cray adventures I am on in the 2016. Since it is also the year of the HALF CENTURY CELEBRATION – I couldn’t just half step. So, drum roll please….</p> <p><a href="http://s155.photobucket.com/user/LLMommy/media/BannerAnimSBR.gif.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt=" photo BannerAnimSBR.gif" src="http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s285/LLMommy/BannerAnimSBR.gif" /></a> <strong><font color="#000000" size="4">April 2016</font></strong></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LqPY3s2FFuY/VwWpBI2BE-I/AAAAAAAAIKI/PnrOi_RGNZU/s1600-h/2016STARWARSHALFMARATHON%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="SWHM_logo_pms_colors_2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="SWHM_logo_pms_colors_2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rII3ACtnFgA/VwWpBVc4fzI/AAAAAAAAIKM/L7uxwUz56KM/2016STARWARSHALFMARATHON_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="312" height="139" /></a>I’m doing this one because I’m doing the Inaugural Disney Paris Half Marathon (my Bday Present to ME!)  and I want the Castle to Chateau medal.</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIi3Dyr38HANun1wrDn2mpOCAi4VkrhR_6PF-lrvYN1zsweVuzqy3t8dcd6RF2N9UETZ_uPwZqU158GqHxWEFbUbGXrtrLAjR4GGSOmOyxw6NVW5xWMLDHT7HOp8Xg3f9rPLFVww/s1600-h/columbia-halfsmall%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="columbia-halfsmall" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="columbia-halfsmall" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yICs1hzV4Go/VwWpCCdTLNI/AAAAAAAAIKU/INwsgmQCPFE/columbia-halfsmall_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="147" /></a> <br /><font size="4"><strong><font color="#000000">May 2016</font></strong> <br /></font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7LlMs6SxGrM/VwWpCUCJ0gI/AAAAAAAAIKY/mPUwrk5m2Yc/s1600-h/ALL_5BORO-2016_Horizontal_RGB%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="ALL_5BORO_LOGOS_FOR_USE_RGB" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="ALL_5BORO_LOGOS_FOR_USE_RGB" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NOyvK3woXrc/VwWpClE0UlI/AAAAAAAAIKc/IaCzrB9DAjI/ALL_5BORO-2016_Horizontal_RGB_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="145" /></a>         Team GLORIOUS GRADS will be rocking NYC</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M6fbSCzxv-k/VwWpC81LGsI/AAAAAAAAIKg/L9ni2tJPTVg/s1600-h/kc-e1401751317498%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="kc-e1401751317498" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="kc-e1401751317498" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3XrS6YCReb8/VwWpDI4pu-I/AAAAAAAAIKk/gke9xCai8jg/kc-e1401751317498_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" height="188" /></a></p> <p>I will be kicking off the KING CRAB CHALLENGE on May 8th with the FREDERICK HALF MARATHON (the other races are the Baltimore 10 miler and the Baltimore Half)</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lz9GvFi-gFg/VwWpDU4RT8I/AAAAAAAAIKo/pCF0YrcMTCA/s1600-h/splash-header_frederick%25255B4%25255D.png"><img title="splash-header_frederick" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="splash-header_frederick" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YbuRNqJD8uA/VwWpDqk2dXI/AAAAAAAAIKs/8jZSHGwyWmM/splash-header_frederick_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="374" height="166" /></a></p> <p>Followed up the next weekend with <strong><font color="#000000">BEAST OF THE EAST</font></strong> --- Those hills are just DISRESPECTFUL <br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CiFvMzx6vsU/VwWpD9NDrwI/AAAAAAAAIKw/mOrwRWLX_Qo/s1600-h/Columbia-Triathlon-logo%25255B3%25255D.png"><img title="Columbia-Triathlon-logo" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Columbia-Triathlon-logo" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z107X-ZO5Do/VwWpEUri4LI/AAAAAAAAIK0/vxWiqxUYr5c/Columbia-Triathlon-logo_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="365" height="161" /></a></p> <p>Closing out the month with a little more OWSwimming - <br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pdXQ5L_z4vo/VwWpElAK2-I/AAAAAAAAIK4/8iiNj6zbYtQ/s1600-h/Ft.%252520Ritchie_swim_logo_600kb%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Ft. Ritchie_swim_logo_final" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Ft. Ritchie_swim_logo_final" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CiUkYgS0sLk/VwWpE3cKdpI/AAAAAAAAIK8/aRJyEl0kHhk/Ft.%252520Ritchie_swim_logo_600kb_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="153" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#000000" size="4">JUNE 2016</font></strong></p> <p>The second race in the KING CRAB CHALLENGE SERIES is up first…</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-umRRc3c0DzY/VwWpFMY1fLI/AAAAAAAAILA/80_kJKPjfa8/s1600-h/10miler-logo-header%25255B2%25255D.png"><img title="10miler-logo-header" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="10miler-logo-header" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zs3qeEBbfD4/VwWpFT4MkEI/AAAAAAAAILE/FsXWvZxNcMo/10miler-logo-header_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="217" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HdYj8YyWfas/VwWpFm08cbI/AAAAAAAAILI/WOSe7AcASTA/s1600-h/ETC-Vitargo%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="ETC-Vitargo" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: 0px" border="0" alt="ETC-Vitargo" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KgiuFn7oGmE/VwWpGCPxffI/AAAAAAAAILM/UiaDxCnob88/ETC-Vitargo_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" height="244" /></a>And then it is time to jump off the ferry again as I attempt to get some redemption on that Dante Inferno Sand Dune Run in Hell at Escape the Cape…</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#000000" size="4">JULY 2016</font></strong></p> <p><font color="#666666">I’m taking on a new challenge with the <strong><em><font color="#000000">DUthe2 Challenge with RipIt Events.</font></em></strong> That is both the Sprint & Olympic distance Duathlon (Saturday/Sunday) Da Hell was I thinking.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_RNNZ7VIsxg/VwWpGVAJJHI/AAAAAAAAILQ/uSY2Zp-gOPU/s1600-h/TitleImage1%25255B5%25255D.png"><img title="TitleImage1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="TitleImage1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KKrmaw82oXA/VwWpGwUOJxI/AAAAAAAAILU/yKzPt3Z25xM/TitleImage1_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="458" height="137" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#000000" size="4">AUGUST 2016</font></strong></p> <p>I’m going back to where I had my first ever podium finish to reclaim my title and move up the podium at the 27th Annual West Point Triathlon.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cga3hl7SgAU/VwWpHIvBGjI/AAAAAAAAILY/90GeI0u6GXs/s1600-h/wp_tri_logo%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="wp_tri_logo" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="wp_tri_logo" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ySRnJT5pv-0/VwWpHS-1TnI/AAAAAAAAILc/vqhwCselQMo/wp_tri_logo_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="359" height="134" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#000000" size="4">SEPTEMBER 2016</font></strong></p> <p>I best have my shit together by now as I conquer the Patriots 70.3 Triathlon in Williamsburg, VA</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e1G1hXBEB0Y/VwWpHmHEkoI/AAAAAAAAILg/TPOet2W6w3g/s1600-h/Pat-Half_No_Date_Clean1%252520%2525281%252529%25255B5%25255D.png"><img title="Pat-Half_No_Date_Clean1 (1)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Pat-Half_No_Date_Clean1 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BhnKVHLd-ak/VwWpH8CdAzI/AAAAAAAAILk/SrVz0xMpG7I/Pat-Half_No_Date_Clean1%252520%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="333" height="177" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>The I’m off to PARIS for the Inaugural Disneyland Paris Half Marathon (and other shenanigans with my Top Mafia, Pattey)</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yU4bCva3psM/VwWpIOX5wvI/AAAAAAAAILo/Ol_rVS9Fu5g/s1600-h/disney%252520paris%2525201%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="disney paris 1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="disney paris 1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-anFjUwxHcbk/VwWpI9DhkeI/AAAAAAAAILs/BtdkzUmz34I/disney%252520paris%2525201_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="459" height="238" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#000000" size="4">OCTOBER 2016</font></strong></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7f1oYRhc9Co/VwWpJAJJpLI/AAAAAAAAILw/BWEFw6TgXw0/s1600-h/sgc-logo%25255B2%25255D.png"><img title="sgc-logo" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="sgc-logo" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r5o-sbU3BdY/VwWpJnvEyTI/AAAAAAAAIL0/_IyMtL-vNnc/sgc-logo_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="172" align="left" height="162" /></a>For grins and giggles and with my friend and Fitboo, Misty… The Seagull Century!</p> <p> </p> <p>Maybe the Metric. We will see!</p> <p> </p> <p>Followed by the last in the King Crab Challenge Series – The Baltimore Half Marathon..</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v_Te12Cj3eE/VwWpJ4B-Y9I/AAAAAAAAIL4/Qys_wOX9t3o/s1600-h/baltrunfestival%25255B2%25255D.png"><img title="baltrunfestival" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="baltrunfestival" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DU-40jXLzoQ/VwWpKJoZesI/AAAAAAAAIL8/nc0p4-S1GFo/baltrunfestival_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="244" align="left" height="243" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>…and if I can do all of this, I can wrap this thing up with a little jog at the…..</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CU33b0X-tmo/VwWpKRIEhVI/AAAAAAAAIMA/-sLGrpN-OgQ/s1600-h/MCM_Logo%2525281%252529%25255B5%25255D.png"><img title="MCM_Logo(1)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="MCM_Logo(1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RGjrdGGfZvs/VwWpKmv4X9I/AAAAAAAAIME/csP7iFYmCSw/MCM_Logo%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="474" height="184" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#000000" size="4">NOVEMBER 2016</font></strong></p> <p>I wrap up the madness with races I have done every year they have been run…</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-foLiuBnalT4/VwWpK9P4UHI/AAAAAAAAIMI/7-QBEPcJgnk/s1600-h/bridgerace-marathon-usa%25255B3%25255D.png"><img title="0 - Home Page" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="0 - Home Page" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TbxSPD39xdA/VwWpLWw6eaI/AAAAAAAAIMM/o7ODHf0Syng/bridgerace-marathon-usa_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="240" height="128" /></a> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6WUgX-sSPac/VwWpLm5NBYI/AAAAAAAAIMQ/1gs9M4nXJUo/s1600-h/10K%252520turkey%252520chase%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="10K turkey chase" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="10K turkey chase" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4FKYVbiHJXw/VwWpLhvgqdI/AAAAAAAAIMU/cYPi2QNxCPM/10K%252520turkey%252520chase_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="223" height="120" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>I think then I will sit my azz down someplace. WHEW!</p>Lisa Steptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073957134141514643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094281.post-40409855524600399242016-02-28T22:00:00.000-05:002016-02-28T22:00:47.434-05:00 The Triathlon Training Adventures of Lisa & Lynne<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItxWbasqjN9NCL0qEYIs5pUCekJQ-oe8M2TUC2gVSXGmxQUoIIXezp0ijeVJ_Wh6Do7sKtlkTy8gGfyk8tYWX0AX8z7Sbism3OEXtP4III6gVSlbYE2hewKl1t-SVtJuZ-wiGkA/s1600/2016-02-28+12.00.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItxWbasqjN9NCL0qEYIs5pUCekJQ-oe8M2TUC2gVSXGmxQUoIIXezp0ijeVJ_Wh6Do7sKtlkTy8gGfyk8tYWX0AX8z7Sbism3OEXtP4III6gVSlbYE2hewKl1t-SVtJuZ-wiGkA/s320/2016-02-28+12.00.26.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Lynne and I are the dynamic “old lady” (60 & 50 years old respectively)
duo on the RipIt Coaching Team. <br />
<br />
Since we have a pretty similar pathetic pace running, we have decided to team
up and be accountability buddies and do some of our training/workouts together.
Little does Lynne know that hanging with me often results in drama &
“adventures.”<br />
<br />
We go out for a run today (Airborne Shuffle/walk for me) and everything was
going along all hunky dory; beautiful 60degree February morning; we were on the
last mile/mile and half when cray-cray in the form of a red Ford F150 comes out
of nowhere and practically runs Lynne over. I was a little behind her and jogged
to catch up to see if she was okay. We stand there and watch as the truck speeds
down the street goes around the traffic circle and comes back. The truck is
“rolling coal” - <br />
<blockquote>
<br /><b>Rolling coal</b> is the practice of intentionally disabling the Clean
Burn Programming of a computer controlled diesel engine, so that the vehicle can
emit an under-aspirated sooty exhaust that visibly pollutes the
air.</blockquote>
barreling up the road when he suddenly crosses over into on coming traffic. I
whip out my phone and start (I think) video tapping. Cars are flying left and
right to get out of his way. He is still coming and then veers straight at Lynne
and I. Hindsight, we really should have jumped out of the way, but there wasn’t
really anywhere for us to go. What did we do instead? Lynne gets behind me as I
stand my ground, aiming the phone at him screaming “WHAT!?? You just going to
hit me all on video tape!!!” <br />
<br />
<br />
He slows down, swerves away, says something unintelligible, flips us the
finger and proceeds on his rampage….and just like that, a county police officer
pulls up behind him, sirens blaring and tries to pull him over. F150 decided to
come to a stop in the middle of the street. Just blocking traffic.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XiS_JWCTtYShH6hGiIXbP-MyuaCgPGR6dp7UWqhZnzvoz9At0P64oh4V016FaLPaI8kE0nlvcpI_aVEmgjE8LvFueZbFN1cvSCoGArH2hTGMDxt04US7_jZ48oK_ZK-K9ls7jQ/s1600/2016-02-28+11.24.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XiS_JWCTtYShH6hGiIXbP-MyuaCgPGR6dp7UWqhZnzvoz9At0P64oh4V016FaLPaI8kE0nlvcpI_aVEmgjE8LvFueZbFN1cvSCoGArH2hTGMDxt04US7_jZ48oK_ZK-K9ls7jQ/s400/2016-02-28+11.24.37.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Lynne and I had to hang around to bear witness to the actions of the idiot. I
thought I had the whole thing on video, but alas, in the excitement I forgot to
press the record button and was aiming a non-recording phone at the truck. Go
figure. The police finally got the guy out the truck, but then had to get
instructions on how to start it again so they could move it off the road. They
also ended up calling an ambulance for the <strike>thug</strike> young man
because it looked like he was stoned on something. <br />
<br />
Lynne and I walked the mile back to her house and were thankful that nobody
got hurt or wrecked. <br />
<br />
Training officially starts for me on March 1st. If this is any indication on
what the season is going to bring – LAWD HAB MURCY…this is gonna be FUN!<br />
<br />
<br />
Stay safe out there on these byways. Eyes on Swivel.Lisa Steptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073957134141514643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094281.post-38063303474044775302015-11-27T19:21:00.001-05:002015-11-27T19:21:02.760-05:00Diva Review: Vino Mio Foldable Wine Bottle<a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOP666b9e336b498cbbba59700b285b6782" rel="nofollow"><img style="display: none" src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" /></a> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mq4Y-NDKqME/VljzaDMa8SI/AAAAAAAAIIg/ApfOZHQZhEs/s1600-h/vino%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="vino" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="vino" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9YFBsjxP2Xg/VljzaSE4aMI/AAAAAAAAIIk/niH1mjw5jOI/vino_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="189" align="left" height="256" /></a></p> <p>I have been know to enjoy some wine from time to time and recently got the opportunity to try out the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B015YMPCAG">Vino Mio Foldable Wine Bottle</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p>It can be quite the challenge to take your favorite bottle to events – especially if they are outside or at a venue that doesn’t allow you to bring in glass. Vino Mio foldable wine bottle is the solution for just those occasions. Take it with you to enjoy an evening out without the risk of broken glass.</p> <p> </p> <p>Whether you are attending an outdoor concert or movie, camping or something as normal as backyard barbecue, Vino Mio makes transporting your favorite varietal easy and clean. </p> <p> </p> <p>I decided to try it out at a pre-Army Football Game Tailgate where I had to walk about a mile from the home I was staying in to the tailgate location. I poured a nice bottle of Pinot Noir in the Vino Mio and was off. No clanking against anything else in my tailgate bag and no worry about what would happen if I dropped it.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N6u8SJuFmOM/Vljzaj1WQaI/AAAAAAAAIIs/XWpX0FglFlw/s1600-h/IMG_8050%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8050" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8050" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tiqFLOkbAOI/Vljza5czGrI/AAAAAAAAII0/2HqX2pI2Jvo/IMG_8050_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="258" /></a>  <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iSdAdMTBQFM/VljzbAfrmyI/AAAAAAAAII8/dydw8x46m8c/s1600-h/IMG_8051%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8051" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8051" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BRvoVFVCWlM/VljzbW8jQ5I/AAAAAAAAIJE/zylglpXf2YQ/IMG_8051_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" height="253" /></a></p> <p>After the game & back at the tailgate, I was able to just drop the Vino Mio in my bag. No fuss, no mess, no trash.</p> <p> </p> <p><b>Vino Mio Foldable Wine Bottle: </b></p> <p>- Leak-proof so you don't make a mess. </p> <p>- Holds a full bottle of wine (750ml). </p> <p>- Get a 2-pack for red and white bottle. </p> <p>- Easy pour spout lets you transfer the wine without spilling. </p> <p>- Easy to clean after each use. </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Bring VINO MIO to any event where alcohol will be served. Pour your favorite drink into the wine bottle with a twist and take it with you to:</strong> <br />- Concerts & festivals <br />- Backyard barbecue <br />- Beach outings <br />- Picnics <br />- A day on the boat <br />- Tailgating</p> <p> <br /><strong>Say goodbye to heavyweight glass bottles that weigh you down!</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>The #VinoMioFoldableWineBottle is available on Amazon at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B015YMPCAG">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B015YMPCAG</a></strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>It worked for me! Enjoy.</strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <a href="http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOM666b9e336b498cbbba59700b285b6782" rel="nofollow"><img style="display: none" src="http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png" /></a> Lisa Steptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073957134141514643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094281.post-21017584034757080502015-10-09T00:05:00.001-04:002015-10-09T00:05:34.204-04:00The Invisible Disability: A Mental Health Crisis in Children<p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vhYMOXedaPE/Vhc9BtyAEfI/AAAAAAAAIHg/Mw6dsyiVuKQ/s1600-h/IMG_7828%25255B7%25255D.png"><img title="IMG_7828" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7828" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Iu3q4Sq6vk4/Vhc9B_e5u4I/AAAAAAAAIHk/cFM-vEhblHw/IMG_7828_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="224" align="left" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Not your child, right?</p> <p>How could a child that has “everything” – a loving family, 3 hots and a cot of their own, opportunity, nurturing, camps, sports, ipad…blah, blah, blah…be depressed, have anxiety and think about hurting themselves? How is that possible? </p> <p> <br />When we adopted our youngest (now 11) she was 18th months old with a myriad of issues from nutrition to delayed speech. We enrolled her at a private Christian daycare where we found out at about 2 1/2 that her ears were fully occluded – she did hear barely at all for the first 2 years of her life. We had tubes placed and had her work with a speech therapist. We were told she had a language delay. We got her into an early intervention program, worked with a speech therapist and started on an IEP (individual education program). We tried anything and everything that would help her overcome and catch up. We thought we were making progress. We got through elementary school and she was doing well. There were the mood swings, the sulking, the refusal to talk and instead of just chalking it up to puberty we decided that over the summer we would get her a counselor to work with her to quell her anxiety about going to Middle school among other things. <br /> <br /></p> <p>…and then it happened. The shock and awe. Our beautiful, smart, athletic, kind girl had (Thank You GOD!) turned herself in to the school psychologist that she was thinking about hurting herself, that she didn’t want to live anymore. Everybody hated her, she didn’t deserve to be here. THE SHOCK. The numbness when you get a phone call from your husband from the ER and the recommendation was she needed inpatient intervention. WHAT!!?? <br /> <br />Not my child, right? <br /> <br />Now, I know what you are thinking…”why are they sharing this?” Why are they putting their business out on the street?” <br /></p> <p>We are sharing our story because we want you to know:</p> <ul> <li>Yes, I could be your “perfect” child </li> <li>It is not your fault. Yes, your child that has everything, has that privileged life could have – GO AHEAD AND SAY IT OUT LOUD – a mental illness </li> <li>Parents – you are not alone and don’t have to do it alone </li> <li>Every situation is different – every child is different. The triggers/stressors that precipitated our child’s depression might be totally different that what is going on with yours: however… </li> <li>WE CAN HELP EACH OTHER GET THROUGH IT </li> </ul> <p>So…what was going on with our daughter? Pull up a chair – this might take a minute. <br /> <br /></p> <p>Our Princess doesn’t just have a language delay, she actually has a Language Impairment Disability and it was only the years of intervention and attention that we got her that she wasn’t worse. <br /> <br /></p> <p>What is a Language Impairment Disability?</p> <p>The developmental period known as adolescence is generally described as beginning at about 11–12 years of age and continuing until 18–21 years of age, depending on which theory of adolescent development is being used. During these years, considerable cognitive, physiological, emotional, social, and educational changes occur. Language changes too, and the changes in language are affected by and affect other areas of development. When an adolescent experiences a language impairment, whether the impairment is severe, or whether it is less severe so that the adolescent’s language is more likely to be shaky, the teenager is at risk for problems in all areas of development.</p> <p> <br />Much about adolescents with language disorders remains either unknown or empirically unvalidated, especially for those adolescents whose language problems exist in the absence of other conditions known to affect language, such as specific language impairment (SLI) with regard to preschoolers. This more limited information has some not so positive implications for those professionals trying to provide valid and accountable assessment and intervention services for these adolescents. <strong><font color="#000000">Many adolescents with language disorders remain unidentified, unserved, underserved, and neglected.</font></strong></p> <p><strong><font color="#000000"></font></strong></p> <p> </p> <p>A Neglected Group with Significant Problems</p> <p>Socioemotional difficulties are a significant issue for adolescents with language disorders. Problems with social interactions and even socioemotional difficulties are associated with specific language impairment in preschool years and language-learning disabilities in the earlier school years. </p> <p> </p> <p>There are some indications that these students have difficulties with emotion regulation, a psychosocial issue that could be expected to affect interpersonal relationships , as well as other evidence that has begun to document a decline in their self-esteem as they mature and progress in school. Along with the language disorder, these can persist across childhood and into adolescence. In fact, emotional, behavioral, or mental health issues, such as “mood disorders often escalate during or immediately after puberty”</p> <p> </p> <p>I took the liberty to paraphrase and cut and paste directly from this source:</p> <p><a href="http://catalogue.pearsoned.ca/assets/hip/ca/hip_ca_pearsonhighered/samplechapter/0205420427.pdf">http://catalogue.pearsoned.ca/assets/hip/ca/hip_ca_pearsonhighered/samplechapter/0205420427.pdf</a></p> <p> </p> <p>What are some of the signs of language disorders (this list goes up through high school students) I’ve highlighted some of the issues we had/have with our girl.</p> <p>* Problems with speaking and listening: </p> <p>• seems unable to follow verbal instructions <br /><strong><font color="#000000">• reluctant to speak</font></strong> <br />• talkative, but talk contains little real substance <br />• tells stories badly <br /><i><strong>• </strong><font color="#000000">more grammatical errors than peers</font></i> <br />• stereotypes - clichés and overuse of certain words and phrases. May use a lot of slang and swear words - vernacular language <br /><b><i>•<font color="#000000"> problems explaining the whys and wherefores of things - can't put the complex grammar together</font></i></b><font color="#000000"> <br /><b><i>• only deal well with concrete and here-and-now matters. Abstract language and ideas are very problematic</i></b> <br />• <b><i>taking a long time to respond; problems processing the information</i></b> <br />• <b><i>shows word finding difficulties; uses lots of 'ums' searching for words, lots of fillers e.g. 'you know', 'its the, oh the, that, um', and non-specific words, e.g. 'thing', 'that', 'stuff'.</i></b></font> | <br />• doesn't follow jokes, puns, sarcasm, metaphors. Takes ambiguous language seriously <br />• says the wrong thing at the wrong time in the wrong tone of voice; can't hold a conversation following normal expectations <br /><b><i>• <font color="#000000">doesn't pick up non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions or gestures - doesn't know when people want to end a conversation or doesn't recognize the emotional content of people's talk</font></i></b><font color="#000000">.</font> </p> <p> </p> <p>Problems with school work:</p> <p>• can't complete homework <br />• participation in class discussion is badly handled or non-existent <br />• has trouble gaining information from class lectures and from books <br />• following the rules of the classroom is inconsistent or does not understand them or the need to follow them <br /><strong><em><font color="#000000">• poor at tests</font></em></strong> <br />• can't explain what the problem is, or give reasons and excuses for failure or behavior <br />• has trouble with the school routines - can't remember the timetable, loses the rooms, can't use a diary well. Poor at working independently <br />• concentration and attention appear poor</p> <p> </p> <p>Behavioral Problems</p> <p>• <b><i><font color="#000000">poor self-esteem</font></i></b> <br />• problems making and maintaining friendships <br />• lost motivation, cumulative sense of failure <br /><b><i>• <font color="#000000">depression</font></i></b><font color="#000000">, <b><i>anger, frustration, withdrawal</i></b></font>, aggression <br />• reluctance to participate, including in remedial work <br />• inappropriate coping mechanisms, e.g. bullying, clowning, copying (cheating), delinquency and truancy</p> <p>( Sources: McKinley & Larson, 90; NSW Dept. School Ed, 89; Bashir, 89; Buttrill et al, 89.)</p> <p> </p> <p>What was the diagnosis: Major Depressive Disorder with Anxiety; Language Impairment</p> <p> </p> <p>What do we do now? Medication, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, School Counselors, Tutors…and ever watchful parents that will bring every resource & brain cell to bear to give our baby a fighting chance at an awesome life.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_PHNe0RKljM/Vhc9CBHC08I/AAAAAAAAIHs/RJEmtBJznn0/s1600-h/IMG_7827%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7827" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7827" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YiwsHzZ3hgQ/Vhc9Ct0AkCI/AAAAAAAAIH0/F67dOWN5JPE/IMG_7827_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="428" height="305" /></a></p> <p>As for the Mental Health System – that is another blog post. It is abysmal – especially for children where treatment should begin but more often than not doesn’t and then they fall through the cracks to poor outcomes, incarceration, homelessness or dead. If it wasn’t for my “good” insurance and our complete understanding of our benefits and how the system works (there is 30+ years of medical/healthcare sales & management experience between Ron and I) we might not have had the positive outcome that we did. If it wasn’t for the Steptoe Clan that rallied – it was all hands on deck Tribal Council – and the tight group of Prayer Warriors we recruited in the first hours of crisis – Ron and I might have buckled. I imagine that Ron and I were a sight to behold. Ron with his armor on, calm and cool ready to do battle. Me, with my broom, fierce in the fight of taking no shit; give it to me straight. </p> <p> </p> <p>I hope that sharing our story and being transparent helps is some small way if you, as a parent, are in the struggle.</p> <p> </p> <p>It takes a village. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-25j25YICvvk/Vhc9C_YeBCI/AAAAAAAAIH8/iLyekFtthUE/s1600-h/IMG_7829%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7829" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7829" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FaOwJ2U3Fk8/Vhc9Df2d_ZI/AAAAAAAAIIA/05kl0b5YwrA/IMG_7829_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="351" height="343" /></a></p> Lisa Steptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073957134141514643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094281.post-27625635474466601522015-09-06T20:06:00.001-04:002015-09-06T20:06:50.676-04:00Race Report: 33rd Transamerica Chicago Triathlon<p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O_gb7EDtuA4/VezU0QGFKcI/AAAAAAAAICo/QOHeVJNn37o/s1600-h/338917_203383440_XLarge%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="338917_203383440_XLarge" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="338917_203383440_XLarge" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UtFT39nsUds/VezU0_Lgi1I/AAAAAAAAICs/BheJgU29jHM/338917_203383440_XLarge_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="187" align="left" height="271" /></a></p> <p>I collected another piece of awesome bling at the 33rd Transamerica Chicago Triathlon know to be one of the largest triathlon’s in the world. Over 7000 competitors over 2 days of racing. It was an amazing experience made mo’ awesome by my son hanging with me and earning his “Spectathlete Badge” and hanging with 40+ members of <a href="http://www.blacktriathlete.org/" target="_blank">Black Triathlete Association</a>. </p> <p> </p> <p>Summary – Best Triathlete Weekend EVA, one of my worst swims, best bike and run in an OLY EVER! Overall, one of my best overall performances. A Happy Camper All Around.</p> <p> </p> <p>The FireMarshall drove Ms Diva to Chicago and go me there with enough time so that I could make the Friday Morning OWS Practice with #BTA. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ms7MPnKi92M/VezU1T9XvpI/AAAAAAAAIC4/E9uKg0-exDg/s1600-h/IMG_7672%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7672" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7672" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p5jozfUrur4/VezU1ym9bWI/AAAAAAAAIC8/dMfaGRc_Lew/IMG_7672_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="185" /></a></p> <p>That water was the coldest I have EVER swam in. OMG! I was so glad I bought a cold water swim cap and booties. It simply took your breath away.  I only did about 300 and got out. I decided I needed to get some ear plugs and maybe some arm sleeves just to make it more bearable. I found the earplugs but no arm sleeves. I was glad that I brought my PearlZumi Shrug that is fitted, so I decided to wear that on my arms.</p> <p> </p> <p>Later, Friday evening, Ovetta organized a Pre-Race Dinner at another #BTA members house (FrankW) and it was a blast to meet so many of the people I interact with daily on the Black Triathletes Facebook Page. Just awesome people …at all different levels in the Triathlete journey. Good Times!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SpcVBgM3tZ0/VezU2bXqa1I/AAAAAAAAIDI/JJLqhWXvr0g/s1600-h/IMG_7678%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7678" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7678" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zqhgIfF3zcA/VezU20d74vI/AAAAAAAAIDM/B24gux-hzhc/IMG_7678_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>  <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sg_h6LOXoZg/VezU3Gl9XaI/AAAAAAAAIDU/tOR5Li65K3M/s1600-h/IMG_7679%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7679" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7679" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--ueziAup5Lk/VezU3inkJvI/AAAAAAAAIDc/qO0mCNVQdf8/IMG_7679_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <br />     <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3xKxTQFldgc/VezU3yVDd8I/AAAAAAAAIDo/er2C93Fm7RQ/s1600-h/IMG_7688%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7688" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7688" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gb8gyPTz1Rk/VezU4-VOfuI/AAAAAAAAIDs/iF4kfoDnBwU/IMG_7688_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yuyKrwDIGc4/VezU5G6yrGI/AAAAAAAAID4/weLIh49_ZLM/s1600-h/IMG_7676%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7676" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7676" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YvozpDlK-zo/VezU5sCkY2I/AAAAAAAAID8/TaSHOpFLJWs/IMG_7676_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Saturday, I just hung out with The FireMarshall and Trooper Steptoe. I had breakfast with a friend I hadn’t see in YEARS – KimT – and got to see her all grown up kids. I took the FM & TS to the expo and collected some freebies (yeah, they don’t want to haul that stuff home) and then went to lunch. I had the Trooper help me put on my race tattoo’s – he is a pro – and then decided to rack my bike the night before to claim my space and walk the transition area because it looked HUGE and transitions is not a strong suit of mine.</p> <p>             <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X2Bhz5oQfvA/VezU6ExDK5I/AAAAAAAAIEI/j-O_daFimQk/s1600-h/IMG_7736%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7736" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7736" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D0inGilE-YM/VezU6f3eRMI/AAAAAAAAIEM/smXqcHQ9hXI/IMG_7736_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a>   <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UND6hMsNNQk/VezU6_2-aZI/AAAAAAAAIEY/C406bqZuHBM/s1600-h/IMG_7737%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7737" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7737" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7K0CwfjrQvc/VezU7a35kHI/AAAAAAAAIEc/DxWJqbxLynA/IMG_7737_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <br /><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mx7UZ0N81bA/VezU7zQNe0I/AAAAAAAAIEk/L6BDzw1BHHs/s1600-h/IMG_7692%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7692" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7692" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BkwmR0HfwX8/VezU8jrP92I/AAAAAAAAIEs/Dahdv3nOTvY/IMG_7692_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244" /></a></p> <p>That evening we went over to my West Point classmate, Walter Cunningham’s house for dinner. Another awesome time! Back to the hotel and I had no trouble getting to sleep. Up in the morning, ‘fo day…I don’t like it…no way. I pulled it together and started the approximately mile long walk from the hotel to transition. A quarter of the way there, I realized that I had forgotten my Garmin – meltdown – called The FireMarshall and had him meet me in front of hotel with it. I got back to transition with 7 mins left to get it all set up before they closed transition. Not a problem since laying it out ain’t the problem. It’s getting in an out  at T1/T2 and not piddling around – that’s pathetic.</p> <p> </p> <p><font size="4"><strong><u><font color="#000000">SWIM: 1500m - 51:15</font> <br /></u></strong></font><font size="2">Now that was just AWFUL! Just like at when I started. I got in that water- FREEZING-the gun went off and I lost it. I just couldn’t get my breath. I started panting and was going nowhere slowly. To add insult to my misery, I could hear and see Ron and Jordan following along  - Jordan was encouraging (You got this, Mom!), Ron was about to shut the damn race down and have me pulled out. I spent about 400-500 doing some form of front stroke/doggie paddle/side stroke thing…and then something just clicked. I was treading water and I said to myself, “Get busy swimming or get busy quitting.” I’ve NEVER quit anything so I said, “Give me 5 stokes at a time.” Then I upped it to 10. Then I was in a grove and that last 1000 to the finish was just like in the pool. <br /><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n7f2tTyq68k/VezU9d-RjXI/AAAAAAAAIE4/nmya2K5bOTw/s1600-h/swimout2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="swimout2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="swimout2" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FUkzxHFbDSE/VezU-Y1-o0I/AAAAAAAAIFA/l01LdUUHhBc/swimout2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="158" height="250" /></a>  <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kKivRZvDSAA/VezU-1aIoKI/AAAAAAAAIFE/vDxdT9vRd5Y/s1600-h/swimout3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="swimout3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="swimout3" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wn0dcIKxWE8/VezU_fHAlXI/AAAAAAAAIFM/FVaG2chBhwE/swimout3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="150" height="252" /></a>  <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q416HTtKBAI/VezU_qTNUkI/AAAAAAAAIFY/PMwIXL8QBCE/s1600-h/338917_203288002_XLarge%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="338917_203288002_XLarge" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="338917_203288002_XLarge" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A5l7SCAInzw/VezVAK8K7FI/AAAAAAAAIFc/IfaykNsR4Jw/338917_203288002_XLarge_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="256" /></a></font></p> <p>I was out of the water!!! It was over. Nothing I could do to change what had happened. I had overcome a bad start, adapted and overcame…now it was time to drop the hammer and see what I could do with the rest of the race. It was 450m from Swim Out to T1. I got nothing but a WOW! It took me damn near 10 min to get from the Swim Out to the Bike Out. </p> <p> </p> <p><strong><u><font color="#000000" size="4">BIKE: 25 miles – 1:36:10 – avg 15:51mph</font></u></strong> <br />WOO HOO!!! Go Me! This is fastest bike average I have EVER done in a race. The course was fast and NOT as flat as everyone said. Lake Shore Drive had a few lumps, but compared to the Hills of Howard County, HUMPH. Piece of cake. It was great to see my family, Walter & Eric as I went under the 11th Street Pedestrian Bridge. Before I knew it, I was back at Transition and it was time to run!! <br />             <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-19SLGP9i_rc/VezVAX1QfvI/AAAAAAAAIFo/3lFkp08S3Gc/s1600-h/338917_203293290_XLarge%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="338917_203293290_XLarge" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="338917_203293290_XLarge" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GJzNHrpBdho/VezVBGNdynI/AAAAAAAAIFw/lw2dpSNygRQ/338917_203293290_XLarge_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244" /></a>  <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ukRHo7aFjko/VezVBT5ecMI/AAAAAAAAIF4/xOZ3hV_g-64/s1600-h/338917_203312243_XLarge%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="338917_203312243_XLarge" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="338917_203312243_XLarge" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t7-E-h7DAb4/VezVB1siDCI/AAAAAAAAIF8/-8vjMcaYzO4/338917_203312243_XLarge_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244" /></a></p> <p><strong><u><font color="#000000" size="4">RUN: 6.2 miles – 1:32:31 – 14:56 pace</font></u></strong> <br />You may think that is slow as frozen molasses, but for me – WINNING! Fastest 10k after swim/bike in a race EVER! I plodded along with the first 3 miles under 14min and the last 3 miles not so much. I felt great, pushed and knew I was doing well – FOR ME! I was ecstatic. When you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands and smile pretty for the camera! <br />                 <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zHdZ2fdasRw/VezVCQcuFDI/AAAAAAAAIGI/5nEwcGesl7s/s1600-h/338917_203345251_XLarge%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="338917_203345251_XLarge" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="338917_203345251_XLarge" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tpYf5512UXw/VezVDNbouHI/AAAAAAAAIGM/q1USmgyn3k0/338917_203345251_XLarge_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EEGsEgEI8N0/VezVDbwo13I/AAAAAAAAIGY/1CO4lVoVOLQ/s1600-h/338917_203361690_XLarge%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="338917_203361690_XLarge" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="338917_203361690_XLarge" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pc_L8ZUikkg/VezVED79lOI/AAAAAAAAIGc/d-PieqSqZbc/338917_203361690_XLarge_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244" /></a></p> <p>I came across the finish line feeling VICTORIOUS!! I had overcome in the water and left it out there on the bike & run. YES I CAN and YES I DID!! My finish was 4:17:08 and 17 of that was a pathetic transitions. I was 8/13 in Athena 40+ and if you put all the Athena’s together in one group I would have been 16/26. I am happy with that! <br />                  <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vz7aZcCXkqM/VezVEcQ3n7I/AAAAAAAAIGo/24nWWlWgEt0/s1600-h/338917_203378866_XLarge%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="338917_203378866_XLarge" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="338917_203378866_XLarge" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PJN0oqSn1l4/VezVFAklOMI/AAAAAAAAIGw/ejExcxOJK9A/338917_203378866_XLarge_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244" /></a>  <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_W3W5oZ5r30/VezVFn_me9I/AAAAAAAAIG4/rHCW7GaOISY/s1600-h/338917_203388338_XLarge%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="338917_203388338_XLarge" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="338917_203388338_XLarge" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e4u0FcTK-0A/VezVGXmlzUI/AAAAAAAAIG8/Civeh2hvXho/338917_203388338_XLarge_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a></p> <p>I may not be as fast as most – yet; I may, for now, still be hugging the bottom of my age group; but I sure do make this Tri business LOOK DAMN GOOD!!!</p> Lisa Steptoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073957134141514643noreply@blogger.com0