Ahhhh Training!

Things have been going well!

Great meeting Thursday with Coach and Laura to talk out every massive workout for the next nine weeks exactly (I should be decently into the marathon by 4:19 in exactly nine weeks--but who's counting?!?!). The schedule is a little terrifying, but hey, it is 140.6 miles. If it's not terrifying, I think I am doing something wrong!

Then, a great trainer workout. The next three weeks at the sessions are all about speed. Yikes!

Friday, I did a swim workout with actual speed sets! It was great! I usually just do long sets and get the work in, but my goal is a swim PR, so I am going to have to put in some work in the pool, and I am super excited about it!

Friday night, George and I had a little carbohydrate party! Salad, whole wheat rolls we turned into bruscetta, whole wheat angel hair, and meatless meatballs. One of those rolls MIGHT have been topped with some of this after dinner, but I am NOT telling on George (hehehehe, right....george...that's who was eating the chocolate hazelnut spread!)

If you haven't seen George's Blog, you should go there! And you should follow him! (and of course, follow me if you are not already! It makes me happy!)

http://mostpleasantexhaustion.blogspot.com

Saturday, I got up and out in the rain with Laura for a 10 miler. I took one last picture of my shoes looking perfect before their first run in the rain.

And how I was feeling about taking my perfect shoes out in the rain.

But--training is training, and sometimes it is a little muddy :-) The run was great. We were able to keep up a MUCH better pace than I had anticipated since I am still building my fitness back up. We did this one stupidly long hill (about 0.9 miles with a flat section in the middle) twice. I lead us up the first time, and went WAY too fast, which meant that the second time up, I lost Laura in the last 100yds. Oh well, it'll come back! I still finished the hill, but couldn't quite keep up the pace at the end of the run. But--I think digging deep in a workout certainly helps you get better faster!

I had some insanely tasty ultragen on the car ride home.

Then, I read the Hunger Games. It is a really fun read that all my kids are reading! Now I just need to get my paws on the next two books!

Oh, and I had a sandwich with these gems. If you haven't had either of these bits of heaven, you might not even want to open up that door--it's really hard to close it once you have tasted these. The cherries I save and only have once in a blue moon. The Maple Nut butter probably makes up about 30% of my daily calories!

Speaking of calories, we have planned a spring break trip to asheville! We are going to stay in a B&B right in town, and I am really excited about it! We are going from Friday to Thursday, and two of our friends are going for the first weekend. This is a fun and a training trip. It is a week I get to dedicate entirely to training for IM St. George. Big runs, long ride, big mountains, giant pancakes, and cookies....I mean, broccoli....?

Here is a cute picture of where we are staying!

Here is a part of the confirmation email:

The Carolina Bed & Breakfast is happy to accommodate special diets but again, we do need advance notice. If you have any preferences or allergies we need to know about please send me an email or give me a call. We have noted that you are vegetarian and will make sure that there is plenty of good food for you (including cookies!)

Maybe I did mention something about cookies when made our reservations.....or they just KNOW me :-)

George and I are considering doing a crazy adventure on our bikes Thursday and Friday of our spring break, but there is more on that to come!

Inspired in a Twisted Kind of Way!

My teammate Jeff commented this on my last post:

So when the Doc said, "It is time to train for an Ironman" ... did you perk up like Rocky Balboa in Rocky II when Adrianne said, "WIN!"??? ***Bells in the background*** Was Mickey sitting in the corner and jumped up and yelled, "What are we waitin' for?"

Before Ironman Louisville, George said that I had to "get my head right," so I saw Rocky for the first time. It was fantastic. I really really loved it.

Jeff--that was the perfect clip for me to see! I totally get it, and that's how I feel!




Then, after getting pumped up, I went to the pool, and there was a sign on it that said:

" Pool and Hot Tube Closed."

There are a lot of problems with this.

First, I wanted to swim, but I did strength stuff again.

Secondly, I had no IDEA my gym had a hot tube. I don't know what that is, and I mostly think it sounds like a good thing. I am totally missing out. I am imagining a hot water water slide with big blue tubes. Or something. Yikes.

Well, turns out it was closed because the filter broke. I looked in and people were swimming, but I could NOT face the idea of an unfiltered pool. E. Coli? No thanks!



Since I was talking about motivation........



Tuesday I got to go to my coach's trainer sessions again. Big room of cyclists on our bikes doing workout. Awesome! I go on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Every workout, we get a paper copy of the workout to follow along and there is an inspirational quote on it. But I use the term inspirational loosely. Cyclists don't like things that would actually make you feel better.

I thought I would snap a few pictures of a few gems that I randomly pulled out of my bag.


First--

"He was very sickly until he started riding around on that bike. Now his body's fine, but his mind is gone."-- Breaking away
Umm....yeah, now I am totally ready to kill a workout?!?.....



Second--

"POWER. It is what separates casual riders from the elite. You can be a precision handler, a wheel sucker extraordinaire, and elegant-pedaler but if you can't crank when the crunch comes you will be left behind." Fred Matcheny

Ok--I get it. Work hard on the power drills. But does that mean I get to skip one legged drills? ;-)



"It doesn't get any easier. You just get faster." Greg Lemond

This is my favorite. Coach uses it a lot, and it is encourages you in a very twisted kind of way. I think it's because I would mind getting faster AND easier. Hmmmm...seems unlikely :-)



Wednesday, I had a 7 mile run that I trudged though (because I am still super slow), but then I went to the pool, and did my fastest 1500yd set. That's good news!


After that, I headed over to see my massage terrorist Sara. If I am training again, then I have to be treating my body like I am training--nutrition and massage are key for me!

Tonight, I have a meeting with my training buddy Laura and my coach to hammer out our weekend workouts from now until St. George. I am ready to go. Inspired in a twisted way, taking care of myself, working hard, and really training again! This meeting will get our schedule set and our minds right to tackle this really early season Ironman!

What are we waitin' for????

Catching Up!

So I am a bit behind, and it's just time to just pull it together and post!

Things are good here!

I saw the Dr. on Thursday, and he said, "it's time to train for your Ironman."

So, I am doing it.

I did a great trainer session on Thursday, and Saturday I rode 30 windy hilly miles on my own, and ran 9 miles on the real ground (no treadmill) on Sunday with my mom! So, it begins! 9 weeks and 5 days!

It will not be my fastest, but with the conditions of the race, it never was going to be my fastest. But I feel like I AM going to be able to do it. Time to start visualizing the finish line and the finisher's store ;-)

So, Trakkers--is AWESOME! Updates abound!

First off--my shoes:



Since I have actually been training, I have been running in these puppies, and I love them! They are not as cusion-y as the shoes I had been running in, and I was worried. But I really like them a lot. They just work! They feel like they make sense on my feet, and they give me what I need without overdoing it. I am a happy little camper in them, and they look good ;-) I hand all of my shoes over to my mom when I done with them. She liked them too, and she knows that they will turn into her shoes in a few months!


I also received this awesome box of SBR sports. Awesome. I seriously love this stuff. Can I just focus on my current favorite thing in the box?



This glorious little can rocks my world. I chafe a lot. Seriously. I have to use some kind of anti-chaffe stuff for every bike ride and every run. This stuff is a spray. That is awesome, because it is SO much less likely that I am actually miss a spot. I must say that I really love this stuff.

You guys know I am sponsored by these guys, just so you know :-)


I should be getting a new schedule pretty soon, and I am excited to get into it (cautiously of course!).

Allright--that was the beginning of a catch up--I'll actually be back soon!

Big Week and Progress

This was a huge week for me!

Monday: Physical Therapy--good stuff. Lots of strength and taking care of some issues around my knee.

Tuesday: ART appointment and 3000 yds in the pool

Wednesday: 2 Mile run--you heard me right. I actually felt better when I was DONE running than before I started. And...physical therapy.

Thursday: ART and 3500 yds in the pool. This time the graston stuff left bruises--and I am really not a bruiser!

Friday: Another successful 2 mile run and 2000 yds in the pool.

Saturday: 4250 yds in the pool (5 minutes faster than last week!)

Sunday: 4 mile run, 1500 yds in the pool, and my first acupuncture appointment! I thought it was great, by the way!

Not only is my knee making progress, but my amazing team has started sending me goodies!

This sweet note was on the back of my team temporary tattoos!

And I had to model for you! A clear force to be reckoned with:

Did you notice my adorable team visor. It is impossible to race in triathlons without visors. They kick you out. Really.... Actually, I just love them.

My team wants to be sure I am hydrated!

AND...I got my first pair of Avia shoes! I love them! They are the Avi Quest Lites. They felt different than the old shoes, but I have had 2 pain free runs, and I can't ask for anything more than that...except maybe they are cute and have glittery portions....I think that helps! They are really light and comfy!

I decided I needed to model them. I said to George, "do you think I should put on both shoes?" He mumbled some comment about how my pajamas were the bigger problem! (which he gave me for christmas! Paul Frank + polka dots + monkey skull and crossbones = perfect!)

I'll be back soon! More progress to be made!

My Healers!

Since I have been talking about recovery so much, people tend to ask me who I see for this or that. I figured that would make a great blog post!

Starting with my coach: Will Dillard

Some might not call your coach a healer, but mine is! Mine holds me back more than he pushes me. This is GREAT. I am a overacheiver, like most triathletes, and being held back is what I need! Before every race, I doubt if I am ready, but I know that coach doesn't let me hit a start line unless he truly believes I am ready! He believes in me, and he is invested in my success! I am very lucky to be working with Coach! This is NOT some internet coaching deal. I see my coach a LOT, and he answers all of my questions (and I have a LOT). We have been working together for 2.5 years already! He has taken me through my first marathon, 3 half ironmans, an ironman, and lots of other races. AND, I have improved. A. Lot.

Need a coach that seriously cares about you? Check out Coach Will:
http://www.coachwillsathletes.com//


My sports chiro: Josh Glass

Oh man, what has Josh NOT done for me? Josh has helped me through every injury I have ever had. He is supportive, and always has my best interest in mind. He is an awesome chiropractor, and he is willing to try anything on me! Cold laser, alterg treadmills, pneumatic compression and anything else he has access to. I feel like a pro when I am in there!

My massage therapist: Sara Wolfgang

Where to even start with this one? I did write a whole post about it! I love this girl. She come to races with me, she makes time for me, and she is a dear friend. And she hurts a lot.


ART and Graston: Nik Delfavero

This is a new addition to Team Kacie, and I am super grateful. So grateful that my leg has bruises on it, and I can't touch my calf this morning :-) But really, he has been a huge help with my current issue!


My Nutritionist: Ilana Katz

I haven't seen her in a while, but I learned SO much from her, and I will continue to learn. I should probably go back :-) I called her and said, "I am a vegetarian training for an Ironman." And she said, "you should see me immediately." While lots of people have trouble with nutrition, especially the meatless type, I was fueled and healthy before, during, and after my 140.6. She is great.

Physical Therapists! And yes, that is plural!

Chris Olson

She helped me through my first running injury in my hip. She is hilarious, and kept me laughing when I wanted to cry! She does dry needling, which is awesome. Her schedule is not conducive to mine anymore (we teachers are inflexible most of the year!)...so now I see....

Jessical Daniell at Neurosport in Buckhead

So far, she has been awesome. She also helps me with my swimming while we are talking, which is great. I have the up most faith that we will get through my current issue, but I will be stronger when I am done!



I am oh so very fortunate to have all of this help! As I add people, I will tell you more about it!

I am also adding the power of positive thinking to my arsenal :-)

Do you have people? Anyone have a kind of person (sport psych etc.) that are not on my list? We can't do this stuff alone, and it is always good to know that so many people have your back!

Decision Made!

After endless hours of considering what to do, I finally made a decision.

I turned down my slot for Ultraman this year. It is just not the year for me. Yes, I still want to do it, but this is not the time yet. It is not going away, and I will come back stronger and better prepared, thus more likely to finish that monster of a race.

Making this decision just leaves me in SUCH a better mental place. Having the decision over with and actually working on my knee for actual reasons is great. I know that sounds crazy, but I just feel this incredible relief. I have chosen my path, and so I am going to go down it with as much enthusiasm and focus as I can!

That leaves me with my actual season!

Drumroll............

First, of course, is healing my knee. I am making progress, and I think I will be able to carry on with training pretty soon. The next two weeks are going to be great healing weeks! 4 appointments this week! 2 ART and 2 PT. Maybe I will add in some acupuncture ;-)

For the Races:

Ironman St. George

Rev3 Quassy Olympic

Rev3 Cedar Point Full Rev

Rev3 South Carolina Olympic

So, Coach and I are focused on healing on my knee and getting me to St. George. It is not going to be my fastest race, but knowing the course, it never was going to be my fastest. I will go with my friends, have a great weekend, and eat a TON of food in Vegas afterwards :-) My goal is just to make it through healthy (even if there is much less running than normal!), enjoy the camaraderie of my friends racing, and have a great trip out west!

Then, I hope to spin off of that fitness for a good race in Quassy. We ARE going to purse a good time in Cedar Point, and enjoy racing in SC. I think it will be great.

We are looking for an adventure/trip/race in late June. I am open to suggestions (now that I will not be training for only one race all year). We are throwing around anything fun in Colorado, Oregon, and/or Alaska. What do you think?

It's Decision Time

So, here I am with TOO many choices. That's a good thing, right?!?!

I applied for Team Trakkers, and was accepted!!! Great news.....

That means that I have all of the Rev3 races at my little green fingertips! Have fun with my team, travel, and racing. Sounds awesome!!

AND, the email I have been waiting for. I was accepted to Ultraman Canada. I applied a long time ago, and have been waiting to find out.

Now, I have been agonizing over this decision all week. Even though I can do Ultraman Canada and race a few Rev3 races, I simply can't do it all. I really can't. My body will not take it. My coach is not on board for that.

If I do UM Canada, my coach and I decided that I have to give up St. George, and only do shorter Rev3 Races. That would be a big deal. I would not be excited about giving that up, but with recovering from this injury, I know he is right.

If I do not do UM Canada, I will be doing IMSG, Olympic Rev3 Quassy, Full Distance at Rev3 Cedar Point, and Olympic Rev3 in South Carolina.

Also, UM Canada is costly.

And, my knee is not quite better yet.

But I have been thinking about UM Canada for months.

Arggg.

Pretty much every time I have thought about it this week, I have come to a different conclusion. This is tough!

And I have to decide by....Tuesday

.

I will let you know when I make a decision....