Year in Review (Thursday 13)

January – Ran my first 20 mile. Also had a wonderful trip to Colorado with Dude (pic) to do some skiing and snowshoeing.




February – First marathon and Jason and I ran every step (pic). We did miss the 5-hour goal by 3 minutes but c'est la vie. Most important though, there was a new addition to my family. Penny arrived on 7 Feb at just over 18 pounds (pic).

March – Big training month and finally back to riding outdoors (pic). Unfortunately the weather never agreed so the riding was miserable (you can't tell in the pic but it was cold). I also started getting a sport massages every other week and bought a bunch of gear during March!

April – Race season has begun - Cherry Blossom 10 miler (pic) and Rumpass in the Bumpass (still the best named triathlon) – had a blast on the Olympic relay, serious fail with the sprint. This was not the best training month in terms of performance but I got it done.

May – First 70.3…and I got injured (pic). YIKES! Took some down time, then eased back into training. In other news – I planned and arranged our post Ironman vacation to Lake Como, Italy.

June – Second 70.3 and it was Awesome! (Sang in a high pitched voice) (pic). Then came the final long days of training and the expected angst leading up to race day. That angst turned into an odd calm as THE day got closer.


July – I AM AN IRONMAN!
Oh, and I had a fabulous vacation to Lake Como (pic).




August - Basked in the glow of being an IRONMAN. Also did some local exploring and found some incredible places. Due to those finds, I cooked a lot this month (pic). Dude and I also went to Pennsylvania for a Metric Century and I even managed to get some marathon training in.

September – Two firsts this month – my first Olympic distance tri (other two I participated in either cut the swim or turned into Duo) and my first 10K run. Decided not to do Marine Corp marathon. Highlight of the month was going home and hangin' with my highschool friends (pic).



October – PID set in…BAD! Barely trained, hell, I barely exercised. I also cut out a lot of socializing. I injured my jaw and I think I spent most of the month in pain and depressed.

November – PID still there - Depression sucks!! Managing to do some exercising on my own and a little bit of socializing. On the positive side, Dude and I have decided to buy a house together – but it will be awhile until we are living in sin - must sell two places before buying one.


December – Typical in that there were a lot of parties (pic), socializing, eating and not a lot of exercising. Developed my New Plan. Had a massive snowstorm on my birthday weekend. Celebrated Christmas with Dude and his family. And am planning a quiet evening to bring in the New Year.



Plans for 2010 are in the works. Continuing with “The Plan”, increase training with Team Z, a couple races, selling/buying a house, try to squeeze a vacation in, work on 101 in 1001, and enjoying the happiness I’ve found with Dude.

I wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year!

Bring it 2010!

New Plan

If you’ve noticed in the past couple months I have been aimlessly getting by when it comes to fitness. I’ve been blaming it on PID (Post Ironman Depression) but I believe it boils down to I’m not working towards anything.

Motivational Failures:
- Marine Corp Marathon – I was still injured and it was too much after IMS
- Training for the Shamrock 13.1 - after last years uber-exercising 13.1 miles is JUST 13.1 miles (I’m still doing it, it’s just not a strong enough focus)
- Worrying about my weight – it’s just depressing and makes me want to eat more

So in looking back at what got me to/through Ironman (other then the debilitating fear) what kept me motivated was #32 in my 101 in 1001 – money towards Finisher Gear (which, by the way, I only spent ½ of what I had earned).

Apparently, my career in finances has rubbed off and it’s all about money. So here’s my new plan:

Starting on 14 December, for every workout I finish I put $5 in the coffer (ok, I document it in a spreadsheet). Next year, on 13 December, that money will be used to buy myself either a really BIG gift or a substantially smaller one.

The missing piece to this plan is still a goal though. You see, I’m one of those people that rarely ever WANTS anything. And on those rare occasions when I do, well, quite honestly, I’ll just go get it. For this to work I think I need to be able to say, "The money is going to go towards…"

- a long ski weekend vacation for Dude and I ($1,000) = ~4 workouts a week
- cooking class once a month ($1,200) = ~5 workouts a week
- a spa day every other month ($1,500) = ~ 6 workouts a week
- a cycling vacation($2,000) = ~8 workouts a week

What should it be? Then again, perhaps it will be more fun to keep an on-going list...

Lake Como Italy = BLISS!

This is a picture story. Which means you are in luck! A picture is worth 1,000 words, right?! So imagine how long this could have been!

On Monday Dude and I boarded a train to Lake Como, Italy. Switzerland to Italy in the Alps – words can’t describe the beauty so here’s my favorite photo from this leg (ignore my reflection):


The train ride was suppose to be a major highlight of the trip and this is how I enjoyed it:


Got to Lake Como and we had to figure out how to get to the marina to catch the boat to the hotel. It was about a ½ mile so we decided to walk. Nobody mentioned the stairs I had to walk down…with my suitcase…and my tri bag…and my laptop THE DAY AFTER IRONMAN(view from the bottom):


We made it, boarded the boat and about 15 minutes later we made it to the hotel. Here is our lake view from the balcony.

Straight out:

To the Left:

To the Right:


We got cleaned up and I packed up all of my IRONMAN finisher gear, removed my Athlete bracelet, took off my Heart to Tri necklace and became a GIRL for the rest of vacation. Girly Clothes, Hair, Makeup, Heels – the works! It was just one of those things I wanted to do to put the IMS obsession behind and concentrate on us. We went for a walk around town looking for a place for dinner. Finally we found La Baia Bar and Restaurante. Ok – it looked more like someone’s house with balcony seating. The owner, Mario, was the host/waiter and his mother was the chef. ABSOLUTELY incredible food! We started with carpaccio, my main dish was the special of the night – asparagus stuffed ravioli’s, but I can't remember what Dude had. Here's a pic of the restaurant (there were maybe 10 tables on that balcony) and a blurry shot of Dude with Mario (owner), his mother, and the waitress (picture was taken a couple nights later).


Tuesday – Tourist Day/”5 scoops of Gelato Day”
We took a 2 ½ hour boat ride to Varrena – the stop just North of Bellagio because the tour book said it was as nice but not as “touristy” as Bellagio. The boat ride was GORGEOUS (one view):


While aboard we went Villa Shopping and narrowed it down to this one:


Or this one:


What do you think?

Got to Varenna, and had the first of 5 scoops of gelato for the day. I tend to stick with pistachio but also find banana quite tasty. Walked around a bit (had more gelato) and found a museum/botanical garden (Manastareo) to explore. Couple pics from there:




After taking 100’s of pictures we wandered back into town, had more gelato and decided it was time for a drink. Here is Dude’s review of the 1st place we tried:
Rudest waitress EVER – you can see her in the doorway.

So we went next door. Dude’s review of this place:


Dinner was back at a place close to the hotel where I had salmon fettuccine (the salmon was actually IN THE PASTA – oh my Gawd – Incredible). And Dude had Spaghetti with Fruitta de Mare which can only be described as the essence of Italy in every bite.

Wednesday – Isola di Comacino/Cinque Bottiglie Di Vino
There is one island in all of Lake Como called Isola di Comacino. On the island are the ruins of S. Eufemia basilica and an incredible restaurant with no menu but endless amounts of food. You basically have a choice of fish/no fish, wine/no wine. We went with no fish/with wine. We soon found out it was bottomless wine. Yeah! The food was incredible, basically course after course of vegetables in olive oil (best onion I’ve ever had in my life), pancetta, parmesan, gelato, and bread (and some coffee that you had to drink to break the island’s curse). Here's Dude and I after some wine and one with me and the restaurant sign.



Oh, and this was my George stalking day. Apparently he’s dined at this restaurant so I got my picture taken with him (kind of):


We went back to the mainland and took a terrifying bus ride to the next town which required us to have more wine. Then a boat ride across to our town where we had more and more wine. Then we rested up for dinner. We went back to the restaurant from the first night where they made me Fruitta de Mare and I have no idea what Dude had. By the way, we had more wine. And my camera died so no more pictures.

Thursday – Final Day
We hung around the hotel in the morning and went swimming in the lake. Finally packed up and headed to Como and I FINALLY got to have pizza in Italy (this was a quest everyday). It was a miserably hot day and I was thankful to get on the train to head to Zurich. In keeping with my original travel nightmare the train was delayed and we didn’t get to the Zurich hotel until well after 8 (left at 2 – should have been 4 hours max). We did room service because we had an early flight to catch in the morning.

Friday – Travel Day
In keeping with my original travel nightmare, we were suppose to leave at 10 am (got to the airport at 0800) but we finally had wheels up at just after 7 pm. Because of the delay we obviously missed our connecting flight. We finally got home at close to noon on Saturday. Ask me how I feel about American Airlines!

Besides the travel issues this was the best and most relaxing vacations I've ever been on. Since I recently received an email saying I won $1 Million Euro I'm seriously considering getting one of those villas. Just as soon as I send my bank account information back so they can deposit my winnings!

Thursday Thirteen - Post IRONMAN Plans

1. Cook! I'm thinking of buying a Kitchen Aid with a pasta maker because after the week in Italy I want fresh pasta EVERYDAY!

2. Blog and Post more pictures - I still haven't blogged about my FABULOUS trip to Italy.

3. Work out without a mission. Oh wait, I have Marine Corp Marathon coming up in October, I guess that's a mission.

4. Sleep in on the weekends. But not last weekend. Or the weekend before that. And certainly not this weekend.

5. Re-engage my OCD when it comes to cleaning my house (and maybe even Dude's house). The dust bunnies are taking over.

6. Home Improvement! I have pictures to be framed/hung, a garage door opener that needs replacing, a back garden that is overrun with weeds, and carpet that needs replacing.

7. Find a new "physical" hobby. Climbing? Kayaking? Different classes at the gym?

8. Get involved with a charity. I'm thinking Girls on the Run or seeing if Holly needs runners for her Cancer to 5K program.

9. Seriously look into getting a dog. Seriously!

10. Spend more quality time with Dude. He deserves it after putting up with my IMS obsession for a year!

11. Get back in touch with my non-triathlete friends that I sadly have not had time for in the past year. (Not that I'll ever abandon my triathlete friends -- love you guys!)

12. Plan/take a couple trips that don't require workout clothes!

13. Remind myself DAILY that I AM AN IRONMAN and that I had the perfect day so there is NO NEED to do another!

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Thursday Thirteen

Random Thoughts...

I AM AN IRONMAN!

I know I want a tattoo commemorating that I AM AN IRONMAN but I can’t figure out what design I want. Not sure I want a trademarked logo.

I am looking forward to heading to Lake Placid this weekend to watch Ironman USA. Lots of friends/training partners racing. I can’t wait until they can repeat after me: I AM AN IRONMAN!

I’m NOT signing up for Ironman USA 2010 – why should I? I already AM AN IRONMAN!

They didn’t have the greatest MDot stuff in Switzerland so I’m going to go a little crazy at the Expo tent in Placid. I want to bolster the economy while letting everyone know I AM AN IRONMAN!

I didn’t lose any weight while training for IMS (I AM AN IRONMAN). Since then I spent a week eating pasta, Gelato, wine, and cappuccinos. Since returning to the States I’m all about the wine and anything I can stuff in my face. I haven’t exercised since the race. I’ve LOST three pounds.

Tomorrow is Casual Friday but I usually still dress nice. Tomorrow I’m wearing my Finisher shirt (and possibly my medal). I want everyone to know I AM AN IRONMAN!

I watched my Finisher video today (#1220, Jason's with me, Robin is #303) and I can’t understand why it was going so fast – I remember the Finish in sssslllllooooowwwww motion. But still, I AM AN IRONMAN!

I feel sorry for my cubicle mates – they have to hear my “I AM AN IRONMAN” stories every time someone stops by or calls. Yep, I’m THAT annoying person!

Even though I didn’t hear them say it, my new favorite quote is “Esther L – YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!”

I’ve read my race report probably 100 times just to relive it. When I’m done, I say I AM AN IRONMAN (sometimes out loud).

Of the 2,444 people who registered, only 2,136 people started. Of them, only 1,981 people can say I AM AN IRONMAN!

I wonder if my company would mind if I had I AM AN IRONMAN put on my business card.

OK, so I overdid it here, but seriously, every once in awhile during the course of my day I’ll remember that I AM AN IRONMAN! Whoulda thunk it?!


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Potential Scene of Es’ Future

But first, a training/injury update. I am...

... after taking it easy since the Kinetic race. IMS training is now on recovery week so everything is at an easy Z2 pace.
Mon – Plan Off - I hiked the Billy Goat Trail in Great Falls on Monday (minimal pain)
Tue – Plan Swim AM / Bike Off – I Swam and did 30 min on trainer (minimal pain)
Wed – Plan Run 40 min – I did Strength in AM, then did the run at the track (first run since 5/16 and no pain)
Thur – Plan Swim AM / Bike 30 min – Swam and skipped the ride (did 20 minute warm up at PT today and there’s a storm brewing tonight. I’m bagging the final 10 minutes). Besides it’s an Es tradition to skip some of recovery week training for some beer and wing time with the boys.

I do plan on making the team run on Sat then heading to W&OD on Sunday for the two hour ride. And I will do an open water swim on Sunday.

So, I’ve decided on Lake Como for post Ironman. The train trip is 2 hours shorter, straight shot, found a nicer hotel for the money, and it’s just as pretty as Portofino and the other beach-side choices. Also, while this didn’t play into the decision-making process, well, there’s a certain dreamy actor that has a house there.

Now on to the Scene from Es’ Future (Ok, I guess we can call it a fantasy - but a G-Rated one)

Dude and I are at a fancy dinner enjoying a romantic evening. Of course I look fabulous - duh, I’ll be an Ironman so I’ll be glowing, radiant, and I’m with Dude so I’ll have that in-love goofy perma-smile. We hear musicians playing outside and Dude goes out to see if they will come in and serenade us (ok, in my fantasy Dude is obscenely romantic and I got this idea from a friend who’s husband actually did this). While he’s gone, George comes over and starts hitting on me. Not in the pervy-meat-market way with horrible lines, roaming eyes, and intentional pawing. No, he comes over with stars in his eyes ready to offer me the world. So he’s there trying to woo me when Dude returns (with the musicians who couldn’t turn down such a romantic gesture).

Dude: Can I help you?
George: I couldn’t help but notice your beautiful wife. I had to…
Dude: She’s not my wife.
George: Perfect. I hate to do this to you, but I’m going to have to steal her away.
Dude: I’d like to see you try.
George: Come on, I can offer her fame, fortune, a life of leisure…
Dude: How bout you pay us a million dollars to sleep with her (oops – somehow real Dude snuck into this fantasy)
George: I couldn’t do that, once I have her once I know I’d want to keep her forever (which I have to admit is true)
--Lots of banter back and forth as they are fighting over me – voices are raised, there’s even a little bit of pushing and shoving. Finally…

Dude: Well, she’s an adult, it’s her decision.
Es (Takes a LARGE drink of wine- with tears in her eyes): Sorry George – you should have paid the million dollars. While you’re hot, rich, famous, and the most eligible bachelor in the world, you’re still no Dude.

George wanders away, crushed. And wondering what the hell Dude has that he doesn’t.

Besides me, that is.