Part 3: My Road to Ironman. Ambitious Nature

Take swimming out of the picture and I am really not that far off.  Why do I keep torturing myself when I’ve had so many setbacks?  I should have given up the day of my accident and then again the day of surgery.  Nobody would have blamed me or considered it a failure, not even me.  One night my Chinese food revealed a fortune that I took to heart.  ‘You have an ambitious nature”.   I honestly thought to myself ‘Hell yeah I do’.   From that point on my mantra was to do what I could and see what happens.  ‘put yourself in a position so if your arm cooperates you will be ready’.  My physical therapist didn’t seem to think it was a horrible idea, so all right, why not?  Life is an adventure and if you allow yourself to roll with it sometimes you will be amazed of what you’re capable of.   I’m rolling and waiting. 

4 months to go

My first bike ride outdoors was a success.  The vibration of the road was a bit rough on the shoulder, but overall it felt good.  The next morning I asked my PT if I could start riding my bike outside and he basically said ‘no’.  Oops!  Guess I should’ve asked first.  His primary concern was falling.  I didn’t fall, so all was good.

3 months to go.  The next 2 months I did not journal a single word.  I was too busy training.  Looking back I remember a few things.  The day my PT cleared me to start swimming I swam 2 laps of breaststroke and my shoulder felt like an ice pick was stabbed into it.  2 days later I swam 4 laps.  Before I knew it I was taking my first crawl stroke and then a month later swimming 2 miles.  It really was a blur.  My focused changed from feeling sorry for myself to a shred of hope that Ironman may actually be possible!!

 

1 month to go.  My chances were looking good.  I was getting my long rides and runs in and squeaking out the bare minimum in the pool.   5 miles into what was supposed to be the longest ride of training I had a split second lack of concentration and ran my bike off the road.  My front tire hit loose gravel and I had to make a quick decision.  Try to ride it out down the ditch with the possibility of going over the handlebars or lay it down.   I laid it down in a slow motion pirouette and ended up with a gaping gash on my left forearm.   Another ER visit, stitches and strict orders to not swim for 2-3 weeks due to high risk of infection left me once again sulking that Ironman was over.  Up until this point I had only swam in the pool.  My plan was literally to start open water swimming the Monday after this ride.  I guess not.  The next two weeks I spent my workouts in the gym riding stationary bikes and trying to keep some strength in my arms with free weights.  I relentlessly changed my bandages and applied the marigold concoction that was prescribed by my naturopath.  The days were long with anxiety if Ironman would be possible.  Stitches came out with 1 week to go and the doctor didn’t tell me I couldn’t swim.  In my mind this was “my clearance” to swim.  The wound was open, but she prescribed antibiotic ointment and just said “try to keep it covered in the water”.  I had missed another few weeks of crucial training but was going to make it to that elusive start line.

Part 2. My Road to Ironman: Surgery Loomed

6 Months to go.  December 5^th I followed up with the orthopedic surgeon who again blindly reported ‘your shoulder will heal with more time’.  I tried to ask him specific questions about timeline, callous formation, and muscular imbalances but he was more worried about how long I could afford to be off work.  In my opinion, that was really none of his business.  After discussing concerns with my husband, we decided to get a second opinion.  Dec 13th revealed the truth.  The second doctor immediately ordered an axial view x-ray stating that when the fracture is so close to the AC joint the only way to visualize it accurately is with an axial view.  Once the correct x-ray was taken, it was very obvious that the bones were not even close to being lined up.  Surgery loomed and Ironman was most certainly out of the question.  Surgery on December 23^rd was planned for an hour and a half, but ended up taking 3 hours.  My husband nervously waiting got the news that my clavicle was in so many pieces that it was like ‘putting a puzzle back together’.  A 4 inch titanium plate and 12 bone screws later, I was on my way home with a nerve block and Oxycontin as my Christmas presents.  The next two weeks were a blur.   My January 3^rd follow up appointment was encouraging.  The surgeon cleared me to start working out as long as I did not use my arm.  Life was starting to look up again and thoughts of Ironman crept back into my mind.  Could I really do it?  It’s already January and the odds that I can get fit enough with modified workouts to make Ironman safe and feasible was a long shot, but what the hell.  I have time, energy, and nothing to lose.

Sitting has never served me well.  To rest and ask for help proved maddening. Reading, English Premier League Soccer, and Angry Birds were my new past times.  My husband would get home from work and I wanted to talk.  Talk about anything and everything.  After a few weeks I could tell my newfound social desire was driving him crazy, but I didn’t really care.  My job is very social and being off on medical leave for 4 months, I just needed to talk.  This change was tough, but my husband understood and humored me.  Bless his heart.

 5 months to go.

At my doctor’s appointment February 2^nd, I was cleared to run and start exercising my arm more aggressively.  My surgeon told me “if you don’t get your range of motion back in two weeks I will be surprised and disappointed”.  I was stoked to run, but it felt so weird.  My sports bra rubbed in just the wrong spot and my arm motion was not good enough to get normal arm swing.  I started stretching my arm 6 times a day, which hurt like crazy but low and behold my arm started to loosen up.  Within a week I was back to running.  Thank goodness I kept my cardio up on the bike and elliptical so the transition back to running wasn’t too tough.  I also discovered spin class.  Mentally I could not overcome the boredom of the bike trainer.  Lady Gaga and Real Housewives only went so far.  That’s when I discovered spin class; an amazing invention.  Spin bikes are made more like road bikes.  They are smooth and have easily adjustable resistance.  Partner that with top 40 music and a way too enthusiastic instructor and you get a great workout.  The first few classes I could not hold onto the bars for the whole workout because my shoulder would start to ache, but that was the beauty of cycling indoors, you can sit up without crashing.  Just a minor adjustment made a huge difference in my motivation for training. 

Alright, so lets think about this for a minute.  I can run.  I can bike.  Slowly the Ironman training book made it’s way back to our coffee table...

Stay posted for Part 3:  My Road to Ironman.  Ambitious Nature  

Part 1. My Road to Ironman: The Hard Way

Ironman is an epic event that tests the depths of physical and mental strength.  Taking the leap of faith to sign up will forever burn in my memory.   I was excited, proud, anxious, fearful, and giddy with the thought of completing this ambitious endeavor.  I’ve organized my personal journal into 3 posts that will take you through my not so conventional road to finishing my first Ironman.  

1 year to go.  I was a spectator at Coeur d’Alene Ironman and was inspired by the thousands of participants that seemed so ‘ordinary’.  My husband included.  After 2 sleepless nights I was officially signed up for CDA IM 2012!!

10 months to go.   

I finished Lake Stevens 70.3 in 6 hours 3 minutes and felt invincible

9 1/2 months to go.  I had all these great ideas about keeping in shape in the off-season, but my body would just not cooperate.  A friend talked me into doing a sprint tri with her.  I was somewhat reluctant and didn’t push hard, as I knew I was at prime risk for injury doing Lake Stevens just 2 weeks before.  Nevertheless 2 miles into the run my calf cramped and I limped, defeated, across the finish line.  As a PT, I wasn’t so worried about a calf cramp.  No big deal, just do some stretching, light exercise, and problem solved.  Not the case.  It lingered.

9 months to go.   Massage therapy was helping get my calf back into shape, but my overachieving self decided to do yoga the next morning.  Turns out that deep tissue massage to my hip muscles inhibited their function and allowed me to stretch just a bit too far.  About an hour after I finished I started getting excruciating pain in my left groin.  No!  Not again.  This can’t be happening.  I need to start training soon.   Turns out that I had a torn labrum in my hip.  It could have been there for years and just flared up during yoga or I may have torn it that day.  Again, I sought advice, this time from a PT.  He did a full gait analysis and gave me appropriate exercises.  I think you can tell by now that when it comes to my body recovering from injury I’m not very patient.  After a few therapy sessions and cutting back on my training my hip was feeling better.

7 months to go.  You have got to be kidding me.  On November 10, 2011 riding my bike home from work on the Burke Gilman trail in Seattle a 40 something guy walked out in front of me, I swerved but was unable to miss him.  I hit the front of my right shoulder on the outside of his left shoulder.  Pain, oh so much pain.  I cried all the way to the ER to confirm my immediate suspicion of a broken collarbone.  I wasn’t crying from the pain, but my dreams of Ironman slipping away.  Now if you’re not from Seattle you need to know that the Burke Gilman Trail is Seattle’s “bike super highway’”.  Especially at 4:30 pm.  This guy was just walking along the right side of the trail.  Just walking in a straight line giving me no reason to believe he was going to do anything differently than all the other people I was passing, but abruptly without any warning he turned 90 degrees and walked right in front of me.  I had 3 feet to react.  I wasn’t going fast.  Maybe 15 mph…maybe.  It was a freak accident.  I am a reserved person showing my deepest emotions only to those that I am closest to.  This gentleman however had a much different personality. 

We had a brief meeting in life, probably less than 5 minutes, but he has left a lasting impression on my body and soul.  I hit my shoulder to his and I believe my right brake and drop part of my handlebar hit his arm and hip.  It all happened so fast.  From what I remember, he was flung around in a circle landing on the grass hillside just off the trail.  I was miraculously able to keep my bike under control and steer it to a stop on the opposite side of the trail.  As I got off my bike, my first thought was to make sure this man was ok.  I’m not sure what his first thought was, but all I heard was screaming.  He was so angry.  I don’t blame him for being angry, but lets be adults here.

I was supposed to attend a friends wedding in Puerto Rico in four days and was so scared that I would need surgery, miss out on my vacation and my Ironman dreams. The orthopedic surgeon gave me the best news possible in that moment “The bone is in good alignment and will heal with rest”.  Yes!  Great news!  I get to go on my trip and will be back to work by the New Year.  At this point, I seriously contemplated the reality of being able to train for an Ironman in 6 months.  If I can go back to work in January that means I should start swimming then too.  Swimming is already my weakness and this little ‘set back’ is going to be an uphill battle, but I was tentatively confident that Ironman was still a possibility.  My friends and family on the other hand just assumed I would throw in the towel.  Hmm, I think not.

Icing in the airport on my way to the Caribbean!!!

Stay posted for part 2. “Surgery Loomed”

Enjoy 'Active Rest' This Offseason

Our triathlon season is wrapping up and we are starting to hunker down as the days shorten and our favorite TV shows return to prime time.  It is important to properly recover from your season, prepare your body and rejuvenate your mental focus for next season.  I would like to think that this includes sitting on the couch, drinking beer and watching soccer, but unfortunately this isn’t going to do you any favors come June.   I commonly use the term “Active Rest” with my patient’s.  “Active Rest” is defined as activity that is enjoyable and doesn’t feel like work but really is.  This may be playing soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, doing yoga, Zumba, kickboxing, etc.  These activities seem more fun than the same old swimming, biking and running but will help to maintain your weight and base fitness level in the off season.   It doesn’t matter what you chose, just do something.

I would also highly recommend working on your core strength.  ‘Core’ is all the rage these days but for very good reason.  Every aspect of Triathlon can be improved with proper stability through your trunk. There are tons of core exercises out there and you don’t need to do them all.  Just pick your favorite, or least favorite depending on how you think about this type of exercise, and incorporate them into your workout routine.

Another great way to focus your off season is to pick your weakest sport and work on technique.  This is especially true if you plan a full Ironman for 2013.  There are numerous coaches and clinics that you can attend this time of year and small changes in technique could be the difference in meeting your goals next season.  If swimming is your weakest sport like mine, you may want to check out a Master’s swim class or clinic such as Mary Meyer Life Fitness.

The last aspect of the off-season that I feel is very important is to address is your overall wellness.  Get some sleep, eat healthy, and address lingering injuries.  A physical therapist can help to correct muscular imbalance and get you pain free for the start of the training season.  My favorite PT clinic in Seattle is Real Rehab.  Schuyler and I have both seen Bruk, who is a triathlete himself, and knows his stuff.  He comes highly recommended as he taught Schuyler to run just 7 months before his first Ironman!!

Happy ‘Active Rest”! 

Lake Stevens Triathlon, September 8th 2012

We gathered a group of friends interested in doing their first triathlon and had them join us for a fun end-of-the season race.  

Please excuse the extreme tardiness of this post.  Ordinary Endurance’s first group triathlon experience at the Lake Stevens Triathlon was so much fun I wanted some of that emotion to settle so I can report objectively on an otherwise fun and successful day!

The morning started like most in September around here.  It was nice, but colder than what we all were used to after a warm summer.  The sky was clear, there was a little dew on the grass, but not a ripple to be found on the lake. 

All twelve of us showed up with plenty of time to pump up those tires, organize and re-organize our transition areas, let the butterflies almost educe vomiting, and then wait. 

Transitions, Part 2

In this post we’ll look at the approach to the second transition, or what’s known as T2 – the transition between the bike and run.

Approach to T2

Unlike T1, this transition begins long before you actually get to the transition area.  When you’re on your bike, quickly approaching the transition area, begin thinking of what you can do to put yourself in the best position possible to have a successful run.  This is the time to take inventory of how good you feel and what kind of nutrition you should take in. 

I like to grab a few bites of something like a waffle or gu and then drink as much as I can of whatever I have onboard simply because I know I’m not very good at remembering to drink fluids while I run.  However, it might affect you differently so it’s a good idea to come up with a T2 nutrition game plan.

Also, depending on the length of the triathlon, you may even want to pull up a little on the gas to give your body a quick breather before you begin the final leg.  In an Ironman, this could be relaxing a bit on the final 10 miles, but in a sprint it might just be the final ¼ mile leading up to the transition area.  It’s a decision you need to make for yourself prior to the race and then adjust as necessary on the fly.  If you’re not a strong runner, then maybe you want to push hard all the way through the bike, and if you’re not a confident biker, then you might want to conserve a little on the bike so you can attack the run.  Like everything in triathlon, everyone has there own strategy and it may take you a few races to figure out the best approach for yourself.

In T2

As you come into T2, there will be a dismount line.  Make sure you are OFF your bike before your front wheel crosses it.  If you’re not, it could result in a disqualification.  In higher profile races, there will be volunteers there to grab your bike and re-rack it for you, but in most triathlons, you re-rack it yourself.  This isn’t a big deal - especially since your transition gear is waiting for you at the bike rack. 

As I enter the transition area I begin by getting my bearings.  I figure out exactly where I need to go.  (You’d be surprised how many people wander around ‘lost in transition’) After I rack my bike, I take off my bike shoes and put my pre-tied running shoes on.  For those of you biking in your running shoes you don’t need to worry about this.  I then trade my helmet for my hat and strip off any warm layers I don’t want to run in.  I don’t change my shirt, but some of you may prefer to wear something else.  In that case, I’d put it on top of my running shoes so I don’t forget to do it. 

As you leave the transition area, take the first few hundred yards to get into your running rhythm.  Coming off the bike so quickly can play havoc on your running stride, and establishing your stride is much more important than getting off to a fast start.  Once you’ve found your stride, start pounding that pavement and finish strong!

Transitions, Part 1

In this first of a two part series on transitions, we’ll take a closer look at how best to prepare for the first transition, also known as T1– the swim to bike.  Every triathlete has a different ‘system’ that they’ve adopted out of trial and error that works best for them and as you complete more triathlons, you’ll discover a specific order in which you prefer to make your transition.  Even though I’ll include my own opinions, the point of this post is not to provide an order of operations for T1, but to provide awareness of all the necessary tasks required for you to get on your bike.

Pre-race Preparation

As soon as you arrive at the triathlon, you need to check in then rack your bike.  At higher profile events its common to check in and rack your bike the night before, but at most sprints and Olympic distance races, this isn’t necessary.  It’s good to get there early for two reasons; first, the racks usually are perpendicular to the entry and exit points of the transition zone so the closest spots go to the earliest arrivers.  If you’re concerned about your time, you could waste precious seconds running down the isle to your bike.  And second, by getting there before everyone else, you’re guaranteed room on the ground for all your transition gear.  You’ll notice that many people like to lay claim to a very generous amount of ground space but don’t be afraid to crowd them, ask them to give you some space, or flat out move their stuff over.  You paid the same entrance fee as them so you’re entitled to the same amount of transition room.

(More after the break)

Preparing for Race Day, Part 1

Nutrition:  Food = Energy

Week prior to race - Eat food and drink plenty of water.  Sounds like ‘well duh’ but it can be easily overlooked.   My dietary guidelines are always to eat food that I can recognize and pronounce.  Look at the ingredients and if there are more than 5 or if you cannot pronounce them don’t eat it because it’s not ‘food’.  Do not try to cut calories or diet.  If you are hungry, eat.  This food will be your energy on race day.

Night before - To carb load or not?  I say not.  Carbohydrate loading is a science that takes weeks-months to perfect.  For shorter races and if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing, don’t bother.  Eating pasta the night before is not carb loading.  My suggestion is to eat a meal that your body is familiar with and you are certain will digest without difficulty.   That may be pasta but it doesn’t have to be.  Whatever it is, eat plenty of it.  Don’t go to bed hungry.  This is your direct energy source for the race.

Race morning - What to eat on race morning is very specific for each person and really is only perfected with trial and error.  An example is Odwalla.  Schuyler drinks an Odwalla before every triathlon but when Tara does she burps/pukes the entire swim.  A good rule of thumb is to eat 2 hours before.  Choose something that your body is used to and if you have a sensitive stomach or anticipate nerves then eat something pretty bland like toast, bagel, oatmeal, etc.   Have a bottle of something to drink with you from the time you wake up until the swim start.   Don’t chug it, just take small sips all morning to make sure you’re plenty hydrated.  For a sprint tri I don’t give up coffee.  I drink my coffee first thing and then work on rehydrating.

During the race - The rule of thumb is to consume calories if you will be working out for over an hour.  I anticipate it will take most of us between 1 ½ to 2 hours to complete the sprint.  That means you should consume 100-300 calories.  Ideally you would eat ½ way through your bike, but unless you have practiced this and feel very comfortable on your bike don’t try it for the first time on race day.  A safer alternative is to eat during your swim to bike transition.  Don’t eat much just a Gu, Chomps, Waffle, etc.   Another acceptable form of calories is a sports drink in your bike bottle.  During bike to run transition if you feel fatigued consider a second Gu.  Remember calories = energy but calories are also not as well tolerated when running so if you’re feeling pretty good skip it and finish strong!

Just remember, this is the LAST thing you want to do:

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Swim Goggles.

Everyone at one point or another has had problems with their goggles – sometimes they leak, sometimes they fog, or other times they don’t stay on very well.  This isn’t a big deal if swimming in the pool, but what about your longer open water swims?  Or when you’re doing a triathlon?  Luckily, there are some simple solutions to remedy your basic goggle issues. 

Leaking

Leaky goggles are caused by not having a good fit around your eye socket.  This can be for a number of reasons.  You may need new goggles but chances are the leakiness can be fixed by adjusting the goggle strap and nosepiece.  First, tighten the strap a little bit.  You may already have it tight but remember, those goggles are putting up with a lot of resistance travelling through the water, in order to function properly, they need to be tight.  Next, look at the plastic nose bridge.  There are usually groves that allow you to widen or narrow your goggles based on the width of your nose.  If you have a narrower face, try using the using the smaller setting and vise versa if you have a broader face.  If this doesn’t work, it may just be best to replace your goggles.  If you do decide to replace your goggles, be sure to try them on at the store.  As a rule of thumb, a good fit can be determined in the store.  Adjust the nose piece to where you think it best fits you, then without putting the goggle strap on, try to ‘suction cup’ the goggles over your eyes.  If they stay on for a few seconds independently then you can assume that is a reasonably good fit. 

Fogging

Goggles that fog are caused by you – the harder you work, the more they fog.  As you perspire (yes, even around your eye socket) you warm up the air in the goggle making it warmer than outside while at the same time raising the moisture content.  This moisture sticks to the inside of the goggles and won’t dissipate until you regain equilibrium with the outside – but that’s not going to happen anytime soon unless you take your goggles off. 

There are 3 easy tricks you can use to help with foggy goggle syndrome. 

1.      Spit – simplest and oldest. Just get a little spit inside each eyepiece and rub it around. I know, doesn’t seem the most hygienic but it will work for that swim workout.   
2.      For a less bacterial intensive solution, you can use anti-fog drops. Most goggle manufacturers make their own. They’ll even tell you that their anti-fog drops ONLY work with their goggles.  For the most part this is false, but we found it actually is true for AquaSphere.
3.      Shampoo. A nice substitute for anti-fog drops.  Since goggles sit so close to your eye, I would even suggest using baby shampoo. Just dab a little on the inside of each goggle and rub it around.  Just remember, a little goes a long ways.

Generally, it’s a good idea to keep your fingers out of your goggles.  By touching the inside of your goggles, you’re spreading dirt and oils from your skin.  It may not seem like much, but these tiny dirt and oil molecules actually attract moisture and will cause your goggles to fog quicker. 

Luckily, fogging is temperature dependant.  While this may be a problem you struggle with a lot in the pool, it happens less frequently when in the open water. 

Strap doesn’t stay on very well

I’ve heard from many people that their goggles don’t leak when worn correctly, but they have a hard time keeping the straps in the right place.  Like leaky goggles, I suggest tightening the strap.  If this doesn’t work, try wearing your goggles under a swim cap.  The cap will help keep your goggles in place.  If this also doesn’t work, you might want to get new goggles.  There are many kinds that offer split or double straps to get a better fit. 

Event Swimming

If you’re participating in an open water swim race or triathlon, I suggest everyone wears their goggles under their swim caps – you don’t want to loose your goggles midway through a race!  You never know what’s going to happen, you may accidentally run into someone on the back half of their stroke and they catch your goggles with their pinky and slip them off.  If this happens, stay calm, pull up and reapply your goggles.  You’ll be glad you had them on under your cap.

Also, don’t worry about learning how to swim without your goggles.  We’ve all heard the story of Michael Phelps winning one of his eight gold’s in Beijing with goggles that had flooded, but you’re not Michael Phelps.  Nor are you in the 200-meter fly in the Olympic Finals.  You’re swimming a distance event in the open water; your time will be more affected by not correcting your goggle problem than by trying to swim through it.  

Prescription Goggles

If you’re like me, you have the unfortunate situation of being optically dependant.  Sorry about that, I feel your pain.  And as a swimmer, I’ve always just swum ‘blind’.  I can’t stand contacts but I’ve heard they are hard to wear under goggles anyway.   A few weeks ago, a friend of ours turned me onto this site where I was able to find prescription goggles for less than 20 bucks!   I had always assumed they would be expensive and never looked into it, but I am overjoyed to report that I can now see when I’m swimming!  Now I can’t wait until my next open water event!   All you need to know is your negative diopter number.  Then, come find me in the lake and join me for a swim.  I’ll be the one who can tell where he’s going!

Happy swimming!

New to triathlon? Getting cramps?

There could be a handful of reasons why athletes cramp, but a common newbie mistake is dehydration.  Staying hydrated will promote weight loss, overall good health and is crucial if you are training for any distance event.  80-120 ounces of water is recommended per day depending on your size and how much you are exercising.  For a 160 pound, moderately active, person that’s about 3 Kleen Kanteens or  2.5 Nalgenes.   If you drink coffee or alcohol add 2 glasses of water for each drink you consume to make sure you’re replenishing appropriately.  There are lots of numbers out there for how much you should drink while exercising.  The keys to come away with are drink before, even if your not thirsty, drink every 10-20 minutes during and drink after until your urine is clear again.  If you are working out for longer than 1 hour consider a sports drink to ensure you’re not losing too much sodium.

Tips:

-Always have a water bottle with you.  At work, in the car, on your bike, etc.

-Drink a full glass of water with every meal, first thing in the morning and right before bed.

-It sounds gross, but look at your urine.  It should be relatively clear.  If it’s yellow or stinky drink more water.

If these tips don’t help and you’re still cramping consult a naturopath to investigate other possible causes.

Schuyler 2011 10 minutes after finishing Ironman Coeur d'Alene

This is a really poor example of adequate hydration, but sometimes you've just got to do what you got to do!!

Sign up and we'll figure it out

We’re not tall, fast, or super skinny.  We won’t break any records or even come close to going pro.  In anything athletic.  But we push ourselves.  We set goals, work hard, and do what it takes to meet them. And along the way, we’ve created some wonderful memories and have had so much fun.

Tara never swam a lap in a pool until she was 24 years old and never dreamed of climbing mountains until well into her 20’s.  Schuyler grew up climbing and hiking but never amounted to much of an athlete.  But when we met, our interests and strengths merged and we began our adventure.  Every year our activities get more and more interesting… or you could say challenging.  After dabbling in climbing, backpacking, and cycling, in 2010 Tara got sick of hearing Schuyler talk about how cool it would be to do an Ironman and just told him to ‘sign up and we’ll figure it out.’  Schuyler had swam in high school (over 10 years ago), commutes to work on his bike, but never ran a day in his adult life due to horribly painful shin splints.  At first he thought Tara was joking, but she wasn’t.  So, Schuyler signed up.  And a year later after hundreds of hours of training, working closely with a physical therapist, and eating right, he became an Ironman.  Ever since Schuyler crossed that finish line we’ve been hooked.  Along the way we’ve discovered we love helping others realize their potential just as much as we love realizing our own.  You may think Tara’s suggestion is crazy, but trust us, if you put your mind to it – it works.  ‘Sign up and we’ll figure it out’.

Oh, and just so you know, Tara too, has since become an Ironman.

Jumpin' in. Head first.

My wife and I have been avid triathletes for a few years now, and along the way, friends and family members have told us 'how impressive' it is, or that they've 'always wanted to do something like that too'.  Well, we're holding them all accountable and organizing a group of friends to do a triathlon in a little over a month for the first time!  It's on September 8th at Lake Stevens.  Most of us are doing the sprint distance but there are a brave few opting for the Olympic.
So far we've received a lot of positive feedback.  Many people have already signed up and even more have told us they plan to.  We've had a few group workouts that have gone really well.  Last weekend eight of us went out for an open water swim and bike ride.  For most, it was the first time open water swimming and there were a lot of unknowns to overcome, luckily the water was really calm.  Everyone did very well and is much more comfortable swimming in the open water.
After our swim, we went for a bike ride.  A few of our friends had never ridden road bikes so we took it pretty easy so they could get used it.  Afterwards, they felt much more stable on the skinny tires and narrow handlebars.  
The next group workouts will be the weekend of August 11th and 12th.  If you're in the Seattle area and would like to join us, just comment below, we'll get in touch with you.