WWW.TEAMDENVER.NET
Monday, June 23, 2014
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
3 Weeks into training. 27 weeks to go....
Well... I am knee deep into official training for IRONMAN Florida - and I will say, my butt is getting kicked. I went from 0 days to working out/exercising/being active to a slow 3-ish days to now 6 days a week of training. Most days I have 2 work outs and depending on which ones, they are 1 hour each or more. Right now, I feel like I am handling it ok...so far. I haven't missed any workouts yet... (Mainly because I'm scared my coach may yell at me) but also because it just plain feels good to be active! My biggest weakness is still swimming. It’s definitely a work out and I feel it all the way through. My stroke, my breathing and my overall technique needs all the help it can get. The training weeks are already getting longer and this is just the beginning.
Another hurdle to jump over is juggling training and family time. It's already hard. When Jason is working late and I'm home with the kiddos...I still have to get a ride or run in. If Jason is home, we will take the kids with us - especially if it is a run. BUT, when he is working, I get to ride my bike in the house on the trainer. (A stand thing that turns my bike into a stationary bike. Being on it for an hour or more with the kids wanting to play....or eat or whatever, is tough. I try and have something planned for them to do, or save their TV time for that time...but sometimes they are just staring at me on the bike waiting on me to finish. Poor things.
The meaning behind this IRONMAN is very personal to me. If you've followed along with our races and fundraising efforts before...you'll know that I am NOT a fan of running. I've never ran anything over 13.1 miles and this is 26.2 miles of running. And that is AFTER a 2.4 mile swim and 112 miles on the bike. That makes for a VERY long day. (A 17 hour time-frame) A day that you have to prepare for mentally as much as you do training. I'll be honest... after 3 weeks of training, I have already wanted to give up and call it quits. Especially in swimming…and running...and on the bike. But then I look down at the little pink and purple bracelets that Denver gave me for mother’s day. They're always on my wrist... I see those 3 little bracelets and remember WHY I am doing this. I think of those times when D has to go get an MRI. He hates it. He hates the "medicine" of being put under, and it almost always makes him sick when he wakes up. I remember holding that sweet boy 4 days after he turned 4 as he was going to sleep for his first surgery. I vividly remember walking away from the pre-op room after they took him back. I got lost in the hospital hallways because my eyes were full of tears. Those were the longest 3 ½ hours ever. I remember staying up with him all night after his surgery because he was so antsy, and nauseous. When I’m swimming and I look down and see those 3 little bracelets…I remember that I am fighting for Denver and to find a cure for him. I am going far beyond any comfort zone that I ever thought I had and fighting for a little hope that there will one day be a cure.
One thing that makes me a VERY happy girl is Jason is now going to train and compete in IRONMAN Florida with me! This makes me beyond happy because we are not only committed to train together...we are committed to compete 100% beside each other. It will certainly be a challenge at times. It'll be hard and it'll be fun. Having him there beside me during IRONMAN will not only encourage me to keep going, it'll be an awesome experience as a couple! Now, this does raise our fundraising minimum... but with everyone's support....I think we'll do it just fine! If you happen to want to encourage us a little.... you can donate HERE!
The meaning behind this IRONMAN is very personal to me. If you've followed along with our races and fundraising efforts before...you'll know that I am NOT a fan of running. I've never ran anything over 13.1 miles and this is 26.2 miles of running. And that is AFTER a 2.4 mile swim and 112 miles on the bike. That makes for a VERY long day. (A 17 hour time-frame) A day that you have to prepare for mentally as much as you do training. I'll be honest... after 3 weeks of training, I have already wanted to give up and call it quits. Especially in swimming…and running...and on the bike. But then I look down at the little pink and purple bracelets that Denver gave me for mother’s day. They're always on my wrist... I see those 3 little bracelets and remember WHY I am doing this. I think of those times when D has to go get an MRI. He hates it. He hates the "medicine" of being put under, and it almost always makes him sick when he wakes up. I remember holding that sweet boy 4 days after he turned 4 as he was going to sleep for his first surgery. I vividly remember walking away from the pre-op room after they took him back. I got lost in the hospital hallways because my eyes were full of tears. Those were the longest 3 ½ hours ever. I remember staying up with him all night after his surgery because he was so antsy, and nauseous. When I’m swimming and I look down and see those 3 little bracelets…I remember that I am fighting for Denver and to find a cure for him. I am going far beyond any comfort zone that I ever thought I had and fighting for a little hope that there will one day be a cure.
One thing that makes me a VERY happy girl is Jason is now going to train and compete in IRONMAN Florida with me! This makes me beyond happy because we are not only committed to train together...we are committed to compete 100% beside each other. It will certainly be a challenge at times. It'll be hard and it'll be fun. Having him there beside me during IRONMAN will not only encourage me to keep going, it'll be an awesome experience as a couple! Now, this does raise our fundraising minimum... but with everyone's support....I think we'll do it just fine! If you happen to want to encourage us a little.... you can donate HERE!
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Swim.....PANIC, Bike, Run
Today was my first triathlon. I'll start by saying, it was fun...I finished and I'm still alive! Woo-Hoo! Something to celebrate right there. Oh, yeah... and the wetsuit strippers were men in uniform. BONUS!
Now, lets get to the nitty gritty. I've been training for this. Mostly working on my swim technique, but Jason and I also would train on the bike or trainer and run.I was actually pretty proud of where I was when I started swimming and where I was the last training swim before race day. I had my stroke down... was getting stronger and was finally getting my breathing down. I went into the race fairly confident...but still nervous because it was an open water swim. (yes, my first OWS was my first triathlon - FAIL!) My friend and IRONMAN mentor, Angela was there too. She gave me some of the best advice...that saved my swim today. She said "if you start to panic, swim on your back and catch your breath..." <----- advice="" div="" golden="">
It was a combination of not being 100% used to my wetsuit and my inexperience in open water, but 5 seconds into my swim I was in panic mode. I could not breathe. I could not see my hand in front of my face under water and my goggles were already starting to fog up. I wasn't even half way to the first buoy and I was already floating on my back trying to gain my composure. I kept trying to adjust my wetsuit around my neck because I felt like it was strangling me. It's meant to be a second skin...but I literally felt like it was sprayed onto me. I felt like my chest was closing in on me and I honestly thought I was going to just call it quits right there. I tried to swim with my stroke again, only to realize everything that I have been training for in the pool was out the door at this point. (note to self.... swim in the open water BEFORE your triathlon....)
I made it to the first buoy, mostly either with a backstroke, breaststroke or old school doggie paddle..... first turn complete! Half-way there! I went from buoy 1 to buoy 2 mostly on my back... by now, I was more toward the back of the crowd...which is where I started anyway, and there were at least 3 other "panicers" there with me. Made the last turn and and I was home free. Halfway down the final stretch I was desperately searching for solid (or mushy) ground beneath my feet. The lake and I were not friends. I got to where the water was about waist deep and I tore off my wetsuit. I felt like that episode of Sex and the City where Carrie and Miranda were trying on wedding dresses and Carrie was hyperventilating and tore her wedding dress off and...then she broke out in hives only to rip the dress completely off.... It was a bit like that...but in a lake.....and I didn't breakout in hives.
My outlook on this..? I should have practiced in the lake beforehand....and I WILL try it again. I am SO very discouraged right now and completely and utterly in fear of swimming 2.4 miles in the ocean. BUT, I'm going to train my butt off and work towards this like nothing I've ever worked for before.
The bike and the run were great and somewhat uneventful. There was a giant hill about midway through the bike... but my amazing and awesome husband was there to encourage me up it. The bike and run felt like a cinch after that swim....
I'll tell you what though... finishing was like nothing else. Better than any run I've done. I conquered one of my biggest fears with that swim and I intend to kick some butt doing it again. I'm not doing this for my own fulfillment... I am doing it for Denver.... there's not quitting there.
Donate to TEAM DENVER - Ironman Florida
Monday, February 17, 2014
Strength
With everything you do, you have a strength and a weakness. Regardless of what it might be... I mean, in cleaning my home, my strength is vacuuming. I may even have an obsession about it. I like to vacuum...I like my floors to be clean so therefore I vacuum...A LOT. My weakness however is most definitely unloading the dishwasher. For some reason, I would rather wash an entire sink of dishes than unload the dishwasher....really.
In parenting {and I'm sure this is common across the board} my weakness is patience. I have to pray for patience on a daily basis. When you can't even close the bathroom door long enough to go potty without hearing "moooooooommmmmm, where are you?" - you have to have patience.
My strength in parenting would either be playing LEGOS or running my home on a budget... a little something I am proud of.
When it comes to being a triathlete {wow, I've never actually called myself that} My strength is the bike. I love riding my bike and I actually enjoy it. Although I have never gone much further than 25 miles on my bike at this point - I still have 8 months to get there. Hopefully this will benefit me in the end and the 112 miles in Florida will be smooth sailing.
My weakness? The swim. I've gone to the pool a couple of times to try and get ready for my training plan to start in April. My first time at the pool I was swimming with a high school swim team...they were zipping past me like a cheetah...seriously. Then the swim coach proceeded to tell me how WRONG I was swimming - my stroke was totally off and my lower body needed to be more level. I was at risk of tearing my rotator cuff. Great thing for my confidence, right? I may have gotten a little anxious too. The whole learning to breathe while swimming for an hour strait is a total learning process. NOW, add to the top of this cupcake swimming in the wide open ocean. With 3,000 other people, with arms flapping around you...getting punched in the face a time or two...and big waves pushing back...and it being THE OCEAN!
I'll be completely honest...I barely go out in the ocean to play with my kids. It freaks me out a little. Actually, it freaks me out A LOT. It will be a downright new learning experience and a fear of mine that I will have to overcome. I have some amazing friends that have done IRONMAN before and are strong, seasoned swimmers. They are supporting me 100% and they, {along with my family} are my biggest cheerleaders!
With time and prayer....and a whole lot of practice I 100% plan on conquering that ocean swim!
Support me here http://ctf.kintera.org/nfeironmanflorida2014/teamdenver
In parenting {and I'm sure this is common across the board} my weakness is patience. I have to pray for patience on a daily basis. When you can't even close the bathroom door long enough to go potty without hearing "moooooooommmmmm, where are you?" - you have to have patience.
My strength in parenting would either be playing LEGOS or running my home on a budget... a little something I am proud of.
When it comes to being a triathlete {wow, I've never actually called myself that} My strength is the bike. I love riding my bike and I actually enjoy it. Although I have never gone much further than 25 miles on my bike at this point - I still have 8 months to get there. Hopefully this will benefit me in the end and the 112 miles in Florida will be smooth sailing.
My weakness? The swim. I've gone to the pool a couple of times to try and get ready for my training plan to start in April. My first time at the pool I was swimming with a high school swim team...they were zipping past me like a cheetah...seriously. Then the swim coach proceeded to tell me how WRONG I was swimming - my stroke was totally off and my lower body needed to be more level. I was at risk of tearing my rotator cuff. Great thing for my confidence, right? I may have gotten a little anxious too. The whole learning to breathe while swimming for an hour strait is a total learning process. NOW, add to the top of this cupcake swimming in the wide open ocean. With 3,000 other people, with arms flapping around you...getting punched in the face a time or two...and big waves pushing back...and it being THE OCEAN!
I'll be completely honest...I barely go out in the ocean to play with my kids. It freaks me out a little. Actually, it freaks me out A LOT. It will be a downright new learning experience and a fear of mine that I will have to overcome. I have some amazing friends that have done IRONMAN before and are strong, seasoned swimmers. They are supporting me 100% and they, {along with my family} are my biggest cheerleaders!
With time and prayer....and a whole lot of practice I 100% plan on conquering that ocean swim!
Support me here http://ctf.kintera.org/nfeironmanflorida2014/teamdenver
Friday, January 31, 2014
140.6
I've started this blog about 100 times. I don't even know what to say. I've tried to first, comprehend what I've actually signed up to do... (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mil run...all in one day...)
and second I've been processing the real reason WHY I am doing this.
I completely get why some people say I'm crazy...think it may be too much for me, or that I am just not "Ironman" material. I mean this is a huge commitment in itself and its also a huge challenge. Although I stay at home with my kiddos 5 out of the 7 days of the week, the time commitment in training alone is reason enough to NOT do this.
I will probably hurt, want to quit at times…most likely cry more than a handful of times and most definitely doubt my ability to do this. But the WHY behind this is what will keep me going.
and second I've been processing the real reason WHY I am doing this.
I completely get why some people say I'm crazy...think it may be too much for me, or that I am just not "Ironman" material. I mean this is a huge commitment in itself and its also a huge challenge. Although I stay at home with my kiddos 5 out of the 7 days of the week, the time commitment in training alone is reason enough to NOT do this.
I will probably hurt, want to quit at times…most likely cry more than a handful of times and most definitely doubt my ability to do this. But the WHY behind this is what will keep me going.
This is why…
Denver. My first born. My compassionate, loving, caring,
crazy and inquisitive little man. A little boy who has had more MRI's, check-ups, surgeries and perseverance in his 7 years of life than I have in my thirty-something years. This little boy (who will always be my baby) who has this disorder that at any given point in his life could grow a tumor... This child with a smile that lights up a room - who when he says he has a headache, I immediately pray that its just that...a headache, and not a tumor pressing on a nerve in his cute little noggin... I am doing this because it is all I can do. I am certainly not a scientist, and I'm never going to be the one to find a cure for NF - and I'm not a doctor either... So this is what I do. I will swim, I will bike and I will run...as far and as long as I possibly can to give him hope everyday that one day there will be a cure for NF. He will know that I have fought for him. That though I am probably the LEAST athletic person you know, I will work my booty off for him. He will know that though I HATE asking for help(call it proud, call it stubborn...) yet I have literally begged people to donate to The Children's Tumor Foundation in Denver's honor. He will know that I am doing all I can to help find a cure.
And that....that is why.
donate here: http://ctf.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1068061&lis=1&kntae1068061=178F07C8ADBE48429B2139D777D3138C&supId=384612956
donate here: http://ctf.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1068061&lis=1&kntae1068061=178F07C8ADBE48429B2139D777D3138C&supId=384612956
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
from the HEART of TEAM DENVER
Today, I write from the heart. I write to tell you how big this passion of mine is. If any of you have something that you love...that you adore or that you would do absolutely anything for, you will know exactly where I am coming from.
My family. My family is my passion and for them, I would do anything. For them I would run into a burning building. For them, I would go into the eye of a hurricane.... and for them, I would run, and run and run as far as my little legs would take me. Knowing that Denver has NF is always in the back of my mind. Knowing that he has this disorder that one day he could wake up and have a tumor growing anywhere in his body is always there. We are truly grateful that Denver's case of NF is pretty low key and we have not had many problems with it, but there is always a fear in my head and in my heart that this unknown disorder could strike. And when I think of that...THAT is exactly where my passion comes from. I am certainly NOT a doctor or a researcher (well, other than google...)so in order for me to feel like I am doing my part in helping Denver...I run...and I throw a good party! In doing this fundraiser each year (or every other year...) I feel like I am least doing something. So, in a nutshell...that's why I do this. That is why in 2008, when I had not ran a mile since high school PE I got off my couch and I ran. With all of you, we raised over $8000 that year. That year I ran my first half marathon and I remember that feeling of support and prayer and love at mile 5 and mile 8 and mile 10..... And every year since. For some reason this year feels different to me. I have more passion this year, and I want to do SO MUCH. I can not do this alone! TEAM DENVER can not do this alone.... We need the support from all of you. Let me tell you... I honestly very, very strongly dislike asking for help... (ask my husband he'll tell you I'm stubborn like that...) But for this, I just about beg.. Can you imagine if each person gave $1 or $5? It's not much, but it all adds up. So, in ending I ask that you donate to a very HUGE passion of mine and to a VERY important cause. The Children's Tumor Foundation is not only making huge strides to end NF, but your donation also goes towards clinical trials and spreading awareness. It really is good stuff. So thats it. Thats why I do this and thats where my passion comes from.
lots of love,
My family. My family is my passion and for them, I would do anything. For them I would run into a burning building. For them, I would go into the eye of a hurricane.... and for them, I would run, and run and run as far as my little legs would take me. Knowing that Denver has NF is always in the back of my mind. Knowing that he has this disorder that one day he could wake up and have a tumor growing anywhere in his body is always there. We are truly grateful that Denver's case of NF is pretty low key and we have not had many problems with it, but there is always a fear in my head and in my heart that this unknown disorder could strike. And when I think of that...THAT is exactly where my passion comes from. I am certainly NOT a doctor or a researcher (well, other than google...)so in order for me to feel like I am doing my part in helping Denver...I run...and I throw a good party! In doing this fundraiser each year (or every other year...) I feel like I am least doing something. So, in a nutshell...that's why I do this. That is why in 2008, when I had not ran a mile since high school PE I got off my couch and I ran. With all of you, we raised over $8000 that year. That year I ran my first half marathon and I remember that feeling of support and prayer and love at mile 5 and mile 8 and mile 10..... And every year since. For some reason this year feels different to me. I have more passion this year, and I want to do SO MUCH. I can not do this alone! TEAM DENVER can not do this alone.... We need the support from all of you. Let me tell you... I honestly very, very strongly dislike asking for help... (ask my husband he'll tell you I'm stubborn like that...) But for this, I just about beg.. Can you imagine if each person gave $1 or $5? It's not much, but it all adds up. So, in ending I ask that you donate to a very HUGE passion of mine and to a VERY important cause. The Children's Tumor Foundation is not only making huge strides to end NF, but your donation also goes towards clinical trials and spreading awareness. It really is good stuff. So thats it. Thats why I do this and thats where my passion comes from.
lots of love,
Monday, October 25, 2010
A Taste...
Here is a Taste of Items that are in the Silent Auction. Items are still being added!!
Email me @ wakintexas@sbcglobal.net if you would like more information on any items, or pictures! You may bid even if you will not be at the auction, just let me know your highest bid amount!
Auction items
Dallas Maverick Tickets (2) - Value $250
One night at the Omni Ft Worth Hotel & Dinner for 2 @ Bob's Steak and Chop House - $300
Dinner for 2 @ Grace Fort Worth
Dinner for 2 @ Bob's Steak & Chop House
Dinner for $ @ Chuy's Tex Mex
Custom T- Shirt from Wild Olive Tee's
Custom Baby Doll from Baby Be Blessed
Necklaces made by TEAM Kylie
Turquoise Shell Necklace
Leather hand crafted Turquoise Necklace - $150
Signed copy of "What Difference Do It Make"
Case of Dublin Dr Pepper
Kitchen Gift Basket
Baby Girl Outfit
Serena & Lily Tote
Hair Product and Gift Certificate to The Bungalow Salon
PT Fitness Gift Certificate
NF TEAM Gear
Annual Canine Exam @ Deer Creek Animal Hospital
Sweet Imaginations Gift Certificate
Picnic Tote from 31 Gifts
Sterling Silver Angel Necklace $150
Bamboo Longhorn Carving Board $125
$50 HEB Gift Card
Dinner for 2 @ Red Hot and Blue
$50 to Joe T Garcia's
Thanksgiving Decor
Girl's handmade Tutu
Longhorn Football Door Sign
Framed Pictures
ABC Name/Love Plaque
Ipod Shuffle
Boy Burp & Blanket Set
Champagne Flute Set
Crystal Vase
Glassboard
Baby Quilt
Email me @ wakintexas@sbcglobal.net if you would like more information on any items, or pictures! You may bid even if you will not be at the auction, just let me know your highest bid amount!
Auction items
Dallas Maverick Tickets (2) - Value $250
One night at the Omni Ft Worth Hotel & Dinner for 2 @ Bob's Steak and Chop House - $300
Dinner for 2 @ Grace Fort Worth
Dinner for 2 @ Bob's Steak & Chop House
Dinner for $ @ Chuy's Tex Mex
Custom T- Shirt from Wild Olive Tee's
Custom Baby Doll from Baby Be Blessed
Necklaces made by TEAM Kylie
Turquoise Shell Necklace
Leather hand crafted Turquoise Necklace - $150
Signed copy of "What Difference Do It Make"
Case of Dublin Dr Pepper
Kitchen Gift Basket
Baby Girl Outfit
Serena & Lily Tote
Hair Product and Gift Certificate to The Bungalow Salon
PT Fitness Gift Certificate
NF TEAM Gear
Annual Canine Exam @ Deer Creek Animal Hospital
Sweet Imaginations Gift Certificate
Picnic Tote from 31 Gifts
Sterling Silver Angel Necklace $150
Bamboo Longhorn Carving Board $125
$50 HEB Gift Card
Dinner for 2 @ Red Hot and Blue
$50 to Joe T Garcia's
Thanksgiving Decor
Girl's handmade Tutu
Longhorn Football Door Sign
Framed Pictures
ABC Name/Love Plaque
Ipod Shuffle
Boy Burp & Blanket Set
Champagne Flute Set
Crystal Vase
Glassboard
Baby Quilt
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