…love Jillian

It turns out I have a race on Sunday.  Seriously?  I thought I would have started learning how to swim by now….I’m not any closer to stroking the entire race.  I can stroke for 100 meters, maybe, and then the doggie paddling kicks in. 

           This race (Midwest Mayhem) last year, was my very first triathlon EVER!  It was the very first time I swam in the open water without a life jacket, was scared to death of falling off my big (see leg/knee/hand debacle 2009), and only finished ahead of one other girl.  So, I’m sort of excited to see how I’m stacking up to my results last year.  Obviously, I’ve improved my doggie paddling skills, my bike is lighter, and well, the run, I’m certain I can get through it. 

           My good buddy Laurie is going to do this race as her first triathlon too.  She’s a great swimmer, she’s borrowing the very same bike I rode last year so and our running is about the same (actually, she runs a little faster than I LIKE to go but I would rather keep up then get left behind.)  So, I’m thinking Laurie will totally kill me in the swim and hopefully I can catch her on the bike and then we can finish together.  It makes it so much more fun when you have someone with you when you cross the finish line!

           Of all the races we have done so far, this one is generating some legitimate excitement for me….and then after this one I’m super excited for the Jackson County Triathlon in August. I thought I did great (for me) at that one (yes, I doggie paddled there too) and I’m really excited to see how I’m measuring up!

           In the meantime, Operation 20lb seems to be working.  I wore a pair of pants today that couldn’t be worn comfortably a month ago!  Yay!

No Comments | In: Biking, Running, Swimming, Triathlons/Racing | | #

Dear Girl Who Tried to Drown Me,

I have 6 purple/green/yellow bruises all over my legs.  I’m pretty sure they were caused by the thrashing and struggling we did at the KC Tri.  Sorry to bring this to your attention so late, I originally thought the first two bruises were from falling off my bike at the Spin Ride but now that there’s so many I can only assume they were from all the times you kicked me on Sunday….

Anyway, I just wanted you to know, I might need therapy; please let me know where to send the bill….

Love,

Jillian

No Comments | In: Biking, Letters, Swimming, Triathlons/Racing | | #

So, the KC triathlon…… 

The water was freezing  but I started out good!   See?   Me, doggie paddling strong:

Then some girl paniced and tried to rely on me (the world’s greatest doggie paddler) to save her.  That is me underwater:  

Finally, the girl was pulled into the resue boat and since I was crying/barely able to talk I was dragged in the boat as well: 

When the boat finally dropped us off on the shore I was ripped of my timing chip and sent on my way.  Seeing as I had about 3 more hours til Hubs was finished I decided to continue on the bike and run.  Both completed with slightly better than average (for me) times but I wasn’t exactly drained from my attempted drowning swim!  It wasn’t officially counted as a finish but I was proud of myself for continuing.

After I “finished” I spent some time with Ken the coach from MTC and we talked about putting a plan together that would satisfy my immediate triathlon goals aka trying not to totally suck in all three events.  And I waited for Hubs.  He finished strong and I really enjoyed being his cheering section as he crossed the finish line! 

I would say the day was a success.  Hubs did awesome and I’m alive!  Yay!  Now, we are both tired and ready for bed! 

If you want a more technically accurate rundown from KC Triathlon….you might want to visit Hubs post from today (although at this point I haven’t read his post or have any idea what it says and I’m not even sure if he has officially posted it yet but I’m sure he will!)

Or, you can check out my garmin data:  Hubs has been pushing this garmin connect thing on me for months and now that I’m actually doing stuff worth keeping track of…it’s actually kind of cool!

No Comments | In: Biking, How much I love my Husband, Running, Triathlons/Racing | | #

Scratch that previous post….too much rain made HUBS decide to bail on the freezing cold group workout!  I’ve never been so happy!

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So, today I’m going to attempt another group workout.  I know, I’m thinking the same thing, “Seriously?  Have I lost my mind?”  I’ll know the answer to that question around 615.  This one’s with the MTC group that Hubs signed up for because he was planning on doing the Lawrence 70.3….I of course abandoned that idea right away!  It’s biking (on the trainer) so no one will actually see how far behind I fall, followed by running on the track.  Now, I’m certain I will be passed about two million times but at least no one will actually be able to see the distance between me and the rest of the group since we will all be running in a circle.  YAY! 

On a separate and completely unrelated note:  it looks like we’re going to be closing on Hubs house in a couple weeks.   Inspection completed and issues finalized!  We are about to be a whole lot lighter…..

No Comments | In: Biking, Triathlons/Racing, Workout | | #

         Something happened last night on my bike ride with Hubs.  We were riding with the TriKC group; everyone was very nice and polite but I was obviously out of my league.  And, normally, when I’m out of my league I just make jokes and laugh to distract people from focusing on my lack of skills….but last night, none of that worked. 

          Last night, I felt like the annoying little sister to Hubs and his friends.  I could tell he wanted to keep up with everyone but I of course went slow and held everyone up….well, not everyone, but definitely Hubs.  There’s something about going up a super steep hill (barely able to push to pedal down, breathing heavy, and going about 1 mile an hour) while someone is staring at you that makes you feel crappy.  I feel like I’ve made improvements in the running and biking categories but surrounded by a bunch of superstars all I wanted to do was leave.  I wanted to get as far away from everyone (including Hubs) and cry.  I know, can you say, dramatic much? 

         At some point Hubs must have noticed my obvious misery and said:

Actual:   If you don’t want to do anymore races I won’t make you.

Girly Dramatic Translation:  You’re right, you do totally suck at this triathlon stuff aaaaaand if you don’t want to do anymore races –I wouldn’t blame you.

        When we got back from the ride we were supposed to run as well but as soon as Hubs noticed I was upset he threw in the towel and said we didn’t have to—which just reinforced my feelings of annoying little sister and I started crying.  I have no idea what was wrong with me.  Hubs, per usual, was amazing–assuring me that I wasn’t annoying and he loved me a  million times more than biking OR running and that he never meant to hurt my feelings (which is one of the things I love about him.)  On the drive home he was doing everything in his power to make me feel better but I just felt wretched the rest of the evening and was so relieved when I finally crawled in bed.

         It’s no secret my love/hate relationship with triathlon-ing (yeah, I know that’s not an actual word) has been a little bittersweet.  While I love how awesome I feel AFTER a good workout I don’t normally enjoy the triathlon workouts themselves—especially if I’m doing it alone (or with a group of superstars).  Last summer Hubs and I were both new and happy to finish and our workouts were pretty in line but now that he’s progressing so much faster than I am I’m not quite sure where that leaves me….

        Get it?  Leaves me?  As in the back of the back of pack?  (yeah, I’m clever )

1 Comment | In: Biking, Marriage, Triathlons/Racing | | #

Today I did my first ever duathlon.  It was suppose to be the first triathlon of the season but it was so cold and rainy they changed it to a duathlon.  Yay—I was thrilled!  The thought of crawling into that freezing cold water to doggie paddle for 400 meter sounded like the most miserable morning of my life so I was happy to run the extra 2 miles required by the impromptu duathlon…. It was a 2 mile run (instead of swimming), followed by an 11.5 mile bike, and finally a 3 mile run.  I did ok.  I got through it and based on the stringent training plan—barely any workouts coupled with Corner Café cinnamon rolls and blue berry muffins slathered in butter (Thank. You. Hubs.) I’d say placing 60 out of 70 women was pretty darn good.  I’m totally satisfied with my results.   Hubs placed 102 out of 152 so he was happy as well.







As of now, I’m sitting on the couch—sore.  Everyone please keep your fingers crossed that I’ll be able to move tomorrow.

1 Comment | In: Biking, Marriage, Triathlons/Racing, Workout | | #

A couple big things happened this weekend:

First, I graduated from cages  to clips.  Graduated as in, ordered the clips–I haven’t actually put them on my bike or even got them home yet.  (For my non-biking readers, clips are the pedals that lock in your foot and up the ante on the likelihood of killing myself via bicycle.)  Now, I know what you are thinking, I’ve thought the same thing (I still haven’t forgot the gravel/leg/hand debacle of 2009) but I think I’m ready.  I’ve gotten good with my cages and some people (on the internet) say cages are harder than clips to get out of—-easier than what I have now?  I’m in.  I’ve been asking Hubs about my official “Cages” graduation ceremony but he’s being rather vague on time/location—so keep checking those mailboxes for your invitations; I’m sure they’re on the way.  As always, I’m looking forward to seeing everyone, and of course, gifts aren’t required but if someone were just dying to send a congratulatory gift—you might want to consider something in the form of safety equipment, you know, elbow pads, knee pads, chin or shin guards, or maybe one of those face guards basketball players wear…I’m just saying, if you needed ideas :)

And secondly, after a heart to heart (aka whining to Hubs) about our race heavy summer, we have paired down the race schedule.  (Be sure to check that out here.)   We’re doing 6 local triathlons (one of which, Laurie is going to do…ahhhhem Laurie) and the MS 150.  I love biking so I’m super stoked about that ride.  And then Hubs is going to do the Branson 70.3 Half Ironman.  Somewhere in there the Tour de Shawnee will take place again this year (an easy 11 mile ride with our families–it’s always nice when we can log time with our families doing something active so hopefully we’ll have a big group for that event!)  I kinda feel bad about the scale back but seriously, 15 million races was too many (at least for me) and now I can get back to training (working out and talking incessantly) with Hubs.

No Comments | In: Triathlons/Racing | | #

The Rock the Parkway 10k was so much fun!  Laurie completely underestimated her 10k ability.  She totally out did me…Laurie runs fast.  She did great!  A little before the halfway point I started to lag behind a little.  I tried to keep up the best I could but Laurie was going strong!  I’m so proud  of her and I can’t wait to run the Lincoln Half Marathon together!  When we first arrived it was freezing!  I seriously thought my hands were gonna fall off as I was totally under dressed!  No hat, no gloves, one technical shirt and rain jacket (that totally fulfilled both its obligations— to keep me dry (mostly) and boost race morale!



Hubs ran the Half Marathon and PR’d (or set a personal record for those of you that aren’t up to speed on race lingo.)  He is really proud of his time and performance.  He ran with good buddy and mentor, Steve, and I think that helped keep him motivated.  As did Laurie, for me!

All in all, I would say the race was an overwhelming success!

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Tomorrow is the big “Rock the Parkway” 10k with Laurie and Hubs (he’s doing the half marathon).  The weather does not appear to be on our side.  It’s suppose to thunderstorm and be an all around dreary day.  Normally, I would him/haw about how running in the rain is dangerous and it’s likely to get cancelled and we should probably just stay home.  But, not this race.  Laurie is running with me!  Laurie is a little nervous about the distance and possibility of fun…Yes, it’s going to be raining. Yes, it’s gonna be chilly.  Yes, it’s possible that we might be hit by a bolt of lightning.  But, I’m still pumped.  Why you ask? (If you are one of DaShaun’s friends or you read this blog for the deep thoughts and witty prose, you might be disappointed in my next statement.  I promise to not make the upcoming announcement a regular theme on jillianranee.com—except before race posts.)   What is this big announcement you wonder?  I got a new outfit!  A running outfit! Seriously, I couldn’t be expected to run in a thunderstorm without the proper rain attire, could I?  When I ran that idea by Hubs; he totally agreed and we headed to Dick’s.  Hubs left me alone to shop….I found a new technical shirt AND some new Nike capri pants to go with my new thunderstorm repellant jacket.  So, with Laurie and the new outfit…I’m super excited about our race.  Hubs was excited about my excitement:      

Me:  I got a new outfit!

Hubs:  Yay!  You are going to look all kinds of awesome!

Me:  Maaaaybe I should get a new outfit for every race….that would definitely get my excitement up about racing!   

Hubs:  Done.

Me:  Considering our current race schedule—you are going to buying me a lot of new outfits! 

Hubs:  I can’t wait!

Usually, I share our conversations because of their ridiculous nature…not today.  Tonight, I’m documenting this conversation verbal contract because it’s the closest thing to a legal binding agreement I can come up with and I want to ensure Hubs doesn’t forget–have you seen our racing schedule?   I’m gonna have the sickest running wardrobe in the world!

No Comments | In: Triathlons/Racing, Workout | | #