A blog about ultrarunning, Ironman and hiking 4,000 footers
Road Running: Houston Marathon
Trail Running: Umstead 100, Ragged Mountain Stage Race 75 Miles, Manchester to Monadnock, Redemption at Jay Peak (3 loops this time, Kristen)
Triathlon: Redemption at Mont Tremblant (Note: must buy new tri bike)
Finish all the 4,000 footers in New England
Just a regular Monday rest day when you want to do everything, see everything and conquer the world from your sofa.
Here in Concord we got about 6 inches of snow this morning. The roads around my house are plowed so I head to the Winant Trails with my dog and snowshoes.
The photo above shows how gorgeous it was this morning. Not a soul out yet. I could hear snowplows in the distance but other than that it was peaceful.
Last night I came very close to signing up for an Ironman and had thoughts of signing up for the Leadville Camp/Run combo. Very dangerous. But instead I walked to the store and bought a pint of Ben & Jerry’s – Peanut Butter Cup.
I woke up with a sugar handover and still undecided about what races to do.
I’m signed up for the Houston Marathon and Umstead but am too injured to run. Okay, not much for Monday Motivation except for starting the day with a great snowshoe hike in the woods with my dog.
It was a long day flying to Kona from Boston but so worth it. The island was beautiful and we began the island tour and getting to know the bike course. But first, downtown Kona.
After touring the island and driving out to the bike turnaround, it was race day. Mark bought the support team fancy hats and Hawaiian shirts so he could easily spot us on the course. We definitely stood out and we look damn good!
Than figured out a way to hire a driver to take us to the bike turnaround point. We waited for him and when he turned to use the aid station, we ran over to him. Our driver took this picture.
Mark finished and had a great race; it was a tough course with so much wind on the bike. But he did it! What an experience; what a day! So inspired by all the fast finishers.
Tuesday. I’m five days from race day. A race day that is brand new to me. 50 miles. It’s like the first Ironman or first triathlon or first anything. I’m emotional and making bad decisions; par for the course.
But you know what is never bad or wrong – being thankful. Thankful for the people in your life that stay in your life. The people that aren’t scared away from my crazy, neurotic ways.
I’m thankful for my friends and family who stick with me and support me. I love you all. Five days to the newest adventure that I hope will give me a 50 mile finisher pint glass at the end.
Am I saving the world or making the world a better place? No. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe next week. But I want to. I’m working on it.
Here’s to the adventures of the last few years; may they continue for the next 20:
I just got back from a long weekend trip to Mont Tremblant, Quebec, Canada.
Oh, how I love Canada – my friends to the north. Loved traveling through your countryside. However, Montreal, your highway is a bit of a mess.
About a year ago I registered for Ironman Mont Tremblant thinking what a great location for a race. I’d never been west of Montreal.
What was I thinking?
I was thinking that Mary wanted to go and Mark followed suit. Why the heck not. I can drive to the race and not fly. With my bike in the car I could bring all the gear I needed. My plan was to train like heck on the hills in Concord and run all the hills in the mountains.
Sweet!
Heading into the weekend I thought I was prepared. Kind of. Well…….. hmmm. I’m not sure…. Some things didn’t go as planned such as motivation and sticking to a training plan. I forget that when it comes to my plans and future goals – it is truly a crapshoot.
Crapshoot definition: a risky or uncertain matter.
Yep sounds like my life. And I’m okay with it. Really, really I am.
Okay – truth: I’ve DNF my last two big races in the last 12 months leading up to the weekend in Mont Tremblant. Ego wise – I needed to finish the %^&$#@%^ thing and retire from Ironman.
Again ….. Well …… I didn’t finish this race, but I had a wicked, awesome vacation and swam 2.4 miles and biked a crazy, hilly 56 miles (I still can’t convert to metric despite loving me some Canada). Holy schnikes Batman, those hills were obscene. I admire every single person who crossed that finish line. Well deserved kudos to every… single …. one!
I’m breaking up with Ironman. I have fallen out of love with you Ironman – it’s not you, it’s me.
Mont Tremblant had a little to do with it but I was not in love with the bike course. However, I do have to call out the race director, who hugged me and told me how I have to come back soon, after I crashed the finish line with the pros.
Here are the highlights of the road trip north with some pretty cool people. I’d say I’d try it again but I’m retired.
Marianne & Richard – Two peas in a pod. Fun. Adventurous. Kind. Thoughtful. Silly. Richard is a comedian and Marianne gets punchy at 10 pm. They helped me turn the DNF into sherpa-ing and, seriously, it was probably easier to finish the race.
Mark #13 Ironman. Headed to Kona. Driven. Kind. Accomplished. Steadfast. Travel Buddy. Friend. I admire Mark’s tenacity and his single minded pursuit of a goal.
The village at Mont Tremblant – so European and beautiful. Am I in Paris or Mont Tremblant? You decide.
