IMFL - A mixed bag of emotions

What a beautiful day it was. AM preparations went as planned and pretty soon E and I were down at the beach ready for the cannon. This yr there was a sandbar about 20 feet from shore so it made the swim start rather interesting. I stayed to the inside until the corners (totally legal). Corners were typical mayhem. elbow thrashing, wild kicks, etc. Winds were about 10mph for the start so it made for some waves and chop as you got inland. For the 2 loop swim I got toward shore and was able to maneuver right to see Erik. But soon after me.... E noticed a guy slyly (word??) take off FLIPPERS and let them float to about where he would be re-entering the swim. For those who don't know... THIS IS NOT LEGAL. So E snapps pictures of the wave runner totally catching him in the act, pleading his case and they let him continue his swim. HAHA!!! (click on photo and check out his left hand... those are big flippers!)

Soon I'm out of the water in just over 1:10:?? 26th (?) in my AG. PR swim over Kona's 1:17 and right on goal. A quick change of clothing and I'm getting on my weapon. I love the bike. We are like one. This was beautiful. First 50 miles were pretty much into the wind, but still holding 20mph or so. Around mile 30 I had a little distraction... dropped my bottle of salt tabs while trying to get out my clif bar. I was pretty solo at that point so slammed on the breaks, turned around and walked back to get it... on route dropped the clif bar too. Oh goodness... then while trying to mount the bike my right toe warmer came off. "Come on Julie" So I'm about ready to mount when this 20+grouping was coming up.... I know from time trials I can go from 0-20 fast when I need to. I tried to get out ahead and got sucked up. Oh goodness, I don't want this. I signal to try to break out and feel i did when only seconds later was caught by the pack - all men - interesting. Well this then goes on thru to about mile 50 where the special needs bags were. some of the hills dropped a few people out, but it was crazy. I dropped back some, but have to admit it kept coming back together. I had a couple guys say nice comments on my riding after they realized I was just as strong as they are and are not on for just suckin somebody's wheel. The real (finally!) breaking point was mile 75ish where there was a u-turn - finally we got the tail wind and it broke up the pack. It was a NE wind and we were going E for miles. Some pushed it some probably lightened up. Thanks to the Ynde-disk (Sweet sub-9) I was flying with a sail with mild effort... after all there is a marathon to do. well about mile 100 I start to cramp in my left aductor - not easy to stretch while biking. I tried, but continued to loose speed and get passed one by one... no packs, but recognized all of them. Tracking my progress along the way I hollared to E at 78 that I was right on track, for around a 5:05ish bike. I continued to do the math... and was elated to be coming in sub 5:15... final in time 5:09, 2nd fastest AG time. A quick change, biffy stop (I had to pee... no gut issues at all) and I was running.

Coach Jared's advice for the start of the run was 10 min at a very conservative pace - slower then planned for race pace. GPS said right around 8's and I was hoping to hold a 7:45 pace. I thought I was ok; this is what I trained to be holding. Well as those who have done an IM know, you're leg reality hits and for me it was only after a couple miles. You feel things, Pain no, discomfort YES. GREAT! No cramps but I was running what i could and would check GPS and see 8:30's. Walking the aid stations for nutrition was a must and I would watch my min/mi avg drop. E said to me at mile 3.5 that he thought I was 5th in my AG so far (had just gotten passed by some speed demon that ran a 3:20 - hhhmm drafting perhaps???) Well as it turns out I held 5th for the majority of the time. Around 22-23 I saw a gal pass from my AG and was hoping that she was on her first lap.... well no she wasn't and I ended 6th out of 141 that started.

I'll go to the Kona roll down and see if any of the top 4-5 declined their spot. Cross your fingers.

Overall, happy with the swim, ecstatic about the bike and dissappointed in the run. But I did give it all I could and even gutted out a finish line cartwheel (my signature) with no cramping, but no adreneline rush either.

I crossed the line and was immediately carried to medical as I was so out of it. I was only down 5 lbs, but had a temp of 92 and was very cold. At some points I had the attention of 5 people getting vitals, charting, etc all the details - very organized. In my 11 yrs of triathlons and 5 previous IM's I've never set foot in the medical tent. no crashes or anything. I had nothing left in me, it was all spread out over that course. That, I am proud of. BUT could I have saved 2 min somewhere to hang onto 5th??? maybe, but it is what it is and I finished in 10:32, an hour and 1 min PR over my qualifying 2005 IMWI. PR swim, bike and run - probably transitions too.

A HUGE thank you to E, for being the best most supportive hubby. He took some 400 pictures, capturing the day - thanks to getting a media pass, he was right in the thick of it all! Super fun to see him. Also THANK YOU to all of you who were thinking of me throughout the training and on race day. You mean so much to me.

Oh the doc just called.... precsciption today is pool side R&R!!!

Thanks again huge hugs to all!!! julie :)

We're ready to roll - 12 hours to cannon time!

Halloween and Erik and i are in sunny Panama city beach. We've just loved the time down here. Everything is going smooth. Oh and get this, I went to get my toes done and calluses removed on wed and found the OPI color of choice.... i look at the name (as OPI has fun themes to their colors) - ROCK ON RED! Can you believe that? too funny and great toes with to go with the ink!

All bags are checked in, bike is cleaned and tires are pumped. This is the first race that my possie (HA!) are not here - mom, dad ,sis. and mom-in law. We so miss you. Then there are my tri homies that at least a few of us are going somewhere togheter.... but here.... slim pickens of people we know. But we've been surrounded by the buzz of some first timers. Our roomie is Erin Schindler - just the sweetest gal - great conversation and fun energy!! E's got his camera git-up ready to roll. Trigger finger is tapered and well fueled. I'll post pics sunday... I reserve the right to be veggie head...

A huge thank you to all of you family and friends for the well wishes and positive vibes.

Hugs - julie

Yes! We are here!

Hey Sorry for the delay on blogging. Let's just say that IM training and blogging with an "on the fritz" key board don't mix... oh and a type A personality... patience is being tested.

Are you on Facebook??? Well you should be. It is full of one liners that can get you up to date with friends and family. I've chatted with long lost grade school neighbors to the every day life with my best buddies.

So what have I been up to?? Oh goodness - lots of unsure, excited, nervous, etc.... let's just say emotional swings... oh and more racing and training. 9 tri's, 4 du's, 1 half iron relay, 7 biking time trials and one tough TC10 mile are all behind me. The peak race: Ironman Floida in 3 weeks.

9/21 - Irongirl (2 mi run, 22 bike, 2 mi run) was a mixed bag of tests. How do fast twitch muscles respond to distance training? Will my heart survive or will I have more issues?? It was a beautiful and gorgeous morning; Shelly and Erik and many other friends offering up cheers. I did race hard - fastest run split i've ever posted there and my bike didn't suffer. Finished a solid 2nd OA - more then a min faster that last yr. Wahooo!!!

9/27 - Next up... E was in CA for a family wedding and I had some awesome, monster training on the docket. This was 5 weeks out from IM and I'm doing my first 112 mile ride. Norm is maybe 3-4-5 century rides before an IM. But got out with Ms CY and MS and we had a wonderful ride. no flats. no crashes. no cramps. We even met another local going to IMFL. Followed the ride up with a 5.5 mile run. Legs felt incredible and avg pace was 7:15. Holy schnikeys - little fast for IM, but felt GREAT today :) Anchored the weekend with swimming and a beautiful trail run with Jmac and JL.

10/4 - Great to have E back home and back in the training saddle. We escaped for a 45 mile ride with some strong surges.

10/5 - The TC10 and Marathon! I've done the 10 miler for 4 years now and this yr was not any easier. I feel like I'm running stonger, but apparently not the hills. IMFL is a FLAT race - that's my forte. That's been what I've focused on... So needless to say TC10 mile was 2 min off goal with perfect conditions. I felt exhausted.

Cousin Shelley did her first TC10 in under goal time. Way to go Shelley!!! And her hubby Dave completed his 2nd TC marathon in a super time of 4:01 (appox45 mi PR!!!). I think I heard Shelley say that she wanted to try a TRI... and also try a half marathon. Dang this stuff is addicting ;)

10/10-10/12 - 5K swim Friday (longest swim in months!!!!!!!!!!) I survived. Sat am -another Fricken gorgeous day in mpls. I have to say for doing a late season IM I have been so blessed with weather. This is simply amazing. Fall colors are about peak around the metro and E and I made extra efforts to take it all in. Sat's workout was 2:00 interval bike and 2:20 interval run.

Today is also the day of Kona. Memories of 2006, dreams for IMFL (qualifying??) and inspiring friends who are there filled our day with energy and more emotions. We did a rocken bike over to Hastings and back. For the run we went to Lillydale/StPaul area and ran the path lining the river. Boats on the river, Maples vibrant shades red, ash's golden, sumac late changing and a almost hot pink - it was all just amazing. With sun shining and nearly 75 degrees, E and I were ready to make it thru the steady 5x20 min run segments. Amazingly enough I held 7:45's pretty solid for all 5 intevals. I'm pleased. IMFL- here I come!!!

Recovery was a quick trip to Jamba and BreadSmith (banana cc muffins!) and home we came to watch IMLIVE the rest of the night. HUGE congrats to Cathy Yndestad, Sarah Mercer, the amazing turn around of Jeremy Sartain, Jey Carlson, and Melinda Silbernick. You all are very inspiring each in your own ways. WAY TO GO!!!!

On a side note - I'm relieved and happy to report I've had several tests done for some disturbing health scares and am TOTALLY healthy. WWWHHEEEWW!!!

Go bears!- gotta go get ready - going to Majors for the game.

Live, Laugh, Love ~ Julie

Ironman Evolution Erik Style - What have I done?

1982-Watching, uh, "stuff" run down the legs of Julie Moss. Those people are nuts!!
1983-1998 - Those people are still nuts!!
1999- Watching Julie complete the "Extreme" Ironman triathlon in Lake Geneva, WI. This wife of mine is one tough lady...and she's crazy, but I support her in every way possible.
2000-2002 - I've done a few local sprints and even an oly. I would never even consider a half-iron, let alone a full.
2003-2005 - Watching Julie complete IMOO in hell-like temps, even qualifying for Kona in 05. This wife of mine is so inspiring!! Maybe I'll do a half in 06 after not doing a single race in 05.
2006 - Pigman was so tough, my butt could never sit on a seat for 112 miles though. Kona trip was unbelievable!! So many fit people, such inspiration. Boy that 5 mile run on Alii Drive was a b-otch. I can see why people would do an Ironman, but I doubt that I ever could/would.
2007 - Pigman still tough but improved. Definitely in better shape, but could I ever really...I mean really consider the full race? I'll see how 08 goes.
2008 - Well Julie's doing IMFL in November, I've now done my third Pigman Half. We'll see. I'll decide on Monday after IMOO.
09/08/08- 9:15AM-IMOO Registration Form "Congratulations on reserving your spot in the 2009 Ford Ironman Wisconsin!"

What have I done? (Coach Jared's response...I don't know, you're screwed!!) He was kidding of course, but my mind is going 100mph thinking of the training he has in store for this aging/sagging/greying bod of mine. I'm also picturing the finish line and thanking Dad and Laurie for watching over me. Okay, can't...see...screen...now. Just a sec...

The great news is that I have the worlds best training partner in Julie and a large group of friends who happen to be amazing triathletes!! To get better, train with someone better than yourself...well, I have a ton of "someones".

Julie just said, "I'll be downstairs bun (short for honey bun)." That is code for get off the computer and let's getting spinning.

I suppose I'll have to swim (ugh) and run too.

Thanks all, for your unending support (tri and non-tri related). It means the world to me!!

Gotta go now.

-E

We Love you and will miss you Laurie!

(Julie writing this one)

Laura Ellen Hull Creameans

April 4, 1967-August 24, 2008

The sun goddess who so loved Hawaii. Herman and Laurie's dream to move there was stemmed from our wonderful Kona/Maui trip just 2 short yrs ago.

Today will undoubtedly be one of the hardest days of my life, and no doubt many others who will be at her funeral.

She will be firmly and gently missed by the love of her life Herman and her daughter Maddison (20), Mary Ellen, Erik and I, and all her extended family and very close friends. She lived life to the fullest. We look back and with so many events she was in a position to say "I'm glad I did", instead of "I wish I would have". No regrets.

The 24th was 3 yrs and 1 day after her dad's passing. She, Erik and Mary Ellen were all bedside for that life changing yet peaceful event. Laurie died of a Massive heart attack at 12:15 am on Sunday surrounded by friends at a hospital in northern IL.

We will always love you and miss you Laurie. The memories will last a life time.

A: Monday Morning Soreness

Q: What do you get a day after completing the Pigman Half-Iron Triathlon?

The thought of working from home definitely crossed my mind today, but I figured I could get my butt to the office and see if anyone notices my tender walking. No one has noticed yet…mostly because I’ve only left my chair a handful of times. Each time just as slow and labored as the first.

Well, another “successful” triathlon season is officially under my belt. For me, it was a busy season (6-tri’s and 1 du). I didn’t have the year over year improvement I had hoped for, but I’m starting to learn more about biking…mostly, that to get better, you need to put in the miles. HOTL was the first race that I would see a “target” up ahead and chase it down. Doing that gave me my best bike average and didn’t hurt my run at all.

Those that know me, know that I am averse to large doses of self-induced pain. That’s not good when you’re trying to improve any of the three disciplines. One of my goals for next year (dare I put it out there) is to worry less about the around the house stuff and really put a focus on improving at least a couple of disciplines. It will be quite an adjustment (boohoo, I know) but watching some of our friends hit another fitness level is really inspiring.

Gone are the days of hair-plugs and root-canals (aka excuses for not working out)!!
Gone are the days of worrying about missing an unimportant show on the tube of boob!!
Gone are the days of skipping a swim workout…well maybe not totally gone…

What to do now with all the spare time?

Probably continue training with Julie through IMFL. I mean, what else am I going to do? Yard work? Bah!! We are in a moderate drought here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes and the yard is basically straw, so yard work is down to just weeding and that is very over-rated.

Congrats to everyone on a complete or nearly complete season!! To those of you with events to come, good luck. I’ll try to snap some cool pics of you.

-E

Family comes together

The inevitable time came for my Grandma Sundeen. I loved her laugh. I enherited bunions from her. She was on this earth for 87+ yrs.

My mom and aunt were bedside when she took her last breath. "It was an honor and Peaceful" my mom said. All 6 kids came home. My 2 cousins were here too. Group dynamics on this side of the family can be sketchy, but not this time. It was the foundation of family love that kept the fun in the air. Pool time and cranium were a couple of highlights.

It was the first time in 8 months I would see my dad. But, as hurt as I have felt over the family's breakup, these moments are reminders as to how precious life is. A healthy spirit will embrace forgiveness. I don't have to understand. I accept that. it was a beatiful sunday that we enjoyed to the fullest. My brother Doug, wife Ann and 2.5 yr old son Rowan flew in for the funeral and family gathering.

Rowan loved "air drying". He is one special and bright kid. With two gifted and wonderful parents, a darling kid is expressing great character.

Many special memories. Yes it was an unfortunate gathering, but we celebrated gradma's life to it's fullest - being with eachother.

Live, laugh and love like there is no tomorrow.

Peace, Julie